DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANGES PROPOSED TO INLAND REVENUE LAW ....................... 1
NEW AIR SERVICE RULES PUBLISHED .............................. 2
POINTS SET OUT TO HELP DISCUSSION ............................ 3
TWO CANDIDATES WITHDRAW FROM ELECTIONS ....................... 4
DB MEMBERS GO VISITING ....................................... 4
DB CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS .................................. 5
FEWER DIE FROM INDUSTRIAL MISHAPS ............................ 5
ID CARD SERVICE GOES TO ISLANDS .............................. 6
PUPILS JOIN VEGETABLE GROWING CONTEST ........................ 7
SPORTS BENEFITS STRESSED ..................................... 7
KWUN TONG YOUTH FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY ....................... 8
FACELIFT FOR ABERDEEN POLICE STATION ......................... 8
CSD DRIVERS GET ACCIDENT-FREE CERTIFICATES ................... 9
ROADS PLANNED TO SERVE NEW POLYTECHNIC ....................... 9
STREETS TO BE CLOSED FOR ESTATE WORK.......................... 10
NORTH POINT TRAFFIC CHANGES................................... 11
CAUSEWAY BAY TAPS OFF
11
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1995
1
CHANGES PROPOSED TO INLAND REVENUE LAW
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO AMEND A NUMBER OF PROVISIONS OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, AS SET OUT IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THE PROPOSALS ARE:
* TO AMEND SECTION 23(2), WHICH REFERS TO THE DETERMINATION OF THE ASSESSABLE PROFITS OF LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES, TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF AMENDMENTS MADE TO OTHEF STATUTORY PROVISIONS, RELATING TO LIFE INSURAICE BOTH IN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED KINGDOM.
* TO AMEND SECTION 51(^B) BY INCREASING FROM $2 OOO TO $5 000 THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR ANY PERSON WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, FAILS TO COMPLY WITH A NOTICE TO SUPPLY INFORMATION CALLED FOR BY AN ASSESSOR OR INSPECTOR OR TO ATTEND FOR EXAMINATION BY AN ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PRESENT MAXIMUM PENALTY WAS FIXED IN 1965 AND INFLATION HAD GREATLY REDUCED ITS DETERRENT EFFECT.
* TO AMEND SECTION 65(1), TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF DEPUTY CHAIRMEN OF THE BOARD OF REVIEW FROM TWO TO SIX AND TO INCREASE THE SIZE OF THE PANEL OF MEMBERS FROM 75 TO 100.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THIS PROPOSAL RELATES TO APPOINTMENTS TO THE INLAND REVENUE BOARD OF REVIEW WHICH HEARS APPEALS FROM TAXPAYERS DISSATISFIED WITH DETERMINATIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE OF OBJECTIONS LODGED AGAINST ASSESSMENTS.
THE NUMBER OF APPEALS TO THE BOARD HAS CONTINUED TO RISE AND CURRENTLY OVER 300 CASES, INVOLVING A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 3500 MILLION IN TAX HELD OVER AWAITED FARING. THE PROPOSAL IS TO REDUCE THE WAITING TIME FOR THE HEARING OF TAX APPEALS.
* TO AMEND SECTION 68(9), TO INCREASE THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF COSTS WHICH AN UNSUCCESSFUL APPELLANT MAY BE ORDERED TO PAY TO 31 000, FROM THE PRESENT 3100.
/THIS SECTION
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
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THIS SECTION NOW PROVIDES THAT WHERE THE BOARD OF REVIEW, HAVING HEARD AN APPEAL, DECIDES NOT TO REDUCE OR ANNUL THE ASSESSMENT, IT MAY ORDER THE UNSUCCESSFUL APPELLANT TO PAY AS COSTS OF THE BOARD A SUM NOT EXCEEDING $100.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS FIGURE WAS FIXED IN 19*7 AND WAS NOW FAR TOO LOW TO HAVE A DETERRENT EFFECT ON APPEALS WHICH ARE FRIVOLOUS OR WITHOUT -MERIT, PARTICULARLY WHERE THE APPELLANT SEES THE APPEAL PROCESS AS AN EFFECTIVE DEVICE FOR DEFERRING PAYMENT OF TAX.
* TO AMEND SECTION 69(1) WHICH PROVIDES FOR EITHER THE APPELLANT OR THE COMMISSIONER TO MAKE AN APPLICATION REQUIRING THE BOARD OF REVIEW TO STATE A CASE ON A QUESTION OF LAW FOR THE OPINION OF THE HIGH COURT. THE FEE HAS REMAINED FIXED AT $50 SINCE THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED IN 19*7 AND NOW BEARS NO RELATION TO PRESENT DAY VALUES. FOR THIS REASON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, IT IS PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE FEE TO $400.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 6), AND IS E,XPECTED TO RECEIVE ITS THIRD READING ON MARCH 13.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL MAY WRITE TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, CENTRAL OR TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE AT WINDSOR HOUSE, 311 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
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NEW AIR SERVICE RULES PUBLISHED * * * * * $
NEW REGULATIONS PROVIDING FOR AIR SERVICE LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS FOR ROUTES BETWEEN LONDON AND HONG KONG TO BE RATIONALISED, ARE GAZETTED TODAY.
THE AIR TRANSPORT (LICENSING OF AIR SERVICES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985 PROVIDE THAT IN FUTURE, BRITISH AIRWAYS AND BRITISH CALEDONIAN, WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE LICENSED BY THE CIVIL AVIATION AUTHORITY IN LONDON, WILL REQUIRE PERMITS ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION IN HONG KONG. ADDITIONALLY, CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, WHICH WILL CONTINUE TO BE LICENSED BY THE HONG KONG AIR TRANSPORT LICENSING AUTHORITY, WILL RECEIVE A PERMIT FROM THE UK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT.
/THE NEW .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY, 1985
THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS ARE REFLECTED IN THE CHANGES TO THE REGULATIONS.
THESE WERE AMONG AIR SERVICES MATTERS, REVIEWED THIS WEEK, IN DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN MR J.T. THORPE, THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION AND MR H.M.G. STEVENS OF THE UK DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT. THE DISCUSSIONS FORMED PART OF THE REGULAR CONSULTATIONS ON AVIATION MATTERS BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENTS.
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POINTS SET OUT TO HELP DISCUSSION *****
THE BROADCASTING REVIEW BOARD HAD COMPILED A LIST OF POINTS TO HELP STIMULATE DISCUSSION BY THE BROADCASTING LICENSEES AND bEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ON THE FUTURE DIRECTION OF HONG KONG’S BROADCASTING SERVICES.
THE LIST OF 37 POINTS COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF LIKELY CHANGES TO RADIO AND TELEVISION BROADCASTING.
♦ALTHOUGH THE LIST IS QUITE COMPREHENSIVE, IT IS BY NO bEANS MEANT TO BE EXHAUSTIVE. THE IDEA IS TO PROVIDE STARTING POINTS FOR DISCUSSION AND SUGGESTIONS BY PEOPLE WITHIN AND OUTSIDE THE BROADCASTING BUSINESS,* THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR ANTHONY COOPER SAID.
THE LIST MENTIONS INNOVATIONS, SUCH AS THE INTRODUCTION OF AM STEREO RADIO SERVICES AND RADIO DATA SERVICES, AND THE USE OF MULTIPLEX IN TELEVISION BROADCASTING.
♦THERE ARE ALSO IDEAS, SUCH AS THE SETTING UP OF A BODY CHARGED WITH THE CONTROL OF ALL BROADCASTING TRANSMISSIONS, AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ACADEMY OF RADIO AND TELEVISION ARTS FQR GRANTING ANNUAL AWARDS FOR EXCELLENCE.
♦OTHER ITEMS FOR CONSIDERATION INCLUDE SPECIFIC PROVISION FOR LINGUISTIC MINORITIES, GUIDELINES ON THE BROADCASTING OF RELIGIOUS PROGRAMMES, AND THE SETTING UP OF A RADIO AND TELEVISION TRIBUNAL TO DEAL WITH COMPLAINTS AND APPEALS,* MR COOPER ADDED.
THE RADIO AND TELEVISION LICENSEES HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH THE LIST TO HELP THEM IN THEIR PRESENTATIONS TO THE BOARD AT ITS PUBLIC HEARINGS.
PUBLIC HEARINGS WILL RESUME AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) WITH HK-TVB REPRESENTATIVES APPEARING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES OF THE LIST OF POINTS FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD AT ROOM 135, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
4
TWO CANDIDATES WITHDRAW FROM ELECTIONS
X X X X
TWO CANDIDATES HAVE WITHDRAWN FROM THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
THEY ARE MISS YEUNG WING-KAN OF KWUN TONG’S LAM TIN NORTH CONSTITUENCY, AND MR YU FU-HONG FROM EASTERN’S QUARRY BAY SOUTH CONSTITUENCY.
WITH THE WITHDRAWAL OF MR YU, THE TWO OTHER CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE TWO SEATS IN THE QUARRY BAY SOUTH CONSTITUENCY WILL BE UNOPPOSED AND WILL THEREFORE BE DECLARED AUTOMATICALLY ELECTED.
THE FINAL NUMBER OF CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IS 501.
MEANWHILE, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS ORGANISED A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMMES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TO INTRODUCE THE CANDIDATES TO THE PUBLIC IN THEIR RESPECTIVE CONSTITUENCIES.
THESE INCLUDE +MEET THE PRESS+ SESSIONS, +CONSTITUENCY NIGHTS+ AND NUMEROUS OPEN FORUMS WHERE CANDIDATES WILL BE ABLE TO PRESENT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS.
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DB MEMBERS GO VISITING XXX
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND MEMBERS CF THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE WILL PAY COURTESY VISITS TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS IN THE DISTRICT STARTING FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
INITIATED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, THE VISITS ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE NIGHTS, ARE AIMED AT STRENGTHENING LINKS BETWEEN THE BOARD, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
THE VISITS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO UNDERSTANDING BETTER THE INTERESTS AND NEEDS OF THE FIVE SUB-DISTRICTS, CAUSEWAY BAY, NORTH POINT, SHAU KEI WAN, QUARRY BAY AND CHAI WAN.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
5
DB CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS * * * *
CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 20 ELECTED SEATS IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE MEDIA AT ♦MEET THE PRESS+ SESSION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE SESS'ON w _ ENABLE THE MEDIA TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES AND THE I PLATFORMS.
BEFORE THE CANDIDATES ARE INTRODUCED, THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, WILL GIVE A BRIEFING ON THE DB ELECTIONS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
AND AT 10 AM ON SUNDAY, 35 CANDIDATES FROM EIGHT CONSTITUENT' IN TUEN MUN WILL MEET THE PRESS AT THE YAN 01 TONG COMMUNITY AN!' INDOOR SPORTS CENTRE.
CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO PRESENT THEIR PLATFOR' ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PRESS.
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FEWER DIE FROM INDUSTRIAL MISHAPS *****
IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THE BIG DROP IN THE NUMBER 0- FA A INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR L/.BCL . W DARWIN CHEN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
LAST YEAR THERE WERE 71 FATAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, AS AGAiNST 92 CASES IN 1983, HE SAID.
THIS WAS DESPITE THE FACT THAT THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS HAD INCREASED FROM 44 139 IN 1983 TO 50 615 LAST YEAR, HE ADDED.
MR CHEN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE LABOUR DEPART it?,'T’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH EXHIBITION AT THE SHAT IN NEW TOWN PLAZA.
THE INCREASE IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS HAD BEEN LARGELY DUE TO INJURIES RECEIVED BY WORKERS WHEN STEPPING ON OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS, MANUAL HANDLING OF GOODS AND IN THE USE OF HAND TOOLS, HE SAID.
+IN FACT, THERE WAS NO SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF SERIOUS INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR.+ MR CHEN ADDED.
/HE FELT
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
6
HE FELT THAT THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY OF REDUCING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WAS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, AMONG WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, HAD DONE A GREAT DEAL IN THIS RESPECT, AND THE EXHIBITION WAS JUST ONE OF THE MANY SAFETY PROMOTION PROJECTS ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
THE EXHIBITION COMPRISED A 15-MINUTE SOUND-ON-SLIDE SHOW, SAFETY FILMS, STATIC DISPLAYS AS WELL AS SIX SPECIALISED AUDIOVISUAL SERIES ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
ON FEBRUARY 10 (SUNDAY), THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES’ MOBILE STREET THEATRE WILL PRESENT A VARIETY SHOW AT THE AMPHITHEATRE, FROM 2.30 PM TO 4.30 PM.
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ID CARD SERVICE GOES TO ISLANDS *****
A VISITING SERVICE FOR THE ISSUE OF NEW IDENTITY CARD TO WOMEN WILL BE PROVIDED IN SAI KUNG, CHEUNG CHAU, LAMMA AND LANTAU ISLANDS FROM FEBRUARY 4 TO 16.
APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS BETWEEN 10 AM AND 4 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, WITH A LUNCH BREAK BETWEEN 1 PM AND 2 PM.
FEBRUARY 4 TO 16 SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES
2ND FLOOR SAI KUNG CHEUNG CHAU FIELD OFFICE KWAN YAM WAN ROAD CHEUNG CHAU
FEBRUARY 4 TO 9 NORTH LAMMA RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE
YUNG SHU WAN MAIN STREET NORTH LAMMA
FEBRUARY 11 TO 16 MUI WO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICES SOUTH LANTAU ROAD MUI WO LANTAU ISLAND
AN IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WOMEN IN THE 1947 TO 1954 AGE GROUP, WHO ARE REQUIRED TO RENEW THEIR CARDS UNDER THE CURRENT PHASE OF THE NEW ID CARD SCHEME, OR THOSE WHO MISSED THEIR TURNS IN PREVIOUS PHASES, MAY USE THIS SERVICE.
WOMEN WITH CHILDREN BORN BETWEEN 1970 AND 1972 WHO ARE STILL HOLDING THE OLD TYPE OF JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS MAY BRING THEM ALONG FOR CARD REPLACEMENT. --------------------------------o------- /7...............................................................
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
PUPILS JOIN VEGETABLE GROWING CONTEST * * * * *
THE JUDGING OF THIS YEAR’S URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN VEGETABLE GROWING COMPETITION WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 5) AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S TEACHING CENTRE IN NORTH POINT.
AN HORTICULTURIST FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR K.Y. HO, WILL HEAD A PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS AT THE JUDGING, TO BE HELD AT 12 NOON. THE PRIZE-GIVING WILL FOLLOW AT 2.30 PM.
EIGHTY-EIGHT URBAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE TAKING PART N thI3 YEAR’S COMPETITION, AND PARTICIPATING STUDENTS HAVE GROWN TOMATO, PEA, CABBAGE AND LEAF-MUSTARD IN POTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE COMPETITION HAD BEEN ORGANISED TO GIVE STUDENTS A CHANCE TO PRACTISE WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED FROM TEXTBOOKS AND TO AROUSE THEIR AWARENESS OF THE NEED TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT.
AN EXHIBITION OF SELECTED ENTRIES WILL BE HELD AT THE TEACHING CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT FROM 2.30 Pi ON TUESDAY TO 5 PM ON FEBRUARY 7, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
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SPORTS BENEFITS STRESSED
*****
SPORTS GAVE STUDENTS A SENSE OF ACHIEVEMENT AND CONFIDENCE WHICH OFTEN HELPED IMPROVE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE, SAID MR DICKEN YUNG, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER (RECREATION AND SPORT) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT TODAY.
HE URGED YOUNG PEOPLE TO BE MORE ACTIVE IN SPORTS AND TO MAKE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE BY ENGAGING IN WHOLESOME ACTIVITIES.
MR YUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF PRIZES AT AN ATHLETIC MEET FOR THE SOCIETY FOR THE BOYS’ CENTRE AT MONG KOK STADIUM THIS AFTERNOON.
MORE THAN 600 BOYS FROM FIVE CENTRES AND SCHOOLS, TOOK PART IN THE ATHLETIC MEET, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, AND THE SOCIETY OF BOYS’ CENTRES.
THERE WERE 12 EVENTS, AND ABOUT 40 OF THEM RECEIVED THEIR PRIZES FROM MR YUNG AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
8
KWUN TONG YOUTH FESTIVAL STARTS SUNDAY *****
HUNDREDS OF YOUTHS WILL STAGE A MASS PERFORMANCE AT THE HONG NING ROAD PLAYGROUND ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 3) TO START OFF THE KWUN TONG YOUTH FESTIVAL DANCING AND SINGING CARNIVAL.
AFTER THE PERFORMANCE, DANCE INSTRUCTORS WILL LEAD THE YOUTHS IN VARIOUS FOLK DANCES. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A CHORUS OF POPULAR SONGS PERFORMED BY THE PARTICIPANTS AND CONDUCTED BY RTHK DISC JOCKEY RONALD TANG.
THE TWO-HOUR EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE FESTIVAL’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND SPONSORED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
BEFORE THE PERFORMANCES, A YOUTH REPRESENTING 300 PARTICIPANTS CF A DAY CAMP ON CIVIC EDUCATION, WILL PRESENT THEIR VIEWS ON THE POLITICAL SYSTEM IN HONG KONG.
THE DAY CAMP, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE SAME DAY, IS ANOTHER ACTIVITY OF THE TWO-WEEK YOUTH FESTIVAL.
SUNDAY’S CARNIVAL WILL BE HOSTED BY RTHK DISC JOCKEY ERIC NG, AND WILL START AT 2.30 PM.
OFFICIATING AT THE CARNIVAL WILL BE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK- THE POLICE DEPUTY DISTRICT COMMANDER, MR S.C. WU- THE DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR CHENG KWAN-KUEN- THE SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MR LIU WING-KWONG-AND THE ICAC REPRESENTATIVE OF FOO YUE OFFICE, MADAM ROSALINE CHEUNG.
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FACELIFT FOR ABERDEEN POLICE STATION *****
ALTERATION AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT ON ABERDEEN POLICE STATION, WHICH HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE 1969.
IMPROVEMENTS TO THE POLICE STATION, LOCATED ON WONG CHUK HANG ROAD NEXT TO THE AP LEI CHAU BRIDGE, ARE NEEDED DUE TO THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND THE POPULATION INCREASE IN ABERDEEN.
TENDERS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION AND TO IMPROVE THE BUILDING ITSELF ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICe OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
WORK WILL INVOLVE THE CONVERSION OF EXISTING ACCOMMODATION INTO OFFICES, PROVIDING A MESS AND BARRACK ACCOMMODATION, PLASTERING AND REPAINTING THE BUILDING AND IMPROVING FACILITIES IN THE CANTEEN AND TOILETS.
A DANGEROUS GOODS STORE, TWO DOG KENNELS AND A FITNESS ROOM WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
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/9......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 198?
CSD DRIVERS GET ACCIDENT-FREE CERTIFICATES # * « »
SOME 147 DRIVERS OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHO HAVE ACCIDENT-FREE RECORDS OF THREE TO FIVE YEARS WERE WARDED ACCIDENT-FREE CERTIFICATES TODAY (FRIDAY).
"PEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT THE KO SHAN .-...A THE DIRECTOR OF CITY SERVICES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD,
rOHNJcil THE AWARD RECIPIENTS THAT ^PREPARATION FOR SAFETY R'.ALL. BEGINS EVEN BEFORE THE VEHICLE LEAVES THE DEPOT. +
S PREPARATION TAKES THE FORM OF CAREFULLY THE yEH|CL£ EvERy DAY TO ENSURE THAT ITS MAIN P'.PTS ARE FUNCTIONING CORRECTLY AND THAT ITS CONDITION DOES •:Ti PPESE;'- A HAZARD TO THE DRIVER, TO OTHER ROAD USFRS AND TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC,* MR HEYWOOD SAID.
*YO • SHOULD NEVER FORGET THAT YOUR OWN SAFETY AND THE S. - ETT OF OTHERS MAY ULTIMATELY DEPEND ON YOU AND THE
.AN I CAL SOUNDNESS OF YOUR VEHICLE.
FEW MINUTES SPENT CHECKING DAILY, AND THE TIMELY REPORT vq of ANY POSSIBLE FAULTS, DAMAGE AND DEFICIENCIES M.'' SAVE lives, INCLUDING YOUR OWN.*
MR HEYWOOD ALSO CALLED ON THE AWARD RECIPIENTS TO SPr-.AD THE MESSAGE TO THEIR YOUNGER AND LESS EXPERIENCED COLLEAGUES.
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ROADS PLANNED TO SERVE NEW POLYTECHNIC * * * K
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO EXTEND TAT CHEE AVENUE IN KOWLOON TONG TO LINK UP WITH CORNWALL STREET, TO FORM PART OF A ROAL NETWORK THAI WILL SERVE THE FUTURE CITY POLYTECHNIC, AND DEVELOPMENT TO ITS NORTH-EAST.
IT ALSO PROPOSES TO WIDEN TO P» tYGROUND TO TAT CHEE AVENUE AND WCTH AMP WEST O'7 mam SHAN ESTATF STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD.
YUEN TREFT FROM TO YUEN STREET TO COwSTClUCT A NEW ROAD TO THE
THAT WUL I P‘K T.f • HANG SA I
THESE PROPOSALS ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
/WORK ON
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
10
.RK ON THE PROJECT, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF ASSC ' ATED FO1' (PATHS AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS, IS TO START NEXT JAN <RY AND BE COMPLETED BY DECEMBER, 1987.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFF ICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL r Snt OFF ICES WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG= r "S JnSfoM DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, Sth“fLOO^? SWET? “oJlOON- AND AT THE SHAM SHU i RO
DISTRICT OFFICE, 37-39 TONKIN STREET, KOWLOON.
,'aiy nRIECTION IN WRITING SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY -DR L MS AND WORKS, AT MURRAY BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN APRIL 2, 1985.
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STREETS TO BE CLOSED FOR ESTATE WORK
* M * *
7'-'' GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CLOSE PERMANENTLY CERTAIN STREETS ;-i WONG TAI SIN, TO FACILITATE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF LOWER WONG ‘:a; sin estate.
TH^ AFFECTED STREETS INCLUDE PORTIONS OF MING TAK STREET A*;D SHEUNG TAK STREET, BOTH BETWEEN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CHING TAk
THE CLOSURE OF MING TAK STREET IS REQUIRED IN CONNECTION WITH PHASE IA OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTAT-, u.r" PORTION OF SHEUNG TAK STREET WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOUSING BLOCK AND AUXILIARY WORKS FOR THE PHASE IM OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.
PEDESTRIAN ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED IN THESE TWO AREAS EVEN AFTER THE CLOSURES.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED 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, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK EJLDING 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON AND WONG tl SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, C OUND FLOOR, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, " BOTH IS REQUIRED TO ADDRES' HIS OBJECTION IN WRITING TO THE CRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN APRIL 2, 1985.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 1985
11
NORTH POINT TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *
NEW MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW WILL BE IN FORCE IN MORTH POINT FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
THEY ARE:
* ONLY TRAMS WILL BE PERMITTED TO USE THE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE TRAM TRACK AT TONG SHU I ROAD BETWEEN CHUN YEUNG STREET AND KING’S ROAD.
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TONG SHU I ROAD, BETWEEN CHUN YEUNG STREET AND JAVA ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
THE ABOVE MEASURES MEAN THAT MOTOR VEHICLES LEAVING CHUN YEUNG STREET EASTBOUND MUST TURN LEFT INTO TONG SHU I ROAD NORTHBOUND.
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CAUSEwAY BAY TAPS OFF * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY LOCKHART ROAD, CANAL ROAD EAST, HENNESSY ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SIR EDWARD TO VISIT WANKING............................... 1
GOVERNOR SEES CAS AT CAMP WORK............................ 1
FORUMS TO INTRODUCE ELECTION CANDIDATES .................. 2
DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES .................... 5
MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES TO BE OPENED ..................... 4
SPECIAL NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS....... 4
NTSD DRIVERS AWARDED ACCIDENT FREE CERTIFICATES .......... 5
+WORLD*S HIGHEST SUCCESS RATE+ ........................... 6
DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS .................. 7
ARTS FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW ............................ 7
PRESS CONFERENCE.......................................... 8
SEMINAR TO IMPROVE GROUPS TIES ........................... 8
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN ............................... 9
NEW ROADS FOR WO HOP SHEK ................................ 9
CHINESE GARDEN TO GO SIDE BY SIDE WITH OLD TEMPLE......... 10
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CHAI WAN AND WAN CHAI... 11
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR .............................. 12
CENTRAL SITE FOR BIGGEST SQUASH CENTRE.................... 12
NEW STAMP PACK OUT MONDAY................................. 13
TENDERS INVITED FOR SECURITY SERVICES .................... 13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
SIR EDWARD TO VISIT NANKING * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TOLD REPORTERS TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT HE HAD BEEN INVITED TO GO TO NANKING.
+WE HAVEN’T FIXED THE DATE OR THE ARRANGEMENTS YET. I EXPECT IT WILL BE SOME TIME IN THE SUMMER, BUT NOT TOO LATE FOR f WILL GET RATHER HOT,* HE SAID.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GO. I SPENT QUITE A FEW YEARS THERE WHEN I WAS YOUNGER.
♦I HOPE TO HAVE A GOOD LOOK AROUND. IT IS SOME YEARS ''■’■'GE ■ W‘-'S THERE AND I KNOW THE CITY QUITE WELL,* HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING IHE CIVIL AID SERVICES CAMP IN YUEN TUN, TSING LUNG TAU, THIS NORNING.
ON THE ROLE OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES IN THE FUTURE SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION GOVERNMENT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THEY WOULD HAVE A CONTINUING ROLE AS AN AID TO THE CIVIL SERVICE’S REQUIREMENTS FOR EMERGENCY RESCUE, FOR CROWD CONTROL, AND ALSO FOP THE GENERAL TRAINING OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
+IN FACT I THINK THERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD WHO WOULD LIKE TO LEARN FROM HONG KONG AND FROM THE WAY IT r. DONE HERE. IT IS VERY IMPRESSIVE,* HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT VIEWED THE EMPLOYMENT OF A FORMER TOP OFFICIAL, SIR JACK CATER, BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT, SIR EDWARD SAID, +SIR JACK IS NOW IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, AND HE IS FREE, OF COURSE, TO ACCEPT JOBS LIKE THAT. AND I AM SURE THAT THEY CONSIDER HIM A GOOD MAN OR THEY WOULDN’T HAVE INVITED HIM TO DO IT.*
GOVERNOR SEES CAS AT CAMP WORK MX*
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUE, FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO THE CIVIL All SERVICES YUEN TUN CAMP IN TSUEN WAN THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES, SIR ROGER LOBO, AND THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, MR JOHN FORTUNE.
S DWARD FIRST TOURED THE SITE FACILITIES WHERE HE SAW ABOUT 150 CADETS BEING TRAINED ON ORIENTEERING, MAP READING aND OTHER ACTIVITIES.
/FACILITIES IN
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
2
FACILITIES IN THE 20-HECTARE CAMP SITE, WHICH WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN 1977, INCLUDE A SWIMMING POOL, BASKETBALL COURTS, A SOCCER PITCH, ROPE INITIATIVE COURSES, VILLAGE PATHS, FISH PONDS, GARDENS AND CAMPS.
SIR EDWARD THEN VISITED THE 25O-YEAR-0LD YUEN TUN VILLAGE WITHIN THE CAMP SITE WHICH HAD BEEN RENOVATED AND PRESERVED AS PART OF HONG KONG’S HERITAGE.
THE VILLAGE, LOCATED SOME 200 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL, WAS ABANDONED YEARS AGO. MAJOR RENOVATION WORK WAS COMPLETED IN 1981, WITH THE CENTRE LINES OF THE OLD VILLAGE BEING RESTORED TO WHAT THEY WERE 250 YEARS AGO, AND SET UP AS A FOLK MUSEUM.
INSIDE THE MUSEUM, SIR EDWARD SAW A COLLECTION OF LOCAL iiiSTORIC'L ARTEFACTS, INCLUDING ORIGINAL DECORATIONS, FURNITURE, AND WORK TOOLS.
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FORUMS TO INTRODUCE ELECTION CANDIDATES * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE A SERIES OF OPEN FORUMS IN EIGHT CONSTITUENCIES BETWEEN FEBRUARY 5 AND 10 TO I..TRODUCE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS CANDIDATES TO THEIR ELECTORATE.
ALL 35 CANDIDATES IN EACH OF THE EIGHT CONSTITUENCIES WILL BE GIVEN AN EQUAL CHANCE TO PRESENT HIS PLATFORM, AND ANSWER QUESTIONS DURING THE OPEN FORUM.
THE OPEN FORUMS ARE SCHEDULED AS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
TUESDAY (FEB 5) 8 PM TUEN MUN SOUTH EAST ON TING/YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE
TUESDAY (FEB 5) 8 PM TAI HING PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY COLLEGE
WEDNESDAY (FEB 6) 8 PM YAU 01 ON TING/YAU 01 COMMUNITY CENTRE
W> 1NESDAY (FEB 6) 8 PM TUEN MUN NORTH WEST TUEN MUN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL
THURSDAY (FEB 7) 8 PM CASTLE PEAK BUTTERFLY COMMUNITY CENTRE
THURSDAY (FEB 7) 8 PM TUEN MUN NORTH EAST HOH FUK TONG
COLLEGE
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
3
FRIDAY (FEB 8) 8 PM TUEN MUN SOUTH WEST BUTTERFLY
COMMUNITY CENTRE
SUNDAY (FEB 10) 2.30 PM TUEN MUN TOWN CENTRE YAN 01 TOWN SQUARE
THE DISTRICT
„ OFFICE WILL ALSO ORGANISE EIGHT +CONSTITUENCY
NIGHTS+ BETWEEN FEBRUARY 25 AND 28 TO PUBLICISE THE ELECTIONS AND TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES TO THE PEOPLE AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE LUNAR ‘JEW YEAR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOMED TO ATTEND THE FORUMS AND THE :JNAR NEW YEAR CONSTITUENCY NIGHTS.
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DB TO DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES * * * *
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS PUBLIC HOUSING POLICIES GOVERNING THE INHERITANCE OF TENANCY AND THE CRITERIA FOR TRANSFERRING OVER-CROWDED FAMILIES TO LARGER UNITS. AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) AFTERNOON.
THESE ISSUES WERE RAISED AT A MEETING OF THE BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE WHICH DECIDED THAT THE SUBJECT SHOULD BE TAKEN UP BY THE FULL BOARD.
ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ESTATE MANAGEMENT) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, MR SIMON LI, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
ALSO TABLED FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE THE FINAL REPORT ON LOCAL DEMANDS FOR A REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE IN KWUN TONG.
THE WORKING GROUP ON THE REGIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE FOR KWUN TONG, SET UP BY THE BOARD IN AUGUST, 1983, COMMISSIONED THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO CONDUCT THE STUDY.
AT THE MEETING, BOARD MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON
THE REPORT BY THE WORKING GROUP ON VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS AND ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE LISTENING TO THE NEWLY-COMi )SED THEME SONG FOR KWUN TONG, AND REPORTS BY VARIOUS aORaING GROUP UNDER THE BOARD.
NOTE TC EE iTORSs
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
- 4 .
MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES TO BE OPENED *****
SEVENTEEN CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL BE OPENED IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR STEPHEN LAW, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE TSUNG TSIN CHURCH CHILD CARE CENTRE IN SHAUKIWAN, MR LAW SAID THERE WERE NOW 240 CHILD CARE CENTRES IN HONG KONG, PROVIDING MORE THAN 24 000 PLACES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN.
THE LEWLY-OPENED CENTRE, AT 4 BASEL ROAD, HAS A CAPACITY OF 70. 17 BRINGS TO THREE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF SUCH CENTRES IN
SHAUKIWAN., MR LAW ADDED THAT TWO MORE CENTRES WERE BEING PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT.
HE SAID THAT LOW INCOME FAMILIES COULD APPLY FOR FEE ASSISTANCE WITH A MAXIMUM GRANT OF ABOUT $540 A MONTH..
MR LAW PAID TRIBUTE TO THE TSUNG TSIN CHURCH FOR ITS UNFAILING EFFORTS TO IMPROVE CHILD CARE SERVICES AND FOR EXTENDING ITS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS TO NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROJECTS INCLUDED A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN TAI PO AND A C-ILDREN AND YOUTH CENTRE IN SHA TIN, MR LAW ADDED.
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SPECIAL NEW YEAR ACTIVITIES FOR KWUN TONG RESIDENTS
******
ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR YEAR WILL BE VERY SPECIAL.
IN KWUN TONG THIS
♦THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL NOT ONLY STAGE VARIOUS EVENTS DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON. BU’ WILL ALSO MAKE USE OF THE OCCASION TO REMIND LOCAL RESIDENTS ABOUT THE ELECTIONS ON MARCH /,+ THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT Or; ICER, MR KEVIN MAK SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE +KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES MEET T PRESS-, MR MAK SAID THAT A CL" NT CH I NEC,: WJNDML.L HAD BEEN p CTED AT THE KWUN TONG FERRY CONCOURSE TO V . TH! PEOPLE H/^PINESS, PROSPERITY ANT GOOD LUCK FOR THE NE.. YEAR.
♦w: V ILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE 200 000 COPIES OF THF SPRING SCROLi 'CARING THE CHINESE CHARACTER ’FOOK’ MEANING HA 'PI NESS TO EVERY A,USEHOLD IN THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
/+AND ON
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
+AND ON THESE TWO NEW YEAR CELEBRATION ITEMS, THERE WILL BE A LITTLE REMINDER TO RECIPIENTS OF THE VOTING DATE AND HOURS,+ HE ADDED.
A LARGE BANNER MEASURING 15.25 METRES BY 3.05 METRES AND DECORATED WITH RIBBONS, WILL BE PLACED OUTSIDE THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING FACING BUSY YUE MAN SQUARE. THE BANNER CARRIES THE NEW YEAR GREETING AND A +CAST-YOUR-VOTE+ MESSAGE.
MR MAK SAID THE ROBOT USED AS THE DISTRICT’S MASCOT IN THE VOTER REGISTRATION CAMPAIGN LAST YEAR, WOULD BE RETURNING WITH A R0B01 SON.
♦SCENES OF THE ROBOT FATHER CASTING HIS BALLOT AND SETTING . GOOD EXAMPLE TO HIS SON, HAVE BEEN PAINTED ON SIX LARGE BOARDS,+ r£ SAID.
THE BOARDS HAVE BEEN INSTALLED IN THE DISPLAY WINDOWS OF THE I STR ICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES.
ON THE MORE EDUCATIONAL SIDE OF THE ELECTION CAMPAIGN, MR AK SAID STARTING ON FEBRUARY 10, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD HOLD A SERIES OF FORUMS TO PROVIDE LOCAL RESIDENTS A CHANCE TO KNOW THE CANDIDATES AND THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS.
♦OF COURSE, PAMPHLETS CARRYING THE CANDIDATES’ POLITICAL ATFORMS WILL ALSO BE SENT TO VOTERS TO ENABLE THEM TO MAKE AN INTELLIGENT CHOICE,+ MR MAK SAID.
♦PAMPHLETS AND REPORTS RECOUNTING THE WORK OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE TO ILLUSTRATE THE BOARD’S ACHIEVEMENTS,* HE ADDED.
TOGETHER WITH LAMP-POST BUNTINGS, BANNERS AND POSTERS, ABOUT $200 000 WILL BE SPENT ON PUBLICISING THE MARCH 7 ELECTIONS.
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NTSD DRIVERS AWARDED ACCIDENT FREE CERTIFICATES X X X X
SIXTY-NINE DRIVERS OF THE NEW TERR TORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY (SATURDAY) AWARDED ACCIDENT-FREE CERTIFICATES FOR DRIVING WITH A CLEAR RECORD DURING THE LAST THREE TO FIVE YEARS.
SIXTY-ONE OF THEM RECEIVED CERTIFICATES FOR CAREFUL DRIVING HP THREE YEARS WHILE THE REMAINING EIGHT WERE FOR FIVE YEARS. CHE DRIVERS WERE IN CHARGE OF VARIOUS TYPES OF NTSD VEHICLES, INCLUDING REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES, STREET WASHING VEHICLES, NIGHT-SOIL DESLUDGERS, GULLY EMPTIER AND MECHANICAL SUCTION SWEEPER .
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
6
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT KO SHAN THEATRE, THE DIRECTOR CF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES, MR MICHAEL SUEN, SAID A TOTAL OF 390 MOTOR DRIVERS AND SPECIAL DRIVERS OF THE NTSD HAD BEEN QUALIFIED FOR THESE CERTIFICATES.
WHILE COMMENDING THE DRIVERS, MR SUEN ALSO REMINDED THEM OF THE DRIVING OFFENCE POINTS SYSTEM INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT LAST YEAR TO PENALISE DRIVERS WHO FAILED TO OBSERVE ROAD SAFETY REGULATIONS.
HE SAID THAT FAILING TO STOP AT A RED TRAFFIC SIGNAL COULD COST A DRIVER THREE POINTS AND RECKLESS DRIVING 10 POINTS. WITH 15 OR MORE POINTS INCURRED WITHIN A TWO-YEAR PERIOD, A DRIVER COULD HAVE HIS LICENCE SUSPENDED.
*YOU WILL THEREFORE APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE OF DRIVING JAREFULLY ECAUSE IF YOU DON'T THE CONSEQUENCES MAY BE SERIOUS,* MR SUEN SAID.
HE HOPED THAT THE DRIVERS COULD KEEP ON THEIR GOOD DRIVING STANDARDS.
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+WORLD’S HIGHEST SUCCESS RATE* * * * *
THE ;AI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION HAD A LEGITIMATE CLAIM 70 HAVING THE HIGHEST SUCCESS RATE IN THE WORLD, MRS BEVERLEY GARNER, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, SAID AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE WAS REFERRING TO STATISTICS SHOWING THAT NINE OUT OF TEN GIRLS DISCHARGED FROM THE TRAINING CENTRE DID NOT GO BACK TO CRIME ON COMPLETION OF THREE YEARS’ STATUTORY SUPERVISION.
PRESENTING PITMAN TYPEWRITING EXAMINATION CERTIFICATES TO TEN GIRLS, MRS GARNER TOLD THEM THAT THEIR RESULTS TESTIFIED TO THE HIGH STANDARD OF STUDY THEY PUT IN AND THE HIGH STANDARD OF TUTORIAL WORK, PROVIDED BY THE INSTITUTION.
BEING A TEACHER HERSELF, MRS GARNER STRESSED THE NEED FOR TEAM WORK BETWEEN PUPIL AND TEACHER TO ACHIEVE GOOD RESULTS. THE WftT IN WHICH THEY RESPONDED TO THE OPPORTUNITY GIVEN TO THEM TO MPROVE THEMSELVES SHOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC, GARNER SAID.
THE RECIPIENTS, AGED FROM 16 TO 18, SAT FOR THE ELEMENTARY TYPEWRITING EXAMINATION IN MARCH AND JULY OF LAST YEAR.
FIVE OF THEM HAD BEEN DISCHARGED AND WERE UNDER AFTER-CARE SUPERVISION, WHILE THE OTHERS WERE PURSUING THEIR STUDIES OF INTERMEDIATE TYPEWRITING AND ENGLISH FOR PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1935
7
DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS * * * *
A^+MEET THE PRESS* SESSION TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE
THE SESSION WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT 1ST FLOOR, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN.
4) AT 11 AM IN OFFICE ON THE
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SESSION.
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ARTS FESTIVAL CLOSES TOMORROW * * * *
THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS /ESTIVAL WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN DR SEAKER CHAN'S MEMORIAL HALL AT 210 JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A +MUSIC FOR THE MILLION* PROGRAMME, FEATURING MUSIC AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
8
PRESS CONFERENCE * K *
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) IN THE GIS TO RELEASE THE REPORT ON DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND DEATH PREPARED BY A SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION.
IT WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE ON DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND DEATH, MR ROBERT ALLCOCK, AND A MEMBER OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE, MR JUSTICE BARKER.
COPIES OF THE REPORT AND A PRESS RELEASE, IN ENGLISH AND '■HINESf WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ADVANCE STUDY ONLY, FROM 3.30 PM IN FHE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
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SEMINAR TO IMPROVE GROUPS TIES * * *
A SEMINAR TO STRENGTHEN THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP AMONG DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG WILL GIVE A TALK ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS.
OTHER PANELISTS ARE: THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER (MONG KOK), W PETER TANG, THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, MISS IRENE O’LIN, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MR LEE KAM-CHIU AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE MONG KOK SOUTH AREA COMI- TTEE, MR YIP TSZ-HOI.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 3) AT 2 PM IN’THE T.S. LO HALL OF THE QUEEN ELIZABETH II YOUTH CENTRE IN SAI YEE STREET, MONG KOK.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
9
ID CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN
K * * K
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1947 AND 1948 THAT THEIR TURN TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS STARTS ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
THEY SHOULD VISIT ANY OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BEFORE MARCH 9, BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS, HE SAID.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS, BUT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, FROM FEBRUARY 20 TO 22.
AS A POST-HOLIDAY RUSH WAS EXPECTED AT THE OFFICES ON THE FIRST WORKING DAY, THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED APPLICANTS TO GO EITHER BEFORE THE HOLIDAYS OR A FEW DAYS AFTER.
+THEY CAN USE THE APPOINTMENT SERVICE IF THEY WISH TO VISIT A SPECIFIC OFFICE AT A SPECIFIC TIME,* HE ADDED.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT DISTRICT OFFICES AND IMMIGRATION OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS MUST REACH THE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE PHASE.
THE SPOKESMAN REITERATED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ONCE DETECTED AND CONVICTED, THEY WOULD BE REPATRIATED, HE SAID.
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NEW ROADS FOR WO HOP SHEK
* ** #
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING ROADWORKS TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN WO HOP SHEK.
THE WORKS INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE KILOMETRES OF ROADS BETWEEN THE SOUTH OF FANLING BY-PASS AND NORTH OF WA MEI SHAN.
THEY ALSO INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A PEDESTRIAN ELEVATED WALKWAY SYSTEM AND A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY, IMPROVEMENT OF THE EXISTING WO HOP SHEK ROAD AND ITS WESTERN ACCESS TO WO HOP SHEK CEMETERY, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATHS, CYCLE ACKS AND OTHER STREET FACILITIES.
THE EXISTING TEMPORARY ROAD BRIDGE IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO ,.:L FANLING KCR STATION WILL BE DEMOLISHED AFTER THE COMPLETION Of THE NEW ROADS.
/DURING THE........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
10 -
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL BE MAINTAINED TO REDUCE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
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 LOBBY NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST SEND HIS OBJECTION N WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY APRIL 2, 1985.
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CH I NEST GARDEN TO GO SIDE BY SIDE WITH OLD TEMPLE
A 3 300-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN TAI HANG, CAUSEWAY BAY, WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A CHINESE GARDEN LATER THIS YEAR TO VIE IN WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN OF THE NEARBY LIN FAR KUNG TEMPLE.
UNDER THE PROJECT WHICH IS ESTIMATED TO COST $2.75 MILLION, TWO CHINESE PAVILIONS WITH CHESS TABLES WILL BE idlLT. OTHER FACILITIES INCLUDE BENCHES, ARBOURS, PLANTERS AS WELL AS WATER AND ROCK FEATURES.
THE EXISTING SITTING-OUT AREA IN THE VICINITY WILL ALSO BE ABSORBED INTO THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN.
UPON COMPLETION IN MID-1986, THE GARDEN WILL BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND WORSHIPPERS TO THE TEMPLE.
LIN FAR KUNG TEMPLE WAS ERECTED IN 1864 DURING THE REIGN OF T’UNG CHIH IN THE QING DYNASTY. IT HAS A SPECIAL ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN WHICH IS VERY DIFFERENT FROM ORDINARY CHINESE TEMPLES. BECAUSE OF ITS HISTORICAL VALUES, IT HAS BEEN DECLARED A MONUMENT AND IS PUT UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE TEMPLES COMMITTEE.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
11
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CHAI WAN AND WAN CHAI
* * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CHAI WAN AND WAN CHAI FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS IN CHAI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 11.45 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) TO 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY:
* WAN TSUI ROAD, EAST OF WAN TSUI LANE
* THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN SAN HA STREET AND THE WESTERN END OF WAN TSUI ROAD. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SAME ROAD SECTION’S NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE MADE TWO WAYS.
BUSES ON ROUTES 82, 83 AND 106 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ABOVE MEASURES.
FROM 11.45 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 5) UNTIL 5 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED:
* LEE CHUNG STREET BETWEEN KUT SHING STREET AND CHAI WAN ROAD
* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN YEE TAI STREET AND THE WESTERN END OF WAN TSUI ROAD. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SAME ROAD SECTION’S SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE MADE TWO WAYS.
BUSES ON ROUTES 8, 82, 83 AND 106 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE CLOSURE.
IN WAN CHAI, LEFT TURNS FROM INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND INTO ARSENAL STREET SOUTHBOUND IN WAN CHAI WILL BE TEMPORARILY BANNED FOR 10 DAYS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORK.
DURING THE PERIOD, JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN FENWICK STREET AND ARSENAL STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. VEHICLES ON INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD WESTBOUND HEADING FOR ARSENAL STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA FENWICK STREET AND JAFFE ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS, FOR THE INTEREST OF MOTORISTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
12
BUILDING MANAGEMENT SEMINAR * * *
A SEMINAR TO INCREASE BUILDING MANAGEMENT KNOWLEDGE AND STRENGTHEN TIES BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL RESIDENTS, WILL BE l£LD ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE MULTI-STOREY BUILDING OWNERS ASSOCIATION OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT FOR MEMBERS OF OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES.
SPEAKERS AT THE SEMINAR INCLUDE THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KIM SALKELD? AN ICAC REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SOONVAR OFFICE, Ml MICHAEL TONG} AND THE POLICE REGIONAL CRIME PREVENTION OFFICER (HONG KONG ISLAND), MR C.N. IP.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SEMINAR AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4) AT THE CHIU CHOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 1OTH FLOOR, 81-85 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, WESTERN DISTRICT.
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CENTRAL SITE FOR BIGGEST SQUASH CENTRE
* * * *
THE LARGEST AND MOST MODERN SQUASH CENTRE IN HONG KONG WILL BE BUILT ON A 2 310-SQUARE METRE SITE AT COTTON TREE DRIVE, CENTRAL.
ON COMPLETION, THE FACILITY TO BE CALLED THE HONG KONG SQUASH CENTRE, WILL BE ABLE TO STAGE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
THE THREE-STOREY CENTRE BUILDING WILL HAVE A THREE-SIDED GLASS EXHIBITION COURT, WITH A SEATING CAPACITY FOR 400 SPECTATORS AND 17 SQUASH COURTS WITH UP-TO-DATE FACILITIES.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE TWO CHANGING ROOMS, TWO STOREROOMS, A LOUNGE BAR, A PRO-SHOP AND OFFICES FOR THE HONG KONG SQUASH RACKETS ASSOCIATION.
THE SITE AREA WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY, LOWER GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BY MARCH 1.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 1985
15
NEW STAMP PACK OUT MONDAY * * * *
A NEW AND ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED STAMP PACK FOR COLLECTORS WILL BE PUT OUT BY THE POST OFFICE ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 4).
IT WILL CONTAIN A FULL SET OF ALL SPECIAL STAMPS ISSUED IN 1984, INCLUDING: +AVIATION IN HONG KONG+, +MAPS OF HONG KONG+, +CHINESE LANTERNS+, AND THE +ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CENTENARY+.
THE PACK COVER FEATURES +THE YEAR OF THE RAT+, TO IDENTIFY AT A GLANCE THE YEAR IN WHICH THE STAMPS WERE ISSUED.
THIS ANNUAL STAMP PACK IS IDEAL AS A PERSONAL COLLECTION AS WELL AS A GIFT, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
IT WILL BE ON SALE AT S36 EACH AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS LOCATED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAD, PEAK AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR SECURITY SERVICES * * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROVISION OF SECURITY SERVICES AT 30 VENUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TENDERS CALL FOR SECURITY GUARDS TO PERFORM WATCH-KEEPING SERVICES AT ONE MONUMENT, ONE CREMATORIUM, TWO CEMETERIES, TWO WATER SPORTS CENTRES, TWO NURSERIES, FIVE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES, SIX VEHICLE DEPOTS AND 11 MARKETS.
THE SECURITY GUARDS WOULD BE PUT ON DUTY RANGING FROM SEVEN TO 24 HOURS A DAY, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE CONTRACT FOR SECURITY SERVICES AT 28 VENUES WILL LAST FOR ONE YEAR STARTING APRIL 1, WHILE THE REMAINING TWO WILL START ON MAY 1, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE ADMINISTRATION SECTION CF NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFORE NOON ON MARCH 1 (FRIDAY).
PARTICULARS OF THE TENDER CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE ADMINISTRATION SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS OR TELEPHONE 3-677200, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED .................................... 1
THIRD QUARTER SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED ..................... 2
ANOTHER YEAR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS........................... 3
FIRST LAND AUCTION OF THE YEAR.................................. 4
RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT ART ...................................... 5
HIGH NOTES IN ANTI-DRUG EFFORT ................................. 5
TRAINING BLIND PEOPLE TO BE INTERPRETERS ....................... 6
ART WORK HAS BEEN HIS 40-YEAR LABOUR OF LOVE ................... 7
TENDERS INVITED FOR EQUIPMENT TO REDUCE SOOT EMISSION .......... 8
TENANTS MOVE INTO FIRST OUTLYING ISLAND THA..................... 8
BATHING SHEDS FOR LEASE ........................................ 9
YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN .................................... 1°
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS OPEN ...............................
PUBLIC URGED TO PROTECT COUNTRYSIDE ........................... 12
RESTRICTED ZONES .............................................. 12
LORRY PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED ................................ 13
TAI HANG TUNG ROAD TO BE WIDENED .............................. 14
TEMPORARY ROaD CLOSURE ........................................ 14
WATER LEAKAGE TEST
14
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
1 -
NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED 35 NEW BUILDING PLANS IN DECEMBER 1984.
THESE INCLUDED THREE 32-STOREY APARTMENT BLOCKS AT SOUTH BAY ROAD, A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION AT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PAK CHAI WAN STATION, AN ELECTRIC SUBSTATION IN TAI HANG TUNG, A WORKSHOP IN YAU TONG, AND A PAVILION AT TUNG WAN, SHEK PIK ON LANTAU ISLAND.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 12 WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FOUR IN KOWLOON AND 19 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 27 PROJECTS, 11 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SEVEN IN KOWLOOK AND NINE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE INCLUDED AN ELECTRICITY SWITCHING STATION AND STAFF BARTERS AT ELECTRIC ROAD, 12 APARTMENT BLOCKS FOR THE KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT, A FACTORY BUILDING AT HOI YUEN ROAD IN KWUN TONG, AN OFFICE BUILDING AT DAI KWAI STREET IN THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, AND A SQUASH AND BADMINTON COURT COMPLEX AT LO WAI IN TSUEN WAN.
THE FLOOR AREA OF THESE 27 PROJECTS TOTALLED 226 658.1 SQUARE bi. TRES, OF WHICH 42 192.2 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
A TOTAL OF 56 OCCUPATION PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY-COMPLETED BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
THESE INCLUDED A 13-STOREY GODOWN IN KENNEDY TOWN, TWO SCHOOL BUILDINGS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, A TEMPLE IN WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, A TRAINING CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, AND A HOME FOR THE AGED IN TAI PO FOR THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
THE TOTAL FLOOR AREA FOR ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 236 830.4 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 147 656.8 SQUARE bETRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC PURPOSES AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE TOTAL COST OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS ABOUT $790.7 MILLION.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ISSUED 20 DEMOLITION Of DE RS IN RESPECT OF 25 BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
2
THIRD QUARTER SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED * * *
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, 2 937 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17.4 MILLION NRT (NET REGISTERED TONS) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 116 IN NUMBER AND OF 0.2 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983, ACCORDING TO THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED »N HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT AND THE NUMBER OF CONTAINERS (MEASURED IN TEUS) DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 13 PER CENT. WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, NOTABLE INCREASES wSTE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+71) AND ROLL-U,!/R0iL-0r VESSELS (+37), WHILE THE NUMBER OF CONVENTIONAL A3SELS POPPED (-118). CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE ED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN PANAMA (+90) AND IN CHINA (+34), ' DECLINES WERE RECORDED FOR LIBERIAN SHIPS (-26) AND SINGAPOREAN s+IPS THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH CAPACITY UNDER 10 000 DWT
■EE CONSIDERABLY (+148).
IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, THERE WERE 2 950 DEPARTING SHIPS, A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17.4 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 141 IN NUMBER AND OF ONE PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE SAF- QUARTER IN 1983. THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS ROSE BY 18 PER CENT, AND THE NUMBER OF CONTAINERS '.SORED IN TEUS) LOADED IN HONG KONG ALSO ROSE BY 16 PER CENT.
;UT €6 PFR CENT OF THE DEPARTING VESSELS HAD STAYED IN HONG KONG f .R LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
BASED ON INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS, 90 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT OF THE INWARD SEABORNE CARGO WAS IMPORTS AND 10 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT. OF THE OUTWARD SEABORNE CARGO, 61 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS) AND 39 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT.
THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS WERE SINGAPORE (20 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT), JAPAN (17 PER CENT) AND CHINA (13 PER CENT), AND THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S.A. (23 PER CENT), CHINA (14 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (12 PER CENT). TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED FROM CHINA (30 PER CENT) AND THE U.S.A. (26 PER CENT), AND TRANSHIPPED TO THE U.S.A. (16 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (EIGHT PER CENT) AND CHINA (SEVEN PER CENT).
COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER OF 198+ WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM THE ... -IPPINES (+276 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS HEIGHT), REPUBLIC OF . TA (+84 PER CENT) AND REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA (+79 PER CENT). - EVER, THE TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM U.S.A. DECLINED -15 PER CENT). AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES CONSIDERABLE !N”RFASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTS OF INORGANIC CHEMICAI (+72 PER CENT)I MISCELLANEOUS EDIBLE PRODUCTS AND PREPAP rtGNS (+66 PER CENT)» AND PAPER. PAPERBOARD AND ARTICLES OF PAPER JULP, OF PAPER OR OF PAPERBOARD (+34 PER CENT).
/OVEH TEE .......
SUNDAY, FSBRUARY 3, 1985
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, SEABORNE EXPORTS TO CHINA ROSE RAPIDLY BY 12 TIMES IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, WHILE SEABORNE EXPORTS TO AUSTRALIA AND REPUBLIC OF KOREA ROSE BY 39 PER CENT AND 31 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, SEABORNE EXPORTS OF CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS ROSE BY 371 PER CENT IN TERMS CF TONNAGE, WHILE THOSE OF INORGANIC CHEMICALS ROSE BY 169 PER CENT, AND THOSE OF CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS BY 144 PER CENT.
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIP MASTERS Q; AUTHORISED SHIPPING AGENTS, AND COVER ALL OCEAN-GOING VESSELS ENTERING AND LEAVING HONG KONG, EXCLUDING YACHTS AND PLEASURE CRAFT PORT AND CARGO STATISTICS ARE COMPILED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFESTS SUPPLIED BY SHIPPING COMPANIES OR AGENTS TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. BECAUSE OF RESOURCE CONSTRAINTS, A SAMPLE OF ALL CONSIGNMENTS LISTED IN THE MANIFEST IS USED FOR COMPILING THE STATISTICS. THE SAMPLING METHOD IS DESCRIBED IN THF EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT FOR JULY TO SEPTEMBER 1984, WHICH IS NOW C< SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT 512 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THIS REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STA’I 1ST ICS DEPARTMENT, AT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-452701 AND 5-455422.
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ANOTHER YEAR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS * * * * *
LAST YEAR WAS ^ANOTHER YEAR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG,* THE CHIEF LABOUR OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICES (LRS), MR DONALD CHAN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
COMMENTING ON FIGURES RELEASED BY THE DEPARTMENT ON TRADE DISPUTES AND THE NUMBER OF WORKING DAYS LOST DUE TO WORK STOPPAGES, NF CHAN SAID THERE WERE 11 WORK STOPPAGES LAST YEAR RESULTING IN A LOSS OF 3 083 WORKING DAYS IN 13 OF THE STOPPAGES AND 310 MANHOURS IN ANOTHER ONE CONCERNING AN AIRLINE COMPANY.
+THIS FIGURE FOR WORKING DAYS LOST IS VERY LOW BY INTERNATIONAL S’ IDARDS AND IS A POSITIVE INDICATOR OF GOOD LABOUR RELATIONS IN GF ERAL IN HONG KONG,* MR CHAN SAID.
DURING THE YEAR, MR CHAN SAID, THE LRS QF THE DEPARTMENT HANDLiJ U-7 TRADE DISPUTES. OF THESE, 59 OR 40.1 PER CENT, WERE SETTLED, WHILE TH' REST WERE MOSTLY INSOLVENCY CASES THAT HAD TO BE PASSED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR WINDING UP PROCEEDINGS.
/THS LRS .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
THE LRS ALSO PROVIDED CONCILIATION FOR 17 560 CLAIMS IN CONNECTION WITH PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE OR TERMS CF CONTRACTS OF EMPLOYMENT* 13 260 OR 75.5 PER CENT WERE SETTLED AND MOST OF THE REMAINDER WERE REFERRED TO THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL FOR JUDICIAL DECISION.
MR CHAN SAID A TOTAL OF 19 051 WORKERS RECEIVED $46 MILLION FROM THEIR EMPLOYERS LAST YEAR AFTER THEIR LABOUR-MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS WERE SETTLED THROUGH THE EFFORTS OF THE LRS.
OF THIS SUM, $12 395 593 OR 27 PER CENT WAS SEVERANCE PAYMENTS MADE TO 3 005 EMPLOYEES RENDERED REDUNDANT BY OPERATIONAL OR OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES I THE REMAINING $34 039 651 WAS PAID OUT AS ARREARS CF WAGES, WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY, BONUSES AND OTHER PAYMENTS.
IN THE SAME YEAR, MR CHAN ADDED, THE LRS INVESTIGATED 188 MAJOR COMPLAINTS ABOUT ALLEGED BREACHES OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, SUCH AS FAILURE TO PROVIDE REST DAYS, HOLIDAYS WITH PAY, ANNUAL LEAVE WITH PAY AND IMPROPER DEDUCTIONS CF WAGES.
DURING THE YEAR, THE LRS ALSO HANDLED 391 677 ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS, COMPARED WITH 302 277 CASES IN 1983. MOST OF THESE CONCERNED PROVISIONS IN THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND OTHER MATTERS CONCERNING LABOUR RELATIONS.
♦ THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS REFLECTS THE GROWING IMPORTANCE ATTACHED TO LABOUR RELATIONS AM’ EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS BY BOTH EMPLOYEES AND EMPLOYERS,* MR CHAN SAID.
0 --------
FIRST LAND AUCTION OF THE YEAR * * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS TO OFFER FIVE LOTS FOR SALE AT THE FIRST PUBLIC LAND AUCTION OF THE YEAR TO BE HELD IN THE JADE BALLROOM OF THE FURAMA HOTEL AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
TWO OF THE SITES ARE IN KOWLOON, ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TWO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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/5 .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
5
RESIDENTS LEARN ABOUT ART
* * * *
EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS HAVE LEARNED TO APPRECIATE ARTS AND CULTURE THROUGH THE NUMEROUS PROGRAMMES AND EVENTS IN THE FIRST EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS FESTIVAL, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, NR LUI HAU-TUEN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING CEREMONY OF THE EIGHT-DAY FESTIVAL, NR LUI SAID THE EVENT HAD SUCCEEDED IN STIMULATING RESIDENTS’ INTEREST IN ARTS AND CULTURE AND AT THE SAME TIME CONTRIBUTED TO THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY BUILDING.
*1 AM HAPPY THAT SO MANY OF THE ARTISTS TAKING PART IN THE FESTIVAL ARE LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO COME FROM VARIOUS ARTISTIC FIELDS SUCH AS CHINESE OPERA, BALLET, FLORAL ARRANGEMENT AND MUSIC,* NR LUI SAID.
+THE ARTS FESTIVAL COMPLEMENTS THE RECENT SPORTS FESTIVAL, AND WE INTEND TO ALTERNATE THE TWO FESTIVALS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE ADDED.
MORE THAN 30 EVENTS WERE ORGANISED FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL WHICH FEATURED ORCHESTRAL AND MUSIC PERFORMANCES, EXHIBITIONS ON CHINESE PAINTINGS AND PHOTOGRAPHY, CHINESE OPERA, DANCES, TALKS ON DRAMA AND FLOWER ARRANGEMENTS, AND VARIETY SHOWS.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTED ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COST OF §100 000 FOR THE ARTS FESTIVAL, WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE BOARD, THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE EASTERN DISTRICT ARTS COUNCIL, THE MUSIC OFFICE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AND PARTIALLY SPONSORED BY THE BRAEMAR HILL LIONS CLUB.
- 0 -
HIGH NOTES IN ANTI-DRUG EFFORT * * * *
PARTICIPANTS IN THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT* ENTERED THE SECOND STAGE OF THE SINGING COMPETITION TODAY (SUNDAY).
FOLLOWING A SERIES OF COMPETITIONS IN THE FIRST STAGE OF THE MOVEMENT, 10 WINNING TEAMS FROM EACH OF THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR DIVISIONS WERE SELECTED TO TAKE PART IN TODAY’S SINGING CONTEST.
CONTESTANTS SANG POPULAR TUNES WITH LYRICS CARRYING THE AN'I-NARCOTICS MESSAGE.
THESE TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE TELEMATCH GAMES AND EXHIBITION STALL DESIGN COMPETITIONS LATER.
/EACH MEMBER
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1585
s O
EACH MEMBER OF THE WINNING TEAM IN BOTH DIVISIONS WILL BE AWARDED A LASER 3 030 COMPUTER WORTH ABOUT $6 000.
THE CHAMPION WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT TO BE HELD AT ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON SUNDAY, MARCH 10, 1985. LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT*, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACAN, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL RADIO, AS ACAN’S MAJOR PUBLICITY EVENT FOR 1984-85, AIMS AT HEIGHTENING THE AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN A SERIES OF ANTI-DRUG ACTIVITIES.
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TRAINING BLIND PEOPLE TO BE INTERPRETERS *****
A TRAINING PROGRAMME TO HELP BLIND PEOPLE TO BECOME INTERPRETER HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH.
A SEVEN-MONTH COURSE IN CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETATION WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 5 FOR 14 BLIND PEOPLE. THERE WILL BE A THREE-HOUR SESSION EACH WEEK AT THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND’S LANGUAGE LABORATORY AT POK FU LAM ROAD.
THE CHIEF COURT INTERPRETER OF THE JUDICIARY, THE CHIEF POLICE INTERPRETER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE AND THE CHIEF INTERPRETER (SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION) OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE DIVISION WILL JOINTLY RUN THE COURSE.
THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND WILL PROVIDE TRAINING VENUE AS WELL AS TECHNICAL SUPPORT SUCH AS BRAILLE TRANSCRIPTION.
THOSE TAKING THE COURSE, WILL BE BETTER QUALIFIED TO APPLY FOR CONSECUTIVE INTERPRETATION POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT, FOR EXAMPLE AS COURT INTERPRETERS AND POLICE INTERPRETERS, AS WELL AS SIMILAR JOBS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
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/7 .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
ART WORK HAS BEEN HIS 40-YEAR LABOUR OF LOVE *****
A MAN WHOSE ART WORK IS SEEN REGULARLY BY MANY IN HONG KONG IS RETIRING NEXT WEEK, AFTER 15 YEARS OF SERVICE AS AN ARTIST AND DESIGNER WITH THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES.
CiXTY-TWO—YEAR-OLD MAK HOI HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN HIS WORK FOR OVER 40 YEARS, AND HAS LIKED EVERY MOMENT OF IT.
+WHILE 40 YEARS MAY SEEM A LONG TIME TO MOST PEOPLE, IT’S BEEN '• LABOUR OF LOVE FOR ME,+ HE SAID THE OTHER DAY.
COMING TO HONG KONG FROM CHINA IN THE LATE 1940’S, HE BEGAN HIS WORKING CAREER IN BOOK-KEEPING.
OUT OF NECESSITY,* HE SAID.
BUT SOON AFTERWARDS, HE MOVED INTO THE WORLD OF GRAPHIC ARTS, FOLLOWING A TALENT FOR ILLUSTRATIONS, WHICH HE HAD FREQUENTLY DISPLAYED IN HIS CONTRIBUTIONS TO HIS HIGH-SCHOOL NEWSPAPER. TOGETHER WITH THIS FACILITY WITH PEN AND BRUSH, HE HAD ALSO AN INTEREST IN INTERIOR AND DECORATIVE DESIGN, AND HAD USUALLY DONE THIS WORK FOR SCHOOL FUNCTIONS AND OTHER FESTIVE OCCASIONS.
HE REALISED AT THE SAME TIME THAT HE HAD TO TRAINING IN ART, AND SO HE BEGAN TO TAKE COURSES INSTITUTE.
HAVE SOME FORMAL IN A TECHNICAL
MEANWHILE, HE DID WORK AS AN ILLUSTRATOR FOR STORY BOOKS, AND FOUND JOBS WITH ADVERTISING AGENCIES AND OTHER PUBLICATIONS. FROM THERE, HE MOVED ON TO A FILM COMPANY, AND IN ADDITION TO GRAPHIC DESIGN, HELPED WITH THE DESIGNING OF PERIOD COSTUMES.
HE JOINED THE G I.S IN 1969, AND HAS BEEN MAINLY DOING ILLUSTRATIONS AND OTHER ART WORK SINCE THEN.
WHILE HE ALWAYS APPLIES HIMSELF INTENSELY TO HIS WORK, HE FINuo THAT HIS MOST CREATIVE IDEAS COME TO HIM +IN A MORE RELAXED FRAME CF MIND.+
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
8
TENDERS INVITED FOR EQUIPMENT TO REDUCE SOOT EMISSION * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOUNDATIONS OF THE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS FOR THE THREE REMAINING INCINERATOR UNITS AT KENNEDY TOWN.
THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATION PLANT CONSISTS OF FIVE INCINERATOR UNITS, TWO OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN INSTALLED WITH ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS TO REDUCE SOOT EMISSION.
ON COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE AIR QUALITY IN THE KENNEDY TOWN AREA WILL BE IMPROVED.
THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONTRACT WHICH COMPRISES THE CONSTRUCTION OF BORED CONCRETE PILES AND SUPPORT PLINTHS FOR THE ELECTROSTATIC PRECIPITATORS, CONSTRUCTION OF A CONTROL ROOM, ■ND DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER.
THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR, WHICH STARTED OPERATION IN 1967, HAS A CAPACITY TO DISPOSE OF 650 TONS OF REFUSE A DAY.
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TENANTS MOVE INTO FIRST OUTLYING ISLAND THA
* * *
THE FIRST TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA TO BE BUILT ON AN OUTLYING ISLAND HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND IS NOW TAKING IN TENANTS.
♦ THIS NEW THA AT MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND IS ALSO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S SECOND FULL-BUILT THA TO COME INTO USE,+ SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN TODAY.
HE SAID THE FIRST SUCH THA WAS AT KWAI FUK ROAD IN TSUEN WAN WHICH WAS OPENED LAST MONTH.
♦ THE S3.6 MILLION THA AT MUI WO PROVIDES REHOUSING FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS INVOLVED IN DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE.
+AT THE MOMENT, INTAKE IS CONTINUING FOR FAMILIES FROM STILTS ON THE SEASHORE OF MUI WO, WHICH ARE SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE SOON. SOME 107 FAMILIES OF 456 PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY MOVED INTO THE NEW THA *■
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE THA HAD 12 DOMESTIC BLOCKS OF DUPLEX-TYPE UNITS FOR 741 PEOPLE, INCLUDING 16 UNITS FOR SINGLE PERSONS.
/+ALL jkits •
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
♦ ALL UNITS ARE FULL-BUILT WITH WALLS, PARTITIONS, UPPER-FLOOR DECKING WITH STAIRCASES, KITCHEN-BATHROOMS, FALSE CEILING, DOORS AND WINDOWS.
♦ ALSO PROVIDED ARE BASIC FACILITIES SUCH AS WATER METERS, ELECTRICITY SOCKETS, AIR CONDITIONING OPENINGS AND TELEPHONE INSTALLATION POINTS.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAD OVER THE YEARS MADE VARIOUS IMPROVEMENTS TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF LIVING IN TrIAS.
♦ APART FROM FULL-CLADDED DOMESTIC UNITS, NEW THAS ARE BUILT WITH REINFORCED FIRE-PREVENTIVE INSTALLATIONS, WIDER DISTANCE fit TWEEN ROWS OF STRUCTURES AND MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
♦ IN ADDITION, BIGGER UNITS ARE PROVIDED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE INCREASED ALLOCATION STANDARD OF 3.4 SQUARE METRES PER PERSON.*
- - 0
BATHING SHEDS FOR LEASE X * *
THIRTY-SEVEN BATHING SHEDS AT PUBLIC BEACHES IN THE NEW TERRI 'DRIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THREE-YEAR LEASE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID 23 WOULD BE ALLOCATED BY BALLOT WHILE THE OTHER NINE WOULD BE AUCTIONED.
THE BALLOTING AND AUCTIONING WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OF THE NTSD ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, 135 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, AT 10 AM ON MARCH 8 (FRIDAY).
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ONLY REGISTERED COMPANIES, CLUBS, ASSOCIATIONS OR ORGANISED GROUPS WERE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE PART IN THE BALLOT.
APPLICATION FORMS EACH COSTING $50 ARE NOW OBTAINABLE IN PERSON AT THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE OF THE NTSD ON THE FIFTH FLOOR Of THE GOLDEN GATE COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 136-138 AUSTIN ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON AND FROM 2 PM TO 3 PM GN WEEKDAYS. THE OFFICE
HOURS ON SATURDAY WILL BE FROM 9 AM TO 11.30 AM.
THE FORMS CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BY POST AT THE ABOVE ADDRESS
Fx । EEN FEBRUARY 4 (MONDAY) AND FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY).
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE BEFORE 1 PM ON FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY).
/a copy
SUNDAY, F2B3UAHY 3, 1585
A COPY OF BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE OR A CERTIFICATE OF REGISTRATION ISSUED BY THE REGISTRAR OF SOCIETIES, THE REGISTRAR CF TRADE UNIONS OR THE COMPANIES REGISTRY OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S OFFICE SHOULD BE ENCLOSED WITH THE COMPLETED FORMS WHICH MUST BE SIGNED BY THE MANAGER, THE CHAIRMAN OR THE SECRETARY OF THE BODY CONCERNED.
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS CURRENTLY HOLDING ANNUALLY RENEWABLE PERMITS FOR BATHING SHEDS ON ANY PUBLIC BEACH WERE NOT ELIGIBLE TO APPLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE ANNUAL PERMIT FEE OF THE BATHING SHEDS TO BE BALLOTED -,A\GES FROM $2 500 TO $3 000.
POTENTIAL BIDDERS SHOULD BE AGED OVER 21 AND THEY ARE ADVISED 3 BRING -M ONG THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS TO THE AUCTION VENUE. THE UPSET PRICE IS $3 000.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR TELEPHONE 0-444281 EXT 211.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY SPENT OME $203 000 TO RENOVATE THE BATHING SHEDS, 26 OF WHICH ARE AT APPROACH BEACH, FIVE AT LIDO BEACH, ONE AT CASAM BEACH, THREE AT HOI MEI BEACH AND TWO AT OLD CAFETERIA BEACH.
- 0 -
YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN X * *
THE YEAR OF THE OX IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER.
AND TO TIE IN WITH THE TRADITIONAL SPRING CLEANING, A COMMON CUSTOM AMONG THE LOCAL CHINESE COMMUNITY, THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO MOUNT A SPECIAL YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN STARTING FROM SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9).
BEING MEMBERS OF THE ORGANISATION WHICH LOOKS AFTER THE WELL-BEING AND HAPPINESS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, 19 URBAN COUNCILLORS WILL TAKE THE LEAD TO GET THE CAMPAIGN OFF THE GROUND THROUGHOUT THE 11 URBAN DISTRICTS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, TOC THER WITH COUNCILLOR SAMUEL WONG WILL PERFORM THE us' CHING CEREMONY IN WAN CHAI WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A T1 )NSTRATION OF CLEAN-UP IN THE COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS N THE DISTRICT.
MISS MARIA TAM WILL APPEAR IN THE CENTRAL DISTRICT AND MR ,HUM CHOI-SANG IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT.
/THE CAMPAIGN' S
SUNDaY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
11
THE CAMPAIGN’S LAUNCHING CEREMONIES IN SOUTHERN AND WESTERN DISTRICTS WILL BE INAUGURATED BY MR JOSEPH CHAN AND MR PAO PING-WING RESPECTIVELY.
IN KOWLOON, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR HOWARD YOUNG WILL BE JOINED BY MESSRS TONG KAM-BIU, FREDERICK FUNG AND LI CHIK-YUET TO GET THE CAMPAIGN OFF THE GROUND IN SHAM SHU I PO.
MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT, MR WALTER SULKE AND MR LAM CHAK-PIU WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY IN KWUN TONG.
MAKING A START IN THE MONG KOK DISTRICT WILL BE DR RONAL. LEUNG AND MR EDMUND CHOW. AT THE SAME TIME, MISS CECILIA YEUNG AND MR AUGUSTINE CHUNG WILL DO THE HONOURS IN WONG TAI SIN, WHILE DR PHILIP KWOK AND MR PETER C.K. CHAN WILL SHOW UP IN YAU MA TEI AND KOWLOON CITY RESPECTIVELY.
APART FROM URBAN COUNCILLORS, MEMBERS OF VARIOUS ' STRICT sOARDS AND LOCAL CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.
THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN WILL BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 14 AND 19. TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE CONVENIENCE CF THE PUBLIC.
LAST YEAR THE DRIVE WAS WELL SUPPORTED AND A TOTAL OF 1 367 TONNES OF JUNK WAS REMOVED.
---0------
REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS OPEN am*
A CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY (SUNDAY) URGED YEAR-END HOUSECLEANERS TO TAKE THEIR JUNK AND REFUSE TO THE NEAREST COLLECTION POINTS.
+IF RESIDENTS ARE NOT SURE OF THE LOCATION OF THESE POINTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THEY CAN CALL THE LITTER HOTLINE — 5-95555 FOR URBAN AREA AND 0-445555 FOR NEW TERRITORIES — TO FIND OUT.*
A TOTAL OF 102 TEMPORARY AND 62 PERMANENT JUNK AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM FEBRUARY 14 TO 19.
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO lOY EXT1A CLEANSING STAFF AT THE VARIOUS COLLECTION POINTS TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED INCREASE IN THROWN-AWAY ARTICLES.
/+'.VE HOPE..............
SUHDAY, FSBAUAfiY 3, 1985
- 12 -
+WE HOPE THAT BY INCREASING THE NUMBER OF COLLECTION POINTS AND MANPOWER, WE CAN ENCOURAGE THE PUBLIC TO DISPOSE OF THEIR JUNK PROPERLY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE NOTED THAT ALL CLEANSING SERVICES WILL BE SUSPENDED ON NEW YEAR’S DAY (FEBRUARY 2D).
--------0-----------
PUBLIC URGED TO PROTECT COUNTRYSIDE * * * *
AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY 'SUNDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE r5 POSSESS OR CUT FLOWERS AND PLANTS FROM ANY COUNTRY PARK OR
c-RCM CROWN LAND.
THE REMINDER FOLLOWED A COURT CASE IN WHICH A MAN WAS FINED 3 300 FOR ILLEGAL POSSESSION OF OVER 40 PIECES OF +TIU CHUNG+, A POPULAR CHINESE ORNAMENTAL FLOWER FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
LAST MONTH, TWO MEN WERE EACH FINED $500 FOR CUTTING TREES IN THE PAT SIN LENG COUNTRY PARK.
RESTRICTED ZONES * * * *
A NUMBER OF ROADS IN TSIM SHA HUNG WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED (FEBRUARY 5).
TSUI EAST, YAU MA TEI AND CHOI ZONES FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY
IN TSIM SHA TSUI, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM DAILY:
M MODY LANE.
* MODY ROAD BETWEEN CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD.
* THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD BETWEEN MODY ROAD AND THE VEHICULAR EXIT OF AUTO PLAZA.
M THE UNNAMED ACCESS ROAD FRONTING PENINSULA CENTRE, REGAL MERIDIEN HONG KONG HOTEL AND ROYAL GARDEN HOTEL (THE TWO LOADING AND UNLOADING BAYS EXCEPTED).
/« THS KC3THB0UND.......
SUNDAY, FSBHUAiiY 3, 1985
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION a/ I TH SALISBURY ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MODY ROAD.
* THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH HONG CHONG ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH MODY ROAD.
* SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHEONG WAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 80 METRES TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* GRANVILLE ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH AND A POINT ABOUT 120 METRES TO THE EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE SECTION OF THE UNKAMED ACCESS ROAD FRONTING EAST OCEAN CENTRE AND ENERGY PLAZA BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION
TH GRANVILLE ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 38 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
IN YAU MA TEI AND CHOI HUNG, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL HAVE HOUR RESTRICTION FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY:
NING PO STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF LUK LAU AVENUE BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH HUNG MUI AVENUE AND A POINT ABOUT 12 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE ABOVE RESTRICTED EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED EE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS’ OR
LORRY PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED * * * * *
FROM 8 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 6) TO 8 PM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9), THE LORRY PARKING SPACES IN LUNG SUM AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI WILL BE SUSPENDED TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
DURING THIS PERIOD, LORRIES CAN MAKE USE OF THE PARKING SI CES IN SAN SHING AVENUE.
PROM THE SAME DAY, THE UNNAMED LOOP ROADS SURROUNDING SAM SHING ESTATE OFF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT TUEN MUN WIlL BE RE-ROUTED ONE *AY.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1985
14
TA! HANG TUNG ROAD TO BE WIDENED * * * *
TAI HANG TUNG ROAD, FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH WOH CHAI STREET TO TO YUEN STREET, wILL BE WIDENED AND EXTENDED TO SERVE THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THIS FAST DEVELOPING PART OF KOWLOON.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF FOOTWAYS, BUSBAYS, LAY-BYS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE WORK WHICH IS PART OF A ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME TO SERVE FUTURE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN YAU YAT CHUEN, TOE PROPOSED CITY POLYTECHNIC AND THE REDEVELOPMENT OF TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE.
vORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL 1985 AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
0---------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * * *
THE EXIT ROAD LEADING TO NORTH POINT FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED FOR REPAIR WORK FROM O.3O AM TO 6 AM ON FEBRUARY 5, 6 AND 8.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE EXIT RO*’) LEADING TO CAUSEWAY BAY, VICTORIA PARK ROAD FLYOVER, G!'-KESTER ROAD AND CAUSEWAY ROAD.
--------o----------
WATER LEAKAGE TEST * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE PEAK WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 6) T) TOE i-OLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TEST.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY MAGAZINE GAP ROAD CI.CVELLY PATH, TREGUNTER PATH AND BREW IN PATH.
MAY ROAD,
--------0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4» 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FIRST LAND AUCTION NETS 3109-55 M........................ 1
CHANGES IN ACCIDENT DAMAGES LAW PROPOSED ................ 2
DEAK-PERERA FE LTD WINDING UP ORDERED ................... 3
HK - A PLACE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES .................. 5
PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRaDE ........ 6
WORLD'S PRESS BOOST SEEN FOR HK TOURISM.................. 10
TRIAL PLAN TO REDUCE ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS ................. 11
LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING TENDER APPROVED .................... 13
VISITOR CENTRE IS FIRST OF KIND ......................... 14
PUBLICITY DRIVE FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES ................. 14
MEET-THE-MEDIA .......................................... 15
MAKING KNOWN VOCATIONAL TRAINING......................... 15
CHINESE-STYLE SQUARE FOR KWUN TONG....................... 16
ARTS FESTIVAL FOR YUEN LONG.............................. 16
TENDERS INVITED TO OPERATE LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS ..... 17
MAINTENANCE WORK REQUIRED ............................... 17
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN ....................... 18
WATER STORAGE............................................ 18
TALK ON +AIDSF .......................................... 18
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
1
FIRST LAND AUCTION NETS $109.55 M * * * X
FIVE LOTS OF LAND WERE SOLD FOR $109.55 MILLION AT THE FIRST PUBLIC LAND AUCTION OF THE YEAR HELD AT A CENTRAL HOTEL TODAY (MONDAY).
THE FIRST SITE, WITH AN UPSET PRICE OF $30 MILLION, IS AT 547-555 NATHAN ROAD. IT WAS BOUGHT BY STARJET PROGRESS (HK) LIMITED AT $45 MILLION.
THE 690-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL EXCLUDING GODOWN PURPOSES.
THE DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 3 900 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1989. THE BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTION IS 91.44 METRES.
THE DEVELOPER IS ALSO REQUIRED TO DEMOLISH THE EXISTING STRUCTURE ON THE SITE AT HIS OWN EXPENSE WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
THE SECOND SITE, AT THE JUNCTION OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD AND CHENGTU ROAD, WAS SOLD FOR $27 MILLION. IT WAS BOUGHT BY LAI SUN GARMENT CO. LTD.
IT IS A NON-1NDUSTRI AL EXCLUDING GODOWN SITE WITH AN AREA OF ABOUT 537 SQUARE METRES.
THE UPSET PRICE FOR IT WAS $15 MILLION.
THE THIRD LOT, ON WHICH THERE IS A BUILDING HEIGHT RESTRICTION OF 45.72 METRES, IS AT YEE KUK STREET, KOWLOON.
IT WAS SOLD TO PAO HONG CO. LTD. FOR $30 MILLION.
THE LOWEST THREE LEVELS OF THE DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING ANY BASEMENT LEVEL OR LEVELS) ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL EXCLUDING HOTEL AND GODOWN USES, AND THE REMAINING UPPER LEVELS ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
UNDER THE SALES CONDITIONS, THE PURCHASER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 5 200 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 1 278-SQUARE-METRE SITE BEFORE MARCH 31, 1988.
A LOT FOR INDUSTRIAL AND-OR GODOWN PURPOSES AT SHA TIN WAS SOLD FOR $6 MILLION TO LOTFUL COMPANY LIMITED.
THE PURCHASER IS REQUIRED TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 8 051 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 3 834-SQUARE-METRE SITE IN SIU LEK YUEN ROAD BEFORE MARCH 31, 1989.
THE LAST SITE, WHICH IS ALSO AT SHA TIN, WAS BOUGHT BY CHENG KUNG SZE AND COMPANY LIMITED AT $1.55 MILLION.
THE 1 875 SQUARE METRE SITE AT SUI WO ROAD IS TO BE USED FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE SALE, THE AUCTIONEER, GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, NR ROBERT POPE, SAID THE RESULTS WERE VERY GOOD AND PROVED THAT THERE WAS TREMENDOUS CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 2 -
CHANGES IN ACCIDENT DAMAGES LAW PROPOSED * * *
A PROPOSAL FOR WIDENING THE CATEGORY OF DEPENDANTS ENTITLED TO CLAIM DAMAGES IN ACCIDENT CASES, IS AMONG THE PROPOSALS FOR CHANGE CONTAINED IN THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION’S ■tREPORT ON DAMAGES FOR PERSONAL INJURY AND DEATH+, RELEASED TODAY.
THE REPORT ALSO PROPOSES PROVIDING A NEW +FIXED SUM* AWARD OF DAMAGES AS COMPENSATION TO THE BEREAVED SPOUSE, CHILD OR PARENT FOR GRIEF CAUSED BY THE VICTIM’S DEATH.
IN PRESENTING THE REPORT AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY, MR ROBERT ALLCOCK, HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LAW AT HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND COMMISSION MEMBER WHO CHAIRED THE SUB-COMMITTEE EXAMINING THE SUBJECT, SAID THE PROPOSED REFORMS WERE +AN EXERCISE IN GOOD LEGAL HOUSEKEEPING, BUT NONETHELESS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO ACCIDENT VICTIMS AND THEIR DEPENDANTS+.
IN RECENT YEARS, HE SAID, THE COURTS IN HONG KONG HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE WAYS IN WHICH THE PRESENT LAW COULD WORK UNJUSTLY IN THE ASSESSMENT OF DAMAGES IN PERSONAL INJURY CASES AND CLAIMS ARISING FROM FATAL ACCIDENTS.
THE RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD FOR EXAMPLE ALLOW AN ACCIDENT VICTIM TO BE AWARDED PROVISIONAL DAMAGES WHERE THE EXTENT OF HIS DISABILITY COULD NOT BE ACCURATELY ASSESSED AT THE TIME OF TRIAL BECAUSE THE INJURY HAD NOT THEN FINALLY SETTLED DOWN. HE COULD LATER RETURN TO COURT FOR A FINAL ASSESSMENT OF HIS DISABILITY TO BE MADE. UNDER THE PRESENT LAW ONCE-AND-FOR-ALL AWARDS AT THE TIME OF TRIAL SOMETIMES LATER TURNED OUT TO BE EITHER INADEQUATE OR EXCESSIVE.
MR ALLCOCK POINTED OUT THAT , WHILE THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATION HAD BEEN INFLUENCED BY RECENT CHANGES IN THE LAw CF THE UNITED KINGDOM, THEY DEPARTED FROM THEM IN A NUMBER OF SIGNIFICANT RESPECTS, FOR EXAMPLE IN RECOGNISING THE GODPARENT AND GODCHILD RELATIONSHIP ACCORDING TO CHINESE CUSTOM FOR THE PURPOSE OF A CLAIM OF DEPENDANCY IN A FATAL ACCIDENT CASE.
THE REPORT WOULD BE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS CONSIDERATION, HE SAID.
SINCE THE COMMISSION HAD CONSULTED WIDELY IN PREPARING THE REPORT, MR ALLCOCK ANTICIPATED THAT IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS COULD PROCEED QUICKLY.
MR ALLCOCK EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION OF THE WORK DONE BY MEMBERS OF THE SUB-COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDED MRS PAULINE CHEUNG, DR HENRIETTA IP, MR STEPHEN C.K. LAW, MS ROBYN MARTIN, MR WONG HAY-CHIH, MR JUSTICE BARKER, MR CHARLES CHING, MR SIMON IP, MS ANGELI TSUI, JUDGE MCCLELLAND AND MR A WATSON-BROWN.
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/3.......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1935
- 3 -
DEAK-PERERA FE LTD WINDING UP ORDERED * * * *
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, CONFIRMED THAT AN ORDER FOR THE WINDING UP OF DEAK-PERERA FAR EAST LTD WAS MADE BY THE HIGH COURT TODAY ON THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PETITION AND THAT AS OFFICIAL RECEIVER HE HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO CARRY ON AS PROVISIONAL LIQUIDATOR OF THE COMPANY.
MR B.P. CLANCY, DEPUTY CROWN SOLICITOR, APPEARED FOR THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND MR A.R. HEARDER, ASSISTANT REGISTRAR GENERAL, REPRESENTED THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER. THERE WAS NO APPEARANCE FOR THE COMPANY AND THE PETITION WAS UNOPPOSED.
IN VIEW OF THE DOUBTFUL STATUS OF MANY OF THE CLAIMANTS IN THE LIQUIDATION, AND ALSO SINCE MANY OF THOSE WHOSE STATUS IS NOT IN QUESTION, MAINLY HOLDERS OF DISHONOURED CHEQUES, ARE OVERSEAS, IT WAS PROPOSED TO SEEK A REGULATORY ORDER FROM THE COURT TO DISPENSE WITH THE STATUTORY FIRST MEETING OF CREDITORS AND APPOINT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AS LIQUIDATOR.
THE TOTAL LIABILITIES OF THE COMPANY ARE ESTIMATED AT PRESENT TO BE IN THE REGION OF USS25M.
ON THE ASSET SIDE US$1.5M HAD ALREADY BEEN REALISED. THIS WAS MAINLY MONEY ON DEPOSIT WITH BANKS IN HONG KONG, THE PROCEEDS OF SALE OF STOCKS OF FOREIGN CURRENCY HERE AND THE SALE OF COMPASS TRAVEL. THERE WAS A GOOD PROSPECT ALSO OF RECOVERING APPROXIMATELY USS4M FROM AN OVERSEAS BANK IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
MR GLEESON SAID THAT DEAK-PERERA FAR EAST ALSO HAS A SUBSTANTIAL CLAIM AGAINST ITS NEW YORK HOLDING COMPANY, DEAK AND CO. INC., FOR WHICH A SECURITY OVER SHARES IN FOREIGN COMMERCE BANK (FOCO BANK) IN SWITZERLAND IS HELD. INVESTIGATIONS ARE ALoO PROCEEDING INTO THE TRANSFER IN EARLY DECEMBER 1984 OF MONIES OF TH_ COMPANY, PRESENTLY ESTIMATED AT APPROX. US$2M, OUT OF ONE OF THE COMPANY’S OVERSEAS ACCOUNTS. THERE WERE ALSO OTHER ASSETS OF THE COMPANY IN THE UNITED STATES WHICH ARE AT PRESENT FROZEN BY THE COURTS THERE. IN ADDITION A PROVISIONAL AGREEMENT HAD BEEN SIGNED FOR THE SALE OF THE COMPANY’S FOREIGN EXCHANGE BUSINESS IN HONG KONG FOR HK33M.
MR GLEESON SAID THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE HAS IDENTIFIED A SUBSTANTIAL QUANTITY OF GOLD, SILVER, PLATINUM, PALLADIUM AND IRRIDIUM IN HONG KONG, BRITAIN, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND AND THE UNITED STATES. THIS WAS NOW BEING HELD BY VARIOUS BANKS AND INSTITUTIONS IN THOSE COUNTRIES FOR THE ACCOUNT OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER. PRESENT INDICATIONS WERE THAT THIS WOULD APPROXIMATELY MATCH THE PRECIOUS METALS CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY DEAK-PERERA FAR EAST TO THOSE WHO HAD PAID IN FULL, BUT STORAGE AND OTHER CHARGES WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
/ONE COMPLEX .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 19&5
ONE COMPLEX LEGAL QUESTION THAT HAD TO BE RESOLVED WAS THE STATUS OF THE PRECIOUS METALS CERTIFICATES AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS. IF THE QUANTITY OF PRECIOUS METALS WAS SUFFICIENT TO MATCH THE QUANTITY IN THE CERTIFICATES OF THOSE WHO HAD PAID IN FULL, AND IF IT WAS DECIDED THAT THESE PRECIOUS METALS BELONG TO THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS, THE LATTER WOULD ONLY HAVE TO PROVE IN THE WINDING-UP FOR ANY SHORTFALL THAT MAY BE ATTRIBUTABLE TO STORAGE AND OTHER CHARGES, IF IT IS DECIDED THAT THE PRECIOUS r-ETALS DO NOT BELONG TO THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS THE PRECIOUS NETALS WOULD BE ASSETS OF THE COMPANY, AND THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS WOULD THEN HAVE TO PROVE IN THE WINDING-UP AS ORDINARY UNSECURED CREDITORS AND ACCEPT WHATEVER DIVIDEND IT WAS POSSIBLE EVENTUALLY TO DECLARE. THE POSITION OF CLIENTS OF THE COMPANY WHO HAD OPERATED PRECIOUS METALS ACCOUNTS ON MARGIN WAS EVEN MORE COMPLEX.
MR GLEESON WAS NOT PREPARED TO EXPRESS ANY VIEW ON EITHER THE FULLY PAID CERTIFICATES OR THE MARGIN CERTIFICATES AND SAID THAT THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS AND THE PRECIOUS PETALS WOULD REQUIRE A RULING OF THE COURT. THIS WOULD BE OBTAINED AS SOON AS PRACTICABLY POSSIBLE. IN THE MEANTIME CERTIFICATE HOLDERS SHOULD FILE PARTICULARS OF THEIR CERTIFICATES WITH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE SO THAT THE AMOUNT OF THEIR CERTIFICATE AND THEIR PERSONAL DETAILS COULD BE CHECKED AGAINST COMPANY RECORDS.
ANOTHER QUESTION TO BE RESOLVED WAS THE STATUS OF THE DEPOSITORS WHOSE RECEIPTS WERE ISSUED IN THE NAME OF DEAK AND CO. (MACAU) LTD. MR GLEESON SAID THAT BOTH THE CERTIFICATE HOLDERS AND THE DEPOSITORS WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO SEEK INDEPENDENT LEGAL ADVICE AND TAKE WHATEVER ACTION WAS NECESSARY TO PROTECT THEIR RESPECTIVE INTERESTS WITHOUT DELAY.
CERTAIN OF THE DEAK COMPANIES IN THE UNITED STATES HAD COMMENCED PROCEEDINGS IN NEW YORK UNDER CHAPTER 11 OF THE UNITED STATES BANKRUPTCY CODE. NEW YORK ATTORNEYS HAD BEEN INSTRUCTED AND TWO LAWYERS OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE WERE IN NEW YORK AT PRESENT TO ENSURE THAT THE INTERESTS OF DEAK-PERERA FAR EAST ARE PROTECTED AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
A FURTHER STATEMENT REGARDING THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY WOULD BE MADE AT A LATER DATE WHEN THE POSITION REGARDING ASSETS AND LIABILITIES HAD BECOME CLEARER AND VARIOUS LEGAL QUESTIONS HAD BEEN RESOLVED.
-----o------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1985
5
HK - A PLACE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES 4*4
HONG KONG REMAINED AND WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE OF TREMENDOUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR BUSINESS INITIATIVES BECAUSE OF ITS UNIQUE POSITION IN THE REGION AND ITS PROXIMITY TO CHINA, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR Op INDUSTRY, MR PAUL WONG SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A CONFERENCE IN SINGAPORE ON +BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES IN HONG KONG*. MR WONG SAID THAT HONG KONG OFFERED A STABLE GOVERNMENT AND CONSISTENT ECONOMIC POLICIES; AND A CENTRAL ~EOGRADHICAL LOCATION IN RELATION TO CHINA AND EAST ASIA.
THIS TOGETHER WITH THE ENDOWMENT OF THE EXCELLENT AVIATION AND PORT FACILITIES PROVIDED IT WITH A UNIQUE ADVANTAGE TO BE AN MPORTANT TRADING POST, MR WONG SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNTIL THE INITIALLING AND PUBLICATION OF -b. DRAFT SINO-BR ITISH AGREEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 26, 1984, HONG KONG’S -OLITICAL FUTURE HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH SPECULATION.
*THE AGREEMENT HAS NOW REMOVED THESE UNCERTAINTIES AND ■ ‘VE NOW A LONG-TERM POLITICAL CLIMATE FAVOURABLE TO THE MAKING OF INVESTMENT DECISION,* HE SAID.
+THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO DECIDE ON ITS OWN ECONOMIC, FINANCIAL AND TRADE POLICIES, AND TO 'ARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS AND TRADE AGREEMENTS JO! aS THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE.
+IN SHORT, THE AGREEMENT PROVIDES ADEQUATELY FOR A CONTINUATION > L FL IN HONG KONG AS WE KNOW IT, AND OF ALL THOSE FACTORS WHICH H»VE MADE HONG KONG A SUCCESS,* HE ADDED.
MR WONG ENVISAGED THAT HONG KONG WOULD NEED TO CONTINUE TO MOVE TOWARDS HIGHER TECHNOLOGY BASED, SKILL-INTENSIVE AND HIGH VALUE-ADDED INDUSTRIES IN FUTURE AND WOULD REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT FOR THIS.
ALTHOUGH OVERSEAS PRESENCE IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY WAS
ALREADY SUBSTANTIAL, THERE WAS ROOM FOR A LOT MORE, MR WONG SAID.
TO PROVIDE FOR THE NEEDS OF BOTH OVERSEAS AND LOCAL INVESTORS, THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAD ESTABLISHED THE +ONE-STOP+ UNIT STAFFEj BY SPECIALIST OFFICERS WITH AN INDUSTRIAL BACKGROUND.
THE ONE-STOP UNIT ASSISTED INVESTORS BY PROVIDING QUICK AND COM°'<EHENS I VE INFORMATION ABOUT HONG KONG FOR THEIR FEASIBILITY STU »ES; THE INTRODUCTION OF LOCAL INVESTORS TO THOSE FROM (1_ SEAS WHO WANT TO ESTABLISH MANUFACTURING OPERATIONS HERE IN . f VENTURES, SUB-CONTRACTING OR LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS;
AIDING AND FACILITATING INVESTORS DEALINGS WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MAKING INTRODUCTION TO BANKERS, LANDLORDS, BUILDING CONTRACTORS, MATERIAL SUPPLIERS.
/THS ONE-STOP .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
THE ONE-STOP UNIT, TOGETHER WITH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S FOUR OVERSEAS INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION OFFICES IN TOKYO, LONDON, STUTTGART AND SAN FRANCISCO, WOULD FACILITATE THE POTENTIAL INVESTORS IN MAKING AN INVESTMENT DECISION.
ON HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC RELATIONS WITH CHINA WHICH HAD A TREMENDOUS IMPACT ON TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, NR WONG BELIEVED THAT THE PROSPECT OF A SUSTAINED INCREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR HONG KONG WAS BRIGHT AND ENHANCED BY THE OPENING UP OF CHINA.
+WE HAVE A LONG HISTORY OF DOING BUSINESS WITH CHINA, AND AS A RESULT OF OUR ACCUMULATED EXPERIENCE WE ARE PERFECTLY PLACED 0 OFFER A UNIQUE SERVICE TO THOSE FROM ELSEWHERE WHO ARE
PEKING TO ESTABLISH CONTRACTS WITH CHINA FOR THE FIRST TIME.+
■? WONG SAID.
PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN NOVEMBER EXTERNAL TRADE
******
DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY FOUR PER CENT AND 27 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS IN NOVEMBER 1984 COMPARED -'•k NOVEMBER 1983, SO THAT TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT, CZRDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY EIGHT PER CENT MD IC PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN NOVEMBER 1984 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1933, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES WERE UP BY NINE PER CENT.
PRICES OF IMPORTS ROSE BY THREE PER CENT. AS A RESULT, THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (EXPRESSED AS A RATIO OF THE TOTAL EXPORT PRICE INDEX TO THE IMPORT PRICE INDEX) ROSE BY SIX PER CENT.
COMPARING THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF 1984 WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1983, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 19 PER CENT AND 33 : ER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TER S, WHILE IMPORTS GREW BY 15 PER CENT. OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, --EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT, 14 PER CENT AND 12 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
COMPARING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1984 WITH THE (WEuVE MONTHS ENDING NOVEMBER 1983, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXhORTS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT AND 29 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, GIVING A 22 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILL THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 15 PER CENT. PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 14 PER CENT, 15 PER CENT AND 13 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
/PRICES are .......
MONDAY, PSBaUAHY 4, 1985
- 7 -
PRICES ARE BASED ON UNIT VALUES WHICH DO NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OR QUALITY OF GOODS TRADED. CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF TRADE ARE DERIVED FROM CHANGES IN TRADE VALUES, AFTER DISCOUNTING THE EFFECT OF PRICE CHANGES.
(THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 1.)
AS SHOWN IN TABLE 1, THE EXPORT PRICES OF MOST OF THE COMMODITY T.Ol'PS INCREASED IN NOVEMBER 1984 COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1983, -lANGP’C FROM ONE PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES AND TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD TO 26 PER CENT FOR TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS •ND SIMILAR ARTICLES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN EXPORT PRICES WERE -GISTERED FOR METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-18 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-8 PER CENT) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-3 PER CENT).
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MANY COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING METAL ORES AND SCRAP ■ .-3 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (+40 PER CENT), DOMESTIC ■RICAL APPLIANCES (+16 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (+13 PER CENT) AND "'s OF ALL KINDS (+10 PER CENT). HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT DECREASES ’N DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-31 PER CENT), TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES (-30 PER CENT), TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (-15 PER CENT) AND ■EXT HF FABRICS (-10 PER CENT).
(THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY ENT JSF. CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.)
A PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST OF THE END-USE CATEGOP-ES INCREASED SLIGHTLY AS COMPARED WITH NOVEMBER 1983 PRICES, RANG’.FROM ONE PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS TO SIX PER CENT FOR RA* MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES. HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR FUELS (-7 PER CENT) AND FOODSTUFFS (-1 PER CENT).
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING WHEAT AND FLOUR; SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD; FRUIT; SWINE; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR TEA AND COFFEE, LIVE POULTRY, RICE AS WELL AS MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MAJOR CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING RADIOS, TELEVISION S’- GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS, PASSENGER v < CARS, ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, FOOTWEAR, CLOTHING AS WELL AS u. SHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT
->E WERE REGISTERED FOR MISCELLANEOUS MADE-UP ARTICLES OF TEXTILc MATERIALS AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES.
/THS IMPORT .......
MONDAY, FSBa’JAHY 4, 1985
8 -
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MOST OF THE RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR WOOD, LUMBER AND CORK} FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS, WATCH AND CLOCK MOVEMENTS, CASES AND PARTS; RA/ COTTON; WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; CLAY AND REFRACTORY CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS, BUILDING MATERIALS, ETC., EXCEPT GLASS; AS WELL AS MAN-MADE FIBRES. HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF CRUDE ANIMAL AND vegetable materials, chemical elements and compounds, yarn of wool -NY MIXTURES, COTTON YARN AND THREAD, SILK FABRICS AND MAN-MADE FIBRES DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
IMPORTS OF FUELS ROSE BY SEVEN PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL THE COMMODITIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, THE MORE REMARKABLE ONES BEING O' >CE MACHINES, TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY.
(THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 3.)
AS SHOWN IN TABLE 3, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST OF THE END-USE CATEGORIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY; RANGING FROM 18 PER CENT FOR CONSUMER GOODS TO 59 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FOODSTUFFS AND FUELS DROPPED BY 20 PER CENT AND PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE NOVEMBER 1984 ISSUE OF THF iHHMG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE SOON AT THE ■O' PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT HK$2 PER COPY.
TABLE 1 s CHANGES COMPARING NOVEMBER 1984 WITH NOVEMBER 1983 OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP
COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING + 12% ♦ 17% - 4%
TEXI ILE FABRICS - 1% + 10% - 10%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD - 30% ♦ 1% - 31%
TE> iLE MADE-UPS AND LATED ARTICLES 1 MS 1 GN IFICANT + 18% - 15%
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS + 14% + 3% + 10%
ELECTRON: COMPONENTS * 35% - 3% + 40%
FOOTWEAR + 17% * 4% + 13%
/METAL MANUFACTURES
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 9 -
METAL MANUFACTURES - 1% + 10% - 9%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP +144% - 18% +198%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS - 4% AND - 8% + 4%
SIMILAR ARTICLES - 11% + 26% - 30%
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES ♦ 17% + 1% + 16%
ALL COMMODITIES + 13% ♦ 8% + 4%
TABLE 2 i CHANGES COMPARING NOVEMBER 1984 WITH NOVEMBER 1983 OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
IMPORT IMPORT IMPORT
END- USE CATEGORY VALUE UNIT VALUE VOLUME
OODSTUFFS - 12% - 1% - 11%
CONSUMER GOODS SAW MATERIALS AND + 21% + 4% + 16%
■ -MANUFACTURES + 14% + 6% + 7%
FUE! S INSIGNIFICANT - 7% + 7%
CAP 1TAL GOODS + 46% + 1% + 44%
ALL COMMODITIES + 16% + 3% + 12%
TABLE 3 : CHANGES COMPARING NOVEMBER 1984 WITH NOVEMBER 1983 OF RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY
END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS - 17% + 4% - 20%
CONSUMER GOODS + 30% ♦ 10% + 18%
MATERIALS AND ' MI-MANUFACTURES + 45% + 9% + 33%
FUELS - 11% ♦ 3% - 13%
CAPITA! GOODS + 80% + 13% + 59%
ALL COMMODITIES + 39% + 10% + 27%
- o-
/1O .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
10
WORLD’S PRESS BOOST SEEN FOR HK TOURISM * * * K
HONG KONG WAS NOT A DESTINATION WHICH THE GLOBE TROTTER COULD CROSS OFF HIS LIST, SAYING + I’VE DONE THAT+.
t-HE MAY HAVE DONE IT ONCE, BUT ONCE IS NEVER ENOUGH WHERE HONG KONG IS CONCERNED,* THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, W PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY.
HONG KONG’S CONSTANT CHANGE AND ITS ENTRENCHED POSITION AS THE POINT OF ACCESS TO CHINA, THE SINGLE MOST FASCINATING -ST I NAT ION ON THE GLOBAL MAP, HAD SPECIAL APPEAL TO REPEAT VISITORS.
THE TOURIST TRADE WAS ALSO LIKELY TO INCREASE AS A DIRECT RESULT OF THE RECENT PROMINENCE THAT HONG KONG HAD ACHIEVED IN HE WORLD’S PRESS, HE SAID.
IN MS WELCOME ADDRESS TO THE 4TH INCENTIVE TRAVEL WORKSHOP C'aANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION THIS MORNING, ... —AG SAID MANY TOURISTS WHO LAST CALLED HERE A DECADE OR '“CRE AGO HAD BEEN ASTONISHED BY THE CHANGES IN HONG KONG.
+THE IMMEDIATE IMPRESSION CREATED BY THE EXTENSIVE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IS FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF MORE SUBTLE DISCOVERIES, WJ.-'-i AS THE SOPHISTICATION OF DRESS STYLE AND THE GREATER bEL-“ASSURANCE AND SELF-ASSERTION WITH WHICH PEOPLE CONDUCT THEMSELVES.
*’ <SE CHANGES IN TURN HAVE SUBTLY ALTERED THE WAY IN WHICH THE TYPiCAL HONG KONG RESIDENT RELATES TO THE VISITOR, AND HAVE CM«GED ALSO THE NATURE OF THE SERVICES THAT CATER TO THE TOURIST INDUSTRY.
♦LONG GONE, ^OR EXAMPLE, ARE THE DAYS OF THE 24-HOUR SUIT. THE OLD BARGAIN DISCOUNT STORES ARE GIVING WAY TO BOUTIQUES AND TO SHOPS SPECIALISING IN HIGH QUALITY MERCHANDISE BEARING THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE LABELS. AND THEIR TARGET CLIENTELE IS NO LONGER THE TOURIST BUT THE INCREASINGLY AFFLUENT HONG KONG RESIDENT,* MR TSAO SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HONG KONG’S DRAMATIC CHANGE HAD NOT BEEN ONLY IN TERMS OF VISIBLE MATERIAL AND SOCIAL PROGRESS, HE SAID.
+THE SHEER PACE AT WHICH WE LIVE HERE CAN LEAD THE UNWTTING TOURIST TO BELIEVE THAT WE HAVE NO TIME FOR THE FINER TO1 GS IN LIFE. WE HARDLY SEEM TO SPARE THE TIME OF DAY TO EXTEND <0 ■ACH OTHER THE COURTESY OF A PASSING GREETING. WE APPEAR TO TUNICATE IN SOME FORM OF ABBREVIATED CODE, AS THOUGH WE HAD SUBSTITUTED FOR LANGUAGE A KIND OF VERBAL SHORTHAND,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT +HONG KONG PEOPLE DO NOT TORN ON •' INSTANT SMILE OF WELCOME*.
/+WHEN WE........
aCNDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
11
♦WHEN WE SMILE WE MEAN IT,* HE SAID.
+AS WITH CERTAIN OTHER COASTAL DWELLERS EXPOSED TO STRONG TIDAL FORCES, WE HAVE DEVELOPED A TOUGH PROTECTIVE SHELL. wt ARE HARD AND COLD ON THE OUTSIDE BECAUSE WE ARE SOFT AND WARM ON THE INSIDE. NO MARKS FOR GUESSING THE RIDDLE CORRECTLY, BUT THE POINT I AM TRYING TO MAKE IS THAT FIRST APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEPTIVE.+
MR TSAO ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE ONLY CONSTANT IN HONG KONG WAS CHANGE ITSELF, *A PROCESS IN WHICH ALL OF US WHO LIVE FERE ARE CEASELESSLY ENGAGED IN ORDER TO REFINE AND IMPROVE WHAT WE ARE AND WHAT WE CAN ACHIEVE.*
♦HOWEVER, AS THE TOURIST ASSOCIATION JUNK REMINDS US, WE HmVE NOT FORGOTTEN OUR PAST. WITNESS, FOR EXAMPLE, THE TREMENDOUS ACTIVITY THAT IS TAKING PLACE IN THE LOCAL CULTURAL FIELD.
♦EVEN THOUGH IT MAY PROMPT A DESIRE TO TINKER AND TO ALTER HERE AND THERE, TO PRESENT OLD STYLES IN NEw FORMS, wE L ''ONOUR AND RESPECT OUR CULTURAL TRADITIONS. AND THIS DESIRE TO : VOLVE IS CONSISTENT WITH OUR SEARCH FOR PERFECTION IN OTHER FIELDS,* HE SAID.
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TRIAL PLAN TO REDUCE ROAD TRAFFIC SIGNS *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS TO LAUNCH TWO TRIAL PROGRAMMES TO PROVIDE MORE EFFECTIVE TRAFFIC SIGNS.
THE TRIALS WILL LOOK INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF REDUCING THE NUMBER OF SIGNS ON HONG KONG’S ROADS BY AVOIDING UNNECESSARY DUPLICATION, THE RELOCATION OF SOME SIGNS AND THE INCREASED USE OF ROAD MARKINGS.
THE PROGRAMMES ARE TO BE CARRIED OUT IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND EAST TSIM SHA TSUI.
THE CAUSEWAY BAY TRIAL AREA IS BOUNDED BY HENNESSY ROAD, YEE WO STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET.
THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI TRIAL AREA IS BOUNDED BY SALISBURY ROA;, CHATHAM ROAD, HONG CHONG ROAD, HONG TAT PATH AND CHEUNG WAN ROA .
A CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT MR PANG HO CHE EXPLAINED THAT THE CAUSEWAY BAY AREA WAS CHOSEN FOR THE TRIAL BECAUSE IT WAS A TYPICAL COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND RECREATIONAL CENTRE W! | A GREAT VARIETY OF PROHIBITORY, MANDATORY AND WARNING SIGNS.
/THS EAST.......
MONLAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 12 -
THE EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AREA, WITH RELATIVELY FEW ENTRY AND EXIT POINTS, WAS A TRANSPORT ENTITY IDEAL FOR THE EXPERIMENT ON SIGNS, MR PANG SAID.
THE TRIALS WILL ALSO BRING SIGNS IN THE TRIAL AREAS IN LINE WITH THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE. SIGNS WHICH ARE NO LONGER NECESSARY UNDER THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, SUCH AS THE +NO WAITING* AND THE ADVISORY +BOX JUNCTION* SIGN PLATES WILL BE REMOVED.
THE ADVISORY +BOX JUNCTION* MOTORISTS ARE NOW FULLY AWARE OF .UNCTION MARKINGS.
SIGN PLATES ARE UNNECESSARY AS THE MEANING OF THE YELLOW BOX
REMOVAL OF THE +NO WAITING* SIGNS, COULD PARK ON A ROAD, HE SAID.
DID NOT MEAN THAT ONE
PARK Ir i IS GENERALLY PROHIBITED ON ANY ROAD WITH STREET LIGHTING EXCEPT IN A DESIGNATED PLACE. HOWEVER, LOADING-UNLOADING OF GOODS AND PICKING UP-SETTING DOWN OF PASSENGERS MAY BE ■OIERALLY ALLOWED ON A ROAD PROVIDING THERE ARE NO STOPPING RESTRICTIONS IN FORCE.
OTHER REDUNDANT SIGNS, SUCH AS THE USE OF ARROW PLATES ON CLEARWAYS, WILL BE REMOVED UNLESS REQUIRED FOR CLARITY.
YELLOW HATCHED MARKINGS, INDICATING PARKING IS PROHIBITED, WILL BE USED ACROSS ENTRANCES ON STREETS WHERE PARKING PLACES HAVE BEEN DESIGNATED. THIS REMOVES THE NEED FOR SIGNS TO BE ERECTED ON EITHER SIDE OF THE GAPS.
UNDE? THE TRIAL PROGRAMMES, ONLY A MAJOR ROAD JUNCTION WILL BE MARKED WITH +GIVE WAY* (BROKEN PARALLEL) LINES, THE TRIANGULAR SYMBOL ROAD MARKING AND THE +GIVE WAY* (RED INVERTED TRIANGLE) SIGN. OTHER MINOR JUNCTIONS MAY SIMPLY BE MARKED WITH +GIVE WAY* LINES, OR, IF THEY HAPPEN TO BE JUNCTIONS OF SOME TRAFFIC IMPORTANCE, WITH THE TRIANGULAR SYMBOL ROAD MARKING AS WELL.
ANOTHER WAY TO REDUCE SOME OF THE STREET FURNITURE IS BY MULTIPLE SIGNING ON ONE POST, WHICH IS MADE POSSIBLE BY THE NEW ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE. WHERE APPROPRIATE, SIGNS NOW ERECTED (N SEPARATE POSTS AT THE SAME LOCATION WILL SHARE A COMMON POST, BUT CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT NOT TOO MANY SIGNS FACING THE SAME DIRECTION ARE MOUNTED ON THE SAME POLE. IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, LAMP POSTS WILL ALSO BE USED FOR FIXING SIGNS.
THE SIGN SCHEME WILL REDUCE THE NUMBER OF SIGNS IN THE AREAS. IN AUSEWAY BAY, THE NUMBER OF SIGN PLATES WILL DROP FROM MORE >HA . 670 TO JUST OVER 280, WHILE IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI, ONLY ABOUT ,3l OUT OF SOME 350 SIGNS WILL BE RETAINED.
AS A CONSEQUENCE, MR PANG SAID, SIGNS WOULD BECOME MORE CONSPIC’OUS.
/HE ADVISED ......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 13 -
HE ADVISED MOTORISTS ENTERING THE TRIAL AREAS TO WATCH OUT FOR THE ROAD MARKINGS WHICH MIGHT NO LONGER BE ACCOMPANIED BY SIGN PLATES.
PRELIMINARY WORK TO REMOVE THE REDUNDANT SIGNS IN EAST TSIM SHA TSUI AND CAUSEWAY BAY IS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT AND WILL BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
+THE TRIALS WILL BE MONITORED FOR THREE MONTHS. A REVIEW WILL THEN BE CONDUCTED, AND THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC AND OF THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WILL BE CONSIDERED BEFORE A DECISION IS MADE ON WHETHER TO EXTEND THE NEW SIGN PRACTICE TO OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY,* rtf PANG SAID.
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LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING TENDER APPROVED * * * * *
A LARGE BUILDING TENDER WORTH OVER $210 MILLION FOR FOUR MORE BLOCKS AT CHUK YUEN ESTATE TO HOUSE 15 000 PEOPLE HAS BEEN GIVEN THE GREEN LIGHT.
+CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL SOON BEGIN ON THE FOUR 35-STOREY 7.' :-'E|.;T BLOCKS UNDER THE FOURTH PHASE OF THE HOUSING PROJECT,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SAID TODAY.
HE SAID THE NEWLY APPROVED TENDER WOULD COVER BOTH THE CONSTRUCTION AND CAISSON FOUNDATIONS FOR THESE FOUR BLOCKS.
*0N COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1987, THE MODERN BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 3 264 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 15 000 PEOPLE.
+CHUK YUEN ESTATE IS BEING DEVELOPED IN FIVE PHASES, AND ON FULL COMPLETION WILL BECOME ONE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S LARGEST PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN KOWLOON.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST THREE BLOCKS WERE COMPLETED LAST YEAR AND WERE NOW HOUSING 10 000 PEOPLE.
+FOUR OTHER BLOCKS, PROVIDING HOMES FOR ANOTHER 14 000 PEOPLE, ARE BEING BUILT UNDER THE SECOND AND THIRD PHASES.
+CHUK YUEN ESTATE WILL BE FULLY DEVELOPED BY 1988 INTO A
SE .F-CONTA I NED ENTITY FOR ALTOGETHER 50 000 PEOPLE.*
THE TENDER FOR THE FOURTH PHASE WAS ACCEPTED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE AT ITS LAST MEETING.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1935
14
VISITOR CENTRE IS FIRST OF KIND
* * *
THE FIRST PURPOSE-BUILT VISITOR CENTRE OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRE WILL BE OPENED EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CONSERVATION AND COUNTRY PARKS) OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, MR JOHN WHOLEY SAID ONE OF THE OBJECTIVES WAS TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES AVAILABLE IN THE SAI KUNG COUNTRY PARK.
♦ IT IS ALSO HOPED THAT PEOPLE WHO HAVE VISITED THE CENTRE WILL BECOME MORE APPRECIATIVE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE RESOURCES AND THE NEED TO KEEP THE COUNTRY PARKS CLEAN AND GREEN.+ MR WHOLEY SAID DURING A PRESS REVIEW OF THE CENTRE TODAY (MONDAY).
THE 4OO-SQUARE-METRE CENTRE CONSISTS OF A RECEPTION HALL, AN EXHIBITION AREA AND AN AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM.
SUBJECTS COVERED BY THE DISPLAY INCLUDE THE HISTORICAL BACKGROUND AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA, LOCAL PLANTS AND ANIMALS, HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AS WELL AS OTHER COUNTRYSIDE EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS, ACCORDING TO MR WHOLEY.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT TWO SMALL COUNTRY PARK VISITOR CENTRES -ONE !N ABERDEEN AND ONE IN TAI MEI TUK. BOTH WERE CONVERTED FROM OLD OFFICE BUILDINGS.
------o-------
PUBLICITY DRIVE FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES
K X K
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES WILL BE HELD TO PUBLICISE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 AND TO URGE ELECTORS TO VOTE.
CHE HIGHLIGHT WOULD BE A LARGE-SCALE ELECTION FAIR ON MARCH 2 IN KO SHAN ROAD PARK, ACCORDING TO THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR GORDON JONES.
♦ THE 30 CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE 16 SEATS IN THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD WILL THEN SET UP SPECIAL BOOTHS TO PROMOTE THEMSELVES,+ HE SAID.
A SPECIAL VIDEO-TAPE ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD TOGETHER WITH PROMOTIONAL MESSAGES ON ALL THE CANDIDATES WIL- BE SHOWN AT THE DISPLAY WINDOW OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN TO KWA WAN EVERY DAY, MR JONES ADDED.
COLOURFUL POSTERS, LEAFLETS AND POSTCARDS DEPICTING THE DRAGON FAMILY SUPPORTING THE COMING ELECTIONS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO LOCAl RESIDENTS.
♦ AS THE ELECTION TIME APPROACHES, A PUBLICITY BUS WILL BE SENT AROUND THE DISTRICT TO REMIND OUR 108 000 REGISTERED ELECTORS TO VOTE FOR THE CANDIDATES OF THEIR CHOICE,* HE SAID.
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/15 .....
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
MEET-THE-MEDIA X * X
NOTE TO ED ITORSi
IN VIEW OF THE LARGE NUMBER OF REQUESTS TO INTERVIEW THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD, ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR HIM TO MEET REPRESENTATIVES NEXT TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 12).
THE MEET-THE-MEDIA SESSION WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM.
YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND.
- 0 -
MAKING KNOWN VOCATIONAL TRAINING * * X
A SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR FORM THREE LEAVERS WILL BE ORGANISED FOR CAREERS MASTERS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY) AT 46 TAI YIP STREET. KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX FROM 9.30 AM TO 12.30 PM.
SEMINAR PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE INVITED TO TOUR THE KOWLOON BAY TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX TO LEARN ABOUT THE FACILITIES AND COURSES OFFERED BY INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE SECOND COMPLEX IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IN KWAI CHUNG, THE SEVEN INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES UNDER THE COUNCIL WILL PROVIDE A VARIETY OF ONE-YEAR AS WELL AS SIX-MONTH FULL-TIME CRAFT TRAINING PLACES FOR 1 300 FORM THREE LEAVERS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID.
THE SEVEN CENTRES TRAIN PERSONNEL AT VARIOUS LEVELS OF SKILL FOR THE AUTOMOBILE, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, METAL-WORKING, PLASTICS, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
+CURRENT FORM THREE STUDENTS MAY APPLY IN MARCH FOR THESE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING COURSES THROUGH THE JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL EDUCATION ASSESSMENT ALLOCATION SYSTEM.
+INFORMATION ON THESE COURSES AND CAREER PROSPECTS WILL BE EXPLAINED IN DETAILS IN THE SEMINAR,+ HE ADDED.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SEMINAR SECRETARY MR N. WONG ON 5-8932341 EXT. 254 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
/16
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 16 -
CH I NESE-STYLE SQUARE FOR KWUN TONG X * «
KWUN TONG IS TO GET AN ATTRACTIVE PUBLIC SQUARE SIMILAR TO STATUE SQUARE IN CENTRAL.
COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 5 000 SQUARE METRES, THE SITE IS CENTRALLY LOCATED AT THE BUSY KWUN TONG FERRY CONCOURSE AND IS EXPECTED TO PROVIDE A POPULAR RETREAT FOR BOTH LOCAL RESIDENTS AND WORKERS IN NEARBY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS.
THE PROJECT, COSTING SOME $3 MILLION, WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CH INESE-STYLE PAVILION, ARBOURS, PARK BENCHES AND WATER FEATURES IN THE FORM OF CASCADE AND POND.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS DUE TO START IN OCTOBER AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
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ARTS FESTIVAL FOR YUEN LONG X X * X
WELL KNOWN LOCAL AND FOREIGN ORCHESTRAS, OPERA GROUPS, BALLET AND DANCE TROUPES, SINGERS AND CHILDREN’S CHOIRS WILL PERFORM FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS DURING AN 18-DAY ARTS FESTIVAL BEGINNING ON FEBRUARY 28.
THE FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL FEATURE A WIDE RANGE OF ENTERTAINMENT AND CULTURAL EVENTS.
DETAILS OF THE FESTIVAL WILL BE ANNOUNCED BY THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR TAI KUEN, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11.30 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, 13TH FLOOR, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT NO. 2, KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 10 AM SHARP FOR YUEN LONG.
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/17 .....
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 17 -
TENDERS INVITED TO OPERATE LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS XXX
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM AND THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WILL EACH BE GIVEN A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT STARTING FROM MAY 1, 1985. THE CURRENT MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE MONG KOK STADIUM KIOSK IS $10 080 AND THAT FOR THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND KIOSK IS $2 700.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE AT THE KOWLOON WEST REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, 148 SAI YEE STREET, AND THE DEPARTMENT’S KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICES IN TUNG YAN STREET.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE AND PLACED BY HAND IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEPTION COUNTER, 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, BEFORE 9 A.M. ON MARCH 1 IN RESPECT OF THE KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND KIOSK AND BEFORE 9 A.M. ON MARCH 8 IN RESPECT OF THE MONG KOK STADIUM KIOSK.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
-----o-----
MAINTENANCE WORK REQUIRED
* 4 #
TENDERS ARE BEING SOUGHT FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF SOME 10 000 METAL LITTER CONTAINERS IN USE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT TENDER FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SECTION OF THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON.
TENDERS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED BY 12 NOON ON MARCH 1.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM NTSD HEADQUARTERS OR BY CALLING 3-678715.
--------o - -
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 1985
- 13 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE IN SHA TIN X X X
TWO NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC LANES OF TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD OUTSIDE JAT MIN CHUEN IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 6) FOR ABOUT 12 DAYS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS.
AS TRAFFIC DELAYS ARE EXPECTED, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO EXERCISE UTMOST CARE AND PATIENCE WHEN USING THE ROAD.
0
WATER STORAGE X * X
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.8 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 403. 541 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 501.309 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 85.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----o------
TALK ON +AIDS+ * * *
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES (HEALTH SERVICES AND PLANNING), DR S.H. LEE, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 3 PM TODAY (MONDAY) ON THE 13TH FLOOR OF SUNNING PLAZA, 10 HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, TO TALK ABOUT +AIDS+ - ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO TO DEBATE 'BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)' TITLE ......... 1
COUNCIL ACCEPTS OFFER TO DISCUSS FINANCES ................... 1
SHARP RISE IN ACTIONS AGAINST COMPANIES ..................... 2
POLICE PLAN NEW TRAINING SCHEMES ............................ 4
ELECTION CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS ........................... 4
DB CANDIDATES TO MEET PUBLIC ................................ 5
+MEET PUBLIC+ SERVICE EXTENDED............................... 6
KUK HELPS NEW TOW GROWTH .................................... 7
WOMEN' S GROUP MORE ACTIVE................................... 8
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ................................. 9
UN AGENCY CHIEF VISITS ROYAL OBSERVATORY .................... 9
CHINESE GROUP VISITS SHA TIN ................................ 10
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX EXPLAINED........................ 10
THREEFOLD RISE OF EDP STUDENTS PLANNED ...................... 11
FREE CONCERTS IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH YEAR....................... 12
SEAWALL TO BE BUILT ......................................... 13
MORS TOLL BOOTHS FOR TUNNEL ................................. 13
URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHkU KEI WAN .............................. 13
TUEN MUN ROAD MORNING CLOSURE................................ 14
RESTRICTED ZONE IN FANNING................................... 14
TAPS OFF IN TAI PO .......................................... 15
TENDERS INVITED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK ....................... 15
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
1 -
LEGCO TO DEBATE ’BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)’ TITLE ******
FOUR UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS ON +THE PROPOSED TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)+ IN AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
EARLIER, UNOFFICIALS WILL BE ASKING 13 QUESTIONS DEALING WITH VARIOUS MATTERS, INCLUDING ELECTION LEGISLATION FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE TAC WORKING GROUP’S REPORT ON CMB MAINTENANCE, VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, AND CHILDREN HELD BACK FROM SCHOOL.
OTHER MATTERS WILL INCLUDE A MOTION BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ON AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING ORDERS OF "FE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO FACILITATE PUBLIC SITTINGS, AND A STATEMENT BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ON CHANGES TO THE APPROVED ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE TWO NEW BILLS — THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (CUSTOMS OFFICERS) BILL 1985, AND THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984, THE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, AND THE MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) BILL 1984, PRIOR TO COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING.
------q--------
COUNCIL ACCEPTS OFFER TO DISCUSS FINANCES * * * *
THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY DECIDED THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD IMMEDIATELY ACCEPT AN OFFER BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO TAKE PART IN A ^OINT WORKING PARTY WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON THE COUNCIL’S FUTURE FINANCIAL SITUATION.
THESE NEGOTIATIONS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT FROM THE COUNCIL’S SIDE BY REPRESENTATIVES OF BOTH APPOINTED AND ELECTED MEMBERS.
♦A JOINT MEETING OF THE COUNCIL’S FINANCE AND
AD INISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEES IS TO BE HELD SHORTLY TO
K! OMMEND WHAT APPROACH THE COUNCIL SHOULD TAKE IN ITS < ;OTIATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN
TODAY.
+A1 THE SAME TIME THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS PREPAF NG A DETAILED REPORT ON THE COUNCIL’S LIKELY FINANCIAL SITUATION IN THE COMING YEARS.
ATHE JOINT .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
2
♦THE JOINT MEETING OF THE TWO COMMITTEES WILL REPORT BACK TO THE STANDING COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL THEN DECIDE ON THE NEXT STEP IN THE COUNCIL’S APPROACH TO THE GOVERNMENT. +
AT TODAY’S MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE IT WAS STRESSED THAT THE KEY TO THE COUNCIL’S NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO SEEK AMENDMENTS TO THE 12-YEAR-OLD hEMORANDUM OF ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS WHERE CHANGES ARE SEEN AS NECESSARY.
COUNCILLORS NOW BELIEVED THAT THE MAA MUST BE ALTERED AND AMENDED TO KEEP IN STEP WITH THE MANY CHANGES THAT HAVE TAKEN PLACE IN HONG KONG SINCE THE MAA WENT INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1, 1973, FROM WHICH TIME THE COUNCIL WAS GIVEN FINANCIAL AUTONOMY.
THE COUNCIL’S SPOKESMAN REPEATED THE ASSURANCE GIVEN RECENTLY BY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, THAT THE COUNCIL WILL NOT BE ASKING FOR ANY INCREASE IN ITS SHARE OF THE RATE FOR THE COM I KG 1935/86 FINANCIAL YEAR.
-------o ---------
SHARP RISE IN ACTIONS AGAINST COMPANIES K * * *
THERE WAS A SHARP RISE IN THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS BROUGHT BY THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES LAST YEAR AGAINST COMPANIES AND THEIR DIRECTORS FOR BREACHES OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, MAINLY FOR FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS WITH ACCOUNTS.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL MR NOEL GLEESON, REPORTING THIS IN A GENERAL REVIEW OF THE COMPANIES REGISTRY’S WORK FOR THE YEAR, SAID TODAY THAT 441 SUMMONSES WERE ISSUED IN 1984, COMPARED WITH 17 DURING 1983.
OF THESE, 142 RESULTED IN CONVICTIONS COMPARED WITH 11 IN 1983, AND 239 REMAINED TO BE HEARD BY THE COURTS, AGAINST SIX IN 1983.
SIXTY SUMMONSES WERE WITHDRAWN.
FINES IMPOSED CAME TO $114 250, AGAINST $16 000 IN 1983.
MR GLEESON SAID THAT IN THE CASE OF PUBLIC LISTED COMPANIES, FAILURE TO FILE ANNUAL RETURNS IN THE COMPANIES REGISTRY WAS REGARDED AS BEING PARTICULARLY SERLD'JS. HE EXPRESSED THE VIEW WAT SOME OF THE PENALTIES PRESCRIBED UNDER THE ORDINANCE, IN PARTICULAR UNDER SECTION 122, FOR FAILURE TO LAY THE PROFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNTS BEFORE THE COMPANY IN GENERAL MEETING, WERE TOO LOW TO SER . . AS A DETERRENT UNLESS THE MAXIMUM FINE OR A PRISON SENTENCE WAS IMPOSED. +THIS WOULD BE RARE.+ HE ADDED.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH MANY INCREASES IN MAXIMUM FINES HAD ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED BY THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1984, THE PRESENT LEVEL OF ALL PENALTIES UNDER THE ORDINANCE WAS AGAIN UNDER REVIEW AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT THE MATTER WOULD BE PLACED BEFORE THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON COMPANY LAW REFORM LATER IN THE YEAR.
MR GLEESON EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT THAT THE MEDIA, PARTICULARLY FINANCIAL COMMENTATORS, HAD NOT SHOWN MORE INTEREST IN THE PROSECUTIONS THAT HAD BEEN TAKEN.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS A PITY BECAUSE FAILURE OF A PUBLIC LISTED COMPANY TO LAY ITS ACCOUNTS BEFORE THE COMPANY IN GENERAL MEETING AND FILE ITS ANNUAL RETURNS WAS FREQUENTLY +A RED LIGHT THAT WAS OF DIRECT INTEREST TO AND SHOULD NOT EE OVERLOOKED BY COMMENTATORS, FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND INVESTORS AL IKE.+
MR GLEESON SAID THAT THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES, HOWEVER, TOOK THE MATTER MORE SERIOUSLY, AS WAS SHOWN BY THEIR INCREASING TENDENCY TO DEFEND SUCH PROSECUTIONS IN THE COURTS.
+IN MY VIEW, PUBLICITY IS A GREATER DETERRENT THAN MOST OF THE FINES THAT ARE NOW AVAILABLE UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
REPORTING INCREASED ACTIVITY IN SOME AREAS AND DECREASED ACTIVITY IN OTHERS, MR GLEESON SAID THAT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF COMPANIES REGISTERED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT FROM 118 680 TO 130 712. THE NUMBER OF NEW COMPANIES REGISTERED DURING THE YEAR INCREASED BY 16 PER CENT, FROM 11 558 TO 13 434.
AS FOR FOREIGN COMPANIES, THE TOTAL NUMBER OPERATING IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF THE YEAR WAS 2 005, SEVEN PER CENT MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE OF 1 872.
HOWEVER, DURING THE YEAR, 215 NEW FOREIGN COMPANIES WERE REGISTERED, BUT THIS FIGURE WAS 16 PER CENT LESS THAN THE NUMBER FOR 1983.
EXISTING COMPANIES INCREASED THEIR NOMINAL CAPITAL BY $13 141 MILLION, A TWO PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 1983 FIGURE CF $12 928 MILLION, WHILE THE NOMINAL CAPITAL OF NEW COMPANIES INCORPORATED DURING THE YEAR DECREASED BY SIX PER CENT, FROM $3 469 MILLION TO $3 277 MILLION.
MR GLEESON REPORTED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT SECURED BY CHARGES REGISTERED ON THE ASSETS OF COMPANIES DECREASED BY 41 PER CENT FROM $51 921 MILLION TO $30 495 MILLION, WHILE THE AMOUNT REPAID ON CHARGES, AS EVIDENCED BY CERTIFICATES OF SATISFACTION INCREASED BY 55 PER CENT FROM $9 356 MILLION TO $14 513 MILLION.
DURING THE YEAR, HE SAID, A TOTAL OF 90 PROSPECTUSES OF b£W PUBLIC COMPANIES, INCLUDING 50 IN RESPECT OF MUTUAL FUNDS, WERE APPROVED AS AGAINST 35 PROSPECTUSES, INCLUDING 11 IN RESPECT CF MUTUAL FUNDS, DURING THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
- 0 ----------
/4........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
4
POLICE PLAN NEW TRAINING SCHEMES * * *
A SERIES OF TRAINING AND RETRAINING PROGRAMME IS BEING DEVELOPED TO MAINTAIN THE HIGH DEGREE OF PROFESSIONALISM OF MARINE POLICE CFF ICERS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY, SAID THIS TODAY (TUESDAY) AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THREE POLICE LAUNCHES IN JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG.
POLICE LAUNCHES 70, 71 AND 72 -- KING LAI, KING YEE AND KING LIM — ARE THE FIRST OF THE 15 DAMEN POLICE PATROL CRAFT TO BE BROUGH"’’ INTO SERVICE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AT A COST OF $8.2 MILLION EACH.
’’THESE LAUNCHES FEATURE IN NO SMALL WAY IN OUR DETERMINATION TO UPDATE THE POLICE FLEET AND IT WILL HOPEFULLY NOT BE LONG BEFORE THE ANTIQUATED WORKING CONDITIONS TO WHICH SOME OFFICERS HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED ARE A THING OF THE PAST,” MR HENRY SAID.
’’THEY ARE EQUIPPED WITH MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED TECHNOLOGY WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH MODERN DAY NEEDS.”
HE ADDED THAT NEW TECHNOLOGY REQUIRED CONSTANT TRAINING AND PRACTICE IN THE USE OF IT.
PRAISING THE MARINE REGION FOR ITS TREMENDOUS PROGRESS IN THE PAST DECADE, MR HENRY SAID THE OFFICERS MAY ALL JUSTIFIABLY FEEL PROUD OF THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS.
HE WAS CONVINCED THAT THE THREE NEW LAUNCHES WILL ALSO FEATURE PROMINENTLY IN THE ANNALS AND SUCCESSES OF THE MARINE REGION.
------o-------
ELECTION CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS * * * *
ELECTION CANDIDATES FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS WILL BE MEETING THE PRESS AT DIFFERENT TIMES TOMORROW AND ON THURSDAY.
CANDIDATES IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE MEDIA AT TWO PRESS CONFERENCES, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 7).
THE 17 CANDIDATES IN YAU MA TEI DISTRICT WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 11 AM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF HOP FAT COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 490 NATHAN ROAD.
/THE 22 .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
- 5 -
THE 22 CANDIDATES IN MONG KOK WILL HOLD THEIR PRESS CONFERENCE AT 11 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 7) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF TUNG PING BUILDING AT 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
AND, CANDIDATES IN TAI PO AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS WILL MEET THE PRESS ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 7) TO INTRODUCE THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE 12 CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE FIVE SINGLE SEATS IN SAI KUNG WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 10.30 AM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 2ND FLOOR OF THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT CFFICES BUILDING IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
THE 17 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE SEVEN SEATS IN TAI PO DISTRICT WILL HOLD THEIR +MEET THE PRESS+ SESSION AT 2.30 PM IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE TAI PO COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 152-172 KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
u
DB CANDIDATES TO MEET PUBLIC
*****
SIX FORUMS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 8 AND 28 TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES CONTESTING SEATS ON THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD IN THE ELECTION ON MARCH 7.
THE FORUMS WILL PROVIDE CANDIDATES WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
ORIGINALLY 42 CANDIDATES WERE CONTESTING THE 18 ELECTED SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS. HOWEVER, AS THREE SEATS - ONE IN SHAU KEI WAN HILLSIDE AND TWO IN QUARRY BAY SOUTH - ARE NOW UNCONTESTED, ONLY J) CANDIDATES ARE COMPETING FOR THE REMAINING 15 SEATS.
THE DATES, TIMES AND VENUES OF THE OPEN FORUMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:-
DATE/TIME
CONSTITUENCIES
VENUES
FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 8) 7.30 PM
NORTH POINT WEST
SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9) 2.30 PM
NORTH POINT EAST
ASSEMBLY HALL OF NORTH POINT ESTATE (NEAR THE WEST wlNG OF NORTH POINT FERRY PIER)
MANSION STREET YOUTH CENTRE (NEAR MODEL ESTATE, ENTRANCE AT MODEL LANE)
/THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 14)
■TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
6
THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 14) 7.30 PM
SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 16)
2.30 PM
WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27) 7.30 PM
CHAI WAN NORTH, SOUTH AND WEST
CAUSEWAY BAY SOUTH AND CAUSEWAY BAY NORTH
A KUNG NGAM AND SAI WAN HO
CHAI WAN COMMUNITY . CENTRE, 230, CHAI WAN ROAD
CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL, 30, FORTRESS HILL ROAD
THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 28) 7.30 PM
QUARRY BAY NORTH
HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB HIDE TJO YOENG PRIMARY SCHOOL, 61, SAI WAN HO STREET
SCHOOL HALL OF ST JOHN’S COEDUCATIONAL COLLEGE, TAI KOO SHING, QUARRY BAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS?
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE FORUMS.
------o-------
♦MEET PUBLIC* SERVICE EXTENDED
* * X X
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD WILL EXTEND ITS +MEET-THE-PUBLIC+ SERVICE BY INTRODUCING EVENING SESSIONS EVERY MONDAY FROM FEBRUARY 11.
THE EVENING SESSIONS WILL RUN FOR TWO HOURS FROM 6.30 PM. AT PRESENT, THE SERVICE IS MAINTAINED BETWEEN 2.30 PM AND 4.30 PM EVERY MONDAY.
DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR KEVIN HO, SAID EXTRA SESSIONS WERE BEING PROVIDED SO THAT RESIDENTS WHO RETURNED FROM WORK IN THE EVENINGS COULD MEET DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO EXPRESS VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS ON LOCAL MATTERS.
FROM THIS MONTH, MR HO SAID, THE SESSION WOULD BE HELD IN THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, SECOND FLOOR, SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG TOWN.
/previously the ......
TUESDAY, FSBHUA.iY 5, 19&2
PREVIOUSLY THE SESSIONS WERE HELD ALTERNATIVELY IN THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT, THE HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE RENNIE’S MILL SERVICE CENTRE.
MR HO SAID THE DIFFERENT VENUES AND DATES COULD BE CONFUSING TO RESIDENTS.
RESIDENTS WHO WANT TO ATTEND ANY SESSIONS SHOULD MAKE AN APPOINTMENT BY TELEPHONING MR ROBERT LAI AT 3-2813087.
-----0------
KUK HELPS NEW TOWN GROWTH * * * *
NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD DEVELOPED WITHOUT SERIOUS CONFLICT, THANKS TO THE EFFORTS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND RURAL COMMITTEES, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING.
ADDRESSING A DINNER RECEPTION GIVEN BY THE KUK IN HIS HONOUR, W? AKERS-JONES SAID HE HAD KNOWN THE KUK FOR 25 YEARS, MORE THAN ONE QUARTER OF THE WHOLE LIFE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEARLY HALF THE LIFE OF THE KUK.
IN THE 25 YEARS, MR AKERS-JONES SAID, THE NT HAD GONE THROUGH GREAT CHANGE FROM A RURAL AND AGRICULTURAL AREA TO A PLACE OF MANY GREAT NEW TOWNS.
+AND THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED WITHOUT SERIOUS CONFLICT AS A RESULT OF THE WAY HEUNG YEE KUK AND RURAL COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SIT DOWN AND WORK TOGETHER WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE POLICIES AND PLANS FOR THE AREA.
+0F COURSE THERE HAVE BEEN MOMENTS OF HARD BARGAINING BUT THE RESULTS ARE THERE FOR ALL TO SEE. THEY NEVER FAIL TO AMAZE OUR MANY VISITORS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES FACED WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS,-HE SAID.
DEVELOPMENT HAD NOT STOPPED, MR AKERS-JONES SAID, AND BY THE END OF THIS CENTURY MOST OF THE FLAT LANDS OF THE NT WOULD HAVE BEEN URBANISED.
+WE HAVE A CONTINUING RESPONSIBILITY TO SEE THAT THIS IS ACHIEVED IN HARMONY AND THAT THE RESULTS ARE HARMONIOUS,* HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES POINTED OUT THAT THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE RENEWAL OF THE NT LAND LEASES FOR A FURTHER 50 YEARS AFTER 1997, AND THE SPECIAL POSITION OF RURAl LAND HOLDINGS HAD BEEN RECOGNISED.
+WE CAN GO ON BUILDING IN CONFIDENCE AND INVESTORS AND PURCHASERS OF PROPERTY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL KNOW THAT THEIR INVESTMENTS ARE PROTECTED AND SECURE,* HE ADDED.
------0 ------
/t ........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
8
WOMEN’S GROUP MORE ACTIVE
*****
THE YIN NGAI SOCIETY MOVEMENT, A WOMEN’S ORGANISATION, WAS GATHERING MOMENTUM AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AND PRIDE HAD EMERGED SINCE ITS ESTABLISHMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MP DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY.
♦ THIS YEAR, THE ORGANISATION WILL MOVE INTO A NEW PHASE WITH THE FORMATION OF A CENTRAL COUNCIL TO CO-ORDINATE ACTIVITIES FOR ALL YIN NGAI SOCIETIES AND TO FACILITATE COMMUNICATION WITH OTHER WOMEN’S ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE PO LEUNG KUK DIRECTORS’ LUNCHEON MEETING, 14? AKERS-JONES SAID: + THE STRENGTH OF THE YIN NGAI, WHICH SYMBOL ISEo TRADITIONAL VIRTUE, DETERMINATION AND DRIVE, LIES AMONG THE PEOPLE AND ITS DOWN-TO-EARTH APPROACH IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR MANY THOUSANDS OF HOUSEWIVES.
♦SINCE THE INAUGURATION OF THE FIRST YIN NGAI IN 1981, THE NUMBER HAS INCREASED TO A TOTAL OF 24 WITH A MEMBERSHIP OF MORE THAN 3 OOO, AND MORE SOCIETIES ARE IN THE PIPELINE,* MR AKERS-JONES SAID.
HE SAID THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG HAD CHANGED CONSPICUOUSLY OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS, AS SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT CONTINUED TO BE IMPROVED.
+WE HAVE COMPRESSED DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAVE TAKEN MANY TENS CF YEARS TO MATURE IN OTHER COUNTRIES INTO A DECADE IN HONG KONG,* FE SAID.
♦THE INTRODUCTION OF PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN IN 1971 WAS AN IMPORTANT MILESTONE IN THE PROCESS OF THE CHANGING ROLE OF WOMEN IN HONG KONG, BECAUSE, FROM THEN ON, EVERY GIRL WENT TO SCHOOL.
+EVERY GIRL HAS A SECONDARY EDUCATION AND MANY AFTER COMPLETING THEIR YEARS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS GO ON TO OUR TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS, AND OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF 9 800 STUDYING FOR A FIRST DEGREE AT OUR UNIVERSITIES, 3 500 ARE GIRLS,* HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID THAT EVEN THE ROLE OF HOUSEWIVES HAD CHANGED OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS, AS MODERN LIVING, WITH ITS MANY NEW DEVICES AND FACILITIES, HAD BECOME A COMMON FEATURE OF MOST FAMILIES BRINGING ABOUT A PROFOUND EFFECT ON FAMILY LIFE.
+THERE ARE 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE IN HONG KONG OVER THE AGE OF 20 WITH A LIFE EXPECTANCY OF 78, LONGER THAN MANY COUNTRIES IN THE WESTERN WORLD,* HE SAID.
+DIET, HEALTH-CARE, AN INCREASING INTEREST IN PHYSICAL FITNESS AND RECREATION HAVE NOT ONLY GIVEN AN ADDED ZEST TO LIFE BUT HAVE INCREASED THE HOPE OF LIVING A LONG LIFE,* HE ADDED.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 4, TO";
Q J
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS X * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO. 282 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS THREE STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING WAS GENERALLY CONSTRUCTED WITH TIMBER FLOORS AND TIMBER PITCHED ROOF ON LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS.
HE SAID RECENT INSPECTIONS HAD FOUND THE LOAD-BEARING WALLS DEFECTIVE WITH FRACTURES OCCURRING IN MANY PLACES, THE MOST SIGNIFICANT ONES SHOWING MOVEMENT OF THE BUILDING BEING THE FRESH DIAGONAL CRACKS ON THE VERANDAH WALL ADJOINING NO. 280 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST ON FIRST AMD SECOND FLOORS, AND THE OPEN JOINT ON THE WALLS SEPARATING NO. 282 FROM 284 QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AT THE REAR.
A NUMBER OF STRUCTURAL TIMBERS WERE DECAYED AND DEFECTIVE. THE AGE, THE OVERALL POOR CONDITION OF THE BUILDING AND ITS APPARENT RECENT MOVEMENT OF THE VERANDAH HAD LED TO THE CONCLUSION THAT THERE WAS A RISK OF A COLLAPSE. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 5, WAS POSTED TODAY.
- - 0
UN AGENCY CHIEF VISITS ROYAL OBSERVATORY K K K
CO-ORDINATION OF INTERNATIONAL EFFORTS IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO IMPROVE TYPHOON WARNING SERVICES WAS AMONG THE MATTERS DISCUSSED YESTERDAY (MONDAY) BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, PATRICK SHAM, AND THE VISITING SECRETARY-GENERAL OF THE «ORLD FETEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION, DR G.O.P. OBASI, AND THE wMO REGIONAL DIRECTOR FOR ASIA AND THE SOUTHWEST PACIFIC, MR K. RAJENDRAN.
DURING THE VISIT, DR OBASI SAW THE TECHNICAL FACILITIES AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS, AND EXPRESSED GREAT INTEREST IN THE LOCAL STATION NETWORKS SUPPLYING UP-TO-THE-MINUTE DATA TO THE CENTRAL FORECASTING OFFICE AND THE IN-HOUSE TRAINING PROGRAMME CF THE OBSERVATORY.
DR OBASI ALSO MET PROFESSOR TAO SHIYAN AND PROFESSOR DING YI.UA, EMINENT METEOROLOGISTS FRO'1 >,E INSTITUTE OF ATMOSPHERIC SICS, ACADEMIA SINICA, WHO ARE CURRENTLY CONDUCTING A TOE-TONT1 LECTURE SERIES ON HEAvY RAIN AND TROFIC-L CYCLON" FOP FHE STAFF OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
/DR OBASI
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
DR OBAS I AND MR RAJENDRAM ARE ON THEIR WAY TO CHINA.
HONG KONG HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE WMO, A SPECIALISED AGENCY OF THE UNITED NATIONS, SINCE 1°48. IT HAS, THROUGH THE YEARS, ACTIVELY TAKEN PART IN VARIOUS WMO PROGRAMMES ON AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGY, MARINE METEOROLOGY, HYDROMETEOROLOGY AND CLIMATOLOGY, AS WELL AS IN THE RELATED AREAS OF TELECOMMUNICATION, TYPHOON WARNING SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION RESEARCH.
- U -
CHINESE GROUP VISITS SHA TIN * * * *
SIXTY MEMBERS OF VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS FROM 14 CHINESE COASTAL CITIES TODAY (TUESDAY) VISITED SHA TIN NEW TOWN TO SEE DEVELOPMENT^ THERE.
THEY ARE IN HONG KONG ON A TRAINING COURSE ON FOREIGN ECONOMIC AND TRADE MATTERS.
ON ARRIVAL FIRST AT THE LION PAVILION FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN, THEY WERE MET BY THE ACTING PROJECT MANAGER OF SHA TIN, MR KEITH AUSTIN, AND WERE BRIEFED ON THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA.
AFTERWARDS, THEY WERE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF FO TAN INDUSTRIAL AREA AND SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE, TO SEE THE INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS THERE.
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX EXPLAINED * * *
A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ENTITLED, ^INTRODUCING THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION+ APPEARS IN THE NOVEMBER 1984 ISSUE CF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, NOW ON SALE.
THE ARTICLE DESCRIBES THE CONCEPTUAL BACKGROUND OF THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG, THE METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION, THE PRINCIPLES OF INDEX COMPUTATION, AND THE MAJOR FEA'URES OF THE DATA FROM THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1982 TO THE SEC,ND QUARTER OF 1984.
SINCE 1977, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN PUBLISHING QUARTERLY INDEXES OF TEXTILE PRODUCTION, COVERING ONLY THE SPINM^MG AND WEAVING INDUSTRIES BASED ON THE QUARTERLY TEXTILE PRODUCTION SURVEY. A REPORT ON TEXTILE PRODUCTION STATISTICS IS ISSUED QUARTERLY.
:u3sda
IN 1332, A NEw QUARTERLY SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION aAS ■ I’iATED a I TH THE PURPOSE OF PRODUCING AN INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE WHOLE MANUFACTURING SECTOR. THIS QUARTE--INDEX IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE AN INDICATOR OF CURRENT OUTPUT LEVELS AND TRENDS IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
THE INDEX SUPPLEMENTS STATISTICS OBTAINED FROM THE ANNUAL SURVEY OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, WHICH ARE MORE DETAILED AND SUPPLY INFORMATION ON COST STRUCTURES AND OPERATING CHARACTERISTICS CF INDUSTRIES IN ADDITION TO THEIR OUTPUT LEVELS.
THE ARTICLE IS INTENDED TO SERVE AS AN INTRODUCTION TO READERS WHO MAY THEN REFER TO THE INDEX PERIODICALLY.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FURTHER METHODOLOGICAL DETAILS OF INTEREST TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY BEEN REFERRING TO THE REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION.
THE NOVEMBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS ON SALE AT $25 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE. IT IS ALSO OBTAINABLE FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
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THREEFOLD RISE OF EDP STUDENTS PLANNED * * * *
FULL-TIME PROVISIONS FOR THE TRAINING OF ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING PERSONNEL WILL BE INCREASED BY NEARLY THREEFOLD TO MEET DEMAND.
THE NUMBER OF PLACES FOR STUDENTS RECEIVING EDP TRAINING IN SIX FULL-TIME EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS WILL BE INCREASED TO 3 630 IN THE 1988-89 ACADEMIC YEAR FROM 1 300 IN 1983-84, ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS OF THE FIRST SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING OF THE VOCATIONAL TRA NING COUNCIL IN 1383.
THE SIX FULL-TIME EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ARE TrtE CHINESE UNIVERSITY, CHU HAI COLLEGE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND LINGNAN COLLEGE.
THE SURVEY ALSO ESTIMATED THAT THE NUMBER OF GRADUATES aOULD INCREASE IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FROM 343 IN 1983-84 TO -- 535, 52 \ 81 . , 1 384 AND 1 170.
♦BASED ON THIS PROJECTED ACADEMIC DEVELOPMENT ■’l.AN .'F THE FULL-TIME EDP EDUCATION INSTIT TONS, THE COMMITTEE IS OF ThE OPINION THAT BY 1989 THE SUPPL < )F TRAINED r.DP GRADUATES a I.L E-ASE_ THE MANPOWER SHORTAGE IN THIS FIELD,+ A SPOKESMAN F THE S • I T ।.’E SAID.
/a SSPa.KaT.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
12
A SEPARATE MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE EDP PROFESS IO IN 1983, HAS FORECAST THAT THE DEMAND FOR THE EDP PERSONNEL IN 1989 <OULD BE ABOUT 1 200.
THE SURVEY ALSO REVEALED THAT THERE WERE SOME 35 000 PART-TIME STUDENTS ATTENDING BASIC ELEMENTARY AND POST-QUALIFICATION COMPUTI. TRAINING COURSES OFFERED BY POST-SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, COMPUTER SUPPLIERS AND OTHER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES.
ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THESE STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN BASIC ELEMENTARY TRAINING ONLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦ THE COMMITTEE ALSO FEELS THAT THERE IS A LACK OF SYSTEMATIC APPROACH TO THE PROVISION OF COURSES FOR POST-QUALIFICATION TRAINING,+ HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE RECOMMENDED A SYLLABUS FOR THE A-LEVEL PAPER IN COMPUTING STUDIES SET BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATION AUTHORITY AND CURRICULA FOR PRE-ENTRY AND POST-ENTRY COURSES TO BE ADOPTED BY EDUCATIONAL AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS.
THE REPORT ON THE 1983 SURVEY OF ESTABLISHMENTS OFFERING TRAINING IN ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING IS NOW ON SALE AT GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $19.50 A COPY.
-----Q------
FREE CONCERTS IN SUPPORT OF YOUTH YEAR
X * *
THE HONG KONG YOUTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA (A) WILL PRESENT TWO FREE CONCERTS IN SUPPORT OF THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE FIRST CONCERT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE PROGRAMMES OF THE 7TH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 13 AT 8 PM IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
CONDUCTED BY MR MIRAN KOJIAN OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE VIVALDI’S CONCERTO FOR TWO VIOLINS, STRING ORCHESTRA AND CEMBALO IN C MINOR, OP. 21 NO. 25 THE NUTCRACKER SUITE, OP. 71 BY TCHAIKOVSKY; TCHEREPNIN’S FANFARE FOR BRASS ENSEMBLE AND PERCUSSION; AND HINDEMITH’S SYMPHONIC METAMORPHOSES OF THEME BY CARL MARIA VON WEBER.
THE SECOND CONCERT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE AN" THE FESTIVAL FRINGE, WILL BE HELD AT 8 PM IN THE ACADEMIC C MUNITY HALL ON FEBRUARY 16.
ADMISSION TO BOTH CONCERTS IS FREE. COUPONS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL MUSIC CENTRES OF THE MUSIC OFFICE. COUPONS FOR THE CONCERT IN TSUEN WAN ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL. OR ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CALL 0-428127.
THE ORCHESTRA IS TRAINED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
0
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 19J5
- 13 -
SEAWALL TO BE BUILT *****
A 400-METRE SEAWALL WILL BE BUILT AND ABOUT 13.5 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED WILL BE RECLAIMED AT SIU CHAI WAN BAY, EAST CF CHAI WAN.
A CONTRACT FOR THE $22 MILLION PROJECT WAS AWARDED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL. PURPOSES AND FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
THE PROJECT FORMS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SIU CHAI WAN.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START LATER THIS MONTH AND TAKE ABOUT 24 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MORE TOLL BOOTHS FOR TUNNEL * * * *
WORK HAS STARTED ON BUILDING THREE MORE TOLL BOOTHS AT THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
ONE OF THE NEW BOOTHS, SERVING NEW TERRITORIES-BOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE COMPLETED BY ABOUT THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR, AND THE OTHER TWO, SERVING KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC, BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
AS AN INTERIM MEASURE, A TEMPORARY BOOTH FOR KOWLOON-BOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE PUT UP BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
IN ADDITION, +EXACT TOLL* BOOTHS WILL BE INTRODUCED.
URBAN CLEARWAY IN SHAU KEI WAN XXX
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAV (FEBRUARY R), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF FACTORY STREET IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS:
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LAN' FROM ALDRICH STREET TO EIGHT METRES WEST Or T I ' A< STREET.
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE BETWEEN TAI TAK STREET AND ALDRICH STREET.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, NO VEHICLES OTHER T-AN FRANCHISE'-BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 A-AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
- 14 -
TUEN MUN ROAD MORNING CLOSURE
* * * *
THE YUEN LONG BOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD BETWEEN ROAD D8 AND ROAD DO ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.33 AM AND 3.30 AM ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 8 AND 9) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING CLOSURE, GENERAL TRAFFIC AND KMB ROUTES 68 AND 68M HEADING FOR YUEN LONG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD D8, TUEN MUN HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, ROAD D2N, ROAD D9 AND PROCEED ONTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD (SAN HUI SECTION) FOR THE REST OF THE JOURNEY.
FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11) TO WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13), THE KOWLOON BOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD, BETWEEN PUI TO ROAD AND SIU LAM INTERCHANGE, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 10.30 PM AND 5 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING.
DURING THE CLOSURE, GENERAL TRAFFIC HEADING FOR TSUEN WAN CR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED TO USE CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
KMB ROUTES 57M, 59A, 59M, 59S, 60, 60M, 66, 66M, 67M, 68 AND 68M WILL BE DIVERTED TO OPERATE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
------0-------
RESTRICTED ZONE IN FANLING
* * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 8), ROAD D5 BETWEEN ROAD L2 AND FAN LENG WAI IN FANLING WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONE.
THE RESTRICTED ZONE WILL BE IN FORCE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, DRIVERS OF ALL 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.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 1985
- 15 -
TAPS OFF IN TAI PO
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TAI PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 8 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 8) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AREA ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM WONG YI AU TO TA I PO KAU WILL BE AFFECTED INCLUDING WONG Yl AU, MEI WOON SAN TSUEN, YIN TSZ LANE, TAI PO KAU, TAI PO KAU SAN WAI, LOOKOUT LANE, ST. CHRISTOPHER’S HOME AND STRAFFORD HOUSE.
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TENDERS INVITED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK
*****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR KIOSK AT HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND
THE OPERATION OF A REFRESHMENT IN KWAI CHUNG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WOULD BE GIVEN A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT STARTING APRIL 1.
TENDER FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, 9TH FLOOR, KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG, AND MUST BE RETURNED BY 9 AM ON MARCH 1.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE KWAI CHUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR BY TELEPHONE 0-209204.
THE HING FONG ROAD PLAYGROUND IS A MULTI-PURPOSE RECREATION AND AMENITY VENUE. FACILITIES AT THE PLAYGROUND INCLUDE TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A LANDSCAPED GARDEN.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
. . LSSUED.BY .GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
CONTENTS
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL fl
IMDII
'ING:
SIR PHILIP.STRESSES. UK PLEDGE ON BN(0) PASSPORTS....... 1 'APPROPRIATE.STATUS.FOR BDTCS IMPORTANT' ............... 5 BN(0) PASSPORT; CLARIFICATION NEEDED.................... 6 'RIGHT OF ABODE SHQULP.BE STATED' .. 8 ETHNIC. MINORITIES. CONCERN RAISED ............. 9 CONSULTATIONS. HELD. ON ELECTIONS .. 10 PUBLIC. MEETINGS. ?-ONLY RIGjITt- — SIR PHILIP . 12 WELFARE POLICY FOR ELDERLY SET OUT ............. 13 SCHOOL PLACE DECREASE EXPLAINED .... 14 MOST PARENTS .HEED .SCHOOLING .ADVICE........... 15 AMENDMENTS TO. MAKE TAX HOLDOVERS BILL MORE FLEXIBLE.... 15 CIVIL SERVANTS .SIMILARLY LIABLE TO TAX......... 18 SUPPLEMENTARY .PROVISION FOR .THIRD QUARTER..... 19 SCHOOL BURGLARIES. DECLINE.......... 20 CLEARER. DEFINITION SOUGHT FOR HOTEL MONET CHANGERS..... 21 APPEAL CHANNEL. FOR. TAXPAYERS URGED ........... 22 NO MORE PLANS FOR CONTROL .............................. 24
/BILL TO .......
BILL TO REDRESS OMISSION ................................... 25
LAUNDRY-POLE DRYING 'REASONABLY SAFE' ...................... 25
RIVER POLLUTION CAUSED BY LACK OF FLUSHING FLOW............. 26
DENTAL COUNCIL TO PONDER ELIGIBILITY QUESTION .............. 2?
,t ■' . -j - •: •
STATEMENT ON CMB MAINTENANCE EXPECTED ...................... 27
12 OOO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HK ........................... 28
24 590 OVERSEAS DOMESTICS .................................. 28
THREE BILLS PaSSED ......................................... 28
HK BILL DEBATE FACILITY FOR PRESS .............................. 2?
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SCHOOL IN MUI JO .............................. 29
+HARD WORK IS THE KEY+ . M...................................... 29
DB MEETING TO DISCUSS. DEVELOPMENT PLAN ........................ 31
RAPPS ON THE LOOKOUT. FOR PICKPOCKETS........................... 31
FIRSTORKS POSTERS SNAPPED UP ................................... 33
- 9 * • • • ' * * • • - *.
BLITZ ON FIRE HAZARDS IN FaCTORY BUILDINGS ..................... 34
ART GALLERY IN TAI KOK TSUI.PR0?Q8®>............................ 34
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE.CLOSER GROUP TIES ........................... 35
SSVAGE PUMPING STATION TO BE BUILT AT TSING YI ................. 35
SOCCER FIELD FOR TAI PO . .................................... 36
SHA TIN SITE .FOR SHORT TERM TENANCY............................ 36
THEN MUN WATER WORKS ........................................... 37
TRAFFIC CHANGE ................................................. 37
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
1
SIR PHILIP STRESSES UK PLEDGE ON BN(O) PASSPORTS *****
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD UNDERTAKEN PUBLICLY AND REPEATEDLY THAT IT WOULD MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO EXPLAIN THE ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING THE ISSUE AND USE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS TO THIRD COUNTRIES, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.
ROUNDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS), SIR PHILIP SAID HE HAD SENSED A GENERAL ACCEPTANCE BY MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OF THE BN(O) TITLE, BUT NOTED THAT THIS SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE WAS NOT WHOLLY UNQUALIFIED.
HE THEN REPLIED TO VARIOUS POINTS OF CONCERN EXPRESSED BY UNOFFICIALS IN THE DEBATE AND STRESSED THAT THE NATIONALITY PROVISIONS INCLUDED IN THE HONG KONG BILL WERE IN THE FORM OF ENABLING PROVISIONS.
HE ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE DRAFT ORDER-IN-COUNCIL WOULD BE PUBLICISED IN HONG KONG ONCE IT WAS INTRODUCED INTO PARLIAMENT, SO THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG COULD SEE THE DETAILED ARRANGEMENT THAT WOULD BE MADE AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THEM IF THEY WISHED.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR PHILIP’S SPEECH:
+l HAVE LISTENED WITH GREAT CARE AND INTEREST TO THIS DEBATE. I NOTE MR ANDREW SO’S EXPRESSION OF SUPPORT FOR THE BROAD PRINCIPLES OF THE NATIONALITY PROVISIONS IN THE HONG KONG BILL WHICH IS UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT.
UNDERSTAND THAT THIS REFLECTS THE GENERAL SUPPORT FROM UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
+l ALSO SENSE A GENERAL ACCEPTANCE BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL CF THE TITLE ’BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS)’ PROPOSED FOR THE NEW STATUS WHICH IS TO BE ACQUIRED BY BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS CONNECTED WITH HONG KONG AND THEN RETAINED BY THEM AFTER 1997, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION.
♦BUT I NOTE THAT THIS SUPPORT AND ACCEPTANCE IS NOT WHOLLY UNQUALIFIED. A CENTRAL THEME WHICH HAS EMERGED FROM THIS DEBATE IS THAT EVERYTHING POSSIBLE SHOULD BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT THE FUTURE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS ARE ACCEPTED BY THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES OF THIRD COUNTRIES, TO AN EXTENT WHICH WOULD PROVIDE THEIR HOLDERS WITH AT LEAST THE SAME DEGREE OF FREEDOM OF ENTRY AS THEY ENJOY AT PRESENT. IN THIS CONNECTION, MIS' SELINA CHOW HAS EMPHASISED THE NEED FOR IT TO BE MADE ABSOLUTELY CLEAR IN BN(O) PASSPORTS THAT THEIR HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
/+! FULLY........
WEDNESDAY, FEBHUAKY 6, 1985
2
+l FULLY APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ATTACH TO THE FREEDOM OF TRAVEL, AND I KNOW THAT IT IS AN ESSENTIAL INGREDIENT FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PROSPERITY. I ALSO UNDERSTAND THAT, FOR ANY TRAVEL DOCUMENT TO BE ACCEPTABLE IN THIRD COUNTRIES, IT MUST STATE CLEARLY WHERE THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE, SO THAT HE CAN BE RETURNED THERE IF NECESSARY. NORMALLY THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN A VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD AFFAIR. BUT THE FUTURE BN(O) PASSPORT WILL BE A UNIQUE DOCUMENT. ON THE ONE HAND, IT WILL BE A BRITISH PASSPORT ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. ON THE OTHER HAND, BECAUSE HONG KONG WILL CEASE TO EE A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORY AS FROM 1 JULY 1997, IT WILL NOT EE FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO STATE WHO HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER THAT DATE.
♦BUT A SOLUTION (OR, AT LEAST, THE FRAMEWORK FOR A SOLUTION) ALREADY EXISTS IN SECTION XIV OF ANNEX I TO THE SINO-BR1TISH JOINT DECLARATION. THIS CLEARLY STIPULATES (AND I QUOTE) -
’HOLDERS OF PERMANENT IDENTITY CARDS OF THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION MAY HAVE THIS FACT STATED IN THEIR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS AS EVIDENCE THAT THE HOLDERS HAVE THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION.’
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WILL BE DISCUSSING WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES THE WORDING OF THE STATEMENT TO BE INCLUDED IN BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORTS. IN DOING SO, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S AIM WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL NEED MAKE USE ONLY OF HIS PASSPORT, WITHOUT HAVING TO PRODUCE HIS I DENT ITY.CARD AT THE SAME TIME, TO SATISFY IMMIGRATION OFFICIALS OF THIRD COUNTRIES THAT HE HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAVE UNDERTAKEN PUBLICLY AND REPEATEDLY THAT THEY WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO EXPLAIN THE ARRANGEMENTS REGARDING THE ISSUE AND USE OF BN(O) PASSPORTS TO THIRD COUNTRIES. THIS WILL BE DONE AFTER THE ORDER-IN-COUNCIL ON NATIONALITY, WHICH IS FORESHADOWED IN THE HONG KONG BILL, HAS BEEN MADE AND BEFORE THE FIRST BN(O) PASSPORT IS ISSUED. AND THE AIM WILL BE TO ENSURE THAT FUTURE BN(O) PASSPORTS ARE TAKEN TO BE THE EQUIVALENT OF EXISTING BDTC PASSPORTS FOR THE PURPOSES OF VISA ABOLITION ARRANGEMENTS. GIVEN THAT THERE WILL BE A CLEAR INDICATION AS REGARDS RIGHT OF ABODE, THERE OUGHT TO BE NO REASON FOR THIRD COUNTRIES TO TREAT BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS DIFFERENTLY FROM EXISTING BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS (WHO ARE, OF COURSE, THE SAME PEOPLE).
/+MRS CHOW .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRDAKY 6, 1985
3 -
+MRS CHOW HAS COMMENTED ON THE TIMING OF THE INTRODUCTION OF. THE BN(O) PASSPORT. NO DECISION HAS YET BEEN TAKEN ON THIS. THE ONLY REQUIREMENT IS THAT, UNDER THE TERMS OF THE UK MEMORANDUM ASSOCIATED WITH THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION, BN(O) PASSPORTS MUST BE ISSUED BY 30 JUNE 1997 EXCEPT FOR PRACTICAL REASONS, IN RESPECT OF CHILDREN BORN IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1997. BUT, SO LONG AS THE BN(O) PASSPORT IS UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED IN THIRD COUNTRIES -AND I HAVE REFERRED TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT'S COMMITMENT TO MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO SECURE THIS - THERE WOULD SEEM TO BE ADVANTAGE IN INTRODUCING IT EARLIER RATHER THAN LATER TO THOSE WHO WISH TO USE IT. AT THE SAME TIME, GIVEN THAT BDTC STATUS WILL BE RETAINED UP TO 30 JUNE 1997, IT WILL OBVIOUSLY BE POSSIBLE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO CONTINUE TO TRAVEL ON BDTC PASSPORTS UNTIL THAT DATE TO DO SO. DETAILED ARRANGEMENTS HAVE, HOWEVER, YET TO BE WORKED OUT.
+MRS CHOW HAS ALSO COMMENTED, AND SO TOO HAS MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, ON THE SYSTEM OF ENTRY CERTIFICATES FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM. I MUST EMPHASISE THAT ENTRY CERTIFICATES ARE NOT VISAS FOR THE SIMPLE REASON THAT A HOLDER OF A BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZEN PASSPORT DOES NOT REQUIRE SUCH AN AUTHORITY TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM, EVEN THOUGH HE IS SUBJECT IMMIGRATION CONTROL. ENTRY CERTIFICATES FOR SINGLE OR MULTIPLE ENTRY ARE DESIGNED SOLELY TO FACILITATE IMMIGRATION CLEARANCE AT UNITED KINGDOM PORTS OF ENTRY, AND BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS WHO CHOOSE NOT TO OBTAIN SUCH ENTRY CERTIFICATES ARE NOT THEREBY DEBARRED FROM ENTRY. IM OTHER WORDS, THEIR USE IS ENTIRELY OPTIONAL. AND THERE IS NO QUESTION CF BDTC PASSPORT-HOLDERS TRAVELLING TO THE UK BEING REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THEM.
♦WHILE STILL ON PASSPORTS AND ASSOCIATED ISSUES, PERHAPS I COULD COMMENT ON SEVERAL POINTS OF DETAIL WHICH MR CHEUNG HAS RAISED.
♦THE FIRST CONCERNS THE VALIDITY OF BN(O) PASSPORTS. BRITISH PASSPORTS OF ALL KINDS ARE NORMALLY ISSUED WITH A VALIDITY OF TEN YEARS. I WOULD EXPECT THE SAME TO APPLY TO FUTURE BN(O) PASSPORTS.
♦THE SECOND POINT OF DETAIL CONCERNS WHETHER THE RULES REGARDING REGISTRATION OVERSEAS OF BRITISH NATIONALS APPLY ALSO TO BN(O)S. I BELIEVE MR CHEUNG WAS REFERRING TO THE ADVISORY NOTE WHICH APPEARS ON THE INSIDE BACK COVER OF ALL BRITISH PASSPORTS WHICH READS (AND I QUOTE):
'BRITISH NATIONALS RESIDENT OVERSEAS WHO ARE ENTITLED TO THE PROTECTION OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AUTHORITIES SHOULD CONTACT TOE NEAREST BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION, EMBASSY OR CONSULATE TO ENQUIRE ABOUT ANY ARRANGEMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF THEIR NAMES AND ADDRESSES. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY IN AN EMERGENCY RESULT IN DIFFICULTY OR DELAY IN ACCORDING THEM ASSISTANCE AND PROTECTION.'
TOIS ADVICE WILL APPLY TO BN(O)S WHEN THEY ARE IN THIRD COUNTRIES AND, EXCEPT FOR THOSE WHO ARE CHINESE NATIONALS, ALSO IN THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR.
/♦FINALLY, MH........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
4
+FINALLY, MR CHEUNG ASKED WHETHER NOTE 7 IN CURRENT BDTC PASSPORTS WILL APPLY TO BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS. THE NOTE IN QUESTION, WHICH MR CHEUNG HAS QUOTED, STATES THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S POSITION IN DEALING WITH BRITISH NATIONALS WHO ARE ALSO NATIONALS CF ANOTHER COUNTRY. THIS POSITION, WHICH IS CONSISTENT WITH ACCEPTED INTERNATIONAL PRACTICE, APPLIES TO ALL BRITISH NATIONALS, INCLUDING THOSE WHO BECOME BN(O)S IN FUTURE. AS REGARDS THE OBLIGATIONS WHICH AN INDIVIDUAL OWES TO HIS COUNTRY, THIS IS A MATTER FOR EACH COUNTRY TO DECIDE AND STIPULATE. SUCH OBLIGATIONS WOULD NORMALLY INCLUDE RESPECT FOR THE COUNTRY’S CONSTITUTION OR ADHERENCE TO ITS LAWS, PAYMENT OF ITS TAXES, AND SO FORTH.
+l COME NOW TO THE POSITION OF THOSE WHOM MR CHEUNG AND NR CARL TONG HAVE DESCRIBED AS THE ETHNIC MINORITIES IN HONG KONG. I FULLY ENDORSE MR TONG’S OBSERVATION THAT HONG KONG HAS BEEN WELL SERVED BY ITS MINORITIES AND, IN SO MANY WAYS, HONG KONG’S SUCCESS HAS DERIVED FROM ITS COSMOPOLITAN DIMENSION.
+OF COURSE, MANY OF THOSE WHO ARE LIVING AND WORKING IN HONG KONG AND WHO ARE NOT CHINESE BY RACE ALREADY HAVE THE NATIONALITY CF THEIR COUNTRY OF ORIGIN AND, IN ANY CASE, THE POSITION OF THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE BRITISH NATIONALITY IS NOT FOR THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO DETERMINE. SOME, HOWEVER, ARE HONG KONG BDTCS, AND HONG KONG DBTCS ALONE, AND IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THEY WILL NOT HAVE CHINESE NATIONALITY AUTOMATICALLY WHEN SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG IS RETURNED TO CHINA. THE POSITION OF THESE BDTCS IS THAT, IN THE SAME WAY AS ALL OTHER BDTCS WHO HAVE DERIVED THEIR STATUS FROM THEIR CONNECTION WITH HONG KONG, THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO ACQUIRE THE STATUS OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS). THOSE OF THEM WHO FAIL TO DO SO, FOR EXAMPLE BY MISTAKE OR ACCIDENT, AND WHO AS A RESULT BECOME STATELESS, WILL ACQUIRE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP. THE SECRETARY OF STATE, SIR GEOFFREY HOWE, HAS STATED CLEARLY IN PARLIAMENT THAT THE CHILDREN BORN AFTER 30 JUNE 1997 TO SUCH NON-CHINESE BN(O)S OR BOCS WILL ACQUIRE BIRITSH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP AUTOMATICALLY AT BIRTH IF THEY WOULD OTHERWISE BE STATELESS. THERE SHOULD, THEREFORE, BE NO QUESTION OF STATELESSNESS AMONG THOSE WHO ARE HONG KONG BDTCS ON 30 JUNE 1997, OR AMONG THE CHILDREN BORN TO THEM AFTER THAT DATE.
+1 APPRECIATE, HOWEVER, THAT WHILST THE FIRST GENERATION BORN AFTER 30 JUNE 1997 TO FORMER HONG KONG BDTCS OF NON-CHINESE RACE WOULD THUS BE TAKEN CARE OF, THERE IS CONCERN ABOUT POTENTIAL STATELESSNESS AMONGST SUBSEQUENT GENERATIONS. IT IS A LONG STANDING VIEW OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT THAT IT IS NOT APPROPRIATE, AS A GENERAL PRINCIPLE, TO GRANT BRITISH NATIONALITY INDEFINITELY AND WITHOUT RESTRICTIONS TO THE DESCENDANTS OF BRITISH NATIONALS. HOWEVER, I WOULD NOT WISH TO GIVE THE IMPRESSION THAT THE CONCERN EXPRESSED ABOUT THIS MATTER IS NOT FULLY UNDERSTOOD. SO THE PROBLEMS OF SUBSEQUENT GENERATIONS AND POTENTIAL STATELESSNESS ARE BEING EXAMINED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT IN CONSULTATION wITH OURSELVES.
/+IN CONCLUSION.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
5
THE IN THE INCLUDED
+IN CONCLUSION, SIR, LET ME MAKE ONE FURTHER POINT. NATIONALITY PROVISIONS INCLUDED IN THE HONG KONG BILL ARE FORM OF ENABLING PROVISIONS. DETAILED PROVISIONS WILL BE IN AN ORDER-IN-COUNCIL TO BE MADE AT A LATER STAGE. THE MINISTER OF STATE, MR RICHARD LUCE, HAS INDICATED THAT A DRAFT OF THIS ORDER-IN-COUNCIL WILL BE PRESENTED TO PARLIAMENT WITHIN A YEAR CF THE PASSAGE OF THE HONG KONG BILL AND THAT IT WILL BE FULLY DEBATED IN PARLIAMENT BEFORE IT BECOMES LAW. I CAN ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT THE DRAFT ORDER-IN-COUNCIL WILL BE
“ “ IS INTRODUCED INTO PARLIAMENT,
PUBLICISED IN HONG KONG ONCE IT SO THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL BE MADE, THEY WISH.+
CAN SEE FOR THEMSELVES THE DETAILED AND GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THEM IF
- 0
’APPROPRIATE STATUS FOR BDTCS IMPORTANT’ *****
IT WAS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE THAT BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS (BDTCS) WOULD RETAIN AN APPROPRIATE STATUS WHICH ENTITLED THEM TO CONTINUE TO USE PASSPORTS ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1997, THE HON ANDREW SO SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE AJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS), MR SO SAID THE INTRODUCTION OF THE HONG KONG BILL AND THE DEBATE IN PARLIAMENT INDICATED THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS EARNEST IN IMPLEMENTING THE AGREEMENT AND FULFILLING HER COMMITMENT IN THE MEMORANDUM SO THAT ALL THOSE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHO ON JULY 1, 1997 WOULD CEASE TO BE BDTCS WOULD BE ELIGIBLE TO RETAIN AN APPROPRIATE STATUS.
+THIS IS OF UTMOST IMPORTANCE AND CAN BE REGARDED AS THE TOUCHSTONE FOR ALL THE COMMITMENTS IN THE AGREEMENT,+ HE SAID.
+IT IS NOT ONLY A MATTER OF CONCERN FOR OVER THREE MILLION BDTCS IN HONG KONG, BUT ALSO SOMETHING ON WHICH ALL THE FIVE MILLION-ODD PEOPLE OF HONG KONG SHOULD FOCUS THEIR ATTENTION,* HE ADDED.
UNFORTUNATELY, NOT TOO MANY PEOPLE HAD EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE ISSUE AND PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS. THEY INTENDED TO THINK THAT THE DUST HAD SETTLED AND BELIEVED IN THE THEORY OF FATE, HE SAID.
WHILE POSITION AND FAME MIGHT SOUND TRIVIAL, THE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT WAS HIGHLY SIGNIFICANT.
WHEN THE ’NAME’ WAS NOT RIGHT, ’MOVEMENT’ WOULD NOT BE TOO SMOOTH.
/+ONE OF .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
6
♦ONE OF THE REASONS WHY WE TREASURE BEING HONG KONG PEOPLE IS THAT WE CAN TRAVEL FREELY TO OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD ON BUSINESS OR FOR STUDY,+ HE SAID.
+FOR IF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE NOT GIVEN AN EFFECTIVE PASSPORT BE IT ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT, THE COMPETENT AUTHORITIES OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC 0. CHINA OR THE author ITIFS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FIGHT THAT IS TO FACE THE CHALLENGE BROUGHT BY THE AGREEMENT, WKH'lS TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PROSPERITY AND STABILITY.
+ON1 Y WITH PROSPERITY CAN HONG KONG BE VALUABLE AND CAN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS HELD BY THE HONG KONG PEOPLE SERVE A PRACTICAL
PURPOSE,* HE SAID.
MR SO SAID HE REGRETTED THAT THERE WAS NO OFFICIAL CHINESE VERSION FOR THE PROPOSED TITLE.
--------o----------
BN(O) PASSPORT: CLARIFICATION NEEDED * * * *
IT WAS NOT THE NAME, BN(O), WHICH MATTERED BUT THE CONTENT AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROPOSED PASSPORT, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HONG KONG PEOPLE, HE SAID, WANTED TO KNOW HOW VALID THE BN(O) PASSPORT WOULD BE AS A TRAVEL DOCUMENT TO THIRD COUNTRIES. THEY ALSO WANTED TO KNOW + IN CONCRETE TERMS* HOW BRITAIN WOULD ENSURE ITS RECOGNITION.
HONG KONG PEOPLE, HE BELIEVED, +CERTAINLY HAD GOOD REASON TO BE SKEPTICAL*.
+FOR EVEN NOW BDTC PASSPORT HOLDERS ARE ADVISED TO APPLY FOR ENTRY VISAS TO THE UK.
+HOW THEN CAN THIRD COUNTRIES POSSIBLY BE EXPECTED TO HONOUR THE BN(O), WHEN THE UK HERSELF IMPOSES CONDITIONAL TERMS OF ENTRY ON THOSE SHE CHOOSES TO NAME BRITISH DEPENDENT TERRITORIES CITIZENS WHO HAPPEN TO LIVE IN THE BRITISH TERRITORY OF HONG KONG?* HE ASKED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT BDTC PASSPORTS, NEVERTHELESS, DID ENSURE THEIR HOLDERS +THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG* AND THIS LINE APPEARED IN CURRENT PASSPORTS.
+BUT WE ARE GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND THE RIGHT OF ABODE MAY NOT BE STATED IN BN(O) PASSPORTS. IN THEORY, WOULD THIS NOT MAKE THE HOLDERS STATELESS?* HE QUERIED.
MR CHEUNG ALSO RAISED THE POSSIBILITY OF THE HOLDER ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULTIES WITH IMMIGRATION OFFICERS, ESPECIALLY IN THIRD COUNTRIES, BECAUSE THERE WERE NO APPARENT ANSWERS TO THE POTENTIAL QUESTIONS OF REPATRIATION AND DEPORTATION.
/IT WAS .......
WffiWESDAY, FJEHUARY 6, 1985
7
IT WAS NECESSARY FOR THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO DEAL WITH THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM AND +WORK OUT A SUITABLE BUT IRREVOCABLE ARRANGEMENT* BEFORE THE FORMAT OF THE NEW BN(O) PASSPORT WAS SETTLED, HE SAID.
THIS IMMIGRATION DILEMMA, HE SAID, COULD AFFECT IN PARTICULAR ETHNIC MINORITIES IN HONG KONG WHO WERE NEITHER CHINESE NOR BRITISH, +BUT VICTIMS STILL OF THE BDTC - BN(O) SYNDROME.*
+IF NOT TO HONG KONG WHERE DO THEY BELONG AFTER GENERATIONS CF LIVING HERE?* HE SAID.
MR CHEUNG LISTED +MANY GRAY AND WORRYING* AREAS WHICH HE SAID THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITIES HAD TO CLARIFY* IN NO UNCERTAIN TERMS*:
* IT IS SAID THAT BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS WILL HAVE TO CARRY THEIR HONG KONG SAR IDENTITY CARDS AS PROOF OF THEIR RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG. BUT SINCE THE BN(O) WILL BE A UK-ISSUED DOCUMENT, AND THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD NOT SO, WHAT PROVISIONS WILL BE MADE TO ENSURE THAT THIRD COUNTRIES WILL ACCEPT THE IDENTITY CARD IN ITS OWN RIGHT AS PROOF POSITIVE? AND WHOSE RESPONSIBILITY WILL IT BE TO ENSURE THAT THE BN(O) PASSPORT AND THE SAR IDENTITY CARD WILL BE ACCEPTED IN THIRD COUNTRIES AS COMPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTS?
* BDTC PASSPORTS ARE VALID FOR TEN YEARS UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED. WHAT WILL BE THE VALIDITY OF THE BN(O) PASSPORT?
* WILL THE SAME RULES THAT APPLY NOW TO REGISTRATION OVERSEAS OF BRITISH NATIONALS APPLY ALSO TO BN(O)S?
* IN CURRENT BDTC PASSPORTS, NOTE 7 ON DUAL NATIONALITY STATES THAT +BRITISH NATIONALS WHO ARE ALSO NATIONALS OF ANOTHER COUNTRY CANNOT BE PROTECTED BY HER MAJESTY’S REPRESENTATIVES AGAINST THE AUTHORITIES OF THAT COUNTRY.* THE NOTE FURTHER SPECIFIES +IF UNDER THE LAW OF THAT COUNTRY THEY ARE LIABLE FOR ANY OBLIGATIONS (SUCH AS MILITARY SERVICE), THE FACT THAT THEY ARE BRITISH NATIONALS DOES NOT EXEMPT THEM FROM IT.* IN ADDITION TO MILITARY SERVICE, TO WHAT OTHER +OBLIGATIONS+ MIGHT THIS REFER, AND WILL NOTE 7 APPLY TO BN(O) PASSPORT HOLDERS?
• MR CHEUNG SAID THE UK, WITH ITS CHRONIC UNEMPLOYMENT, STRIKES AND SHAKY ECONOMY, NEED NEVER FEAR AN INFLUX OF HONG KONG PEOPLE, FOR WHOM PROSPERITY AND STABILITY WERE A WAY OF LIFE.
+HOWEVER, IT IS WORTH REMEMBERING THAT MANY OF THE PEOPLE WHO NOW FIND THE UK DOOR UNCEREMONIOUSLY SLAMMED IN THEIR FACES ARE THE VERY SAME PEOPLE WHO TOOK PLEDGES OF LOYALTY ON NATURALISATION,* HE SAID.
- 0
/8 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
8
’RIGHT OF ABODE SHOULD BE STATED’ * * *
THE BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) PASSPORT SHOULD STATE CATEGORICALLY THAT THE HOLDER HAD THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG TO AVOID ANY MISUNDERSTANDING OR INCONVENIENCE, THE HON NFS SELINA CHOW SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+1 AM AFRAID A SIMPLE NUMERICAL REFERENCE TO THE IDENTITY CARD OR AN ENDORSEMENT STATING ONLY THAT THE HOLDER ALSO HOLDS A PERMANENT HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD IN THE BN(O) PASSPORT MIGHT FAIL TO SATISFY SOME IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES AS EVIDENCE THAT THE HOLDER HAS THE RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG,+ SHE SAID IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROPOSED TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS).
+IF THIS COULD BE DONE, THEN I SEE NO OBJECTION TO EITHER THE TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS) OR THE USE OF THE NEW PASSPORTS BEARING THIS NEW TITLE BEFORE 1997, ALTHOUGH I STILL DO NOT SEE THE NECESSITY FOR SUCH A MOVE,* SHE SAID.
REFERRING TO ARGUMENT THAT LEAD TIME WAS REQUIRED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE REASONS, MRS CHOW SAID THIS MIGHT EASILY BE COUNTERED, FOR EARLY ISSUANCE OF THE PASSPORTS COULD STILL TAKE PLACE WHILE THE VALID DATE COMMENCED ON JULY 1, 1997.
THE OTHER RATIONALE FOR ADVANCING THE VALID DATE WAS THAT THESE NEW DOCUMENTS COULD BE TESTED WELL BEFORE 1997, SHE SAID.
ATTRACTIVE AS THIS MIGHT SOUND, MRS CHOW SAID WE MUST NOT OVERLOOK THE FACT THAT THERE WOULD BE CHANGE OVER, HOWEVER SMOOTH IT MIGHT BE, FROM THE EXISTING HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO THE FUTURE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT.
+HENCE THE TEST BEFORE THE CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT WOULD ONLY BE MEANINGFUL IF THERE CAN BE A GUARANTEE THAT THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT WILL HONOUR THE COMMITMENT MADE BY THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT TO ADMIT HOLDERS OF THE BN(O) PASSPORTS IF AND WHEN THEY ARE REFUSED ENTRY BY A THIRD COUNTRY, AND ARE CONSEQUENTLY REPATRIATED BACK TO HONG KONG, AND TO BEAR FULL COSTS OF SUCH REPATRIATION,* SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE HOLDERS OF BN(O) PASSPORTS WERE INCLUDED IN ANY RECIPROCAL VISA AGREEMENT THAT THE HONG KONG SAR GOVERNMENT MIGHT CHOOSE TO ENTER INTO WITH OTHER STATES.
OTHERWISE THEY MIGHT BE LEFT OUT OF ARRANGEMENTS WHICH SHOULD BENEFIT ALL PERMANENT RESIDENTS OF THE HONG KONG SAR, SHE SAID.
MRS CHOW HOPED THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WOULD HELP TO RESOLVE THIS POSSIBLE ANOMALY.
/EXPRESSING CONCERN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 9 -
EXPRESSING CONCERN OVER THE FACT THAT THE PRESENT BRITISH PASSPORT HOLDERS WERE ALWAYS ADVISED TO OBTAIN A CERTIFICATE OF ENTRY TO ENTER THE UNITED KINGDOM, SHE PROPOSED THAT BDTCS AND FUTURE BN(O)S SHOULD NOT BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR SUCH A CERTIFICATE AND SHOULD AUTOMATICALLY ENJOY THE RIGHT OF ENTRY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+THEIR PERIOD OF STAY WOULD OF COURSE BE SUBJECT TO ENDORSEMENT BY IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES AT THEIR POINT OF ENTRY,+ SHE SAID.
MRS CHOW ALSO CALLED ON ALL HONG KONG TRAVELLERS WHO ENCOUNTERED ANY PROBLEMS WITH IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES OF ANY COUNTRY TO REPORT THEIR CASE TO THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OR TO UMELCO, SO THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT COULD MAKE REPRESENTATION BASED ON EVIDENCE TO THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF SIMILAR EPISODES.
--------0 ----------
ETHNIC MINORITIES’ CONCERN RAISED * * * *
THERE HAD TO BE A SATISFACTORY FORMULA TO RESOLVE THE POSSIBILITY OF STATELESSNESS FACING ETHNIC MINORITIES IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997, THE HON CARL TONG SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING ON THE PROPOSED TITLE OF BRITISH NATIONAL (OVERSEAS), MR TONG SAID ALL THAT COULD BE DONE SHOULD BE DONE TO HELP THE ETHNIC MINORITIES.
HE REFERRED TO SIR GEOFFREY HOWE’S SPEECH ON JANUARY 21, ON MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG BILL IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AND SAID THERE HAD BEEN MUCH CONCERN ABOUT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT’S ARRANGEMENTS TO RESOLVE +STATELESSNESS+ WHICH IN EFFECT GIVE THE BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZEN (BOC) STATUS ONLY TO PERSONS BORN AFTER JULY 1, 1997 WHO ARE NON-ETHNIC CHINESE.
HE NOTED IN HONG KONG STRONG CONCERN HAD BEEN RAISED BY THE ETHNIC MINORITIES AND IN PARTICULAR, THE COUNCIL OF HONG KONG INDIAN ASSOCIATIONS, ON BEHALF OF ITS 6 OOO ETHNIC INDIANS WHO WERE BDTCS, HAD SUBMITTED A PETITION TO THE GOVERNOR ON JANUARY 17.
MR TONG SAID THEIR MAIN POINTS OF CONCERN WERE:
(1) BOC TRANSMISSIBILITY - BOC WAS NOT TRANSMISSIBLE BY DESCENT. THERE WERE NO ARRANGEMENTS TO PREVENT STATELESSNESS FOR CHILDREN OF BOCS.
/(2) BN(O) RIGHT .........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
10 -
(2) BN(0) RIGHT OF ABODE AND BN(O) CONSULAR PROTECTION -ETHNIC MINORITIES WHO WERE BDTCS WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE A RIGHT OF ABODE IN HONG KONG AFTER 1997 AND ARE ELIGIBLE TO BECOME BN(O)S, BUT WOULD THEY ENJOY BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION WITHIN THE HONG KONG SAR AS THEY WERE NOT CHINESE NATIONALS?
(3) BOC CONSULAR PROTECTION - ASSUMING THAT A BOC HAS NOT ACQUIRED CHINESE NATIONALITY, WHAT CONSULAR PROTECTION, IF ANY, IS HE ENTITLED TO IN THE HONG KONG SAR AFTER 1997.
MR TONG SAID IT APPEARED NON-CHINESE BN(O)S WOULD HAVE NO REAL NATIONAL STATUS IN HONG KONG, WHICH MIGHT BE THE ONLY TERRITORY IN WHICH THEY HAD A RIGHT OF ABODE.
THERE WAS A FURTHER QUESTION AS TO WHICH COUNTRY NON-CHINESE BN(O)S TRAVELLING ON THE BN(O) TRAVEL DOCUMENT SHOULD BE REPATRIATED IN THE EVENT THAT THEY HAD TO FACE REPATRIATION.
MR TONG SAID HONG KONG WAS WELL SERVED BY ITS MINORITIES, MANY OF WHOM HAD BEEN HERE FOR MORE THAN ONE GENERATION ALREADY.
+FOR THESE PEOPLE, WHATEVER THEIR NUMBER, THERE MUST BE A SATISFACTORY FORMULA TO RESOLVE STATELESSNESS.
+1 BELIEVE THAT TRANSMISSIBILITY OF BOC STATUS SHOULD BE EXTENDED AND THE QUESTION OF CONSULAR RESPONSIBILITY MUST BE RESOLVED SATISFACTORILY AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE,+ HE SAID.
--------0----------
CONSULTATIONS HELD ON ELECTIONS
XXX
MEETINGS HAD BEEN HELD WITH THE NINE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES TO EXPLAIN THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION AND THE PROCEDURES WHICH WOULD BE FOLLOWED IN CONDUCTING THE ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LATER THIS YEAR, AND TO SEEK THEIR COMMENTS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 21, 1984, SIR PHILIP SAID, THE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATION BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND MEMBERS OF HIS STAFF HELD A SERIES OF INFORMAL MEETINGS WITH THE CHAIRMEN, PRESIDENTS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE VARIOUS REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS ON WHICH THE TWO TYPES OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WOULD BE BASED.
/THOSE COMPRISING .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBHDAfiY 6, 1985
11 -
THOSE COMPRISING CORPORATE BODIES INCLUDED THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF BANKS AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
THOSE COMPRISING MEMBERS OF CERTAIN PROFESSIONAL PURSUITS INCLUDED THE HONG KONG MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS AND THE FIVE MAIN TERTIARY EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
IN ADDITION, SIR PHILIP SAID A MEETING HAD BEEN HELD WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG SOCIAL WORKERS GENERAL UNION, AT THEIR REQUEST. A MEETING WITH THE EMPLOYEES REPRESENTATIVES ON THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, INCLUDING THE REPRESENTATIVES ELECTED BY THE EMPLOYEES TRADE UNIONS, WOULD BE HELD TOMORROW (THURSDAY), ALSO AT THEIR REQUEST.
+ l SHOULD MENTION IN PASSING THAT THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION HELD A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS, THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS AND THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS, AT THEIR REQUEST, ON JANUARY 23= AND I MYSELF HELD A MEETING WITH THE CHAIRMEN OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES, THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION AND THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, AT THEIR REQUEST, ON JANUARY 24,+ HE SAID.
WHEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (ELECTORAL PROVISIONS) BILL IS BROUGHT BEFORE THIS COUNCIL IN A FEW WEEKS TIME, SIR PHILIP SAID, HE WILL BE SEEKING TO REASSURE MEMBERS THAT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED DURING THESE MEETINGS, AND SUBSEQUENTLY IN CORRESPONDENCE AND THROUGH THE MEDIA, HAVE BEEN TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT TO THE EXTENT THAT IT HAS BEEN PROPER AND PRACTICABLE TO DO SO.
SIR PHILIP WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHAN YING-LUN.
-----o------
/12 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1935
12
PUBLIC MEETINGS +ONLY RIGHT+ — SIR PHILIP * * * * *
AS ANOTHER MAJOR STEP TOWARDS MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT, IT WAS ONLY RIGHT THAT REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE HELD IN PUBLIC, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.
MOVING A RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR PHILIP SAID THE RESOLUTION, TO TAKE EFFECT ON MARCH 13, WOULD ENABLE THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO CONDUCT ALL ITS MEETINGS IN PUBLIC, UNLESS THE CHAIRMAN ORDERED OTHERWISE IN ACCORDANCE WITH ANY DECISIONS OF THE COMMITTEE.
TRACING RECENT AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING ORDERS, SIR PHILIP POINTED OUT THAT THEY HAD BEEN AMENDED IN 1983 TO PERMIT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO SIT IN PUBLIC TO EXAMINE THE DRAFT ANNUAL ESTIMATES BEFORE THE APPROPRIATION BILL WAS CONSIDERED IN • COMMITTEE OF THE. WHOLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID FURTHER CHANGES HAD THEN BEEN MADE IN 1984, TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE TO HOLD ITS HEARINGS IN PUBLIC.
+1 AM SURE THAT MEMBERS WILL AGREE WITH ME THAT THOSE PUBLIC MEETINGS HELD LAST YEAR IN MARCH BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND IN NOVEMBER BY THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE WERE WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC AT LARGE,+ HE SAID.
IT WAS THEREFORE ONLY RIGHT THAT REGULAR MEETINGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE, AND NOT JUST THOSE MEETINGS AT WHICH THE DRAFT ANNUAL ESTIMATES WERE CONSIDERED, SHOULD BE HELD IN PUBLIC AS WELL, SIR PHILIP SAID.
+FOR CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS, THE COMMITTEE WILL STILL MEET IN PRIVATE AND THE RESOLUTION RECOGNISES THIS.
+THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO CORRECT A CROSS REFERENCE IN STANDING ORDER 60 WHICH CONCERNS THE APPOINTMENT OF A CLERK TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE,+ HE SAID.
THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, SIR ROGER LOBO ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES PLACED ON RECORD THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE AMENDMENTS TO THE STANDING ORDERS.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 13 -
WELFARE POLICY FOR ELDERLY SET OUT
*****
THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WAS TO PROMOTE THE WELL BEING OF PEOPLE OVER 60, PRIMARILY THROUGH CARE IN THE COMMUNITY, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY.
DETAILED PLANS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE POLICY WERE REVIEWED AND ROLLED FORWARD EACH YEAR, MR CHAMBERS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN ADDITION TO THE SERVICES SPECIALLY PROVIDED FOR THEM, W CHAMBERS SAID, ELDERLY PEOPLE ALSO BENEFITED FROM THE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM, OF WHICH THEY FORMED THE MAJORITY OF THE BENEFICIARIES.
BY THE END OF 1985, MR CHAMBERS SAID, THERE WOULD BE 12 MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY PROVIDING COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES IN THE FORM OF HOME HELP, PERSONAL CARE AND LIMITED NURSING SERVICES, COUNSELLING, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
IT WAS INTENDED TO MEET THE FULL DEMAND FOR 24 CENTRES (ROUGHLY ONE CENTRE FOR EVERY 250 000 POPULATION) BY 1990.
PROVIDED THE NECESSARY RESOURCES COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE, THE TOTAL ESTIMATED REQUIREMENT OF 204 CENTRES BY 1995, PLANNED ON THE BASIS OF ONE FOR 30 000 OF THE GENERAL POPULATION, SHOULD BE MET.
FOR THOSE WHOSE PRIMARY NEED WAS DECENT ACCOMMODATION, A VARIETY OF ARRANGEMENTS EXISTED IN BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING. IN ADDITION, THERE WERE SOME 1 400 PLACES IN HOSTELS OPERATED BY WELFARE AGENCIES, WITH A FURTHER 2 000 PLACES PLANNED OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS.
MR CHAMBERS SAID PLANS FOR THE PROVISION OF HOMES FOR THE AGED (INCLUDING HOSTELS WHICH PROVIDED MEALS) AND FOR CARE AND ATTENTION HOMES WERE BASED ON RATIO OF 10 PLACES PER 1 000 AND FOUR PLACES PER 1 000 OVER 60 RESPECTIVELY.
PLANS WERE PROVIDED FOR THE SHORTFALL IN BOTH THESE AREAS TO BE MET BY 1990, HE SAID.
AS FOR INFIRMARIES, PLANS WERE TO EXPAND THE PRESENT TOTAL OF 1 060 INFIRMARY BEDS THREEFOLD DURING THE NEXT 10 YEARS BASED ON THE PLANNING RATIO OF FIVE BEDS FOR EVERY 1 000 PEOPLE OVER 65.
IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE GERIATRIC WARDS IN ALL NEW GENERAL HOSPITALS, WHILE THE COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICE WHICH LARGELY BENEFITED ELDERLY PEOPLE WOULD EXPAND FROM 46 TO 61 CENTRES IN THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
/on government's........
WKEKESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1?85
- 14 -
ON GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TOWARDS THE SUBVENTION OF WELFARE AGENCIES PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR CHAMBERS SAID THE PRESENT POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE 100 PER CENT SUPPORT FOR SERVICES WHICH MET A FUNDAMENTAL NEED, INCLUDING RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS, DAY CARE CENTRES AND HOME HELP.
FOR THOSE SERVICES WHICH WERE BASICALLY SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL, INCLUDING SOCIAL CENTRES AND POOL BUS SERVICES, LESS THAN 100 PER CENT WAS PROVIDED AS IT IS INTENDED TO ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AS WELL AS TO RETAIN THE VOLUNTARY CHARACTER OF THESE SERVICES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
MOST HOSPITALS AND OTHER MEDICAL PROJECTS WERE SUBVENTED ON A DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS, HE ADDED.
-----0------
SCHOOL PLACE DECREASE EXPLAINED *****
THERE HAD BEEN A GENERAL REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF FORMS I TO V CLASSES IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RECENT YEARS BECAUSE OF A DROP IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE 12-16 AGE GROUP AND AN INCREASE IN PUBLIC SECTOR PLACES, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUSTION FROM THE HON CHAN YfNG-LUN, HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS AN ANNUAL AVERAGE DECREASE OF 3.7 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE 12-16 AGE GROUP BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984.
♦DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WAS A CONTINUOUS INCREASE IN THE SUPPLY OF PUBLIC SECTOR PLACES UPON THE COMPLETION OF 46 NEW GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS IN THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BUILDING PROGRAMME,* MR LEUNG SAID.
MR LEUNG SAID RECENTLY THERE HAD BEEN AN OVERALL REDUCTION IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CLASSES IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BECAUSE IN 1982 AND 1983, 59 PRIVATE NON-PROFIT-MAKING SECONDARY SCHOOLS BECAME FULLY AIDED.
+EXCLUDING THESE 59 SCHOOLS, BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984, THE AVERAGE ANNUAL RATE OF REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF OPERATING CLASSES IN ALL PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE 8.6 PER CENT IN FORMS I TO III AND 9.2 PER CENT IN FORMS IV TO V, ALTHOUGH IN FORMS VI TO VII THERE WAS AN AVERAGE ANNUAL INCREASE OF 3.8 PER CENT,* HE SAID.
0 --------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 15 -
MOST PARENTS HEED SCHOOLING ADVICE * * *
ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AGAINST PARENTS WHO DID NOT SEND THEIR CHILDREN TO SCHOOL, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON PAULINE NG, MR LEUNG POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF NINE-YEAR COMPULSORY EDUCATION, MOST PARENTS HAD TAKEN THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE AND ONLY IN SIX CASES HAD IT BEEN NECESSARY TO ISSUE ATTENDANCE ORDERS.
EXPLAINING THE ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES, MR LEUNG SAID STUDENT GUIDANCE OFFICERS WOULD FIRST TRY TO PERSUADE THE PARENTS CONCERNED TO SEND THEIR CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL.
♦WHERE NECESSARY, CASES ARE REFERRED TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OR THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF MY DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER ADVICE OR HELP,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICERS WOULD ASSIST IN SEEKING SCHOOL PLACEMENT FOR THE CHILDREN CONCERNED.
IF THERE WERE NO GOOD REASONS FOR NON-ATTENDANCE AND IF REPEATED ADVICE FAILED, THE PARENTS CONCERNED WOULD BE WARNED VERBALLY AND THEN IN WRITING.
THE WRITTEN WARNING REQUIRED THE PARENTS TO SEND THE
CHILD TO SCHOOL WITHIN 14 DAYS. FAILING THAT, AN ATTENDANCE ORDER WOULD BE SERVED UNDER SECTION 74 OF THE EDUCATION ORDINANCE, MR LEUNG SAID.
0 --------
AMENDMENTS TO MAKE TAX HOLDOVERS BILL MORE FLEXIBLE *****
AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED TO THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1984 GAVE MORE FLEXIBILITY IN PERMITTING THE HOLDOVERS OF PAYMENT OF TAX, THE HON BILL BROWN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL IN HIS CAPACITY AS THE CONVENER OF THE LEGCO UNOFFICIAL’S AD HOC GROUP.
' MR BROWN POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAD THE POWER TO PERMIT HOLDOVERS WITHOUT ANY CONDITIONS, AND THE STATISTICS SUPPORTED HIS CLAIM THAT HE READILY DID SO WHEN IT WAS IMMEDIATELY APPARENT THAT A TAXPAYER’S OBJECTION HAD MERIT.
/he noted.......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 16 -
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSALS, THE COMMISSIONER WOULD CONTINUE TO HAVE THAT OPTION OR TO PERMIT HOLDOVERS BACKED BY THE PURCHASE OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES AND THIS ’BLACK’ OR ’WHITE’ SITUATION WAS FELT BY THE AD HOC GROUP TO BE TOO INFLEXIBLE.
ELABORATING, MR BROWN SAID: +THE AGREED AMENDMENTS REVISE THE OPTIONS AND ADD FLEXIBILITY BY FIRSTLY GIVING THE COMMISSIONER THE OPTION TO ALLOW HOLDOVER WITHOUT THE PURCHASE CF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WITH A PROVISION THAT IN THE EVENT OF AN UNSUCCESSFUL OBJECTION OR APPEAL THE TAXPAYER MUST PAY INTEREST ON THE AMOUNT INVOLVED.
+THE AGREED AMENDMENTS SECONDLY GIVE THE COMMISSIONER THE OPTION TO PERMIT THE TAXPAYER TO PROVIDE A BANK GUARANTEE IN LIEU OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES PROVIDED THAT THE GUARANTEE COVERS THE AMOUNT OF TAX HELD OVER PLUS INTEREST UNTIL PAYMENT IS MADE IN THE EVENT THE OBJECTION OR APPEAL IS DISALLOWED.*
♦ TO AVOID ANY CONFUSION AS TO THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE COMMISSIONER WILL EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION TO MAKE AN UNCONDITIONAL HOLDOVER ORDER, WITH INTEREST PAYABLE IF THE OBJECTION OR APPEAL IS ULTIMATELY UNSUCCESSFUL, OR AN ORDER CONDITIONAL UPON THE PURCHASE OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES OR THE PROVISION OF A BANK GUARANTEE, THE COMMISSIONER HAS UNDERTAKEN TO ISSUE AN AMENDED DEPARTMENTAL PRACTICE NOTE LAYING DOWN CLEAR POLICY GUIDELINES APPLICABLE TO EACH CASE,* MR BROWN ADDED.
HE ALSO MADE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD NO QUARREL WITH THE OBJECT OF THE BILL.
♦ IT IS A FACT THAT SIGNIFICANT AMOUNTS OF TAX ARE HELD OVER.
♦ IT IS A FACT THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF DEMANDS HELD OVER ARE EVENTUALLY DECIDED IN FAVOUR OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT — MEMBERS WILL RECALL THAT THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL RAISED THIS ISSUE DURING ITS PUBLIC HEARINGS LAST YEAR AND WAS INFORMED THAT OF SOME 20 QOO OBJECTIONS LODGED IN ANY ONE YEAR ONLY 300 OR 400 WOULD EVENTUALLY BE DEALT WITH BY THE BOARD OF REVIEW,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS ALSO A FACT THAT UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM THOSE WHO GAINED BY USING DEFERRAL DEVICES WERE MERELY PASSING PART OF THEIR BURDEN ONTO OTHER TAXPAYERS AND IN ALL EQUITY THIS MUST BE STOPPED.
♦ALTHOUGH THE ARRANGEMENTS AS NOW AGREED WILL NOT PLEASE EVERYBODY, IT IS NECESSARY TO RECOGNISE THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS THE POWER TO INSIST ON THE PAYMENT OF TAX WITHOUT ANY HOLDOVER.
♦ IN THE ABSENCE OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BILL THE ONLY ALTERNATIVE WOULD BE FOR THE COMMISSIONER TO ADOPT A FAR TOUGHER ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE HOLDOVER SYSTEM,+ MR BROWN SAID.
/THE COMPROMISE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEB HU ARY 6, 1985
- 17 -
THE COMPROMISE NOW AGREED SEEMED TO STRIKE A FAIR BALANCE AND FOR THIS REASON HE SUPPORTED THE MOTION.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, HON PETER POON SAID THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS WERE +BOTH NECESSARY AND TIMELY+.
HE SAID THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL WOULD GREATLY STRENGTHEN THE COLLECTION OF TAX BY THE COMMISSIONER IN PRACTICE, THOUGH IN LAW HE ALREADY HAD ABSOLUTE DISCRETION NOT TO GRANT ANY HOLD OVER.
♦THERE HAS, HOWEVER, BEEN SOME CONCERN EXPRESSED THAT IN SOME CASES WHERE THE TAXPAYER WINS THE OBJECTION, HE MAY ONLY GET COMPENSATION FROM THE INTEREST ON THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE, PRESENTLY AT 5.52 PER CENT, BUT HIS COST OF RAISING FUNDS TO PURCHASE SUCH TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE WILL PROBABLY BE DOUBLE THAT RATE.
♦FURTHER, AT SUCH LOW INTEREST, THERE IS NO INCENTIVE FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TO EXPEDITE THE FINALISATION OF OBJECTIONS WHICH MAY DRAG ON FOR A LONG TIME TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE TAXPAYER, IN NOT GETTING HIS MONEY BACK EARLIER AND ONLY BEING COMPENSATED BY LOW INTEREST,* MR POON SAID.
HE THEREFORE SUGGESTED THAT THE COMMISSIONER SHOULD CONTINUE TO EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION TO HOLDOVER TAX UNDER DISPUTE IF A TAXPAYER’S CASE HAD SUFFICIENT MERIT AND PROPER GUIDELINES BE GIVEN TO HIS STAFF IN THIS RESPECT.
FINALLY, MR POON SAID HE BELIEVED THE BILL WOULD GREATLY REDUCE THE NUMBER OF FRIVOLOUS OBJECTIONS, IMPROVE TAX COLLECTION AND GO SOME WAY TO ALLEVIATE THE ADMINISTRATIVE BURDEN AND BACKLOG OF OBJECTION CASES.
MOVING THE THIRD READING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THAT THE AMENDMENTS THAT HAD RESULTED FROM THE ENDEAVOURS OF THE UNOFFICIALS HAD, HE BELIEVED SERVED TO BROADEN AND STRENGTHEN IT.
THIS, HE SAID, WAS AN IMPORTANT PIECE OF LEGISLATION.
♦ IT IS DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE THE GROWING PRACTICE OF ENTERING OBJECTIONS OR APPEALS SOLELY FOR THE PURPOSE OF DEFERRING PAYMENT CF TAX.
♦ THERE IS AT PRESENT NEARLY $3 BILLION OF TAX HELD OVER MUCH OF WHICH SHOULD NEVER HAVE BEEN THE SUBJECT OF AN APPEAL IN THE FIRST PLACE.
♦ CLEARLY IT IS TIME TO BRING TO AN END OVER-GENEROUS TREATMENT ACCORDED TO APPELLANTS BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.
♦ THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO APPLY A MORE REALISTIC APPROACH IN DECIDING WHICH CASES MERIT HOLD OVER AND WHICH DO NOT,+ HE SAID.
/SIR JOHN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 18 -
SIR JOHN SAID THE NEW LAWS WOULD NOT PENALISE THE GENUINE APPELLANT SINCE, IF HE HAD A GOOD CASE AND WAS ULTIMATELY SUCCESSFUL, HE WOULD RECEIVE INTEREST ON ANY TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WHICH THE COMMISSIONER MIGHT HAVE REQUIRED HIM TO BUY AS SECURITY FOR THE TAX IN DISPUTE.
+BUT IF THE OBJECTION IS UNSUCCESSFUL, THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE USED TO DISCHARGE THE TAX LIABILITY WITHOUT PAYMENT OF INTEREST,* HE SAID.
SIR JOHN CONGRATULATED MR BROWN AND HIS COLLEAGUES IN THE AD HOC GROUP ON THE OPEN-MINDED AND VERY KNOWLEDGEABLE WAY THEY APPROACHED THEIR TASK AND THE SATISFACTORY SOLUTION THAT HAD NOW BEEN REACHED.
+ l AM SORRY THAT MRS FAN IS NOT IN AGREEMENT, BUT UNANIMITY IN THIS COMPLICATED PROFESSIONAL FIELD IS PERHAPS TOO MUCH TO EXPECT,* HE SAID.
-----o------
CIVIL SERVANTS SIMILARLY LIABLE TO TAX
* * * *
THERE WAS NO DIFFERENCE IN THE LIABILITY TO TAXATION OF CIVIL SERVANTS AND THE PUBLIC, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN EREMRIDGE, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN THE CASE OF HOUSING, ANY BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE EMPLOYER WERE THUS SUBJECTED TO TAXATION IN THE SAME WAY, SIR JOHN SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
BY VIRTUE OF PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 9 OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE, WHERE AN EMPLOYEE WAS PROVIDED WITH FREE QUARTERS, THE RENTAL VALUE OF SUCH AN ACCOMMODATION WAS ASSESSED AN EQUIVALENT TO 10 PER CENT OF HIS EMOLUMENTS, SIR JOHN SAID.
WHERE, HOWEVER, AN EMPLOYER PROVIDED A PLACE OF RESIDENCE FOR HIS EMPLOYEE BUT CHARGED THAT EMPLOYEE A RENT WHICH WAS LESS THAN THE RENTAL VALUE, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RENTAL VALUE AND THE RENT SO CHARGED SHOULD BE INCOME OF THE EMPLOYEE, HE ADDED.
NATURALLY, WHEN AN EMPLOYEE RECEIVED A CASH HOUSING ALLOWANCE WHICH HE WAS FREE TO USE IN ANY MANNER HE THOUGHT FIT, SUCH A BENEFIT WOULD BE ASSESSED IN FULL AS PART OF THE EMPLOYEE’S TAXABLE EMOLUMENTS.
AS FOR PASSAGE ALLOWANCES, SIR JOHN SAID CIVIL SERVANTS WHO WERE ENTITLED TO PASSAGE BENEFITS WERE NOT GIVEN A CASH ALLOWANCE.
/INST3AD, COSTS.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 19 -
INSTEAD, COSTS OF ALL LEAVE AND SCHOOL PASSAGES, UP TO THE -APPROVED LIMIT, WERE PAID DIRECTLY BY THE GOVERNMENT TO EITHER THE AUTHORISED TRAVEL AGENTS OR AIRLINES WITH WHOM THE OFFICERS BOOKED THEIR PASSAGES.
SECTION 9 (D(A) OF THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE PROVIDED A STATUTORY EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF ANY HOLIDAY WARRANT OR PASSAGE, PROVIDED THE VALUE OR ALLOWANCE FOR THE PURCHASE OF ANY SUCH HOLIDAY WARRANT OR PASSAGE WAS USED OR EXPENDED FOR THE PURPOSE CF TRAVEL.
♦THIS STATUTORY EXEMPTION NATURALLY APPLIES EQUALLY TO PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTOR EMPLOYEES,* SIR JOHN SAID.
- - - - 0 ----------
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION FOR THIRD QUARTER X X X *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1984-85 AMOUNTED TO $441.3 MILLION.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THIS SUM INCLUDED $338.1 MILLION FOR A PAYMENT TO THE MASS TRANSIT FUNDi $248.1 MILLION TO ENABLE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO PAY THE PREMIUM FOR THE PAK CHAI WAN DEPOT AND THE DEVELOPMENT RIGHTS ABOVE PLUS $90 MILLION TO MEET ITS LIABILITY FOR RATES FOR OPERATIONAL AND WORKS AREAS IN 1985-86 AND 1986-87 BOTH BY WAY OF EQUITY ISSUE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
OTHER MAJOR PROVISIONS INCLUDED $28.5 MILLION FOR A GRANT TO THE ARTS CENTRE TO ENABLE IT TO REPAY A BANK SYNDICATED LOAN AND A LOAN FROM THE GOVERNMENT WITH ACCUMULATED INTEREST} $16 MILLION FOR THE BUILDING COST OF TWO NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN 1984-85; $8.4 MILLION TO MEET INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON REFUNDS OF RENTS AND RATES TO KINDERGARTENS} $6.6 MILLION TO MEET INCREASED EXPENDITURE FOR ENGAGING LAWYERS AND EXPERT WITNESSES IN CONNECTION WITH CONTRACTUAL DISPUTES AND CRIMINAL CASES} $5.2 MILLION TO MEET ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE ON MAINTENANCES AND REPAIRS OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS} AND $4.8 MILLION FOR THE PURCHASE OF EQUIPMENT AND ASSOCIATED EXPENSES FOR THE STANDARDS AND CALIBRATION LABORATORY.
+THE TRANSFER TO THE MASS TRANSIT FUND FOR PAYMENT OF LAND PREMIUM IS TO BE OFFSET BY LAND REVENUE OF THE SAME AMOUNT AND THE GRANT TO THE HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE IS TO BE OFFSET BY A MATCHING TRANSFER TO GENERAL REVENUE FROM THE SPECIAL COIN SUSPENSE ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
+OTHER SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS APPROVED HAVE BEEN OFFSET EITHER BY SAVINGS UNDER THE SAME OR OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE OR BY DELETION OF FUNDS UNDER THE ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS VOTES,* SIR JOHN ADDED.
/IN THE.........
WEINESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
20 -
IN THE SAME PERIOD, SIR JOHN SAID, AN INCREASE OF $7.5 MILLION IN THE GROSS PROVISION FOR PURCHASES OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES INDUSTRIES MATERIALS HAD BEEN APPROVED TO MEET INCREASED EXPENDITURE DUE TO INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF INMATES EMPLOYED, THE AVERAGE PRICE CF MAjfclALS CONSUMED AND CONSIDERABLE EXPANSION OF THE INDUSTRIES.
W INCREASE IN THE NET PROVISION WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE THE ADDITIONAL COSTS WOULD BE RECOVERED FROM CLIENT DEPARTMENTS AND ORGANISATIONS.
A NET INCREASE OF 1 326 POSTS, INCLUDING POSTS FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WAS ALSO APPROVED.
SIR JOHN NOTED THAT APPROVED COMMITMENTS HAD BEEN INCREASED BY $209.8 MILLION AND NEW COMMITMENTS OF $947.2 MILLION HAD BEEN APPROVED.
THE NEW COMMITMENTS AND INCREASES IN COMMITMENTS APPROVED SINCE APRIL 1, 1984 TOTALLED $1 479 540 672 REPRESENTING A 48.6 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE TOTAL COMMITMENT BALANCE OF $3 044.9 MILLION IN THE 1984-85 ESTIMATES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ITEMS IN THE SUMMARY HAD BEEN APPROVED EITHER BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OR UNDER DELEGATED AUTHORITY.
-----o------
SCHOOL BURGLARIES DECLINE *****
LAST YEAR THERE WERE 46 BURGLARIES IN SCHOOLS AND IN OTHER EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 136 IN KOWLOON AND 211 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.
THE CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN 1983 WERE 66, 160 AND 166, NR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.
COMMENTING ON MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF BURGLARIES, NR JEAFFRESON SAID THE POLICE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU SURVEYED ALL NEW GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT SUBVENTED SCHOOL PREMISES AT THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STAGE TO ENSURE THAT SUITABLE SECURITY FEATURES WERE INCORPORATED INTO THEM.
• FOR EXISTING SCHOOLS, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, THE CRIME PREVENTION BUREAU PROVIDED GENERAL CRIME PREVENTION ADVICE FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO PASS ON TO SCHOOLS.
THE BUREAU ALSO VISITED SUCH SCHOOLS UPON REQUEST TO GIVE ADVICE, HE SAID.
/THE SCHOOLS .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBHUAKY 6, 1?85
21 -
THE SCHOOLS AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS TOOK SPECIAL MEASURES TO SECURE VALUABLE ITEMS OF EQUIPMENT, SUCH AS LOCKING AWAY TELEVISION SETS AND TAPE-RECORDERS AFTER SCHOOL AND DURING SCHOOL HOL IDAYS.
FOR COMPUTER ROOMS, SCHOOLS INSTALLED ANTI-BURGLAR BARS ON WINDOWS, REPLACED WOODEN DOORS WITH IRON ONES AND REINFORCED DOOR LOCKS.
FINALLY, MOST GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS HAD TWO QUARTERS FOR JUNIOR STAFF TO LIVE ON SITE. PART OF THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THIS STAFF WAS TO REPORT CRIMINAL ACTIVITY.
MR JEAFFRESON ALSO SAID THAT THE COMPUTER EQUIPMENT STOLEN RECENTLY FROM THE LEE WAI LEE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WAS NOT INSURED.
-----o------
CLEARER DEFINITION SOUGHT FOR HOTEL MONEY CHANGERS *****
A CLEARER DEFINITION OF MONEY CHANGING SERVICES PROVIDED BY HOTELS WAS NEEDED IN THE MONEY CHANGER (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) BILL 1985, THE HON ALLEN LEE SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID HE FULLY SUPPORTED THE BILL TO PROVIDE CONSUMER PROTECTION TO PERSONS WHO WENT TO MONEY CHANGERS TO EXCHANGE CURRENCIES, BUT FELT THAT CERTAIN REFINEMENTS WERE NEEDED.
REFERRING TO CLAUSE (2) WHICH EXEMPTS THE MONEY CHANGING SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOTELS FROM THE AMBIT OF THE BILL, HE SAID:
+WHILE APPRECIATING THE GOOD REASONS BEHIND THIS MOVE, IT WAS FELT THAT A CLEARER DEFINITION TO WHAT CONSTITUTES A SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE HOTEL MANAGEMENT SHOULD BE GIVEN,+ HE SAID.
MR LEE ADDED THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD ACCEPTED THIS POINT OF VIEW AS WELL AS THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO ACHIEVE THIS EFFECT.
+IN THE COURSE OF OUR DELIBERATION, I WAS ALSO ASSURED BY THE-SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES THAT IF A HOTEL CARRIES ON A FULL-RANGE MONEY CHANGING BUSINESS IN THAT IT PROVIDES FOR THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF FOREIGN CURRENCIES TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OTHER THAN ITS GUESTS, THAT HOTEL WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE PROVISIONS IN THE BILL.
/♦AND THE........
WEINESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
22 -
+ AND THE SAME SHALL APPLY TO A MONEY CHANGER WHO HIRES A COUNTER OR SHOP SPACE IN THE HOTEL PREMISES,+ HE SAID.
HE BELIEVED THIS SHOULD HELP TO CLEAR SOME OF THE DOUBTS IN SOME SECTORS.
CLAUSE (5), HE POINTED OUT, STIPULATES THAT A MONEY CHANGER WHO FAILS TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF HIS CLIENTS TO THE CONTENTS OF THE STATEMENT SPECIFYING THE NATURE OF ANY CHARGE OR COMMISSION WOULD GIVE HIS CLIENTS GROUND TO RESCIND THE TRANSACTIONS.
+AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, MY UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AND I FELT THAT IT MIGHT GIVE RISE TO ENFORCEMENT DIFFICULTIES AND COULD OPEN TO ABUSE,* HE SAID.
HE WAS PLEASED THAT AMENDMENTS TO THE ORIGINAL DRAFT OF THIS BILL TO REMEDY THIS PARTICULAR ISSUE HAD ALSO BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE ADMINISTRATION.
HE ALSO PROPOSED AN AMENDMENT TO REQUIRE THE STATEMENT TO BE PRINTED PROMINENTLY.
THANKING THE UNOFFICIALS FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THIS BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS SAID IT WAS TO GIVE SOME PROTECTION TO CUSTOMERS OF MONEY CHANGERS, WITHOUT INTERFERING UNNECESSARILY WITH THE NORMAL BUSINESS PRACTICES ADOPTED IN THIS PARTICULAR TRADE.
+WE HOPE THAT WE HAVE STRUCK THE RIGHT BALANCE,* HE SAID.
THE AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED BY MR LEE AT COMMITTEE STAGE WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY IMPROVE THE BILL, AND HE SUPPORTED THEM.
-----o-----
APPEAL CHANNEL FOR TAXPAYERS URGED * * * *
GOVERNMENT SHOULD ESTABLISH A SYSTEM TO DEAL WITH APPEALS BY TAXPAYERS AGAINST DELAY IN FINALISING AN OBJECTION BY THE TAX AUTHORITY, THE HON MRS RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SHE WAS SPEAKING AGAINST THE MOTION IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984.
+IN ALL FAIRNESS, THERE SHOULD BE A CHANNEL FOR APPEAL BY THE TAXPAYER WHEN THE LATTER HAS GOOD REASONS TO BELIEVE THAT THERE HAVE BEEN UNNECESSARY DELAY ON THE PART OF TAX AUTHORITY,* SHE SAID.
/SHK BEL I EV £11)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
SHE BELIEVED ONLY WITH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH AN APPEAL ARRANGEMENT, THE GOVERNMENT COULD INSPIRE CONFIDENCE IN THE MINDS OF TAXPAYERS.
MRS FAN STATED HER THREE MAIN OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED BILL.
♦FIRSTLY, I FEEL THE TAXPAYER SHOULD ALWAYS BE GIVEN THE OPTION OF CHOOSING BETWEEN OFFERING A BANK GUARANTEE OR PURCHASING TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES TO COVER HIS PAYMENT OF TAX WHEN THE COMMISSIONER CONSIDERS THAT THE TAXPAYER’S OBJECTION AGAINST A TAX ASSESSMENT HAS SUFFICIENT MERIT.
+EVEN WITH THIS OPTION, THIS MAY NOT BE OF HELP TO SMALL ORGANISATIONS OR INDIVIDUALS WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTIES IN ARRANGING FOR A BANK GUARANTEE,+ SHE SAID.
♦SECONDLY, THE PROPOSED BILL SHOULD CATER FOR AN APPEAL PROCEDURE FOR THE TAXPAYER AGAINST DELAY IN FINALISING AN OBJECTION BY THE TAX AUTHORITY, WHICH AT PRESENT IS NOT INCLUDED.
♦THIRDLY, THE EXISTING ORDINANCE ALREADY GIVES THE NECESSARY POWERS TO THE COMMISSIONER TO EXERCISE HIS DISCRETION.
♦THE ADDITIONAL MEASURE CONTAINED IN THIS BILL SERVE LITTLE PURPOSE,+ SHE ADDED.
MRS FAN SAID SHE FULLY APPRECIATED THAT DUE TO THE WIDE RANGING POWER GIVEN TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE UNDER THE EXISTING LAW, HE HAD TO EXERCISE HIS POWER WITH CARE, SO AS NOT TO BE DRACONIAN.
THE PROPOSED BILL, HOWEVER, ENABLED THE COMMISSIONER TO REQUIRE THE TAXPAYER TO PURCHASE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE MERIT OF THE TAXPAYER’S OBJECTION OR APPEAL.
ANOTHER POINT WHICH WAS OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE TAXPAYER WAS THE TIME TAKEN TO FINALISE AN OBJECTION AND MANY PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS HAD DRAWN UMELCO’S ATTENTION TO THIS FACT, SHE SAID.
SHE CONCEDED THAT THERE MIGHT BE VALID REASONS FOR THE LONG PERIOD NEEDED TO SETTLE A CASE BUT POINTED OUT THE CONSIDERABLE TIME TAKEN WAS NOT DUE TO UNNECESSARY DELAY CAUSED BY THE TAXPAYERS.
♦BECAUSE IN SUCH EVENTS, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE CAN EXERCISE HIS POWER PRESCRIBED BY SECTION 71 SUBSECTION (3) AND ‘DEMAND IMMEDIATE PAYMENT FROM THE TAXPAYERS.
♦WHAT RECOURSE IS THERE FOR THE TAXPAYER TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF REACHING A DECISION, ESPECIALLY WHEN THE TAXPAYER’S FUNDS ARE TIED UP IN THE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, OR THE TAXPAYER IS PAYING THE BANK CHARGES FOR THE BANK GUARANTEE?* SHE ASKED.
/SHE SAID .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBSUAfiY 6, 1985
- 24 -
SHE SAID THAT THE TAX STRUCTURE HAD TO BE SIMPLE AND REASONABLE IF HONG KONG WAS TO BE REGARDED AS AN INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRE.
+ IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT OUR TAX LAWS MUST BE FAIR AND EQUITABLE.
+l HAVE RESERVATIONS ON WHETHER THE PROPOSED BILL CAN MEET THIS CRITERIA.
+IN VIEW OF THIS, I OBJECT TO THE MOTION,* SHE SAID.
-----o------
NO MORE PLANS FOR CONTROL X * *
THERE WERE NO PLANS TO BRING MORE PUBLIC UTILITIES UNDER SCHEMES OF CONTROL, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON PIERS JACOBS, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON ANDREW SCHEME OF CONTROL AGREEMENTS HAD BEEN ENTERED COMPANIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATES IN RELATION TO SERVICES.
SO, MR JACOBS SAID INTO WITH SEVEN PUBLIC UTILITY
THE COMPANIES INVOLVED HAD BEEN EARLIER NAMED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE EFFECTIVE PERIODS OF THE SCHEMES OF CONTROL HAD BEEN SET OUT IN THE RELEVANT AGREEMENTS, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, A NUMBER OF PUBLIC UTILITIES - DEPENDING ALSO ON PRECISE DEFINITION - WERE NOT SUBJECT TO SCHEMES OF CONTROL, W JACOBS SAID. THESE INCLUDED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, THE WATERWORKS, THE TWO FERRY COMPANIES, HONG KONG TRAMWAYS, THE PEAK TRAM AND THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY.
IN RELATION TO THESE PUBLIC UTILITIES, MR JACOBS SAID, THERE WAS ADEQUATE CONTROL OVER FARES OR CHARGES EITHER THROUGH LEGISLATIVE PROVISION OR UNDER THE TERMS OF THE RELEVANT FRANCHISE.
+THE HONG KONG AND CHINA GAS COMPANY LTD DOES NOT OPERATE UNDER EITHER A SCHEME OF CONTROL OR FRANCHISE BECAUSE ITS SERVICES ARE NOT PROVIDED IN A MONOPOLY OR QUASI-MONOPOLY SITUATION,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 25 -
BILL TO', REDRESS OMISSION * * ft *
A BILL OFFERING TO CERTAIN STAFF OF THE FORMER PREVENTIVE SERVICE A RETROSPECTIVE OPTION OF CEASING TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME WAS READ A SECOND TIME TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) (CUSTOMS OFFICERS) BILL 1985, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID ITS AIM WAS TO REDRESS AN OMISSION IN 1977 WHEN THE DEPARTMENT WAS RE-STRUCTURED.
HE SAID AT THAT TIME A NUMBER OF OFFICERS WHO WERE CONTRIBUTORS TO THE SCHEME WERE REGARDED INTO THE NEW BASIC RECRUITMENT RANK OF CUSTOMS OFFICER.
AS ’RANK AND FILE’ OFFICERS IN THE BASIC RECRUITMENT RANKS CF THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES WERE EXEMPTED FROM SUCH CONTRIBUTION, SIR PHILIP POINTED OUT, THESE REGARDED OFFICERS SHOULD THEN HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN OPTION TO STOP CONTRIBUTING TO THE SCHEME.
THIS WAS NOT DONE DUE TO AN OMISSION, HE SAID.
♦SOME OF THESE OFFICERS SUBSEQUENTLY BECAME CONTRIBUTORS TO THE WIDOWS AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED ON JANUARY 1, 1978, TO REPLACE THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME,* HE SAID.
FOR OFFICERS WHO ELECT TO TAKE THE RETROSPECTIVE OPTION, THE BILL WOULD PROVIDE FOR REFUNDS OF THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS MADE UNDER THE TWO SCHEMES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o------
LAUNDRY-POLE DRYING ’REASONABLY SAFE’ ft ft ft
THE LAUNDRY-POLES DRYING SYSTEM IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WAS REASONABLY SAFE, JUDGING FROM THE VERY SMALL NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS REPORTED, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THERE HAD BEEN THREE REPORTED ACCIDENTS INVOLVING LAUNDRY-POLES IN ESTATES AMONG A TOTAL OF 500 000 FLATS.
♦THE PRESENT FACILITIES ARE MUCH FAVOURED BY OCCUPANTS OF SMALL FLATS WHERE READY DRYING FACILITIES ARE INEVITABLY VERY LIMITED.
♦THEY OFFER MINIMUM INCONVENIENCE TO USERS AND NEIGHBOURS AND MEET THE TENANTS’ DESIRE TO AIR THEIR CLOTHES IN THE SUNLIGHT, AND SO REMAIN POPULAR.
/+DRYING RACKS........
WEEKESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
26 -
♦DRYING RACKS SUSPENDED FROM THE CEILING OF THE BALCONY ARE ALSO PROVIDED IN ESTATES, BUT THE TRADITIONAL METHOD OF A POLE IN THE SUNLIGHT IS PREFERRED.♦
MR LIAO SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS CONTINUING TO LOOK FOR IMPROVEMENTS AND ON A NUMBER OF NEW ESTATES, NEW METHODS FOR DRYING WERE BEING TRIED OUT.
OF THE THREE REPORTED ACCIDENTS, HE SAID TWO INVOLVED SLIGHT INJURIES BECAUSE OF FALLING OBJECTS. THE OTHER WAS THE FATAL CASE OF AN OLD LADY WHO HAD SLIPPED AND FALLEN OFF THE BALCONY WHILE STANDING ON A HIGH STOOL.
----o-----
RIVER POLLUTION CAUSED BY LACK OF FLUSHING FLOW *******
POLLUTION OF WATERCOURSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WAS EXACERBATED BY THE GENERAL LACK OF FLUSHING FLOW DURING MUCH OF THE YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, SAID TODAY.
MR CHAMBERS LISTED THREE MAJOR CAUSES OF POLLUTION OF THE WATERCOURSES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG.
FIRSTLY AND MOST IMPORTANT WAS THE INDISCRIMINATE DISPOSAL OF FARM WASTE, MAINLY THE EXCRETA OF PIGS, CHICKENS AND DUCKS, AT A RATE OF ABOUT 2 000 TONNES A DAY BY DIRECT OR INDIRECT FLUSHING INTO NEARBY WATERCOURSES.
♦THIS IS THE MAIN CAUSE OF THE NOXIOUS APPEARANCE AND SMELL CF MANY STREAMS IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES,♦ HE SAID.
SECONDLY, OUTSIDE NEW TOWN BOUNDARIES, WHERE THERE WERE GENERALLY NO COMMUNAL SEWAGE DISPOSAL FACILITIES, WASTES ARISING FROM THE HUMAN POPULATION IN SOME VILLAGES AND SQUATTER AREAS ADDED TO THE POLLUTION LOAD ON WATERCOURSES.
THIRDLY, MANY INDUSTRAIL ESTABLISHMENTS HAD RUDIMENTARY OR NON-EXISTENT WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES, AND THUS CONTRIBUTED TO THE POLLUTION BY DISCHARGING THEIR EFFLUENTS MORE OR LESS DIRECTLY INTO THE ENVIRONMENT.
SPEAKING OF POLLUTION OF THE YUEN LONG NULLAH IN PARTICULAR, CHAMBERS SAID THE PROBLEMS WERE SIMILAR TO THE REST OF THE l£W TERRITORIES.
ACCORDING TO A 1979 SURVEY, THE YUEN LONG NULLAH RECEIVED THE BULK OF THE WASTES FROM ABOUT 76 000 PIGS, 532 000 CHICKENS AND 57 000 DUCKS, TOGETHER WITH THE WASTES FROM THE MAJORITY CF ABOUT 30 000 PEOPLE WHO LIVED IN OLD STYLE VILLAGE HOUSING AND TEMPORARY STRUCTURES IN THE AREA, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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/27 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
2?
DENTAL COUNCIL TO PONDER ELIGIBILITY QUESTION * * X *
THE DENTAL COUNCIL WOULD BE LOOKING INTO SECTION 8 (1) (C) OF THE DENTISTS REGISTRATION ORDINANCE WHICH EXCLUDED CERTAIN PERSONS REGISTERED UNDER IT FROM APPOINTMENT TO THE DENTAL COUNCIL CF HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP AS TO WHY
PERSONS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECTION WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR
APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNCIL, DR THONG SAID THAT THIS HAD BEEN
THE POSITION SINCE THE COUNCIL WAS SET UP BY LAW IN AUGUST 1959.
♦FURTHERMORE,+ HE SAID, +IT IS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH THE REASON FOR THE ORIGINAL PROVISION AT THIS POINT IN TIME.+
HOWEVER, THE DENTAL COUNCIL WAS DUE TO EXAMINE THE LEGAL PROVISIONS FOR ITS COMPOSITION AT THE NEXT MEETING IN MARCH, AND THE MATTER RAISED WOULD BE CONSIDERED BY THE COUNCIL, DR THONG SAID.
DENTISTS REGISTERED UNDER THE SECTION WERE GRADUATES OF DENTAL SCHOOLS IN THE PHILIPPINES, CHINA, JAPAN, SOUTH ASIAN COUNTRIES, INDIA AND PAKISTAN.
------0 - - - -
STATEMENT ON CMB MAINTENANCE EXPECTED
* * * *
A FULL PUBLIC STATEMENT ON THE FINDINGS OF THE WORKING GROUP CF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY MAINTENANCE WOULD BE MADE FOLLOWING THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNORIN-COUNCIL WITH TAC ADVICE, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON ALAN SCOTT, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, HE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IT WOULD BE FOR THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO DECIDE WHETHER THE STATEMENT SHOULD CONTAIN THE 132 FULL REPORT AND ITS 882 PAGE SUPPLEMENTARY VOLUMES.
MR SCOTT SAID THE WORKING GROUP HAD FORWARDED ITS REPORT TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAC ON DECEMBER 27 LAST YEAR.
COPIES OF THE REPORT HAD THEN BEEN PRINTED AND SENT TO THE BUS COMPANY AND THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED IN MID-JANUARY, INVITING COMMENTS.
♦THE TAC IS IN THE PROCESS OF EXAMINING THE REPORT AND COMMENTS,+ HE SAID.
♦THE AIM IS TO HAVE THE SUBMISSION BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WITH THE TAC’S RECOMMENDATIONS, AROUND THE END OF MARCH OR IN EARLY APR IL,+ HE ADDED.
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/28 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
28
12 000 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HK * * * *
THERE WERE 11 832 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AS AT DECEMBER 31, 1984, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.
ON THEIR POSITION REGARDING RESETTLEMENT, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE OFFICE OF THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES HAD SECURED FIRM ACCEPTANCE BY RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES FOR ABOUT SIX PER CENT OF THEM.
ANOTHER 27 PER CENT WERE AWAITING A DECISION BY THE COUNTRY OR COUNTRIES TO WHICH THE UNHCR HAD SUBMITTED THEIR CASES FOR RESETTLEMENT! AND THE REMAINING 67 PER CENT, OR 7 957 REFUGEES, WERE EITHER CASES FOR WHICH THE UNHCR HAD NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO PUT FORWARD SUBMISSIONS OR WERE CASES WHERE THE UNHCR HAD MADE SUBMISSIONS WHICH HAD BEEN REJECTED BY AT LEAST ONE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRY, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO QUESTION BY THE HON CHEN SHOU-LUM.
♦THE UNHCR ESTIMATES THAT, OF THIS 67 PER CENT, ABOUT 5 250 HAVE BEEN REJECTED AT LEAST ONCE,+ HE SAID. I
-----0------
24 590 OVERSEAS DOMESTICS X * * *
AT THE END OF 1984, THERE WERE 24 590 DOMESTIC HELPERS FROM OVERSEAS WHO HELD IMMIGRATION APPROVAL TO WORK IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY.
AT THE END OF 1983, THERE WERE 26 314 AND AT THE END OF 1982, THERE WERE 21 517, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON BILL BROWN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
-----o------
THREE BILLS PASSED * * *
THREE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE: THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 2) BILL 1984, INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 AND MONEY CHANGERS (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMISSIONS) BILL 1984.
TWO BILLS WERE READ A SECOND TIME AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE: THE PENSIONS (SPECIAL PROVIS IONS)(CUSTOMS OFFICERS) BILL 1985 AND INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO FEBRUARY 27.
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/?9......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
29
HK BILL DEBATE FACILITY FOR PRESS
* * *
A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO ENABLE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO LISTEN TO THE DEBATE ON THE THIRD READING AND COMMITTEE STAGE CF THE HONG KONG BILL IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS EARLY TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING, HONG KONG TIME.
NO TIME HAS YET BEEN FIXED FOR THE START OF THE DEBATE, BUT IT IS EXPECTED TO BE AROUND 3 AM HONG KONG TIME TOMORROW. HOWEVER, THIS MAY BE DELAYED IF THE PRECEDING DEBATE HAS NOT ENDED BY THEN.
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT +FEED+ TO THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, GIS, FROM WHERE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ABLE TO LISTEN TO THE DEBATE. THE +FEED+ WILL COVER THE DEBATE FROM BEGINNING TO END.
REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE ELECTRONIC MEDIA SHOULD NOTE THAT ALTHOUGH THEY CAN RECORD THE DEBATE FROM THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, THE RECORDING CAN NOT BE BROADCAST BECAUSE OF CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS OF RTHK.
IT SHOULD ALSO BE NOTED THAT RECORDINGS AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM CAN ONLY BE DONE BY HAND-HELD RECORDERS AND THERE WILL BE NO PLUG-IN FACILITIES.
-----0------
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SCHOOL IN MUI WO * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OPEN THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 8).
BEFORE THE SCHOOL OPENING, SIR EDWARD WILL FIRST TOUR CHUNG HAU TO LOOK AT DEVELOPMENTS.
----0----
+HARD WORK IS THE KEY*
XIX
’’HARD WORK IS THE KEY,” ADMITS HONG KONG’S TOP CHINESE POLICEMAN, MR LI KWAN-HA, IN EXPLAINING HIS RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED PROMOTION TO DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
MR LI WILL SUCCEED MR RAYMON ANN I NG WHEN THE LATTER TAKES OVER AS COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ON THE RETIREMENT OF MR ROY HENRY, IN APRIL.
/IN AN .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985 '
30 -
IN AN INTERVIEW IN THE LATEST EDITION OF THE POLICE FORCE FEWSPAPER OFF BEAT, MR LI GIVES READERS A GLIMPSE OF HIS LIFE, WHILE REMAINING TRUE TO HIS REPUTATION FOR MAINTAINING A LOW PROFILE.
” I AM JUST A SIMPLE POLICE OFFICER AND A CAREER MAN, SO I CAN DO NO MORE THAN MY BEST FOR MYSELF, FOR THE ORGANISATION AND ABOVE ALL FOR THE GOOD OF HONG KONG,” HE SAID.
’’MY AIM IN THE POLICE, AS ALWAYS, IS TO TRY TO MINIMISE CRIME — IN PARTICULAR, VIOLENT AND SERIOUS CRIME.
”l KNOW I CAN'T ELIMINATE IT, BUT IT IS GOOD TO BE ABLE TO PREVENT CRIME FROM HAPPENING AND, IF IT HAS ALREADY OCCURRED, THEN TO DETECT THE WRONGDOERS AND BRING THEM TO JUSTICE.”
MR LI ALSO GIVES THREE POINTS OF ADVICE FOR YOUNGER OFFICERS. IN ADDITION TO DEVELOPING POLICE OPERATIONAL AND MANAGERIAL SKILLS, THEY SHOULD MAINTAIN GOOD CONDUCT IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL AND PERSONAL LIVES.
’’PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT MEANS MORE THAN DOING WHAT IS REQUIRED,” FE SAID. ” IT EXTENDS TO COVER THE HUMAN SIDE OF OUR DAY-TO-DAY ENDEAVOURS. THE HUMAN ELEMENT HAS TO BE CONSIDERED IN OUR PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT.”
HE SAID FUTURE OBJECTIVES WOULD BE TO CONTINUE TO DO HIS BEST WITH THE AIM THAT HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE A HAPPY PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK.
AS FOR HIS PRIVATE LIFE, MR LI DESCRIBES HIMSELF AS A FAMILY WN. BORN IN CANTON, HE HAS SPENT MOST OF HIS LIFE IN HONG KONG, WHICH HE REGARDS AS HIS PERMANENT HOME.
HE LIVES QUIETLY WITH HIS WIFE, WHO WAS HIS CHILDHOOD SWEETHEART. THEY HAVE TWO DAUGHTERS AT SCHOOL IN ENGLAND.
’’PEOPLE SAY I LIKE TO KEEP A LOW PROFILE, BUT WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?” HE ASKED. ”l AM A QUIET PERSON AND WOULD PREFER TO SPEND LONGER TIME, IF POSSIBLE, WITH MY FAMILY. BUT I DO HAVE MANY FRIENDS IN THE POLICE. HOWEVER, THE WORK SCHEDULE IN MY PRESENT JOB IS SO HEAVY THAT WHATEVER TIME IS LEFT APART FROM SOCIALISING I SPEND WITH MY FAMILY.
'I LIKE WALKING, WHICH I DO QUITE A LOT OF, AND READING.” ALSO TOOK A KEEN INTEREST IN ANTIQUE JADE — AN INTEREST WHICH HE HAD DEVELOPED FOR OVER 15 YEARS — AND KEPT A LIMITED COLLECTION. ”1 ALSO HAVE A VERY DEEP INTEREST IN READING CHINESE HISTORY,” F£ ADDED.
MR LI AND HIS WIFE ARE BOTH CHRISTIANS AND REGULAR CHURCH GOERS AT THE LING LIANG WORLD WIDE EVANGELISTIC MISSION.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON HIS FUTURE PLANS, MR LI SAID: ” AS A CAREER POLICE OFFICER I WILL STAY AS LONG AS I CAN AND AS LONG AS I AM WANTED.’’
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/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1935
31
DB MEETING TO DISCUSS DEVELOPMENT PLAN X X X X
AN EXTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR YUEN LONG WILL BE DISCUSSED BY MEMBERS OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE PLAN INCLUDES THE EXPANSION OF YUEN LONG TOWN, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND TERMINUS FOR THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
THE LRT TERMINUS WILL BE INCORPORATED INTO YUEN LONG TOWN TO ALLOW FOR FURTHER TRAFFIC DEVELOPMENTS.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE INVITED TO COMMENT ON THE EIGHT PROPOSED NAMES FOR THE LRT STATIONS.
ACCORDING TO THE PLAN, A SITE HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO THE EAST OF YUEN LONG TOWN WHICH WILL INCLUDE A DISTRICT GAMES COMPLEX.
POLLUTION IN THE YUEN LONG NULLAH WHICH HAS CAUSED CONCERN AMONG BOARD MEMBERS AND THE PUBLIC, WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED AT THE NEETING.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WILL ANSWER QUESTIONS RAISED BY TWO BOARD MEMBERS ON THE PROBLEMS OF OYSTER FARMING AT TUNG CHUNG AND ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN YUEN LONG TOWN.
REPORTS FROM THE BOARD’S OF TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE WILL ALSO BE TABLED.
- - 0 -
RAPPS ON THE LOOKOUT FOR PICKPOCKETS
X X * X
WATCH OUT PICKPOCKETS -- RAPPS ARE ABOUT. WATCHING AND WAITING IN PLACES WHERE THEY KNOW PICKPOCKETS PREY ON UNSUSPECTING PASSERS-BY ARE THE MEN AND WOMEN OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND REGIONAL ANT I-PICKPOCKET SQUAD.
THE RAPPS — MORE STEALTHY AND OBSERVANT THAN PICKPOCKETS THEMSELVES -- HAVE HELPED REDUCE PICKPOCKET REPORTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND BY 36 PER CENT SINCE 1982.
SO EXPERT HAS THE SQUAD BECOME IN IDENTIFYING AND ARRESTING PICKPOCKETS AND PRODUCING CONDEMNING EVIDENCE THAT IT HAS ACHIEVED A 95 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE IN COURT CONVICTIONS.
/IF SOMEONE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 32 -
IF SOMEONE SUDDENLY DROPS COINS IN THE STREET, WAITS FOR BUSES WITHOUT TAKING A RIDE OR USES SIGN LANGUAGE LIKE A DEAF AND DUMB PERSON THEY COULD BE THE FIRST SIGNS THAT A VICTIM HAS BEEN SPOTTED AND A POCKET OR PURSE IS ABOUT TO BE PICKED.
WITH A HIDDEN SLIVER OF RAZOR BLADE THE PICKPOCKET MOVES CLOSER TO HIS VICTIM, READY TO SEIZE A MOMENT’S ADVANTAGE TO CUT OPEN A POCKET OR BAG.
IN FRONT OF DOZENS OF ON-LOOKERS HE SLASHES, DEFTLY STEALING MONEY, CREDIT CARDS AND VALUABLES.
WORKING IN GROUPS SOMETIMES AS MANY AS SEVEN STRONG THEY STRIKE PASSING STOLEN PROPERTY FROM HAND TO HAND UNTIL THEY DISAPPEAR INTO THE PEOPLE PACKED STREETS OF CAUSEWAY BAY OR CENTRAL.
THE SLIGHTEST SUSPICION THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SEEN OR THAT POLICE ARE PRESENT AND THE GANGS DISPERSE AND MOVE TO ANOTHER PREARRANGED LOCATION.
BUT THEY KNOW THAT RAPPS ARE MAKING LIFE INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT FOR THEM.
EXPLAINED MR ERIC LEE, SENIOR STAFF OFFICER, CRIME, HONG KONG ISLAND! ’’WE HAVE NOW REACHED A STAGE IN OUR FIGHT AGAINST PICKPOCKETS THAT WE ARE ABLE TO PASS THE RESPONSIBILITY BACK TO THE DISTRICTS AS PART AND PARCEL OF THEIR WATCH AND WARD DUTIES.”
IT WAS NOT THE SAME IN 1982, WHEN THERE WERE 1,063 PICKPOCKET REPORTS ON THE ISLAND. MOST OF THE VICTIMS WERE TOURISTS OR FOREIGNERS FROM JAPAN OR SOUTH EAST ASIA, PEOPLE CARRYING LARGE AMOUNTS OF CASH AND CREDIT CARDS.
SAID MR LEEs ”AS A RESULT PICKPOCKETS CONVERGED ON WANCHAI, CENTRAL AND CAUSEWAY BAY. THE STREETS ARE CROWDED WITH PEOPLE AND TRAFFIC IN CENTRAL DURING LUNCH HOURS AND IN OTHER AREAS DURING THE NIGHT. WE WERE HIT BY A HIGH RATE OF PICKPOCKET REPORTS.”
AS A RESULT IT WAS DECIDED EARLY IN 1983 TO ESTABLISH A UNIQUE SECTION SPECIALLY CHARTERED TO DEAL WITH PICKPOCKETS IN BOTH OPERATIONAL AND INTELLIGNCE FIELDS. THE RESULT WAS THE FORMATION OF RAPPS.
UNDER THE COMMAND OF CHIEF INSPECTOR STEVE CHANDLER THE SQUAD HAD 25 MEMBERS OF ALL RANKS FROM UNIFORM BRANCH AND CID. THE SQUAD WAS LATER REDUCED INTO TWO SMALLER TEAMS, COMMANDED NOW BY SENIOR INSPECTOR CHEUNG PUI-KUEN.
”WE SYSTEMATICALLY ANALYSED AND IDENTIFIED THE PICKPOCKETS,” SAID MR LEE. ’’MOST OF THEM WERE IN ORGANISED GROUPS, ALTHOUGH THERE WERE SOME FREELANCES. WE ESTABLISHED THE BLACKSPOTS AND TIMINGS OF INCIDENTS AND STUDIED THE TACTICS OF THE CRIMINALS.
/' 'NO SCT2HEH.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
’’NO SOONER HAD THE SQUAD BEEN FORMED THAN WE IDENTIFIED A NUMBER OF GANGS. THEY WERE HIGHLY MOBILE. SOME WERE LOCAL GROUPS, SOME WERE VIETNAMESE AND OTHERS WERE DEAF AND DUMB PEOPLE.”
A COMMON WAY TO FALL VICTIM TO A PICKPOCKET WOULD BE BY BEING JOSTLED BY ACCOMPLICES IN A CROWDED PLACE, SUCH AS A BUS QUEUE OR BY BEING STOPPED BY A DIVERSIONARY TACTIC SUCH AS A MAN IN THE STREET SUDDENLY DROPPING A HANDFUL OF.COINS, FORCING PEOPLE BEHIND HIM TO STOP.
”IT ALL HAPPENS WITHOUT PEOPLE STANDING BY IN THE STREET KNOWING ANYTHING ABOUT IT. SOMETIMES THEY SEE IT HAPPEN AND DO NOTHING ABOUT IT. PUBLIC CO-OPERATION HAS BEEN A PROBLEM AT TIMES.
”WE MADE A VIDEOTAPE FOR TRAINING PURPOSES TO SHOW HOW EASY IT WAS TO MISS A PICKPOCKET AT WORK AND WE FILMED PEOPLE WITHOUT THEIR KNOWLEDGE, WITNESSING OUR STAGED ’’INCIDENT” WITHOUT RAISING A HUE AND CRY. ’ ’
IN ORDER TO ARREST COMPLETE GANGS AND NOT JUST THE PERSON WHO CARRIES OUT THE THEFT, THE RAPPS SET UP OBERVATION AND PHOTOGRAPHIC POSTS TO IDENTIFY POSSIBLE CULPRITS.
RAPPS PERSONNEL, DRESSED LIKE ANY OTHER PASSER-BY, MINGLED WITH CROWDS AND SUSPECTS. ONE GANG SUCCESSFULLY INDENTIFIED AND NEUTRALISED CONTAINED 10 PEOPLE.
BY LAST YEAR THE NUMBER OF PICKPOCKET REPORTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAD DROPPED TO 686.
THE RAPPS EXPERIENCE IS NOW BEING PASSED ON FORCE WIDE TO OTHER FORMATIONS.
REGIONAL ATTACHMENTS ARE BEING MADE TO THE SQUAD BY ROTATION TO STUDY LESSONS IN INTELLIGENCE GATHERING AND OPERATIONS AT STREET LEVEL.
KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES ARE ALSO TAKING ACTIVE ROLES IN COMBATTING TRENDS IN PICKPOCKET ACTIVITIES.
- - 0
FIREWORKS POSTERS SNAPPED UP * * * *
THE ATTRACTIVELY DESIGNED 1985 FIREWORKS POSTERS HAVE ONCE AGAIN PROVED TO BE VERY POPULAR AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS.
IN LESS THAN TWO DAYS, ALL 14 500 COPIES AVAILABLE FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION AT THE URBAN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS CENTRE HAVE BEEN SNAPPED UP.
/m view
WEDNESDAY, FE3HDABY 6, 1985
IN VIEW OF THE OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, AN ADDITIONAL 10 000 COPIES HAVE BEEN PRINTED AND THESE ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE VARIOUS BRANCHES OF SUN HUNG KAI BANK.
THE POSTERS ARE PRODUCED IN CONNECTION WITH THE 1985 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE SUN HUNG KAI GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE DISPLAY WILL BE HELD OVER VICTORIA HARBOUR ON FEBRUARY 21, THE SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, STARTING FROM 8 P.M. IT WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE BY BOTH TELEVISION STATIONS.
BLITZ ON FIRE HAZARDS IN FACTORY BUILDINGS X * * *
AN INSPECTION TO IDENTIFY AND ABATE FIRE HAZARDS AT FACTORY BUILDINGS WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN KWAI CHUNG TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
IT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND AND THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT STARTING AT 10 AM.
-----0------
ART GALLERY IN TAI KOK TSUI PROPOSED
* * * *
A PROPOSAL TO BUILD AN OPEN AIR ART GALLERY IN TAI KOK TSUI WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE MONG KOK DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
IT WILL BE LOCATED AT AN ACCESS LANE BOUNDED BY SYCAMORE STREET AND BOUNDARY STREET.
TOTAL COST OF THE PROJECT IS $240 000 WITH THE BOARD CONTRIBUTING $150 000.
MEMBERS’ VIEW WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON THE OPERATION OF PARKING INTERS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN THE DISTRICT AND THE OUTLINE ZONING PLAN OF YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST SITUATION IN RESITING MARKET AND HAWKER STALLS IN CONNECTION WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE URBAN COUNCIL FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A REVIEW OF THE WORK OF THE BOARD FOR 1984/85, APPLICATION FOR DB FUNDS, AND THE PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
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/35 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
- 35 -
SEMINAR TO PROMOTE CLOSER GROUP TIES * * *
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND THE
13 AREA COMMITTEES IN THE DISTRICT WILL BE DISCUSSED AT A SEMINAR ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 8) EVENING.
MORE THAN 150 DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE SEMINAR - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
SUBJECTS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE ADEQUACY OF COMMUNICATION CHANNELS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND ACS, AND WAYS TO IMPROVE WORKING RELATIONS IN AREAS SUCH AS ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, W ALBERT LAM, WILL ADDRESS THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL START AT 6.30 PM IN THE GOLDEN MILE HOLIDAY INN HOTEL, NATHAN ROAD.
--------0---------
SEWAGE PUMPING STATION TO BE BUILT AT TSI NG Yl * * * *
A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION WILL BE BUILT ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT BY THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
BESIDES THE PUMPING STATION, THE $7.6 MILLION CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF AN ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION, THE ASSOCIATED BUILDING SERVICES AND ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS TOGETHER WITH AN ACCESS ROAD.
THE NEARBY AREAS WILL BE LANDSCAPED TO BLEND WITH THE EXISTING GREEN HILLSIDES.
THE CONTRACT WENT TO MAEDA CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED.
WORK COMMENCED EARLIER THIS WEEK AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
---o------
/36........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 1985
36
SOCCER FIELD FOR TAI PO
* * *
WORK ON BUILDING A SOCCER PITCH AT TAI PO STARTED EARLY THIS MONTH (FEBRUARY) FOLLOWING THE AWARD OF A $4.9 MILLION CONTRACT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE PITCH AT TAI PO ROAD NEAR WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL, NEASURING 52 METRES BY 91 METRES, WILL HAVE ARTIFICIAL TURF AND FLOOD LIGHTING.
FACILITIES SUCH AS CHANGING ROOMS, TOILETS, STOREROOMS AND A LANDSCAPED AREA WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER.
SHA TIN SITE FOR SHORT TERM TENANCY 1 XX
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A 1 162-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT YUEN CHAU KOK ROAD, SHA TIN.
THE SITE IS FOR THE GROWING, STORAGE AND SALE OF POTTED PLANTS, FLOWERS AND ANCILLARY GARDEN PRODUCTS.
TENANCY IS FOR THREE YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 1.
TENDER FORM, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION ATi
X LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG,
X DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON? AND
X DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
/ 37 ........
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
U.S. ORIGIN RULES TALKS ADJOURNED ....................... 1
GREEN LIGHT FOR CAR PARK PLAN TALKS ..................... 2
CHANCE TO MEET VOTERS ................................... 3
MEET THE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED ........................ 4
PUBLIC HOUSING A SOCIAL PROGRAMME FOR NEEDY.............. 5
CLOSURE OF ROOFTOP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ................... 6
BOARD REVIEWS ITS WORK................................... 7
WAN CHAI CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS........................ 7
ANTI-CRIME DRIVE CLOSES WITH SHOW ....................... 7
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED ........................ 8
SAI KUNG MAPS OUT ELECTION STRATEGY...................... 9
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED FOR RESEARCH IN UK.................. 10
YEAR-IND CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN GETS OFF THE GROUND .......... 11
BANKING TRAINING COURSE OFFERED ......................... 12
COLLEGE MARKS JUBILEE WITH DISPLAY ...................... 12
EDUCATION GRANTS ........................................ 13
PHOTO CONTEST TO HELP BOOST ELECTIONS ................... 13
YEAR-END CLEAN-UP ....................................... 14
JOINT EXERCISE........................................... 14
BETTER ROAD FACILITIES FOR FANLING....................... 14
FIRST TRIAL-PERIOD ENDS.................................. 15
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 193^
1
U.S. ORIGIN RULES TALKS ADJOURNED * * * *
CONSULTATIONS IN WASHINGTON BETWEEN HONG KONG AND UNITED STATES TRADE OFFICIALS ON THE U.S. ORIGIN REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN ADJOURNED FOLLOWING TALKS ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY, A TRADE DEPARTMENT * SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
MR HAMISH MACLEOD, THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE WHO LED THE HONG KONG DELEGATION, SAID THE TALKS HAD FOCUSED ON THE FINDINGS OF THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) CONCERNING THE ADVERSE EFFECTS OF THE REGULATIONS ON HONG KONG’S TRADE UNDER THE BILATERAL TEXTILES AGREEMENT.
HE SAID THAT HE HAD STRESSED TO THE AMERICAN DELEGATION THAT THE REGULATIONS WERE CONTINUING TO CAUSE SERIOUS DISRUPTION TO THE Knitwear trade under the agreement.
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD POINTED OUT POSSIBLE SIDE-EFFECTS OF THE fEW RULES WHICH WOULD BE UNWELCOME TO THE U.S. - FOR EXAMPLE, IT WAS CLEAR THAT THE NEW RULES, IF UNCHANGED, WOULD IN FUTURE PERMIT HONG KONG TO EXPORT SWEATERS FREE OF QUOTA IF CERTAIN KNITTING PROCESSES WERE CARRIED OUT IN THE EEC OR OTHER QUOTA FREE COUNTRIES. IN SUM, THE REGULATIONS COULD LEAD TO A PROLIFERATION OF JUST THE SORT OF PROBLEMS WHICH THEY WERE SUPPOSEDLY DESIGNED TO PREVENT.
MR MACLEOD CONFIRMED THAT, IN THE ABSENCE OF ANY U.S. PROPOSALS, HONG KONG HAD PUT TWO PROPOSALS ON THE TABLE. THESE PROPOSALS ADDRESSED THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS-OF UNCERTAINTY FACING HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS AND EXPORTERS, AND SUGGESTED A SOLUTION TO THE OVERALL PROBLEM OF THE REGULATIONS IN THE CONTEXT OF THE CURRENT U.S. REVIEW.
HE SAID THAT THE U.S. HAD BEEN UNABLE TO GIVE A SUBSTANTIVE RESPONSE TO THE PROPOSALS DURING THE PRESENT ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS. HAD RESPONDED THAT THE ABSENCE OF ANY U.S. ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS THE TSB FINDINGS AND TO DISCUSS POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS WAS UNREASONABLE AND UNHELPFUL AND COULD NOT BE REGARDED AS AN ADEQUATE RESPONSE TO THE TSB RECOMMENDATIONS.
NEVERTHELESS, IN VIEW OF THE U.S. POSITION, IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT THE TALKS SHOULD BE ADJOURNED TO ENABLE THE UNITED STATES TO CONSIDER FURTHER AND TO RESPOND TO THE PROPOSALS.
COMMENTING ON THE TALKS, MR MACLEOD SAID, +THE OUTCOME AT THIS Stage is still inconclusive, the u.s. made no proposals during THE CONSULTATIONS, BUT I BELIEVE THAT THEY ARE NOW MORE AWARE OF THE RAMIFICATIONS OF THE REGULATIONS AND POSSIBLE ASSOCIATED PROBLEMS.
+WE HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT THE UNITED STATES WILL GIVE FULL CONSIDERATION TO OUR PROPOSALS, AND WE HAVE ALSO BEEN ASSURED THAT Final decisions should be taken in the next few weeks.
/+WB MOST.........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
2
+WE MUST NOW GIVE CONSIDERATION TO WHAT OUR NEXT STEPS WILL BE. THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD WILL HOLD A SPECIAL MEETING ON MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, TO CONSIDER A FULL REPORT OF THE CONSULTATIONS AND POSSIBLE FURTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN,* MR MACLEOD SAID.
THE WEEK COMMENCING MARCH 11 HAS BEEN SET AS A PROVISIONAL DATE FOR RESUMING THE TALKS. MR MACLEOD SAID HE DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF SEEKING FURTHER TALKS WITH THE U.S. THIS MONTH.
THE OFFICIAL DELEGATION WILL RETURN (FRIDAY) EVENING. MR STEPHEN CHEONG AND ACCOMPANIED THE DELEGATION AS INDUSTRIAL HONG KONG OVER THE WEEKEND.
TO HONG KONG TOMORROW MR KENNETH FANG, WHO ADVISERS, WILL RETURN TO
GREEN LIGHT FOR CAR PARK PLAN TALKS M M M M M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO A PROPOSAL FROM A FRENCH CONSORTIUM TO BUILD AN UNDERGROUND PUBLIC CAR PARK BENEATH SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND IN WAN CHAI, AND HAD GIVEN APPROVAL FOR DETAILED NEGOTIATIONS TO BE HELD WITH THE CONSORTIUM ON THE BASIS OF A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT.
THE CONSORTIUM, WHICH HAS CONSIDERABLE EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING AND OPERATING UNDERGROUND CAR PARKS IN FRANCE, PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A 7-STOREY STRUCTUREi THE LOWER FIVE FLOORS WOULD BE USED FOR CAR PARKING AND PROVIDE A TOTAL OF ABOUT 1 QUO SPACES WHILE THE UPPER TWO FLOORS WOULD CONTAIN COMMERCIAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES. THE ENTRANCE TO AND EXIT FROM THE CAR PARK WOULD BE ARRANGED TO AVOID DISRUPTION TO THE LOCAL TRAFFIC FLOW.
THE PROJECT IS ESTIMATED TO COST OVER $200 MILLION AND THIS WOULD BE MET ENTIRELY BY THE CONSORTIUM.
THE BUILDING OF THE CAR PARK WOULD GIVE RISE TO A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF DISRUPTION DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD AND NECESSITATE THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF THE PLAYGROUND.
HOWEVER, THE CONSORTIUM HAS ADVISED THAT THE SURFACE OF THE PLAYGROUND WOULD BE RETURNED WITHIN 15 MONTHS AND HAS INDICATED ITS WILLINGNESS TO CARRY OUT CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS TO THE PLAYGROUND AT ITS OWN EXPENSE.
/THE URBAN .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7. 1985
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS ALSO AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE PROPOSAL ON THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE PLAYGROUND WOULD BE RETURNED WITHIN 15 MONTHS AND THAT IT WOULD BE CONSULTED ON THE RE-INSTATEMENT AND POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENT OF THE PLAYGROUND. THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE CONSULTED AND ITS VIEWS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE CONSORTIUM WILL SUBMIT PROPOSALS TO BUILD UNDERGROUND CAR PARKS UNDER OTHER OPEN-SPACE SITES IN THE URBAN AREA. EACH PROPOSAL WOULD BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OWN MERITS, HAVING REGARD MAINLY TO THE DEMAND FOR PARKING IN THE AREA, THE DISRUPTION TO TRAFFIC DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, THE LOSS OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES OR OPEN SPACE, AND THE VIEWS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE RELEVANT DISTRICT BOARD. HOWEVER, EVEN IF OTHER PROPOSALS ARE SUPPORTED IN PRINCIPLE, THERE IS NO COMMITMENT TO FURTHER PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS.
DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WILL BEGIN WITH THE CONSORTIUM ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT AND THE TERMS OF THE LAND GRANT.
-----0------
CHANCE TO MEET VOTERS
* X *
CANDIDATES FOR THE COMING SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO MEET VOTERS THROUGH A SERIES OF VARIETY SHOWS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE OVER THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
THEY WILL BE ABLE TO PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS DURING THE VARIETY SHOWS FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, ARTISTES AND LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS. THERE WILL ALSO BE QUIZZES, MAGIC SHOWS AND ACROBATIC ACTS.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST +CONSTITUENCY NITE+ FOR THE ABERDEEN -AP LEI CHAU CONSTITUENCY TO BE HELD IN THE ABERDEEN CENTRE SQUARE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING AT 7.45 PM.
MR CHAN SAID THE RECONSTITUTED DISTRICT BOARD WOULD BECOME MORE REPRESENTATIVE AND COULD BETTER REFLECT RESIDENTS’ WISHES AS THERE WOULD BE MORE ELECTED MEMBERS ON THE BOARD.
♦ IN ORDER TO INCREASE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, RESIDENTS’ SUPPORT, AS WELL AS THE WORK OF ENTHUSIASTIC DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, ARE IMPORTANT,+ HE SAID.
♦RESIDENTS SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND CAST THEIR VOTES ON POLLING DAY,+ MR CHAN STRESSED.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985 .
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE CONSTITUENCY NITES-DAYS FOR “ SOUTHERN DI STR I CTi
CONSTITUENCY DAY-NITE DATE TIME VENUE
ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU FEBRUARY 8 (FR IDAY) 7.45 PM ABERDEEN CENTRE SQUARE, ABERDEEN
WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS FEBRUARY 9 (SATURDAY) 7.30 PM PLAYGROUND NO. 1 WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE
POK FU LAM FEBRUARY 10 2.00 PM CHI FU FA YUFN SKATING RINK, CHI FU FA YUEN
TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY) 8.00 PM PLAYGROUND NO. 1 SHEK PAI WAN ESTATE
WAH FU FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY) 8.00 PM WAH HONG SQUARE, WAH FU ESTATE
STANLEY AND SHEK 0 FEBRUARY 22 (FR IDAY) 2.00 PM STANLEY PLAYGROUND, STANLEY NEW STREET
-----0------
MEET THE PUBLIC FORUMS ORGANISED M * * *
CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL MEET THE PUBLIC IN A SERIES OF FORUMS STARTING TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE FORUMS WILL BE ORGANISED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS AND OPEN TO ALL.
THE CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR INDIVIDUAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUERIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
THERE ARE 28 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 18 ELECTFD SEATS ON THE-SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD. AS FIVE OF THE SEATS - TWO IN LAI WAN, TWO IN NAM CHEONG EAST AND ONE IN SHEK KIP MCI - ARE UNCONTESTED, ONLY 23 CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTEST NG FOR THE REMAINING 13 SEATS.
/THS DA.TSS.............
THURSDAY, FffiRUARY 7, 1985
- 5 -
THE DATES, TIMES AND VENUES OF THE FORUMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME
FRIDAY 8 PM
(FEBRUARY 8)
CONSTITUENCY
PAK TIN
VENUE
SUNDAY 10.30 AM
(FEBRUARY 10)
CHEUNG SHA WAN
PAK TIN COMMUNITY HALL PAK TIN STREET, BLOCK 3, PODIUM, UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE, KOWLOON.
LAI KOK ESTATE CYCLING FIELD
SUNDAY 2.30 PM
(FEBRUARY 10)
LEI CHENG UK AND SO UK
PO ON ROAD PLAYGROUND
SUNDAY 3 PM
(FEBRUARY 17)
WEDNESDAY 8 PM
(FEBRUARY 27)
THURSDAY 8 PM
(FEBRUARY 28)
FRIDAY 8 PM
(MARCH 1)
LAI CHI KOK AND UN CHAU
NAM SHAN AND
YAU YAT CHUEN
NAM CHEONG WEST
NAM CHEONG NORTH
UN CHAU STREET ESTATE NO. 2 FOOTBALL PITCH
NAM SHAN ESTATE BASKET BALL COURT, NAM ON HOUSE, NAM SHAN ESTATE
FRAGRANT CITY RESTAURANT, 226 CHEUNG -SHA WAN ROAD
FRAGRANT CITY RESTAURANT, 226 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD
PUBLIC
HOUSING A SOCIAL PROGRAMME FOR NEEDY ******
A HOUSING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN TODAY EMPHASISED THAT PUBLIC HOUSING WAS A SOCIAL PROGRAMME FOR THE BENEFIT OF PEOPLE WHO COULD NOT AFFORD MORE EXPENSIVE HOUSING IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
AS SUCH, HE SAID, IT SHOULD NOT BECOME A PERPETUAL HEREDITARY PRIVILEGE OF SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THEY NEED SUCH HOUSING.
♦PUBLIC HOUSING IS HEAVILY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FORM OF FREE LAND GRANTS AND SPECIAL LOANS WHICH ENABLE ESTATE RENTS TO REMAIN BELOW PREVAILING MARKET LEVELS.
' + THE PRINCIPLE SHOULD THEREFORE BE TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS GO TO THOSE FAMILIES IN MOST NEED.*
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT AUTOMATIC INHERITANCE WOULD MEAN A FAMILY COULD HAVE PUBLIC HOUSING FOR EVERY GENERATION FOREVER,
/+IT GIVES........
THURSDAY, FEB HUW 7, 1985
+ IT GIVES RISE TO A SITUATION WHEREBY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY-IS COMMITTED TO AN OPEN-ENDED RESPONSIBILITY OF HOUSING SUCCESSIVE GENERATIONS ALTHOUGH SOME CAN WELL AFFORD TO MOVE INTO PRIVATE HOUSING OR BUY HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS.
■ ♦■PEOPLE MAY WELL WONDER 1 WHY NOT ASK THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD AN HOS FLAT TO BUY ONE SO THAT THEIR RENTAL ESTATE FLATS CAN BE RELEASED FOR REALLOCATION TO FAMILIES IN GENUINE NEED?*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID AUTOMATIC INHERITANCE WAS AMONG THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF PUBLIC HOUSING ALLOCATION POLICIES SET OUT FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION IN A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT LAST YEAR.
AS A RESULT, HE SAID, IT WAS DECIDED THAT UPON THE DEATH OF THE PRINCIPAL TENANT OR SPOUSE, THE REMAINING FAMILY SHOULD BE MEANS-TESTED TO DETERMINE ITS CONTINUED ELIGIBILITY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING. THE MAXIMUM INCOME LIMIT IS S7 500 A MONTH.
♦ THIS LIMIT FOR INHERITANCE IS ALREADY VERY GENEROUS - IT IS THE TOP LIMIT OF HOS ELIGIBILITIES AND IS EVEN MORE GENEROUS THAN THE RENTAL HOUSING WAITING LIST LIMITS WHICH ARE #4 800 FOR A 4-PERSON FAMILY OR $5 200 FOR A 5-PERSON FAMILY.
♦ SHOULD THE REMAINING HOUSEHOLDS BE OVER-INCOME, THEY WILL BE GIVEN ONE YEAR IN WHICH TO EITHER MOVE TO THE PRIVATE .ECTOR OR BUY A HOS FLAT USING THE GREEN FORM WHICH ALLOWS THEM A MUCH IMPROVED CHANCE OF GETTING A HOS FLAT OF THEIR CHOICE.*
-.--0----
CLOSURE OF ROOFTOP ILLEGAL STRUCTURES * * M X
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF AREA OF A BUILDING AT 106-108 FIRST STREET, HONG KONG. TO BE CLOSED IN ORDER THAT THE STRUCTURES COULD BE DEMOLISHED, WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER AT THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 7 AT 9.30 AM WAS POSTED TODAY.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING THAT RECENT INSPECTIONS SHOWED THAT THE DEMOLITION ORDERS SERVED ON THE OWNERS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH. IT WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES FOR THE INTENDED WORK.
THE LAST INSPECTION WAS MADE ON DECEMBER 1, 1984.
- - - - 0 -----
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1935
- 7 -
BOARD REVIEWS ITS WORK
* * *
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL REVIEW ITS WORK AND THAT OF ITS COMMITTEES FOR THE PAST THREE YEARS AT THE FINAL MEETING OF THE SESSION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW SCHEMES THAT ENABLE RESIDENTS TO REFLECT THEIR PROBLEMS AND MAKE SUGGESTIONS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, THE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT COMMITTEE AND THE WORK PROJECTS COMMITTEE.
THE DISTRCT BOARD WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR ORGANISING SPRING FESTIVAL ACTIVITIES IN POK FU LAM, SHEK 0 AND AP LEI CHAU.
--.-0----
WAN CHAI CANDIDATES TO MEET PRESS * * * *
CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7, WILL BE INTRODUCED AT A + MEET THE PRESS+ SESSION TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE 21 CANDIDATES, WHO ARE CONTESTING THE 10 SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS, WILL SPEAK ABOUT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS.
THEY WILL BE INTRODUCED BY WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WHO WILL ALSO BRIEF THE MEDIA ON THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT.
- - - - 0 -----
ANTI-CRIME DRIVE CLOSES WITH SHOW
IKI
AN EVENING VARIETY SHOW AT THE TAI PO PLAYGROUND ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9) WILL BRING TO A CLOSE THE 1984-85 TAI PO DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN.
THE THREE-MONTH CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN FOCUSED ON THREE SPECIFIC AREAS OF CRIME — THEFT FROM PARKED VEHICLES, CRIME IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, AND BURGLARIES AND ROBBERIES IN HIGH RISK PREMISES, SUCH AS BANKS AND GOLDSMITH SHOPS.
THE VARIETY SHOW, FEATURING PERFORMANCES BY POPULAR SINGERS, WMkGlC ACTS AND ACROBATICS, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.________ _______________
/among the .......
THURSDAY, PBDHUAHY 7,
- 8 -
AMONG THE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPAIGN WERE AN EXHIBITION ON SECURITY SYSTEMS AND CRIME PREVENTION, TALKS ON CRIME PREVENTION AND JUVENILE DELINQUENCY BY SOCIAL WORK RS AND POLICE OFFICERS, BOOKMARK DESIGN AND ESSAY COMPETITIONS, AND VARIETY SHOWS HELD IN PUBLIC HOUSING ES1ATI IN THE DISTRICT.
A NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH SCHEME, AIMED AT ENCOURAGING iiC'<IDFNTS TO REPORT CRIME IN THEIR BU II DINGS, WAS ALSO LAUNCHED DURING FHL CAMPAIGN.
VIEWS COLLECTED FROM SEMINARS AND TALKS ON THf I.AW AND ORDER SITUATION, AND ON CRIME PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT, WILL RE FORWARDED TO THE DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
THE DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTED |2O 000 TOWARDS THF. CAMPAIGN, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFF ICC AN! Tin POLICE.
OFFICIATING AT THE VARIETY SHOW AND CLOSING CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN, THE REGIONAL POLICE COMMANDER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR R.C. SMALLSHAW, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TAI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, MR DONALD YAP.
DANGEROUS BUILDINGS TO BE CLOSED * M M X
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED NOS. 1 AND 5, WING SING STREET, HONG KONG, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE AUTHORITY ALSO DECLARED THAT NOS. 1A AND ?, THf SECOND FLOOR OF NO. 4, THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOOR OF NO. 6, WING SING STREET, AND THE EXTENSION PORTIONS AT REAR d IRST and SFCOND FLOORS OF 187 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, LIABLE TO BECOME DANGi ROUS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT NOS. 1, 3 AND 8 WING SING STREET WERE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONSTRUCTED OF TIMBER FLOORS AND TIMBER PITCHED ROOFS ON LOAD-BEARING BRICK WALLS. NO. 1A WING SING STREET CONSISTED OF TWO CONCRETE AND ONE TIMBER RIDING FLOORS BUILT OVER ITS OWN LOT. THESE BUILDINGS HAD BLLN UNDLR OBSERVATION FOR MANY YEARS.
RECENT INSPECTIONS HAD SHOWN THAT THE KITCHEN Pl hck or NO. 5 WING SING STREET HAD UNDERGONE 0U1WARD MOVEMENT WITH A SI VLRE BULGE ON THE REAR MAIN WAIL Al FIRST AND Si CONI’ flo.’L', ’ Fl ANK WALL OF NO. 1 WAS BULGED AT GROUND FLOOR NEAR THE RI AK MAIN WALL AND THERE WERE SIGNS OF MOVEMENT SIDEWARD.
/WB, THEBE..........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
9
HENCE, THERE WAS POTENTIAL DANGER OF A COLLAPSE OF NOS. 5 AND 1. NOS. 3 AND 1A WERE UNLIKELY TO SUSTAIN THE EFFECT OF DEMOLITION OF BOTH NOS. 5 AND 1 BECAUSE OF THEIR CONSTRUCTION AND STRUCTURAL CONDITION. IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THESE FOUR BUILDINGS.
THE EXTENSION PORTIONS AT THE REAR OF FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF NO. 187 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WERE CONSTRUCTED AS RIDING FLOORS OVER THE GROUND STOREY WITH THEIR SUPPORTS ON NOS. 1A AND 2 WING SING STREET. THEREFORE IN DEMOLISHING NO. 1A IT WAS NECESSARY TO DEMOLISH THESE RIDING FLOOR EXTENSIONS. UPON REMOVAL OF THE RIDING FLOOR EXTENSIONS TO NO. 187 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, THE ONLY NEANS OF FIRE ESCAPE FROM THE SECOND FLOOR OF NO. 4 WING SING STREET AND FROM THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF NO. 6 WING SING STREET WHICH PASSED THROUGH THE ABOVE MENTIONED RIDING FLOOR EXTENSIONS WOULD BE DENIED AND IT WAS ALSO NECESSARY TO CLOSE THESE FLOORS IN ONE OPERATION.
HOWEVER, THE OWNERS OF THESE AFFECTED FLOORS OF NO. 4 AND 6 WOULD BE ADVISED TO PROVIDE ACCEPTABLE FIRE ESCAPES AND UPON SATISFACTORY PROVISION, CLOSURE ORDERS IN RESPECT OF NO. 4 WING SING STREET, SECOND FLOOR AND NO. 6 WING SING STREET, FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS WOULD BE LIFTED.
NOTICES OF INTENTION DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM
TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN VICTORIA ON MARCH 7, 1985 WERE POSTED TODAY.
..--0----
SAI KUNG MAPS OUT ELECTION STRATEGY
*****
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
THESE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE DISTRIBUTING POSTERS AND INFORMATION PAMPHLETS, ERECTING BANNERS AND SIGNBOARDS IN PROMINENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT, AND ISSUING LETTERS TO REGISTERED VOTERS URGING THEM TO VOTE.
THE ANNUAL SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD BETWEEN FEBRUARY 23 AND MARCH 3, WILL ALSO CONTAIN ACTIVITIES AIMED AT PROMOTING THE ELECTIONS.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (THURSDAY) TO INTRODUCE THE 12 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE DISTRICT’S ELECTIONS, THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, ALSO ANNOUNCED DETAILS OF THE ELECTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
+ABOUT 10 000 COPIES OF A BOOKLET ON THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS CF THE DISTRICT BOARD OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT,* MR HO SAID.
/REGISTERED VOTERS........
THURSDAY, FMiilUAKY 7. 1'Hb
- 10 -
REGISTERED VOTERS WILL ALSO RECEIVE AN APPEAL LETTER FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER, THE FIRST ISSUE OF A DISTRICT NEWSPAPER WHICH WILL HAVE SPECIAL FEATURES ON THE CANDIDATES, AND AN INFORMATION PAMPHLET ABOUT CANDIDATES IN THI FIVE CONSTITUENCIES.
♦ TO BRING ABOUT A MORE FESTIVE ATMOSPHERE TO THE LU Cl ION CAMPAIGN, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL DISTRIBUTE 4 000 COPIES OF LUNAR NEW YEAR POSTERS WHICH CONTAIN MESSAGES URGING PEOPLE TO VOTE,* HE ADDFD.
THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE 12 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE DISTRICT’S FIVE SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES IS 45, THE OLDEST BLING 66 YEARS OLD AND YOUNGEST 31 YEARS OLD.
♦WE HAVE SIX MERCHANTS, TWO SOCIAL WORKERS, TWO PROFESSION*1 , A HEADMASTER AND AN ELECTRONIC DESIGNER. FOUR OF WHOM ACE INCUMBENT ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, PARTICIPATING IN THE ELECTION,* FE SAID.
SCHOLARSHIPS OFFERED FOR RESEARCH IN UK M M * M M
UNIVERSITY GRADUATES WHO WILL BE UNDERTAKING POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM IN 1985/86 CAN APPLY FOR SCHOLARSHIPS UNDER THE OVERSEAS RESEARCH STUDENTS AWARDS SCHfMl .
SOME 750 NEW OVERSEAS RESEARCH STUDENTS AWARDS WILL Bl OFFERED ON A COMPETITIVE BASIS IN 1985. EACH AWARD WILL COVER THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE TUITION FEES FOR A HOME POSTGRADUATE STUDENT AND AN OVERSEAS POSTGRADUATE STUDENT.
SUBJECT TO THE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS OF AN AWARD HOLDER, AN AWARD MAY BE RENEWED FOR A SECOND AND THIRD YEAR.
APPLICANTS MUST NORMALLY BE GRADUATES OF A RECOGNISED UNIVERSITY AND HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED CONDITIONALLY BY ONE OF THE 95 PARTICIPATING ACADEMIC INSTITUTIONS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR ADMISSION IN 1985/86 AS REGISTERED RESEARCH STUDENTS TO A COURSE OF FULL-TIME STUDY FOR A HIGHER DEGREE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THF REGISTRAR OR SECRETARY OF THE ACADEMIC INSTITUTION. APPLICATIONS SHOULD BL MADE TO THE REGISTRAR OR SECRETARY ON OR BEFORE MAY P, W’5.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE OVERSIA:. oTUDENK, AND SCHOLARSHIPS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 15TH FLOOR, 77 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG OR BY TELEPHONE ' -i'W
THE AWARDS SCHEME WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1979 BY THE SECRETARY 01 STATE FOR EDUCATION AND SCIENCE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR OVERSEAS POSTGRADUAIE STUDENTS WITH OUTSTANDING MERIT AND RE'.EARCH POTENTIAL.
0 - - - -
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1965
11
YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN GETS OFF THE GROUND
KMX
NINETEEN URBAN COUNCILLORS WILL TAKE THE LEAD TO KICK OFF THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN ON SATURDAY.
THE CAMPAIGN, ORGANISED BY THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT THE 11 URBAN DISTRICTS.
TO MARK THE OCCASION A LAUNCHING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD IN EACH DISTRICT. DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
H< ISLAND:
9.30 A.M. CENTRAL MARKET(ENTRANCE) MISS MARIA TAM
10.00 A.M. LOK KU ROAD RCP, WESTERN MR PAO PING-WING
10.00 A.M. AP LEI CHAU PLAYGROUND MR JOSEPH CHAN
11.00 A.M. GLOUCESTER ROAD RCP MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN MR SAMUEL WONG
2.30 P.M. KOWLOON: OPEN SPACE AT LAI TAK TSUEN, TAI HANG ROAD MR SHUM CHOI-SANG
9.10 A.M. HANG ON STREET REST GARDEN, KWUN TONG MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT MR WALTER SULKE MR LAM CHAK-PIU
9.15 A.M. CHUNG KING MANSION, NATHAN ROAD DR PHILIP KWOK
9.30 A.M. KWONG CHEONG STREET RCP, SHAM SHUI PO MR HOWARD YOUNG MR TONG KAM-BIU MR FREDERICK FUNG MR LI CHIK-YUET
10.00 A.M. SHUNG LING STREET PLAYGROUND, WONG TAI SIN MISS CECILIA YEUNG MR AUGUSTINE CHUNG
10.30 A.M. 32-38 CHUNG WAI STREET, TAI KOK TSUI DR RONALD LEUNG MR EDMUND CHOW
10.40 A.M. HOI SHAM PARK, MR PETER C.K. CHAN
YUK YAT STREET, KOWLOON CITY
APART FROM URBAN COUNCILLORS, MEMBERS OF VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARDS AND LOCAL CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER VOLUNTEERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL FEBRUARY 19, TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR PUBLIC CONVENIENCE.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
BANKING TRAINING COURSE OFFERED M M M M
SERVING TRAINERS IN THE BANKING SECTOR ARE NOW INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE IN IDENTIFICATION OF TRAINING NEEDS.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE’S DIVISION CF CONTINUING EDUCATION AND THE BANKING TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, THE COURSE AIMS TO HELP BANKING TRAINERS IDENTIFY TRAINING NEEDS WITHIN THEIR ORGANISATIONS.
IT COMPRISES FOUR LECTURES, THREE HOURS EACH, AND WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAYS, FROM MARCH 5 TO 26.
CONTENTS OF LECTURES WILL COVER INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES. GROUP CONFERENCES, MERITS OR PERFORMANCE RATINGS, BUSINESS AND PRODUCTION REPORTS AND LONG-RANGE ORGANISATIONAL PLANNING.
THE FEE IS $120 A PERSON, AND ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 25. APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON FEBRUARY 20.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR S.M. WOO, SECRETARY OF THE BOARD AT 5-8932341 EXT. 255 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
COILEGE MARKS JUBILEE WITH DISPLAY M * *
AN EXHIBITION OF TEXTBOOKS AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES WILL BE l£LD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY AT THE SHA TIN ANNEXE OF SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AS ONE OF THE ACTIVITIES TO COMMEMORATE ITS SILVER JUBILEE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE EVENT, WHICH WILL INCLUDE EXHIBITS FROM 33 PUBLISHERS.
OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 10 AM TO 4 PM ON BOTH DAYS, AND ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE SHA TIN ANNEXE IS LOCATED AT 8 YUEN CHAU KOK ROAD, AREA 5B, SHA TIN.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 198$
EDUCATION GRANTS * * M M
THE FIRST PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF BURSARY CERTIFICATES AND GRANTS FROM THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST WILL BE HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUST COMMITTEE, MR CHAN KAM-CHUENJ THE TRUSTEE, MR THOMAS GARNERl AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR WILLIAM MONG.
MRS MONG WILL PRESENT THE CERTIFICATES.
- - 0 -
PHOTO CONTEST TO HELP BOOST ELECTIONS * * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE HAS LAUNCHED A PHOTO COMPETITION WITH THE DUAL AIM OF URGING THE PUBLIC TO SUPPORT THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 AND PUBLICISING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE +BE FAMILIAR WITH THE ISLANDS DISTRICT* PHOTO CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE CHEUNG CHAU PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART IN THE CONTEST BY SUBMITTING RECENTLY TAKEN COLOUR PICTURES OF ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE OUTLYING ISLANDS, SUCH AS THE DIFFERENT CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS OF THE ISLANDERS OR JUST A SIMPLE PHOTO OF THE SCENERY OF THE ISLANDS.
THE PANEL OF JUDGES WILL COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CHEUNG CHAU PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY AND WELL KNOWN PHOTOGRAPHERS.
ATTRACTIVE PRIZES ARE OFFERED BY THE CONTEST WHICH IS SPONSORED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD, TAMRON (HONG KONG) LIMITED AND FUJI PHOTO PRODUCTS COMPANY.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PHOTO COMPETITION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BRANCH OFFICES IN CHEUNG CHAU AND MUI WO AND ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF BROADWAY PHOTO SUPPLY LIMITED. ALL ENTRIES MUST BE SENT TO THESE OFFICES BY MARCH 1.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
14
YEAR-END CLEAN-UP M K # M M
MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE WILL LAUNCH THE UC’S YEAR-END CLEAN-UP AT 9.30 AM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9) AT SHAM SHU I PO'S KWONG CHEONG STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
COUNCILLORS MR TONG KAM-BIU, MR FREDERICK K.K. FUNG AND MR LI CHIK-YUET WILL JOIN MR YOUNG IN CLEARING THE COLLECTION POINT OF DISCARDED HOUSEHOLD JUNK.
- - 0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORSi
JOINT EXERCISE
IKI
A JOINT GOVERNMENT AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS EXERCISE WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 6, 13, 14 AND 15. THIS IS ONE OF A SERIES OF ROUTINE EXERCISES DESIGNED TO TEST THE USE OF GOVERNMENT, POLICE AND MILITARY COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS.
THERE WILL BE NO DEPLOYMENT OF POLICE OR MILITARY UNITS ON THE GROUND DURING THE EXERCISE, AND THERE WILL BE NO INTERFERENCE WITH TRAFFIC OR INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
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BETTER ROAD FACILITIES FOR FANLING X * * X
MORE ROADS AND DRAINS WILL BE PROVIDED IN SHEK WU HUI AND FAN LENG WAI TO COPE WITH THE NEEDS OF FANLING NEW TOWN.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO ROADS TOTALLING 1 300 METRES IN LENGTH, A KILOMETRE OF SEWER AND 1.3 KILOMETRES OF STORMWATER DRAINS.
A SUBWAY FOR PEDESTRIANS AS WELL AS FOR CYCLISTS AND A CYCLE PARK WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED. THE SITE WILL BE EXTENSIVELY LANDSCAPED.
A $19.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT HAS BEEN AWARDED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 1985
- 15 -
FIRST TRIAL-PERIOD ENDS * * * *
THE INITIAL TRIAL PERIOD FOR ONE-MAN-OPERATION OF BUSES ON |£W LANTAO BUS ROUTE NO. 1 (MUI WO - TA I 0) WILL END ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 9).
FROM SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 10) BUSES WILL OPERATE, AS BEFORE, WITH CONDUCTRESSES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT A NUMBER OF PROBLEMS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED DURING THIS FIRST TRIAL PERIOD AND THESE WOULD BE EXAMINED BY THE COMPANY IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
A REVISED SCHEME WAS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED FOR A TRIAL PERIOD AFTER EASTER.
-----o-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO CHANGES APPROVED ......................................... 1
SCHOOLS GROWTH A MAJOR AIM, GOVERNOR SAYS ...................... 1
+HEUNG YEE KUK' S VIEWS VALUEDf ................................ 3
CONSULTANCY ON THE REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS ................................................... 4
PILOT CENSUS SET FOR MARCH...................................... 6
NEED FOR CLOSER WORKING TIES STRESSED .......................... 7
MONEY CHANGERS GET TIME TO ADJUST .............................. 8
VALUE OF LEARNING STRESSED...................................... 8
CHINESE VISITORS LEARN ABOUT TOWN PLANNING...................... 9
REGISTRATION REVOKED ........................................... 10
TUIN MUN ZONE PLAN AMENDED...................................... 10
TUIN MUN SITE FOR SALE BY TENDER............................... 11
CANDIDATES TO PRESENT PLATFORMS ............................... 11
CANDIDATES SPEAK UP ........................................... 12
PRIVATE CLEANSING SERVICE IN KOWLOON WEST ..................... 12
WINNING DANCERS TO PERFORM..................................... 13
POSTER TO PROMOTE FAIR MEASURE................................. 13
CLEANING UP FOR THE NEW YEAR................................... 14
LAI-SEE PACKETS FOR ELDERLY ................................... 15
TAI PO ROAD RESTRICTIONS ...................................... 15
RESTRICTED ZONES .............................................. 16
FRESH, SALT WATER WORKS ....................................... 16
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
1
LEGCO CHANGES APPROVED * * * * *
THE SECRETARY OF STATE HAS APPROVED A NUMBER OF CHANGES IN THE NOMINATED OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, FOLLOWING THE SENIOR POSTINGS ANNOUNCED ON JANUARY 4.
TWO NEW OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN APPOINTED.
MR DAVID FORD WHO SUCCEEDS MR DONALD LIAO AS SECRETARY FOR HOUSING ON FEBRUARY 11, WILL JOIN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE SAME DAY.
MR IAN MACPHERSON WHO SUCCEEDS MR ALAN SCOTT AS SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT ON FEBRUARY 25, WILL JOIN THE COUNCIL ON THAT DAY.
AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, MR DONALD LIAO WILL CONTINUE TO BE A NOMINATED MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS NEW CAPACITY AS SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
MR DAVID AKERS-JONES WILL CEASE TO BE A NOMINATED OFFICIAL MEMBER, BUT WILL REJOIN THE COUNCIL SHORTLY AS AN EX-OFFICIO t-EMBER WHEN HE ACTS AS CHIEF SECRETARY BETWEEN FEBRUARY'15 AND MARCH 2, AND AGAIN WHEN HE ASSUMES THE DUTIES OF CHIEF SECRETARY ON JUNE 5.
WITH THESE APPOINTMENTS, THE OFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (INCLUDING THE GOVERNOR AND THE EX-OFFICIO NEMBERS) WILL REMAIN AT 17.
SCHOOLS GROWTH A MAJOR AIM, *****
GOVERNOR SAYS
THE EXPANSION OF SECONDARY EDUCATION HAS BEEN ONE OF THE GOVERNMENT'S MOST IMPORTANT OBJECTIVES, FOLLOWING THE ACHIEVEMENT CF UNIVERSAL, FREE AND COMPULSORY PRIMARY EDUCATION IN 1971, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY)., SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL AT MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT 107 NEW SCHOOLS HAVE ALREADY BEEN BUILT SINCE THE .LAUNCHING OF A PROGRAMME IN 1975 TO BUILD 130 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE REST SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN THE NEXT TWO TO THREE YEARS, SIR EDWARD SAID.
/Hl NOTED .......
J'KIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
2
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD RECENTLY ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE EDUCATION COMMISSION’S FIRST REPORT AND ONE OF THESE WAS TO BUILD 35 ADDITIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS OVER THE NEXT DECADE.
+IT WILL OF COURSE BE THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM TO ENSURE THAT THESE SCHOOLS MEET LOCAL AND DISTRICT REQUIREMENTS,* HE SAID.
THE OTHER RECOMMENDATION CONCERNED THE PHASING OUT OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT SYSTEM IN 1991, THROUGH A PROGRESSIVE EXPANSION OF SUBSIDIZED FULL-TIME POST-FORM III EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES.
♦THE EDUCATION WE PROVIDE MUST BE OF A GOOD QUALITY IF IT IS TO MEET THE ASPIRATIONS OF OUR YOUNG PEOPLE AND SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPERITY OF OUR COMMUNITY.
♦THIS IS WHY THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO INVEST IN A BUILDING PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE THE SCHOOL PLACES NECESSARY FOR THE GRADUAL PHASING OUT OF THE JSEA, RATHER THAN BUY ING.FORM IV PLACES IN PRIVATE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS ON A LARGE SCALE WITHOUT REGARD TO QUALITY,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT THE NEW SCHOOL WAS THE THIRD GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL TO BE ESTABLISHED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, AND PAID TRIBUTE TO THE KUK FOR ITS CONTRIBUTION TO THE PROJECT.
THE FIRST TWO OF THE THREE SCHOOLS, NTHYK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND NTHYK TAI PO DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL WERE BUILT IN 1968 AND 1981 RESPECTIVELY. THE FORMER WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE FORMER GOVERNOR, SIR DAVID TRENCH, ON JANUARY 23, 1969 AND THE LATTER BY THE-PRESENT.GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, ON MAY 7, 1984.
♦IT REPRESENTS ONE MORE STEP IN THE IMPROVEMENT OF OUR SECONDARY EDUCATION FACILITIES, IN PARTICULAR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,♦ SIR EDWARD SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO SAID HE HAD NOTED THE KUK’S ANXIETY ABOUT ITS INTERESTS IN BEING REPRESENTED ON THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦WHEN THE REVIEW IS CARRIED OUT IN 1987, THERE WILL BE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXAMINE FURTHER THE POINTS THE KUK HAS MADE, TOGETHER WITH OTHER REPRESENTATIONS, IN THE LIGHT OF CIRCUMSTANCES THEN PREVAILING,* HE SAID.
EARLIER, THE GOVERNOR TOURED MUI WO WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON DEVELOPMENTS BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, AND THE GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT BRANCH, NG YEE-YUM.
/a number........
FfilDAY, rSBHUABY 8, 1965
3
A NUMBER OF PROJECTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED SINCE COMMUNAL DEVELOPMENT WORKS IN MUI WO STARTED ABOUT SIX YEARS AGO, INCLUDING THE MUI WO FERRY CONCOURSE, A BUS TERMINAL,.A SECONDARY SCHOOL, A WATER-FRONT LANDSCAPED PROMENADE, CARPARKS AND LAND FOR PRIVATES COMMERCI AL-RESIDENT I AL DEVELOPMENT.
RECLAMATION WORK WAS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY AND CONSTRUCTION WORK FOR THE MUI WO RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WOULD START IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR AND BE COMPLETED IN 1988.
OTHER DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND A SPORTS COMPLEX.
----0-------
♦HEUNG YEE KUK’S VIEWS VALUED*-
* X * *
THE HEUNG YEE KUK HAS A STANDING IN THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT VALUES THE VIEWS THAT THEY PUT FORWARD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
♦THE KUK WILL BE WELL REPRESENTED ON THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, AND MEMBERS OF THE KUK DO PLAY A PART IN MANY OTHER THINGS, QUITE APART FROM THE HEUNG YEE KUK,+ HE SAID.
THE FACT THAT THEY WOULD NOT HAVE A SEAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DID NOT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD NOT TAKE A VERY GREAT ACCOUNT OF THE VIEWS WHICH THEY EXPRESS ON MANY MATTERS.
♦WE DO VERY MUCH VALUE THEIR VIEWS, AND THEY ARE VERY IMPORTANT TO US,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK SOUTHERN DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL IN MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
ASKED WHETHER THE KUK COULD JOIN THE INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGSILATIVE COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, HAD RECENTLY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THERE HAD TO BE A LIMIT ON THE NUMBER OF FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES IN THE 1985 ELECTIONS.
♦BUT THERE WILL BE A REVIEW ON QUITE A NUMBER OF MATTERS IN 1987, AND THIS ISSUE CAN THEN BE BROUGHT UP AGAIN,+ HE SAID.
♦MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHO ARE HERE THIS AFTERNOON HAVE. TOLD ME OF THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT THE SUBJECT — YOU HAVE HEARD THEM SPEAK ABOUT IT AND THEY HAVE TOLD ME OF THEIR FEELINGS ABOUT IT -- AND WE HAVE NOTED THOSE FEELINGS,* HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER THERE WAS ANY CHANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT REVISING THIS DECISION BEFORE 1987, SIR EDWARD SAID, +NOT BEFORE ’87. WE ARE NOW VERY BUSY MAKING THE PREPARATIONS FOR THE 1985 ELECTIONS, AND PREPARING THE LEGISLATION.
♦SO IT WON’T BE POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE DECISION THIS YEAR. BUT AS I HAVE SAID, WE HAVE NOTED WHAT THEY HAVE SAID,+ HE ADDED.
/4
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
CONSULTANCY ON THE REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS
* * X *
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY SIGNED A CONSULTANCY AGREEMENT WITH W.D. SCOTT AND CO. PTY. LTD. UNDER WHICH THE FIRM WILL UNDERTAKE A REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG’S HOSPITALS.
THE REVIEW, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL COST AN ESTIMATED $4.49 MILLION.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW IS TO EXAMINE THE EXISTING ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE HOSPITALS AND IN PARTICULAR TO CONSIDER WHAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED IN THEIR ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE, STAFFING AND INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION TO ENABLE THEM TO COPE EFFECTIVELY WITH CONTINUING EXPANSION IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
THE CONSULTANCY WILL BE GUIDED BY A STEERING COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AND COMPRISING UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, DR HARRY S.Y. FANG AND DR HENRIETTA IPj DR CHRISTINA CHOW, CHAIRMAN OF THE CARITAS l-EDICAL CENTRE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE} DR HENRY F.K. LI, WHO IS IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, MR L.M. SNEDDON, DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SENIOR STAFF COURSE, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES, AND THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE (MEDICAL).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REVIEW WOULD BE CONDUCTED BY MANAGEMENT CONSULTANTS WITH AN ESTABLISHED REPUTATION IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD AND WITH EXPERIENCE OF CONDUCTING SIMILAR STUDIES CF HOSPITAL SYSTEMS OVERSEAS. W.D. SCOTT AND CO. PTY. LTD. HAD BEEN SELECTED FROM AMONG SEVERAL INTERESTED FIRMS WHICH HAD SUBMITTED PROPOSALS FOR CONDUCTING THE REVIEW.
HE NOTED THAT W.D. SCOTT AND CO. IS AN AUSTRALIAN CONSULTANCY FIRM WITH OFFICES IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES AND THROUGHOUT AUSTRALASIA. THE FIRM HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN THE HEALTH CARE FIELD IN AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
THE CONSULTANCY STUDY WILL BE DIRECTED BY DR RICHARD FREYER, HEAD OF W.D. SCOTT’S HEALTH MANAGEMENT SERVICES. DR FREYER WAS FORMERLY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL SERVICES OF THE 1 27O-BED ROYAL PRINCE ALFRED HOSPITAL IN SYDNEY AND DIRECTOR OF SCIENTIFIC TECHNICAL SERVICES FOR THE NEW SOUTH WALES HEALTH COMMISSION. HE RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN A CONSULTANCY STUDY ON THE COMPUTERISATION OF THE INFORMATION SYSTEM IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE CONSULTANCY TEAM WILL BE LED BY MR ALEC BAKER, WHO AS PROJECT LEADER AND ORGANISATION CONSULTANT, WILL BE RESPONSIBLE ON A FULL-TIME BASIS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT IN HONG KONG. M? BAKER IS A SPECIALIST IN PUBLIC SECTOR ORGANISATION STUDIES AND HAS CONDUCTED STUDIES OF THE LARGEST STATUTORY AUTHORITIES IN AUSTRALIA.
/TUB FIRM........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
THE FIRM WILL PROVIDE A SUPPORTING TEAM OF NINE OTHER CONSULTANTS OFFERING SPECIALIST ADVICE IN AREAS SUCH AS HEALTH CARE COSTS, NURSING AND HEALTH INSURANCE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE SPECIFIC TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE CONSULTANCY ARE AS FOLLOWS«
+HAVING REGARD TO THE PLANNED INCREASE IN HOSPITAL SERVICES OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS«
(A) TO REVIEW THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR MANAGING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, WITH THE AIM OF ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING BETTER INTEGRATION BETWEEN THESE HOSPITALS ON A FUNCTIONAL BASIS AND TO ADVISE WHETHER THIS AIM SHOULD BE MET THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AUTONOMOUS AUTHORITIES FOR MANAGING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS J
(B) TO EXAMINE THE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, WITH PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE ROLES OF THE SENIOR MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF AND OF NONMEDICAL ADMINISTRATORS, AND TO ADVISE ON THE CHANGES NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATION, INCLUDING THE TRAINING REQUIRED TO ENHANCE THE ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS OF SENIOR MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF!
(C) TO ADVISE HOW MORE EFFECTIVE USE MIGHT BE MADE OF EXISTING RESOURCES IN ORDER TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND TO SUGGEST WHAT ALTERNATIVE METHODS OR FACILITIES SHOULD BE PLANNED TO RELIEVE THE LOAD ON HOSPITAL BEDS!
(D) TO PROPOSE MORE EFFECTIVE METHODS OF CONTROLLING COSTS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND TO SUGGEST HOW STAFF AT ALL LEVELS MIGHT BE MADE MORE PRODUCTIVE!
(E) TO ADVISE WHETHER THERE ARE BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT METHOD OF STAFFING HOSPITALS!
(F) TO ADVISE WHETHER THE UTILISATION OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS MIGHT BE IMPROVED IF THERE WERE A STRUCTURE OF CHARGES THAT TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE SERVICES PATIENTS RECEIVED AND OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY!
(G) TO DEVISE PLANS TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT IN HOSPITALS, INCLUDING TEACHING AND RESEARCH FACILITIES, AND TO IMPROVE PATIENTS' COMFORT AND STAFF MORALE! AND
(H) TO INDICATE HOW SUITABLE PROVISION SHOULD BE MADE FOR THOSE PATIENTS WHO SEEK A HIGHER STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION THAN THAT PROVIDED IN THIRD-CLASS WARDS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND WHO CAN AFFORD TO MEET PART OF THE COST OF HOSPITALISATION, INCLUDING ENLISTING THE HELP OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR AND THE DEVELOPMENT.OF MEDICAL INSURANCE.+
0 - - - -
/6........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 6 -
PILOT CENSUS SET FOR MARCH
* * *
A PILOT CENSUS WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT MONTH TO TEST THE OPERATIONS OF THE BY-CENSUS IN 1986, SO THAT ANY DEFECTS IN THE SYSTEM CAN BE IDENTIFIED AND RECTIFIED BEFORE THE MAIN OPERATION, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE PILOT CENSUS WILL LAST FOR 10 DAYS FROM MARCH 8 TO 17.
CENSUS ENUMERATORS WILL VISIT 12 000 RANDOMLY SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS TO OBTAIN PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD INFORMATION FOR THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
A QUARTER OF THE SAMPLED HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE ASKED MORE DETAILED QUESTIONS ABOUT THEIR EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, EMPLOYMENT AND INCOME.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ASSURED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL INFORMATION WOULD BE TREATED WITH STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD NOT BE DISCLOSED TO ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR PRIVATE ORGANISATION.
+AFTER A STIPULATED PERIODS OF TIME, THESE CENSUS QUESTIONNAIRES WILL BE DESTROYED,* HE SAID.
AS IN PREVIOUS POPULATION CENSUSES, THE FIELD STAFF HAVE TO TAKE AN OATH OF SECRECY BEFORE TAKING UP THEIR DUTIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, + A POPULATION CENSUS IS A COMPLEX, TIME-CONSUMING BUT IMPORTANT EXERCISE! IT PROVIDES UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND DEMOGRAPHIC CHARACTERISTICS CF THE POPULATION WHICH IS VITAL FOR THE GOVERNMENT IN FORMULATING PLANS AND POLICIES TO IMPROVE HOUSING, EDUCATION, TRANSPORT, RECREATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES AND OTHER FACILITIES.*
THE LAST CENSUS WAS CONDUCTED IN 1981.
+WITH THE RAPID CHANGES AND DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, A BY-CENSUS TO UPDATE THE INFORMATION IS NECESSARY.*
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL BE SENDING OUT LETTERS TO ALL SELECTED HOUSEHOLDS, INFORMING THEM OF THE CENSUS AND REQUESTING THEM TO SUPPORT THE EXERCISE BY PROVIDING FULL AND ACCURATE INFORMATION. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER LETTER A FEW DAYS BEFORE THE EXERCISE BEGINS, PROVIDING THE NAME AND CENSUS OFFICER CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY NUMBER, OF THE ENUMERATOR WHO WILL VISIT THE HOUSEHOLDS CONCERNED DURING THE SPECIFIED PER I.OD.
ENUMERATORS WILL BE CARRYING THEIR CENSUS OFFICER CERTIFICATES OF IDENTITY ON THEIR VISITS, AND HOUSEHOLDERS WILL BE ABLE TO CHECK THESE AGAINST THE INFORMATION PROVIDED..
-----0------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 7 -
NEED FOR CLOSER WORKING TIES STRESS" *****
IT WAS ESSENTIAL FOR DISTRICT BOARDS TO HAVE N II 'TH UN STANDING AND KNOWLEDGE OF THE AREA COMMITTEES IF THE FOUNDATIONS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE ' FOR
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAi EVENING.
SIMILARLY, AREA COMMITTEES HAD TO REFLECT
THE AREAS THEY REPRESENTED AND TO FORGE CLOSE L‘ : > । i
ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OW’ >CRA
MC qa in
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT REGULAR +COMMUNIC , -J
WOULD BE ORGANISED BETWEEN - DISTRICT BOARDS, AF . C . n.t. . , nj MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES TO MAINTAIN A +THREE-TIER O°t DISTR ICT ADMINISTRATION.
THE FUNCTIONS OF THESE BODIES WOULD BE BROUGH I , t. . -l -
IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL POLITICAL ST:;u . ADI
MR AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT +SEMINAR ON THE FHC . Oi-COMMUNICATION AND WORKING RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE DISTRICT BOARD AND AREA COMMITTEES.+
MORE THAN 170 PEOPLE, INCLUDING MEMBERS OF TH; - UI TONG DISTRICT BOARD AND 13 LOCAL AREA COMMITTEES ATTE’
TO DISCUSS COMMUNICATION CHANNELS BETWEEN THE BO RI A D H Aht u COMMITTEES, AND WAYS TO IMPROVE THEIR WORKING REL
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR, THE DEPUTY RE........C EI ARY
FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALPERT LAM, STRESSED TH ' CRE IS . IMPORTANT ROLE OF AREA COMMITTEES.
+WITH THE EXPANSION OF THEIR TERMS OF REFERENCE .N 1981 TO INCLUDE, PRACTICALLY SPEAKING, EVERY MATTER OF CO! .. AT ThE AREA LEVEL, THE AREA COMMITTEES HAVE ASSUMED A VITAL ROLE I a DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION,+ HE SAID.
+AS THE NEW TERM OF DISTRICT BOARDS WILL HAVE MORE RESPONSIBILITIES, THEY SURELY NEED THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF THE AREA COMMITTEES TO FULFIL THEIR DUTIES,+ ■'/
MR LAM NOTED THAT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAO z-i CONSULTING THE AREA COMMITTEES ON MANY LOCAL PROBLEMS . I KF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT, AID -
WIDE. ISSUES SUCH AS THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT A’ ’’’’ AND REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
HE HOPED THAT THE CLOSE LINKS WOULD CONTINUE i< : ■A STRENGTHENED SO THAT LOCAL RESIDENTS’ INTERESTS .t -LOOKED AFTER.
TONIGHT'S SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY THE KWUN OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY. THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT -
0 - - - -
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
MONEY CHANGERS GET TIME TO ADJUST
* M *
THE MONEY CHANGER (DISCLOSURE OF RATES, CHARGES AND COMMISSIONS) ORDINANCE 1985 GAZETTED TODAY, IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO FORCE IN ABOUT FOUR TO SIX WEEKS TIME TO GIVE MONEY CHANGERS TIME TO ADJUST THEIR PROCEDURES TO THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
THE DATE WILL BE SPECIFIED BY THE GOVERNOR IN A GAZETTE NOTICE.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY, ALL MONEY CHANGERS IN HONG KONG WILL BE REQUIRED TO GIVE THEIR CUSTOMERS A NOTE SETTING OUT CLEARLY THE DETAILS CF THE TRANSACTION, AND TO OBTAIN THEIR WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE TERMS BEFORE ENTERING INTO THE EXCHANGE TRANSACTION. IF A MONEY CHANGER FAILS TO DO SO, THE CUSTOMER MAY RESCIND THE TRANSACTION WITHIN THREE DAYS.
SUCH A FAILURE WOULD ALSO BE AN OFFENCE WHICH IS PUNISHABLE BY A FINE OF $2 000 IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, AND A FINE OF $5 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A SUBSEQUENT CFFENCE. ,
THE NOTE TO BE SIGNED BY THE CUSTOMER SHOULD CONTAIN A PROMINENT STATEMENT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, EXPLAINING THAT THE CUSTOMER HAS READ AND UNDERSTOOD THE DETAILS OF THE TRANSACTION SET OUT IN IT.
IF A MONEY CHANGER MAINTAINS A BOARD OR SCREEN TO DISPLAY THE CURRENT RATES OF EXCHANGE, HE IS ALSO REQUIRED TO DISPLAY CLEARLY THE NATURE AND AMOUNT OR THE METHOD OF CALCULATION OF THE CHARGE CR COMMISSION.
SLIGHT AMENDMENTS WERE MADE TO THE LEGISLATION AT ITS COMMITTEE STAGE TO CLARIFY THAT IF A HOTEL OPERATES A FULL RANGE MONEY CHANGING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, IT WILL BE REQUIRED TO OBSERVE THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE.
..--0----
VALUE OF LEARNING STRESSED
X X X *
EDUCATION WAS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN A COMMUNITY LIKE HONG KONG WHICH HAD TO RELY ONLY ON HUMAN RESOURCES, AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, SAID TODAY.
PROPER EDUCATION, HE SAID, HELPED PEOPLE OVERCOME POVERTY, AND PROVIDED THE COMMUNITY WITH CIVIC-SPIRITED CITIZENS AND ABLE LEADERS.
/+THIS IS .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
9
*™IS IS VITAL TO THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG+, nt O A I U .
MR CHAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE FIRST PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF BURSARY CERTIFICATES OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES CHILDREN’S EDUCATION TRUST, AT THE DEPARTMENT’S STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
MR CHAN, WHO IS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRUST COMMITTEE, SAID THE FUND, HAD BEEN SET UP IN 1983 TO PROVIDE FINANCIAL HELP FOR CHILDREN OF THE ASSISTANT OFFICERS AND EQUIVALENT GRADES IN HIGHER EDUCATION.
AN INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED WITH UNOFFICIAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL MEMBER, MR OSWALD CHEUNG AS CHAIRMAN AND MR PETER VINE AND MR AUBREY LI AS MEMBERS, TO ADVISE THE TRUST COMMITTEE ON INVESTMENTS.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, 13 STAFF MEMBERS WHOSE CHILDREN ARE STUDYING IN UNIVERSITIES, POLYTECHNICS OR POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES. RECEIVED THE BURSARY CERTIFICATES AND CHEQUES FROM MRS WILLIAM MONG. WIFE OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, WHO IS TRUSTEE OF THE FUND, THANKED MR CHAN AND MEMBERS OF THE TRUST COMMITTEE, AS WELL AS MR OSWALD CHEUNG AND MEMBERS OF THE INVESTMENT ADVISORY BOARD FOR GIVING UP MUCH TIME TO INVOLVE THEMSELVES IN THE WELFARE OF THE STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR GARNER ALSO THANKED MR AND MRS WILLIAM MONG FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION, WHICH MADE POSSIBLE THE SETTING UP OF THE TRUST.
CHINESE VISITORS LEARN ABOUT TOWN PLANNING *****
MEMBERS OF THE RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF URBAN PLANNING AND DESIGN IN CHINA’S MINISTRY OF URBAN AND RURAL CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO LEARN ABOUT TOWN PLANNING IN HONG KONG.
LED BY THE INSTITUTE’S DIRECTOR, MR ZHOU GANZHI, THE FIVE NEMBERS FIRST VISITED THE LANDS DEPARTMENT’S TOWN PLANNING DIVISION WHERE THEY MET THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, MR ARTHUR CHAN.
THE GROUP WERE THEN BRIEFED BY THE GOVERNMENT TOWN PLANNER, NR EDMUND LO, ON PLANNING PROCEDURES AND THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF PLANS USED IN HONG KONG.
/later, they ........
FBIDAY, FEBHDABY 8, 1985
- 10 -
LATER. THEY VISITED THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHERE THEY MET THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, DR PETER PUN.
THEY WERE BRIEFED BY DR PUN ON THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT CF THE NEW TERRITORIES, ESPECIALLY IN NEW TOWNS.
IN THE AFTERNOON, THE GROUP VISITED SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT CFFICE AND MET THE CHIEF TOWN PLANNER, MRS PHYLLIS KWAN, AND THE CHIEF ARCHITECT, MR PUN HOW-WAI, TO LEARN ABOUT THE NEW TOWN S PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT.
REGISTRATION REVOKED
* * * - —
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKI NG COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY REVOKED THE REGISTRATION OF ASEAN MERCHANT CREDIT AND INVESTMENT HOUSE LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, ON THE GROUND THAT THE COMPANY IS BEING WOUND-UP.
--------o - - - -
TUEN MUN ZONE PLAN AMENDED
*****
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) ANNOUNCED AN AMENDMENT TO THE DRAFT TUEN MUN OUTLINE ZONING PLAN.
UNDER THE AMENDMENT, A SITE OF ABOUT 0.7 HECTARE TO THE SOUTH CF TAI HING ESTATE HAS BEEN REZONED FROM ’INDUSTRIAL’ TO ’OTHER SPECIFIED USES’.
REDEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES WILL REQUIRE PLANNING PERMISSION FROM THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD.
THE AMENDED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, 4TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD; THE DISTRICT CFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING ENTRANCE; AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (TUEN MUN), 201 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
.ANY PERSON AFFECTED BY THE AMENDMENT SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY, TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28, 1985.
THE DRAFT AMENDMENT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION CF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, AND MAP SALES SECTION, 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 FOR A UNCOLOURED COPY AND $60 A COLOURED ONE.
/11 ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1935
- 11 -
TUEN MUN SITE FOR SALE BY TENDER * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS TO PUT UP FOR SALE BY TENDER A TUEN MUN SITE, KNOWN AS TUEN MUN TOWN LOT NO. 280.
ACCORDING TO THE BUILDING COVENANT, THE DEVELOPER WILL BE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 25 000 SQUARE METRES OF GROSS FLOOR AREA ON THE 6 500 SQUARE METRES SITE BEFORE JULY 1, 1989.
THE LOWER THREE FLOORS OF THE DEVELOPMENT, IN WHICH 320 CAR PARKING SPACES WILL BE INCLUDED, ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL (EXCLUDING GODOWN AND RESIDENTIAL) USES, WHILE THE UPPER FLOORS ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 15.
TENDER FORM, NOTICE AND SALES CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND THE PLANS INSPECTED AT:
M LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG ।
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON I AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICES OF SHA TIN, TAI PO, NORTH, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS.
CANDIDATES TO PRESENT PLATFORMS
X * *
CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE PRESENTING THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS TO THE NEDIA AT A SESSION TO BE HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 11 AM.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR PHILIP CHOK, WILL ALSO GIVE A BRIEFING ON PUBLICITY ARRANGEMENTS LEADING TO THE ELECTION ON MARCH 7.
THERE ARE 39 CANDIDATES CONTESTING 21 SEA S IN THE DISTRICT. AS THREE OF THE SEATS ARE UNCONTESTED, THE REMAINING 18 SEATS WILL BE CONTESTED BY THE OTHER 36 CANDIDATES.
--------o -----------
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 12 -
CANDIDATES SPEAK UP * * *
CANDIDATES FROM SIX
THE 22 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS .. . CONSTITUENCIES IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL MEET THE PRESS AT THE NORTH DISTRICT MAIN OFFICE AT 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11).
THE CANDIDATES WILL SPEAK ON THEIR AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PRESS.
ELECTORAL PLATFORMS
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM CF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE AT THE FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING.
- - - - 0 -----------
PRIVATE CLEANSING SERVICE IN KOWLOON WEST
X X I
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A TRIAL SCHEME FOR THE PROVISION OF A PRIVATELY-OPERATED CLEANSING SERVICE FOR PUBLIC TOILETS AND BATHHOUSES IN THE KOWLOON WEST REGION AT A COST OF OVER $1.4 MILLION.
+N0 ORGANISATION IN HONG KONG IS MORE CONSCIOUS OF AND WORKING HARDER TO SOLVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS IN THE URBAN AREAS THAN THE COUNCIL, AND THE DECISION MARKS A FURTHER STEP BY THE COUNCIL TO BRING ABOUT AN IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN.
HE SAID THAT AS FROM NEXT MONTH, A PRIVATE CLEANSING COMPANY WILL TAKE OVER THE CLEANSING SERVICES OF 34 PUBLIC TOILETS AND.17 PUBLIC BATHHOUSES IN SHAM SHUI PO, YAU MA TEI.AND MONG KOK DISTRICTS FOR A 12-MONTH TRIAL PERIOD.
+ |T IS EXPECTED THAT THE SCHEME WILL ACHIEVE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS WITHOUT LOWERING THE PRESENT STANDARD OF THESE SERVICES AS THE CONTRACTOR IS REQUIRED TO WORK IN ACCORDANCE WITH A VERY DETAILED SCHEDULE, INCLUDING MONITORING BY THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
♦ IF THE SCHEME PROVES TO BE SUCCESSFUL, IT MAY BE EXTENDED TO OTHER REGIONS IN THE URBAN AREA.+
HE NOTED THAT THE COUNCIL APPROVED A SIMILAR SCHEME LAST YEAR UNDER WHICH A PRIVATE FIRM HAS BEEN ENGAGED TO HANDLE SANITATION WORK IN 13 SQUATTER VILLAGES IN SHAU KI WAN.
THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW REASONABLY SATISFIED WITH THE FIRM’S PERFORMANCE AND NO ADVERSE COMMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE LOCAL RESIDENTS, HE ADDED.
/13......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 13 -
WINNING DANCERS TO PERFORM
* * *
WINNERS OF THE FIFTH SHA TIN DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION WILL GIVE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) NIGHT.
WINNERS OF THE FOUR SECTIONS -- THE CHILDREN’S GROUP, THE JUNIOR GROUP, THE SOCIAL DANCE NOVICE AND THE OPEN GROUP - WILL ALSO RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES FROM MRS JANE AKERS-JONES, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
OTHER GUESTS AT TOMORROW’S FUNCTION INCLUDE THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG I UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD; THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, MRS LEUNG YUEN SHUIT MAY, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, WONG LUEN-KIN.
ABOUT 30 TEAMS HAD TAKEN PART IN THE ANNUAL COMPETITION HELD ON JANUARY 20.
THE DANCE COMPETITION, SEEN AS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT ACTIVITIES IN THE PROMOTION OF DANCING IN THE DISTRICT, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS;
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE WINNERS’ PERFORMANCE AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE FIFTH SHA TIN DISTRICT DANCE COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT 7.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE KIANGSU-CHEKIANG COLLEGE IN WO CHE, SHA TIN.
POSTER TO PROMOTE FAIR MEASURE
* * X *
A BILINGUAL POSTER HAS BEEN PRODUCED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC WEIGHING UNITS AND METRIC SIGHING MACHINES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE SAID, +THE MESSAGE WE WISH TO CONVEY THROUGH THE POSTER IS THAT TRANSACTIONS ARE MUCH MORE CONVENIENT AND FAIR WHEN CONDUCTED IN METRIC UNITS ON METRIC WEIGHING EQUIPMENT.
+BY HIGHLIGHTING THE ADVANTAGES OF THE METRIC WEIGHING SYSTEM, WE HOPE THAT TRADESMEN, HAWKERS AND HOUSEWIVES WILL BE MORE RESPONSIVE TO THE CHANGE-OVER.+
COPIES OF THE POSTER WILL BE DISPLAYED IN MARKETS, SUPERMARKETS, STORES, DISTRICT OFFICES AND GOVERNMENT POSTER SITES FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11).
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/14......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 14 -
CLEANING UP FOR THE NEW YEAR * * *
A CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN EASTERN DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE RESIDENTS TO TIDY UP THEIR ENVIRONMENT FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE FIRST CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT TOMORROW (SATURDAY), AT TSUEN WING LAU IN LAK TAI TSUEN.
MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE MEMBERS, STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, URBAN COUNCILLOR, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG AND URBAN SERVICES OFFICER (EASTERN), MR KONG BOK-YIN WILL HELP CLEAN UP THE COMMON AREAS AT TSUEN WING LAU.
OTHER ACTIVITIES IN THE CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN INCLUDE COMPETITIONS AND A FUN DAY FOR BOAT DWELLERS IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY AND THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTERS.
PLASTIC BAGS FOR COLLECTING RUBBISH, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ABOUT 300 BOAT DWELLERS IN ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER TO PUBLICISE THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS. A COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FOR THE LARGEST NUMBER OF BAGS OF RUBBISH COLLECTED.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR STEPHEN NG WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION AT A FUN DAY TO BE HELD ON BOARD A FLOATING HALL AT THE ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 10).
BETWEEN FEBRUARY 14 AND 19, SPECIAL CLEAN-UP SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED IN VARIOUS AREAS IN THE DISTRICT AND ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS HAVE BEEN SET UP FOR RESIDENTS TO DISPOSE OF THEIR UNWANTED HOUSEHOLD ITEMS.
THE CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT’S CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER :
(A) THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT YEAR-END CLEAN-UP OPERATIONS AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF TAK TSUEN LAU IN LAI TAK TSUENj AND
(B) THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT 2 PM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 10) ON BOARD A FLOATING HALL AT ALDRICH BAY TYPHOON SHELTER. A FERRY WILL LEAVE THE FERRY PEIR AT TO WAN LANE (IN SHAU KEI WAN EAST MAIN STREET) AT 1.30 PM TAKING PRESS MEMBERS TO THE FLOATING HALL.
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/15 ...
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
LAI-SEE PACKETS FOR ELDERLY *****
LAI-SEE PACKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ABOUT 300 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN EASTERN DISTRICT FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
SIR SHIU KIN TANG AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN WILL DISTRIBUTE THE LAI-SEE PACKETS TO THE.ELDERLY PEOPLE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AT HING FAT STREET.
THE DONATIONS ARE FROM THE TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND, AND THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT 12.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AT 32-36 HING FAT STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY.
- - 0 - -
TAI PO ROAD RESTRICTIONS
*****
THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF TAI PO ROAD WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES DAILY FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11):
* TAI PO ROAD NORTHBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 38 METRES SOUTH
OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEI HO STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 40 METRES
NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* TAI PO ROAD SOUTHBOUND FROM A POINT ABOUT 64 METRES NORTH
OF ITS JUNCTION WITH PEI HO STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 22 METRES
SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERSI OR LOADING CR UNLOADING GOODS.
- 0 - -
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 8, 1985
- 16 -
RESTRICTED ZONES
XXX
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11), THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS OF SHEK KIP MEI STREET IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES DURING THE HOURS STATED:
FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY -
* THE EXISTING RESTRICTED ZONE ON SHEK KIP MEI STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BERWICK STREET WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT 10 METRES TO THE EAST.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS} OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY -
X THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE ON SHEK KIP MEI STREET BETWEEN TAI PO ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH BERWICK STREET WILL BE EXTENDED FOR ABOUT 10 METRES TO THE EAST.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS.
------o - - - -
FRESH, SALT WATER WORKS X X X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 11) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY PO HING FONG, POUND LANE, TAI ON TERRACE, RUTTER STREET, FUK ON LANE, WA NING LANE, PO YAN STREET AND PO YEE STREET, INCLUDING TUNG WAH HOSPITAL.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT THE WHOLE AREA BETWEEN FU TEI AND 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 AND SIU SHAN COURT.
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL, TUEN MUN CLINIC, YAN 01 POLYCLINIC, YAN 01 TONG CIRCUIT, AREAS 4B, 10, 9, 12, 26, 36, 37A, 37B AND 19, PAK KOK AND WU KING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, CHI LOK GARDEN AND WALDORF GARDEN WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
- - - - 0 -----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES
BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
HK WILL KEEP ON PURSUING ORIGIN RULE ISSUE.................. 1
CUSTOMS SMASH ADULTERATED LIQUOR CENTRE..................... 2
MANPOWER SURVEY OF HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM SECTORS ..... 3
CANDIDATES TO PRESENT POLITICAL PLATFORMS .................. 4
TAI PO VOTERS URGED TO CAST BALLOT ......................... 5
SAI KUNG CANDIDATES MEET PUBLIC ............................ 6
URBAN COUNCILLORS LAUNCH YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN......... 6
RECORDER PLAYING WORKSHOPS ................................. 7
HORTICULTURAL CLASS WELCOMED................................ 8
NEW TERRITORIES ATHLETIC MEET .............................. 8
BOARD BUILDS PLAYGROUND FOR SHEUNG WAN RESIDENTS ........... 9
ROAD DRAINAGE WORKS IN HUNG HOM............................. 9
BRINGING HAPPINESS AND WARMTH TO THE ELDERLY .............. 10
WIDOWED FAMILIES GET RED PACKETS........................... 11
USD STAFF RAISE MORE THAN 366 000 FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST ... 12
NGAU CHI WAN ROAD EXTENSION ............................... 12
MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW .......................... 13
SOUVENIR STALL OPERATORS NEEDED............................ 13
WATER CUT.................................................. 14
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
1 -
HK WILL KEEP ON PURSUING ORIGIN RULE ISSUE * * * *
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD. SAID ON HIS RETURN FROM WASHINGTON LAST (FRIDAY) NIGHT THAT HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO PERSIST AND KEEP ON PURSUING THE ISSUE OF THE CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN RULES WITH THE UNITED STATES.
% ANSWERING QUESTIONS FROM REPORTERS AT ThE AIRPORT, MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE UNITED states had not come to a final conclusion on WHAT TO DO ON THIS PARTICULAR RULE.
HE SAID, +SO LONG AS THAT IS THE CASE, THEN CLEARLY THERE IS A. LOT OF SENSE IN TRYING TO INFLUENCE THAT DECISION AND THAT IS WMAT WE ARE TRYING TO DO.+
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD A REASONABLE STAND. *WE WANTED A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. WE HAVE DEFINED WHAT THE PROBLEM IS AND THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY HAS AGREED WITH THIS -.THAT WHAT THE UNITED STATES HAS DONE IS AGAINST THE BILATERAL agreement.
♦WE ARE BEING PERFECTLY PRAGMATIC IN SAYING THAT WE ARE VERY HAPPY TO DISCUSS ANY SOLUTIONS WHICH THEY MAY WISH TO PROPOSE.
♦THEY HAVE NOT PROPOSED ANY. WE HAVE PROPOSED SOLUTIONS. THEY HAVE NOT YET COME BACK WITH A VIEW ON THOSE SOLUTIONS,♦ HE SAID.
MR MACLEOD SAID THAT THE UNITED STATES HIGHT HAVE A NEW IDEA. +IF SO, WE WILL DISCUSS IT.+
ASKED WHAT WERE HONG KONG’S PROPOSALS, MR MACLEOD REPLIED, ♦ I THINK IT WOULD NOT BE SENSIBLE FOR ME TO DISCLOSE WHAT OUR PROPOSALS AREs IT IS A NEGOTIATION AND ONE HAS TO KEEP SOMETHING CONFIDENTIAL.+
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON WHEN THE TALKS WOULD RESUME, MR MACLEOD SAID: +WE HAVE SAID PROVISIONALLY THAT THE WEEK COMMENCING MARCH 11. IT’S GOT TO BE PROVISIONAL BECAUSE NEITHER They nor us know how fast their review process is going to PROGRESS. WE DO KNOW THAT IT has NOT YET got TO THE CABINET "LEVEL. IT’S STILL AT THE WORKING LEVEL. BUT IT’S CLEARLY NEARING THE END OF THAT PARTICULAR PROCESS.♦
THE DIRECTOR STATED THAT CLEARLY EVERY WEEK THAT PASSED. HONG KONG WAS LOSING ORDERS. HE SAID THAT THE QUICKER HONG KONG GOT AN ANSWER FROM THE UNITED STATES THE BETTER.
. ASKED HOW MANY ORDERS HAD BEEN LOST, MR MACLEOD SAID, +WE HAVE QUOTED TO THEM THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY WE DID JUST RECENTLY OF SOME OF THE MAIN MANUFACTURERS OF SWEATERS AND IT SHOWS THAT THE ORDER BOOKS FOR DECEMBER 1984 IS 55 PER CENT DOWN AS AGAINST THE ORDER BOOKS FOR DECEMBER 1983. SO THAT’S SOME INDICATION OF THE EFFECT ON ORDERS FOR THE COMING AUTUMN SEASON.♦
/MB MACLEOD .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
2
MR MACLEOD SAID HONG KONG WAS NOT PRECLUDED FROM GOING BACK TO THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY EVEN IF *WE HAVEN’T HAD THE NEXT ROUND OF TALKS. WE ARE NOT PRECLUDED FROM DOING THAT BECAUSE NO ANSWER IS NO ANSWER, THEY HAVE NOT RESOLVED THE PROBLEM.*
CAUTIONING ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF MISINTERPRETATION, GAUiiuminb ------ qne NEWSpApeR REport QUOTED SOME AMERICAN
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT SOURCES AS SAYING THAT
♦THAT IS NOT PROPOSALS.*
TRUE,* MR
HONG KONG DID NOT MAKE SPECIFIC PROPOSALS. MACLEOD EMPHASISED. *WE DID MAKE SPECIFIC
--------0 - -
CUSTOMS
SMASH ADULTERATED LIQUOR CENTRE
*****
23 MEN AND A WOMAN IN A SERIES OF RAIDS.
THREE OF THEM, INCLUDING THE WOMAN, HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH POSSESSION OF DUTIABLE GOODS, DEALING IN ADULTERATED LIQUOR AND MANUFACTURING ADULTERATED LIQUOR. THEY APPEARED IN NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY THIS MORNING AND WERE EACH ALLOWED BAIL OF $12 OOO.
THE REST HAVE BEEN RELEASED ON POLICE BAIL PENDING FURTHER ENQUIRIES.
AFTER A PERIOD OF SURVEILLANCE, OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU AND TEAMS OF THE CUSTOMS REGIONAL COMMANDS BEGAN TERRITORY-WIDE SEARCHES OF PROVISION STORES AND RETAIL OUTLETS ON FEBRUARY 7.
AT DAWN ON FEBRUARY 7, FOUR TEAMS LED BY SENIOR INSPECTOR LAWRENCE WONG CARRIED OUT RAIDS ON A DOMESTIC FLAT IN MONG KOK, WHICH WAS SUSPECTED TO HAVE BEEN USED AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE OF ADULTERATED LIQUOR, TWO SUPERMARKETS IN SHAM SHU I PO AND TSUEN WAN - SUSPECTED TO BE SALES OUTLETS - AND A FACTORY UNIT IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG WHICH WAS USED AS A STORAGE PLACE.
YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) CUSTOMS OFFICERS RAIDED A BIG PROVISION STORE AND FIVE OTHER RESIDENTIAL PREMISES IN MONG KOK, SHAM SHU I PO AND TSUEN WAN.
OTHER SEIZURES INCLUDED 1 100 CAPSULES, 1 703 EMPTY BOTTLES, 1 500 EMPTY BOXES, 113.75 LITRES OF ETHYL ALCOHOL, EIGHT LITRES OF COLOURING SUBSTANCE, A SET OF MANUFACTURING EQUIPMENT AND EQUIPMENT FOR MAKING CAPSULES.
/THS ISRRITOHY-WIDfi
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
- 3 -
J’
THE TERRITORY-WIDE SEARCHES ENDED WITH RAIDS ON NINE COMMERCIAL PREMISES AND THREE DOMESTIC FLATS TODAY (SATURDAY). CUSTOMS OFFICERS SEIZED ANOTHER 713 BOTTLES OF SUSPECTED ADULTERATED LIQUOR, BRINGING TO 1 815 THE TOTAL NUMBER SEIZED SO FAR.
THE HEAD OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT K.L. MAK, SAID THAT THIS WAS THE BIGGEST EVER SEIZURE OF ADULTERATED LIQUOR BY THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE.
HE SAID THE ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE OF THE SEIZURES WAS ABOUT $180 000 AND THE ESTIMATED DUTY POTENTIAL WAS $90 000.
MR MAK URGED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO BE EXTRA CAREFUL WHEN THEY PURCHASE LIQUOR, ESPECIALLY BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS. THEY CAN OBTAIN ADVICE BY CALLING THE BUREAU’S HOTLINE 5-433226. MR MAK ALSO URGED OWNERS OF SUPERMARKETS AND PROVISION STORES TO BE CAUTIOUS WHEN OBTAINING SUPPLIES OF BRANDIES ESPECIALLY WHEN PRICES OFFERED WERE LOWER THAN NORMAL.
-----o------
MANPOWER SURVEY OF HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM SECTORS
******
A BIENNIAL SURVEY TO UPDATE MANPOWER STATISTICS AND IDENTIFY TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM SECTORS WILL BEGIN ON FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY).
THE TWO-WEEK SURVEY, ORGANISED BY THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WILL COVER SOME 1 500 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE TRADES SELECTED AT RANDOM.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAVE BEEN SENT TO THE SELECTED INTERVIEWEES. CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT OFFICERS WILL CALL ON THEM TO COLLECT QUESTIONNAIRES AND HELP IN COMPLETING THE FORMS.
THE SURVEY WILL HELP THE BOARD FORMULATE TRAINING PLANS AND MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT AND EMPLOYERS ON HOW THE MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECTORS CAN BE MET.
ALL SURVEY DATA, WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND ONLY STATISTICAL SUMMARIES, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT, WILL-BE RELEASED.
-----o------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1935
- 4
CANDIDATES TO PRESENT POLITICAL PLATFORMS * * * *
THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF FORUMS ORGANISED FOR KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC WILL START TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
NINE CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE SIX SEATS IN SAU MAU PING SOUTH, SAU MAU PING NORTH AND KWUN TONG TOWN AND INDUSTRIAL AREA WILL PRESENT THEIR POLITICAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE AUDIENCE AT THREE FORUMS TO BE HELD TOMORROW.
THE FORUMS WERE ORGANISED BY KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE TO ENABLE LOCAL RESIDENTS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE 34 CANDIDATES CONTESTING FOR THE 17 SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS.
ORIGINALLY THERE WERE 37 CANDIDATES CONTESTING 20 SEATS IN THE DISTRICT, BUT THREE CANDIDATES WERE RETURNED UNOPPOSED.
DETAILS OF THE OPEN FORUMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEBRUARY (SUNDAY) 10 10 AM SAU MAU PING SOUTH SAU MAU PING (SOUTH) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, HIU KWONG STREET
FEBRUARY (SUNDAY) 10 8 PM SAU MAU PING NORTH SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SAU MING ROAD
FEBRUARY (SUNDAY) 10 8 PM KWUN TONG TOWN AND INDUSTRIAL AREA ST. BARNABA’S CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE, 71 SHUI WO STREET
FEBRUARY (MONDAY) 11 8 PM PING SHEK AND KAI YIP KAI YIP COMMUNITY HALL, KAI YIP ESTATE
FEBRUARY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8 PM NGAU TAU KOK EAST CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE (NGAU TAU KOK), 1 ON TAK ROAD
FEBR.UARY (FRIDAY) 15 8 PM NGAU TAU KOK WEST TELFORD GARDENS COMMUNITY HALL
FEBRUARY (FRIDAY) 15 8 PM SHUN LEE AND SHUN ON SHUN LEE ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, 2 SHUN CHI STREET
/FEBRUARY 16........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9. 1985
FEBRUARY 16 8 PM
(SATURDAY)
TSUI PING
FEBRUARY 16 8 PM
(SATURDAY)
YAU TONG AND SZE SHAN
FEBRUARY 17 8 PM
(SUNDAY)
LAM TIN NORTH, AND LAM TIN SOUTH
KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, 17 TSUI PING ROAD
PO CHIU COLLEGE, 555 CHA KWO LING ROAD, YAU TONG
LAM TIN (EAST) ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, PING TIN STREET
- - - - 0 ----------
TAI PO VOTERS URGED TO CAST BALLOT
* * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR THOMAS CHAN, SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION BY COMING FORWARD TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
SPEAKING AT THE CLOSING OF THE 1984 DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING, MR CHAN SAID THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALWAYS TAKEN A SPECIAL INTEREST IN RESIDENTS’ PARTICIPATION IN THE COMMUNITY.
♦IT IS THE BOARD’S OBJECTIVE TO STRENGTHEN THE LINK BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND RESIDENTS, AND TO LISTEN AND COLLATE PUBLIC OPINIONS,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THAT IT WAS HEARTENING TO SEE THAT TAI PO RESIDENTS HAD DEVELOPED A STRONG SENSE OF BELONGING IN THE DISTRICT.
+THIS HAD DEFINITELY CONTRIBUTED TO THE MAKING OF TAI PO INTO A PERFECT NEW TOWN.
+IT ALSO SERVES AS TESTIMONY TO THE FACT THAT THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME REQUIRES ACTIVE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT CF THE RESIDENTS,+ HE SAID.
+1 HOPE THOSE WHO HAVE REGISTERED AS VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7,+ HE ADDED.
THE DISTRICT CRIME PREVENTION CAMPAIGN WAS SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AS A COMMUNITY BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENT PROJECT.
-----0------
/6
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
- 6 -
SAI KUNG CANDIDATES MEET PUBLIC * * *
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED A SERIES OF FORUMS TO INTRODUCE THE 12 DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES TO THE PUBLIC.
THE CANDIDATES, WHO ARE VYING FOR THE FIVE SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES IN THE DISTRICT, WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS AT THE FORUMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, WILL CHAIR THE FORUMS.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE DATES, FIVE PUBLIC FORUMS.
TIME AND VENUES OF THE
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY/VENUE
FEBRUARY 11 (MONDAY) 8 PM SAI KUNG PAK SHA WAN/SAI KUNG CENTRAL SCHOOL AT HO CHUNG
FEBRUARY 13 (WEDNESDAY) 8 PM HANG HAU/CHENG CH IK CHEE SECONDARY SCHOOL AT CHUK KOK
FEBRUARY 14 (THURSDAY) 8 PM SAI KUNG ISLANDS/MAN Yl WAN PUBLIC SCHOOL IN MAN NIN STREET
FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY) 8 PM SAI KUNG CENTRAL/SUN TSUN MIDDLE SCHOOL AT TUN CHEUNG
FEBRUARY 16 (SATURDAY) 3 PM RENNIE’S MILL/QUEEN MAUD PRIMARY SCHOOL, SECTION 8, RENNIE’S MILL
-----o-----
URBAN COUNCILLORS LAUNCH YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN
URBAN COUNCILLORS TURNED OUT IN FULL FORCE THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING TO LAUNCH THE YEAR-END CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN.
THE COUNCIL’S CHAIRMAN, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, AND COUNCILLOR SAMUEL WONG OFFICIATED AT THE CEREMONY IN WAN CHAI WHICH WAS FOLLOWED BY A DEMONSTRATION OF CLEAN-UP IN THE COMMON PARTS OF BUILDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE, MR HOWARD YOUNG, TOGETHER WITH COUNCILLORS TONG KAM-BIU, FREDERICK FUNG AND LI CHIK-YUET, ATTENDED THE ♦KICK OFF+ IN SHAM SHU I PO.
/ANOTHER 14 .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
7
ANOTHER 14 COUNCILLORS ALSO PERFORMED SIMILAR CEREMONIES THROUGHOUT THE URBAN DISTRICTS SIGNIFYING THE START OF THE WEEK-LONG CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS OF LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD AND CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE AS WELL AS OTHER VOLUNTEERS ALSO TOOK PART IN THE EVENT.
-----0------
RECORDER PLAYING WORKSHOPS M H M K
THREE RECORDER PLAYING WORKSHOPS FOR MUSIC TEACHERS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY A WELL-KNOWN MUSICIAN, MR STEVE ROSENBERG, IN MARCH.
MR ROSENBERG GIVES REGULAR CONCERTS AND MAKES SCHOOL TOURS IN THE UNITED STATES, NEW ZEALAND AND AUSTRALIA. HIS BOOKS ON RECORDER PLAYING ENJOY SUCCESS AROUND THE WORLD.
HE WAS THE ADJUDICATOR FOR RECORDER CLASSES AT THE 36TH HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC FESTIVAL LAST YEAR, AND HAS BEE.N INVITED TO VISIT HONG KONG AGAIN AS AN ADJUDICATOR FOR THE 37TH FESTIVAL.
THE THREE WORKSHOPS, TWO AT ELEMENTARY LEVEL AND ONE AT INTERMEDIATE LEVEL, WILL EACH CONSIST OF THREE SESSIONS.
THE TWO ELEMENTARY WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 25, 27 AND 29» WHILE THE INTERMEDIATE WORKSHOP WILL BE HELD ON MARCH 26. 28 AND 30. THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC AND SPEECH ASSOCIATION, 54 JAFFE ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
PARTICIPATION TO EACH WORKSHOP IS LIMITED TO 50 TEACHERS, AND THE FEE IS $60.
TEACHERS WISHING TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOPS SHOULD APPLY NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 15 TO MRS HILARY BLYTHE, ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC AND SPEECH ASSOCIATION.
ENQUIRIES CAN BY MADE AT THE MUSIC SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 5-8392430.
-----0------
/8........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
8
HORTICULTURAL CLASS WELCOMED * * * *
A GROUP OF ENGLISH-SPEAKING HOUSEWIVES IN SAI KUNG DISTRICT TODAY THANKED OFFICERS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR HAVING ORGANISED A HORTICULTURAL CLASS FOR THEM LAST YEAR.
A FIVE-SESSION LECTURE WAS ORGANISED LAST JUNE AT THEIR REQUEST AND WAS ATTENDED BY MORE THAN 20 HOUSEWIVES.
LATER, THEY SET UP THE HONG KONG GARDENING SOCIETY AND TO COMMEMORATE THE FIRST ACTIVITY OF THE SOCIETY, THEY PRESENTED SEVERAL YOUNG FICUS TREES TO THE NTSD.
A PLANTING CEREMONY WAS ALSO HELD AT THE SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND TODAY. THE STAFF OFFICER (GARDENS) OF THE NTSD, MR WOO WING-KU I, THE DEPUTY URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SAI KUNG, MR LEE KA-YIN, THE PRESIDENT OF HONG KONG GARDENING SOCIETY, MRS LIZ MACKAY, AND SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY TOOK PART IN THE TREE PLANTING.
- - - - 0 ----------
NEW TERRITORIES ATHLETIC MEET
* * *
MORE THAN 480 ATHLETES WILL COMPETE IN 70 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS AT THE FOURTH NEW TERRITORIES INTER-DISTRICT ATHLETIC MEET AT THE SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS IN THREE AGE GROUPS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A RELAY RACE FOR TEAMS FROM THE EIGHT ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AND PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
OTHER GUESTS AT THE ATHLETIC MEET INCLUDE THE DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR MICHAEL SUEN, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD.
• THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
-----0------
/9........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
- 9 -
BOARD BUILDS PLAYGROUND FOR SHEUNG WAN RESIDENTS * * *
THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPENT $200 000 TO BUILD A PLAYGROUND AT SAI WOO LANE IN SHEUNG WAN.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE PLAYGROUND TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT 1.45 PM.
THE SAI WOO LANE PLAYGROUND SITE WAS ORIGINALLY ZONED FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSE, BUT FOLLOWING NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD EVENTUALLY GOT THE LAND FOR RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS LACKING IN THE DISTRICT.
RECREATION FACILITIES IN THE PLAYGROUND INCLUDE A BASKETBALL COURT, TWO OPEN-AIR TABLE-TENNIS TABLES, TWO CHESS TABLES, THREE HOPSCOTCH GAMES FOR CHILDREN, BENCHES, PLANTERS, AND SITTING-OUT AREAS.
A +POTTED SPORTS FOR YOUTH+ TELEMATCH AND LION DANCES WILL EE HELD TO MARK THE OPENING.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT TOMORROW’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING GROUP ON SAI WOO LANE PLAYGROUND, MR MA CHING-YUK} THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICER, MR R.A. NISSIM} THE CHIEF PUBLIC WORKS OFFICER, MR K. KRUMINS; THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, MR AU WAI-KIM} THE SENIOR RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (HK), MR TAM PAK-HANG } THE DISTRICT EDUCATION OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR WONG WING-TIM} AND NINE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
------0-------
ROAD DRAINAGE WORKS IN HUNG HOM
* * * *
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT ROADS AND DRAINAGE WORKS WITHIN THE WHAMPOA DOCKYARD REDEVELOPMENT AREA IN HUNG HOM.
THIS PROJECT IS SCHEDULED TO START IN JUNE AND BE COMPLETED IN STAGES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE NEW ROADS WILL LINK UP WITH THE EXISTING WAN "HOI STREET, BAKER STREET, HUNG HOM WAN STREET AND THE FUTURE NORTH-SOUTH DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
/A PLAN .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
10 -
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 LOBBY, HONG KONG?
K THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND
* THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141 - 143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, 1ST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, NOT LATER THAN APRIL 9.
-----0------
BRINGING HAPPINESS AND WARMTH TO THE ELDERLY
* * *
A LARGE GROUP OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS HAVE TAKEN TIME TO BRING A LITTLE HAPPINESS AND WARMTH TO THE ELDERLY IN KOWLOON CITY BY DISTRIBUTING GIFTS TO THEM.
ABOUT 530 VOLUNTEERS FROM SCHOOLS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL MAKE HOME VISIT TO 700 ELDERLY PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE VISIT IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CITY COUNCIL FOR THE WELFARE AND RECREATION OF THE ELDERLY, AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
AMONG THE ELDERLY PEOPLE TO BE VISITED, TWO ELDEST PERSONS AGED 98 AND 93, WILL RECEIVE ADDITIONAL LAI-SEE PACKETS FROM THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD.
-----0------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 198*
11
WIDOWED FAMILIES GET RED PACKETS * * *
MORE THAN 300 WIDOWED FAMILIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND TODAY (SATURDAY) RECEIVED NEW YEAR +LAI-SEE+ OF $100 EACH FROM THE TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND.
ANOTHER 9 600 BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING WIDOWS AND WIDOWERS WITH DEPENDENT CHILDREN AND ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY, ELDERLY PEOPLE IN RESIDENTIAL INSTITUTIONS AND ELDERLY PATIENTS IN TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS WILL GET THEIR RED PACKETS NEXT WEEK.
NEARLY $1 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE FUND’S MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR DISTRIBUTION.
ASSISTING SIR SHIU-KIN AND MR HO, FOUNDERS OF THE FUND, IN TODAY’S DISTRIBUTION AT THE TUNG WAH HOSPITAL WERE MRS ANSON CHAN, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WHO IS ALSO THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUNDI MR CHARLES LUI, ADVISERj AND FILM STARS MISS LIZA WONG AND LITTLE WONG KA-MING.
THE FUND, ADMINISTERED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, PROVIDES IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES IN COPING WITH HARDSHIP BROUGHT ON BY UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES.
GRANTS ARE PROVIDED TO MAINTAIN A CHILD THROUGH HIS EDUCATION, TO PURCHASE EQUIPMENT OR TO MEET HIGH COSTS FOR bEDICAL TREATMENT OR OTHER NEEDS.
PAYMENTS ARE ALSO MADE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS ARISING FROM PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CHRONIC ILLNESS.
IN PARTICULAR, THE FUND HELPS VICTIMS OF NATURAL DISASTERS WITH URGENT NEEDS.
APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND CAN BE MADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, PO LEUNG KUK OR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
SOCIAL WORKERS OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES MAY ALSO REFER HARDSHIPS CASES TO THE SECRETARY OF THE FUND OR THE DIRECTOR CF SOCIAL WELFARE.
-----o------
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
12
USD STAFF RAISE MORE THAN $ 66 OOO FOR THE COMMUNITY CHEST
THE FUND RAISING CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME HAS COME TO A SATISFACTORY END.
DURING THE NINE-DAY CAMPAIGN WHICH STARTED ON JANUARY 31, A TOTAL OF $66 392.80 WERE COLLECTED REPRESENTING SOME 33 PER CENT MORE THAN THE TARGET AMOUNT OF $50 000.
ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR THE AMOUNT TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, WHO IS ALSO A MEMBER OF THE CHEST’S EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION PROGRAMME SUB-COMMITTEE.
- - 0 - -
NGAU CHI WAN ROAD EXTENSION
XXX
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A ROAD EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING FUNG SHING STREET IN NGAU CHI WAN.
OTHER WORKS PROPOSED INCLUDE A PATHWAY UNDER WHICH A DRAINAGE SYSTEM WILL BE BUILT.
THE PATHWAY IS FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED NGAU CHI WAN HOME OWNERSHIPS SCHEME AND NEARBY AREAS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS IS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT:
* THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRY ENTRANCE LOBBY5
* THE DISTRICT LANDS OFF ICE/KOWLOON EAST, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON, AND
* THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, GROUND AND 4TH FLOORS, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
- 0 - -
/13
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
- 13 -
MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRNAGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YAU MA TEI AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 12), TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.
IN YAU MA TEI, WOOSUNG STREET BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 14 METRES NORTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 12 MIDNIGHT DAILY.
A PLB STAND WILL BE DESIGNATED ON THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF WOOSUNG STREET BETWEEN NING PO STREET AND NANKING STREET.
AT LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, THE EXISTING 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE AT THE LAY-BY ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY AT A POINT ABOUT 300 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH HAMMER HILL ROAD WILL BE RELAXED TO A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILY.
WITHIN THE TWO RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS-OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
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SOUVENIR STALL OPERATORS NEEDED * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE OPERATION OF TWO SOUVENIR STALLS AT CASTLE PEAK BEACH IN TUEN MUN.
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START THEIR BUSINESS ON APRIL 15 ON TWO-YEAR CONTRACTS, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
TENDERS FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NTSD HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, KOWLOON OR TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, FIRST FLOOR, TOP COURT, 60-70 TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE PLACED INTO THE TENDER BOX BY 9 AM ON MARCH 8 (FRIDAY).
‘ FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE TUEN MUN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR TELEPHONE 0-820800 EXT. 301.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1985
- 14 -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN TUEN MUN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 9 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 12) TO 8 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
PREMISES ALONG ROAD D9 FROM AREA 26 TO FU TEI ROUNDABOUT INCLUDING AREA 26, AREA 36, AREA 4B, AREA 4C AND WONG FUNG LEK WILL BE AFFECTED.
MEANWHILE, SALT WATER SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED IN NORTH POINT AND CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 9 AM TO 3.30 PM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 12) TO FACILITATE MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY HING FAT STREET, SEA FRONT, MODEL LANE, KING’S ROAD AND FORTRESS HILL ROAD.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE DIE FROM FIRES IN 1984 ..................................... 1
BUSY YEAR FOR ENQUIRY CENTRE .................................... 2
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL OPENED .................................. 2
SPRING SCROLL REMINDS PEOPLE TO CAST VOTE ....................... 4
DB TO BE CONSULTED ON SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME.................... 4
EXCHANGING VIEWS ON EDUCATION ................................... 5
IT'S MEN'S TURN AGAIN ........................................... 5
DIVER WITH A SPECIAL TASK ....................................... 6
WORK TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM ............................. 8
STREET AND BRIDGE CLOSURE ....................................... 8
TENDERS CALLED FOR SCREENING PLANT .............................. 9
LANDING FACILITIES FOR LIGHT BEACON ............................. 9
WATER CUT ..................................................... 10
TWO PLAYGROUNDS FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS ........................ 10
LAMMA ISLAND TO GET CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT .................... 11
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC BAN
11
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
1
MORE DIE FROM FIRES IN 1984
* * * *
THERE WERE 52 DEATHS AS A RESULT OF FIRES IN 1984, AGAINST 42 IN 1983, ACCORDING TO FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FIGURES RELEASED TODAY.
THERE WERE ALSO MORE INJURIES, AT 727 — INCLUDING 77 FIREMEN — AGAINST THE 1983 FIGURE OF 692, INCLUDING 54 FIREMEN.
CARELESS HANDLING OR DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTES, MATCHES AND CANDLES CAUSED MOST OF THE FIRES, ACCOUNTING FOR 4 633 OF THE 14 693 CALLS TO WHICH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT RESPONDED.
IN 1983, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RESPONDED TO 14 504 CALLS.
DEFECTIVE AND UNATTENDED COOKING STOVES, TOGETHER WITH HEATERS AND IRONS WERE THE SECOND MOST FREQUENT CAUSES, NUMBERING 2 100, WITH ELECTRICAL FAULTS RUNNING THIRD, WITH 1 713 OUTBREAKS.
SQUATTER FIRES, NUMBERING 264, WERE UP ON THE FIGURE OF 118 THE YEAR BEFORE. CASES OF SUSPECTED ARSON, AT 31, WERE FEWER THAN THE 40 OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
AND RESPONSES TO SPECIAL SERVICES CALLS, INCLUDING LANDSLIDES, HOUSE COLLAPSES, DROWNINGS, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, GAS LEAKAGES AMONG OTHER INCIDENTS, WERE LOWER, AT 9 000, THAN THE 1983 FIGURE OF 9 427.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THERE WERE MORE CASES OF PEOPLE BEING TRAPPED BY MACHINERY — 142 COMPARED WITH ONLY 84 IN 1983.
THE DEPARTMENT’S AMBULANCE COMMAND RESPONDED TO A RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS IN THE PERIOD, TOTALLING 313 212, OF WHICH 220 768 WERE EMERGENCY, AGAINST THE PREVIOUS FIGURES OF 303 523 AMBULANCE CALLS, 220 242 OF THEM EMERGENCY.
PATIENTS CARRIED BY AMBULANCES, BOTH EMERGENCY AND NON-EMERGENCY, ALSO REACHED A RECORD FIGURE OF 417 429, COMPARED WITH THE 409 054 IN THE YEAR BEFORE.
0 -
/2 .
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
2
BUSY YEAR FOR ENQUIRY CENTRE
* * * *
THE 64 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES (PESC’S) OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAD A BUSY TIME LAST YEAR --INCREASING ITS SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC BY 32.2 PER CENT OVER 1983.
THE PESO'S PROVIDE A WIDE VARIETY OF SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC SUCH AS ANSWERING GENERAL ENQUIRIES, DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT PAMPHLETS AND PUBLICITY MATERIALS, ADMINISTRATING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, ADVISING AND OFFERING INFORMATION ON SERVICES PROVIDED BY ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS.
+THE CENTRES ALSO RENDER ASSISTANCE IN SOLVING PERSONAL PROBLEMS AND ARRANGING REFERRALS WHERE THE PROBLEM IS COMPLEX AND REQUIRES EXPERT ADVICE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID.
+FROM JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1984, MORE THAN FIVE-MILLION CASES AND ENQUIRIES WERE RECEIVED, WHICH REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 20.3 PER CENT OVER FIGURES FOR 1983,+ HE ADDED.
+DURING THE YEAR, SOME 8.7 MILLION FORMS AND INFORMATION BOOKLETS WERE DISTRIBUTED, WITH THE MOST POPULAR BEING APPLICATION FORMS FOR GOVERNMENT JOBS,+ HE SAID.
UNDER THE +FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME+, A TOTAL OF 3 293 CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY, OF WHICH, 3 071 CASES WERE HANDLED BY THE LAW SOCIETY’S SOLICITORS AND 468 CASES WERE REFERRED TO THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT FOR ASSISTANCE.
+IN 1984, TWO ADDITIONAL CENTRES, IN YAU MA TEI AND KWUN TONG, WERE OPENED BRINGING TO EIGHT THE TOTAL NUMBER OF ADVICE CENTRES TO PROVIDE MORE EXTENSIVE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
'--—o------
TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL OPENED * * * *
™ THE SEVENTH TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED (SUNDAY) BY THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
Jp ?DAi?MAn*D^ce°NES’ AND THE D,RECT0R OF URBAN SERVICES, ’ rK bKAHAM BARNES.
SAin 'N THE TSUEN WAN T0WN HALL» MR BARNES
SAID THAT THE FESTIVAL HAS ESTABLISHED ITSELF AS AN IMPORTANT CULTURAL EVENT AS A RESULT OF THE EFFORTS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND RELEVANT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
/HE ALSO .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
HE ALSO SAID THAT ONE OF THE OPENING PERFORMANCES FEATURING CHILDREN’S CHOIRS FROM SEVEN NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICTS IS PARTICULARLY MEANINGFUL AS HONG KONG IS AT THE THRESHOLD OF SETTING UP THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL WOULD SEEK TO CULTIVATE AN EVEN CLOSER RELATIONSHIP AMONG NEW TERRITORIES CULTURAL GROUPS AND TO CO-ORDINATE THE PROVISION OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BETTER, IE ADDED.
HE NOTED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE FESTIVAL REFLECTS, TO SOME EXTENT, THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPER HALLS AS FOCAL POINTS FOR THE PROMOTION OF ARTS AND CULTURE IN A NEW TOWN.
IN ADDITION TO EXISTING VENUES IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND THE NORTH DISTRICT, NEW FACILITIES WILL BE OPENED IN TAI PO LATER THIS YEAR. TWO TOWN HALLS, TO BE SITED IN SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN, SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MID-1986.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, MR HO TUNG-CHING, SAID AT THE OPENING THAT AN ORGANISATION LIKE THE HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL SOCIETY SHOULD BE SET UP IF THE TSUEN WAN ARTS FESTIVAL WERE TO HAVE MORE CONTINUITY IN PROMOTIONAL WORK AND MORE FINANCIAL AUTONOMY.
THE 33-DAY FESTIVAL, TO BE HELD UNTIL MARCH 14. FEATURES 66 PERFORMANCES FOR PEOPLE OF DIFFERENT INTERESTS AND AGE GROUPS.
THERE WILL BE 46 PERFORMANCES IN THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AND 20 IN VARIOUS OUTDOOR VENUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE TWO GUZHENG-KOTO-KAYAGUM RECITALS, A NIGHT OF VIENNA MUSIC BY THE VIENNA CHAMBER ENSEMBLE, AN INVITATION TO THE BALLET, AND MIMES BY THE TRESTLE THEATRE COMPANY AND NOLA RAE.
TICKETS FOR MOST OF THE PERFORMANCES ARE PRICED BETWEEN $10 AND $30. THEY ARE ON SALE AT THE TOWN HALL’S BOX OFFICE.
THE FESTIVAL IS PRESENTED JOINTLY BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT (NEW TERRITORIES DIV SION) AND THE TSUEN WAN CULTURE AND RECREATION CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION.
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A....
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
4
SPRING SCROLL REMINDS PEOPLE TO CAST VOTE
* * * *
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ERECTED A GIANT +SPRING SCROLL* WITH A REMINDER TO PEOPLE TO VOTE ON MARCH 7 OUTSIDE ITS BRANCH OFFICE BUILDING AT TUNG YAN STREET.
THE 15-METRE HIGH SCROLL, IS FLANKED BY COLOURFUL RIBBONS WITH THE MESSAGE WISHING RESIDENTS A HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR.
THE GIANT SCROLL IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S FESTIVE DECORATIONS AS WELL AS ITS ELECTIONS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN.
DB TO BE CONSULTED ON SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME *****
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME PROPOSED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AT THEIR KEETING TOMORROW (MONDAY).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE NGAU CHI WAN OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN WHICH SETS OUT VARIOUS LAND USES, COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLANNING AND COMPLETION DATES OF PROJECTS BEING DEVELOPED IN THE AREA.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS A PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS TO REDUCE ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS TO RESIDENTS.
OTHER ITEMS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE REPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WORKING GROUP ON PROPOSED CHANGES TO DEEDS OF MU™AL COVENANT. THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT REPORT, PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES for the Forthcoming district board elections and the international
YOUTH YEAR.
— o —
/5
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
5
EXCHANGING VIEWS ON EDUCATION K X K
TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES OF AIDED PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF DISCUSSION SESSIONS WITH EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS ON APRIL 2.
THESE DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN HELD IN PREVIOUS YEARS AND HAD PROVED TO BE A VALUABLE CHANNEL OF CONSULTATION BETWEEN TEACHERS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES HAD IN THE PAST TAKEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPRESS FREELY THE VIEWS OF THEIR COLLEAGUES ON VARIOUS TOPICS OF CONCERN. IN MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, THEY WERE GIVEN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF CURRENT EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WHICH WERE SUBSEQUENTLY CONVEYED TO HEADS OF SCHOOLS AND OTHER CONCERNED PARTIES.
TO PROVIDE A WIDER REPRESENTATION, BOTH MORNING AND AFTERNOON SESSIONS OF AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE INVITED TO SEND A TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND THESE DISCUSSIONS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT THE NAMES OF THE REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICERS OF THEIR AREA ON OR BEFORE FEBRUARY 28.
THEY SHOULD ALSO INFORM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OF THE TOPICS THEIR TEACHER REPRESENTATIVES WOULD WISH TO RAISE DURING THE DISCUSSION SESSIONS.
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IT’S MEN’S TURN AGAIN * * * *
THE SECOND CYCLE OF THE NEW b€N WILL BEGIN ON MARCH 11.
MEN BORN IN 1947 AND BEFORE
IDENTITY CARD ISSUE SCHEME FOR
ARE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW IDENTITY CARDS DURING THIS CYCLE. THERE IS AN ESTIMATED TOTAL CF MORE THAN 900 000 PEOPLE IN THIS GROUP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID EXERCISE WOULD BE CONDUCTED IN EIGHT PHASES, SPREADING OVER A PERIOD OF ABOUT 10 MONTHS.
+EACH PHASE WILL DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FROM A SPECIFIC AGE-GROUP AND THE FIRST GROUP WILL BE THOSE BORN BETWEEN 1945 AND 1947,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/DETAILS OF ......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 198?
6
DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL PHASES WILL BE PUBLICISED THROUGH POSTERS, TV SLIDES, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS AND NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS.
+MEN IN THESE AGE GROUPS ARE ADVISED TO WATCH OUT FOR THEIR TURNS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
DURING THE FIRST CYCLE OF THE SCHEME, A TOTAL OF 1 047 000 NEW CARDS HAVE BEEN ISSUED TO MEN BORN BETWEEN 1948 AND 1965.
+WE HOPE THAT THE COMING CYCLE WILL RECEIVE JUST AS MUCH SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION FROM THE TARGET GROUPS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE APPLICATION PROCEDURE IS EASY AND SIMPLE, TAKING ONLY ABOUT 30 MINUTES,* HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS WHEN THEY VISIT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
- - o - -
DIVER WITH A SPECIAL TASK * * * * *
TO STATION OFFICER WONG SHIU-HUNG, DIVING IS A YEAR-ROUND LIFE-SAVING TASK, OFTEN IN MURKY WATER AND INCLEMENT WEATHER.
BUT MR WONG GETS GREAT JOB SATISFACTION.
+EACH TIME I EMERGE FROM THE WATER AFTER A SUCCESSFUL MISSION, SAY AFTER SAVING A HALF-DROWNED CHILD, I FEEL IMMENSELY GRATIFIED,* SAID.
ATTACHED TO A FIRE BOAT BERTHED AT TSI NG Yl, MR WONG IS ONE OF THE NINE DIVING INSTRUCTORS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS AWARDED THE QUEEN’S COMMENDATION FOR COURAGEOUS ACTION DURING THE JUMBO FLOATING RESTAURANT FIRE IN ABERDEEN IN 1971.
+FIRE SERVICES DIVERS ARE USUALLY DESPATCHED TO RESERVOIRS, TYPHOON SHELTERS, FISH PONDS, NULLAHS AND THE WATERFRONT FOR UNDERWATER SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS,* SAID MR WONG, WHO HAS SERVED IN THE DIVING TEAM FOR 14 YEARS.
THESE ARE THE SITES WHERE MOST DROWNINGS OCCUR. IN MANY OF THESE PLACES, THE SEABED IS SILTED AND THE UNDERWATER VISIBILITY POOR.
/+THE FIRST
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
7
+THE FIRST THING WE DO ON ARRIVAL AT THE SCENE OF AN INCIDENT IS TO FIND A WITNESS TO PINPOINT THE LOCATION WHERE A PERSON IS REPORTED TO HAVE FALLEN INTO THE WATER.
+IF NO WITNESS CAN BE FOUND, WE WILL MARK OUT A SEARCH AREA ON THE BASIS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION,* MR WONG SAID.
USUALLY NO SEARCH OR RESCUE OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT IF THE CURRENT IS STRONG, THE WATER IS MORE THAN 15 METRES DEEP, OR MORE THAN HALF AN HOUR HAS ELAPSED AFTER THE INCIDENT.
RECOVERWTHERBODY C0NS0LE THE FAMILY CONCERNED, DIVERS WILL TRY TO
„ THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OPERATES AROUND THE
CLOCK THREE DIVING UNITS OF 22 DIVERS EACH.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE 18 DIVERS IN THE FIRE CONTINGENT AT KAI TAK AIRPORT RESPONSIBLE FOR RESCUE OPERATIONS WITHIN 103 METRES OF THE AIRPORT.
MR WONG SHIU-HUNG HAS RECENTLY COMPLETED AN EIGHT-WEEK COURSE ON DIVING INSTRUCTION AND SUPERVISION AT A POLICE DIVING SCHOOL IN ENGLAND.
THE COURSE COVERED BASIC DIVING TECHNIQUES, SEARCH PATTERNS, EMERGENCY RESCUE PROCEDURES, UNDERWATER LIFTING EQUIPMENT, SAFETY REGULATIONS, UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY AND DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS.
MR WONG SAID HE WAS INCORPORATING WHAT HE HAD LEARNT INTO THE TRAINING PROGRAMME FOR FIRE SERVICES DIVERS.
FIREMEN APPLYING TO BE TRAINED AS DIVERS SHOULD BE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 25. THEY MUST TAKE AN APTITUDE TEST AND ATTEND A MEDICAL EXAMINATION CONDUCTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT FOR COMPRESSED AIR WORKERS.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN THREE WEEKS’ TRAINING, COVERING BASIC DIVING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS AS WELL AS SEARCH METHODS.
THESE TRAINED FIREMEN WILL THEN BE POSTED TO +EMERGENCY TENDERS*. THESE ARE VEHICLES SPECIALLY EQUIPPED FOR FIGHTING BIG FIRES AND FOR SEA OR LAND RESCUE OPERATIONS WHEN LIVES ARE AT STAKE DURING FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS.
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT NOW HAS SIX EMERGENCY TENDERS STATIONED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY.
+WE WILL BE ACQUIRING FOUR NEW-TYPE VEHICLES KNOWN AS DIVING TENDERS. THEY ARE EQUIPPED SOLELY FOR DIVING OPERATIONS,* SAID W WONG WING-CHUNG, THE DEPARTMENT’S DIVISIONAL OFFICER (TRAINING).
THESE NEW VEHICLES WOULD BE OF GREAT HELP TO THE DEPARTMENT’S DIVING TEAMS, HE SAID.
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/8.......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
8
WORK TO IMPROVE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM *****
MA INSLAYING WORK TO IMPROVE THE SALT WATER AND FRESH WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI AREAS WILL START IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE WORK, INVOLVING APPROXIMATELY 2 700 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAINS AND 850 METRES OF SALT WATER MAINS ALONG FERRY STREET AND ADJACENT STREETS, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 12 MONTHS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
TENDERS MUST BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY, LOWER GROUND FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, BY MARCH 8.
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STREET AND BRIDGE CLOSURE *****
A STREET IN TUEN MUN AND A BRIDGE IN SHA TIN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC TEMPORARILY ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13).
IN TUEN MUN, THE STREET J SOUTH OF WALDORF GARDEN WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1.30 AM TO 5.30 AM TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
MOTORISTS ON TUEN MUN ROAD SOUTHBOUND TRAVELLING TO CASTLE PEAK ROAD MAY USE STREET H DURING THE CLOSURE.
IN SHA TIN, SAND MATIN BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 PM JO 7 PM TO FACILITATE THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE
LIGHTING.
MOTORISTS WISHING TO CROSS SHING MUN RIVER SHOULD USE EITHER BANYAN BRIDGE OR LION BRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, MAXICAB ROUTE 65 WILL BE
KMB ROUTES 48, 69, 70, 72A AND 81K AND DIVERTED VIA TAI PO ROAD, LION ROCK
TUNNEL ROAD AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
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/9........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
9
TENDERS CALLED FOR SCREENING PLANT * X * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF bECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE SHAM SHU I PO SCREENING PLANT.
THE WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN JUNE AND WILL BE COMPLETED IN FEBRUARY 1987.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PLANT WILL BE ABLE TO DEAL WITH SEWAGE FROM SHAM SHU I PO AND THUS IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY IN THE NORTH-WESTERN SECTION OF VICTORIA HARBOUR.
THE EQUIPMENT TO BE PROVIDED UNDER THIS CONTRACT WILL INCLUDE THREE INCLINED BAR SCREENS WHICH WILL REMOVE THE SOLID MATTER FROM THE SEWAGE FLOW. THE SCREENINGS WILL THEN BE TRANSFERRED BY A CONVEYOR TO PRESSES WHERE THEY WILL BE COMPACTED PRIOR TO BEING TRANSPORTED TO A LAND FILL TIP.
THE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION OF THE EQUIPMENT WILL BE SUPERVISED BY WATSON HAWKSLEY ASIA WHO ARE THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO THE CONSTRUCTION (LIQUID AND SOILD WASTES) DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 ---------
LANDING FACILITIES FOR LIGHT BEACON * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT AND PROVIDE LANDING FACILITIES FOR AN EXISTING LIGHT BEACON AT BUSH REEF, TOLO CHANNEL, WITHIN AN AREA OF ABOUT 992 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE FACILITIES WILL BE USED FOR THE UNLOADING OF MAINTENANCE EQUIPMENT.
THE EXTENT OF THE AFFECTED AREA IS DESCRIBED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS PLAN HAVE BEEN POSTED ON NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE, TA I PO GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
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/1O
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
10
WATER CUT
* * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN QUARRY BAY WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 PM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY 888-1094 KING’S ROAD, MT. PARKER ROAD, QUARRY BAY STREET, YAU MAN STREET, GREIG ROAD, INCLUDING NAM FUNG SUN CHUEN AND SHIP YARD LANE.
ON THE SAME DAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO KWUN TONG, NGAU TAU KOK, NGAU CHI WAN AND SAU MAU PING WILL BE INTERRUPTED FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM FOR MAINS WORK.
PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES INCLUDING NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, SHUN LEE, SHUN TIN, SHUN ON, WO LOK, LAM TIN, KWUN TONG (LEI YUE MUN ROAD), CHOI WAN, SAU MAU PING, KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) AND SHUN CHI COURT WILL ALSO BE AFFECTED.
-----o------
TWO PLAYGROUNDS FOR YUEN LONG RESIDENTS * n *
TWO MULTI-PURPOSE AMENITY AREAS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED IN YUEN LONG AND WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE 2 000 SQUARE METRE KIN YIP STREET PLAYGROUND IS BUILT AT A COST OF $1.6 MILLION. FACILITIES INCLUDE A BASKETBALL COURT AND A ROLLER SKATING RINK WHICH IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN YUEN LONG.
THE $900 000 FUNG KWAN STREET GARDEN IS BUILT ON A 1 900 SQUARE f£TRE SITE WITH SITTING OUT AREA AND A BASKETBALL COURT.
BOTH PROJECTS ARE DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NTSD.
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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
11
LAMMA ISLAND TO GET CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT *****
A CONSUMER SERVICES DEPOT IS TO BE BUILT AT YUNG SHUE LONG VILLAGE ON LAMMA ISLAND AS PART OF A SCHEME TO SUPPLY FRESH WATER TO THE ISLAND’S VILLAGES, PROPOSED RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND THE POWER STATION.
THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING WILL INCLUDE AN OFFICE, STORAGE YARD, A BARRACK ROOM WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A MESS AND TWO UNITS OF STAFF QUARTERS.
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR WORK ON THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MEANWHILE A $7.2 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED FOR THE LAYING OF 2 400 METRES OF 900-MILL I METRE MILD STEEL FRESH WATER TRUNK MAIN IN VICTORIA ROAD, WESTERN.
THIS FORMS PART OF A PROJECT TO INCREASE THE CAPACITY OF THE WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM TO POKFULAM, ABERDEEN, AP LEI CHAU AND LAMMA ISLAND.
- 0 - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC BAN
*****
FROM 1 AM TO 5.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13), ALL VEHICLES WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING RIGHT FROM F INNIE STREET IN QUARRY BAY INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE WORK ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
DURING THE TEMPORARY BAN, TRAFFIC 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
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TAB HEARS REPORT ON U.S. RULES TALKS ............................ 1
TUNG WAH CEREMONY ............................................. 1
CANDIDATES TO MEET VOTERS ....................................... 2
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WORKS PLANNED ................................. 3
HONG KONG PEOPLE THANKED BY OXFAM ............................... 3
START BIG CLEAN-UP EARLY, NT PEOPLE TOLD ........................ 4
GAS SAFETY SHOW GOES TO ESTATES ................................. 5
FREE TICKETS OFFERED FOR ARTS FESTIVAL .......................... 5
NEW LOOK FOR REFUSE POINT ..................................... 6
WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCED ...................................... 6
DB TO DISCUSS MARICULTURE PLANS ............................... 7
SIGNBOARDS TO BE PULLED DOWN .................................... 7
KIOSK OPERATOR NEEDED ........................................... 7
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI ...................... 8
WATER KIOSK PUT TO USE .......................................... 8
TAPS OFF ON LAMMA ISLAND......................................... 8
RESTRICTED ZONE.................................................. 9
ROAD CLOSURE FOR MAINS WORK ..................................... 9
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ........................................... 9
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
1
TAB HEARS REPORT ON U.S. RULES TALKS * * *
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO HELD A SPECIAL MEETING THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO CONSIDER A REPORT FROM THE RECENT HONG KONG DELEGATION TO WASHINGTON ON THE PROGRESS OF NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE UNITED STATES IN RESPECT OF THE U.S. ORIGIN REGULATIONS.
AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, THE TALKS HAVE BEEN ADJOURNED TO ENABLE THE UNITED STATES TO CONSIDER FURTHER, AND TO RESPOND TO, THE PROPOSALS PUT FORWARD BY HONG KONG. THE WEEK STARTING MARCH 11 HAS BEEN SET AS A PROVISIONAL DATE FOR RESUMING THE TALKS, ALTHOUGH THE POSSIBILITY OF SEEKING FURTHER TALKS THIS MONTH HAS NOT BEEN RULED OUT.
AFTER THE MEETING THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID i +WE ARE NOW CONSIDERING WHAT FURTHER ACTION WE MIGHT TAKE IN CONSULTATION WITH OUR COLLEAGUES IN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN WASHINGTON, NEW YORK AND GENEVA.
♦SOME INITIAL IDEAS WERE PUT TO THE BOARD TODAY, BUT I CANNOT AT THIS STAGE GIVE ANY DETAILS.*
MR MACLEOD ADDED i +THE U.S. ATTITUDE DURING THE CONSULTATIONS WAS UNREASONABLE AND UNHELPFUL. THIS AFTERNOON MEMBERS OF THE BOARD EXPRESSED THEIR FRUSTRATION AT THE U.S. ATTITUDE TO THE CONSULTATIONS.♦
HE SAID i +NEVERTHELESS, WE CONTINUE TO HOPE THAT THE U.S.
WILL TAKE FULL NOTE OF THE TEXTILE SURVEILLANCE BODY RECOMMENDATION AND RESPOND TO OUR PROBLEMS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE MFA AND OUR BILATERAL AGREEMENT.*
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TUNG WAH CEREMONY
* * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FOUNDATION STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS TAI TUNG PUI MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE IN TUEN MUN ON WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 AT 2.30 PM.
A SPECIAL COACH PROVIDED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL LEAVE THE CAR PARK OF KWONG WAH HOSPITAL AT WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON AT 1 PM.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WILL PROCEED TO YAU 01 ESTATE AND GO UP TO THE ROOF OF 01 HEI HOUSE FOR A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
FOLLOWING A BRIEFING AT THE ROOFTOP, SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WILL VISIT A FACTORY AT LUNG MUN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AT KIN WING STREET.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
2 -
CANDIDATES TO MEET VOTERS *****
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS CANDIDATES WILL MEET VOTERS IN SIX FORUMS BEING ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13).
AT THE FORUMS, CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS,
APART FROM THE FORUMS, TWO VARIETY SHOWS WILL BE HELD IN THE DISTRICT.
THERE ARE 22 CANDIDATES CONTESTING EIGHT SEATS IN SIX NORTH DISTRICT CONSTITUENCIES.
THE OPEN FORUMS AND VARIETY SHOWS ARE SCHEDULED AS FOLLOWS:-
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEB 13 (WED) 3 PM BORDER CENTRAL DE LA SALLE SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHEUNG SHUI
FEB 15 (FRI) 8 PM QUEEN’S HILL SUEN DOUH CAMP, FANLING
FEB 26 (TUES) 8 PM LUEN WO HUI PUI LING PRIMARY SCHOOL, FANLING
FEB 27 (WED) 8.30 PM BEAS RIVER CHEUNG WAH ESTATE COMMUNITY HALL, FANLING
FEB 28 (THURS) 8 PM SHEK WU HUI CHOI YUEN ESTATE COVERED PLAYGROUND, SHEUNG SHUI
MAR 4 (MON) 3 PM BORDER EAST AND MIRS BAY SHA TAU KOK GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHA TAU KOK
MAR 2 (SAT) 2 PM VARIETY SHOW LUEN WO HUI PLAYGROUND, FANLING
MAR 3 (SUN) 2 PM VARIETY SHOW SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND, SHEUNG SHUI
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN WORKS PLANNED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO CONSTRUCT A SERIES OF ROADS AND FOOTBRIDGES IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE WORKS FORM PART OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN, AND WILL PROVIDE PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE PROPOSED LEUNG TIN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
THEY INVOLVE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ROADS AND TWO SINGLE CARRIAGEWAY ROADS, AND FOUR FOOTBRIDGES.
THERE WILL ALSO BE STREET FACILITIES, AND TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN AIDS.
OTHER WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE, EARTHWORKS AND PAVEMENTS.
THE PLANS MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT CFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS CFFICE, TUEN MUN AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT CFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES DURING*
MONDAY TO FRIDAY 9 AM TO 4.30 PM
SATURDAY 9 AM TO 12 NOON
ANY OBJECTION TO THE PROJECT MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MURRAY BUILDING, 20TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE APRIL 9, 1985.
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HONG KONG PEOPLE THANKED BY OXFAM * * * *
HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE OFFICIALLY THANKED FOR THEIR GENEROSITY BY THE DIRECTOR OF OXFAM, MR GUY STRINGER, DURING A CALL ON THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY.
REFERRING TO THE $12 MILLION RAISED HERE WITHIN THREE MONTHS FOR THE STARVING PEOPLE OF DROUGHT-STRICKEN ETHIOPIA, MR STRINGER SAID THAT IT MADE UP 16 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OXFAM INCOME FOR ETHIOPIA, AND ABOUT EQUALLED THE MONEY RAISED BY OXFAM IN AMERICA.
/MR STRINGER,
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
4
MR STRINGER, WHO IS VISITING HONG KONG TO TELL HOW THE MONEY IS BEING SPENT BY OXFAM, SAID RELIEF WORK WAS BEING CARRIED OUT ON BOTH AN IMMEDIATE AND A LONG-TERM BASIS, THROUGH PROVISION OF FOOD, bEDICAL AND SANITATION SERVICES, AND AGRICULTURAL HELP.
OXFAM MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS, HE SAID, WORKED IN 77 UNDERDEVELOPED COUNTRIES, MOSTLY IN AFRICA.
WITH MR STRINGER ON THE VISIT WERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ’ HONG KONG OXFAM, MRS ANNE ELLIS, AND ITS ADMINISTRATOR, MR CHRIS BALE.
OXFAM’S FUND-RAISING EFFORT IN HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE, bR BALE SAID, AND MORE EMPHASIS WOULD BE PLACED IN ENCOURAGING YOUNG PEOPLE HERE TO OFFER THEIR SERVICES.
HONG KONG’S SCHOOLS, MR BALE RECALLED, HAD RESPONDED ADMIRABLY TO THE ETHIOPIAN APPEAL BY OXFAM.
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START BIG CLEAN-UP EARLY, NT PEOPLE TOLD
*****
NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS WERE URGED TODAY TO START THEIR LUNAR NEW YEAR HOUSEHOLD CLEAN-UP EARLY BY BRINGING THEIR UNWANTED ARTICLES AND OTHER RUBBISH TO SOME 2 000 COLLECTION POINTS EARMARKED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT BY STARTING NOW, THE RESIDENTS WOULD BE AVOIDING A LAST MINUTE RUSH, AND MAKING THINGS EASIER FOR THEMSELVES AND THE DEPARTMENT’S WORKERS.
HE SAID THAT THERE WOULD BE NO REFUSE COLLECTION SERVICE ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 20), AND A LAST-MINUTE RUSH BY RESIDENTS COULD RESULT IN A BIG PILE UP OF RUBBISH, WHICH WOULD BE BOTH AN EYE-SORE AND UNHYGENIC.
HE ALSO SAID THAT TO COINCIDE WITH THIS CLEAN-UP EFFORT, THE NTSD WOULD BE MOUNTING A TIDYING UP OPERATION OF THE COMMON AREAS OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
NTSD STAFF, HE SAID, WOULD HELP THE RESIDENTS CLEAR THE RUBBISH ACCUMULATED AT STAIRCASES, CORRIDORS AND BACK LANES. THIS JOB WOULD CONTINUE UNTIL TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 19).
AT THE SAME TIME, HE REMINDED RESIDENTS THAT THE DUMPING OF RUBBISH COULD RESULT IN A FINE OF $5 000 AND A JAIL SENTENCE.
INDUSTRIAL REFUSE AND DEBRIS FROM BUILDINGS SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE CONTROLLED TIPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR DISPOSAL, HE SAID.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1935
- 5 -
GAS SAFETY SHOW GOES TO ESTATES
* * * *
A MOBILE EXHIBITION TO PROMOTE GAS SAFETY WILL BE STAGED ON A ROTATION BASIS IN 59 PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES FROM TODAY (MONDAY).
IT FORMS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S GAS SAFETY CAMPAIGN, TO REMIND THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE DANGER OF USING SUB-STANDARD GAS WATER HEATERS IN BATHROOMS AND ABOUT THE NEED FOR PROPER HANDLING OF LPG CYLINDERS AND GAS RUBBER TUBINGS.
A SPOKESMAN FROM THE GAS ADVISER’S OFFICE SAID: +OUR AIM IS TO MAINTAIN RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE DANGER OF THE UNSAFE, OLD TYPE HEATERS AND THE NEED TO HAVE THEIR BATHROOMS PROPERLY VENTILATED WHEN USING THEM.+
THE TWO TYPES OF SUB-STANDARD GAS WATER HEATERS - OPEN-FLUE AND FLUELESS - WILL BE DISPLAYED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD FOR TWO TO THREE DAYS IN EACH CF THE SELECTED HOUSING ESTATES UNTIL THE END OF APRIL.
A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE GAS ADVISER’S OFFICE WILL BE PRESENT TO ANSWER QUESTIONS.
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FREE TICKETS OFFERED FOR ARTS FESTIVAL
* * * * *
FREE TICKETS FOR SOME OF THE YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL PROGRAMMES ARE AVAILABLE FROM TODAY (MONDAY).
THE 18-DAY FESTIVAL, STARTING ON FEBRUARY 28, CONSISTS OF 29 EVENTS DIVIDED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES -- MUSIC, DANCE, OPERA AND EXHIBITION.
ADMISSION TO 17 EVENTS ARE FREE, BUT FREE TICKETS SHOULD BE OBTAINED FOR EIGHT EVENTS, INCLUDING PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG DANCE TROUPE AND THE CHUNG YING THEATRE AS WELL AS THE MOVIE +SUNFLOWER+.
THE FREE TICKETS, ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVE BASIS, ARE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE, THE LUT SAU HALL, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND THE YUEN LONG BRANCH OF THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
TICKETS FOR OTHER EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE AT LUT SAU HALL, YUEN LONG WHICH WILL BE OPENED DAILY FROM 2 TO 8 PM FROM THURSDAY.
/ALL EFFORTS .......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
6
ALL EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL ORGANISING COMMITTEE TO ENSURE THAT THE PROGRAMMES SUIT EVERYONE’S TASTE. WELL KNOWN LOCAL AND FOREIGN ORCHESTRAS, BALLET AND DANCE TROUPES, SINGERS AND CHILDREN’S CHOIRS HAVE BEEN BROUGHT IN FOR THE FESTIVAL.
THE FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
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- NEW LOOK FOR REFUSE POINT * * *
A MODERN OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, DESIGNED TO LOOK LIKE A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING, WILL BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF CASSIA ROAD AND BEGONIA ROAD IN YAU YAT CHUEN, KOWLOON TONG.
IT WILL REPLACE THREE SUB-STANDARD ON-STREET REFUSE DUMPING FACILITIES IN THE AREA, AND WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH A MECHANICAL VENTILATION AND CARBON FILTRATION SYSTEM TO REDUCE THE SMELL GENERATED FROM REFUSE.
IT WILL ALSO INCORPORATE A SMALL STOREROOM, A TOILET AND A DEPOT FOR HANDCARTS.
THE NEW FACILITY WILL HAVE AMENITY PLANTING ON THE ROOF-TOP, A LOW BOUNDARY WALL AND PLANTER BOXES AT THE ROAD FRONTAGE. THE EXTERNAL WALLS OF THE BUILDING WILL ALSO BE COVERED WITH COLOURED TILES TO BLEND WITH ADJOINING RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
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WELFARE PAYMENTS ADVANCED * X * *
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES WILL BE PAID EARLIER TO PEOPLE WHOSE PAYMENT DATES FALL ON THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (MONDAY) THAT PEOPLE DUE TO RECEIVE PAYMENT ON FEBRUARY 19, 20, 21 AND 22 CAN CASH THEIR COUPONS ON FEBRUARY 13, 14, 15 AND 18 RESPECTIVELY, AT THE DESIGNATED POST OFFICES, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES OR TREASURY SUB-OFFICES.
OLD AGE, AND DISABILITY ALLOWANCES DUE UNDER THE BANK PAYMENT SYSTEM ON FEBRUARY 20, MAY BE COLLECTED ON FEBRUARY 18, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/7......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
7
DB TO DISCUSS MARICULTURE PLANS
* * * *
ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS MARICULTURE AND DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR PENG CHAU AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL HEAR ABOUT THE ISLANDS DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND DISCUSS THE PENG CHAU OUTLINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN AND LAYOUT PLANS FOR NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN PENG CHAU.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON A REPORT OF WORKING GROUP ON ENVIRONMENTAL NUISANCES CREATED BY VICE-ASSOCIATED ESTABLISHMENTS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE AN ADDITIONAL ALLOCATION OF $51 855 FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BASKETBALL COURT AT YUNG SHUE WAN ON LAMMA ISLAND AND THE EXPENDITURE FOR A NUMBER OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
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SIGNBOARDS TO BE PULLED DOWN
* * * #
FOURTEEN ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS WILL BE PULLED DOWN IN YAU MA TCI TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE FIRST THREE SIGNBOARDS WILL BE TORN DOWN AT NO. 2 FERRY STREET, FERRY POINT COMPLEX AT 9.30 AM, WHILE THE REMAINDER WILL BE REMOVED IN YAU MA TEI NORTH AND TSIM SHA TSUI AREAS LATER IN THE DAY.
WITH DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS OF $20 000, THE PROJECT IS PART OF THE DISTRICT’S EFFORT TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT.
THE EXERCISE IS THE JOINT EFFORT OF THE LOCAL OWNERS CORPORATIONS AND THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, AND IS BEING CARRIED OUT BY PRIVATE CONTRACTORS.
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KIOSK OPERATOR NEEDED * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION OF A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND, FROM APRIL 1.
TENDER FORMS, NOW AVAILABLE AT SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN THE TOWN CENTRE, MUST BE RETURNED BEFORE 9 AM ON MARCH 1.
FURTHER DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SAI KUNG URBAN SERVICES OFFICE OR TELEPHONE 3-2813635.
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/8......
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
8
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN WAN CHAI
* * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 14) FOR ROAD. WORK.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, CANAL ROAD EAST AND WEST BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON HENNESSY ROAD HEADING FOR LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA MARSH ROAD, WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON LOCKHART ROAD HEADING FOR HENNESSY ROAD WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA STEWART ROAD.
TAK YAN STREET BETWEEN WAN CHAI ROAD AND 01 KWAN ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED AND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WOOD ROAD AND WING CHEUNG STREET.
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WATER KIOSK PUT TO USE X * *
WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS PUT AT TUEN MUN TODAY (MONDAY).
THE KIOSK, LOCATED AT THE SEAWALL MUN TYPHOON SHELTER, WILL SUPPLY WATER POPULATION IN THE AREA.
INTO SERVICE ITS WATER KIOSK
ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF TUEN TO FISHERMEN AND THE FLOATING
SUPPLY HOURS ARE 8 AM TO NOON, AND 1 PM TO 5 PM DAILY.
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TAPS OFF ON LAMMA ISLAND * * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES ON LAMMA ISLAND WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 14) FOR MAINS WORK.
ALL PREMISES AT SOK KWU WAN AND YUNG SHUE WAN, INCLUDING LAMMA ISLAND POWER STATION, WILL BE AFFECTED.
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/9........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11, 1985
9
RESTRICTED ZONE * * *
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE TWO INNERMOST SOUTHBOUND LANES OF FO TAN KCR STATION FORECOURT, FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 14).
AT THE SAME TIME, THE TURN-AROUND AREA AND THE NORTHBOUND LANE OF THE SAME STATION FORECOURT WILL BE DESIGNATED A RESTRICTED ZONE FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, DRIVERS OF ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING KAU TO SHAN ROAD, SHA TIN.
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ROAD CLOSURE FOR MAINS WORK * X *
TAKU STREET AT HUNG HOM WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 24 HOURS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 13) FOR EMERGENCY WATER MAINS REPAIR WORK.
KMB ROUTES IK, 3B, 5C, 5D, 5K, 7B, 8, 13A, 15, 25 AND 201 WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WUHU STREET, DOCK STREET AND BULKELEY STREET.
- - o - -
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * X
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 69.1 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 405.255 MILLION CUBIC NETRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 497.488 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 84.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EXCO APPROVES KMB FARE RISE................................ 1
RESIGNATION ACCEPTED....................................... 2
CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION MAKES PROGRESS .................. 2
MORE LAND BEING FORMED .................................... 3
BE PROUD OF BEING +A IIQNGKONGERf - UC Ch AIRMAN .......... 3
NO REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN RATE IN COMING FINANCIAL YEAR .... 4
COUNCIL TO STUDY RSS POLICIES.............................. 4
POSITION ON VACANCIES EXPLAINED ........................... 5
POLICE VIEWS ON SPEAKER'S CORNERS SOUGHT .................. 6
LANTERN CARNIVAL SET FOR MARCH 6 .......................... -J
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS COMMENDED ........................... 8
POSTMAN WITH 38 YEARS ON THE JOB .......................... 9
CANDIDATES TO SPEAK AT FORUMS ............................. 10
MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE HANDICAPPED .............. 11
INTELPOST REACHES FINLAND ................................. 12
WINNING POSTERS ON DISPLAY................................. 13
WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORK.......................... 13
CANDIDATES MEET PRESS ..................................... 14
CHILDREN'S CHOIR LOOKING FOR NEW TAL5NT ................... 14
QUOTA SYSTEM TO COPE WITH BUSY DAYS ....................... 15
121 PASS MEDICAL EXAMINATION .............................. 16
SHA TIN LIGHTS UP FOR NEW YEAR............................. 16
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE IN SHA TIN ............................ 16
CJNTRES OFFER ANTI-RABIES SHOTS FOR DOGS .................. 17
'FORTUNE SCROLLS' BEING HANDED OUT ........................ 17
TIPPING WORKS START IN THEN MUN ........................... 18
RECREATIONAL VENUES CLOSE FOR NEW YEAR FAIRS .............. 18
CLEARWAY TO BE EXTENDED ................................... 19
RESTRICTION RESCINDED...................................... 19
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1935
1
EXCO APPROVES KMB FARE RISE OK*
THE APPLICATION BY THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY FOR A FARE INCREASE HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO TAKE EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 24. KMB’S LAST GENERAL FARE INCREASE WAS IN MAY 1983.
THE NEW FARES FOR THE CROSS HARBOUR ROUTES WILL ALSO APPLY TO CROSS HARBOUR SERVICES OPERATED BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY IN CONJUNCTION WITH KMB.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT IN APPROVING THE FARE INCREASE, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AS WELL AS THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAD TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS EXPRESSED PUBLICLY ON KMB’S APPLICATION.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE NEED FOR AN INCREASE IN FARES AS SUBMITTED BY KMB AROSE FROM INCREASING COSTS, INCLUDING THE ADDITIONAL OPERATING COSTS ARISING FROM THE EXPANSION OF THE BUS FLEET REQUIRED BY THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME. THE ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WAS DRAWN UP AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND WAS ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
ANY EXCESS PROFITS ABOVE THE PERMITTED RETURN ARE UNDER THE LAW RETAINED IN THE DEVELOPMENT FUND.
IN MONEY TERMS, 77.4 PER CENT OF PASSENGERS WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL FARE OF 10 CENTS TO 20 CENTS, 19.3 PER CENT 30 CENTS TO 50 CENTS AND LESS THAN 0.1 PER CENT WILL PAY AN ADDITIONAL FARE OF MORE THAN 50 CENTS.
3.3 PER CENT OF PASSENGERS WILL CONTINUE TO PAY EXISTING FARES. BECAUSE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW FARE BANDS IN THE NT URBAN AND EXPRESS ROUTE GROUPS, FARES ON FOUR ROUTES WILL ACTUALLY BE REDUCED BY 10 CENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS THERE HAD BEEN SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARD AND IN THE LEVEL CF KMB’S SERVICES AND HE EXPECTED KMB TO CONTINUE TO PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY AND EXPANDING SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
HE ADDED THAT THE METRIC UNITS USED IN'THE FARE SCALES OF KMB, CMB AND THE NEW LANTAU BUS COMPANY FOR BAGGAGE AND GOODS HAVE BEEN ROUNDED UP FOLLOWING THEIR CONVERSION FROM THE IMPERIAL SYSTEM. THE EFFECT OF THESE CHANGES IS INSIGNIFICANT.
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Ti<SDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1935
2
RESIGNAT.jl AC'. tEL * ife * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THAT MR T.S. LO HAS SOUGHT THE PERMISSION OF THE GOVERNOR ’0 RES I ' ’HE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS - «TH EFFEC FROM )A fUESDAY).
IN ACCEDING TO THIS REQUEST, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THANKED MR LO MOST WARMLY FOR THE LONG AND DEDICATED SERVICE HE HAD GIVEN TO BOTH COUNCILS AND PAID TRIBUTE TO HIM FOR HIS SUPPORT AND ADVICE OVER "He PtAIOD WHEN THE FU'.v..: 0. HONG KONG WAS UNDER DISCUSSION.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE QUESTION OF A SUCCESSOR TO MR LO ON BOTH COUNCILS WAS UNDER CONSIDERATION, BUT THAT NO EARLY ANNOUNCEMENT SHOULD BE EXPECTED.
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CIVIC EDUCATION PROMOTION MAKES PROGRESS * * * * *
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION HAS EXPRESSED SATISFACTION AT THE PROGRESS MADE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE PROMOTION OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.
MEMBERS HAVE NOTED THAT A SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL READS ON +CIVIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS* WAS HELD IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AND THAT A SIMILAR SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS IS TO BE HELD IN APRIL.
A CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT WORKING COUP HAS ALREADY STARTED DRAFTING GUIDELINES Of THE PROMOTION 0 'VIC EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND CONSIDERING TEACH'NG MATERIALS FOR THE FORMAL AS WELL AS THE INFORMAL SCHOOL CURRICULUM. THE GROUP lb TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE FEEDBACK FROM THE DECEMBER SEMINAR.
THE BOARD HAS ALSO NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING THE VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS MaD^ BY iUOL HEADS AT THAT SEMINAR. THESE INCLUDE THE RUNNII.G 0; EC I AL TRAINING COURSES ON CIVIC EDUCATION FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS; THE PROVISION OF MORE STAFF AND FINANCIAL RESOURCES; AND THE SETTING UP OF A RESOURCE CENTRE
‘THE BOARD HAS BEEN I NF OF IE D >HAT । tv. HOi.. KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY HAS ISSUED THE DRAFT SYLLABUSES FOK GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS (HiGHER AND ADVANCED LEVELS) TO SCHOOLS FOR COMMENT AND THAT THE DRAFT CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION SYLLABUS ON THE SAME SUBJECT WILL BE ISSUED SOON. ALL THREE DRAFT SYLLABUSES WILL BE REVIEWED IN THE LIGHT OF COMMENTS RECEIVED.
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
5
MORE LAND BEING FORMED
* * * *
ABOUT 24 HECTARES OF LAND WILL BE FORMED IN TWO AREAS IN SHEK WU HUI, UNDER A $19.9 MILLION CONTRACT AWARDED RECENTLY BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
ONE SITE IS LOCATED AT THE SOUTH OF CHOI YUEN ESTATE AND THE OTHER AT YUK PO COURT.
THE CONTRACT INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF ONE TRIPLE CELL AND ONE SINGLE CELL BOX CULVERT AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE, AND EXCAVATION WORK IN CORPS RIDGE BORROW AREA.
WORK WILL START IN EARLY MARCH AND TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----o------
BE PROUD OF BEING + A HONGKONGER+ - UC CHAIRMAN * * *
URBAN COUNCIL CHAIRMAN MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN TODAY MADE A PLEA FOR A GREATER SENSE OF IDENTITY AMONG HONG KONG PEOPLE, AND MORE PRIDE IN THEIR MANYFOLD ACHIEVEMENTS. *
SPEAKING AT THE MONTHLY MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL HE SAIDi +WE WHO HAVE ACHIEVED SO MUCH — AND WHO NOW HAVE THE CHANCE TO ACHIEVE EVEN MUCH MORE — SHOULD NOT ONLY BE PROUD OF OUR GREAT CITY, BUT SHOULD ALSO BE PROUD OF OUR MANY ACHIEVEMENTS.
♦LETS US THEN DEVELOP A COMMUNITY SPIRIT BASED ON OUR PAST ACHIEVEMENTS AND LET THE WORLD KNOW THAT WE AS HONGKONGERS ARE JUSTIFIABLY PROUD OF OUR CITY AND INTEND TO GUIDE ITS DESTINY AS CHINA’S GATEWAY - ECONOMICALLY AND CULTURALLY - TO THE REST OF THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY, AND THUS TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN CHINA’S MODERNIZATION PROGRAMME.
+IN SO DOING, WE WILL EQUALLY BE ENSURING THAT HONG KONG AND HER 5.5 MILLION PEOPLE WILL REMAIN A STABLE AND PROSPEROUS COMMUNITY, AND WILL BE GOVERN-ING OURSELVES UNDER THE RULE OF LAW, PRESERVING A HIGH LIVING STANDARD AND UPHOLDING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND RESPECT FOR INDIVIDUAL FREEDOM.*
- - 0 -
/4
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
4
NO REQUEST FOR INCREASE IN RATE IN COMING FINANCIAL YEAR
* * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL NOT BE ASKING FOR ANY INCREASE IN ITS SHARE OF THE RATE IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS WAS STATED EMPHATICALLY BY COUNCIL CHAIRMAN MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN DURING TODAY’S OPENING MEETING OF THE COUNCIL, WHO ADDEDs +RATEPAYERS CAN TAKE THAT AS A FIRM ASSURANCE CONCERNING THE COMING 1985/86 FINANCIAL YEAR.+
HE SAIDi +THE PLAIN FACT IS THAT OUR RESERVES ARE GRADUALLY SHRINKING AND POSSIBLY BY 1986/87 WE COULD BE GETTING INTO A CRITICAL FINANCIAL POSITION.
+WE HAVE BEEN WELL AWARE OF THIS LIKELIHOOD SINCE THE SECOND HALF OF LAST YEAR AT WHICH TIME WE STARTED A DIALOGUE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO SEE WHAT SHOULD BE DONE.
+WE HAVE DECIDED TO ACCEPT THE PROPOSAL BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MADE TO US IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR TO PARTICIPATE IN A WORKING PARTY TO GO FURTHER INTO THE MATTER OF THE COUNCIL’S LONGER TERM FINANCIAL NEEDS.+
- 0 - -
COUNCIL TO STUDY RSS POLICIES * * *
THE EXISTING POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE (RSS) OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WHICH THE URBAN COUNCIL WILL TAKE OVER AS FROM APRIL 1, ARE EXPECTED TO BE RETAINED FOR A TRANSITION PERIOD OF UP TO SIX MONTHS.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE URBAN COUNCIL TO STUDY THE SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE RSS, TO INTEGRATE SUCH SERVICE WITH ITS OWN SPORTS PROMOTION PROGRAMME AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS AS TO THE BEST USE OF RESOURCES IN FUTURE.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MR JOSEPH CHAN AT THE OPEN MEETING TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, MR KENNETH LO, SAID: +DURING THIS TRANSITION PERIOD IT WILL BE IMPORTANT THAT THE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC DOES NOT IN ANY WAY SUFFER, NOR THAT THE STRONG LINKS WHICH HAVE BEEN FORGED BY THE RSS WITH THE DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS, WILL BE WEAKENED IN ANY WAY.
/+IT is
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
- 5 -
♦IT IS MAINLY FOR THIS REASON THAT THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE WILL BE LOOKING AT PROPOSALS TO RETAIN EXISTING POLICIES OF THE RSS FOR SEVERAL MONTHS AND TO ADOPT PROGRAMMES ALREADY PREPARED FOR THE EARLIER PART OF THE NEW YEAR.*
A PAPER OUTLINING THE INTERIM TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE FOR CONSIDERATION SHORTLY.
MR LO ALSO SAID THE COST OF ABSORBING THE URBAN PART CF RSS IS IN THE REGION OF $23 MILLION PER ANNUM AND THE COMPOSITION OF THIS COMMITMENT WILL BE STUDIED DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD.
-----0------
POSITION ON VACANCIES EXPLAINED * * * *
STAFF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ARE SELDOM CALLED UPON TO DOUBLE UP IN TWO POSTS, DR KIM CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE, SAID.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR WALTER SULKE AT THE URBAN COUNCIL OPEN MEETING TODAY, DR CHAM POINTED OUT THAT THROUGHOUT THE MANAGEMENT-SUPERVISORY RANKS IN THE URBAN AREA, ONLY SIX OFFICERS ARE DOUBLING UP IN TWO POSTS LATERALLY AND THREE DOUBLING UP VERTICALLY.
TO DOUBLE UP LATERALLY MEANS THAT OFFICERS ARE USUALLY ONLY REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE DUTIES CF THE SECOND POST WHILE THE REMAINING DUTIES ARE ABSORBED BY OTHER COLLEAGUES. SUCH CASES OF DOUBLING UP, HE MAINTAINED, ARE INFREQUENT.
AND TO DOUBLE UP VERTICALLY MEANS THAT WHEN A SECTION l£AD GOES ON LEAVE FOR A RELATIVELY SHORT TIME, HIS DEPUTY ACTS UP.
+IN SUCH CASES DOUBLING UP IS QUITE OFTEN THE BETTER SOLUTION, TO AVOID DISRUPTING THE RANKS BELOW,* DR CHAM SAID. +IT DOES NOT IMPLY THAT EITHER POST IS UNNECESSARY, ONLY THAT WITH AN EXTRA EFFORT IT CAN MAKE DO FOR A SHORT TIME.*
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THERE ARE 280 OFFICERS IN THE MANAGEMENT-SUPERVISORY RANKS, REPRESENTING SEVEN PER CENT CF THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT, WHO ARE CURRENTLY ACTING FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE.
/SUCH ACTING .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
6
SUCH ACTING APPOINTMENTS ARE MADE ON THE GROUNDS THAT SOME TEMPORARY OR SUPERNUMERARY POSTS CAN ONLY BE FILLED ON A TEMPORARY ACTING BASIS WHEN A SUBSTANTIVE OFFICE HOLDER IS ABSENT ON LEAVE, TRAINING OR IS ON TRIAL IN ANOTHER RANK, ANOTHER OFFICER WILL BE SELECTED TO ACT IN HIS POST AND WHEN VACANCIES ARISE AFTER THE ANNUAL PROMOTION EXERCISE, THEY WILL ALSO BE FILLED BY CANDIDATES IDENTIFIED TO POSSESS POTENTIAL FOR ADVANCEMENT.
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF TRANSFER OF STAFF BETWEEN THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (URBAN) AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DR CHAM EXPLAINED THAT CAREER DEVELOPMENT POSTINGS ARE AN INTEGRAL PART OF GRADE MANAGEMENT AND ARE AIMED AT IMPROVING INDIVIDUAL OFFICER’S ALL-ROUND ABILITIES, RAISING AND MAINTAINING STANDARDS IN THE GRADE, AND GROOMING FUTURE MANAGERS.
+CAREER POSTINGS INVOLVE TRANSFERS WITHIN THE SUB-DEPARTMENTS AND BETWEEN THEM, BUT ARE USUALLY ARRANGED ON THE BASIS OF INTERCHANGING STAFF,+ HE SAID.
♦THUS OVERALL THESE CROSS-TRANSFERS BALANCE OUT AND THIS IS CONFIRMED BY THE STATISTICS FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO DECEMBER 1984, WHEN 139 STAFF WERE TRANSFERRED TO NTSD AND 138 STAFF WERE POSTED FROM NTSD TO THE URBAN AREA.+
HE SAID THESE FIGURES RELATE TO ALL MANAGEMENT SUPERVISORY RANKS AND IF MINOR STAFF ARE INCLUDED, THE NUMBER OF STAFF TRANSFERRED FROM USD (URBAN) TO NTSD IN 1984 TOTALLED 154 WHILE THAT FROM NTSD TO USD (URBAN) WAS 152.
------- 0 -------
POLICE VIEWS ON SPEAKER’S CORNERS SOUGHT *****
THE PROPOSAL BY MR WALTER SULKE TO SET UP SPEAKERS’ CORNERS SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN LONDON’S HYDE PARK WHERE ANYONE CAN MAKE A POLITICAL SPEECH SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR HIS COMMENTS BEFORE IT IS TO EE CONSIDERED BY THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE.
THIS COUNTER-PROPOSAL WAS MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THAT COMMITTEE, MR KENNETH LO, AT THE URBAN COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
MR LO SA IDs +1 CAN POINT OUT THAT MEETINGS OF THE NATURE THAT MIGHT BE GENERATED BY SUCH AN ARRANGEMENT MAY WELL BECOME MEETINGS AS DEFINED IN THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.
/♦SUCH MEETINGS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 198?
+SUCH MEETINGS MAY ONLY BE HELD IF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS INFORMED BEFOREHAND THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE ALSO HAS THE POWER TO PROHIBIT SUCH MEETINGS.....
+MEMBERS MAY WISH TO KNOW THAT SINCE 1979 SIX OF THE COUNCIL’S RECREATION FACILITIES HAVE BEEN DECLARED AS DESIGNATED PUBLIC AREAS FOR THE PURPOSE OF HOLDING MEETINGS UNDER THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE.*
- - 0 - -
LANTERN CARNIVAL SET FOR MARCH 6 * * * * *
THE 1985 SPRING LANTERN CARNIVAL WILL BE HELD AT KO SHAN PARK ON MARCH 6.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MR TONG KAM-BIU AT THE URBAN COUNCIL MEETING TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENTERTAINMENT SELECT COMMITTEE, MR STEPHEN LAU, SAID HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CARNIVAL WILL INCLUDE TWO CANTONESE OPERAS, A GOLDEN OLDIES SHOW AND OTHER MORE TRADITIONAL ITEMS OF ENTERTAINMENT.
+TO ENSURE THAT THE FESTIVITIES REACH A WIDER SECTOR CF THE COMMUNITY, MORE ACTIVE MEDIA PARTICIPATION IS BEING SOUGHT,+ HE SAID.
+IN ADDITION, SUPPORTING FESTIVALS WILL BE HELD WITH THE COUNCIL’S SUPPORT IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS INCLUDING CENTRAL, WESTERN, WONG TAI SIN, MONG KOK, WAN CHAI AND SOUTHERN.+
MR LAU ALSO REPORTED THAT THE MID-AUTUMN LANTERN CARNIVALS ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL LAST YEAR WERE VERY WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC.
A TOTAL OF 198 OOO PEOPLE ATTENDED THE MAIN CARNIVALS AT VICTORIA PARK AND KO SHAN PARK WHILE SOME 133 000 PARTICIPATED IN THE 18 SUPPORTING DISTRICT CARNIVALS.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
8
CORRECTIONAL OFFICERS COMMENDED * * * *
NINE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE TODAY COMMENDED FOR EXCELLENT PERFORMANCE OF DUTIES.
AT A SPECIAL CEREMONY HELD AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS IN WAN CHAI, THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH THE COMMISSIONER’S COMMENDATION CERTIFICATES BY ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, l*R BARRY HIGGINBOTTOM.
MR HIGGINBOTTOM SAID THE AWARDS WERE GIVEN IN RECOGNITION OF ACTIONS +FAR ABOVE AND BEYOND THE NORMAL CALL OF DUTY+.
♦ IT IS ONLY ON RARE OCCASIONS SUCH AS THIS THAT THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC CAN BE DRAWN TO THE DILIGENCE, DEVOTION TO DUTY AND, ON MANY OCCASIONS, ACTUAL BRAVERY SHOWN BY OFFICERS WHOSE WORK MUST, BY ITS VERY NATURE BE PERFORMED BEHIND CLOSED DOORS MOST OF THE TIME,+ MR HIGGINBOTTOM SAID.
THE AWARDS WERE A CLEAR INDICATION OF THE PRIDE THEY TOOK IN THEIR WORK AND IN RETURN THE DEPARTMENT WAS PROUD OF THEM, HE SAID.
AWARD RECIPIENTS WEREi PRINCIPAL OFFICER KWONG YIU-WING, ASSISTANT OFFICERS MANUEL DA SILVA, CHAN KAI-KUEN, CHU KWOK-LEUNG, TSUI KAM-CHIU, YEUNG YIU-TING AND LAM CHIU-CHUNG, TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR LAM KWONG, AND SENIOR MASTER CHEUNG KAI-KWONG.
THE SENIOR MASTER WAS COMMENDED FOR HIS +EXCEPTIONAL INTEREST, DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO PROMOTING PRISONERS’ EDUCATIONAL CLASSES IN STANLEY PRISON+.
THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTOR WAS COMMENDED FOR THE EXCEPTIONAL WAY IN WHICH HE HAD APPLIED HIS PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERTISE IN ASSISTING WITH BUILDING WORK ON HEI LING CHAU ISLAND- ASSISTANT OFFICERS YEUNG YIU-TING AND LAM CHIU-CHUNG WERE COMMENDED FOR THEIR EXCEPTIONAL ZEAL AND DEDICATION IN SUPERVISING AND DIRECTING INMATES ON THE ISLAND’S CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE OTHERS WERE COMMENDED FOR TRACING AND APPREHENDING AN ESCAPEE, SEIZURE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS AND PREVENTING A SUICIDE ATTEMPT BY A PRISONER.
-----o------
/9........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1935
9
POSTMAN WITH 38 YEARS ON THE JOB * * * * *
THE RAPID POST-WAR DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AND ITS POSTAL SERVICE CAN BE WRITTEN IN VOLUMES. BUT HOW DOES A POSTMAN, WHO HAS SERVED MORE THAN 38 YEARS, FEEL ABOUT IT?
WALKING ALONG THE WATERFRONT OF WAN CHAI WITH ITS HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS, POSTMAN TSE KWONG-YUI SAID, +THIS AREA WHERE I’VE SERVED FOR THE LAST 20 YEARS HAS CHANGED BEYOND RECOGNITION.*
GONE ARE MOST OF THE THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WHERE HE USED TO CLIMB UP RICKETY STAIRS WITH A HEAVY MAIL BAG ON HIS BACK.
+1 HAVE LITERALLY WATCHED THE WAN CHAI SHORELINE BEING PUSHED FURTHER INTO THE SEA AS THE TEMPO OF RECLAMATION QUICKENED,* MR TSE SAID.
HIS OLD BEAT - FROM ARSENAL STREET ALONG THE WATERFRONT RIGHT DOWN TO PERCIVAL STREET - HAS ALSO BEEN SUB-DIVIDED SEVERAL TIMES TO MEET THE WORKLOAD POSED BY THE POPULATION EXPANSION AND THE GROWTH OF WAN CHAI INTO A COMMERCIAL CENTRE.
AT PRESENT, THE SAME AREA CONSISTS OF 15 BEATS, A BEAT BEING A WELL-DEFINED AREA WHERE A POSTMAN DELIVERS HIS MAIL. THE SIZE OF EACH BEAT IS DECIDED ACCORDING TO THE MAIL VOLUME, THE DELIVERY TIME AND THE HOUSEHOLD DENSITY IN THE DISTRICT.
MR TSE KWONG-YUI JOINED THE POST OFFICE IN 1946. HIS FIRST JOB WAS TO UNLOAD MAIL BAGS FROM INCOMING SHIPS AT BLAKE PIER AND CARRY THEM TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, WHERE THEY WERE FURTHER DISTRIBUTED TO VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN THE TERRITORY.
HE SAID HE MISSED SOME OF THE OLD LANDMARKS, SUCH AS THE RED-BRICK GENERAL POST OFFICE, BUT THAT THE WORK WAS PRETTY STRENUOUS IN THOSE DAYS. +WE DIDN’T HAVE ADEQUATE TRANSPORT FACILITIES AND HAD TO CARRY MAIL BAGS ON OUR SHOULDERS OR BY HANDCART,* HE RECALLED.
AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, MAIL WAS PROCESSED AND SORTED MANUALLY. BESIDES WORKING AS PORTERS, MR TSE AND 30 OTHER COLLEAGUES HAD TO HELP WITH HAND-STAMPING THE LETTERS.
+IT BECAME A TIRESOME JOB, ESPECIALLY DURING THE CHRISTMAS OR LUNAR NEW YEAR RUSH WHEN ONE HAD TO HAND-STAMP MORE THAN A THOUSAND LETTERS A DAY*, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, POSTMAN TSE AND HIS COLLEAGUES HAD TO COLLECT LETTERS AND OTHER ITEMS FROM PILLAR BOXES, IN RAIN OR SHINE.
NOW, WITH NEW TECHNOLOGY, THE POST OFFICE HAS BEEN MECHANISED AND THE JOB OF A POSTMAN HAS BECOME EASIER.
/IN THE ........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
10 -
IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, MAIL BAGS ARE TRANSPORTED BY CONVEYORS TO DIFFERENT SECTIONS FOR PROCESSING,
STAMP CANCELLING IS NOW DONE BY AN AUTOMATIC MACHINE WHICH HANDLES UP TO 40 000 LETTERS PER HOUR.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE 1 189 DELIVERY POSTMEN SERVING IN 23 DELIVERY OFFICES. IN 1983-84, THESE OFFICES DELIVERED 356 MILLION LETTERS AND OTHER POSTAL ITEMS.
THERE ARE TWO DELIVERIES A DAY TO MOST AREAS AND ON AVERAGE, A POSTMAN DELIVERS 1 000 LETTERS DAILY.
AT THE AGE OF 58, MR TSE KWONG-YUI IS STILL FULL OF VITALITY, DOING HIS JOB WITH UNDIMINISHED ENTHUSIASM.
+EVERYDAY, I COME TO THE OFFICE AT EIGHT AND AFTER SPENDING ABOUT ONE AND A HALF HOURS ON PREPARATION WORK, I START OFF WITH MY FIRST DELIVERY ALONG GLOUCESTER ROAD, WHICH I WILL AGAIN VISIT IN THE AFTERNOON,* HE SAID.
OVER THE YEARS, HE HAS MADE FRIENDS WITH COUNTLESS RESIDENTS IN WAN CHAI.
+ |’VE NEVER THOUGHT OF RETIRING. MEETING AND OCCASIONALLY CHATTING WITH MANY LONG-TIME RESIDENTS HAS BECOME PART OF MY LIFE,* HE ADDED.
-----o------
CANDIDATES TO SPEAK AT FORUMS * * * * *
FIVE FORUMS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AND FEBRUARY 28 TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO THE PUBLIC.
THE 21 CANDIDATES, CONTESTING THE 10 SEATS WILL HAVE THE CHANCE TO PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES.
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR RAYMOND YOUNG, WILL BE THE MODERATOR.
/FORUM DETAILS .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
11
FORUM DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY
VENUE
TOMORROW 8 PM
(WEDNESDAY)
WAN CHAI EAST
FEBRUARY 15 8 PM
(FRIDAY)
WAN CHAI WEST
FEBRUARY 26 8 PM
(TUESDAY)
HAPPY VALLEY
FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8 PM
FEBRUARY 28 8 PM
(THURSDAY)
TAI HANG AND
SO KON PO
CAUSEWAY BAY CENTRAL
YU MAK YUEN YOUTH CENTRE, 20/F., TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD
AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD
ST PAUL’S SECONDARY SCHOOL, VENTRIS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY
CONFUCIUS HALL MIDDLE SCHOOL, CAROLINE HILL ROAD, SO KON PO
JARDINE SPORTS ASSOCIATION, 38/F., WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, CAUSEWAY BAY
- - 0 ----------
MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS FOR THE HANDICAPPED
*****
IT WAS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO SET UP MORE SHELTERED WORKSHOPS BEFORE THE END OF THE DECADE TO PROVIDE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO SOME 4 000 HANDICAPPED PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, ffiS ANSON CHAN, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE PO LEUNG KUK’S SHEK KIP MEI WORKSHOP, SHE SAID THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT NOT ONLY CONSTRUCTED AND OPERATED ITS OWN WORKSHOPS, BUT ALSO SUBVENTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PROVIDE THIS MUCH NEEDED SERVICE.
THE NEW WORKSHOP, SITUATED AT BLOCKS 42 AND 43 SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, PROVIDED SHELTERED EMPLOYMENT FOR 120 MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE.
/THE PO .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 19^5
12 -
THE PO LEUNG KUK GRANTED OVER $700 000 TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT AND ITS CHAIRMAN DONATED A SUM OF $180 000 FOR THE FITTING OUT COSTS.
MRS CHAN COMMENDED THE SPEEDY COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT WHICH TOOK ONLY TEN MONTHS.
+THI9 COMMENDABLE ACHIEVEMENT OWES MUCH TO THE KUK’S GENEROSITY, THE ASSISTANCE Of^HE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE KUK AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT,* SHE SAID.
SHE PRAISED THE KUK FOR ITS LONG AND DISTINGUISHED TRADITION CF PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES, WHICH HAD WON THE CONFIDENCE AND APPRECIATION OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
-------0---------
INTELPOST REACHES FINLAND
XXX
THE INTELPOST NETWORK FROM HONG KONG WILL BE EXTENDED TO FINLAND FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
INTELPOST ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG BEFORE 6 PM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION BY THE ADDRESSEE AT THE INTELPOST CENTRES OR DELIVERED TO THE ADDRESSEE THE SAME DAY THROUGHOUT FINLAND, A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
CHARGES FOR THE SERVICE TO FINLAND WILL BE:
FOR THE FIRST SIDE OF AN A4 SHEET OF PAPER $65
FOR EACH SUBSEQUENT A4 SIDE SENT TO THE SAME
ADDRESSEE AT THE SAME TIME $30
INTELPOST IS ALSO AVAILABLE TO MANY OTHER COUNTRIES.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THE SERVICE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE INTELPOST REPRESENTATIVE ON TELEPHONE 5-2671148.
-----0------
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1935
13
WINNING POSTERS ON DISPLAY * * * *
MORE THAN 200 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES IN THE KEEP SHING MUN RIVER CLEAN PUBLICITY POSTERS AND SIGNS COMPETITION WERE DISPLAYED AT THE NEW TOWN PLAZA IN SHA TIN FROM TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HEALTH GROUP OF HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR CHAN KAI-YUNG, THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF SHA TIN, MR TANG KWOK-WAI, AND THE URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF SHA TIN, MR NG YING-NEEN, OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC UNTIL FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY).
AT A PRIZE-PRESENTING CEREMONY HELD LATER AT A RESTAURANT, SOUVENIR CUPS AND BANNERS WERE AWARDED TO 39 WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION, WHICH ATTRACTED MORE THAN 400 ENTRIES, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HEALTH, EDUCATION AND WELFARE COMMITTEE OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD AND THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICc OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE DESIGN COMPETITION WAS DIVIDED INTO THREE SECTIONS - THE OPEN SECTION FOR POSTERS, THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SECTIONS FOR SIGNS.
WINNING ENTRIES IN THE POSTER SECTION WILL BE PRINTED AND WINNING ENTRIES IN THE SIGN SECTION WILL BE PUT UP AT THE NOTICE BOARDS AT PUBLIC PLACES TO PUT ACROSS THE MESSAGE OF KEEPING THE RIVER CLEAN AND TIDY.
- - 0 -----------
WARNING ON POSSESSION OF FIREWORK
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THEY ARE PROHIBITED FROM ANY UNLICENSED POSSESSION OR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORK, FIRECRACKERS, PISTOL CAPS AND PARTY POPPERS.
UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS ORDINANCE, ANY PERSON WHO POSSESSES OR DISCHARGES ANY FIREWORK WITHOUT A LICENCE IS LIABLE, ON CONVICTION, TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $25 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION.
/HE SAID .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
14
HE SAID SPOT CHECKS WOULD BE CARRIED OUT BY EXPLOSIVES OFFICERS CF THE DEPARTMENT, ESPECIALLY AROUND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, TO SHOPS AND PREMISES SUSPECTED OF SELLING AND STORING SUCH GOODS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ANY UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS WHEN FOUND WOULD BE SEIZED AND THE OFFENDERS WOULD BE PROSECUTED.
HE URGED THAT ANYONE WHO FOUND HIMSELF IN POSSESSION OF ANY FIREWORK OR ANY CATEGORY I DANGEROUS GOODS SHOULD IMMEDIATELY HAND THEM TO THE MINES DIVISION AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES OR TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.
-----o------
CANDIDATES MEET PRESS KO*
THE 38 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT WILL MEET THE PRESS AT 3 PM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES (NEXT TO THE KWAI HING MTR STATION), AT 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
-------o---------
CHILDREN’S CHOIR LOOKING FOR NEW TALENT * * * * *
THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS LOOKING FOR NEW TALENT.
YOUNGSTERS BETWEEN SIX AND FIFTEEN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MUSIC ARE URGED TO TRY OUT FOR THE CHOIR, WHICH WAS FORMED SIX YEARS AGO UNDER SPONSORSHIP OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.
THE CHOIR HAS ABOUT 60 MEMBERS IN THE JUNIOR AND SENIOR DIVISIONS, AND STAGES ANNUAL CONCERTS AT THE CITY HALL, THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL.
IT HAS ALSO PRODUCED A UNIQUE SONG, THE +SAI KUNG SUITE+, WHICH IS SPLIT INTO TWO SECTIONS, THE +SONG OF THE EARTH+ AND +SONGS OF THE SEA+. THE SONG DESCRIBES THE SAI KUNG SCENERY AND THE COMMUNITY’S RECREATIONAL AND CULTURAL LIFE.
IN ADDITION TO THE WEEKLY TRAINING SESSIONS IN THE SUNG TSUN MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE CHOIR’S ACTIVITIES INCLUDE MUSIC CAMPS AND PERFORMANCES ON TELEVISION AND IN DISTRICT FUNCTIONS.
/+THE SAI .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
- 15 -
+THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR IS A FINE EXAMPLE OF THE KEEN INTEREST SHOWN BY COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE WELFARE OF CHILD AND YOUTH ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT,* A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE IDEA OF A CHILDREN’S CHOIR WAS A SPONTANEOUS RESPONSE TO CHILDREN’S CULTURAL NEEDS IN THE DISTRICT AND BEGAN IN A SMALL WAY,* HE SAID.
+BUT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1979, THE CHOIR HAS GROWN FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH AND HAS TRAINED MORE THAN 100 CHILDREN IN CHOIR SINGING.*
ANYONE INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SAI KUNG CHILDREN’S CHOIR SHOULD CONTACT MISS VICKY WONG ON 3-2814455 EXT. 28.
0 -
QUOTA SYSTEM TO COPE WITH BUSY DAYS
X X X X X
A QUOTA SYSTEM WILL BE INTRODUCED AT FOUR LICENSING OFFICES OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO COPE WITH THE LARGE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS ON BUSY DAYS.
+UNDER THE SYSTEM, LICENCE AND PERMIT APPLICANTS WILL BE GIVEN AN ’APPOINTMENT DISC’ ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS IN THE LICENSING OFFICES BEFORE THE APPLICATION IS PROCESSED,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
+THE NEW SYSTEM WILL BE CARRIED OUT ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS. IT IS EXPECTED TO REDUCE WAITING TIME AT BUSY PERIOD ESPECIALLY DURING THE BEGINNING AND END OF EACH MONTH AND ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO MAKE USE OF THE LESS BUSY DAYS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE MONTH,* HE SAID.
MEANWHILE, APPLICATIONS MAY ALSO BE MADE BY REGISTERED POST, ENCLOSING THE RELEVANT APPLICATION FORMS, SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS AND APPROPRIATE FEES, TO P.O. BOX 69511, KWUN TONG POST OFFICE.
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES COULD BE RENEWED AT ANY TIME DURING THE FOUR MONTHS BEFORE LICENCE EXPIRED.
0
/16........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
16
121 PASS MEDICAL EXAMINATION
* * * *
A TOTAL OF 121 CANDIDATES HAD PASSED PART I OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS, THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
ALTOGETHER, 479 CANDIDATES SAT FOR THE MULTIPLE-CHOICE QUESTION PAPER ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE ON JANUARY 8, 1985.
PART II OF THE EXAMINATION, DESIGNED TO TEST THE CANDIDATES’ PROFICIENCY IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, WILL TAKE PLACE ON MARCH 5, AND MAY 7 THIS YEAR.
IN ADDITION TO THE 121 SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES, 19 OTHER CANDIDATES WHO FAILED PART II OF THE EXAMINATION IN PREVIOUS YEARS, WILL ALSO SIT FOR THE SAME EXAMINATION.
-------o---------
SHA TIN LIGHTS UP FOR NEW YEAR
* * * *
SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE WILL BE ADORNED WITH BRIGHT DECORATIVE LIGHTS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO HERALD THE FESTIVE LUNAR NEW YEAR SEASON.
UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT THE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE, WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SPECTACULAR DRAGON AND LION DANCES.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOI KAN-PUI, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, UNOFFICIAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AND CHAIRMEN OF AREA COMMITTEES.
-----0------
NEW MAXICAB SERVICE IN SHA TIN * * * * *
A NEW MAXICAB SERVICE WILL START RUNNING BETWEEN KAU TO AND FO TAN KCR STATION FROM FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15).
THE SERVICE, NO. 66K, WILL RUN FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM DAILY, AT A FARE OF $1.50.
AT THE SAME TIME, MAXICAB ROUTE 65K OPERATING BETWEEN SIU LEK YUEN AND FO TAN, AND KMB ROUTE 82K OPERATING BETWEEN MEI LAM AND FO TAN, WILL BE EXTENDED TO TERMINATE AT FO TAN KCR STATION.
------o-------
/17........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1385
17
CENTRES OFFER ANTI-RABIES SHOTS FOR DOGS
*****
SIX TEMPORARY CENTRES WILL BE SET UP FOR TWO DAYS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS FOR FISHERMEN WHO WANT TO HAVE THEIR DOGS INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES.
THE CENTRES WILL BE AT THE FISHERIES MARKETS IN SHAU KEI WAN, ABERDEEN, SHA TAU KOK, SAM SHING HUI IN CASTLE PEAK, SAI KUNG AND AT THE SEAFRONT IN SAM MUN CHAI, TAI PO, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THEY WILL BE OPENED ON FEBRUARY 14 AND 28 FROM 10 AM TO 5 PM.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE TWO DAYS WERE CHOSEN BECAUSE MOST FISHERMEN WOULD BE BACK FROM THEIR FISHING TRIPS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
HE SAID THAT ALL DOGS OVER FIVE MONTHS OF AGE WERE REQUIRED BY LAW TO BE LICENSED, INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES AND KEPT UNDER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES.
-----0------
’FORTUNE SCROLLS’ BEING HANDED OUT
*****
+SPRING+ SCROLLS WITH THE CHINESE CHARACTER +FOOK+, WHICH hEANS GOOD FORTUNE, BLESSING AND HAPPINESS, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED DOOR-TO-DOOR TO NEARLY ALL HOUSEHOLDS IN KWUN TONG DISTRICT.
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPENT $17 000 PRINTING 200 000 OF THE SCROLLS, WHICH ARE TRADITIONALLY PASTED ON DOORS TO BRING GOOD FORTUNE TO THE HOUSEHOLD DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
MESSAGES REMINDING PEOPLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 ARE PRINTED IN SMALLER TYPE ALONG THE EDGES CF THE SCROLLS.
THE +FOOK+ SCROLLS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS FIVE SUB-OFFICES.
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/18.......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
18
TIPPING WORKS START IN TUEN MUN
* * * *
PHASE II OF CONTROLLED TIPPING WORK AT PILLAR POINT VALLEY IN TUEN MUN STARTED LAST WEEK, AFTER THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AWARDED A CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT.
THE $11.9 MILLION CONTRACT INCLUDES 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.
THE ENTIRE PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED BY MID-1987.
PHASE I OF THE WORK, WHICH INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF ACCESS ROADS, DRAINAGE SYSTEMS AND SLOPE PROTECTION, STARTED TWO YEARS AGO AND WILL BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.
-----o------
RECREATIONAL VENUES CLOSE FOR NEW YEAR FAIRS
* * * *
SIX RECREATIONAL VENUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE WHOLLY OR PARTIALLY CLOSED FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIRS.
THE SIX VENUES ARE TUEN MUN PLAYGROUND, TAI PO PLAYGROUND, SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND IN TSUEN WAN, SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND IN SHEUNG SHUI, YUEN WO ROAD PLAYGROUND IN SHA TIN AND KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE FAIRS WILL BE HELD FROM FEBRUARY 13 TO 20.
IN YUEN LONG, THE FAIR WILL BE HELD AT THE PEDESTRIAN MALL OPPOSITE THE YUEN LONG PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL.
A TOTAL OF 981 STALLS, EARMARKED FOR SELLING FLOWERS, DRY GOODS, DRINKS AND ICE-CREAM, WILL BE PUT UP AT THE SEVEN FAIR SITES.
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/19........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 1985
19
CLEARWAY TO BE EXTENDED ' * * * *
THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY AT BELCHER’S STREET EASTBOUND BETWEEN SANDS STREET AND COLLINSON STREET IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE EXTENDED EASTWARDS FOR ABOUT 60 METRES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15).
THE EXTENSION, WHICH IS TO FACILITATE SLOPE WORK, WILL LAST FOR ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO MOTOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY.
- 0 - -
RESTRICTION RESCINDED * * * *
THE EXISTING 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS AT THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE OF HEUNG SZE WUI STREET AND THE SOUTHERN SECTION OF WAI YAN STREET BETWEEN PO HEUNG STREET AND ON FU ROAD WILL BE RESCINDED, FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15).
- C -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191 ••
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COUNCIL MEMBERS FRANK WITH VIEWS - GOVERNOR ................. 1
NEW CENTRE ADDS TO THEN MUN BUILD-UP - GOVERNOR ............. 2
HONG KONG'S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR 1984 ......................... 3
PEOPLE MORE WILLING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT TRANSPORT ............. 9
HOUSING AUTHORITY COMPLETES RENT REVIEW..................... 12
TRAINING CENTRE TO BE SET UP FOR SEAMEN .................... 13
SECOND BORDER CROSSING OPENING SOON ........................ 15
JANUARY CLOUDIER THAN USUAL ................................ 15
COMMITTEE REVIEWS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR STANLEY ........ 17
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER.................................. 18
LUNAR NEW YEAR POSTAL SERVICE............................... 18
VOTERS GET THEIR ROLL CARDS ................................ 19
DB TO DISCUSS TIES WITH URBCO .............................. 19
SHA TIN HERALDS NEW YEAR WITH LIGHTS ....................... 20
SAI KUNG GETS YEAR-END FACE-LIFT ........................... 20
RADIATION SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS ............................ 21
MORE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO BE SET UP ................. 21
CLIMATOLOGICAL TABLES OFFERED .............................. 22
CANDIDATES TOLD ABOUT ADS ON TAXIS ......................... 23
SHORT TERM TENANCY FOR IWO YUEN LONG SITES ................. 23
SEMINAR ARRANGED ........................................... 24
KEEPING FIT THE TAI-CHI WAY................................. 24
10-H0UR MAINS WORK.......................................... 25
PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED ................................... 25
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985 1
COUNCIL MEMBERS FRANK WITH VIEWS - GOVERNOR * * * * *
ONE OF THE STRENGTHS OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM IS HAVING EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS AS THEY SEE THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS RESPONDING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT THIS AFTERNOON.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS ABOUT MR T.S. LO’S RESIGNATION, HE SAID: + l ISSUED A STATEMENT YESTERDAY ABOUT MR LO LEAVING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. I DON’T THINK I HAVE ANYTHING TO ADD TO THAT STATEMENT THIS AFTERNOON.*
SIR EDWARD SAID MOST OF THE ISSUES WHICH HAD BEEN RAISED HAD BEEN WIDELY DEBATED IN HONG KONG OVER THE LAST SIX MONTHS TO A YEAR.
+l WOULD SAY THIS, THAT THE MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, AND I THINK BY THAT I MEAN ALL MEMBERS, DO GIVE THEIR VIEWS AND ADVICE VERY COURAGEOUSLY, AND VERY FRANKLY, AND VERY CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND I THINK THAT IS ONE OF THE STRENGTHS OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM THAT WE ARE FORTUNATE IN HAVING EXECUTIVE COUNCILLORS AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS, ALL OF THEM, IN EXPRESSING THEIR VIEWS AS THEY SEE THE INTEREST OF THE COMMUNITY.*
ON A QUESTION THAT THE UK GOVERNMENT HAS DENIED ITS RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS HONG KONG PEOPLE WITH REGARD TO NATIONALITY, hE SAID: +THE QUESTION OF NATIONALITY HAS BEEN VERY WIDELY DEBATED AND THE VIEWS OF EVERYBODY IN HONG KONG WERE OF COURSE CLEARLY EXPRESSED IN THE ASSESSMENT REPORT WHICH WAS SENT TO THE UK PARLIAMENT. SO THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN VERY WIDE DEBATE ON THAT SUBJECT.* • -
+l THINK, AS I HAVE SAID, THE ISSUES WHICH HAVE BEEN RAISED HAVE BEEN WIDELY DEBATED, AND THERE HAVE BEEN MANY STATEMENTS ON
THE SUBJECT BOTH IN HONG KONG AND BY HMG, AND IN THE UK PARLIAMENT.
SO I DON’T THINK THERE IS ANY NEW ISSUE BEING RAISED,* HE ADDED.
ASKED IF HE THOUGHT THAT THERE WOULD BE ANY ADVERSE
REPERCUSSION, HE REPLIED: +THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WILL CONTINUE AS IT HAS ALWAYS CONTINUED, AND SO WILL THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. AND AFTERALL, THIS YEAR WE SHOULD BE ENTERING A NEW PHASE WITH THE INDIRECT ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL. SO NO DOUBT, WE SHALL SEE SOME NEW AND UP-AND-COMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS APPEARING LATER IN THE YEAR.*
HE ALSO SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO INDICATION THAT OTHER UMELCO MEMBERS WOULD WANT TO RESIGN.
- 0 --------
/2.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
2
NEW CENTRE ADDS TO TUEN MUN BUILD-UP - GOVERNOR
* * * K *
THE TAI TUNG PUI MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE, BEING THE FIRST OF ITS KIND, WOULD MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE STEADY BUILD-UP CF FACILITIES IN TUEN MUN, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE STONE LAYING CEREMONY OF THIS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS AT TUEN MUN, HE SAID THAT THE CENTRE WOULD PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR YOUNG AND OLD, FOR THE HEALTHY AND THE HANDICAPPED.
•IN BRINGING THEM TOGETHER, IT WILL EMPHASISE THE IMPORTANCE CF MUTUAL RESPONSIBILITY AND CONCERN, WHICH IS SO ESSENTIAL IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A COMMUNITY IN A NEW TOWN,’ SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE NOTED THAT WORK ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN INTO A NEW TOWN BEGAN ONLY TEN YEARS AGO AND THE TOWN NOW HOUSED 250 000 PEOPLE, HALF WAY TO ITS TARGET POPULATION OF HALF A MILLION.
THE POPULATION OF TUEN MUN CONSISTED MAINLY OF YOUNG FAMILIES AND IT WAS A LONG JOURNEY FROM TSUEN WAN AND KOWLOON, HE POINTED OUT.
•IT IS THEREFORE IMPORTANT THAT THERE SHOULD BE A BALANCED PROVISION OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES,’ HE SAID.
TO THIS END, THE GOVERNOR WAS PLEASED TO SAY THAT MANY LARGE PROJECTS - THE TOWN PARK, THE TOWN HALL, A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND A GAMES CENTRE - WOULD BE COMPLETED THIS YEAR.
'THESE FACILITIES WILL DO MUCH TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS.
'OTHER VITALLY IMPORTANT MATTERS SUCH AS THE PROVISION OF SCHOOLS, TRANSPORT AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE TOWN ARE CONTINUING TO RECEIVE THE CLOSE ATTENTION OF GOVERNMENT,’ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD PAID TRIBUTE TO MRS TAI FOR HER GENEROUS DONATION CF $5 MILLION IN MEMORY OF HER LATE HUSBAND, AND TO SIR SHIU KIN TANG FOR HIS SUPPORT OF THIS MULTI-SERVICE CENTRE PROJECT.
HE ALSO CONGRATULATED THE DIRECTORS OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP CF HOSPITALS FOR THEIR ENTERPRISE IN PROVIDING TUEN MUN WITH THIS IMAGINATIVE NEW CENTRE.
’I HOPE THEY WILL CONTINUE TO INVEST IN THE NEW TOWNS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY,’ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
/AKTER THE ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
3
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY (NEW TERRITORIES), DR JAMES HAYES AND THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TUEN MUN), MR RICKY FUNG, PROCEEDED TO THE YAU Ol ESTATE.
THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN TUEN MUN AT THE ROOFTOP OF Ol HEI HOUSE WHERE THEY HAD A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE PARTY LATER VISITED AN ELECTRONICS FACTORY AT LUNG MUN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING.
-----0------
HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE FOR 1984 X * * X
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR 1984, VALUED AT $444 811 MILLION, INCREASED BY 32 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 1983, ACCORDING TO TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 32 PER CENT TO $137 936 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 27 PER CENT TO $223 370 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 48 PER CENT TO $83 504 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 38 PER CENT.
COMPARING 1984 WITH 1983, DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. ROSE BY 40 PER CENT IN VALUE. SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $7 472 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $2 174 MILLION OR 74 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 736 MILLION OR 39 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TRANSISTORS AND DIODES (BY $22 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND FISH, CRUSTACEANS AND MOLLUSCS, AND PREPARATIONS THEREOF (BY $12 MILLION OR 10 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA INCREASED IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 284 MILLION OR 168 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $544 MILLION OR 490 PER CENT) AND TEXTILES (BY $429 MILLION OR 27 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $100 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT), AND OFFICE AND STATIONERY SUPPLIES (BY $22 MILLION OR 73 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR CLOTHING (BY $972 MILLION OR 28 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $880 MILLION OR 275 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $83 MILLION OR 16 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $312 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT) AND MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS AND PARTS AND ACCESSORIES THEREOF (BY $10 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT).
/SIGNIFICANT .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
4
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS IO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF CLOTHING (BY $967 MILLION CR 21 PER CENT) AND OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $267 MILLION OR 102 PER CENT); AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN OF CLOTHING (BY $727 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT).
DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM CHINA REMAINED STRONG IN 1984. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $4 118 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT). CLOTHING (BY $2 853 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT), TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $1 162 MILLION OR 152 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $786 MILLION OR 110 PER CENT) AND BABY CARRIAGES, TOYS, GAMES AND SPORTING GOODS (BY $694 MILLION OR 167 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM JAPAN, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $2 420 MILLION OR 44 PER CENT), AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $1 910 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD AND AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $32 MILLION OR 86 PER CENT) AND GAS, NATURAL AND MANUFACTURED (BY $14 MILLION OR 33 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1 334 MILLION OR 40 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 215 MILLION OR 66 PER CENT), AND TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $432 MILLION OR 158 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (BY $172 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), AND COAL, COKE AND BRIQUETTES (BY $100 MILLION OR 100 PER CENT).
MEANWHILE, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN CF OFFICE AND STATIONERY SUPPLIES (BY $35 MILLION OR 37 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $184 MILLION OR 35 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF TEXTILES FROM TAIWAN INCREASED (BY $1 820 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), AS DID IMPORTS OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $564 MILLION OR 254 PER CENT).
IN 1984, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY $15 882 MILLION OR 130 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $4 081 MILLION OR 51 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY $1 457 MILLION OR 46 PER CENT), TAIWAN (BY $1 413 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA)(BY $1 000 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT), AUSTRALIA (BY $486 MILLION OR 52 PER CENT), MACAU (BY $468 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT) AND THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY (BY $312 MILLION OR 41 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECLINES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO NIGERIA (BY $332 MILLION OR 60 PER CENT) AND INDONESIA (BY $230 MILLION OR SIX PER CENT).
/HOST C0HM0DIT1BS .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
5
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH IN 1984, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEXTILES (BY $4 886 MILLION OR 62 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $3 458 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $2 377 MILLION OR 107 PER CENT) AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (BY $2 195 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS OF OIL SEEDS AND OLEAGINOUS FRUIT (BY $150 MILLION OR 48 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT OTHER THAN ROAD AND AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES (BY $56 MILLION OR 2p FER CENT) AND VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $50 MILLION OR FOUR PER ?SENT).
THE DECEMBER 1984 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 DECEMBER 1984 WILL BE ON SALE NEXT MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $12 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 5-214375). ENQUIRIES CONCERNING TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-444436).
FOLLOWING ARE RELATED TABLES:
TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-DEC. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
U.S.A. 61 374 43 802 +17 573 +40
CHINA 11 283 6 223 + 5 060 +81
U.K. 10 497 8 538 + 1 959 +23
F.R. OF GERMANY 9 522 8 043 + 1 479 + 18
JAPAN 5 151 3 910 ♦ 1 241 +32
CANADA 4 510 3 731 + 779 +21
AUSTRALIA 3 824 2 927 + 896 *31
SINGAPORE 2 627 2 228 + 399 + 18
NETHERLANDS 2 418 1 963 + 454 +23
FRANCE 2 007 1 660 ♦ 347 +21
/TABLE 2:
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
6
TABLE 2 s DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISIONS JAN.-DEC. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 46 714 34 365 +12 349 +36
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS, JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, AND PLASTIC ARTICLES) 21 838 16 642 + 5 196 +31
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLIANCES AND SEMICONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS) 11 479 8 203 + 3 276 +40
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 11 002 8 410 + 2 592 +31
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 10 408 9 399 + 1 009 +11
CFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT 8 908 5 144 + 3 764 +73
/Table 3 : ......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
7
TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES
*33B3SBMZ = S = S:333eKSeWS*S=:SE=:S=3:
MAJOR SOURCES JAN.-DEC. 1984 (S MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 (S MN) INCREASE (3 MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 55 753 42 821 ♦ 12 932 +30
JAPAN 52 620 40 333 +12 286 +30
U.S.A. 24 377 19 179 + 5 198 +27
TAIWAN 17 347 12 448 + 4 899 +39
SINGAPORE 12 229 10 482 + 1 748 +17
U.K. 8 703 7 456 + 1 247 +17
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 7 289 5 050 + 2 239 +44
F.R. OF GERMANY 5 510 4 556 + 954 +21
AUSTRALIA 3 349 2 764 + 585 +21
SWITZERLAND 3 346 3 287 + 59 + 2
TABLE 4 : IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY SECTIONS PERCENTAGE CHANGE (*)
COMMODITY SECTIONS JAN.-DEC. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE ($ MN)
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATERIAL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 63 844 49 500 + 14 345 +29
MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 57 741 39 424 ♦ 18 317 +46
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 39 715 31 783 + 7 932 +25
FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 20 134 18 911 + 1 224 + 6
/CHEMICALS AND .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
8
CHEMICALS AND
RELATED PRODUCTS 15 523 12 942 + 2 581 +23
MINERALS FUELS,
LUBRICANTS AND
RELATED MATERIALS 12 263 11 657 + 606 + 5
TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-DEC. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 (S MN) INCREASE/ DECREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 28 064 12 183 +15 882 + 133
U.S.A. 12 109 8 028 + 4 081 + 51
TAIWAN 4 868 3 454 + 1 413 + 41
JAPAN 4 633 3 176 + 1 457 + 46
SINGAPORE 4 511 4 523 12 - *
INDONESIA 3 654 3 884 230 - 6
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 3 440 2 440 + 1 000 + 41
MACAU 2 354 1 885 + 468 + 25
PHILIPPINES 1 478 1 632 154 - 9
AUSTRALIA 1 423 937 + 486 + 52
* LESS THAN 0.5%
TABLE 6 1 RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DIVISIONS JAN.-DEC. 1984 ($ MN) JAN.-DEC. 1983 ($ MN) INCREASE ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 12 708 7 822 + 4 886 +62
/rlLxjCTRiCAL •••••••
WEEKDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1965
9
ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES 8 389 4 931 + 3 458 +70
ARTICLES AND APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 6 184 4 495 + 1 689 +38
MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES 5 378 3 183 ♦ 2 195 +69 '
PHOTOGRAPHIC APPARATUS, EQUIPMENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 5 089 4 258 + 831 +20
TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 4 590 2 213 + 2 377 +107
-----0------
PEOPLE MORE WILLING TO COMPLAIN ABOUT TRANSPORT *****
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT (TCU) UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECEIVED 5 370 COMPLAINTS OR SUGGESTIONS IN THE 12 MONTHS UP TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR IN WHICH THE FIGURE EXCEEDED 5 000 SINCE THE TCU WAS SET UP IN OCTOBER 1980.
THE INCREASE OF SEVEN PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR, STEMMED MAINLY FROM RISING DEMAND FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, ESPECIALLY FOR THE NT NEW TOWNS, AND GRIEVANCES ABOUT ROAD CONGESTION.
IN A FOREWORD TO THE UNIT’S LATEST ANNUAL REPORT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TAC, MR GERALD FORSGATE OBSERVED THAT WHILE FIGURES DID NOT TELL THE WHOLE STORY, THEY DID +REFLECT THE INCREASING WILLINGNESS OF THE PUBLIC TO SEND IN THEIR VIEWS AND TO BE INVOLVED IN MATTERS THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO THEM.+
MR STEPHEN CHEONG, WHO CHAIRS THE TAC SUB-COMMITTEE OVERSEEING THE WORK OF THE UNIT, SAID THAT MORE COULD BE ACHIEVED IF THE PUBLIC MADE MORE USE OF THE UNIT AS A FORUM FOR DEVELOPING TRANSPORT PROBLEMS.
/THE TCU
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
10 -
THE TCU ANNUAL REPORT NOTED THAT COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WERE STILL PREDOMINANT, ACCOUNTING FOR 2 476 CASES OR 46 PER CENT OF ALL COMPLAINTS RECORDED IN THE YEAR. ANOTHER 990 CASES OR NEARLY ONE-FIFTH OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS WERE ASSOCIATED WITH ROAD CONGESTION. OTHER PROMINENT COMPLAINT AREAS WERE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AND ROAD CONDITIONS.
+0N PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, THE MAIN AREAS OF CONCERN AS REFLECTED IN THE COMPLAINTS WERE THAT SERVICES SHOULD BE PROVIDED ON THE RIGHT ROUTES, AT ACCEPTABLE FREQUENCIES AND WITH REASONABLE FARES. FRANCHISED BUSES, BEING THE LARGEST SINGLE CARRIER IN HONG KONG, ATTRACTED A HIGHER NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS,* EXPLAINED W STEPHEN PANG, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE TCU.
AS IN THE YEAR BEFORE, NEARLY ONE-THIRD OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS WERE ABOUT BUS SERVICES. ALTOGETHER THERE WERE 1 734 CASES, AND INADEQUATE SERVICE AND STANDARD OF SERVICE WERE THE MAIN SUBJECTS.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES ROSE BY 39 PER CENT, FROM 566 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 787.
♦THE UPWARD TREND WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED DEMAND FOR SERVICE IMPROVEMENT FOR SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN. ALSO COMPLAINTS CONCERNING INADEQUATE CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES HAD INCREASED,* W PANG ADDED.
DURING THE YEAR, HE EXPLAINED, BUS SERVICES FOR THE TWO NEW TOWNS HAD BEEN STRENGTHENED. FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WERE EXPECTED AS PART OF THE 1984-86 BUS ROUTE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
+FOR CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES, THE UNIT HAS BEEN ADVISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE TRANSPORT BRANCH THAT ALTHOUGH IN THE PEAK HOURS THERE IS A SHORTFALL IN THE CAPACITY OF THESE SERVICES, THE SHORTFALL OCCURS ONLY FOR SHORT PERIODS. THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF CROSS HARBOUR PASSENGER SERVICES AS PROVIDED BY BUSES, FERRIES AND MTR IS CONSIDERED TO BE ADEQUATE,* HE SAID.
THE UNIT HAS ALSO BEEN ADVISED THAT THERE ARE OTHER AREAS SUCH AS NEW TOWNS AND INDUSTRIAL ESTATES WHICH ARE NOT SO WELL SERVED BY BUSES AND FOR THE TIME BEING IT IS IN THESE AREAS THAT IMPROVEMENTS HAVE A HIGHER PRIORITY. THE UNIT FURTHER NOTED THAT THERE HAS BEEN DEMAND, AS REFLECTED BY COMPLAINTS, FOR ADDITIONAL CROSS HARBOUR BUS SERVICES.
+THIS DEMAND HAS TO BE EXAMINED AGAINST THE NEEDS OF OTHER AREAS AS WELL AS THE INCREASED CAPACITY OF THE MTR IN MID-1985 WITH THE ADDITION OF THE ISLAND LINE.
*IN THE MEANTIME,* MR PANG SAID, +THE UNIT WILL CONTINUE TO FORWARD COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON CROSS HARBOUR SERVICES TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR CONSIDERATION.*
MR PANG POINTED OUT THAT THERE WERE FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE STANDARD OF SERVICE OF THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
/THERE wERE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
11
THERE WERE 784 CASES RECORDED, AGAINST 904 IN 1982-83, A DECREASE OF 13 PER CENT.
COMPLAINTS INVOLVING THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY TOTALLED 367.
THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY, WITH TWICE THE FLEET SIZE AND RIDERSHIP OF CMB’S, HAD A LOWER NUMBER OF 347.
WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S COMPLAINTS, THE 367 COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE SHOWED A DROP OF 129 CASES OR 26 PER CENT.
THE MAJOR REDUCTION WAS IN COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUS DRIVERS. THE NUMBER FELL FROM 292 TO 190, BUT STILL ACCOUNTED FOR OVER 33 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COMPLAINTS CONCERNING CMB.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY ALSO WENT DOWN FROM 146 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 96. ON THE OTHER HAND, COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CLEANLINESS OF BUSES, PASSENGER FACILITIES AND GENERAL STANDARD INCREASED. EIGHTY-ONE CASES WERE RECORDED, AS AGAINST 58 OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR, MR PANG SAID.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT KMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE WERE NEARLY THE SAME IN THE LAST TWO YEARS - 358 IN 1982-83 AND 357 IN 1983-84.
BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY WERE THE MAIN SUBJECT DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW. THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 148 CASES, AN INCREASE OF 26 CASES OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CLEANLINESS OF BUSES, PASSENGER FACILITIES AND GENERAL STANDARD ALSO INCREASED BY 10 CASES, TO 105. BUT COMPLAINTS AGAINST BUS CAPTAINS MADE UP 94 CASES ONLY (27 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OF 357), REPRESENTING A DROP OF 37 CASES OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
MR PANG POINTED OUT THAT ROAD CONGESTION WAS AT THE ROOT OF MANY PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED BY THOSE WHO COMPLAINED TO THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT. DURING THE YEAR, 2 159 COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND LAW ENFORCEMENT WERE RECEIVED.
OF THESE, 990 OR NEARLY 20 PER CENT, WERE RELATED TO ROAD CONGESTION, HE SAID.
♦MOST OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT CONGESTION WERE GENERATED FROM THE URBAN AREAS. COMPLAINTS OF THIS NATURE RECEIVED FROM ROAD USERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES MADE UP ABOUT 15 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL OF 990 COMPLAINTS. THE MAIN SUBJECTS WERE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, TRAFFIC LIGHTS AND VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION. A SMALL PROPORTION OF THE COMPLAINTS INVOLVED HAWKER OBSTRUCTION AND LEARNER DRIVERS.
+0F THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT CONGESTION FEWER WERE CAUSED BY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AND TRAFFIC LIGHTS. THE NUMBER DROPPED FROM 647 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR TO 522.
/+THE 'JMbER............
«rEDN£SDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
- 12 -
+THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT CONGESTION CAUSED BY VEHICLES BEING LOADED OR UNLOADED AT CROWDED KERBSIDE LOCATIONS ROSE FROM 113 IN 1982-83 TO 281 IN 1983-84. COMPLAINTS DIRECTED TOWARDS PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES ACCOUNTED FOR 133 CASES OR ALMOST ONE HALF OF THE COMPLAINTS ABOUT VEHICLE OBSTRUCTION,* MR PANG ADDED.
THE TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT WAS SET UP UNDER THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO RECEIVE AND MONITOR COMPLAINTS AND SUGGESTIONS ON TRANSPORT MATTERS.
COMPLAINTS CAN BE MADE TO THE UNIT BY TELEPHONING 5-776866, THE UNIT’S HOTLINE, ANY TIME. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE NOT REQUIRED TO WRITE IN UNLESS THEY PREFER TO DO SO. AFTER INVESTIGATING THE COMPLAINTS, THE UNIT WILL REPLY VERBALLY OR IN WRITING.
-----0------
HOUSING AUTHORITY COMPLETES RENT REVIEW
*****
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS COMPLETED A BIENNIAL RENT REVIEW FOR SIX ESTATES, TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE RISING COSTS OF MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS AS WELL AS INCREASES IN RATES OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS.
FROM APRIL 1, NET RENTS FOR THE ESTATES WILL BE INCREASED BY $2.25 PER SQUARE METRE. FOR THE MAJORITY OR 86 PER CENT OF THE TENANTS, IT MEANS AN EXTRA OF ONLY 362 TO 397 A MONTH.
+NEW INCLUSIVE RENT LEVELS WILL STILL REMAIN REASONABLE AT 312.37 TO 312.88 A SQUARE METRE AND SHOULD BE AFFORDABLE BY TENANTS WHO WOULD BE PAYING LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF THEIR INCOME AS RENT,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID THE REVISED RENTS ALREADY INCLUDED RATES WHICH HAD BEEN INCREASED TWICE SINCE APRIL 1983. FOR TYPICAL FLATS SUITABLE FOR FAMILIES OF 4 TO 6 PERSONS OF THESE SIX HOUSING ESTATES, THE BREAKDOWN OF MONTHLY NET RENT AND RATES IS AS FOLLOWS:
ESTATE FLAT AREA NET RENT RATES INCLUSIVE RENT
2 rl •ft *
CHOI HUNG 30.6 324 63 387
FUK LOI 30.2 315 59 374
/Mk TAU ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1J, 1985
MA TAU WAI 30.0 320 67 387
PING SHEK 30.6 330 64 394
WAH FU 33.1 359 66 425
(PH. IV)
WO LOK 30.3 318 66 384
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ABSORBED FOR THIS GROUP OF TENANTS
A TOTAL OF $7.2 Ml LLION ON RATES AND HAS NOT PASSED ONTO THEM
THE INCREASED RATES UNTIL THIS RENT REVIEW.
6.
+RATES COLLECTED GO DIRECTLY TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DO NOT FORM PART OF THE REVENUE OF THE AUTHORITY.
+TENANTS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE RENTS AND RATES BOTH AT EXISTING AND NEW LEVELS, TOGETHER WITH AN EXPLANATORY NOTE.+
THE RENT REVISION WILL APPLY TO 22 140 FLATS IN THE SIX FORMER HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES OF CHOI HUNG, FUK LOI, MA TAU WAI, PING SHEK, WAH FU (PHASE IV) AND WO LOK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE ESTATES WERE AMONG THE BEST OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, CENTRALLY LOCATED WITH SELF-CONTAINED FLATS AND FACILITIES UPGRADED TO MODERN STANDARDS.
+A TOTAL OF $9 MILLION HAS ON THE UPGRADING OF ELECTRICITY OF COMMUNAL AERIAL BROADCASTING SYSTEM IN MOST OF THE ESTATES.*
BEEN SPENT OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS SUPPLY, RE-ROOFING, INSTALLATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM AND PIPED GAS
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO BRIEF MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE OFFICIALS, LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS CONCERNING THIS RENT INCREASE.
-------o----------
TRAINING CENTRE TO BE SET UP FOR SEAMEN ******
A SEAMEN’S TRAINING CENTRE WILL BE SET UP BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL AT TAI LAM CHUNG, TO PROVIDE PRE-SEA TRAINING FOR ABOUT 500 NEW RATINGS A YEAR FROM 1987.
IT IS ONE OF THE MANY RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING BOARD OF THE COUNCIL, FOLLOWING A MANPOWER SURVEY IN MARCH LAST YEAR.
THE CENTRE WILL HAVE CAPACITY TO TRAIN ABOUT 125 PRE-SEA ENTRANTS ON A 16-WEEK COURSE AND WILL BE ABLE TO OFFER SPECIALIST TRAINING MODULES FOR +IN-SERVICE+ SEAFARERS.
/AT PRESENT, .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
14
AT PRESENT, ONLY THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL (PRE-SEA) IN LITTLE SAI WAN AND THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING TEMPORARY CENTRE (IN-SERVICE) IN STANLEY PROVIDE FULL TIME TRAINING WITH ADEQUATE FACILITIES.
THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC PROVIDES THE ONLY FACILITIES IN HONG KONG FOR TRAINING OFFICERS AND IS ABLE TO MEET THE DEMANDS CF TRAINING OFFICERS THAT THE INDUSTRY REQUIRES.
HOWEVER, SOME ASPECTS OF OFFICER TRAINING, SUCH AS FIRE-FIGHTING TRAINING ARE NOT AVAILABLE WITHIN THE POLYTECHNIC.
IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT THE PERMANENT TRAINING CENTRE WILL NOT BECOME AVAILABLE BEFORE 1987, THE BOARD RECOMMENDS THAT THE TASK OF PROVIDING TRAINING TO POTENTIAL NEW RATINGS SHOULD BE UNDERTAKEN IN THE INTERIM BY THE SEAMEN’S TRAINING TEMPORARY CENTRE.
THIS WILL MEET THE TRAINING NEEDS IDENTIFIED AS REQUIRED FOR 1985 AND 1986 WITHOUT A FURTHER BACKLOG DEVELOPING.
IN THE REPORT, THE TRAINING BOARD SAYS THAT THE DEMAND FOR PROPERLY TRAINED AND CERTIFICATED SEAFARING PERSONNEL WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.
THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION’S CONVENTION OF STANDARDS OF TRAINING, CERTIFICATION AND WATCHKEEPING FOR SEAFARERS 1978, WHICH LAYS DOWN TRAINING AND CERTIFICATION CRITERIA FOR WATCHKEEPING OFFICERS AND RATINGS, APPLIES TO HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM NOVEMBER 3 LAST YEAR.
+IN ORDER THAT HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TO ENJOY ITS PRESENT STATUS AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING CENTRES OF SHIP OPERATION ACTIVITY, OF WHICH THE SUPPLY OF TRAINED SEAMEN IS AN INTEGRAL PART, A NUMBER OF OBLIGATIONS ENTAILING MINIMUM STANDARDS LAID DOWN IN INTERNATIONAL MARITIME AGREEMENTS, MUST BE MET BY HONG KONG,+ THE TRAINING BOARD SAYS.
THIS MEANS THAT PERMANENT TRAINING FACILITIES MUST BE PROVIDED IN HONG KONG TO TRAIN SEAFARERS.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE HONG KONG SEAFARERS, THAT IS, THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN AT SEA OVER THE LAST 12 MONTHS, HAS DECLINED FROM 44 534 IN 1979 TO 16 681 IN 1984.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD THE NUMBER OF POSTS OCCUPIED BY HONG KONG SEAFARERS PER SHIP ALSO DROPPED FROM 15.8 PER SHIP TO 13.3 PER SHIP.
+THIS IS DUE TO EXISTING SHIPS BEING REPLACED BY MODERN SHIPS THAT HAVE AUTOMATION AND OTHER LABOUR SAVING ARRANGEMENTS INCORPORATED,+ THE REPORT EXPLAINS.
THE 1984 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT ON THE MERCHANT NAVY, PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $16.50 A COPY.
------o-------
/15 .....
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1985
15
SECOND BORDER CROSSING OPENING SOON * * * *
THE SECOND ROAD BORDER CROSSING POINT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA WILL BE JOINTLY OPENED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR J.D.I. BOYD, AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, AT 10.30 AM.
THE NEW CROSSING POINT IS SITUATED AT SHA TAU KOK, AND ITS OPENING FOLLOWS THE APRIL 30, 1982 SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG ON OPENING UP NEW LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.
IT WILL OFFER A LESS CONGESTED OPTION TO MAN KAM TO FOR VEHICLES BOUND FOR SHENZHEN, AND PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT LINK FOR VEHICLES HEADING TOWARDS DAYA BAY AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA TO THE NORTH-EAST.
THE NEW FACILITY WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON MARCH 1 AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 6 PM DAILY, FOR USE BY COACHES, PRIVATE CARS, AND GOODS VEHICLES POSSESSING APPROPRIATE SHA TAU KOK CROSS BORDER PERMITS.
-----o------
JANUARY CLOUDIER THAN USUAL * * * *
JANUARY WAS CLOUDIER THAN USUAL. THE TOTAL DURATION OF BRIGHT SUNSHINE WAS ONLY 106.9 HOURS, WHICH WAS 46.6 HOURS BELOW THE NORMAL VALUE, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
THE MONTH’S 13.8 MM OF RAINFALL WAS 49 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE AND SUNNY FROM JANUARY 1 TO 3 UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE CONTINENTAL ANTICYCLONE.
A WEAK SURGE OF WINTER MONSOON REACHED HONG KONG ON JANUARY 4 AND BROUGHT CLOUDY WEATHER WHICH LASTED UNTIL JANUARY 7.
ANOTHER SURGE OF WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON JANUARY 8. NORTHERLY WINDS PREVAILED FROM JANUARY 8 TO 12 AND LIGHT RAIN OCCURRED FROM TIME TO TIME.
THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 8.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ON JANUARY 10, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH. IT REMAINED CLOUDY BUT BECAME MILDER ON JANUARY 13.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE ON JANUARY 14 BUT CLOUDY WEATHER RETURNED ON JANUARY 15 AND CONTINUED UP TO THE MORNING OF JANUARY 18. SOME RAIN OCCURRED ON JANUARY 17 AND 18.
/HUE AND.....
WEDNESDAY, FEBHUARY 13, 1985
- 16
FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER RETURNED IN THE AFTERNOON OF JANUARY 18. AS A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE BECAME ESTABLISHED OVER THE SOUTHEASTERN COAST OF CHINA. SUNNY WEATHER CONTINUED UP TO JANUARY 23 WHEN THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 23.3 DEGREES CELSIUS, THE HIGHEST CF THE MONTH.
A COLD FRONT PASSED HONG KONG LATE ON JANUARY 24 AND THE WEATHER BECAME CLOUDY WITH RAIN FROM JANUARY 24 TO 26.
FROM JANUARY 27 TO 31, THE WEATHER WAS
FOR SOME CLOUDY PERIODS ON JANUARY 29 TO 30.
FINE AND SUNNY EXCEPT
TWO TROPICAL CYCLONES OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING THE MONTH. TROPICAL STORM FABIAN DEVELOPED ABOUT 600
NAUTICAL MILES WEST OF GUAM ON JANUARY 6 AND REMAINED SLOW-MOVING.
TROPICAL STORM ELSIE FORMED NEAR THE CAROLINE ISLANDS ON JANUARY 7. IT MOVED NORTHWESTWARDS AND PASSED CLOSE TO GUAM DURING THE
EVENING OF JANUARY 9. UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ELSIE, FABIAN MOVED SOUTHEASTWARDS ON JANUARY 9. ELSIE RECURVED NORTHEASTWARDS AWAY FROM FABIAN AND DISSIPATED ABOUT 560 NAUTICAL MILES NORTHEAST OF
GUAM ON JANUARY 11. FABIAN THEN WEAKENED INTO AN AREA OF LOW PRESSURE WHEN IT MOVED NEAR YAP ON JANUARY 13. HOWEVER, ON THE SAME DAY, A NEW CIRCULATION CENTRE DEVELOPED IN THE REMNANT OF FABIAN AND RE-INTENSIFIED INTO A TROPICAL DEPRESSION. IT REMAINED ALMOST STATIONARY ABOUT 650 NAUTICAL MILES SOUTHEAST OF MANILA AND FINALLY DISSIPATED EARLY ON JANUARY 14.
NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER DURING THE MONTH. THE RED FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON JANUARY 13 AND 14. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING SSAND 31FECT °N JANUARY 1’ *' 6’ 13’ 14’ 15' 16’ 20’ 27« 28'
THE ONLY SIGNAL HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WAS AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER DATE AND TIME DATE AND TIME
SYSTEM SIGNAL OF HOISTING OF LOWERING
WINTER STRONG JANUARY 10 2 AM JANUARY 10 6 AM
MONSOON MONSOON
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE 106.9 HOURS » 46.6 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 13.8 MM - 13.1 MM BELOW NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 73% - 14% MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE HUMIDITY 75% - 4% HIGHER THAN NORMAL
hEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 17.8 DEGREES - 0.9 DEGREE CELSIUS CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
/MEAN TEHPEBATUBE........
WEDNESDAY, PEBHUAflY 13, 1985
- 17 -
MEAN TEMPERATURE
NE AN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE
MEAN DEW POINT
TOTAL EVAPORATION
15.4 DEGREES -CELSIUS
13.8 DEGREES -CELSIUS
11.0 DEGREES -CELSIUS
69.0 MM -
0.2 DEGREE CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
0.6 DEGREE CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
1.2 DEGREES CELSIUS ABOVE NORMAL
35.6 MM BELOW NORMAL
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 23.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON JANUARY 23
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 8.8 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON JANUARY 10
-----o------
COMMITTEE REVIEWS DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR STANLEY * * * X
AT TODAY’S MEETING OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MEMBERS REVIEWED THE POSSIBLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE STANLEY AREA.
IT WAS NOTED THAT THE DEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS WERE DESIGNED TO TAKE AWAY ALMOST ALL THE ROADSIDE TREES NOT ONLY WITHIN STANLEY BUT ADJACENT TO THE ROADS WHICH MAKE UP THE STANLEY APPROACHES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID THAT THIS MATTER CAME INTO FOCUS AFTER THE PROPOSAL TO FELL A BANYAN TREE AT STANLEY MARKET ROAD WAS BROUGHT TO COUNCIL’S NOTICE BY A NEMBER.
+IT WAS POINTED OUT BY DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES THAT IN ITS PRESENT STATE THE TREE WAS UNLIKELY TO LAST FOR TOO MANY YEARS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+HOWEVER, MEMBERS CONSIDERED THAT REMEDIAL TREATMENT, INCLUDING THE RAISING OF GROUND AROUND THE BASE OF THE TREE AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL TOPSOIL, MIGHT WELL ALLOW THIS TREE TO BE A FEATURE OF THE LANDSCAPE FOR PERHAPS 20 YEARS OR MORE.
+IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE COUNCIL WILL BE APPROACHING THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH TO SEE IF THE LAND ON WHICH THE TREE STANDS COULD BE RE-ZONED AS PUBLIC OPEN SPACE SO THAT IT COULD TAKE THE NECESSARY REMEDIAL ACTION, AND TO MEET THE CLEARLY EXPRESSED VIEWS OF THE RESIDENTS OF STANLEY.+
-----o------
/IB........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1935
- 18 -
STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER
*****
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH FALL ON FEBRUARY 23, 21 AND 22, ARE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HE SAID ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES AND THOSE NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $9 500 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAYS AND MUST BE PAID FOR THE DAYS-OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUALLY FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAYS.
HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE EQUIVALENT TO AN EMPLOYEE’S EARNINGS ON A NORMAL WORKING DAY AND SHOULD INCLUDE BASIC WAGES AS WELL AS ALLOWANCES THAT COULD BE EXPRESSED IN MONEY TERMS SUCH AS MEALS AND COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCES.
WHERE THE EARNINGS VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE THE AVERAGE DAILY EARNINGS DURING EVERY COMPLETE WAGE PERIOD WHICH COULD BE BETWEEN 28 DAYS TO 31 DAYS, PRECEDING THE HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE WAS REQUIRED TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY HE MUST BE GIVEN AN ALTERNATIVE DAY-OFF WITHIN 60 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THAT DAY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY BE MADE AT ANY OF THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.
-----o------
LUNAR NEW YEAR POSTAL SERVICE * * * *
LETTERS AND PARCELS WILL ONLY BE DELIVERED ON FEBRUARY 21 DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
ON FEBRUARY 21, 38 POST OFFICES INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST CFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON CENTRAL AND TSIM SHA TSUI IN KOWLOON, AND TSUEN WAN, SHA TIN CENTRAL AND TAI PO IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 AM TO NOON.
ALL POST OFFICE COUNTERS WILL BE CLOSED AND THERE WILL BE NO DELIVERIES ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 22.
DETAILS OF THE POST OFFICES WHICH WILL BE OPEN DURING THE EOLIDAY PERIOD CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE LOCAL POST OFFICE OR FROM THE POST OFFICE ENQUIRY BUREAU AT 5-231071/2.
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/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1935
19
VOTERS GET THEIR POLL CARDS * * *
REGISTERED VOTERS WILL, BY NOW, HAVE RECEIVED POLL CARDS TELLING THEM WHERE THEY SHOULD GO TO CAST THEIR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID, HOWEVER THAT THE CARD WAS MERELY A NOTICE AND DID NOT CONSTITUTE A CERTIFICATE OF IDENTITY.
+A VOTER MUST BRING ALONG HIS OR HER HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD FOR IDENTIFICATION AT THE POLLING STATION,* HE SAID.
+THE PRODUCTION OF THE POLL CARD AT THE STATION IS NOT MANDATORY BUT IT WILL FACILITATE CHECKING AND AVOID ANY DELAY,* HE ADDED.
IF A REGISTERED VOTER HAS NOT RECEIVED HIS POLL CARD BY FEBRUARY 15 (FRIDAY), HE MAY MAKE ENQUIRIES TO THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION ON 5-270369 OR 5-270380.
-------- 0 --------
DB TO DISCUSS TIES WITH URBCO
* * * *
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE RESUMPTION OF FOUR PRIVATE STREETS IN TO KWA WAN, AND THE RESPONSE OF THE NEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME.
THEY WILL ALSO LOOK INTO THE WIDENING OF CARPENTER ROAD AND THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A PROJECT IN CHATHAM ROAD.
TABLED FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE THE PUBLICITY PROGRAMME ON DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS AND THE DISPLAY OF THE DISTRICT BOARD LOGO AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND ARGYLE STREET.
-------- o -------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1935
SHA TIN HERALDS NEW YEAR WITH LIGHTS X * * * *
SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE WAS BRIGHTLY LIT UP TO HERALD THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH DECORATIVE LIGHTS THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING.
AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH, UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SWITCHED ON THE FESTIVE LIGHTINGS ALONG THE 200-METRE SAND MARTIN BRIDGE ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER.
THE DECORATIVE LIGHTS DEPICT A FARMER WITH HIS OX, SYMBOLISING HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY IN THE YEAR OF THE OX.
THE SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY DRAGON AND LION DANCES. MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG I AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE FESTIVE LIGHTING ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOI KAN-PUI PERFORMED THE EYE-DOTTING.
- 0 - -
SAI KUNG GETS YEAR-END FACE-LIFT X * X *
GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND RESIDENTS WILL GIVE A YEAR-END FACE-LIFT TO CHUNG MEI TUK IN SAI KUNG DURING A CLEAN-UP EXERCISE ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15).
THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MISS CARRIE CHENG WILL JOIN AMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE AND THE DISTRICT BOARD’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE AND BOAT DWELLERS IN CLEANING UP THE SHORELINE AND COLLECTING REFUSE FROM THE WATERS.
STAFF OF THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO COLLECT REFUSE IN OTHER AREAS.
THE CLEAN-UP EXERCISE FOR CHUNG MEI TUK, WHICH HAS A FLOATING POPULATION OF ABOUT 1 OOO, IS SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO COVER THE EVENT SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 10 AM ON FRIDAY AT THE PING SHEK MTR EXIT. A GOVERNMENT LANDROVER WILL LEAVE AT 10.10 AM TO TAKE REPRESENTATIVES TO CHUNG MEI TUK.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1935
- 21 -
RADIATION SEMINARS FOR TEACHERS ******
THREE SEMINARS ON RADIATION PROTECTION FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC IN THE NEXT THREE MONTHS.
TOPICS ON THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATIONS, THE CHARACTERISTICS OF RADIOACTIVE SOURCES USED IN SCHOOLS, THE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN HANDLING AND USING THESE SOURCES AND THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF ACCIDENTS WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SEMINARS.
DR C.B. POON, PHYSICIST, RADIATION HEALTH UNIT, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WILL SPEAK ON THE BASIC PRINCIPLES OF RADIATION PROTECTION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS; AND MR M.W. CHAN, SENIOR LECTURER, INSTITUTE OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC WILL BE GIVING DEMONSTRATIONS ON A LEAKAGE TEST FOR SEALED RADIOACTIVE SOURCES.
THE SEMINARS, WHICH IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND FEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD ON THREE SATURDAY MORNINGS ON MARCH 16, APRIL 13 AND MAY 11. |
ENROLMENT FOR EACH SEMINAR IS LIMITED TO 30. HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR SCIENCE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MARCH 6.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE PHYSICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON 5-8392474 OR 5-8392470.
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MORE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO BE SET UP
* * * *
THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL SET UP 102 TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING 230 PERMANENT ONES THROUGHOUT THE 11 URBAN DISTRICTS DURING THE SIX-DAY +YEAR-END CLEAN-UP+ CAMPAIGN STARTING FROM TOMORROW.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY CALLED ON THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES WHEN THEY CARRY OUT THE TRADITIONAL CLEAN-UP IN THEIR PREMISES.
WEDNESDAY, FKBHDABY 13, 1985
22
A LIST SHOWING THE DATES OF OPERATION AND LOCATIONS OF THESE REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS IN EACH DISTRICT HAS BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR OWNERS INCORPORATIONS OF ALL RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦SIMILAR INFORMATION CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED BY DIALING THE LITTER HOTLINE AT 5-95555 OR FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OF BOTH THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADM INISTRATION,+ HE ADDED.
DURING THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT AND CLEANSING STAFF WILL BE DEPLOYED TO COLLECT AND REMOVE REFUSE AND JUNK FROM VARIOUS RCPS.
TO TIE IN WITH THE CLEAN-UP OF DOMESTIC PREMISES, MEMBERS OF PUBLIC ARE ALSO URGED TO KEEP THE COMMON PARTS CF BUILDINGS CLEAN.
LEAFLETS AND POSTERS IN THIS REGARD HAVE ALSO BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO THE MANAGEMENT OF ALL BUILDINGS AND ARE OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
THE ANNUAL DRIVE WAS WELL SUPPORTED LAST YEAR WHEN A TOTAL OF 1 367 TONNES OF JUNK WAS REMOVED.
0 --------
CLIMATOLOGICAL TABLES OFFERED
* * * *
A SET OF TABLES ON CLIMATOLOGICAL CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG IS BEING OFFERED FREE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
MEAN AND EXTREME VALUES OF PRESSURE, TEMPERATURE, WIND, RELATIVE HUMIDITY AND RAINFALL ARE TABULATED.
INFORMATION ON THUNDERSTORMS, FOG, SOLAR RADIATION, EVAPORATION, SEA SURFACE TEMPERATURE, TROPICAL CYCLONE AND STRONG MONSOON SIGNALS IS ALSO GIVEN.
THE SET IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN CHINESE.
IT MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE LIBRARY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY HEADQUARTERS, 134A NATHAN ROAD EITHER IN PERSON OR BY WRITTEN REQUEST WITH SELF-ADDRESSED RETURN ENVELOPES (WITH 40-CENT STAMP FOR LOCAL MAIL).
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/23........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 1335
- 23 -
CANDIDATES TOLD ABOUT ADS ON TAXIS X X X X * X
DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO POST ELECTION POSTERS ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES MUST FIRST OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO DO SO, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.
ALTHOUGH COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, CANDIDATES WHO WANT TO POST ELECTION POSTERS ON PLBS, CAN OBTAIN A SPECIAL PERMIT FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
NO FEE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR SUCH A PERMIT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SINCE FEBRUARY 1, TAXIS WERE ALLOWED TO CARRY COMMERCIAL ADVERTISEMENTS, BUT TAXI OPERATORS WOULD HAVE TO OBTAIN A PERMIT, COSTING $100, FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES SECTION OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO DO SO.
+DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES CAN POST ADVERTISING CAMPAIGN POSTERS ON TAXIS, BUT THE ADVERTISING FEE CHARGED FOR THIS PURPOSE MUST BE INCLUDED AS ELECTION EXPENSES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - - - 0 ----------
SHORT TERM TENANCY FOR TWO YUEN LONG SITES
* * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCIES OF TWO SITES AT YUEN LONG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ONE OF THE SITES, AT KIN TAK STREET, MEASURES 755.5 SQUARE METRES. THE TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE OTHER SITE, THE TENANCY OF WHICH IS FOR THREE YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY THEREAFTER, IS AT KIK YEUNG ROAD AND HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1 270 SQUARE METRES.
BOTH SITES ARE FOR USE AS FEE PAYING CAR PARKS AND-OR CAR SALES YARDS.
THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS NOON ON MARCH 1.
/TJHDEE forms.........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUAKY 13, 1985
- 24 -
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLANS INSPECTED AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG}
DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, AND
*
DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, YUEN LONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND TAI KIU MARKET, 2 KIU LOK SQUARE, YUEN LONG NEW TERRITORIES.
-----0------
SEMINAR ARRANGED * * *
A SEMINAR ON THE MANAGEMENT OF MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS FOR FACTORY OWNERS, MANUFACTURERS AND MEMBERS OF OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT WILL BE HELD ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15) AFTERNOON.
IT WILL BE CHAIRED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR LAU LAI-CHIU.
-----0------
KEEPING FIT THE TAI-CHI WAY *****
A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES FOR WAN CHAI RESIDENTS HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT.
ON FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY), AN EXCURSION FEATURING A FERRY TRIP AND LAND EXPEDITION AT TAI 0, ON LANTAU ISLAND WILL BE HELD FOR ABOUT 500 PEOPLE. ALL PERSONS BETWEEN FOUR AND 60 MAY JOIN. THE FEE IS $10.
THOSE KEEN ON KEEPING-FIT MAY JOIN TAI-CHI CLASSES AND AEROBIC DANCE COURSES TO BE HELD IN MARCH.
/TAI-CHI CLASSES .......
WEDNESDAY, PEBfiUAfiY 13, 1985
TAI-CHI CLASSES WILL BE HELD FROM 7 TO 8 AM ON MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS AND FRIDAYS STARTING MARCH 4, AND FROM 8 TO 9 PM ON TUESDAYS, THURSDAYS AND SATURDAYS FROM MARCH 5.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 200 PARTICIPANTS. THE COURSE FEE IS $20.
AEROBIC DANCE COURSES WILL START ON MARCH 1 AND 25 ON MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY MORNINGS. ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 50 PARTICIPANTS AND THE COURSE FEE IS $30.
FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AND ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT RSS WAN CHAI OFFICE, GROUND FLOOR, DOMINION CENTRE, 55-57 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST OR BY TELEPHONE 5-274815.
ALL APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED ON A F IRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
- - 0 - -
10-H0UR MAINS WORK * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN YUEN LONG DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR 10 HOURS FROM 9 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 15) TO FACILITATE MAINS WORK.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD, FROM LAM TEI PUMPING STATION TO AU TAU, INCLUDING ALL VILLAGES IN LAU FAU SHAN, WANG CHAU INDUSTRIAL ESTATE AND YUEN LONG.
- - 0 - -
PARKING SPACES SUSPENDED * * * *
GOODS VEHICLE PARKING SPACES ALONG KING FUK STREET, SZE MEI STREET, LUK HOP STREET AND TSAT PO STREET AT SUN PO KONG WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 PM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 16) TO 8 AM ON FEBRUARY 23.
THIS IS DUE TO THE HOLDING OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BOAT PEOPLE DECIDE AGAINST CLOSED CENTRES ................... 1
WORKING GROUP ON ROADS SUBMITS REPORT ....................... 2
PUBLICATIONS TELL ABOUT BOARD'S WORK ........................ 3
LADY YOUDE TOURS KWAI CHUNG AND TSENG YI .................... 4
QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED .................. 4
EXPORT LICENCE RULES EXPLAINED............................... 6
BIG RISE IN INSOLVENCIES BEING HANDLED....................... 6
CANDIDATES PLATFORMS ON DISPLAY ............................. 7
YUEN LONG CANDIDATES MEET PUBLIC ............................ 8
REGIONAL MAPS AVAILABLE ..................................... 8
BOARD TO CONSIDER SUBWAY PLANS .............................. 9
FESTIVE LIGHTS GO CN TOMORROW ............................... 9
ELECTION POSTERS ON PLBS, MAXICABS .......................... 10
BOARD TO LEARN ABOUT TOWN PROJECTS .......................... 10
YOUTHS BRING FUN TO OLD FOLK ................................ 11
THREE HOUSING TENDERS APPROVED .............................. 12
COMMITTEE SEES CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS ........................ 12
FIVE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES FOR 1985 .......................... 13
CLOSURE OF ROOFTOP STRUCTURES SOUGHT ........................ 14
BOARD LOOKING INTO STATIONS' NAMES .......................... 14
TSUEN WAN SET FOR NEW YEAR GLITTER........................... 15
REFRESHER COURSES OFFERED ................................... 15
TENDERS INVITED TO PROVIDE ROLLER SKATES FOR HIRE............ 16
NEW CLUB HOUSE OPINING....................................... 16
BUS SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN ................................. 17
TRAVELLERS REMINDED ABOUT ANIMAL IMPORTS .................... 17
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14,' 198?
1
BOAT PEOPLE DECIDE AGAINST CLOSED CENTRES
* * * *
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR A GROUP OF 39 VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO SPENT NEARLY SEVEN WEEKS SAILING FROM NORTH VIETNAM TO HONG KONG ELECTED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY RATHER THAN ENTER ONE OF THE TERRITORY’S CLOSED CENTRES.
THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH A FRESH SUPPLY OF FOOD AND WATER AND MINOR REPAIRS WERE CARRIED OUT TO THEIR BOAT ENGINE BEFORE THEY SAILED ON.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE 39 WERE FROM A BOATLOAD OF 44 INTERCEPTED BY MARINE POLICE OFF SIU AH CHAU TO THE SOUTHWEST CF HONG KONG ON THE EVENING OF FEBRUARY 7. THEY HAD LEFT GUANGNING IN NORTH VIETNAM ON DECEMBER 20 LAST YEAR.
AFTER THE ENGINE REPAIRS WERE CARRIED OUT BY A MARINE DEPARTMENT CONTRACTOR, THE 39 LEFT HONG KONG ON THE AFTERNOON OF FEBRUARY 9.
THE FIVE WHO CHOSE TO STAY WERE TRANSFERRED TO CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE TWO DAYS LATER, ON FEBRUARY 11.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GROUP WERE AWARE OF THE GOVERNMENT POLICY TO DETAIN NEW ARRIVALS FROM VIETNAM IN CLOSED CENTRES, AND ALL BUT THE FIVE ELECTED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY.
THIS WAS THE FOURTH TIME SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CLOSED CENTRE POLICY THAT A GROUP OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE HAD OPTED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY OUT OF HONG KONG WATERS.
IN THE FIRST CASE ON MAY 20, 1983 A GROUP OF 14 ARRIVED IN HONG KONG BUT LEFT TWO DAYS LATER. THE SECOND GROUP OF 17 ARRIVED ON APRIL 19, 1984 AND LEFT FIVE DAYS LATER. THE THIRD GROUP CF 14 ARRIVED ON AUGUST 9 LAST YEAR AND LEFT ON AUGUST 15.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ALL CASES EVERY REQUEST THAT THE BOAT PEOPLE MADE FOR SUPPLIES OR REPAIRS TO THEIR VESSELS HAD BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
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/2.........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
2
WORKING GROUP ON ROADS SUBMITS REPORT *****
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO THE PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS REACHED BY AN INTERDEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ON ROADS, THE ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR WILLIAM MARSHALL, SAID TODAY.
THE GROUP (WHICH HE HAD CHAIRED) HAD BEEN SET UP IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR AT THE GOVERNOR’S DIRECTION TO RESOLVE THE UNCERTAINTY WHICH EXISTED REGARDING THE APPLICATION OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC PROVISIONS ON PRIVATE ROADS, HE SAID.
IT WAS NOT ALWAYS CLEAR WHETHER OR NOT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE COULD BE ENFORCED WITHIN PRIVATE ESTATES, SINCE THE DEFINITION OF +ROAD+ WITHIN THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE DEPENDED ON PUBLIC ACCESS.
THE WORKING GROUP HAD VISITED A NUMBER OF PRIVATE AND PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND SPOKEN WITH THE MANAGEMENTS CONCERNED BEFORE FORMULATING THE PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS WHICH HAD BEEN PLACED BEFORE THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON TUESDAY.
MR MARSHALL SAID THAT THE MAIN PROPOSAL WAS THAT THOSE PROVISIONS OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC LEGISLATION WHICH RELATED TO SAFETY (INCLUDING INSURANCE, LICENSING AND CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE CF VEHICLES) SHOULD APPLY TO ALL ROADS IN THE TERRITORY (OTHER THAN INDUSTRIAL AND WORK SITES), WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE.
THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE ESTATES WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO ENACT BY-LAWS (SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT) WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO ENFORCE THEIR OWN PARKING RESTRICTIONS AND CONTROL TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS.
MR MARSHALL STRESSED THAT THE POWER TO ENACT BY-LAWS WAS PERMISSIVE AND NOT MANDATORY AND THAT THE PROPOSAL MERELY PROVIDED ESTATE MANAGEMENTS WITH THE MEANS TO OBTAIN AUTHORITY TO CARRY OUT TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT MEASURES THAT MANY ESTATES ALREADY EXERCISED. THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE PROPOSAL WAS TO ACHIEVE CERTAINTY IN THE LAW AND TO PROVIDE PROTECTION TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE LAW DRAFTSMAN WOULD SHORTLY BE CONSULTED TO PRODUCE THE NECESSARY DRAFT LEGISLATION AND, ONCE IMPLEMENTED, THE PRESENT DOUBT AS TO THE APPLICATION OF THE LAW WOULD BE REMOVED.
0 --------
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
3
PUBLICATIONS TELL ABOUT BOARD’S WORK * * * *
TWO PUBLICATIONS ON THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED THIS WEEK.
A 108-PAGE BOOKLET ENTITLES +THE SECOND TERM KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD WORK REPORT* RECORDS THE WORK AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE BOARD FROM OCTOBER 1982 TO MARCH 1984, WHILE A LEAFLET GIVES DETAILS COVERING THE PERIOD BETWEEN APRIL AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR
THE TWO PUBLICATIONS WERE COMPILED ON THE BASIS OF REPORTS BY THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS. THE WORK REPORT ALSO CONTAINS CHAPTERS ON THE HISTORY AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
COPIES OF THE WORK REPORT WILL BE SENT TO ALL LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
ABOUT 200 000 COPIES OF THE LEAFLET WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO HOUSEHOLDS IN THE DISTRICT AND WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND ITS SUB-OFF ICES.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK SAID THE PUBLICATIONS WERE AIMED AT PROVIDING RESIDENTS WITH THE OPPORTUNITY OF SCRUTINISING THE BOARD’S WORK OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS.
+THE PUBLICATIONS ALSO PROVIDE PEOPLE WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF THEIR DISTRICT BOARD AND GIVE THEM A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION,* HE SAID.
+1 HOPE THAT AFTER READING WHAT THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS DONE FOR THEM, RESIDENTS WILL BE MORE READY TO CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 7,+ HE ADDED.
THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS SPENT ABOUT $125 000 PRODUCING THE TWO PUBLICATIONS.
- 0
/4
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1935
4
LADY YOUDE TOURS KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl
* X * *
LADY YOUDE VISITED VARIOUS PLACES IN KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON TO SEE THE SHIP-REPAIR INDUSTRY AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER. MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG, AND THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICER M? TAM WING-PONG, SHE VISITED THE CHEUNG CHING COMMUNITY CENTRE ON TSING Yl ISLAND AND MET MEMBERS OF THE CHING HONG YIN NGA I SOCIETY AND REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
LADY YOUDE THEN TOURED THE CHUNG MEI LO MET TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS.
UK RESITE VILLAGE AND
LATER SHE STOPPED AT THE HONG KONG UNITED DOCKYARDS AND LOOKED AT THE REPAIR FACILITIES, INCLUDING THREE FLOATING DOCKS FOR ALL TYPES OF SHIPS.
FROM T$ING Yl ISLAND, LADY YOUDE WENT TO THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE IN LAI KING. SHE WAS BRIEFED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY TRAINING AUTHORITY, MR FRANCIS TIEN, ON THE TRAINING FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE CENTRE.
AT HER LAST STOP - THE S.K.H. LADY MACLEHOSE CENTRE - LADY YOUDE MET THE CENTRE DIRECTOR, MRS NANCY LAM, AND SAW THE OPERATIONS CF AN ELDERLY CO-OPERATIVE WORKSHOP AND A NURSERY IN THE CENTRE.
-----o-----
QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION REMAINED LARGELY STABLE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER -DECEMBER 1984 WAS 3.8 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.5 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1984. THE RATE FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1983 WAS 4.1 PER CENT. THE INCREASE CF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND THE DECREASE OF 0.3 PERCENTAGE POINT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1983, WERE BOTH STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 99 500, AS COMPARED WITH 92 400 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1984 AND 105 500 FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.
/the underemployment .......
THURSDAY, FKBRDAfiY 14, 1985
- 5 -
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER - DECEMBER 1984 WAS 0.8 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 1.0 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE RATE FOR THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983 WAS 1.4 PER CENT. THE DECREASE IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER WAS STATISTICALLY NOT SIGNIFICANT, BUT THAT OVER THE YEAR WAS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, THAT IS, IT IS GREATER THAN MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO ARISE FROM SAMPLING ERROR. THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984 WAS 21 800, AS COMPARED WITH 25 600 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING SEPTEMBER 1984. THE NUMBER FOR OCTOBER -DECEMBER 1983 WAS 36 800. 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) VARIES FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB-SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
HE ADDED 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 NOVEMBER 1984 - JANUARY 1985 WAS 3.5 PER CENT, AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.0 PER CENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR OCTOBER -DECEMBER 1984 WAS 4.1 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 14 000 HOUSEHOLDS OR 53 000 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 AGED 15 AND ABOVE 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 DECEMBER 1984 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE LATE IN MARCH.
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/6........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1935
- 6 -
EXPORT LICENCE RULES EXPLAINED
* * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS, PARTICULARLY QUOTA-SUPPLIERS, THAT THEY SHOULD ENSURE THAT LICENSED QUANTITIES ARE WHOLLY SHIPPED.
SHORT-SHIPMENTS IN RESPECT OF EACH EXPORT LICENCE MUST BE REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE DAY ON WHICH THE GOODS ARE EXPORTED.
AN EXPORT LICENCE NOT USED WITHIN ITS VALIDITY PERIOD MUST BE CANCELLED WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE EXPIRY DATE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE CONDITIONS MAY RESULT IN PENALTIES, INCLUDING PERMANENT SURRENDER OF QUOTA AND DEBARMENT OF THE COMPANIES CONCERNED FROM PARTICIPATION IN FUTURE TEXTILE EXPORT CONTROL SCHEMES.
DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN A RECENTLY-PUBLISHED NOTICE TO EXPORTERS WHICH IS AVAILABLE AT THE ENQUIRIES SECTION OF THE TRADE DEPARTMENT, GROUND FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
- - - - 0 -----------
BIG RISE IN INSOLVENCIES BEING HANDLED
* * * *
A TOTAL OF 1 746 INSOLVENCIES WAS BEING HANDLED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
THESE INVOLVED 1 128 COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 618 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES, SHOWING AN INCREASE OF 31 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURES AT THE END OF 1983, WHEN THERE WERE 1 326 INSOLVENCIES -- 864 OF THEM BEING COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 462 PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.
DURING 1984 THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WAS APPOINTED LIQUIDATOR IN 315 NEW COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 187 NEW PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.
THIS REPRESENTED A COMBINED INCREASE OF 20.4 PER CENT IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES OVER 1983, WHICH SAW 280 NEW COMPANY LIQUIDATIONS AND 137 NEW PERSONAL BANKRUPTCIES.
BY COMPARISON THERE WAS A 35.4 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW INSOLVENCIES IN 1983 OVER 1982.
IT COULD BE SEEN, THEREFORE, THAT WHILE THE RATE OF NEW INSOLVENCIES WAS STILL INCREASING THE RATE OF INCREASE HAD SLOWED DOWN, MR NOEL GLEESON, REGISTRAR GENERAL, SAID.
/FUNDS HELD........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
- 7 -
FUNDS HELD BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AT THE END OF 1984 TOTALLED $426 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF OVER 90 PER CENT AS AGAINST $232 MILLION AT THE END OF 1983.
TOTAL DIVIDENDS PAID BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER DURING 1984 AMOUNTED TO $15.7 MILLION IN 144 INSOLVENCIES, J\S AGAINST $29 MILLION IN 109 INSOLVENCIES IN 1983. THE DIFFERENCE IN THE 1983 AND 1984 FIGURES IS ACCOUNTED FOR BY THE PAYMENT OF THE TSE LEE YUEN FIRST INTERIM DIVIDEND OF $18 MILLION IN DECEMBER 1983.
NOTABLE COMPANY FAILURES DURING 1984 INCLUDED THE EACA GROUP OF COMPANIES, THE GOODYEAR GROUP OF COMPANIES, N AND J INTERNATIONAL LTD, BYLAMSON AND ASSOCIATES (ENTERPRISES) LTD, J OSAWA AND CO. (HONG KONG) LTD, BEDFORD INSURANCE CO. LTD, ALLIED FOOD INDUSTRIES (FAR EAST) LTD, WING KEE CO. LTD, THE MILLIES GROUP OF COMPANIES, AND DEAK-PERERA FAR EAST LTD.
MR GLEESON PRAISED THE PROFESSIONAL AND OTHER STAFF OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE +WHO WERE COPING BRAVELY WITH A VERY DIFFICULT SITUATION*.
STAFF HAD BEEN REDEPLOYED FROM OTHER DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT BUT THIS FELL FAR SHORT OF WHAT WAS REQUIRED TO DEAL WITH THE PRESENT VOLUME OF INSOLVENCIES, HE SAID.
-----o------
CANDIDATES PLATFORMS ON DISPLAY * * * *
COLOURED PHOTOGRAPHS AND PLATFORMS OF THE 21 CANDIDATES CONTESTING SEATS ON THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD HAVE BEEN PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
ON SHOW ALSO ARE A CONSTITUENCY MAP, AND A LIST OF POLLING STATIONS AND VOTING SLOGANS.
WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, SAID THAT THROUGH THE PUBLICITY DISPLAY WINDOW, WAN CHAI RESIDENTS WOULD HAVE A CLEARER PICTURE OF ALL CANDIDATES AND WOULD BE CONSTANTLY REMINDED OF THE ELECTIONS.
♦ AS THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS SITUATED AT THE HEART OF BUSTLING ItNNESSY ROAD, THE DISPLAY WINDOW WILL SERVE AS AN IDEAL PUBLICITY VENUE,* HE SAID.
APART FROM THE SHOW WINDOW DISPLAY, PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES TO BE LAUNCHED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE COMING WEEKS INCLUDE A DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION VARIETY SHOW, AN EXHIBITION, ERECTION OF PUBLICITY BLOCKS, PANELS AND BANNERS, FORUMS FOR CANDIDATES, A TRAMS PARADE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF NEWSPAPER SUPPLEMENTS.
♦RESIDENTS SHOULD EXERCISE THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY AND CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 7,+ MR LAM ADDED.
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/8 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1935
8
YUEN LONG CANDIDATES MEET PUBLIC * * * *
THE 32 CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE PUBLIC AT A-FORUM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 16).
YUEN LONG IS ONE OF THE MOST COMPETITIVE DISTRICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH 32 CANDIDATES CONTESTING FOR 10 SEATS ON THE BOARD.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON SAID: +THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE 32 CANDIDATES IS 47, WITH ONLY ONE WOMAN.+
+THEIR OCCUPATIONS RANGE FROM TEACHERS AND HEADMASTERS, TO MERCHANTS, CLERKS, COMPANY DIRECTORS, MANAGERS AND LAWYERS,+ HE SAID.
AMONG THE 32 CANDIDATES, 18 ARE STANDING FOR ELECTIONS FOR THE FIRST TIME, WHILE FIVE ARE SERVING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND NINE OTHERS HAD ELECTION EXPERIENCE IN 1982.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUM AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 16) AT LUT SAU HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
A GOVERNMENT VAN WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, TSIM SHA TSUI AT 8 AM SHARP TO TAKE PRESS MEMBERS TO YUEN LONG.
REGIONAL MAPS AVAILABLE * * * *
SETS OF REGIONAL MAPS SHOWING DISTRICT BOARD ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN GIS PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
9
BOARD TO CONSIDER SUBWAY PLANS
*****
A PROPOSAL TO ALTER PLANS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY AT THE JORDAN ROAD INTERSECTION AND FERRY C°NCOURSE WILL bt DISCUSSED IN THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
MEMBERS’ VIEW WILL BE SOUGHT TO ALLOCATE $25 OOO TO A +CLASSIC+ CAR PARADE AND VARIETY SHOW TO PUBLICISE THE BOARD ELECTIONS.
MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE DRAFT OUTLINE ZONING YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK AND RECOMMENDATIONS BY A WORKING THE FUTURE OF THE DISTRICT NEWSPAPERS.
ORGANISE
DISTRICT
PLAN FOR
GROUP ON
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE APPLICATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS BY VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, CHECKLIST OF OUTSTANDING PROJECTS AND ACTIONS BY THE DB, FINANCIAL POSITION OF DB FUNDS, COMPLAINTS LODGED WITH DB MEMBERS, AND PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
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FESTIVE LIGHTS GO ON TOMORROW *****
LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS IN VICTORIA PARK WILL BE SWITCHED ON FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING AND WILL BE ON UNTIL MARCH 6.
FUNDED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT $35 000, THE LIGHTING DISPLAYS FEATURE FOUR CHINESE DOLLS HOLDING A CARP DENOTING PROSPERITY AND PEACE, WITH NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM THE BOARD AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON DAILY FROM 6 PM TO MIDNIGHT, AND FROM 6 PM UNTIL 6 AM ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S EVE. BETWEEN FEBRUARY 20 TO 24 THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON FROM 6 PM TO 1 AM.
AN EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD DECIDED TO ALLOCATE FUNDS AGAIN, FOR THE LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS.
+THIS WILL PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE PUBLIC WHO VISIT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK TO SHARE THE FESTIVE MOOD,+ HE SAID.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL SWITCH ON THE LIGHTING DISPLAY AT A CEREMONY TOMORROW.
OTHER OFFICIATING GUESTS WILL INCLUDE URBAN COUNCILLOR MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, AREA COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
10
ELECTION POSTERS ON PLBS, MAXICABS
* * * *
PUBLICITY POSTERS OF DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES CAN BE POSTED ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND MAXICABS, PROVIDED PERMISSION IS SOUGHT BY THE LICENCEES FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.
CANDIDATES NEED NOT APPLY FOR SUCH PERMISSION, BUT PLB AND MAXICAB OPERATORS MUST OBTAIN A SPECIAL PERMIT FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IF THEY WANT TO DISPLAY ELECTION POSTERS OF CANDIDATES ON THEIR VEHICLES, HE SAID, CLARIFYING AN EARLIER REPORT.
NO FEE WOULD BE CHARGED FOR THIS TYPE OF SPECIAL PERMIT, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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BOARD TO LEARN ABOUT TOWN PROJECTS * * *
NORTH DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE FANLING NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AT THEIR MEETING ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18).
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO REVIEW THE +MEET-THE-PUBLIC+ SCHEME.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROGRESS REPORTS OF VARIOUS COMMITTEES, A BIMONTHLY FINANCIAL STATEMENT AND THE ALLOCATION OF DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE MEETING TO BE FELD AT 9.30 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, FANLING ROUNDABOUT.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
11 -
YOUTHS BRING FUN TO OLD FOLK * * * *
A LARGE GROUP OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS BROUGHT-HAPPIN ESS AND WARMTH TO THE ELDERLY IN YUEN LONG BY STAGING A MATINEE AND DISTRIBUTING GIFTS TO THEM THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SOME 200 JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS FROM YUEN LONG DISTRICT ACCOMPANIED ABOUT 250 ELDERLY PEOPLE TO THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL FOR THE MATINEE AND HELPED LOOK AFTER THEM DURING THE WHOLE AFTERNOON.
THE SPECIAL TREAT WAS ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICE AND THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL MANAGEMENT OFFICE. IT WAS AIMED AT ENTERTAINING THE ELDERLY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE EVE OF LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVAL AND PROMOTING AWARENESS OF THE NEEDS AND WELFARE OF SENIOR CITIZENS.
TO THE DELIGHT OF THE ELDERLY, THERE WERE A CANTONESE OPERA, DANCING AND A SINGING PERFORMANCES BY YOUNGSTERS IN THE DISTRICT.
DURING THE AFTERNOON SHOW, THE ELDERLY WERE EACH GIVEN A NEW YEAR GIFT AND A RED PACKET. THEY ALSO SHARED A BIG BIRTHDAY CAKE WHICH CELEBRATED THE TENTH ANNIVERSARY OF JPC.
IN AN ADDRESS TO THE PARTICIPANTS, MR LEE WAI-KWONG, CHAIRMAN OF THE MATINEE’S ORGANISING COMMITTEE, SAID: +COMPARED WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES, THOSE HELD FOR AGED PEOPLE ARE SOMEWHAT A BIT LESS IN YUEN LONG.
+YUEN LONG DISTRICT JPC MEMBERS HAVE ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE AND I WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO APPEAL TO YOU ALL TO SUPPORT AND ORGANISE MORE ACTIVITIES FOR THE AGED PEOPLE.+
MR LEE ALSO THANKED THE MEMBERS OF YUEN CHING ASSOCIATION tup SoTaIe theLperform5nce.ARY SCH00L and chung s,ng school
. ALSO ATTENDING THE FUNCTION WERE MR BASIL LIM POLICE DISTRICT COMMANDER OF YUEN LONG AND SPONSOR MADAM LEUNG S ING-TAK.
ELDERLY FROM THE SALVATION ARMY’S KAM TIN CARE AND Sf>oTSETHe“£e“G H0ME ™ THE 4GED eLIND AND THE C4RIT‘S
- - 0
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
12
THREE HOUSING TENDERS APPROVED * * * *
THREE PUBLIC HOUSING TENDERS TOTALLING MORE THAN $110.7 MILLION WERE APPROVED TODAY BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE.
THEY COVER THE SITE FORMATION WORK FOR A HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME ESTATE IN NGAU CHI WAN AND A RENTAL ESTATE IN SIU CHAI WAN, AS WELL AS THE ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION ON NEW BLOCKS IN HIN KENG ESTATE, SHA TIN.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY MR H.M.G. FORSGATE.
- - 0 -
COMMITTEE SEES CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE TODAY WENT ON THE GROUND AND INSPECTED CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS IN THREE KOWLOON PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECTS.
HEADED BY COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR GERALD FORSGATE, THEY VISITED THE KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT, LOK WAH ESTATE AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME TIN MA COURT.
MR FORSGATE SAID AFTERWARDS HE WAS IMPRESSED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS.
♦IT JUST SEEMS YESTERDAY WHEN I LAST INSPECTED THE SITE FORMATION WORK AT TIN MA COURT IN 1982.+
TIN MA COURT IS BEING DEVELOPED IN TWO PHASES AND WILL HOUSE ALTOGETHER 12 000 PEOPLE IN 2 800 FLATS ON FIVE BLOCKS ON FULL COMPLETION NEXT YEAR.
ACCOMPANIED BY SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS, THE PARTY ALSO SAW SEMI-MECHANISED CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES IN USE AT THE THIRD PHASE OF REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE.
- - 0
/13 •
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
- 13 -
FIVE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES FOR 1985 * * * *
THE POST OFFICE WILL BE PUTTING OUT FIVE SPECIAL STAMP ISSUES WITH A VARIETY OF THEMES THIS YEAR.
THE FIRST SPECIAL STAMPS, DEPICTING HISTORICAL BUILDINGS CF HONG KONG — THE HUNG SING TEMPLE, THE OLD SUPREME COURT, ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL AND THE WAN CHAI POST OFFICE — WILL BE ON SALE ON MARCH 14.
THE STAMPS, DESIGNED BY MR MEL HARRIS, WILL BE SOLD IN A GOLD AND RED PRESENTATION FOLDER.
THE SECOND SET OF SPECIAL STAMPS WILL HAVE THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL AS ITS THEME, AND WILL BE ISSUED ON JUNE 19.
IT IS DESIGNED BY MR R.W. HOOKHAM AND WILL BE ISSUED IN A SOUVENIR SHEET OF FOUR STAMPS, IN A SETENANT STRIP SHOWING A COMPLETE BOAT IN ACTION.
HONG KONG WILL BE ONE OF THE 15 COMMONWEALTH TERRITORIES CONTRIBUTING TO AN OMNIBUS SERIES FEATURING THE LIFE AND TIMES CF THE QUEEN MOTHER. THE SET OF FOUR STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED ON AUGUST 7.
FLOWERS OF HONG KONG WILL BE THE THEME FOR A SET OF SIX STAMPS TO BE ISSUED ON SEPTEMBER 25. THE FLOWERS ARE MELASTOMA, CHINESE LILY, GRANTHAM’S CAMELLIA, NARCISSUS, BAUHINIA AND CHINESE NEW YEAR FLOWER.
THESE STAMPS, DESIGNED BY MR NICK JESSE, WILL ALSO BE REPRODUCED ON POSTCARDS FOR SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES.
THE LAST ISSUE OF THE YEAR WILL COMPLEMENT THE HISTORICAL BUILDINGS ISSUE IN MARCH. THE NEW BUILDINGS OF HONG KONG - THE ACADEMY FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS, THE NEW HK AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, EXCHANGE SQUARE AND THE COLISEUM - WILL BE DEPICTED IN A SET OF FOUR STAMPS DESIGNED BY MR NICK JESSE TO BE ISSUED ON NOVEMBER 27.
MORE DETAILS OF THESE STAMPS WILL BE ANNOUNCED CLOSER TO THE TIME OF ISSUE.
--------O
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
14
CLOSURE OF ROOFTOP STRUCTURES SOUGHT X * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (THURSDAY) DECLARED THAT TWO ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF A BUILDING AT 21-23 LEE TUNG STREET, WAN CHAI, SHOULD BE CLOSED SO THAT THE STRUCTURES COULD BE DEMOLISHED WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR THE PUBLIC.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER AT THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT ON MARCH 21 AT 9.30 AM WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THE CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS PART OF THE JOB OF ENFORCING THE ORDERS REQUIRING DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES, ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
RECENT INSPECTIONS HAD SHOWN THAT THE ORDERS HAD NOT BEEN COMPLIED WITH.
+DEMOLITION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDER IS MADE,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
BOARD LOOKING INTO STATIONS’ NAMES * * * *
PROPOSED NAMES FOR A NUMBER OF LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT STATIONS IN TUEN MUN WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO SEEK MEMBERS’ VIEW ON A SCHEME PROPOSED BY A WORKING GROUP UNDER THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE, TO PROVIDE A LEGAL MEANS OF REDRESS AGAINST NUISANCES CAUSED BY VICE-ESTABLISHMENTS TO OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE SAME BUILDING.
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL BRIEF MEMBERS ON THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS MAJOR GOVERNMENT PROJECTS.
OTHER TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION INCLUDE THE REPORT ON THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD U.K. STUDY TOUR, AND THE COMMENTS OF A WORKING GROUP ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT BOARD MEETING AT 10 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE BOARD’S SECRETARIAT ON THE NINTH FLOOR, FOO YICK COMMERCIAL BUILDING SAN ON CIRCUIT, TUEN MUN.
A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE AM 5797 WILL LEAVE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9 AM SHARP TO TAKE PRESS MEMEEK TO TUEN MUN.
- 0 -
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
15
TSUEN WAN SET FOR NEW YEAR GLITTER * * * *
FOUR AREAS IN TSUEN WAN DISTRICT WILL BE GLITTERING WITH COLOURFUL LUNAR NEW YEAR LIGHTS FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL FEBRUARY 26.
THE FESTIVE LIGHTS, COSTING ABOUT $150 000, HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT THE FOOTBRIDGE OUTSIDE FOU WAH CENTRE, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE TSI NG Yl BRIDGE ROUNDABOUT AND AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
MRS MABEL HAYES, WIFE OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A SWITCHING-ON CEREMONY AT THE OPEN AIR CAR-PARK OUTSIDE FOU WAH CENTRE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE LUNAR NEW YEAR DECORATIVE LIGHTINGS IS SPONSORED BY THE TUSEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD.
-----o------
REFRESHER COURSES OFFERED
* * X *
FOUR FULL-TIME REFRESHER COURSES FOR ENGLISH AND CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION IN THE 1985-86 ACADEMIC YEAR.
THE COURSES DEAL WITH PRESENT TRENDS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN LANGUAGE TEACHING.
NO FEES WILL BE CHARGED, AND PARTICIPANTS WHO COMPLETE THE COURSES WILL BE ISSUED WITH REFRESHER COURSE CERTIFICATES.
THE COURSES, TWO FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHERS AND TWO FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE TEACHERS, WILL EACH LAST FOR 16 WEEKS AND ACCOMMODATE 200 PARTICIPANTS.
PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO TEACHERS WHO HAVE AT LEAST FIVE YEARS OF POST-QUALIFICATION TEACHING EXPERIENCE AND HAVE DEVOTED AT LEAST 50 PER CENT OF THEIR TEACHING TIME TO THE TEACHING OF CHINESE AND ENGLISH DURING THE PAST TWO ACADEMIC YEARS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO THE COURSES SHOULD APPLY BEFORE MARCH 15 TO THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (INSTITUTE OF LANGUAGE IN EDUCATION) AT 21/F, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET, KOWLOON. RESULTS OF THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN APRIL.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT THE INSTITUTE ON 3-319418.
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/16 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
- 16 -
TENDERS INVITED TO PROVIDE ROLLER SKATES FOR HIRE * * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE HIRING CF ROLLER SKATES AT VICTORIA PARK, CAUSEWAY BAY.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE AWARDED A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT FROM THE DATE OF SIGNING THE CONTRACT. THE CURRENT MONTHLY RENTAL IS $5 OOO.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 153, SHAUKIWAN MAIN STREET EAST, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED IN DUPLICATE AND PLACED BY HAND IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEPTION COUNTER, 12TH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), ICE HOUSE STREET, BEFORE 9 A.M. ON FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 1985. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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NEW CLUB HOUSE OPENING * * *
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL OFFICIATE. AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW CHAI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION CLUB HOUSE AT 2.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE NEW OFFICE IS LOCATED AT L103 AND L104, HANG HING HOUSE, HING WAH ESTATE AT WAN TSUI ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - - - 0------
/17........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 1985
- 17 -
BUS SERVICE TO BE WITHDRAWN
O *
KMB ROUTE 5M OPERATING BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION AND TSIM SHA TSUI EAST WILL BE WITHDRAWN AS FROM SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 16), DUE TO LOW PATRONAGE.
TO COMPENSATE FOR THE CANCELLATION, THE ROUTE ING FOR MAXICAB NUMBER 1 WILL BE REVISED FROM THE SAME DAY. THE CIRCULAR SERVICE WILL OPERATE FROM TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION VIA HAIPHONG ROAD, HUMPHREYS AVENUE, CARNARVON ROAD, CORNWALL AVENUE, MODY ROAD, SCIENCE MUSEUM ROAD, GRANVILLE ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH, CAMERON ROAD, CARNARVON ROAD, NATHAN ROAD, SALISBURY ROAD, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, SALISBURY ROAD, HANKOW ROAD AND HAIPHONG ROAD.
ADDITIONAL VEHICLES WILL BE DEPLOYED ON THE SERVICE IF NECESSARY.
-----o-----
TRAVELLERS REMINDED ABOUT ANIMAL IMPORTS * * * *
AN AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED HOLIDAY-MAKERS TODAY THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO BRING ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS OR PLANTS BACK TO HONG KONG.
HE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A DRASTIC INCREASE IN THE NUMBER CF ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF THESE ANIMALS OR PLANTS.
LAST MONTH, THERE WERE 101 CASES OF ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS INTO HONG KONG, RESULTING IN THE SEIZURE OF 153 HAWKS, 14 OWLS, THREE LEOPARD CATS, TWO PANGOLINS, ONE MONKEY AND 25 KILOGRAMS OF PANGOLIN MEAT.
THIS COMPARED WITH 24 CASES IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH WHEN 25 HAWKS, THREE OWLS, THREE LEOPARD CATS, FOUR PANGOLINS AND 7.7 KILOGRAMS OF PANGOLIN MEAT WERE SEIZED.
UNDER THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE, OFFENDERS WERE LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5 000 ON CONVICTION FOR THE FIRST OFFENCE AND $10 000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT FOR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES.
AS THOUSANDS OF HONG KONG PEOPLE WERE EXPECTED TO VISIT CHINA AND OTHER COUNTRIES DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, THE SPOKESMAN URGED THEM NOT TO BRING BACK ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES CF ANIMALS OR PLANTS TO AVOID UNNECESSARY TROUBLES.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LIFE GUARDS PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK ............................. 1
HONG KONG GROUP VISITS CHINA .................................. 2
DRUG SEIZURES INCREASE LAB WORK ............................... 2
MODERN HOMES FOR 26 800 MORE PEOPLE BY 1987 ................... 5
5 597 500 PEOPLE HERE ......................................... 4
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED .................... 4
CANDIDATES TO MEET PUBLIC ..................................... 7
TRANSPORT PLaN FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY .......................... 8
YOUTHS TOLD OF SPORTS BENEFITS ................................ 10
PILING TENDERS INVITED ........................................ 10
ACCESS ROAD PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN .............................. 11
MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO BE SUSPENDED DURI G HOLIDAYS ............ 11
MUSIC NIGHT FOR YAU MA TEI YOUTHS ............................. 12
VALUE OF JOINT EFFORT STRESSED ................................ 15
TSUEN WAN BRIGHTENS UP ........................................ 14
POLICY ON OFFENSIVE TRADES EXPLAINED ......................... 14
TEACHERS TO GATHER ............................................ 15
OLD, NEEDY TO GET FOOD PACKAGES ............................... 15
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES ....................................... "6
LORRY PARKING FEES UP ......................................... 16
FLOATING REFUSE CLEARED ....................................... 17
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ROAD WORK ................................... 17
2 500TH CONCERT ............................................... 18
SAFETY MESSAGE ON FIIM ........................................ 18
TRAFFIC CHANGE TO COPE WITH MARKET VISITORS ................... 19
ROAD REPAIR WORK OVER ......................................... 19
PLB'S NOT ALLOWED HERE ........................................ 20
OLD PEAK ROAD TRAFFIC ......................................... 20
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
1
LIFE GUARDS PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK
* * * *
THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY HAD MADE + A VERY VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO RECREATION AND PUBLIC SAFETY IN HONG KONG SINCE ITS FORMATION IN I960*, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TONIGHT.
IT HAD SAVED OVER 17 600 LIVES - AND HAD GRANTED 147 000 LIFE-SAVING AWARDS IN THAT TIME, SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A DINNER CELEBRATING THE SILVER JUBILEE OF THE BRANCH.
♦THE IMPRESSIVE EXPANSION IN THE SCOPE OF YOUR ACTIVITIES AND INCREASE IN YOUR MEMBERSHIP HAVE COINCIDED WITH A BOOM IN RECREATION AND SPORT IN HONG KONG, THE RESULT OF INCREASED LEISURE AND IMPROVEMENTS IN THE STANDARD OF LIVING,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
+SWIMMING IS THE MOST POPULAR FORM OF ACTIVE RECREATION IN HONG KONG, BUT IT CAN HOLD DANGERS FOR THE INEXPERIENCED AND THE THOUGHTLESS. THIS IS WHERE YOUR BRANCH HAS DONE SUCH VALUABLE WORK.+
SIR EDWARD SAID THE GOVERNMENT, TOO, ATTACHED GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE ENGAGING IN SPORT AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, IN PARTICULAR WATER SPORTS.
+LAST YEAR, OVER 20 000 PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LEARNED HOW TO SWIM THROUGH CLASSES ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE,* HE SAID.
HE WAS VERY PLEASED TO HEAR THAT THE COMMONWEALTH COUNCIL OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY HAD AWARDED THE WILLIAM HENRY MEMORIAL TROPHY TO THE HONG KONG BRANCH, AND THE KING EDWARD VII CUP TO THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB FOR ATTAINING THE GREATEST INCREASE IN SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE SOCIETY’S LIFE-SAVING AND RESUSCITATION AWARDS.
♦BOTH AWARDS REPRESENT SIGNAL HONOURS FOR HONG KONG AND ARE WELL-DESERVED TRIBUTES TO THE DEDICATION OF THOSE INVOLVED IN THE WORK OF THE BRANCH AND THE CLUB,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
2
HONG KONG GROUP VISITS CHINA * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND PLANNING, MR LAU JONG-MING, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SUPPLIES AND DISTRIBUTION, MR LI CHUEN, AND DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MRS ELIZABETH WONG, LEFT FOR GUANGZHOU THIS (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE VISIT IS IN RESPONSE TO AN INVITATION FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG PROVINCIAL BUREAU OF WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO POWER TO DISCUSS MATTERS RELATING TO THE SUPPLY OF WATER FROM CHINA.
THE DELEGATION WILL RETURN ON FEBRUARY 19.
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DRUG SEIZURES INCREASE LAB WORK *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS TOURED THE OFFICES OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY TODAY TO MEET THE STAFF AND TO LOOK AT THEIR WORK.
MR ROWLANDS WAS TOLD THAT DUE TO THE RECENT BIG INCREASE IN NARCOTICS SEIZURES, THE WORKLOAD OF THE DRUGS OF ABUSE SECTION OF THE LABORATORY HAD GREATLY INCREASED.
THE NUMBER OF SEIZURES FORWARDED TO THE SECTION FOR EXAMINATION LAST MONTH WAS 3 544 COMPARED WITH 2 904 FOR THE SAME MONTH IN 1984, AN INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT.
THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY HAD TWO OPERATIONAL DIVISIONS. RESPONSIBLE FOR ANALYTICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES AND FORENSIC SCIENCE. THE DRUGS OF ABUSE SECTION WAS ONE OF SIX SECTIONS IN THE FORENSIC SCIENCE DIVISION.
MR ROWLANDS WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST, N.S. LEE AND THE CHIEF CHEMIST, DR B.N. DAILLY DURING THE VISIT®
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 3 -
MODERN HOMES FOR 26 800 MORE PEOPLE BY 1987
*****
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY SIGNED TWO LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING CONTRACTS TOTALLING OVER $392 MILLION - THE SECOND BATCH AWARDED IN 1985.
THE CONTRACTS WERE SIGNED BY MR FRED PANG YUK-LING WHO THIS WEEK SUCCEEDED MR DAVID FORD AS DIRECTOR OF HOUSING. MR FORD IS NOW SECRETARY FOR HOUSING.
THEY COVER CAISSON FOUNDATIONS AND/OR CONSTRUCTION WORKS FOR NEW BLOCKS IN TwO ESTATES, PROVIDING HOMES FOR 26 800 MORE PEOPLE BY 1987.
ONE IS VALUED AT $210.6 MILLION AND IS FOR CAISSON FOUNDATIONS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR MODERN BLOCKS AT CHUK YUEN ESTATE UNDER ITS FOURTH PHASE.
THE FOUR 35-STOREY TRIDENT III BLOCKS WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 3 264 FLATS FOR 15 000 PEOPLE ON COMPLETION BY THE END OF 1987.
CHUK YUEN ESTATE IS BEING DEVELOPED IN FIVE PHASES, AND WILL BECOME ONE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S LARGEST PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS IN KOWLOON ON FULL COMPLETION BY 1988, HOUSING ALTOGETHER 50 000 PEOPLE.
THE FIRST THREE BLOCKS OF THE ESTATE WERE COMPLETED LAST YEAR AND ARE NOW HOUSING 10 000 PEOPLE. FOUR OTHER BLOCKS FOR 14 000 MORE PEOPLE ARE BEING BUILT UNDER THE SECOND AND THIRD PHASES.
THE OTHER CONTRACT, WORTH $181.6 MILLION, IS FOR THE SECOND PHASE OF THE LAM TIN ESTATE NORTH EXTENSION PROJECT.
WORKS WILL COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE 35-STOREY TRIDENT III BLOCKS WITH 2 448 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 11 800 PEOPLE BY 1987.
ALSO TO BE BUILT WILL BE A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND TWO MULTI-STOREY CARPARKS, PLUS ASSOCIATED ROADS, DRAINAGE AND EXTERNAL WORKS.
THE LAM TIN ESTATE NORTH EXTENSION PROJECT IS BEING DEVELOPED IN TWO PHASES. CONSTRUCTION WORK UNDER THE FIRST PHASE IS WELL UNDERWAY ON THREE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS WHICH WILL HOUSE 6 700 PEOPLE ON COMPLETION BY 1986.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
4
5 397 500 PEOPLE HERE * * * *
THE ESTIMATED POPULATION OF HONG KONG AT THE 1984 WAS 5 397 500, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
END OF DECEMBER TODAY BY THE
THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 53 100 THE 1983 FIGURE.
THE BALANCE OF TOTAL ARRIVALS INFLOW OF 996 PERSONS DURING 1984.
PERSONS OR ONE PER CENT OVER
AND DEPARTURES SHOWED A NET
YEAR
DEATHS TOTALLED 25 503
7HERE WERE 77 599 BIRTHS LAST YEAR. DEATHS TOTALLED 25 503 NATURAL INCREASE - THE SURPLUS OF BIRTHS OVER DEATHS - AMOUNTED TO 52 096, ACCOUNTING FOR 98 PER CENT OF THE POPULATION GROWTH.
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QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED *****
THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR REMAINED LARGELY STABLE IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, A MODERATE DECLINE IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR. FIRMS DID NOT EXPERIENCE A DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, CONTRARY TO EARLIER EXPECTATIONS.
IN FACT, THE SECTOR’S FOURTH QUARTER BUSINESS ACTIVITY WAS MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER.
+FURTHERMORE, A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1981 THAT THERE HAS BEEN SUCH A STRONG EXPECTATION OF A PICK UP IN BUSINESS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
AS FOR THE 'WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS’ BUSINESS, REPORTING FIRMS EXPERIENCED SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, CONSISTENT WITH EXPECTATIONS IN THE LAST ROUND OF THE SURVEY. THEY EXPECT LITTLE CHANGE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR.
/IMPROVEMENTS IN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 5 -
IMPROVEMENTS IN BUSINESS WERE ALSO EXPERIENCED BY ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR IN THE FOURTH QUARTER AND FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS ARE EXPECTED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985.
ABOUT 1000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY HAD TAKEN PART, IN THE SURVEY AND HAD BEEN ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND EXPECTATIONS.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, FIRMS IN THE 'FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO’ AND ’WEARING APPAREL’ INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED A STABLE LEVEL OF BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
MILD ADVANCES IN BUSINESS WERE REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE ’WATCHES AND CLOCKS’ INDUSTRY WHILE A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT WAS REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.
AS FOR THE OTHER MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WHICH INCLUDE THE 'TEXTILES’, ’PLASTICS’, 'FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS’, 'ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ AND ’ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES, A GENERAL DECLINE IN BUSINESS WAS EXPERIENCED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, WITH THE 'ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES’ INDUSTRY REGISTERING THE LARGEST FALL.
REGARDING THE OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985, A GENERAL DOWNTREND IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, EXCEPT THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY IN WHICH A MILD IMPROVEMENT IS EXPECTED.
A SHARP DETERIORATION IN BUSINESS IS PREDICTED BY RESPONDING FIRMS IN THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
ALTHOUGH 'WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES, AND 'RESTAURANTS’ ACHIEVED SOME IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, THEIR EXPECTATIONS FOR THE FIRST QUARTER VARY. ’WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES’ PREDICT A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT WHILE RESTAURANTS ANTICIPATE A DECLINE, DUE MAINLY TO SEASONAL FACTORS.
HOTELS EXPERIENCED A SUBSTANTIAL SEASONAL UPTURN IN BUSINESS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER BUT LOOK FORWARD TO A SEASONAL DOWNTURN IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE ’OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR ACHIEVED A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS' IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, WITH THE EXTENT CF IMPROVEMENT BEING MOST SUBSTANTIAL IN THE CASE OF THE ’TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION’ BUSINESS.
AN OPTIMISTIC OUTLOOK FOR THE FIRST QUARTER IS SHARED BY FIRMS ACROSS THE 'OTHER SERVICES’ SECTOR WITH ’BANKS’ AND ’REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES’ PARTICULARLY CONFIDENT CF A STRONG UPTREND IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
/THE SURVEY
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
6
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY FIRMS.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG REMAINED THE MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE FOURTH QUARTER AND IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN THE FIRST QUARTER. AN INCREASING PROPORTION OF MANUFACTURING FIRMS REGARD INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS OVERSEAS AS PROBLEMS FOR BOTH THE FOURTH AND THE FIRST QUARTERS. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE PROBLEM OF SHORTAGE OF SKILLED LABOUR EASED OFF CONSIDERABLY IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR STILL CONSIDER INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG AS THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THE FOURTH AND THE FIRST QUARTERS.
FIRMS IN 'WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES’ CONTINUED TO QUOTE PRICE COMPETITION AS THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN THE FOUTH QUARTER, WITH LITTLE PROSPECT OF EASING IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
AS FOR RESTAURANTS, THE STRAIN OF THE PROBLEM OF INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS EASED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER WHILE HIGH STAFF TURNOVER EMERGED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM. MOREOVER, PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED AS A PROMINENT PROBLEM FOR RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER AND IT IS EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
FIRMS IN 'TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION’ AND 'REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES’ ALSO CONSIDERED PRICE COMPETITION AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEM FOR BOTH THE FOURTH AND FIRST QUARTERS.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE SURVEY RESULTS, OBTAINED WITH A MINIMUM TIME LAG, WERE BASICALLY INTENDED TO PROVIDE ONE SOURCE OF REFERENCE FOR MAKING A QUICK ASSESSMENT CF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY, PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BUSINESS SITUATION AND LEVEL OF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD ’IMPROVED’, ’REMAINED THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATED’ IN THE QUARTER JUST ENDED AS COMPARED WITH THE QUARTER BEFORE THAT. FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER THE SITUATION WILL ’IMPROVE’, ’REMAIN THE SAME’ OR ’DETERIORATE’. THE BALANCE OF OPINIONS OF RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED AND ANALYSED. THE SURVEY REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED AND EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT ECONOMIC SECTORS AND A BREAKDOWN CF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT IN A SURVEY OF THIS NATURE, THE RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
/COPIES OF
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 19‘$?
- 7
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT S3 PER COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
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CANDIDATES TO MEET PUBLIC * * * *
THE FIRST OF SEVEN FORUMS FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC WILL START TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING.
ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE FORUMS WILL BE HELD ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS AND OPEN TO ALL.
THE CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR INDIVIDUAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
ORIGINALLY, THERE WERE 19 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 13 ELECTED SEATS ON THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD, BUT AS THREE OF THE SEATS - TWO IN CHUNG WAN AND ONE IN SA I YING PUN WEST -ARE UNCONTESTED, ONLY 16 CANDIDATES WILL BE VYING FOR THE REMAINING ID SEATS.
DETAILS OF THE OPEN FORUMS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
TOMORROW 8 PM KENNEDY TOWN EAST
(SATURDAY)
FEBRUARY 17 10.30 AM KENNEDY TOWN WEST
(SUNDAY) AND MOUNT DAVIS
MARCH 1 (FR IDAY)
8 PM SHEUNG WAN
MARCH 2 (SATURDAY)
2.30 PM MID LEVEL AND PEAK
ST. LOUIS OLD BOY’S COLLEGE
FORBES STREET PLAYGROUND (NEAR SMITHFIELD), KENNEDY TOWN.
CHIU CHOW CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, 10/F, 81 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST
AUDITORIUM OF CARITAS CENTRE, BLOCK D, 9/F, 2 CAINE ROAD.
/MARCH 2
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 8
MARCH 2 2.30 PM
(SATURDAY)
MARCH 3 1 PM
(SUNDAY)
MARCH 3 3 PM
(SUNDAY)
SAI YING PUN WEST
SAI YING PUN EAST
CHUNG WAN
ST. LOUIS SCHOOL, 179 THIRD STREET.
KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK, EASTERN STREET.
TWGHS WONG FUNG LING COLLEGE, 109 HOLLYWOOD ROAD.
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TRANSPORT PLAN FOR FIREWORKS DISPLAY *****
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 21) EVENING, IN CONNECTION WITH THE FIREWORKS DISPLAY OVER VICTORIA HARBOUR AT 8 PM.
BUS, MAXICAB AND FERRY SERVICES WITHIN THE CLOSED AREAS ON LAND OR IN THE HARBOUR, WILL BE SUSPENDED OR DIVERTED.
MORE BUSES AND TRAINS WILL BE PUT IN SERVICE FOR THE BENEFIT CF THE VIEWING PUBLIC.
DETAILS ARE:
* MORE TRIPS WILL BE OPERATED ON CMB ROUTE 15 BETWEEEN CENTRAL AND THE PEAK, WITH BUSES RUNNING AT SIX-MINUTE INTERVALS. ADDITIONAL TRAINS WILL ALSO BE DEPLOYED ON THE MTR, AND THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE EVERY THREE-AND-A-HALF MINUTES.
SUSPENDED SERVICES
* CMB ROUTES 720 AND 780 ALONG THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 5.30 PM.
/• KMB
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 9 -
* KMB ROUTE 208 WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 PM, WHILE KOWLOON MAXICAB NO. 1 WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7 PM UNTIL CROWDS HAVE DISPERSED.
X HYF’S WAN CHAI TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7.20 PM AND 8.40 PM. ITS WAN CHAI TO HUNG HOM ROUTE WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 7.15 PM AND 8.45 PM.
ROUTE DIVERSIONS
* A NUMBER OF SERVICES WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF ROAD CLOSURES AND REROUTE INGS IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI, CAUSEWAY BAY AND TSIM SHA TSUI: CMB ROUTES 8, 11A, 21, 24, 40-KMB ROUTES IK, 2K, 2C, 3, 3C, 4A, 5, 5C, 8, 13, 68, 70, 71, 201- AND KOWLOON MAXICAB ROUTES 6, 7, 8 AND 31M.
TERMINAL CHANGES
* THE TERMINAL POINT FOR HONG KONG MAX I CAB ROUTES 1, 2 AND 3 WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM 5 PM.
* KOWLOON MAX I CAB ROUTE 3 WILL TERMINATE AT LOCK ROAD FROM 6.50 PM.
* THE STAR FERRY BUS TERMINUS IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6.50 PM. KMB ROUTES 1, 1A, 2, 6, 6A, 7 AND 9 WILL THEN TERMINATE AT THE PEKING ROAD COACH TERMINUS.
ENTRY/EXIT ARRANGEMENTS AT TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION
* FROM 6 PM TO 8 PM, ALL ENTRANCES OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI MTR STATION WILL BE RESERVED FOR OUT-GOING PASSENGERS EXCEPT THE CAMERON ROAD ENTRANCE, WHICH WILL ONLY ADMIT IN-COMING PASSENGERS. FROM 8 PM ONWARDS, ALL STATION ENTRANCES WILL BE RESERVED FOR IN-COMING PASSENGERS EXCEPT THE ONE AT CARNARVON ROAD, WHICH WILL BE FOR OUTGOING PASSENGERS ONLY. THE HUMPHREYS AVENUE ENTRANCE WILL BE CLOSED THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.
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/10........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
10
YOUTHS TOLD OF SPORTS BENEFITS * * * *
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES HELPED STUDENTS DEVELOP A STRONGER SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT, MR DICKEN YUNG, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE LOK SIN TONG SCHOOLS JOINT ATHLETIC MEET AT MONG KOK STADIUM THIS AFTERNOON, MR YUNG SAID: +THROUGH SPORTS, STUDENTS WILL DEVELOP LEADERSHIP, INTELLIGENCE, CONFIDENCE, A CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT AND STRONG PHYSIQUE.
+ IT WILL PREPARE YOUNG PEOPLE TO BECOME RESPECTFUL CITI ZENS,+ HE ADDED.
MORE THAN 650 STUDENTS FROM NINE PRIMARY AND SIX SECONDARY SCHOOLS OF LOK SIN TONG BENEVOLENT SOCIETY, KOWLOON TOOK PART IN ABOUT 100 TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS. SEVENTY OF THEM RECEIVED PRIZES FROM MR YUNG AT THE CEREMONY.
-------0 -
PILING TENDERS INVITED
X X * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY INVITED TENDERS FOR PILING TO FOUNDATIONS FOR A MODERN RESIDENTIAL BLOCK UNDER THE SECOND PHASE OF LEUNG TIN ESTATE IN TUEN MUN.
+THE BLOCK TO BE BUILT AFTER PILING WILL PROVIDE 892 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 3 200 PEOPLE BY THE END OF 1987,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY.
HE SAID THE SCOPE OF TENDERS ALSO INCLUDED PILING FOR A CARPARK, A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL.
+LEUNG TIN ESTATE, BEING DEVELOPED IN FIVE PHASES, IS THE NINTH PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT IN THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
+PILING WORK FOR THREE DOMESTIC BLOCKS UNDER THE FIRST PHASE OF THE ESTATE IS ALREADY WELL UNDERWAY.
+ *HEN THE ESTATE IS FULLY COMPLETED BY 1989, IT WILL BECOME
A SELF-CONTAINED ENTITY FOR 54 000 PEOPLE.*
ALSO INVITED TODAY WERE TENDERS FOR THE REDECORATION OF EIGHT DOMESTIC BLOCKS AND A COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT WAH FU ESTATE.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE REPAINTING OF EXTERNAL WALLS, CORRIDORS, STAIRCASES AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS OF THE BLOCKS TO PROVIDE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR THE 30 000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THEM.
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/11 .....
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
11
ACCESS ROAD PLANNED FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
CONSTRUCTION OF AN ACCESS ROAD LINKING CASTLE PEAK ROAD WITH THE PROPOSED TAN KWAI TSUEN BORROW AREA HAS BEEN PLANNED AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE 1.2-KILOMETRE ACCESS ROAD WOULD RUN FROM HUNG SHU I KIU TO THE BORROW AREA, AND WOULD HELP FACILITATE THE TRANSPORTATION OF FILL MATERIALS FROM THE AREA TO THE RECLAMATION NEAR THE EXISTING TUEN MUN TYPHOON ANCHORAGE.
OTHER WORKS WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF DRAINAGE, AND A TWO-METRE-HIGH FENCING ON EITHER SIDE OF THE ROAD AND EARTHWORKS.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, HONG KONG, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY APRIL 16.
- - 0 - -
MUNICIPAL SERVICES TO BE SUSPENDED DURING HOLIDAYS
* * X
THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT A NUMBER OF SERVICES WILL BE SUSPENDED DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY
per inn-
THESE INCLUDE:
PUBLIC CEMETERIES AND CREMATION:
NO BURIAL OR CREMATION WILL TAKE PLACE IN URBAN PUBLIC CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA ON FEBRUARY 20.
/NORMAL SERVICES
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
12
NORMAL SERVICES FOR THE DISPOSAL OF THE DEAD WILL BE RESUMED ON FEBRUARY 21 WHILE CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA CFFICES AND BOOKING CENTRES WILL REOPEN ON FEBRUARY 23.
RECREATIONAL FACILITIES*
ALL URBAN COUNCIL INDOOR GAMES HALLS WILL BE CLOSED ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21. THE MORRISON HILL AND LAI CHI KOK PARK SWIMMING COMPLEXES WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN FEBRUARY 20 AND
CLEANSING AND SANITATION:
NIGHTSOIL COLLECTION SERVICE WILL BE SUSPENDED ON THE NIGHT OF FEBRUARY 19.
THERE WILL BE NO REFUSE COLLECTION AND BEATSWEEPING SERVICES ON FEBRUARY 20, BUT SPECIAL MECHANICAL SWEEPING WILL BE PROVIDED AT MAJOR STREETS ON THAT DAY. REFUSE COLLECTION AND BEATSWEEPING SERVICES WILL RETURN TO NORMAL ON FEBRUARY 21.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO RESUME ALL THESE SERVICES AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AND TO MINIMISE ANY INCONVENIENCE TO..THE^PUBL IC.
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MUSIC NIGHT FOR YAU MA TEI YOUTHS X X X
WINNERS
OF
A RECENT SINGING COMPETITION WILL GIVE A SPECIAL HtTXlSTRYJcT.'8HT T° LAUNCH ™E ’"TERNATIONAL
IM MUSIC N,GHT+ IS ONE OF 16 EVENTS ORGANISED
’^llJ^e,_D4STR ,CT T0 ENCOURAGE YOUTHS TO PARTICIPATE IN IYY ACTIVITIES OTHER EVENTS INCLUDE SEMINARS, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, OUTINGS, A FUN FAIR FOR THE HANDICAPPED, AND ESSAY AND POSTER COMPETITIONS.
/MORE THAN
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
1? -
. _ ,,M0^E THAN 100 TEAMS T00K PART IN THE SINGING CONTEST AND THE 12 WINNING TEAMS WILL GIVE A PERFORMANCE TOMORROW NIGHT. THE YAU MA TEI CHILDREN’S CHOIR WILL ALSO GIVE A SPECIAL PERFORMANCE AT THE +YOUTH MUSIC NIGHT+.
THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR BOWEN LEUNG AND THE ASSISTANT MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR, MR YEUNG KAM-CHOI WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
THE +YOUTH MUSIC NIGHT+ IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD, THE YAU MA TEI CULTURE AND ARTS ASSOCIATION AND THE MUSIC OFFICE.
---------o'"-
VALUE OF JOINT EFFORT STRESSED * * * *
PATIENCE, DETERMINATION AND CO-OPERATION WERE ESSENTIAL FOR SOLVING COMMUNITY PROBLEMS AND ENABLING MAJOR PROJECTS TO PROCEED ON TIME, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN SAID TODAY.
MR LUI SAID THROUGH CO-OPERATION BETWEEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND THE COMMUNITY, LOCAL PROBLEMS COULD BE RESOLVED SATISFACTORILY.
ONE SUCH EXAMPLE, HE SAID, WAS THE RE-LOCATION OF THE CLUBHOUSE OF THE CHAI WAN KAIFONG WELFARE ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION, WHICH HAD BEEN ON THE SITE WHERE THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL IS NOW BEING BUILT.
SPEAKING AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE ASSOCIATION’S NEW CLUBHOUSE AT HING WAH ESTATE TODAY, MR LUI SAID: +WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ASSISTANCE OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE CLUBHOUSE WAS RELOCATED, AND THE ASSOCIATION CAN CONTINUE TO SERVE THE LARGE COMMUNITY IN CHAI WAN.*
MR LUI ALSO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION FOR ITS CO-OPERATION DURING THE CLEARANCE OPERATION AND ITS CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COMMUNITY.
+THE ASSOCIATION, A NON-PROFIT MAKING ORGANISATION SET UP IN 1950, HAS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN PROVIDING SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY,* MR LUI SAID.
+ITS MEMBERS HAVE HELPED PROVIDE EMERGENCY RELIEF, ORGANISED EVENTS FOR THE ELDERLY AND MANY OTHER COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES,* FE ADDED.
THE NEW CLUBHOUSE MEASURES ABOUT 88 SQUARE METRES, AND IS LOCATED IN HANG HING HOUSE, HING WAH ESTATE.
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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 14 -
TSUEN w'AN BRIGHTENS UP * * *
THE TOWN CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN WAS LIT UP THIS EVENING, FOLLOWING THE SWITCHING-ON OF FESTIVE LIGHTINGS BY MRS MABEL HAYES, WIFE OF THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTINGS AND DECORATIONS, PUT UP BY THE DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF $150 000, ARE LOCATED ON THE FOOTBRIDGE ADJACENT TO FOU WAH CENTRE, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL, THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND THE TSI NG Yl BRIDGE ROUNDABOUT.
THE DECORATIONS FEATURE A GOLDEN OX AND BEAUTIFULLY-DESIGNED CHINESE LANTERNS WITH NEW YEAR GREETINGS.
THE LIGHTS WILL BE ON BETWEEN 6 PM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY UNTIL FEBRUARY 26.
-------0 ---------
POLICY ON OFFENSIVE TRADES EXPLAINED
*****
ALL ESTABLISHMENT OF OFFENSIVE TRADES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD TO BE LICENSED AND OPERATED IN BUILDINGS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR THE INDUSTRIAL PROCESSES AND AWAY FROM DEVELOPMENT AREAS, URBAN SERVICES OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG, MR LEE SHEUNG-YEE, SAID TODAY.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF LICENSING THE OFFENSIVE TRADES WAS TO PROTECT PUBLIC HEALTH AND MINIMISE NUISANCE IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD, NR LEE SAID. HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR ON MULTI-STOREY INDUSTRIAL BUILDING MANAGEMENT, ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD, FOR SOME 300 FACTORY OWNERS OF TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG, AT THE KIANGSU CHEKIANG COLLEGE AT HING SHING ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG.
TWENTY-FIVE TRADES, INCLUDING THE PROCESSING OF SHARKS’ FIN, BOILING OF LARD OR FAT, DRESSING OR TANNING OF LEATHER HAD BEEN DECLARED AS OFFENSIVE TRADES, MR LEE SAID.
THE MECHANCIAL PROCESS OF LICENSING WAS TO MAKE UNSUITABLE OR SUB-STANDARD PREMISES, NOT SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR A CERTAIN TYPE OF OFFENSIVE TRADE, FIT TO BE USED FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE OF AN OFFENSIVE NATURE, ON COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN HEALTH REQUIREMENTS FORMULATED BY THE LICENSING AUTHORITY, HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON OFFENSIVE TRADES WAS TO SITE SUCH INDUSTRIES IN AREAS THAT WOULD CAUSE MINIMUM NUISANCE TO THE IMMEDIATE ENVIRONMENT, AND TO IMPOSE LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.
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/15 .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
15
TEACHERS TO GATHER
* * * M
ABOUT 170 SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN NORTH DISTRICT WILL GATHER TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 9.30 AM AT FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL, SHEUNG SHU I, TO GET TO KNOW ONE ANOTHER.
SPONSORED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT BOARD, IT WILL BE THE FIRST FUNCTION ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS’ CONFERENCE.
THE OCCASION WILL INCLUDE AN INTER-SCHOOL BASKETBALL COMPETITION AND A BARBECUE.
DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, WILL SPEAK AT THE GATHERING.
-----o------
OLD, NEEDY TO GET FOOD PACKAGES
*****
FOOD PACKETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO ABOUT 1 700 ELDERLY AND NEEDY RESIDENTS IN EASTERN DISTRICT ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 17) TO HELP THEM CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AT A COST OF $80 000 THE LARGE-SCALE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY A GROUP OF LOCAL ORGANISATIONS IN CHAI WAN.
FOOD PACKETS CONTAINING RICE, PEANUT OIL, CANNED FOOD AND SUNDRIES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE ELDERLY AND NEEDY RESIDENTS AT THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN AND UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD WILL HELP HAND OUT THE PACKETS AT THE CENTRE.
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/16 .......
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
16
HOLIDAY CLINIC SERVICES X * *
THERE WILL BE NO OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CL INIC SERVICES DUR I NG THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS ON FEBRUARY 20 AND 21, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HOWEVER, ON FEBRUARY 22, EIGHT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 1 PM.
THEY ARE: VIOLET PEEL HEALTH CENTRE 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 CLINIC IN KOWLOON, LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC, YUEN LONG JOCKEY CLUB HEALTH CENTRE AND SHEK WU HUI JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
NORMAL OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINIC SERVICES WILL RESUME ON FEBRUARY 23.
-----o------
LORRY PARKING FEES UP * * * *
PARKING CHARGES AT THE GOVERNMENT-RUN LORRY PARKS IN NORTH POINT AND HO MAN TIN WILL GO UP FROM MARCH 1.
THE HOURLY RATE FOR LORRY PARKING WILL BE RAISED FROM 53 CENTS TO $1 AND THE FEE FOR A MONTHLY PASS FROM $100 TO $200. FEES WERE LAST REVISED IN 1977.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY TO KEEP FEES AT LORRY PARKS LOW TO ENCOURAGE MAXIMUM UTILISATION.
HE ADDED THAT FOR THE TIME BEING THE NORTH POINT LORRY PARK WOULD CONTINUE TO BE LIMITED TO USE BY MONTHLY PASS HOLDERS AS NO HOURLY PARKING SPACES WERE AVAILABLE YET.
THE LORRY PARK, OPENED ON DECEMBER 31 LAST YEAR TO REPLACE THE 140-SPACE LORRY PARK AT HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, CURRENTLY PROVIDES 150 SPACES. IT CAN ACCOMMODATE 192 GOODS VEHICLES WHEN IT BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
17
FLOATING REFUSE CLEARED * * * *
A SPECIAL YEAR-END CLEAN-UP OPERATION WAS MOUNTED TODAY TO CLEAR FLOATING REFUSE FROM THE INNER PORT SHELTER AT CHUNG MEI TUK IN SAI KUNG, WHERE SOME 1 000 BOAT PEOPLE LIVE.
THE OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, AND INVOLVED THE HIRING OF THREE MOTORISED SAMPANS FOR COLLECTION OF THE REFUSE DUMPED THERE BY THE BOAT PEOPLE.
A SUM OF $8 000 HAD BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD FOR THE JOB.
SOME 20 NTSD CLEANSING WORKERS WERE ALSO DEPLOYED TO CLEAR AWAY SEA-BORNE REFUSE FROM THE SEA SHORE.
- - 0 - -
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ROAD WORK *****
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO CONSTRUCT AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE NEW BUS STATION IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, AND CARRY OUT STREET LEVEL SURFACING WORK.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSED WORKS, WHICH FORM PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE, HONG KONG?
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, AND
* TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL MUST WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
- 0 -
/18
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
- 18
2 500TH CONCERT * * * *
THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING A +CELEBRATION CONCERT* AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 17) - TO MARK THE 2 5OOTH +MUSIC FOR MILLIONS* CONCERT IT HAS ORGANISED.
------o-------
SAFETY MESSAGE ON FILM
* * *
A PHOTO COMPETITION WITH GRAND CASH PRIZES WILL BE HELD FROM WRCH 1 TO 31 TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND THE IMPORTANCE CF ACCIDENT PREVENTION.
THE +INDUSTRI AL SAFETY PHOTO COMPETITION* IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION COMMITTEE OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, THE SING TAO NEWSPAPERS LIMITED, AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THE COMPETITION ..AS OPEN TO ALL AND PARTICIPANTS WOULD BE GIVEN FREE HAND TO EXPRESS THE THEME OF THE COMPETITION.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES WAS MARCH 31.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE WERE DOZENS OF CASH PRIZES AND THE FIRST THREE WINNERS WOULD BE ABLE TO TAKE HOME, IN CASH, $10 000, $5 000 AND $3 000.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FACTORY INSPECTORATE AND ALL SING TAO CENTRES.
-----o------
/19 ........
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15,. 1985
19
TRAFFIC CHANGE TO COPE WITH MARKET VISITORS
* * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED AT THE YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET FROM 2 PM ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 17) TO 2 PM ON FEBRUARY 23.
THEY ARE:
* TRAFFIC ON RECLAMATION STREET BETWEEN THE UNNAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD, AND WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND FERRY STREET WILL BE REDUCED FROM THREE-LANE TO TWO-LANE.
* TRAFFIC ON THE UNNAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* THE SECTION OF SHEK LUNG STREET BETWEEN RECLAMATION STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC AND CONVERTED INTO A PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT.
* THE METERED PARKING SPACES AT CANTON ROAD BETWEEN PUBLIC SQUARE STREET AND THE UNNAMED ROAD SOUTH OF SHEK LUNG STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
THESE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING INTRODUCED IN ANTICIPATION OF AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE GOING TO THE YAU MA TEI FRUIT MARKET.
------- o ------
ROAD REPAIR WORK OVER
* * *
THE RIGHT-TURN FROM PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD NORTHBOUND TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE RE-OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18), FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS.
AT THE SAME TIME, KMB ROUTE 3M AND 11M AS WELL AS KOWLOON MAX I CAB ROUTE 19 WILL RESUME THEIR ORIGINAL ROUTE INGS VIA PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
0 -------
/20
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 1985
20
PLB’S NOT ALLOWED HERE
X * * *
ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING SHA FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18).
TIN CENTRE STREET,
i
3 /
R . , OLD PEAK ROAD TRAFFIC
« t * * * * *
OLD PEAK ROAD IN THE MID-LEVELS WILL REVERT TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18), FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
3 ,i
-----o------
T X )
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
+G0 TO VOTEf PUBLICITY IN FULL SWING............................ 1
'AN IMPORTANT STEP AHEAD' ...................................... 2
GOOD TECHNICAL TRAINING OFFERED ................................ 3
DISTRICT BOARDS' VITAL ROLE STRESSED ........................... 4
SEMINAR FOCUSES CN POLLUTION ................................... 4
SPORTS GROUND TO BE BUILT ...................................... 5
RECIPE CONTEST TO PROMOTE METRIC ............................... 5
SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR TUEN MUN FERRY PIER.......................... 6
IN SEARCH OF THE CLEANEST BOaT ................................. 7
SLOGAN CONTEST HAS YOUTH YEAR THEME............................. 7
12 PASS ENGLISH COURSE.......................................... 8
FUN-DAY AT FANNING POOL .....................................
LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD 1'0 CONSIDER TWO APPLICATIONS............ 8
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR NEW FLYOVER................................. 9
CLEARWAY HOURS REVISED ......................................... 9
ROAD OPINING................................................... 10
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1935
1 -
+G0 TO VOTE+ PUBLICITY IN FULL SWING
* X * *
PUBLICITY TO GET PEOPLE TO GO TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7, HAS GONE INTO FULL SWING.
THE MESSAGE +HONG KONG NEEDS YOUR VOTE+ IS BEING SPREAD BY RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMAS, NEWSPAPERS AND VARIOUS PUBLIC AREAS.
POSTERS, SHORT FILMS, RADIO ANNOUNCEMENTS AND PRESS ADVERTISEMENTS FORM PART OF THE LARGE-SCALE MEDIA PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO URGE REGISTERED ELECTORS TO VOTE IN THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
AND SOME 30 000 POSTERS BEARING THE MESSAGE HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO DISTRICTS, AND ARE ON DISPLAY AT BUS-STOPS, FERRY PIERS, PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING ESTATES, POST OFFICES, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS, AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
MORE THAN 300 LARGER ONES HAVE BEEN PUT UP AT VARIOUS MTR AND KCR STATIONS.
+ANNOUNCEMENTS OF PUBLIC INTEREST* ARE BEING SCREENED ON TELEVISION AND IN CINEMAS, AND ARE BEING BROADCAST ON RADIO.
ON THE DAY OF THE ELECTIONS, HALF-PAGE ADVERTISEMENTS, GIVING MORE DETAILS ABOUT THE VOTING PROCEDURE, WILL BE PLACED IN LEADING NEWSPAPERS.
VANS WILL TOUR VARIOUS DISTRICTS, BROADCASTING THE THEME SONG SUNG BY MICHAEL KWAN AND ELECTION MESSAGES.
WELL-KNOWN TELEVISION STARLETS AND POPULAR RADIO DISC JOCKEYS, JOINED BY MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH CLUB WILL DISTRIBUTE ELECTION HANDBILLS TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AT MAJOR TRANSPORT TERMINI DURING LUNCH HOURS.
TO CREATE AN ELECTION ATMOSPHERE, VOTING POSTERS WILL ALSO BE PUT UP ON HUNDREDS OF GOVERNMENT VEHICLES, AND TWO HELI UM-INFLATED BALLOONS, CARRYING LARGE BANNERS WITH THE +VOTE TODAY* MESSAGE, WILL BE HOISTED OVER STATUE SQUARE IN CENTRAL AND THE URBAN COUNCIL CENTENARY GARDENS IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLICITY AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL CO-ORDINATED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS REACHING ITS HEIGHT.
DISTRICT ACTIVITIES IN THE FORM OF FORUMS, SEMINARS AND MEET-THE-PRESS SESSIONS HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED SINCE EARLY THIS MONTH.
THESE WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY MORE LIGHT-HEARTED AND ATTRACTIVE EVENTS SUCH AS CLASSIC CARS DISPLAY, ELECTION FAIRS AND DISTRICT FESTIVALS OVER THE LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD.
/2 .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1935
- 2 -
’AN IMPORTANT STEP AHEAD’
* * *
THE FIRST TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 WOULD BE AN IMPORTANT STEP TOWARD THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POLITICAL SYSTEM OF HONG KONG, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY CF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
MR LEUNG SAID: +WHEN ELECTORS CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 7, THEY WILL BE SELECTING THEIR REPRESENTATIVES WHO WILL SPEAK UP AND FIGHT FOR THEIR BENEFITS.
+THE ELECTIONS ARE ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT BECAUSE LATER THIS YEAR, ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY OF SERVING THE PEOPLE AT A HIGHER LEVEL.
+THEY MAY BE ELECTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHERE THEY CAN REFLECT PUBLIC OPINION AND ALSO TAKE PART IN GOVERNMENT POLICY MAKING.*
MR LEUNG WAS SPEAKING AT THE FINALS OF THE INTER-DISTRICT 1ELEMATCH GAMES ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION.
TEAMS FROM THE 18 DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY HAD BEEN COMPETING IN WEEKLY MATCHES FOR TOP HONOURS IN THE TOURNAMENT.
THREE TEAMS REACHED THE FINALS. AFTER TODAY’S CLOSE COMPETITION IN FOUR TELEMATCH GAMES, THE EASTERN DISTRICT TEAM EMERGED WINNER. SECOND CAME THE TSUEN WAN TEAM AND THIRD THE KWUN TONG TEAM.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE COMING ELECTIONS, MR LEUNG SAID THE AVERAGE AGE OF THE 501 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 237 SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS, WAS MUCH YOUNGER THAN THAT FOR THE 1982 ELECTIONS, AS 31 PER CENT OF THE CANDIDATES WERE AGED BETWEEN 31 AND 40.
+ THIS SHOWS THAT MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE INTERESTED IN SERVING THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
CANDIDATES REPRESENTED A CROSS-SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING MERCHANTS, EDUCATIONISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS, PROFESSIONALS, FACTORY WORKERS, DRIVERS, HOUSEWIVES AND WHITE COLLAR WORKERS.
THE GRAND FINAL OF THE GAMES WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB JADE AT 12 NOON ON MARCH 3.
- 0
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1935
- 3 -
GOOD TECHNICAL TRAINING OFFERED * * *
♦MANY STUDENTS NOWADAYS PREFER TO DEVELOP THEIR CAREERS IN INDUSTRY AND THE TRAINING CENTRES UNDER THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL PROVIDE THEM WITH GOOD OPPORTUNITIES,* THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE COUNCIL, MR MORRIS MORGAN , SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING.
THE CENTRES IN THE KOWLOON BAY AND KWAI CHUNG TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEXES WILL ADMIT FORhJ 3 AND FORM 5 STUDENTS INTO FULL-TIME CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN COURSES IN SEPTEMBER, HE SAID.
SPEAKING TO SOME 200 CAREERS MASTERS AT A SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL TRAINING, MR MORGAN SAID THE AVAILABILITY OF APPROPRIATE TRAINING OPPORTUNIT|ES FOR WORKERS OR NEW ENTRANTS WAS VITAL TO THE CONTINUING EXPANSION OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
HE URGED CAREERS TEACHERS TO INFORM THEIR STUDENTS CF THE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AND FACILITIES OFFERED AT THE IRA IN ING CENTRES AND HELP TO MAKE THEM A SUCCESS.
THE TEN TRAINING CENTRES OF THE COUNCIL WILL TRAIN 9 000 TECHNICAL PERSONNEL AT VARIOUS LEVELS ANNUALLY FOR THE AUTOMOBILE, ELECTRICAL, ELECTRONICS, HOTEL, MACHINE SHOP AND METAL-WORKING, PLASTICS, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
+ALL THESE TRAINING CENTRES PROVIDE PRACTICAL TRAINING IN A SIMULATED INDUSTRIAL ENVIRONMENT AND FULL-TIME TRAINEES AT CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN LEVELS WILL BE SENT TO ATTEND RELATED TECHNICAL EDUCATION COURSES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES,* MR MORGAN SAID.
COURSES OFFERED AT THE CENTRES ARE FREE AND WEEKLY ALLOWANCES ARE ALSO GIVEN TO TRAINEES.
IN ADDITION, THERE IS A PLACEMENT SERVICE TO HELP GRADUATING TRAINEES TO ENTER INDUSTRY OR BECOME APPRENTICES TO RECEIVE FURTHER ON-THE-JOB TRAINING, MR MORGAN ADDED.
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/4........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1935
- 4 -
DISTRICT BOARDS’ VITAL ROLE STRESSED * * * M
THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT CF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG WAS STRESSED TODAY BY YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON.
+THE SUCCESS OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON HOW WELL PEOPLE’S VIEWS ARE REPRESENTED, AND DISTRICT BOARDS HAVE PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN REFLECTING PUBLIC VIEWS ON A WIDE RANGE OF ISSUES,* HE SAID.
MR WILSON WAS SPEAKING AT A FORUM INTRODUCING 32 CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
+1985 MARKS AN IMPORTANT YEAR IN HONG KONG’S POLITICAL HISTORY AS THE TERRITORY TAKES A MAJOR STEP TOWARD ESTABLISHING A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT THAT IS ROOTED IN HONG KONG AND REFLECT^ THE OPINIONS OF ITS PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.
+DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD HAS HELPED TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THROUGHOUT THE DISTRICT AND CONTRIBUTED MUCH TO THE COMMUNITY BY PUSHING FOR VARIOUS COMMUNITY PROJECTS,+ HE ADDED.
MR WILSON SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WAS REFLECTED IN THE LARGE NUMBER OF REGISTERED VOTERS IN THE DISTRICT, AND HE URGED ELECTORS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
THERE ARE 32 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE 10 SEATS IN THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
----0----
SEMINAR FOCUSES ON POLLUTION
* * *
AN ECOLOGY SEMINAR ON POLLUTION PROBLEMS WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SAI KUNG ON APRIL 27.
THE SEMINAR AIMS AT ACQUAINTING PARTICIPANTS WITH THE ECOLOGICAL METHODS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN FIELD STUDIES.
THERE WILL BE PLACES FOR AO BIOLOGY TEACHERS WHO WILL LEARN ABOUT THE RESOURCES AND FACILITIES AT THE CENTRE, AND THE TEACHING OF POLLUTION PROBLEMS.
DR WONG MING-HUNG OF T»E CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG’S BIOLOGY DEPARTMENT * ILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER.
/THE saONAB.......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1985
THE SEMINAR ALSO INCLUDES AN EXHIBITION OF FIELD EQUIPMENT AND REFERENCE BOOKS, A FIELD TRIP AND POST FIELD TRIP LABORATORY WORK.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO THE SEMINAR SHOULD APPLY BEFORE MARCH 15 TO THE INSPECTOR OF THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AT SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE ON 3-2814009.
SPORTS GROUND TO BE BUILT X X X X X
TENDERS FOR SITE FORMATION AND PILING WORKS FOR A SPORTS GROUND AT THE JUNCTION OF HAMMER HILL ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, WONG TAI SIN, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE 26 300-SQUARE-METRE SPORTS GROUND WILL HAVE AN EIGHTLANE ALL-WEATHER SYNTHETIC RUNNING TRACK, A SPECTATOR STAND FOR 2 500 PERSONS, A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, A KIOSK, CHANGING ROOMS AND TOILETS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY, 1936.
THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING TENDERS IS MARCH 8.
TENDERS FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE, WHICH WILL TAKE 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, WILL BE INVITED IN AUGUST, 1986.
----0----
RECIPE CONTEST TO PROMOTE METRIC MI
A RECIPE COMPETITION AND A RADIO METRIC QUIZ WILL BE HELD BETWEEN NEXT WEEK AND MARCH TO PROMOTE THE USE OF METRIC UNITS IN WEIGHING FOOD.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SAID THAT THE RECIPE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18) AND MARCH 10.
PARTICIPANTS ARE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT RECIPES IN METRIC UNITS. ENTRIES WILL BE JUDGED BY A PANEL OF CUISINE EXPERTS.
/the champicw .......
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1985 '
6
THE CHAMPION WILL WIN A REFRIGERATOR, WHILE THE FIRST RUNNER-UP WILL GET A CASSETTE RECORDER, AND THE SECOND RUNNER-UP A DISH-DRIER.
THERE WILL BE 10 MERIT PRIZES OF GIFT BAGS WITH SUPERMARKET GOODS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT 13 BRANCH OFFICES CF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, BROADCAST DRIVE, KOWLOON* METRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT, 31/F, UNITED CENTRE, 95 QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, SECOND FLOOR, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, ICE HOUSE STREET, HONG KONG.
+THERE IS NO LIMIT TO THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED BY EACH PARTICIPANT. HOWEVER, COMPLETED FORMS MUST REACH THE NETRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT BEFORE MARCH 10,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN THE RADIO METRIC QUIZ PROGRAMME TO BE HELD BETWEEN MARCH 12 AND 14 AT RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE RADIO METRIC QUIZ IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE METRICATION COMMITTEE SECRETARIAT, RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES. PRIZES FOR THE WINNERS WILL CONSIST OF SUPERMARKET GOODS AND OCEAN PARK ADMISSION TICKETS.
DETAILS OF THE RADIO METRIC QUIZ WILL BE ANNOUNCED THROUGH RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG IN EARLY MARCH.
.---0----
SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR TUEN MUN FERRY PIER * X X
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE TO THE TUEN MUN FERRY PIER, AS PART OF THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE SUPERSTRUCTURE TO THE PERMANENT FERRY PIER TO BE SITED ON THE SEA FRONT SOUTHWEST OF TUEN MUN, NEAR BUTTERFLY AND WU KING PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
A FINGER PIER EXTENSION TO THE SEAWARD OF THE MAIN FERRY PIER WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE BERTHING FOR HOVERFERRIES AND DOUBLE AND TRIPLE-DECK FERRIES.
ON COMPLETION, THE PIER *1LL REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY FERRY PIER FACILITIES AT ThE TYPHOON SHELTER.
/ALSO INCLUDED........
SATUBDAY, FEBHUAHY 16, 1985
ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS CONTRACT WILL BE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PROMENADE FROM MELODY GARDENS TO THE FERRY PIER, A TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD FOR EMERGENCY AND SERVICES VEHICLES, A TAXI BAY, SITE FORMATION OF A CAR PARK AND AN EXTENSION TO THE EXISTNG TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS.
A SITE HAS BEEN RESERVED AT THE PIER FOR A FUTURE TRANSPORTATION INTERCHANGE TO SERVE THE PROPOSED TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN IN MAY AND TAKE A YEAR TO COMPLETE. THE EXTENSION TO THE TEMPORARY BUS TERMINUS IS PROPOSED TO BE COMPLETED IN SI X MONTHS.
THE CONSULTING ENGINEERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE SCOTT WILSON KIRKPATRICK AND PARTNERS.
- - 0 - -
IN SEARCH OF THE CLEANEST BOAT X X * X X
A COMPETITION FOR THE CLEANEST BOAT IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE AND A LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION, THE EVENT IS AIMED AT EDUCATING BOAT DWELLERS ON THE IMPORTANCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS.
ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR STEPHEN NG, AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MR TIN CHING-LUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN THE OFFICE OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE.
- 0 -
SLOGAN CONTEST HAS YOUTH YEAR THEME X X X X
t CHINESE SLOGAN COMPETITION IS BEING HELD IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, TO COINCIDE WITH THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROJECT THE IYY THEME OF PARTICIPATION, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE+ IN NOT MORE THAN 20 CHINESE CHARACTERS.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON THE 1985 IYY AND ENTRIES SHOULD BE SENT TO THE COMMITTEE AT THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 7-11 NAM NING STREET, 2ND FLOOR, MEI FUNG COURT, ABERDEEN CENTRE, HONG KONG BY MARCH 15.
THE WINNING SLOGANS WILL BE PRINTED ON BOOKMARKS TO BE DISTRIBUTED FOR THE DISTRICT’S YOUTH YEAR ACTIVITIES.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1985
8
12 PASS ENGLISH COURSE * * * *
TWELVE YOUNG MEN FROM CAPE COLLINSON CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION RECEIVED THEIR PITMAN ELEMENTARY ENGLISH CERTIFICATES FROM THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR CHAN WA-SHEK, AT A CEREMONY HELD IN THE INSTITUTION TODAY.
THE RECIPIENTS, AGED FROM 17 TO 21, HAD SAT FOR THE EXTERNAL EXAMINATION IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
HALF-DAY SCHOOLING AND HALF-DAY VOCATIONAL TRAINING ARE PROVIDED UNDER THE TRAINING CENTRE PROGRAMME.
--------o----------
FUN-DAY AT FANLING POOL * * *
TWO FREE SWIMMING SESSIONS WILL BE HELD FOR THE PUBLIC AT A +FREE-TO-SWIM FUN DAY+ AT THE FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL ON FEBRUARY 24 (SUNDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE FUN-DAY, ORGANISED BY THE NTSD, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE COVERED AND HEATED MAIN POOL WHERE A SUPPORT STRUCTURE HAS BEEN ERECTED TO PROTECT SWIMMERS AGAINST CHILLY WINDS.
THE TWO OPEN SESSIONS WILL BE FROM 12.30 PM TO 3 PM AND FROM 3.30 PM TO 6 PM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
TICKETS FOR BOTH SESSIONS MAY BE COLLECTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS AT THE FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL, THE FANLING RECREATION GROUND, THE NORTH URBAN SERVICES OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE (NORTH OFFICE), AND ALL SUB-OFFICES CF THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE.
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LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD TO CONSIDER TWO APPLICATIONS * * * *
THE LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD WILL HOLD ITS MONTHLY MEETING AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS IN EDINBURGH PLACE ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 18).
THE MEETING WHICH WILL BE PRESIDED BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MR PETER C.K. CHAN, WILL CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR REVOCATION OF LIQUOR LICENCE IN RESPECT OF YIM YEUNG TIN NIGHTCLUB BAR AT PORTLAND STREET, AND AN APPLICATION FOR A NEW ISSUE OF LIQUOR LICENCE IN RESPECT OF CITY GARDEN LOUNGE AT ELECTRIC ROAD.
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/9........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1935
9
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR NEW FLYOVER
* * *
NEW TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON TONG FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 19), IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING CF THE NEW FLYOVER AT WATERLOO ROAD, ACROSS THE JUNCTIONS OF CORNWALL STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD.
THE FLYOVER WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONE. WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP OR SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS, OR LOADING OR UNLOADING GOODS.
IN ADDITION, PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO USE THE FLYOVER.
THE EXISTING PROHIBITED RIGHT-TURN FROM WATERLOO ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO CORNWALL STREET WESTBOUND WILL BE RE-OPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
AND FROM 5 PM THE SAME DAY TO 7 AM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 20), THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE YUEN LONG LUNAR NEW YEAR FAIR :
* TAI YUK ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND MA TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
* MA TIN ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
CLEARWAY HOURS REVISED K X *
URBAN CLEARWAY HOURS AT WING LOK STREET IN JUNCTION WITH DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO A POINT WEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION, WILL BE REVISED FROM (FEBRUARY 19), FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD
CENTRAL, ABOUT 55 10 AM ON WORK.
FROM ITS
METRES TUESDAY
THE NEW CLEARWAY HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
AND FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 25, WING LOK STREET BETWEEN WING SING STREET AND RUMSEY STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED AS 24-HOUR UREA.x CLEARWAY FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS TO FACILITATE MTR WORK.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS DURING THE SPECIFIED PERIODS.
/1O ........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1985
10
ROAD OPENING
* * K *
PART OF ROAD TY6 AND THE ACCESS RAMP LEADING TO TSI NG Yl TOWN CENTRE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 19). AT THE SAME TIME, THE PRESENT TEMPORARY ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE TOWN CENTRE WILL BE CLOSED. MOTORISTS GOING TO THE TOWN CENTRE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD TY8, ROAD TY6 AND THE ACCESS RAMP.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUARTERLY CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED ............ 1
AGENCIES INVITED TO APPLY FOR SUBVENTION ..................... 2
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT FIRE DANGER .............................. 3
'PROSPERITY AND BLESSINGS TO ALL* ............................ 3
ESTATE TAKES ON A NEW LOOK ................................... 4
NEW YEAR FUN AT TAI PO ....................................... 5
BOAT PEOPLE URGED TO VOTE .................................... 5
FORUMS FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES ............................... 6
CANDIDATES MEET THE PRESS .................................... 8
NEW MARKET COMPLEX PLANNED ................................... 8
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW .................................... 9
ANTI-DRUG GAMES CONTEST HELD ................................. 9
MORE SPORTS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ......................... 10
2 500TH CONCERT HELD.......................................... 11
WATER DISPLAY aT YU3m LONG.................................... 11
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
1
QUARTERLY CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT STATISTICS RELEASED * * * * *
THE TOTAL GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS PICKED UP IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 AFTER DECLINES IN THE FIRST TWO QUARTERS OF THE YEAR TO REACH $8 772 MILLION, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 4.6 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 AND 5.8 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1983.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 WAS $5 990 MILLION. THIS GAVE AN INDEX OF 90.9 WHICH WAS 3.2 PER CENT AND 3.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983 RESPECTIVELY. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE OF 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100.
AS DISTINCT FROM THE FIGURE ON CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY ALL CONTRACTORS, THE FIGURES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE FREE FROM THE EFFECT OF DOUBLE COUNTING CONSTRUCTION VALUE DUE TO THE PREVAILING SUB-CONTRACTING PRACTICE OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 AMOUNTED TO $4 756 MILLION, WHICH WAS ONLY MARGINALLY HIGHER THAN THE $4 731 MILLION RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER BUT 2.5 PER CENT LOWER THAN IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT OTHER MINOR WORK LOCATIONS AND ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES HAS BEEN ON AN UPWARD TREND SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983. AT $1 234 MILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 IT WAS 14.8 PER CENT UP ON THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 AND 38.0 PER CENT UP ON THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.
ANALYSED BY THE END-USE OF BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES, THE CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS CONTINUED TO RISE. AT $1 653 MILLION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, THE VALUE WAS THE HIGHEST QUARTERLY FIGURE RECORDED SINCE THE START OF THE QUARTERLY SURVEY IN 1983.
IN CONTRAST, THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS REGISTERED DRASTIC DECLINES OF 22.7 PER CENT OVER THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984 AND OF 30.0 PER CENT OVER THE THIRD QUARTER CF 1983.
/THE CONSTRUCTION .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
2
THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS RECOVERED SOMEWHAT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 AFTER A CONTINUOUS DECLINE SINCE THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1983. AT $245 MILLION, THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 18.4 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT 21.5 PER CENT BELOW THE VALUE IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.
THE OUTPUT OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES EXPERIENCED AN INCREASE CF 2.7 PER CENT IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER WHEN THE OUTPUT VALUE WAS THE LOWEST QUARTERLY FIGURE RECORDED SINCE THE START OF THE SURVEY. HOWEVER, COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983, THE OUTPUT OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES FELL BY 10.6 PER CENT.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT, 3RD QUARTER 1984+ WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT $2 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE 3-7224490.
DIRECTED TO THE DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICS SECTION AT
--------o ---------
AGENCIES INVITED TO XXX
APPLY FOR SUBVENTION XXX
NON-PROFIT-MAKING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WISHING TO RUN ADULT EDUCATION COURSES OR ACTIVITIES DURING THE 1985/86 SCHOOL YEAR CAN APPLY FOR GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION IN RUNNING THESE COURSES.
THE SUBVENTION WILL MAINLY COVER THE COST OF STAFF, THE COST CF BASIC TEACHING EQUIPMENT, THE SALARY FOR CENTRE ADMINISTRATORS, THE COST OF BASIC OFFICE EQUIPMENT, HIRE CHARGES FOR ACCOMMODATION AT THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT RATE AND THE COST OF TELEPHONE, WATER AND ELECTRICITY CHARGES ON A SHARING BASIS.
DETAILS OF THE COURSE CATEGORIES ELIGIBLE FOR SUBVENTION ARE LISTED IN AN INFORMATION SHEET ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FORMS WHICH ARE AVAILABLE AT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ASIAN HOUSE, 12/F, 1 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ALL APPLICATIONS SHOULD REACH THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION NOT LATER THAN APRIL 30. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MR H.H. *00 AT 5-294603 AND MRS T.M. DAI AT 5-294682.
- 0 -
/3 .......
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT FIRE DANGER * * * *
f ,EsTR^^ RM ?e°Jrsh 1 rr 1
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +WITH THE TRADITIONAL WOR^H I pp i kip dithai e
F“DETRH%"ETEU£NSTTOSfE0Mu“05lGSERS™VES ”UR'NG ™E EEST'VE SEASoi!-
ADVISED people to burn all worshipping items in metal CANS, AND NOT TO STORE MORE THAN ONE CONTAINER OF FUEL TIME.
AT ONE
SH0ULD ALSO KEEP MATCHES AND LIGHTERS OUT CHILDREN’S REACH,+ HE ADDED.
PEOPLE^WHO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE SHOULD TAKE CARE CAUSE HILL FIRES.
+THEY SHOULD BARBECUE ONLY AT DESIGNATED PITS AND ALL FIRES BEFORE LEAVING THE SITES,* HE SAID.
OF
NOT TO
EXTINGUISH
PROSECUTION,^HE ? "*E 'N ™ C0UN™Y ”ARK IS LIABLE T°
-----0------
PROSPERITY AND BLESSINGS TO ALL’
* * * * *
I
YUEN LONG IS TO CELEBRATE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR WITH A DISPLAY CF GLITTERING LIGHTS AND COLOURFUL DECORATIONS. UlorLAY
THE DECORATIONS INCLUDE THREE CHINESE PAINTINGS, A LARGE MA^npFonlnc DISPLAY AND AN ARRAY 0F 10 000 LIGHT BULBS ALONG • vvH R vAUu ।
THE LIGHTING AND DECORATIONS COST ABOUT $110 000 DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTING ABOUT 90 PER CENT AND THE THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE THEME OF THE wAS ^PROSPERITY AND BLESSINGS TO RESIDENTS*.
WITH THE
REST BY
DECORATIONS
/THE LARGE
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
4
THE LARGE CHINESE PAINTINGS ARE ON DISPLAY AT THE FOOTBRIDGES NEAR SHU I BIN WAI ESTATE, WONG UK TSUEN AND OUTSIDE THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL.
PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO SEE THEM FROM A DISTANCE.
THE CITY DISPLAY IS SET UP AT THE ROUNDABOUT IN YUEN LONG TOWN. THE MAJOR COLOURS ARE RED AND GOLD, SYMBOLISING PROSPERITY AND WEALTH.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON, WILL SWITCH ON THE LIGHTING DISPLAY AT 7 PM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE MINI SOCCER PITCH NEXT TO THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, TAI YUK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
- 0 ----------
ESTATE TAKES ON A NEW LOOK
X * * M
SAI WAN ESTATE IN HONG KONG WEST HAS TAKEN ON A NEW LOOK WITH ALL ITS FIVE DOMESTIC BLOCKS NEWLY REDECORATED, IN TIME FOR THE FESTIVE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
+THE $430 000 FACELIFT FOR THE ESTATE IS PART OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S ON-GOING REDECORATION PROGRAMME TO BRIGHTEN UP ESTATES SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN TODAY.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, HE SAID PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE GIVEN A FACELIFT EVERY FIVE YEARS.
+A TOTAL OF $18.7 MILLION ARE BEING SPENT THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ON REDECORATING 144 BLOCKS IN 21 ESTATES.
♦WORKS MAINLY INVOLVE THE REPAINTING OF EXTERNAL WALLS, CORRIDORS, STAIRCASES AND OTHER PUBLIC AREAS OF THE ESTATE BLOCKS.+
APART FROM SAI WAN ESTATE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID REDECORATION HAD BEEN COMPLETED ON 16 ESTATES AS WELL SINCE LAST APRIL, WHILE WORKS WOULD SOON BEGIN ON FOUR OTHERS.
♦THE REDECORATION PROGRAMME IS AMONG A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES TO IMPROVE LIVING ENVIRONMENT ON ESTATES, WHICH INCLUDE RE-ROOFING, REWIRING, UPGRADING OF ELECTRICAL INSTALLATIONS AND THE PROVISION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS.+
C --------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1935
5
NEW YEAR FUN AT TAI PO * * *
SPORTS, CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR TAI PO RESIDENTS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THE TWO-WEEK TAI PO DISTRICT NEW YEAR PROGRAMME IS AIMED AT PROMOTING A FESTIVE AIR AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG RESIDENTS.
+NOW IN ITS FIFTH YEAR, IT IS TO ENABLE ALL RESIDENTS TO SHARE THE JOY AND SPIRIT OF THE NEW YEAR,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE 1985 TAI PO DISTRICT CHINESE NEW YEAR PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE ACTIVITIES INCLUDE VARIETY SHOWS, GYMNASTIC SHOWS, FOLK DANCES, TABLE TENNIS AND SOCCER COMPETITIONS, A DISCO NIGHT, CONCERTS, ORCHESTRAL AND DRAMA PERFORMANCE, AND A LANTERN FAIR.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A
A BANQUET FOR MORE THAN 1
PHOTOGRAPHIC AND ARTS EXHIBITION AND 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE.
THE OPPORTUNITY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO APPEAL TO VOTERS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
THE PROGRAMME IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE TAI PO AND SAI KUNG NORTH RURAL COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS, VILLAGE OFFICES AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANISATIONS.
- 0 ----------
BOAT PEOPLE URGED TO VOTE * * *
TWO MARINE LAUNCHES, DECORATED WITH BANNERS WILL CRUISE AROUND CAUSEWAY BAY AND SHAU KEI WAN TYPHOON SHELTERS ON MARCH 6 AND 7, URGING BOAT DWELLERS TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
THE WATER TOURS ARE PART OF THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN ORGANISED IN EASTERN DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ELECTIONS, SAID ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR STEPHEN NG. HE WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF A -CLEANEST BOAT+ COMPETITION HELD TODAY (SUNDAY) IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER.
MR NG CALLED FISHERMEN AND BOAT DWELLERS IN THE DISTRICT TO VOTE, SAYING:
/♦IT IS .......
SUMDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
+IT IS THROUGH THE PARTICIPATION AND SUPPORT OF THE COMMUNITY THAT A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT CAN BE ACHIEVED.+
HE REMINDED BOAT DWELLERS ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF CLEANLINESS, WHICH WAS THE MAIN AIM OF THE COMPETITION.
+IT IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP THE BOATS CLEAN AND TO DISPOSE CF RUBBISH IN A PROPER MANNER FOR A MORE PLEASANT AND HEALTHIER ENVIRONMENT IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER,+ HE SAID.
TODAY’S +CLEANEST BOAT+ COMPETITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN’S DISTRICT CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE AND A LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION.
- - o - -
FORUMS FOR ELECTION CANDIDATES * * * *
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT OFFICE HAVE ORGANISED A SERIES OF FORUMS TO ENABLE THE 56 CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO MEET VOTERS.
THE FORUMS, AT WHICH CANDIDATES WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC, WILL BE ORGANISED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS AND OPEN TO ALL.
THERE ARE 38 CANDIDATES VYING FOR THE 15 SEATS IN THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl ELECTIONS, AND 18 CONTESTING THE NINE VACANCIES IN THE TSUEN WAN ELECTIONS.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE DATES, TIME AND VENUES CF THE 14 PUBLIC FORUMS FOR THE TWO DISTRICTS.
KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT
date time CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEBRUARY 26 p pM TSING Yl SOUTH CHEUNG CHING
(TUESDAY) COMMUNITY HALL
FEBRUARY 27 8 PM K * AI CHUNG SOUTH LAI KING
(WEDNESDAY)
COMMUNITY HALL
/FEBRUARY 28
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
- 7
FEBRUARY 28 (THURSDAY) 8 PM KWAI CHUNG CENTRAL KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL
MARCH 1 (FRIDAY) 8 PM KWAI CHUNG WEST TAI WOR HAU ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE
MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) 3 PM kVaI CHUNG NORTH SHEK YAM COMMUNITY HALL
MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) 8 PM KWAI CHUNG EAST SHEK LEI ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE
MARCH 3 (SUNDAY) 8 PM TSI NG Yl NORTH TSI NG Yl TRADE ASSOCIATION PRIMARY SCHOOL
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY) 8 PM TSUEN WAN CENTRAL (SOUTH) ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S SECONDARY SCHOOL
FEBRUARY 26 (TUESDAY) 8 PM TSUEN WAN WEST PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE
FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8 PM TSUEN WAN CENTRAL (NORTH) PRECIOUS BLOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL
FEBRUARY 28 (THURSDAY) 8 PM TSUEN WAN EAST (SOUTH) LEI MUK SHUE COMMUNITY HALL
MARCH 1 (FR IDAY) 8 PM TSUEN WAN EAST (NORTH) SHEK WAI KOK COMMUNITY HALL
MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) 3.30 PM TSUEN WAN RURAL SHAM TSENG YOUTH CENTRE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS.
-----o------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
8
CANDIDATES MEET THE PRESS * * *
THE 19 DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN WILL MEET THE PRESS AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 10.30 AM TOMORROW (MONDAY), TO TELL ABOUT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, WILL ALSO GIVE A BRIEFING ON ELECTION PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES LEADING TO MARCH 7.
ORIGINALLY THERE WERE 19 CANDIDATES CONTESTING 13 SEATS IN THE DISTRICT, BUT AS THREE OF THE SEATS ARE UNCONTESTED, THE REMAINING 10 SEATS WILL BE CONTESTED BY THE OTHER 16 CANDIDATES.
- 0 -
NEW MARKET COMPLEX PLANNED * X * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A FOUR-STOREY MARKET COMPLEX ON A 4 593 SQUARE-METRE-SITE AT NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY THE KOWLOON CITY MARKET.
THE MARKET, WILL ACCOMMODATE THE HAWKER BAZAAR AND KOWLOON CITY MARKET NOW ON CARPENTER ROAD.
OTHER FACILITIES WILL INCLUDE A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, LIBRARY INDOOR GAMES HALL AND THREE SQUASH COURTS, OFFICES AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
THE WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO START IN MAY AND BE COMPLETED IN JANUARY 1987.
/9
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
9
IMPORTANT NUMBERS TO KNOW
* * * *
MANY TEMPORARY JUNK AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS ARE OPEN THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREA FOR THE PROPER DISPOSAL OF UNWANTED JUNK AND REFUSE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY CALL THE LITTER HOTLINE — 5-95555 --CR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION ON THE NEAREST COLLECTION POINT 8
YAU MA TEI ( 3-884111 EXT. 304
( 3-845943
SHAM SHU I PO 3-868666
MONG KOK 3-956834
WONG TAI SIN 3-212806
KWUN TONG 3-891925
KOWLOON CITY ( 3-7115910
( 3-7140626
WAN CHAI 5-734307
EASTERN 5-699568
SOUTHERN 5-547152
CENTRAL 5-446111 EXT. 49
WESTERN 5-402887
-----o------
ANTI-DRUG GAMES CONTEST HELD * * * *
A TELEMATCH GAMES COMPETITION WAS HELD TODAY AT MACPHERSON STADIUM FOR PARTICIPANTS IN THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT*.
THERE WERE TEN TEAMS TAKING PART IN EACH OF THE SENIOR AND JJNIOR DIVISIONS OF THE COMPETITION, WHICH FORM PART OF A SERIES CF COMPETITIVE EVENTS.
THE OVERALL CHAMPIONS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AND CONCERT AT WHICH LADY YOUDE WILL OFFICIATE, AT THE ACADEMIC COMMUNITY HALL ON SUNDAY, MARCH 10.
/EACH MiMBER........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1985
10
EACH MEMBER OF THE WINNING TEAMS WILL BE AWARDED A LASER 3 000 COMPUTER, VALUED AT $6 000.
THE +STUDENTS AGAINST DRUGS MOVEMENT+, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND COMMERCIAL RADIO, AIMS AT HEIGHTENING THE AWARENESS OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AMONG STUDENTS.
TODAY’S TELEMATCH GAMES WERE DESIGNED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE WINNING TEAMS WERE PRESENTED PRIZES BY MR K.L. STUMPF, CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN, AND NR C.P. POON, THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR (OPERATIONS AND SUPPORTING SERVICES) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
MORE SPORTS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES
* * * * *
MORE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SITTING OUT AREA ON A 1 380-SQUARE-METRE SITE OFF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE FOOTPATHS AND STAIRS, ARBOURS, BENCHES, FLOWER-BEDS AND A STOREROOM.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START IN MAY THIS YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN OCTOBER.
MEANWHILE, WORK WILL BEGIN IN MARCH ON THE 1 OOO-METRE LONG FITNESS TRAIL ALONG THE WESTERN SLOPE OF KOWLOON PARK FACING CANTON ROAD.
THERE WILL BE SEVEN FITNESS STATIONS ALONG THE TRACK WITH EQUIPMENT, CONCRETE BENCHES AND DRINKING FOUNTAINS. LIGHTS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED.
WORK WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX MONTHS.
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/11 ........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 1085
11
2 50QTH CONCERT HELD * * * *
THE 2 5OOTH +MUSIC FOR THE MILLIONS* CONCERT WAS PRESENTED TODAY BY THE MUSIC OFFICE JOINTLY WITH THE HONG KONG FESTIVAL FRINGE BEFORE A +FULL HOUSE* AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
THE CONCERTS HAVE PLAYED BEFORE SOME 1 500 000 PEOPLE SINCE THEY BEGAN IN 1977.
PRESENT WERE PARENTS OF MUSIC OFFICE TRAINEES, STUDENTS OF THE THREE TEACHERS’ TRAINING COLLEGES, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS AND ABOUT 200 VIETNAMESE CHILDREN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE SAID THE PURPOSE OF THE CONCERT PROGRAMME WAS TO INTRODUCE CHINESE AND WESTERN MUSIC TO NEW AUDIENCE.
THESE CONCERTS ARE GIVEN BY OUR INSTRUCTORS’ ORCHESTRAS, WESTERN ND CHINESE, YOUTH ORCHESTRAS, BANDS AND ENSEMBLES IN SCHOOLS, FACTORIES, PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, COMMUNITY HALLS, HOSPITALS ETC.
TODAY’S CELEBRATION CONCERT WAS PERFORMED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE INSTRUCTORS’ WESTERN ORCHESTRA, CONDUCTED BY LUI Kl-LING AND THE INSTRUCTORS’ CHINESE ORCHESTRA, CONDUCTED BY TONG LEUNG-TA<\.
- - 0 - -
WATER DISPLAY AT YUEN LONG
* * * *
AN EYE-CATCHING WATER DISPLAY, CONSISTING OF FIVE POOLS OF DIFFERENT WATER LEVELS WAS OPENED TODAY IN THE YUEN LONG TOWN CENTRE.
AT THE CENTRE OF THE POOLS, THERE ARE 130 WATER JETS TO FORM A SEMI-SPHERICAL SHAPE.
THE WHOLE DISPLAY IS LIT UP AT NIGHT.
THE WATER FEATURES ARE PART OF THE PING WUI STREET REST GARDEN, ADJACENT TO SIR DENYS ROBERTS SQUASH HALL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
OTHER FACILITIES AT THE REST GARDEN INCLUDE ARBOURS, BENCHES, PARK LIGHTINGS AND LANDSCAPED PLANTING OF TREES, SHRUBS, CREEPERS AND GROUND COVERS.
THE PROJECT COST ABOUT $900 000 AND WAS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
o
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS LATEST POWER CONTROL SYSTEM................... 1
GOVERNOR'S LUNAR NE;/ YEAR MESSAGE........................... 2
USD CONCERNED OVER ABUSE OF NITRATE.......................... 3
MORS SEEK INJURIES PAYMENTS FROM BOARDS ..................... 3
QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION .................... 5
TEXTILE -fSWINGf SUSPENDED .................................. 6
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS STAMPS OUT MARCH 14..................... 6
LUNAR NEW YEAR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS.......................... 8
LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD REVOKES ONE LICENCE................... 9
FLYOVER TO EASE TUNNEL TRAFFIC FLOW.......................... 10
PRIZES FOR BIGGEST CATCHES .................................. 11
CHE KUNG FESTIVAL TRAFFIC PLAN .............................. 12
VOTERS TO RECEIVE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS ....................... 12
JOSS-STICKS TO BE OFFERED.................................... 13
WINDMILL CHURNS IN HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY ................. 13
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTINGS PHOTO CONTEST ..................... U
NT SPORTS VENUES CLOSE FOR HOLIDAYS ......................... 14
PUBLIC URGED TO HELP EASE AIRPORT TRAFFIC ................... 15
WATER FIGURES
15
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1^35 ;
GOVERNOR OPENS LATEST POWER CONTROL SYSTEM
*****
THE NEW SYSTEM CONTROL CENTRE OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY WOULD HOUSE THE CORE OF THE LARGEST ENERGY CONTROL INSTALLATION OF ITS TYPE OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE CENTRE, WHICH WOULD BE AT THE HEART OF A SUPPLY NETWORK EXTENDING TO ALL PARTS OF THE FAST DEVELOPING NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON, WOULD ALSO BE EQUIPPED WITH THE FIRST LIGHTNING STRIKE MONITORING DEVICE TO BE INSTALLED IN HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID AT THE OPENING OF STRAFFORD HOUSE.
BY SWIFTLY PINPOINTING SUCH STRIKES, DAMAGE TO THE TRANSMISSION NETWORK WOULD BE MINIMISED.
EXPLAINING THAT ELECTRICITY WAS +THE LIFE-BLOOD+ OF HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT MAJOR INVESTMENT IN NEW GENERATING PLANT READILY CAUGHT PUBLIC ATTENTION. BUT LESS WAS HEARD OF THE INCREASINGLY COMPLEX EQUIPMENT NEEDED TO CONTROL THE GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION CF ELECTRICITY.
+THIS IS A VITALLY IMPORTANT PART OF THE WHOLE SUPPLY SYSTEM. IT MEETS THE RISE AND FALL IN DEMAND, COPES WITH EMERGENCIES AND ENSURES THAT SUPPLY REACHES WHERE IT IS NEEDED,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR NOTED THAT INTERCONNECTION WITH THE SYSTEMS OF THE HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY AND, ACROSS THE BORDER, WITH THE GUANGDONG POWER COMPANY, HAD MADE THE JOB OF SYSTEM MANAGEMENT EVEN MORE COMPLEX.
THE NUCLEAR POWER PLANT TO BE BUILT AT DAYA BAY WAS A SYMBOL CF THE RAPIDLY GROWING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLICS AND AS THE LARGEST JOINT VENTURE IN WHICH THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC HAD ENGAGED IT HAD A SIGNIFICANCE WHICH WENT WELL BEYOND THAT.
+IN PRACTICAL TERMS IT WILL REPRESENT A FURTHER CHALLENGE FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SYSTEM IN THE EARLY 199OS. IN PARALLEL WITH THE EXPANSION OF OUR ECONOMY AND AN IMPROVING STANDARD OF LIVING, THE NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS OF HONG KONG’S ELECTRICITY CONSUMERS ARE BOUND TO INCREASE,* HE SAID.
+THE INAUGURATION OF THIS ADVANCED COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM AT STRAFFORD HOUSE WAS GOOD EVIDENCE THAT CHINA LIGHT AND POWER HAD BOTH THE FORESIGHT AND IMAGINATION TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE AND TO MEET THE CHALLENGES WHICH THE GROWTH OF THE ECONOMY AND THE EXPAND INu ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WILL PRESENT,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
- - 0 -
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 4985’
2 -
GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL DELIVER HIS NEW YEAR MESSAGE ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 20).
THE MESSAGE WILL BE BROADCAST AS FOLLOWS:
TELEVISION
DATE AND TIME i>
STATION FEB 20 (WED) * FEB 21 (THUR)
TVB JADE 6.55 PM 1.15 PM
TVB PEARL 7.25 PM 12 NOON
ATV 1 7.25 PM 1.15 PM
ATV 2 7.50 PM 12.20 PM
* REPEAT
RADIO
DATE AND TIME
CHANNEL FEB 20 (WED) FEB 21 (THUR)
RTHK 1 AND 2 (CHINESE) 7 PM 1.03 PM
RTHK 3 AND 4 (ENGLISH) 6.50 PM 7.09 AM
COMMERCIAL RADIO (CHINESE 1 AND 2) 7 PM 12 NOON
COMMERCIAL RADIO (ENGLISH) 6.50 PM
* REPEAT
/3
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
3
USD CONCERNED OVER ABUSE OF NITRATE
* * * *
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CONCERNED OVER THE EXCESSIVE USE OF SODIUM NITRATE OR SODIUM NITRITE IN PREPARING MEAT PRODUCTS IN HONG KONG. '
A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THIS WAS A MOST UNDESIRABLE PRACTICE AND THE DEPARTMENT TOOK A SERIOUS VIEW OF SUCH MALPRACTICE, WHICH COULD RESULT IN HAZARDOUS EFFECTS TO HEALTH.
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS, NEARLY 500 SAMPLES OF MEAT PRODUCTS WERE TAKEN FROM FOOD FACTORIES, RESTAURANTS AND OTHER FOOD RETAIL OUTLETS FOR ANALYSIS IN RESPECT OF THESE CHEMICALS.
SUBSEQUENT TESTS RESULTED IN THE PROSECUTION OF 31 OFFENDERS THE DESTRUCTION OF OVER 70 KG OF UNSATISFACTORY frEAT PRODUCTS SUCH AS CHINESE PRESERVED PORK, STUFFED PIG’S KNUCKLES, SPICED DRIED BEEF AND PORK AND THE ISSUE OF FIVE WARNING LETTERS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE PROPER USE OF THESE CHEMICALS IN FOOD IS GOVERNED BY THE PRESERVATIVES IN FOOD REGULATIONS, CAP. 132, LAWS OF HONG KONG. THAT IS TO SAY ONLY THOSE MEAT PRODUCTS WHICH ARE SPECIFIED IN iHESE REGULATIONS ARE PERMITTED TO HAVE SODIUM NITRATE/NITRITE ADDED TO THEM AT THE SPECIFIED CONCENTRATIONS.*
FOR THE PROTECTION OF PUBLIC HEALTH, CIRCULAR LETTERS HAVE BEEN SENT TO OPERATORS OF FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS ADVISING THEM OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE MEAT PRODUCTS THEY MANUFACTURE OR SELL DO NOT CONTAIN EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF THESE CHEMICALS. IN CASE OF DOUBT, THEY ARE ADVISED TO CONTACT THE ASSISTANT STAFF OFFICER (FOODS) AT 5-95573.
-----o-----
MORE SEEK INJURIES PAYMENTS FROM BOARDS
XXX
APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION FOR CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES INCREASED LAST YEAR - FOR THE FIFTH SUCCESSIVE YEAR.
THE 1983-84 ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION (CLEIC) BOARDS, SHOWS THAT 1 328 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED IN THE YEAR, COMPARED WITH 1 300 IN THE YEAR BEFORE.
THESE MADE UP ABOUT 17.5 PER CENT OF THE 7 580 CASES OF
• CRIMINAL INJURIES REPORTED IN THE YEAR.
/like in .......
MONDAY, FEBRUAfiY 18, 1985
- 4 -
LIKE IN PREVIOUS YEARS, VICTIMS OF ROBBERY, THEFT, BURGLARY AND ASSAULT AND WOUNDING MADE UP 90 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE APPLYING FOR COMPENSATION.
THERE WERE ALSO SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN APPLICATIONS ARISING FROM ARSON - 19 AGAINST FOUR PREVIOUSLY - AND FAMILY VIOLENCE CASES r 25 AGAINST FOUR THE YEAR BEFORE.
TWENTY-SIX VICTIMS OF RAPE AND INDECENT ASSAULT APPLIED FOR COMPENSATION, AGAINST 24 IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
OF ALL THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED DURING THE YEAR, 574 HAD BEEN DIRECTLY SUBMITTED BY THE VICTIMS OR THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS, AND 677 REFERRED BY POLICE. THE OTHERS WERE FROM HOSPITALS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
+DIRECT APPLICATIONS INCLUDED THOSE INVITED BY THE BOARD’S STAFF IN RESPONSE TO REPORTS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE IN THE MASS NEDIA,+ THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARDS, MR MARTIN LEE, SAID IN HIS REPORT.
HE SAID THAT POLICE STATIONS WERE STILL THE MAIN CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH THE COMPENSATION SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS.
♦CONTINUED EFFORTS WERE MADE TO INVITE PERSONS WHO SUSTAINED SERIOUS INJURIES AND FAMILIES WHICH SUFFERED THE LOSS OF WAGEEARNERS IN CRIMINAL INCIDENTS TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE BOARDS,* HE ADDED.
DURING THE YEAR, PAYMENTS OF $3.26 MILLION WERE MADE IN 583 CRIMINAL INJURY CASES, TWO LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURY CASES AND 140 REVIEW CASES.
THE HIGHEST SINGLE AWARD OF $40 050 WAS GIVEN TO THE WIDOW AND HER FOUR CHILDREN OF A VICTIM KILLED IN A HOMICIDE CASE IN SEPTEMBER 1983. THE FAMILY WAS ALSO REFERRED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
MR LEE SAID THE BOARDS HAD THE DISCRETION TO INCREASE THE COMPENSATION UP TO 100 PER CENT IF THE VICTIM SUFFERED INJURY OR DEATH IN TAKING POSITIVE STEPS TO PREVENT CRIME OR HELP IN THE ARREST OF AN OFFENDER OR A SUSPECT.
THE BOARDS LAST YEAR USED THEIR DISCRETIONARY POWERS TO INCREASE THE NORMAL AWARDS TO 32 CASES.
THE CLEIC SCHEME, INTRODUCED IN 1973, PROVIDES CASH ASSISTANCE TO VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS IN CRIMES OF VIOLENCE, OR THROUGH THE ACTION OF A LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER IN THE EXECUTION IN HIS DUTY.
--------o -
5
QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION
*****
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF LAST YEAR, AT 144.5, WAS 22 POINTS OR 18.0 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE PRECEDING QUARTER, THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 10.7 PER CENT. THE THIRD QUARTER IS NORMALLY THE PEAK SEASON FOR MANUFACTURING PRODUCTION, TO MEET THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR DEMAND.
INDUSTRIES WITH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1983 INCLUDED TOBACCO (+37.8 PER CENT)j PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+41.8 PER CENT)J PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+57.0 PER CENT)? FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+59.2 PER CENT)? CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+33.7 PER CENT)? AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+58.5 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, SEVERAL INDUSTRIES REPORTED SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE SAME PERIOD. THESE INCLUDED NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-13.6 PER CENT)? BASIC METALS (-18.2 PER CENT)? NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (-16.0 PER CENT)? PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-17.1 PER CENT)? AND LEATHER PRODUCTS AND FOOTWEAR (-12.5 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE THIRD QUARTER WITH THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1984, THERE WERE CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN THE PRODUCTION OF CHEMICALS AND CHEMICAL PRODUCTS (+27.2 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+33.9 PER CENT), AND CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+22.6 PER CENT). THIS WAS PARTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO HIGHER SEASONAL DEMAND FOR SUCH PRODUCTS AS CANDLES, PLASTIC TOYS, PLASTIC FLOWERS AND DECORATIVE ARTICLES FOR CHRISTMAS, ELECTRONIC TOYS, AND OTHER CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS.
TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT INDUSTRY ALSO REGISTERED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PRODUCTION OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER (+31.2 PER CENT).
(TWO TABLES ON THE QUARTERLY INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK. ONE IS A SUMMARY TABLE FOR BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS? THE OTHER GIVES MORE DETAILED INDUSTRY BREAKDOWNS.)
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, 3RD QUARTER 1984+.
THE PUBLICATION WILL BE ON SALE SHORTLY AT $2 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT G/F, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, OR AT THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATION SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL. REGULAR SUBSCRIPTION MAY ALSO BE ARRANGED.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH SECTION OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7224504.
/6........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
- 6 -
TEXTILE +SWING+ SUSPENDED
X * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT PENDING CONSULTATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, THE DEPARTMENT HAD DECIDED SUSPEND WITH EFFECT FROM 8.45 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) OPERATION THE 1985 SWING SCHEME IN RESPECT OF BENELUX CATEGORY 6 (TROUSERS/ RTS) AND CATEGORY 6P (TROUSERS).
+THIS MEANS THAT SWING INTO BENELUX CAT. 6 AND SWING INCREASE IN BENELUX CAT. 6P ARE NOT ALLOWED,* A SPOKESMAN SAID.
+HOWEVER, BENELUX CAT. 6 CAN STILL BE USED AS A SOURCE CATEGORY FOR SWING INTO OTHER CATEGORIES UNDER THE 1985 SWING SCHEME.*
-------o----------
HISTORICAL BUILDINGS STAMPS OUT MARCH 14 * * * *
FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS, DEPICTING HISTORICAL BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG, WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON MARCH 14.
THE FOUR STAMPS TO BE ISSUED AREs
* HUNG SING TEMPLE - 40 CENTS
THE TEMPLE, SITUATED AT QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, IS BELIEVED TO HAVE BEEN FOUNDED IN 1860. IT HAS AN EXCELLENT GRANITE WORK SCREEN WITH A BALUSTRADE ALONG THE WHOLE FRONT OF THE TEMPLE. OTHER INTERESTING FEATURES INCLUDE THE SHEK WAN POTTERY DECORATIONS ON ITS ROOF AND THE LARGE BOULDER INSIDE THE BUILDING.
* ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL - $1
THE CATHEDRAL WHICH HAD ITS FOUNDATION STONE LAID IN 1847, WAS OPENED FOR DIVINE SERVICES ON MARCH 11, 1849 BY SIR JOHN DAVIS, THEN THE GOVERNOR OF HONG KONG. IT IS ONE OF THE OLDEST BUILDINGS STILL STANDING IN HONG KONG.
X THE OLD SUPREME COURT BUILDING - $1.30
THIS BUILDING, WHICH WAS OPENED IN 1911, IS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF EDWARDIAN PUBLIC BUILDING ARCHITECTURE WITH NEO-CLASSICAL COLUMNS, ARCHES AND A DOME.
I
* WAN CHAI POST OFFICE - $5
KNOWN AS *WAN TSAI POST OFFICE* WHEN IT WAS OPENED ON MARCH 1, 1915, THE POST OFFICE IS THE OLDEST OF ALL THE EXISTING POST OFFICES IN HONG KONG. THE SPELLING OF ITS NAME WAS CHANGED TO THE PRESENT FORM IN NOVEMBER 1952.
/THE STAMPS .......
JO'JMY, PEBBUASY 18, 1985
THE STAMPS WERE DESIGNED BY LOCAL DESIGNER MEL HARRIS AND PRINTED BY WADDINGTONS SECURITY PRINT LTD ON +UNWATERMARKED+ PAPER WHICH WILL BE USED TO REPLACE THE WATERMARKED PAPER IN ALL FUTURE STAMP ISSUES.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HONG KONG, ARTWORKS OF THE STAMPS HAD BEEN REPRODUCED IN SETS ON HIGH QUALITY A4 SIZE PAPER WITH MATCHING STAMPS.
PRINT SETS ARE CONTAINED IN RED AND GOLD PRESENTATION FOLDERS AND WILL BE FOR SALE AT $50 PER SET AT THE PHILATELIC COUNTERS OF GENERAL POST OFFICE, TSIM SHA TSUI, GRANVILLE ROAD, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, PEAK AND AIRPORT POST OFFICES FROM MARCH 15.
THE STAMPS AND HIGH QUALITY PRINTS WILL BE ON DISPLAY ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE AND IN THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, MIDDLE ROAD, DAILY FROM 9.30 AM TO 4.30 PM FROM MARCH 5 TO 13.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ON SALE ON MARCH 1, AT 50 CENTS EACH. INFORMATION ABOUT THE SPECIAL STAMPS WILL BE PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE COVERS.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED FROM MARCH 1 TO 9 AT ALL POST OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO OBTAIN THEIR REQUIRED FIRST DAY COVERS AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
HE ALSO SAID THAT STARTING FROM THIS SPECIAL ISSUE, POSTMARKED OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS WOULD NO LONGER BE SOLD AT PHILATELIC COUNTERS AFTER THE FIRST DAY OF ISSUE. HOWEVER, SOUVENIR COVERS WOULD BE ON SALE AT PHILATELIC COUNTERS AND THESE WOULD BE POSTMARKED WITH THE DATE OF PURCHASE.
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/8........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
LUNAR NEW YEAR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 19) TO COPE WITH THE CROWDS FLOCKING TO THE FLOWER FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK.
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS NEAR VICTORIA PARK WILL BE CLOSED FROM 6 PM ON NEW YEAR’S EVE UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THEY INCLUDE LOCKHART ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET; JAFFE ROAD EAST OF PERCIVAL STREET; KESWICK STREET (EXCEPT MAXICAB ROUTES 14 AND 21); CANNON STREET; PATERSON STREET BETWEEN KINGSTON STREET AND YEE WO STREET; GREAT GEORGE STREET; SUGAR STREET; KINGSTON STREET BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND CLEVELAND STREET; GLOUCESTER ROAD BETWEEN CAUSEWAY ROAD AND THE SOUTHERN END OF THE VICTORIA PARK ROAD FLYOVER; CAROLINE HILL ROAD BETWEEN COTTON PATH AND LEIGHTON ROAD; ROXY ROUNDABOUT; TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER SOUTHBOUND LEADING FROM GLOUCESTER>ROAD TO TAI HANG ROAD; SUN WUI ROAD AND CANAL ROAD EAST BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD.
IN ADDITION, THE SECTION OF PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD AND THE SECTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD BETWEEN EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM.
FROM 6 PM ONWARDS, HYSAN AVENUE BETWEEN LEIGHTON ROAD AND YUN PING ROAD, AND LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN CANAL ROAD EAST AND WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND. KESWICK STREET, LAU LI STREET BETWEEN ELECTRIC ROAD AND HING FAT STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN PENNINGTON STREET AND HYSAN AVENUE, AND TUNG LO WAN ROAD BETWEEN MORETON TERRACE AND THE RAMP TO TAI HANG ROAD SOUTHBOUND WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR NORTH POINT SHOULD PROCEED VIA MARSH ROAD FLYOVER AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD. THEY SHOULD USE PERCiVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD AND BLUE POOL ROAD TO REACH TAI HANG.
WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON KING’S ROAD, NORTH POINT, HEADING FOR WAN CHAI SHOULD USE TSI NG FUNG STREET FLYOVER AND VICTORIA PARK ROAD.
BECAUSE OF THE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE FLOWER FAIR AT VICTORIA PARK, SOME BUS ROUTES AND MAXICAB ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ATTENDING THE FLOWER FAIR ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
MEANWHILE, PUBLIC TRANSPORT OPERATORS WILL EXTEND SERVICES UNTIL EARLY THE NEXT MORNING.
/TEAMS WILL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
9 -
TRAMS WILL RUN ALL NIGHT BETWEEN WHITTY STREET AND NORTH POINTi BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND WESTERN MARKET AND BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN AND HAPPY VALLEY. SERVICES BETWEEN KENNEDY TOWN AND HAPPY VALLEY WILL CLOSE AROUND MIDNIGHT WHILE THOSE BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND KENNEDY TOWN AND BETWEEN CAUSEWAY BAY AND WESTERN MARKET AROUND 4.30 AM.
MTR AND STAR FERRY SERVICES WILL RUN ALL NIGHT. HYF FERRIES ON THE JORDAN ROAD TO JUBILEE STREET, NORTH POINT TO KWUN TONG AND NORTH POINT TO HUNG HOM ROUTES WILL OPERATE UNTIL 1 AM. PEAK TRAM SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO 1.30 AM.
SERVICES ON CMB ROUTES 1. 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 11M, 12, 14, 15, 19, 20, 20M, 21, 23, 25, 37, 38, 47, 48. 70, 71, 73, 81, 83, 90M AND 95 WILL CLOSE ABOUT AN HOUR LATER THAN USUAL. ROUTE 5B WILL RUN ON UNTIL 2 AM. SPECIAL ROUTES 86 (CAUSEWAY BAY -CHAI WAN) AND 305M (CAUSEWAY BAY - ADMIRALTY MTR STATION) WILL OPERATE FROM 8 PM WHILE SPECIAL ROUTES 304 (CAUSEWAY BAY - WAH FU) AND 308 (CHAI WAN - CAUSEWAY BAY) WILL START RUNNING SHORTLY AFTER MIDNIGHT. ROUTE 86 WILL CEASE OPERATION AT 0.40 AM, BUT ROUTES 305M, 304 AND 308 WILL RUN ON UNTIL AROUND 5 AM.
SERVICES ON MORE THAN 60 KMB ROUTES WILL BE EXTENDED, WITH ROUTES 1A, 2, 3A, 5, 5C, 6, 6C, 9, 11, 14, 15, 15C, 26, 27K, 31, 32B, 34A, 35, 36, 37M, 39M, 43, 43M, 46A, 59 AND 67M FINISHING ABOUT AN HOUR-AND-A-HALF AFTER NORMAL SERVICE SCHEDULES.
AS FOR CROSS-HARBOUR SERVICES, BUSES ON ROUTE 102 WILL CONTINUE TO RUN FOR ABOUT TWO HOURS AFTER NORMAL FINISHING TIME WHILE TWO SPECIAL ROUTES - 111A (CAUSEWAY BAY - CHOI HUNG) AND 112A (CAUSEWAY BAY - MONG KOK) WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 0.30 AM UNTIL 6 AM.
THE OPERATING HOURS OF NINE MAX I CAB ROUTES ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 18 IN KOWLOON AND 32 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED. IN SOME CASES, A FLAT FARE WILL BE CHARGED DURING THE EXTENSION PERIOD.
LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD REVOKES ONE LICENCE
* X H *
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD TODAY APPROVED THE APPLICATION FOR REVOCATION OF THE LIQUOR LICENCE IN RESPECT OF YIM YEUNG TIN NIGHTCLUB BAR AT PORTLAND STREET.
DURING ITS MONTHLY MEETING TODAY, THE BOARD ALSO DECIDED TO ADJOURN THE APPLICATION FOR THE NEW ISSUE OF A LIQUOR LICENCE IN RESPECT OF CITY GARDEN LOUNGE AT ELECTRIC ROAD AT THE REQUEST OF THE APPLICANT.
TODAY’S MEETING WAS PRESIDED BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, NR PETER C.K. CHAN.
-----o------
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
10 -
FLYOVER TO EASE TUNNEL TRAFFIC FLOW * * X *
A 660-METRE STRETCH OF ELEVATED ROADWAY IN KOWLOON TONG, WHICH SHOULD GREATLY IMPROVE LION ROCK TUNNEL TRAFFIC FLOW, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS (MONDAY) MORNING.
KNOWN AS THE CORNWALL STREET-WATERLOO ROAD-JUNCTI ON ROAD FLYOVER, IT WILL ALSO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG THE EAST-WEST LINK OF CORNWALL STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR STEPHEN CHEONG, WHO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING, SAID THAT MUCH OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WAS DEVOTED TO IMPROVING HONG KONG'S ROAD NETWORKS, SO AS TO COPE WITH THE EXPANDING ECONOMY OF THE TERRITORY AS WELL AS MEETING THE INCREASING TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC.
♦FOR THE PAST FOUR YEARS, WE HAVE SPENT ABOUT $5 124 MILLION ON NEW ROAD CONSTRUCTIONS AND ROAD IMPROVEMENTS. IT IS CERTAINLY GOVERNMENT’S FIRM INTENTION TO CONTINUE TO INVEST HEAVILY BUT WISELY IN THE COMING YEARS, SO THAT THE ROAD NETWORKS OF THE TERRITORY CAN BE FURTHER IMPROVED WHERE NECESSARY,+ HE SAID.
+BARRING UNFORESEEN ADVERSE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS EXPECTED THAT $5 160 MILLION WILL BE SPENT OVER THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.+
MR CHEONG SAID THAT GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY COMMISSIONED DETAILED TRANSPORT STUDIES TO IDENTIFY FUTURE IMPROVEMENT REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ROAD SYSTEM IN THE NORTH KOWLOON REGION, TO PROVIDE SUFFICIENT HIGHWAY FACILITIES FOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THAT AREA.
APART FROM THE NEW FLYOVER, PLANNING FOR THE WIDENING OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WAS ALREADY IN AN ADVANCED STAGE, AND CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO PROVIDING GRADE-SEPARATED FACILITIES ACROSS WATERLOO ROAD TO SERVE LOCAL TRAFFIC IN KOWLOON TONG, HE ADDED.
MR CHEONG SAID THE NEW FLYOVER HAD BEEN COMPLETED THREE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE, DESPITE THE LIMITED WORKING SPACE, CONGESTED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND THE NOISE RESTRICTIONS NECESSARY IN AN URBAN ENVIRONMENT.
HAVING INSPECTED THE WORKMANSHIP OF THE FLYOVER, HE COMMENDED THE CONTRACTOR AND STAFF OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE WHO HAD DESIGNED THE FLYOVER AND SUPERVISED THE CONSTRUCTION, FOR +A JOB WELL DONE+.
SPEAKING ALSO, THE DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, DR NIP KAM-FAN SAID THAT IN THE PAST TEN YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN RAPID DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWNS AND IN NORTH KOWLOON AREAS SUCH AS CHUK YUEN, WONG TAI SIN AND MA CHAI HANG.
/+THESE DEVELOPMENTS........
MONDAY, FEBHDAJKY 18, 1985
+THESE DEVELOPMENTS HAVE ADDED TO THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC ALONG WATERLOO ROAD, CORNWALL STREET AND JUNCTION ROAD. IN 1982, GOVERNMENT APPROVAL WAS GIVEN TO COMMENCE THIS JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT WHICH BASICALLY PROVIDES A NORTH-SOUTH ELEVATED
ROAD LINK,* HE SAID.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE DUAL TWO-LANE FLYOVER, AT A COST CF 480 MILLION, THIS SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD WOULD BE UPGRADED TO A STANDARD COMPATIBLE WITH THE REST OF ROUTE 1, WHICH RUNS FROM ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL IN THE SOUTH TO JOIN LION ROCK TUNNEL AND FORMS PART OF THE NEW TERRITORIES CIRCULAR ROUTE IN THE NORTH.
DR NIP SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT HAD A LARGE PROGRAMME OF ITEMS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WHICH WOULD IMPROVE THE ROAD NETWORK IN THE TERRITORY TO KEEP PACE WITH GROWING DEVELOPMENT AND TRAFFIC DEMAND.
+LATER THIS YEAR WE SHOULD SEE THE PROGRESSIVE COMPLETION OF LARGE SECTIONS OF ROUTE 1 STRETCHING AS FAR AS FANLING,+ HE ADDED.
THE NEW FLYOVER WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
-----0-----
PRIZES FOR BIGGEST CATCHES X X X X
TWENTY-EIGHT FISHERMEN WHO LANDED THE MOST FISH AT MARKETS OF THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LAST YEAR ARE TO RECEIVE PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES AT A CEREMONY AT THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED BY MRS J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, WIFE OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES.
AND DR RIDDELL-SWAN WILL PRESENT PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES TO FOUR FISHERMEN WHO HAD SAVED A TOTAL OF 12 LIVES AT SEA IN THE PAST YEAR.
NINETEEN EMPLOYEES WHO HAVE EACH SERVED THE FMO FOR 25 YEARS, WILL ALSO RECEIVE LONG SERVICE MEDALS FROM DR RIDDELL-SWAN.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
12
CHE KUNG FESTIVAL TRAFFIC PLAN
* * * *
CHE KUNG MIU ROAD, BETWEEN ITS JUNCTIONS WITH SHA TIN TAU ROAD AND CHUI TIN STREET, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC EXCEPT KMB BUSES AND EMERGENCY VEHICLES FROM 7 PM ON THURSDAY TO 7 PM ON FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 22), FOR THE CHE KUNG FESTIVAL IN SHA TIN.
TRAFFIC HEADING FOR TIN SUM AND HIN TIN WILL BE DIVERTED ONTO TSUEN NAM ROAD AND HUNG MUI KUK ROAD.
DURING THE FESTIVAL, BUS AND TRAIN SERVICES WILL BE STRENGTHENED. WORSHIPPERS GOING TO CHE KUNG TEMPLE SHOULD USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, AS THERE IS LIMITED PARKING SPACE IN THE AREA.
VEHICLES PARKED ILLEGALLY WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY POLICE WITHOUT WARNING.
------o - - - -
VOTERS TO RECEIVE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS
*****
REGISTERED VOTERS WOULD BE RECEIVING PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS ON THE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS IN THEIR OWN CONSTITUENCY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.
MORE THAN 1.3 MILLION COPIES OF PAMPHLETS WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED ON A DISTRICT BASIS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY, HE SAID.
THE PAMPHLETS CONTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS, PERSONAL PARTICULARS AND THE POLITICAL PLATFORMS OF THE CANDIDATES.
THERE IS ALSO A DISTRICT MAP WITH THE VARIOUS CONSTITUENCIES MARKED OUT, NOTES FOR ELECTORS ON VOTING PROCEDURES AND THE ADDRESS CF POLLING STATIONS.
■♦■THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAS SPENT ABOUT $110 000 PRINTING THE PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS TO PROVIDE REGISTERED VOTERS WITH BASIC INFORMATION ON THE CANDIDATES IN THEIR CONSTITUENCIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IT IS PART OF THE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN TO ENCOURAGE ELECTORS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY — MARCH 7,+ HE ADDED.
- 0 -
i851 ,31 YRAU
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
JOSS-STICKS TO BE OFFERED * M , 0 ,
90 3‘
“ THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, AIM'D TILLAGE LEADERS WILL OFFER JOSS-STICKS TO CHE KUNG ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 21) - THE' SECOND DAY OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. ' -UT
r !: .
THEY WILL BE LED BY DANCING LION AND UNICORN, ON THEIR WAY
TO THE CHE KUNG TEMPLE. •
THEN, ON BEHALF OF THE RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN, MR LAM WILL PICK A +FORTUNE-STICK+ CONCERNING THE DISTRICT’S PROSPECTS FOfc THE COMING YEAR. ' - ■
NOTE TO EDITORS
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THIS TRADITIONAL CEREMONY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT 8.30 AM AT TAI WAI VILLAGE OFFICE IN CH IK FUK STREET, TAI WAI.
- - 0 - -
WINDMILL CHURNS IN HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY * * * *
Y
K
A CHINESE-STYLE WINDMILL HAS BEEN PUT UP AT THE KWUN;TONG FERRY CONCOURSE TO WISH PEOPLE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS YEAR OF
THE OX
PAINTED IN RED AND GOLD, THE FIVE-METRE-HIGH WINDMILL ALSO BEARS A REMINDER TO RESIDENTS TO CAST THEIR VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
THE WINDMILL IS PART OF KWUN TONG DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AND THE ELECTIONS PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN. THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND A PRIVATE SPONSORtHAVE CONTRIBUTED ABOUT $200 000 TO BOTH THE CAMPAIGN AND THE WINDMILL.
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 1985
- 14 -
SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTINGS PHOTO CONTEST * * *
PEOPLE WHO LIVE, WORK OR STUDY IN SHA TIN ARE BEING INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT’S FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO COMPETITION.
THE FIRST +SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING PHOTO CONTEST+, ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN FESTIVE LIGHTING SUB-COMMITTEE IS SPONSORED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, AND KODAK (FAR EAST) LTD, WHICH WILL DONATE THE PRIZES.
PARTICIPANTS MAY SUBMIT PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE CHRISTMAS AND LUNAR NEW YEAR FESTIVE LIGHTS. THEY SHOULD SEND IN THEIR PHOTOGRAPHS TO SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 26.
TIN STATION,
SHA
THIS YEAR’S FESTIVE LIGHTING ON SAND MARTIN BRIDGE NEAR SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE, FEATURING A FARMER AND AN OX, WILL BE ON FOR ONE MONTH.
-----0------
NT SPORTS VENUES CLOSE FOR HOLIDAYS * * *
ALL RECREATION AND SPORT FACILITIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE CLOSED ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 20) AND THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 21), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE FACILITIES AREj-
ISLANDS DISTRICT s CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS GROUND.
KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT s KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND, KWAI SHING SQUASH COURTS, NORTH KWAI CHUNG TANG SHIU KIN INDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, OSMAN RAMJU SADICK MEMORIAL GAMES HALL, AND WO Yl HOP ROAD SPORTS GROUND.
NORTH DISTRICT s FANLING RECREATION GROUND, AND FANLING NEW TOWN SQUASH COURTS.
SAI KUNG DISTRICT I SAI KUNG TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
SHA TIN DISTRICT I SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SQUASH AND TENNIS COURTS,
YUEN WO PLAYGROUND TENNIS COURTS, AND SHA TIN SPORTS GROUND.
TUEN MUN DISTRICT t TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
/TSUSH WAN .......
MDNMY, FSERUW 18, 1985
- 15 -
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT : TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND, TSUEN KING CIRCUIT PLAYGROUND TENNIS COURTS, AND SHA TSUI ROAD TENNIS COURTS.
YUEN LONG DISTRICT s YUEN LONG STADIUM, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SQUASH COURTS, AND TAI KIU MARKET SQUASH COURTS.
MEANWHILE, THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL WILL BE CLOSED FROM WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 20) TO FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 22).
------0-------
PUBLIC URGED TO HELP EASE AIRPORT TRAFFIC
* * * *
PUBLIC COOPERATION IS BEING SOUGHT TO HELP EASE PASSENGER TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE AIRPORT DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY RUSH.
TO HELP MAKE MOVEMENT EASIER, A SPECIAL CHECK-IN AREA HAS BEEN PROVIDED AT THE AIRPORT FOR GUANGZHOU-BOUND TRAVELLERS.
THE AREA IS SITUATED AT THE WESTERN END OF THE DEPARTURES HALL OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING, AND WILL BE OPERATING FROM TODAY (MONDAY) UNTIL SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE ARRANGEMENT WOULD HELP REDUCE +UNNECESSARY CROSS-FLOW OF PEOPLE AND BAGGAGE MOVEMENT IN THE DEPARTURES HALL+.
DEPARTING PASSENGER TRAFFIC WAS EXPECTED TO INCREASE GREATLY OVER THE NEXT TWO DAYS AND THEN EASE OFF ON LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY.
ARRIVING PASSENGER TRAFFIC WAS EXPECTED TO BUILD UP ON THE THIRD OR FOURTH DAY OF THE NEW YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED TRAVELLERS TO ARRIVE AND CHECK-IN EARLY AT THE AIRPORT.
THEY SHOULD ALSO TRAVEL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND DISCOURAGE PEOPLE FROM SEEING THEM OFF AT THE AIRPORT, HE SAID.
------o-------
WATER FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 405.189 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 492.120 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 84.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----o-----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK GROUP BACK FROM GUANGZHOU.................................... 1
DECEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED 2
LICENCE REVOKED............................................... 4
MORE FISH MARKETS PLANNED..................................... 5
BULLETIN HOLIDAYS............................................... 5
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1985
1
HK GROUP BACK FROM GUANGZHOU * * * *
A GROUP OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, LED BY THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, RETURNED TO HONG KONG THIS MORNING AFTER A THREE-DAY VISIT TO GUANGZHOU.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR TOM TOMLINSON? ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, NR LAU JONG-MINGJ ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SUPPLIES AND DISTRIBUTION, NR LI CHUEN AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, NRS ELIZABETH WONG, THE GROUP WENT TO CHINA AT THE INVITATION OF THE GUANGDONG WATER CONSERVANCY AND HYDRO POWER BUREAU.
ON ARRIVAL AT GUANGZHOU, THE PARTY WERE WARMLY RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF THE BUREAU, MR LI DE CHENG AND HIS SENIOR STAFF.
DURING THEIR STAY, DISCUSSIONS WERE HELD ON MATTERS RELATED TO THE SUPPLY OF WATER TO HONG KONG FROM THE EAST RIVER SYSTEM. THE DELEGATION ALSO TOURED CERTAIN HYDRO-POWER AND WATER RESERVOIR INSTALLATIONS NEAR GUANGZHOU.
OF PARTICULAR CONCERN TO THE GUANGDONG AUTHORITIES WAS THE PROBLEM OF HIGH INCREASE IN COSTS RELATING TO THE ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTION WORKS AND INSTALLATIONS, ELECTRICITY, ADMINISTRATION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF THEIR WATER-GATHERING STORAGE AND CONVEYANCE SYSTEM, WHICH HAVE TAKEN PLACE OVER THE THREE YEAR PERIOD SINCE THE RATE OF CHARGE WAS LAST REVISED ON JANUARY 1, 1982.
DETAILED INFORMATION AND EXPLANATION WERE GIVEN TO THE DELEGATION IN A FRIENDLY AND CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT. VERY GOOD MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING WAS REACHED IN THE DISCUSSION.
MR CHAN SAID HE WAS SATISFIED THAT THE CASE FOR A REVISION CF THE WATER CHARGE RATE HAD BEEN MADE.
HE SAID A REPORT WOULD BE MADE TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
-------- o - - - -
/2........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1985
- 2 -
DECEMBER ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES RELEASED * * * *
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN DECEMBER 1984 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S VOLUME, ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WHILE SOME INCREASES IN ORDERS-ON-HAND WERE REPORTED IN THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE WEARING APPAREL AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY RECORDED NO CHANGE IN THE VOLUME OF ORDERS.
TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED SLIGHTLY IN DECEMBER 1984 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH’S EMPLOYMENT. AMONG INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES, DECREASES WERE REPORTED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES. MOST OTHER INDUSTRIES RECORDED LITTLE CHANGE IN THE LEVEL OF EMPLOYMENT.
INCREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE REPORTED BY MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF YEAR-END BONUSES AND DOUBLE PAY. THE NOTABLE EXCEPTION WAS THE PLASTIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, WHICH SHOWED A DECLINE IN PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS DUE TO LESS OVERTIME WORKED.
EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES SECTORS REMAINED STABLE. WHILE PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR ROSE MODERATELY, THOSE IN THE SERVICES SECTORS SHOWED SIGNIFICANT INCREASE. THOSE INCREASES WERE DUE TO THE PAYMENT CF YEAR-END BONUSES AND OVERTIME ALLOWANCES.
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 SECTORS 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 OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE ECONOMY IN THE SHORT TERM.
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR DECEMBER 1984 WILL SOON BE ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, AT $1.50 PER COPY.
/lUQUIHIBS ABOUT .......
TUESDAY, PEBRUAHY 19, 1985
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE MADE TO THE INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION STATISTICS SECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT 3-7212768.
A. ORDERS-ON-HAND IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES
INDUSTRY (% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH) ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR DECEMBER 1984
OCT 1984 NOV 1984 DEC 1984
BEARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR’ EXCEPT -1 -1 -2 4.63
TEXTILES, EXCEPT APPAREL WEARING 1 -2 * 2.25
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -5 * 5 4.28
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -8 1 1 3.31
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS -2 2 -2 5.44
OTHERS -1 -1 * 4.33
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES -2 * -1 4.48
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED BY THE COMPANIES PER CAPITA PER CAPITA
SURVEYED EARNINGS EARNINGS FOR
(% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING
MONTH)
OCT NOV DEC OCT NOV DEC DEC 1984
INDUSTRY/SERVICES 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 1984 HK$
MANUFACTURING *
FOOD AND DRINKS -2
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR *
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL 1
-2 -1 2 -1 a —2 950
— — —— — ———
-1 * -5 -4 6 3 670
-1 * 4 -1 6 2 556
* * 4 -1 14 3 081
/PLASTIC PRODUCTS .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1985
4
PLASTIC PRODUCTS 2 -2 1 1 -3 -3 2 486
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS -2 -5 -1 -2 1 2 2 399
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS * -3 -2 3 * 10 2 826
OTHERS * * * 2 * 10 4 145
CONSTRUCTION -1 1 * 4 6 4 292
SERVICES * M -3 -2 28 6 332
———— — — —— —————
BANKS M * * * 71 7 547
HOTELS 1 * * M * 32 4 186
PUBLIC UTILITIES M * M -5 -3 7 5 468
OTHERS 1 1 * -2 -1 28 7 667
M CHANGES WITHIN MM PERSONS ENGAGED + -0.5% COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY* SITE WORKERS
EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED
- - - - 0 -----------
LICENCE REVOKED M M M M
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT THE REGISTRATION OF ALLIED PACIFIC CORPORATION AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY HAS BEEN REVOKED TODAY AT ITS OWN REQUEST UNDER SECTION 14(2) OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
- - - - 0
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 1985
MORE FISH MARKETS PLANNED * * * *
A NEW FISH MARKET IS BEING BUILT AT YIM TIN TSAI, TAI PO BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION (F.M.O.) AND TWO MORE ARE BEING PLANNED AT YAU TONG AND TUEN MUN, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, DR J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN SAID.
SPEAKING AT THE F.M.O. LUNAR NEW YEAR ANNUAL PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT THE ABERDEEN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET TODAY (TUESDAY), DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID CATCHES MADE BY THE FISHING FLEET DURING 1984 INCREASED BY SIX PER CENT IN WEIGHT AND 11 PER CENT IN VALUE OVER THE FIGURES FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD CONTINUED TO HELP FISHERMEN INCREASE THEIR PRODUCTIVITY AND FISHING EFFICIENCY BY PROVIDING LOANS THROUGH VARIOUS LOAN FUNDS, TECHNICAL ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS FOR THEIR CHILDREN TO UNDERTAKE FISHERIES STUDIES.
LAST YEAR, 136 LOANS TOTALLING $9.8 MILLION WERE ISSUED TO FISHERMEN FOR PRODUCTIVE PURPOSES. SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND LOANS AMOUNTING $278 000 WERE GIVEN TO 10 STUDENTS UNDERTAKING LOCAL AND OVERSEAS STUDIES AT TERTIARY INSTITUTES IN VARIOUS SUBJECTS RELEVANT TO FISHERIES.
ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING FOR FISHERMEN, DR RIDDELL-SWAN SAID 4800 FISHERMEN HAD ATTENDED COURSES FOR COXSWAINS, ENGINEERS AND OTHER SPECIAL COURSES IN NAVIGATION, RADIO COMMUNICATION AND BUSINESS MANAGEMENT ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE LAST 33 YEARS.
AT THE CEREMONY, DR RIDDELL-SWAN PRESENTED PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES TO FOUR FISHERMEN WHO HAD SAVED A TOTAL OF 12 LIVES AT SEA.
HE ALSO PRESENTED LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 19 EMPLOYEES OF THE F.M.O. WHO HAD BEEN WITH THE ORGANISATION FOR 25 YEARS.
MRS RIDDELL-SWAN PRESENTED PRIZES TO 28 FISHERMEN WHO HAD LANDED THE MOST FISH AT THE F.M.O. MARKETS LAST YEAR.
- 0 - -
BULLETIN HOLIDAYS X X X X X
NO DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN WILL BE ISSUED OVER THE LUNAR 4W YEAR HOLIDAYS FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY (FEBRUARY 20, 21 AND -).
PUBLICATION WILL RESUME ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 23).
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN-SUPPLEMENT
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1935
GOVERNOR’S LUNAR NEW YEAR MESSAGE 1985 4 * * X
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE’S NEW YEAR MESSAGE:
+AT THIS TIME ALL OVER HONG KONG, FAMILIES ARE GATHERPIG TOGETHER TO WELCOME THE YEAR OF THE OX» OTHERS HAVE JOINED THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS ELSEWHERE FOR THE CELEBRATION OF THE NEW YEAR. THIS RENEWAL OF FAMILY TIES IS A REMINDER OF THE DEEP AND ENDURING RELATIONSHIPS WHICH ARE SO ESSENTIAL FOR THE PEACE AND WELL-BEING OF OUR COMMUNITY.
♦WHEN I SPOKE TO YOU AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR, THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WAS STILL UNKNOWN. THERE WAS WORRY AND UNEASE. THERE WERE FEW WHO EXPECTED THAT BY THE YEAR’S END AN AGREEMENT WOULD HAVE BEEN SIGNED, OR THAT THAT AGREEMENT WOULD ESTABLISH SO FIRM A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH HONG KONG’S SPECIAL WAY OF LIFE CAN CONTINUE FAR INTO THE NEXT CENTURY. NOW THAT THE CLOUD OF UNCERTAINTY HAS ROLLED AWAY, WE CAN CONTINUE WITH OUR PLANNED PROGRAMMES AND POLICIES WITH CONFIDENCE. WE CAN DEVELOP AND BUILD, KNOWING THAT WHAT WE CONSTRUCT WILL SERVE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY FOR A LONG TIME TO COME.
+THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG ARE REMARKABLE FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THEY JOIN IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS, FOR THE WAY IN WHICH THEY WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE PROBLEMS AND SHOW THEIR CONCERN FOR THE LESS FORTUNATE. NOW WE NEED A COMMITMENT FROM EVERYONE TO MAKE USE OF NEW OPPORTUNITIES. WE NEED TO CHOOSE WELL QUALIFIED LEADERS IN THE DISTRICT BOARDS, THE URBAN AND REGIONAL COUNCILS AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SO THAT WITH THEIR ADVICE AND SUPPORT, THE RIGHT DECISIONS CAN BE MADE TO DETERMINE THE SHAPE AND PACE OF PROGRESS IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
/+IT IS ........
2
+IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT I HOPE THAT ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE REGISTERED WILL CAST YOUR VOTES IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS NEXT MONTH. DOING SO, YOU WILL BE 'LAYING AN IMPORTANT PART IN CREATING THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG. WE SHALL 3E ABLE NOT ONLY TO RETAIN THE BEST AND WELL TRIED ELEMENTS IN OUR SOCIETY, BUT AT THE SAME TIME ENLIVEN GOVERNMENT WITH NEW IDEAS •■'HIGH FRESH MINDS WILL BRING TO THE PROBLEMS WHICH FACE US.
+THE OX IS A STURDY SYMBOL OF OUR DETERMINATION TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE NEW YEAR. WE CAN DO SO WITH A CONFIDENCE WHICH HAS ITS ROOTS IM THE STRENGTH O'7 ' COMMUNITY UNITED IN ITS RESOLVE TO BUILD STEADILY FOR THE FUTURE.+
SPEAKING IN CANTONESE, THE GOVERNOR SAID: ♦THIS IS THE YEAR' OF THE OX.
+ THE OX SYMBOLISES PERSERVERA .CE, STEADFASTNESS AND COURAGE.
I HOPE THAT EACH AND EVERY ONE IN HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO STRIVE TO BUILD FOR THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG IN ’HIS SPIRIT.
+MY WIFE AND I WISH YOU ALL GOOD HEALTH AND AL- THE VERY BEST.
LADY YOUDE SAID: +1 WISH YOU ALL EVERY HAPPINESS, GOOD HEALTH AND THE BEST OF LUCK IN THE NEW YEAR.+
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POLICE COMMISSIONER VISITS CHINA ............................... 1
VIEWS SOUGHT ON MEDICaL SERVICES ............................... 1
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION DEPENDS ON SUPPORT ..................... 3
HUNG HOM ESTATE FULLY REDEVELOPED............................... 3
TUEN MUN TO GET NEW POLICE STATION ............................. 4
FORUMS FOR TAI PO CANDIDATES ................................... 5
I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN ................................... 5
MORE NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN .................................... 6
PUPILS' CREATIVE WORK ON DISPLAY ............................... 7
INDOOR GAMES HALL AT WAN CHAI .................................. 7
MARKET STALLS FOR PUBLIC AUCTION ............................... 8
SAI KUNG FESTIVAL LAUNCHED ..................................... 8
TUEN MUN HOLDING 'CONSTITUENCY NIGHTS' ......................... 9
NSV YEAR RACE AT SAI KUNG ..................................... 10
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ........................................... 10
r-.BRU -Y 23,
°OLICE COMMISSIONER VISITS CHh\A * * *■
COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY nEN-'Y -CCEPTED AN INvITATIO TO VISIT CM in; FOR THREE DAYS LATER THl_ *ONTr,
Mk ^PNFY, .'HO wlLL BE ACCOMPANIED = " SUPER 1 NTENDENT "'•K. NG -T TH- INTERPOL BUR'AU, MR Y.P. CHENG, CHIEF .jOVERNMeNi INTERPRcTe-Sd CHIEF INSPECTOR y't. MA, HIS PERSONAL ASSISTANT, a ILL LEAVE •■'Ng\oNG ?!< MONDAY. AFTER SPENDING TWO DAYS IN "ILL
VISIT GUANGZHOU BEFORE RETURNING TO HONG KONG OK THURSDAY.
wILL
SAID MR HENRY: +CHINA HAS RECENTLY JOINED INTERPOL AND HOW WE CAN "ORK TOGETHER. *E aIlL alSO TOUCH OF MUTUAL INTEREST SUCH AS COMMUNICATIONS AND
I WILL
ON
EE DISCUSSING OTHER MATTERS LIAISON.+
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VIEWS SOUGHT ON '’ED I CAL SERVICEo * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OR INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS ARE INVITED TO GIVE THEIR VIEWS TO THE MANAGEMENT CONSULTA'. tS WHO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW THE DELIVERY 3F MEDICAL SERVICES IN HONG KONG’S HOSPITALS.
THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW, TO b£ C KDUCTED BY w.D. SCOTT AND CO., IS TO EXAMINE THE EXISTR L 2-ANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF HOSPITALS AND, I' 3A-' '-AR, TO CONSIDER
*HAT CHANGES ARE NEEDED IN THEIR ORGAN‘SAT I‘ ■ .TRUCTURE, STAFFING AND INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION TO ENABLE THEM TO COPE EFFECTIVELY wITH CONTINUED EXPANSION i' THE Y^ARS AHEAD.
IN THE FORTHCOMING WEEKS MEMBERS OF THE CONSULTANCY TEAM «1LL EE VISITING CERTAIN SELECTED HOSPITALS AND GATHERING VIE"S FROM PERSONS AND ORGANISATIONS I' THE IcDICAL FIELD. HOWEVER, wITHIf THE TIME CONSTRAINTS IMPOSED I" ILL NOT BE POSSIBLE -OP THEM TO CONSULT WITH ALL PARTIES VI NG mN INTEREST IN THE REVIEW.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OR INTERESTED ORGAN' 3 AT IONS ARE ACCORDINGLY INVITED TO MAKE WRITTEN SjB ISSION TO THE CONSULTANTS. SUBMISSIONS SHOULD BE ADD'ESSEl
SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT lOwER ALBERT ROAD HONG KONG
AND SHOULD REACH THE SECRETARY FOP HEAL • AKE' /.ELFARE NOT LATER Than vapch 2°, 1985.
/THE PRECISE
SATUBiMY, ZEBKUAP' 23, 198?
THE PRECISE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW ARE AS FOLLOwSs-
(A) TO REVIEW THE ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR MANAGING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOS°ITALS, HI TH THE Ale 0" ASSESSING THE POTENTIAL FOR ACHIEVING BETTER INTEGRATION BETWEEN THESE HOSPITALS ON A FUNCTIONAL BASIS AND TO ADVISE WHETHER THIS AIM SHOULD Bt "ET THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AUTONOMOUS AUTHORITIES FOR MANAGING GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS}
(t) TO EXAMINE THE INTERNAL ADMINISTRATION OF GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS, wI TH PARTICULAR REGARD TO THE ROLES OF THE SENIOR MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF AND OF NON-MEDICAL ADMINISTRATORS, AND TO ADVISE ON THc. CHANGES NEEDED TO STRENGTHEN HOSPITAL ADM I N I STR AT I O'., INCLUDING THE TRAINING REQUIRED TO ENHANCE T< ADMINISTRATIVE SKILLS OF SENIOR MEDICAL AND NURSING STAFF;
(C) TO ADVISE HOW MORE EFFECTIVE USE MIGHT BE MADE OF EXISTING RESOURCES IN ORDER TO OVERCOME THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND TO SUGGEST .’•HAT ALTERNATIVE METHODS OR FACILITIES SHOULD BE PLANNED TO RELItV’ THE LOAD ON HOSPITAL BEDS;
(D) TO PROPOSE MORE EFFECTIVE METHODS OF CONTROLLING COSTS IN GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS aKC SUGGEST HOW STAFF AT ALL LEVELS MIGHT BE MADE MORE PRODUCTIVE;
(E) TO ADVISE WHETHER THERE ARE BETTER ALTERNATIVES TO THE PRESENT METHOD OF STAFFING HOSPITALS;
(F) TO ADVISE WHETHER THE UTILIZATION OF GOVERNMENT AN_ SUBVENTED HOSPITALS MIGHT BE IMPROVED IF THERt wcRE A STRUCTURE OF CHARGES THAT TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE SERVlC.--PATIENTS RECEIVED AND OF THEIR ABILITY TO PAY;
(G) TO DEVISE PLANS TO IMPROVE THE WORKING ENVIRONMENT
IN HOSPITALS, INCLUDING TEACHING AND RESEARC" F-C I L I 7 I r. , AND TO IMPROVE PATIENTS’ COMFORT AND STAFF MORALE; Alw
(H) TO INDICATE HOw SUITABLE PROVISION SHOULD BE MADE FOR THOSE PATIENTS vHO SEEK A HIGHER STANDARD OF ACCOMMODATION THAN THAT PROVIDED IN THIRD-CLASS -l? I. GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND WHO CAN hF-. _ TO MEET PART OF THE COST OF • jSPITALIZAT I ON IFCLlFJ'G ENLISTING THE HELP OF THE PRiVATE SECTOR AND TrtE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL INSURANCE.
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SAT." - , FE. -<UARY 23,
- 3 -
DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION DEPEES 0 SUPPORT * * * *
THE GROWTH AND MATURITY OF DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION DEPENDED ON THE CONTINUING SUPPORT OF RESIDENTS, WHO KNOW BEST THE NEEDS AND PROBLEMS OF THEIR COMMUNITY, AC"! "Al DISTRICT OFFICER, MS ANISSA jvONG SAID TCDAY (SATURDAY .
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE 1)85 TAI PO DISTRICT LUNAR NEU YEAR PROGRAMME, MS WONG SAID "HAT IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES -OR RESIDE TS. THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO ADVISED THE GOVERNMENT ON THE ORITIE3 OF PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS, MATTERS AFFECTING THE RESIDENTS’ *ELL-BEING, AND HELPED REFLECT °UBLIC OPINIONS ON GOVERNMENT POLICIES.
+THE GOVERNMENT HAS SPARED NO EFFORT IN IMPROVING RELATIONS AT DISTRICT LEVEL AND TO PROVIDE MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN LOCAL AFFAIRS,* SHE SAID.
■•■ALTHOUGH THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME HAS WON THE SUPDOPT OF THE PEOPLE AND ACHIEVED A CERTAI I DEGREE Oc SUCCESS IN ITS SHORT HISTORY, IT IS STILL AT A GROWING STAGE,* SHE ADDED
TO FORM A SOUND BASIS FOR A HORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, RESIDENTS SHOULD RENDER THEIR SUPPORT TO THE SCHEME.
+1 HOPE ALL REGISTERED VOTERS WILL GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7 TO CHOOSE A DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATE .vHO CAN GENUINELY REPRESENT THEM,* MS wONG SAID.
THE TwO-WEEK LUNAR NEw YEAR PROGRAMME FEATURES A SERIES OF SPORTS, CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES.
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HUNG HOM ESTATE FULLY REDEVELOPED * * * *
ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE BUILT IN THE 195O’S HAS JUST BEEN FULLY REDEVELOPED INTO A MODERN, SELF-CONTAINED ENTITY WITH LIVING ENVIRONMENT UPGRADED TO PRESENT-.A'- STANDARDS.
WITH ITS LAST BLOCK CONVERTED LAST MONTH, HUNG HOM ESTATE IS NOW THE SECOND MARK l/lI ESTATE WHERE REDEVELOPMENT WORKS ARE COMPLETED FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE TENANTS.
THE FIRST FULLY REDEVELOPED ESTATE $ SHEK KIP MEI IN SHAM SHU I PO.
AT HUNG HOM ESTATE, INTAKE IS CONTINUING FOR THE 259 SELF-CONTAINED PLATS PRODUCED FRO* •' -SI"-. ?r’ • SION OF THE LAST OF FOUR BLOCKS THERE.
/BIGGES AND .......
SATURDAY, ?EBELT jlY 23, 1985
BIGGER AND COMPLETE .VI TH INDIVIDUAL KITCHENS AND TOILETS, THESE CONVERTED FLATS PROVIDE MORE COMFORTABLE HOMES FOR 700 PEOPLE.
THE FIRST THREE BLOCKS WHICH HAVE BEEN CONVERTED AT THE ESTATE ARE HOUSING 3 400 PEOPLE.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, OVERCROWDING AT HUNG HOM ESTATE IS NOW A THING OF THE PAST. THE ORIGINAL POPULATION OF 5 500 PEOPLE HAS BEEN REDUCED BY 25 PER CENT.
REDEVELOPMENT WORKS ARE CONTINUING IN 10 OTHER MARK l/ll ESTATES AND IT IS PLANNED TO HAVE THEM COMPLETED BY EARLY 1990’S.
TUEN MUN TO GET NEW POLICE STATION * * * *
A NEW POLICE STATION IS TO BE BUILT ON A 2 990-SQUARE-METRE-SITc NEAR BUTTERFLY ESTATE IN TUEN MUN TO SERVE THE POPULATION OF THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE NEW TOWN.
KNOWN AS THE NEW CASTLE PEAK DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION, IT CONSISTS OF A COMPOSITE BLOCK, PARTLY 10-ST0REY AND PARTLY TWO-STOREY HIGH, AND THREE SINGLE-STOREY ANCILLARY BUILDINGS SURROUNDING A COMPOUND.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED INCLUDE DUTY ROOM, LECTURE ROOM, ARMOURY, MOTOR TRANSPORT OFFICE, REPORT ROOM, CELLS, OFFICE, BARRACKS, CANTEEN, RECREATION AND LAUNDRY FACILITIES, DOG KENNELS AND STOREROOMS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL AND BE COMPLETED IN JULY 1986.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAY, MARCH 15. LATE TENDERS wILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1985
- 5 -
FORUMS FOR TAI PO CANDIDATES
* * *
THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS ORGANISED TWO FORUMS FOR DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION CANDIDATES TO MEET THE PUBLIC.
THE 17 CANDIDATES CONTESTING FOR THE SEVEN SINGLE-SEAT CONSTITUENCIES IN THE TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD WILL PRESENT THEIR ELECTORAL PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM THE PUBLIC.
THE FIRST FORUM WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 25) AT THE TAI YUEN COMMUNITY HALL FOR EIGHT CANDIDATES CONTESTING SEATS IN THE TAI PO CENTRAL, TAI PO NORTH EAST, TAI PO EAST AND TAI PO NORTH CONSTITUENCIES.
THE SECOND FORUM, TO BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27) AT THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL, WILL BE ATTENDED BY THE NINE CANDIDATES CONTESTING FOR SEATS IN THE SAI KUNG NORTH, TAI PO SOUTH EAST AND TAI PO SOUTH CONSTITUENCIES.
BOTH FORUMS WILL START AT 8 PM AND THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MS ANISSA WONG WILL BE THE MODERATOR.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE FORUMS:
I) ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 25) AT THE TAI YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, TAI YUEN ESTATE, TAI POJ AND
II) ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27) AT THE KWONG FUK COMMUNITY HALL, KWONG FUK ESTATE, TAI PO.
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I.D. CARD REMINDER FOR WOMEN * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED WOMEN BORN IN 1947 AND 1948 TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BEFORE MARCH 9 THIS YEAR.
+THE EIGHT NEW I.D. CARD ISSUE OFFICES HAVE RECEIVED 42 600 APPLICATIONS SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THIS PHASE ON FEBRUARY 4 AND WE EXPECT 27 600 MORE TO COME IN THE REMAINING 13 WORKING DAYS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE ISSUE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, MONDAY TO SATURDAY. APPLICANTS SHOULD TAKE ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS AND HAVE THEIR PERSONAL PARTICULARS READY WHEN THEY VISIT THE ISSUE OFFICES.
/WOMBi BELONGING.......
SATUmr, FEBRUARY 23, 1985
WOMEN BELONGING TO THESE AGE GROUPS WHO HAD SPENT THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND HAD NOT YET APPLIED FOR NEW I.D. CARDS SHOULD DO SO IMMEDIATELY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
FOR THOSE WHO WOULD NOT BE BACK UNTIL THE END OF THE PHASE, THEY SHOULD APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE REITERATED THAT NO AMNESTY WOULD BE GIVEN TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ONCE DETECTED, THEY WOULD BE REPATRIATED.
0 - - - -
MORE NEW ROADS FOR TUEN MUN * * * *
SEVEN NEW ROADS, TOTALLING 1.3 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH, ARE TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON RECLAIMED LAND NEAR PILLAR POINT, TUEN MUN, AS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE DUAL SINGLE-LANE CARRIAGEWAYS ARE TO PROVIDE LOCAL ACCESS TO SITES PLANNED FOR A LOG STORAGE AREA FOR SAWMILL OPERATORS, BOATYARDS, MARINE WORKSHOPS AND A PUBLIC WATERFRONT.
WORK WILL INCLUDE THE PROVISION OF A 260-METRE-LONG, FOUR-CELL REINFORCED CONCRETE CULVERT AND ASSOCIATED FOUL AND STORMWATER DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES SOME PROTECTION WORKS TO SLOPES ACROSS LUNG MUN ROAD WHICH IS IN THE AREA, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A CAR PARK IN KIN ON STREET WHERE A NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS HAVE BEEN SET UP.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK OF WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN MAY THIS YEAR AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1985
7
PUPILS’ CREATIVE WORK ON DISPLAY K K X-
AN EXHIBITION OF CREATIVE WORK BY PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND SPECIAL SCHOOLS PUPILS WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE BETWEEN FEBRUARY 25 AND MARCH 9.
DISPLAYS INCLUDE SELECTED ART WORK BY FORMS l-IV PUPILS? NEEDLEWORK AND GARMENTS PRODUCED BY FORM/MIDDLE l-V PUPILS OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS? ART AND CRAFT WORK BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS? WINNING ENTRIES FOR THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR SCHOOLS, 1984? CHILDREN’S ART WORK FROM THE UNITED STATES AND PAINTINGS BY KOREAN CHILDREN.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON WEEKDAYS, AND FROM 9 AM TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. THE CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE IS AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, 4TH AND 5TH FLOORS, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE AT THE CENTRE ON TELEPHONE 5-629205.
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INDOOR GAMES HALL AT WAN CHAI * * *
AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED AT THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION IN HARBOUR ROAD.
THE 3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE GAMES HALL WILL COMPRISE EIGHT GLASS-BACKED SQUASH COURTS, TWO STANDARD-SIZED BASKETBALL COURTS WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED FOR BADMINTON AND VOLLEYBALL, A NUMBER OF GAMES ROOMS, OFFICES AND CONFERENCE ROOMS.
THE THREE-STOREY BUILDING, WHICH IS PART OF THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION RECREATION CENTRE WILL ALSO PROVIDE ANCILLARY FACILITIES SUCH AS CHANGING ROOMS AND STOREROOMS.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WORK OF WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN APRIL THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER 1986.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, Dd5
- 8 -
MARKET STALLS FOR PUBLIC AUCTION * * *
SEVEN VACANT STALLS AT SHA TIN MARKET AND FO TAN EAST COOKED FOOD MARKET WILL BE PUT UP FOR PUBLIC AUCTION AT THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, LEK YUEN ESTATE, SHA TIN, AT 10 AM ON MARCH 4 (MONDAY).
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS CAN START BUSINESS ON APRIL 1 ON A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT. THE UPSET MONTHLY RENTAL RANGES FROM $2 300 TO $4 500 EACH.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE AUCTION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION OF THE SHA TIN URBAN SERVICES OFFICE ON TELEPHONE 0-6065745.
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SAI KUNG FESTIVAL LAUNCHED * * * *
THE ANNUAL SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL WAS LAUNCHED TODAY (SATURDAY) AT A GATHERING OF RESIDENTS, COMMUNITY LEADERS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, AT MAN YEE SQUARE.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FESTIVAL, WHICH LASTS TILL MARCH 3, SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO SAID THE YEAR OF THE OX SYMBOLISED DILIGENCE AND STRENGTH.
MR HO THEN WISHED THE SAI KUNG MERCHANTS GOOD FORTUNE, CALLED ON STUDENTS TO WORK HARDER IN THE NEW YEAR, AND WISHED RESIDENTS GOOD HEALTH AND PROSPERITY.
MR HO SAID THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD HAD WORKED HARD DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS TO BRING ABOUT IMPROVEMENTS.
+1 AM SURE THIS GOOD WORK WILL CONTINUE WITH THE NEW BOARD AFTER THE ELECTIONS,+ HE SAID.
+THE BOARD HAD BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN MANY COMMUNITY BUILDING ACTIVITIES, SUCH AS THIS FESTIVAL. IT HAD ALSO LAUNCHED A NUMBER CF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND SOCIAL SERVICES PROJECTS, AND MADE CONSTRUCTIVE SUGGESTIONS ON TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT MATTERS IN THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
+WITH THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS, HONG KONG WILL BE ' ING A MAJOR STEP TOWARDS THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT,* HE SAID.
MR HO CALLED ON REGISTERED VOTERS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7 AND ELECT SOMEONE TO REPRESENT THEM ON THE BOARD.
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/9........
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 1935
9
ATTENTION NEWS EDITORS
TUEN MIN HOLDING ’CONSTITUENCY VIETS’ * * * *
THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL ORGANISE EIGHT CONSTITUENCY NITHTS BETWEEN FEBRUARY 25 AND 28 TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES OF THE ?!SlIl DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO THEIR ELECTORATE AND TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT FOR RESIDENTS.
EACH OF THE 35 CANDIDATES IN THE EICH CONSTITUENCIES WILL HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE TO PRESENT HIS PLATFORM DIF ING THE SHOW.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND "Ft CONSTITUENCY NIGHTS WHICH WILL BE HELD III DIFFERENT PLACES AS PCI LC S:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEB 25 (MON) 7.30 PM TUEN MUN TOWN CEh'FE V/ J Ol TOWN SQUARE
FEB 25 (MON) 7.30 PM CASTLE PEAK BUTTERFLY AMPHI THEATRE
FEB 26 (TUES) 7.30 ^M TUEN MUN NORTH-EAS’ SAN HUI RESITE VILLAGE
FEB 26 (TUES) 7.30 ?X TUEN MUN SOUTH--.'Eb" '/J KING SOCCER PITCH
FEB 27 (WED) 7.30 PM YAU Ol _0K SHOW STAGE
FEB 27 (WED) 7.30 PM TUEN MUN NORTH-WEST 3IU HONG SOCCER PITCH
FEB 28 (THUR) 7.30 PM TUEN MUN SOUTH-EAST TING/YAU Ol community CENTRE
FEB 28 (THUR) 7.30 TAI HING O’EN SPACE BEHIND TAI HING NPU
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/TO .......
3ATUR..AY, FEBRUARY 23, 1935
10
NEW YEAR RACE AT SAI KUNG * * *
A LONG DISTANCE RUN WILL BE HELD IN SAI KUNG TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO CELEBRATE THE YEAR OF THE OX.
THE EVENT IS PART OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL WHICH WAS LAUNCHED TODAY AND WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 3.
TWO HUNDRED MEN WILL PARTICIPATE IN A SIX KILOMETRE RUN STARTING FROM THE NAI CHUNG BUS TERMINUS, WHILE 50 WOMEN WILL PARTICIPATE IN A THREE KILOMETRE RUN FROM KEI LING HA BUS TERMINUS. RUNNERS FROM BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S SECTIONS WILL RACE ALONG TAI MONG TSAI ROAD TO THE FINISH LINE AT TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
- - o -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT * * M
THE SECTION OF PO HEUNG STREET BETWEEN NAM SHING STREET AND HEUNG SZE W'JI STREET AT TAI PO WILL BE REROUTED FROM ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TO TWO-WAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 26).
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG, TEL: 5-233191 »
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PEOPLE SHOULD PARTICIPATE - SIR EDWARD ................ 1
VOTERS URGED TO CHOOSE CAREFULLY ...................... 2
COUNCILLOR PRAISES PHARMACEUTICAL FOUNDATION .......... 2
VOTERS LEARN MORE ABOUT DB CANDIDATES ................. A
BEACH RAFTS A NOVELTY TO THE WORLD.................. •.•.. 5
CIVIC EDUCATION AND ELECTION FORTNIGHT ................ 7
SEWAGE TUNNEL TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY ................. 8
MORE ENQUIRY CENTRES FOR CONSUMERS .................... 8
NEW PLAYGROUND IN KWAI CHUNG .......................... 9
USHERING IN THE YEAR OF THE OX ........................ 9
FEAST TO CELEBRATE EVERYONE'S BIRTHDAY ...............t 10
CINDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
PEOPLE SHOULD *
PARTICIPATE - SIR EDWARD * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) HIS WISH FOR THE NEW YEAR WAS THAT PEOPLE SHOULD PARTICIPATE.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING SOME 900 YOUNG PEOPLE TAKING PART IN A CAMP JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION AND THE OUTSTANDING YOUNG PERSONS’ ASSOCIATION IN WU KAI SHA, SIR EDWARD SAID THE THEME OF THE CAMP WAS PARTICIPATION.
+ THE THEME OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR IS PARTICIPATION, AND THE THEME OF HONG KONG IS PARTICIPATION,* HE SAID.
+THERE ARE PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES. THERE ARE THE ELECTIONS NEXT MONTH, AND LOTS OF THINGS HAPPENING IN WHICH PEOPLE CAN GET INVOLVED.*
SIR EDWARD SAID HE EXPECTED A HEALTHY TURNOUT AT THE ELECTIONS.
+1 AM CERTAINLY HOPING FOR A HEALTHY TURNOUT. I HOPE EVERYBODY WHO IS REGISTERED WILL CAST HIS VOTE. IT’S AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE.*
ASKED TO COMMENT ON RECENT REPORTS ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE GOVERNOR SAID, +THE SITUATION ON THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP IS STILL THE SAME, WHICH IS THAT THE FINAL DECISIONS HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN. THEY WILL BE ANNOUNCED, BUT I AM AFRAID YOU WILL HAVE TO BE PATIENT FOR JUST A BIT LONGER.*
ASKED WHEN THE ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE, HE SAID, +NOT TOO LONG.*
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION ON THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE ON THE BASIC LAW, SIR EDWARD SAID, +THE DRAFTING OF THE BASIC LAw IS, IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, A MATTER FOR THE CHINESE RATHER THAN FOR US, AND I DON’T THINK THAT THEY HAVE ANNOUNCED ANY DEFINITE PLANS YET.*
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24,
2
VOTERS URGED TO CHOOSE CAREFULLY * * * *
A CAREFULLY-CHOSEN VOTE ON MARCH 7 COULD MEAN AN ABLE CANDIDATE BEING ELECTED TO THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
+THE VOTE WILL ALSO REFLECT THE ELECTOR’S CIVIC DUTY AND LOVE FOR SHA TIN,+ MR LAM SAID IN HIS ADDRESS TO SOME 8 ODD PEOPLE ATTENDING A POP CONCERT AT THE SHA TIN RACECOURSE GRANDSTAND.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CONCERT WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SHA TIN ARTS ASSOCIATION, THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS PART OF THE ELECTION PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN AND LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS.
BEFORE THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD’S CHILDREN CHOIR PERFORMED THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THEME SONu, +ONE VOICE*.
- 0 - -
COUNCILLOR PRAISES PHARMACEUTICAL FOUNDATION * X X
SPEAKING TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE THIRD PAN PACIFIC FOUNDATION PHARMACEUTICAL CONFERENCE, URBAN COUNCILLOR DR RONALD LEUNG SAID HE APPLAUDED THE HIGHLY WORTHY OBJECTIVES CF THE FOUNDATION.
HE LISTED THESE OBJECTIVES AS FOLLOWS:
+ TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LEADERS OF INSTITUTIONAL PHARMACY, PHARMACY EDUCATORS, THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY, AND PHARMACY PRACTITIONERS IN COMMUNITY PRACTICE, TO SHARE IDEAS AND CONCEPTS THROUGH SUCH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES AS THIS
TO FUND AND AWARD SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUAL PHARMACISTS TO PURSUE INTERNATIONAL STUDIES IN THEIR SPECIALTY AREAS
/* TO DEVELOP
SUNDAY, LBRUARY 24, 1985
+ TO DEVELOP FELLOWSHIPS FOR INDIVIDUALS FOR INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGES, POST-GRADUATE STUDY, AND CONSULTATIONS AND
+ TO FACILITATE AND ENHANCE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS IN PHARMACY.
DR LEUNG ADDED: +IN SHORT, THE UNDERLYING CONCEPT OF THE PAN PACIFIC FOUNDATION IS THAT HOSPITAL AND ACADEMIC PHARMACISTS IN THE PACIFIC BASIN WILL CONTRIBUTE MUCH TO THEIR MUTUAL WELFARE AND BETTER PATIENT CARL if tHEY CAN COME TOGETHER REGULARLY TO SHARE THEIR PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCES IN A CROSS-CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT.
+l CHERISH SUCH A CONCEPT BECAUSE ONLY THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF EXPERIENCE AND LATEST FINDINGS CAN PROGRESS BE MADE IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION, AS IN MANY OTHER FIELDS INCLUDING OF COURSE YOUR OWN.+
HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT MUCH OF GREAT VALUE WOULD BE DERIVED FROM THE CONFERENCE’S HIGHLY-1NTERESTI NG PROGRAMME WHICH COVERED MANY VALUABLE TOPICS AND SOME CONTROVERSIAL ONES. SUCH SUBJECTS INCLUDED INVESTIGATIONAL DRUGS CONTROL AND CLINICAL RESEARCH, HOME HEALTH CARE, PATIENT EDUCATION AND CARE OF THE TERMINALLY ILL PATIENT.
TURNING TO HONG KONG’S MEDICAL SERVICES, DR LEUNG SAID: ♦THE HEALTH OF OUR FIVE AND A HALF MILLION POPULATION IS BEING LOOKED AFTER BY A COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL AND HEALTH CARE PROGRAMME PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND BY MANY PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS AND HOSPITALS.
+IN ALL, MORE THAN 24 OOO BEDS ARE AVAILABLE IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT, GOVERNMENT-SUBVENTED, CHARITY AND PRIVATE HOSPITALS. THE FIGURE REPRESENTS 4.5 BEDS PER THOUSAND OF POPULATION, WHICH IS HIGHER THAN THE RATIOS OF ALL OUR NEIGHBOURING SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES EXCLUDING PERHAPS ONLY JAPAN.+
--------c----------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
VOTERS LEARN MORE ABOUT DB CANDIDATES * * * *
CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THEIR VOTERS IN SIX OPEN FORUMS ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY).
THE AIM OF THE FORUMS IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR VOTERS IN THE CONSTITUENCIES TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CANDIDATES, AND FOR THE CANDIDATES TO KNOW MORE ABOUT VOTERS’ EXPECTATIONS AND VIEWS.
THERE ARE 23 CANDIDATES CONTESTING 11 SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS. AS FOUR SEATS ARE UNCONTESTED, 19 CANDIDATES WILL VIE FOR THE REMAINING SEVEN SEATS.
THE FOLLOWING IS A LIST OF THE CANDIDATES’ FORUMS FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT:
CONSTITUENCY DATE TIME VENUE
STANLEY AND SHEK 0 FEBRUARY 25 (MONDAY) 8.00 PM ASSEMBLY HALL, SKH STANLEY VILLAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL 5, CARMEL ROAD, STANLEY, HK
TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN FEBRUARY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8.00 PM COMMUNITY HALL, CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE, 20 TIN WAN STREET, ABERDEEN, HK
WAH FU FEBRUARY 28 (THURSDAY) 8.00 PM WAH FU COMMUNITY HALL, WAH FU ESTATE, HK
POKFULAM MARCH 1 (FR IDAY) 8.00 PM CHI FU FA YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, CHI FU FA YUEN, POKFULAM, HK
ABERDEEN AND AP LEI CHAU MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) 8.00 PM COMMUNITY HALL, ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION, 180B ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD, HK
WONG CHUK HANG AND BAYS MARCH 3 (SUNDAY) 8.00 PM ASSEMBLY HALL, TANG SHIU KIN PR IMARY SCHOOL, WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE, HK
-------0 -
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
- 5 -
BEACH RAFTS -- A NOVELTY TO THE WORLD * * * * *
HONG KONG IS POSSIBLY THE ONLY PLACE WHERE BEACH RAFTS ARE MOORED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE SEA FOR BEACH-GOERS TO TAKE A REST AND TO ENJOY THE SUN, THE SEA AND THE SCENERY AFTER A LONG SWIM.
IN COUNTRIES SUCH AS THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA WHERE SWIMMING IS POPULAR, NO RAFTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BEACHES AND THE ONLY RESEMBLANCE IS A PONTOON.
BUT SUCH A PONTOON WITH A FIBRE GLASS DECK AND A WOODEN SHELF IS ONLY SUITABLE FOR FRESH WATER, AND NOT SALT WATER, ACCORDING TO THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR AMENITIES OFFICER (SWIMMING), MR PAUL CHEUNG.
♦THUS, HONG KONG HAS TO FALL BACK ON ITS OWN GENIUS IN DESIGNING AN IDEAL BEACH RAFT FOR THE LOCAL WATERS,+ SAID I4? CHEUNG.
SO FAR, HONG KONG HAS SEEN THREE GENERATIONS OF BEACH RAFTS. THE OLDEST MODEL IS MADE OF STEEL AND IS STILL WIDELY USED BECAUSE OF ITS DURABILITY AND GOOD BUOYANCY.
OF THE 19 BEACH RAFTS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE NINE MAIN GAZETTED BEACHES IN THE URBAN AREAS, 15 ARE STEEL ONES. THE OLDEST STEEL RAFT NOW AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG IS ABOUT 10 YEARS OLD.
THE MAJOR DRAWBACK OF THIS MODEL IS ITS SUSCEPTIBILITY TO MARINE GROWTH, BARNACLES IN PARTICULAR, WHICH WILL CAUSE BODILY HARM TO SWIMMERS.
THE SURFACE OF THE STEEL RAFT IS COVERED WITH A COCONUT MATTING TO PREVENT IT BECOMING SLIPPERY. BUT THE MATTING IS NORMALLY CORRODED BY SALT WATER AFTER TWO TO THREE MONTHS AND HAS TO BE REPLACED.
+T0 OVERCOME THE PROBLEM OF MARINE GROWTH, THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT CAME UP WITH A NEW DESIGN - THE GLASS REINFORCED PLASTIC (GRP) OR FIBRE GLASS RAFT - IN 1977,+ MR CHEUNG SAID.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THIS PARTICULAR MODEL HAS PROVED QUITE UNSUITABLE FOR THE LOCAL CLIMATE AS TWO SUCH RAFTS WERE DAMAGED BEYOND REPAIR DURING TYPHOONS. AT PRESENT ONLY T*0 GRP RAFTS ARE AVAILABLE - ONE AT DEEP WATER BAY AND ONE AT STANLEY MAIN BEACH.+
/IN THEIR
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
- 6
IN THEIR CONTINUING SEARCH FOR A BETTER BEACH RAFT, THE TWO DEPARTMENTS LAST YEAR CAME UP WITH A NEW MODEL WHICH HAS A FIBRE GLASS DECK AND A STEEL SHELF. TWO SUCH RAFTS HAVE BEEN PUT ON TRIAL AT REPULSE BAY SINCE THE LAST SWIMMING SEASON.
SAID MR CHEUNG: +ALTHOUGH THE LATEST DESIGN, AT A COST CF $80 000 EACH, IS 78 PER CENT MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE GRP RAFT AND 2.5 TIMES MORE THAN THE STEEL ONE, IT INCORPORATES THE GOOD POINTS OF BOTH THE STEEL RAFT AND THE GRP ONE.
♦WITH THE GRP DECK, IT IS NOT SO VULNERABLE TO MARINE GROWTH, WHILE ITS STEEL SHELF MAKES IT MORE BUOYANT AND WIND RESISTANT THAN THE GRP RAFT.
+FURTHERMORE, TO PREVENT IT BECOMING SLIPPERY, THE GRP DECK IS LAID WITH A SYNTHETIC FIBRE MATTING WHICH HAS BEEN PROVEN TO BE MORE DURABLE. ALSO, ANY LEAKAGE ON THE NEWLY-DESIGNED MODEL CAN BE DETECTED EASILY BECAUSE IT IS COMPOSED OF SEVERAL COMPARTMENTS.+
AS REGARDS MAINTENANCE, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT ALL RAFTS ARE REMOVED BY A BARGE TO A REPAIR SITE EITHER AT CAUSEWAY BAY OR TSI NG Yl FOR A COMPLETE OVERHAUL BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH EVERY YEAR. WORKERS WILL FIRST SCRAPE OFF THE BARNACLES AND THEN THE MARINE DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL EXAMINE THE RAFTS TO FIND OUT IF ANY REPAIR WORK IS NEEDED.
ALTHOUGH THE ANNUAL REPAIR EXERCISE IS COSTLY, MR CHEUNG SAID, IT IS NECESSARY TO ENSURE THAT ALL RAFTS ARE ALWAYS IN A STATE OF GOOD CONDITION.
ALL BEACH RAFTS, WITH A STANDARD DIAMETRE OF 4.85 btTRES IRRESPECTIVE OF THE TYPE OF MATERIAL, ARE POSITIONED AT A POINT AROUND 100 METRES AWAY FROM THE BEACH.
THE NUMBER OF RAFTS AT THE BEACHES VARIES ACCORDING TO THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SWIMMERS AT EACH BEACH. FOR EXAMPLE, REPULSE BAY, THE MOST POPULAR BEACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND, HAS FIVE RAFTS.
THE CSD IS TAKING EVERY PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE TO SAFEGUARD THE SAFETY OF SWIMMERS ON A RAFT. THERE ARE CONSTANT PATROLS BY LIFEGUARDS ON BOARD A CATAMARAN TO ENSURE THAT NO RAFT IS OVERLOADED AND THAT NO SWIMMERS DIVE CR FISH FROM A RAFT.
VERY OFTEN, MR CHEUNG ADDED, A RAFT MAY TURN OUT TO BE A LIFE-SAVING DEVICE FOR WEARY SWIMMERS WHO WILL OTHERWISE RUN INTO TROUBLE BUT FOR ITS PRESENCE.
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/7........
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
7
CIVIC EDUCATION AND ELECTION FORTNIGHT
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS DETERMINED TO DEVELOP A REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG AND EVERY CITIZEN HAS THE RESPONSIBILITY TO HELP REALISE THIS SYSTEM.
THIS WAS STATED BY DR J.W. HAYES, REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CIVIC EDUCATION AND ELECTION FORTNIGHT+ ORGANISED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG BETWEEN FEBRUARY 24 AND MARCH 10.
REGISTERED VOTERS SHOULD THEREFORE CAST THEIR VOTES ON MARCH 7 AND ELECT ABLE CANDIDATES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, HE ADDED.
IN REVIEWING THE COURSE OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, DR HAYES NOTED THAT THE SYSTEM FIRST TOOK SHAPE IN 1977 WHEN A DISTRICT CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE WAS FORMED IN TSUEN WAN.
HE EMPHASISED IT WAS IMPORTANT TO PROMOTE COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS WILLING TO LISTEN TO PUBLIC OPINION BEFORE FORMULATING POLICIES.
TODAY’S OCCASION WAS ALSO A NEW YEAR GATHERING TO CELEBRATE THE FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF A POPULAR PHONE-IN PROGRAMME OF RTHK -+TALKABOUT+.
MR CLIVE OXLEY, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, POINTED OUT AT THE GATHERING THAT THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN PUT ON FOR MORE THAN 1 300 TIMES AND OVER 26 000 CALLS HAD BEEN BROADCAST.
ON THE CIVIC EDUCATION AND ELECTION FORTNIGHT+, HE SAID IT WAS LAUNCHED TO PUBLICISE THE DB ELECTIONS.
A NUMBER OF PROGRAMMES WILL BE ORGANISED, INCLUDING
VISITS TO DB MEETINGS BY STUDENTS, OPEN FORUMS, QUIZZES, A LATE-NIGHT PHONE-IN SPECIAL FOR DISCUSSION OF THE DB ELECTIONS, AND A SEMINAR TO EVALUATE THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTIONS.
-----o------
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
SEWAGE TUNNEL TO BE BUILT IN JUNK BAY *****
WORK ON A SEWAGE TUNNEL IN JUNK BAY WILL START LATER THIS MONTH.
THE PROJECT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TWO-KILOMETRE-LONG TUNNEL OF 2.4 METRES IN DIAMETER, A 175-METRE-LONG, 2.4-METRE-WIDE INSPECTION ACCESS, A DEEP GRIT INLET CHAMBER LOCATED NEXT TO HANG HAU ROAD, AND ASSOCIATED WORKS.
THE TUNNEL WILL FOLLOW AN ALIGNMENT FROM HANG HAU ROAD IN THE NORTH TO SIU CH IK SHA IN THE SOUTH AND CATER FOR THE SEWAGE FLOWS FROM THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $26.95 MILLION CONTRACT TO SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED TO CARRY OUT THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 20 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MORE ENQUIRY CENTRES FOR CONSUMERS
*****
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS OPENED ITS SIXTH CONSUMER ENQUIRY CENTRE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICco BUILDING IN MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG.
SAI KUNG RESIDENTS WISHING TO MAKE ENQUIRIES RELATING TO WATER BILLS AND APPLICATIONS FOR METERED SUPPLY SHOULD VISIT THE CENTRE.
IT IS OPEN BETWEEN 8.30 AM AND 1 PM, AND BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4.30 PM FROM MONDAYS TO FRIDAYS^ AND FROM 9 AM AND 11.30 AM ON SATURDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE OPENING OF THE LATEST CENTRE WAS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SCHEME TO IMPROVE ITS SERVICt TO CONSUMERS.
+OUR PLANS ARE TO OPEN A TOTAL OF 14 SUCH CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+OUR NEXT CENTRE IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR IN STANLEY,* HE ADDED.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
9
NEW PLAYGROUND IN KWAI CHUNG * * * *
THE KWAI HOP STREET PLAYGROUND WILL BE OPENED BETWEEN 7 AM AND 11 PM STARTING TOMORROW (FEBRUARY 25).
THE $3 MILLION PLAYGROUND CONSISTS OF A STANDARD SIZE BASKETBALL COURT, A SMALL CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, AND A REST GARDEN.
THE PROJECT IS DESIGNED AND BUILT BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE MANAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
- 0 - -
USHERING IN THE YEAR OF THE OX
*****
ABOUT 250 SAI KUNG RESIDENTS FOUND THE IDEAL WAY TO USHER IN THE YEAR OF THE OX WHICH SYMBOLISES STRENGTH AND VITALITY -WITH A LONG-DISTANCE RACE.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE NEW YEAR RACE, WHICH IS PART OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL BETWEEN FEBRUARY 23 AND MARCH 3, TODAY (SUNDAY) NOT ONLY FOUND TIME TO STRETCH THEIR MUSCLES BUT THOROUGHLY ENJOYED THEMSELVES IN THE EVENT.
THE WOMEN COMPETED IN THE THREE-KILOMETRE RACE FROM KEI LING HA VIA TAI MONG TSAI ROAD TO THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SA I KUNG TOWN, WHILE THE MEN HAD A LONGER RACE, RUNNING SIX KILOMETRES FROM NAI CHUNG TO THE FINISH LINE IN THE SPORTS GROUND.
THE ANNUAL LONG DISTANCE RACE WAS SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1985
10
FEAST TO CELEBRATE EVERYONE'S BIRTHDAY
*****
at THAN 1 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN TAI PO WILL ATTEND A FEAST
?»A!,sTSb?r"thTS??AY <febru,ry 26) T0 CELEBR4TE
WK™™ ^ALPOc?ffi^e7UeTEE
Ic<L£?^9£J.ET'ES FRATERNAL ASSOCIATION AND THE TAI PO MERCHANTS’ ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE TA PO DISTRICT BOARD AS AN EVENT IN THE TWO-WEEK 1985 TAI PO LUNAR NEW YEAR PROGRAMME.
tuc J2k^DALS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE FIVE OLDEST PERSONS AT THE BANQUETS, AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE LAI-SEE PACKETS.
^r.^y?oUNTEERS FR0M THE VARIOUS ORGANISING BODIES AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE ON HAND TO ATTEND TO THE ELDERLY.
OPPICIATING AT ONE OF THE BANQUETS WILL BE THE ACTING DISTRICT OFFICER, MS ANISSA WONG.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1985
CONTENTS rage no.
FS TO PRESENT BUDGET ./EDNESDAf................................ 1
HK REPORTS TO TSB ON TEXTILES TALKS WITH U.S................... 2
NEW HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE IN HAMMER HILL ....................... 3
FIRST BOATING PARK MAY OPEN EARLIER............................. 4
NE;/ MARINE OFFICE FOR SAI KUNG................................. 4
MORE STAFF SOUGHT BY HOTELS, TOURISM ........................... 5
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR ROAD WORK .................................. 7
MORE SEWAGE FACILITIES FOR SAI KUNG............................ 7
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE.......................................... 8
WATER FIGURE.................................................... 8
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1985
1
FS TO PRESENT BUDGET WEDNESDAY
* K * #
HONG KONG’S BUDGET FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1985-86 WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27).
THE PROCEEDINGS WILL START AT 2.30 PM, WHEN THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE MOVES THE FIRST AND SECOND READINGS OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1985 AND OUTLINES HONG KONG’S ESTIMATED REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE FOR 1985-86.
THE ESTIMATED HEADS OF EXPENDITURE WILL BE SET OUT IN THE SCHEDULE OF THE BILL TO BE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE THE SAME AFTERNOON.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WILL BE ADJOURNED UNTIL MARCH 27 AND 28, WHEN UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS.
ON APRIL 17, OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES. IF NECESSARY, THE DEBATE WILL CONTINUE THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING OF THE BILL ON MAY 1.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH ON WEDNESDAY WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE OVER RTHK’S RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH), AND COMMERCIAL RADIO’S CHINESE CHANNEL ONE.
RTHK WILL ALSO BROADCAST LIVE THE OTHER BUDGET SITTINGS ON MARCH 27 AND 28, APRIL 17, 18 (IF NECESSARY) AND MAY 1 ON RADIO 1 (CHINESE) AND RADIO 3 (ENGLISH).
THE BUDGET SITTINGS WILL ALSO BE COVERED, IN NORMAL NEWSCASTS AND BULLETINS OF RTHK, COMMERCIAL RADIO, HK-TVB AND ATV.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
TO AFFORD MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AS MUCH TIME AS POSSIBLE TO PREPARE THEIR BUDGET STORIES ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27), A CLOSED WORKING SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 3TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL.
THE GROUND RULES ARE AS FOLLOWSi
1. NO PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH OR RELATED DOCUMENTS IS TO BE PUBLISHED OR BROADCAST PRIOR TO DELIVERY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
/2. BBPOaTERS ........
M3NDA.Y, FEBEDAHY 25, 1985
2
2. REPORTERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE CLOSED WORKING SESSION SHOULD BE AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM BY 11.15 AM TO REGISTER.
AT 11.30 AM, THE FIRST, BACKGROUND, PART OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED.
AT 12.30 PM, EVENING NEWSPAPER REPORTERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE TO FILE STORIES BASED ON THIS PART OF THE SPEECH.
OTHER REPORTERS WHO WISH TO ATTEND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION THAT AFTERNOON WILL ALSO LEAVE AT THIS POINT.
BOTH GROUPS MUST BEAR IN MIND THE EMBARGO STATED IN PARAGRAPH 1.
3. AFTER DEPARTURE OF THE ABOVE TWO GROUPS, THE REMAINING REPORTERS WILL BE GIVEN THE SECOND PART OF THE SPEECH, CONTAINING THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO LEAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM UNTIL AFTER THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS FINISHED SPEAKING. A SANDWICH LUNCH, AND SOFT DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED.
4. ON COMPLETION OF DELIVERY, THE CLOSED SESSION WILL END AND REPORTERS MAY LEAVE.
NOTE I
ALL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES REGISTERING FOR THE CLOSED WORKING SESSION WILL BE DEEMED TO HAVE ACCEPTED IN FULL THE ABOVE CONDITIONS.
- - - - 0 ----------
HK REPORTS TO TSB ON TEXTILES TALKS WITH U.S. * X X * * X
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN A WRITTEN REPORT TO THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) IN GENEVA, HAS EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE FAILURE SO FAR OF THE UNITED STATES TO ADDRESS THE TSB’S RECOMMENDATION TO RELIEVE THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS FACING FONG KONG’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY CAUSED BY THE U.S. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS.
THE REPORT WAS CONTAINED IN A LETTER TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TSB, AMBASSADOR M. RAFFAELLI, FROM THE COUNSELLOR FOR HONG KONG AFFAIRS IN GENEVA, MR M.D. CARTLAND.
/+THE HONG........
MONDAY, FEBHQAHY 25, 1985
- 3 -
♦THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED THE SITUATION TO BE HIGHLY UNSATISFACTORY SINCE THE TSB FINDINGS IN THIS MATTER WERE CLEAR,* MR CARTLAND SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE UNITED STATES HAD MADE NO ATTEMPT TO ADDRESS EXPEDITIOUSLY THE TSB RECOMMENDATIONS. +THE HONG KONG DELEGATION WAS SURPRISED AND DISAPPOINTED THAT THE UNITED STATES HAS NO PROPOSAL TO MAKE,* MR CARTLAND SAID.
♦IN ORDER TO ADDRESS THE TSB RECOMMENDATIONS, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION MADE TWO SPECIFIC PROPOSALS AIMED AT RESOLVING HONG KONG’S KNITWEAR PROBLEMS, BUT THE UNITED STATES DELEGATION DECLINED TO RESPOND TO THEM DURING THE CONSULTATIONS,* MR CARTLAND EMPHASISED.
HONG KONG MADE CLEAR TO THE TSB ITS FRUSTRATION AT THE LACK OF PROGRESS ON THE ORIGIN ISSUE. IT REGARDED THE ABSENCE CF A MEANINGFUL U.S. RESPONSE AS UNREASONABLE AND UNHELPFUL.
PROVISIONALLY THE WEEK COMMENCING MARCH 11 HAS BEEN AGREED FOR RESUMING CONSULTATIONS, ALTHOUGH THIS COULD BE CHANGED BY MUTUAL AGREEMENT. A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HOPED TO BE IN A POSITION TO SUBMIT A FINAL REPORT TO THE TSB AFTER THESE CONSULTATIONS.
- - - - 0 -----------
NEW HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATE IN HAMMER HILL
******
A NEW HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME PROJECT AT HAMMER HILL IN NGAU CHI WAN IS GETTING OFF THE GROUND AS A TENDER WORTH OVER $13 MILLION HAS BEEN ACCEPTED FOR ITS SITE FORMATION WORK.
♦THE TENDER COVERS FORMATION OF PLATFORMS, CUT AND FILL SLOPES, ROAD WORKS, RETAINING WALLS, STAIRWAYS AND DRAINAGE WORKS,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID WHEN THE WORK WAS COMPLETED BY NEXT YEAR TO PRODUCE A 1.5-HECTAPE SITE, CONSTRUCTION WOULD BEGIN ON TWO NEW BLOCKS A CARPARK, A KINDERGARTEN, SHOPPING UNITS AND OPEN RECREATIONAL AREAS.
♦THE TWO 35-STOREY CRUCIFORM BLOCKS WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR ABOUT 2 600 PEOPLE UPON COMPLETION BY 1989.+
THE TENDER WAS APPROVED BY THE AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE AT ITS LAST MEETING.
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/4........
J
V.ONDAY, FEBBIJAHY 25, 1985
FIRST BOATING PARK MAY OPEN EARLIER * * *
THE TERRITORY’S FIRST BOATING PARK AT WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD WILL PROBABLY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BEFORE MAY, PROVIDED THE HEAVY RAINFALL OF THE PAST WEEKS CONTINUES.
THE PARK WHICH MEASURES 6.5 HECTARES, IS CONVERTED FROM THE NOW DEFUNCT WONG NAI CHUNG RESERVOIR BUILT SOME 85 YEARS AGO.
♦CONSTRUCTION WORK, AT A COST OF $4.5 MILLION, BEGAN IN LATE 1982 AND IS ALMOST COMPLETED,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL. +WHAT WE ARE WAITING FOR IS MORE HEAVY RAINFALL TO FILL IT UP BEFORE IT CAN BE OPENED FOR PUBLIC USE.*
THE FACILITIES AT WHAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PROVE A HIGHLY POPULAR RESERVOIR PARK INCLUDE A BOATING PAVILION, SHEDS FOR CANOES AND LIFE-SAVING BOATS, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK, AND SITTING-OUT AREAS WITH A FITNESS STATION.
OTHER FACILITIES PROVIDED AT THE PARK ARE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A PUBLIC CAR PARK.
TENDERS FOR THE PROVISION OF BOAT HIRING SERVICE WILL BE INVITED SHORTLY.
- - 0 - -
NEW MARINE OFFICE FOR SAI KUNG K H *
A NEW MARINE OFFICE WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, CHAN YUE-YAN, IN SAI KUNG ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27) AFTERNOON, ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF THE SAI KUNG GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING.
IT WILL REPLACE THE OFFICE SET UP IN THE FISH WHOLESALE MARKET IN SAI KUNG SINCE 1971, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
ITS PRIMARY OBJECTIVE WAS TO CATER TO THE FLOATING COMMUNITY, WHICH, AT THAT TIME, CONSISTED MAINLY OF FISHING VESSELS.
SINCE THEN, THE OFFICE HAS GREATLY INCREASED THE SCOPE OF ITS WORK.
APART FROM BECOMING A REGIONAL FOCAL POINT FOR OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF VESSELS, IT HAS PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES IN BOTH PORT SHELTER AND ROCKY HARBOUR.
/SAI KUNG
<■ -MX", ysaavAHY 25, 1985
RANGING PLEASURE OFFICE,
SAI KUNG IS NOW THE HOME PORT FOR SOME 2 OOO VESSELS, FROM SMALL SAMPANS TO DEEP SEA FISHING TRAWLERS. ABOUT 460 VESSELS MOOR WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE SAI KUNG MARINE MAINIY AT HEBE HAVEN AND CHAM CHUK WAN.
NOTE TO ED I TORS«
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE NEW MARINE OFFICE AT SAI KUNG, AT 3.15 PM ON WEDNESDAY (FEBRUARY 27), BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR CHAN YUE-YAN.
PRINCIPAL GUEST AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE MR LAU WAN-HEI, CHAIRMAN OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.
--------0 - - - -
MORE STAFF SOUGHT BY HOTELS, TOURISM * * * *
MORE BETTER-EDUCATED AND HIGHLY-TRAINED PERSONNEL WERE NEEDED BY THE HOTEL AND TOURISM SECTORS OF HONG KONG’S HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, ACCORDING TO A MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT JUST RELEASED.
AND THE HOTEL SECTOR, PARTICULARLY, WAS FEELING THE EFFECT OF COMPETITION FOR EXPERIENCED PERSONNEL FROM NEW HOTELS IN CHINA, MR LARRY TCHOU, CHAIRMAN OF THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SAID TODAY.
REFERRING TO THE SURVEY CARRIED OUT IN MARCH LAST YEAR BY THE BOARD, WITH THE HELP OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, tf? TCHOU SAID THE DESIRE OF HOTEL EMPLOYERS TO RECRUIT A HIGHER PROPORTION OF DEGREE AND HIGHER DIPLOMA HOLDERS THAN FORM FIVE ENTRANTS REFLECTED THE NEED FOR A BETTER QUALIFIED WORKFORCE TO PEET INCREASING COMPETITION AND NEW CHALLENGES.
THE HOTEL SECTOR, HE SAID, WAS THE FOURTH LARGEST EMPLOYER AMONG THE EIGHT SURVEYED SECTORS OF THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY, COMPRISING HOTELS, AIRLINES, TRAVEL AGENCIES, RESTAURANTS, FAST FOOD SHOPS, BARS AND OTHER DRINKING PLACES, AND BAKERIES. BUT IT FAD THE LARGEST NUMBER OF VACANCIES.
THE SURVEY ALSO SHOWED THAT THERE WAS LITTLE ORGANISED TRAINING FOR STAFF AT ALL LEVELS OF THE INDUSTRY.
TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF SERVICE, THERE'. WAS A NEED TO DIVERSIFY THE TYPES OF TRAINING COURSES, ESPECIALLY AT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY LEVELS, AMONG EXISTING EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
,'HS ALSO...........
. . ■ ’ . 'maifiY 25, 1985
- 6
HE ALSO URGED EMPLOYERS TO USE THE FACILITIES OF THE HOTEL TRAINING CENTRE, WHICH WILL BE IN OPERATION SHORTLY, TO TRAIN HOTEL PERSONNEL AT OPERATIVE LEVEL,
AS FOR TOURISM, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE WORKFORCE IN AIRLINES - FROM 4 6OO IN 1981 TO 6 300 IN 1983 -PROMPTED THE DEMAND FOR BETTER QUALIFIED STAFF AT MANAGEMENT AND SUPERVISORY LEVEL.
AND RESPONSE FROM TRAVEL AGENCIES INDICATED THERE WOULD BE INCREASING GROWTH AT OPERATIVE AND CLERICAL LEVELS AS WELL.
MORE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WERE RECOMMENDED BY THE TRAINING BOARD FOR OPERATIVE STAFF, SUCH AS TOUR GUIDES AND ESCORTS.
THERE WERE ABOUT 134 000 PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN THE SELECTED HOSPITALITY ESTABLISHMENTS.
CHINESE RESTAURANTS EMPLOYED THE MOST WORKERS - 50 000 PERSONS - BUT MANY OF THE WORKERS WERE UNSKILLED.
THE TRAINING BOARD HAS ALSO CALLED ON TRAINING INSTITUTIONS TO CONSIDER OFFERING MORE COURSES FOR TRAINEES IN THE CHINESE RESTAURANTS, TO COMPLEMENT THEIR PRACTICAL SKILLS.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE HOTEL, CATERING AND TOURISM SECTORS IS NOW BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
ABOUT 1 500 ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED AT RANDOM ARE BEING ASKED TO SUPPLY INFORMATION ON THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AND VACANCIES, TRAINING ACTIVITIES, PERIOD OF TRAINING AND OTHER RELATED MANPOWER AND TRAINING MATTERS.
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT STAFF WILL VISIT THEM AND «LP COMPLETE THE FORMS DURING THE SURVEY.
DATA COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SAID.
THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DEPARTMENT AND THE GOVERNMENT DATA PROCESSING AGENCY ARE HELPING WITH THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED ON MARCH 9.
MEANWHILE, THE 1983 MANPOWER SURVEY REPORT, CONTAINING DETAILS CF THE EIGHT SURVEYED SECTORS, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $59 A COPY.
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1985
r 7 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR ROAD WORK
* * *
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHEUNG SHUI AND TAI PO FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 28) TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
IN SHEUNG SHUI, CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN TAI TAU LENG AND THE EXISTING SHEUNG SHUI MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF FANLING BY-PASS.
A NEW ROAD, SR 10, JOINING FAN KAM ROAD WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA ROAD SR 10 AND FAN KAM ROAD.
FROM THE SAME DAY, THE EXISTING SHEUNG SHUI MINI-ROUNDABOUT WILL CEASE TO OPERATE. EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD SR 10, FAN KAM ROAD AND THE NEW SHEUNG SHUI MINI-ROUNDABOUT.
THE RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM ROAD SR 10 INTO FAN KAM ROAD WILL BE BANNED. WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA ROAD SR 10, FAN KAM ROAD AND THEN U-TURN AT THE NEW SHEUNG SHUI MINI-ROUNDABOUT INTO FAN KAM ROAD.
IN TAI PO, KWONG FUK ROAD BETWEEN TAI PO TAU AND ROAD A WILL BE CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO A NEW ROAD RUNNING PARALLEL TO THE CLOSED ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH TAI WO ROAD: AND THE SECTION OF KWONG FUK ROAD WEST CF ITS JUNCTION WITH TING KOK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
MORE SEWAGE FACILITIES FOR SAI KUNG
* * * *
MORE SEWAGE FACILITIES WILL BE BUILT IN SAI KUNG.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE LAYING OF A 700-METRE SEWERS FROM TAI MONG TSAI ROAD TO THE SEA FRONT OF THE RECLAMATION, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SEDIMENTATION TANK AND A PUMPING STATION ON RECLAIMED LAND.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY AWARDED A $3.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT WHICH WILL TAKE NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
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/8........
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 1985
8
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE * * * *
ELECTRIC ROAD BETWEEN BOAT STREET AND FUK YUEN STREET IN NORTH POINT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR SIX HOURS FROM MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY (FEBRUARY 28) AND FROM MIDNIGHT ON FRIDAY (MARCH 1) FOR WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, ELECTRIC ROAD BETWEEN FUK YUEN STREET AND POWER STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED TWO WAYS, WHILE POWER STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND. ALL VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT FROM OIL STREET INTO KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND, WHERE THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THE SECTION BETWEEN OIL STREET AND POWER STREET.
VEHICLES HEADING FOR CITY GARDEN SHOULD PROCEED VIA OIL STREET, KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND, POWER STREET AND ELECTRIC ROAD. THOSE HEADING FOR FORTRESS HILL ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA OIL STREET, KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND, NORTH POINT ROAD, JAVA ROAD, TONG SHU I ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - - - 0 ----------
WATER FIGURE
XXX
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 68.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 401.111 MILLION CUBIC l-ETRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 486.601 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 83.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR URGES COMaUNITY EFFORT IN YEAR OF OX................... 1
STEPS TAKEN TO EASE HOSPITAL CROWDING .......................... 1
TALKS WITH UK ON BARRACKS PROPOSED ............................. 3
WRECK REPORT SENT TO AG......................................... 4
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT ........................... 4
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ........................................ 5
URBAN COUNCIL SENDS RARE DUCKS TO THAILAND...................... 5
PEDESTRIAN LINK IN WAN CHAI .................................... 6
CAS RESCUE UNIT PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK .......................... 7
STUDIES SHOT PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS SAFE......................... 7
ROADS DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES .............................. 9
CLEARWAY FOR 16 DAYS ........................................... 9
SAFETY POSTER CONTEST ........................................... 1°
VANS HELP GET PEOPLE TO VOTE..................................... 10
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES ......................................... 11
PROHIBITED ZONE .................................................. H
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1935
1
GOVERNOR URGES COMMUNITY EFFORT IN YEAR OF OX * * * *
THE WHOLE COMMUNITY MUST BE INVOLVED IN MEETING +THE NEW CHALLENGES IN THE YEAR AHEAD+, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
+WE SHALL NEED TO KEEP OUR ECONOMY IN GOOD SHAPE, TO MOVE STEADILY .TOWARDS A MORE REPRESENTATIVE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND TO MAKE HONG KONG A BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN,* HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING IN PUTONGHUA AT A RECEPTION GIVEN BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FOR 1 5OO GUESTS, IN CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR OF THE OX.
THE OX, THE GOVERNOR SAID, SYMBOLISED PERSEVERANCE, DETERMINATION AND STEADFASTNESS.
+THESE QUALITIES ARE THE HALLMARKS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG- THEY HAVE ENABLED HONG KONG TO EMERGE FROM THE PAST TWO UNSETTLING YEARS WITH A RENEWED SENSE OF VIGOUR,* HE SAID.
HE WISHED THE PEOPLE +ALL GOOD HEALTH, HAPPINESS AND EVERY SUCCESS IN THE YEAR OF THE 0X.+
HE THEN PROPOSED A TOAST +T0 A HAPPY CHINESE NEW YEAR,* WHICH HE REPEATED IN CANTONESE.
SIP EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR DIST'ICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, LATER MINGLED WITH TH; GUESTS.
A .SO PRESENT WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, AND OFFICIALS OF THE 18 DISTRICT OFFICES.
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STEPS TAKEN TO EASE HOSPITAL CROWDING X « X
A NUMBER OF SHORT TERM MEASURES GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE OVERCROWDING IN
ARE BEING IMPLEMENTED BY THE PUBLIC HOSPITALS.
THESE MEASURES HAVE BEEN ENDORSED BY THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (MDAC) CHAIRED BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
AT ITS LAST MEETING, THE MDAC CONSIDERED A REPORT SUBMITTED BY THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON OVERCROWDING IN HOSPITALS, SET UP IN FEBRUARY 1984 TO LOOK FOR WAYS REDUCE OVERCROWDING IN HOSPITALS.
/according to .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
2
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE MEASURES EMPLOYED IN SO FAR AS RESOURCES PERMIT TO REDUCE OVERCROWDING IN HOSPITALS ARE :
(A) TO REDISTRIBUTE BEDS AMONG DISCIPLINES, SO AS TO BETTER UTILISE THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES AND TO RELIEVE PRESSURE ON THOSE DISCIPLINES WHERE SERVICES ARE UNDER HEAVY DEMAND?
(B) TO EMPLOY ADDITIONAL STAFF, SUCH AS PLASTER ARTISANS, OR PROVIDE ADDITIONAL FACILITIES SUCH AS OBSERVATION BEDS AND FOLLOW-UP CLINICS AT THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT}
(C) TO IMPRESS THE PROBLEM UPON CLINICIANS TO IMPOSE TIGHTER SUPERVISION AND PROVIDE MORE GUIDANCE FOR JUNIOR STAFF IN THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT;
(D) TO PERFORM MORE MINOR OPERATIONS AT THE ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND OUT-PATIENT CLINICS; AND
(E) TO REDESIGNATE MORE NON-REGIONALISED BEDS IN SUBVENTED DISTRICT HOSPITALS TO THE REGIONALISED SYSTEM THROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENTS.
THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE FELT THAT IT WAS TOO SOON TO PREDICT WHETHER THE OBJECTIVES OF THESE MEASURES COULD BE MATCHED WITH RESULTS, AND THAT THE FULL IMPACT COULD ONLY BE SEEN AFTER ALL THE MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUT INTO EFFECT FOR SOME TIME.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ALSO DECIDED THAT THIS REPORT ON OVERCROWDING BE MADE AVAILABLE TO W.D. SCOTT AND CO. PTY. LTD., THE CONSULTANT FIRM RECENTLY APPOINTED BY GOVERNMENT TO CARRY OUT A REVIEW OF THE DELIVERY OF MEDICAL SERVICES IN HOSPITALS.
THE CONSULTANT FIRM IS ALSO REQUIRED TO LOOK INTO THE PROBLEM OF CROWDING IN HOSPITALS, INCLUDING ANY LONG-TERM MEASURES WHICH MAY COMPLEMENT THE PRESENT EXERCISE.
THE MDAC WAS FIRST SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN 1973. ITS TERMS OF REFERENCE ARE «
(A) TO KEEP UNDER CONTINUOUS REVIEW THE STATE OF DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND
/(B) TO ADVISE ........
TUESDAY, PBBBUAHY 26, 1985
■»
f - 3 -
(B) TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAVING REGARD TO ALL FACTORS WHICH AFFECT THE PROGRESS OF SUCH DEVELOPMENT.
THE COMMITTEE HAS A TOTAL OF TEN MEMBERS APPOINTED FOR A TERM OF TWO YEARS EACH.
THE MEMBERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE UNIVERSITIES, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL BODIES, NURSING PROFESSION, SUBVENTED HOSPITALS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS.
Il) PROFESSOR GERALD CHOA
2) PROFESSOR DAVID TODD
3) DR W.H.P. LEWIS
4) DR HENRY F.K. LI
5) DR E.H. PATERSON
6) THE HON PETER C. WONG
7) MR ANTHONY Y.W. HO
8) PROFESSOR W. I.K. DAVIES
9) DR C.H. LEONG
10) MISS DORA WEI
THE VICE-CHAIRMAN IS THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WHO IS AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER, WHILE THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE IS IN PERMANENT ATTENDANCE
- 0 - -
TALKS WITH UK ON BARRACKS PROPOSED
KO#
6
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS TODAY (TUESDAY) DECIDED TO RECOMMEND DISCUSSIONS BE HELD WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO THE EFFECT THAT WE SHOULD NOT PROCEED WITH THE KOH IMA BARRACKS PROJECT AND ALSO THAT THE LYEMUN SITE SHOULD, AS PLANNED, REVERT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN 1987.
THE RECOMMENDATION WAS MADE IN THE LIGHT OF A REVIEW OF THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME PROVIDED FOR IN THE 1981 DEFENCE COSTS AGREEMENT (DCA).
IT WAS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER THE MATTER NOW BECAUSE THE SITE FORMATION HAS BEEN COMPLETED AT KOH IMA AND DECISIONS ON WHETHER TO PROCEED WITH THE NEXT STAGE ARE REQUIRED.
ANY EFFECT ON THE SIZE OF THE GARRISON IN THE FUTURE IS A QUESTION WHICH WILL REQUIRE CAREFUL DISCUSSION WITH HMG.
/4........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
4
WRECK REPORT SENT TO AG
* * H *
A WRITTEN REPORT PREPARED BY THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES WHO CARRIED OUT AN INSPECTION OF A WRECK SUSPECTED TO BE THAT OF THE +BARQUENTINE OSPREY+ HAS BEEN PASSED ON TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE REPORT HAD RECENTLY BEEN RECEIVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, WHO HAD CAREFULLY CONSIDERED IT BEFORE PASSING IT ON TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
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CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES SOUGHT * * * *
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF THE ILLEGAL ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF 205, 207, 209, 211, 2O5A AND 211A, AND THE ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS FROM FLAT A, B, C, 8TH FLOOR CF 2O5A AND 8TH FLOOR OF 211A, HAI TAN STREET, KOWLOON.
THE PURPOSE IS TO ENABLE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURES AND EXTENSIONS TO BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT DANGER TO THE OCCUPIERS OR TO THE PUBLIC.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON MARCH 11 WERE POSTED ON THE STRUCTURES TODAY.
A BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID NINE ILLEGAL ROOF-TOP STRUCTURES AND ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS FROM FLAT A, B, C, ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF 2O5A AND THE 8TH FLOOR OF 211A WERE AFFECTED.
THE CLOSURE APPLICATION WAS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDERS ISSUED UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE IN 1983 AND 1984, REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL ROOF STRUCTURES AND EXTENSIONS AS A RESULT OF THE OWNERS’ FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDERS, HE SAID.
DEMOLITION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CLOSURE ORDERS ARE MADE, AND TAKE A MONTH TO COMPLETE. CLOSURE ORDERS WILL THEN BE LIFTED FOR THE FLAT A, B, C, 8TH FLOOR OF 235A AND 8TH FLOOR OF NO. 211A HAI TAN STREET.
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/5 ........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
- 5 -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
* * X
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE CF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHAN MUN-WA ON OCTOBER 5, 1983 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO TWENTY-FIVE YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
CHAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF HIS EIGHT-YEAR-OLD BROTHER, CHAN KAM-MING ON FEBRUARY 18, 1983.
------o-------
URBAN COUNCIL SENDS RARE DUCKS TO THAILAND
X M *
THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY SHIPPED 12 WHITE-WINGED WOOD DUCKS, A RARE AND HIGHLY ENDANGERED SPECIES, TO BANGKOK.
CATHAY PACIFIC FLEW THE DUCKS TO BANGKOK FREE OF CHARGE AND THE URBAN COUNCIL, WHICH FINANCES AND ADMINISTERS THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS, WHERE THE BIRDS WERE REARED, PAID FOR THE SHIPPING CRATES AND THE NECESSARY EXPORT DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATION.
♦THE SHIPMENT IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION BY BOTH ORGANISATIONS TO A WORLD WILDLIFE FUND PROJECT AIMED AT SAVING THIS THREATENED SPECIES FROM EXTINCTION,+ SAID A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN.
THE FORMER RANGE OF THE WHITE-WINGED WOOD DUCK WAS FROM ASSAM AND BURMA THROUGH THAILAND AND INDO CHINA TO SUMATRA AND JAVA. HABITAT DESTRUCTION ON A MASSIVE SCALE, AND OVER-HUNTING. COMBINED TO CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC DECLINE IN NUMBERS, AND THIS SPECIES IS NOW EXTINCT IN MANY AREAS WHERE IT USED TO BE FOUND, INCLUDING THAILAND.
THE 12 DUCKS FLOWN TO BANGKOK WERE HATCHED AND REARED AT THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS DURING 1984. THEIR PARENTS ARE ON BREEDING LOAN FROM THE WILDFOWL TRUST IN ENGLAND, WHOSE HONORARY DIRECTOR IS SIR PETER SCOTT.
THE WILDFOWL TRUST IS CO-ORDINATING WORLD WILDLIFE FUND PROJECT 406, WHICH AIMS TO PROPAGATE THIS RARE DUCK IN CAPTIVITY IN SUFFICIENT NUMBERS TO BE ABLE TO REINTRODUCE THE BIRDS IN AREAS OF THEIR FORMER RANGE WHERE THEY NO LONGER OCCUR.
/IT IS .......
TUESDAY, FEBHJAHY 26, 1985
6
IT IS AS PART OF THIS PROJECT THAT THESE 12 BIRDS ARE BEING SENT TO THE ROYAL FOREST DEPARTMENT OF THAILAND, WHICH MAINTAINS CAPTIVE BREEDING STATIONS FOR THE EVENTUAL RE INTRODUCTION OF WHITE-WINGED WOOD DUCKS INTO THEIR WILD HABITAT.
+WITH ONLY APPROXIMATELY 200 PAIRS REMAINING IN THE WILD, AND SOME 100 BIRDS AT PRESENT IN CAPTIVITY, THE 12 DUCKS REARED AT THE HONG KONG ZOOLOGICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS REPRESENT A SIGNIFICANT RECRUITMENT TO THE TOTAL WORLD POPULATION, AND THEIR FLIGHT TO BANGKOK IS AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO WORLD WILDLIFE FUND PROJECT 406,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
- - 0 - -
PEDESTRIAN LINK IN WAN CHAI
KO#
A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED OVER O’BRIEN ROAD IN WAN CHAI, TO PROVIDE THE MAIN PEDESTRIAN LINK BETWEEN WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AND ENTRANCES TO THE M.T.R.’S WAN CHAI STATION.
WITH RAPID DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE ON WAN CHAI RECLAMATION AND THE EXPECTED OPENING IN MID-1985 OF THE ISLAND LINE, PEDESTRIAN FLOW BETWEEN THE RECLAMATION AREA AND THE STATION’S ENTRANCES IS EXPECTED TO BE HEAVY.
PROVISION WILL ALSO BE MADE AT THE NORTHERN END OF THE FOOTBRIDGE FOR A DIRECT LINK TO A GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCK NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF GLOUCESTER ROAD.
THE SECTION OF O’BRIEN ROAD BETWEEN HENNESSY ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD, WHERE THE STATION’S ENTRANCES WILL BE LOCATED, WILL BE PEDESTRIANISED WHILE THE SECTION BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND LOCKHART ROAD WILL BE REDUCED TO TWO LANES OF TRAFFIC.
THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED THE $11.3 MILLION CONTRACT TO FRANK I CONTRACTORS LIMITED FOR WORK ON THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORK ON THE CONTRACT ALSO INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF ESCALATOR AT THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF GLOUCESTER ROAD AND AT THE ENTRANC CF THE MTR STATION.
I C/>
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TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
7
CAS RESCUE UNIT PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK
* * X
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES MOUNTAIN RESCUE UNIT WAS CONTINUING TO IMPROVE IN CAPABILITY AND EXPERTISE, THE INSPECTOR OF LAND RESCUE AT THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE IN THE U.K., SQUADRON LEADER G.J. BLACKBURN, SAID RECENTLY.
REPORTING ON HIS THIRD BIENNIAL INSPECTION OF THE CAS UNIT, SQUADRON LEADER BLACKBURN SAID THAT DURING THE FIVE EXERCISES IN WHICH HE TOOK PART WITH THE MRU BETWEEN DECEMBER 2 AND 8 LAST YEAR, THE MEMBERS SHOWED THEMSELVES TO BE +VERY PROFESSIONAL*.
THROUGHOUT THE EXERCISES, WHICH INCLUDED TESTS ON NAVIGATION AND COMMUNICATIONS, ROCK CLIMBING, STRETCHER LOWERING, NIGHT SEARCH AND RESCUE, AND OVERNIGHT EXPEDITION, THE UNIT IMPRESSED HIM AS BEING +A HIGHLY MOTIVATED, ENTHUSIASTIC AND WELL-ORGANISED TEAM*.
♦THIS WAS MY THIRD INSPECTION OF THE MRU, AND IT HAD BEEN GRATIFYING TO NOTICE THE IMPROVEMENT IN CAPABILITIES AND EXPERTISE WITH EACH SUBSEQUENT VISIT,+ HE SAID.
♦PERSONNEL ARE ENTHUSIASTIC AND LED BY SOME HIGHLY MOTIVATED AND DEDICATED INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE SHOWN THEMSELVES WILLING TO DEVOTE A LOT OF THEIR OWN FREE TIME TO THE MRU, AND AT THE SAME TIME LEARN AS MUCH AS THEY CAN THEMSELVES ABOUT THEIR VOLUNTARY TASK.+
♦THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAVE AN ASSET IN THE MRU, AND I HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT IN THE COMING YEARS - GIVEN THE CURRENT BACKING - THEY WILL GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH.+
LAST YEAR THE MRU RESPONDED TO 74 STAND-BY AND CALL-OUT OPERATIONS.
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STUDIES SHOW PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS SAFE
XXX
IN RESPONSE TO QUESTIONS CONCERNING THE STRUCTURAL SAFETY OF SOME PUBLIC HOUSING BLOCKS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY REITERATED THAT ALL ESTATE BLOCKS WERE STRUCTURALLY SAFE.
AN AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID THIS WAS CONCLUDED BY HOUSING DEPARTMENT PROFESSIONALS AND CONSULTANTS AFTER DETAILED INVESTIGATIONS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE BUILDINGS’ PERFORMANCE TO DATE, THEIR STRUCTURAL DESIGN AND ESTABLISHED LOADING.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CONCRETE WAS ONE OF THE VARIOUS FACTORS WHICH HAD A BEARING ON THE STRUCTURAL STRENGTH OF A BUILDING.
/+ STRUCTURAL SURVEYS.......
TUESDAY, FKBBUARY 26, 1985
6
♦STRUCTURAL SURVEYS ON ESTATE BLOCKS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS AND HAVE FORMED PART OF THE AUTHORITY’S ON-GOING MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
♦WORKS IN THIS ASPECT INCLUDE VISUAL INSPECTION AND GRADING, CONCRETE CORING AND ULTRA SONIC TESTING.
♦EXTENSIVE LABORATORY TESTINGS ARE MADE ON THE CONCRETE CORES OF PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES TO DETERMINE THEIR CEMENT CONTENT, CRUSHING STRENGTH, SURFACE PH, OVERALL PH, CHLORIDE CONTENT, DENSITY AND DEPTH OF CARBONATION.
♦THE LAST NAMED TEST, FOR EXAMPLE, MEASURES THE DETERIORATION OF THE OUTSIDE SURFACE DUE TO INVASION BY AGGRESSIVE ATMOSPHERIC COMPOUNDS.*
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN ORDER TO OBTAIN ACCURATE RESULTS WHICH WOULD HELP TO DETERMINE HOW MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT WORKS SHOULD BEST PROCEED, UP TO DATE TECHNOLOGY AND ADVANCE EQUIPMENT WERE USED DURING INSPECTIONS AND SURVEYS, FOLLOWED BY EXTENSIVE COMPUTER ANALYSES.
THE TESTS WERE DONE ON BEAMS, WALLS AND FLOORS. THE RESULTS OF THE TESTS HAVE ALSO TO BE CONSIDERED IN RELATION TO THE DESIGN OF THE BUILDING^, ITS RIGIDITY AS A WHOLE AND STATE OF LOADING.
♦TO CARRY OUT LIMITED TESTS ON JUST ONE PART OF A BUILDING CAN GIVE A MISLEADING IMPRESSION OF THE OVERALL CONDITION OF THE BUILD ING.+
AS REGARDS THE ON-GOING MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY SPOKESMAN SAID THAT MAJOR REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS WERE CARRIED OUT WHERE NECESSARY TO ENSURE ALL ESTATE BLOCKS WERE KEPT IN GOOD SHAPE AT ALL TIMES.
♦THIS INCLUDES COMPLETE RENOVATION OF FLATS, THE COMPLETE REPLACEMENT OF DRAINAGE AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS, AS WELL AS DETAILED DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE OF THE HOUSING STOCK.
♦THE AUTHORITY ALSO PLACES GREAT STRESS ON A PLANNED PROGRAMME OF PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE.*
I
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/9........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
9
ROADS DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES
* * X *
SEVERAL ROADS ON TSING Yl ISLAND AND ONE IN TSUEN WAN WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 1).
THE ROADS ON TSING Yl ISLAND ARE:
X TSING Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD BETWEEN TSING Yl ROUNDABOUT AND CHEUNG WAN STREET;
X TSING Yl ROAD BETWEEN TSING Yl ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT OF APPROXIMATELY 50 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH CHING HONG ROAD;
X TSING Yl ROUNDABOUT.
IN TSUEN WAN A SECTION OF ABOUT 35 METRES OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET EAST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH YAN CHAI STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONE.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM PICKING UP AND SETTING DOWN PASSENGERS-OR LOADING AND UNLOADING GOODS.
NOTE TO TV NEWS EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
-----o-----
CLEARWAY FOR 16 DAYS
KMX
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 1), THE FOLLOWING ROADS IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR 16 DAYS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK:
X THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KAI CHIU ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LEE GARDEN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 10 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
« THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LEE GARDEN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KAI CHIU ROAD TO A POINT 10 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
WITHIN THE ROAD SECTIONS, NO VEHICLES OTHER THAN FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN 7 AM AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
_ _ . - 0 ---------
/10 .......
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1985
10 -
SAFETY POSTER CONTEST * * *
STUDENTS WERE REMINDED TODAY BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT THAT ENTRIES FOR THE 17TH ANNUAL INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION SHOULD BE SENT BEFORE MARCH 3, TO THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IS OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS BETWEEN 14 AND 22 YEARS OF AGE.
ENTRIES WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO DIVISIONS - ’A’ DIVISION FOR STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, AND ’B’ DIVISION FOR THOSE IN POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES AND VOCATIONAL INSTITUTES.
THE WINNER OF DIVISION ’A’ WILL RECEIVE A $1 500 CASH COUPON AND THE WINNER OF DIVISION ’B’ WILL RECEIVE A $3 000 CASH COUPON.
IN ADDITION, TEN OTHER ENTRIES EACH FROM ’A’ AND ’B’ DIVISIONS WILL BE AWARDED CONSOLATION PRIZES OF CASH COUPONS OF $300 AND $600 RESPECTIVELY.
JUDGING OF ENTRIES WILL TAKE PLACE IN EARLY MARCH.
-----o------
VANS HELP GET PEOPLE TO VOTE
* * *
VEHICLES BROADCASTING ELECTION MESSAGES HAVE BEGUN TOURING THE 19 DISTRICTS TO URGE PEOPLE TO VOTE IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
DECORATED WITH POSTERS, THE BROADCASTING VEHICLES WILL VISIT FOUR DISTRICTS EACH DAY FROM 10 AM TO 6 PM, TOURING HOUSING ESTATES, MARKET PLACES AND COMMERCIAL AND SHOPPING CENTRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID THE AIM WAS TO TOUR BUSY AND POPULATED AREAS TO REACH AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE WITH MESSAGES ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE ELECTIONS.
+THE ELECTION THEME SONG ’A VOICE’ WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST TO ATTRACT PEOPLE’S ATTENTION,+ HE SAID.
CNTA STAFF WILL ALSO DISTRIBUTE POSTERS REMINDING PEOPLE TO TURN OUT AND VOTE ON POLLING DAY.
ON ELECTION DAY -- MARCH 7 — THE BROADCASTING VEHICLES WILL TOUR ALL 19 DISTRICTS THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD, WHEN POLLING STATIONS ARE OPEN FROM 7.30 AM TO 10.30 PM.
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/11 ........
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 26, 1935
11 -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURES
X « X
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN MONG KOK AND NORTH POINT FROM FRIDAY (MARCH 1) TO FACILITATE ROAD CONSTRUCTION WORK.
IN MONG KOK, BUTE STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR THREE MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY.
THE SECTION OF BUTE STREET BETWEEN PORTLAND STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
MOTORISTS HEADING TOWARDS LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA SHANGHAI STREET, MONG KOK ROAD, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
IN NORTH POINT, A 40-METRE SECTION AT THE NORTHERN END OF OIL STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR A WEEK ALSO FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY.
NOTE TO TV NEWS ED I TORSt
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
- - - - o ----
PROHIBITED ZONE * * *
FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MARCH 1), THE SOUTHBOUND LANE OF THE SECTION OF PO HEUNG STREET BETWEEN NAM SHING STREET AND HEUNG SZE WUI STREET IN TAI PO WILL BE DESIGNATED A PROHIBITED ZONE 24 HOURS DAILY TO ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES EXCEPT THOSE WITH PERMITS ISSUED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT- AND ALL VEHICLES OR COMBINATION OF VEHICLES EXCEEDING A LENGTH OF EIGHT METRES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PLEASE BROADCAST THE ABOVE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YOUR MORNING TRAFFIC BULLETINS.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING: . ...
SIR JOHN AIMS FOR BALANCED BUDGET ........................... 1
SEVEN PER CENT GDP GROWTH FORECAST .......................... 2
SECOND YEAR OF EXPORT-LED GROWTH ............................ 5
NEW REVENUE MEASURES 'CLEARLY INEVITABLE' ................... 6
PROPOSALS TO YIELD $1.2 BILLION NET........................ 7
RATIONALE EXPLAINED........................................ 8
NO NET DEBT, SAYS SIR JOHN ................................ 9
'SPENDING LOWER THAN EXpEQTED' ............................. 10
GENERAL REVENUE EXPENDITURE HELD TO $29.4 BILLION......... 11
FURTHER DEFICIT REDUCTION SE2N ...---------................ 11
NO NEED FOR BOND ISSUE..................................... 12
FUEL DUTY RISE KEPT TO 10 PER CENT ......................... 13
DUTY PAYABLE IMMEDIATELY ................................. 13
SOFT DRINKS 'NOT A NECESSITY! ............................ 15
SIR JOHN'S NEWS FOR DRINKERS ............................... 16
COST PER PUFF RISES .........................■.............. 18
$100 MILLION FROM BEAUTY BUSINESS .......................... 20
DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS REVISED .............................. 21
CIVIL SERVICE FREEZE TO CONTINUE............................ 22
LAW TO BEAT TAX EVADERS .................................... 23
NSW LIMIT ® DTC DEPOSITS PROPOSED .......................... 24
$90M SEEN FROM AIR DEPARTURES............................... 21
$55M MORE FROM BUSINESS FEES ............................... 21
GOVERNMENT FEES, CHARGES TO YIELD $5.8 BILLION.............. 27
/HIGHER TAX .......
HIGHER TAX NEEDED ON BETTING................................ 29
SALARIES TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED .......................... 30
PUBLIC SECTOR DROPS 16 PER CENT............................. 31
'SMALL INCREASES' IN EEES AND CHARGES ...................... 31
- • RISE IN MEDICAL, WELFARE SPENDING . ....................... 33
DOLLAR LINK + SERVES HK WELL* ..................«-.»....... - 34 •
HOME OWNERSHIP FUND ’STANDS ON OWN FEST .................... 34
MORE’TO BE SPENT ON’HOUSING ................................ 35
MORE MONEY FOR’EDUCATION’AND HEALTH......................... 36
EDUCATION SPENDING GOING UP ................................ 36
PUBLIC WORKS AND LAND’EXPENDITORE........................... 37
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE CLIMBS IN ALMOST EVERY SECTOR .......... 38
GROSS LAND PRODUCTION ’ TO DOUBLE .......................... 39
FS'S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO ................................ 39
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO T.S. LO ........................... 41
BUDGET BRIEFING ................................. 42
CUSTOMS'OFFICERS MSFORCE’NEW RULES ............................ 42
ELECTION FORUMS FOR WONG TAI SIN CANDIDATES ................... 42
COURSE ON PUBLIC’AFFAIRS’ FOR- TEACHERS ...................... 44
LONG DISTANCE RUN' IN TSIM’ SHA TSUI .......................... 44
FIFTH YUFN LONG ARTS’ FESTIVAL'............................... 45
FESTIVAL ENDS WITH' VARIETY SHOW ....... . ................... 46
r
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27,
1985
1 -
SIR JOHN AIMS FOR BALANCED BUDGET * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN 3REMRIDGE. TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT HE HOPED TO PRESENT A BALANCED BUDGET IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR (1986-87).
♦IN 1982-83 THE DEFICIT WAS $3.5 BILLION (AND WE WERE
FORTUNATE THAT IT WAS NOT GREATER). IN 1983-84 IT WAS $3 BILLION,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
♦FOR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR 1984-85 IT WILL BE ABOUT
$1.8 BILLION - CONSERVATIVELY EXCLUDING THE SUCCESSFUL $1 BILLION BOND ISSUE. IF MY VARIOUS PROPOSALS ARE ACCEPTED BY THIS COUNCIL, THE PLANNED DEFICIT FOR 1985-86 SHOULD BE ABOUT $1 BILLION. IT COULD BE LESS.
♦ONLY A FOOL WOULD MAKE PROMISES, BUT I HOPE TO PRESENT TO THIS COUNCIL IN FEBRUARY 1986 A BALANCED BUDGET FOR 1986-87. THIS IS MY PRESENT INTENTION.+
SIR JOHN FORECAST INFLATION OF ABOUT 5.5 PER CENT FOR 1985 AS COMPARED WITH 8.1 PER CENT FOR 1984. REAL GDP GROWTH IN 1984 WAS A REMARKABLE 9.6 PER CENT WHILE THERE HAD BEEN EFFECTIVE FULL EMPLOYMENT. HE FORECAST A GROWTH IN GDP OF ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT IN 1985. HIS BUDGET PROPOSALS WHICH DO NOT INCLUDE INCREASES IN DIRECT TAXATION WOULD RAISE REVENUE BY $1.35 BILLION BUT CUTS IN PERSONAL TAXES FOR THE MORE DESERVING WILL COST $150 MILLION NEXT YEAR AND $210 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
♦THE NET ADDITIONAL REVENUE TO BE RAISED WILL THUS BE $1.2 BILLION. THE COMPARABLE FIGURE LAST YEAR IN MONEY TERMS WAS $1.5 BILLION. IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR IT WAS $3 BILLION. THE TREND IS CLEAR,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
REVIEWING RECENT EXPERIENCE, HE SAID THAT THE LAST YEAR WITH A BUDGET SURPLUS WAS 1981-82. IN THAT YEAR LAND SALES REVENUE WAS $8.9 BILLION - ITSELF $1.8 BILLION LESS THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. ONLY FOUR YEARS LATER IN 1985-86 LAND SALES REVENUE IS UNLIKELY TO EXCEED $1.7 BILLION, WHICH MAY ESTABLISH A TREND FOR FUTURE YEARS.
WORLD RECESSION AND THE UNCERTAINTY OVER HONG KONG’S FUTURE MEANT THAT IT WAS NOT SURPRISING THAT SINCE 1981-82 MAJOR BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENT HAS BEEN NECESSARY. +THE GOVERNMENT HAS REMAINED STEADILY AND VISIBLY ON COURSE TOWARDS A RETURN TO BALANCED BUDGETS WITHOUT RESORT TO STOP AND GO TACTICS. WE HAVE ALSO MAINTAINED AND EVEN STRENGTHENED MAJOR PROGRAMMES,+ HE SAID.
THE LINKING OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE US DOLLAR HAS RESULTED IN A STABLE CURRENCY WITH BUILT-IN CONTROL OF THE MONEY SUPPLY. THERE HAS BEEN A RAPID DROP FROM 12.4 PER CENT TO 4.6 PER CENT IN CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION.
/♦THIS IS .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBHDAHY 27, 1^85
2
+THIS IS A MOST BENEFICIAL OUTCOME AND ONE OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR COMMUNITY WELL-BEING. PEOPLE NO LONGER FEAR ALARMING ANNUAL INCREASES IN THE COST OF LIVING, PARTICULARLY AS REAL WAGES ARE AGAIN RISING. THEY CAN ABSORB THE SLIGHTLY INFLATIONARY IMPACT CF FURTHER SELECTIVE INDIRECT TAXATION. MOREOVER, LARGE ANNUAL INFLATION-BASED PAY INCREASES ARE UNNECESSARY,* SAID SIR JOHN.
THE GOVERNMENT REMAINED COMMITTED TO THE SUPPORT OF A FREE MARKET ECONOMY, HE SAID.
*TO PROVISION OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE WITHIN WHICH ENTERPRISE CAN FLOURISH WITHOUT UNNECESSARY GOVERNMENT REGULATION? TO THE CARE OF THOSE WHO CANNOT CARE FOR THEMSELVES? AND TO LOW OVERALL TAXATION. HONG KONG IS NOT A TAX HAVEN, BUT WE KNOW NOT LEAST FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF OTHERS THAT MODERATION IN TAXATION IS AN ESSENTIAL SPUR TO INDIVIDUAL EFFORT. TAX AVOIDANCE IS NOT.*
SIR JOHN SAID HIS REVENUE PROPOSALS RELATED TO INDIRECT TAXATION DESIGNED TO FALL ON LUXURIES AND NOT ON ESSENTIALS.
AS AN EXAMPLE OF THE ALTERNATIVES, HE SAID AN ADDITIONAL ONE PERCENTAGE POINT TO THE PRESENT STANDARD TAX RATE OF 17 PER CENT WOULD YIELD $165 MILLION IN THE FIRST YEAR AND $290 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR. ONE PERCENTAGE POINT ON THE PRESENT CORPORATE RATE CF 18.5 PER CENT WOULD YIELD $200 MILLION AND $430 MILLION RESPECTIVELY.
+IF MEMBERS IN THE FORTHCOMING DEBATE SEEK A LOWER DEFICIT OR GREATER TAX CONCESSIONS OR NEW PROGRAMMES, THE SIMPLE MATHEMATICS CF ALTERNATIVE DIRECT TAXATION INCREASES SHOULD AT LEAST BE KNOWN,* HE SAID.
SEVEN PER CENT GDP GROWTH FORECAST K M K M
DEFICIT FINANCE IS A PROFLIGATE’S REFUGE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID AS HE WOUND UP HIS BUDGET SPEECH WITH A REVIEW OF ECONOMIC PROSPECTS FOR 1985 WHICH INCLUDED A FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF SEVEN PER CENT.
HE SAID THAT THE ECONOMY SHOULD BENEFIT FROM EXPECTED GROWTH IN THE WORLD ECONOMY BUT THE TERRITORY REMAINED ALWAYS VULNERABLE TO EXTERNAL EVENTS. THE U.S. ECONOMY WAS EXPECTED TO EXPAND LESS RAPIDLY WITH A 3.5 PER CENT GROWTH RATE ASSUMED FOR 1985 AS COMPARED WITH THE 6.8 PER CENT RECORDED FOR 1984. THUS SOME SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES WAS LIKELY THIS YEAR.
+PROTECTIONISM EVERYWHERE IS A CONSTANT THREAT*. SAID SIR JOHN CITING THE DIFFICULTIES WITH THE CHANGE IN U.S. COUNTRY-OF-ORIGIN RULES LAST YEAR.
/CHINA was........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2?, 1985
- 3 -
CHINA WAS NOW HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST DOMESTIC EXPORT MARKET, THOUGH STILL WELL BEHIND THE U.S. HE PREDICTED THAT ALL ASPECTS OF HK-CHINA TRADE WOULD CONTINUE TO GROW RAPIDLY BUT THAT EXPORTS TO EUROPE WERE LARGELY DEPENDENT ON ECONOMIC PERFORMANCES THERE AND ON THE MAINTAINING OF THE COMPETITIVENESS CF HONG KONG PRODUCTS. THE STRENGTH OF THE U.S. DOLLAR TO WHICH THE HK DOLLAR WAS LINKED, AND AN INFLATION RATE IN THE TERRITORY HIGHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM OR WEST GERMANY MEANT THAT HONG KONG PRODUCTS BECAME RELATIVELY MORE EXPENSIVE.
♦TAKING THE ABOVE FACTORS INTO CONSIDERATION, THE FORECAST CF THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN 1985 IS 11 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, RATHER LESS THAN THE 17 PER CENT ACHIEVED IN 1984+, SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. +THIS, COMBINED WITH A FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF RE-EXPORTS OF 30 PER CENT, GIVES A GROWTH FORECAST FOR TOTAL EXPORTS OF 18 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 22 PER CENT IN 1984. IF ACHIEVED, THIS WILL STILL BE VERY SATISFACTORY.♦
♦REFLECTING THE REAL INCREASE IN EARNINGS AND INCOMES IN 1984, PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IS FORECAST TO SHOW AN INCREASED BUT STILL MODERATE GROWTH RATE OF SEVEN PER CENT IN 1985.
♦GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE IS FORECAST TO INCREASE BY FIVE PER CENT, COMPARED WITH THREE PER CENT IN 1984.
♦PRIVATE INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE IS PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE. THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG HAS, HOWEVER, REMOVED THE UNCERTAINTY THAT HUNG OVER THE ECONOMY IN THE LAST COUPLE OF YEARS. PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY IS FORECAST TO INCREASE BY 16 PER CENT IN 1985.+ A FOOTNOTE EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE FOR 1985 WAS LESS THAN THAT RECORDED IN 1984, AT 26 PER CENT, MUCH OF THE GROWTH THAT OCCURRED IN 1984 REPRESENTED THE RECOVERY OF THE BACKLOG FROM 1982 AND 1983.
♦PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE BY TWO PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A DECLINE OF 9.5 PER CENT IN 1984. LARGELY DUE TO A REDUCTION IN MTRC CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION IS, HOWEVER, FORECAST TO DECLINE BY EIGHT PER CENT, COMPARED WITH A DECLINE OF FOUR PER CENT IN 1984.
♦THESE FORECASTS, WHEN COMBINED WITH THE FORECASTS OF SOME OTHER, SMALLER, COMPONENTS, GIVE A FORECAST GROWTH RATE FOR GROSS DOMESTIC FIXED CAPITAL FORMATION FOR 1985 OF FIVE PER CENT REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT COMPARED WITH THE INCREASE CF UNDER ONE PER CENT THAT WAS RECORDED IN 1984.
♦THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF IMPORTS ASSOCIATED WITH THESE FORECASTS OF FINAL DEMAND IS 18 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 15 PER CENT RECORDED FOR 1984. NET EXPORTS OF SERVICES ARE FORECAST TO INCREASE BY 15 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 21 PER CENT IN 1984.
♦THESE FORECASTS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL COMPONENTS OF EXPENDITURE, WHEN COMBINED, GIVE A FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF SEVEN PER CENT.
/+IF THEY........
WEDNESDAY, EEBKDABY 2?, 1985
+IF THEY ARE BORNE OUT, ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 1985 WILL CONTINUE TO BE EXPORT-LED, BUT WITH AN INCREASING CONTRIBUTION FROM DOMESTIC DEMAND. THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL FINAL DEMAND (EXCLUDING REEXPORTS), AT 8.5 PER CENT, IS EXPECTED TO EXCEED THAT OF THE GDP, AT SEVEN PER CENT, BUT NOT SUFFICIENTLY TO GENERATE SIGNIFICANT INTERNAL INFLATIONARY PRESSURES.
+UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, INFLATION IN HONG KONG IS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE TO FALL IN 1985 TO A LEVEL CLOSER TO THAT IN THE UNITED STATES. THE AVERAGE RATE OF INFLATION IN 1985 IS THUS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT 5.5 PER CENT, SIGNIFICANTLY LESS THAN THE 8.1 PER CENT IN 1984. THE FORECAST RATE OF INCREASE IN THE GDP DEFLATOR IS RATHER HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE CPI AT ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT.
♦THE FORECAST GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP IN 1985 IN MONEY TERMS IS THEREFORE 15 PER CENT, IMPLYING A CURRENT PRICE GDP OF *286 BILLION. AT CURRENT PRICES, PER CAPITA GDP IN 1985 SHOULD THUS BE OVER *52 OOO, OR ABOUT US*6 700.
♦THERE IS REASON TO TRUST THE INNATE WIT AND INTELLIGENCE CF OUR CITIZENS. THE MAJORITY CAN SEE THAT OVER A CYCLE OF YEARS A BALANCED BUDGET FOR HONG KONG IS AS ESSENTIAL AS IT IS IN THEIR OWN HOUSEHOLDS. THIS IS BEING ACHIEVED BY CONTINUAL DOWNWARD PRESSURE BY THE ADMINISTRATION ON PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE AND BY CONTINUAL UPWARD PRESSURE ON REVENUE.
♦THERE ARE NOW MANY, AND THERE WILL BE MANY MORE, DECENT MINDED PEOPLE WHO ADVOCATE INCREASED GOVERNMENT SPENDING IN SECTORS IN WHICH THEY HAVE A SPECIAL INTEREST. IT IS, HOWEVER, A FACT CF LIFE THAT LITERALLY NO LIMIT CAN BE PUT ON EXPENDITURE REPRESENTING VARIOUS SOCIAL ASPIRATIONS UNLESS TIGHT CONTROLS ARE MAINTAINED ON THE TAXPAYERS’ MONEY AND ON THE LEVYING OF NEW TAXES. FURTHER INCREASES IN DIRECT TAXATION IN PARTICULAR ARE AT LEAST UNDESIRABLE.
♦WISE SPENDING THERE MUST BE- AND INDEED MORE AS THE COMMUNITY GETS RICHER. BUT EVERY NEW PROPOSITION MUST BE SUBJECT TO TEST BY TWO SIMPLE QUESTIONS. WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES? WHERE IS THE MONEY COMING FROM? DEFICIT FINANCE IS A PROFLIGATE’S REFUGE - PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF HONG KONG’S EXPOSURE TO EXTERNAL SHOCKS. I CONCLUDE THEREFORE BY QUOTING DICKENS, WHOSE WORDS WILL, I BELIEVE, STRIKE A GENERAL NOTE OF APPROVAL IN HONG KONG » ANNUAL INCOME TWENTY POUNDS, ANNUAL EXPENDITURE NINETEEN NINETEEN SIX, RESULT HAPPINESS. ANNUAL INCOME TWENTY POUNDS, ANNUAL EXPENDITURE TWENTY POUNDS OUGHT AND SIX, RESULT MISERY.+
--->o------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
5
SECOND YEAR OF EXPORT-LED GROWTH ft ft ft ft
IN 1984 THE HONG KONG ECONOMY EXPERIENCED THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR OF EXPORT-LED GROWTH DUE TO STRONG EXPANSION IN THE UNITED STATES AND IMPROVEMENTS ELSEWHERE, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
♦EXPORTS TO CHINA EXPANDED RAPIDLY, AS ITS NEW ECONOMIC POLICY HAS ENHANCED BILATERAL TRADING OPPORTUNIT IES,♦ SAID SIR JOHN. HE POINTED OUT THAT IN REAL TERMS OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED OVERALL BY ABOUT 17 PER CENT, RE-EXPORTS BY ABOUT 30 PER CENT AND IMPORTS BY ABOUT 15 PER CENT. AT UNDER ONE PER CENT THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP WAS THE SMALLEST FOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS'— EQUI VALENT TO LESS THAN TWO DAYS’ IMPORTS.
♦THE GENERAL INCREASE IN ECONOMIC ACTIVITY AND THE RETURN OF CONFIDENCE HELPED TO STIMULATE A RECOVERY IN PRIVATE INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
MOST OF THE GROWTH OF 26 PER CENT REFLECTED A CATCHING UP ON TWO VERY POOR YEARS. HOWEVER, PRIVATE EXPENDITURE ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION FELL BY 9.5 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
REFERRING TO THE PROPERTY MARKET, SIR JOHN SAID THAT APART FROM A HIGH TAKE-UP OF FINISHED PROPERTY, THE MARKET REMAINED SOFT, THOUGH THERE WERE SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT TOWARDS THE END OF THE YEAR. PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GREW BY FIVE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE OVERALL DECLINED BY TWO PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, WHILE OVERALL THE GDP GREW BY 9.6 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS REPRESENTING A SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S 5.1 PER CENT.
REFLECTING THE CONTINUED RAPID EXPANSION IN EXPORTS AND THE RESULTING ACCELERATED GROWTH RATE OF THE ECONOMY, SIR JOHN SAID BOTH THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE STAYED AT LOW LEVELS AND EARNINGS IN MOST SECTORS INCREASED IN REAL TERMS. IN THE FOURTH QUARTER THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE STOOD AT 3.8 PER CENT AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE AT 0.8 PER CENT, REPRESENTING CLOSE TO FULL EMPLOYMENT. SIR JOHN ADDED THAT OUTPUT PER EMPLOYED PERSON ROSE BY 6.7 PER CENT.
HE SAID 1984 WAS THE YEAR IN WHICH THE HONG KONG ECONOMY VERY LARGELY GOT BACK ON TRACK.
♦ECONOMIC GROWTH INCREASED, INFLATION FELL, UNEMPLOYMENT WAS LOW, CONFIDENCE RETURNED AND INVESTMENT BEGAN TO RECOVER. ALL IN ALL A WELCOME CONTRAST TO THE GLOOM OF 1982, WHICH STILL PERSISTED INTO MUCH OF 1983,♦ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
6
NEW REVENUE MEASURES ’CLEARLY INEVITABLE’ HMM
WITH AN OSTENSIBLE DEFICIT OF $2.2 BILLION, NEW REVENUE MEASURES WERE +CLEARLY INEVITABLE*, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID TODAY.
REVENUE ESTIMATES FOR 1985-86 AS PRINTED ANTICIPATE TOTAL COLLECTIONS OF S36.2 BILLION, MADE UP OF 133.7 BILLION IN RECURRENT REVENUE AND $2.5 BILLION IN CAPITAL REVENUE- RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS ESTIMATED AT $29 685 MILLION AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AT $8 677 MILLION, TOTALLING $38 362 MILLION.
♦RECURRENT REVENUE AT $33.7 BILLION IS ESTIMATED TO INCREASE BY $3.4 BILLION OR 11.3 PER CENT OVER THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1984-85,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
IN ADDITION, EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAXES ARE EXPECTED TO YIELD $14.8 BILLION (AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 14 PER CENT ON 1984-85) REFLECTING THE FULL YEAR IMPACT OF THE INCREASES IN TAX RATES INTRODUCED IN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET, AIDED BY AN IMPROVING ECONOMY, SIR JOHN SAID.
HE SAID INDIRECT TAXES WERE ESTIMATED TO GROW BY 15 PER CENT TO A TOTAL OF $9.7 BILLION DUE MAINLY TO HIGHER YIELDS FROM BETTING TAXES AND STAMP DUTY. FROM ALL OTHER RECURRENT REVENUE, SIR JOHN ANTICIPATED A YIELD OF $9.2 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF ONLY FOUR PER CENT.
CAPITAL REVENUE FOR 1985-86 IS ESTIMATED AT $2.5 BILLION, SAID SIR JOHN.
HE NOTED THAT THE MAJOR ELEMENT WAS STILL LAND REVENUE, ADDING THAT THIS MIGHT HAVE TO BE DIFFERENTLY ACCOUNTED FOR IN THE NEAR FUTURE IN ORDER TO SATISFY REQUIREMENTS OF ANNEX III TO THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+LAND REVENUE IS ALWAYS DIFFICULT TO ESTIMATE AND IS RENDERED MORE SO IN 1985-86 BY THE NEED TO ESTIMATE THAT PORTION OF THE REVENUE WHICH HAS TO BE ASCRIBED TO THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT,* SAID SIR JOHN.
+1 ESTIMATE THAT GROSS LAND REVENUE IN 1985-86 WILL BE $2 BILLION, OF WHICH ABOUT $300 MILLION WILL BE SET ASIDE FOR THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT LEAVING NET LAND REVENUE OF $1.7 BILLION.+
SIR JOHN SAID THIS GROSS ESTIMATE OF $2 BILLION COMPARED WITH A REVISED ESTIMATE OF $4.2 BILLION IN 1984-85 AND ACTUAL REVENUE OF $2.3 BILLION IN 1983-84.
♦AS I WARNED BEFORE, THE LAND REVENUE IN 1984-85 WAS CONSIDERABLY DISTORTED BY THE FINAL INSTALMENT OF $1.9 BILLION IN RESPECT OF EXCHANGE SQUARE,* HE SAID.
/HR 2LDLKL..........
'EDBBSDAY, riBltfJW 2?, 1985
7
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS ALSO A NUMBER OF FAIRLY LARGE PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS TO THE MTRC. A CONTINUING FACTOR DEPRESSING THE 1985-86 ESTIMATE BY ABOUT I7OO MILLION IS THE EXTENT TO WHICH LETTERS *B’ ARE BEING USED FOR LAND PURCHASES, SIR JOHN NOTED.
+THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR 1985-86 CONSISTS OF 34 HECTARES. IN ADDITION THERE IS A RESERVE LIST OF SITES, TOTALLING 46 HECTARES, WHICH WILL ONLY BE PUT ON SALE IF A DEVELOPER INDICATES A FIRM INTEREST,* SAID SIR JOHN.
HE ADDED THAT HE EXPECTS, AFTER SHARING, NET REVENUE OF $415 MILLION FROM AUCTION AND TENDER, $780 MILLION FROM PRIVATE TREATY GRANTS AND $80 MILLION FROM MODIFICATIONS AND REGRANTS.
- - - - 0 ---------
PROPOSALS TO YIELD $1.2 BILLION NET
* * * K
BUDGET PROPOSALS CONCERNING DUTIABLE COMMODITIES AND TRANSPORT LICENCE FEES WERE THE SUBJECT OF REVENUE PROTECTION ORDERS SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR THIS MORNING, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID.
SIR JOHN WAS SPEAKING ABOUT THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROPOSALS.
HE SAID THAT PROPOSALS FOR INCREASES IN BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES, BETTING DUTY AND AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX WOULD BE THE SUBJECT OF RESOLUTIONS TO BE MOVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MARCH 28 AND, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, WOUL? TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1.
SIR JOHN SAID HIS OTHER REVENUE PROPOSALS WOULD BE PUT TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL FOR THE NECESSARY AUTHORISATIONS. IN DUE COURSE A BILL WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL TO GIVE EFFECT TO THE PROPOSALS FOR CONCESSIONS ON PERSONAL TAXES.
SIR JOHN SAID THESE PROPOSALS WERE DESIGNED TO YIELD ABOUT $1.2 BILLION IN NET ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR 1985-86.
HE SAID THE ESTIMATE OF TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT THUS BECAME $37.4 BILLION AND THE DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR WAS ESTIMATED AT $1 BILLION.
/FOLLOWING AHE .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
8 -
FOLLOWING ARE DETAILS OF THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELDS:
BUDGET PROPOSALS
BETTING DUTY
AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX
BUSINESS REGISTRATION TAX
UTILITY AND GENERAL FEES AND CHARGES
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES
- HYDROCARBON OILS
- INTOXICATING LIQUOR
- TOBACCO
- COSMETICS
- NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS
LESS COST OF TAX CONCESSIONS
ICT YIELD
ADDITIONAL REVENUE (SMN)
120
90
55
415
110
140
110
100
210
1 350
150
1 200
-----o-----
RATIONALE EXPLAINED * * *
THE INTENTION IS TO FINANCE THE OSTENSIBLE DEFICIT OF $2.2 BILLION BY DRAWING $1 BILLION FROM FREE FISCAL RESERVES AND BY FINDING THE BALANCE FROM INCREASED REVENUE, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID.
SIR JOHN WENT ON: +1 NEED NOW TO EXPLAIN THE RATIONALE UNDERLYING THE VARIOUS MEASURES WHICH I SHALL PROPOSE IN ORDER TO RAISE THE NECESSARY NET $1.2 BILLION. NO TAXPAYER LIKES ADDITIONAL TAX BURDENS, UNLESS THEY ARE PLACED ON OTHERS WHILE HE DERIVES THE BENEFIT. I BELIEVE, HOWEVER, THAT THERE IS GENERAL SUPPORT FOR A STEADY RETURN TO BALANCED BUDGETS. WE ARE THEREFORE DISCUSSING KANS NOT ENDS.+
/FIRSTLY, SIH ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
9 -
FIRSTLY, SIR JOHN SAID, IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE UNDERSTOOD THAT EQUITY AND EFFICIENCY WERE GUIDING PRINCIPLES. BUDGETS WERE NOT JUST A STRING OF FIGURES.
SECONDLY, MANUFACTURERS, EXPORTERS, TRADERS, BANKERS, THE WORK FORCE -- INDEED ALL WHO CREATED WEALTH FOR HONG KONG — MUST NOT BE DISCOURAGED.
THIRDLY, AND CONSEQUENTLY, AS DIRECT TAXES WERE RAISED ONLY A YEAR AGO IT WAS IMPRUDENT TO CONSIDER ANOTHER INCREASE NOW. IT SEEMED TO HIM TO BE MORE IMPORTANT YET AGAIN TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT ENTERPRISE AND HARD WORK WERE STIMULATED BY LOW DIRECT TAXATION AND BY CONFIDENCE THAT IT WOULD REMAIN LOW.
FOURTHLY, IT WAS CLEAR THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT ALONE IN RECOGNISING THE TREND TOWARDS, THOUGH NOT OF COURSE TOTAL DEDICATION TO, INDIRECT TAXATION. THIS OFFERED A PERSUASIVE ALTERNATIVE TO INCREASED DIRECT TAXATION.
FIFTHLY, TAXATION OF NON-ESSENTIALS FITTED IN WITH THIS TREND, THOUGH SUBJECTIVITY WAS OBVIOUSLY A PROBLEM. THERE WERE ALSO PRAGMATIC ISSUES TO BE CONSIDERED.
SIR JOHN ADDED 1 +THIS IS NEITHER THE PLACE NOR THE TIME FOR A CONTENTIOUS, PHILOSOPHICAL DISCOURSE ON TAXATION. I ASK MEMBERS ONLY TO BELIEVE THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAS SOUGHT A REASONED AND BALANCED APPROACH TO THE BUDGETARY DEFICIT THAT CONFRONTS US. OBVIOUSLY THERE WILL BE SCOPE FOR DEBATE. BUT I TRUST AT LEAST THAT OUR MOTIVATION IS PATENT.+
- - - - 0
NO NET DEBT, SAYS SIR JOHN * * * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS NO NET DEBT, SAID SIR JOHN.
+INDEED, FOLLOWING THE DEDUCTION OF THE 1984-85 DEFICIT FROM THE GENERAL REVENUE BALANCE, OUR FISCAL RESERVES WILL BE 115.3 BILLION,* HE SAID.
♦MOST IS LENT TO THE EXCHANGE FUND AGAINST INTEREST BEARING DEBT CERTIFICATES. BECAUSE OF OUR LIABILITIES THESE RESERVES CANNOT BE CONSIDERED AS FULLY AND FREELY AVAILABLE FOR USE.
♦APART FROM THE LIABILITY ARISING FROM THE BOND ISSUE, THERE ARE ALSO CONTINGENT AND OTHER LIABILITIES. THE EXTENT OF COVER FOR THESE CONTINGENT LIABILITIES IS OBVIOUSLY DEBATABLE, BUT WE HAVE PRUDENTLY WORKED ON A GEARING OF ONE TO THREE.
/♦OUR KNOWN .......
WEDNKSDAY, ZEBBDAHY 27, 1985
- 10 -
+0UR KNOWN CONTINGENT LIABILITIES SHOULD BE 126.2 BILLION BY 1989 - TAKING OUR USUAL FOUR YEAR VIEW. ON THAT BASIS, THEREFORE, WE NEED TO RESERVE OF THE ORDER OF $8.7 BILLION, WHICH KANS $6.6 BILLION IN ’FREE’ RESERVES AS AT APRIL 1985.
♦IT IS ARGUABLE THAT THERE IS A CONSIDERABLE DEGREE OF OVER PROVISION, FOR INSTANCE IN THE CASE OF GUARANTEES FOR HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME MORTGAGES AND PARTICULARLY GOLD COINS.
♦THE PRINCIPLES WILL BE RECONSIDERED BEFORE THE NEXT BUDGET,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
-------- 0 - - - -
'SPENDING LOWER THAN EXPECTED’ M * *
REVENUE RECEIVED ON THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR 1984-85 WAS CLOSE TO TARGET BUT EXPENDITURE WAS LOWER THAN EXPECTED, SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
THE 1984-85 BUDGET ENVISAGED A DEFICIT OF $2.1 BILLION, SAID SIR JOHN, BUT THE ACTUAL OUTCOME FOR THE YEAR WOULD PRODUCE A DEFICIT OF ABOUT $1.8 BILLION. THE BOND ISSUE MEANT THAT THE ACTUAL SHORTFALL IS ABOUT $1 BILLION LESS - *BUT WE MUST NOT BE MISLED BY THIS.+
ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT, REVENUE IN 1984-85 IS EXPECTED TO BE MARGINALLY LOWER THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE BY ABOUT $200 MILLION ($30 464 MILLION ESTIMATED, $30 262 MILLION REVISED). THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IS EXPECTED TO BE $674 MILLION LOWER THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE ($26 933 MILLION ESTIMATED, $26 259 MILLION REVISED).
♦THIS IS THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING IN WHICH RECURRENT EXPENDITURE HAS BEEN HELD DOWN BELOW BUDGET, REFLECTING TIGHT FINANCIAL CENTROL, AND I THANK ALL VOTE CONTROLLERS FOR THEIR EFFORTS,♦ SAID SIR JOHN.
ON CAPITAL ACCOUNT, REVENUE WAS EXPECTED TO BE SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE ($4 730 MILLION ESTIMATED, $4 666 MILLION REVISED) AND EXPENDITURE WAS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT THE SAME $10 400 MILLION ESTIMATED, $10 426 MILLION REVISED).
--->o-----
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
11
GENERAL REVENUE EXPENDITURE HELD TO 129.4 BILLION * * * ft
AFTER MUCH HARD BARGAINING, JUST OVER $29.4 BILLION HAS BEEN PROVIDED FOR GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE FOR 1985-86, SAID SIR JOHN,EXCLUDING ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS AND TRANSFERS TO FUNDS SUCH AS THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
THE ORIGINAL LIMIT SET IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR WAS $29.8 BILLION, HE SAID, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF NO MORE THAN ABOUT 7.7 PER CENT ON THE CURRENT YEAR’S OUTTURN.
♦ AS REAL GROWTH IN THE EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE SECTORS HAD TO BE INCLUDED, AND AS ADDITIONAL RESOURCES HAD TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES, THIS MEANT VIRTUALLY NO PROSPECT OF GROWTH FOR THE MAJORITY OF DEPARTMENTS. INDEED IN SOME CASES THERE HAD TO BE REDUCTIONS.♦
♦ IN THE EVENT AFTER MUCH HARD BARGAINING THE PRINTED DRAFT ESTIMATES THAT EMERGED PROVIDE JUST OVER $29.4 BILLION, ($28 BILLION RECURRENT EXPENDITURE, PLUS $1.4 BILLION CAPITAL EXPENDITURE), AN INCREASE OF 6.3 PER CENT. THIS AND SOME LATER PERCENTAGE COMPARISONS WITH EXPENDITURE IN 1984-85 DO NOT INCLUDE THE EFFECTS OF ANY CIVIL SERVICE SALARY INCREASE THAT MAY BE AGREED FOR 1985-86.+
♦ THERE MUST BE ADDED A CONTINGENCY ALLOWANCE OF $1.8 BILLION FOR ALL ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS PLUS $7.2 BILLION FOR TRANSFERS TO FUNDS,♦ SAID SIR JOHN.
THE TOTAL IS THUS $38.4 BILLION, MADE UP OF $28 BILLION IN CURRENT EXPENDITURE, $1.4 BILLION IN CAPITAL EXPENDITURE, $1.8 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL COMMITMENTS AND $7.2 BILLION IN TRANSFERS TO FUNDS.
--------o - - - -
FURTHER DEFICIT REDUCTION SEEN ft * ft *
IT SHOULD BE POSSIBLE TO FURTHER REDUCE THE DEFICIT FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR BEFORE SEEKING A BALANCED BUDGET IN 1986-87. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PRESENTING HIS BUDGET PROPOSALS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE STRATEGY OF +A CALM, STEADY BUT ABOVE ALL PLANNED APPROACH TOWARDS REDUCING THE DEF IC IT+ WOULD CONTINUE.
♦THERE CAN BE GROWING CONFIDENCE THAT THE DESIRED RESULTS ARE MATERIALISING. CLOSE MONITORING OF OUR PERFORMANCE WITH THE l£LP OF A FINANCIAL MODEL COUPLED WITH THE LATEST INFORMATION AVAILABLE INDICATES THAT WE REMAIN ON COURSE,♦ SIR JOHN SAID.
/DESPITE the .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1?85
- 12 -
DESPITE THE DRAMATIC FALL IN LAND REVENUE, SIR JOHN SAID WHAT HAD LARGELY MADE THIS POSSIBLE HAD BEEN FIRM RESTRAINT ON THE GROWTH OF PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE.
+WE HAVE AGAIN IN 1984-85 SUCCESSFULLY HELD ITS GROWTH RATE WELL BELOW THE RATE OF GROWTH IN GDP. THIS CREATES THE NECESSARY BREATHING SPACE WHILST WE AWAIT THE WORKING THROUGH OF ECONOMIC GROWTH TO OUR RECURRENT REVENUE,* HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY PROPOSED TOTAL PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE ON CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT OF $45.6 BILLION FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR.
THE DOWNWARD MOVEMENT IN THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WOULD BE FROM 19.1 PER CENT IN 1982-83 TO 18.6 PER CENT IN 1983-84 TO THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF 16.4 PER CENT FOR 1984-85 AND TO AN ESTIMATED 16 PER CENT IN 1985-86.
+THIS IS A CONSIDERABLE FALL ON A GDP OF $286 BILLION,* hE SAID.
+IT IS FAR BETTER THAN I INDICATED IN THE LAST BUDGET SPEECH, IE ADDED.
-----o------
NO NEED FOR BOND ISSUE X K K
FROM A STRICTLY BUDGETARY POINT OF VIEW THERE IS AT PRESENT NO REASON TO AGAIN CONTEMPLATE A GOVERNMENT BOND ISSUE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
NEVERTHELESS, SHOULD ANY PARTICULAR SPECIFIC CAPITAL REQUIREMENT ARISE, HE WOULD BE PREPARED TO CONSIDER BORROWING BY MEANS OF AN APPROPRIATE BOND ISSUE, SIR JOHN SAID.
♦IF FOR EXAMPLE IT PROVES NECESSARY TO INCREASE THE EQUITY CF THE MTR, A GOVERNMENT BOND ISSUE MIGHT BE PART OF AN OVERALL PACKAGE,* HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT IN APRIL LAST YEAR THE GOVERNMENT SOLD BONDS WITH A FACE VALUE OF $1 BILLION BY PUBLIC TENDER. THE EFFECT OF THIS WAS TO AVOID AN EQUIVALENT REDUCTION IN THE FISCAL RESERVES. IT WAS A MEASURE DESIGNED TO FIT THE YEAR’S BUDGETARY STRATEGY.
HE ADDEDi +THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN BORROW LARGE SUMS CF MONEY MUST BE SET AGAINST THE COSTS INVOLVED, THE POSSIBILITY THAT REPAYMENT MAY FALL DUE AT A TIME WHEN EXTERNAL PROBLEMS ARE AFFECTING OUR EXPORTS AND THUS OUR GDP AND GOVERNMENT REVENUE. THE NEED TO RESTRAIN PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE, AND THUS THE GENERAL DEBILITY CREATED BY UNNECESSARY BUT EASY BORROWING.*
----o------
/13........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 13 -
FUEL DUTY RISE KEPT TO 10 PER CENT ft ft ft ft
THE DUTY ON MOTOR SPIRIT HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $2 TO 12.20 A LITRE AND ON DIESEL OIL FOR ROAD VEHICLES FROM Si TO Si.10 A LITRE.
ANNOUNCING THIS SIR JOHN SAID THAT THESE INCREASES OF 10 PER CENT ARE AGAIN MUCH LESS THAN REQUIRED TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS IN THE LIGHT OF INFLATION SINCE 1983. FALLING INTERNATIONAL OIL PRICES COULD LESSEN THE BURDEN.
IN A NOTE IT WAS POINTED OUT THAT THE DUTY ON MOTOR SPIRIT WAS INCREASED BY 70 CENTS A LITRE, FROM 50 CENTS A LITRE, TO Si.20 IN MAY 1982 FOR TRANSPORT POLICY REASONS. IN THE 1983 BUDGET IT WAS INCREASED AGAIN BY A FURTHER 80 CENTS TO S2. THE DUTY RATE ON DIESEL OIL FOR ROAD VEHICLES WAS NOT ALTERED IN MAY 1982 AND IN THE 1983 BUDGET IT WAS INCREASED FROM 35 CENTS TO Si A LITRE -WITH THE 65 CENTS INCREASE BEING REFUNDED TO THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
SIR JOHN SAID HE DID NOT INTEND TO REVISE THE CURRENT REFUND ID THE BUS COMPANIES AS THE INCREASED DUTY WOULD COST THEM ABOUT Sll.l MILLION IN A FULL YEAR WHICH WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF INCREASING COSTS BY AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT ONE HALF OF ONE CENT PER PASSENGER. THERE SHOULD BE, THEREFORE, LITTLE OR NO EFFECT ON FARES.
THE INCREASES IN MOTOR SPIRIT AND DIESEL OIL FOR ROAD VEHICLES DUTIES BECAME EFFECTIVE FROM THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY) AND THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL YIELD IN 1985-86 WILL BE ABOUT 1110 MILLION.
----0----
DUTY PAYABLE IMMEDIATELY ft ft ft ft ft
DUTIES ON COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES CAME INTO EFFECT AT 2.30 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE DUTY ON COSMETICS IS 25 PER CENT OF THEIR VALUE, CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF THE CIF PRICE IN THE CASE OF IMPORTS AND THE WHOLESALE PRICE IN THE CASE OF LOCAL PRODUCTS. THE DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IS $60 PER HECTOLITRE.
TRADERS ARE REQUIRED TO REPORT TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE ON ALL COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG OR MANUFACTURED AFTER 2.30 PM TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
UNDER A REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER, AMENDMENTS HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, MAKING BOTH COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES DUTIABLE COMMODITIES.
/the ordinance........
iSDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 14 -
THE ORDINANCE STATES THAT:
'COSMETICS’ MEANS ANY PREPARATION TO IMPROVE, BEAUTIFY AND GENERALLY INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE PERSON BY EXTERNAL APPLICATION AND INCLUDES ANY PREPARATION WHICH -
(A) IS, OR PURPORTS TO BE, FOR THE CARE OF SKIN OR HAIR, INCLUDING ANY CREAM, EMULSION, GEL, LOTION, POWDER, SPRAY OR LIQUID;
(B) IS, OR PURPORTS TO BE, A MAKE-UP FOR BEAUTIFICATION, INCLUDING ANY POWDER, LIPSTICK, EYE MAKE-UP, ROUGE, OR PREPARATION FOR MANICURE;
(C) PROMOTES, OR PURPORTS TO PROMOTE, GOOD GROOMING OR FASTIDIOUSNESS, INCLUDING ANY TALCUM POWDER, DEODORANT, DEPILATORY, ANTIPERSPIRANT, SUNTAN PRODUCT OR A SALT OR FOAM FOR THE BATH;
(D) IS, OR PURPORTS TO BE A FRAGRANCE, INCLUDING ANY COLOGNE, SACHET, PERFUME, SCENT, TOILET WATER OR ESSENTIAL OIL,
BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY PREPARATION WHICH IS A SOAP, LIQUID SOAP, TOOTHPASTE, OR SHAMPOO FOR THE CLEANSING OF HAIR AND SCALP, UNLESS SUCH PREPARATION PURPORTS TO BE ANY OF THE PREPARATIONS REFERRED TO IN PARAGRAPH (A), (B), (C) OR (D).
’NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE’ MEANS ANY LIQUID WHICH IS PLACED IN A SEALED CONTAINER FOR SALE AS A BEVERAGE AND INCLUDES SODA WATER, INDIAN OR QUININE TONIC WATER, MINERAL WATER, GINGER BEER, A HERBAL CR BOTANICAL BEVERAGE, SHANDY, AND ANY LIQUID WHICH IS OR WHICH PURPORTS TO BE A CARBONATED OR NON-CARBONATED DRINK WITH A FRUIT, SYRUP OR MILK BASE BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE CONCENTRATE, LIQUOR, DISTILLED WATER, MILK, JUICE OR SOUP.
’CONCENTRATE’ MEANS ANY LIQUID INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION AS A BEVERAGE AFTER DILUTION.
’JUICE’ MEANS -
(A) THE UNDILUTED JUICE OF ANY FRUIT OR VEGETABLE; OR
(B) IN RELATION TO ANY PARTICULAR FRUIT OR VEGETABLE, JUICE WHICH IS OBTAINED BY THE ADDITION OF WATER TO A CONCENTRATE MADE FROM THE JUICE OF THAT FRUIT OR VEGETABLE AND WHICH HAS THE ORGANOLEPTIC AND ANALYTICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE UNDILUTED JUICE OF THAT FRUIT OR VEGETABLE; OR
(C) A MIXTURE OF SUCH JUICES.
’MILK’ MEANS MILK OBTAINED FROM COWS, BUFFALOES OR GOATS, WHETHER OR NOT IT IS SKIMMED OR PARTLY SKIMMED, OR IS RECONSTITUTED MILK, BUTTERMILK OR WHEY PRODUCED FROM SUCH MILK:
/PROVIDED THAT .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 15 -
PROVIDED THAT NO FLAVOURING OR COLOURING HAS, IN ANY CASE, BEEN ADDED.
THE LAW REQUIRES ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR MANUFACTURES COSMETICS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, OR KEEPS A WAREHOUSE FOR THE STORAGE OF DUTIABLE COSMETICS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, TO OBTAIN A LICENCE FROM THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT. THIS REQUIREMENT IS SUSPENDED FOR 14 DAYS FROM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ALLOW TRADERS TIME TO REGISTER WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
APPLICATION FOR LICENCES CAN BE MADE AT THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (FFICE, 2 RUMSEY STREET, 1OTH FLOOR, HONG KONG, OR AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393, CANTON ROAD, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON. IF NO LICENCE IS OBTAINED AT THE EXPIRATION OF THIS 14-DAY PERIOD, ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR MANUFACTURES THESE GOODS WILL BE COMMITTING AN CFFENCE UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.
CONCENTRATE, IN THE CONTEXT OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE, MEANS ANY LIQUID INTENDED FOR CONSUMPTION AFTER DILUTION AND INCLUDES EXTRACT AND ESSENCE USED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES. ALTHOUGH NO DUTY IS PAYABLE ON CONCENTRATE, IT IS SUBJECT TO THE CONTROL OF THE ORDINANCE.
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED CIRCULAR LETTERS TO ALL KNOWN IMPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS OF COSMETICS AND NONALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, REMINDING THEM OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE. THOSE WHO ARE IN THESE LINES OF BUSINESS BUT DO NOT RECEIVE SUCH A CIRCULAR LETTER SHOULD CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE 5-757265.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ALL PRESS ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MR C.L. LI, SENIOR STAFF INSPECTOR, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE 5-416585 BETWEEN 8.30 AM AND 5.30 PM OR 5-456182 BETWEEN 6.30 PM AND 10 PM.
-----o-----
SOFT DRINKS ’NOT A NECESSITY’
*****
THOSE WHO COULD AFFORD SOFT DRINKS COULD ARGUABLY AFFORD TO PAY DUTY AS FOR BEER, SAID SIR JOHN.
♦MANY SOFT DRINKS ARE NOW RETAILING AT PRICES SIMILAR TO THOSE FOR BEER. I CONSIDER THAT THOSE WHO CAN AFFORD SOFT DRINKS CAN ARGUABLY AFFORD TO PAY DUTY AS FOR BEER,+ HE SAID.
♦SOFT DRINKS ARE A PLEASING INDULGENCE NOT A NECESSITY.*
/THE basic .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
16 -
THE BASIC RATE OF DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WILL BE 60 CENTS A LITRE WHICH COMES INTO EFFECT THIS AFTERNOON (WEDNESDAY). ASSUMING THAT THIS DUTY IS PASSED ON IN FULL TO THE CONSUMER ABOUT 20 CENTS WILL BE ADDED TO THE RETAIL PRICE CF A CAN OF COCA COLA OR SEVEN-UP AND 90 CENTS TO A ONE-AND-A-HALF-LITRE BOTTLE OF EVIAN MINERAL WATER. THE ESTIMATED REVENUE YIELD FROM THE RE INTRODUCTION OF THE DUTY WILL BE *210 MILLION IN 1985-86.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT PRIOR TO 1973 A DUTY WAS IMPOSED ON TABLE WATERS BUT IT WAS REMOVED MAINLY BECAUSE THE YIELD OF *10 MILLION WAS CONSIDERED INSIGNIFICANT AND ALSO BECAUSE OF INCREASING ENFORCEMENT AND DEFINITION DIFFICULTIES AS A RESULT OF A WIDER RANGE OF SOFT DRINKS COMING ON THE MARKET.
+THE DUTIES ON BEER WHICH COME INTO EFFECT TODAY RANGE BETWEEN 20 AND 30 PER CENT OF THE RETAIL PRICE. IN RESPECT TO SOFT DRINKS THE RATE WHICH I WILL PROPOSE WILL AVERAGE HALF THIS INCIDENCE.+
HE SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT THE REVENUE PRODUCING BASE SHOULD BE BROADENED WHEREVER POSSIBLE AND THE POTENTIAL YIELD WAS NOW LARGE. ALSO THE LEGISLATIVE DEFINITION NOW PROPOSED FOR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WAS WIDER THAN THAT APPLICABLE TO THE TABLE WATER DUTY REPEALED IN 1973.
HE EXPLAINED THAT FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE DUTY, NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES WOULD INCLUDE ANY LIQUID PLACED IN A SEALED CONTAINER FOR SALE AS A BEVERAGE, SUCH AS CARBONATED OR NON-CARBONATED SYRUP, FRUIT OR MILK-BASED DRINK, SODA, MINERAL AND TONIC WATER, IERBAL OR BOTANICAL BEVERAGES. EXCLUDED WOULD BE CONCENTRATE, DISTILLED WATER, MILK, PURE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE JUICE AND SOUP.
- - - - 0 -----------
SIR JOHN’S NEWS FOR DRINKERS * X * *
BUDGET PROPOSALS ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ADDED 23 CENTS TO 31 CENTS TO THE RETAIL PRICE OF A CAN OF BEER, SAID SIR JOHN.
ANNOUNCING HIS PROPOSALS RELATING TO BEER, HE SAID THE INCREASE IN THE BASIC RATE FOR BOTH LOCAL AND IMPORTED BEER WOULD GO UP FROM 866 AND $81.40 A HECTOLITRE RESPECTIVELY TO A UNIFIED BASIC RATE CF 8120. +THE EXISTING DIFFERENTIAL IN THE DUTY RATE OF 23.3 PER CENT BETWEEN LOCALLY MANUFACTURED AND IMPORTED BEER WILL THEREBY EE ELIMINATED.*
INCREASES IN THE DUTY WILL RANGE FROM 47 PER CENT TO 82 PER CENT, DEPENDING ON THE ORIGINAL GRAVITY, HE SAID. THE ESTIMATED ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD IN 1985-86 WILL BE *125 MILLION.
/a note ......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2?, 1985
- 17 -
A NOTE TO SIR JOHN’S SPEECH EXPLAINED THAT LOCAL BEER IS PRODUCED FOR SALE AT 1048 DEGREES ORIGINAL GRAVITY AND THE DUTY WAS SI.056 PER LITRE - OR SO.369 PER CAN. DUTY ON IMPORTED BEER AT 1048 DEGREES ORIGINAL GRAVITY WAS SI.21 PER LITRE - OR SO.423 PER CAN. THE DIFFERENTIAL RATE IN FAVOUR OF LOCAL BEER WAS ABOUT 80.054 PER CAN BUT THE DIFFERENCE IN RETAIL PRICE WAS MUCH GREATER. RECENT STATISTICS INDICATED A TREND OF INCREASING CONSUMPTION OF LOCALLY PRODUCED BEER.
ASSUMING THAT THIS INCREASE IN DUTY IS PASSED ON IN FULL TO THE CONSUMER, THE EFFECT ON ARBITRARILY SELECTED BRANDS OF BEER WOULD BE:
LOCAL APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE PER CAN DUTY INCREASE PERCENTAGE INCREASE
CARLSBERG $2.10 0.31 14.8
SAN MIGUEL $1.80 0.30 16.8
IMPORTED
TS INGTAO 32.20 0.26 11.8
FE INEKEN 32.90 0.26 9.0
PABST BLUE RIBBON $2.50 0.25 10.0
KIRIN $2.20 0.23 10.5
EUROPEAN TYPE WINES AND SPIRITS WILL NOT BE SUBJECT TO ANY CHANGES IN DUTY THIS YEAR, SAID SIR JOHN. +IN 1984 A NEW BASIS OF LEVYING DUTY ON EUROPEAN TYPE WINES AND SPIRITS WAS INTRODUCED BY LOWERING THE SPECIFIC RATES AND IMPOSING A UNIFORM AD VALOREM RATE OF 20 PER CENT. +N0 CHANGE IS PROPOSED THIS YEAR. THERE HAVE BEEN FAR GREATER REDUCTIONS IN SALES OF BRANDY AND WHISKY THAN EXPECTED. THIS DUTY IS LEVIED FOR PURELY FISCAL REASONS. THERE IS NO POINT IN RAISING TAXATION IF LOWER REVENUE RESULTS,+ HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID HIS NEXT PROPOSAL WAS TO INCREASE THE DUTIES LEVIED ON NON-EUROPEAN TYPE WINES AND SPIRITS FOR WHICH THE BASIC RATES WERE LAST RAISED IN 1983. +1 PROPOSE TO RAISE THE BASIC DUTY RATES FROM $317 AND $292 A HECTOLITRE FOR IMPORTED AND LOCAL SPIRITS RESPECTIVELY TO A UNIFIED BASIC RATE OF $400. IN RESPECT OF NON-EUROPEAN TYPE WINES, I PROPOSE TO RAISE THE BASIC DUTY RATES FROM $628 AND $584, IMPORTED AND LOCAL RESPECTIVELY, TO $780. THESE INCREASES ARE AGAIN EFFECTIVE FROM THIS AFTERNOON. I ESTIMATE THAT THE NET ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD IN 1985-86 WILL BE $13 MILLION. THE AMOUNT IS SMALL. THIS IS A TIDYING UP OPERATION.+
/a NOTE ......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 2?, 1985
- 18 -
A NOTE EXPLAINED THAT, ASSUMING THAT THESE INCREASES ARE PASSED ON IN FULL TO THE CONSUMER, A $9 BOTTLE OF IMPORTED CHINESE-TYPE SPIRIT WOULD INCREASE BY 45 CENTS AND A $8.70 BOTTLE OF LOCAL SPIRITS WOULD INCREASE BY 65 CENTS.
THE THIRD AND FOURTH PROPOSALS FOR INTOXICATING LIQUOR AND hETHYL ALCOHOL ARE ALSO MINOR TI DYING-UP EXERCISES, HE SAID. TO INTRODUCE A MEASURE OF CONSISTENCY BETWEEN THE RATES APPLIED TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIQUOR.
THEY ARE TO RAISE THE BASIC DUTY RATES FOR ETHYL AND METHYL ALCOHOL RESPECTIVELY TO A UNIFIED BASIC RATE OF $400 A HECTOLITRE EFFECTIVE THIS AFTERNOON. ♦I ASSUME NO CONSUMER RESISTANCE AND ESTIMATE THE NET ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD IN 1985-86 TO BE $2 MILLION,+ HE SAID.
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COST PER PUFF RISES
*****
THE PRICE OF PACKS OF 20 CIGARETTES WOULD GO UP FROM 50 TO 70 CENTS EACH UNDER PROPOSED DUTY INCREASES AND SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE WARNED THAT DURING 1985 HE WOULD REVIEW THE MERITS OF IMPOSING A PURE AD VALOREM DUTY ON TOBACCO.
HE SAID THAT FOR FISCAL REASONS ALONE THE DUTY RATES ON IMPORTED TOBACCO HAD BEEN INCREASED FOURFOLD IN 1983. THIS RESULTED IN AN INCREASED CASH DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN UNMANUFACTURED RAW TOBACCO AND IMPORTED MANUFACTURED CIGARETTES.
+DURING 1984, AND INDEED RECENTLY NUMEROUS REPRESENTATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT BY AND ON BEHALF OF SOME IMPORTERS CF US CIGARETTES CONCERNING THIS DIFFERENTIAL. ALLEGATIONS OF PROTECTIONISM WHICH HAVE BEEN LEVELLED AGAINST THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IN THIS REGARD MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY - BUT AGAINST THE BACKGROUND THAT IN 1984 IMPORTED CIGARETTES COMMANDED A 66 PER CENT SHARE OF THE MARKET.
+AFTER THE DUTY ON AND $131.40
CAREFUL CONSIDERATION I PROPOSE THIS YEAR TO INCREASE IMPORTED CIGARETTES AND IMPORTED RAW TOBACCO FROM $178 A KILOGRAM RESPECTIVELY TO $210 AND $170.
♦THE INCREASE IN THE DUTY RATE APPLIED TO IMPORTED CIGARETTES COVERS INFLATION SINCE THE LAST INCREASE. THE ACTUAL RETAIL PRICE TO THE CONSUMER SHOULD INCREASE MUCH LESS THAN THE DUTY RATE.
A THE PROPOSED........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1^85
- 19 -
♦THE PROPOSED HIGHER INCREASE OF 29 PER CENT FOR IMPORTED RAW TOBACCO WILL REDUCE THE DIFFERENTIAL TO AN ALL TIME LOW OF 23.5 PER CENT SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1949. HOWEVER, I MUST WARN THE TOBACCO TRADE THAT DURING 1985 I WILL REVIEW THE MERITS CF IMPOSING A PURE AD VALOREM DUTY ON TOBACCO, FOLLOWING A SIMILAR IMPLEMENTATION IN RESPECT OF LIQUOR IN 1984. THE SAME CONSIDERATIONS, NAMELY LOGIC AND EQUITY, COULD BE APPLIED.*
SIR JOHN SAID HE ALSO PROPOSED TO INCREASE THE BASIC DUTY RATE ON CIGARS FROM $175 A KILOGRAM TO $210? ON CHINESE PREPARED TOBACCO FROM $33 A KILOGRAM TO $40? ON SMOKING TOBACCO FROM $140 A KILOGRAM TO $170.
ALL INCREASES ARE EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY, HE POINTED OUT.
♦TAKING CONSUMER RESISTANCE INTO ACCOUNT I ESTIMATE AN ADDITIONAL $110 MILLION IN REVENUE YIELD IN 1985-86 AS A RESULT OF THESE PROPOSALS,+ HE SAID.
A FOOTNOTE GAVE SOME EXAMPLES OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PROPOSED INCREASES ON ARBITRARILY SELECTED BRANDS. KENT AND MARLBORO PACKS OF 20 NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $7 WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 7.1 PER CENT, OR 50 CENTS, INCREASE. VICEROY AND WINSTON 20S NOW SELLING AT $6.50 WILL BE SUBJECT TO A 7.7 PER CENT, OR 50 CENTS, INCREASE.
LOCALLY MANUFACTURED CIGARETTESi DOUBLE HAPPINESS 20S, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $4.50 WILL GO UP 15.6 PER CENT, OR 70 CENTS; GOOD COMPANION 20S, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $4.50 WILL GO UP 60 CENTS, OR 13.3 PER CENT; HILTON 20S, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $4.50 WILL GO UP 55 CENTS, OR ABOUT 12.2 PER CENT.
ALHAMBRA CORONAS CIGARS 25S, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $98 WILL BE RAISED BY $6.60, OR 6.7 PER CENT. CHINESE PREPARED TOBACCO DOUBLE SWALLOW BRAND, 1 TAEL, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $3 WILL GO UP 22 CENTS, OR 7.3 PER CENT. MIXTURE NO. 79, 7 OZ, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $64 WILL GO UP $6, OR 9.4 PER CENT. COPENHAGEN SNUFF, 1.20 OZ, NOW SELLING AT ABOUT $14 WILL GO UP $1 OR 7.1 PER CENT.
A FURTHER FOOTNOTE EXPLAINED THE PERCENTAGE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE RATES IMPOSED ON IMPORTED CIGARETTES AND IMPORTED RAW TOBACCOi 1949 - 60 PER CENT; 1960 - 40.9 PER CENT;
1964 - 48.3 PER CENT; 1966 - 36.3 PER CENT; 1974 - 36 PER CENT;
1975 - 24.2 PER CENT; 1978 - 35.2 PER CENT; 1983 - 35.5 PER CENT.
/20 .......
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
20
$100 MILLION FROM BEAUTY BUSINESS *****
A 25 PER CENT AD VALOREM DUTY ON COSMETICS WAS PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SUCH A DUTY WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1947, HE SAID, BUT IT WAS ABOLISHED IN 1959 AS A RESULT OF SMUGGLING, UNDER-DECLARATION OF VALUES AND FALSE RETURNS BY MANUFACTURERS. * I AM NOW PERSUADED THAT THESE PROBLEMS NO LONGER OBTAIN IN PRESENT DAY CIRCUMSTANCES,* SIR JOHN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF COSMETIC PRODUCTS HAD A HUGE MARK-UP IN THE RETAIL PRICE AND SHOULD THE FULL EFFECTS OF THE REINTRODUCED DUTY BE PASSED ON TO THE CONSUMER, WHICH WAS BY NO MEANS INEVITABLE IN VIEW OF COMPETITION, RETAIL PRICES COULD INCREASE BY BETWEEN TWO AND 13 PER CENT WHILE THE YIELD IN 1985-86 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE $100 MILLION.
A FOOTNOTE GIVES ARBITRARILY-SELECTED EXAMPLES. THE APPROXIMATE COST PER UNIT CIF WHOLESALE FOR MASQUE BLUE TUBE IS $5,405 ITS APPROXIMATE RETAIL PRICE WITHOUT DUTY IS $80; THE PROPOSED DUTY IS $1.40 WHICH REPRESENTS A 1.8 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE RETAIL PRICE WITHOUT DUTY. SIMILAR FIGURES FOR LIPSTICK PRODUCE PRICES OF $7.90 COST, $49 RETAIL COST, $2 PROPOSED DUTY AND 4.1 PERCENTAGE INCREASE; FOR PERFUME SPRAY $61.90 COST, $195 RETAIL COST, $15.50 DUTY AND 7.9 PER CENT INCREASE; FOR FACE POWDER $10.80 COST, $75 RETAIL COST, $2.70 DUTY AND 3.6 PER CENT INCREASE; FOR MOISTURE CREAM $169.60 COST, $320 RETAIL COST, $42.40 DUTY AND 13.3 PER CENT INCREASE.
+THE COSMETICS INDUSTRY IS WIDELY SPREAD WITH RAPIDLY CHANGING PRODUCTS,* SAID SIR JOHN. *MOST ARE IMPORTED. SOME ARE MANUFACTURED HERE. IT HAS NOT BEEN EASY TO DRAFT A DEFINITION OF COSMETICS WHICH IS WHOLLY UNAMBIGUOUS AND WATERTIGHT. WE HAVE DONE OUR BEST. TO HAVE CONDUCTED CONSULTATIONS IN ADVANCE WOULD NOT HAVE RESOLVED ALL PROBLEMS AND RATHER OBVIOUSLY ENABLED THE TRADE TO STOCK UP.
♦THUS BRINGING THIS DUTY INTO EFFECT TODAY MUST BE VIEWED AS A REVENUE PROTECTION MEASURE. CUSTOMS AND EXCISE HAS PREPARED FOR THIS IMPLEMENTATION CAREFULLY AND WILL ASSIST THE TRADE IN THE INEVITABLE PROBLEMS WHICH WILL ARISE. THE SERVICE HAS, DURING 1984, GAINED INVALUABLE EXPERIENCE ON THE APPLICATION CF AD VALOREM DUTIES TO LIQUOR WHICH WILL NOW STAND IT IN GOOD STEAD,* HE ADDED.
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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1935
- 21 -
DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS REVISED * * * *
THE DUTY FREE CONCESSION FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS RETURNING TO HONG KONG WILL BE LIMITED TO 100 CIGARETTES AND ONE LITRE OF WINE, WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, UNDER A PROPOSAL CONTAINED IN TODAY’S BUDGET.
THE CONCESSION GIVEN TO OVERSEAS VISITORS WILL REMAIN AS 200 CIGARETTES AND ONE LITRE OF WINE OR SPIRITS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID THAT WHILE THERE WERE NO FIRM STATISTICS AVAILABLE ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH RETURNING TRAVELLERS WERE AVAILING THEMSELVES OF THE EXISTING ALLOWANCE PROVIDED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, THERE APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE CONSEQUENT ON THE INCREASES IN THE RATES APPLIED TO DUTIABLE COMMODITIES IN THE 1983 AND 1984 BUDGETS.
+CONSUMER RESISTANCE TO PRICE INCREASES RESULTING FROM HIGHER DUTY ON TOBACCO AND LIQUOR HAS ACCOUNTED FOR SOME FALL IN REVENUE YIELDS. BUT THERE CAN BE LITTLE DOUBT THAT A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTORY FACTOR IS THE VERY LARGE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF RETURNING PASSENGERS AVAILING THEMSELVES OF THE FULL DUTY FREE CONCESSION.
+INDEED. IN GOOD HONG KONG FASHION SOME TRAVELLERS ARE REPORTEDLY SO ENGAGED FULL-TIME. FOR EXAMPLE, THE DUTY PAID ON TOBACCO IN 1983-84 DECREASED 26 PER CENT ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR. IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR THE DUTY PAID DECLINED A FURTHER 51 PER CENT ON THE SAME PERIOD IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. FOR BRANDY THE FIGURES ARE DECREASES OF 27 PER CENT AND 70 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
+IN NEITHER CASE IS A DROP IN CONSUMPTION THE FULL ANSWER. THE SITUATION IS DETERIORATING RAPIDLY. THE TRADE IS FULLY AWARE CF THESE FACTS WHICH HAVE BEEN WELL AIRED IN THE PRESS. MY PROPER CONCERN IS THE REVENUE LOSS IN RESPECT OF DUTY PAID ON TOBACCO AND LIQUOR IN PARTICULAR. FINANCE BRANCH ESTIMATES THAT THIS LOSS COULD BE UP TO $450 MILLION IN 1984-85. WHATEVER THE ACTUAL FIGURE, IT IS VERY LARGE INDEED AND I CANNOT ACCEPT A SITUATION WHICH IS DEPRIVING HONG KONG OF REVENUE ESTIMATED TO BE UP TO 30 PER CENT OF THE ORIGINALLY ESTIMATED YIELD FROM THESE TWO DUTIES IN 1984-85. FOR THIS REASON I REJECT THE OPTION CF DOING NOTHING.*
SIR JOHN SAID A DUTY FREE CONCESSION — AN EXEMPTION PROVIDED BY MOST GOVERNMENTS — WAS ONE OF THE ATTRACTIVE PERKS OF OVERSEAS TRAVEL. HE ACKNOWLEDGED THE BENEFITS TO HONG KONG WHEN TOURISTS BOUGHT GOODS HERE TO TAKE BACK TO THEIR HOME COUNTRIES AND ENJOY DUTY FREE CONCESSIONS THEREBY.
+1 DO NOT WANT TO UPSET INCOMING TOURISTS. THE ARGUMENT HAS SWINGS AND ROUNDABOUTS. THUS I HAVE DISMISSED THE OPTION THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SHOULD REMOVE THE CONCESSION ALTOGETHER.*
/SIB JOHN .......
■fSDKKS.. i, FhBBDAHY 2?, 198$
SIR JOHN SAID TWO FURTHER OPTIONS HAD BEEN EXAMINED: EITHER TO INTRODUCE A MINIMUM PERIOD OF ABSENCE ABROAD (SAY SEVEN DAYS) BEFORE THE CONCESSION APPLIED, OR TO INTRODUCE SEPARATE CONCESSIONS FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS.
HE SAID HE INITIALLY FOUND THE FORMER OPTION ATTRACTIVE GIVEN THE INCREASING NUMBER OF DAY-TRIPS OUT OF HONG KONG. HOWEVER, IT MUST BE REJECTED. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS CONTROL POINTS WERE ALREADY UNDER CONSIDERABLE PRESSURE AND THE ADDITIONAL TIME THAT WOULD BE TAKEN FOR CUSTOMS OFFICERS TO VERIFY THE PERIOD CF ABSENCE WOULD AGGRAVATE THE CONGESTION TO AN UNBEARABLE EXTENT. TRAVELLERS WOULD BE INCREASINGLY IRRITATED BY THE DOUBLE CHECKING REQUIRED.
SIR JOHN WENT ON: +THE INTRODUCTION OF SEPARATE CONCESSIONS FOR RESIDENTS AND VISITORS HAS CLEAR ATTRACTIONS. SUCH A SCHEME IS ALREADY IN OPERATION IN OTHER COUNTRIES. IT SHOULD BE EASY TO OPERATE ADMINISTRATIVELY WITHOUT ADDITIONAL STAFFING RESOURCES. IT WILL ALSO BE RECALLED THAT BETWEEN I960 AND 1982 ALL ADULT PASSENGERS RETURNING FROM MACAU WERE LIMITED TO A DUTY FREE CONCESSION OF ONLY 100 CIGARETTES AND A LITRE OF WINE. THE MEASURE PROPOSED WILL NOT BE POPULAR BUT IN DUE COURSE WE WILL, NO DOUBT, ALL BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO IT.+
0 --------
CIVIL SERVICE FREEZE TO CONTINUE * * * *
PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS OF $10.1 BILLION IN THE DRAFT 1985-86 ESTIMATES MAKE UP 36 PER CENT OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE IN THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT.
+AS BEFORE,+ SAID SIR JOHN, +THIS PROVISION MAKES NO ALLOWANCE FOR ANY SALARY ADJUSTMENT THAT MAY BE AGREED. IF REQUIRED ANY FUNDS NEEDED WILL HAVE TO BE FOUND FROM WITHIN THE $1.7 BILLION ADDITIONAL RECURRENT COMMITMENTS VOTE.+
THE APPROVED ESTABLISHMENT OF CIVIL SERVICE POSTS SHOWN IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES IS 150 430 WHICH INCLUDES 4 390 POSTS CREATED DURING 1984-85. THIS TOTAL EXCLUDES POSTS FOR WHICH EMOLUMENTS ARE MET BY BODIES SUCH AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, UMELCO, THE KCR AND THE SENIOR STAFF COURSE.
+THE POLICY OF STABILISING THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE DUR ING 1985-86 IS BEING PURSUED. A TOTAL OF 2 419 NEW POSTS HAS BEEN AGREED FOR ESSENTIAL NEW SERVICES MAINLY IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE. ALL OR MOST OF THIS TOTAL WILL BE OFFSET DURING THE COMING YEAR BY THE DELETION OF VACANT POSTS IN SOME DEPARTMENTS AND THROUGH OUR VALUE FOR MONEY PROGRAMMES.+ SAID SIR JOHN.
/+THE AIM .......
WSDNESJA'-' .«■’ B’JABY 27, 1985
♦ THE AIM OF THE ADMINISTRATION IS THAT THE TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT BY THE END OF 1985 WILL BE NO GREATER THAN THAT AT THE END OF 1984. THERE IS STILL ALSO SCOPE FOR IMPROVING PRODUCTIVITY IN SOME AREAS. CONSEQUENTLY WHILE WE MUST RECOGNISE THE NEED TO EXPAND SOME SERVICES AND THUS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, OUR AIM FOR THE FUTURE WILL BE TO FIND THESE WITHOUT EXCEEDING OUft'CURRENT TOTAL ESTABLISHMENT.
♦THIS CAN ONLY BE ACHIEVED BY CUTTING OUT WASTE, BY INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND BY ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY WORK EVEN IF IT MEANS RETHINKING POLICIES. IN THIS TASK THE CONTINUING CO-OPERATION OF CONTROLLING OFFICERS IS VITAL. I DO NOT IMAGINE THAT THIS POLICY WILL CHANGE MUCH, IF AT ALL, IN 1986-87.*
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LAW TO BEAT TAX EVADERS
* * *
AN AMENDMENT BILL IS BEING DRAFTED TO COMBAT TAX AVOIDANCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
♦SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, I ANTICIPATE THAT IT WILL BE TABLED IN THIS COUNCIL BEFORE THE CONCLUSION OF THE 1984-85 SESSION,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THE OBJECTIVES OF THE BILL WOULD BE:
FIRSTLY, TO REPLACE THE EXISTING GENERAL ANTI-AVOIDANCE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN SECTION 61 OF THE ORDINANCE WITH LEGISLATION WHICH WILL PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER WITH MORE EFFECTIVE ANTI-AVOIDANCE POWERS;
SECONDLY, TO LIMIT THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR TAX DEFERRAL THROUGH LEVERAGED LEASING ARRANGEMENTS FOR EQUIPMENT USED OFFSHORE AND SO-CALLED +SALE AND LEASE-BACK+ DEVICES IN GENERAL; AND
THIRDLY, TO NARROW THE SCOPE FOR MANIPULATION OF OUR PROFITS TAX EXPENSE DEDUCTIONS PROVISIONS FOLLOWING A 1983 PRIVY COUNCIL DECISION.
SIR JOHN NOTED THAT AVOIDANCE OF +OUR STILL LOW TAXES* WAS A MAJOR PREOCCUPATION WITH AN INCREASING NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS.
♦IT IS ALSO CLEAR THAT THE EXISTING LEGISLATION DOES NOT PROVIDE THE REVENUE WITH A TOTALLY EFFECTIVE DEFENCE AGAINST THOSE DETERMINED TO AVOID,+ HE SAID.
♦THIS SIMPLY MEANS INCREASING THE TAX BURDENS ON OTHERS*.
WEBNSSjAY, r'ESMjAKY 27, 1^85
- 24 -
HE SAID THE OPPORTUNITY WOULD ALSO BE TAKEN TO INTRODUCE SOME RELATIVELY MINOR TECHNICAL CHANGES TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE.
ON THE 1984 AMENDMENT ORDINANCE RELATING TO INTEREST, SIR JOHN SAID A NUMBER OF FURTHER REPRESENTATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED OVER THE PAST FEW MONTHS AND THAT THEY HAD BEEN STUDIED BY THE ADMINISTRATION, THE LEGCO AD HOC GROUP, AND UMELCO.
♦SOME OF THE REPRESENTATIONS HAVE MERIT AND MAY WELL REQUIRE FURTHER AMENDMENTS TO THE LAW,+ HE SAID.
♦THESE CAN BE EMBODIED IN THE PROPOSED BILL BY WAY OF REFINEMENTS TO THE BASIC LEGISLATION.+
--------0----------
NEW LIMIT ON DTC DEPOSITS PROPOSED *****
A NEW LIMIT OF $100 000 ON MINIMUM DEPOSITS THAT MAY BE ACCEPTED BY REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS PROPOSED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
THE NEW LEVEL WOULD TAKE EFFECT FROM MARCH 1, 1986.
UNDER THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE ENACTED IN 1976, DTCS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO ACCEPT DEPOSITS OF LESS THAN $50 000, SIR JOHN NOTED, ADDING THAT THE 'STATED OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROTECT THE SMALL DEPOSITOR BY, IN EFFECT, DEBARRING HIM FROM DEPOSITING WITH A DTC’.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT CLEARLY THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS MEASURE IN ACHIEVING THAT OBJECTIVE HAD BEEN ERODED BY TIME.
♦DESPITE IMPROVEMENTS IN THE SUPERVISION OF THESE INSTITUTIONS, I CONSIDER THE ORIGINAL OBJECTIVE IS STILL APPROPRIATE,* HE SAID.
THE LIMIT, THEREFORE, NEEDED TO BE INCREASED, AND THE CHOICE CF A NEW LEVEL WAS INEVITABLY SOMEWHAT ARBITRARY.
♦WERE THE FIGURE TO BE ADJUSTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF INFLATION SINCE 1976, IT SHOULD NOW STAND SOMEWHAT IN EXCESS OF $100 000,* SIR JOHN SAID.
♦ALTERNATIVELY, IF IT WERE JUDGED IN RELATION TO AVERAGE INCOME A FIGURE OF OVER $150 000 WOULD BE REQUIRED.
♦BUT I HAVE NO WISH TO CREATE UNDUE PROBLEMS FOR REGISTERED DTCS, NOR ARBITRARILY TO DRIVE THEM OUT OF BUSINESS. I HAVE THEREFORE DECIDED TO SEEK AN INCREASE TO A ROUND $100 000. THIS PROPOSAL, AND TWO OTHERS I WILL MENTION HAVE BEEN UNANIMOUSLY SUPPORTED BY THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 25 -
+l SHALL THEREFORE IN DUE COURSE BE APPROACHING THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WITH A RECOMMENDATION THAT HE SHOULD ORDER THE NECESSARY AMENDMENT TO THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
♦TO ALLOW AN ADJUSTMENT PERIOD, I WILL PROPOSE THAT THE NEW LIMIT TAKE EFFECT ON MARCH 1, 1986.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, I AM TODAY GIVING 12 MONTHS’ NOTICE. FOR THE AVOIDANCE OF DOUBT LET ME ALSO SAY THAT ANY DEPOSITS IN THE $50 000 TO $100 000 BRACKET ALREADY IN PLACE WITH REGISTERED DTCS WHEN THE NEW LIMIT TAKES EFFECT WOULD BE PERMITTED TO RUN TO MATURITY.*
SIR JOHN SAID NO CHANGE WAS PROPOSED TO THE $500 000 THRESHOLD FOR DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED DTCS, WHICH DATED ONLY FROM 1981 AND STILL ADEQUATELY REFLECTED A REASONABLE DEFINITION OF WHOLESALE BUSINESS. THAT WAS THE ORIGINAL INTENTION.
HOWEVER, THE DISCRETIONARY CRITERIA FOR THE GRANTING OF DTC LICENCES, ANNOUNCED ON APRIL 29, 1981, HAD BEEN REVIEWED. TWO HAD BECOME OPEN TO CHALLENGE WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME, HE SAID.
♦ONE REQUIRES A COMPANY INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG APPLYING FOR A DTC LICENCE TO HAVE BEEN A REGISTERED DTC ON OR BEFORE APRIL 10, 1981, THE DATE ON WHICH THE INTENTION TO CREATE THE LICENSED DTC CATEGORY WAS GAZETTED. THIS CRITERION WAS CONSIDERED NECESSARY AT THE TIME TO PREVENT A RUSH OF REGISTRATIONS FROM OVERSEAS INSTITUTIONS, WITH A VIEW TO SUBSEQUENT LICENCE APPLICATIONS.
♦SINCE THEN, HOWEVER, THE LICENSED SECTOR HAS SETTLED DOWN AND ESTABLISHED ITS OWN IDENTITY. IT DOES NOT THEREFORE SEEM THAT ANY HARM COULD NOW BE DONE BY OPENING THE DOOR TO OVERSEAS COMPANIES WHICH HAVE REGISTERED AS DTCS MORE RECENTLY THAN APRIL 10. 1981, GIVEN THAT THE CRITERION OF A MINIMUM QUALIFICATION PERIOD OF THREE YEARS AS A REGISTERED DTC WOULD CONTINUE TO APPLY.♦
SIR JOHN SAID THE OTHER CHANGE HE PROPOSED CONCERNED THE PRESENT REQUIREMENT THAT AN APPLICANT SHOULD BE ’IN GOOD STANDING IN THE HONG KONG (AND IF RELEVANT, INTERNATIONAL) MONEY MARKETS’.
HE SAID I +THIS CRITERION HAS BEEN INTERPRETED TO REFER TO STANDING AS A PRINCIPAL IN THE MONEY MARKET, AND HENCE TO REQUIRE THE HOLDING OF SIZEABLE POSITIONS IN THAT MARKET. BUT THE TRUE INTENTION IS THAT AN APPLICANT MUST ENJOY GOOD STANDING WITHIN THE FINANCIAL COMMUNITY. THIS WILL BE THE REVISED CRITERION.♦
EARLIER. SIR JOHN OBSERVED THAT A TEAM FROM THE BANK OF ENGLAND HAD BEEN IN HONG KONG A YEAR AGO TO ASSIST THE AUTHORITIES IN A ’REVIEW OF OUR SYSTEMS OF PRUDENTIAL SUPERVISION OF BANKS AND DTCS’.
/HE SAIB » .......
Yi'YiYiEoIiAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 26 -
HE SAID i +THEIR CONFIDENTIAL REPORT HAS BEEN A MOST HELPFUL CONTRIBUTION TO OUR THINKING, ALTHOUGH WE ARE NOT IN AGREEMENT WITH ALL OF ITS CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.
♦ANY NEW LEGISLATION THAT MAY BE PROPOSED (AND I THINK THAT NEW LEGISLATION WILL BE NECESSARY) WILL REFLECT SUCH EXPERIENCE CF OTHER SUPERVISORY SYSTEMS AS WE CAN USEFULLY DRAW UPON, OUR OWN VIEW OF WHAT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE IN THE PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES OF HONG KONG, AND THE FEEDBACK WE OBTAIN FROM LOCAL CONSULTATION.
♦I AM ATTRACTED BY THE CONCEPT THAT SUPERVISION NEEDS TO BE MORE FLEXIBLE AND DISCRETIONARY, PROVIDED THAT THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ARE NOT ENDOWED WITH TOO MUCH UNFETTERED POWER.
♦WE ARE THEREFORE EXAMINING THE VARIOUS OPTIONS IN THIS FIELD. THERE WILL BE CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ADVISORY COMMITTEES.
♦IN THE MEANTIME, WE ARE MAKING PROGRESS IN OUR INTERNAL CONSIDERATION OF THE MORE TECHNICAL ASPECTS OF SUPERVISION, SUCH AS CAPITAL ADEQUACY TESTS, THE ARITHMETIC OF THE LIQUIDITY REQUIREMENT AND UNBALANCED LENDING. WE HAVE ALREADY MADE PROGRESS TOWARDS THE SUPERVISION ON A WORLDWIDE CONSOLIDATED BASIS OF THOSE LOCALLY-INCORPORATED INSTITUTIONS WHICH HAVE OVERSEAS BRANCHES AND SUBSIDIARIES.
♦VISIBLE PROGRESS MAY SEEM SLOW, BUT THESE ARE COMPLEX ISSUES AND WE MUST FIND THE BEST ANSWERS. IN ANY CASE I DO NOT ACCEPT THE PRESUMPTION THAT, JUST BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT INTRODUCED ANY NEW LEGISLATION SINCE 1983, WE HAVE NOT ACHIEVED ANY IMPROVEMENTS IN OUR SUPERVISORY METHODS SINCE THEN. EFFICIENT SUPERVISION IS JUST AS DEPENDENT UPON PROPER ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES AND UPON INFORMAL EXCHANGES. IN THESE AREAS WE CONTINUE TO MAKE QUIET, USEFUL PROGRESS.
SIR JOHN SAID HE WANTED TO MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT ADVOCATING REGULATION FOR REGULATION’S SAKE.
♦OUR AIM IS TO PROMOTE SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE, TO PROVIDE A MEASURE OF PROTECTION FOR DEPOSITORS AND INVESTORS, AND HENCE TO CONSOLIDATE HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A MAJOR FINANCIAL CENTRE.
♦IN THIS AND OTHER AREAS NO GOVERNMENT CAN STAND STILL. THERE MUST BE STEADY IMPROVEMENT WITHOUT SUDDEN SHOCKS AND WITH FULL CONSULTATION.+
/27 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1935
27
$90M SEEN FROM AIR DEPARTURES * * X X
AN INCREASE IN THE AIR PASSENGER DEPARTURE TAX WOULD PROVIDE ABOUT $90 MILLION IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR 1985-86, SIR JOHN EREMR IDGE SAID.
HE PROPOSED THAT THE CURRENT RATE OF $100 FOR AN ADULT AND $50 FOR A CHILD BE INCREASED TO $120 AND $60 RESPECTIVELY FROM APRIL 1.
TAX YEARS
SIR JOHN SAID: +IN MY 1983 BUDGET I INTRODUCED A NEW ON PASSENGERS DEPARTING FROM HONG KONG BY AIR. AFTER TWO HAS COME TO ADJUST THE LEVEL OF THIS FRUITFUL TAX TO RESTORE THE PER CAPITA REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS.+
THE TIME IN ORDER
$55M MORE FROM BUSINESS FEES X X X
AN ADDITIONAL $55 MILLION WOULD BE GENERATED IN 1985-86 BY RAISING THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEE, NOW $350, TO $500 FROM APRIL 1, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID.
EXPLAINING THIS INCREASE IN INDIRECT TAXATION, SIR JOHN SAID: +THE ANNUAL CHARGE IS CURRENTLY $350, THOUGH SMALL BUSINESSES WHOSE TURNOVER DOES NOT EXCEED A CERTAIN LIMIT ARE EXEMPTED. BY ANY STANDARD THIS FEE REPRESENTS ONLY A FRACTIONAL PERCENTAGE CF NORMAL BUSINESS COST AND, AS I HAVE MENTIONED BEFORE, FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS MANY BUSINESSES IN HONG KONG MAKE LITTLE OR NO CONTRIBUTION TO THE EXCHEQUER+.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE $100 LEVY TO ESTABLISH A PROTECTION CF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND WAS WHOLLY UNRELATED TO REVENUE ISSUES.
-----o------
GOVERNMENT FEES, CHARGES TO YIELD $5.8 BILLION X X X X
AN ESTIMATED $5.8 BILLION WILL BE RAISED FROM GOVERNMENT UTILITIES AND FEES AND CHARGES IN 1985-86, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN DELIVERING HIS BUDGET.
THE ESTIMATES LAST YEAR SHOWED REVENUE OF $4.78 BILLION FROM THESE SOURCES, SIR JOHN SAID, BUT NOTED THAT ’OUR LATEST OUTTURN FORECAST SUGGESTS THAT WE WILL EXCEED THIS TARGET BY SOME $260 MILLION’.
/1IDCH OF..........
NESDiY, FEBBEARY 21, 1985
28
MUCH OF THE REVENUE FOR THE NEW YEAR WILL BE FORTHCOMING WITHOUT ANY ADJUSTMENT TO EXISTING FEE AND CHARGE LEVELS, HE SAID. IN ADDITION. HOWEVER, TO THE PROPOSED INCREASE IN BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES (FROM $350 TO $500), APPROXIMATELY $415 MILLION MUST BE FOUND ELSEWHERE.
♦ I EXPECT TO RAISE $220 MILLION THROUGH DEPARTMENTAL REVIEWS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSIDERATION, INCLUDING WATER SUPPLIES, MARINE, CUSTOMS AND EXCISE AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
♦ THE REMAINING $195 MILLION WILL BE DERIVED FROM RELATIVELY SMALL INCREASES IN THE FOLLOW I NGt POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATION FEES AND CHARGES" TOLLS FOR GOVERNMENT-OPERATED TUNNELS- VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES- AND PASSENGER EMBARKATION FEES AND BERTHING FEES FOR MACAU FERRY SERVICES+.
SIR JOHN SAID HE HAD MENTIONED IN LAST YEAR’S BUDGET THAT A COMPUTERISED SYSTEM HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE IN THE REGULAR UPDATING OF ALL GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES. IT HAD WORKED WELL AND MOST FEES AND CHARGES HAD NOW BEEN REVIEWED AND DULY UPDATED. + IT IS ESSENTIAL TO MAINTAIN THE YIELD IN REAL TERMS IF WE ARE TO CONTINUE WITH LOW RATES OF DIRECT TAXATION,* HE SAID.
IN 1981-82, SIR JOHN SAID, REVENUE FROM GOVERNMENT UTILITIES AND FEES AND CHARGES REPRESENTED NINE PER CENT OF THE TOTAL REVENUE. THIS YEAR THE PERCENTAGE HAD INCREASED TO 14 PER CENT AND HE EXPECTED IT TO INCREASE TO 17 PER CENT BY 1987-88, ’AS WE PROGRESSIVELY UPDATE’.
HE WENT ON I +GIVEN THE GROWING IMPORTANCE THAT REVENUE FROM THIS SOURCE IS ASSUMING IN THE OVERALL BUDGET STRATEGY, WE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO MAINTAIN OR IMPROVE THE REAL YIELD THROUGH MORE FREQUENT BUT SMALLER INCREASES. SUDDEN SHOCKING INCREASES ARE RIGHTLY UNPOPULAR.
*WE ARE ALSO MOVING FROM REVIEWS OF ISOLATED ITEMS TOWARDS MAJOR DEPARTMENTAL REVIEWS WHEREBY CONTROLLING OFFICERS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CONSIDER VALUE FOR MONEY AND TO TAKE THE INITIATIVE IN PROPOSING RATIONALISED PACKAGES FOR ESTABLISHING THEIR FEES AND CHARGES IN THE CONTEXT OF OVERALL GOVERNMENT POLICY. SERVICES SHOULD BE PAID FOR BY THOSE WHO USE THEM*.
--------o - - - -
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 29 -
HIGHER TAX NEEDED ON BETTING * * * *
BETTING DUTY WOULD NEED TO BE INCREASED FOR THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, ANNOUNCED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.
SIR JOHN PROPOSED THE FOLLOWINGi THAT THE DUTY ON STANDARD GETS BE RAISED FROM 9 PER CENT TO 9.5 PER CENT, AND THAT THE DUTY ON EXOTIC BETS BE INCREASED FROM 15 PER CENT TO 16 PER CENT.
THE INCREASES, TO TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1985, WOULD PRODUCE AN ADDITIONAL $120 MILLION IN 1985-86, HE SAID.
SIR JOHN SAID THAT ON THE TWO PREVIOUS OCCASIONS WHEN BETTING DUTY WENT UP, THE JOCKEY CLUB, WHICH HAD ALWAYS BEEN UNDERSTANDING, BORE THE WHOLE OF THE INCREASES ON STANDARD BETS WHILE THE INCREASES ON EXOTIC BETS WERE SHARED BETWEEN IT AND THE PUNTERS. THIS bEANT THAT THE LARGER SHARE OF THE INCREASE WAS BORNE BY THE JOCKEY CLUB, HE SAID, AND IT WAS NOT REASONABLE TO EXPECT IT AGAIN TO BEAR THE MAIN BURDEN OF THE FURTHER INCREASES PROPOSED THIS YEAR.
♦ACCORDINGLY, IT IS MY INTENTION THAT THE ONE-HALF PER CENT INCREASE ON STANDARD BETS SHOULD BE SHARED EQUALLY BETWEEN THE CLUB AND THE PUNTER AND THE ONE PER CENT INCREASE ON EXOTIC BETS 0.4 PER CENT BY THE CLUB AND 0.6 PER CENT BY THE PUNTER.
♦ I AM, OF COURSE, AWARE OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT THE BETTING PUBLIC IS NOT ENCOURAGED TO ABANDON THE JOCKEY CLUB TOTE IN FAVOUR OF THE ILLEGAL BOOKMAKERS, BUT THIS IS NOT A LIKELY CONSEQUENCE OF THESE PROPOSALS*.
IN A FOOTNOTE, IT WAS EXPLAINED THAT SO FAR AS STANDARD BETS WERE CONCERNED, THE REDUCTION IN THE PRIZE POOL WOULD BE ONLY 25 CENTS FOR EVERY $100 WAGERED AND FOR EXOTICS (WHERE THE DIVIDEND YIELDS WERE GENERALLY MUCH HIGHER) THE REDUCTION IN THE PRIZE POOL WOULD BE ONLY 60 CENTS FOR EACH $100 WAGERED.
HAVING REGARD TO THE PRESENT RATIO OF STANDARD TO EXOTIC BETS INVESTED ON THE TOTALISATOR, IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THIS WILL BE CONTRIBUTED IN APPROXIMATELY EQUAL PROPORTIONS BY THE PUNTERS AND THE JOCKEY CLUB.
-------- o ---------
/JO .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 30 -
SALARIES TAX CONCESSIONS PROPOSED
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY OFFERED FOUR CONCESSIONS IN THE AREA OF PERSONAL TAXATION AFTER RECONSIDERING THE SALARIES TAX THRESHOLDS SINCE THE LAST BUDGET.
HE PROPOSED!
* FIRSTLY, THAT THE ADDITIONAL MARRIED ALLOWANCE BE INCREASED FROM $15 000 TO $17 000, THUS INCREASING THE TOTAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCES FOR A MARRIED COUPLE TO $58 000;
* SECONDLY, THAT THE CHILD ALLOWANCES BE INCREASED, FOR A FIRST CHILD FROM $8 000 TO $9 000 AND FOR A SECOND CHILD FROM $5 500 TO $6 000;
* THIRDLY, THAT THE ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT RESIDING WITH THE TAXPAYER BE INCREASED FROM $2 000 TO $3 000, THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL ALLOWANCE FOR EACH DEPENDENT PARENT IN SUCH CASES TO $11 000 ;
* FOURTHLY, THAT THE FOURTH BAND IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE ORDINANCE (THAT IS THE BAND TO WHICH THE 20 PER CENT RATE OF TAX PRESENTLY APPLIES) BE WIDENED FROM $10 000 TO $20 000. THIS WILL DEFER THE POINT AT WHICH THE 25 PER CENT RATE COMES INTO PLAY BY $10 000 OF INCOME AND, INCIDENTALLY, INCREASE THE INCOME LEVELS AT WHICH TAXPAYERS ENTER THE STANDARD RATE ZONE.
SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD WELCOME THESE MEASURES WHICH WERE DESIGNED TO BENEFIT SOME OF THE LESS WELL-OFF SALARIES TAXPAYERS INCLUDING SOME OF THE MIDDLE INCOME GROUP - THE SO-CALLED +SANDWICH SOCIETY*.
HE CONTINUEDi +THERE WILL NO DOUBT BE THOSE WHO WILL ARGUE THAT THESE CONCESSIONS ARE INADEQUATE. TO THEM I CAN ONLY SAY THAT, GIVEN THE PROSPECT OF ANOTHER DEFICIT IN THE COMING YEAR, ANY TAX CONCESSIONS AT THIS TIME SHOULD BE REGARDED AS GENEROUS.*
SIR JOHN PROPOSED TO INTRODUCE THESE NEW CONCESSIONS WITH EFFECT FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT COMMENCING ON APRIL 1, 1985.
♦THEY WILL THUS APPLY FOR THE FIRST TIME TO PROVISIONAL SALARIES TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 1985-86 AS WELL AS FINAL TAX ASSESSMENTS FOR THAT YEAR- AND TO 1985-86 PERSONAL ASSESSMENTS ALSO.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THIS REPRESENTED A DEPARTURE FROM PRECEDENT AS IN THE PAST ADJUSTMENTS TO TAX THRESHOLDS APPLIED NOT ONLY TO THE FORTHCOMING FISCAL YEAR BUT ALSO TO FINAL TAX LIABILITIES FOR THE CURRENT YEAR.
THE CONCESSIONS WILL MEAN A COST OF $150 MILLION IN 1985-86 AND $210 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
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/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
31
PUBLIC SECTOR DROPS 16 PER CENT
X M M
THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WILL HAVE DROPPED BY 16 PER CENT SINCE 1982-83 IF THE EXPENDITURE PROPOSALS ARE ACCEPTED, SAID SIR JOHN.
♦THIS IS BETTER THAN EXPECTED AND OF GREAT IMPORTANCE. VALUE FOR MONEY HAS BECOME A TOUGH CRITERION.
♦I REGARD FRUGALITY AS AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF GOOD GOVERNMENT AS IT IS OF GOOD BUSINESS.
♦MOREOVER IN A DEFICIT SITUATION TAXPAYERS PRESSED FOR HIGHER GOVERNMENT REVENUE HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPECT PARALLEL PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE! THERE CLEARLY HAS BEEN,+ HE SAID.
STABILISATION OF CIVIL SERVICE ESTABLISHMENT WAS CLEARLY AN ESSENTIAL COMPONENT OF CONTROL OF EXPENDITURE, SAID SIR JOHN.
♦IT IS HOWEVER, PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT WHEN PER CAPITA GDP IS RISING AND PUBLIC ASPIRATIONS DEMAND MORE SERVICES, FOR WHICH NEW STAFF HAS TO BE PROVIDED. PRODUCTIVITY HAS OBVIOUSLY INCREASED AND IS STILL INCREASING,♦ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
’SMALL INCREASES* IN FEES AND CHARGES
MMX
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PROPOSED +RELATIVELY SMALL INCREASES+ IN FOUR AREAS OF GOVERNMENT FEES AND CHARGES TO RAISE 1195 MILLION FOR THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR.
THESE ARE POSTAL AND TELECOMMUNICATION FEES AND CHARGES; TOLLS FOR GOVERNMENT-OPERATED TUNNELS? VEHICLE AND DRIVING LICENCES? AND PASSENGER EMBARKATION FEES AND BERTHING FEES FOR MACAU FERRY SERVICES.
OUTLINING HIS PROPOSALS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR JOHN SAID THE MAJORITY OF POSTAL CHARGES HAD NOT BEEN REVIEWED FOR IWO OR MORE YEARS.
♦SINCE THE REAL VALUES OF THESE CHARGES SHOULD NOT FURTHER BE ERODED, I SHALL BE PROPOSING A PACKAGE OF MODERATE INCREASES THAT IS ESTIMATED TO YIELD AN ADDITIONAL $70 MILLION IN REVENUE TO TAKE EFFECT AS FROM SEPTEMBER 2, 1985,+ HE SAID.
♦THIS INCLUDES A TIDYING UP OF TELECOMMUNICATION LICENCE FEES,+ HE ADDED.
/included in
WEDNESDAY, FEBHDAEY 27, 1985
INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL ARE INCREASES TO INLAND MAIL RATES FROM 40 CENTS TO 50 CENTS FOR THE 30 GRAM CATEGORY, REGISTRATION FEES FROM $4 TO $5 AND AIRMAIL RATES BY SOME 30 PER CENT. SIR JOHN’S SECOND PROPOSAL WAS THAT THE CURRENT FLAT RATE Ol >2 SHOULD BE INCREASED TO S3 FOR ALL TYPES OF VEHICLES USING THE LION ROCK AND ABERDEEN TUNNELS WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1, 1985.
♦THE INCREASE IN TOLL AS IT AFFECTS BUSES REPRESENTS A TINY PERCENTAGE OF THEIR OPERATING COSTSi THUS THERE SHOULD BE NO EFFECT ON PASSENGERS.
♦ THIS PROPOSAL SHOULD YIELD AN ADDITIONAL $28 MILL ION,+ HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S THIRD PROPOSAL WAS TO INCREASE, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE FEES FOR THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, PROVISIONAL AND FULL DRIVING LICENCES AND DRIVING TESTS.
♦THIS DOES NOT INCLUDE LICENCE FEES FOR TAXIS, WHICH WERE ONLY INCREASED IN JANUARY THIS YEAR,+ HE SAID.
SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT HE WAS WELL AWARE OF THE BURDEN LAID ON PRIVATE MOTORISTS IN RECENT YEARS AND OF THE CONCERN THAT HAD BEEN LOUDLY EXPRESSED ON THEIR BEHALF.
♦I THUS PROPOSE AN APPROXIMATE INCREASE OF 10 PER CENT REQUIRING MUCH ROUNDING OFF+, HE SAID. +THIS IS CONSIDERABLY LESS THAN THE RATE OF INFLATION SINCE THE LAST REVIEW IN 1983.
♦FOR EXAMPLE, IN THE CASE OF A SMALL CAR OF UP TO 1 500 CC THE EFFECT WILL BE AN INCREASE FROM $2 300 TO $2 500,+ l£ SAID.
SIR JOHN ESTIMATED THAT THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD FOR 1985-86 WOULD BE $67 MILLION.
SIR JOHN’S FOURTH AND LAST SPECIFIC PROPOSAL WAS TO INCREASE, AS A FIRST MEASURE, PASSENGER EMBARKATION FEES FOR MACAU FERRY SERVICES FROM $8 TO $15 AND THE MAIN BERTHING FEES FROM $1 TO $2 A TON.
BOTH SHOULD TAKE EFFECT WITH THE OPENING OF THE NEW MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IN ABOUT JUNE 1985, HE SAID.
SIR JOHN NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD INVESTED CONSIDERABLE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE GROWTH IN PASSENGER MOVEMENTS AT THE MACAU FERRY TERMINALS.
♦THE REVENUE DERIVED FROM PASSENGER EMBARKATION AND BERTHING FEES, WHICH HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED SINCE 1975, IS INSUFFICIENT TO RECOVER OPERATING COSTS LET ALONE PROVIDE ANY RETURN ON OUR INVESTMENT,+ HE SAID.
/♦IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 33 -
♦ IT IS NOT FAIR THAT THE GENERAL TAXPAYER SHOULD SUBSIDISE THOSE WHO VISIT MACAU. +
♦ IF WE SOUGHT TO REDRESS THE SITUATION IN ONE STEP, THE INCREASES WOULD NEED TO BE VERY STEEP INDEED. THIS IS A FINE ILLUSTRATION OF THE NEED FOR MORE FREQUENT ADJUSTMENTS.+
ASSUMING 10 MONTHS’ YIELD, SIR JOHN ESTIMATED THAT THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE FOR 1985-86 SHOULD AMOUNT TO $30 MILLION.
-----0------
RISE IN MEDICAL, WELFARE SPENDING X * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT $4 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON GOVERNMENT AND SUBVENTED MEDICAL SERVICES IN 1985-86.
♦ THIS REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF 20 PER CENT ON THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF EXPENDITURE FOR 1984-85,+ SIR JOHN TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE PROVISION COVERS VARIOUS HOSPITAL PROGRAMMES INCLUDING THE TUEN MUN HOSPITAL, THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL EXTENSION, AS WELL AS A MAJOR NEW HOSPITAL IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
IN ADDITION, THE $645 MILLION PRINCE OF WALES HOSPITAL COMMENCED OPERATIONS IN MAY LAST YEAR AND IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL BY APRIL NEXT YEAR. IT WILL HAVE 1 446 BEDS AND SERVE AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES AS WELL AS THE TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SUBVENTED SECTOR, DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES ARE UNDER WAY TO EXPAND AND UPGRADE FACILITIES. APPROVAL HAS ALSO BEEN OBTAINED FOR A MAJOR EXTENSION OF 760 BEDS TO THE UNITED CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL.
FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, WHICH INCLUDES SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, ABOUT $2.53 BILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR 1985-86, AN INCREASE OF OVER 11 PER CENT ON THE REVISED ESTIMATE CF EXPENDITURE FOR 1984-85.
THE ESTIMATES INCLUDE PROVISION OF $576.6 MILLION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $575.5 MILLION FOR 1984-85. AT THE END OF 1984, THERE WERE 59 100 HOUSEHOLDS ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
AS REGARDS SPECIAL NEEDS ALLOWANCES, THE PROVISION IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES IS $906.6 MILLION, COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $838.7 MILLION FOR 1983-84.
THIS ALLOWS FOR AN ESTIMATED AVERAGE MONTHLY CASELOAD OF ABOUT 217 800 FOR OLD AGE ALLOWANCE AND 46 600 FOR DISABILITY ALLOWANCE COMPARED WITH 211 600 AND 43 900 RESPECTIVELY AT THE END OF 1984.
------0----
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 34 -
DOLLAR LINK +SERVES HK WELL+ *****
THE ARRANGEMENT LINKING THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE U.S. DOLLAR HAD SERVED HONG KONG WELL AND WOULD NOT LIGHTLY BE CHANGED, SIR JOHN EREMRIDGE SAID TODAY.
THE STABILITY OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN TERMS OF THE U.S. DOLLAR UNDER THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM, AND A CONSEQUENT STRENGTHENING AGAINST ALL OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES DURING THE YEAR, WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR CONTRIBUTORY FACTORS TO THE STEADY FALL IN THE RATE OF INFLATION FROM A YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF 12.4 PER CENT IN JANUARY TO 4.6 PER CENT IN DECEMBER, SIR JOHN POINTED OUT.
THE AVERAGE FOR 1984 AS A WHOLE WAS 8.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 9.9 PER CENT RECORDED IN 1983.
DESPITE THE BACKGROUND OF UNCERTAINTY ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE AND VOLATILE CONDITIONS IN WORLD FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS DURING A LARGE PART OF 1984, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IN TERMS OF THE TRADE-WEIGHTED INDEX STRENGTHENED BY 11 PER CENT DURING THE YEAR, SAID SIR JOHN.
♦ IT HAS CONTINUED TO STRENGTHEN SO FAR THIS YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
♦ THE ADOPTION OF THE LINKED EXCHANGE RATE SYSTEM HAS IN EFFECT ACCORDED PRIORITY TO A STABLE EXCHANGE RATE AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR, WITH ADJUSTMENTS TO PRESSURES ON THE HONG KONG DOLLAR FALLING, AT LEAST INITIALLY, ON INTEREST RATES AND THE MONEY SUPPLY,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THESE PRESSURES WERE SUBSTANTIAL ON OCCASIONS DURING THE YEAR, AND THERE WERE, THEREFORE, CONSIDERABLE SHORT-TERM FLUCTUATIONS IN INTEREST RATES AND IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY.
-----o------
HOME OWNERSHIP FUND STANDS ON OWN FEET *****
THERE WAS NO NEED THIS YEAR TO TRANSFER FUNDS TO THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND BECAUSE IT HAD SUFFICIENT RESERVES AS A RESULT OF THE INTERNAL GENERATION OF REVENUE, SAID SIR JOHN.
THIS HAD ALSO BEEN THE CASE LAST YEAR.
♦ IN FACT, IT IS OUR INTENTION DURING THE YEAR AHEAD TO MOVE SOME 1400 MILLION FROM THIS FUND TO GENERAL REVENUE.♦
------o--------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 35 -
MORE TO BE SPENT ON HOUSING * * * *
IN 1985-86, $3.9 BILLION WOULD BE SPENT ON THE CONSTRUCTION CF HOUSING, INCLUDING TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID.
THIS COMPARED WITH THE REVISED ESTIMATE OF $3.5 BILLION FOR 1984-85, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE POINTED OUT.
THESE FIGURES FOR THE CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE EXCLUDED THE VALUE OF LAND USED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR RENTAL HOUSING AND FOR FLATS BUILT UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME SOLD AFTER EARLY 1982, SIR JOHN SAID.
THE 1985-86 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR THE RENTAL HOUSING PROGRAMME ARE $2 822 MILLION, FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME $3 809 MILLION AND FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS $3 906 MILLION.
♦THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY IS THAT THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME SHOULD ACHIEVE A LEVEL OF PRODUCTION OF OVER 40 000 FLATS A YEAR FOR RENTAL AND SALE,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WOULD COMPRISE THE FLATS FOR RENTAL BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, FLATS FOR SALE UNDER THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, AND THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S PRODUCTION THROUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF RENTAL HOUSING AND THE URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
♦ IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS WE SHALL BE PROVIDING NEW, GOOD QUALITY SUBSIDISED HOUSING FOR OVER 712 000 PEOPLE,♦ SAID SIR JOHN.
THIS IS BASED ON THE PRODUCTION ESTIMATE FOR THE NEXT FOUR YEARS, INCLUDING PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME FLATS AND HOUSING SOCIETY FLATS AT A TOTAL OF 178 000, WITH AN AVERAGE COMPLETION RATE OF 44 000 FLATS A YEAR.
♦ THIS WILL HAVE A MAJOR IMPACT ON MANY NOW WAITING PATIENTLY FOR DECENT HOUSING,♦ SIR JOHN ADDED.
THE FORECAST OF HOUSING AUTHORITY PRODUCTION IN THE FOUR YEARS 1985-86 TO 1988-89 EXCEEDS PRODUCTION IN THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS BY 2.8 PER CENT, HE NOTED.
AS REGARDS THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, SIR JOHN SAID THAT 49 810 FLATS OUT OF A TOTAL OF ABOUT 56 190 FLATS IN THE FIRST SIX PHASES WOULD HAVE BEEN COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1985-86.
HE ADDED THAT WORK WAS IN HAND ON THE BALANCE AND ON A FURTHER 20 830 FLATS IN PHASES SEVEN, EIGHT AND NINE.
---------o
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
36
MORE MONEY FOR EDUCATION AND HEALTH * * *
THE PROVISION OF 17.6 BILLION IN RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OF THE GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT FOR SUBVENTIONS REPRESENTS 27.1 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL COMPARED WITH AN AVERAGE OF 26 PER CENT OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, SAID SIR JOHN.
♦THIS INCREASE REFLECTS CONTINUING EXPANSION IN EDUCATION AND HEALTH. I HOPE THAT IT WILL BE NOTED.♦
- 0 - -
EDUCATION SPENDING GOING UP * * * *
CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION IN 1985-86 WOULD BE $7.81 BILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THIS AMOUNTED TO 17 PER CENT OF TOTAL CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE AND WAS A 10.7 PER CENT INCREASE OVER 1984-85, HE SAID.
♦OF THIS AMOUNT WE WILL SPEND $725 MILLION ON CONSTRUCTING AND EQUIPPING NEW BUILDINGS, WHICH IS SIMILAR TO THAT IN 1984-85+, SIR JOHN SAID.
SIR JOHN REFERRED TO A MAJOR FOOTNOTE IN HIS PRINTED SPEECH TO ILLUSTRATE THE FINANCING OF POLICIES WITH REGARD TO PRIMARY AND SECONDARY EDUCATION INCLUDING THE PHASING OUT OF THE JUNIOR SECONDARY EDUCATION ASSESSMENT, TO VOCATIONAL TRAINING, AND TO TERTIARY EDUCATION.
♦I DO HOPE THAT THOSE WHO CLAMOUR FOR EVEN FASTER ADVANCES WILL STUDY THE HUGE SUMS OF MONEY INVOLVED, AND PONDER HOW MORE COULD BE FOUND+, HE SAID.
THE FOOTNOTE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY WAS TO PROVIDE PRIMARY SCHOOLS WITHIN A REASONABLE WALKING DISTANCE FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE CHILDREN, TO PROVIDE A SUBSIDISED PLACE FOR ALL PRIMARY 6 LEAVERS; TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF SECONDARY PLACE IN SCHOOLS AND PLACES AT TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND ADULT EDUCATION CENTRES TO MEET THE FULL DEMAND FROM FORM I I I LEAVERS WHO WERE SUITABLE FOR THE COURSES PROVIDED; AND TO PHASE OUT THE JSEA BY 1991.
TO MEET THESE OBJECTIVES, 10 PRIMARY SCHOOLS, PROVIDING 19 200 PLACES MAINLY IN THE NEW TOWNS, AND FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS PROVIDING INITIALLY 1 280 FORM I AND 640 FORM IV PLACES WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1985-86.
/os vocatiohal........
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 37 -
ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING, THE FOOTNOTE SAID WORK HAD STARTED ON THE BUILDING OF TWO NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, ONE AT SHA IN AND THE OTHER AT TUEN MUN, AND WORK ON A THIRD NEW INSTITUTE AT CHAI WAN WOULD START THIS YEAR.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE THREE NEW INSTITUTES WOULD PROVIDE AN EXTRA 5 OOO FULL-TIME AND 21 000 PART-TIME PLACES.
A TRAINING CENTRE COMPLEX AT KOWLOON BAY HAD BEEN COMPLETED AND ANOTHER AT KWAI CHUNG WOULD BE COMPLETED IN MID-1985. THE COMPLEXES WOULD PROVIDE 8 000 TRAINING PLACES A YEAR IN NINE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRES.
IN ADDITION, THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD COMPLETE A GAS INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE AT KWAI CHUNG, A PRECISION TOOL INC TRAINING CENTRE AT KOWLOON BAY AND AN INSURANCE TRAINING CENTRE IN WAN CHAI IN 1985-86. THESE THREE TRAINING CENTRES WOULD PROVE ABOUT 1 300 TRAINING PLACES A YEAR.
THE TOTAL GRANTS TO THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WOULD INCREASE FROM $404 MILLION IN 1984-85 TO $433 MILLION IN 1985-86.
EXPANSION OF TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDED NEW BUILDINGS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF COURSES AT THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN ITS TEMPORARY PREMISES AT ARGYLE CENTRE. PLANNING FOR THE CITY POLYTECHNIC’S PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION AT TAT CHEE AVENUE WAS PROCEEDING AND SITE FORMATION SHOULD START IN 1985-86.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE ON THE UNIVERSITIES, THE POLYTECHNICS AND THE BAPTIST COLLEGE WOULD BE $1.71 BILLION IN 1985-86 COMPARED WITH $1.54 BILLION IN 1984-85.
-----o------
PUBLIC WORKS AND LAND EXPENDITURE * * * X M
EXPENDITURE FROM THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND ON THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WAS EXPECTED TO REACH $6.8 BILLION DURING 1985-86, SAID SIR JOHN.
THIS EXCEEDS THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR 1984-85 BY ABOUT $0.7 BILLION. THE PROVISION OF $5.8 BILLION SOUGHT FOR TRANSFER TO THE FUND AND THIS TOGETHER WITH AN ESTIMATED $4.4 BILLION SURPLUS IN THE FUND AT THE END OF 1984-85 WILL BE SUFFICIENT TO COVER THE ESTIMATED $6.8 BILLION EXPENDITURE AND TO RETAIN A PRUDENT SURPLUS.
IN AN EXPLANATORY NOTE TO THE SPEECH IT WAS STATED THAT THE ADVANCE OF $1.45 BILLION TO THE CONSORTIUM FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TIN SHU I WAI NEEDED TO BE RECOGNISED BY THE RETENTION OF AT LEAST $1.5 BILLION IN THE FUND.
ON LAND ACQUISITION, THE ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR 1985-86 IS $0.9 BILLION, WHICH IS ABOUT $0.2 BILLION MORE THAN THE REVISED ESTIMATE FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
-----o------
/38 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
38
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE CLIMBS IN ALMOST EVERY SECTOR
* * * *
A FOOTNOTE TO SIR JOHN’S SPEECH GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE WAY IN WHICH CONSOLIDATED ACCOUNT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE HAS GROWN IN RECENT YEARS.
THE ACTUAL EXPENDITURE IN 1983-84 IN EACH SECTOR IS COMPARED WITH THE ESTIMATES FOR 1985-86, THE FINAL 1984-85 FIGURES NOT YET BEING AVAILABLE.
($ MILLIONS)
1983-84 ACTUAL 1985-86 ESTIMATE PERCENTAGE
GROWTH
TRANSPORT 2 151 1 683 -21.8
LAND AND CIVIL ENGINEERING 2 424 2 230 - 8.0
WATER 586 648 +10.6
PUBLIC SAFETY 144 271 +88.2
RECREATION AND CULTURE 593 846 +42.7
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION 399 507 +27.1
M EDUCATION 632 911 +44.1
* MEDICAL 419 498 +18.1
* A LARGE PART OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE FOR +EDUCATION+, AND •♦MED I CAL + IS ACCOUNTED FOR FROM CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS AND IS NOT FUNDED FROM THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
39
GROSS LAND PRODUCTION TO DOUBLE
* M * *
GOVERNMENT GROSS LAND PRODUCTION IN 1985-86 IS ESTIMATED TO BE 652 HECTARES AS COMPARED WITH 313 HECTARES IN 1984-85, SAID SIR JOHN.
THESE FIGURES EXCLUDE LAND FORMED BY THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION. THE GROSS FIGURES INCLUDE LARGE AREAS APPROPRIATED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, INSTITUTIONAL USE, OTHER COMMUNITY PURPOSES, OPEN SPACE AND ROADS.
♦THE REDUCTION IN ESTIMATED LAND PRODUCTION IN 1984-85 FROM THE ORIGINAL FORECAST OF 523 HECTARES FOLLOWED A REVIEW OF THE WORKS SCHEDULE FOR THE NEW TOWNS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME,+ SAID SIR JOHN.
OVER THE THREE YEARS OF THE NEW FORECAST PERIOD, TOTAL PRODUCTION IS ESTIMATED TO BE 1 683 HECTARES - 597 HECTARES IN 86-87, 730 HECTARES IN 87-88 AND 356 HECTARES IN 88-89.
0
FS’S SPEECH ON TV AND RADIO
* # * *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE BUDGET SUMMARY DELIVERED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ON TELEVISION AND RADIO STATIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVEN I NGi
♦ I INTRODUCED THE BUDGET INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON AND I WOULD LIKE TO TELL YOU ABOUT IT BRIEFLY. MY MAJOR THEME IS THE PROSPECT OF RETURNING NEXT YEAR TO BALANCED BUDGETS.
♦ I ACCEPT FULLY THAT IN A DEFICIT SITUATION TAXPAYERS PRESSED FOR HIGHER REVENUE EXPECT TO SEE GOVERNMENT EXPENDITURE BEING CONTROLLED. I AM THEREFORE PLEASED TO TELL YOU THAT FOR THE THIRD YEAR RUNNING PUBLIC SECTOR EXPENDITURE IS BELOW BUDGET. AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDP IT WILL HAVE BEEN REDUCED BY 16 PER CENT BY THE END OF NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR. IN 1985-86 THERE WILL BE NO INCREASE IN THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CIVIL SERVANTS DESPITE PROVIDING ADDITIONAL STAFF FOR NEW HOSPITALS AND FOR POLICE EXPANSION.
♦ THE PROBLEMS FACED IN THE LAST THREE YEARS ARE CLEAR. ANNUAL LAND REVENUE HAS DROPPED SINCE 1981 BY ABOUT #9 BILLION AND IS UNLIKELY TO BE REALLY SIGNIFICANT IN THE FUTURE. WE HAVE ALSO GONE THROUGH A MAJOR WORLD RECESSION AND EXPERIENCED THE EFFECTS ON INVESTMENT CONFIDENCE OF THE NEGOTIATIONS ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE, NOW HAPPILY CONCLUDED.
/♦IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
♦IT IS HARDLY SURPRISING, THEREFORE, THAT THERE HAS HAD TO BE A STEADY PROCESS OF BUDGETARY ADJUSTMENT. WE ARE BEGINNING NOW TO SEE SUCCESS FOR OUR EFFORTS.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS CLEARLY CONTINUED TO MOVE FORWARD WITH MAJOR PROGRAMMES, FOR EXAMPLE, EDUCATION, HOSPITALS AND HOUSING. IN PARTICULAR WE SHALL BE PROVIDING NEW HOUSING FOR OVER 700 000 PEOPLE IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS.
♦THE PERFORMANCE OF OUR ECONOMY IN 1984 WAS VERY GOOD. EXPORTS INCREASED BY 22 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS. THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT GREW BY 9.6 PER CENT, WHICH IS A REMARKABLE FIGURE GIVEN THE GENERAL BACKGROUND. WITH ALMOST FULL EMPLOYMENT REAL WAGES AGAIN STARTED RISING. WE ALSO SUCCEEDED IN CUTTING THE RATE OF INFLATION FROM 12 PER CENT TO 4.6 PER CENT. IT WILL REMAIN LOW AND SHOULD BE ACCOMPANIED IN 1985 BY ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT GDP GROWTH.
♦THE BUDGET DEFICIT FOR 1984-85 WILL BE ABOUT $1.8 BILLION. THE OUTCOME IS BETTER THAN I FORECAST WHEN I SPOKE TO YOU LAST YEAR. FOR 1985-86 THE DEFICIT IS EXPECTED TO FALL FURTHER TO NOT MORE THAN $1 BILLION. IT IS MY INTENTION FOR 1986-87 TO RETURN TO BALANCED BUDGETS. THERE CANNOT, HOWEVER, BE FIRM PROMISES BECAUSE WE CAN BE SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY EXTERNAL EVENTS OVER WHICH WE HAVE NO CONTROL. THIS IS THE REASON WHY WE HAVE TO BE CONSERVATIVE IN OUR FINANCES.
♦IN 1985-86 WE NEED TO RAISE A NET $1.2 BILLION IN ADDITIONAL REVENUE. I HAVE PROPOSED NO INCREASE IN DIRECT TAXATION BUT A SERIES OF CAREFULLY SELECTED INCREASES IN INDIRECT TAXES, LICENCES, DUTIES, FEES AND CHARGES. IN THE MAIN I SEEK TO MAINTAIN THE REVENUE YIELD IN REAL TERMS, REMEMBERING THAT THERE HAS BEEN 18 PER CENT INFLATION OVER THE PAST TWO YEARS. I ALSO RECOGNISE THE TAX BURDENS BORNE BY MOTORISTS. MY PROPOSALS IN THIS AREA THEREFORE CALLED FOR AN INCREASE OF ONLY 10 PER CENT.
♦ IN ADDITION I HAVE PROPOSED THE RE INTRODUCTION OF TWO EARLIER MEASURES OF INDIRECT TAXATIONi ON SOFT DRINKS AND COSMETICS. I THINK THAT MOST PEOPLE WILL AGREE THAT THESE ARE NOT ESSENTIALS. IT IS ALSO NECESSARY TO CUT BACK ON CONCESSIONS WITH REGARD TO TOBACCO AND DRINK BROUGHT BACK BY HONG KONG RESIDENTS RETURNING FROM ABROAD. THE PRESENT SITUATION IS BEING ABUSED.
♦IN FULFILMENT OF EARLIER PROMISES I HAVE PROPOSED CONCESSIONS ON PERSONAL TAXES FOR THE MOST DESERVING TAXPAYERS. THESE WILL COST $150 MILLION NEXT YEAR AND $210 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
♦CLEARLY THERE IS A NEED FOR MAJOR SPENDING IN MANY AREAS IN THE YEARS AHEAD. THE REVENUE TO PROVIDE FOR THIS SHOULD FLOW FROM HONG KONG’S INCREASING PROSPERITY, AND WE SHOULD SOON ENJOY BALANCED BUDGETS.
-----o-----
/41
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 41 -
GOVERNOR PAYS TRIBUTE TO T.S. LO * * M *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PAID TRIBUTE TO MR T.S. LO, WHO HAD RECENTLY RESIGNED FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS.
HE WAS JOINED BY SIR ROGER LOBO, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON:
+HONOURABLE MEMBERS, SINCE WE LAST MET, MR T.S. LO HAS RESIGNED FROM THIS COUNCIL ON WHICH HE SERVED FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS FROM 1974.
♦THESE HAD BEEN PARTICULARLY BUSY YEARS IN THE LIFE COUNCIL ESPECIALLY DURING THE LAST TWO YEARS AND I WOULD PAY TRIBUTE TO THE VALUABLE SERVICES HE HAS RENDERED NOT THIS COUNCIL BUT IN A NUMBER OF PUBLIC BODIES.
OF THIS LIKE TO ONLY IN
+1 AM SURE MEMBERS WOULD WISH TO JOIN ME IN WISHING MR LO WELL IN THE FUTURE.*
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF SIR ROGER LOBO’S SPEECH:
♦SIR, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WOULD WISH TO EE ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR EXCELLENCY’S TRIBUTE TO MR T.S. LO.
♦HIS DISTINGUISHED RECORD OF PUBLIC SERVICE ON THIS COUNCIL AND IN THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAS WON HIM WIDE RESPECT. HE WOULD EE REMEMBERED PARTICULARLY FOR HIS WORK IN THE UMELCO POLICE QTOUP WHICH HE JOINED IN 1978 AND BECAME CHAIRMAN IN 1980.
♦MR LO WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE BETWEEN 1980 AND 1982 AND SERVED AS THE CONVENER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GENERAL SERVICES WORKING GROUP BETWEEN 1982 AND ON OUR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SCRUTINY GROUP BETWEEN
AND 1984
1978 AND 1980.
♦HE WAS ALSO THE CONVENER OF SECURITY PANELS, AND HIS SERVICES
THE UMELCO CIVIL SERVICE AND WILL BE MISSED BY UMELCO.
♦WE WISH MR LO EVERY SUCCESS
IN HIS FUTURE ENDEAVOURS.*
--------o----------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
NOTE TO ED I TORSj
BUDGET BRIEFING * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING ON THE BUDGET AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
CUSTOMS OFFICERS ENFORCE NEW RULES * * * *
TWO HUNDRED OFFICERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON WENT TO FACTORIES MANUFACTURING COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND CONCENTRATES TO ENFORCE THE AMENDMENTS TO THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE WHICH CAME INTO FORCE AT 2.30 PM AND TO ASSIST MANUFACTURERS IN SEGREGATING THE DUTIABLE STOCK FROM NON-DUTIABLE STOCK.
THE OFFICERS WERE RE-DEPLOYED FOR THIS SPECIAL DUTY FROM VARIOUS REGIONS AND COMMANDS OF THE SERVICE.
THEY EXPLAINED TO THE MANUFACTURERS THE NEWLY IMPOSED DUTIES ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH AND POINTED OUT THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE COMPLETION OF WEEKLY AND MONTHLY RETURNS TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT ON PRODUCTION AND ON GOODS RELEASED LOCALLY FOR CONSUMPTION RESPECTIVELY.
IN ADDITION, THE MANUFACTURERS WERE TOLD TO APPLY FOR A LICENCE BEFORE MARCH 14, 1985. IF NO LICENCE IS OBTAINED BY THAT DATE, ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS OR MANUFACTURES THESE GOODS WILL BE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE UNDER THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE.
ELECTION FORUMS FOR WONG TAI SIN CANDIDATES * * *
CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION WILL MEET THE PUBLIC IN A SERIES OF FORUMS TO BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE FORUMS, ORGANISED ON A CONSTITUENCY BASIS, PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE CANDIDATES TO INTRODUCE THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUERIES FROM THE RESIDENTS.
ALTOGETHER THESE
WEDNESDAY, J?EBHUARY 2?, 1983
- 43 -
ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 39 NOMINATIONS FOR THE 21 ELECTED SEATS ON THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD. THREE SEATS IN TWO CONSTITUENCIES — CHOI WAN AND UPPER WONG TAI SIN AND FUNG WONG --ARE UNCONTESTED WHILE THE REMAINING 18 SEATS WILL BE CONTENDED BY THE OTHER 36 CANDIDATES IN THE MARCH 7 ELECTION.
THE DATES, TIMES AND VENUES OF THE FORUMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
FEBRUARY THURSDAY 28 8.30 PM LOK FU ST. PATRICK’S SCHOOL FU MEI STREET EAST, LOK FU
MARCH 1 FRIDAY 8.30 PM TUNG TAU CONFUCIAN TAI SHING SCHOOL 10 TAI SHING STREET
MARCH 1 FR IDAY 8 PM TSZ WAN SHAN WEST TSZ WAN SHAN SOUTH ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHUNG WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN
MARCH 2 SATURDAY 8 PM TSZ WAN SHAN EAST TSZ WAN SHAN EAST ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, HONG WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN
MARCH 2 SATURDAY 2 PM CHOI WAN PO LEUNG KUK CENTENARY SCHOOL, CHOI WAN ESTATE, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD
MARCH 2 SATURDAY 8 PM SAN PO KONG HO LAP COLLEGE 15 TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG
MARCH 3 SUNDAY 3 PM LOWER WONG TAI SIN WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE 104 CHING TAK STREET
MARCH 3 SUNDAY 3 PM TSZ WAN SHAN SOUTH TSZ WAN SHAN SOUTH ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRE, SHUNG WAH STREET, TSZ WAN SHAN
MARCH 3 SUNDAY 8 PM NGAU TSUEN LAU HEUNG YUEN SITTING-OUT AREA, TAI HOM VILLAGE, DIAMOND HILL
MARCH 3 SUNDAY 3 PM WANG TAU HOM BUS TERMINUS PODIUM, LOK FU ESTATE
-----0------
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1935 /
- 44 -
COURSE ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR TEACHERS
* * * M
SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR AN EXTRA-MURAL COURSE STARTING MARCH 7 TO DISCUSS THE APPROACHES TO THE TEACHING OF THE NEW SUBJECT OF GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS AT THE ADVANCED LEVEL.
THE COURSE IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. TEACHERS ACCEPTED TO THE COURSE CAN APPLY FOR A FULL REFUND OF FEES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO DISCUSS AND DEBATE THE POSSIBILITIES CONTAINED IN SUCH A COURSE. THE TUTOR WILL ENCOURAGE AND STIMULATE IDEAS, BUT HE WILL NOT BE INSTRUCTING ON THE RIGHT OR WRONG APPROACH TO THE SUBJECT.
ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 40, AND THERE WILL BE EIGHT MEETINGS ON THURSDAYS FROM 7 PM TO 9.15 PM. TUTORIALS WILL BE CONDUCTED AT ROOM G3, JAMES HSIOUNG LEE SCIENCE BUILDING, UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
FEES CHARGED FOR THE COURSE IS $180.
TEACHERS INTERESTED IN THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY DIRECT TO THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE DEPARTMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY MAIN BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, POKFULAM ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE EXTRA-MURAL TOWN CENTRE, WING ON CENTRE, 8TH FLOOR, 111 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
-----o------
LONG DISTANCE RUN IN TSIM SHA TSUI
* M * M
A LONG DISTANCE RUN HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR RESIDENTS OF YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI THIS SUNDAY (MARCH 3) MORNING.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT, YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD AND YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE RACE WILL START FROM GUN CLUB HILL BARRACKS IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND RUN ALONG AUSTIN ROAD, COX’S ROAD, JORDAN ROAD AND GASCOIGNE ROAD.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE MEN’S SENIOR AND INTERMEDIATE SECTIONS WILL TAKE PART IN A 4.5“KI LOMETRE RUN WHILE THOSE IN WOMEN’S OPEN AND MEN’S JUNIOR WILL TAKE PART IN A THREE-KILOMETRE RUN.
/WDiHSRS WILL .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
- 45 -
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED PRIZES AND ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL BE GIVEN SOUVENIRS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT RSS YAU MA TEI OFFICE, FIFTH FLOOR, MANGAN BUILDING, 18-20 CAMERON ROAD, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT 3-7235789.
NOTE TO ED ITORSt
THE RACE WILL START AT 9 AM AT GUN CLUB HILL BARRACKS.
A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU MA TEI, MISS SUSAN LOK AND LOCAL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MRS ENA CHAN AND MR LEE LIT-MAN WILL BE HELD AT THE BARRACKS AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
--------0 - - - -
FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL XXX
THE FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WILL BEGIN TOMORROW (THURSDAY) EVENING WITH A FREE PERFORMANCE BY THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY IN THE LUT SAU HALL, YUEN LONG.
THE 19-DAY FESTIVAL, WITH ABOUT 30 PROGRAMMES FEATURING OPERAS, DRAMAS, DANCES, FILM SHOWS AND EXHIBITIONS, WILL BE STAGED AT VARIOUS VENUES IN THE DISTRICT INCLUDING THE RURAL AREAS.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
/46 .......
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 1985
46
FESTIVAL ENDS WITH VARIETY SHOW * * * *
A VARIETY SHOW, WHICH IS THE FINALE OF THE TWO-WEEK SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL, WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2) AT THE TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND IN SAI KUNG TOWN.
JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, THE SHOW WILL FEATURE A GROUP OF WELL-KNOWN ARTISTES SINGING THE NEWLY COMPOSED ♦SA I KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL SONG+, AS WELL AS THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CHILDREN’S CHOIR SINGING THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION THEME SONG +A VOICE+.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE SHOW WILL BE A MUSICAL, +THE VISIT OF PRINCESS STAR TO SAI KUNG+ WHICH LAUDS VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
AMONG THE GUESTS TO BE PRESENT AT THE VARIETY SHOW INCLUDE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING, MR CLIVE OXLEY.
AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF THE VARIETY SHOW, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MR YAU KI SAID THE SHOW WOULD BRING A CLOSE THE FIRST SAI KUNG DISTRICT FESTIVAL.
THE DISTRICT FESTIVAL REPRESENTED EFFORTS BY THE DISTRICT BOARD TO CENTRALISE FESTIVALS WHICH HAD BEEN HELD SEPARATELY IN HANG HAU, SAI KUNG AND RENNIE’S MILL - THE THREE MAIN AREAS OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT - SINCE 1970, MR YAU SAID.
♦THE DISTRICT BOARD ALSO WANTS TO MAKE BETTER USE OF ITS RESOURCES IN ORGANISING ONE MAJOR EVENT INSTEAD OF SPLITTING INTO DIFFERENT AREAS,♦ MR YAU ADDED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SHA TAU KOK VEHICULAR BORDER LINK OPINED ........................ 1
+USEFUL POLICE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CHINA VISIT+ ................ 2
JANUARY CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES .................................. 4
YUEN LONG FESTIVAL FOR ALL AGES ................................. 7
DB ELECTIONS GO ON AIR........................................... 8
SPOTLIGHT ON CANDIDATES ......................................... 9
VINTAGE CARS HELP ELECTION DRIVE................................ 10
CANDIDATES MEET THE PEOPLE...................................... 11
1W INQUIRY CENTRE OPENING....................................... 12
TAXI TENDER RESULTS OUT TOMORROW................................ 12
TRAM SERVICES TO START LATE ON SUNDAY .......................... 13
DB PONDERS LINK WITH FIGHT CRIME GROUP ......................... 13
FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY .......................................... 14
SEMINARS FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS .................................. 14
PARADE INSPECTION .............................................. 15
PART-TIME LIFE GUARDS NEEDED ................................... 15
KWUN TONG SITE FOR RENT ........................................ 16
DB TO DISCUSS VACANT SITE USES ................................. 16
PHOTOS ON SHOW ................................................. 17
WINNERS IN HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT ANNOUNCED .................. 17
TREAT FOR OLD FOLK.............................................. 18
CORRIDOR WORK................................................... 19
FIRING PRACTICE................................................. 19
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
- 1 -
SHA TAU KOK VEHICULAR BORDER LINK OPENED X X M X
THE NEW VEHICULAR BORDER LINK AT SHA TAU KOK, THE SECOND ROAD CROSSING BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY (THURSDAY).
AT PRESENT THE ONLY ACCESS FOR CARS AND TRUCKS PLYING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA IS AT THE MAN KAM TO CROSSING.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WERE THE POLITICAL ADVISER OF HONG KONG, MR JOHN BOYD, AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, PR ZHEN XIPEI.
WORK ON THE ROAD, WHICH COST $14 MILLION, STARTED IN JANUARY LAST YEAR, AND INVOLVED CONSTRUCTION OF AN 800-METRE-LONG TWO-WAY CARRIAGEWAY WITH WIDTHS RANGING FROM 7.3 METRES TO 80 METRES, TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS ACROSS THE VEHICULAR BORDER LINK, AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE WHOLE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDED BORDER CONTROL FACILITIES, ON WHICH WORK INVOLVING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TERMINAL BUILDING AT A COST OF $10 MILLION, BEGAN IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR. THE FACILITIES INCLUDED AN ARRIVAL-DEPARTURE HALL, OFFICE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE POLICE, IMMIGRATION, CUSTOMS AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENTS, CARGO EXAMINATION PLATFORMS, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS KIOSKS AND AN EMERGENCY GENERATOR FOR ELECTRICITY BACK UP.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR BOYD SAID SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN SHENZHEN AND HONG KONG IN 1982 ON OPENING UP NEW LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SI DES,THE LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES HAD CONTINUED TO GROW, TO MUTUAL SATISFACTION.
♦ I HAVE BEEN STRUCK, ON MY RETURN TO HONG KONG AFTER A BREAK OF SEVERAL YEARS, BY THE RAPID UPWARD CURVE IN CROSS-BORDER TRAFFIC IN RECENT YEARS, BOTH IN TERMS OF PASSENGERS AND COMMERCIAL TRAFFIC,* HE SAID.
♦THIS IS A MATTER OF NOT ONLY QUANTITY BUT QUALITY. THERE ARE NOW WELL-ESTABLISHED LINKS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES, BOTH IN THE BORDER LIAISON SYSTEM FOR EXCHANGES OF INFORMATION AND FOR RESOLVING PROBLEMS IN POLICE, IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS MATTERS? AND IN THE JOINT WORKING GROUPS SET UP TO PUT INTO EFFECT THE AGREEMENT WHICH I MENTIONED EARLIER.
♦ IT IS A MEASURE OF THE GOOD RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES THAT THESE VARIOUS GROUPS HAVE FUNCTIONED EFFECTIVELY AND PRODUCTIVELY SINCE THEIR ESTABLISHMENT.
♦ I AM SURE THAT SUCH WORK WILL CONTINUE TO OUR MUTUAL EENEFIT IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
/+! LOOK........
THURSDAY, F3BRDARY 28, 1985
2
+l LOOK FORWARD TO THE OPPORTUNITY OF WELCOMING, IN THE NEAR FUTURE, OUR COUNTERPARTS FROM SHENZHEN TO HONG KONG FOR ONE OF THE REGULAR REVIEWS OF THE PROGRESS OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUPS.+
MR BOYD SAID THAT SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT FERRY SERVICES BETWEEN SHA TIN AND DA AND XIAO MEISHA HAD BEEN INTRODUCED, AND RECENTLY THE SECOND ROAD BRIDGE AT MAN KAM TO HAD BEEN OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
CURRENTLY WORK CONTINUES ON NEW FACILITIES AT LO WU AND MAN KAM TO, ON PREPARATIONS FOR THE PLANNED BORDER CROSSING POINT AT LOK MA CHAU, AND ON POLLUTION AND FLOOD CONTROL MATTERS RELATED TO THE SHENZHEN RIVER.
-----0------
+USEFUL POLICE MATTERS DISCUSSED IN CHINA VISIT*
* X X *
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSCRIPT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR ROY HENRY’S STATEMENT ON HIS RETURN TODAY (THURSDAY) AFTER A THREE-DAY VISIT TO CHINA t
FIRST OF ALL LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, APOLOGIES FOR BEING FOUR HOURS LATE BUT THERE WERE THUNDER, LIGHTNING AND CLOUDS BETWEEN CANTON AND HERE.
I’VE JUST SPENT TWO DAYS IN BEIJING AND A DAY IN GUANGZHOU AS THE GUEST OF THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU. THIS AROSE FROM THE FACT THAT CHINA, AS YOU KNOW, JOINED INTERPOL LAST YEAR.
IN BEIJING I HELD GENERAL DISCUSSIONS WITH VICE-MINISTER YU LEI OF THE MINISTRY OF PUBLIC SECURITY AND I HELD DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WITH MR LIU WEN WHO IS HEAD OF THEIR INTERPOL BUREAU AND MR ZHU ENTAO WHO IS DEPUTY HEAD OF THE BUREAU.
OUR DISCUSSIONS WERE BASED ON VERY FUNDAMENTAL PROFESSIONAL POLICE SUBJECTS AND INDEED THE DISCUSSIONS WERE EXTREMELY USEFUL AND VERY CONSTRUCTIVE.
THE MAIN POINTS WHICH WE DISCUSSED IN BEIJING WERE AS FOLLOWS s
FIRST OF ALL, COMMUNICATIONS AND LIAISON, BASICALLY HOW FROM NOW ON WE HERE IN HONG KONG WILL COMMUNICATE WITH THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OFFICIALS IN CHINA. ONE OF THE POINTS UNDER THIS HEADING THAT WAS AGREED WAS THE OBVIOUS NEED FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SYSTEM OF REGULAR MEETINGS ALTERNATIVELY IN BEIJING AND IN HONG KONG.
/we agreed ......
THBBSDAY, FSB2UABY 28, 1985
WE AGREED THE FUNDAMENTAL FACT WHICH IS SO COMMON AMONG POLICE FORCES THROUGHOUT THE WORLD THAT PERSONAL CONTACT AND KNOWING WHO YOU ARE DEALING WITH CONCERNING POLICE PROBLEMS WAS A MAJOR STEP AHEAD AS OPPOSED TO JUST OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION.
SO WE NOW ENVISAGE A REGULAR PROCESS OF MEETINGS PREFERABLY ABOUT ONCE EVERY FOUR MONTHS. THESE MEETINGS WILL REVIEW THE PROGRESS AND THE RESULTS OF THE POINTS THAT WE DISCUSSED AT THE PREVIOUS MEETING.
SO IN OTHER WORDS THIS HAS BEEN THE FIRST OF A NOW PERMANENT SERIES OF SUCH MEETINGS.
OTHER SPECIFIC SUBJECTS THAT WE’VE DISCUSSED AND MADE DECISIONS ON WERE PROBLEMS CONCERNING COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY. IT BECAME QUITE OBVIOUS THAT THE PROBLEMS CAUSED BY COUNTERFEIT CURRENCY IN HONG KONG WERE ALSO AFFECTING CHINA AND IT’S ABSOLUTELY ESSENTIAL THAT WE HAVE VERY MUCH CLOSER AND QUICKER CONTACT OVER SUCH PROBLEMS.
WE DEALT WITH THE SUBJECT OF NARCOTICS AND WE DECIDED THAT BECAUSE WE WERE SUCH CLOSE NEIGHBOURS THE NORMAL INTERPOL CONNECTION AND LIAISON CONCERNING THIS PARTICULAR PROBLEM WAS INADEQUATE AND THAT WE WOULD HAVE TO ESTABLISH MUCH CLOSER AND MUCH QUICKER LIAISON AS FAR AS THE PROBLEMS OF NARCOTICS MOVING TO AND FROM ACROSS OUR BORDER IS CONCERNED.
A PARTICULAR PROBLEM WHICH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES RAISED WAS THE SMUGGLING OF NATIONAL TREASURES FROM CHINA, OUT OF CHINA AND WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO OUT OF CHINA AND INTO HONG KONG.
AND WE AGREED THAT THIS WAS A PROBLEM WHICH HAD TO BE FURTHER EXAMINED, BEARING IN MIND THAT THE LAWS OF CHINA AND THE LAWS OF HONG KONG DO NOT IN FACT COINCIDE. THIS WAS AN AREA WHICH WE MUST OBVIOUSLY EXAMINE AND SOLVE.
WE DISCUSSED IN CONSIDERABLE DEPTHS THE SUBJECT OF COUNTERTERRORISM AND COUNTER-HIJACKING PROCEDURES. RECOGNISING THAT THIS AGAIN WAS VERY MUCH AN INTERNATIONAL POLICE PROBLEM WE REALISED THAT BECAUSE OF OUR CLOSE PROXIMITY THE NORMAL MACHINE WAS NOT SUFFICIENT MD THAT WE MUST SET UP VERY MUCH CLOSER LIAISON AND CLOSER CO-OPERATION IN INCIDENTS WHERE THERE IS INVOLVEMENT OF INTERNATIONAL TERRORISTS OR HIJACKERS.
WE DISCUSSED THE PROBLEM OF FUGITIVE OFFENDERS, THAT IS CITIZENS OF CHINA WHO COMMIT OFFENCES IN HONG KONG AND WHO RETURN TO CHINA. THEY HAVE IN FACT BROKEN HONG KONG LAWS, HOW DO WE DEAL WITH IT AND VICE VERSA.
WE REALISE OF COURSE THAT THERE WAS DIFFERENCE IN LAW BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA ON THIS SUBJECT BUT FROM A POLICE POINT OF VIEW, FROM PURELY A POLICE PROFESSIONAL POINT OF VIEW, WE BOTH SUBSCRIBED TO THE PRINCIPLE THAT FUGITIVES SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN IN WHICH THEY HAD COMMITTED THE CRIME, BUT OF COURSE WITHIN THE PROVISIONS OF LAW.
/THE PUBLIC .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
THE PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICIALS ASKED IF WE COULD ASSIST CHINA IN THE STUDY OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND TRAFFIC CONTROL AND ALSO IN IMMIGRATION PROCEDURES AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND WE AGREED THAT THIS, OF COURSE, WAS SOMETHING THAT WE COULD ASSIST WITH AND I OFFERED SUCH ASSISTANCE IN THE SHAPE OF INVITING THEM TO COME AND EXAMINE OUR SYSTEMS OF TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND IMMIGRATION CONTROL AND THE LIKE.
WE THEN MOVED TO GUANGZHOU WHERE WE HELD DISCUSSIONS WITH AGAIN PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OFFICIALS PARTICULARLY THE DIRECTOR OF THE GUANGDONG PUBLIC SECURITY OFFICE, MR SONG ZHI YING, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR MR LUO YUEKANG, MR ZHANG QINGPING OF THE FOREIGN AFFAIRS DIVISION OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE PUBLIC SECURITY BUREAU OF GUANGZHOU ITSELF, MR SONG SHUZHONG.
THERE OUR DISCUSSIONS WERE NOT QUITE SO MUCH ON AN INTERPOL NET BUT ON A MUCH MORE PRACTICAL NET OF WHAT ONE MIGHT REFER TO AS DAY-TO-DAY LIAISON AND COMMUNICATION BETWEEN GUANGDONG PROVINCE AND HONG KONG.
THE SUBJECT MATTERS WERE ALMOST IDENTICAL WITH THOSE THAT WE HAD DISCUSSED IN BEIJING BUT WE WERE ABLE IN GUANGZHOU TO GET DOWN TO A LITTLE BIT MORE PRACTICAL DETAIL SUCH AS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND REGULAR MEETINGS.
WE AGREED THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF BORDER LIAISON THROUGH THE BORDER LIAISON COMMITTEE WAS IN FACT WORKING WELL AND ADVANTAGEOUS TO BOTH SIDES BUT THAT IT DEALT WITH VERY MUCH LOCAL MATERIAL WHEREAS A SLIGHTLY HIGHER LEVEL OF LIAISON WAS REQUIRED BETWEEN OURSELVES AND GUANGZHOU ITSELF.
SO ALL IN ALL A VERY PROFITABLE SERIES OF DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS AND I MUST SAY I WAS EXTREMELY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY IN WHICH THEY REGARDED THE OVERALL PROBLEMS. THEY LOOKED AT IT IN EXACTLY THE SAME MANNER AS WE IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE LOOKED AT IT.
THERE WAS NO QUESTION OF AN ATMOSPHERE OF MISUNDERSTANDING. IT WAS LOOKED AT FROM BOTH POINTS OF VIEW THROUGH PROFESSIONAL POLICE EYES.
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JANUARY CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES X X X * X
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 3.3 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 3.9 PER CENT BETWEEN JANUARY 1984 AND JANUARY 1985, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CP I (A) AND CP 1(B) FOR JANUARY 1985 WERE 156.5 AND 157.0 RESPECTIVELY, OR 4.9 POINTS AND 5.9 POINTS HIGHER THAN THOSE FOR JANUARY 1984. COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1984, HOWEVER, CP I(A) DECREASED BY 0.2 POINT OR 0.1 PER CENT, WHILE CPI(B) REMAINED UNCHANGED.
/THE AVERAGE ......
THURSDAY, /K3HUARY 26, 1985
THE AVERAGE CP I(A) AND AVERAGE CPI(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 1985, AT 155.3 AND 155.1 RESPECTIVELY, WERE 7.4 PER CENT AND 7.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED JANUARY 1984.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED JANUARY 1985, BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CPI(A) AND CPI(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.4 PER CENT EACH MONTH.
DURING JANUARY, PRIVATE DWELLING RENTALS WERE HIGHER BUT RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECREASED.
THE CPI(A) AND CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 50 PER CENT AND 30 PER CENT, RESPECTIVELY, OF URBAN HOUSEHOLDS IN HONG KONG, WHICH WERE DERIVED FROM THE 1979/80 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY. THE CP I (A) REFERRED TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN SI 000 AND S3 499 A MONTH, AND THE CP 1(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN S3 500 AND S6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR JANUARY 1985 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR DECEMBER 1984 AND JANUARY 1984.
(OCTOBER 1979 TO CP 1(A) SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE -CP 1(B) 100)
SECTION JAN 84 DEC 84 JAN 85 JAN 84 DEC 84 JAN 85
FOODSTUFFS 152.3 153.9 153.4 152.8 154.6 154.3
HOUS 1 NG 141.5 152.7 153.2 142.2 152.2 152.8
FUEL AND LIGHT 151.2 146.8 146.8 151.0 146.7 146.7
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 207.3 208.3 208.5 199.6 200.8 201.0
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 149.5 165.3 165.2 149.7 167.3 166.7
DURABLE GOODS 123.3 124.1 124.2 126.4 128.5 128.6
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 146.1 150.3 149.5 143.2 146.7 145.4
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 164.5 172.6 173.0 166.2 175.1 175.5
SERVICES 165.4 178.6 179.4 163.7 174.8 175.5
ALL ITEMS 151.6 156.7 156.5 151.1 157.0 157.0
/COMPARED WITH
.-V. <, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
6
COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1994, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DROPPED BY 0.5 POINT IN CP 1(A) AND 0.3 POINT IN CP 1(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED, DUE TO INCREASED SUPPLY. AS DID THOSE OF PORK AND FRESH-WATER FISH. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT-WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY INCREASED. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ROSE BY 0.5 POINT IN CP I(A) AND 0.6 POINT IN CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
LOWER PRICES OF MEN’S AND WOMEN’S OUTERCLOTHING CAUSED THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR TO FALL BY 0.1 POINT IN CP I(A) AND 0.6 POINT IN CPI(B).
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS DROPPED BY 0.8 POINT IN CPI(A) AND 1.3 POINTS IN CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES OF JEWELLERY.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ROSE BY 0.8 POINT IN CPI(A) AND 0.7 POINT IN CP 1(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT, EXPENSES ON DINNER PARTIES, AND EXAMINATION FEES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, DISCOTHEQUES WERE LOWER HOLIDAYS.
CHARGES FOR ADMISSION TO NIGHT CLUBS AND AFTER THE CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR
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 JANUARY 1985, WHICH IS 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. 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.
0 --------
iURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
- 7 -
YUEN LONG FESTIVAL FOR ALL AGES * * X *
THE FIFTH YUEN LONG ARTS FESTIVAL WAS OPENED THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING BY THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES.
SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, DR HAYES SAIDi +THE FESTIVAL IS MORE THAN JUST AN ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMME FOR ALL AGES} IT IS A REMINDER CF THE HIGH STANDARDS OF TALENTED PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WHO HAVE BENEFITED FROM LOCAL TRAINING PROGRAMMES.+
♦CREDIT FOR THEIR SUCCESS IS DUE TO VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS IN YUEN LONG WHO ARRANGE TRAINING CLASSES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN DANCE, CHORAL MUSIC, OPERA AND DRAMA, + HE SAID.
HE HOPED THAT THIS WOULD PROVIDE AN INCENTIVE FOR MORE STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EXTRAMURAL ARTISTIC AND CULTURAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE, THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL AND OTHER DISTRICT ORGANISATIONS.
THE 18-DAY FESTIVAL FEATURES A VARIETY OF PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING CONCERTS, DRAMAS, OPERAS, DANCES, FILMS AND EXHIBITIONS — FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED $300 000 TOWARD THE TOTAL COST OF ABOUT $700 000 FOR THE FESTIVAL.
THE FESTIVAL, WHICH WILL LAST UNTIL MARCH 17, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE AND THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
ADMISSION TO 18 OF THE FESTIVAL EVENTS IS FREE AND TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE BRANCH OF THE STANDARD CHARTERED BANK IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YUEN LONG.
TICKETS FOR OTHER EVENTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BOX OFFICE AT LUT SAU HALL WHICH IS OPENED BETWEEN 1.30 PM AND 8.30 PM DAILY.
TICKETS FOR THE MIME PERFORMANCE BY NOLAR RAE; A CHILDREN’S MUSICAL BY YIP’S CHILDREN’S CHOIR! A NIGHT OF BALLET BY THE HONG KONG BALLET AND YUEN LONG SCHOOL OF BALLET AND THE PIANO RECITAL BY WOLFRAM LORENZEN ARE AT $15, $10 AND $5; THE HONG KONG CHINESE ORCHESTRA CONCERT AT $40, $30, $20 AND $10; THE JOY WITH THE STARS (POP CONCERT) AT $30, $20 AND $10; AND THE CHOR FUNG MING OPERA TROUPE PERFORMANCES AT $90, $70, $55 AND $40.
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/8 .......
iriURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
- 8 -
DB ELECTIONS GO ON AIR
*****
VARIOUS PROGRAMMES ON THE TERRITORY-WIDE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7 WILL BE BROADCAST IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG, TVB, ATV, COMMERCIAL RADIO AND RTHK RADIO.
TWO FIVE-MINUTE SEGMENTS ON THE ELECTIONS WILL BE FEATURED IN RTHK’S TELEVISION PROGRAMME +ACCESS+. THE FIRST SEGMENT ON HOW TO VOTE WILL BE BROADCAST ON TVB JADE AT 7 PM AND ON ATV CHINESE AT 8 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) EVENING.
THE SECOND SEGMENT ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE ELECTIONS WILL BE AIRED ON MARCH 6 AT 7 PM ON TVB JADE AND 8 PM ON ATV CHINESE.
A DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION SPECIAL FEATURING AN INTERVIEW WITH THE DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR ALBERT LAM, WILL BE AIRED ON ATV CHINESE ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2) AT 7.30 PM AND ON TVB JADE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) AT 7 PM.
A DRAMA PRODUCTION ENTITLED +STREETS OF HONG KONG* WILL BE AIRED ON TVB JADE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) AT 7.30 PM.
A NUMBER OF REGULAR TVB JADE PROGRAMMES SUCH AS +WOMEN TODAY*. +HONG KONG 85* AND +ENJOY YOURSELF TONIGHT* WILL FEATURE SOME ASPECTS OF THE ELECTIONS.
THE STATION WILL BROADCAST THE +INTER DISTRICT TELEMATCH GAMES GRAND FINALS* AT 12 NOON ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3).
AN ELECTION SPECIAL IS BROADCAST DAILY ON ATV AFTER THE LATE NEWS. ON MARCH 5 THE +GOOD MORNING EVERYBODY* PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE DISCUSSION ON THE ELECTIONS.
ON RADIO STATIONS, RTHK RADIO ONE BEGAN A *CIVIC EDUCATION FORTNIGHT* EARLIER THIS WEEK, AND WILL PRESENT SOMETHING ON THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS DURING THE NEXT FEW DAYS.
THE STATION’S +IN PERSPECTIVE* PROGRAMME AT 10 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2) AND SATURDAY (MARCH 9) WILL FEATURE DISCUSSIONS ON THE ELECTIONS, AND THERE WILL BE A WEEKDAY LATE MIDNIGHT PHONE-IN SPECIAL FOR CALLERS TO TALK ABOUT THE ELECTIONS.
ITS +HONG KONG TONIGHT* PROGRAMME ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 5 AND 6.30 PM WILL FEATURE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION QUIZ. ON MARCH 2 (SATURDAY) ITS +HONG KONG BEAT* PROGRAMME WILL FEATURE AN INTERVIEW WITH A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MR C.M. LEUNG.
COMMERCIAL RADIO (RADIO ONE) HAS BEEN BROADCASTING CANDIDATES’ PLATFORMS TWICE DAILY DURING THE PAST WEEK AND WILL CONTINUE TO AIR THESE SEGMENTS UNTIL THE ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
- - - - 0 ----------
/9........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
- 9 -
SPOTLIGHT ON CANDIDATES
* * * *
A LARGE-SCALE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT THE HAPPY VALLEY RACECOURSE ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) TO INTRODUCE THE 21 CANDIDATES OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS TO THE PUBLIC.
THE SHOW, ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, IS ALSO PART OF THE DISTRICT’S LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS FOR RESIDENTS.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD AT 3 PM AT THE PUBLIC GRANDSTAND AND FORECOURT OF THE RACECOURSE.
APART FROM PROVIDING FREE ENTERTAINMENT TO RESIDENTS, THE SHOW WILL ALSO FEATURE PUBLICITY ON THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WITH REMINDERS TO REGISTERED VOTERS TO GO TO THE POLLS ON MARCH 7.
THERE WILL BE SINGING AND DRAMA PERFORMANCES, ORIENTAL DANCES, LION DANCES AND AN ACROBATIC SHOW.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICE, SIX YOUTH CENTRES IN THE DISTRICT AND FIVE BRANCH OFFICES OF CITIBANK IN WAN CHAI.
ELECTION PUBLICITY PAMPHLETS AND SOUVENIRS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PARTICIPANTS AS WELL AS PASSERS-BY DURING THE AFTERNOON.
THE SHOW IS SPONSORED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD AND CITIBANK.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE VARIETY SHOW WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG} THE ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, W RAYMOND YOUNG J THE SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, MR STEPHEN SIU; THE DISTRICT BUSINESS MANAGER OF CITIBANK, MR CHEUNG YIU-TONG} THE CHAIRWOMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, MRS GRACE WAN} AND THE CHAIRMEN OF THE FIVE AREA COMMITTEES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION VARIETY SHOW AT 3 PM ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) AT THE PUBLIC GRANDSTAND, HAPPY VALLEY RACECOURSE.
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/10 .......
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
10
VINTAGE CARS HELP ELECTION DRIVE *****
A VINTAGE CAR PARADE — ONE OF THE MOST COLOURFUL EVENTS ORGANISED TO PUBLICISE THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS — WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2) AFTERNOON IN YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK.
THE PARADE AND A VARIETY SHOW HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TO URGE PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN THE ELECTIONS ON MARCH 7.
SPONSORED BY THE CLASSIC CAR CLUB OF HONG KONG, 12 VINTAGE CARS DECORATED WITH ELECTION BANNERS WILL TOUR TSIM SHA TSUI, YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK ALONG NATHAN ROAD.
THE PARADE WILL BE LED MESSAGES.
BY A BUS BROADCASTING ELECTION
CELEBRITIES TRAVELLING IN THE VINTAGE CARS INCLUDE MISS HONG KONG, MISS MINA GODENZI AND THE VITALITY TEAM FROM TVB WHO WILL BE HANDING OUT ELECTION PAMPHLETS AFTER THE PARADE.
THE VINTAGE CAR PARADE WILL START AND END AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA IN TSIM SHA TSUI, WHERE A VARIETY SHOW WILL BE HELD FEATURING A NUMBER OF WELL-KNOWN SINGERS AND PERFORMERS FROM COMMERCIAL RADIO.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER OF YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK, MR BOWEN LEUNG WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO START THE PARADE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER BOTH THE VINTAGE CAR PARADE AND THE VARIETY SHOW AT 2 PM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2) AT THE NEW WORLD PLAZA (BETWEEN THE NEW WORLD CENTRE AND TOKYU DEPARTMENT STORE) IN SALISBURY ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
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/11 ........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
- 11 -
CANDIDATES MEET THE PEOPLE * * * *
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE WILL HOLD A SERIES OF FORUMS BETWEEN MARCH 2 AND 4 TO INTRODUCE CANDIDATES STANDING FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE FORUMS WILL GIVE CANDIDATES THE CHANCE TO PRESENT THEIR PLATFORMS AND ANSWER QUERIES FROM THE PUBLIC.
ORIGINALLY THERE WERE 17 CANDIDATES CONTESTING THE SEVEN SEATS IN THE ELECTIONS, BUT AS THE SEAT IN LAMMA AND PO TOI IS UNCONTESTED, ONLY 16 CANDIDATES ARE VYING FOR THE REMAINING SIX SEATS.
LOCAL RESIDENTS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FORUMS WHICH WILL BE HELD AT VARIOUS VENUES AS FOLLOWS i-
DATE TIME CONSTITUENCY VENUE
MARCH 2, SATURDAY 10.30 AM MUI WO, SOUTH LANTAU AND ASSOCIATED ISLANDS MUI WO RECREATION CENTRE
MARCH 2, 2.30 PM TUNG CHUNG AND TAI 0 TAI 0 TOWN HALL
MARCH 3, SUNDAY 2 PM CHEUNG CHAU EAST CARITAS ST. PAUL PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL
MARCH 3, SUNDAY 2.30 PM CHEUNG CHAU WEST DITTO
MARCH 3, SUNDAY 3 PM CHEUNG CHAU NORTH DITTO
MARCH 4, MONDAY 7.30 PM PENG CHAU CHI YAN PUBLIC SCHOOL
NOTE TO EDITORS i
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE FORUMS.
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/12........
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
12
NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENING * * * *
A NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE SERVING RESIDENTS IN FANLING.
LOCATED AT CHEUNG CHUNG HOUSE IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, THE CENTRE WILL PROVIDE SERVICES, SUCH AS ADMINISTERING STATUTORY DECLARATIONS, GIVING ADVICE ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, DISTRIBUTING GOVERNMENT FORMS AND INFORMATION LEAFLETS, AND DEALING WITH COMPLAINTS AND FREE LEGAL ADVICE BY LAWYERS FROM THE HONG KONG LAW SOCIETY.
THE CENTRE WILL OPEN BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 5.15 PM FROM MONDAY _ TO FRIDAY, AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER FOR THE CENTRE IS 0-908747.
APART FROM THIS NEW CENTRE, THERE ARE TWO OTHER CENTRES SERVING RESIDENTS IN NORTH DISTRICT AT CHOI YUEN ESTATE AND SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEUNG SHU I.
- - o -
TAXI TENDER RESULTS OUT TOMORROW *****
DETAILS OF THE LATEST TENDERS FOR 100 URBAN, ONE NEW TERRITORIES AND 10 LANTAU TAXI LICENCES, WILL BE PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TOMORROW.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT 343 TENDERS FOR THE 100 URBAN TAXI LICENCES HAD BEEN RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON JANUARY 18.
THE HIGHEST TENDER ACCEPTED WAS $201 000, AND THE LOWEST $196 189.
THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $199 255.92 WAS 20.84 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS FIGURE.
TWENTY-TWO TENDERS WERE LODGED FOR THE SINGLE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI LICENCE. THE SUCCESSFUL BID WAS $25 000, WHICH WAS 181.98 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS PRICE.
TWENTY-FOUR TENDERS WERE RECEIVED FOR THE TEN LANTAU TAXI LICENCES.
THE HIGHEST ACCEPTED BID WAS $25 100, AND THE LOWEST $8 800.
THE AVERAGE PREMIUM OF $18 400 WAS 34 PER CENT BELOW THE PREVIOUS ONE.
----o----
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
TRAM SERVICES TO START LATE ON SUNDAY * * * *
TRAM SERVICES IN EASTERN DISTRICT WILL START LATER THAN USUAL ON SUNDAY (MARCH 3) DUE TO WORK ON A FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS KING’S ROAD.
DETAILS AREt
WESTBOUND TRAM SERVICES
from TO FIRST DEPARTURE
SHAU KEI WAN WESTERN MARKET 7.23 AM
SHAU KEI WAN HAPPY VALLEY 7.24 AM
NORTH POINT WHITTY STREET 7.11 AM
EASTBOUND TRAM SERVICES
FROM TO FIRST DEPARTURE
WHITTY STREET NORTH POINT 6.32 AM
WESTERN MARKET SHAU KEI WAN 6.39 AM
HAPPY VALLEY SHAU KEI WAN 6.50 AM
PRIOR TO THE ABOVE TIMES, TRAM SERVICES WILL BE CUT OFF AT THE CAUSEWAY BAY TERMINUS.
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DB PONDERS LINK WITH FIGHT CRIME GROUP * * *
TAI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE DETACHMENT CF THE TAI PO DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE FROM THE BOARD AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) MORNING.
AT PRESENT, ALL DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEES, EXCEPT THE ONE FOR TAI PO, REPORT THEIR WORK DIRECTLY TO THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE AND ARE INDEPENDENT FROM THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS REPORTS BY VARIOUS COMMITTEES.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR J.W. HAYES, WILL BE PRESENT AT THE MEETING.
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
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FEAST FOR THE ELDERLY * * *
ABOUT 900 OLD PEOPLE IN THE NORTH DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A LUNAR NEW YEAR DINNER TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE +MILLENNI UM FEAST+ IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE FOR ELDERLY ACTIVITIES, CHAIRED BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER, MR TAO MAN-KWONG.
GOLD MEDALS WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE 12 OLDEST PERSONS AND ALL GUESTS WILL RECEIVE GIFTS, SOME OF WHICH ARE HANDMADE BY THE OLD PEOPLE LIVING IN HOMES FOR THE AGED.
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SEMINARS FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS * * * *
A SERIES OF SEMINARS WILL BE HELD IN APRIL FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS OF BIOLOGY AND INTEGRATED SCIENCE.
TEACHERS OF HIGHER LEVEL BIOLOGY ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON APRIL 13 ON RECENT BIOLOGICAL CONCEPTS WHICH ARE COMMONLY MISCONCEIVED BY HIGHER LEVEL STUDENTS.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN KOWLOON FOR 250 TEACHERS.
NOMINATIONS FROM HEADS OF SCHOOLS SHOULD REACH THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (BIOLOGY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG ON OR BEFORE MARCH 22.
EIGHT SEMINARS ON THE TEACHING OF INTEGRATED SCIENCE AT FORM III LEVEL WILL BE HELD AT THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE IN PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT BETWEEN APRIL 3 AND 12.
THE SEMINARS FOR INTEGRATED SCIENCE PANEL CHAIRMEN DEAL WITH THE CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR FORM 3 SCIENCE TOPICS, RECENTLY PRODUCED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
THIRTY PLACES WILL BE AVAILABLE AT EACH SEMINAR.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO THE SEMINARS SHOULD APPLY BEFORE MARCH 13 TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HONG KONG.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
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PARADE INSPECTION
THE COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR HARNAM GREWAL, WILL INSPECT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF SIX INSPECTORS AND 69 CUSTOMS CFFICERS AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG AT 10.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MARCH 2).
NOTE TO EDITORSi
A GOVERNMENT COACH, AM 2988 WILL BE WAITING AT HUNG HOM FERRY PIER BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 9 AM ON MARCH 2 TO TAKE GUESTS AND NEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE TRAINING SCHOOL AND LATER RETURN THE PARTY TO KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. GUESTS AND MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE SEATED BY 10.15 AM.
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PART-TIME LIFE GUARDS NEEDED
X X X X
THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS RECRUITING SOME 200 PART-TIME LIFE GUARDS TO STRENGTHEN ITS NORMAL LIFE-SAVING SERVICES IN THE COMING SWIMMING SEASON.
THE PART-TIME LIFE GUARDS WILL EITHER BE EMPLOYED ON A SHORT CONTRACT TERM WITH A MONTHLY SALARY OF $2 755, OR ON A S109-A-DAY BASIS.
THEY WILL BE DEPLOYED AT VARIOUS GAZETTED BEACHES AND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREAS.
APPLICANTS, PREFERABLY AGED UNDER 35, SHOULD HAVE AT LEAST PRIMARY 6 EDUCATION, HOLD A BRONZE MEDALLION CERTIFICATE AWARDED BY THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AND A VALID FIRST-AID CERTIFICATE.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE WHO HAVE ACTUAL EXPERIENCE OR POSSESS HIGHER LIFE SAVING QUALIFICATIONS.
THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE POST MAY APPROACH ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE. ENQUIRIES CAN ALSO BE MADE AT 5-270622, 3-666615, 3-695525 OR 3-265123.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
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KWUN TONG SITE FOR RENT * * * *
A 3 9OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT HOI BUN ROAD, KWUN TONG, IS BEING OFFERED FOR RENT BY THE LANDS DEPARTMENT.
THE TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SITE IS FOR OPEN STORAGE, CONTAINER CONSOLIDATION, THE REPAIRING-MAINTAINING OF CONTAINERS, BUT EXCLUDING THE STORAGE OF VEHICLES.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED BY MARCH 15.
TENDER FORM, NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG- AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
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DB TO DISCUSS VACANT SITE USES
* * * *
THE DEVELOPMENT OF VACANT SITES UNDER THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR FLYOVER WILL BE DISCUSSED AT THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD MEETING TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
SEVERAL PROPOSALS FOR USE OF THE SITES, AS SPORTS GROUNDS, RECREATIONAL GROUNDS, CAR PARKS AND TEMPORARY MARKETS, HAVE BEEN DRAWN UP BY THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE.
THE SITES MEASURE A TOTAL OF 8 800 SQUARE METRES.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE REVISED VERSION OF THE SHEK KIP MEI OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, WHICH HAS INCORPORATED THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CITY POLYTECHNIC IN THE TAT CHE AVENUE AREA.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD REPORT, THE PROPOSED PROVISION OF A FUNERAL PARLOUR IN LAI CHI KOK AND THE SHAM SHU I PO INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR PROGRAMME.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
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PHOTOS ON SHOW * * *
MORE THAN 50 OUTSTANDING ENTRIES OF THE +WAN CHAI AND l+ PHOTO COMPETITION WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT AN EXHIBITION FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) UNTIL MARCH 5 (TUESDAY) AT THE LOBBY OF THE HENNESSY CENTRE IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE PHOTOGRAPHS WERE SELECTED FROM HUNDREDS OF ENTRIES SUBMITTED DURING THE RECENT PHOTO CONTEST WHICH WAS AIMED AT PROMOTING DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND ENCOURAGING PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT TO TAKE PART IN THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL ALSO INCLUDE A REVIEW ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS CF WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD DURING ITS FIRST TERM FROM 1982 TO 85.
INFORMATION ON 21 WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD CANDIDATES, TOGETHER WITH THEIR COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, WILL ALSO BE ON DISPLAY.
THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION, OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 9.30 PM, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM KAM-KWONG, TOMORROW (FRIDAY). AFTER THE OPENING CEREMONY, HE WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT CFFICE AND THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT ARTS, CULTURE, RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE FUJI FILM AND PHOTO COMPANY AND THE HYSAN DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LIMITED.
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WINNERS IN HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT ANNOUNCED
XXX
THE URBAN COUNCIL TODAY ANNOUNCED WINNERS OF THE 1985 SCHOOLS’ HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION.
YUEN LONG MERCHANTS ASSOCIATION SECONDARY SCHOOL, WINNER OF THE 1984 COMPETITION, AGAIN TOPPED THE WINNING LIST THIS YEAR BY BEATING 23 OTHER SCHOOLS.
THE SECOND PRIZE WENT TO HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS AND THE THIRD PRIZE TO VALTORTA COLLEGE.
YU CHUN KEUNG MEMORIAL COLLEGE NO. 2 AND MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL OF MIU FAT BUDDHIST MONASTERY TOOK THE FOURTH AND THE FIFTH PRIZES RESPECTIVELY. THERE WERE ALSO TEN MERIT PRIZES AND A BEST ARTWORK DESIGN PRIZE.
/ths Pfiizss
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
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THE PRIZES, INCLUDING TROPHIES AND CASH AWARDS, WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE EXHIBITION HALL, CITY HALL, ON MARCH 15.
THE SCHOOLS’ HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT EXHIBITION COMPETITION, WHICH IS OPEN TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS, IS AN ANNUAL EVENT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SCHOOLS PARTICIPATING IN THE COMPETITION ARE REQUIRED TO SELECT ONE OF THE GIVEN THEMES AND TO ILLUSTRATE IT BY f-tANS OF A DISPLAY CONSISTING OF MODELS, SPECIMENS, PICTURES, PHOTOGRAPHS, CHARTS, FEATURE ARTICLES AND TAPE/SLIDE/FILM PRESENTATION.
THE THEMES FOR THIS YEAR WEREi PROPER USE OF RECREATION FACILITIES SANITARY PROBLEMS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AND A HEALTHY ATTITUDE TOWARDS SEX IN ADOLESCENCE.
OF THE 15 WINNERS, THREE USED THE FIRST THEME, FIVE
USED THE SECOND ONE AND SEVEN USED THE THIRD ONE.
A JOINT EXHIBITION OF THE WINNING ENTRIES WILL BE PUT
ON DISPLAY AT THE EXHIBITION HALL FROM MARCH 15 TO 18. ADMISSION IS FREE.
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TREAT FOR OLD FOLK * * *
ABOUT 1 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT WILL BE TREATED TO A TWO-HOUR SHOW TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT THE KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG PRIMARY SCHOOL IN NORTH POINT.
JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, THE EASTERN DISTRICT WOMEN’S WELFARE CLUB AND THE WAH KIU YAT PO, THE EVENT IS AIMED AT FOSTERING RESPECT FOR THE ELDERLY.
IT WILL FEATURE CHINESE OPERA PERFORMANCES AND A CHINESE ORCHESTRAL PERFORMANCE OF THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION THEME SONG ’A VOICE’.
EACH PARTICIPANT WILL ALSO RECEIVE A GIFT PARCEL CONTAINING NOODLES AND SWEETS.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, WILL ATTEND THE SHOW WHICH WILL START AT 3 PM.
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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1985
CORRIDOR WORK * * *
THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE SAI WAN HO FERRY CONCOURSE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 AM TO 5.45 AM ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY (MARCH 3 AND 4) FOR WORK ON THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR.
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH (MARCH).
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FIRING PRACTICE WILL BE HELD FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYSi MARCH 1-2, 6, 8, 11, 15-16, 18-23 AND 25-29.
ON MARCH 12-14, FIRING PRACTICE WILL BE FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM.
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