DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
■. ; 1 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
GOVT SUPPORTS APPOINTMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEE ................ 1
MOTION ON COMMERCIAL. CRIMES SELECT COMflTTBE..............
'PUBLIC OPINION WJJ5.S. IN. CONTROVERSY OVER BILL' ........... 9
SIR ROGER LOBO WINDS. UP. COMMERCIAL CRIMES MOTION .......... 12
APPROPRIATION BIJi APPROVED WITH ONE ABSTENTION ............. 13
LOCAL PARTICIPATION ,QN.JLG.CALLED FOR....................... 14
CONTACTS CONTINUE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR JLG ................... 17
NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE OATH EXPLAINED ......................... 18
PERSONAL TAX CUTS WILL BENEFIT 280 OOO ...................... 19
BILL PROVIDES FOR SOFT DRINK, COSMETICS DUTY................. 20
MOTOR VEHICLE FEE RISES SOUGHT............................... 21
LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION MADE EASIER......................... 21
♦
WIDE SUPPORT FOR OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS TRIBUNAL............... 23
. te • • -
HOUSING AUTHORITY RECORDS 3.6 PER CENT VACANCY RATE........ 24
POLICE ACT AGAINST INDECENT DISPLAYS ........................ 25
CONTROL OF ILLEGAL BUILDING. WORKS UNDER REVIEW ............. 26
WATCH KEPT ON INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES..................... 27
/NEW CONTROL
N&ii CONTROL POINT FACILITIES WILL BE MANNED ............... 28
REGULATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS UNDERWAY .................. 29
10 000 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES IN EASTERN ................ 30
FIRE SERVICES LIABILITY EXPLAINED .......................... 30
INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR MTNTALLY HANDICAPPED TO BE EJCPANDED 31
MEAT BOUGHT IN CHINA OF GOOD QUALITY ....................... 32
INTEREST REVENUE DUE LATER THIS YEAR........................ 32
KCRC CUTS LOSS, CARRIES MORE PASSENGERS .................... 33
JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE FACILITIES TO BE ENHANCED............. 34
FIVE BILLS, MOTION APPROVED ................................ 35
GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE TO VISIT CHINA ........................... 36
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ANNOUNCED......................... 36
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION ........................ 37
CENTRAL YOUTH BODY ENDORSED BY CONFERENCE...................... 38
SHANGHAI DELEGATION SEES PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES ............... 39
DECISION ON CONCESSIONARY SCHEME EXPLAINED .................... 39
ACCORD REACHED WITH SWEDEN ON BED LINEN ....................... 40
BLITZ ON COUNTERFEIT GOODS TRADERS ............................ 41
WORKERS' ROLE IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION STRESSED ................. 41
BOARD TO DISCUSS KWAI CHUNG PARK DEVELOPMENT .................. 42
CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR MARKET COMPLEX................... 43
TENDERS INVITED FOR YUEN LONG SITE............................. 43
SALT WATER WORKS
43
WEDNESDAY, WAY 1, 1985
GOVT SUPPORTS APPOINTMENT OF SELECT COMMITTEE X X * X X *
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPORTED THE MOTION BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON SIR ROGER LOBO, FOR APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY.
THE RECENT CONTROVERSY OVER THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL HAD TAKEN MANY BY SURPRISE, BUT OUT OF IT HAD COME A VARIETY OF SUGGESTIONS, FROM OPPONENTS AND FROM SUPPORTERS ALIKE, TRYING TO FIND WAYS OF EASING THE PROBLEM THAT EXISTED, HE SAID.
+ALL OF THEM DESERVE TO BE CALMLY AND CAREFULLY CONSIDERED. AND I THEREFORE WELCOME THE APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE BECAUSE IT WILL AFFORD BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL MORE TIME TO FIND THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD IN A DIFFICULT AREA.+ MR THOMAS SAI D.
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S SPEECH:
+ 1 WELCOME THE MOTION MOVED BY SIR GOVERNMENT WILL GIVE IT ITS SUPPORT.
ROGER LOBO AND THE
+ IT IS, SIR, PART OF MY DUTY, AS I CONCEIVE IT, TO FORMULATE AND PROPOSE CHANGES IN THE LAW WHERE IT SEEMS TO ME THAT THERE IS SCOPE FOR IMPROVEMENT AND INCREASED EFFICIENCY IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF JUSTICE. PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES DO SEEM TO ME TO RAISE SERIOUS PROBLEMS. AND AS MR PETER C. WONG HAS JUST TOLD THIS COUNCIL, ALL THE REPRESENTATIONS RECEIVED BY HIS AD HOC GROUP HAVE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT PROBLEMS EXIST.
♦ SO IT WAS THAT THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL CAME FORWARD TO THIS COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION. BUT SINCE I ROSE TO MOVE ITS SECOND READING, THE SUPPORT WHICH THE PROPOSALS ORIGINALLY APPEARED TO ENJOY HAS FADED. OPPOSITION TO THE PASSAGE OF THE BILL HAS BEEN MADE UP OF VARIOUS STRANDS OF OPINION AS WE HAVE JUST HEARD. SOME ARE OPPOSED TO ANY DEPARTURE FROM TRIAL BY JURY. SOME PREFER TO RESERVE THEIR POSITION AND WANT MORE TIME TO REFLECT AND ABSORB ROSKILL. SOME GO ALONG WITH THE MAIN THRUST OF THE BILL BUT SAY, FOR INSTANCE, THAT THE TRIBUNAL SHOULD GIVE REASONS FOR ITS VERDICT.
+ SI R, MY PERSONAL BELIEF - AND THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW - IS THAT THERE IS MUCH MERIT IN THE BILL’S PROPOSALS FOR THE OPTINAL MODE OF TRIAL BY JUDGE AND ADJUDICATORS IN BOTH THE HIGH COURT AND THE DISTRICT COURT. BUT THAT IS NO LONGER THE POINT.
/♦Ao ATTOHNBY........
W.-xDNEf, ■ MAY 1, 1985
2
+ AS ATTORNEY GENERAL, SIR, I HOLD AN OFFICE WITH A HEAVY RESPONSIBl LITY FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRESERVATION OF CONFIDENCE IN OUR LEGAL INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR PROCESSES. EVEN IF THIS COUNCIL WERE MINDED TO PASS THIS SILL, IT WOULD IN MY JUDGMENT BE FRAUGHT WITH DANGER TO INTRODUCE A MODE OF TRIAL THAT DID NOT COMMAND BROAD SUPPORT. IT IS NO LONGER A QUESTION OF WHETHER THE BILL’S PROPOSALS ARE GOOD ONES OR THE BEST OF THE ALTERNATIVES. IT IS A QUESTION OF WHETHER THEY WOULD BE GENERALLY REGARDED AS A BASIS FOR A FAIR TRIAL IF THEY WERE PASSED INTO LAW. PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE JUSTICE OF OUR TRIAL PROCEDURE IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT THAN THE CHOICE BETWEEN ONE MODE OF TRIAL AND ANOTHER. AND THE STRENGTH OF FEELINGS THAT PRESENTLY RUN AGAINST THE PASSAGE OF THIS BILL AT THIS TIME IN THIS FORM CREATES A REAL RISK OF DAMAGING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN A JUST VERDICT, WHATEVER THE MERITS OF THE PROPOSAL MAY BE.
+SIR, THE RECENT CONTROVERSY OVER THE BILL HAS TAKEN MANY BY SURPRISE. BUT OUT OF IT HAS COME A VARIETY OF SUGGESTIONS, FROM OPPONENTS AND FROM SUPPORTERS ALIKE, TRYING TO FIND WAYS OF EASING THE PROBLEMS THAT EXIST. ALL OF THEM DESERVE TO Bt CALMLY AND CAREFULLY CONSIDERED. AND I THEREFORE WELCOME THE APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE BECAUSE IT WILL AFFORD BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL MORE TIME TO FIND THE RIGHT WAY FORWARD IN A DIFFICULT AREA.
+IN ENGLAND TOO, PROPOSALS TO REPLACE TRIAL BY JURY IN THESE CASES WERE PUT FORWARD IN 1933 BY A NUMBER OF DISTINGUISHED JUDGES AND WRITERS, INCLUDING LORD HAILSHAM, THE LORD CHANCELLOR, LORD ROSKILL HIMSELF AND THE LORD CHIEF JUSTICE, LORD LANE, WHO MADE HIS VIEWS KNOWN TO THE 7TH COMMONWEALTH LAW CONFERENCE WHICH WAS HELD HERE IN HONG KONG IN THAT YEAR. THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN CONSEQUENCE SOME TWELVE MONTHS AGO. LATEST REPORTS SUGGEST THAT THE STRONG SUPPORT WHICH SEEMED TO EXIST FOR .THIS REFORM IN ENGLAND HAS ALSO FALLEN AWAY. THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE HAS RECEIVED MANY SUBMISSIONS, SIMILAR TO THOSE RECEIVED BY UMELCO, OPPOSED TO ANY DEPARTURE FROM TRIAL BY JURY. SO IN ENGLAND AS WELL, THE SUPPORTERS OF REFORM HAVE FOUND THEMSELVES OPPOSED BY LEGAL PROFESSIONALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO FAVOUR NO CHANGE FOR ONE REASON OR ANOTHER. AND IN DUE COURSE, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE MAKES OF IT ALL.
/+IT IS .......
+ |’ 5 OF COURSE, SIR, ONE THING TO CRITICISE PROPOSALS.
IT IS ANOTHER TO FIND SOLUTIONS TO A PROBLEM. I DO NOT THINK SIR THAT THE PROBLEM WILL DI SAPPEAR OR BECOME ANY EASlEP AS TIME DASSES. THE COMPLEXITIES OF YESTERDAY’S CASES ARE BAD ENOUGH. BUT THE RAPID EVOLUTION HERE IN HONG KONG OF ELECTRONIC DATA PROCESSING WILL UNDOUBTEDLY PROVIDE NEW SCOPE FOR THE COMMERCIAL CRIMINAL. SOME CLAIM THAT THE NEW TECHNOLOGY IS MORE SECURE THAN FORMER MODES OF COMMUNICATION. BUT THERE HAVE BEEN DRAMATIC COMPUTER FRAUDS AND LOSSES REPORTED IN THE UNITED STATES. OUR COURTS MUST BE READY TO DISPOSE OF TOMORROW’S CRIMES FAIRLY AND EFFICIENTLY. BY ’FAIRLY’ SIR, I DO NOT MEAN CONVICTIONS WHERE THERE ARE REASONABLE DOUBTS, BUT PROCEDURES THAT ENSURE THAT THE ISSUES AND THE EVIDENCE ARE PROPERLY UNDERSTOOD BY THE TRIBUNAL AND THAT THE VERDICT IS A JUST ONE. IT WOULD BE A SAD DAY IF AN ATTORNEY GENERAL FELT UNABLE TO AUTHORISE A PROSECUTION BECAUSE THE INEVITABLE COMPLEXITIES OF THE CASE OUT IN DOUBT A FAI R TRI AL.
+WHEN I MOVED THE SECOND READING ON 13 MARCH, I REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE WAY IN WHICH OUR PROPOSALS HAD TAKEN SHAPE. AND ALL THAT NOW NEEDS TO BE SAID IS THAT THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION WHICH MR PETER C. WONG HAS GIVEN IN DETAIL, BEGAN EARLY IN 1984 AND CONCLUDED AT THE END OF 1934 AFTER THE PUBLICATION OF A 92 PAGE DISCUSSION PAPER HAD FAILED TO PROVIDE A TRUE INDICATION OF THE DEPTH OF HOSTILITY TO CHANGE AND THE EXTENT OF CRITICISM OF THE PROPOSALS. I THINK IT IS NOW WELL APPRECIATED THAT GOVERNMENT WAS GIVEN A MISLEADING PICTURE.
+SOME OF THOSE WHO RESPONDED MAY HAVE GIVEN TOO LITTLE ATTENTION TO THESE ISSUES. SOME CRITICS, LIKE THE HONG KONG OBSERVERS, DID NOT RESPOND AT ALL. SOME RESPONDENTS HAVE SINCE ALTERED THEIR STANCE AND WITHDRAWN SUPPORT. THE ORGANISATION OF ^JUSTICE* WHO IN JANUARY 1983 WERE ASKING MY PREDECESSOR URGENTLY TO RESEARCH PROPOSALS FOR COMMERCIAL CASES TO BE TRIED IN THE HIGH COURT WITHOUT A JURY NOW THINK THE JURY SHOULD BE RETAINED. ALTHOUGH COPIES OF THE DISCUSSION PAPER WERE SENT TO EVERY SINGLE MEMBER OF THE BAR, MORE LETTERS WERE RECEIVED FROM SUPPORTERS OF REFORM THAN FROM OPPONENTS. OUR ATTENTION WAS DRAWN TO THE RESOLUTION PASSED AT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF THE BAR. BUT THERE WAS NO DETAILED RESPONSE FROM THE BAR ASSOCIATION TO THE DISCUSSION PAPER. THE LAW SOCIETY, THE LARGEST GROUP OF LAWYERS IN THE COMMUNITY, HAS FRANKLY AND HONESTLY ADMITTED A CHANGE OF HEART. AND IN DOING SO, SIR ROGER LOBO HAS REMINDED US, THAT THEIR PRESIDENT HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE GOVERNMENT ACTED ON A REASONABLE BELIEF OF SUPPORT.
/♦AN EDITORIAL .......
MAY 1, 1985
♦ AN EDITORIAL IN THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST OF THE 17 AUGUST OF LAST YEAR SEEMED TO SUM UP THE GENERAL ATTITUDE OF THE COMMUNITY WHEN IT WROTE:
+WHEN JURIES FIRST CAME INTO EXISTENCE SEVERAL HUNDRED YEARS AGO. THERE WAS NONE OF THE COMPLEXITY THAT PREVIALS IN SOME OF TODAY’S COMMERCIAL CRIMINAL CHARGES. JUSTICE HAS TO MOVE WITH THE TIMES AND THIS SEEMS A TIMELY MOVE*.
BUT SEVEN MONTHS LATER, THE SAME EDITORIAL, STILL WITH ITS FINGER ON THE PULSE, DESCRIBED THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL AS A DANGEROUS DEPARTURE FROM THE SYSTEM THAT WE EMPLOY IN JURY TRIALS. SIR, I AM REMINDED OF THE LINE FROM OMAR KHAYAM: +THE MOVING FINGER WRITES AND HAVING WRIT, MOVES ON + .
+SIR, I MENTION THESE MATTERS ONLY TO ILLUSTRATE THE WAY IN WHICH THE ATTITUDE TOWARDS THE BILL HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY SINCE THE END OF 1984. THE STRENGTH OF OPPOSITION TO THE PROPOSALS OF THE BILL DID NOT EMERGE UNTIL THE BILL WAS ABOUT TO BE INTRODUCED. THE SUPPORTERS OF THE PROPOSALS WHO CHANGED THEIR MINDS OR CHOSE TO REMAIN SILENT WERE ENTITLED TO DO SO. PUBLIC OPINION CAN BE FICKLE. BUT THE FACT IS THAT THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION - AND IT WAS IN THIS CASE A WIDELY SPREAD PROCESS BASED ON A FULL DISCUSSION PAPER AND A DRAFT BILL - LED THE GOVERNMENT TO BELIEVE THAT THERE WOULD BE MORE SUPPORT AMONG THE COMMUNITY GENERALLY, INCLUDING THE IMPORTANT LEGAL SECTOR, THAN HAS PROVED TO BE THE CASE. IF THE VIEWS NOW EXPRESSED HAD BEEN MADE KNOWN IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, I DOUBT SIR, IF THE BILL WOULD HAVE BEEN APPROVED IN ITS PRESENT FORM BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCI L.
♦ SIR, WHAT WILL THE HISTORIAN MAKE OF THIS EPISODE? A PROPOSAL TO ALTER THE MODE OF TRIAL IN A HANDFUL OF CASES APPEARED TO BE BROADLY IF THINLY SUPPORTED AS A SENSIBLE MEASURE. WITHIN SIX MONTHS IT BECAME THE FOCUS OF OUTRAGED INDIGNATION AND STRIDENT CRITICISM OF ITS PROMOTERS.
+A TRITE EXPLANATION WOULD BE THE THOUGHT THAT APPARENTLY GOOD IDEAS ARE OFTEN NODDED THROUGH BY BUSY PEOPLE AND ORGANIATIONS WITHOUT MUCH CRITICAL EXAMINATION. THAT IS PROBABLY TRUE IN WHICH CASE IT SHOWS THAT THE GOVERNMENT CANNOT TAKE TOO MUCH TROUBLE OVER THE BUSINESS OF CONSULTING THE COMMUNITY ON ITS PROPOSALS, EVEN WHEN IT HAS GONE TO THE TROUBLE, GONE TO THE LENGTHS OF PUBLISHING A DISCUSSION PAPER OUTLINING ITS IDEAS.
+IT IS ALSO EASY TO SEE WITH HINDSIGHT THAT IT WAS UNFORTUNATE THE DISCUSSION PAPER WAS PUBLISHED WHEN IT WAS, IN JULY 1984. DURING THE PERIOD OF CONSULTATION, MOMENTOUS EVENTS TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG: THE PUBLICATION OF THE SINO-BRITI 3H JOINT DECLARATION AND THE WORK OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE. THE COMMUNITY HAD AT THAT TIME FAR MORE IMPORTANT THINGS TO WORRY ABOUT THAN THESE PROPOSALS FOR LAW REFORM.
/+BUT IT........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
♦BUT IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SUGGEST THAT THERE HAS IN FACT BEEN A CHANGE OF PUBLIC MOOD SINCE THOSE MOMENTOUS TIMES. THE JOINT DECLARATION BROUGHT RELIEF TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. IT ALSO FOCUSSED THEIR ATTENTION UPON THE ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS UNDERPINNING HONG KONG’S WAY OF LIFE, WHICH THE ANNEXES HIGHLIGHTED. DOUBTS ABOUT THE OUTCOME OF THE NEGOTIATIONS GAVE WAY TO DOUBTS ABOUT HONG KONG’S ABILITY TO PRESERVE ITS WAY. OF LIFE. AND IN CONSEQUENCE I DETECT A NEW MOOD OF WARINESS TO CHANGE: PARTICULARLY CHANGES TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM, ON WHICH THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRESERVATION OF INDIVIDUAL RIGHTS AND FREEDOMS SO MUCH DEPEND. BECAUSE IT CAME SO SOON AFTER THE JOINT DECLARATION, THE BILL WAS THE FIRST PROPOSAL TO TOUCH THE RAW NERVE OF ANXIETY ABOUT FUTURE POLITICAL ARRANGEMENTS. AND THE COMMUNITY RECOILED INSTINCTIVELY FROM CHANGES TO TRADITIONAL PROCEDURES THAT HAVE SERVED HONG KONG WELL IN THE PAST.
+MANY ARTICULATE PROFESSIONALS ADVANCED A HOST OF ARGUMENTS AGAINST THIS BILL. THEY WORKED HARD TO DEPLOY THt FORCES OF OPPOSITION. BUT THE ARGUMENT WHICH SUCCEEDED MOST IN MOUNTING OPPOSITION TO THE BILL WAS THE ARGUMENT THAT ANY TAMPERING WITH THE JURY SYSTEM IS UNDESIRABLE IN VIEW OF THE FUTURE POLITICAL CHANGES.
+ |T IS RIGHT THEREFORE FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCEPT THAT THE PRESENT POLITICAL MOOD IS NOT RECEPTIVE TO RADICAL CHANGE. BUT I DO NOT THINK IT FOLLOWS THAT CHANGES CANNOT BE MADE TO THE LEGAL SYSTEM BEFORE 1997. THE LAW MUST RESPOND TO NEW DEMANDS PLACED UPON IT. SIR AS I SAID IN MY SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR, THE LAW IS NOT A MUSEUM EXHIBIT OR A FOSSIL, IT IS A PUBLIC SERVICE RESPONDING TO THE DEMANDS THAT SOCIETY PLACES UPON IT. AND WE WILL FAIL IN OUR DUTY AS GUARDIANS FOR THE FUTURE IF WE DO NOT ENSURE THAT OUR LEGAL SYSTEM IS RATIONAL AND UP-TO-DATE. AND WHERE ITS PROCEDURES NEED TO BE CHANGED, THEN THEY SHOULD BE CHANGED. BUT IT IS PLAIN FROM THE RECENT EVENTS THAT THE ARGUMENTS FOR CHANGE MUST BE CAREFULLY AND FULLY ARGUED THROUGH. ALTHOUGH NO-ONE HAS ANY RIGHT OF VETO, EVERY ATTEMPT WILL HAVE TO BE MADE TO OBTAIN AT LEAST THE BROAD SUPPORT FROM BOTH PROFESSIONAL AND PUBLIC OPINION FOR IMPORTANT LEGAL
REFORMS. \
+ SIR, ANOTHER QUITE DIFFERENT ASPECT OF THE CONTROVERSY IS THE ANXIETY EXPRESSED BY MANY THAT BECAUSE THE BILL HAD BEE^ INTRODUCED INTO THIS COUNCIL, IT FOLLOWED THAT IT WAS BEING' RUSHED THROUGH BY GOVERNMENT WITH THE SUPINE CONCURRENCE OF \ UNOFFICIALS. SIR THIS REALLY WAS, AND I DON’T NEED TO SAY I J. SIR, IN THIS CHAMBER, THIS REALLY, WAS THE MOST UNCHARITABLE VIEW AND IT WAS GROSSLY MISTAKEN, AS PAST AND PRESENT EVENTS HAVE PROVED. AND AS THIS MOTION DEMONSTRATES.
/♦THERE IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
6
+THERE IS STILL NOT A SUFFICIENT UNDERSTANDING OF THE IMPORTANT CONSULTATIVE ROLE PLAYED BY MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WHO ARE IN THE END THE TERRITORY’S LEGISLATORS. JUST OVER A YEAR AGO, I TRIED TO MAKE THIS VERY POINT IN A SPEECH TO THE COUNCIL FOLLOWING THE CONTROVERSY OVER TAXI LICENSING. WHAT I SAI D THEN IS THI S:
+THE UNOFFICIALS ... INTERPRET AND EXPOUND THE VIEWS OF THE PUBLIC AND ... PARTICIPATE IN REACHING A FINAL JUDGMENT UPON THE PUBLIC INTEREST. THEY ARE A FUNDAMENTAL CHECK WITHIN OUR SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT BY CONSENSUS. AND THEY ARE SURELY NEVER HURRIED IN THEIR CONSIDERATION OF BILLS. THEY ARE GIVEN ALL THE TIME THEY NEED TO DEAL WITH REPRESENTATIONS AND FORMULATE THEIR VIEWS. GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES HAVE OFTEN ... QUALIFIED REMARKS ON REFORM AND LEGISLATION BY SAYING THAT THIS OR THAT PROPOSAL IS ’SUBJECT TO THE VIEWS OF EXCO AND ULTIMATELY LEGCO’. THIS IS NO EMPTY PHRASE. IT MEANS EXACTLY WHAT IT SAYS. WE IN GOVERNMENT MAY ALWAYS HOPE THAT BY CONSULTING WIDELY AND STRIVING TO GET IT RIGHT, WE WILL IN DUE COURSE OBTAIN THE NECESSARY SUPPORT. BUT THERE WILL ALWAYS REMAIN THE FINAL OPINION OF MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN WHICH THERE IS ANYHOW A CLEAR MAJORITY OF UNOFFICIALS. THIS COUNCIL IS THE ULTIMATE SAFEGUARD IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO MISJUDGE WHAT IS POLITICALLY ACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG+.
+SIR, THE EVENTS OF THESE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE VINDICATED, YOU MAY THINK, WHAT I THEN SAID. THIS COUNCIL HAS TAKEN HEED OF THE CHANGE IN ATTITUDE TO THESE PROPOSALS SINCE THEY WERE FIRST CANVASSED AND NOW PROPOSES, QUITE RIGHTLY, THAT THERE MUST BE FURTHER TIME FOR STUDY OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOUGHT TO SOLVE BY THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS CONTENTIOUS BILL.
♦ THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE SIR, WILL ENABLE IT TO TAKE A BROAD VIEW OF ALL THE PROBLEMS SURROUNDING THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES. MANY LAWYERS HAVE AGREED THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT IN TRIALS OF THIS TYPE OF CASE BEFORE A JURY. THE ORGANISATION +JUSTICE+ HAS PUT FORWARD CONSTRUCTIVE PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING PRE-TRIAL PROCEDURES AND THE PRESENTATION OF EVIDENCE AT THE TRIAL. THE CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAS ENDORSED THE AIM OF IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY OF TRIALS OF COMMERCIAL FRAUD.
/+SO IT........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
7 -
+S0 IT IS CLEAR THAT THE SELECT COMMITTEE WILL HAVE MUCH TO DO STUDYING PROSECUTION PROCEDURES, STUDYING THE PREPARATIONS FOR TRIAL AND STUDYING THE TRIAL PROCESS AS WELL. IF THERE IS A CASE FOR RETAINING JURY TRIAL FOR COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CASES, IT IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT THAT ACCEPTABLE REFORMS SHOULD BE IDENTIFIED AND IMPLEMENTED. AND AT THE SAME TIME, THE SELECT COMMITTEE WILL NO DOUBT LOOK ALSO AT THE DISTRICT COURT WHERE NO TRIAL BY JURY IS available.
+ FI NALLY, MAY I PAY TRIBUTE TO THOSE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WHO MADE UP THE AD HOC GROUP OF WHICH WE HAVE HEARD, AND PARTICULARLY ITS CHAIRMAN, MR PETER C. WONG, FOR THE TIME AND ENERGY THEY HAVE ALREADY DEVOTED TO THE ORAL AND WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS ON THE BILL THAT THEY HAVE RECEIVED. IT IS EVEN MORE OF A TRIBUTE TO THEM IF WHAT I HAVE BEEN TOLD IS CORRECT, THAT THOSE SAME MEMBERS HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY ARE WILLING TO OFFER THEMSELVES FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE. YOUR EXCELLENCY WILL HAVE A WIDE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL TALENT FROM WHICH TO CHOOSE THE MEMBERSHIP OF THIS SELECT COMMITTEE. THE COMMUNITY CAN BE ASSURED THAT THE COMMITTEE WILL BE WELL QUALIFIED TO RECEIVE EVIDENCE AND TO DRAW CONCLUSIONS.
+l HOPE, SIR, THAT WITH THE PASSAGE OF THIS MOTION, THAT PASSIONS WILL NOW COOL AND REASON WILL RESUME ITS SEAT. IT IS TIME FOR THE COMMUNITY TO TACKLE CONSTRUCTIVELY THE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEMS IT HAS RECOGNISED AND TO JOIN IN A POSITIVE SPIRIT IN WORKING OUT THE MOST ACCEPTABLE SOLUTIONS. THE FUTURE OF THE BILL WILL DEPEND UPON THE OUTCOME OF THE WORK THAT CAN NOW BEGIN.+
0
/8 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1$35
8
MOTION ON COMMERCIAL CRIMES SELECT COMMITTEE ******
WHEN THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THE RESPONSE WAS GENERALLY IN FAVOUR OF A CHANGE IN THE MODE OF TRIAL FOR THESE OFFENCES AND ITS OPPONENTS SEEMED TO BE IN THE MINORITY, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGCO, SIR ROGER LOBO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HOWEVER, HE SAID, SINCE THE BILL WAS PUBLISHED, A SWELL CF PUBLIC OPINION TO POSTPONE IT AND GIVE THE MATTER FURTHER CONSIDERATION HAD GROWN. MANY PEOPLE HAD EXPRESSED STRONG VIEWS THAT THEY DID NOT VOLUNTEER DURING THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS' OTHERS HAD CHANGED THEIR VIEWS AND WERE OPPOSED TO CHANGE, AT LEAST AT THIS TIME.
SIR ROGER WAS PRESENTING A MOTION IN THE COUNCIL CALLING FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE TO +CONSIDER AND REPORT ON THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, INCLUDING CHANGES IN THE PROCEDURES BEFORE AND DURING THE TRIAL AND THE MODE OF TRIAL.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIALS UNDER THE CONVENERSHIP OF MR PETER C. WONG, HAD BEEN HEARING PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS AND EXAMINING THE BILL.
+IT HAS BECOME EVIDENT THAT THERE ARE SERIOUS PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CR IMES.
+WHAT THE SOLUTIONS TO THESE PROBLEMS ARE AND WHETHER THE BILL PROPOSES ONE ANSWER OR A PARTIAL ANSWER WE DO NOT KNOW.
+HOWEVER, WE ARE SATISFIED THAT, WHATEVER THE MERITS OF THE BILL MAY BE, PUBLIC OPINION IS SUCH THAT IT WOULD BE UNWISE TO PROCEED WITH THE MEASURE UNTIL THERE HAS BEEN AN THOROUGH EXAMINATION OF ALL THE OPTIONS AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.
THE MOTION BEFORE THE COUNCIL PROPOSED THE APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE UNDER STANDING ORDER 61 TO CONDUCT THAT EXAMINATION.
SIR ROGER SAID IN FAIRNESS, WHETHER OR NOT THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL WERE RIGHT, HE DID NOT THINK THE ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE CRITICISED FOR FAILING TO CONSULT ADEQUATELY.
HE RECALLED THAT THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY HAD SAID THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR INTRODUCING THE BILL HAD PREPARED AND INTRODUCED IT IN THE REASONABLE BELIEF THAT IT WOULD BE MORE WIDELY SUPPORTED THAN IT HAD TURNED OUT TO BE THE CASE, AND ALL WHO CONTRIBUTED TO THAT BELIEF MUST SHARE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF NOT HAVING VOICED THEIR RESERVATIONS AT AN EARLIER STAGE.
-------o --------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1935
9
’PUBLIC OPINION WINS IN CONTROVERSY OVER BILL’ ******
PUBLIC OPINION HAS WON THE DAY IN THE CONTROVERSY OVER THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL, THE HON PETER C. WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+AND THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE,+ HE SAID.
MR /.ONG WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF A MOTION PRESENTED BY THE SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER LOBO, PROPOSING THE SETTING UP OF A SELECT COMMITTEE TO STUDY THE ISSUE.
HOWEVER, MR WONG SAID, THAT DID NOT MEAN GOVERNMENT WAS NECESSARILY AT FAULT.
+FAR FROM IT, CREDIT SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE ADMINISTRATION FOR TACKLING A PROBLEM WHICH ALL AGREE EXISTS AND SHOULD BE SOLVED AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE,* HE SAID.
SINCE THE PUBLICATION OF THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL ON FEBRUARY 15, MR WONG SAID THAT THE AD HOC GROU° HAD RECEIVED 23 WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS FROM GROUPS AS WELL AS INDIVIDUALS FROM A WIDE CROSS SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY.
THE GROUP HAD HELD SEVERAL MEETINGS AND HEARD SEPARATE REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE HONG KONG BAR ASSOCIATION, MR HENRY LITTON QC, THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF JUSTICE, THE HONG KONG LA.v SOCIETY AND MR FRANK FRAME, LEGAL ADVISER AND DIRECTOR OF THt HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION.
IN ADDITION, IT HAD TAKEN CAREFUL NOTE OF WHAT WAS REPORTED IN THE PRESS AND HAD HELD USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ADMINISTRATION
MEANWHILE, THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS HAD DISCUSSED THE MATTER ON AT LEAST FIVE OCCASIONS WHILE KEEPING UMELCO FULLY INFORMED CF DEVELOPMENTS.
A FINAL DECISION WAS TAKEN AT AN IN-HOUSE MEETING OF THE UNOFFICIALS ON APRIL 24.
MR WONG HOPED THAT THE 8O-PAGE REPORT COMPILED BY THE AD HOC GROUP, TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER VOLUMES CONTAINING THE WRITTEN REPRESENTATIONS AND PRESS CUTTINGS, WOULD SERVE AS USEFUL INFORMATION SHOULD THE MOTION BE CARRIED AND A SELECT COMMITTtE BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
ANALYSING THE REPRESENTATIONS, MR WONG SAID THEY ALL RECOGNISED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE EXISTING SYSTEM OF TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, BUT THE MAJORITY WERE AGAINST THE PROPOSED SOLUTION OF TRIAL BY JUDGE AND ADJUDICATORS.
/NEARLY ALL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
10 -
NEARLY ALL REGARDED THE BILL’S PROPOSAL AS AN IMPORTANT CHANGE TO OUR LEGAL SYSTEM AND CALLED FOR CAREFUL AND DETAILED CONSIDERATION.
THE MAIN OBJECTIONS WERE: FIRST, TRIAL BY JURY WAS A SAFEGUARD FOR CIVIC LIBERTIES AND IT SHOULD NOT BE REPLACED UNLESS THERE WAS CLEAR EVIDENCE THAT THE JURY SYSTEM WAS NOT WORKING PROPERLY OR UNSUITABLE FOR THE TRIAL OF THE TYPE OF CRIME UNDER CONSIDERATION; SECOND, IT WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO FIND AN ADEQUATE NUMBER OF IMPARTIAL ADJUDICATORS IN THE SMALL BUSINESS COMMUNITY OF HONG KONG.
MR WONG POINTED OUT THAT TWO OF THE REPRESENTATIONS WERE, HOWEVER, CAUTIOUSLY IN FAVOUR OF THE CONCEPT OF TRIAL BY A JUDGE AND COMMERCIAL ADJUDICATORS.
+0N BALANCE, IT APPEARS THAT THE COLLECTIVE EMPHASIS OF THE OPPOSITION TO THE BILL IS MORE ON THE TIMING THAN ON THE CONCEPT ITSELF, ALTHOUGH MANY THOUGHT THAT TRANSLATING IT INTO PRACTICE WOULD REQUIRE FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND RESEARCH,* HE SAID.
ALL IN ALL, HE SAID, THERE WAS A STRONG DEMAND FOR DEFERRING THE BILL IN ORDER TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION WHILE SPECIFICALLY FOUR COMMON REQUESTS HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED:
* WAIT FOR THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE REPORT WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS YEAR SO THAT HONG KONG CAN USE ITS FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR REFERENCE.
* CONSULT AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE BEFORE ANY CHANGES ARE MADE.
* EXAMINE ALTERNATIVE WAYS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM RELATING TO THE TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES.
* REFER THE MATTER TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION FOR CONSIDERATION.
AS REGARDS THE DETAILED PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, MR WONG OBSERVED THERE WAS UNANIMOUS OPPOSITION FROM ALL WHO HAD EXPRESSED VIEWS TO CLAUSE 7 WHICH PROVIDED THAT THE JUDGE WOULD RETIRE TO DISCUSS WITH THE ADJUDICATORS AFTER HIS SUMMING UP IN OPEN COURT AND THAT THE VERDICT WOULD BE DELIVERED WITHOUT ANY REASONS GIVEN.
+ANOTHER AREA WHICH HAS ATTRACTED CRITICISM IS CLAUSE 5 WHERE THE CHIEF JUSTICE IS EMPOWERED TO DECIDE WHETHER A PARTICULAR CASE SHOULD BE TRIED BY JUDGE AND ADJUDICATORS.
+THIS IS NOT SUBJECT TO APPEAL OR REVIEW, NOR IS HIS DECISION ON THE SELECTION OF ADJUDICATORS,* HE ADDED.
/A SUBSTANTIAL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
11
A SUBSTANTIAL NUMBER OF INDIVIDUALS AND ORGANISATIONS WHO MADE REPRESENTATIONS TO THE UNOFFICIALS INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD WISH TO RESERVE THEIR POSITION, ESPECIALLY IN RESPECT OF DETAILS OF THE BILL ITSELF.
A VIEW WOULD BE EXPRESSED AFTER THEY HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CONSIDER ALL THE RELEVANT FACTS AND ALTERNATIVE MEANS OF SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF PROSECUTING AND TRYING COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES IN HONG KONG.
AS TO HOW SERIOUS THE PROBLEM OF TRIALS OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES WAS, MR WONG SAID THE PROBLEM, AS PRESENTED TO THE UNOFFICIALS AND AS THE UNOFFICIALS SAW IT, DESERVED CAREFUL EXAMINATION AND WAS ONE THAT SHOULD BE URGENTLY ADDRESSED, PARTICULARLY IN VIEW OF THE DRAMATIC INCREASE IN COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES IN RECENT YEARS.
MR WONG SAID THE UNOFFICIALS DID NOT KNOW WHETHER THE PROPOSAL IN THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL WAS THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM, BUT CONSIDERED THE CONCEPT AS WELL AS THE DETAILS OF THE BILL HAD YET TO BE EXAMINED.
CONSEQUENTLY, THE AD HOC GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT THE BILL BE ADJOURNED INDEFINITELY TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR DISCUSSION, TAKING ROSK ILL’S FINDINGS INTO CONSIDERATION.
IT FURTHER RECOMMENDED THAT A SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL BE APPOINTED UNDER STANDING ORDER 61(1) TO CONSIDER THE WHOLE ISSUE OF TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES AND NOT JUST THE BILL ITSELF.
REFERRING TO THE SUGGESTION THAT THERE HAD BEEN INADEQUATE CONSULTATION AND THAT GOVERNMENT WAS PUSHING THE BILL THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE PROCESS, MR WONG OUTLINED THE BACKGROUND TO THE FORMULATION OF THE BILL AND SAID HE AGREED WITH SIR ROGER LOBO THAT IT WOULD BE UNFAIR TO CRITICISE THE ADMINISTRATION FOR FAILING TO CONSULT ADEQUATELY.
+CERTAINLY, A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT HAS BEEN MADE, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THERE APPEARS TO BE A BREAK DOWN IN COMMUNICATION,* l£ SAID.
+ IT IS A MATTER OF RECORD THAT SOME OF THOSE CONSULTED HAVE NOW CHANGED THEIR MINDS.
+THIS IS PERFECTLY LEGITIMATE.
+IN THE LIGHT OF EVENTS, ANY ASPERSION RELATING TO THE HANDL I NG'OF THE ISSUE SHOULD BE INTERPRETED IN ITS PROPER PERSPECTIVE,* HE SAID.
/HR WONG ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 198$
12 -
MR WONG THEN DESCRIBED THE SET UP AND TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE, ADDING THAT IT APPEARED MOST UNLIKELY THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE ABLE TO REPORT IN JULY THIS YEAR, THOUGH IT HAD PLANNED TO DO SO.
+IT IS FAIR TO SAY THAT THE PROBLEMS FACING THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE ARE NOT QUITE THE SAME AS THOSE WE IN HONG KONG ARE NOW FACING,* HE OBSERVED.
AS FOR THE SUGGESTION THAT THE WHOLE MATTER SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION, HE SAID THE BETTER VIEW WAS THAT, SINCE THE BILL WAS WITH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IT WAS MEMBERS’ RESPONSIBILITY TO DECIDE WHAT COURSE OF ACTION WOULD BE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF OUR COMMUNITY.
HE NOTED THAT MANY CRITICS OF THE BILL WELCOMED UMELCO’S PROPOSAL TO DEFER THE BILL AND SET UP A SELECT COMMITTEE, INCLUDING THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG WHO WAS QUOTED AS SAYING THAT IT WAS AN IDEAL ARRANGEMENT.
SUMMING UP, MR WONG SAID HE WOULD EMPHASISE THAT AT THE END OF THE DAY IT WOULD BE THE DUTY OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ENACT LEGISLATION, WHICH IN ITS COLLECTIVE VIEW, WOULD BEST SERVE THE NEEDS OF HONG KONG.
--------O ---------
SIR ROGER LOBO WINDS UP COMMERCIAL CRIMES MOTION
* * * * *
IN A WINDING UP ON HIS MOTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY), SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON SIR ROGER LOBO, SAIJ THE TERMS OF THE MOTION WERE WIDE ENOUGH TO ENABLE A SELECT COMMITTEE TO CONSIDER ALL THE PROBLEMS CONCERNING THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL CF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES AND NOT ONLY THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL.
+l BELIEVE IT IS DESIRABLE TO EXTEND THE SCOPE OF THE ENQUIRY SO THAT THIS COUNCIL MAY RECEIVE RECOMMENDATIONS IN RELATION TO POSSIBLE CHANGES IN PROCEDURE OTHER THAN IN RELATION TO THE MODE CF TRIAL,+ HE SAID.
HE ENVISAGED THAT THE COMMITTEE WOULD CONSIDER AND DRA* ON A WIDE RANGE OF SUBMISSIONS AND MATERIALS, INCLUDING THE REPORT CF THE ROSKILL COMMITTEE ON FRAUD TRIALS, WHEN IT WAS PUBLISHED. IT SHOULD CONCERN ITSELF WITH THE PARTICULAR PROBLEMS OF HONG KONG WHICH MIGHT NOT BE THE SAME AS THOSE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
/+IN putt:NG .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
+IN PUTTING FORWARD THIS MOTION FOR THE UNOFFICIAL SIDE, IT IS Ji-VICUS THAT WE DO NOT CONSIDER THAT THE MATTER SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE LA* REFORM COMMISSION,* SIR ROGER SAID.
*THc BILL IS WITH THIS COUNCIL AND IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MEMBERS TO DECIDE WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF HONt RONG.
+ANY PROPOSALS FOR LEGISLATION MADE BY THE COMMISSION WOULD HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED BY THIS COUNCIL IN ANY EVENT AND I BELIEVE WE SHOULD GET ON WITH THE JOB NOW,* HE SAID.
-----0------
APPROPRIATION BILL APPROVED WITH ONE ABSTENTION X X X X
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON LYDIA DUNN ABSTAINED FROM VOTING AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MISS DUNN SAID AT THE END OF HER SPEECH IN THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING SHE PUT A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
+l EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT TO TAKE A DEFINITIVE VIEW OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1985 WITHOUT ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS + SHE SAID. ’
+UN FORTUN ATELY, AND I REGRET HAVING TO SAY THIS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DID NOT PROVIDE ME WITH SUFFICIENT OR SUFFICIENTLY CONVINCING ANSWERS TO THESE QUESTIONS.
+FOR INSTANCE, HE EXPLAINED WHY THE GOVERNMENT PUBLISHES ITS SELECTIVE STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES, BUT HE DID NOT ANSWER THE QUESTION 'WHAT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S TRUE FINANCIAL POSI TION?’
+HE IGNORED ENTIRELY THE FACT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S DEFINITION OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR, WHICH EXCLUDES BOTH THE MTR AND THE KCR, IS HOPELESSLY MISLEADING.
+WE STILL DON’T KNOW WHAT ACTUALLY IS THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR EITHER IN ABSOLUTE OR RELATIVE TERMS AND ARE UNABLE THEREFORE, TO TAKE AN OVERALL VIEW OF OUR SITUATION. ’
/+HE RESOLUTELY ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 19^5
+ HE RESOLUTELY REFUSED TO MAKE A ’LONG TERM BUDGETARY FORECAST’, BUT I DIDN’T ASK HIM TO.
+ l COMPLAINED THAT HE GAVE US NO PROJECTIONS AT ALL, NOT EVEN FOR NEXT YEAR,+ SHE SAID.
IN OTHER WORDS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ASKED US TO ACCEPT THAT HIS PROPOSALS WERE CORRECT, BUT LIGHTLY DISMISSED THE NEED TO SUPPLY US SUCH FACTS AS WE THOUGHT WERE NECESSARY TO ENABLE US TO COME TO AN INFORMED VIEW OF THE GOVERNMENT’S BUDGETARY STRATEGY.
+THIS ATTITUDE IS INCONSISTENT WITH THE WAY IN WHICH BUSINESS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED IN THIS COUNCIL AND IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE OBJECTIVE STATED IN THE RECENT WHITE PAPER OF MAKING GOVERNMENT ’MORE DIRECTLY ACCOUNTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG’,+ MISS DUNN SAI D.
- 0 -
LOCAL PARTICIPATION ON JLG CALLED FOR * * * * *
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE HOPED PRESS REPORTS THAT BRITAIN a I SHED TO APPOINT A LOCAL HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICER AS A MEMBER CF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, BUT COULD NOT DO SO BECAUSE OF OBJECT IONo FROM CHINA, WERE UNTRUE.
MR CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP) BILL 1985 AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
HE SAID HE HOPED THE REPORTS WERE UNTRUE BECAUSE HE ENVISAGED THAT CHINA WOULD UNDERSTAND THAT IT WAS IN THE INTEREST OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND IN THE INTEREST OF IMPLEMENTING THE JOINT DECLARATION THAT LOCAL PEOPLE SHOULD TAKE PART IN THE CONSULTATIONS WITHIN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
+WE HAVE LONG PASSED THE STAGE OF THE DEBATE ON THE 'THREE-LEGGED STOOL’,+ HE SAID.
THE AGREEMENT HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS A GOOD ONE.
CHINA KNEW VERY WELL THAT SHE COULD COUNT ON THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO MAKE THE AGREEMENT WORK.
/+1 AM
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
15
+ l AM SURE SHE a ILL NOT OBJECT TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG CONTRIBUTING DIRECTLY IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO ENSURE A SMOOTH TRANSITION UP TO THE YEAR 2OOO.
+IN ANY CASE, ONE HAS A FEELING THAT 'OBJECTIONS FROM CHINA’ HAVE BEEN USED TOO FREQUENTLY THAT IT HAS LOST ITS CREDIBILITY,* HE SAID. ’
MR CHEUNG SAID THERE WERE SUSPICIONS IN THE PAST OF HMG’S INTENTION OR EFFORTS IN LOOKING AFTER THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG IN ENACTING THE BRITISH NATIONALITY ACT AND DURING THE NEGOTIATION^ ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE.
THE SAME SUSPICION WOULD ARISE AGAIN IF THERE WAS PARTICIPATION IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
NO LOCAL
+THE RESULT WILL BE SERIOUS DAMAGE TO THE CONFIDENCE WHICH HAS JUST RETURNED,* HE SAID.
LORD KADOORIE HAD GIVEN A WARNING IN THE HOUSE OF LORDS RECENTLY, REMINDING HMG THAT IT MUST NOT NEGLECT THE FEELINGS IN HONG KONG - A FEELING OF A CHILD BEING ABANDONED BY ITS PARENTS.
+l MUST REPEAT THAT WARNING AGAIN FOR THE SAKE OF EFFECTIVE GOVERNMENT DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD,* MR CHEUNG SAID.
IT WAS AN IRONY THAT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD THE POwER TO ALLOW THIS BILL TO PASS TO ENABLE the FORMATION OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, BUT HAD NO SAY AT ALL ON THE PERSONS WHO SHOULD REPRESENT THt INTERESTS OF HONG KONG WHEN THE AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG ALONE WOULD BE DISCUSSED IN THE GROUP.
+l wOULD HAVE' ABSTAINED FROM VOTING IF NOT FOR THE SAKE OF SHOWING MY COMMITMENT TO MAKE THE JOINT DECLARATION WORK,* MR CHEUNG SAID.
ECHOING MR CHEUNG’S WORDS, THE HON MRS RITA FAN SAID THERE HAD BEEN CONSIDERABLE SPECULATION AND COMMENT IN THE LOCAL PRESS DURING THE PAST FEw WEEKS, CONCENTRATING MAINLY ON THE PERSONALITIES, WHILST MISSING OUT ON THE REASON WHY IT wAS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO HAVE LOCAL PEOPLE TAKING PART IN THE ACTIVITIES OF THE GROUP AS FULL MEMBERS.
SHE SAID THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAD ACCEPTED THE AGREEMENT AS A GOOD ONE AND SUCCESSFUL IMPLEMENTATION WOULD DEPEND ON THEIR CONTINUING TO BELIEVE THAT IT WAS SO.
+ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE wAYS TO ACHIEVE THAT IS T. ALLOW LOCAL PEOPLE, SAY ONE LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICER AT THIS STAGE, TO PARTICIPATE IN THE JOINT _ IAI SON GROUP AS AN ILLUSTRATION TrAT THE INTERESTS OF HONL KONG «OULD BE ADEQUATELY REFLECTED, Ful_Y RESPECTED AND TAKEI. INTO -CCOUNT T-ROUGHOUT THE TRANolTIO. PERIOD,* SHE SAID.
/MBS FAN .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
MRS FAN SAID IT WAS AN INDISPUTABLE FACT THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG wERE BENT ON MAKING THE ’ONE COUNTRY TWO SYSTEMS’ CONCEPT WORK SUCCESSFULLY HERE, FOR THIS WAS THE ONLY WAY TO PRESERVE OUR LIFE STYLE AND TO ACHIEVE FUTURE PROGRESS.
+THERE IS NO LACK OF ENTHUSIASM AND MOTIVATION TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP.
+NOT TO TAP THIS RESOURCE AND UTILISE IT TO THE FULLEST EXTENT IS, TO SAY THE LEAST, HARDLY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED,+ HE SAID.
MRS FAN SAID THERE WAS ONE WIDELY SPECULATED, YET UNCONFIRMED, REASON FOR KEEPING A LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICER OUT OF THE GROUP" THAT WAS MEMBERS OF EACH SIDE OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WERE DIPLOMATIC REPRESENTATIVES OF THEIR RESPECTIVE GOVERNMENTS AND IT WAS DEEMED INAPPROPRIATE FOR A HONG KONG PERSON TO ACQUIRE THAT STATUS.
+ THIS MAY BE A TECHNICAL POINT OF SOME VALIDITY, YET I BELIEVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, BEING VERY PRAGMATIC, WOULD APPRECIATE THAT WITHOUT THE SPIRIT OF ’MUTUAL ACCOMMODATION AND CO-OPERATION’ AS DEMONSTRATED BY CHINA AND THE UK, THE REMARKABLE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION COULD NOT HAVE MATERIALISED,* SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS VERY IMPORTANT AND CRUCIAL TO THE W'ElL BEING OF HONG KONG.
IN ACHIEVING A SMOOTH WORKING RELATIONSHIP, COMMUNICATION AND CONSULTATION MUST FORM A SIGNIFICANT PART, SHE SAID.
+SINCE THE COMMON OBJECTIVE OF ALL SIDES, NAMELY THE UK, CHINA AND THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, IS TO WORK FOR THE WELL BEING CF HONG KONG, THERE IS NO REASON WHY A WAY CANNOT BE FOUND SO THAT PRAGMATISM WOULD PREVAIL OVER DOCTRINAIRE AND THEORETICAL CONSIDERATIONS.
+AFTER ALL, THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS PROMISED A HIGH DEGREE OF’ AUTONOMY FOR THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION AFTER 1997= THEREFORE IT IS ONLY APPROPRIATE TO GIVE MEANING TO THAT PROMISE BY INVOLVING LOCAL PEOPLE IN THE WORK OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP,* SHE SAID.
SHE BELIEVED THAT THIS SENSIBLE APPROACH WOULD HELP TO ALLEVIATE ANY LINGERING DOUBT PEOPLE MIGHT HAVE ABOUT THE JOINT DECLARATION.
FURTHER, IT WOULD ENHANCE CONFIDENCE AND DEMONSTRATE CHINA’S COMMITMENT TO AND SINCERITY IN IMPLEMENTING THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
/+IT IS .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 17 -
♦ IT IS 4.S0 IMPORTANT THAT, DURING THE TRANSITION PERIOD, LOCAL PEOPLE ARE TRAINED AND DEVELOPED SO THAT LEADERS CAN EMERGE IN TIME TO REALISE THE 'HONG KONG PEOPLE RULING HONG KONG’ CONCEPT.
+IF BOTH BRITAIN AND CHINA AGREED TO LET LOCAL PEOPLE HAVE A HAND IN IMPORTANT ISSUES, SUCH AS TAKING PART IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THEN WE ARE REALLY MAKING OUR FIRST STEP TOWARDS THAT GOAL,* MRS FAN SAID.
SHE ALSO SAID IT WAS INCONCEIVABLE THAT MEMBERSHIP OF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WOULD REMAIN UNCHANGED UP TO THE YEAR 2000 AND THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WOULD NOT ASK FOR MORE DIRECT PARTICIPATION IN THE GROUP AS THE GOVERNMENTAL SYSTEM MOVED TOWARDS BECOMING MORE REPRESENTATIVE.
♦APPOINTING A LOCAL HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL TO THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP NOW WOULD MAKE THE EVOLUTION TOWARDS UNOFFICIALS’ PARTICIPATION LATER ON MORE NATURAL,* MRS FAN CONCLUDED.
-----o------
CONTACTS CONTINUE ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR JLG * * * *
CONTACTS BETWEEN THE CHINESE AND BRITISH GOVERNMENTS ARE CONTINUING ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP AND AN ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE MADE IN DUE COURSE, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
♦UNTIL SUCH TIME PRESS REPORTS SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE REGARDED AS SPECULATIVE,* HE SAID.
MR THOMAS WAS SPEAKING DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP) BILL 1985.
HE SAID HE HAD TAKEN NOTE OF THE COMMENTS EXPRESSED BY THE HON RITA FAN AND THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG ON THE COMPOSITION CF THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, WHICH CLEARLY REPRESENTED DEEPLY-FELT VIEWS.
+THE GOVERNMENT NATURALLY SHARES MEMBERS’ COMMITMENT TO THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION AND TO ITS FAITHFUL IMPLEMENTATION,* HE SAID.
-----o------
/18........
-U
.. i, 1985
18
NEED FOR ALTERNATIVE OATH EXPLAINED
XXX
IT WAS NECESSARY TO HAVE AN ALTERNATIVE OATH WHICH COULD BE TAKEN BY ANY MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO DID NOT WISH TO TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE, AS HONG KONG WAS MOVING TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THE NEW ALTERNATIVE OATH WILL BE KNOWN AS THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH, THE FORM OF WHICH IS SET OUT IN CLAUSE 5 OF THE BILL AS A NEW PART IV A IN THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE,+ HE SAID.
+CLAUSE 2 OF THE BILL ADDS THE NEW OATH TO THE LIST OF OATHS DEALT WITH IN THE ORDINANCE.
+ CLAUSE 3 AMENDS THE ORDINANCE SO THAT A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL HAVE A CHOICE TO TAKE EITHER THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OR T-HE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH.
+CLAUSE 4 HAS THE EFFECT OF RELIEVING A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FROM THE REQUIREMENT TO TAKE EITHER THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE OR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH IF HE HAS TAKEN EITHER OATH ON PREVIOUS APPOINTMENT TO THE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
SUBJECT TO THE BILL BEING PASSED, MR TSAO SAID, CONSEQUENTIAL CHANGES TO THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE MADE BEFORE THE END OF THIS SESSION.
MR TSAO SAID THAT ON APPOINTMENT A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHETHER OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL, TAKES AN OATH OF ALLEGIANCE UNDER WHICH HE SWEARS THAT HE +WILL BE FAITHFUL AND BEAR TRUE ALLEGIANCE TO HER MAJESTY QUEEN ELIZABETH THE SECOND, HER HEIRS AND SUCCESSORS, ACCORDING TO LAW.*
IN THE CONTEXT OF MOVING TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, RETENTION OF THE MANDATORY REQUIREMENT TO TAKE THIS OATH IN ITS PRESENT FORM MIGHT BE UNDESIRABLE.
HOWEVER, MR TSAO SAID, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE REQUIRED TO TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE ON FIRST APPOINTMENT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IF HE HAD NOT TAKEN IT BEFORE, EVEN THOUGH HE MIGHT HAVE TAKEN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH.
+NO CHANGE IS PROPOSED TO THAT PART OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH PROVIDES THAT AN AFFIRMATION IS PERMITTED IN LIEU of an oath,+ he said.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
------o-------
/19
WEDNESDAY, MA/ 1, 1985
19
PERSONAL TAX CUTS WILL BENEFIT 280 000
*****
PERSONAL TAX CONCESSIONS HE PROPOSED IN
____ HIS BUDGET SPEECH
THIS YEAR WOULD BENEFIT OVER 280 000 PEOPLE EITHER BY REMOVING OR REDUCING THEIR LIABILITY TO SALARIES TAX, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, SAID TODAY.
THESE PROPOSALS, SIR JOHN SAID, WERE GENEROUS GIVEN THE PRESENT BUDGETARY POSITION, BUT HE BELIEVED THAT THEY HAD BEEN SEEN AS FAIR BY MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL AND THE PUBLIC, HE SAID.
+AS FORESHADOWED IN MY BUDGET SPEECH THEY ARE INTENDED TO BENEFIT THE LESS WELL-OFF SALARIES TAX-PAYER,+ SIR JOHN SAID, HAVING THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1985.
HE RECALLED THAT THE FOUR CONCESSIONS HE PROPOSED WERE:
FIRSTLY: TO INCREASE THE MARRIED PERSONS’ ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE FROM $15 000 TO $17 000, THEREBY INCREASING THE TOTAL PERSONAL ALLOWANCE OF A MARRIED COUPLE TO $58 000.
SECONDLY: TO INCREASE THE CHILD ALLOWANCE FOR A FIRST CHILD FROM $8 000 TO $9 000 AND FOR A SECOND CHILD FROM $5 500 TO $6 000, THEREBY INCREASING THE MAXIMUM CHILD ALLOWANCE TO $27 000.
THIRDLY: TO INCREASE THE ADDITIONAL ALLOWANCE FOR A DEPENDENT PARENT RESIDING WITH THE TAXPAYER FROM $2 000 TO $3 000 THUS BRINGING THE TOTAL ALLOWANCE FOR EACH DEPENDENT PARENT TO $11 000.
FOURTHLY: DEFERRING THE POINT AT WHICH THE 25 PER CENT TAX RATE TAKES EFFECT BY WIDENING THE 20 PER CENT BAND FROM $10 000 TO $20 000.
HE SAID THAT CLAUSE 4 OF THE BILL WAS A TRANSITIONAL PROVISION TO ENSURE THAT PROVISIONAL TAX ASSESSED AFTER APRIL 1, 1985 WAS BASED UPON THE NEW ALLOWANCES.
+THEY WILL NOT HOWEVER, AS WAS THE PRACTICE IN THE PAST, BE APPLICABLE TO THE FINAL TAX LIABILITY FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR, I.E. THE NEW SCALE OF ALLOWANCES WILL NOT BE APPLICABLE TO 1984-85,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+EVEN SO, THESE MEASURES ARE EXPECTED TO COST THE GOVERNMENT $150 MILLION IN 1985-86 AND $210 MILLION PER ANNUM THEREAFTER.+
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- 0----------
/PO.......
WEDNES mi, MhY 1, 1985
20
BILL PROVIDES FOR SOFT DRINK, COSMETICS DUTY X X X X X
A BILL TO AMEND THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE AND DUTIABLE COMMODITIES REGULATIONS, TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND COSMETICS AND TO BRING CONCENTRATES UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE ORDINANCE, WAS READ A SECOND TIME BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, SIR JOHN SAID CLAUSE 5 WOULD AMEND SECTION 26A, WHICH AT PRESENT APPLIED ONLY TO IMPORTED DUTIABLE GOODS. THE AMENDMENT WOULD EXTEND THE METHOD OF ASSESSING THE VALUE OF GOODS TO GOODS MANUFACTURED IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE CALCULATION OF THE NORMAL PRICE OF SUCH DUTIABLE GOODS WOULD BE DETERMINED ON THE ASSUMPTIONS THAT THE GOODS HAD BEEN DELIVERED TO THE BUYER AT HIS PREMISES, AND THAT THE SELLER BORE ALL CHARGES AND EXPENSES, INCLUDING TRANSPORT, INCIDENTAL TO THE SALE AND DELIVERY OF THE GOODS TO THE BUYER. AS WAS THE CASE FOR IMPORTED GOODS, THE BUYER WOULD BEAR ANY DUTY PAYABLE IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
OTHER AMENDMENTS WOULD ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER TO REQUIRE AN IMPORTER OR MANUFACTURER OF JUICE TO MAKE A DECLARATION AS TO THE FRUIT OR VEGETABLE FROM WHICH THE JUICE HAD BEEN EXTRACTED, AND WOULD PROVIDE FEES FOR LICENCES IN CONNECTION WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND COSMETICS.
SIR JOHN ALSO GAVE NOTICE THAT, AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE OF THE BILL, HE WOULD MOVE TWO AMENDMENTS.
THE FIRST AMENDMENT WOULD BE FOR DELETION OF +ESSENTIAL OIL+ FROM SECTION 76 (D), AS SET OUT IN CLAUSE 9 OF THE BILL, FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE TRADE.
THE SECOND AMENDMENT WAS A MINOR AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 12 CF THE BILL TO EXTEND THE HEADING TO PART VI OF THE SCHEDULE IN THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES REGULATIONS TO INCLUDE CONCENTRATE. THIS AMENDMENT WAS CONSEQUENTIAL TO OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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/21 .......
WcDNE j»r, MAY 1, 1985
21
MOTOR VEHICLE FEE * * * *
RISES SOUGHT
K
A BILL PROVIDING FOR INCREASES IN FEES FOR THE ANNUAL REGISTRATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES, PROVISIONAL AND FULL DRIVING LICENCES AND DRIVING TESTS, WAS READ A SECOND TIME BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TODAY.
MOVING THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, SIR JOHN SAID THAT THE NEW FEES, AS DESCRIBED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH, HAD COME INTO EFFECT AT 2.30 PM ON FEBRUARY 27 AS A RESULT OF AN ORDER SIGNED BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
THE REVISED RATES ARE SET OUT IN CLAUSES 2 AND 3 OF THE BILL WHICH AMEND THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES) REGULATIONS AND THE SECOND SCHEDULE TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS.
THE ADDITIONAL REVENUE YIELD FROM THE INCREASED FEES FOR 1985-86 IS ESTIMATED TO BE $67 MILLION.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----0-----
LEGAL AID ADMINISTRATION MADE EASIER * * * *
A MOTION TO IMPROVE THE ADMINISTRATION OF LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN SEEKING APPROVAL OF THE LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES (AMENDMENT) RULES 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, SAID RULE TWO RELATED TO THOSE CASES IN WHICH A SOLICITOR WAS ASSIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR CF LEGAL AID TO REPRESENT A LEGALLY AIDED PERSON BUT ANOTHER SOLICITOR IN THE SAME FIRM CONDUCTED THE CASE IN PLACE OF THE SOLICITOR ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED.
+IN ORDER TO EXERCISE A MEASURE OF CONTROL OVER THE CONDUCT CF CRIMINAL CASES, AND TO PROTECT THE INTERESTS OF THE AIDED PERSON, THE AMENDMENT SEEKS TO RESTRICT THE RIGHT OF THE SOLICITOR ORIGINALLY ASSIGNED TO PASS THE CASE TO ANOTHER SOLICITOR IN THE SAME FIRM.
/♦CASES IN
wedk 1, 1985
- 22 -
+CASES IN WHICH THE SOLICITOR IS NOT ASSIGNED AS AN ADVOCATE WILL REMAIN UNAFFECTED BUT IN RESPECT OF THOSE IN WHICH THE SOLICITOR IS ASSIGNED TO CONDUCT THE CASE IN COURT, AN ALTERNATE SOLICITOR FROM THE SAME FIRM WILL ONLY BE PERMITTED TO APPEAR WITH THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE DIRECTOR OF LEGAL AID,+ HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THE OPPORTUNITY HAD BEEN TAKEN IN RULE 3 TO EXTEND THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL AID TO PROCEEDINGS IN THE HIGH COURT OR DISTRICT COURT TO THOSE OFFENDERS WHO MIGHT BE REFERRED BACK TO THE COURT FOR SENTENCE AS A RESULT OF BREACH OF A COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDER AND TO CLARIFY DOUBTS AS TO THE AVAILABILITY OF LEGAL AID FOR THOSE WHO WERE TO BE SENTENCED BY A DISTRICT COURT JUDGE FOR CONTEMPT AND FOR SUMMARY PUNISHMENT FOR PERJURY.
THE RATIONALE BEHIND SUCH EXTENSIONS, MR TSAO SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO WERE TO BE PUNISHED BY THE COURTS WERE NOT, THROUGH LACK OF MEANS, DEPRIVED OF LEGAL REPRESENTATION TO PLEAD MITIGATION.
+A FURTHER AMENDMENT PROVIDED BY RULE 3 ENSURES THAT THE LIMITS OF DISPOSABLE CAPITAL AND INCOME THAT GOVERN ELIGIBILITY FOR LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES ARE AUTOMATICALLY MAINTAINED AT THE SAME LEVEL AS THOSE THAT APPLY UNDER THE LEGAL AID ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF CIVIL CASES,+ HE SAID.
MR TSAO SAID THE AMENDMENT CONTAINED IN RULE 6 REMOVED THE STATUTORY LIMIT ON FEES PAYABLE TO SOLICITORS FOR PREPARATORY WORK AND DAILY ATTENDANCES IN CASES WHICH THE COURT HAD CERTIFIED WERE OF EXCEPTIONAL LENGTH OR COMPLEXITY AND EMPOWERED THE DIRECTOR TO PAY SUCH FEES AS WERE PROPER IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE CASE.
+THIS IS THE EXISTING PRACTICE UNDER THE RULES FOR THE FEES PAYABLE TO COUNSEL ONCE SUCH A CERTIFICATE HAS BEEN GIVEN BY THE COURT.
+THE NEED FOR THE AMENDMENT HAS ARISEN AS A RESULT OF THE INCREASE IN LENGTHY CASES INVOLVING SUBSTANTIAL PREPARATORY WORK BY SOLICITORS PRIOR TO TRIAL.
♦THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT HAS INSUFFICIENT MANPOWER RESOURCES TO CONDUCT SUCH CASES AND THE EXISTING FEES PAYABLE TO SOLICITORS ARE SUCH THAT PRIVATE PRACTITIONERS ASSIGNED WOULD BE REQUIRED TO CARRY OUT THE WORK AT GROSSLY UNECONOMIC RATES AND ARE NOT UNNATURALLY RELUCTANT TO DO SO DESPITE THEIR RECORD OF SELFLESS ASSISTANCE TO THE LEGAL AID SCHEME.
♦AMENDMENTS ARE MADE TO THE FORM OF APPLICATION FOR LEGAL AID IN CRIMINAL CASES TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY WITH THAT USED FOR CIVIL CASES AND CROSS REFERENCES TO PREVIOUS REGULATIONS AS TO ASSESSMENT OF RESOURCES AND CONTRIBUTIONS ARE CORRECTED TO REFLECT RECENT CHANGES EFFECTED BY THOSE REGULATIONS,* MR TSAO SAID.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 23 -
WIDE SUPPORT FOR OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS TRIBUNAL K X X K X X
THERE HAD BEEN WIDESPREAD PUBLIC SUPPORT FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TRIBUNAL TO DEAL WITH OBSCENE PUBLICATIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+AND THE HONG KONG MAGISTRATES’ ASSOCIATION HAS GIVEN SUPPORT, IN PRINCIPLE, TO SUCH A SYSTEM,+ HE SAID.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON RITA FAN, MR TSAO SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS WELL AWARE OF THE RECENT CLAMOUR FOR THE EARLY ESTABLISHMENT OF SUCH A TRIBUNAL.
+OUR INTENTION IS TO DEVELOP AN ACTION PLAN, TOGETHER WITH A REALISTIC PACKAGE OF PROPOSALS, FOR THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S CONSIDERATION BEFORE THE END OF THIS SUMMER,* HE SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT THE TRIBUNAL CONCEPT WOULD NOT IN ITSELF SOLVE THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS OF OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS, MR TSAO SAID HE HAD TAKEN UP THE MATTER PERSONALLY WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, AND THEY HAD AGREED THAT WAYS AND MEANS SHOULD BE FOUND TO ACHIEVE SPEEDIER AND MORE EFFECTIVE ACTION ON THE GROUND.
+CONS(DERATION IS THEREFORE BEING GIVEN TO TAKING ACTION NOT ONLY AGAINST PUBLISHERS, AS WE HAVE DONE HITHERTO, BUT ALSO PRINTERS, DISTRIBUTORS AND VENDORS WHO ARE EQUALLY LIABLE UNDER EXISTING LAWS,* HE SAID.
+1 HAVE BEEN ASSURED THAT ACTION, AIMING PARTICULARLY AT OFFENDING PUBLISHERS AND VENDORS, WILL BE TAKEN.
+1 TRUST THAT THESE MEASURES WILL GIVE THE ADMINISTRATION TIME TO IMPLEMENT A DEFINITIVE SOLUTION, I.E. THE TRIBUNAL CONCEPT.*
AS FOR THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING GROUP ESTABLISHED TO CONSIDER IN DETAIL THE SETTING UP OF THE TRIBUNAL, MR TSAO SAID IT HAD CONCLUDED THAT SUCH A TRIBUNAL WOULD SERVE AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING FOUR MAIN PURPOSES:
X BY VIRTUE OF ITS COMPOSITION, IT WOULD BE BETTER PLACED TO REFLECT THE VIEWS OF THE COMMUNITY;
X VOLUNTARY PRE-PUBLICATION AND PRE-D I STR I BUT I ON SUBMISSION TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR A RULING WOULD HELP DISTRIBUTORS AND PUBLISHERS AVOID TRANSGRESSING THE LAW;
X A DEGREE OF CONSISTENCY IN STANDARDS COULD BE ATTAINED; AND X DEFINITIVE AND SPEEDIER RULINGS COULD BE OBTAINED.
/+THE WOHKDiG .......
WEEKES DAY, MAY 1, 1985
24
+THE WORKING GROUP HAS ALSO DELIBERATED ON A NUMBER OF ISSUES, INCLUDING THE TRIBUNAL’S SCOPE OF WORK, COMPOSITION, PROCEDURE FOR HEARING AND APPEAL, ITS INTERACTION WITH THE COURT SYSTEM AND PROVISIONS FOR MORE EFFECTIVE SEIZURE ACTIONS ONCE A RULING IS PASSED,+ MR TSAO SAID.
+THE WORKING GROUP WILL PRESS ON WITH THE REMAINING ISSUES, SUCH AS, ENFORCEMENT OF THE TRIBUNAL’S RULING, CONTROL OF SALES OUTLETS, SERVICING OF A TRIBUNAL WHICH IS LIKELY TO HAVE FLUCTUATING WORKLOADS.*
MR TSAO POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE QUESTION REMAINED AS TO HOW FAR CONTROLS SHOULD GO, AS A LINE WOULD NEED TO BE DRAWN BETWEEN INFRINGING ON THE PERSONAL FREEDOM OF AN ADULT WHO READ FOR HIS PRIVATE PLEASURE AND PROTECTING JUVENILES FROM INDISCRIMINATE EXPOSURE TO INDECENT MATERIAL.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSCIOUS OF THE FACT THAT PORNOGRAPHY IS A SOCIAL ISSUE, WHICH, LIKE MANY OTHERS WITH A MORAL IMPORT, CANNOT AND WILL NOT BE SOLVED BY THE IRON HANDS OF THE LAW ALONE,* HE SAID.
-----0------
HOUSING AUTHORITY RECORDS 3.6 PER CENT VACANCY RATE * * * * *
OF THE 15 897 COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES MANAGED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, 577 OR ABOUT 3.6 PER CENT WERE VACANT AT THE END OF MARCH, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON KEITH LAM, READ OUT BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR FORD SAID THIS FIGURE WAS ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE VACANCY RATE OF COMMERCIAL PREMISES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
HE SAID THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WOULD CONSIDER LOWERING RENTS IN ORDER TO REDUCE VACANCIES AND IT WAS BEING DONE ALREADY.
HOWEVER, HE POINTED OUT THAT ONCE A TENANCY AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY DID'NOT THINK IT WAS REASONABLE TO LOWER A TENDERED RATE DURING THE PERIOD OF THE TENANCY, BECAUSE TO DO SO WOULD BE UNFAIR TO UNSUCCESSFUL TENDERS.
+WHILE WE DO NOT LIKE TO SEE TENANTS RUN BUSINESS AT A LOSS, WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THE AUTHORITY CAN BE EXPECTED TO ENSURE THAT ALL ITS SHOP TENANTS CAN MAKE A PROFIT.
/fON THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 25 -
♦ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN, THE AUTHORITY DOES NOT INCREASE RENT DURING AN AGREED TENANCY TERM EVEN IF THE ENTERPRISE IS MAKING VERY GOOD PROFITS,* HE SAID.
MR FORD SAID THAT UNDER A TENDERED RENT SYSTEM FOR INITIAL LETTINGS OF COMMERCIAL TENANCIES, THE UPSET RENT WAS SET NOT MORE THAN 90 PER CENT OF THE FULL MARKET VALUE AS ASSESSED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION.
+IF NO TENDERS ARE ATTRACTED ABOVE THIS UPSET RENT, THE PREMISES ARE PUT OUT TO TENDER AGAIN, VERY OFTEN WITHOUT ANY UPSET RENT. IN THE PAST SIX MONTHS, SOME 32 PREMISES WERE LET WITH TENDERED RENTS WELL BELOW 90 PER CENT OF THE ASSESSED FULL MARKET VALUE,* HE SAID.
WHEN TENANCIES ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL, MR FORD SAID, THE ADVICE OF THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT IS SOUGHT ON THE CURRENT MARKET RENT FOR PARTICULAR PREMISES.
+BUT CONSIDERATION IS ALSO GIVEN NOT ONLY TO THIS FIGURE BUT ALSO TO THE VIABILITY OF TENANTS’ BUSINESS. IN MANY CASES, THE RENT EVENTUALLY AGREED WITH COMMERCIAL TENANTS ON RENEWAL IS LOWER THAN THE CURRENT MARKET RENT,* HE SAID.
-----0------
POLICE ACT AGAINST INDECENT DISPLAYS
*****
POLICE HAD SUCCESSFULLY PROSECUTED SHOPOWNERS FOR INDECENT DISPLAYS OF SEXUAL ARTEFACTS, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE LEGAL ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN UNDER SECTION 4 (1) OF THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE, CAP 150, MR TSAO SAID, REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN.
HOWEVER, MR TSAO SAID, LEGAL ADVICE WAS THAT UNLESS THE ARTICLES ON DISPLAY WERE VISUALLY OBSCENE, INDECENT OR REVOLTING, THE MERE DISPLAY OR SALE OF FUNCTIONAL ARTICLES WOULD NOT IN ITSELF GIVE RISE TO SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS.
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/26
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
26 -
CONTROL OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS UNDER REVIEW * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WAS FORMULATING A THREE-PRONGED PROGRAMME OF ADMINISTRATIVE, ORGANISATIONAL AND LEGISLATIVE REVIEW OF ITS CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS, ALTERATIONS AND STRUCTURES IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR CHAN SAID A RADICAL EXAMINATION OF GOVERNMENT’S BASIC POLICY OBJECTIVES OF CONTROL OVER ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS, INCLUDING A REDEFINITION OF PRIORITIES, WAS NEEDED TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
+FOR EXAMPLE, WE SHOULD ASK OURSELVES WHAT DO WE SEEK TO ACHIEVE BY CONTROLLING ILLEGAL WORKS WHICH ARE STRUCTURALLY SAFE,+ HE SAID.
+ADDITIONALLY, PUBLIC ATTITUDES AND THEIR UNDERSTANDING OF THE PROBLEM AND THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM a ILL GO SOME WAY TOWARDS REDUCING IT TO MANAGEABLE PROPORT IONS.+
STRESSING THAT THERE WAS NO COMMITMENT AT THIS STAGE TO ANY DEFINITIVE POLICY INTENTIONS, MR CHAN SAID ONE CONCEPT WHICH HAD DEVELOPED IN THE REVIEW WAS THE INTRODUCTION OF A SYSTEM OF ANNUAL . CERTIFICATION OR DECLARATION REGARDING THE EXISTENCE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN NEWLY COMPLETED RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
+THIS CONCEPT ENVISAGES THE PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE BUILDING OWNERS WHO ARE CLOSER TO THE CAUSES AND EFFECTS IN ENVIRONMENT, HEALTH AND SAFETY MATTERS,+ HE SAID.
+THIS CONCEPT HAS BEEN FLOATED AND HAS ATTRACTED NOT ONLY PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM BUT ALSO A WIDE RANGE OF COMMENTS WHICH WOULD ASSIST IN OUR SEARCH FOR A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM.
+WE ARE STILL IN THE PROCESS OF CONSULTATION.+
MR CHAN POINTED OUT THAT THE PROLIFERATION OF ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS OVER THE YEARS HAD RESULTED IN A CURRENT BACKLOG OF 23 030 CASES WHICH CONTINUED TO GROW AT THE RATE OF SOME 800 NEW CASES EACH MONTH.
AN AVERAGE OF 500 CASES INVOLVING CLEARANCE OF SUCH ILLEGAL WORKS WERE BEING DEALT WITH BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE EACH MONTH, HE SAID.
+0F THIS NUMBER, ABOUT 10 PER CENT RELATE TO CASES wHERE THERE IS A HAZARD TO LIFE AND LIMB WHICH WARRANT ABSOLUTE PRIORITY,+ HE ADDED.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION RAISED EARLIER BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAN SAID THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE PROVIDED FOR THE PROSECUTION OF ANY PERSON, INCLUDING A CONTRACTOR, WHO CARRIED OUT ILLEGAL BUILDING WORKS.
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/27........
f WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985 - 27 -
WATCH KEPT ON INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES
*****
MEASURES TO CONTROL AND PREVENT CROSS INFECTION ARE CONSTANTLY AND REGULARLY MONITORED BY SPECIAL INFECTION CONTROL COMMITTEES IN MAJOR HOSPITALS AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES IN ALL OTHER HOSPITALS, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, DR THONG SAID THE CONTROL AND PREVENTION OF CROSS INFECTION HAD ALWAYS BEEN AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF HOSPITAL PRACTICE AND ADMINISTRATION.
+THUS, MEASURES TO IDENTIFY, PREVENT AND CONTROL HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTIONS ARE NORMALLY UNDERTAKEN BY ALL HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIONS WITHIN THEIR HOSPITALS,* HE SAID.
DR THONG SAID THAT THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WERE RESPONSIBLE FOR OVERSEEING THE NORMAL MEDICAL, NURSING AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES FOR INFECTION CONTROL PURPOSES.
THESE COMMITTEES ALSO CONSIDERED AND IMPLEMENTED ANY MEASURES WHICH WERE CONSIDERED NECESSARY FOR IMPROVEMENT FROM TIME TO TIME, HE ADDED.
DR THONG TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT ADDITIONAL PROVISIONS WERE MADE FOR THE CARE OF PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS, INCLUDING THE ESTABLISHMENT CF MILK KITCHENS, NEO-NATAL INTENSIVE CARE UNITS FOR PRE-MATURE BABIES AND INFANTS WHO NEEDED SPECIAL CARE AS WELL AS ISOLATION FACILITIES.
+THESE MEASURES ALL HELP TO CONTROL AND REDUCE THE CHANCES CF HOSPITAL INFECTION AMONG PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS,* HE SAID.
DR THONG OUTLINED THE VARIOUS MEASURES UNDERTAKEN BY ALL HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIONS TO CONTROL AND PREVENT HOSPITAL ACQUIRED INFECTION. THESE INCLUDED SURVEILLANCE, EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FOR STAFF AND POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL CF CROSS INFECTION.
I
♦SURVEILLANCE IS CARRIED OUT FOR THE PURPOSE OF REPORTING, COLLECTING AND COMPILING RELEVENT DATA ON HOSPITAL INFECTIONS.
♦SUCH DATA PROVIDES USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE INCIDENCE, TREND AND PATTERN OF INFECTION AND ASSIST THE HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATIONS IN ASSESSING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REGULAR PREVENTIVE MEASURES.
♦ IT ALSO ENABLES THE ADMINISTRATION TO RECOGNISE EARLY ANY POTENTIAL SERIOUS OUTBREAKS THAT MAY OCCUR WITHIN THE HOSPITAL SO THAT THE NECESSARY PREVENTIVE MEASURES COULD BE TAKEN IN TIME,* HE SAID.
/ON EDUCATION .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 28
ON EDUCATION AND PROTECTION FOR STAFF, DR THONG SAID APART FROM THEIR TRAINING, SPECIAL LECTURES WERE ORGANISED AND GUIDELINES ON PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES WERE ISSUED IN RESPECT OF CERTAIN DISEASES OF SPECIAL INTEREST SUCH AS HEPATITIS B AND THE RECENT ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME.
IN ADDITION, THERE ARE POLICIES AND GUIDELINES FOR PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF CROSS INFECTION.
+THESE ARE USEFUL FOR THE HOSPITAL STAFF IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES TO FOLLOW SO AS TO KEEP CROSS INFECTION TO A MINIMUM.
+THESE INCLUDE PROCEDURES FOR ISOLATION OF PATIENTS, BARRIER NURSING, DISINFECTION, STERILISATION, PROPER CARE OF EQUIPMENT, SURGICAL PROCEDURES AND SPECIAL INFECTION CONTROL MEASURES IN AREAS SUCH AS THE INTENSIVE CARE UNITS AND RENAL DIALYSIS UNITS.
♦ STERILISED DRESSINGS AND EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN THE WARDS ARE MADE AVAILABLE FROM THE CENTRAL STERILISED SUPPLY DEPARTMENT SO AS TO ELIMINATE THE RISK OF CROSS INFECTION,* DR THONG SAID.
-----0------
NEW CONTROL POINT FACILITIES WILL BE MANNED *****
NEW FACILITIES AT THE MAN KAM TO CONTROL POINT WILL HAVE TO EE MANNED SOMEHOW, PERHAPS BY THE REDEPLOYMENT OF POSTS FROM OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAV IDsJEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO PROVISIONS FOR ADDITIONAL POSTS FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT IN THE 1985-86 ESTIMATES, ONE WAY OF DEALING WITH THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS PASSING THROUGH MAN KAM TO WAS BY REDEPLOYMENT OF EXISTING STAFF.
♦ BUT THERE ARE LIMITS TO THE EXTENT TO WHICH STAFF CAN BE REDEPLOYED IN ANY PARTICULAR DIRECTION,* HE SAID.
+THESE LIMITS, DICTATED BY THE CONSEQUENCES OF DEPLETING STAFF AT OTHER CONTROL POINTS, MAY WELL NOW HAVE BEEN REACHED.
/+OVER THE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 29 -
+OVER THE LAST TWO YEARS (1982 TO 1984) THE NUMBER OF VEHICLE^ GOING THROUGH THE CONTROL POINT AT MAN KAM TO HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 591 OOO TO 1.3 MILLION AND THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS FROM 248 000 TO 310 000 A YEAR.
+AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUMBER OF TRAVELLERS GOING THROUGH THE CONTROL POINTS AT, SAY, KAI TAK HAS INCREASED FROM 7.5 MILLION TO 8.5 MILLION A YEAR.
+BUT THE FACT OF THE MATTER IS THAT THERE ARE PROBLEMS AT MAN KAM TO AND NEW FACILITIES ARE NOW BEING BUILT TO MEET THEM. THEY WILL HAVE TO BE MANNED SOMEHOW, PERHAPS EVEN BY THE REDEPLOYMENT OF POSTS FROM OTHER HEADS OF EXPENDITURE,* HE SAID.
-------o---------
REGULATIONS FOR PHYSIOTHERAPISTS UNDERWAY *****
THE PHYSIOTHERAPISTS BOARD WAS FINALISING DRAFT REGULATIONS FOR THE REGISTRATION OF SUITABLE AND QUALIFIED PERSONS IN THE PROFESSION, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR THE HON K.L. THONG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
+IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THESE REGULATIONS WILL BE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL LATER THIS YEAR,* DR THONG SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON FENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IF THE REGULATIONS WERE APPROVED AND WHEN THEY CAME INTO FORCE, DR THONG SAID, ANY PERSON NOT QUALIFIED FOR REGISTRATION BUT PROVEN TO BE PRACTISING AS A PHYSIOTHERAPIST WOULD BE DEALT WITH IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAW.
AT PRESENT, HE SAID, THERE WERE NO REGULATIONS IN FORCE SETTING OUT QUALIFICATIONS IN RESPECT OF PHYSIOTHERAPISTS FOR REGISTRATION AND PRACTICE.
_ o----------
/JO........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1935
- JO -
10 000 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES IN EASTERN
******
THERE ARE DISTRICT, MOST RESIDENTS, THE SAID TODAY.
ABOUT 10 090 OFF-STREET PARKING SPACES IN EASTERN OF THEM IN HOUSING ESTATES AND RESERVED FOR SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON,
HOWEVER MANY OF THESE ESTATES WITH COMMERCIAL CENTRES ALSO MAKE SPACES AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP IN THE LEGISLAT'VE COUNCIL, MR MACPHERSON SAID THERE ARE 721 METERED ON-STREET SPACES OF WHICH 486 ARE IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND NORTH POINT, 79 IN SHAU KEI WAN AND 156 IN CHAI WAN.
ONE HUNDRED OTHER ON-STREET PARKING SPACES HAD BEEN SUSPENDED BECAUSE OF WORK ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE, BUT THEY WOULD SOON BE MADE AVAILABLE AGAIN, HE SAID.
-----o------
FIRE SERVICES LIABILITY EXPLAINED
*****
THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT LIABLE TO PAY COMPENSATION FOR ANY DAMAGE DONE BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT DURING FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS OR IN THE COURSE OF CARRYING OUT ITS OTHER DUTIES UNDER THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE, UNLESS IT COULD BE SHOWN THAT THE DEPARTMENT OR ITS PERSONNEL HAD BEEN NEGLIGENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TO A QUESTION BY THE HON WONG LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE SAID THAT MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD ALSO NOT BE LIABLE INDIVIDUALLY TO ANY ACTION FOR DAMAGES AS LONG AS THEY WERE BONA FIDE CARRYING OUT IN THE COURSE OF THEIR DUTIES UNDER POWERS CONFERRED BY THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE.
BUT THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE DID SPECIFICALLY PROVIDE THAT ANY DAMAGE DONE BY THE DEPARTMENT OR ITS PERSONNEL IN THE COURSE CF CARRYING OUT THEIR LEGITIMATE DUTIES ON THE OCCASION OF A FIRE WOULD BE DEEMED TO BE DAMAGE BY FIRE WITHIN THE MEANING OF ANY POLICY OF INSURANCE AGAINST FIRE, HE SAID.
-------o----------
/31 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO BE EXPANDED *****
ACTIONS PLANNED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO REDUCE THE SHORTFALL OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WERE OUTLINED BY THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON KEITH LAM READ OUT BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR HENDERSON POINTED OUT THAT VERY ACTIVE CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO A PROGRAMME OF CONVERTING SOME ORDINARY SCHOOLS TO SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND TO USING OTHERS AS TEMPORARY PREMISES WHILE NEW SCHOOLS WERE BEING BUILT.
HE ADDED THAT THE STANDARDISING OF BUILDING PLANS FOR ALL TYPES CF SCHOOLS FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED TO REDUCE THE TIME TAKEN FOR INDIVIDUAL PLANS TO SECURE APPROVAL AND TO SECURE MORE BOARDING PLACES WAS ALSO UNDER VERY ACTIVE CONSIDERATION.
HE NOTED THAT 5 287 SPECIAL SCHOOL PLACES WERE REQUIRED ACCORDING TO THE UPDATED 1984 REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN AND IN 1985-86 4 290 PLACES WOULD BE AVAILABLE.
+THE PLANNING SHORTFALL IS THEREFORE 997 AND THERE ARE 621 STUDENTS ON EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S WAITING LIST,+ HE SAID.
FOR WORK ACTIVITY CENTRE, MR HENDERSON SAID THESE PLACES WOULD BE INCREASED BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 300 PLACES.
THE DEMAND FIGURES UNDER THE UPDATED 1984 REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN WERE 4 190 PLACES. IN 1985-86, 1 145 PLACES WOULD EE AVAILABLE, GIVING A SHORTFALL OF 3 045, HE SAID.
+SHELTERED WORKSHOP PLACES ARE TO BE INCREASED BY AN ANNUAL AVERAGE OF 550 PLACES,+ HE SAID, ADDING THAT AT LEAST 70 PER CENT CF THESE PLACES WERE EARMARKED FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CALCULATION OF DEMAND FOR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS WAS BEING REVIEWED, AND THE CURRENT KNOWN REQUIREMENT FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS WAS 2 283.
+THERE WILL BE 1 834 SUCH PLACES AVAILABLE IN 1985-86, GIVING A SHORTFALL OF 449,+ HE ADDED.
ON RESIDENTIAL CENTRES, MR HENDERSON SAID THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF PLACES FOR SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS BY 100 ANNUALLY, AND MODERATELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ADULTS BY 200 ANNUALLY.
A TOTAL OF 3 930 PLACES IN SUCH CENTRES WERE REQUIRED AND 1 591 PLACES WERE AVAILABLE IN 1985-86, WHICH MEANT THAT THE SHORTFALL WAS 2 339.
-----0-----
/32........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 52 -
MEAT BOUGHT IN CHINA OF GOOD QUALITY
*****
MEAT BOUGHT BY INDIVIDUAL SHOPPERS IN CHINA AND THEN BROUGHT INTO HONG KONG WAS GENERALLY OF A GOOD QUALITY AND IT HAD NOT BEEN FOUND NECESSARY TO SUBJECT IT TO HEALTH INSPECTION.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE HON SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THIS AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS KIND OF SHOPPING IN NEIGHBOURING CHINESE TOWNS HAD BEEN GOING ON FOR A LONG TIME.
MOREOVER, THE QUANTITIES INVOLVED WERE SMALL, BEING FOR CONSUMPTION BY THE INDIVIDUALS THEMSELVES AND THEIR FAMILIES, SIR PHILIP SAID.
-------o---------
INTEREST REVENUE DUE LATER THIS YEAR ******
REVENUE YIELDS FROM INTEREST RECEIVABLE BY BUSINESS ENTERPRISES WOULD NOT COME IN UNTIL THE LATTER PART OF THE 1985-86 FISCAL YEAR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON RITA FAN, SIR JOHN RECALLED THAT HE HAD SAID IN HIS 1984 BUDGET SPEECH THAT IT WAS INTENDED THAT HIS PROPOSAL SHOULD APPLY ONLY TO INTEREST ACCRUING ON OR AFTER APRIL 1, 1984 AND THAT IT WOULD HAVE EFFECT FOR THE FIRST TIME IN RESPECT OF FINAL ASSESSMENTS FOR 1984-85, WHICH wERE GENERALLY NOT DUE FOR PAYMENT UNTIL MARCH 31, 1985.
THERE WOULD, THEREFORE, HE HAD THEN SAID, BE NO IMMEDIATE ADDITION TO REVENUE.
SIR JOHN EXPLAINED THAT IN ACCORDANCE WITH CURRENT DEPARTMENTAL ROUTINES, 1984-85 (FINAL) AND 1985-86 (PROVISIONAL) PROFITS TAX RETURNS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 1, 1985 AND WOULD BEGIN TO FLOW BACK TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AND BE ASSESSED DURING THE FORTHCOMING MONTHS.
+YIELDS FROM THIS SOURCE, WILL NOT, THEREFORE, BEGIN TO COME IN UNTIL THE LATTER PART OF THE 1985-86 FISCAL YEAR.
+AFTER CONSULTING THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, I STICK TO MY ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF A SIGNIFICANT TOTAL YIELD OF S35O MILLION THIS YEAR,+ SIR JOHN SAID.
-------o---------
/35........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 35 -
KCRC CUTS LOSS, CARRIES MORE PASSENGERS ******
THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY CORPORATION SUFFERED A LOSS OF $65 MILLION FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1984, AFTER DEPRECIATION AND INTEREST CHARGES, AND THIS WAS 58 PER CENT LESS THAN THE LOSS FOR THE PERIOD FROM FEBRUARY TO DECEMBER 1983, THt FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
TOTAL REVENUE, HE EXPLAINED, CAME TO $410 MILLION, AND THE RESULTANT OPERATING PROFIT BEFORE DEPRECIATION AND INTEREST WAS $148 MILLION.
THE DEBT OUTSTANDING TO THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN REDUCED TO $1 BILLION, FOLLOWING THE REPAYMENT OF INTEREST ACCRUED THROUGH 1983, SIR JOHN SAID, TABLING THE KCRC ANNUAL REPORT FOR 1984.
BUT THE 78.7 MILLION PASSENGERS CARRIED BY THE RAILWAY DURING THE YEAR REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 63.6 PER CENT OVER THE NUMBER CARRIED IN 1983, HE SAID.
+CROSS BORDER TRAVEL THROUGH LO WU INCREASED BY 57 PER CENT TO 13.2 MILLION PASSENGER MOVEMENTS, WHILE FREIGHT CARRIED TO AND FROM CHINA IN TERMS OF WEIGHT INCREASED BY 50 PER CENT AND 9.8 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY,* HE SAID.
SIR JOHN ASSURED MEMBERS THAT THE RELIABILITY OF THE SYSTEM WOULD BE FURTHER IMPROVED AFTER CERTAIN SHORT AND LONG TERM REMEDIAL MEASURES HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED.
+DESPITE A NUMBER OF DISRUPTIONS WHICH OCCURRED TOWARDS THE END OF 1984, THE RAILWAY ACHIEVED A GOOD OVERALL PUNCTUALITY RATE CF 96.6 PER CENT,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A NEW LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES, SIR JOHN SAID TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT HAD BEEN INVITED AND THE CONTRACT WOULD BE AWARDED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
THE CORPORATION, HE SAID, HAD MADE A SUCCESSFUL START IN OPERATING THE NEWLY ELECTRIFIED AND MODERNISED RAILWAY.
BY TAKING ON THE LIGHT RAIL TRANSIT SYSTEM SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE IN MID-1988, THE CORPORATION WAS EXPANDING ITS ROLE IN PROVIDING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
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/34........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
-
JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE FACILITIES TO BE ENHANCED ******
THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE (JSC) BOARD IS NOW CONSIDERING RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE CENTRE’S MANAGEMENT TO ENHANCE ITS FACILITIES IN ORDER TO ADAPT TO CHANGING DEMANDS, THE HON F.K. HU, A MEMBER OF THE BOARD, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE CENTRE’S ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 30, 1984, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HU SAID THESE PROPOSALS WERE ESTIMATED TO COST IN THE REGION OF $16 MILLION AND DISCUSSIONS WOULD BE HELD WITH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB ON THE QUESTION OF FUNDING.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THESE PROPOSALS DID NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT ANY FUTURE WORKS REQUIRED, AS A RESULT OF SETTLEMENT OF THE LAND, WHICH WOULD REQUIRE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO RENOVATE THE PLAYING FIELDS, THE TENNIS COURTS, THE ATHLETIC TRACK AND THE ARTIFICIAL GRASS TRAINING AREA.
HE REPORTED THAT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT CF A SPORTS SCIENCE LABORATORY AND CLINIC FOR THE TREATMENT OF INJUR IES.
+AN AGREEMENT IS EXPECTED TO BE REACHED SHORTLY ON THE OPERATIONAL POLICY AND FUNDING OF THIS FACILITY,* HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CENTRE IN THE PAST YEAR, MR HU SAID STEADY PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN ALL THE SPORTS INCLUDED IN THE CENTRE’S PROGRAMME.
THE WORKING RELATIONSHIP WITH THE GOVERNING BODIES OF SPORT HAD IMPROVED CONSIDERABLY, LARGELY AS THE RESULT OF A SERIES OF INFORMAL AND FORMAL DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN THE CENTRE’S MANAGEMENT AND OFFICIALS OF EACH ASSOCIATION, HE SAID.
UNDER THE TRAINING OF JSC COACHES, HONG KONG ATHLETES HAD ACHIEVED OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN THE PAST YEAR, HE SAID, CITING THE VARIOUS AWARDS WON IN SWIMMING, SQUASH AND TABLE TENNIS.
IN ADDITION, THE CENTRE HAD ACCOMMODATED MANY MAJOR INTERNATIONAL EVENTS DURING THE PAST YEAR AND WAS FAST DEVELOPING AS A REFERENCE CENTRE FOR ASIAN SPORT.
THE FIRST ASIAN YOUTH BADMINTON TRAINING CAMP WAS HELD AT THE JSC IN AUGUST, 1983.
THE AMATEUR SPORTS FEDERATION AND OLYMPIC COMMITTEE HAD UTILISED THE JSC FOR ITS SOLIDARITY COURSE PROGRAMME WHICH INCLUDED SEMINARS ON HOCKEY, ARCHERY AND SWIMMING, MR HU SAID.
/meanwhile, .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
MEANWHILE, THE JSC WAS WORKING CLOSELY WITH SIMILAR INSTITUTES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD.
+IT IS ENCOURAGING THAT MANY ATHLETES, COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS FROM CHINA HAVE SPENT TIME AT THE JSC IN BOTH TRAINING AND COMPETITI ON,+ HE SAID.
MR HU ALSO REPORTED THAT DURING THE YEAR THE JSC BOARD AGREED TO SUSPEND FULL-TIME COACHING SERVICES TO THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG AMATEUR BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION, AND WAS PRESENTLY CONSIDERING WHETHER TO INCLUDE NEW SPORTS IN THE PROGRAMME.
- - 0 - -
FIVE BILLS, MOTION APPROVED * * *
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION BY SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER LOBO, FOR APPOINTMENT OF A SELECT COMMITTEE WAS ALSO APPROVED.
THE MOTION READ-.
+THAT A SELECT COMMITTEE BE APPOINTED TO CONSIDER AND REPORT ON THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF COMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, INCLUDING CHANGES IN THE PROCEDURES BEFORE AND DURING TRIAL AND THE MODE OF TRIAL.*
THE FIVE BILLS PASSED ARE:
THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1985, THE PUBLIC FINANCE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE AUDIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES (JOINT LIAISON GROUP) BILL 1985 AND THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
FOUR BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1985, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION Ai.D LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 AND THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 15.
0 - -
/?6 .
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
56
GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE TO VISIT CHINA
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE, WILL LEAVE HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) FOR A VISIT TO CHINA.
THEY WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA3O4, ETD 12-NOON.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WILL ARRIVE IN CANTON TOMORROW AFTERNOON, WHERE THEY WILL VISIT THE CANTON TRADE FAIR BEFORE DEPARTING FOR NANJING THE SAME EVENING.
FROM NANJING, THEY WILL VISIT YANGZHOU, ZHENJIANG AND WUXI BEFORE MOVING ON TO SHANGHAI ON MAY 7.
IN SHANGHAI, THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WILL BE GUESTS OF HONOUR OF A HIGH-LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSION, ORGANISED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, TO COINCIDE WITH THE +MADE IN HONG KONG 85+ PRODUCT EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE SHANGHAI EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM MAY 8 TO MAY 13.
SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE ARE EXPECTED TO RETURN TO HONG KONG ON MAY 9.
------0-------
CIVIL SERVICE PAY ADJUSTMENT ANNOUNCED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY A PAY AWARD FOR CIVIL SERVANTS AVERAGING 9.5 PER CENT FROM APRIL 1.
THE PAY AWARD IS TAPERED FROM 11.3 PER CENT AT THE BOTTOM OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE TO 8.7 PER CENT AT THE TOP OF THE SCALE. THE DIRECTORATE PAY SCALE HAS BEEN ADJUSTED UPWARDS BY AN AVERAGE CF 8.5 PER CENT.
THE MODEL SCALE 1 PAY SCALE, THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES (OFFICER) PAY SCALE, THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES (RANK AND FILE) PAY SCALE AND THE TRAINING PAY SCALE HAVE BEEN ADJUSTED IN LINE WITH THE CORRESPONDING POINTS ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE.
COMMENTING ON THE PAY AWARD, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE LEVEL OF PAY ADJUSTMENT FOLLOWED CLOSELY THE RESULTS OF THE PAY TREND SURVEY OF 58 COMPANIES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THESE COMPANIES HAVE ABOUT 95 000 EMPLOYEES AND REPRESENT A CROSS-SECTION OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC LIFE. COMPANIES IN THE MANUFACTURING, CONSTRUCTION, WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT, RESTAURANTS, TRANSPORT, COMMUNICATION AND FINANCIAL SECTORS ARE INCLUDED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PAY TREND SURVEY EXCLUDED MERIT PAYMENTS MADE BY PRIVATE COMPANIES, WHICH AVERAGED BETWEEN TWO AND THREE PER CENT WHEN WEIGHTED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF EMPLOYEES NOT RECEIVING ANY MERIT PAYMENT.
CIVIL SERVICE INCREMENTS CALCULATED ON THE SAME BASIS SHOWED AN AVERAGE SIZE OF 2.9 PER CENT.
------0-------
/37......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION * * * X
LATEST STATISTICS ON REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF SIZE OF ELECTORATE APPLICATIONS
(REVISED)
FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES
COMMERCIAL 1 2 610 363
COMMERCIAL II 5 380 1 200
INDUSTRIAL 1 830 182
INDUSTRIAL II 2 540 563
FINANCIAL 141 55
LABOUR 390 209
SOCIAL SERVICES 156 44
MEDICAL 5 860 987
LEGAL 2 140 395
TEACHING 53 270 18 497
ENGINEER ING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING 3 160 1 151
333
441
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
TOTAL
76 918 *
23
979
* THIS ESTIMATED FIGURE IS ON THE HIGH SIDE AS THERE DUPLICATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
-----o------
/58.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- 58 -
CENTRAL YOUTH BODY ENDORSED BY CONFERENCE
* * * * *
PARTICIPANTS OF THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR CONFERENCE ON +YOUTH POLICIES IN PERSPECTIVE+ PASSED A RESOLUTION AT THE CONCLUDING SESSION TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TH/.T A CENTRAL PLANNING AND COORDINATING COMMITTEE ON YOUTH AFFAIRS SHOULD BE SET UP AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
MR lO KING-MAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE ACT IV ITIES SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR (CCCIYY), SAID IN HIS CLOSING REMARKS THAT IT WAS THE CONSENSUS OF THE PARTICIPANTS THAT IF AND WHEN SUCH A CENTRAL COORDINATING BODY WAS FORMED, ITS MEMBERSHIP SHOULD INCLUDE FRONTLINE YOUTH WORKERS AND YOUNG PEOPLE THEMSELVES AS MEMBERS.
+THE FORMATION OF SUCH A BODY WILL HELP TO IDENTIFY YOUTH PROBLEMS, TO DETERMINE THE RATIONALE OF A YOUTH POLICY, AND TO FORMULATE A FLEXIBLE YOUTH POLICY THROUGH CONSTANT REVIEW,* HE SAID.
MR LO SAID THE COORDINATING COMMITTEE SHOULD ALSO LOOK INTO THE LONG-TERM OBJECTIVES.
EARLIER, MR HUI YIN-FAT, DIRECTOR OF HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES, SPOKE IN FAVOUR OF THE IDEA AT THIS MORNING’S SESSION ON YOUTH SERVICES.
+HONG KONG HAS ALREADY HAD A QUITE COMPREHENSIVE VARIETY OF YOUTH SERVICES,* HE SAID. +UNFORTUNATELY, THESE SERVICES ARE NOT PROPERLY COORDINATED, THUS FAILING TO REALISE THEIR FULL POTENTIALS AND MAXIMUM RESULTS.
+WHAT WE NEED NOW IS A COORDINATED APPROACH TO THE PLANNING AND DELIVERY OF SUCH SERVICES,* HE SAID.
MR HUI SAID THE CENTRAL COORDINATING COMMITTEE SHOULD BE OF A PERMANENT NATURE SO AS TO SERVE, IN A CONSISTENT MANNER, THE GENERAL INTERESTS OF YOUTH IN SOCIETY AND SHOULD BE FULLY INTEGRATED INTO THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY.
DISCUSSANTS AT TODAY’S CONFERENCE WERE : DR AGNES NG, SENIOR LECTURER OF SOCIAL WORK, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG?
YIP MANG-SAU, COUNSELLOR AND PUBLIC RELATIONS EXECUTIVE, BREAKTHROUGH MAGAZINE AND MRS RITA FAN, HEAD OF STUDENT AFFAIRS UNIT, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
A PRELIMINARY REPORT SUMMARISING THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE THREE-DAY CONFERENCE WILL BE COMPILED AND WILL SERVE AS THE GROUNDWORK FOR FURTHER DISCUSSIONS BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS YOUTH BODIES, SCHOOLS, POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTIONS AND UNIVERSITIES IN THE SECOND STAGE OF THE CONFERENCE TO BE HELD IN JULY.
0 --------
/39........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985 - 39 -
SHANGHAI DELEGATION SEES PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES
A VISITING CHINESE DELEGATION FROM SHANGHAI WAS TODAY GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO THE CONSTRUCTION AND MANAGEMENT ASPECTS OF HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING.
HEADED BY THE VICE DIRECTOR OF THE SHANGHAI MUNICIPAL PLANNING COMMISSION, MR PAN XUE MIN, THE SIX-MEMBER GROUP MET THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR H.ri.T. EARMA, AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME.
THEY THEN HAD DISCUSSIONS a I TH SENIOR HOUSING OFFICIALS ON HOW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WERE BUILT AND MANAGED. THEY ALSO INSPECTED PHOTOGRAPHIC AND MODEL DISPLAYS AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EXHIBITION HALL.
THE PARTY LATER VISITED LUNG HANG ESTATE AND HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME KING TIN COURT IN SHA TIN LOOKING AT WIDE-RANGING COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR TENANTS.
-------0---------
DECISION ON CONCESSIONARY SCHEME EXPLAINED X X * *
THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENT DECISION NOT TO CONTINUE THE CONCESSIONARY BUILDING COVENANT EXTENSION SCHEME WHEN IT EXPIRED ON JULY 1, 1985 HAD BEEN TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN THE PROPERTY MARKET.
THIS WAS SAID TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD AT A MEETING OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.
AT THE MEETING, DEVELOPERS EXPRESSED CONCERN ABOUT THE DECISION AND SAID THEY MIGHT ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO EXTEND THE GRACE PERIOD FOR SIX MONTHS AFTER THE EXPIRY OF THE SCHEME.
MR TODD SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CONSIDERABLE DROP IN THE NUMBER OF LETTERS B BEING OFFERED FOR REDEMPTION SINCE THEIR MONETISED VALUES INCREASED ON APRIL 1. A NUMBER OF DEVELOPERS WERE ATTEMPTING TO WITHDRAW OFFERS WHICH THEY HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE.
MR TODD SAID THAT IT WAS OBVIOUS THAT LETTERS B HOLDERS WERE SPECULATING ON THEIR HOPES OF A RISING MARKET RATHER THAN TAKING THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDEEMING LETTERS B, WHICH GOVERNMENT HAD PROVIDED AT THE HOLDERS’ REQUEST.
/Hjli RLC A LL HID «••••••
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 19^5
40
HE RECALLED THAT THE PREVIOUS SYSTEM HAD BEEN EXTENDED TO ALLOW LETTERS B TO BE USED IN ALL LAND RELATED TRANSACTIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THAT IN ADDITION IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT THE OPTION TO PAY IN LETTERS B WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR FOUR SITES IN THE URBAN AREA. IT WAS HOPED THAT ON THIS BASIS ALMOST ALL CF THE OUTSTANDING LETTERS B COULD BE REDEEMED WITHIN A FEW YEARS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE USE OF LETTERS B FOR LAND TRANSACTIONS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD CONTINUE BUT THAT THERE COULD BE NO QUESTION OF FURTHER EXTENDING THE SYSTEM IN THE URBAN AREA.
+IF DEVELOPERS DID NOT TAKE THE OPPORTUNITIES NOW BEING OFFERED ON HONG KONG ISLAND OR IN KOWLOON THE REDEMPTION PERIOD FOR LETTERS B WOULD AT LEAST BE EIGHT TO TEN YEARS,* HE ADDED.
- - 0 - -
ACCORD REACHED WITH SWEDEN ON BED LINEN X * * X
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) THAT THE GOVERNMENTS OF SWEDEN AND HONG KONG HAD CONCLUDED AN AGREEMENT ON QUOTA RESTRAINT IN RESPECT OF EXPORT OF BED LINEN (GROUP 13) FROM HONG KONG TO SWEDEN.
THE RESTRAINT PERIOD COVERED UNDER THE AGREEMENT WILL BE FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1984 TO AUGUST 31, 1987.
FOLLOWING THE AGREEMENT AND ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD, THE DEPARTMENT HAS DECIDED ON THE PRINCIPLES OF QUOTA ALLOCATION AND CONTROL ARRANGEMENTS FOR EXPORT OF BED LINEN TO SWEDEN DURING THE 1984/85 RESTRAINT PERIOD.
DETAILS OF THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE PUBLISHED IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS.
--------0 ---------
/41 ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985 41
BLITZ ON COUNTERFEIT GOODS TRADERS *****
THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAS, OVER THE LAST THREE DAYS, LAUNCHED A LARGE-SCALE OPERATION ON HAWKERS SELLING SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT GOODS.
AS A RESULT OF THE OPERATION WHICH STARTED LAST SUNDAY, 60 HAWKERS COMPRISING 53 MEN AND SEVEN WOMEN WERE ARRESTED AND GOODS VALUED AT $340 000 WERE SEIZED.
THE SEIZURES INCLUDED T-SHIRTS, SPORTS SOCKS, TROUSERS, WATCHES, LEATHER BELTS, BUCKLES OF LEATHER BELTS AND WALLETS.
SOME 170 OFFICERS WERE MOBILIZED FOR THE OPERATION.
RAIDS WERE CARRIED OUT IN VARIOUS PLACES ON BOTH SIDES OF
THE HARBOUR INCLUDING TSIM SHA TSU I, YAU MA TEI, MONG K0^ SHAM SHU I PO IN KOWLOON AND CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, WAN CHAI, NORTH POINT AND STANLEY ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE HEAD OF THE INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY INVESTIGATION D'^ISION CF THE TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU, MR JOHN CHAN, SAIDt *THIS S ONLY A PART OF OUR CONTINUING EFFORT AGAINST TRADEMARK COUNTERFEITING. FURTHER ACTIONS WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST STREET HAWKERS AS WELL AS THE MANUFACTURERS INVOLVED IN COUNTERFEITING IN HONG KONG.+
+1 THINK THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AS THE INTERESTS OF THE TRADEMARK OWNERS AND THE CONSUMERS, AS WELL AS THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING IMAGE OF HONG KONG HAVE TO BE PROTECTED,+ HE SAID.
ALL THE ARRESTED PERSONS WERE RELEASED ON POLICE BAIL AND WILL BE CHARGED UNDER THE TRADE DESCRIPTIONS ORDINANCE.
-----o------
WORKERS’ ROLE IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION STRESSED
******
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR DARWIN CHEN TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPEALED TO WORKERS TO FOLLOW SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS AT WORK IN AN EFFORT TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE PRESENTATION OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY PHOTO COMPETITION AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL, MR CHEN SAID THE PREVENTION OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT COULD NOT RELY SOLELY O'. FACTORY INSPECTIONS AND THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BY THE GOVERNMENT.
’/MR JHEN ...........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
- <*2
MR CHEN SAID THE NUMBER OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS, WHICH HAD BEEN STEADILY DECREASING SINCE 1980 AS THE RESULT OF THE TRIPARTITE EFFORTS ON SAFETY PROMOTION BY THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS, ROSE SLIGHTLY LAST YEAR.
FORTUNATELY, HE SAID, THE NUMBER OF FATAL ACCIDENTS CONTINUE^ TO DROP, FROM 92 IN 1983 TO 70 IN 1984.
MR CHEN SAID THAT OF THE 8 093 INCREASE IN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS LAST YEAR, ABOUT 79 PER CENT WERE SLIGHT INJURIES RESULTED FROM MISHANDLING OF HAND TOOLS OR NEGLIGENCE BY INDIVIDUAL WORKERS.
ANOTHER FACTOR WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE INCREASE OF REPORTED ACCIDENTS WAS THE INTRODUCTION IN JANUARY 1984 OF COMPULSORY INSURANCE, WHICH PROMPTED MORE WORKERS AND EMPLOYERS TO REPORT MINOR ACCIDENTS.
MR CHEN SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD KEEP UP WITH ITS EFFORTS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY BY ORGANISING SAFETY SEMINARS, PRODUCING SAFETY APIS ON TELEVISION, POSTERS AND PAMPHLETS.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PLANNED TO ORGANISE A SERIES OF PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS SUCH AS THE +MUSIC WHILE YOU WORK+ RADIO PROGRAMME, TELEVISION PROGRAMMES AND SAFETY EXHIBITIONS AND CONTESTS.
MR CHEN SAID THE SAFETY PHOTO COMPETITION, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD’S COMMITTEE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND ACCIDENT PREVENTION, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE SING TAO NEWSPAPER LIMITED, WAS ONE OF THE PUBLICITY EVENTS TO PROMOTE SAFETY.
AN EXHIBITION OF THE WINNING PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE HELD FOR FIVE DAYS AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL.
------0 ------
BOARD TO DISCUSS KWAI CHUNG PARK DEVELOPMENT * * * * *
KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 27-HECTARE KWAI CHUNG PARK WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1987 AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO DISCUSS PROPOSALS FOR THE SAFETY AND MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE ROADS WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY A WORKING GROUP SET UP LATE LAST YEAR.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE A PAPER ON THE COMPOSITION CF THE BOARD’S COMMITTEES AND QUESTIONS ON LOCAL ISSUES.
- - 0-----------
/4J........
wEDN-oLhY, MAY 1, 1935
CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR MARKET COMPLEX
*****
A CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY FOR THE KOWLOON CITY MARKET COMPLEX WILL BE HELD AT 11 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 3), AT THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 4/F, ROOM 2, EDINBURGH PLACE.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, MR JOSE LEI AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF YU WING CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED WILL SIGN THE CONTRACT.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS INVITED FOR YUEN LONG SITE
*****
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT TERM TENANCY OF A PIECE OF CROWN LAND AT SHU I CHE KWUN STREET, YUEN LONG.
THE 2 930-SQUARE-METRE SITE IS FOR FEE PAYING CAR PARKING PURPOSES.
TENANCY IS FOR ONE YEAR AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
TENDERS MUST BE SUBMITTED NOT LATER THAN NOON ON MAY 17.
TENDER FORM, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, YUEN LONG, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON.
- 0 -
SALT WATER WORKS * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 4) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KING’S ROAD, LAU SIN STREET, HING FAT STREET, WHITEFIELD ROAD, AND MERLIN STREET, INCLUDING WATSON ROAD AND ELECTRIC ROAD.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
GOVERNOR, LADY YCUDE LOOK TO +A VERY GOOD TRIP+ ............... 1
GOVERNOR CONCERNED OVER SLOW REGISTRATION RATE................. 2
SIR PHILIP SEES CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING FACILITIES ............. 2
+HK — A GOING CONCERN WITH A FUTURE+ .......................... 3
SENIOR PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED ................................... 4
1985 U.S. GSP MADE KNOWN ...................................... 5
MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1985 ............................ 6
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION ........................ 10
NO DANGER SEEN FROM HALF-WAY HOUSES ........................... 11
REVISED FEES FOR DOCUId^T FILING SERVICES ..................... 13
FIGHT CRIME GROUP LOOKS AT PRISON LIFE ........................ 13
PERMITS OFFERED FOR CROSS-BORDER LIMOUSINE SERVICE ............ 14
FEBRUARY RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ................. 15
NO RISE IN STUDENT DELINQUENCY ................................ 17
PRESS TO SEE ERP CONTROL CENTRE ............................... 18
UNDERGRADS ELIGIBLE FOR TRAINING SUBSIDY ...................... 19
NEW FEES 'TO BE CHARGED BY LAND OFFICE......................... 20
DISCUSSIONS ON CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME ........................ 21
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE ........................... 23
FLYOVER ROAD WORK ............................................. 24
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
1
GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE LOOK TO +A VERY GOOD TRIP+
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID BEFORE LEAVING WITH LADY YOUDE FOR NANJING AND SHANGHAI TODAY THAT HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO +A VERY GOOD TRIP+.
+THIS IS GOING TO BE A SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT KIND OF TRIP TO THE ONES I USUALLY MAKE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ALL WHEN I GET BACK,+ SIR EDwARD TOLD REPORTERS, BEFORE BOARDING THE PLANE AT KAI TAK AIRPORT.
SIR EDWARD SAID HE HAD BEEN TO THOSE CITIES +QUiTE A LOT IN THE PAST,+ AND HE WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO +A VERY PLEASANT EXPER IENCE.+
HE ALSO SAID THAT HE WOULD BE JOINING THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR THE EXHIBITION IN SHANGHAI WHICH HE WAS SURE WOULD BE SUCCESSFUL.
ACCOMPANYING THE GOVERNOR ON TRIP WERE MR CHRIS WOOD, ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER, AND MR Y.P. CHENG, CHIEF GOVERNMENT INTERPRETER.
SIR EDWARD AND LADY’YOUDE WERE SEEN OFF AT THE AIRPORT BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE; THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG’ THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER LOBO? THE VICE DIRECTOR OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR QI FENG; AND THE DEPUTY SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE XINHUA NEWS AGENCY (HONG KONG BRANCH), MR NIU SHAO.
THE GOVERNOR AND LADY YOUDE WILL ARRIVE IN CANTON THIS AFTERNOON, wHERE THEY WILL VISIT THE CANTON TRADE FAIR BEFORE DEPARTING FOR NANJING LATER THIS EVENING.
FROM NANJING, THEY WILL VISIT YANGZHOU, ZHENJIANG AND WUXI BEFORE JOINING A HIGH-LEVEL ECONOMIC MISSION, ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, IN SHANGHAI ON MAY 7.
THE MISSION, LED BY THE TDC CHAIRMAN, MISS LYDIA DUNN, WILL BE I'. SHANGHAI FOR THE +MADE IN HONG KONG 85+ PRODUCT EXHIBITION TO BE HELD AT THE SHANGHAI EXHIBITION CENTRE FROM MAY 8 TO 13.
SIR EDWARD AND LADY YOUDE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG O' Mai' 9 (THURSDAY).
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/2 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
2
GOVERNOR CONCERNED OVER SLOW kEGISTRATION RATE * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD Y0U3E, TODAY EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE SLOw RATE AT WHICH APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS WERE COMING IN.
+THERE ARE ONLY FOUR MORE DAYS BEFORE THE REGISTRATION PERIOD CLOSES AND ALL THOSE ELIGIBLE SHOULD SIGN UP NOW,+ HE SAID.
SIR EDWARD ADDED THAT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER REPRESENTED A MOST IMPORTANT STAGE IN HONG KONG’S PROGRESS TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
+THIS IS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESPONSIBLE CITIZENS TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR SUPPORT AND CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF THEIR OWN TRADE OR PROFESSION IN PARTICULAR, AND FOR THE GOOD GOVERNMENT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. TO REGISTER AS A VOTER IS BOTH A PRIVILEGE AND A RESPONSIBILITY WHICH SHOULD NOT BE LIGHTLY OVERLOOKED,* SIR EDWARD SAID.
0 - -
SIR PHILIP SEES CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING FACILITIES
******
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE CIVIL SERVICE TRAINING CENTRE TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT THE TYPES OF TRAINING PROVIDED FOR CIVIL SERVANTS.
ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE TRAINING DIRECTOR, MR A R B KITCHELL, SIR PHILIP ALSO MET SENIOR STAFF OF THE CENTRE AND WAS BRIEFED ON THE IMPORTANT ROLE OF THE CENTRE IN PROVIDING TRAINING RESOURCES.
SIR PHILIP WAS TOLD THAT THE TRAINING CENTRE HAD THREE MAIN OBJECTIVES:
* HELPING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO MEET THEIR SPECIAL NEEDS FOR STAFF TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT ;
* PROVIDING LANGUAGE AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING GENERALLY TO ENHANCE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE, AND
* PROMOTING THE LOCAL SATION POLICY THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP SCHEME.
DURING THE 1985-Ht "INANCI Al YEAR, ABOUT 11 000 OFFICERS
WILL ATTEND VARIOUS TYPE: OF TRAINING COURSES LOCALLY, a ILE SOME 250 CIVIL SERVANTS aILL i.-. ABROAD POP TRAINING AND 25 OTHERS WILL PROCEED OVERSEAS ON GOVERNMENT TRAINING SCHOLARSHIPS TO OBTAIN SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS.
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1935
3
+ HK — A GOING CONCERN W i TH A FUTURE* *****
THE SINO-BRIT>SH AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAD LAID THE GROUND WORK FOR THE CONTINUATION OF HONG KONG’S FREE AND DYNAMIC BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS, W DOUGLAS BLYE, TOLD A MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK IN BANGKOK TODAY (THURSDAY).
IT COULD BE SEEN THAT HONG KONG WAS A GOING CONCERN WITH A FUTURE STRETCHING INTO THE NEXT CENTURY AND BEYOND, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THERE WERE INGREDIENTS IN THE AGREEMENT FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO CONTRIBUTE TO DEVELOPMENT IN THIS REGION THROUGH THE SUBSTANTIAL TRADE IN BOTH GOODS AND SERVICES IT CARRIED OUT WITH THE BANK’S DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES.
MR BLYE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT HONG KONG WOULD NOT BENEFIT FULLY FROM THE FAVOURABLE TERMS ENSHRINED IN THE AGREEMENT WHILE INTERNATIONAL TRADE WAS HAMPERED BY RISING PROTECTIONISM.
+UNFORTUNATELY, ALL THAT HAS BEEN SAID IN MANY FORUMS AROUND THE WORLD AGAINST PROTECTIONISM SEEMS TO HAVE LARGELY FALLEN ON DEAF EARS FOR THE POSITION CONTINUES TO WORSEN.
+HONG KONG BELIEVES THAT IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAINTAIN AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF A FREE AND OPEN INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC SYSTEM AND ALL CAN SEE THAT IT PRACTISES WHAT IT PREACHES. W'E HOPE THAT OTHERS WILL DO THE SAME,* HE SAID.
MR BLYE NOTED THAT IN 1984, HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE (INCLUDING ENTREPOT TRADE) IN GOODS WITH ALL COUNTRIES IN THE REGION WAS OVER US$30 BILLION, WHICH REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF 27 PER CENT OVER 1983 AND AN AVERAGE ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF 18 PER CENT OVER THE PAST DECADE.
IT TRADITIONALLY RAN A BALANCE OF TRADE DEFICIT WITH COUNTRIES IN THE REGION AS A WHOLE AND IN 1984 THIS DEFICIT AMOUNTED TO ALMOST US$10 BILLION, NEARLY FOUR TIMES LARGER THAN WHAT IT WAS A DECADE AGO.
HONG KONG HAD ALSO BEEN PROVIDING ON AN INCREASING SCALE VERY EFFICIENT FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL, TRANSPORT AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES TO COUNTRIES IN THE REGION, PARTICULARLY THE DEVELOPING f-EMBER COUNTRIES.
HONG KONG’S EVER STRENGTHENING ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP WITH THE DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES SHOULD CONTINUE TO DEVELOP FOR MANY YEARS TO COME, MR BLYE SAID.
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 19’5
4
SENIOR PROMOTIONS ANNOUNCED * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY A NUMBER OF PROMOTIONS TO SENIOR RANKS IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICE.
SIX OFFICERS ARE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE A. THEY ARE:
MR ALAN BRISTOW,
SECRETARY GENERAL, STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
MR BARRIE WIGGHAM
REGIONAL SECRETARY HONG KONG AND KOWLOON
MR GUS CHUI
DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES
MR HARNAM GREWAL
COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE
MR TONY HAMMOND
DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES
MR JOHN YAXLEY
DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY
A FURTHER FIVE OFFICERS ARE PROMOTED TO THE RANK OP ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE Bl:
MR K.Y. YEUNG
MRS ANSON CHAN
COMMISSIONER, HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE
MR MICHAEL LEUNG
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
MR HAMISH MACLEOD
DIRECTOR OF TRADE
MR GEOFFREY BARNES
COMMISSIONER, ICAC
AND THE FOLLOWING NINE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER STAFF GRADE B:
MR PETER NG KWOK-TAI, DEPUTY REGIONAL SECRETARY
NEW TERRITORIES
MRS KATHERINE FOK LO DIRECTOR, COMMUNITY RELATIONS, ICA SHIU—CHING,
MR CLIVE OXLEY
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING
/HR BILLY
WRSDkI, t,..i 2, 1985
- 5 -
MR BILLY LAM CHUNG-LUN,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPL IES
MR DONALD TSANG YAM-KUEN,
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF TRADE
MR MICHAEL CARTLAND,
MR DOMINIC WONG SHING-WAH,
MR TONY FROST,
COUNSELLOR IN GENEVA
DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE
SECRETARY POLYTECHN
, UNIVERSITY AND IC GRANTS COMMITTEE
MR JOSEPH YAM CHI-KWONG, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFF A I RS
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1985 U.S. GSP MADE KNOWN * * * *
DETAILS OF THE 1985 UNITED STATES PREFERENCE (GSP) ANNOUNCED BY THE U.S. OFFICE ON MAY 1, WERE MADE KNOwN TODAY
GENERALISED SYSTEM OF TRADE REPRESENTATIVE BY THE TRADE DEPARTMENT.
IN THE 1985 U.S. GSP SCHEME, FOUR NEW ITEMS HAVE BEEN ADDED TO THE LIST O’7 OVER 3 OOO PRODUCTS ELIGIBLE FOR GSP DUTY-FREE TREATMENT. THESE AREt PREPARED OR PRESERVED CABBAGE, CB RADIOS, CLOCK CASES AND PARTS, AND INFANT PANTS OF RUBBER AND PLASTIC. THESE CHANGES APPLY TO ALL BENEFICIARIES, INCLUDING HONG KONG. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG IN THESE FOUR PRODUCTS IN 1984 WAS SLIGHTLY OVER US$3 MILLION.
ONE PREVIOUSLY ELIGIBLE ITEM - TRIFLURATION (A CHEMICAL) -HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM THE ELIGIBLE LIST. HOWEVER, HONG KONG HAS NO TRADE INTEREST IN RESPECT OF THIS PRODUCT, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HONG KONG HAS BEEN REDESIGNATED FOR THREE ITEMS EXCLUDED IN 1984 - STROBOSCOPES, GAMES MACHINES INCLUDING COIN AND DISC-OPERATED AND PARTS, AND TOY ANIMALS. THE VALUE OF U.S. IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG IN THESE THREE ITEMS WAS US$34 MILLION IN 1984.
THESE CHANGES IN PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY FOR 1985 U.S. GSP WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1, 1985.
THE VALUE OF U.S. IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG IN 1984 OF GSP ITEMS WAS US$4 002 MILLION, OF WHICH US$2 676 MILLION WAS EXCLUDED FROM GSP BENEFITS AND US$1 326 MILLION WAS GRANTED DUTY-FREE TREATMENT.
/TILE SPOKESMAN ......
THUHuDAY, ..Af 2, 1985
6 -
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE U.S. GSP PRODUCT LIST IS REVIEWED EVERY YEAR. A PRODUCT MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SCHEME UNDER EITHER A +COMPETITIVE NEED* CRITERION OR THE ♦GRADUATION* CRITERION OR AS A RESULT OF PETITIONS MADE TO THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT BY UNITED STATES PRODUCERS.
SOME HONG KONG PRODUCTS MAY BE EXCLUDED FROM THE GSP DUTY-FREE TREATMENT BECAUSE OF THE COMPETITIVE NEED CRITERION. UNDER THE STATUTORY COMPETITIVE NEED PROVISIONS, A COUNTRY LOSES GSP DUTY-FREE TREATMENT FOR A PRODUCT IF ITS SHIPMENTS CF THE PRODUCT IN THE PRECEDING CALENDAR YEAR EQUALLED OR EXCEEDED 50 PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL U.S. IMPORTS OF THE PRODUCT OR WERE MORE THAN A CERTAIN DOLLAR VALUE.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE PRODUCTS WHICH ARE EXCLUDED FROM THE SCHEME UNDER THE NORMAL COMPETITIVE NEED CRITERION ARE NOT YET AVAILABLE AND THE DEPARTMENT WILL NOTIFY THE TRADE WHEN THE DETAILS ARE RECEIVED.*
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MONETARY STATISTICS FOR MARCH 1985 X X X X
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS CONTINUED TO GROW IN MARCH, ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY. FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY DURING THE MONTH, REFLECTING AT LEAST IN PART A CONTINUED INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS AS THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN MONEY MARKET RATES AND THE HKAB DEPOSIT RATES WIDENED.
HONG KONG DOLLAR CASH DEMAND FELL BACK DURING THE MONTH AFTER A SUBSTANTIAL SEASONAL INCREASE AT THE CHINESE NEW YEAR IN FEBRUARY.
REFLECTING THESE CHANGES, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COMPONENTS OF THE MONEY SUPPLY ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS (HKtM2 AND HKSM3) CONTINUED TO INCREASE. BUT THE NARROWEST DEFINITION (HK$M1) FELL. TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY ON ALL DEFINITIONS SHOWED SIMILAR MOVEMENTS.
LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE OF HONG KONG CONTINUED TO INCREASE FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE MONTH, AFTER A SUBSTANTIAL DECREASE IN JANUARY. BUT OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG SHOWED VIRTUALLY NO CHANGE.
/DEPOSIT’S.........
'UliKSDAY, MAY 2, 1965
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. THE GROWTH RATE OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH WAS 2.5 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS WAS 16.2 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY BY 4.8 PER CENT IN MARCH, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 1.9 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. WHILE THESE ROSE BY 6.8 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985, THEY WERE 28.8 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS TO m’aRCH. PART OF THESE INCREASES REFLECTED THE FURTHER INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS.
FIGURES ON SWAP DEPOSITS COLLECTED FROM BANKS INDICATE AN INCREASE OF 5.2 PER CENT ($1.2 BILLION) OVER THE MONTH TO $24.6 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH. THESE DEPOSITS REPRESENTED 16.4 PER CENT OF TOTAL FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS WITH BANKS AT THE END OF MARCH, WHICH IS SLIGHTLY HIGHER THAN AT THE END OF FEBRUARY. AS THESE SWAP DEPOSITS ARE IN NATURE HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WITH INTEREST OFFERED CLOSE TO THE LOCAL MONEY MARKET RATES, THEY SHOULD BE REGARDED AS SUCH FOR ANALYTICAL PURPOSES.
THE ADJUSTED GROWTH RATES FOR HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS WERE HIGHER, BY 1.8 PER CENT IN MARCH AND 4.4 PER CENT IN THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH. ADJUSTED FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ROSE BY 4.8 PER CENT BOTH IN MARCH AND OVER THE THREE MONTHS.
THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS, AT 2.7
PER CENT IN MARCH, REMAINED SLOWER THAN THAT WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AT 4.5 PER CENT. THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH WERE 0.9 PER CENT AND 2.6 PER CENT. THIS IS PROBABLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE WIDENING DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN HKAB RATES AND MONEY MARKET RATES OVER THIS PERIOD. HOWEVER, OVER THE THREE MONTHS, DEPOSITS WITH BANKS ROSE BY 5.5 PER CENT WHILE THOSE WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES BY ONLY 0.9 PER CENT.
/HONG KONG.........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
8 -
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, HKSM1, FELL BY 5.7 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER A SUBSTANTIAL SEASONAL INCREASE OF 9.3 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. ON THE BROADER DEFINITIONS, HK$M2 AND HK$M3 ROSE BY O.t PtR CENT AND 07 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN FEBRUARY WERE 1.8 PER CENT AND 2.0 PER CENT. DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, HK$M1 ROSE BY 8.3 PER CENT, HK$M2 BY 3.4 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 3.2 PER CENT. THE RESPECTIVE GROWTH RATES OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS WERE 13.0 PER CENT, 13.6 PER CENT AND 15.7 PER CENT.
THE GROWTH RATES OF HK$M2 AND HK$M3, AFTER ADJUSTING FOR SWAP DEPOSITS, WERE HIGHER AT 0.7 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR THE MONTH, AND 5.4 PER CENT AND 4.9 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR THE FIRST QUARTER.
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY SHOWED SIMILAR MOVEMENTS. WHILE TOTAL Ml FELL BY 6.2 PER CENT, TOTAL M2 ROSE BY 2.1 PER CENT AND TOTAL M3 BY 2.5 PER CENT. IN FEBRUARY, THEIR GROWTH RATES WERE 9.6 PER CENT, 1.7 PER CENT AND 2.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO MARCH WERE 6.9 PER CENT, 5.9 PER CENT AND 5.2 PER CENT, AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS WERE 14.4 PER CENT, 19.0 PER CENT AND 21.6 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES SHOWED A SMALL INCREASE OF 0.7 PER CENT IN MARCH, AFTER 0.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. OVER THE FIRST QUARTER, THESE GREW BY 1.4 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 7.1 PER CENT.
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE GREW FURTHER BY 2.6 PER CENT IN MARCH AFTER A RISE OF 2.5 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY. WHILE THEY STILL FELL BY 1.4 PER CENT OVER THE FIRST QUARTER, THEY WERE 6.6 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS. OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG SHOWED NO CHANGE OVER THE MONTH, AFTER A SMALL INCREASE OF 0.6 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. OVER THE FIRST QUARTER, THEY ROSE BY 1.4 PER CENT AND OVER THE TWELVE MONTHS BY 6.0 PER CENT.
/QUARTERLY ........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
- 9
QUARTERLY ANALYSIS OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG
DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED TO THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ROSE BY 3.3 PER CENT, FOLLOWING A FALL OF 4.5 PER CENT DURING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984. LOANS TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES FELL BY 1.9 PER CENT AFTER A STRONG YEAR-END SEASONAL INCREASE OF 10.2 PER CENT DURING THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. LOANS TO THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SECTOR FELL FURTHER. BY 2.9 PER CENT, AFTER A FALL OF 0.7 PER CENT DURING THE LAST QUARTER. LOANS TO PURCHASE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OTHER THAN FLATS IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND PRIVATE SECTOR PARTI Cl PATION SCHEME ROSE BY 3.2 PER CENT AFTER AN INCREASE OF 3.8 PER CENT DURING THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHOWED NET ASSETS OF $7.4 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH. SIMILAR STATISTICS COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSITTAKING COMPANIES (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) SHOWED NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $4.8 BILLION AND NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $23.0 BILLION. THESE FIGURES WERE ALL HIGHER THAN CORRESPONDING FIGURES IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
LI QUI DITY RATIO
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING ORDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS ROSE TO 50.2 PER CENT, FROM 49.1 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE) FOR ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS ALSO HIGHER, AT 53.0 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 47.1 PER CENT A MONTH EARLIER.
NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
march^, ?uhm^ «KNiEDRE"nE';oNi?Tu?x^rD 1"
COMPANIES AND 306 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES?
- - 0 ---------
/10........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
10
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR
*****
REGISTRATION
LATEST STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED SIZE OF ELECTORATE
(REVISED)
NUMBER OF
APPLICATIONS
FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES
COMMERCIAL I
COMMERCIAL II
INDUSTRIAL I
INDUSTRIAL II
FINANCIAL
LABOUR
SOCIAL SERVICES
MEDICAL
LEGAL
TEACHING
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
TOTAL
2 650 431
6 000 1 319
800 208
3 000 640
140 61
380 229
154 52
4 300 1 156
2 185 455
52 340 19 939
3 660 1 249
441 371
76 918 * 26 110
* THIS ESTIMATED FIGURE IS ON THE HIGH SIDE AS THERE ARE DUPLICATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
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THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
11
NO DANGER SEEN FROM HALF-WAY HOUSES *****
PATIENTS IN HALF-WAY HOUSES ARE NOT DANGEROUS, THEY ARE MENTALLY STABLE AND NO LONGER IN NEED OF HOSPITAL CARE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR REHABILITATION, MR MARTIN LEWIS, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF Y’S MEN’S CLUB, MR LEWIS SAID, +ONLY PATIENTS REFERRED BY A TEAM OF PSYCHIATRISTS, PSYCHOLOGISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND NURSES, WHO ARE CONSIDERED ABLE TO BENEFIT FROM THE FACILITIES OFFERED BY HALF-WAY HOUSES, ARE ADMITTED.*
THERE WERE NINE HALF-WAY HOUSES AT PRESENT, AND 20 MORE WERE BEING PLANNED FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS, AND DURING 20 YEARS OP OPERATION THERE HAD NEVER BEEN ANY PROBLEM OR INCIDENT IN THOSE HALF-WAY HOUSES, HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT HALF-WAY HOUSES WERE STAGING POSTS FOR CURED EX-MENTALLY ILL PATIENTS TO READAPT TO LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY AFTER A STAY IN HOSPITAL.
+SOME PATIENTS RETURN STRAIGHT HOME AFTER TREATMENT AND LEAD A NORMAL LIFE. OTHERS, HOWEVER, EITHER DO NOT HAVE A SUPPORTIVE FAMILY OR REQUIRE A PERIOD OF MORE INTENSIVE SOCIAL REHABILITATION TO HELP THEM MAKE RE-ADJUSTMENT TO LIFE, IN A HEALTHY AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT, WHERE THEY MUST BEGIN AGAIN TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR THEMSELVES, AND BE ABLE TO LIVE WITH OTHER PEOPLE,+ HE SAI-.
MR LEWIS POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF REHABILITATION THESE DAYS WAS TO REINTEGRATE DISABLED PERSONS INTO THE COMMUNITY AND MAKE THEM USEFUL MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.
♦GONE ARE THE DAYS WHEN THE EX-MENTALLY ILL WERE BANISHED FROM SOCIETY TO SOME REMOTE ISLAND,+ HE SAID.
THIS WAS WHY HALF-WAY HOUSES WERE USUALLY LOCATED IN A HOUS I No ESTATE TYPE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH MOST PEOPLE WERE USED TO, HE EXPLAINED.
MR LEWIS STRESSED THAT PATIENTS IN HALF-WAY HOUSES wERc WELu CARED FOR. BUT PLANS WERE VERY ADVANCED FOR IMPROVING THE STAFFING STANDARDS OF HALF-WAY HOUSES, THE EFFECT OF WHICH WOULD EE TO ENABLE RESIDENTS TO RETURN TO NORMAL LIFE MORE QUICKLY.
/GREATER QtPHASIS .......
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
- 12
GREATER EMPHASIS wAS BEING PLACED ON DEVELOPING THE PATIENTS’ DAILY LIVING SKILLS, WORK HABITS AND A POSITIVE APPROACH TO FILL LEISURE HOURS.
MR LEWIS SAID THAT THE BIGGEST STUMBLING BLOCK IN REHAB IL I TATI 3 . WORK WAS THE PUBLIC’S LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF MENTAL ILLNESS, WHICH OFTEN LED TO FEAR AND ANXIETY.
VIOLENCE WAS NOT THE PREROGATIVE OF THE EX-MENTALLY ILL, HE POINTED OUT.
+THE CAPACITY FOR VIOLENCE EXISTS IN EVERYONE, BOTH THE SANE AND THE MENTALLY ILL. SO MENTAL ILLNESS SHOULD NOT BE ASSOCIATED WITH DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR.+
+INTERNATIONAL STATISTICS TELL US THAT ONE IN NINE OF US AT SOME STAGE IN OUR LIVES REQUIRE TREATMENT FOR MENTAL ILLNESS OF SOME SORT OR ANOTHER. SO WHY SHOULD REHABILITATION OF THE EX-MENTALLY ILL BE OPPOSED, WHEN MENTAL ILLNESS IS SO WIDESPREAD?* HE ASKED.
+HOWEVER, THE LOUDEST MESSAGE IS THIS: THE EX-MENTALLY ILL ARE NOT BAD PEOPLE SEEKING TO BECOME GOOD. THEY ARE MERELY SICK PEOPLE TRYING TO GET BETTER. AS WITH ANYONE WHO IS SICK, THEY MUST BE GIVEN ASSISTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING,* HE SAID.
+AND IF ANY OF US IN THIS ROOM WERE ONE OF THE NINE, I FEEL CERTAIN THAT THIS IS WHAT YOU WOULD WANT, AND I HOPE THAT THAT IS WHAT THE OTHER EIGHT WOULD GIVE YOU.*
THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY MADE A +DETERMINED START* IN EDUCATING THE PUBLIC ABOUT THE EX-MENTALLY ILL AND HALF-wAY HOUSES, MR LEWIS POINTED OUT, +BUT THE MORE THE MESSAGE IS SPREAD, THE MORE THE PUBLIC wILL REALISE AND UNDERSTAND THE PROBLEMS.*
+WE HAVE A LONG WAY TO GO TO MAKE A SUSTAINED IMPACT,* HE SAID.
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/15........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
13
REVISED FEES FOR DOCUMENT FILING SERVICES * * * *
A NUMBER OF FEES COLLECTED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL IK CONNECTION WITH THE FILING OF DOCUMENTS UNDER VARIOUS ORDINANCES RELATING TO COMMERCIAL MATTERS WILL BE INCREASED rROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY), THE ACTING REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR L.S. SHUM ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE FEES RELATE TO DOCUMENTS FILED UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE, THE LIMITED PARTNERSHIPS ORDINANCE, THE TRADE MARKS ORDINANCE AND THE MONEY LENDERS ORDINANCE.
DETAILS OF THESE REVISED FEES WILL APPEAR IN TOMORROW’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
+IN NEARLY EVERY CASE THE INCREASES ARE DUE TO THE NEED TO REVISE THE FEE SO AS TO ENSURE THAT IT COVERS THE COST OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED, WHICH HAS RISEN CONSIDERABLY IN RECENT YEARS.
+THE FEES CONCERNED WERE LAST REVISED IN 1981 OR EARLIER.
IN MOST CASES THE INCREASE VARIES BETWEEN 35 PER CENT AND 50 PER CENT,+ MR SHUM SAID.
--------0
FIGHT CRIME GROUP LOOKS AT PRISON LIFE * * * *
SIXTEEN MONG KOK DISTRICT FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE MEMBERo TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED TWO PRISONS IN STANLEY TO LOOK AT THE LIVES CF PRISONERS AND THE PROGRAMMES PROVIDED BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THEY FIRST WENT TO THE MINIMUM SECURITY MA HANG PRISON WHERE THEY SAW SOME GERIATRIC PRISONERS ENGAGED IN LIGHT MANUAl wORK. THERE THEY LEARNED ALSO THAT OTHER PRISONERS WERE WORKING ON DOMESTIC SERVICES OR UNDERTAKING COMMUNITY PROJECTS OUTSIDE The PR ISON.
THE GROUP NEXT VISITED THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON. _ THEY TOURED VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SAw PRISONERS AT WORK IN A WlDc VARIETY OF TRADES IN THE WELL-EQUIPPED WORKSHOPS.
THEY ALSO CALLED AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE, FOR A TOUR CF THE TRAINING FACILITIES AND TO SEE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS UNDERGOING TRAINING.
AFTER THE VISIT, THE PARTY MET THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, AT THE OFFICERS’ CLUB.
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/14......
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1935
14
PERMITS OFFERED FOR CROSS-BORDER LIMOUSINE SERVICE * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR 50 HIRE CAR PERMITS TO OPERATE A LUXURY LIMOUSINE SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND CHINA VIA THE SHA TAU KOK CONTROL POINT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THE PRIVATE CARS FOR WHICH SUCH PERMITS WOULD BE ISSUED MUST HAVE A CIF VALUt OF OVER $30 000 IF THEY WERE MANUFACTURED ON OR BEFORE DECEMBER 31, 1983, OR A CIF VALUE OF OVER $45 000 IF THEY WERE MANUFACTURED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 1984. THE APPLICANT MUST BE THE REGISTERED OWNER OF THE PRIVATE CAR.
IT WOULD ALSO BE NECESSARY FOR THE APPLICANT TO PRODUCE, AMONG OTHER DOCUMENTS, WRITTEN EVIDENCE OF APPROVAL FROM THE APPROPRIATE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR OPERATING A HIRE CAR SERVICE WITHIN CHINA AND DOCUMENTARY PROOF TO THE EFFECT THAT THE APPLICANT HAS BEEN OPERATING A PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICE FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
+IF THE NUMBER OF ELIGIBLE APPLICATIONS EXCEEDS 50, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT MAY, AS APPROPRIATE AFTER CONSULTATION WITH THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES, DETERMINE THE ACCEPTANCE OF SUCH APPLICATIONS.
♦SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS MUST ALSO OBTAIN THE APPROPRIATE CLOSED ROAD PERMITS FOR THEIR HIRE CARS,+ HE SAID.
HIRE CAR PERMITS WILL NOT BE TRANSFERABLE. THE ANNUAL FEES FOR SUCH PERMITS ARE $1 QOO PER ANNUM AND $350 FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION, 9TH FLOOR, ROOM 906-909 HUTCHISON HOUSE, 10 HARCOURT ROAD, HONG KONG OR AT ITS KOWLOON OFFICE AT 9TH FLOOR, PARK-IN COMMERCIAL CENTRE, 56 DUNDAS STREET.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS WITH ALL SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED EITHER IN PERSON OR BY REGISTERED POST TO THE PUBLIC VEHICLES SECTION AT HUTCHISON HOUSE ON OR BEFORE MAY 31. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY CALLING 5-249418.
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/15........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
FEBRUARY RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED ******
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, ESTIMATED AT $5 857 MILLION, WAS 27 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN FEBRUARY 1984, WHILE THE VOLUME WAS 26 PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS COMPARISON, HOWEVER, IS AFFECTED BY THE DATE OF THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHICH FELL ON FEBRUARY 20 THIS YEAR BUT ON FEBRUARY 2 LAST YEAR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
RETAIL SALES FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1985 ROSE BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 10 PER CENT IN VOLUME WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO.
COMPARING FEBRUARY 1985 WITH JANUARY 1985, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, RETAIL SALES DECREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, HE SAID.
IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 52 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 40 PER CENT IN VOLUME WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1984.
BOTH CONSUMER DURABLES AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 29 PER CENT IN SALE VALUE, WHILST THEIR INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME WERE 26 PER CENT AND 28 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ALSO ROSE BY 22 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 23 PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS SHOWED THE SMALLEST INCREASE OF TWO PER CENT IN VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO. RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS RECORDED THE LARGEST INCREASE IN VALUE TERMS, AT 25 PER CENT, FOLLOWED BY CONSUMER DURABLES AND OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+, AT 17 PER CENT AND 14 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. THEIR INCREASES IN VOLUME TERMS WERE 13 PER CENT EACH.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO SHOWED A SMALLER INCREASE OF THREE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. FUELS RECORDED NO CHANGE IN SALES VALUE, BUT AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT IN SALES VOLUME.
/WHEN COMPARED .......
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
16
WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY THIS YEAR, RETAIL SALES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY 12 PER CENT IN VALUE AND NINE PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILST THOSE OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY THREE PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME.
ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS FELL BY 11 PER CENT, CONSUMER DURABLES BY NINE PER CENT, AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* BY THREE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF DEPARTMENT STORES, MOTOR VEHICLES AND SUPERMARKETS INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1984. CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO SHOWED LARGE INCREASES.
COMPARING THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1985 WITH THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS, WHILST DEPARTMENT STORES, SUPERMARKETS AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES RECORDED MODERATE INCREASES.
WHEN COMPARED WITH JANUARY THIS YEAR, RETAIL SALES OF SUPERMARKETS ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. HOWEVER, THOSE OF MOTOR VEHICLES, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES AND DEPARTMENT STORES RECORDED DECREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURE FOR JANUARY 1985 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR FEBRUARY 1985.
TABLE 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES BY MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF FEBRUARY 1985 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF JANUARY 1985 AND FEBRUARY 1984 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE PERIOD DECEMBER 1984 TO FEBRUARY 1985 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME PERIOD A YEAR AGO ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT THE INDEX MOVEMENTS OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM JANUARY 1983 TO JANUARY 1985.
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE FEBRUARY 1985 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT Si.00 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. (TEL. NO. 3-7216024).
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/17........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
17
NO RISE IN STUDENT DELINQUENCY
* * *
A SURVEY CONDUCTED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN 1983-84 SHOWS THAT THE LEVEL OF UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AMONG STUDENTS HAD REMAINED STABLE AT AROUND FIVE TO EIGHT PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE FIRST SURVEY CONDUCTED IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, MR Y.T. LI, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR LI IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS.
ANNOUNCING THE RESULT OF THE SECOND ROUND SURVEY, MR Li SAID THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO OFFER ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS IN DEALING WITH STUDENT BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID THAT A PAMPHLET HAD BEEN ISSUED TO ALL PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADVISING THEM OF THE RELEVANT SERVICES OFFERED BY DIFFERENT GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT SCHOOL HEADS WOULD BRING THESE SERVICES TO THE ATTENTION OF PARENTS OF STUDENTS WHO MIGHT REQUIRE HELP.
TURNING BACK TO THE SURVEY REPORT, MR LI NOTED THAT THE BULK OF THE OFFENDERS WERE STILL BOYS, WITH A SLIGHT INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF GIRL OFFENDERS.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF INCIDENTS REPORTED WAS 150 184, AND THIS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 14.5 PER CENT OVER 1982-83.
+THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO A RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REPORTS CONCERNING HABITUAL LATENESS, + MR LI SAID. HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE OF A CHANGE IN THE SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRE IN WHICH HABITUAL LATENESS WAS NOW LISTED AS A SEPARATE CATEGORY CF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR.
THE MAJORITY OF INCIDENTS (87 TO 89 PER CENT) WERE THE LESS SERIOUS UNRULY BEHAVIOUR, AND ONLY 11 TO 13 PER CENT WERE MORE SERIOUS CASES.
APART FROM HABITUAL LATENESS AND HABITUAL TRUANCY, ALL THE OTHER COMMON CATEGORIES OF UNRULY BEHAVIOUR SHOWED DECREASES WHEN COMPARED TO THE 1982-83 FIGURES.
MR LI SAID THAT THERE WAS NO PARTICULAR CHANGE IN THE AGE AND GRADE PATTERN OF THE OFFENDERS.
+OVER 75 PER CENT OF THE OFFENDERS ARE AGED FROM 13 TO 16, AND MORE THAN 50 PER CENT ARE FROM FORMS 1 AND 2,+ HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
/18........
THURSDAY, HAY 2, 19c 5
18
PRESS TG SEE ERP CONTROL CENTRE * * * *
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE PRESS TO VISIT THE ’PILOT STAGE ROAD PRICING CONTROL CENTRE’ AT PACIFIC HOUSE 23 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, NEXT THURSDAY (MAY 9).
PRESS MEMBERS wILL EE ABLE TO SEE HOw THE COMPUTERS RECORD VEHICLES WITH ENPS - ELECTRONIC NUMBER PLATES - AS THEY PASS THROUGH CENTRAL, AND HOW THIS INFORMATION IS COMPILED INTO MOCK BILLS.
AS THE CENTRE CAN HOLD ONLY 12 REPORTERS AT A TIME, THREE SEPARATE SESSIONS, EACH LASTING ABOUT 45 MINUTES, HAVE BEEN ARRANGED.
THE FIRST SESSION, IN wHICH PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO EVENU NEWSPAPERS, WILL START AT 10.33 AM.
THE SECOND SESSION, w ILL BE MAINLY FOR RADIO AND TELEVISION REPORTERS, AND WILL START AT 11.30 AM.
THE THIRD SESSION WILL EE HELD AT 2 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND. HOWEVER, NOMINATION IS LIMITED TO ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM ONE NEWS ORGANISATION. REPRESENTATIVES FROM RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS MUST JOIN THE SECOND SESSION STARTING AT 11.30 AM.
EDITORS SHOULD SUBMIT THE NAMES OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES TO THE GIS DUTY OFFICER BY 1 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 7), INDICATING THE SESSION OF THEIR PREFERENCE. EDITORS WILL BE ADVISED SEPARATELY OF ACCEPTED NOMINATIONS.
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/1$»..........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
19
UNDERGRADS ELIGIBLE FOR TRAINING SUBSIDY * * * *
THE ENGINEERING GRADUATE TRAINING SCHEME (EGTS), A PROGRAMME DESIGNED TO ASSIST ENGINEERING GRADUATES TO OBTAIN NECESSARY PRACTICAL TRAINING, HAS BEEN EXPANDED TO COVER STUDENTS ATTENDING THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
+WITH EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, UNDERGRADUATES UNDERGOING APPROVED TRAINING SCHEMES IN INDUSTRY ARE ELIGIBLE TO GET TRAINlNo SUBSIDY AT A RATE OF $1 OOO PER MONTH PER PERSON,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL SAID.
THIS WOULD ENABLE UNDERGRADUATES ENROLLED IN SANDwICH PROGRAMMES TO ENJOY THE SAME PRIVILEGES AS ENGINEERING GRADUATES, RE SAID.
THE COUNCIL ALSO ANNOUNCED THAVr-iTHE MONTHLY SUBSIDY FOR GRADUATE TRAINEES UNDER THE SCHEME HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 600 TO $1 800 FROM APR IL 1. [ J
THE SCHEME, ADMINISTERED )tWe COUNCIL’S COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS IS T& JELP ENGINEERING GRADUATES, AND FROM NOW ON UNDERGRADUATES I N“ §JMDW I CH PROGRAMMES AS WELL, OBTAINED APPROVED TRAINING IN INDUSTRY BECOME QUALIF I ED ENGINEERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO OFFER TRAINING PLACES FOR ENGINEERING GRADUATES AND UNDERGRADUATES ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE SECRETARY, COMMITTEE ON TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS ON 5-8932341 EXT. 274.
/20........
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 198o
20
NEW FEES TO cE CHARGED BY LAND OFFICE k M * *
CERTAIN
FOR SERVICES
FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL (LAND OFFICER) PROVIDED IN THE LAND OFFICE HAVE BEEN INCREASED.
THE NEW FEES WILL COME INTO EFFECT TOMORROW (FRIDAY), FOLLOWING APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL OF THE LAND REGISTRATION FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985 AND THE LAND REGISTRATION (NEW TERRITORIES) FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985.
THE MAJOR INCREASES RELATE TO THE FEES CHARGED FOR THE PREPARATION OF s
* A CROWN LEASE - FROM $400 TO SI 000' |
* THE SURRENDER OF A CROWN LEASE OR OTHER TENANCY FROM THE CROWN - FROM $100 TO $500 5
* PLANS RELATING TO CROWN LEASES AND OTHER LEGAL DOCUMENTS -FROM $100 TO $1 000, AND
* A SURVEY WHICH IS CARRIED OUT WHEN A NEW CROWN LEASE IS ISSUED - FROM $300 TO $5 300.
THE ACTING REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR L.S. SHUM, EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON FOR THE LARGE INCREASES IN THESE FEES WAS THAT PREVIOUSLY THE FEES WERE PITCHED AT A LEVEL WHICH DID NOT SEEK TO RECOVER THE COST OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED.
HOWEVER, IN V IE* OF THE PRESENT POLICY THAT FEES SHOULD BE GEARED TO COST RECOVERY, EXERCISES HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS AND THE REGISTRAR GENERAL TO ASCERTAIN THE ACTUAL COST OF PROVIDING THESE SERVICES, AND THE FEES HAD BEEN REVISED ACCORDINGLY, HE SAID.
+IN FACT CROWN LEASES ARE NOW SELDOM ISSUED, 16 WERE ISSUED IN 1984, 15 IN 1983 AND 9 IN 1982,+ HE SAID.
THE REMAINING FEES, FOR CERTIFICATION OF CORIES OF ANY DOCUMENT OR PART OF THE LAND OFFICE REGISTER, HAVE BEEN BROUGHT INTO LINE WITH THE STANDARD FEE CHARGED WHEN ANY OFFICIAL CERTIFICATION BY A PUBLIC OFFICER IS REQUIRED.
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/21
Thursday, may 2, 1985
21
DISCUSSIONS ON CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME
*****
MEMBERS OF THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT BOARD HAD A LIVELY DISCUSSION WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT THE BOARD’S MEETING TODAY ON THE CAPITAL AND MINOR WORKS PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THESE PROJECTS, INCLUDING FIVE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, COVER A VERY WIDE FIELD RANGING FROM MULTI-STOREY MARKET COMPLEXES, COOKED FOOD CENTRES, INDOOR GAMES HALLS, PARKS, GARDENS, PLAYGROUNDS, SITTING-OUT AREAS, TOILETS, BATHHOUSES AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
FULL DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS AND THEIR PROPOSED PRIORITIES ARE CONTAINED IN THE DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME tabled at the board’s meeting today by the assistant DIRECTOR (PLANNING) OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MISS ELLE SHUM.
THIS MARKED THE BEGINNING OF ANOTHER ROUND OF CONSULTATIONS BY THE DEPARTMENT WITH URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS ON THE COUNCIL’S WORKS PROGRAMME FOR THE RESPECTIVE DI STRI CTS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THIS CONSULTATION EXERCISE WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
INTRODUCING THE DISTRICT WORKS PROGRAMME, MISS SHUM INVITED MEMBERS TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PRIORITY SUGGESTED FOR EACH PROJECT.
SHE NOTED THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANNERS HAD PAINSTAKINGLY APPRAISED THESE PROJECTS BEFORE GIVING THEM A PROVISIONAL PRIORITY RATING RELATIVE TO OTHER PROJECTS IN THE SAME CATEGORY.
♦HOWEVER, WE WISH TO CONSULT AND HEAR YOUR ASPIRATIONS AND OPINIONS BEFORE DECIDING ON THEIR PRIORITIES IN OUR ONGOING WORKS PROGRAMMER SHE TOLD THE MEETING.
/♦THIS CONSULTATION
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 198$
+THIS CONSULTATION IS VERY USEFUL IN THAT IT GIVES THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT A BETTER IDEA OF THE NEEDS AND THE TYPES OF FACILITIES BEST SUITED FOR THE DISTRICT AS YOU SEE THEM.+
MISS SHUM ALSO EXPLAINED TO THE MEMBERS THE CONSTRAINTS AND COMPLICATIONS INVOLVED IN THE PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE VERY WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS.
DURING THE ENSUING DISCUSSIONS WHICH LASTED FOR OVER TWO HOURS, MEMBERS TOOK A KEEN INTEREST IN A NUMBER OF PROJECTS AND URGED THE DEPARTMENT TO UPGRADE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THESE INCLUDED THE COOKED-FOOD CENTRE AT HING LUNG STREET, THE REPROVISIONING OF THE CENTRAL MARKET, THE CHUN SING COMPLEX AND THE SMITHFIELD ROAD COMPLEX.
MISS SHUM UNDERTOOK TO TAKE THEIR VIEWS INTO CONSIDERATION AND TO MAKE ADJUSTMENT WHEREVER POSSIBLE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THEIR WISHES.
UNDER THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WORKS PROGRAMME FOR EA-CH DISTRICT, PROJECTS ARE CLASSIFIED INTO FOUR CATEGORIES -COMMITTED, READY, ADVANCED PLANNING AND PRELIMINARY PL ANNI NG.
EXCEPT FOR THE COMMITTED AND READY PROJECTS, EACH ITEM IS TENTATIVELY GIVEN A HIGH, MEDIUM OR LOW PRIORITY.
AFTER HAVING CONSULTED ALL TEN URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS, AND WHERE POSSIBLE AMENDED THE PLANNING PROPOSALS ACCORDING TO MEMBERS’ VIEWS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL PRESENT ITS FINALISED DRAFT CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME TO THE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
THEN, FOLLOWING RATIFICATION BY THE COUNCIL, THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE INFORMED OF THE FINALISED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THEIR DISTRICTS.
THURSDAY, MAY 2, 1985
23
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR DRAGON BOAT RACE * * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR THE ANNUAL SAI KUNG DRAGON BOAT RACE TO BE HELD ON JUNE 22.
LOCAL ORGANISATIONS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND BANKS- AS WELL AS NON-PROFIT MAKING COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS AND POST-SECONDARY SCHOOLS OUTSIDE SAI KUNG DISTRICT ARE WELCOME TO ENTER THE RACE.
SPONSORED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT DRAGON BOAT RACING ASSOCIATION UNDER THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE.
WINNING TEAMS FROM BOTH THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S DIVISIONS WILL REPRESENT SAI KUNG DISTRICT IN THE INTERNATIONAL DRAGON BOAT RACE ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION.
THE NUMBER OF ENTRIES IN THE MEN’S DIVISION IS LIMITED TO 24 AND THE WOMEN’S SIX. THE RACE WILL BE HELD OVER A 1 300-^ETRE COURSE FROM YEUNG CHAU ISLAND TO THE SEA FRONT OF SAI KUNG TOWN.
ENTRANCE FEES FOR LOCAL ORGANISATIONS AND WOMEN’S TEAMS IS S200- FOR NON-PROFIT MAKING COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS $500 I AND FOR ESTABLISHED COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND BANKS $3 000.
COMPETING TEAMS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH BOATS AND OTHER EQUIPMENT, AND WILL BE ALLOCATED PRACTICE TIMES.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES IS MAY 8 AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE IN PO TUNG ROAD, SAI KUNG TOWN. FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE DIRECTED TO MS HO MUK-LAN ON 3-2811762.
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/24........
Thursday, may 2, 1985
2k
FLYOVER ROAD WORK XXX
THE FLYOVER LINKING POK FU LAM ROAD WITH BONHAM ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR TWO PERIODS ON SUNDAY (MAY 5) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK — FROM 1 AM TO 6 AM, AND THEN FROM 8.30 PM TO 6 AM THE NEXT DAY (MONDAY).
DURING THE CLOSURES, VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND POK FU LAM ROAD HEADING FOR BONHAM ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HIGH STREET AND WESTERN STREET.
AND CMB ROUTES 3 AND 23 WILL BE CHANGED TO CIRCULAR ROUTES AND OPERATE TO PARK ROAD ONLY. CMB ROUTES 40 AND 40M ON THEIR CENTRAL-BOUND JOURNEYS WILL BE DIVERTED VIA POK FU LAM ROAD, WESTERN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, GILMAN STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEENSWAY.
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY J, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HK OFFICIAL HOLDS TALKS WITH CANADIANS ..................... 1
VISIT TO CHINA ........................................... 2
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION ..................... 2
PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN NAMED ........... 3
FOURTH QUARTER SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED ................ 4
PIK UK TO BECOME INDUSTRIAL PRISON ......................... 6
CAS HOLDING NT EXERCISE .................................... 8
BRITISH VISITORS SEE WELFARE SERVICES .................... 9
PASSING-OUT PARADE ......................................... 9
WEATHER SERVICES BOOKLET UPDATED ............................ 10
YOUTHS TO LEARN ABOUT CIVIC SERVICES ...................... 10
KOWLOON CITY MARKET COMPLEX BEING BUILT ................... 11
WELFARE PROJECTS DISCUSSED ................................ 12
DB MEMBERS VISIT URBCO .................................... 12
PARK FOOTWAY SYSTEM PLANNED ............................... 13
WAN CHAI TO HAVE FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM ........................ 14
RETAIL BUSINESS COURSE OFFERED ............................ 14
TRAFFIC CHANGES ........................................... 15
TAPS OFF IN TWO AREAS ................................... 15
FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 16
-Ri DAY, MAY 3, 1935
1
HK OFFICIAL HOLDS TALKS WITH CANADIANS ******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY - DESIGNATE, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHO HAS BEEN VISITING HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS OFFICES, HAD A SERIES CF TALKS YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) WITH CANADIAN OFFICIALS IN OTTAWA ON MATTERS OF MUTUAL CONCERN.
HE SPENT MOST OF THE DAY WITH TOP-RANKING MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS, DISCUSSING A WIDE VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, RANGING FROM THE RESETTLEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO T°ADE AND INVESTMENT FROM CANADA.
it WAS NOTED THAT SINCE THE EXODUS OF REFUGEES FROM VIETNAM BEGAN'WN 1975, CANADA HAS TAKEN A TOTAL OF 16 739 SUCH REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, BEING SECOND TO THE UNITED STATES IN DOING SO.
HONG KONG HAS ACCEPTED 14 500 REFUGEES. BUT THERE ARE STILL OVER 11 000 SUCH REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AWAITING RESETTLEMENT OVERSEAS, AS THE RATE OF RESETTLEMENT HAS FALLEN DRASTICALLY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS.
WITH REGARD TO TRADE, IT WAS NOTED THAT CANADA-HONG KONG TRADE RELATIONS CONTINUED TO EXPAND. HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE WITH CANADA IN 1984 WAS S418 BILLION.
EARLIER, MR AKERS-JONES HAD ADDRESSED A BREAKFAST MEETING CF SENIOR CANADIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICIALS, DURING WHICH HE EMPHASISED SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE CF HONG KONG AND THE STEPS BEING TAKEN BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE A SMOOTH RUNUP TO 1997, WHEN SOVEREIGNTY IS TRANSFERRED TO CHINA.
HE HAD ALREADY INDICATED THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HOPED TO HAVE +EVERY THING IN PLACE BY 1994 OR 1995 SO THAT THE TRANSITION WILL TAKE PLACE WITHOUT A BUMP+.
IN THE LATE AFTERNOON HE HAD A MEETING WITH THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSIONER, SIR DEREK DAY, AND DISCUSSIONS WITH OFFICIALS OF THE COMMERCIAL DEPARTMENT.
MR AKERS-JONES WAS DUE TO LEAVE TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR VANCOUVER BEFORE GOING ON TO JAPAN.
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/2
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1985
VISIT TO CHINA * * X
ThZ CHIEF SECRETARY-DESIGNATE, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES HAS BEEN CARRYING OUT A WIDE RANGE OF VISITS IN PREPARATION FOR HIS NEW FUNCTIONS. AS PART OF THESE PREPARATIONS, HE WILL VISIT CHINA FROM MAY 11 TO 25. HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MRS AKERS-JONES. AT THE INVITATION OF MR XU JIATUN, DIRECTOR OF XINHUA NEWS AGENCY HONG KONG BRANCH, HE WILL VISIT PEKING, SHANGHAI, FUJIAN AND GUANGZHOU.
MR AND MRS AKERS-JONES WILL STAY IN PEKING WITH THE BRITISH AMBASSADOR. THE AMBASSADOR AND THE EMBASSY WILL BE CLOSELY INVOLVED IN MP AKERS-JONES’ PROGRAMME, AS WILL MR TREVOR MOUND, BRITISH CONSUL-GENERAL, IN MR AKERS-JONES’ PROGRAMME IN SHANGHAI.
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LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION
XXX
LATEST STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED SI ZE OF ELECTORATE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS
(REVISED)
FUNCTIONAL CONSTI TUENCI ES
COMMERCI AL 1 2 610 512
COMMERCI AL 1 1 5 330 1 515
INDUSTRI AL 1 330 255
INDUSTRI AL 1 1 2 540 704
Fl NAN Cl AL 141 73
LABOUR 390 246
SOCI AL SERVI CES 156 70
MEDICAL 4 540 1 295
/LEGAL
FRIDAY,
LEGAL
TEACHI NG
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
2 U3 511
53 270 21 449
3 160 1 367
437 400
TOT AL
75 594 X 28 397
* THIS ESTIMATED FIGURE IS ON DUPLICATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE MEDICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
THE HIGH SI DE AS THERE ARE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND
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PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL VICE-CHAIRMAN NAMED
*****
A PROMINENT NEW TERRITORIES EDUCATIONIST, MR NATHAN MA NING-HEI, 53, HAS BEEN APPOINTED VICE CHAIRMAN OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
PRINCIPAL OF THE YUEN LONG LUTHERAN MIDDLE SCHOOL AND A FORMER MEMBER OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR MA HOLDS TWO UNIVERSITY DEGREES - A BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN CIVIL ENGINEERING FROM THE NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY AND A BACHELOR OF ARTS IN EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA. HE ALSO HOLDS A DIPLOMA IN SOLO SINGING FROM THE CURWEN MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LONDON.
HE IS AT PRESENT THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOLS MUSIC AND SPEECH ASSOCIATION, MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE NEw ASIA COLLEGE OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, CHAIRMAN CF THE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONb CHILDREN’S ARTS EXHIBITION, IN ADDITION TO MANY SENIOR APPOINTMENTS WITHIN THE LUTHERAN CHURCH GROUP. MANY OF HIS PUBLIC SERVICE INVOLVEMENT^ ARE RELATE: TO EDUCATION.
/MR MA .......
•7.Y 3, 1985
MR MA JOINS THE 24-MEMBER PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL wHICH CAME IMO BEING ON APRIL 1, TO ADVISE THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE PROVISION OF AN EXTENSIVE RANGE OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES IN THE NOM-URBAN AREAS.
’HE COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS rIRST MEETING AT THE CITY AND NEw TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 8), WHEN THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, wILL DELIVER THEIR INAUGURAL SPEECHES.
UNTIL THE COUNCIL’S OWN CHAMBER IN TSUEN WAN IS COMPLETED IN AUGUST, ALL ITS MEETINGS WILL BE HELD AT THE CNTA CONFERENCE ROCMuAT THE WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, 12/F, 7 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI ^KOWLOON.
V
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE COUNCIL MEETING AT 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 8).
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FOURTH QUARTER SHIPPING STATISTICS RELEASED * * * *
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, 3 003 SHIPS WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17.7 MILLION NRT (NET REGISTERED TONNAGE) ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 81 IN NUMBER AND 1.2 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983, ACCORDING TO THE + HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG FROM INCOMING SHIPS DROPPED BY FIVE PER CENT WHILST THP NUMBER OF CONTAINERS (MEASURED IN TEUS) DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 14 PER CENT. WHEN ANALYSED BY SHIP TYPE, NOTABLE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE NUMBER OF CONTAINER VESSELS (+61) AND ROLL-ON/ROLL-OFF VESSELS (+44), WHILE THE NUMBER OF CONVENTIONAL VESSELS DROPPED (-123). INCREASES IN NUMBER WERE NOTED FOR SHIPS REGISTERED IN CHINA (+30) AND IN TAIWAN (+18), BUT DECLINES WERE RECORDED FOR PANAMANIAN SHIPS (-36), SINGAPOREAN SHIPS (-28) AND LIBERIAN SHIPS (-16). THE NUMBER OF SHIPS WITH CAPACITY UNDER 10 000 DWT INCREASED (+57).
/IN THE ........
FRIDAY, MAY 5, 1985
- 5 -
IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, THERE WERE 2 986 DEPARTING SHIPS, WITH A TOTAL CAPACITY OF 17.6 MILLION NRT, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 64 IN NUMBER BUT OF ONLY 0.02 PER CENT IN CAPACITY OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983. THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF CARGO LOADED ONTO OUTGOING SHIPS ROSE BY NINE PER CENT, AND THE NUMBER OF CONTAINERS (MEASURED IN TEUS) LOADED IN HONG KONG ALSO ROSE, BY 14 PER CENT. ABOUT 67 PER CENT OF THE DEPARTING VESSELS HAD STAYED IN HONG KONG FOR LESS THAN TWO DAYS.
BASED ON INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM OCEAN CARGO MANIFEST, 87 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT OF THE INWARD SEABORNE CARGO WAS IMPORTS AND 13 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT. OF THE OUTWARD SEABORNE CARGO, 57 PER CENT WAS EXPORTS (INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS) AND 43 PER CENT WAS FOR TRANSHIPMENT. THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING FOR SEABORNE IMPORTS WERE JAPAN (20 PER CENT IN TERMS OF GROSS WEIGHT), SINGAPORE (14 PER CENT) AND CHINA (11 PER CENT), AND THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF DISCHARGE FOR SEABORNE EXPORTS WERE THE U.S.A. (22 PER CENT), CHINA (13 PER CENT) AND TAIWAN (13 PER CENT). TRANSHIPMENT CARGO WAS MAINLY LOADED FROM THE U.S.A. (28 PER CENT) AND CHINA (24 PER CENT), AND TRANSHIPPED TO THE U.S.A. (16 PER CENT) AND CHINA (15 PER CENT).
COMPARING THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WITH THE SAME QUARTER CF 1983, THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS (-9 PER CENT), LARGELY DUE TO DECREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE MAJOR COUNTRIES OF LOADING (-20 PER CENT FOR JAPAN, -28 PER CENT FOR SINGAPORE AND -34 PER CENT FOR CHINA). THERE WERE, HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN THE TONNAGE OF SEABORNE IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. (+68 PER CENT) AND THE PHILIPPINES (+42 PER CENT). AMONG THE PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, CONSIDERABLE INCREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED IN THE IMPORTo CF OTHER ROAD VEHICLES AND ACCESSORIES (+128 PER CENT), hRTIFICLAL RESINS AND PLASTIC MATERIALS AND CELLULOSE ESTERS AND ETHERS^+33 PER CENT PER CENT
CORK AND WOOD
OVER THE SAME PERIOD, SEABORNE EXPORTS TO MOST COUNTRIES DECLINED IN TERMS OF TONNAGE, WITH THE MAIN DECREASES RECORDED FOR EXPORTS TO THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (-21 PER CENT), JAPAN (-20 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (-18 PER CENT). HOWEVtR, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR EXPORTS TO CHINA (+38 PER CENT), THE U S.A. (+8 PER CENT) AND THAILAND (+3 PER CENT). AMONG THt PRINCIPAL COMMODITIES, DECREASES IN TONNAGE WERE RECORDED IN THE EXPORT OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS (-60 PER CENT) AND CHEMICAL MATERIALS AND PRODUCTS, N.E.S. (-25 PER CENT), WHILE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE EXPORT OF MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES, N.E.S. (+36 PER CENT), TOYS (+34 PER CENT), AND VEGETABLES AND FRUITS (+27 PER CENT).
/SHIPPING STATISTICS .......
FRIDAY, MAY J, 1985
- 6 -
SHIPPING STATISTICS ARE COMPILED PRIMARILY FROM GENERAL DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT BY SHIPOWNERS OR 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 THE EXPLANATORY NOTES OF THE REPORT.
MORE DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE +HONG KONG SHIPPING STATISTICS* REPORT FOR OCTOBER TO DECEMBER 1984, WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $12 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON STATISTICS PROVIDED IN THE REPORT MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE SHIPPING STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, AT TELEPHONE NUMBERS 5-452701 AND 5-455422.
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PIK UK TO BECOME INDUSTRIAL PRISON
*****
THE MINIMUM SECURITY PIK UK PRISON IN CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, SAI KUNG WILL BECOME AN INDUSTRIAL PRISON WHEN ITS WORKSHOP BUILDING IS COMPLETED AND PUT INTO USE LATER THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, AT THE TOPPING-OUT CEREMONY OF THE NEW WORKSHOP BUILDING TODAY (FRIDAY).
THE CEREMONY WAS ATTENDED BY OFFICIALS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN THE BUILDING PROJECT AS WELL AS LOCAL COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD, MR WAN HON-CHEUNG.
WITH THE OPENING OF THE WORKSHOP BUILDING, MORE THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE PRISON’S POPULATION, MOST OF THEM SERVING THEIR FIRST TERM, COULD BE EMPLOYED IN INDUSTRIAL WORK, NR GARNER SAID.
THE FOUR-STOREY WORKSHOP BUILDING, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, IS DESIGNED TO HOLD SOME 280 PRISONERS FOR TRAINING IN CARPENTRY AND GARMENT MAKING WORK. IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE STORAGE SPACE FOR RAW MATERIALS AND FINISHED GOODS.
/THE TOP .......
FRIDAY, MAY J, 1985
THE TOP FLOOR OF THE BUILDING IS A SELF-CONTAINED WORKSHOP FOR MAKING LINEN AND GARMENT ITEMS FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, WITH A VIEW, EVENTUALLY, TO TAKING UP ALL ITS REQUIREMENTS.
THE OTHER FLOORS ARE FOR CARPENTRY WORK GEARED TO THE MANUFACTURE OF GOVERNMENT OFFICE AND QUARTERS FURNITURE AS 'WELL AS THE MAKING AND MAINTENANCE OF DOORS FOR HOUSING AUTHOR ITY.
AN IMPORTANT FEATURE IN THE CARPENTRY WORKSHOP IS THE INSTALLATION OF AN EFFICIENT DUST COLLECTING SYSTEM. IN ADDITION, THERE ARE A DEHUMIDIFYING FACILITY FOR DRYING TIMBER AND WATER SPRAY BOOTHS FOR REMOVING VAPOUR AND SPRAY GIVEN OFF BY THE PAINT SPRAYING PROCESS.
THE PROJECT COST $13.3 MILLION, $10.05 MILLION FOR BUILDING AND $3.25 MILLION FOR EQUIPMENT. BUILDING CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS STARTED IN JULY LAST YEAR, AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
FACILITIES AT PIK UK PRISON, WHICH BEGAN OPERATIONS IN 1975, INCLUDE A COMPLEX OF BUILDINGS INCORPORATING AN ADMINISTRATION COMPLEX, A HOSPITAL, A KITCHEN, A DINING HALL, A DOMESTIC LAUNDRY, TAILORING WORKSHOPS AND A PURPOSE-BUILT LAUNDRY FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AND DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION FOR SOME 500 PRISONERS.
THE FIVE-STOREY LAUNDRY WAS BUILT ADJACENT TO THE PRISON IN 1981 PROVIDING SERVICE FOR FIVE GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS -PRINCESS MARGARET, KOWLOON, CASTLE PEAK, KWAI CHUNG AND PRINCE OF WALES. SOME 180 PRISONERS ARE EMPLOYED IN THE LAUNDRY, WHICH CAN HANDLE 19 000 KILOGRAMMES OF SOILED LINEN A DAY.
MR GARNER SAID THAT PIK UK PRISON WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED IN THE LATE 195O’S AS A CAMP FOR 400 PRISONERS TO BE BUILT AT LUK KENG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HOWEVER, JUST AS CONSTRUCTION WORK WAS TO START IN 1967, IT WAS DECIDED TO LOOK FOR AN ALTERNATIVE SITE, THE SITE AT PIK UK WAS MADE AVAILABLE, HE SAID.
WHEN THE PRISON WAS BEING BUILT, IT WAS AGREED, AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMISSIONER, THAT SLEEPING ACCOMMODATION FOR 200 MORE PRISONERS BE ADDED, THOUGH OTHER FACILITIES WERE FOR ONLY 400. AND THE ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION ADDED WAS QUICKLY PUT TO USE AS WORKSHOPS.
/MR garner
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1985
- 8 -
MR GARNER POINTED OUT THAT THE NEw WORKSHOP WOULD FREE FOR USE ALL DORMITORY ACCOMMODATION AND SO ENLARGE THE PRISON TO TAKE UP TO 600 PRISONERS.
+THE PRISON, THEREFORE, HAS DEVELOPED FROM THAT OF A CAMP 1° ’NDUSTRIAL PRISON, AND IS THE FIRST TO BE REFERRED TO AS SUCH IN THE DEPARTMENT.
*'LW*LL PR0VIDE FACILITIES FOR THE GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT OF AN industrial setting, and at the same time enables THtM ,0 HAVE THE BENEFIT OF INDUSTRIAL TRAINING AND SO CULTIVATE GOOD WORK HABITS,* MR GARNER SAID.
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CAS HOLDING NT EXERCISE *****
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD A NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL EXERCISE IN TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (MAY 5).
THE EXERCISE WILL TAKE PLACE AT TWO SITES - SO KWUN WAT AND YUEN TUN TRAINING CAMP, FROM 9.45 AM TO 6 PM.
OVER 300 CAS VOLUNTEERS AND CADETS WILL ENGAGE IN THE EXERCISE, WHICH CONSISTS OF A MOCK RAINSTORM AND LANDSLIP EMERGENCY OPERATION INVOLVING LARGE-SCALE SEARCH AND RESCUE WORK, CASUALTY EXCAVATION AND HANDLING.
THE PURPOSE IS TO TEST THE EFFICIENCY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF CAS INCIDENT CONTROL, AS WELL AS MOBILISATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES, AND CASUALTY EXCAVATION.
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/9........
♦
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1985
- 9 -
BRITISH VISITORS SEE WELFARE SERVICES
* * * *
TWO SENIOR OFFICIALS FROM THE ROYAL ASSOCIATION FOR DISABILITY AND REHABILITATION IN BRITAIN TODAY HAD A LOOK AT WELFARE SERVICES PROVIDED IN ONE OF HONG KONG’S LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
CHAIRMAN OF THE ASSOCIATION, THE DUKE OF BUCCLEUCH AND UEENSBERRY, TOGETHER WITH THE DIRECTOR, MR GEORGE WILSON, VISITED A WORKSHOP FOR THE HANDICAPPED, A HOSTEL AND A SOCIAL CENTRE POR THE ELDERLY AT SHEK WAI KOK ESTATE IN TSUEN WAN.
^ADDITION TO SEEING THE VARIOUS SERVICES AVAILABLE, THEY StfJWED PARTICULAR INTEREST IN THE FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE ESTATE FOR ACCESS BY DISABLED PERSONS, SUCH AS RAMPS FOR WHEEL-CHAIR USERS.
THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED ON THE TOUR BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR GF HOUSING (ESTATE MANAGEMENT POLICY AND DEVELOPMENT), MR SIMON LI.
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PASSING-OUT PARADE * * k
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANNING, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PASSING-OUT PARADE OF RECRUITS AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING.
HE WILL ALSO ADDRESS THE PARADE AND PRESENT SILVER WHISTLES TO THE TWO BEST RECRUITS.
ON PARADE WILL BE 38 OFFICERS AND 54 ASSISTANT OFFICERS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING.
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/1O........
-’RI DAY, Ma 3, 1985.
10
WEATHER SERVICES BOOKLET UPDATED
*****
UPDATED INFORMATION ON SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR SHIPS IN THE CHINA SEAS AND THE WESTERN PACIFIC, AS WELL AS FOR SMALL CRAFT AND SAILING BOATS IN HONG KONG WATERS, IS CONTAINED IN THE TWELFTH EDITION OF +HONG KONG WEATHER SERVICES FOR SHIPPING+, NOW ON SALE.
SERVICES INCLUDE WEATHER FORECASTS, TROPICAL CYCLONE AND MONSOON WARNINGS, TSUNAMI WARNINGS, AND COASTAL VISIBILITY ' INFORMATION. DETAILS OF BROADCAST SCHEDULES OF WEATHER BULLETINS BY THE HONG KONG AND NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES ARE ALST*GIVEN.
j’-lE BOOKLET, PREPARED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, SUPERSEDES THE ELEVENTH EDITION. IT IS ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG AT $10 A COPY.
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YOUTHS TO LEARN ABOUT CIVIC SERVICES * * * *
ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY YOUTHS IN SAI KUNG WILL ATTEND A ONE-DAY TRAINING COURSE ON COMMUNITY SERVICES ON SUNDAY (MAY 5) MORNING, ON THE OCCASION OF +YOUTH DELEGATE DAY*.
THE EVENT WILL MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE DISTRICT’S +YOUTH DELEGATE SCHEME+ ORGANISED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE ON 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, AND CHAIRPERSON OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, MRS ANITA CHAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SUNDAY.
THE COURSE, TO BE HELD IN THE HO CHUNG SAI KUNG CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL FROM 9.30 AM TO 4 PM, WILL CONSIST OF SEMINARS ON THE ROLE OF YOUTHS, SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG, AND PUBLICITY SKILLS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A TRAINING WORKSHOP ON HOW TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES.
GUEST SPEAKERS WILL INCLUDE THE CHAIRPERSON OF 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR CENTRAL CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE’S LIAISON COMMITTEE, MRS CHAN WONG SHU I, THE OFF ICER-IN-CHARGE OF HONG KONG CARITAS’ SAI KUNG COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT UNIT, MR FUNG WAI-WAH- AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION DEPART. .- NTS.
/UNDER THE .......
FRIDA- KAY 3, 1985
11
UNDER THE +YOUTH DELEGATE SCHEME*, YOUTHS FROM COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WILL FORM INTO SMALL GROUPS IMPLEMENT COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT, UNDER BOARD SPONSORSHIP.
SCHOOLS AND TO DESIGN AND THE DISTRICT
THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE SCHEME WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES AND BE CALLED UPON TO CARRY OUT FUTURE DISTRICT ACTIVITIES.
THE YOUTH DELEGATE SCHEME IS PART OF A YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMME TO PROMOTE THE IYY THEME OF +PEACE, PARTICIPATION AND DEVELOPMENT*.
LATE THIS YEAR, THERE WILL BE AN ARTS AND CRAFTS EXHIBITION, DISPLAYING LOCAL ARTISTS’ WORKS ON POTTERY, PRINT, PAINTING, SKETCH, TAPESTRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY.
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•KOWLOON CITY MARKET COMPLEX BEING BUILT
* X X X
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) SIGNED A $25.8 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOUR-STOREY URBAN COUNCIL MARKET COMPLEX IN KOWLOON CITY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, MR JOSE LEI, AND MR LAW KWOK-HUNG, OF THE YU WING CONSTRUCTION AND INVESTMENT CO. LTD.
ALSO ATTENDING THE CONTRACT SIGNING CEREMONY WERE THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S CAPITAL WORKS SELECT COMMITTEE, MR SAMUEL WONG, AND URBAN COUNCILLOR MR PETER C.K. CHAN.
THE COMPLEX WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS OF KOWLOON CITY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF MARKET AND RECREATION FACILITIES UNDER THE ONE ROOF, AND IS EXPECTED TO EE COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS.
IT WILL BE BUILT ON A 4 600 SQUARE METRE SITE AT NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, FORMERLY OCCUPIED BY THE OLD KOWLOON CITY MARKET.
THE FOUR-STOREY COMPLEX, TOTAL COST ESTIMATED AT 365 MILLION, IS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING TEMPORARY MARKET AT CARPENTER ROAD AND TO ACCOMMODATE ON-STREET HAWKERS, THUS IMPROVING THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND STREET CONDITION IN THE SURROUNDING AREAS.
THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS, TO BE LINKED BY ESCALATOR, WILL ACCOMMODATE SOME 640 STALLS FOR THE SALE OF FISH, MEAT, POULTRY, VEGETABLES AND SUNDRY GOODS, A LOADING BAY AND A REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
FACILITIES ON THE UPPER FLOORS WILL INCLUDE A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, A MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL, THREE SQUASH COURTS, GAMES ROOMS, A SMALL LIBRARY AND OFFICES.
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/12 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1935
12
WELFARE PROJECTS DISCUSSED
*****
THE NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN CHAI HOSPITAL PAID A COURTESY CALL TODAY (FRIDAY) ON THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE YRS ANSON CHAN, AND DISCUSSED THE HOSPITAL’S WELFARE PROJECTS ’ w1HER•
THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, MRS SOPHIE LEUNG, REVEALED THAT THE PROJECTS IN THE PIPELINE INCLUDED A CHILD CARE CENTRE OPENING NEXT MONTH IN TUEN MUN, A SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY IN THE BUTTERFLY ESTATE, TUEN MUN, A HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY IN POK HONG ESTATE, SHA TIN, AND A CARE-AND-ATTENTION HOME AT LAI KING HEADLAND, TSUEN WAN.
MRS CHAN SAID SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE HOSPITAL HAD BENEFITED PEOPLE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, AND ASSURED BOARD MEMBERS THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD FULLY SUPPORT THE PROJECTS.
-----o-----
DB MEMBERS VISIT URBCO
* * * *
TWENTY-FIVE MEMBERS OF THE NEW KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED THE URBAN COUNCIL CHAMBERS AS PART OF AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR BOARD MEMBERS.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, THEY WERE BRIEFED ON THE FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL BY ITS SECRETARY, MR ROY SPENCER.
FOLLOWING A DISCUSSION, BOARD MEMBERS WERE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF VARIOUS FACILITIES IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS.
TODAY’S VISIT WAS ARRANGED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF MR SPENCER, AND FOUR URBAN COUNCILLORS WHO ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD.
0 - -
/15
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1985
13
PARK FOOTWAY SYSTEM PLANNED
* * * *
WORK WILL START SHORTLY ON THE SECOND PHASE OF THE TUEN MUN TOwN PARK, LOCATED BETWEEN THE YAU 01 ESTATE, THE CIVIC AND CULTURAL COMPLEX AND THE NEW TOWN CENTRE.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT A COMPREHENSIVE PARK FOOTWAY SYSTEM AND ACCESS ROADS FOR EMERGENCY AND SERVICE VEHICLES ONLY, IN ADDITION TO THE REMOVAL OF EXISTING TEMPORARY ACCESS ROADS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE FIRST PHASE OF THE TOWN PARK, WHICH WAS PART OF THE CONTINUING PROGRAMME FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, WAS NEARING COMPLETION ON THE NORTHERN PORTION OF THE SITE.
WHEN COMPLETED, HE SAID, THE TOWN PARK WOULD PROVIDE A MAJOR CENTRAL OPEN SPACE AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR TUEN MUN RESIDENTS.
DETAILS OF THE PROPOSALS ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
A PLAN OF THE PROPOSALS WORKS MAY BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG, AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE, TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 1, 1985.
----0----
/1L........
FRIDAY, MA'r 3, 1935-
14
WAN CHAI TO HAVE FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM
******
A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM IS SOON TO ROAD EAST AND QUEENSWAY, AND ACROSS ARSENAL ROAD.
BE BUILT ACROSS QUEEN’S STREET AND HENNESSY
THE WORK INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COVERED TRAM ISLAND
AT QUeIn^'AROADDEAST REPR0V ISl0N,NG AND LANDSCAPING OF MONMOUTH PARK
THE FOOTBRIDGE SYSTEM WILL INCREASE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY BY PROVIDING A CONTINUOUS ELEVATED FOOTWAY LINKING THE JUNCTIONS OF QUEENSWAY - QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, AND HENNESSY ROAD - ARSENAL STREET.
IT WILL ALSO ALLOW UNINTERRUPTED TRAFFIC FLOW ALONG THESE HEAVILY USED ROUTES.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND TAKE 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAY, JUNE 7. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
-----o------
RETAIL BUSINESS COURSE OFFERED
*****
SERVING STAFF IN THE RETAIL SECTOR ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A COURSE ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF RETAILING OFFERED BY THE BUSINESS AND MANAGEMENT STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
THE COURSE WILL BE HELD FROM MAY 27 TO JULY 1 AT THE REQUEST CF THE WHOLESALE-RETAIL AND IMPORT-EXPORT TRADES TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
PARTICIPANTS WILL LEARN ABOUT RETAILING, STORE DEVELOPMENT, MERCHANDISING, CUSTOMER SERVICES AND RETAIL ACCOUNTING IN 10 THREE-HOUR LECTURES.
THE COURSE FEE IS $250 FOR EACH PARTICIPANT WHO ATTENDS AT LEAST 80 PER CENT OF THE LECTURES AND PASSES THE FINAL EXAMINATION.
APPLICATIONS CLOSE ON MAY 18. FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR H. HUNG, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 261.
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/15
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1°S5
15
TRAFFIC CHANGES * * *
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS w/ILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON HONG KONG ISLAND FROM MONDAY (MAY 6), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY, VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST WILL BE BANNED FROM TURNING LEFT INTO EASTERN STREET FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS TO FACILITATE ROAD REPAIR WORKS AT EASTERN STREET.
DURING THE PERIOD, VEHICLES ON WESTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST HEADING FOR EASTERN STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WATER STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST.
ALSO FROM 13 AM ON MONDAY, SPORTS ROAD FROM 30 METRES TO 63 METRES EAST OF WONG NAI CHUNG ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY 24 HOURS DAILY.
wITHIN THE RESTRICTED AREA, NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
IN WAN CHAI, THE SECTION OF BURROWS STREET BETWEEN JOHNSTON ROAD AND WAN CHAI ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY (MAY 6) TO FRIDAY (MAY 10), DAILY FROM 8 PM UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY. THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE DRAINS CLEARANCE WORKS.
------0-------
TAPS OFF IN TWO AREAS * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KENNEDY TOWN AND WONG TAI SIN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVERAL HOURS BETWEEN MONDAY (MAY 6) AND TUESDAY FOR MAINS WORK.
IN KENNEDY TOWN, SUPPLY TO PREMISES BOUNDED BY SMITHFIELD, FORBES STREET, CADOGAN STREET AND KENNEDY TOWN NEW PRAYA, INCLUDING CATCHICK STREET, HAU WO STREET, BELCHER’S STREET AND DAVIES STREET WILL BE STOPPED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON MONDAY.
IN WONG TAI SIN, SUPPLY WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 AM ON MONDAY TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY FUNG TAK ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, PO KONG LANE, SHUNG WAH STREET, SHEUNG FUNG STREET, LUNG FUNG STREET AND SHAT IN PASS ROAD.
------0-------
/1b........
FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1985
16 -
FIRING PRACTICE
* * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR SIX DAYS THIS MONTH.
■“’EMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE wARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE FED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
FIRING PRACTICE WILL BE HELD FROM 8 AM TO 11 PM ON MAY 8, -ROM 8 A^ TO A PM ON MAY 9, AND FROM 8 AM TO 5 PM ON MAY 21-22 AND 28-29.
----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LAST BOARD CHAIRMAN TO BE ELECTED............................... 1
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION ....................... 2
SIX ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN RESTAURANT .................... 3
SHOP OPERATORS WARNED ABOUT UNCERTIFIED MEAT ................... 3
CORRECTIONAL 'WORK VITAL, RECRUITS TOLD ........................ 4
TRAINING COURSE FOR TEACHERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS ................ 5
ID CARD REMINDER TO MEN ........................................ 6
AIRMAIL DELAY .................................................. 6
+DRAGON BOAT+ STAMPS OUT JUNE 19 ............................... 7
ENTRIES OPEN FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE........................ 7
QE HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS EXTENDED............................. 8
TWO INDUSTRY OFFICERS SET FOR AUSTRALIAN TOUR .................. 8
COUNCILLORS, DB MEMBERS TO +GREEN UP+ HONG KONG ................ 9
SPRING WALKATHON FOR ELDERLY .................................. 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY ............................... 11
I
I SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
- 1 •
LAST BOARD CHAIRMAN TO BE ELECTED * * * *
THE PROCESS OF ELECTING CHAIRMEN TO ALL 19 DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE COMPLETED ON MONDAY (MAY 6) WHEN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD ELECTS ITS CHAIRMAN.
AFTER THE ELECTION, THE BOARD WILL MEET TO DISCUSS A PAPER SUBMITTED BY THE POLICE ON THE LAW AND ORDER SITUATION IN KWUN TONG DURING LAST YEAR.
BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON THE PRIORITY CF CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL IN THE DISTRICT.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, MISS ELLE SHUM, AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER - PLANNING, OF THE CITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR ANDREW CHENG, WILL ATTEND THE MEETING TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM BOARD MEMBERS.
THE QUESTION OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATIONS FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND THE SPENT CONVICTION SCHEME WILL BE RAISED FOR DISCUSSIONS BY TWO BOARD MEMBERS.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE DISTRICT BOARD STANDING ORDERS, RE-CONSTRUCTION OF COMMITTEES AND WORKING GROUPS UNDER THE BOARD, AND THE ALLOCATION OF FUNDS FOR 1985-86.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW TERM KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TO BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 6) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM ON THE 3RD FLOOR OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION
* * * *
LATEST STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
SIZE OF ELECTORATE APPLICATIONS
(REVISED)
FUNCTIONAL
CONSTITUENCIES
COMMERCIAL 1 2 610 554
COMMERCIAL II 5 380 1 550
INDUSTRIAL 1 830 291
INDUSTRIAL II 2 540 742
FINANCIAL 141 82
LABOUR 390 257
SOCIAL SERVICES 156 83
MEDICAL 4 540 1 393
LEGAL 2 140 537
TEACHING 53 270 21 649
ENGINEERING,
ARCHITECTURAL,
SURVEYING AND 3 160 1 437
PLANNING
ELECTORAL COLLEGE 437 412
TOTAL 75 594 * 28 9 57
* THIS ESTIMATED FIGURE IS ON THE HIGH SIDE AS THERE ARE DUPLICATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND MEDICAL CONSTITUENCIES.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
3
SIX ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT IN RESTAURANT * * * *
SIX ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA WERE ARRESTED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS IN A RAID ON A RESTAURANT AT THE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING Yl ISLAND ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 1).
THE SIX MEN, AGED BETWEEN 20 AND 50, WERE BEING DETAINED FOR ENQUIRIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE EMPLOYER WAS ALSO BEING INVESTIGATED FOR FAILING TO KEEP A PROPER RECORD OF HIS EMPLOYEES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
- - 0 - -
SHOP OPERATORS WARNED ABOUT UNCERTIFIED MEAT *****
MEAT SHOP OPERATORS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WERE WARNED TODAY THAT DEALING IN UNCERTIFIED MEAT WOULD MAKE THEM LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
THE WARNING CAME FROM THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AFTER A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH THREE MEAT SHOP OPERATORS IN YUEN LONG WERE CONVICTED IN THE FANLING MAGISTRACY OF POSSESSING PROHIBITED FOOD.
THE FIRST TWO OFFENDERS WERE EACH FINED 81 500 WHILE THE THIRD OFFENDER, WHO HAD ONE PREVIOUS RECORD, WAS FINED $2 000 AND SENTENCED TO SIX WEEKS’ IMPRISONMENT, SUSPENDED FOR 12 MONTHS.
AN RSD SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR THE OFFENCE IS A FINE OF $2 000 AND A JAIL SENTENCE OF THREE MONTHS.
DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF NINE CONVICTIONS WERE RECORDED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
- 0 -
v. MAY 4, 1935
4
CORRECT I0NA1. *ORK Vl ,, RECRUITS TOLD
* * # * •qq ।
CORRECTIONAL Hk vAS -ortant to society and was not'' ' SOMETHING T • TAKEN LiG'i'-T’, Tht COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, NF RAYMON ANN ING SAID TODaY (SATURDAY).
♦EVERY CuMMUN TY MUST HAVE RULES AND LAwS TO GOVERN ITS MEMBERS' AMD THOSE WHO DO NOT ABIDE BY THESE LAWS DESERVE THE CONTEMPT OF THOSE WHO DID,+ HE SAID AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE CF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES RECRUIT Ot-FICERS, AT THE DEPARTMENT’o STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY.
HE SAID THAT SOCIETY ENTRUSTED TO POLICE OFFICERS THE ROLE OF CATCHING THE OUTLAWS^ AND TO THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES OFFICERS THE TASK OF TEACHING THE OUTLAWS THE ERROR OF THEIR wA YS.
+ _HIS IS A VERY IMPORTANT TASK AND NOT ONE TO BE TAKEN LIGHTLY,* HE SAID.
THE 38 OFFICERS AND 54 ASSISTANT OFFICERS HAD JUST COMPLETED SIX MONTHS OF BASIC TRAINING.
MR ANNI NG TOLD THEM TO BE CONSTANTLY ALERT FOR THOSE *HO WOULD TRY TO SUBVERT THEM, AND TO HOLD STEADFASTLY TO THEIR INTEGRITY IN THE FULFILMENT OF THEIR DUTIES.
HE ALSO PRAISED THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SERVICES THAT ITS jCATIONAL AND INDUSTRIAL PROGRAMMES RENDERED TO THE COMMUNITY.
♦APART FROM PROVIDING A MEANS OF REHABILITATION FOR PRISONERS, THEY ALSO RENDER CONSIDERABLE SAVINGS TO GOVERNMENT ^D THIS IN TURN IS REFLECTED ON THE COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT SUCH SERVICES LAST YEAR HAD A COMMERCIAL VALUE y ALMOST S1OO MILLION, AND SAID THIS WAS INDEED A REMARKABLE ■iGURE «HICh COULD NOT HAVE BEEN REACHED WITHOUT MUCH HARD WORK ■ L INGENUITY ON THE PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S MANAGEMENT AND
STAFF.
AFTER INSPECTING THE PARADE, MR ANNING ALSO PRESENTED SILVER HISTLES TT THE TWO BEST RECRUITS, ASSISTANT OFFICERS MISS wONG LAI-SHEUNG AND MR LEUNG wAI-KEUNG.
-----o-----
/5 .......
?ATURDa
TR • ING COURSE FOR TEACHERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOL?
* * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN Sr EC I al SCHOOLS AND OF SPECIAL-RESOURCE-REVISED RESOURCt CLASSES TO ATTE iD A TWO-YEAR PART-TIME IN-SER' iCE DRAINING COURSE OFFERED BY SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IN SEPTEMBER.
APPLICANTS MUST BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS TRAINING AND RECOMMENDED BY THE SUPERVISOR
WITH RECOGNISED TEACHER OR HEAD OF THEIR SCHOOL-.
PART-TIME TEACHERS IN SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND QUALIFIED GRADUATl TEACHERS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR THE COURSE ALTHOUGH PRIORITY a ILL BE GIVEN TO FULL-TIME AND NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS.
IF ADMITTED TO THE COURSE, FULL-TIME TEACHERS OR HEAD TEACHERS WILL BE AWARDED A SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCE IN THE FORM OF ONE PAY INCREMENT.
UPON SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, ANOTHER SPECIAL EDUCATION ALLOWANCE WILL BE AWARDED AT A RATE OF TwO PAY INCREMENTS, TOGETHER WITH A +CERTIFICATE FOR TEACHERS OF CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.+
! THE IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE WILL INCLUDE STUDIES IN PSYCHOLOGICAL AND MEDICAL ASPECTS OF HANDICAPPED CHILDERN; SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICES AND PROVISION? LEARNING AND BEHAVIOURAL ASPECTS AND NEEDS OF VARIOUS TYPES OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND THE ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SPECIALRESOURCE-REVISED RESOURCE CLASSES.
THE COURSE WILL ALSO INCLUDE TUTORIALS, SEMINARS AND EDUCATIONAL VISITS. TEACHERS ATTENDING THE COURSE WILL BE SUPERVISED AND ADVISED IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION, EACH TRAINEE WILL STUDY IN DEPTH ON ONE OF THE SEVEN AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION ACCORDING TO THE TYPE OF HANDICAPPED CHILDREN HE WILL BE TEACHING IN SEPTEMBER AND THROUGHOUT THE DURATION OF THE COURSE.
THE SEVEN AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION OFFERED ARE THE EDUCATION CF CHILDREN WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES, MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, VISUALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, HEARING IMPAIRED CHILDREN, MALADJUSTED AND SOCIALLY DEPRIVED CHILDREN, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, AND CHILDREN WITH SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PROBLEMS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG; THE DEPARTMENT’o KOWLOON SuB-OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON; AND SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AT 6 CALDECOTT ROAD, KOWLOON, AND ITS ANNEXE AT 8 YUEN CHAU KOK ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH SUPERVISORS OR HEADS C- SCHOOLS TO "HE CHAIRMAN OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION JOINT SELECTION BOARD, CARE C SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ANNEXE IN SHA TIN, ON OR BEFORE MAY 31.
--------0 ---------
SATURD.
MAY 4, 1985
. - 6 -
ID CARD REMINDER TO MEN
til
» THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MEN BORN IN 1941,
1942, 1943 AND 1944 TO APPLY FOR NEW ID CARDS BEFORE MAY 18.
♦BETWEEN APRIL 15 AND YESTERDAY (FRIDAY), WE RECEIVED 79 830 APPLICATIONS, AND WE EXPECT 31 670 MORE TO COME IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO BRING ALONG THEIR OLD ID CARDS WHEN THEY CALL AT ANY ONE OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES BETWEEN 8 AM AND 9.30 PM, MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS.
+T0 AVOID A LAST-MINUTE RUSH, THEY ARE ADVISED TO COME EARLY,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT OLD ID CARDS BELONGING TO WOMEN BORN BETWEEN 1947 AND 1954 WILL BE DECLARED INVALID TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
SINCE THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INVALIDATION ORDER ON APRIL 26, SOME 300 LATE APPLICATIONS FOR NEW CARDS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FROM WOMEN OF THE ABOVE AGE GROUPS.
ONLY ABOUT ONE PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED POPULATION HAVE NOT YET COME FORWARD.
♦WE BELIEVE THAT THESE PEOPLE WERE AWAY FROM HONG KONG WHEN THEIR TURNS CAME AND HAVE NOT YET RETURNED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦THEY ARE ADVISED TO APPLY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THEIR RETURN,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
AIRMAIL DELAY * *
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT DUE TO A STRIKE AFFECTING THE AIRMAIL OPERATIONS IN SWEDEN, AIRMAIL, AIR PARCELS AND SPEEDPOST ITEMS POSTED TO SWEDEN ARE SUBJECT TO DELAY.
----o------
/I........
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
7
+DRAGON BOAT+ STAMPS OUT JUNE 19
* * *
FOUR SPECIAL STAMPS AND A SOUVENIR SHEET WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE ON JUNE 19 TO COMMEMMORATE THIS YEAR’S DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THIS ATTRACTIVE SET OF SETENANT DESIGNED STAMPS, WHICH SHOWS A COMPLETE BOAT IN ACTION, CAPTURE THE COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT OF THE DRAGON BOAT RACES.
DESIGNED BY MR ROBERT W. HOOKHAM AND PRINTED IN FRANCE ON UNWATERMARKED PAPER, THE STAMPS ARE IN DENOMINATIONS OF 40 CENTS, $1, $1.3 AND $5. THE SOUVENIR SHEET COSTS $7.7.
OFFICIAL FIRST DAY COVERS, AT 50 CENTS EACH, WILL BE ON SALE ON JUNE 5.
-----0------
ENTRIES OPEN FOR TAI PO DRAGON BOAT RACE
X H *
DRAGON-BOAT RACE TEAMS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S TAI PO RACE ARE REMINDED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATION BEFORE THE DEADLINE ON MAY 13.
THE RACE WILL BE HELD DURING THE TUEN NG FESTIVAL ON JUNE 22, AT THE WATERFRONT NEAR THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE MAXIMUM MUMBER OF ENTRIES IS 50 WITH EACH TEAM HAVING 27 MEMBERS COMPRISING A PADDLING CREW OF 24, A DRUMMER, A GONG-BEATER AND STEERSMAN.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICES OF THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE, THE TAI PO SPORTS ASSOCIATION LIMITED AND THE DISTRICT OFFICES. THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY MAY 13 WITH AN ENTRY FEE OF $500.
-----o------
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
8
QE HOSPITAL VISITING HOURS EXTENDED
* * * *
VISITING HOURS IN SOME OF THE WARDS OF QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL HAVE BEEN EXTENDED ONE HOUR SINCE LAST WEDNESDAY (MAY 1), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
THE EXTENDED VISITING HOURS APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING WARDS:
NEW VISITING HOURS PREVIOUS
GENERAL WARDS 2-3 PM AND 6-7 PM 2-3 PM
A 3 WARD 2-3 PM AND 6-7 PM 2-3 PM
A 11 WARD 4 - 7 PM 4-6 PM
A 2 WARD 4 - 7 PM 4-6 PM
C 2, A 4, C 5 AND A 6 WARDS 3 - 8 PM 3-7 PM
+THE EXTENDED VISITING HOURS WILL ENABLE HOSPITAL
VISITORS TO SEE PATIENTS IN SOME WARDS IN THE EVENING - A TIME THEY MIGHT FIND MORE CONVENIENT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE VISITING HOURS WAS MADE FOLLOWING A RECENT MEETING BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE HOSPITAL MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT VISITING HOURS FOR OTHER HOSPITALS WILL BE REVIEWED AS NECESSARY.
- - - - 0------------
TWO INDUSTRY OFFICERS SET FOR AUSTRALIAN TOUR
* * *
TWO MEMBERS FROM THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WILL LEAVE HONG KONG LATE TONIGHT (SATURDAY) ON A 19-DAY INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION TO AUSTRALIA.
MR DAVID CHEUNG AND MR RAYMOND CHAN, CONSULTANTS FROM THE DEPARTMENT’S +ONE STOP UNIT+, WILL VISIT SYDNEY AND BRISBANE FROM MAY 6 TO 24.
/MR CHEUNG .......
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 19S5
- 9 -
MR CHEUNG AND MR CHAN WILL VISIT COMPANIES IN THE LIGHT AND MEDIUM HEAVY ENGINEERING INDUSTRIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE ELECTRONIC, PLASTICS, ELECTRICAL AND METAL FIELDS.
THEY WILL ALSO MAKE FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO COMPANIES WHICH HAVE ALREADY SHOWN AN INTEREST IN INVESTING IN HONG KONG AND WHICH ARE IN TOUCH WITH THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE TRIP IS ONE OF A REGULAR SERIES OF INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSIONS TO AUSTRALIA WHICH HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SINCE 1976.
AT PRESENT, AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENTS IN HONG KONG RANK EIGHTH AMONG OVERSEAS COUNTRIES, WITH 25 ESTABLISHMENTS AND TOTAL INVESTMENT ESTIMATED AT ABOUT $188 MILLION.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT IS IN CONTACT WITH ABOUT 100 AUSTRALIAN COMPANIES WHICH HAVE EXPRESSED AN INTEREST IN MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG.
-----0------
COUNCILLORS, DB MEMBERS TO +GREEN UP+ HONG KONG * * * *
URBAN COUNCILLORS AND DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DO THEIR PART IN +GREENING UP+ HONG KONG NEXT WEEK BY PLANTING TREES IN THE URBAN AREAS.
IN ALL, 15 URBAN COUNCILLORS AND 26 DB MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME WHICH WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MONDAY AND SATURDAY (MAY 6 - 11).
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL’S ANNUAL TREE
PLANTING PROGRAMME ARE TO BEAUTIFY THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND TO AROUSE GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE THAT TREES CAN PLAY IN DENSELY-POPULATED AREAS.
DETAILS OF THE WEEK-LONG PROGRAMME ARE AS FOLLOWS:
MAY 6s
11.00 A.M. KO SHAN PARK MR PETER C.K. CHAN AILANTHUS FO
RD I I
MRS MARGARET LI (10 NOS.)
MAY 7:
10.00 A.M. MORSE PARK NO. 3 MISS CECILIA YEUNG BAUHINIA BLA KEANA
(10 NOS.)
/2.30J>.k.
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
10 -
2.30 P.M. UBUSTA VICTORIA PARK (OPPOSITE PLAZA HOTEL) MR HOWARD YEUNG EUCALYPTUS R (15 NOS.)
MAY 8: 10.00 A.M. KWUN TONG MR LAM CHAK-PIU TERMINAL!A C
ATAPPA 2.30 P.M. RECREATION GROUND ABERDEEN TUNNEL MR WALTER SULKE (10 NOS.) BAUHINIA VAR
IEGATA MAY 9: 10.00 A.M. APPROACH (OPPOSITE SHOUSON HILL ROAD) TSIM SHA TSUI MR JOSEPH CHAN DR DENNY HUANG (15 NOS.) ERYTHRINA VA
RIEGATA 2.30 P.M. PROMENADE COOMBE ROAD DR PHILIP KWOK MR HILTON CHEONG- (10 NOS.) BAUHINIA VAR
IEGATA MAY 10: 11.00 A.M. PLAYGROUND (WAN CHAI GAP) OPEN SPACE AT LEEN MR SAMUEL WONG MR TONG KAM-BIU (10 NOS.) CASSIA SURAT
IENSIS 2.30 P.M. LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL BREW IN PATH MR H.M.G. FORSGATE (10 NOS.) BAUHINIA VAR
IEGATA MAY Ils 10.00 A.M. PLAYGROUND (MAGAZINE GAP ROAD/GARDEN ROAD) OPEN SPACE AT MR EDMUND CHOW (10 NOS.) CASSIA SURAT
TENSIS BOUNDARY STREET INDOOR GAMES HALL DR RONALD LEUNG (13 NOS.)
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER
TO COVER THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONIES IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.
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/II
SATURDAY, MAY 4, 1985
- 11 -
SPRING WALKATHON FOR ELDERLY
* * *
MORE THAN 200 ELDERLY PEOPLE IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL TAKE PART IN A SPRING WALKATHON TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK.
THE EVENT IS AIMED AT PROVIDING OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES FOR THE AGED DURING THE MILD SPRING WEATHER, AND HELPING THEM MAKE NEW FRIENDS AND TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY SPIRIT AMONG RESIDENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID PARTICIPANTS MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS DURING THE WALKATHON AND IT WAS HOPED THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES WOULD HELP BOOST THE SPIRIT OF RESPECTING THE ELDERLY.
THE EVENT, SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, IS ORGANISED BY THE PAK SHA LAU, YUE KWONG CHUEN MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES WITH THE SUPPORT OF MORE THAN 10 OTHER MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE TIN WAN AND SHEK PAI WAN CONSTITUENCY.
----o------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY
* * *
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON CITY AND MONG KOK EAST FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 7), TH TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
IN KOWLOON CITY, THE FOLLOWING ROADS WILL BE DESIGNATED RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO 7 PM DAILYs-
* THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST AND CONCORDE ROAD.
* THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CONCORDE ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 24 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH EASTERN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CONCORDE ROAD FROM A POINT ABOUT 24 METRES WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH EASTERN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 26 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE OF THE SOUTHBOUND SLIP ROAD LINKING THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CONCORDE ROAD AND AIRPORT DRIVE NO. 5.
* EASTERN ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CONCORDE ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 125 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
/WITHIN THE........
SATUfUJAY, MAY 4, 1985
12
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, NO MOTOR VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS.
IN MONG KOK, THE FOLLOWING STREETS WILL BE DESIGNATED PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY :-
* NULLAH ROAD BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET.
* SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET BETWEEN NULLAH ROAD AND MONG KOK ROAD.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONES, ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS.
OTHER SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN MONG KOK ARE :-
* BUTE STREET BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS PROHIBITED ZONE DAILY.
* THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF NULLAH ROAD BETWEEN TUNG CHOI STREET AND SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
* TUNG CHOI STREET BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND NULLAH ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGH U.S. MEDIA INTEREST IN HK, GIS CHIEF FINDS ............. 1
TRADE, INDUSTRY CHIEF LEAVES FOR MFA TALKS .................. 2
YOUTH CIVIC EFFORT URGED .................................... 3
HK POLICE SHOW SCORES WELL IN EDINBURGH...................... 4
CONFISCATED HAWKER GOODS USED FOR A GOOD CAUSE .............. 5
APPEALS AGAINST TENANCY TERMINATION DISMISSED ............... 6
DB MEMBERS VISIT MTR ISLAND LINE STATIONS ................... 7
NET/ TUNNELLING METHOD REDUCES TRAFFIC DISRUPTION ............ 8
CAS MEMBERS PRACTISE EMERGENCY OPERATION .................... 9
INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CHIEF TO RETIRE........................... 10
NEW OFFICE FOR IMPORT, EXPORT FORM SALES .................... 10
POLICE WARN ABOUT USED CAR DEALS ............................ 11
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR TSUEN WAN SWIJMENG GALA .................. 13
SEMINARS ON ECOLOGICAL METHODS FOR TEACHERS ................. 14
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR WATERMAINS WORK........................... 14
ROAD WORKS TO PROVIDE BETTER SAFETY ......................... 15
WATER CUT ................................................... 15
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
HIGH U.S. MEDIA INTEREST IN HK, GIS CHIEF FINDS * * * * *
INTEREST IN HONG KONG AND KNOWLEDGE OF WHAT IS GOING ON HERE IS AT A VERY HIGH LEVEL AMONG AMERICAN JOURNALISTS, ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE.
MISS CHEUNG WAS SPEAKING IN NEW YORK, AT THE HALFWAY POINT OF A MONTH-LONG TOUR TO STUDY THE MEDIA IN THE UNITED STATES, WHICH IS TAKING HER INTO NEWSROOMS ACROSS THE COUNTRY.
+IT IS VERY ENCOURAGING THAT THE UNITED STATES MEDIA IS INTERESTED IN HEARING ABOUT THE RENEWED CONFIDENCE IN HONG KONG,+ MISS CHEUNG SAID.
SHE HAS VISITED SOME OF THE LEADING NEWSPAPERS AND BROADCASTING NETWORKS IN THE UNITED STATES, INCLUDING THE NEW YORK TIMES, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE BALTIMORE SUN, AND THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE NATIONAL BROADCASTING COMPANY IN NEW YORK.
MISS CHEUNG HAS HAD MANY INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG DURING HER MEETINGS WITH JOURNALISTS, AS WELL AS OTHERS INVOLVED IN THE NEWSPAPER PUBLISHING AND BROADCASTING INDUSTRIES.
ONE POINT SHE HAS BEEN EMPHASISING IS THE BROAD GUARANTEE OF PRESS FREEDOM IN THE AGREEMENT ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION AND THE RIGHT TO PUBLISH IT IS OF PRIME CONCERN TO AMERICAN JOURNALISTS.
MISS CHEUNG SAID THAT ONE FEATURE OF U.S. NEWS OPERATIONS WHICH HONG KONG COULD MATCH IS IN HIGH TECHNOLOGY.
+HONG KONG IS NOT FAR BEHIND THE UNITED STATES IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND OTHER TECHNOLOGY IN NEWSROOMS,* SHE SAID.
SHE ADDED THAT HONG KONG WAS ALSO WELL ADVANCED IN THE EROADCASTING FIELD, PARTICULARLY IN THE USE OF SATELLITE TECHNOLOGY.
BROADCASTING IS OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO MISS CHEUNG, WHO WORKED FOR MANY YEARS IN TELEVISION AS A PRESENTER AND PRODUCER.
SHE HAS MADE A CLOSE STUDY DURING HER TOUR OF THE OPERATION AND CONTROLS OF THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC), WHICH OVERSEES BROADCASTING IN THE UNITED STATES.
/♦THE FCC .......
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
2
+THE FCC ONLY REGISTERS RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS, AND DOESN’T TRY TO CENSOR THEM,* MISS CHEUNG SAID. HOWEVER, SHE ADDED THAT THIS DID NOT MEAN BROADCASTING WAS TOTALLY UNCONTROLLED, AS STATIONS WERE ALSO REQUIRED TO ADHERE TO THE +FAIRNESS DOCTRINE*, BY WHICH THEY MUST PRESENT BOTH SIDES OF AN ISSUE IN AN UNBIASED WAY.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF HER TOUR SO FAR HAS BEEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO SIT IN ON A WHITE HOUSE PRESS BRIEFING.
+l WAS VERY LUCKY TO BE VISITING AT A TIME WHEN THE PRESIDENT AND THE WHITE HOUSE WERE AT THE CENTRE OF THE NEWS,+ SHE SAID. HcR VISIT COINCIDED WITH THE CONTROVERSY SURROUNDING PRESIDENT REAGAN’S VISIT TO A GERMAN WAR CEMETERY, WHICH HAS BEEN WIDELY CRITICISED Ao INAPPROPRIATE BY MANY GROUPS IN THE UNITED STATES.
MISS CHEUNG HAS ALSO BEEN INTERVIEWED BY A a IDE RANGE OF PUBLICATIONS AND RADIO STATIONS, INCLUDING JHE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER AND A NATIONALLY BROADCAST NEWS PROGRAMME, +ALL THINGS CONSIDERED*.
MISS CHEUNG WILL BE IN THE UNITED STATES FOR ANOTHER TWO ORLEANS AND SAN FRANCISCO, AMONG OTHER CITIEo.
WEEKS, VISITING NEW
-----o------
TRADE, INDUSTRY CHIEF LEAVES FOR MFA TALKS * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, LEFT HONG KONG LAST (SATURDAY) NIGHT ON A TOUR OF EUROPEAN CAPITALS TO HAVE AN INFORMAL EXCHANGE OF VIEWS WITH SENIOR TRADE AND OTHER OFFICIALS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULT I-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA), WHICH IS DUE TO EXPIRE ON JULY 31, 1986.
HIS FIRST STOP IS ROME WHERE HE WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH THE MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, MR ALTISSIMO AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS.
FROM ROME HE WILL GO TO LONDON FOR MEETINGS WITH MR PAUL CHANNON, MINISTER FOR TRADE, SIR WILLIAM HARDING, DEPUTY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, SIR PETER BLAKER, CHAIRMAN OF THE ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, AND SOME OTHER MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT.
/BETWEHi MAY.........
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
BETWEEN MAY 12 AND 20, MR HO WILL BE IN EUROPE, SPENDING A FEW DAYS EACH IN BRUSSELS, BONN, PARIS, AND THE HAGUE FOR MEETINGS WITH SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON JHE MFA AND TO EXPRESS HONG KONG’S CONCERN OVER GROWING PROTECTIONISM IN WORLD TRADE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE OPPORTUNITY WILL ALSO BE TAKEN TO DISCUSS BILATERAL ISSUE OF COMMON INTEREST,* HE SAID.
MR HO’S EUROPEAN TOUR FOLLOWS THE RECENT MEETING ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTHING IN MEXICO CITY OF 21 DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES. HONG KONG WAS REPRESENTED AT THIS MEETING BY THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD. THE MEETING WAS MAINLY ASSIGNED TO COORDINATE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES’ VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA.
DURING MR HO’S ABSENCE, MR JOHN YAXLEY, DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, WILL ACT AS SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN ADDITION TO HIS NORMAL DUTIES.
--------o
YOUTH CIVIC EFFORT URGED * * *
SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT YOUTH PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES WOULD HELP ACHIEVE THE AIM OF SELF-DEVELOPMENT.
+IT WILL ALSO ENHANCE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT SOCIETY AND POLITICS, WHICH WILL GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE AN IDEA ON HOW TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY IN FUTURE,* HE SAID.
SPEAKING AT TODAY’S YOUTH DELEGATE DAY, WHICH MARKS THE OPENING OF THE SAI KUNG YOUTH DELEGATE SCHEME, MR HO SAID: +TAKING PART IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CAN BE VERY CHALLENGING FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.*
+THE FACT THAT ABOUT 12 PER CENT OF THE CANDIDATES IN DISTRICT BOARD ELECTIONS WERE AGED BETWEEN 21 AND 30, ILLUSTRATE^ THE INCREASING ROLE OF YOUNG PEOPLE,* HE ADDED.
+1 HOPE EACH OF THE 10 000 YOUTHS IN THE 15 TO 25 YEAR OLD AGED GROUP IN SAI KUNG WILL ADOPT AN ACTIVE ATTITUDE AND WORK FOR THE PROSPERITY OF THE DISTRICT,* HE SAID.
MR HO SAID HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A FAST DEVELOPING INTERNATIONAL INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL CENTRE, HAS BEEN THE RESULT OF WISDOM AND STRENGTH OF THE PEOPLE, BOTH YOUNG AND OLD.
+HOWEVER, THE FUTURE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG WILL BE IN THE HANDS OF A NEW GENERATION OF PEOPLE WHO NEED TC BE FULL OF VITALITY, EUTHUSIAM, IDEALS AND NEW TALENTS,* HE SAID.
-------o - -
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
- 4 -
HK POLICE SHOW SCORES WELL IN EDINBURGH X X X * X
THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE DISPLAY, TO BE PERFORMED AT THIS YEAR’S EDINBURGH TATTOO, HAS SCORED FULL MARKS WITH THE SHOW’S PRODUCER.
”I’M VERY IMPRESSED,” SAID AN ENTHUSIASTIC COLONEL LESLIE DOW, FOLLOWING A FULL DRESS REHEARSAL AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL THIS WEEK.
”1 THINK THE HONG KONG POLICE DISPLAY WILL BE THE MOST UNUSUAL ITEM IN THIS YEAR’S TATTOO. IT IS A VERY COLOURFUL DISPLAY AND THE BAND WILL BE PLAYING SOME GOOD, POPULAR MUSIC.
”1 KNOW THEY WILL GO DOWN EXTREMELY WELL WITH THE AUDIENCE IN EDINBURGH.”
THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT WILL LEAVE FOR THE U.K. ON JULY 27.
COLONEL DOW, WHO IS ON A LIGHTNING VISIT TO PREVIEW THE PERFORMANCE AND FINALISE LAST-MINUTE DETAILS, HAS BEEN THE PRODUCER OF THE ANNUAL TATTOO SINCE 1976 AND WELL REMEMBERS THE LAST APPEARANCE BY THE HONG KONG POLICE BAND AT EDINBURGH, IN 1978.
TAKING PART THIS TIME WILL BE THE POLICE SILVER AND PIPE BANDS, A TEAM OF WOMEN POLICE RIBBON DANCERS AND A TEAM OF PEAKING LION DANCERS.
ABOUT 70 PER CENT OF THE GROUP PERFORMED AT EDINBURGH ON THE LAST OCCASION AND, ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTOR OF MUSIC MR COLIN WOOD: ’’THEY HAD AN ABSOLUTELY SPLENDID TIME AND CAN’T WAIT TO GET BACK TO SCOTLAND.”
MR WOOD SAID IT WAS A PARTICULAR HONOUR FOR AN OVERSEAS DISPLAY TO BE INVITED BACK TO PERFORM AT THE TATTOO — ESPECIALLY SO SOON AFTER THEIR LAST APPEARANCE — BECAUSE PREPARATIONS FOR EACH TATTOO ARE UNDERWAY MANY YEARS IN ADVANCE. IT TOOK FIVE YEARS TO GET HONG KONG TO EDINBURGH THE FIRST TIME, AND THRtE YEARS THIS TIME.
’’I’VE ALREADY BEEN LOOKING INTO SEVERAL ITEMS FOR 1990,” ADDED COLONEL DOW.
DURING THEIR STAY IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE HONG KONG CONTINGENT WILL GIVE 31 PERFORMANCES AT THE TATTOO, WITH ADDITIONAL APPEARANCES SCHEDULED FOR CRIEFF, FALKIRK, CARLISLE, GLASGOW, AT A CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL IN EDINBURGH, AND AT THE POLICE STAFF COLLEGE AT BRAMSHILL.
/THE PEajjrOKMERS..........
SUHDAY, iiAY J, 1985
5 -
THE performers have been told to expect to work hard, ESPECIALLY DURING THE REHEARSAL PERIOD, WHICH IS INTENSE. AFTER THAT, THEY WILL BE PERFORMING EACH NIGHT BEFORE MANY thousands of people, with two shows on Saturdays.
COLONEL DOW SAID THAT STANDS AROUND THE ESPLANADE IN FRONT OF EDINBURGH CASTLE CAN TAKE 9 OOO PEOPLE AND, LAST YEAR, THE ORGANISERS FILLED AN AVERAGE OF EIGHT SEATS OUT OF 10.
THE HONG KONG PERFORMERS HAVE ALSO BEEN TOLD TO EXPECT TO GET WET. THE TATTOO IS NEVER CALLED OFF ON ACCOUNT OF RAIN -ALTHOUGH ONCE, SOME YEARS BACK, IT WAS NEARLY POSTPONED DUE TO FOG.
-----o------
CONFISCATED HAWKER GOODS USED FOR A GOOD CAUSE
******
IT IS A LITTLE KNOWN FACT THAT CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BENEFIT CONSIDERABLY FROM THE OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL HAWKERS CARRIED OUT BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S GENERAL DUTIES TEAMS (GDTS).
+DURING GDT RAIDS AGAINST ILLEGAL HAWKERS, THE HAWKERS’ GOODS ARE CONFISCATED AS A DETERRENT MEASURE AGAINST ILLEGAL HAWK ING,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
+THESE SEIZED COMMODITIES RANGE FROM FRESH FOODSTUFFS AND OTHER DAILY NECESSITIES TO HABERDASHERY, CLOTHING, CROCKERY AND TRANSISTOR RADIOS.
+IN GENERAL, CONFISCATED COMMODITIES ARE USED AS PROSECUTION EVIDENCE WHEN THE HAWKERS APPEAR IN COURT. HOWEVER, IF THE SEIZED GOODS COMPRISE FRESH FOODSTUFFS SUCH AS FRUIT, VEGETABLES, MEAT OR FISH, THEY WILL BECOME BAD BY THE TIME THEY ARE PRODUCED IN COURT.
♦THUS, IN ORDER NOT TO WASTE THEM, ALL THESE PERISHABLE FOODSTUFFS ARE DONATED TO VARIOUS CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS AFTER HAVING BEEN CLEARED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH INSPECTORS AS FIT FOR CONSUMPTION.
+THE DEPARTMENT EVEN TRANSPORTS THESE GOODS TO THE CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS AS SOON AS THEY ARE CERTIFIED AS BEING SAFE.+
/1HB SPOKESMAN’ .........
'*Y 5, 1985
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT SEIZED FLOWERS WERE ALSO SENT TO CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS TO PREVENT THEIR GOING TO WASTE.
LAST YEAR SOME 16 003 KILOGRAMS OF FRUIT, 85 000 KILOGRAMS OF VEGETABLES, 12 000 KILOGRAMS OF Fj ISH AND SEA FOOD, 11 000 EGGS AND OTHER FOODSTUFFS, AS WELL AS 4 000 BUNDLES OF FLOWERS WERE DONATED TO VARIOUS CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS.
AMONG THE MANY CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS BENEFITING FROM THE SCHEME ARE HOMES FOR THE AGED AND ORPHANAGES.
IF OTHER CHARITABLE INSTITUTIONS WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE CONFISCATED GOODS, THEY ARE WELCOME TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S HAWKERS AND MARKETS SECTION AT 5-95360.
AS FOR OTHER SEIZED ITEMS WITH A SALEABLE VALUE, THEY WERE SENT TO THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO BE AUCTIONED, WITH THE PROCEEDS GOING TO THE URBAN COUNCIL, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
0 ---------
APPEALS AGAINST TENANCY TERMINATION DISMISSED
* * * * *
TWO PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS HAVE FAILED IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO HOLD ON TO THEIR ESTATE FLATS DESPITE HAVING MOVED INTO SELFOWNED ACCOMMODATION.
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S APPEALS COMMITTEE, WHICH IS WHOLLY MADE UP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, HAS DISMISSED THEIR APPEALS AGAINST TERMINATION OF TENANCY.
A THIRD APPEAL WAS UPHELD ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS AFTER THE APPELLANT HAD TAKEN HEED OF THE COMMITTEE’S ADVICE TO RESUME REGULAR OCCUPATION OF THE ESTATE FLAT.
+THE DECISION TO DISMISS THE TWO APPEALS WAS MADE ON THE GROUND THAT THE TWO ESTATE FLATS HAD NOT BEEN PROPERLY OCCUPIED IN BREACH OF TENANCY CONDITIONS,+ A HOUSING SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
HE SAID THIS HAD COME TO LIGHT FOLLOWING CHECKS MADE BY ESTATE STAFF ON THE TWO FLATS, BOTH IN WANG TAU HOM ESTATE.
+THE HOUSE CHECKS INCLUDED SOME MADE AT NIGHT AND AT DAwN. ON ALL OCCASIONS, NO ONE WAS ENCOUNTERED AND ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION HAD REMAINED LOW FOR A LONG TIME.
/+SUBSE44JEKT DJVKSTIGATIONS.......
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
- 7 -
♦SUBSEQUENT INVESTIGATIONS SHOW THE TWO FAMILIES HAVE MOVED INTO SELF-OWNED PROPERTIES, ONE IN TAI KOK TSUI AND THE OTHER IN TO KwA WAN.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE APPEALS COMMITTEE WAS SATISFIED THAT TERMINATION OF TENANCY WOULD NOT CAUSE HARDSHIP TO THE APPELLANTS AS THEY WERE ALREADY LIVING IN PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION.
THE THIRD CASE INVOLVED A TWO-MEMBER FAMILY FROM LOWER WONG TAI SIN ESTATE WHO WAS SERVED A NOTICE-TO-QUIT LAST JULY FOR IMPROPER OCCUPATION OF THE FLAT.
THE TENANT APPEALED IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH, CLAIMING THAT BECAUSE SHE WAS A CLEANSING WORKER WITH A RESTAURANT AND HER HUSBAND A WATCHMAN ON NIGHT SHIFTS, THEY HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO RETURN HOME EARLY AT NIGHT.
AS A RESULT, THEY WERE THEN GIVEN ON COMPASSIONATE GROUND A THREE-MONTH PERIOD DURING WHICH THE OCCUPANCY POSITION WAS PUT UNDER CLOSE OBSERVATION.
AT A RECENT REVIEW OF THE CASE, IT WAS DEC!DED TO WITHDRAW THE NOTICE-TO-QUIT AFTER THE FAMILY WAS FOUND TO HAVE TAKEN HEED OF THE APPEALS COMMITTEE’S ADVICE TO RESUME REGULAR OCCUPATION OF THE ESTATE FLAT.
-----o------
DB MEMBERS VISIT MTR ISLAND LINE STATIONS * * *
ABOUT 20 MEMBERS OF THE NEW EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY (SUNDAY) VISITED A NUMBER OF STATIONS ALONG THE MTR ISLAND LINE TO LOOK OVER THE FACILITIES AND OPERATION.
THE TOUR STARTED AT THE CHAI WAN STATION, AN OVERHEAD STATION AND THE EASTERN TERMINAL POINT OF THE ISLAND LINE. THE NEXT STOP WAS AT THE UNDERGROUND STATION IN SHAU KEI WAN, LOCATED BENEATH THE ALDRICH BAY RECLAMATION.
BOARD MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT ALL THE STATIONS ALONG THE ISLAND LINE FROM ADMIRALTY TO CHAI WAN WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ON MAY 30, WHILE THE STATIONS FROM ADMIRALTY TO SHEUNG WAN WILL BE OPEN SOMETIME NEXT YEAR. NINE OF THE 14 STATIONS ON THE MTR ISLAND LINE ARE LOCATED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, ALSO JOINED THE TOUR, WHICH WAS THE FIRST PART OF AN ORIENTATION PROGRAMME FOR NEW BOARD MEMBERS, TO GET TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE DISTRICT’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.
-----o-----
/8........
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
8
NEW TUNNELLING METHOD REDUCES TRAFFIC DISRUPTION
*****
A JAPANESE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTING SUBWAYS WITH MINIMUM DISRUPTION OF PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IS BEING EMPLOYED IN HONG KONG.
KNOWN AS THE +PIPE-ROOF+ METHOD, IT IS BEING USED FOR WORK ON TWO SUBWAYS UNDER CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND THE ADJOINING SLIP ROAD.
THIS +SHIELD TUNNELLING METHOD* IS WIDELY USED IN THAT COUNTRY AND INVOLVES DRIVING STEEL PIPES HORIZONTALLY INTO THE GROUND, ALONG THE PERIPHERY OF THE TUNNEL OR SUBWAY, WITH THE PIPES BEING MECHANICALLY INTERLOCKED, SENIOR ENGINEERS NR Y.C. WONG AND MR V.J. MANSFIELD, OF THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
THE METHOD IS GAINING POPULARITY OVERSEAS, WITH HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE BEING THE FIRST TWO OTHER ASIAN TERRITORIES TO ADOPT
IT WAS FIRST USED IN HONG KONG BY A JAPANESE CONTRACTOR FOR CONSTRUCTION OF AN 18-METRE-LONG PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY UNDER A RAILWAY EMBANKMENT IN TAI WAI, SHA TIN, IN 1982.
THE PRESENT JOB INVOLVES CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS — ONE 38 METRES AND THE OTHER 42 METRES LONG — AT CHATHAM ROAD, KOWLOON. IT IS THE FIRST OF ITS KIND UNDER A CARRIAGEWAY IN HONG KONG.
EXPLAINING FURTHER THE METHOD, MR WONG SAID THAT ONCE THE +SHIELD+ HAS BEEN FORMED, WORK CAN THEN PROCEED ON THE EXCAVATION CF THE TUNNEL OR SUBWAY, WITH STEEL FRAMES BEING PLACED TO SUPPORT THE +PIPE SHIELD*. CONSEQUENTLY, THERE IS MINIMAL DISRUPTION OF TRAFFIC AND UTILITY SERVICES, AND LITTLE DANGER OF SUBSIDENCE.
THE TRADITIONAL +CUT AND COVER* METHOD OF SUBWAY CONSTRUCTION, WHICH INVOLVES EXCAVATING FROM THE SURFACE IN STAGES, IS NOT PRACTICABLE IN THE CASE OF THE CHATHAM ROAD NORTH AND SLIP ROAD PROJECT, BECAUSE OF THE SERIOUS DISRUPTION THAT IT WOULD CAUSE TO THE HEAVY TRAFFIC THERE.
+THE GREATEST VALUE OF THE ’PIPE-ROOF’ METHOD IS THAT IT CAUSES THE LEAST INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC,* MR WONG SAID.
HE SAID THIS TUNNELLING TECHNIQUE CAN ALSO BE EXTENDED TO NEET OTHER DEMANDS IN OVERCOMING SIMILAR ENGINEERING PROBLEMS IN URBAN AREAS FOR A WIDE RANGE OF APPLICATIONS SUCH AS THE INSTALLATION OF UTILITY SERVICES SUCH AS CABLES FOR THE ELECTRICITY AND TELEPHONE SUPPLY AND PIPES FOR WATER, GAS AND SEwERAGE.
/THE METHOD, ........
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1?85
THE METHOD, HOWEVER, HAS ITS LIMITATIONS. IT CANNOT BE USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF LONG OR CURVED TUNNELS, AND IS NOT CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR SITES OBSTRUCTED BY THE PRESENCE CF LARGE QUANTITIES OF HARD MATERIAL SUCH AS ROCK AND BOULDERS.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO SUBWAYS AT CHATHAM ROAD NORTH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED THIS SUMMER, AFTER 11 MONTHS OF WORK.
THE TWO REPLACEMENT SUBWAYS ARE REQUIRED TO ALLOW THE DIVERSION OF THE EXISTING FOOTPATH WHICH RUNS PARALLEL TO THE RAILWAY CONNECTING HUNG HOM WITH 01 MAN, SO THAT AN ADDITIONAL SHUNTING LINE CAN BE PROVIDED FOR K.C.R.C.
CAS MEMBERS PRACTISE EMERGENCY OPERATION *****
OVER 300 CAS MEMBERS TOOK PART IN THE CIVIL AID SERVICES NEW TERRITORIES REGIONAL EXERCISE HELD IN TUEN MUN TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE EXERCISE - A RAINSTORM AND LANDSLIP EMERGENCY OPERATION - wAS HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY AT SO KWUN WAT AND YUEN TUN CAMP, FROM 9.45 AM TO 6 PM.
THE PURPOSE IS TO TEST THE EFFECTIVENESS AND EFFICIENCY OF CAS INCIDENT CONTROL, MOBILISATION AND DEPLOYMENT OF MANPOWER AND RESOURCES AS WELL AS CASUALTY HANDLING.
DURING THE NINE-HOUR LONG EXERCISE, MEMBERS FROM THE FOUR CAS DISTRICTS IN N.T. WERE INTENSIVELY INVOLVED IN TREATING CASUALTIES, EXTRICATING TRAPPED PERSONS AND EVACUATING VICTIMS FROM A DISASTER SITE TO A CASUALTY CLEARING POINT.
CAS MEMBERS HAD DEMONSTRATED HIGH EFFICIENCY AND SKILL DURING RAINSTORM EMERGENCIES fN THE PAST BY EVACUATING PEOPLE FROM DANGEROUS AREAS, LOOKING AFTER HOMELESS PEOPLE IN TEMPORARY SHELTERS, CARRYING OUT HEAVY RESCUE DUTIES AND DIGGING DAY AND NIGHT TO RECOVER TRAPPED PERSONS.
THE CAS TACTICAL FORCE UNIT, CONSISTING OF 400 VOLUNTEERS, IS ABLE TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY WITHIN ONE HOUR OF CALL.
AT THE YUEN TUN CAMP, TRAINING PROGRAMMES ALSO TOOK PLACE. CAS INSTRUCTORS CARRIED OUT FIRST AID PRACTICE FOR ADVANCED INSTRUCTORS, VOLUNTEERS PERFORMED WORK CAMP PROJECTS AND CADETS PRACTISED CAMP CRAFT AND COUNTRY PARK CONSERVATION STUDIES AND ROPE INITIATIVE COURSE EXERCISES.
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/10 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
10
INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CHIEF TO RETIRE * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, MR VIC MILLER WILL RETIRE ON EXPIRY OF HIS CURRENT CONTRACT ON MAY 31.
MR MILLER WAS APPOINTED CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE H.K. INDUSTRIAL ESTATES PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WHEN IT WAS FORMED IN 1976 AND SUBSEQUENTLY OF THE CORPORATION WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN MARCH 1977. DURING MR MILLER’S FOUR TERMS OF SERVICE, HE HAS MADE AN INVALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AT TAI PO AND YUEN LONG. ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT WORKS OF THE TWO ESTATES HAVE NOW BEEN COMPLETED.
IT WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT MR GEOFFREY WHITTAKER, AT PRESENT WITH THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAS BEEN SECONDED TO THE CORPORATION AS ITS GENERAL MANAGER. THE CORPORATION WILL REMAIN AN INDEPENDENT STATUTORY BODY GOVERNED BY ITS OWN BOARD.
------o-------
NEW OFFICE FOR IMPORT, EXPORT FORM SALES * * * *
FROM JUNE 1, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY FROM THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT FOR THE SALE OF TRADE DEPARTMENT’S IMPORT AND EXPORT LICENSING FORMS, EXCEPT THE CUSTOMS DECLARATION FORMS.
THIS MEANS THAT FROM THAT DATE, NO TRADE DEPARTMENT FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S COLLECTION OFFICES AT THE GROUND FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON; AND THE FIRST FLOOR, ASIAN HOUSE, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG, A TRADE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THESE FORMS WILL BE ON SALE AT EITHER THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S NEW FORM-SELLING AND COLLECTION OFFICE AT ROOM 822, 8TH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON; THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
APART FROM SELLING FORMS, THE TRADE DEPARTMENT’S NEW OFFICE WILL ALSO COLLECT MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES.
-----o------
/11 ........
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
- 11 -
POLICE WARN ABOUT USED CAR DEALS
* * * *
GETTING A POST-DATED CHEQUE DOES NOT MEAN A PROSPECTIVE CAR SELLER WILL GET FULL MONEY FOR VALUE.
MOR WILL A BUYER FIND PAYING BY INSTALMENT A BARGAIN.
THESE ARE BUT A FEW OF THE PITFALLS THAT AWAIT THE UNWARY CUSTOMER IF HE FALLS INTO THE HANDS OF UNSCRUPULOUS USED CAR DEALERS.
POLICE TODAY (SUNDAY) ISSUED THIS ADVICE FOLLOWING TWO SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS AGAINST USED CAR DEALERS LAST MONTH.
+OBVIOUSLY, PEOPLE INTENDING TO BUY OR SELL CARS SHOULD GO TO REPUTABLE COMPANIES OR TO THOSE RECOMMENDED BY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES,+ WOMAN INSPECTOR PEGGY NG WHO INVESTIGATED ONE OF THE CASES REPORTED AT TSZ WAN SHAN, SAID.
IF THEY CHOOSE OTHERWISE, INSP NG SAID, THEN THEY SHOULD TAKE PRECAUTIONS.
THOSE INTENDING TO SELL CARS SHOULD BRING ONE OR TWO FRIENDS WITH THEM SO THAT THEY CAN BE WITNESSES IN CASE THE INCIDENT GOES TO COURT.
+IF THE DEALER OFFERS A POST-DATED CHEQUE DON’T ACCEPT IT,+ INSP NG SAID.
FIRST OF ALL, SHE EXPLAINED, THE CHEQUE WOULD ACT AS AN ENTICEMENT FOR THE SELLER TO COMPLETE THE FORMALITIES WITHOUT BOTHERING TO EXERCISE COMMONSENSE.
SHE SAID THAT PEOPLE HAD ADMITTED THAT AFTER TAKING THE CHEQUE THEY WOULD IMMEDIATELY SIGN THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP, A SALES AGREEMENT AND HAND OVER THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION TO THE CAR DEALERS.
+COMMONSENSE SHOULD PREVAIL. THE TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP WOULD HAVE BEEN BETTER TO BE COMPLETED AT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. SIGNING THE SALES AGREEMENT WITHOUT READING THE CONDITIONS IS A FOLLISH ACT,+ SHE SAID.
+ANOTHER PITFALL IS THE FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE SIGNED AGREEMENTS AND LEFT IT AT THAT. THEY SHOULD HAVE DEMANDED A COPY,+ SHE SAID.
AND BECAUSE THE SELLERS DID NOT FOLLOW THIS PARTICULAR PRECAUTION THEY FOUND THEMSELVES LIABLE TO VARIOUS CONDITIONS, INCLUDING PAYING FROM 50 TO 100 PER CENT COMMISSION, WHICH WERE ADDED TO THE AGREEMENT AFTER IT WAS SIGNED.
/BUT THEIR .......
SUNDAY, MAY 5» 1985
- 12 -
BUT THEIR TROUBLE WAS NOT OVER YET.
THEY WOULD FIND THAT THE POST-DATED CHEQUE HAD BEEN STOPPED AND ON ASKING WOULD DISCOVER THAT CERTAIN AMOUNTS HAD TO BE DEDUCTED - FOR INSTANCE FOR NON-PAYMENT OF FIXED PENALTY TICKETS AND FOR REPAIRS TO THE VEHICLE, A CONDITION* WHICH HAD BEEN ADDED TO THE AGREEMENT.
THE RESULT WOULD BE THE CAR SELLER HAVING TO ACCEPT A MUCH LOWER PRICE FOR HIS VEHICLE.
PEOPLE INTENDING TO BUY CARS ALSO HAVE TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS,
UNSCUPULOUS CAR DEALERS HAD BEEN KNOWN TO OFFER THE SAME CAR TO SEVERAL BUYERS AT THE SAME TIME.
+THE BAIT WOULD BE THE OFFER OF INSTALMENT PAYMENTS - IT IS HARD TO RESIST AN OFFER OF HAVING A CAR FOR SI 200 A MONTH. BUT THIS WILL ALL TURN OUT INTO A NIGHTMARE OF PAYING EXTRA FOR UNPAID FIXED PENALTY TICKETS, REPAIRS AND HANDLING CHARGES,* INSP NG SAID.
IF THE BUYERS INSISTED ON PAYING A LUMP SUM, THE DEALERS USUALLY WOULD IMMEDIATELY DEMAND COMMISSION - AGAIN ADDED TO THE AGREEMENT WHICH HAD BEEN SIGNED EARLIER.
+IF THE BUYERS CONTINUE TO INSIST ON CLOSING THE DEAL THE TRUMP CARD WOULD BE TO INFORM THEM THAT THEY HAD PASSED THE TIME LIMIT - AGAIN INCLUDED WITHOUT THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE BUYERS - SET OUT IN THE AGREEMENT,* SHE SAID.
UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO BUY OR SELL THEIR MOTOR VEHICLES SHOULD BE CAREFUL WHEN THEY CHOOSE USED CAR DEALERS.
+G0 TO THE REPUTABLE DEALERS OR TO THOSE RECOMMENDED BY FRIENDS AND RELATIVES WHO HAVE HAD SUCCESSFULLY DEALT WITH THEM IN THE PAST,* INSP NG SAID.
----0-----
SUNDAY, MAY 5, 1985
ENTRIES SOUGHT FOR TSUEN WAN SWIMMING GALA
*****
SWIMMING ENTHUSIASTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THEIR DISTRICT-WIDE OPEN SWIMMING COMPETITION TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH (JUNE).
THE SWIMMING GALA THE SEVENTH ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE TSUE^ WAN_DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION FOR THE DISTRICTS, WILL BE HELD AT THE KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL ON JUNE 9 (SUNDAY) BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM.
THE ANNUAL EVENT IS AIMED AT PROMOTING THE SPORT AMONG LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS UPGRADING THEIR STANDARD, SAID A SPOKESMAN Fk>R THE RSD.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO REPRESENT THEIR DISTRICTS IN FUTURE NEW TERRITORIES SWIMMING COMPETITIONS.
THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO MALE AND FEMALE SECTIONS AND ALL RESIDENTS IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICTS ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE.
ENTRY FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE FOLLOWING PLACES :
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE RSD;
* KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE RSD;
* TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION ASSOCIATION;
* KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL.;
* NORTH KWAI CHUNG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND
* ALL SUB-OFFICES OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE.
COMPLETED ENTRY FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE RSD TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, 135 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, BEFORE MAY 23 (THURSDAY).
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE BY TELEPHONING 0-442648.
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SUNDAY, 5, 1935
14
SEMINARS ON ECOLOGICAL METHODS FOR TEACHERS
******
TWO SEMINARS ON ECOLOGICAL METHODS AND TECHNIQUES WILL BE ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIELD STUDIES CENTRE FOR BIOLOGY TEACHERS ON JUNE 15 AND 17.
THE AIMS OF THE SEMINARS ARE TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE ECOLOGICAL METHODS AND TECHNIQUES USED IN FIELD STUDIES, TO FAMILIARIZE TEACHERS WITH THE RESOURCES AND FACILITIES OF THE FIELD STUDY CENTRE, AND TO ASSIST TEACHERS IN THEIR TEACHING OF THE TOPIC +HONG KONG ROCKY SHORE ECOLOGY+.
LECTURERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF APPLIED SCIENCE, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, HAVE BEEN INVITED AS GUEST SPEAKERS.
ENROLMENT FOR EACH SEMINAR IS LIMITED TO 40. ACCEPTANCE WILL BE ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WISH TO NOMINATE THEIR BIOLOGY TEACHERS TO THE SEMINARS ARE REQUESTED TO SEND THEIR NOMINATION FORMS TO THE INSPECTOR FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, ON OR BEFORE MAY 15.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE NOTIFIED THROUGH THEIR HEADS EFORE MAY 24.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SEMINAR CAN BE MADE AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE ON 3-2814009.
} -----------0 ---------------
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR WATERMAINS WORK ******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE LAYING OF FRESH-WATER MAINS AT SHA TIN AND SHAU KEI WAN.
UNDER THE SHA TIN WATER SUPPLY PROJECT STAGE II, THE PROPOSED TRUNK MAIN WILL ENABLE THE SUPPLY OF FRESH WATER FROM SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS TO AH KUNG KOK FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR WHICH WAS BUILT TO MEET INCREASED WATER REQUIREMENTS IN THE EASTERN AREAS.
WORK INVOLVES THE LAYING OF ABOUT 1 800 METRES OF 600 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER MILD STEEL WATERMAIN FROM THE END OF SHA TIN WAI ROAD NEAR SIU LEK YUEN TO AH KUNG KOK OPPOSITE TO THE RACE COURSE. IT WILL PASS THROUGH ON MUK STREET, ON YIU STREET, ON SUM STREET AND TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD.
/ta SHAU........
sunmy, may >, 1985
AT SHAll KEI WAN, THE LAYING OF APPROXIMATELY 710 METRES OF 900 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER AND 60 METRES OF 150 MILLIMETRE DIAMETER FRESH WATER MAINS IS ENVISAGED ALONG THE RE-ALIGNED KING’S ROAD AND THE INTERNAL ROADS OF KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT.
THIS WORK IS PART OF THE SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE FRESH WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM IN QUARRY BAY, SAI WAN HO AND SHAU KEI WAN AREAS.
BOTH WORKS ARE SCHEDULED TO START IN JULY THIS YEAR.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SHA TIN PROJECT WILL BE COMPLETED IN NINE MONTHS WHILE THE OTHER IN SIX MONTHS.
ROAD WORKS TO PROVIDE BETTER SAFETY
*****
TWO SECTIONS OF LAM KAM ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES - BETWEEN PAK NGAU SHEK AND CHAI KEK AND BETWEEN NAM SHEUNG TIN AND KADOORIE FARM - ARE TO BE IMPROVED TO PROVIDE BETTER ROAD SAFETY FOR RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
IMPROVEMENT WORKS WILL INVOLVE THE WIDENING OF ABOUT 900 METRES CF EXISTING NARROW CARRIAGEWAY TO 6.75 METRES WIDE WITH PROVISION FOR A 1.6-METRE-WIDE FOOTPATH ON ONE SIDE.
IT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF RETAINING WALLS, THE TRIMMING OF ROADSIDE SLOPES AND ASSOCIATED DRAINAGE WORKS.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, CONSTRUCTION OF WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST THIS YEAR AND TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN MA TAU KOK WILL BE TURNED OFF BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 8) FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY KOWLOON CITY ROAD, MOK CHEONG STREET, TO KWA WAN ROAD AND MA TAU KOK ROAD, INCLUDING 3-19 MOK CHEONG STREET AND MA TAU KOK QUARANTINE DEPOT.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
CONTliNTS PAGE NO.
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION .................... 1
PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE .......... 2
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT OFFICERS APPOINTED .................... 6
PRESS CQNFEREJCE........................................... 6
NINTH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO RISE IN TUEN MUN ........... 7
BOARD TO HEAR ABOUT UC PROJECTS ........................... 7
SPORTS PROJECT OUTLINED ................................... 8
TREE-PLANTING SCHEME LAUNCHED.............................. 8
SHOE-MAKING MACHINES NEEDED FOR PRISON .................... 9
BOARD TO DISCUSS TSU HI WAN LAND USE ...................... 9
LAST DB CHAIRMAN ELECTED.................................... 10
CHILDREN INVITED TO JOIN SEOUL ART DISPLAY................ 10
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR RAILWAY GOODS YARD .................. 11
MORE PARKING METERS ...................................... 11
MAINS LEAKAGE TESTS...................................... 11
TUNNEL EXIT ROAD TO BE CLOSED............................. 12
WATER STORAGE FIGURES .................................... 12
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
1
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION * * * *
LATEST STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
SIZE OF ELECTORATE APPLICATIONS
(REVISED)
FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES
COMMERCIAL I
COMMERCIAL II
INDUSTRIAL I
INDUSTRIAL II
FINANCIAL
LABOUR
SOCIAL SERVICES
hEDICAL
LEGAL
TEACHING
ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING
ELECTORAL COLLEGE
2 610
5 380
830
2 540
141
390
156
4 540
2 140
53 270
3 160
437
641
1 724
366
866
107
286
117
1 925
670
24 249
1 624
428
TOTAL 75 594 * 33 003
* THIS ESTIMATED FIGURE IS ON THE HIGH SIDE AS THERE ARE DUPLICATE MEMBERSHIP IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTITUENCIES.
- - - - 0-----------
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
2
PRICE, VOLUME CHANGES IN FEBRUARY EXTERNAL TRADE * * * * *
THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS INCREASED BY 35 PER CENT IN FEBRUARY 1985 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1984, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WITHIN TOTAL EXPORTS, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY 33 PER CENT WHILE THAT OF RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 38 PER CENT. IMPORTS INCREASED BY TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY THREE PER CENT AND SIX PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, SO THAT FOR TOTAL EXPORTS, PRICES INCREASED BY FOUR PER CENT. PRICES OF IMPORTS, ON THE OTHER HAND, REMAINED AT ABOUT THE SAME LEVEL AS LAST YEAR.
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 FIVE PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THIS COMPARATIVE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BECAUSE TRADE FIGURES FOR THE BEGINNING MONTHS OF A YEAR VERE USUALLY INFLUENCED BY THE TIMING OF THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, IT WAS MORE USEFUL TO CONSIDER JANUARY AND FEBRUARY FIGURES TOGETHER.
COMPARING THE FIRST TWO MONTHS OF THIS YEAR WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS GREW BY 11 PER CENT AND 39 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN VOLUME TERMS, WHILE IMPORTS GREW BY 11 PER CENT. OVER THE PERIOD, THE PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE BY FIVE PER CENT, SEVEN PER CENT AND ONE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
EXTENDING THE PERIOD OF COMPARISON TO THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1985 WITH THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING FEBRUARY 1984, THE VOLUME OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT AND 32 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, GIVING A 21 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE VOLUME OF TOTAL EXPORTS. MEANWHILE, THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS ROSE BY 13 PER CENT.
PRICES OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, RE-EXPORTS AND IMPORTS ROSE, ON AVERAGE, BY 11 PER CENT, 12 PER CENT AND NINE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
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 SOME COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED IN FEBRUARY 1985 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1984, RANGING FROM FIVE PER CENT FOR METAL MANUFACTURES TO 14 PER CENT FOR TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES.
/DBCEEASES IN .......
MOKDuLY, MAY 6, 1985
- 3 -
DECREASES IN EXPORT PRICES WERE REGISTERED FOR COMMODITY GROUPS SUCH AS METAL ORES AND SCRAP (-24 PER CENT), WATCHES AND CLOCKS (-8 PER CENT), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (-5 PER CENT), ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-5 PER CENT) AND FOOTWEAR (-4 PER CENT).
THE DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME OF MOST COMMODITY GROUPS INCREASED, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING METAL ORES AND SCRAP (+120 PER CENT), FOOTWEAR (+64 PER CENT), DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES (+55 PER CENT), METAL MANUFACTURES (+41 PER CENT), CLOTHING (+37 PER CENT), RADIOS OF ALL KINDS (+37 PER CENT) AND TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES (+35 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORT VOLUME WERE RECORDED FOR TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (-32 PER CENT), TEXTILE FABRICS (-7 PER CENT) AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS (-6 PER CENT).
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY ARE SHOWN IN TABLE 2.
AS PRESENTED IN TABLE 2, IMPORT PRICES OF MOST END-USE CATEGORIES DECREASED AS COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1984, BEING -3 PER CENT FOR BOTH FOODSTUFFS AND FUELS AND -2 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, AN INCREASE WAS REGISTERED FOR CONSUMER GOODS (+2 PER CENT). THE IMPORT PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES REMAINED AT THE LEVEL OF FEBRUARY 1984.
MANY OF THE MAJOR IMPORTED FOODSTUFFS DECLINED IN VOLUME TERMS, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TEA AND COFFEE; WHEAT AND FLOUR; RICE; CEREALS AND CEREAL PREPARATIONS, OTHER THAN RICE, WHEAT AND FLOUR; FISH AND FISH PREPARATIONS; SWINE; AS WELL AS VEGETABLES. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR FRUIT; MILK, BUTTER, CHEESE AND EGGS! SUGAR! AS WELL AS SOYA BEAN OIL, PEANUT OIL AND LARD.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF MAJOR CONSUMER GOODS INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY, THE MORE SUBSTANTIAL ONES BEING HOUSEHOLD TYPE ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES; RADIOS, TELEVISION SETS, GRAMOPHONES, RECORDS, TAPE RECORDERS AND AMPLIFIERS; TOBACCO MANUFACTURES! PASSENGER MOTOR CARS; AS WELL AS CAMERAS, FLASHLIGHT APPARATUS AND SUPPLIES FOR PHOTOGRAPHY. HOWEVER, DECREASES IN IMPORT VOLUME WERE REGISTERED FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, CLOTHING AND WATCHES.
THE IMPORT VOLUME OF SOME OF THE RAW MATERIALS AND SEMIMANUFACTURES ROSE, AMONG WHICH SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR WOOL AND OTHER ANIMAL HAIR; FABRICS OF WOOL AND MIXTURES; THERMIONIC CATHODE VALVES AND TUBES, DIODES, TRANSISTORS AND ELECTRICAL MICROCIRCUITS; AS WELL AS DYEING, TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIALS.
HOWEVER, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF COTTON YARN AND THREAD, WOVEN COTTON FABRICS, PAPER AND PAPERBOARD, IRON AND STEEL, LEATHER AND DRESSED FUR SKINS, YARN OF WOOL AND MIXTURES, CRUDE ANIMAL AND VEGETABLE MATERIALS, MAN-MADE FIBRES, YARN AND MAN-MADE FIBRES AS WELL AS RAW COTTON DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY.
/IMPOSTS OF .......
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
IMPORTS OF FUELS DROPPED BY 33 PER CENT IN VOLUME TERMS.
IN THE CAPITAL GOODS CATEGORY, THE IMPORT VOLUME OF ALL THE COMMODITIES INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY, THE MORE NOTABLE ONES BEING OFFICE MACHINES, CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY, TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY.
THE CHANGES IN THE VALUE, UNIT VALUE AND VOLUME OF RE-EXPORTS BY 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, RANGING FROM FIVE PER CENT FOR FOODSTUFFS TO 71 PER CENT FOR CAPITAL GOODS. HOWEVER, THE RE-EXPORT VOLUME OF FUELS DROPPED BY 36 PER CENT.
FURTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN THE FEBRUARY 1985 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE INDEX NUMBERS*, AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE FROM MAY 10 AT HK$2 PER COPY.
TABLE 1 : CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY COMMODITY GROUP (COMPARING FEBRUARY 1985 WITH FEBRUARY 1984)
COMMODITY GROUP EXPORT VALUE EXPORT UNIT VALUE EXPORT VOLUME
CLOTHING +54% +12% +37%
TEXTILE FABRICS - 7% INSIGNIFICANT - 7%
TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD -27% + 8% -32%
TEXTILE MADE-UPS AND RELATED ARTICLES +54% +14% +35%
RADIOS OF ALL KINDS +36% - 1% +37%
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS -11% - 5% - 6%
FOOTWEAR +58% - 4% +64%
METAL MANUFACTURES +48% + 5% +41%
METAL ORES AND SCRAP +67% -24% +120%
WATCHES AND CLOCKS +16% - 8% +26%
TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR ARTICLES +40% + 12% +25%
DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES +47% - 5% +55%
ALL COMMODITIES +37% + 3% +33%
/TABLE 2 : .......
:.XE. MAY 6, 1985
TABLE 2 : CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY (COMPARING FEBRUARY 1985 WITH FEBRUARY 1984)
END-USE CATEGORY IMPORT VALUE IMPORT UNIT VALUE IMPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS - 4% - 3% INSIGNIFICANT
CONSUMER GOODS +21% + 2% +19%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES -13% INSIGNIFICANT -13%
FUELS -35% - 3% -33%
CAPITAL GOODS +32% - 2% +34%
ALL COMMODITIES + 1% INSIGNIFICANT + 2%
TABLE 3 t CHANGES IN (COMPARING RE-EXPORTS BY END-USE CATEGORY FEBRUARY 1985 WITH FEBRUARY 1984)
END-USE CATEGORY RE-EXPORT VALUE RE-EXPORT UNIT VALUE RE-EXPORT VOLUME
FOODSTUFFS + 6% + 1% + 5%
CONSUMER GOODS +62% + 4% +56%
RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES +24% + 7% +16%
FUELS -34% + 3% -36%
CAPITAL GOODS +85% + 8% +71%
ALL COMMODITIES +46% + 6% +38%
• - - 0
/6.......
MONDAV, MAY 6, 1985
- 6 -
ADDITIONAL DISTRICT OFFICERS APPOINTED * * * M
TWO ADDITIONAL DISTRICT OFFICER POSTS HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TO PROVIDE A BETTER AND MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THEIR MEMBERS, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE PROVISION OF THE TWO NEW POSTS WILL ENABLE THE FOUR BOARDS - YAU MA TEI, MONG KOK, WAN CHAI, AND CENTRAL AND WESTERN - TO BE SEPARATELY SUPPORTED BY ONE DISTRICT OFFICER EACH.
THE TWO BOARDS IN KOWLOON HAVE HITHERTO BEEN SERVED BY NR BOWEN LEUNG, AND THE TWO ON HONG KONG ISLAND BY MR LAM KAM-KWONG.
MRS BRENDA FUNG, A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY WITH THE FORMER HOME AFFAIRS BRANCH, ASSUMED DUTY TODAY (MONDAY) AS THE MONG KOK DISTRICT OFFICER, AND MR LEUNG WILL REMAIN AS DISTRICT OFFICER IN YAU MA TEI.
MR ROGER GARCIA, UNTIL RECENTLY AN ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER CF KOWLOON CITY, WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF WAN CHAI DISTRICT OFFICER WHEN HE RETURNS FROM LEAVE ON JUNE 3, WHILE MR LAM WILL REMAIN AS DISTRICT OFFICER IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN.
-----o------
PRESS CONFERENCE
* X *
THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, PETER TSAO, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ELECTORAL SERVICES) OF THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH, MR LEE LAP-SUN.
- 0
n
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
- 7 -
NINTH PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE TO RISE IN TUEN MUN X * *
ANOTHER LARGE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IS TO RISE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN PROVIDING MODERN HOMES FOR 54 OOO PEOPLE ON COMPLETION BY 1989.
LEUNG TIN ESTATE, THE NINTH PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING PROJECT FOR THE NEW TOWN, IS TO BE BUILT IN FIVE PHASES.
BUILDING TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE FIRST PHASE WHICH WILL COVER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE 35-STOREY TRIDENT BLOCKS AND TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE THREE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS WILL HOUSE 11 800 PEOPLE IN 2 448 FLATS WHEN THEY ARE COMPLETED BY 1987.
ALSO BEING INVITED ARE BUILDING TENDERS FOR THE FOURTH PHASE OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR WANG TAU HOM ESTATE DESIGNED TO RELIEVE OVERCROWDING AND UPGRADE LIVING CONDITIONS THERE.
SIX NEW BLOCKS WITH 1 353 SELF-CONTAINED FLATS FOR 6 000 PEOPLE WILL BE BUILT AT THE ESTATE AND WORKS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY 1987.
IN THE FIRST THREE PHASES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR WANG TAU HOM ESTATE, SEVEN OLD BLOCKS HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED AND REPLACING THEM ARE SEVEN NEW ONES FOR ABOUT 15 000 PEOPLE.
-----o------
BOARD TO HEAR ABOUT UC PROJECTS X X X X
WONG Tai SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ABOUT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AFTERNOON.
PRESENT WILL BE A CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER-PLANNING OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR ANDREW CHENG, WHO WILL TELL MEMBERS ABOUT PROJECTS TO BE DEVELOPED IN tHE DISTRICT OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE FINANCIAL CONTROL AND PROPOSED ARRANGEMENTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD FUNDS AND WILL LEARN ABOUT THE OPERATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS OF THE BOARD’S MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME, WHICH WILL RESUME SOON.
THEY WILL THEN DISCUSS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PAPER ON THE PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO SHOP TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT OF HOUSING ESTATES IN THE DISTRICT.
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/8 .......
MONDA., MAY 6, 1985
8
SPORTS PROJECT OUTLINED * * *
MEMBERS OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD TODAY HEARD AT FIRST HAND DETAILS OF PROGRESS ON THE DISTRICT’S MULTI -MILLION DOLLAR SPORTS GROUND NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE BOARD WAS BEING BREIFED BY MR ANDREW CHENG, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PLANNING DIVISION, ON THE CAPITAL AND MINOR WORKS PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 38 CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS AND 27 MINOR PROJECTS IN THE COUNCIL’S PLANNING PIPELINE FOR KWUN TONG.
APART FROM THE SPORTS GROUND, WHICH WILL FILL A BIG RECREATIONAL NEED IN THE DISTRICT, OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION INCLUDE THE SHU I WO STREET COMPLEX AND THE HUI KWONG STREET PLAYGROUND AND INDOOR GAMES HALL.
URBAN COUNCILLORS ATTENDING THIS AFTERNOON’S LENGTHY NEETING OF THE DISTRICT BOARD WERE MRS ELSIE ELLIOTT AND f'ESSRS STEPHEN LAU, LAM CHAK-PIU AND MARVIN CHEUNG.
------0-------
TREE-PLANTING SCHEME LAUNCHED * X X X
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S WEEK-LONG TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME WAS LAUNCHED TODAY BY URBAN COUNCILLORS MR PETER C.K. CHAN AND MRS MARGARET LI AT THE KO SHAN PARK.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE TREE PLANTING CEREMONY WERE THREE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MR WONG SIK-KONG, MR TANG PO-HONG AND MISS MABEL WONG, AS WELL AS STUDENTS OF BISHOP WALSH SCHOOL, WHO TOGETHER PLANTED 10 AILANTHUS FORD I I TREES.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE COUNCIL’S ANNUAL TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME ARE TO BEAUTIFY THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT AND TO AROUSE GREATER PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL ROLE THAT TREES CAN PLAY IN DENSELY-POPULATED AREAS.
IN ALL, 15 URBAN COUNCILLORS AND 26 DB MEMBERS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PLANTING CEREMONIES AT THE COUNCIL’S VARIOUS PARKS AND PUBLIC FACILITIES DAILY THROUGHOUT THIS WEEK.
MOND*i, MAY 6, 1985
- 9 -
SHOE-MAKING MACHINES NEEDED FOR PRISON * * * *
SHOE-MAKING MACHINES CAPABLE OF PRODUCING BETWEEN 800 AND 1 000 PAIRS OF FOOTWEAR ARE TO BE INSTALLED AT STANLEY PRISON.
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SUCH EQUIPMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE CONTRACTOR WOULD ALSO HAVE TO INSTALL EXISTING EQUIPMENT FOR THE NEW FACTORY IN THE PRISON.
HE SAID THE CONTRACTOR MUST BE ABLE TO SUPPLY THE WHOLE RANGE OF SHOE-MAKING EQUIPMENT AND HAVE FULL KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE PLANT.
SITE WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN OCTOBER AND BE COMPLETED BY EARLY NEXT YEAR.
ALL TENDERS MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED ON THE ENVELOPE AND ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN, CENTRAL TENDER BOARD, AND PLACED IN THE SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX SITUATED IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, EAST WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985.
LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
-----0-----
BOARD TO DISCUSS TSUEN WAN LAND USE
******
TSUEN WAN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS HOW TO MAKE USE CF A SITE IN AN AREA FACING THE TSUEN WAN BAY AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
BOARD MEMBERS WILL COMMENT ON PROPOSALS FOR THE SAFETY AND MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE ROADS, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY A WORKING GROUP. THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS CASTLE PEAK ROAD OUTSIDE THE TSUEN WAN MTR STATION WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENT WORKS TO PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, NOISE POLLUTION PROBLEMS AT THE TSUEN WAN MTR TERMINUS AND WATER SUPPLIES TO KWONG PAN TIN SHEUNG TSUEN.
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/10 .......
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
10 -
LAST DB CHAIRMAN ELECTED * * *
MR LAM HANG-FAI WAS ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD AT A MEETING HELD THIS AFTERNOON.
THE ELECTION MARKS THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESS OF ELECTING CHAIRMEN TO THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
1
-----0------
CHILDREN INVITED TO JOIN SEOUL ART DISPLAY
* * *
CHILDREN BETWEEN SIX AND 12 ARE INVITED TO SUBMIT ART WORKS FOR INCLUSION IN THE 27TH WORLD SCHOOL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION TO BE HELD IN SEOUL, KOREA, LATER THIS YEAR.
THE EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE YOOK YOUNG FOUNDATION OF KOREA, AIMS TO PROMOTE MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING, STRENGTHEN FRIENDSHIP AND ENCOURAGE ART EDUCATION THROUGH THE EXCHANGE OF CHILDREN’S ART.
ENTRIES MAY BE IN THE FORM OF DRAWING, PAINTING, PRINTMAKING, COLLAGE OR ANY OTHER TWO-DIMENSIONAL WORK, AND MAY BE ON ANY THEME. THE WORK SHOULD NOT EXCEED 450 MM X 550 MM.
ALL ENTRIES SHOULD BEAR THE NAME, AGE, SEX AND NATIONALITY CF THE CHILD TOGETHER WITH THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SCHOOL WHICH THE CHILD IS ATTENDING, AND SHOULD STATE THE THEME OF THE ENTRY.
THEY SHOULD BE SUBMITTED THROUGH SCHOOLS TO THE INSPECTOR (ART AND CRAFT), EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG NOT LATER THAN JUNE 20.
MEDALS AND CERTIFICATES OF MERIT WILL BE AWARDED FOR CHOSEN ENTRIES.
ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE ART AND CRAFT SECTION ON 5-621967.
-----o------
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
11 -
TENDERS SOUGHT FOR RAILWAY GOODS YARD *****
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY GOODS YARD AT MONG KOK.
THE PROJECT WHICH WILL PROVIDE LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES FOR THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, IS PART OF THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MONG KOK STATION UNDER KCR’S MODERNISATION AND ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME.
THE TENDER INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILWAY LOOP LINE, A SHUNT NECK AND SIX SIDINGS FOR MARSHALLING THE WAGONS. OTHER ASSOCIATED WORKS INCLUDE DRAINAGE AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION, FENCING AND THE PROVISION OF AN AMENITY BLOCK NEAR THE STATION.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY THIS YEAR AND BE COMPLETED WITHIN A YEAR.
THE KCR PROJECT HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE RAILWAY DIVISION OF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
-------o----------
MORE PARKING METERS * * *
ONE HUNDRED AND SIXTY PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN YUEN LONG TOWN TO REGULATE THE USE OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES.
THE METERS WILL BE INSTALLED AT KIN YIP STREET, KIN TAK STREET, SAI YU STREET, SAI CHING STREET, MA TIN ROAD. YUEN LONG TAI YUK ROAD AND FOOK HONG STREET ON THURSDAY (MAY 9).
-----o------
MAINS LEAKAGE TESTS
* *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN QUARRY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 9) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN PAN HOI STREET AND WESTLANDS ROAD, INCLUDING 979A-1021 AND 986 KING’S ROAD.
- - 0 -
/12........
MONDAY, MAY 6, 1985
12
TUNNEL EXIT ROAD TO BE CLOSED IIX
THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM THE EXIT OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 AM TO 5 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 8) AND THURSDAY (MAY 9) FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO NORTH POINT.
- 0 -
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 57.0 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 334.291 MILLION CUBIC FCTRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 401.201 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG- TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO,
REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS .................... 1
LAND, BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE BEING SET UP .................. 7
VIETNAMESE CONTINUE JOURNEY ..................................... 8
PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TO HOLD FIRST MEETING .............. 9
EPCOM GETS REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION .................... 9
POLICE AIM AT BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE............................. 10
REHOUSING FOR SQUATTERS IN DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE................ 11
RETAIL SALES FROM 1981 TO 1984 ................................. 12
PRESS CONFERENCE................................................ 18
LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME MORE POPULAR................................ 18
SCHOOLS URGED TO TAKE UP FIRST AID ............................. 19
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED......................................... 20
AUTOMATION WIDELY USED HERE..................................... 20
ILLEGAL WATER SYSTEM DEMOLISHED................................. 22
FILM TELLS ABOUT HALF-WAY HOUSES ............................... 22
NEW DORMS FOR SAI KUNG HOLIDAY CAMP ............................ 23
MONEY FROM FAIR HELPS CENTRE.................................... 23
SEMINAR FOR TRADE UNIONISTS..................................... 24
BOARD LEARNS ABOUT UC CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS ................... 24
MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE.............. 25
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES ......................... 26
WATER CUT....................................................... 26
T 9 i
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
1 -
REGISTRATION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTORS
*****
A TOTAL OF 3 507 ORGANISATIONS AND 30 345 INDIVIDUALS HAVE REGISTERED THEMSELVES AS ELECTORS FOR THE FORTHCOMING LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS OVER THE PAST THREE WEEKS.
ANNOUNCING THIS AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (TUESDAY), NR PETER TSAO, SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THE RESPONSE COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER, IT NEVERTHELESS MARKED THE FIRST CONCRETE STEP TAKEN TOWARDS OPENING UP THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO ELECTED ELEMENTS.
+THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS ARE MORE EXCLUSIVE AND COMPLICATED THAN THE DISTRICT BOARD OR URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS. THAT IT HAS TAKEN A WHILE FOR PEOPLE TO BECOME ALERTED TO IT IS UNDERSTANDABLE. THE SERIOUS TIME CONSTRAINT ASSOCIATED WITH THE EXERCISE HAS NOT ALLOWED US TO PUBLICISE IT MORE WIDELY OR IN GREATER DETAILS^ BUT MORE WILL BE DONE BEFORE REGISTERED ELECTORS GO TO THE POLL IN LATE SEPTEMBER,+ MR TSAO PROMISED.
SPEAKING ON THE BREAKDOWN OF FIGURES, MR TSAO NOTED THAT AS EXPECTED, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE EXERCISE. +THAT THE FIGURE IS NOT ONE HUNDRED PER CENT IS ONLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT SOME MEMBERS ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF TOWN AND WILL HAVE TO SIGN UP LATER DURING THE PERIOD FOR LATE REGISTRATION,* MR TSAO SAID. AS REGARDS THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, THE TEACHERS, ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS AND TOWN PLANNERS HAVE RESPONDED BETTER THAN OTHERS IN THE +INDIVIDUAL+ CATEGORIES.
HOWEVER, IN TERMS OF HIGHEST PERCENTAGE THE LABOUR, FINANCIAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES SECTORS HAVE ALL SCORED BETWEEN 82 PER CENT AND 75 PER CENT.
MR TSAO ALSO DREW ATTENTION TO THE REVISED ESTIMATED SIZE OF ELECTORATE.
+NOW THAT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION HAS OBTAINED THE MEMBERSHIP LISTS OF ALL ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED, IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO ARRIVE AT A MORE ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE SIZE OF EACH OF THE CONSTITUENCIES. AT THE SAME TIME ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT +CROSS MEMBERSHIPS*. SINCE A VOTER ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN MORE THAN ONE CONSTITUENCY MAY ONLY VOTE IN ONE CONSTITUENCY HE HAS TO CHOOSE IN WHICH CONSTITUENCY TO CAST HIS VOTE. IN ORDER TO ARRIVE AT TRUE BASE FIGURES, DOUBLE COUNTING HAS HAD TO BE ELIMINATED. CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PRESENCE OF EXPATRIATE MEMBERS IN SOME OF THE PROFESSIONS WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO REGISTER BECAUSE OF THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT LAID DOWN IN THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION.*
/Ma TSAO .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
2
MR TSAO REMINDED THOSE WHO HAVE NOT SIGNED UP YET OF THE SECOND AND LAST OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO IN ABOUT ONE-AND-A-HALF MONTH’S TIME, BETWEEN JUNE 21 AND JULY 1. LATE APPLICATIONS CAN BE LODGED BY ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION QUALIFIED TO VOTE.
THOSE ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER ARE URGED NOT TO GIVE UP THEIR RIGHT AND PRIVILEGE TO DO SO.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THOSE WHO REPRESENT THE VARIOUS TRADES AND PROFESSIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE CHOSEN FROM AS WIDE AND SOLID A BASE AS POSSIBLE. BY SIGNING UP AS AN ELECTOR YOU ARE HELPING TO CONSOLIDATE THIS BASE,+ W TSAO SAID.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS 1985 REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS
APRIL 15 - MAY 6
MAX. NO. OF 1 . APPLICATIONS INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE RECEIVED
A. ELECTORAL COLLEGE 434 430
B. FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES
ESTIMATED SIZE OF APPLICATIONS
ELECTORATE RECEIVED
1. (A) FIRST COMMERCIAL (HK GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
2
2 334 661
(B) SECOND COMMERCIAL (CHINESE GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE)
3
5 211 1 801
%
99.1
%
28.3
34.6
/2. (a) FIRST .......
TUESDAY, MAY 1, 1985
2. (A) FIRST 4 777 373 48.0
INDUSTRIAL (FED. OF HK INDUSTRIES)
(B) SECOND INDUSTRIAL (CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION) 5 2 233 882 39.5
3. FINANCIAL (HK ASSOCIATION OF BANKS) 141 116 82.3
4. LABOUR (EMPLOYEE TRADE UNIONS) 390 292 74.9
5. SOCIAL SERVICES (HK COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE) 156 124 79.5
6. MEDICAL (HK MEDICAL ASSOCIATION, ALL REGISTERED DOCTORS, ETC.) 4 540 2 029 44.7
7. LEGAL (LAW SOCIETY, BAR ASSOCIATION AND GOVERNMENT LAWYERS) 6 1 500 7 708 47.2
8. TEACHING (TEACHERS OF ALL LEVELS) 53 270 24 745 46.5
9. ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL, SURVEYING AND PLANNING 8 2 500 9 1 691 67.6
TOTAL
73 486
33 852 46.1
/1. THE DISTRICT .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
1. THE DISTRICT BOARDS, URBAN COUNCIL AND PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAVE A TOTAL OF 450 SEATS. HOWEVER, SOME MEMBERS ARE ACTING IN MORE THAN ONE CAPACITY (EG. DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER ELECTED TO THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL), HENCE THE MAX. NO. IS LESS THAN 450. THE FIGURE OF 434 DOES NOT INCLUDE THREE OTHER MEMBERS TO BE NOMINATED TO THE PRC BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK AFTER THE CURRENT REGISTRATION PERIOD. WHETHER THE ULTIMATE NO. OF THE INDIVIDUALS ELIGIBLE IS MORE THAN 434 DEPENDS ON WHETHER ANY OR ALL OF THE 3 ARE ALSO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
2. THIS REVISED ESTIMATE TAKES INTO CONSIDERATION THE PRESENCE OF DUPLICATES IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CONSTITUENCIES. WHERE A MEMBER HAS REGISTERED IN ONE DIVISION, THE ORGANISATION’S MEMBERSHIP IN THE OTHER DIVISION(S) WILL BE DELETED AS THE ORGANISATION CANNOT REGISTER AT THE SAME TIME IN ANOTHER DIVISION. THIS ESTIMATE IS STILL ON THE HIGH SIDE AS IT INCLUDES THOSE WHICH HAVE NOT YET INDICATED WHICH DIVISION THEY WISH TO REGISTER IN.
3. D ITTO
4. D I TTO
5. D I TTO
6. THE REVISED FIGURE OF 1 500 IS ARRIVED AT AFTER RED HAS BEEN INFORMED THAT AT LEAST 20 - 30 PER CENT OF THE MEMBERS OF LAW SOCIETY, BAR ASSOCIATION, ETC. DO NOT SATISFY THE RESIDENTIAL (OR HONG KONG BELONGER) REQUIREMENTS AND CANNOT REGISTER IN THE FIRST PLACE.
7. THIS CAN BE BROKEN DOWN INTO: LAW SOCIETY: 515, BAR ASSOCIATION: 148, GOVT. LAWYERS: 45.
8. THE SITUATION HERE IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT 20 - 30 PER CENT OF PROFESSIONALS PRACTISING IN THESE FIELDS DO NOT MEET THE RESIDENTIAL (OR HONG KONG BELONGER) CRITERIA AND THUS NOT ELIGIBLE TO REGISTER IN THE FIRST PLACE. THE ESTIMATED SIZE HAS ACCORDINGLY BEEN REDUCED TO REFLECT A MORE REALISTIC PICTURE.
9. THIS CAN BE BROKEN DOWN AS FOLLOWS:
(A) (B) (c) (D)
ENGINEERS: 1085
ARCHITECTS: 314
SURVEYORS: 243
TOWN PLANNERS: 49
/FOLLOWING IS .......
T'JSSDAY, -U.Y 1985
5 -
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF A STATEMENT BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER K.Y. TSAO, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE HELD TODAY (TUESDAY):
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION ENDED YESTERDAY, MAY 6. DURING THE 3-wEEK PERIOD, A TOTAL OF 3 507 ORGANISATIONS AND 30 345 INDIVIDUALS REGISTERED THEMSELVES AS ELECTORS. MANY OF THE ORGANISATIONS ARE LARGE AND IMPORTANT ONES, EMPLOYING HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE IN VARIOUS PROFESSIONAL FIELDS.
SOME PRESS REPORTS HAVE MADE COMPARISONS BETWEEN THE REGISTRATION FOR LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTION AND THAT FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD ELECTION, POINTING IN PARTICULAR TO THE LACK OF FANFARE AND PUBLICITY. SOME HAVE DRAWN THE CONCLUSION THAT THE RATE OF REGISTRATION COULD HAVE BEEN HIGHER HAD THERE BEEN MORE PUBLICITY.
THE LEGCO ELECTION IS RATHER DIFFERENT FROM DB ELECTION IN SEVERAL RESPECTS:-
(A) IT ONLY INVOLVES SOME 73 000 PEOPLE OR ORGANISATIONS, WHEREAS THE FRANCHISE FOR DB ELECTION I.E. THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE INVOLVES 2.9 MILLION PEOPLE;
(E) IT IS OBVIOUSLY MORE COMPLICATED FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, NOT LEAST BEING THE FACT THAT IT IS BEING HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME;
(C) BETWEEN THE PROMULGATION OF THE LEGCO ELECTOR REGISTRATION REGULATIONS ON APRIL 12 AND THE STARTING OF THE PROCESS OF REGISTRATION OF ELECTORS ON APRIL 15, ALL WE HAD WAS A WEEKEND AND THERE WAS SIMPLY NO TIME FOR PRE-REGISTRATION PUBLICITY OTHER THAN A PRESS CONFERENCE GIVEN BY MR LEE;
(D) SINCE ALL FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WERE CLOSELY CONSULTED ON THE FORMULATION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS, THEY WERE FULLY AWARE OF WHAT WAS BEING PROPOSED. WE THEREFORE RELIED ON THEM TO LIAISE WITH THEIR OWN MEMBERS.
THESE wERE THE REASONS WHY PUBLICITY ON THE SCALE MOUNTED FOR DB ELECTIONS WAS NOT POSSIBLE NOR NECESSARY; ALTHOUGH PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENTS WERE MADE DURING THE REGISTRATION PERIOD THROUGH RADIO, TELEVISION AND NEWSPAPERS URGING ELIGIBLE VOTERS TO REGISTER.
/AS REGARDS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
6
AS REGARDS THE BREAKDOWN OF REGISTRATION FIGURES, THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE MEMBERS HAVE EXPRESSED THE KEENEST INTEREST IN THE EXERCISE. THAT THE FIGURE IS NOT 100 PER CENT IS ONLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT SOME MEMBERS ARE CURRENTLY OUT OF TOWN AND a ILL HAVE TO SIGN UP LATER DURING THE PERIOD FOR LATE REGISTRATION.
AMONGST THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, TEACHERS, ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS, SURVEYORS AND TOWN PLANNERS HAVE RESPONDED BETTER THAN OTHERS IN THE +INDIVIDUAL+ CATEGORIES. THE LARGEST NUMBER CF INDIVIDUALS REGISTERED ARE TEACHERS, A TOTAL OF 24 745 HAVE SENT IN THEIR FORMS.
HOWEVER, IN TERMS OF PERCENTAGE, THE FINANCIAL, SOCIAL SERVICE AND LABOUR SECTORS HAVE RESPONDED QUITE WELL, WITH PERCENTAGES OF 82 PER CENT, 80 PER CENT AND 75 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE INITIAL + BASE FIGURES+ WE USED FOR EARLIER REPORTS .vERE NO MORE THAN ESTIMATED MEMBERSHIP OF THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS. NO* THAT THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION HAS OBTAINED THE MEMBERSHIP LISTS OF ALL ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED, IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO ARRIVE AT A MORE ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE SIZE OF EACH OF THE CONSTITUENCIES. AT THE SAME TIME ADJUSTMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT +CROSS *€MBERSHIPS+. SINCE A VOTER ELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN MORE THAN ONE CONSTITUENCY MAY ONLY VOTE IN ONE CONSTITUENCY HE HAS TO CHOOSE IN WHICH CONSTITUENCY TO CAST HIS VOTE. IN ORDER TO ARRIVE AT TRUE BASE FIGURES, DOUBLE COUNTING HAS HAD TO EE ELIMINATED. CERTAIN ADJUSTMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE PRESENCE OF EXPATRIATE MEMBERS IN SOME OF THE PROFESSIONS WHO ARE NOT QUALIFIED TO REGISTER BECAUSE OF THE RESIDENTIAL REQUIREMENT LAID DOWN IN THE RELEVANT LEGISLATION.
I STARTED BY SAYING THAT THE FIRST PHASE OF REGISTRATION ENDED YESTERDAY. ANYONE (AND I STRESS ANYONE WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO VOTE WILL HAVE ANOTHER OPPORTUNITY TO REGISTER BETWEEN JUNE 21 AND JULY 1.
MAY I NOW GO THROUGH THE FIGURES WITH YOU.
- - - - 0 ----------
/7........
» TucSD< , HAY 7, 1965
- 7 -
LAND, BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE BEING SET UP
* * * * *
A NEw COMMITTEE KNOWN AS THE LAND AND BUILDING ADVISORY COMMITTEE (LBAC) WILL BE SET UP ON JUNE 1, TO REPLACE THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY (SCLS) AND THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEE (BDAC).
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FORMATION OF THIS COMMITTEE WAS CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE BECAUSE THE SCLS HAD FULFILLED THE MAIN PURPOSE FOR WHICH IT WAS ORIGINALLY FORMED AND THERE WAS A NEED TO RATIONALISE THE EXISTING NETWORK OF COMMITTEES AND SUB-COMMITTEES DEALING WITH LANDS AND WORKS MATTERS. HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CAREFULLY REVIEWED THE ROLE OF SCLS AND BDAC AND HAD CONCLUDED THAT LBAC SHOULD BE FORMED TO ENABLE GOVERNMENT ' TO HAVE THE BENEFIT OF UNOFFICIAL ADVICE ON LAND AND BUILDING RELATED MATTERS.
THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF LBAC ARE:
(A) TO KEEP UNDER REVIEW THE NEEDS OF THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS FOR LAND AND THE PLANNED PROVISIONS, TAKE UP AND UTILISATION OF LAND}
(B) TO CONSIDER THE ADEQUACY OF LAND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE LIGHT OF (A);
(C) TO MONITOR AND ASSESS POLICIES AND PROCEDURES IN RELATION TO PLANNING, LAND, BUILDINGS AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY}
(D) TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON ANY OF THE MATTERS REFERRED TO IN (A), (B) AND (C).
LBAC WILL INITIALLY HAVE THE FOLLOWING THREE SUB-COMMITTEES:
(A) REAL ESTATE SUB-COMMITTEE (RESC)}
(B) LAND SUPPLY SUB-COMMITTEE (LSSC)} AND
(C) LEGISLATION SUB-COMMITTEE (LSC)
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR W.C.L. BROWN, WHO HAD BEEN THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON LAND SUPPLY SINCE 1983, AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE NEW COMMITTEE. OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS ON THE COMMITTEE ARE:
MR STANLEY HO OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION
MR EDWARD HO OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS
MR FRANCIS LAU OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF SURVEYORS
MR D.A. MORRIS OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LTD.
/MR H.K. CHENG.......
TUESDAY, MA;’ 7, 1985
8 -
MR H.K. CHENG Or THE HONG KONG INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS
MR J.C. SHAw OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF PLANNERS
MR W'.M. SULKE
PROFESSOR Y.K. CHEUNG OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY
OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE INCLUDE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT FINANCIAL SECRETARY, DIRECTOR OF LANDS, DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AND DIRECTOR OF NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT.
THESE APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR ONE YEAR INITIALLY, WITH EFFECT FROM JUNE 1.
-----o-----
VIETNAMESE CONTINUE JOURNEY
* * *
TWO GROUPS OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE WHO ENTERED HONG KONG WATERS ON APRIL 28 AND MAY 1, VOLUNTARILY CONTINUED THEIR JOURNEYS ON MAY 3, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY.
THE FIRST GROUP OF 75 PEOPLE INCLUDED EIGHT CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. OF THE 67 VIETNAMESE REMAINING, 66 CHOSE TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY AND ONE DECIDED TO STAY IN HONG KONG.
THE SECOND GROUP CONSISTED OF 21 PEOPLE, INCLUDING THREE CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS. ALL OF THE REMAINING 18 VIETNAMESE OPTED TO LEAVE HONG KONG.
THE TWO GROUPS WERE PROVIDED WITH FOOD, WATER AND OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS. MINOR REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THE FIRST BOAT AND ITS ENGINE.
THE 11 CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS (EIGHT FROM THE FIRST GROUP AND THREE FROM THE SECOND) WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA ON MAY 3.
THE 84 VIETNAMESE (66 FROM THE FIRST GROUP AND 18 FROM
THE SECOND) LEFT HONG KONG WATERS AT 1.15 PM ON THE SAME DAY, AND THE VIETNAMESE MALE FROM THE FIRST GROUP WHO CHOSE TO STAY WAS TRANSFERRED TO CHI MA WAN CLOSED CENTRE.
EIGHT BOATS HAVE CONTINUED THEIR JOURNEYS AFTER ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CLOSED CENTRE POLICY IN JULY 1982, FIVE OF WHICH WERE THIS YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
0 --------
/? .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1935
9
PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ******
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL HOLD ITS FIRST MEETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS CONFERENCE ROOM, AFTER MONTHS OF PREPARATION.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WILL DELIVER THEIR INAUGURAL SPEECHES TO THE 24-MEMBER BODY, WHICH OFFICIALLY CAME INTO BEING ON APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
THE INAUGURAL SESSION WILL BE LARGELY DEVOTED TO DISCUSSING A TIMETABLE OF MEETINGS AND THEIR AGENDAS FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY TO JULY. MEETINGS ARE EXPECTED TO BE HELD EVERY FORTNIGHT DURING THIS INITIAL INDUCTION PERIOD, TO ENABLE COUNCIL MEMBERS TO GET TO KNOW THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL HAS BEEN ENTRUSTED, UNDER THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE, WITH THE JOB OF ADVISING THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THE PROVISION OF A WIDE RANGE OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS. ITS OTHER MAJOR TASK IS TO ADVISE ON THE SETTING UP OF THE FULL REGIONAL COUNCIL WITH FINANCIAL AUTONOMY NEXT APRIL.
SO FAR, 21 MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL HAVE BEEN NAMED - THE REMAINING THREE WILL BE APPOINTED BEFORE THE END OF MAY FROM AMONG FEUNG YEE KUK MEMBERS.
-----o------
EPCOM GETS REPORT ON ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION * * * *
THE ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE TODAY RECEIVED A REPORT ON THE FIRST MEETING OF ITS AD HOC WORKING GROUP SET UP TO LOOK INTO ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
THE WORKING GROUP, WHICH IS CHAIRED BY PROFESSOR BRIAN MORTON CF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, HAS HAD PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ON THE EXISTING SCOPE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS AND TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS THE NEED FOR GRADUATES IN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES.
GREATER INVOLVEMENT OF PUBLIC ORGANISATIONS IN PROMOTING ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS, AND THE HOLDING OF SEMINARS FOR LEADING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY ARE TWO OTHER ISSUES WHICH THE WORKING GROUP HAS IDENTIFIED FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
/AT THEIR .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 198$
10 -
AT THEIR MEETING, EPCOM ALSO RECEIVED A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE PREPARATION OF TERR ITORY-wI DE CONTROLS ON THE STORAGE AND DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDED A REPORT ON THE RESULTS CF ROUTINE MONITORING OF POLLUTION LEVELS IN THE TERRITORY IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS THIS YEAR, AND PROPOSALS TO AMEND TWO SETS OF AIR POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS.
-----0-------
POLICE AIM AT BETTER PUBLIC SERVICE * * * *
THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SAU MAU PING DISTRICT MARKS THE CULMINATION OF MANY YEARS OF PLANNING AND CONSULTATION, AND DEMONSTRATES CONSTANT POLICE DESIRE TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR RAYMON ANN ING, SAID THIS WHEN HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE SAU MAU PING DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND SAU MAU PING DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
’’FOR MANY YEARS THE OFFICERS OF KWUN TONG POLICE DISTRICT HAD TO POLICE A VERY LARGE AREA AND WERE FACED WITH INCREASING PROBLEMS GENERATED BY RISING POPULATION,” MR ANN ING SAID.
’’HOWEVER, THEY DID COMMENDABLY WELL TO COPE AS EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY AS THEY DID. IN RECOGNITION OF THIS FACT, IT WAS DECIDED A FEW YEARS AGO TO DIVIDE THE DISTRICT INTO TWO,” HE SAID.
KWUN TONG DISTRICT, BASED AT THE OLD KWUN TONG POLICE STATION IS CURRENTLY SERVING THE EASTERN PART OF KWUN TONG, AND SAU MAU PING DISTRICT, THE WEST.
MR ANN ING POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE YEARS, THE PEOPLE OF KWUN TONG HAVE BEEN VERY PROMINENT IN THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND HE IS CONFIDENT THAT GOOD CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE RESIDENTS OF SAU MAU PING AND THE POLICE CAN CONTINUE TO DEVELOP.
”l MUST STRESS YET AGAIN HOW RELIANT THE POLICE ARE ON MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC COMING FORWARD AS WITNESSES AND TO REPORT CRIME.
"THIS EXTENDS EVEN TO SUSPICIONS, AND WHAT MAY SEEM INSIGNIFICANT TO YOU COULD IN FACT BE OF GREAT VALUE TO US.” HE ADDED.
/MR ANNING........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
MR ANN ING STRRESSED THAT IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE ARE PREPARED TO FOLLOW UP THEIR REPORTS AND GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT, OTHERWISE THE CRIMINAL DOES NOT GET HIS JUST DESERTS AND THE COMMUNITY CAN ONLY SUFFER IN THE LONG TERM.
”SAU MAU PING POLICE STATION IS LOCATED HERE TO PROVIDE A MORE CONVENIENT VENUE FOR THE PUBLIC TO COME AND AIR THEIR PROBLEMS AND WE SINCERELY HOPE AND ENTREAT FOR THEM TO DO SO.” HE SAID.
THE NEW SAU MAU PING DISTRICT BECAME OPERATIONAL ON MARCH 10 WITH ITS HEADQUARTERS HOUSED IN THE $35 MILLION NEW SAU MAU PING POLICE STATION AT 200 HONG NING ROAD.
IT HAS TWO DIVISIONS NAMELY THE NEWLY FORMED SAU MAU PING DIVISION AND THE REVAMPED NGAU TAU KOK DIVISION.
UNDER THE SAME ROOF OF THE NEW SAU MAU PING POLICE STATION, THE SAU MAU PING DIVISION IS A MERGER OF THE FORMER KWUN TONG DIVISION AND SOME AREAS WHICH FALL WITHIN THE ORIGINAL NGAU TAU KOK DIVISION. IT ALSO COVERS EIGHT ESTATES COMPRISING SAU MAU PING, SHUN LEE, SHUN ON, SHUN TIN, JORDAN VALLEY, UPPER NGAU TAU KOK, GARDEN AND LOK WAH.
RESIDENTS OF THESE ESTATES MAY GO TO THE NEW POLICE STATION OR TELEPHONE 3-7514250 IF THEY WANT TO MAKE A REPORT OR SEEK POLICE ASSISTANCE.
NGAU TAU KOK DIVISION WHICH IS LOCATED AT 1 SIU YIP STREET WITH TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-7583261 IS COVERING PING SHEK ESTATE, KAI YIP ESTATE, LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, TELFORD GARDENS, AMOY GARDENS, KOWLOON BAY FACTORY ESTATE AND KWUN TONG FACTORY ESTATE.
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REHOUSING FOR SQUATTERS IN DEVELOPMENT CLEARANCE X * X X X
TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES IN SQUATTER AREAS AFFECTED BY CLEARANCE ARE ONLY ELIGIBLE FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING ACCOMMODATION UNDER THE EXISTING REHOUSING POLICY.
THIS WAS REITERATED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IN A REPLY LETTER TO A SQUATTER -REPRESENTATI VE AT LAM TIN SOUTH VILLAGE WHERE STRUCTURES WOULD- BE CLEARED FOR DEVELOPMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT SAID IN THE LETTER: +A TWO-MEMBER FAMILY IN CLEARANCE WILL BE GIVEN PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING ONLY ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS, OR WHERE THE MEMBERS ARE CLOSELY RELATED WITH EITHER ONE BEING A DISABLED OR ELDERLY MEMBER.
/+IN THE .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
- 12 -
+IN the latter case, both members must be living in a
SURVEYED DOMESTIC STRUCTURE AND HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR 10 YEARS.
+OTHER TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES ARE INITIALLY QUALIFIED FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING EITHER IN THE URBAN AREA OR IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ACCORDING TO THEIR ELI Gl Bl LITY.
+uRBAi< THA UNITS ARE ALLOCATED TO THOSE WHO LIVE IN A SURVEYED DOMESTIC STRUCTURE IN EXISTENCE BEFORE JUNE 1, 1982.+
to those entitled to public housing and urban thas, two other
OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE.
they can collect an ex-gratia cash allowance in exchange for REHOUSING OR PURCHASE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME FLATS WITH GREEN-FORM STATUS PROVIDED THEY HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST SEVEN YEARS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY TWO-MEMBER HOUSEHOLDS WISHING TO GET PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING MIGHT NOW APPLY ON THE GENERAL WAITING LIST UNDER REVISED ALLOCATION POLICIES.
♦HOWEVER PRIORITY IN THE ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC HOUSING IS BEING GIVEN TO THOSE TWO-MEMBER FAMILIES WHO LIVE IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS OR IN MARK I/lI ESTATES AFFECTED BY RFQEVELOPMENT.+
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RETAIL SALES FROM 1981 TO 1984
*****
THE VALUE INDEX OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES SHOWED A STEADY RISING TREND WHILE THE VOLUME INDEX REMAINED RELATIVELY STABLE, ACCORDING TO A REVIEW OF MONTHLY RETAIL SALES FOR THE YEARS 1981 TO 1984 RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE MOVEMENTS OF BOTH THE VALUE AND THE VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES FROM JANUARY 1981 TO DECEMBER 1984, WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100, ARE SHOWN IN CHART 1. IN THE YEARS COVERED, BOTH THE VALUE AND THE VOLUME INDEXES OF TOTAL RETAIL SALES SHOWED SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER AND JANUARY AND SIGNIFICANT DECREASES IN FEBRUARY. THIS WAS LARGELY DUE TO THE SEASONAL INFLUENCES OF CHRISTMAS AND THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
INDEX MOVEMENTS OF MAJOR TRADE GROUPS ARE SHOWN IN CHART 2.
SEASONAL PATTERNS OF MOVEMENTS IN THE VALUE INDEXES WERE EXPERIENCED BY THE FIVE MAJOR TRADE GROUPS, WITH SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN DECEMBER AND JANUARY AND DRASTIC DROPS IN FEBRUARY.
/WHILE THE.......
U -
wHILE THE VALUE INDEXES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO; FUELS; CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS; AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ SHOWED NOTICEABLE UPWARD TRENDS DURING THE YEARS 1981 TO 1984, THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES SHOWED A DECLINE IN 1982 BUT ROSE AGAIN IN 1983 AND 1984.
EXCEPT FOR THE MONTHS OF DECEMBER, JANUARY AND FEBRUARY, THE VOLUME INDEXES OF FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO, AND FUELS WERE RELATIVELY STABLE DURING THE PERIOD UNDER REVIEW. THOSE OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS, CONSUMER DURABLES AND +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* SHOWED GREATER FLUCTUATIONS, HOWEVER.
CHART 3 DEPICTS THE INDEX MOVEMENTS OF THE FOUR SELECTED TRADES.
WHILE SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES SHOWED MARKED INCREASES IN SALES VALUE THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD, THEIR CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN SALES VOLUME WERE RELATIVELY MUCH LESS. MOTOR VEHICLES, ON THE OTHER HAND, DECLINED DRASTICALLY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARING THE RATES OF CHANGE OF VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES IN 1984 WITH THOSE IN 1983, AS SHOWN IN CHART 4, CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS SHOWED THE HIGHEST RATE OF INCREASE AMONG THE FIVE MAJOR TRADE GROUPS IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. THIS WAS FOLLOWED BY CONSUMER DURABLES; FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO; +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS*; AND FUELS.
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, SUPERMARKETS RECORDED THE HIGHEST RATE OF INCREASE IN 1984 WHEN COMPARED WITH 1983 IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. MOTOR VEHICLES RANKED SECOND. DEPARTMENT STORES, THOUGH WITH THE SMALLEST INCREASE IN SALES VALUE SHOWED A FASTER INCREASE IN SALES VOLUME THAN CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES.
THE RETAIL SALES STATISTICS WERE COMPILED FROM THE RESULTS OF THE MONTHLY SURVEYS OF RETAIL SALES CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SINCE 1981. THE MONTHLY SURVEY AIMS TO COLLECT SALES DATA FOR THE PROVISION OF AN INDICATOR OF CURRENT ECONOMIC TRENDS IN GENERAL AND OF CONSUMER SPENDING IN PARTICULAR.
UP-TO-DATE MONTHLY REPORTS CONTAINING DETAILED ANALYSES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1.00 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES ON THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO. 3-7216024).
TUESDAY, hiaY 7, 196>
- 14 -
Chart 1: Value and Volume Indexes of Total Hetail Sales (Monthly average of 1980 » 100)
/15........
1Y, MAY 7, 1965
15 -
Ciiart J: Value uua Volume Indexes oi Het. A nulea Major Trade Groups
/1b
~AY 7, 1985
lb
GlaartJ ; Value and Volume Indexes of Retail Ualee ol Selected Trudes
(Montidy average of 19^• 100)
io
/17 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 19$5
17 -
vehicles
Value index
Volume index
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/18 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
18
NOTE Tu EDITORS:
PRESS CONFERENCE * * *
The DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR PATRICK SHAM, WILL MEET IhE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (MAY 9) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
-----o------
LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME MORE POPULAR * * *
THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH MORE THAN 26 700 PEOPLE REQUESTING ASSISTANCE DURING THE PAST FINANCIAL YEAR.
THIS REPRESENTS A 21 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURES.
WHILE MOST OF THE ENQUIRIES INVOLVED ADVICE ON SIMPLE LEGAL MATTERS, 3 242 PEOPLE WERE GIVEN FREE CONSULTATIONS WITH DUTY LAWYERS UNDER THE SCHEME.
THE MAJORITY OF THE CASES DEALT WITH DURING THE YEAR INVOLVED MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL MATTERS, MARITAL PROBLEMS, MATTERS CONCERNING LANDLORDS AND TENANTS, COMPENSATION CLAIMS AND CRIMINAL CASES.
THE SCHEME IS ADMINISTERED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE LAW SOCIETY, TO PROVIDE FREE LEGAL ADVICE TO THOSE WHO CANNOT AFFORD IT.
THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE AT THE CNTA’S 65 PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
+APPLICANTS ARE FIRST INTERVIEWED BY STAFF OF THE CENTRES TO IDENTIFY THEIR NEED, AND FOR GENUINE LEGAL CASES, THE DETAILS ARE RECORDED AND FORWARDED TO THE DUTY LAWYER SO THAT RESEARCH CAN BE UNDERTAKEN BEFORE CONSULTATION BEGINS,+ A CNTA SPOKESMAN SAID.
+AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE DUTY LAWYER CAN BE ARRANGED WITHIN TEN DAYS AT AN EVENING BUREAU OF THE APPLICANT’S CHOICE,+ HE ADDED.
INTERVIEWS TAKE PLACE AT EIGHT EVENING BUREAUX OPENED FOR WEEKLY SESSIONS AT THE FOLLOWING DISTRICT OFFICES: WAN CHAI AND EASTERN ON HONG KONG ISLAND; MONG KOK, WONG TAI SIN, YAU MA TEI AND KWUN TONG IN KOWLOON; TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/+UST YfiAB......
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
- 19 -
♦LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 280 LAWYERS, DRAWN FROM PRACTISING SOLICITORS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, CONTRIBUTED THEIR SERVICES AT THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE EVENING BUREAUX,* THE SPOKESMAN SA ID.
APART FROM THE FREE LEGAL ADVICE SCHEME, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRES ALSO OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER SERVICES SUCH AS OATHS AND DECLARATIONS, RENT OFFICER SCHEME, GENERAL ENQUIRIES ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES, AND DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS AND LEAFLETS.
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SCHOOLS URGED TO TAKE UP FIRST AID * * * * *
SCHOOL HEADS ARE BEING URGED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO ENCOURAGE THEIR STAFF AND STUDENTS TO TAKE COURSES ON FIRST AID SO THAT THEY CAN BE OF HELP IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCIES.
AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SCHOOLS ARE ORGANISING COURSES OF INSTRUCTION IN FIRST AID AS PART OF THEIR EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EITHER BY THEMSELVES OR IN CONJUNCTION WITH OTHER AGENCIES, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
FIRST AID COURSES ARE ARRANGED BY THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION FOR SCHOOLS.
IN ADDITION TO FIRST AID AND HOME NURSING, THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE’S CADET SECTION ALSO OFFERS COURSES IN FIRE FIGHTING, SWIMMING AND LIFE SAVING, MAP READING, CAMPING AND SILK SCREEN PAINTING TO ITS MEMBERS.
SCHOOLS INTERESTED IN ORGANISING FIRST AID COURSES AND FORMING CADET DIVISIONS SHOULD CONTACT THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY CF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE ASSOCIATION AND BRIGADE AT 2 MACDONNELL ROAD, HONG KONG, OR BY TELEPHONING 5-247034.
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/20 ........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
20
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED * * * *
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON YAU SAU-KAM, CHAN CHEUNG-KWOK AND TSE CHAN-YUN ON JULY 1, 1983, SEPTEMBER 6, 1983 AND MARCH 19, 1984 RESPECTIVELY SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON SO KAM-LOI ON APRIL 1, 1982 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO FIFTEEN YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
YAU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF HO SAU-YING ON OCTOBER 21, 1982. CHAN WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAI SO ON DECEMBER 23, 1982, AND TSE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHAN CHEUNG-NGA I AND TSE SIU-SHEUNG ON JANUARY 24, 1983.
SO WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHAN WING-HO ON MAY 27, 1981.
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AUTOMATION WIDELY USED HERE
******
HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS HAD LONG RECOGNISED THE NEED TO DIVERSIFY THEIR PRODUCT RANGE, AND TO IMPROVE PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY THROUGH ADOPTION OF AUTOMATION AND ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
MR YAXLEY SAID THIS WHEN OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF +HONG KONG MACHINE TOOL 85+ ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG EXHIBITION SERVICES LTD.
+ALTHOUGH THE PRINCIPAL MOTIVE IN INTRODUCING AUTOMATION AND MODERN PRECISION TOOLS AND MACHINERY MAY BE THAT OF INCREASING BOTH PRODUCTIVITY AND CONSISTENCY OF QUALITY, WE SHOULD NOT FORGET THE OTHER BENEFITS THAT IT BRINGS.
+THESE INCLUDE SAVINGS IN RAW MATERIALS, THE ELIMINATION OF LOW GRADE MANUAL JOBS, IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS AND INCREASES IN THE VALUE ADDED PER WORKER,* HE SAID.
MR YAXLEY SAID A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES ON THE FACTORY FLOOR WAS NOW AFFECTED BY AUTOMATION IN VARIOUS FORMS.
♦THESE INCLUDE, FOR EXAMPLE, MATERIAL AND PARTS FEEDING, INDEXING, CLAMPING, MACHINING, ASSEMBLY TcSTING AND QUALITY CHECK ING.
/♦ilODEHN TOOLS .........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
- 21 -
♦MODERN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT ARE NECESSARY TO ACHIEVE EFFECTIVE AUTOMATION IN THE SHOPFLOOR. NUMERICALLY CONTROLLED MACHINE FITTED WITH MICROPROCESSORS OR COMPUTERS ARE COMMONLY USED NOWADAYS AND THERE IS ALSO AN INCREASING USE OF COMPUTERS IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY TO ASSIST DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE.*
HE FELT THAT WITH THE POLITICAL UNCERTAINTIES NOW BEHIND HONG KONG, LOCAL MANUFACTURERS COULD MOVE AHEAD WITH THEIR INVESTMENT AND RE-INVESTMENT PLANS.
♦INDEED THERE ARE ALREADY ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT MANUFACTURERS IN GENERAL HAVE BEEN MOVING IN THIS DIRECTION TO EXPAND AND UPDATE THEIR PRODUCTION CAPACITIES AND CAPABILITIES IN RESPONSE TO MARKET DEMANDS.
♦RETAINED IMPORTS OF ALL INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY AND MACHINE TOOLS IN 1984 WERE VALUED AT HK$4 740.3 MILLION. THIS WAS 31 PER CENT HIGHER THAN 1983.
♦THE GOVERNMENT FOR ITS PART, IS ALSO PUTTING GREAT EMPHASIS ON THE NEED TO MODERNISE PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES AND FACILITIES THROUGH ITS SUPPORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE,* PR YAXLEY SAID.
+OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, GOVERNMENT’S SUBVENTION TO THE CENTRE HAS INCREASED THREEFOLD, FROM $10 MILLION IN 1980-81 TO $31 MILLION IN 1984-85. IN 1985-86 THE ALLOCATION OF PUBLIC FUNDS TO THE CENTRE WILL AMOUNT TO $36.9 MILLIQN OR 20 PER CENT INCREASt OVER THE LAST YEAR.
+THIS PROVIDES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF THE MECHANICAL CAPABILITY OF THE MICRO PROCESSOR APPLICATION LABORATORY TO ENABLE IT TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP THE USE OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT.*
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE ADVICE OF THE INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENT BOARD, HAD RECENTLY ASKED THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE TO FURTHER INCREASE ITS EFFORTS IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION.
+DETAILED PROPOSALS ARE NOW BEING DRAWN UP FOR THE DEVELOPMENT CF AN INTEGRATED INDUSTRIAL AUTOMATION SERVICE AND AN EXPANDED METAL DEVELOPMENT SERVICE.
+T0 THIS END, THE TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES OF THE CENTRE WILL EE FURTHER AUGMENTED IN RESPECT OF MECHANICAL DESIGN, ELECTROPECHAN ICAL INTERFACE SUPPORT, COMPUTER SOFTWARE SUPPORT, PRECISION MACHINING, CAD-CAM AND TOOL SURFACE TREATMENT.*
STATING THAT IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO SEE THE LARGE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS AT THIS FAIR, MR YAXLEY SAID ALSO THAT THE OCCASION PROVIDED A CONVENIENT VENUE AT WHICH LOCAL MANUFACTURERS COULD SEE AND SAMPLE ADVANCED MACHINE TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 19o5
- 22 -
ILLEGAL WATER SYSTEM DEMOLISHED * * * *
AN ILLEGAL ..ATER SYSTEM IN CHEUNG LUNG TIN VILLAGE AT YAU TONG WAS DEMOLISHED IN AN OPERATION THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING.
A wATER TANK, A PUMP, THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE HOUSING THE EQUIPMENT, AND WATER PIPES LEADING THROUGH THE VILLAGE WERE REMOVED UNDER THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
THE EXERCISE FOLLOWED A SQUATTER AREA IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE PROVISION OF METERED WATER SUPPLY TO THE AREA.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE SET UP A WORKING GROUP EARLY THIS YEAR TO CO-ORDINATE VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ EFFORTS IN DISMANTLING THE ILLEGAL WATER SYSTEM.
TODAY’S OPERATION WAS JOINTLY CARRIED OUT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE POLICE AND CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY.
0
FILM TELLS ABOUT HALF-WAY HOUSES ******
A 15-MINUTE FILM TELLING ABOUT HALF-WAY HOUSES AND THEIR FACILITIES, WILL BE SHOWN TO SHA TIN RESIDENTS ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN MAY 6 AND JUNE 1, AS PART OF ITS PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
IT INCLUDES INTERVIEWS WITH PSYCHIATRISTS, SOCIAL WORKERS AND ESTATE RESIDENTS, AND WILL BE SHOWN AT THE LUNG HANG, SAN TIN WAI AND SHA KOK COMMUNITY HALLS.
THE SHOWINGS HAVE BEEN ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, TO HELP RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND MORE ABOUT HALF-WAY HOUSES.
SOCIAL WORKERS FROM THE DEPARTMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WILL BE ON HAND ONCE A WEEK TO ANSWER QUESTIONS. COPIES OF A LEAFLET WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED.
THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS OVER THE PAST YEAR BEEN PUBLICISING HALF-WAY HOUSES THROUGH SEMINARS, EXHIBITIONS, VISITS AND MEETINGS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF ESTATE RESIDENTS.
0
/23........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1935
- 23 -
NEW DORMS FOR SAI KUNG HOLIDAY CAMP * * * * *
NINE SINGLE AND TWO-STOREY BLOCKS ARE TO BE BUILT AS DORMITORIES AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING NISSEN HUTS.
THE PROJECT, WHICH INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TOILET BLOCK, WILL BOOST THE CENTRE’S PRESENT CAPACITY OF 200 RESIDENTIAL CAMPERS AND 150 DAY-CAMPERS - BY 50 ADDITIONAL PLACES EACH.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, WHICH IS PART OF THE OVERALL REDEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR THE CENTRE.
AT A LATER STAGE, ADDITIONAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED TO INCLUDE A CYCLING AREA, FITNESS TRAIL, TENNIS AND SQUASH COURTS.
WORK ON THE 12-MONTH PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY THIS YEAR.
-----0 ----------
MONEY FROM FAIR HELPS CENTRE
******
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECENTLY DONATED ITS ANNUAL AUTUMN FAIR PROCEEDS TO THE MARGARET TRENCH MEDICAL REHABILITATION CENTRE FOR THE PURCHASE OF SPECIAL EQUIPMENT VALUED AT $50 000.
THE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDED A SHOWER TROLLEY AND THREE HEIGHT ADJUSTABLE BEDS.
AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE CENTRE IN KWUN TONG TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SPORTS ASSOCIATION, SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT JOHN WONG, HANDED OVER THE EQUIPMENT TO THE CENTRE’S MEDICAL DIRECTOR, DR S.F. LAM.
DR LAM THANKED THE DEPARTMENT FOR THE DONATION AND SAID THE TROLLEY AND BEDS WERE VERY USEFUL IN THE TREATMENT AND NURSING CF THE CENTRE’S PATIENTS.
- 0 - -
/24
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
24
i
SEMINAR FOR TRADE UNIONISTS *****
PEOPLE INTERESTED IN TRADE UNION MATTERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND AN EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE, ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) AT THE RECITAL HALL, CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, 8TH FLOOR, FROM 13 AM TO 1 PM.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE REGISTRY OF TRADE UNIONS, +AIMS AT PROVIDING TRADE UNIONISTS WITH A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS TO THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG+, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRY SAID.
TWO EXPERTS ON TRADE UNION AND LABOUR RELATIONS MATTERS WILL SPEAK AT THE SEMINAR. THE STAFF RELATIONS CONSULTANT OF CABLE AND WIRELESS (HONG KONG) LIMITED, MR TSUI TIM-FOOK, WILL TALK ON +A REVIEW OF THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF TRADE UNIONS IN HONG KONG+ AND A ..ECTURER IN THE MANAGEMENT STUDIES DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, DR NG SEK-HONG, WILL TALK ON +THE ROLE OF TRADE UNIONS: CONTINUITY AND PROSPERITY+.
ADMISSION IS FREE.
-----o------
BOARD LEARNS ABOUT UC CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS * * *
MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD TODAY EXPRESSED A GREAT INTEREST IN THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR A°ITAL AND MINOR WORKS PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THESE PROJECTS, INCLUDING FIVE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, COVER A VERY WIDE FIELD INCLUDING MULTI-STOREY MARKET COMPLEXES, COOKED-FOOD CENTRES, SWIMMING POOLS, INDOOR GAMES nALLS, GARDENS, PLAYGROUNDS, TENNIS COURTS, SQUASH COURTS, PLAYGROUNDS, SITTING-OUT AREAS, TOILETS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND A MULTI-STOREY COLUMBARIUM.
FULL DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS AND THEIR PROPOSED PRIORITIES WERE TABLED AT THE MEETING BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S PLANNING DIVISION, MR ANDREW CHENG.
IN ALL, THERE ARE 29 CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS AND 10 ■ I NOR PROJECTS IN THE COUNCIL’S PLANNING PIPELINE FOR WONG TAI SIN OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
DURING THE ENSUING DISCUSSION, BOARD MEMBERS PUT FORWARD VARIOUS SUGGESTIONS ON A NUMBER OF PROJECTS AND URGED THE DEPARTMENT TO UPGRADE THEM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
/THESE DiCLUDEJ........
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1985
THESE INCLUDED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE MORSE PARK OPEN-AIR THEATRE, THE FUNG TAK ROAD OPEN-AIR THEATRE, AND THE HAMMER HILL ROAD SPORTS GROUND AND SWIMMING POOL.
ONE BOARD MEMBER PROPOSED THAT THE URBAN COUNCIL REVIEw THE REDEVELOPMENT OF CHOI HUNG ROAD PLAYGROUND IN VIEW OF THt LOw USAGE RATE OF THE NEARBY KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND. THE MEMBER POINTED GUT THAT THE USAGE RATE OF THE REDEVELOPED PLAYGROUND wAS EXPECTED TO BE VERY LOW SINCE IT WAS LOCATED IN A FACTORY AREA.
MR CHENG AGREED TO TAKE THESE VIEWS INTO CONSIDERATION AND TO SUGGEST ADJUSTMENTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE. HE ADDED THAT THE USD WOULD PRESENT ITS FINALISED DRAFT CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME TO THE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL AND THAT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD BE INFORMED OF THE FINALISED DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR THEIR DISTRICTS AROUND NOVEMBER.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR MICHAEL CHENG, SAID BEFORE THE MEETING THAT HE FOUND THE PRESENT CONSULTATION EXERCISE VERY USEFUL AND HOPED THAT MORE CONSULTATIONS BETWEEN THE BOARD AND THE COUNCIL WOULD BE CARRIED OUT IN FUTURE.
URBAN COUNCILLORS ATTENDING THIS AFTERNOON’S MEETING WERE MISS CECILIA YEUNG AND MESSRS LAwRENCE FUNG AND AUGUSTINE CHUNG.
-------- 0 --------
MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL CLOSED FOR MAINTENANCE *****
THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE. THE TEACHING POOL WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ORGANISATIONS THROUGH BLOCK BOOKING FROM JULY 1 WHILE THE MAIN POOL WILL BE REOPENED ON SEPTEMBER 1.
MEANWHILE, DUE TO TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ON MAY 16 (THURSDAY), THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC FROM 7 A.M. TO 9 A.M. AND FROM 7.15 P.M. TO 10 P.M. ON THAT DAY.
TUESDAY, MAY 7, 1935
d6
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF PARKING SPACES X * * *
FIFTY-SIX PARKING SPACES AT MURRAY BARRACKS OPEN AIR CAR PARK -vILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED FROM 8 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 10) FOR THE REPAINTING OF MARKINGS.
OTHER PARKING SPACES WILL BE SUSPENDED BY STAGES FOR THE SAME PURPOSE WITHIN THE NEXT 14 DAYS.
DETAILS WILL BE POSTED AT THE CAR PARK.
WATER CUT * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WONG TAI SIN a-ILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 9 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 9) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY FUNG TAK ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, SHUNG WAH STREET, SHEUNG FUNG STREET, LUNG FUNG STREET AND SHA TIN PASS ROAD.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR SEES RISE IN TRADE WITH SHANGHAI ...................... 1
TEXT OF GOVERNOR'S SPEECH....................................... 2
GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE RETURN TOMORROW ........................... 5
'FULL POWERS TO MANAGE OWN REGIONAL AFFAIRS' ................... 5
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION ......................... 8
INSURANCE ROLE IN EXPORT PRICING OUTLINED....................... 9
HOLIDAY REMINDER............................................... 11
STRIKE HITS INTELPOST TO SWEDEN ............................... 11
NEW LEAFLET TELLS ABOUT +AIDSF ................................ 12
TRANSPORT BOSSES TO DISCUSS TRAINING........................... 12
FIRE PREVENT I® SURVEY ........................................ 13
NEW FIREBOAT GOING INTO SERVICE................................ 13
ORAL SKILLS COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS ...................£........ 14
COUNCILLOR URGES PUBLIC TO LOVE TREES ......................... 14
CARNIVAL BOOST FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION .................... 15
DRAGON BOAT RACE ENTRIES SOUGHT ............................... 1$
RIGHT ADDRESS PLEASE FOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS
17
WEjNES-AY, MAY 8, 1985
GOVERNOR SEES RISE IN TRADE WITH SHANGHAI * * * *
HONG KONG’S TOTAL TRADE WITH SHANGHAI AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA HAD GROWN IN TERMS OF VALUE TO A POINT WHERE IT RIVALLED THAT WITH THE UNITED STATES, TRADITIONALLY HONG KONG’S LARGEST TRADING PARTNER, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID IN SHANGHAI TONIGHT.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING IN PUTONGHUA AT THE RETURN DINNER HELD BY THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE MISSION AT JINJIANG CLUB. THE MISSION IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, AND LED BY MISS LYDIA DUNN.
♦THE PROSPECTS FOR YOUR GROWTH AND FOR FUTURE TRADE ARE NOW EVEN BETTER,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
♦WE WELCOME YOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE WE HAVE LEARNED BY EXPERIENCE THAT PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVED BY OUR TRADING PARTNERS MAY MEAN COMPETITION! BUT IT ALSO MEANS GREATLY INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS WHICH CAN ONLY BE TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH,* HE SAID.
IN THIS MODERN WORLD, SIR EDWARD SAID, NO ECONOMY COULD BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. MODERN INDUSTRIAL, FINANCIAL AND TRADING RELATIONSHIPS WERE TOO COMPLEX FOR THAT. EACH CENTRE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAD THINGS IT COULD DO MORE EFFICIENTLY, AND ENJOYED ADVANTAGES IN SERVICES AND FACILITIES WHICH IT COULD OFFER TO ALL THOSE WISHING TO GO AND USE THEM.
♦IT IS RECOGNITION OF THAT FACT WHICH HAS MADE POSSIBLE THE PHENOMENAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMY AND WORLD TRADE OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES. PROVIDING A DUE BALANCE IS MAINTAINED, BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS OF GOODS AND SERVICES ARE ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
IT WAS ON THE BASIS OF THAT PHILOSOPHY THAT THE HONG KONG MISSION HAD GONE TO SHANGHAI.
♦WE COME TO SHOW YOU WHAT HONG KONG CAN PRODUCE AND TO TELL YOU OF THE SERVICES THAT WE CAN OFFER,♦ SIR EDWARD SAID.
REFERRING TO HONG KONG’S POSTWAR ECONOMIC PROGRESS, AND THE REPUTATION HONG KONG EARNED FOR TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL, SIR EDWARD SAID IT NOW COMPETED WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN PRODUCING PLASTICS, ELECTRONIC GOODS, WATCHES, TOYS, PRECISION AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS AND MANY OTHER PRODUCTS.
EARLIER, SIR EDWARD EXPRESSED PLEASURE IN VISITING SHANGHAI ONCE AGAIN, PARTICULARLY ON THE OCCASION OF THE +MADE IN HONG KONG ’85+ HONG KONG PRODUCT EXHIBITION MOUNTED BY THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, WHICH HE, AND MAYOR WANG, HAD OPENED IN THE MORNING.
/HAVING FIRST.......
Y, MAY 8, 1985
2
HAVING FIRST GONE TO SHANGHAI IN 1946, AND THEN ON MANY LATER OCCASIONS, HE HAD SEEN THE CITY GROW INTO ONE OF THE BIGGEST INDUSTRIAL CITIES IN THE WORLD.
SIR EDWARD SAID HONG KONG WAS A NATURAL POINT OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE FAST GROWING ASIAN PACIFIC REGION AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
THE SIGNING OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION HAD REMOVED DOUBTS ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG AND THERE HAD SINCE BEEN MANY ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF RETURNING ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL CONFIDENCE, HE SAID.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO COMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT HONG KONG’S NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ADVANTAGES IN ORDER TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WOULD REMAIN THE VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC CITY THAT IT WAS TODAY, HE SAID.
THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ON THE PART OF SHANGHAI AND HONG KONG WOULD PROVIDE GREAT SCOPE FOR FUTURE COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO CITIES.
SIR EDWARD SAID THAT WHILE THE +MADE IN HONG KONG ’85+ EXHIBITION WAS DESIGNED TO SHOW WHAT HONG KONG COULD DO, HE WISHED ALSO TO EMPHASISE THAT CHINESE ENTERPRISES WERE EQUALLY WELCOME IN HONG KONG.
HE WAS SURE THAT THE EXHIBITION WOULD MARK THE BEGINNING OF A NEW AND EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL PHASE IN ECONOMIC RELATIONS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI, SIR EDWARD SAID.
- - 0 ----------
TEXT OF GOVERNOR’S SPEECH X * X *
FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF THE SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE AT THE HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE MISSION RETURN DINNER HELD AT JlNJiANG CLUB. SHANGHAI TODAY:
♦IT IS A GREAT PLEASURE FOR ME TO WELCOME YOU ALL TO OUR DINNER THIS EVENING. I AM PARTICULARLY GLAD TO BE HERE ON THE OCCASION OF THE +MADE IN HONG KONG ’85+ HONG KONG PRODUCT EXHIBITION MOUNTED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL WHICH YOU AND I OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS MORNING.
♦MR MAYOR I KNOW YOUR CITY WELL. I FIRST CAME HERE IN 1946 AND HAVE BEEN HERE ON MANY OCCASIONS IN THE PAST. I HAVE SEEN THIS CITY GROW INTO ONE OF THE BIGGEST INDUSTRIAL CITIES IN THE WORLD AND I KNOW THAT YOU ARE PROUD OF THE CONTRIBUTION WHICH YOU MAKE TO THE ECONOMY OF CHINA AS A WHOLE.
/♦SHANGHAI HAS........
MAY 8, 1985
- 3 -
♦SHANGHAI HAS ALSO ALWAYS BEEN A CITY WITH A STRONG INTEREST IN EXTERNAL TRADE. IT IS NOW, WE ARE TOLD, RESPONSIBLE FOR A QUARTER OF ALL CHINA’S FOREIGN TRADE AND THAT MEANS A QUARTER OF A TRADE WHICH HAS BEEN GROWING RAPIDLY AS A CONSEQUENCE OF CHINA’S MODERNISATION PROGRAMME AND OPEN-DOOR POLICIES. IT IS A TRADE IN WHICH I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT HONG KONG IS ALREADY PLAYING ITS PART. OUR TRADE WITH YOU AND OTHER PARTS OF CHINA HAS INDEED GROWN TO A POINT WHERE, IN TERMS OF VALUE OF TOTAL TRADE, IT RIVALS OUR TRADE WITH THE UNITED STATES, OUR TRADITIONAL LARGEST TRADING PARTNER.
♦THE PROSPECTS FOR YOUR GROWTH AND FOR FUTURE TRADE ARE NOW EVEN BETTER. WE WELCOME YOUR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BECAUSE WE HAVE LEARNED BY EXPERIENCE THAT PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT ACHIEVED BY OUR TRADING PARTNERS MAY MEAN COMPETITION: BUT IT ALSO MEANS GREATLY INCREASED OPPORTUNITIES FOR COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS WHICH CAN ONLY BE TO THE BENEFIT OF BOTH.
♦IN THIS MODERN WORLD NO ECONOMY CAN BE SELF-SUFFICIENT. MODERN INDUSTRIAL, FINANCIAL AND TRADING RELATIONSHIPS ARE TOO COMPLEX FOR THAT. EACH CENTRE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY HAS THINGS WHICH IT CAN DO MORE EFFICIENTLY, AND ENJOYS ADVANTAGES IN SERVICES AND FACILITIES WHICH IT CAN OFFER TO ALL THOSE WISHING TO COME AND USE THEM. IT IS THE RECOGNITION OF THAT FACT WHICH HAS MADE POSSIBLE THE PHENOMENAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE WORLD ECONOMY AND WORLD TRADE OVER THE LAST FEW DECADES. PROVIDING A DUE BALANCE IS MAINTAINED, BOTH EXPORTS AND IMPORTS CF GOODS AND SERVICES ARE ESSENTIAL TO ECONOMIC GROWTH.
+IT IS ON THE BASIS OF THAT PHILOSOPHY THAT WE COME TO SHANGHAI TODAY. WE COME TO SHOW YOU WHAT HONG KONG CAN PRODUCE AND TO TELL YOU OF THE SERVICES THAT WE CAN OFFER. SINCE THE POST-WAR YEARS HONG KONG HAS GROWN INTO ONE OF THE FOREMOST LIGHT MANUFACTURING CENTRES OF THE WORLD USING GOODS WHICH BECAUSE OF THEIR QUALITY, THEIR ABILITY TO MEET EXACTING STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS, AND THE RELIABILITY OF THEIR SUPPLY, FIND A READY MARKET IN EVEN THE MOST DEVELOPED COUNTRIES. AS THE PATTERN OF WORLD DEMAND HAS CHANGED SO HAVE MANY NEW INDUSTRIES EMERGED IN HONG KONG. WE WERE ALWAYS WELL KNOWN FOR TEXTILES AND WEARING APPAREL. NOW WE COMPETE WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES IN PRODUCING PLASTICS, ELECTRONIC GOODS, WATCHES, TOYS, PRECISION AND OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS, AND MANY OTHER PRODUCTS.
+BUT IT IS NOT ONLY ON ITS PROGRESS AS A MANUFACTURING CENTRE THAT HONG KONG HAS BUILT ITS ECONOMIC SUCCESS IN RECENT YEARS. ITS FINE DEEP WATER HARBOUR AND ITS GEOGRAPHICAL POSITION HAS MADE IT A NATURAL COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORTATION CENTRE. TO THESE NATURAL ADVANTAGES HAVE BEEN ADDED THE MOST MODERN MARITIME AND AIR TRANSPORT FACILITIES. IN CONSEQUENCE HONG KONG IS NOW A NATURAL POINT OF CONTACT BETWEEN THE FAST GROWING ASIAN PACIFIC REGION AND THE REST OF THE WORLD.
/♦■THIS IN .........
i , liAY 8, 1985
♦THIS IN TURN HAS ATTRACTED MANY INTERNATIONAL BUSINESSES TO HONG KONG. THEY FIND THERE A FREE MARKET SYSTEM AND A SYSTEM CF LAW WHICH ARE FAMILIAR TO THEM. IN CONSEQUENCE HONG KONG HAS ALSO GROWN INTO ONE OF THE FOREMOST FINANCIAL CENTRES OF THE WORLD WHERE ALL THOSE FINANCIAL SERVICES SO NECESSARY TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN ADVANCED ECONOMY CAN BE FOUND.
+FROM THESE WIDE-RANGING INTERNATIONAL CONTACTS IN THE FIELDS CF INDUSTRY. COMMERCE, FINANCE AND BANKING AND COMMUNICATIONS HONG KONG HAS BEEN ABLE TO GAIN EXPERIENCE OF THE MOST MODERN MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES, THE MOST MODERN METHODS OF MANUFACTURING, AND THE FAST-CHANGING TECHNIQUES AND PRACTICES OF THE REST OF THE WORLD TRADING AND FINANCIAL SYSTEMS.
+IT IS WELL KNOWN THAT IN RECENT YEARS THERE WAS SOME DOUBT ABOUT THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG. WITH THE SIGNING OF THE SINO-BRITISH DECLARATION AT THE END OF LAST YEAR THE WAY FORWARD HAS BECOME CLEAR. SINCE THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT, AND THE PUBLIC COMMITMENTS MADE BY THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL TO MAINTAINING THE STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG, THERE HAVE BEEN MANY ENCOURAGING SIGNS OF RETURNING ECONOMIC AND COMMERCIAL CONFIDENCE.
+FOR ITS PART, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS INVESTED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE NECESSARY TO COMPLEMENT AND SUPPORT OUR NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ADVANTAGES IN ORDER TO STIMULATE ECONOMIC PROGRESS AND TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WILL REMAIN THE VIBRANT AND DYNAMIC CITY THAT IT IS TODAY.
+MR MAYOR, I AM SURE THAT THIS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOTH ON YOUR PART AND ON OURS WILL PROVIDE GREAT SCOPE FOR FUTURE COOPERATION BETWEEN US. THE +MADE IN HONG KONG ’85+ HONG KONG PRODUCT EXHIBITION IS DESIGNED TO SHOW YOU WHAT WE IN HONG KONG CAN DO AND WE ARE GRATEFUL FOR THE INTEREST WHICH YOU AND YOUR COLLEAGUES IN SHANGHAI, AND FROM MANY OTHER PARTS OF CHINA, HAVE SHOWN IN IT. BUT LET ME ALSO MAKE CLEAR THAT YOUR ENTERPRISES ARE EQUALLY WELCOME IN HONG KONG. SOME HAVE ALREADY ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES THERE. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT CHINESE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS HAS BEEN VALUED AT ABOUT USS5 BILLION. THE SCOPE FOR INVESTMENT IS EXTENSIVE, INCLUDING INDUSTRY, COMMERCE, TRADE, TRANSPORTATION, FINANCE AND PROPERTY. GIVEN THE COMPLEMENTARY ADVANTAGES WHICH WE CAN OFFER TO EACH OTHER, THERE IS NO REASON WHY THE DRAMATIC GROWTH IN TWO-WAY TRADE OVER THE LAST FEW YEARS SHOULD NOT CONTINUE.
+THE HOLDING OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCT EXHIBITION HERE IS A FITTING SYMBOL OF AN ALREADY CLOSE AND BENEFICIAL RELATIONSHIP. BUT IT ALSO RECOGNISES THAT WE CANNOT AFFORD TO REST ON OUR LAURELS: WE MUST LOOK TO NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND NEW AREAS OF BUSINESS. I AM SURE THAT THIS EXHIBITION WILL MARK THE BEGINNING CF A NEW AND EVEN MORE SUCCESSFUL PHASE IN THE ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI.*
- 0 -
/5
WEDrlETOAY, MAY 8, 1985
GOVERNOR, LADY YOUDE RETURN TOMORROW
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, AND LADY YOUDE, WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AFTER VISITING CHINA.
THEY WILL BE ARRIVING ON FLIGHT CX3O1, ETA 9.^5 PM.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
A FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS AND CAMERAMEN
ROOM BY 8.55 PM TOMORROW.
GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----o-----
'FULL 'TOWERS TO MANAGE OWN REGIONAL AFFAIRS’
*****
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL GIVE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES THE OPPORTUNITY FOR THE FIRST TIME +T0 MANAGE THEIR AFFAIRS IN THEIR REGION WITH FULL POWER+, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL SAID AT ITS INAUGURAL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG SAID THE 24-MEMBER COUNCIL HAS THE AUTONOMY TO PURSUE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES AND ITS ACTIVITIES WILL DIRECTLY AFFECT MORE THAN 1.7 MILLION PEOPLE WHICH REPRESENTS ABOUT ONE THIRD OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF HONG KONG.
♦THE COUNCIL’S SERVICE AREA WILL COVER ABOUT 88 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL LAND AREA OF HONG KONG. ONE CAN THUS APPRECIATE THE DIFFICULT AND MASSIVE BURDEN LEVIED ON THE COUNCIL,* He ADDED.
COMPARING THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WHICH CAME INTO BEING ONLY ON APRIL 1, WITH THE CENTURY-OLD URBAN COUNCIL, Jp CHEUNG SAID +THE NEW TERRITORIES IS GEOGRAPHICALLY MUCH WIDER AND THE POPULATION IS MORE DISPERSED; SOCIAL FACILITIES CANNOT CATCH UP WITH THE POPULATION GROWTH AND SOME ESSENTIAL SERVICES AND FACILITIES NEED TO BE PROVIDED AS SOON AS POSSIBuE.+
MR CHCUNG CAUTIONED THAT IN THE PROCESS OF URBANISATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, TRADITIONAL CULTURAL HERITAGE NEEDS TO BE HARMONISED WITH MODERN CIVILISATION.
*ALL THESE REQUIRE THE SPECIAL ATTENTION OF THIS COUNCIL,+ HE SAID.
/EE CALLED........
6
HE CALLED ON THE COUNCIL TO PERFORM ITS DUTIES WITH REFERENC-TO THREE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦FIRSTLY, THERE ARE MANY LANDS SUITABLE FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THIS WILL REQUIRE APPROPRIATE MEASURES FROM THIS COUNCIL TO IMPROVE AND PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT AND PUBLIC HEALTH SO THAT THE INDUSTRIES WHICH HAVE BEEN THE MAIN ARTERY OF HONG KONG CAN FURTHER DEVELOP TO THEIR BEST.+
♦SECONDLY, WE HAVE MANY FAST-GROWING NEW TOWNS WHERE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE HAVE THEIR ROOTS. APPROPRIATE URBAN AND CULTURAL FAC ILIT'ES WOULD HELP TO ENHANCE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND TO CONSOLIDATE THE HARMONIOUS RELATION BETWEEN THE NEW AND THE OLD SECTORS OF THE COMMUNITY.+
♦THIRDLY, WE HAVE IN THIS REGION MANY HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RELICS WHICH REQUIRE THIS COUNCIL TO PRESERVE AND TO TREASURE,+ SAID MR CHEUNG.
IN ORDER TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE DIVERSE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS, THE CHAIRMAN SAID THAT THE COUNCIL SHOULD ♦CONSULT CONSTANTLY WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK AND THE DISTRICT BOARDS OF OUR REGION, SO THAT THE MEMBERS CAN REFLECT THE OPINIONS OF THE VARIOUS SECTORS OF THE REGION AND TO REFLECT THE DIFFERING NEEDS OF THE DI STR I CT.+
MR CHEUNG POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE FIRST TASKS OF THE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL BE TO GET ACQUAINTED WITH THE WORK AND PROBLEMS OF THE NINE DISTRICT BOARDS AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT. WHICH WILL CARRY OUT THE COUNCIL’S POLICY DECISIONS.
ELABORATING ON THE WORK OF THE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, DESCRIBED THE COUNCIL’S JOB AS +ADVISING THE GOVERNOR ON PLANNING, INAUGURAL AND OPERATIONAL MATTERS RELATING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL COUNCIL IN 1986.+
THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO PLAY AN ADVISORY ROLE ON ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS, PUBLIC HEALTH, SANITATION, HYGIENE, RECREATION AND CULTURE, AND FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR ANY SUCH MATTERS WITHIN THE NON-URBAN AREAS, HE SAID.
MR BARNES SAID THAT BY THE END OF THE YEAR MOST OF THE BASIC POLICIES FOR THE PROVISION OF SERVICES BY THE REGIONAL SERVICE^ DEPARTMENT. AN OPENING BUDGET FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FIR-T YEAR AND OPERATING PROCEDURES FOR THAT COUNCIL WOULD HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED ON THE PROVISIONAL COUNCIL’S ADVICE.
/♦THE NEED........
••5
tTHE NEED FOR AN ADDITIONAL MUNICIPAL COUNCIL WITH POPULAR PART IC I PAT I ON TO COVER THE NON-URBAN AREAS HAS BECOME INCREASINGLY EVIDENT IN RECENT YEARS WITH THE SHIFT OF POPULATION TO THE NEW TOWNS AND WILL BECOME MORE SO AS THIS TREND CONTINUES,* HE SAID.
+BY 1991, THERE WILL BE MORE PEOPLE LIVING NORTH OF THE KOWLOON HILLS’THAN IN KOWLOON ITSELF. THE INCREASE IN POPULATE AND THE MODERN , NPRASTRUCTUREJHAT ISW IMPROV ,D»
TO ACCOMMODATE IT HAS BROUGHT WITH A HIGH LEVEL OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES PROVISION*, HE ADDED.
AND A BIGGER SAY IN THEIR
HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE REGIONAL COUNCIL, WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, WILL BE ABLE TO MEET THESE DEMANDS AND TO SATISFY THE ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE FOR PARTICIPATION IN DETERMINING HOW THEY ARE MET.
4R BARNES POINTED OUT THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED FROM THE OUTSET THAT +THE NEW TERRITORIES IS IN NO SENSE A SINGLE CONURBATION AND THAT ANY COUNCIL FOR THE REGION MUST HAVE VERY STRONG LINKS WITH THE DISTRICTS IF IT IS TO CATER ADEQUATELY FOR THE INDIVIDUAL NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE PEOPLE IN EACH DISTRICT.*
THE COUNCIL’S MEMBERSHIP, IN FACT, COMPRISED ONE REPRESENTATIVt FROM EACH 0 THE NINE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS, THREE EX OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, NINE APPOINTED MEMBERS AND ANOTHER THREE TO BE NOMINATED BY THE KUK.
TODAY’S INAUGURAL MEETING WAS DEVOTED MAINLY TO DISCUSSING A TIMETABLE OF MEETINGS AND THEIR AGENDAS FOR THE MONTHS OF MAY TO JULY. DURING THIS INDUCTION PERIOD, THE COUNCIL IS EXPECTED TO MEET EVERY FORTNIGHT TO ENABLE ITS MEMBERS TO FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE EXTENSIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE COUNCIL AND ITS EXECUTIVE ARM - THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, MY
1935
- 8 -
LATEST FIGURES ON ELECTOR REGISTRATION * * * *
LATEST STATISTICS ON THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION AS ELECTORS IN THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES AND THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ESTIMATED NUMBER OF
SIZE OF ELECTORATE APPLICATIONS
(REVISED)
FUNCTIONAL
CONSTITUENCIES 2 334 5 211 677 1 853
COMMERCIAL 1 COMMERCIAL II
INDUSTRIAL 1 777 393
INDUSTRIAL II 2 233 928
FINANCIAL 141 119
LABOUR 390 303
SOCIAL SERVICES 156 130
MEDICAL 4 540 2 161
LEGAL 1 500 731
TEACHING 53 270 25 464
ENGINEER ING,
ARCHITECTURAL,
SURVEYING AND 2 500 1 756
PLANNING
ELECTORAL COLLEGE 434 433
TOTAL
73 486
34 948
--------o----------
/9........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
9
INSURANCE ROLE IN EXPORT PRICING OUTLINED
* X X X
THE INSURANCE COVER AND SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EXPORT CREDI i INSURANCE CORPORATION COULD PLAY A DECISIVE ROLE IN INFLUENCING THE PRICE COMPETITIVENESS OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, ITS COMMISSIONER, MR K.Y. YEUNG SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR YEUNG WAS SPEAKING ON +THE HONG KONG EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE CORPORATION - ITS RAISON D’ETRE* AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND EAST AT THE EXCELSIOR HOTEL.
HE SAID THAT THE ECIC’S ROLE IN PROMOTING PRICE COMPETITIVENESS WAS FOUNDED ON THREE MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS.
+ FIRST, BY A POOLING OF RISKS, THE PRICE OF AN INDIVIDUAL FIRM’S GOODS SHOULD BE LOWER THAN WOULD BE THE CASE WERE THE FIRM TO CARRY ITS OWN RISKS AND BUILD IN ITS OWN PROTECTION.
+MOREOVER, THE INSURED EXPORTER COULD FIX HIS EXPORT PRICES IN THE CERTAINTY THAT HIS POTENTIAL LOSSES ARE LIMITED,* MR YEUNG SAID.
SECONDLY, HE SAID, THE ECIC WAS IN THE BUSINESS OF ASSESSING AND TAKING A VARIETY OF CREDIT RISKS, AND WAS' IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION THAN THE INDIVIDUAL EXPORTER OR MANUFACTURER IN JUDGING THE CREDIT-WORTHINESS OF A PROSPECTIVE OVERSEAS BUYER.
THIS CREDIT ADVISORY SERVICE, HE POINTED OUT, WAS BACKED UP BY A COMPUTERISED LIBRARY COMPRISING SOME 18 OOO EXPORTER FILES AND 55 000 BUYER FILES, THE CONTENTS OF WHICH WERE AUGMENTED AND UPDATED BY THE NETWORK OF BANK, STATUS AGENCY AND DEBT COLLECTOR REPORTS, AND BY REGULAR FEEDBACK FROM OTHER EXPORT CREDIT INSURANCE ORGANISATIONS IN THE BERNE UNION.
THIRDLY, AND VERY IMPORTANTLY, THE AVAILABILITY OF AN ECI C POLICY WOULD RENDER THE EXPORTER MORE ACCEPTABLE TO BANKS AND OTHER LENDING INSTITUTIONS FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCOUNTING THE BILLS AS CLAIMS BENEFITS ARISING FROM THE ECI C POLICY WERE FREELY ASSIGNABLE TO THE LENDING INSTITUTIONS.
+IT IS A FACT THAT OVER 65 PER CENT OF OUR POLICYHOLDERS HAVE ASSIGNED THEIR CLAIMS BENEFITS TO THEIR RESPECTIVE BANKS AND DTCS, WHICH PROVES THAT THE ECIC POLICY IS GOOD COLLATERAL SECURITY,* MR YEUNG SAI D.
THE ECIC EXISTED, THEN, AS A CREATURE OF PUBLIC POLICY TO PROVIDE NOT ONLY INSURANCE PROTECTION AGAINST CERTAIN CAUSES OF LOSS BUT ALSO A RANGE OF CREDIT ASSESSMENT, RISK MANAGEMENT AND LOSS SALVAGE SERVICES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE EXPORTER AND MANUFACTURER, HE SAI D.
/+WE ARE .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
10 -
+ WE ARE PRIMARILY INTERESTED IN THOSE BUSINESSES WHICH ARE SEEKING TO EXPAND THEIR TURNOVER. AND THOSE WHOSE FINANCIAL STRENGTH IS SUCH THAT THEY WOULD HAVE DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING ADEQUATE BILLS DISCOUNTING FACILITIES WITHOUT OUR COVER, +• HE ADDED.
THUS THE AIM OF THE CORPORATION, HE SAID, WAS NOT GEARED TO CAPTURING A GIVEN SHARE OF HONG KONG’S EXPORTS, BUT TO PROVIDING PROTECTION AND PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR THOSE EXPORTERS WHO GENUINELY NEEDED THEM.
CURRENTLY, INSURED EXPORTS OF BOTH GOODS AND SERVICES WERE RUNNING AT A LEVEL OF SOME $6 BILLION A YEAR, MR YEUNG SAID.
HE SAID THAT IN THE EVENT OF A LOSS THE INSURED EXPORTER WAS INDEMNIFIED UP TO 90 PER CENT OF THE GROSS INVOICE VALUE OF THE SHIPMENT INVOLVED.
AT PRESENT, THE CORPORATION’S BASIC INSURANCE POLICY AFFORDED INSURED EXPORTERS THE PROTECTION OF ITS COVER FOR CREDIT PERIODS OF 180 DAYS FOR POST-SHIPMENT STAGE.
ON POSSIBLE FUTURE INSURANCE FACILITIES, MR YEUNG SAID THAT THE ECIC WOULD SOON BE PUTTING TO THE GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR LAUNCHING A COMPREHENSIVE PRE-SHIPMENT RISK POLICY.
THIS WAS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING LEVEL OF RISKS AT THE PRE-SHIPMENT, OR MANUFACTURING, STAGE AS A RESULT OF THE CHANGE OF PATTERN BY WHICH OVERSEAS BUYERS HAD BEEN PLACING ORDERS WITH LOCAL EXPORTERS AND MANUFACTURERS.
EXPLAINING THIS, HE SAID THAT WHEREAS FIVE YEARS AGO IT WAS QUITE FEASIBLE FOR A MANUFACTURER TO START MANUFACTURING ONLY AFTER HE HAD RECEIVED A LETTER OF CREDIT, NOW THE MANUFACTURER OFTEN FOUND HIMSELF HAVING TO BEGIN MANUFACTURING AT A MUCH EARLIER DATE AND TO RISK HAVING THE BUYER RENEGE ON HIS CONTRACT.
MR YEUNG ALSO SAID THAT AN INSURANCE COVER MIGHT BE ESTABLISHED FOR CERTAIN DOMESTIC TRADE FLOWS ON ECONOMIC GROUNDS.
THE TRADE FLOWS MR YEUNG REFERRED TO INCLUDED THOSE BY WHICH MANUFACTURERS OF FINISHED PRODUCTS SUPPLIED EXPORT FIRMS WITH THEIR PRODUCTS AND THOSE BY WHICH MANUFACTURERS OF FINISHED PRODUCTS SUPPLIED THEIR PRODUCTS TO OVERSEAS BUYERS.
THE AVAILABILITY OF INSURANCE COVER WOULD ENABLE THE LOCAL SUPPLIER OF GOODS TO SUPPLY THEM ON CREDIT THEREBY ENABLING THE FINAL MANUFACTURER OR EXPORT FIRM IN TURN TO EXPORT ON CREDIT TERMS.
+THIS MUST IMPROVE HONG KONG’S EXPORT PARTICULARLY DURING A PERIOD OF DECLINE IN HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURES, + MR YEUNG SAID.
COMPETITlVENESS, EXTERNAL DEMAND FOR
/NOTING THAT........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
11 -
NOTING THAT PRACTICALLY ALL DEVELOPED INDUSTRIALISED NATIONS HAD DOMESTIC CREDIT INSURANCE FACILITIES, HE SAID THE DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC CREDIT INSURANCE EXISTED IN HONG KONG.
FINALLY, MR YEUNG SAID, THERE MIGHT BE A CASE FOR SEEKING TO PROVIDE SOME DEGREE OF COVER FOR EXPORTS OF CERTAIN SERVICES.
+EXPORTS OF HOTEL SERVICES ARE A CASE IN POINT,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
HOLIDAY REMINDER M *
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT THE GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND THE MONDAY FOLLOWING THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY WILL FALL ON JUNE 15 AND JUNE 17 THIS YEAR, AND NOT ON JUNE 8 AND 10.
THESE CHANGES WERE ANNOUNCED LAST NOVEMBER AND PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE IN JANUARY.
JULY 29, A MONDAY, IS AN ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY THIS YEAR. THIS IS BECAUSE CHING MING FESTIVAL AND GOOD FRIDAY, BOTH GENERAL HOLIDAYS, FELL ON THE SAME DAY ON APRIL 5.
-----o------
STRIKE HITS INTELPOST TO SWEDEN * * *
T0 A STR,KE BY THE SWEDISH POST OFFICE, THE INTELPOST
FHRTWFD V2c6DKONG AND SWEDEN w1LL BE SUSPENDED UNTIL
FURTHER NOTICE, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
- 12 -
NEW LEAFLET TELLS ABOUT +AIDS+ * * * * *
A NEW INFORMATION LEAFLET PRODUCED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ON THE ACQUIRED IMMUNE DEFICIENCY SYNDROME (AIDS) IS NOW AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE LEAFLET CONTAINS GENERAL INFORMATION ON AIDS: THE NATURE OF THE DISEASE, ITS SYMPTOMS, MODES OF TRANSMISSION AND PREVENTION.
FORTY THOUSAND COPIES OF THE BILINGUAL LEAFLET HAVE BEEN PRINTED, AND THEY MAY BE OBTAINED FREE FROM THE OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, SOCIAL HYGIENE CLINICS, METHADONE CLINICS, CENTRAL HEALTH EDUCATION OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TWO OTHER LEAFLETS WERE BEING PREPARED - ONE PROVIDING MORE DETAILED INFORMATION ON AIDS, AND THE OTHER ONE FOR HEALTH WORKERS.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECEIVED A TOTAL OF 6 629 CALLS ON ITS TWO AIDS INFORMATION ’HOTLINES’ - 5-724533 AND 5-8330111 - SINCE THE SERVICE STARTED IN MARCH THIS YEAR.
OF THE CALLS RECEIVED, 477 HAD RAISED QUESTIONS AND 490 OTHERS HAD MADE COMMENTS AFTER LISTENING TO THE RECORDED PROGRAMME. A TOTAL OF 354 CALLERS HAD LEFT THEIR CONTACT TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
0
TRANSPORT BOSSES TO DISCUSS TRAINING XXX
EMPLOYERS FROM THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION INDUSTRY ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR TO DISCUSS MANPOWER NEEDS AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES WITHIN THE INDUSTRY.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL, WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 13) AT 2.15 PM AT THE MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT CENTRE OF HONG KONG, 17TH FLOOR, HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI.
SEMINAR SPEAKERS ARE MEMBERS OF THE TRAINING BOARD WHO ARE EXPERTS IN THAT FIELD.
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, MR NELSON WONG, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 254.
0
/13 ..
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
- 13 -
FIRE PREVENTION SURVEY * * *
THE KOWLOON FIRE COMMAND AND FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU PERSONNEL WILL CARRY OUT A MAJOR FIRE PREVENTION SURVEY AT A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING IN TSIM SHA TSUI TOMORROW (THURSDAY) MORNING.
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPERATION. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE MIRADOR MANSION IN NATHAN ROAD BEFORE 10 AM. A FIRE SERVICES INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----o------
NEW FIREBOAT GOING INTO SERVICE * X X
A f5.2 MILLION FIREBOAT WILL BE COMMISSIONED AT A CEREMONY TO BE PERFORMED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, HONG KONG FIRE COMMAND, MR BRIAN FENDER ON SATURDAY (MAY 11) AT 9.30 AM.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PIER (WEST ARM), AND WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A WATER DISPLAY.
THE FIREBOAT WILL THEN SAIL TO JOSS HOUSE BAY FOR THE CUSTOMARY HOMAGE TO +TIN HAU+ - THE GODDESS OF THE SEA.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY. PRESS MEMBERS SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT PIER (WEST ARM) NEXT TO THE OUTLYING FERRY PIER BEFORE 9.15 AM.
0 --------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 8, 1985
- 14 -
ORAL SKILLS COURSE FOR JOURNALISTS
* * * *
THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR A COURSE IN ENGLISH ORAL COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR JOURNALISTS WHICH WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 3 TO JUNE 24.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF LANGUAGES OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, AIMS TO TRAIN WORKING JOURNALISTS TO BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN ENGLISH COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN JOB-RELATED SITUATIONS.
TECHNIQUES OF QUESTIONING AND INTERVIEWING, LISTENING COMPREHENSION, USE OF TELEPHONE AND ORAL PRESENTATION WILL BE DISCUSSED IN 10 LECTURES.
WITH THE HELP OF A SUBSIDY PROVIDED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD, THE FEE WILL BE $150 FOR EACH PARTICIPANT WHOSE ATTENDANCE RATE IS ABOVE 70 PER CENT.
THOSE WHOSE ATTENDANCE RATE IS LESS THAN 70 PER CENT WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY THE FULL FEE OF $900.
CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 22. ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO MR FRANK NG, SECRETARY OF THE BOARD, ON 5-8932341 EXT. 283.
-----o-----
COUNCILLOR URGES PUBLIC TO LOVE TREES
THE URBAN COUNCIL, THROUGH ITS TREE PLANTING PROGRAMME, HAS SUCCEEDED IN AROUSING PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE ESSENTIAL ROLE THAT TREES CAN PLAY IN DENSELY-POPULATED AREAS, URBAN COUNCILLOR MR LAM CHAK-PIU SAID AT TODAY’S TREE PLANTING CEREMONY AT KWUN TONG RECREATION GROUND.
+IT IS PARTICULARLY A GOOD IDEA TO INVOLVE STUDENTS IN THE PLANTING PROGRAMME BECAUSE THEY ARE THE FUTURE PILLARS OF OUR COMMUNITY AND THROUGH THEIR PARTICIPATION IN TREE PLANTING THEY WILL APPRECIATE THE BEAUTY OF NATURE,+ HE SAI D.
WHILE COMMENDING THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR HAVING DONE AN EXCELLENT JOB IN BEAUTIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT OVER THE YEARS, MR LAM- HOWEVER MAINTAINED THAT THE PLANTING FIGURE WAS NOT THAT IMPORTANT.
/+WHAT COUNTS........
■.SDtiasiAY, m t, 1985
- 15 -
+ VHAT COUNTS MOST IS THE EDUCATION OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE ABOUT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ’GREENING UP’ HONG KONG.
+ THE URBAN COUNCIL SHOULD LAUNCH MORE CAMPAIGNS TO AROUSE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF A GREEN ENVIRONMENT. FOR EXAMPLE, THE COUNCIL SHOULD, IN CONJUNCTION WITH VARIOUS DISTRICT BOARDS, ORGANISE MORE DISTRICT SEMINARS ON LANDSCAPING AND PLANTING,+ SAID MR LAM.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE CEREMONY, THE CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES), KOWLOON EAST, OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT MR JOHNNY WOO, SAID SOME 789 000 TREES, SHRUBS AND FLOWERS WERE PLANTED THROUGHOUT THE URBAN AREAS LAST YEAR. IN KWUN TONG ALONE, 1 207 TREES, 7 998 SHRUBS AND 17 650 FLOWERS WERE PLANTED.
AMONG THOSE WHO PARTICIPATED IN TODAY’S PLANTING CEREMONY WERE THREE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS, MISS YEUNG KAM-CHUN, MRS ALISON LEE AND MR LEE WAH-MING, AS WELL AS 20 STUDENTS OF DELIA MEMORIAL SCHOOL, WHO TOGETHER PLANTED 10 TERMINAL! A CATAPPA TREES.
THE PLANTING PROGRAMME, WHICH WAS LAUNCHED LAST MONDAY, WILL CONTINUE THROUGHOUT THE WEEK AT VARIOUS URBAN COUNCIL PUBLIC FACILITIES.
- - 0---------
CARNIVAL BOOST FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION
X * * X
A CARNIVAL WILL BE STAGED AT VICTORIA PARK ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) AFTERNOON TO PROMOTE THE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION SCHEME AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A TWO-HOUR SHOW BY RTHK SINGERS AND DISC JOCKEYS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE CYCLING DEMONSTRATIONS, EXHIBITIONS ON DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND HEALTH KNOWLEDGE, GAMES STALLS, INCLUDING PALM READING, AS WELL AS MAKE-UP AND BEAUTY DEMONSTRATIONS.
A SEVEN-METRE TALL INFLATED KING KONG WILL BE INSTALLED.
/EAS2K3N DISTRICT .......
V; Hi 4.1: . 1985
- 16 -
EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO COLLECT PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATl GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, DISTRIBUTE THE EASTERN DISTRICT HANDBOOK PUBLISHED BY THE BO ARDj AND PROMOTE THE BOARD’S COMMUNITY MEDICAL SERVICES SCHEME FOR ELDERLY RESIDENTS.
THE SHOW WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON SUNDAY FROM 2 PM TO 4 PM ON RTHK'S RADIO ONE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, AND THE HEAD OF THE CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICES OF RTHK, MR CHU PUI-HING WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL AND THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT 1 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) IN THE BASKETBALL COURT OF VICTORIA PARK.
-----0------
DRAGON BOAT RACE ENTRIES SOUGHT * * * *
ROWING ENTHUSIASTS ARE INVITED TO TAKE PART IN THE SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE ON THE SHING MUN RIVER ON JUNE 22 (SATURDAY).
THIRTEEN FIBRE-GLASS DRAGON BOATS, COSTING MORE THAN $400 □□□, AND DONATED BY THE SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES COMPANY LIMITED, WILL BE USED IN THE 65O-METRE RACE FROM MARTENS BRIDGE TO BANYON BRIDGE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DRAGON BOAT RACE 1985 ORGANISING COMMITTEE, MR CHOY KAN-PUI SAID ABOUT $250 000 WOULD BE SPENT ON THE EVENT WITH THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD CONTRIBUTING $43 000.
+THE SECTION OF THE SHING MUN RIVER BETWEEN THE TWO BRIDGES HAS THE BEST WATER COURSE AND IS IDEAL FOR ROWING COMPETITIONS.
+AS A LARGE CROWD OF SPECTATORS ARE EXPECTED ON THAT DAY, THE MARTENS BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, AND STANDS WILL BE ERECTED NEAR THE BRIDGE,* HE ADDED.
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ENTRIES IS 50 WITH EACH TEAM HAVING 27 MEMBERS COMPRISING A PADDLING CREW OF 24, A DRUMMER, A GONGBEATER AMD STEERSMAN. EACH TEAM WILL HAVE TO PAY AN ENTRANCE FEE OF $800, A SPONSORSHIP FEE OF $500 AND A REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT CF $1 000.
/AEPLICMTCN JOBALS......
WEMBb--.., 1985
- 17 -
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICE OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION. COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED BY MAY 10 TOGETHER WITH THE FEES.
TRAINING SESSIONS FOR PARTICIPATING TEAM WILL BE ARRANGED FROM MAY 18.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT 0-615657 OR THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE AT 0-6065456.
-----0------
RIGHT ADDRESS PLEASE FOR LICENCE APPLICATIONS * * *
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY ISSUED A REMINDER THAT WITH THE SEPARATION OF ITS LICENSING SECTION INTO HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON REGIONS THIS MONTH, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR LIQUOR ENTERTAINMENT, AMUSEMENT AND GENERAL LICENCES IN URBAN AREAS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE APPROPRIATE OFFICE.
APPLICATIONS FOR SUCH LICENCES IN KOWLOON ARE DEALT WITH BY THE KOWlOON LICENSING SECTION AT ROOM 309, USD DEPOT, 148 SAI YEE STREET (3-948955 AND 3-956846), AND THOSE FDR HONG KONG ISLAND BY THE HONG KONG LICENSING SECTION, 3/F., TANG LUNG CHAU MARKET BUILDING, 59 JARDINE’S BAZAAR, CAUSEWAY BAY (5-7954194 AND 5-7954219).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SPLITTING OF THE SECTION INTO REGIONAL OFFICES WAS AIMED AT SPEEDING UP LICENSING PROCESSES.
+T0 AVOID ANY DELAY, APPLICANTS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE SENT TO THE APPROPRIATE LICENSING OFFICE,* HE ADDED.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR TO GO TO LONDON FOR CHINESE PREMIER'S VISIT ..... 1
SIR PHILIP SEES WORK ON REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER.......... 2
REAPPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED ................................. 3
FIGHT AGAINST FAKE GOODS SALES GOES ON ................... 3
FACILITY FOR UN OFFICIAL'S VISIT TO CENTRE ............... 4
HOSTEL FOR ELDERLY GETS FINANCIAL BOOST .................. 4
LIFE-SAVING COURSES FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS ............... 5
SCHOOLS HELP BOOST YUEN LONG.............................. 6
JEWELLERY WORKFORCE BEING STUDIED ........................ 7
RECREATION GROUND OPENING................................. 7
SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLANS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ............... 8
YUEN LONG SET FOR FESTIVAL PROCESSION ................... 10
KOWLOON BAY SITES FOR RENT .............................. 11
DEADLINE FOR BOOKMARK DESIGN ENTRIES .................... 11
WATER CUT
11
TH’JRSL, MAY 9, 1935
1
GOVERNOR TO GO TO LONDON FOR CHINESE PREMIER’S VISIT
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING THAT HE WOULD BE IN LONDON AT THE TIME OF THE VISIT OF CHINESE PREMIER ZHAO ZI YANG.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM A REPORTER AT THE AIRPORT ON HIS RETURN AFTER HIS VISIT TO CHINA.
ON HIS TRIP TO CHINA, SIR EDWARD SAID THAT EVERYWHERE HE WENT, HE HAD FOUND A VERY GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST IN, AND A GREAT DEAL OF GOODWILL TOWARDS HONG KONG FOLLOWING THE SIGNATURE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
HE SAID THAT THE MINISTER OF FOREIGN TRADE, MR ZHENG TUOBIN, HAD COME DOWN FROM PEKING TO SHANGHAI TO SEE THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL EXHIBITION BEING HELD THERE.
+WE HAD BREAKFAST WITH HIM THIS MORNING, AND HE WAS ABLE TO SET OUT FOR US THE PRINCIPLES WHICH WILL GOVERN CHINESE IMPORT POLICY.
♦AND THAT WILL BE OF GREAT VALUE, I THINK, TO THE PARTICIPANTS IN THE EXHIBITION,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE TDC EXHIBITION IN SHANGHAI --•♦MADE IN HONG KONG ’85+ — WAS ATTRACTING A GREAT DEAL OF ATTENTION AND INTEREST.
+1 AM SURE IT IS GOING TO PROVE A GREAT SUCCESS,* HE SAID.
+1 WENT TO SEE IT AGAIN THIS AFTERNOON, AND THERE WAS A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE VISITING THE STANDS AND EXPRESSING INTEREST IN THE PRODUCTS.♦
HE SAID THEIR VISIT TO SHANGHAI ALSO PROVIDED AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOME VERY USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH MAYOR WANG DAOHAN.
+WF CONCLUDED FROM THOSE DISCUSSIONS THAT THERE IS A VERY SUBSTANTIAL POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI.*
BEFORE SHANGHAI, SIR EDWARD SAID HE VISITED JIANGSU PROVINCE — +ONE OF THE FASTEST DEVELOPING PROVINCES IN CHINA* --AT THE INVITATION OF DIRECTOR XU JIATUN OF THE NEW CHINA NEWS AGENCY
AND GOVERNOR MADAME GU X IULIAN.
+WF HAD SOME USEFUL DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM TOO ON ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION WITH JIANGSU PROVINCE,* HE SAID.
+WE WOULD LIKE TO SAY HOW GRATEFUL WE ARE IN SHANGHAI AND IN JIANGSU FOR THE HOSPITALITY
TO THE AUTHORITIES THEY SHOWED US.
/+! THINK .......
rau
2 -
MAY 9, 1985
+l THINK IT HAS BEEN A VERY USEFUL WEEK INDEED.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE VISIT TO CHINA BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE GOVERNOR SA D HE WAS V ISITI NG CH I NA IN ADDITION TO A NUMBER CF OTHER COUHTRIES BEFORE TAKING OVER AS CHIEF SECRETARY.
♦THIS HAD BECOME ALMOST A TRADITION WITH CHIEF SECRETARIES — THAT IN THE PERIOD BEFORE THEY TAKE OVER, THEY GO AND VISIT THE COUNTRIES WITH WHICH WE HAVE SUBSTANTIAL CONTACTS IN ORDER TO Set SOME OF THE LEADERS THERE AND TO GET AN UP-TO-DATE VIEW OF THE CONDITIONS THERE,+ HE SAID.
+SO I THINK THAT HE WILL BE ABLE TO MEET PEOPLE IN PEKING AND ALSO FORM AN UP-TO-DATE VIEW OF WHAT IS HAPPENING IN CHINA.*
THE GOVERNOR WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS RETURN BY LADY YOUDE; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MISS LYDIA DUNN; THE ASSISTANT POLITICAL ADVISER, MR CHRIS WOOD; THE GOVERNMENT CHIEF INTERPRETER, MR Y.P. CHENG; AND OTHER MEMBERS OF THE TDC HONG KONG ECONOMIC AND TRADE MISSION.
THEY WERE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SIR SZE-YUEN CHUNG;*AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER LOBO.
-----0------
SIR PHILIP SEES WORK ON REGIONAL COUNCIL CHAMBER
* * * * *
THE DEPUTY TO THE GOVERNOR, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE SITE OF WHAT WILL BE THE +TEMPORARY HOME* CF THE RECENTLY-FORMED PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL IN TSUEN WAN.
SIR PHILIP SAW WORK ON THE FITTING OUT OF THE COUNCIL CHAMBER ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE TSUEN WAN MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, AND WAS BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR J.C.A. HAMMOND, AND THE PROJECT ARCHITECT, MRS DAVINA YUEN.
AS PART OF HIS VISIT, SIR PHILIP CALLED IN AT THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN AUSTIN AVENUE WHERE HE MET WITH STAFF OF VARIOUS DIVISIONS TO DISCUSS THE FUNCTIONS OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT.
HE WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED TO LEARN THAT STAFF FROM THE FORMER RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SECTION OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE WORKING WELL TOGETHER UNDER THE RE-ORGANiSED SYSTEM.
- - 0
iHUR „Y, M -Y 9, 1985
REAPPOINTMENTS ANNOUNCED
******
THE GOVERNOR HAS REAPPOINTED DR KIM Y.S. CHAM AND DR VICTOR K.K. FJNG TO THE STANDING COMMISSION ON CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
THE REAPPOINTMENTS ARE FOR A PERIOD OF TWO YEARS, WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 1, 1985.
-----o------
FIGHT AGAINST FAKE GOODS SALES GOES ON * * *
THE NEWLY-ESTABLISHED COUNTERFEIT OPERATIONS UNIT WILL CONTINUE ITS TOUGH ACTION AGAINST SALES, DISTRIBUTION AND MANUFACTURE OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS, MR W.Y. SUEN, HEAD OF THE CUSTOMS’ COPYRIGHT DIVISION SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
♦THE UNIT, UNDER THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU (CIB), HAS BEEN SET UP TO STAMP OUT THE ACTIVITIES OF STREET HAWKERS AND MANUFACTURERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN COUNTERFEITING IN HONG KONG,+ MR SUEN SAID.
IN AN OPERATION LAST (WEDNESDAY) NIGHT, CIB OFFICERS RAIDED SOME HAWKER STALLS AND PREMISES IN THE YAU MA TEI AREA AND SEIZED MORE THAN $69 000 WORTH OF SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT WATCHES, T-SHIRTS AND SOCKS.
NINE MEN AND TWO WOMEN WERE ARRESTED. ALL HAVE BEEN RELEASED ON BAIL OF $3 000 EACH.
MR SUEN SAID THIS WAS ONLY PART OF THE CUSTOMS’ CONTINUING EFFORTS AGAINST COUNTERFEIT MERCHANDISE.
+SINCE CIB OFFICERS CARRIED OUT LAST MONTH’S THREE-DAY OPERATION AGAINST STREET HAWKERS SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS, THE POLICE HAVE REFERRED THREE SIMILAR CASES TO THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER INVESTIGATIONS. THREE MEN WERE ARRESTED AND A TOTAL OF 97 SUSPECTED COUNTERFEIT WATCHES, WITH A RETAIL VALUE OF ABOUT 335 000, WERE SEIZED,* HE SAID.
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/4........
THl jDAY, ’AY 9, 1985
- 4 -
FACILITY FOR UN OFFICIAL’S VISIT TO CENTRE * * * *
A PRESS FACILITY HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR COVERAGE OF THE VISIT BY MR POUL HARTLING, THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, TO THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN TUEN MUN ON MONDAY (MAY 13).
MR HARTLING WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) AFTER HIS VISIT TO CHINA.
HE IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE AT THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE AT ABOUT 9.40 AM ON MONDAY AND TO DEPART AT ABOUT 11 AM.
AS BOWRING IS A CLOSED CENTRE, MEDIA COVERAGE OF MR HARTL I NG’S VISIT WILL BE DONE FROM A SERIES OF FIXED POSITIONS ALONG HIS ROUTE. GIS OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
ALL MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WILL HAVE TO LEAVE THE CLOSED CENTRE AFTER MR HARTL I NG’S VISIT.
EDITORS ARE REQUESTED TO TELEPHONE THE NAMES OF THEIR REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE VISIT TO THE GIS DUTY OFFICER BY 12 NOON ON SATURDAY (MAY 11).
PRESS LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ISSUED ON MONDAY MORNING BEFORE THE VISIT.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED AND A COACH WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CARPARK FOR TUEN MUN AT 7.45 AM SHARP ON MONDAY. NEWSMEN USING THEIR OWN TRANSPORT ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE BY 9.15 AM AT THE LATEST.
----0-----
HOSTEL FOR ELDERLY GETS FINANCIAL BOOST * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S FIRST HOSTEL FOR OLD PEOPLE, SCHEDULED TO BE OPENED IN SHA TIN NEXT MAY, TODAY (THURSDAY) RECEIVED FINANCIAL SUPPORT FROM A COMMUNITY GROUP.
THE HO’S CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION HAS DONATED $1.7 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF BUILDING THE HOSTEL AT CHUN SHEK ESTATE.
IN A BRIEF CEREMONY HELD AT A CENTRAL RESTAURANT, THE ASSOCIATION’S PRESIDENT, MR HO TIM, PRESENTED A CHEQUE TO MRS ANSON CHAN, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
/MRS chan .......
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985
MRS CHAN THANKED THE ASSOCIATION FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION, AND SAID IT WAS +|ND ICAT IVE OF THE STAUNCH SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY OFFERS TO DEVELOPING SERVICES TO MEET THE NEEDS OF OUR OLD PEOPLE.+
SOME 15 NEW PROJECTS FOR THE AGED WERE EXPECTED TO BE IN OPERATION OVER THE NEXT THREE YEARS, BRINGING THE PROVISION OF HOMES FROM THE PRESENT 4 400 PLACES TO ABOUT 6 000 PLACES, SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN STRESSED THAT THE ASSOCIATION’S DONATION HAD PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE IN THE UNRESERVED SUPPORT IT GAVE TO GOVERNMENT’S INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN PROVIDING DIRECT SERVICES FOR THE SENIOR CITIZENS.
THE NEW HOSTEL, CATERING FOR 160 ELDERLY PEOPLE, WILL BE NAMED AFTER THE HO’S CLANSMEN ASSOCIATION.
IN ADDITION, THE ASSOCIATION HAS CONTRIBUTED ANOTHER $100 000 TO THE TANG SHIU KIN/HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND.
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.
-----0------
LIFE-SAVING COURSES FOR STUDENTS, TEACHERS ******
A SERIES OF LIFE-SAVING TRAINING PROGRAMME WILL BE ORGANISED, FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN AND TEACHERS THIS SUMMER TO ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE BASIC LIFE-SAVING KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING A GATHERING AT THE DINNER PARTY OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL LIFE SAVING SOCIETY AND THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUB THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING, MR LEUNG PAID TRIBUTE TO BOTH ORGANISATIONS FOR THEIR CONCERTED EFFORTS IN PROMOTING LIFE-SAVING ACTIVITIES, PARTICULARLY IN THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND PROVISION OF TRAINING TO YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
MR LEUNG SAID THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO HOLD 10 LIFE-SAVING COURSES FOR SECONDARY STUDENTS TO OBTAIN BRONZE MEDALLION LIFE-SAVING QUALIFICATION AND TWO COURSES FOR AWARD OF MERIT THIS SUMMER WITH THE ASSISTANCE CF THE TWO ORGANISATIONS.
ANOTHER FOUR TRAINING COURSES WILL BE HELD FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN UNDER THE FIVE STAGE RESCUE SCHEME, HE SAID.
/IN ADDITION, .......
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985
6
IN ADDITION, A NUMBER OF LIFE-SAVING PROGRAMME WILL ALSO BE ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS, MR LEUNG ADDED.
THE TWO LIFE-SAVING ORGANISATIONS BECOME AFFILIATED MEMBERS OF THE LIFE SAVING SOCIETY LAST YEAR.
THROUGH ARRANGEMENTS OF NR LEUNG SAID 65 SCHOOLS HAD HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE ROYAL
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, MORE THAN 1 OOO SCHOOL CHILDREN FROM 52 SCHOOLS TOOK £aRT IN VARIOUS LIFE-SAVING ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR.
SCHOOLS HELP BOOST YUEN LONG
*****
TEACHERS AND STUDENTS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN YUEN LONG WILL INTRODUCE THEIR DISTRICT TO THE PUBLIC THROUGH A JOINT SCHOOLS EXHIBITION TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THEY HAVE SPENT SIX MONTHS PREPARING FOR THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE LUT SAU HALL, YUEN LONG.
ON EXHIBITION WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES, CARTOONS, FEATURES AND MODELS SHOWING THE VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS OF YUEN LONG DI STR ICT..
THE +OUR YUEN LONG* EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR JAMES WILSON SA IDs +IN PREPARING FOR THE EXHIBITION, STUDENTS HAVE LEARNT THE IMPORTANCE OF CO-OPERATION AND HOW TO EXCHANGE IDEAS IN ORGANISING THE EVENT.
+THEIR WORK HAS STIMULATED THEIR CREATIVITY AND INTELLECT, AND AT THE SAME TIME HELPED THEM TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING CF THE YUEN LONG COMMUNITY, ITS HISTORY, SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS AND PLANS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT,* HE ADDED.
- - - - 0-----------
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1985
- 7 -
JEWELLERY WORKFORCE BEING STUDIED * * * *
THE JEWELLERY INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WILL CONDUCT THE SECOND BIENNIAL MANPOWER SURVEY FROM MAY 21 TO MAY 28.
THE SURVEY WILL COVER ALL JEWELLERY MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS WHICH EMPLOY SKILLED WORKERS FOR CUTTING AND SETTING PRECIOUS STONES, AND MAKING GOLD AND SILVER JEWELLERY.
INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY WILL BE VITAL FOR THE TRAINING BOARD TO FORMULATE PLANS TO MEET MANPOWER DEMANDS.
EMPLOYERS ARE URGED TO CO-OPERATE BY PROVIDING ACCURATE INFORMATION.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY NOTES HAVE BEEN SENT TO ALL THE ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE INDUSTRY. INTERVIEWERS FROM THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL ON THEM TO HELP COMPLETE THE FORMS.
EMPLOYERS ARE ASSURED THAT ALL DATA WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND RELEASED IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
--------0 ----------
RECREATION GROUND OPENING
XXX
THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, AND A MEMBER OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR WAI HON-LEUNG, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE TSANG TAI UK RECREATION GROUND IN SHA TIN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE S13-MILLION RECREATION GROUND, BUILT ON A 2.47-HECTARE SITE, IS NEXT TO THE HISTORIC TSANG TAI UK. IT CONSISTS OF, AMONG OTHER THINGS, AN ARTIFICIAL TURFED SOCCER PITCH, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE DISTRICT OFFICER (SHA TIN), MR LAM WOON-KWONG? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD, MR NG CHAN-LAM? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU HON-KIT, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, MR LEE KWONG.
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/8........
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 1935
- 8 -
SPECIAL TRAFFIC PLANS FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
******
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN YUEN LONG AND TUEN MUN ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) TO ALLOW FOR THE CELEBRATIONS OF TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
IN YUEN LONG, THE FOLLOWING MEASURES, UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED, WILL BE IN FORCE FROM 9.30 AM UNTIL THE COMPLETION CF THE PROCESSION IN THE AFTERNOON:
ROAD CLOSURES
* HOP YICK ROAD AND THE SECTION OF FUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND HOP YICK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC;
* TAI YUK ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, THE SOUTHERN HALF OF THE YUEN LONG WEST ROUNDABOUT AND THE SECTION OF TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM;
* ALSO FROM 10 AM, THE SOUTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN FUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND THE YUEN LONG WEST ROUNDABOUT WILL BE CLOSED, BUT THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY WILL REMAIN OPEN TO ONE-WAY EASTBOUND TRAFFIC.
TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
* MA MIU ROAD BETWEEN ON NING ROAD AND MA WANG ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND;
* RIGHT TURNS FROM MA MIU ROAD SOUTHBOUND INTO CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE BANNED;
* FROM 7 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 11) TO IQ PM ON MONDAY (MAY 13),’ THE NORTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD BETWEEN TAI KEI LENG AND TAI SHU HA WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND WHILE THE CORRESPONDING SECTION OF THE SOUTHERN NULLAH-BUND ROAD WILL BECOME ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
PARKING SPACES
* FROM 8 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) UNTIL THE END OF THE PROCESSION, THE OFF-STREET CAR PARKS OUTSIDE YUEN LONG STADIUM AND ON MA TIN ROAD NEAR TAI YUK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. AT THE SAME TIME, ALL ON-STREET PARKING SPACES ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD, KAU YUK ROAD, TAI YUK ROAD, WANG CHAU ROAD, FOOK TAK STREET, THE SECTION OF TAI TONG ROAD BETWEEN KAU YUK ROAD AND FRASER VILLAGE, AND THE SECTION OF ON NING ROAD BETWEEN MA MIU ROAD AND KIK YEUNG ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED.
/PUBLIC TWSPOiiT
PHU. MAY 9. 1965
9 -
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES
* THE BUS TERMINUS ON FUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. KMB ROUTES 53 AND 68 WILL TERMINATE AT MA MIU ROAD ROUTE 61A WILL TERMINATE AT MA WANG ROAD WHILE ROUTES 55 AND 61 WILL TERMINATE AT KIK YEUNG ROAD;
K KMB ROUTE 56 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE FROM WONG NAI TUN VIA TAI TONG ROAD TO FRASER VILLAGE WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED;
K ALL BUS STOPS ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN FUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND TAI YUK ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED?
* N.T. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 31 AND 32 WILL TERMINATE AT FOOK TAK STREET INSTEAD OF HONG KING STREET;
* N.T. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 39 WILL OPERATE ON A SHORT-WORKING ROUTE BETWEEN KUNG OM AND ON HONG ROAD VIA THE UNNAMED NULLAH-BUND ROAD, MA TIN ROAD, ON HING STREET AND ON HONG ROAD, WHERE A TEMPORARY STOP WILL BE PROVIDED?
M FROM 10 AM UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCESSION, THE TAI TONG ROAD PLB TERMINUS AND THE PLB STANDS ON HONG LOK ROAD, FAU TSOI STREET AND HUNG MIN COURT WILL BE SUSPENDED, WHILE A TEMPORARY PLB STAND WILL BE PROVIDED AT WANG CHAU ROAD.
IN TUEN MUN, THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12):
K TIN HAU ROAD BETWEEN SAN HOP LANE AND TSI NG WUN ROAD;
* SAM ON STREET BETWEEN HING WONG STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD;
* HUNG CHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN ITS SOUTHERN JUNCTION WITH SAN PING CIRCUIT AND TIN HAU ROAD.
AT THE SAME TIME, ALL PARKING SPACES AT SAN ON STREET AND HUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED.
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/1O .......
THURoDAi, MAY 9, 1985
10 -
YUEN LONG SET FOR FESTIVAL PROCESSION
******
A COLOURFUL AND ENTERTAINING PROCESSION WILL BE HELD IN YUEN LONG ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE ANNUAL EVENT, ORGANISED BY THE SAP PAT HEUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, IS THE RESULT OF MONTHS OF PLANNING AND CO-ORD I NAT I ON BETWEEN THE ORGANISERS, LOCAL RESIDENTS AND THE AUTHORITIES.
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS SUCH AS TRANSPORT, POLICE, REGIONAL SERVICES AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE HELPED CO-ORDINATE TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, CROWD CONTROL AND LAW AND ORDER.
A TOTAL OF 21 FA PAU ASSOCIATIONS WILL SEND THEIR TROUPES TO TAKE PART IN THE PROCESSION TO PERFORM LION, DRAGON AND UNICORN DANCES. THEY WILL ASSEMBLE AT ABOUT 10 AM AT THE BUS TERMINUS IN UNG CHEUNG STREET AND MOVE SLOWLY ALONG CASTLE PEAK ROAD TOWARDS THE YUEN LONG STADIUM IN TA I YUK ROAD.
ThE PROCESSION WILL TAKE PLACE INSIDE THE STADIUM, WHERE A VARIETY SHOW HAS ALSO BEEN PLANNED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL PROCESSION TO BE bELD AT 11 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) IN THE YUEN LONG STADIUM, TAI YUK ROAD.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
ALL PRESS MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO CARRY A PRESS BADGE ISSUED PY the ORGANISERS wHEN ENTERING THE STADIUM. THE BADGES ARE AVAILABLE AT THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION ON THE 12TH FLOOR, WORLD SHIPPING CENTRE, HARBOUR CITY, 7 CAMTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI. PLEASE NOTE THAT EACH PRESS REPRESENTATIVE IS LIMITED TO TWO BADGES ONLY.
A GOVERNMENT VEHICLE WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 9.15 AM SHARP TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO YUEN LONG.
--------0 ----------
Ti URS
MAY 9, 1985
11
KOWLOON BAY SITES FOR RENT 4
* * * ’
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF FOUR SITES IN KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION.
THE FIRST SITE AT KAI HING ROAD MEASURES ABOUT 1 615 SQUARE PETRES. TWO OTHER SITES MEASURING ABOUT 1 649 SQUARE METRES AND 2 942 SQUARE METRES ARE AT THE JUNCTION OF CHEUNG YIP STREET AND LAM CHAK STREET. THE FOURTH SITE OF ABOUT 1 649 SQUARE METRES IS AT THE JUNCTION OF KAI HING ROAD AND LAM CHAK STREET.
THESE FOUR SITES ARE FOR THE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE OF MOTOR VEHICLES OR FOR STORAGE PURPOSES.
THE INITIAL TENANCY IS FOR TWO YEARS AND IS RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE IS NOON ON MAY 24.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND TENDER PLANS INSPECTED AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE (KOWLOON EAST), YAU MA TEI CARPARK BUILDING, 1QTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOONj AND THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
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DEADLINE FOR BOOKMARK DESIGN ENTRIES
MX * *
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED PARTICIPANTS CF THE BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITION 1985 TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES BY MAY 15.
THZ ENTRIES MAY BE SENT IN PERSON OR BY POST TO ANY OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC LIBRARIES.
EACH ENTRY SHOULD MEASURE 50 MM X 170 MM AND BEAR THE NAME, AGE, ADDRESS, TELEPHONE NUMBER, SCHOOL OR OCCUPATION OF THE PARTICIPANT.
WINNERS WILL BE AWARDED TECHNICAL DRAWING APPARATUS, SCIENTIFIC MODEL SETS AND TROPHIES.
------o-------
WATER CUT
X X
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 7 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12) FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY HONG CHONG ROAD, CHATHAM ROAD NORTH, MA TAU WAI ROAD, LOK SHAN ROAD AND THE SEAFRONT OF HUNG HOM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGCO MEMBERS' PRIVILEGES SET OUT IK BILL ................... 1
COMPULSORY PILOTAGE OF SHIPS PROPOSED ....................... 2
LIMIT TO BE SET ON LEGCO ELECTION EXPENSES .................. 4
CHANGES TO COMPANY, BANKRUPTCY LAW PROPOSED.................. 4
CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE CHANGES PROPOSED ................. 6
TRADE GETS MORE U.S. GSP DETAILS ............................ 6
COUNTERFEIT PROBLEM NOT CONFINED TO HK....................... 7
13 PUBLIC HOUSING CONTRACTS SIGNED .......................... 9
APRIL WETTER, COOLER THAN USUAL ............................. 10
KUK TO ELECT SPECIAL COUNCILLORS ............................ 13
CNTA TO MANAGE COMMUNITY CENTRES ............................ 15
120 000 MEN DUE FOR NEW ID CARDS ............................ 16
MOVE TO SIMPLIFY SCHEDULE CHANGES ........................... 17
PROPOSED PROMENADE FOR ABERDEEN WATERFRONT .................. 18
TSANG TAI UK RECREATION GROUND OPENS ........................ 18
MARKET COMPLEX PLANNED FOR WESTERN .......................... 20
WORK TO START ON IMPROVING CHATHAM ROAD SURFACE ............. 20
SEWAGE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT IN NORTH POINT ................... 21
VARIETY SHOW TO MARK YOUTH YEAR.............................. 21
SCHOOLS DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT YUEN LONG ....................... 22
SPECIAL SERVICES TO FERRY TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS ............... 23
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TWO AREAS ................................ 2 3
TAPS OFF..................................................... 24
FRIDAY, MAY IQ, 1985
1
LEGCO MEMBERS’ PRIVILEGES SET OUT IN BILL *****
A LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL, PROVIDING THE FRAMEWORK FOR MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DISCHARGE THEIR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY AND TO GIVE DUE RECOGNITION TO THE DIGNITY OF THE LEGISLATURE, HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY. IT WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 15).
THE PROPOSED POWERS AND PRIVILEGES ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE NORMALLY AFFORDED TO LEGISLATURES IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND ARE DERIVED FROM THE COMMON LAW. IN THE CASE OF HONG KONG, THEIR CODIFICATION IS LONG OVERDUE.
AT THE OPENING OF THE CURRENT SESSION OF THE COUNCIL LAST OCTOBER, THE GOVERNOR EXPLAINED THAT ITS PURPOSE WAS TO +CONFIRM THE PRIVILEGE OF MEMBERS’ STATEMENTS IN DEBATE, PROVIDE ASSURANCES THAT MEMBERS CAN PERFORM THEIR DUTIES ACCORDING TO THEIR CONSCIENCE, AND INTRODUCE POWERS TO HEAR EVIDENCE ON MATTERS OF PUBLIC INTEREST.*
A FINAL DRAFT OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS SCRUTINISED BY AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, CONVENED BY MISS MARIA TAM, AND THE BILL NOW PUBLISHED INCORPORATES THE IMPROVEMENTS SUGGESTED BY THE AD HOC GROUP.
AMONG THE MAJOR PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES PROPOSED FOR MEMBERS - PRIMARILY TO ENSURE THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE COUNCIL RATHER THAN TO PROTECT INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS PERSONALLY - IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND DEBATE AND THE CORRESPONDING IMMUNITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE COUNCIL FROM BEING QUESTIONED IN ANY COURT OR PLACE OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL, IN OTHER WORDS THE PREROGATIVE OF MEMBERS TO STAND UP AND SPEAK WITHOUT FEAR IN THE COUNCIL WILL BE FORMALLY RECOGNISED.
MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE FREE FROM ARREST FOR CIVIL DEBT WHILE GOING TO, ATTENDING AT OR RETURNING FROM ANY SITTING OF THE COUNCIL OR ANY OF ITS COMMITTEES, AND THIS FREEDOM FROM ARREST WILL, WHILE A MEMBER IS ATTENDING, EXTEND ALSO TO A CRIMINAL CFFENCE.
THE POWER TO REQUIRE WITNESSES TO BE EXAMINED WILL, HOWEVER, BE GIVEN TO THE STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE COUNCIL ONLY. THE FULL COUNCIL WILL DECIDE WHETHER THIS POWER SHOULD BE EXTENDED TO ANY OTHER COMMITTEES IT MAY APPOINT. ANY DOUBT AS TO THE PROCEDURE FOR GIVING EVIDENCE WILL BE SETTLED IN REFERENCE TO THE EXISTING USAGE AND PRACTICE OF THE COUNCIL.
THERE ARE AT PRESENT TWO STANDING COMMITTEES, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE, AND PUBLIC OFFICERS ARE REQUIRED UNDER THE STANDING ORDERS OF THE COUNCIL TO APPEAR BEFORE THE TWO COMMITTEES IF CALLED UPON TO DO SO, AND IN THE CASE OF THE PAC, MEMBERS OF A NON-GOVERNMENT BODY OR ORGANISATION MAY ALSO BE REQUIRED TO APPEAR.
/witnesses giving........
FRIDAY, MY 10, 1%5
WITNESSES GIVING EVIDENCE WILL HAVE THE SAME PROTECTION AS THEY WOULD HAVE BEFORE A COURT OF LAW AND, UNLESS WITH THE CONSENT CF THE GOVERNOR, EVIDENCE RELATING TO THE ARMED FORCES OR MATTERS AFFECTING THE SECURITY OF HONG KONG MAY NOT BE GIVEN BEFORE THE COUNCIL OR ITS COMMITTEES.
THE BILL ALSO CONFIRMS MEMBERS’ RIGHT TO EXEMPTION FROM JURY SERVICE, AND ALLOWS THEM TO BE EXEMPT FROM ATTENDANCE AS A WITNESS IN CIVIL PROCEEDINGS ON A DAY WHEN THE COUNCIL IS SITTING.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COUNCIL, AS IS THE CASE IN OTHER LEGISLATURES. WILL BE EMPOWERED TO REGULATE THE ADMITTANCE OF ♦STRANGERS* (ANYBODY OTHER THAN THE MEMBERS OR OFFICERS OF THE COUNCIL) TO THE COUNCIL AND ITS PRECINCTS.
IT WILL BE AN OFFENCE TO DEFAME ANY MEMBER IN REFERENCE TO HIS ACTIONS OR STATEMENTS IN THE COUNCIL OR ITS COMMITTEES, OR TO PUBLISH A REPORT OF ANY PROCEEDING NOT HELD IN PUBLIC WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE COUNCIL.
THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR REFUSAL TO BE EXAMINED BEFORE THE COUNCIL OR INTERFERENCE WITH A WITNESS IS $10 000 AND 12 MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT. THOSE WHO GIVE FALSE EVIDENCE INTENTIONALLY AND THOSE WHO PUT OUT DEFAMATORY OR UNAUTHORISED PUBLICATIONS MAY BE FINED UP TO $50 000 AND IMPRISONED FOR THREE YEARS.
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL 1985 IS EXPECTED TO HAVE ITS RESUMED SECOND READING DEBATE ON MAY 29. PUBLIC COMMENTS MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
- - 0 -
COMPULSORY PILOTAGE OF SHIPS PROPOSED *****
AN AMENDMENT BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INTRODUCE COMPULSORY PILOTAGE FOR SHIPS WHILE NAVIGATING WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IS REQUIRED FOR SHIPS OVER 10 000 TONS (GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE); SHIPS OVER 1 000 TONS PROCEEDING TO OR FROM SPECIFIED WHARVES AND CONTAINER TERMINALS; SHIPS OVER 1 000 TONS CARRYING SPECIFIED DANGEROUS GOODS* SHIPS OVER 1 000 TONS PROCEEDING TO OR FROM ALL GOVERNMENT MOORINGS; AND SHIPS OVER 300 TONS WHICH ARE DISABLED FOR ANY REASON OR WHICH ARE LIKELY TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY.
/under present ...
FBIDAY, MAY 10,
UNDER PRESENT PLANNING, IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE REQUIREMENT FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WILL BE EXTENDED TO ALL SHIPS OVER 5 003 GRT IN 1987 AND TO SHIPS OVER 1 000 GRT IN 1989.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE OF SHIPS WAS TO IMPROVE CONTROL OVER SHIPPING AND TO IMPROVE SAFETY.
AT PRESENT, SOME 95 PER CENT OF ALL OCEAN GOING SHIPS OVER 13 000 GRT ENTERING OR LEAVING HONG KONG HARBOUR USE THE SERVICES CF PILOTS ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASING NUMBER AND SIZE CF OCEAN GOING VESSELS ENTERING THE PORT EACH YEAR; INCREASING SILTING OF CERTAIN AREAS OF THE HARBOUR; THE TRAFFIC FLOW TO AND FROM THE CONTAINER TERMINALS, THE OIL BERTHS, AND THE POWER STATIONS, REQUIRED THAT ALL VESSELS SHOULD HAVE PILOTS ON BOARD.
+A MAJOR GROUNDING OR COLLISION COULD HAVE REPERCUSSIONS ON TRADING AVENUES AND ALL PRACTICAL MEANS TO PREVENT THIS HAPPENING SHOULD BE ADOPTED,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE BILL EMPOWERS THE PILOTAGE AUTHORITY TO EXEMPT SHIPS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE UNDER CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE MAY EXEMPT CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF SHIPS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE. THEY INCLUDt FERRIES AND DYNAMICALLY SUPPORTED CRAFT (EG HYDROFOILS) OPERATING BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MACAU AND PEARL RIVER PORTS AND SHIPS CARRYING OUT CABLE LAYING OR SALVAGE WORK.
+THE EXEMPTION IS BASED ON THE GROUND THAT MASTERS AND COXSWAINS OF SUCH CRAFT ARE EXPECTED TO BE TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH , LOCAL CONDITIONS AND ADEQUATE MEASURES ARE ALREADY BUILT IN TO THE LICENSING OF BOTH PERSONNEL AND CRAFT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HM SHIPS, THOSE USED BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AND VESSELS LICENSED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO OPERATE SOLELY IN HONG KONG WATERS ARE ALSO EXEMPT FROM THIS REQUIREMENT.
THE MASTER OF A SHIP WHICH FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE PILOTAGE REQUIREMENT, IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF UP TO $10 000 OR DOUBLE THE AMOUNT OF THE PILOTAGE DUE WHICHEVER IS HIGHER.
THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 15.
PUBLIC COMMENTS MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
0
/4........
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
- 4 -
LIMIT TO BE SET ON LEGCO ELECTION EXPENSES X * X *
AN AMENDMENT BILL, SEEKING TO EXTEND THE PROVISIONS OF THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE TO ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES ORDINANCE CURRENTLY APPLIES ONLY TO ELECTIONS TO THE URBAN COUNCIL AND DISTRICT BOARDS.
IF THE BILL IS PASSED, IT IS EXPECTED THAT AN ORDER PRESCRIBING THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF ELECTION EXPENSES WHICH MAY BE INCURRED BY CANDIDATES STANDING FOR ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE MADE.
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 15).
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT
ROAD.
-----o------
CHANGES TO COMPANY, BANKRUPTCY LAW PROPOSED
* * * *
PROVISIONS FOR A LIQUIDATOR’S AND A TRUSTEE’S FEES TO BE DECIDED EITHER BY AGREEMENT WITH THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION, OR BY THE COURT, ARE AMONG SEVERAL CHANGES BEING PROPOSED TO THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE AND THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE.
THE PROVISIONS ARE SET OUT IN THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL. 1985, AND THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, WHICH WERE GAZETTED TODAY.
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER CAN APPLY TO COURT FOR A REVIEW OF THE LIQUIDATOR’S FEES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID.
OTHER PROPOSALS INCREASE THE ASSET LIMIT FOR SUMMARY WINDING IP PROCEDURE UNDER SECTION 227F OF THE ORDINANCE FROM THE EXISTING $10 000 TO $200 000, AND SIMPLIFY THOSE PROCEDURES SO THAT IT IS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO HOLD THE STATUTORY FIRST MEETING OF CREDITORS AND CONTRIBUTORIES IN SUCH CASES.
/a further.......
FBLUv., MAY 10, 1965
- 5 -
A FURTHER PROPOSAL SEEKS TO AMEND SECTION 295 TO CREATE A Minimum limit of sioo ooo on the amount of creditors* funds which MAY BE INVESTED, AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION, BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER FOR THE BENEFIT OF CREDITORS. IT ALSO LIMITS THE INTEREST PAYABLE ON SUCH FUNDS TO A MAXIMUM OF 3.5 dEk CENT A YEAR, OR SUCH OTHER RATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
THE INTEREST IN EXCESS OF 3.5 PER CENT ON SUMS OVER $100 000 AND THE INTEREST ON SUMS OF LESS THAN $100 000 INVESTED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER WILL THEN BE TRANSFERRED TO GENERAL REVENUE.
AN INCREASE OF THE FEES FOR REGISTRATION OF A PROSPECTUS FROM THE PRESENT $2 000 AS SET OUT IN THE EIGHT SCHEDULE, TO $3 000 IS ALSO PROPOSED.
AMENDMENTS TO THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE ARE PROPOSED IN THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, TO PROVIDE THAT THE FEE OF A TRUSTEE IN BANKRUPTCY MAY BE FIXED BY THE CREDITORS OR THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION, AND THAT SUCH FEE MAY BE REVIEWED BY THE COURT, ON APPLICATION BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
IT IS ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE LIMIT FOR SUMMARY PROCEDURE UNDER SECTION 112A BE INCREASED FROM THE PRESENT FIGURES OF $10 000 TO $200 000, AND TO SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURES SO THAT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER MAY DISPENSE WITH THE STATUTORY FIRST MEETING CF CREDITORS AND APPLY TO THE COURT TO ADJUDGE THE DEBTOR BANKRUPT.
EVEN AFTER THE VARIOUS FEES AND CHARGES ARE INCREASED THE CFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE WOULD STILL BE OPERATING AT SIGNIFICANT DEFICIT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TWO BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON MAY 15.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILLS MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWERE ALBERT ROAD.
FR« . Y, MAY 10, 1985
CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE CHANGES PROPOSED X X *
A BILL TO AMEND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE, GAZETTED TODAY, SEEKS TO PROVIDE:
(A) FOR A VICE CHAIRMAN TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR;
(B) THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHALL CEASE TO BE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL; AND
(C) THAT THE TITLE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR BE CHANGED TO THAT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE (THE CHINESE TITLE WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED).
THE PROVISION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A VICE CHAIRMAN IS TO ALLEVIATE THE HEAVY RESPONSIBILITY AND WORKLOAD OF THE CHAIRMAN, PARTICULARLY IF THE CHAIRMAN IS PRECLUDED BY TEMPORARY INCAPACITY OR OTHER CAUSE FROM DISCHARGING HIS DUTIES.
THE OTHER TWO MINOR AMENDMENTS PROPOSED AIM TO REFLECT MORE ACCURATELY THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE.
THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING ON MAY 15.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12/F, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
- - 0 -
TRADE GETS MORE U.S. GSP DETAILS * * X X
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) NOTIFIED THE TRADE OF FURTHER DETAILS OF THE 1985 UNITED STATES GENERALISED SYSTEM CF PREFERENCES (GSP) ANNOUNCED BY THE U.S. TRADE REPRESENTATIVE OFFICE ON MAY 1.
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ANNOUNCED ON MAY 2 SOME PRELIMINARY DETAILS CF THE 1985 U.S. GSP.
UNDER THE 1985 U.S. GSF, OVER 3 030 PRODUCTS WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR GSP DUTY-FREE TREATMENT. HONG KONG HAS BEEN SPECIFICALLY EXCLUDED FROM DUTY--REE TREATMENT FOR 53 PRODUCTS, INCLUDING FIVE PREVIOUSLY ELIGIBLE ITEMS. TRADE IN 1984 IN THESE FIVE ITEMS AMOUNTED TO U.S. $3'4 MILLION.
/ON THE .
iltl'-.Y. JUY 13, 1985
3N THE OTHER HAND, EIGHT PREVIOUSLY INELIGIBLE ITEMS, AMOUNTING TO U.S. S43 MILLION IN 1934, HAVE BEEN REDESIGNATED H THE 1Q85 SCHEME.
AMONG THOSE ITEMS NEWLY EXCLUDED FROM DUTY-FREE TREATMENT ARE STUFFED DOLLS, SWITCHBOARDS FOR BREAKING ELECTRICAL CIRCUITS, CERTAIN TOY ANIMALS AND CERTAIN FUR APPAREL.
PRODUCTS REDESIGNATED AS ELIGIBLE ITEMS INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER ITEMS, CERTAIN GAME MACHINES, TRANSMISSION DEVICES AND TELEPHONE SWITCHING APPARATUS.
THE VALUE OF U.S. IMPORTS OF GSP ITEMS FROM HONG KONG IN 1934 WAS U.S. $4 002 MILLION, OF WHICH U.S. $2 676 MILLION WAS EXCLUDED FROM ESP BENEFITS AND U.S. $1 326 MILLION WAS GRANTED DUTY-FREE TREATMENT.
THE 1985 U.S. GSP WILL TAKE EFFECT ON JULY 1.
- - 0 - -
COUNTERFEIT PROBLEM NOT CONFINED TO HK * * * * *
COMMERCIAL COUNTERFEITING ACTIVITIES ARE NOT CONFINED TO HONG KONG OR SOUTH EAST ASIA ONLY, BUT A PROBLEM FACING EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, MR K.S. TONG, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE DINNER MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KWUN TONG ON +AN ANALYSIS ON COUNTERFEIT GOODS+, MR TONG SAID THE VOLUME OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS TRADE ACCOUNTED FOR TWO PER CENT CF THE TOTAL GLOBAL TRADE LAST YEAR, OR HK$312 BILLION IN MONEY TERMS.
♦INFORMATION INDICATES THAT COUNTERFEIT PRODUCTS CURRENTLY COME FROM FORTY-FOUR COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD.
♦FORGED AMERICAN MERCHANDISE ALONE WAS SOLD IN 66 COUNTRIES, AMONG THEM, 190 ITEMS WERE FOUND IN FAR EAST, 93 IN LATIN AMERICA, 78 IN EUROPE, 49 IN MIDDLE EAST AND 25 IN AFRICA,+ HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADING PRESTIGE OF HONG KONG AND TO PROTECT THE RIGHTS AND INTERESTS OF THE LOCAL COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, MR TONG SAID THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN STRIKING RELENTLESS BLOWS AT SUCH COMMERCIAL COUNTERFEITING ACTIVITIES AND WITH BRILLIANT RESULTS.
/D> 1978,
MA.Y 10, 1985
- 8
IN 1978, THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT INVESTIGATED 213 COUNTERFEITING CASES AND PROSECUTIONS WERE INSTITUTED IN 56 OF THESE CASES. COUNTERFEIT GOODS OF A TOTAL VALUE OF $1 MILLION WERE SEIZED.
IN 1984, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CASES INVESTIGATED INCREASED TO 365, AND PROSECUTIONS WERE INSTITUTED IN 432 OF THEM. THE TOTAL VALUE OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED AMOUNTED TO $32 MILLION.
+AS FOR THIS YEAR, WE HAVE, UP TO MID-APRIL, ALREADY MADE INVESTIGATION INTO 307 CASES, AND MADE 176 PROSECUTIONS. THE TOTAL VALUE OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS SEIZED AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $4 MILLION.
+OUR PAST EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT GREAT MAJORITY OF THE COUNTERFE:T GOODS SEIZED ARE APPARELS AND WRIST WATCHES. THE VALUE OF THESE TWO KINDS OF GOODS SEIZED LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN $26 MILLION, OR 81 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL VALUE OF SEIZURE,* MR TONG SAID.
HE SAID THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG IN STOPPING COMMERCIAL COUNTERFEITING ACTIVITIES HAD BEEN WELL NOTED AND PRAISED INTERNATIONALLY.
ACCORDING TO AN ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION CF PHONOGRAM AND VIDEOGRAM INDUSTRIES (IFPl), 99 PER CENT OF THE GRAMOPHONE RECORDS AND TAPES ON SALE IN HONG KONG ARE LAWFUL PRODUCTS.
MR TONG POINTED OUT THAT THE COPYRIGHT DIVISION OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU PLAYED A PIONEERING ROLE IN CRACKING DOWN THE COUNTERFEITING OF TAPES.
AFTER A LARGE-SCALE TERRITORY-WIDE OPERATION IN 1981, ILLEGAL PRODUCTION OF COUNTERFEIT TAPES HAD DIED DOWN. +HOWEVER, THERE HAVE BEEN SIGNS RECENTLY THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE RESURGING AGAIN, THIS TIME INCLUDING THE PRODUCTION OF COUNTERFEIT VIDEOTAPES.
♦THE COPYRIGHT DIVISION OF THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU RESPONDED TO THIS QUICKLY AND CRACKED THREE CASES OF COUNTERFEIT BLANK TAPES AND VIDEOTAPES.
+INVESTIGATIONS HAVE ALSO REVEALED THAT THE SAID COUNTERFEIT GOODS ARE NOT FOR LOCAL SALE BUT FOR EXPORT TO CHINA,* HE SAID.
MR TONG SAID IN ORDER TO STAMP OUT THE ACTIVITIES OF SELLING COUNTERFEIT COMMERCIAL GOODS IN THE STREETS AND TOURIST AREAS, A NEW OPERATION UNIT WITH MORE THAN 30 MEMBERS, UNDER THE CUSTOMS INVESTIGATION BUREAU, HAD BEEN SET UP RECENTLY, AND WILL WORK CLOSELY WITH THE TRADE INVESTIGATION BUREAU TO DEAL WITH THE SELLING CF COUNTERFEIT GOODS.
/HE WARNED ......
FRIDkY, Mai 10, 1985
HE WARNED THAT STRINGENT ACTIONS WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST HAWKERS SELLING COUNTERFEIT GOODS. HE ADVISED THEM NOT TO SELL SUCH PRODUCTS BUT TO SWITCH TO THE SELLING OF OTHER LEGITIMATE GOODS.
FURTHERMORE, THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER WARNED THAT IT WAS ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE TO BRING TO HONG KONG ANY QUANTITY OF COUNTERFEIT GOODS.
DURING THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO MID-APRIL THIS YEAR, 23 PASSENGERS ARRIVING AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT WERE CHARGED BY THE CUSTOMS FOR BRINGING IN COUNTERFEIT GOODS. FINES IMPOSED RANGED FROM $2 000 TO $4 000.
MR TONG ALSO ADVISED LOCAL MANUFACTURERS NOT TO VIOLATE THE LAW BY ATTEMPTING TO IMPORT COUNTERFEIT COMMERCIAL GOODS FROM NEIGHBOURING REGIONS LIKE CHINA AND MACAU.
0 --------
13 PUBLIC HOUSING CONTRACTS SIGNED * * * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY SIGNED 13 CONTRACTS TOTALLING OVER $132 MILLION FOR A VARIETY OF PUBLIC HOUSING WORKS INCLUDING SITE FORMATION, LIFT INSTALLATION, LANDSCAPING AND REDEVELOPMENT.
SIGNED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (CONSTRUCTION), l*R DEREK MOSSLING, THE LARGEST CONTRACT WORTH $86.8 MILLION IS ’ FOR SITE FORMATION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS FOR A NEW ESTATE AT SIU CHAI WAN WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOMES FOR 17 000 PEOPLE BY 1990.
WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE FORMATION OF PLATFORMS AND ASSOCIATED GEOTECHNICAL WORK, AS WELL AS ROADS AND DRAINAGE, ON A 11-HECTARE SITE.
TAKING ABOUT 28 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, THEY WILL PAVE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF NINE RENTAL AND TWO HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS WITH ALTOGETHER 3 816 FLATS.
ANOTHER SITE FORMATION CONTRACT VALUED AT OVER $13 MILLION IS FOR SIMILAR WORKS ON A 1.5-HECTARE SITE AT HAMMER HILL IN NGAU CHI WAN.
WHEN WORKS ARE COMPLETED NEXT YEAR, TWO 35-STOREY HOS BLOCKS WILL BE BUILT TO HOUSE 2 600 PEOPLE BY 1989.
/IK FOUR ......
FRIDAY, iUi 10, 19^5
10 -
IN FOUR OTHER CONTRACTS TOTALLING $29 MILLION, 63 LIFTS AND ONE ESCALATOR WILL BE SUPPLIED AND INSTALLED ON 10 DOMESTIC BLOCKS AND TWO COMMERCIAL CENTRES AT THE ESTATES OF HIN KENG, TIN PING, LOWER WONG TAI SIN AND CHUK YUEN.
OF THE REMAINING SEVEN CONTRACTS, THREE WORTH $1.9 MILLION ARE FOR SOFT LANDSCAPING WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT TO ADD MORE GREENERY AT MEI LAM AND LEI CHENG UK ESTATES AND HOS FUNG SHING COURT.
ANOTHER THREE CONTRACTS VALUED AT $1 MILLION ARE FOR SITE INVESTIGATION WORKS AT A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT AT CHAI WAN AND PO LAM ESTATE IN JUNK BAY.
IN THE LAST CONTRACT WORTH $235 000, AN OLD BLOCK AT TUNG
TAU ESTATE WILL BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A NEW ONE TO BE PHASE OF A REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME TO UPGRADE
BUILT UNDER THE THIRD
LIVING CONDITIONS FOR TENANTS.
- - 0
APRIL WETTER, COOLER THAN USUAL ******
APRIL WAS WETTER AND COOLER THAN USUAL. THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL AMOUNTED TO 271.3 MM, WHICH WAS 95 PER CENT ABOVE THE NORMAL 139.4 MM, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY REPORTS.
THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 20.5 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS 1.6 DEGREES. CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL.
THE MONTHLY MEAN DEW POINT, 17.2 DEGREES CELSIUS, WAS THE FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD FOR APRIL.
THE WEATHER WAS OVERCAST ON APRIL 1 AND 2. THE TEMPERATURE DROPPED TO A MINIMUM OF 13.8 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 1, THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH. THERE WERE PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 3 BUT THE WEATHER WAS FINE THE NEXT DAY.
IT BECAME CLOUDY WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 5 AND 6 ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ALSO SUNNY INTERVALS IN THE AFTERNOON.
A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER SOUTH CHINA ON APRIL 6 AND MOVED SLOWLY SOUTHWARDS. ALTHOUGH IT DISSIPATED NEAR THE COAST OF SOUTH CHINA THE NEXT DAY, THE WEATHER WAS CLOUDY WITH FOG AND DRIZZLE ON APRIL 7 AND 8. FERRY SERVICES WERE DISRUPTED.
/FOGGY CONDITIONS .......
i MAY 10, 1985
FOGGY CONDITIONS CONTINUED IN THE EARLY MORNING ON APRIL 9. A DISTURBANCE EMBEDDED IN THE ACTIVE SOUTHWESTERLIES ALOFT GAVE RISE TO OVERCAST WEATHER WITH OCCASIONAL SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS LATER IK THE DAY. THUNDERSTORMS DISRUPTED AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES AND CAUSED FLOODS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TERRITORY INCLUDING WAN CHAI, MONG KOK, KOWLOON CITY, TAI KOK TSUI, LAI CHI KOK, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND SO KWUN WAT.
A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER CENTRAL CHINA ON APRIL 10 AND MOVED SOUTHWARDS RAPIDLY CROSSING THE SOUTH CHINA COAST EARLY ON APRIL 11.
AS THE TROUGH APPROACHED, THE WEATHER DETERIORATED AND THERE WERE REPORTS OF MARBLE-SIZE HAILSTONES FROM RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON CITY, DIAMOND HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, KAM TIN, SHEK KONG AND TAI PO ON APRIL 10.
HEAVY RAIN ON THAT DAY CAUSED FLOODING AND LANDSLIPS. 14 PEOPLE HAD TO BE EVACUATED FROM THEIR HOMES AFTER A LANDSLIP IN TSUEN WAN. ANOTHER LANDSLIP IN SHAU KEI WAN RESULTED IN THE EVACUATION OF ABOUT 50 PEOPLE.
THERE WERE ALSO REPORTS OF HAILSTONES THE SIZE OF PIGEON EGGS IN GUANGZHOU ON APRIL 10 DISRUPTING AIR TRAFFIC AND FERRY SERVICES, AND DAMAGING EXTENSIVE AREAS OF VEGETABLE FIELDS. HAIL WAS ALSO REPORTED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF GUANGDONG PROVINCE INCLUDING ZHONGSHAN, NANHAI, QINGYUAN, ZENGCHENG AND CONGHUA AND CAUSED CONSIDERABLE DAMAGE IN THE PROVINCE.
OVERCAST WEATHER WITH OCCASIONAL SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS CONTINUED ON APRIL 11. A SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED EARLY ON APRIL 12 BRINGING STRONG EASTERLY WINDS AND OCCASIONAL SQUALLY THUNDERSTORMS.
MINOR FLOODING DUE TO HEAVY RAIN AGAIN OCCURRED ON APRIL 12 IN TUEN MUN, KWAI CHUNG AND SHA TIN. THUNDERY SHOWERS ON APRIL 13 CAUSED A LANDSLIP IN WAH FU AND 47 PEOPLE HAD TO BE EVACUATED FROM THEIR HOMES.
IT WAS OVERCAST WITH PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN FROM APRIL 14 TO 16 APART FROM SOME SUNNY INTERVALS IN THE AFTERNOON OF APRIL 16.
A WEAK SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ARRIVED ON APRIL 17 BRINGING DRY NORTHERLY WINDS. APART FROM A TRACE OF RAIN ON APRIL 17, THE WEATHER WAS FINE ON APRIL 17 AND 18. HOWEVER, IT BECAME CLOUDY AGAIN WITH LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 19.
/a though .......
fh. ..a’, hay 10, 1985
12 -
A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER CENTRAL CHINA ON APRIL 1? AND IT MOVED SOUTHEASTWARDS CROSSING THE EASTERN COAST OF CHINA LATE ON APRIL 20. OCCASIONAL HEAVY SHOWERS AND ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS OCCURRED ON APRIL 20 UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THIS TROUGH.
A SPELL OF FINE AND SUNNY WEATHER PREVAILED FROM APRIL 21 TO 25 APART FROM THE OCCURRENCE OF MORNING FOG ON APRIL 21, 23 AND 25 AND SOME MIST ON APRIL 22.
A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FORMED OVER CENTRAL CHINA ON APRIL 24. IT MOVED STEADILY SOUTHWARDS AND DEVELOPED INTO A COLD FRONT ON APRIL 25.
THE WEATHER WAS FINE IN THE MORNING OF APRIL 26 BUT IT TURNED CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AS THE COLD FRONT CROSSED HONG KONG IN THE EARLY AFTERNOON. THE TEMPERATURE ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 27.5 DEGREES CELSIUS ON APRIL 26, THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH, BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE COLD FRONT.
IT WAS OVERCAST WITH PATCHES OF LIGHT RAIN ON APRIL 27 AND 28. THE WEATHER REMAINED CLOUDY ON APRIL 29 AND 30 BUT THERE WERE ALSO SOME SUNNY INTERVALS.
ONLY ONE TROPICAL CYCLONE OCCURRED OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE MONTH. A TROPICAL DEPRESSION FORMED ABOUT 460 NAUTICAL MILES EAST OF LUZON ON APRIL 22. IT MOVED EAST-NORTHEASTWARDS AND DISSIPATED ABOUT 480 NAUTICAL MILES NORTH-NORTHWEST OF GUAM ON APRIL 24.
DURING THE MONTH EIGHT AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG , DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER. THE YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNING WAS IN EFFECT ON APRIL 5 AND 6. THUNDERSTORM WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON APRIL 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 19 AND 20. FLOOD WARNINGS WERE ISSUED OH APRIL 9, 10 AND 11.
SIGNALS HOISTED DURING THE MONTH WERE AS FOLLOWS:
WEATHER SYSTEM SIGNAL
DATE AND TIME OF HOISTING
DATE AND TIME OF LOWERING
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON MARCH 31 11.00 PM APRIL 1
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APRIL 12 5.00 AM APRIL 12
WINTER MONSOON STRONG MONSOON APR IL 26 9.05 PM APRIL 27
8.10 Ai-.
4.40 PM
2.10 AM
/the month 1s.......
f.^Y, MAY 10, 1985
- 13 -
THE MONTH’S FIGURES AND DEPARTURES FROM NORMAL WERE:
SUNSHINE 82.0 HOURS - 38.2 HOURS BELOW NORMAL
RAINFALL 271.3 MM - 131.9 MM ABOVE NORMAL
CLOUDINESS 80 PER CENT = FOUR PER CENT MORE THAN NORMAL
RELATIVE 82 PER CENT - ONE PER CENT LOWER THAN NORMAL
HUMIDITY
PEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE 23.1 DEGREES -CELSIUS 1.9 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN TEMPERATURE 20.5 DEGREES -CELSIUS 1.6 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE 18.9 DEGREES -CELSIUS 1.1 DEGRESS CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
NEAN DEW POINT 17.2 DEGREES - 1.7 DEGREES CELSIUS BELOW NORMAL
CELSIUS
TOTAL 87.9 MM • 27.4 MM BELOW NORMAL
EVAPORATION
MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 27.5 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 26
MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 13.8 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS RECORDED ON APRIL 1
-----0-----
KUK TO ELECT SPECIAL COUNCILLORS
* * * *
TWENTY-FIVE NOMINATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE ELECTION CF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR THE 26TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHICH BEGINS ON JUNE 1.
THERE WILL BE 21 SEATS OF SPECIAL COUNCILLORS — SEVEN IN EACH OF THE THREE ELECTORAL DISTRICTS OF TAI PO (INCLUDING SHA TIN AND NORTH), YUEN LONG (INCLUDING TUEN MUN) AND SOUTHERN (COMPRISING TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS).
/NO ELECTION .......
FR'.
W 10, 1985
14 -
NO ELECTION IS REQUIRED FOR TAI RO AND YUEN LONG BECAUSE THE 14 CANDIDATES NOMINATED FOR THE TWO ELECTORAL DISTRICTS WILL NOT BE CONTESTED.
THE SEVEN UNOPPOSED CANDIDATES IN THE TAI PO ARE: MR KAN CHAU-CHEE, MR CHAN SAU-CHUEN, MR WONG SUNG-SUN, MR YEUNG CHOI, 14? CHEUNG HON-KAU, MR HO KAY-FUK AND MR CHOY KWAI-SANG.
THE SEVEN UNCONTESTED CANDIDATES IN YUEN LONG AREt MR MAN YEUNG-PO, MR 1ANG WAI-NAM, MR TANG CHI-FA I, MR YEUNG LAI-TONG, K? LEE WAI-KWONG, MR TANG NGAN-HOI AND MR TSO SHIU-WAI.
THE REMAINING 11 CANDIDATES WILL VIE FOR THE SEVEN SEATS IN SOUTHERN DURING THE ELECTION ON TUESDAY, MAY 14, AT THE HEUNG YEE KUK OFFICE IN KOWLOON TONG.
THEY ARE MR LUNG KWOK-FAI, MR NG TO-PO, MR KWONG KWOK-KAM, MR HO YUb'-LAM, MR KWOK TAM-FUK, MR YUEN WAI, MR LEUNG CHOI-FUK, Ml< CHAN MUK-SANG, MR TANG LUNG-KONG, MR TSANG CHEUK-MING AND MP WJ KI-FUK.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WILl BE THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ELECTION, TO BE HELD BY SECRET BALLOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE.
FLECTIONS FOR THE KUK CHAIRMAN, THE TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN, AND 15 ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE NEW TERM WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 28.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE ELECTION OF HEUNG YEE KUK SPECIAL COUNCILLORS TO BE HELD AT 11.30 AM ON MAY 14 AT THE KUK’S OFFICE AT 47 CUMBERLAND ROAD, KOWLOON TONG.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE ELECTION ARE REQUESTED TO ARRIVE AT THE KUK’S OFFICE NOT LATER THAN 11 AM WHEN SPECIAL LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ISSUED TO THEM.
PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TAKING OF PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE ELECTION ROOM DURING THE POLL AND THE COUNTING CF VOTES.
INFORMATION OFFICERS OF THE NEWS AND PUBLICITY DIVISION OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
-----0-----
/15 ••
15
CNTA TO MANAGE COMMUNITY CENTRES
* * * *
FROM JUNE 1, THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT AND FUTURE PLANNING OF NEW COMMUNITY CENTRES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
AT PRESENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT MANAGES THE COMMUNITY HALLS, ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
THE CNTA WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL CLEANLINESS AND ORDERLINESS OF THESE CENTRES, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR, BOOKINGS, HIRING CHARGES, AND DECIDING ON EXEMPTION OR REDUCTION OF CHARGES.
IN 1983, A GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP WAS SET UP TO REVIEW THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IN COMMUNITY BUILDING PROGRAMMES.
♦THE AIM WAS TO RATIONALISE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE TWO DEPARTMENTS, AND TO MAXIMISE LOCAL PARTICIPATION IN THE MANAGEMENT AND UTILISATION OF THESE FACILITIES,+ PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HEADQUARTERS) OF THE CNTA, MRS FANNY LAW, SAID.
+THE WORKING GROUP RECOMMENDED THAT THE MANAGEMENT OF COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES BE TRANSFERRED TO CNTA, SO THAT THE SWD COULD DEVOTE ITS RESOURCES TO SOCIAL WORK SERVICES FOR YOUTHS AND FOR ADULTS WITH PARTICULAR WELFARE NEEDS,+ SHE ADDED.
♦ THIS LEAVES THE MORE GENERAL ASPECT OF COMMUNITY WORK TO THE CNTA,+ SHE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT ACCEPTED THE RECOMMENDATION, WHICH WAS ENDORSED BY THE COMMUNITY BUILDING POLICY COMMITTEE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE. THE REPORT OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS ALSO DISCUSSED WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
THE CNTA WILL ALSO TAKE UP THE RESPONSIBILITY OF ENSURING THAT THE TENANCY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES WHICH OPERATE IN THE ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES, ARE COMPLIED WITH.
AFTER THE TRANSFER OF MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES TO CNTA, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL WITHDRAW ITS COMMUNITY WORK ACTIVITIES AND CONCENTRATE ON PROVIDING GROUP WORK ACTIVITIES AND WELFARE SERVICES IN ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES.
MANAGEMENT COMM ITTEES/WILL ALSO BE SET UP IN ALL COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES TO OVER/EE THE UTILISATION OF THE PREMISES AND FACILITIES, TO IDENTIFY A/ND ASSESS THE NEEDS OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, AND TO ADVISE THE CNTA, SWD AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ON THE PROVISION OF PROGRAMME/AND SERVICES IN THE CENTRES.
/MEMBERS OF........
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
16 -
MEMBERS OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES WILL BE DRAWN FROM A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE LOCAL COMMUNITY, INCLUDING DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND, IN CASES OF ESTATE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY CENTRES, REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN THE CENTRE.
ALL MEMBERS, INCLUDING THE CHAIRMAN, OF THE COMMITTEE WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER. REPRESENTATIVES OF CNTA WILL BE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS MAY BE CO-OPTED WHERE NECESSARY.
+THE DISTRICT BOARDS WILL BE INVOLVED lN CO-ORDINATING AND ORGANISING DISTRICT ACTIVITIES AND IN ENCOURAG NG LOCAL ORGAN I SAT ONS TO MAKE FULLER USE OF COMMUNITY CENTRE FACILITIES, AS PART OF THEIR COMMUNITY BUILDING FUNCTIONS,+ MRS LAW SAID.
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120 000 MEN DUE FOR NEW ID CARDS * * * *
ABOUT 120 000 MEN, BORN IN 1937, 1938, 1939 AND 1940, WILL
BE REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR NEW I.D. CARDS BETWEEN MAY 20 AND JUNE 29 THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
DURING THE SIX-WEEK PERIOD, APPLICANTS MAY CALL AT ANY ONE CF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS.
THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES ARE AT :
HONG KONG i BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
EAST KOWLOON s AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
WEST KOWLOON s CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TSUEN WAN i EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
SHA TIN
YUEN LONG
TUEN MUN
SHEUNG SHU I
s SHATIN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET.
: HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD.
i CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.
: TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG •''ENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
/A SPOKESMAN .......
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TOLD APPLICANTS THAT THEY COULD USE THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SERVICE IF THEY WISHED TO VISIT A SPECIFIC OFFICE ON A PARTICULAR DAY.
APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE SERVICE ARE AVAILABLE AT ANY DISTRICT CFFICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICE.
+COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE ISSUE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE PHASE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AT MIRROR TOWER, TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, WOULD NOT PROCESS APPLICATIONS FOR NEW I.D. CARDS.
♦APPLICATIONS FOR REPLACEMENT OF DAMAGED OR LOST CARDS SHOULD ONLY BE MADE TO THE REGULAR REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES,* HE ADDED.
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MOVE TO SIMPLIFY SCHEDULE CHANGES * * * *
cr.u A SIMPLIFY THE PROCEDURE FOR AMENDING VARIOUS
SCHEDULES UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT ITS NEXT SITTING ON MAY 15.
™E DANGEROUS GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY), SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF MINES, THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES AND THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO AMEND THE RELEVANT SCHEDULES TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS UNDER THEIR ADMINISTRATION.
AT PRESENT» AMENDMENTS TO THESE SCHEDULES HAVE TO BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
ANYONE WHO WISHES TO COMMENT ON THE BILL CAN WRITE TO IMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/18........
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985 '
18
PROPOSED PROMENADE FOR ABERDEEN WATERFRONT
* * * *
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD’S WORKS PROJECT COMMITTEE HAVE PROPOSED THAT AN ENLARGED PROMENADE WITH A BASKETBALL COURT, SHOULD BE BUILT IN THE ABERDEEN WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT.
THE COMMITTEE MET YESTERDAY (THURSDAY) TO CONSIDER VIEWS OF RESIDENTS LIVING IN ABERDEEN CENTRE WHO WANT RECREATIONAL FACILITIES THAT WOULD SUIT PEOPLE OF ALL AGES.
THE ORIGINAL PLAN WAS TO BUILD A MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND AT LEAST ONE BASKETBALL COURT IN THE SITE.
AT THE COMMITTEE’S FIRST MEETING YESTERDAY, IT WAS AGREED THAT THE PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH MIGHT NOT BENEFIT RESIDENTS.
HOWEVER, A BASKETBALL COURT, SURROUNDED BY TREES WOULD MEET THE DEMANDS FOR ACTIVE SPORTS, AS WELL AS RESIDENTS’ WISHES TO HAVE A GREEN BELT ZONE.
PLANTS AND TREES, SURROUNDING THE BASKETBALL COURT WOULD ALSO SERVE AS A BUFFER TO SCREEN OFF ANY NOISE THAT MIGHT AFFECT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD.
THE FEASIBILITY OF THE PROPOSAL WOULD BE SUBMITTED TO ARCHITECTS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE PLANNING OF RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENTS ALONG ABERDEEN WATERFRONT.
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TSANG TAI UK RECREATION GROUND OPENS
* X X
THE TSANG TAI UK RECREATION GROUND, WHICH FEATURES THE ONLY ART FICIAL TURF SOCCER PITCH IN THE NEWTERR I TOR IES? WAS seRVices1'^’’™? I?5mmFR">4Y) Bv THE D,f,EC™ °F Regional ocKViuto, MK IUNt HAMMOND.
,,BUILT ON A 2.47-HECTARE SITE AT A COST OF $12.8 MILLION THE ^m~T^P0SE recreational sports complex is located next to’ TSANG TAI UK.
■niDCrA^?JZR0M THE S°CCER PITCH, THERE ARE SIX TENNIS COURTS, ™*EE BA?KET CUM VOLLEYBALL COURTS, EIGHT CONCRETE TABLE TENNIS J*BLES, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, SITTING-OUT AREAS AND REFRESHMENT KIOSK•
/SPEAKING AT .......
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR HAMMOND SAID THE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS COMPLEX WAS ONE OF THE MAJOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES PROVIDED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, SEVERAL OTHER MAJOR PROJECTS WERE UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN THE DISTRICT. THEY ARE THE SHA TIN CULTURAL COMPLEX, THE TOWN PARK, THE RIVER PROMENADE AND THE INDOOR GAMES HALL.
THE PROJECTS WERE IN LINE WITH GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO IMPROVE RECREATIONAL SERVICES FOR THE RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
♦AS A RESULT OF THE RECENT AMALGAMATION OF THE FORMER NEW TERRITORIES SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THOSE PARTS OF THE CULTURAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE RECREATION AND CULTURE DEPARTMENT WHICH PROVIDED SERVICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, TO FORM THE NEW REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WE SHALL BE ABLE TO UTILISE OUR RESOURCES IN A FAR MORE EFFECTIVE MANNER TO PROVIDE A BETTER SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY,* HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND SAID SHA TIN HAD TRANSFORMED IN A REMARKABLY SHORT TIME FROM A RURAL SETTLEMENT INTO A MODERN CITY, WITH A POPULATION GROWING AT A RATE OF 6 000 EACH MONTH.
+THE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES HERE IS, THEREFORE, SELF-EVIDENT,* HE SAID.
MR HAMMOND WAS SURE THAT THE OPENING OF THE RECREATION GROUND, TOGETHER WITH OTHER EXISTING AND PLANNED RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES ;IN THE DISTRICT, WOULD HELP TO CATER NOT ONLY FOR THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE BUT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE A BETTER LIVING ENVWlpNMENT FOR THE RESIDENTS OF SHA TIN.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY WERE MR WAI HON-LEUNG, MEMBER OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL? MR NG CHAN-LAM, CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD; MR LAM WOON-KWONG, THE DI STR PCT OFFICER OF SHA TIN; MR LAU HON-KIT, CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE; AND MR LEE KWONG, CHAIRMAN OF SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE ADVANTAGES OF THE ARTIFICIAL TURF SOCCER PITCH IS THAT IT CAN BE USED PRACTICALLY AT ALL HOURS ALL YEAR ROUND, COMPARED WITH A GRASS PITCH WHICH CAN ALLOW ONLY TWO GAMES A DAY AND MUST BE CLOSED FOR TWO TO THREE MONTHS EACH YEAR FOR RETURFING.
TO MINIMISE INJURIES, THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, WHICH IS EQUIPPED WITH MANY TYPES OF IMAGINATIVELY DESIGNED PLAY EQUIPMENT, IS PAVED WITH SAFETY NETTINGS. ALSO, SOME 40 000 TREES, SHRUBSAND CREEPERS HAVE BEEN PLANTED IN THE GENERAL SURROUNDING OF THt COMPLEX TO MAKE THE ENVIRONMENT THERE MORE PLEASANT.
/20 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
20 -
MARKET COMPLEX PLANNED FOR WESTERN *****
A NEW WESTERN MARKET COMPLEX IS TO BE BUILT SOON AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND MORRISON STREET ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE COMPLEX - OCCUPYING A SITE OF 3 704 SQUARE METRES -WILL BE 14 STOREYS AND ON COMPLETION, WILL PROVIDE MARKET AND VARIOUS OTHER FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.
FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL INCLUDE 246 MARKET STALLS, 27 COOKED FOOD STALLS, A MULTI-PURPOSE INDOOR GAMES HALL, AN AUDITORIUM WITH 470 SEATS, A THEATRE WITH 180 SEATS AND A LARGE REHEARSAL ROOM.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN EARLY 1988.
THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT.
THE DEADLINE IS NOON ON FRIDAY, MAY 31. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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WORK TO START ON IMPROVING CHATHAM ROAD SURFACE ******
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO RECONSTRUCT PART OF CHATHAM ROAD TO IMPROVE THE ROAD SURFACE AND TO MAKE IT LESS PRONE TO FLOODING.
THE PROJECT, INVOLVING THE SECTION BETWEEN PAK KUNG AND CHI KIANG STREETS, INCLUDES REMOVING AND RECONSTRUCTING THE EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY.
LANDSCAPING WILL BE PROVIDED BELOW THE EAST KOWLOON WAY.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFF ICE,CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, 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 WHO WISHES TO OBJECT TO THE WORKS OR THE USE, OR BOTH IS REQUIRED TO WRITE TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 9.
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FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
- 21 -
SEWAGE OUTFALL TO BE BUILT IN NORTH POINT
* * * *
A SUBMARINE SEWAGE OUTFALL WILL BE BUILT IN NORTH POINT TO CONVEY SCREENED SEWAGE COLLECTED FROM THE DISTRICT TO DEEP WATERS FOR DILUTION AND DISPERSION BY TIDAL CURRENTS.
THE PROPOSED OUTFALL MEASURING APPROXIMATELY 600 METRES WITHIN THE LIMITS OF ABOUT 6.9 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED WILL BE CONSTRUCTED OFF HEALTHY STREET WEST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, ADEQUATE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN TO AVOID CAUSING DISTURBANCE TO THE SEA TRAFFIC IN THE VICINITY OF THE AREA.
THOSE OBJECTING TO THE PROPOSAL AND/OR CLAIMING FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS BEFORE JULY 3.
THE NOTICE, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN AT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG AND AT THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, 880-886 KING’S ROAD, GROUND FLOOR AND 1ST FLOOR, HONG KONG.
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VARIETY SHOW TO MARK YOUTH YEAR
* * * *
THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND 12 LOCAL STUDENT AND PERFORMING GROUPS WILL ENTERTAIN SOUTHERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS AT A VARIETY SHOW TO BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE TWO-HOUR CHORAL AND DANCE PERFORMANCE, SPONSORED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE TO MARK THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION, MRS SO CHOW YIM-PING SAID THE SHOW WOULD PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR LOCAL TALENTS TO ENRICH THEIR STAGE EXPERIENCE AND DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL IN MUSIC AND DANCING'.
SINCE ITS FORMATION IN 1969, THE HONG KOI^G CHILDREN’S CHOIR HAS DEVELOPED FROM A SMALL GATHERING OF 20 CHILDREN INTO A 2 000-MEMBER GROUP.
/THE CHuia ......
PBIDAY, MAY 10, 198$
- 22 -
THE CHOIR HAS SINCE PERFORMED MORE THAN 300 CONCERTS IN AUSTRALIA, EUROPE, NORTH AMERICA, SOUTHEAST ASIA AND HONG KONG.
+THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THE CHOIR HAS PERFORMED IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT AND WE HOPE THAT FROM NOW ON, MORE PERFORMANCES BY RENOWNED GROUPS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO THE DISTRICT TO PROMOTE THE STANDARD OF MUSIC APPRECIATION,+ MRS SO SAID.
OTHER GROUPS PERFORMING AT THE SHOW INCLUDE THE ABERDEEN KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE ABERDEEN BAPTIST SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE ABERDEEN WOMEN’S FRATERNITY ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG CHAN PAK SHA SCHOOL, THE SHEK PAI WAN ST. PETER’S SCHOOL, THE ST. PETER’S ANGLO-CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE PUI TAK PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE C.K. LAW MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL PM SESSION, THE JIMMY KINDERGARTEN, THE WONG CHUK HANG KINDERGARTEN AND THE WAH FU ESTATE KINDERGARTEN.
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SCHOOLS DISPLAY TELLS ABOUT YUEN LONG * * * * *
A THREE-DAY JOINT SCHOOLS EXHIBITION, SHOWING THE VARIOUS FEATURES AND DEVELOPMENTS OF YUEN LONG, WAS OPENED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE NEW CHAIRMAN OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR TAI KUEN.
A TOTAL OF 12 SCHOOLS ARE PARTICIPATING ORGANISED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICE.
IN THE EXHIBITION
+THERE HAVE BEEN OBVIOUS CHANGES IN YUEN LONG OVER THE PAST A^^o6KW|oTHTHTRSRlLmHMISE B0"-D,NGS SPRING'NG CRE#TING
*™E OLDER ARCHITECTURE AND VILLAGES HAVE BEEN OVERSHADOWED BY THESE NEW BUILDINGS, AND RESIDENTS ARE LOOKING AT LIFE IN THE NEW TOWN WITH A DIFFERENT PROSPECTIVE.
+THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OVER PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE THE DISTRICT, NUMBER OF INDIGENOUS VILLAGERS,*
THE YEARS HAS ATTRACTED MANY WHO ARE NOW CATCHING UP WITH THE HE SAID.
MORE ABOUt'thElDiSTRICTH,BIT,°N W0ULD HELP NEW RESIDENTS UNDERSTAND
PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES, CARTOONS AND MODELS ARE ON DISPLAY AT LUT SAU HALL UNTIL SUNDAY (MAY 12).
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/23........
FRIDAY, MAY 13, 1985
23
SPECIAL SERVICES TO FERRY TIN HAU WORSHIPPERS * * * * *
A TWO-DAY WORSHIP CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT JOSS HOUSE BAY, SAI KUNG TO CELEBRATE THE TIN HAU FESTIVAL FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
SPECIAL FERRY SERVICES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED BY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY TO TAKE WORSHIPPERS TO JOSS HOUSE BAY.
THE FIRST FERRY FROM WANCHA I WILL DEPART AT 8.30 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 11) AND THE LAST FERRY FROM JOSS HOUSE BAY TO WANCHAI WILL DEPART AT 4.30 PM ON SUNDAY (MAY 12).
THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WOULD LIKE TO REMIND WORSHIPPERS THAT THE BURNING OF PAPER OFFERINGS AND TAKING MORE THAN THREE BURNING JOSS STICKS INTO THE TEMPLE ARE PROHIBITED. HOWEVER, SUFFICIENT INCINERATORS WOULD BE PROVIDED OUTSIDt THE TEMPLE FOR BURNING OF PAPERS AND JOSS STICKS.
THE PUBLIC IS ALSO REMINDED NOT TO USE LOUDHAILERS OR REBROADCAST TAPES WITHIN THE TEMPLE AREA, AND SHOULD MAKE USE CF THE LITTER BINS PROVIDED FOR THEIR RUBBISH.
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TRAFFIC CHANGES IN TWO AREAS *****
A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND KWAI CHUNG, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, THE SLIP ROAD LEADING FROM HING FAT STREET TO VICTORIA PARK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY (MAY 13 TO 16), DAILY FROM 10 PM UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLWING DAY, TO ALLOW ROAD RESURFACING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DURING THE CLOSURE, BUSES ON CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTES 102 AND 106 BOUND FOR KOWLOON WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TSING FUNG STREET FLYOVER.
MEANWHILE, LEE GARDEN ROAD BETWEEN KAI CHIU ROAD AND HENNESSY ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL REOPEN TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FOR LOCAL ACCESS FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 13), FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORK.
IN KWAI CHUNG, CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TAI WO INTERCHANGE TO BUTTERFLY VALLEY INTERCHANGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 AM AND 5.30 AM DAILY ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (MAY 13 AND 14) TO ALLOW FOOTBRIDGE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT NEAR CHUNG SHAN TERRACE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWAI CHUNG ROAD.
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/24 .
FRIDAY, MAY 10, 1985
- 24 .
TAPS OFF * *
WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSZ WAN SHAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FOUR HOURS ON MONDAY (MAY 13) FROM 2 PM TO 6 PM FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, PO FONG LANE, YUK WAH STREET, YUK WAH CRESCENT AND PO MING LANE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL. 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FEWER TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS NOTED ............................... 1
PRINTING DEPARTMENT BEGINS BIG MOVE MAY 13...................... 2
TEACHERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR TRAINING COURSE................... 3
FOUR NEW SILKS CALLED TO THE BAR................................ 4
AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL TO BE UPGRADED ...................... 5
JOURNALISM SYMPOSIUM TO BEGIN .................................. 6
NEW FIREBOAT NO. 4 LAUNCHED .................................... 7
NEW BOOK ON BUILDINGS' NAMES OUT ............................... 7
BLITZ ON UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES ................... 8
INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE HITS SPEEDPOST SERVICE....................... 8
WORK STARTS ON HOSPITAL EXTENSION .............................. 8
SOUND AND LIGHTING SUPPLIERS SOUGHT ............................ 9
FOOTBRIDGE LINK FOR SHA TIN COMPLEX, PLAZA ..................... 9
FLOODLIGHTS FOR KING'S PARK TENNIS PLAYERS .................... 10
PARK SITE WORK STARTING........................................ 10
TAPS OFF IN KENNEDY TOWN ...................................... 11
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SAI WAN HO ....................... 11
TEN-HOUR FLYOVER CLOSURE....................................... 11
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1985
FEWER TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS NOTED
X * X X X *
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S TRANSPORT COMPLAINTS UNIT RECORDED FEWER COMPLAINTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985.
EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF TCU, MR STEPHEN PANG, IN THE LATEST QUARTERLY REPORT RELEASED TODAY, SAID THAT THERE WAS A DECLINE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES, TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AND ROAD MAINTENANCE.
A TOTAL OF 950 COMPLAINTS WERE RECEIVED, 23 PER CENT LESS THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER’S 1 229 COMPLAINTS. THE FIGURE ALSO REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 12 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE TOTAL OF 1 084 COMPLAINTS IN THE SAME PERIOD OF 1984.
MR PANG NOTED HOWEVER, THAT PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES WERE STILL THE MAIN TOPIC OF CONCERN. THEY ACCOUNTED FOR NEARLY HALF OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS RECEIVED. NEVERTHELESS, THE ACTUAL NUMBER FELL FROM 581 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 455, A DECREASE OF 22 PER CENT.
+COMPLAINTS ABOUT INADEQUATE BUS SERVICES FOR KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WENT DOWN FROM 122 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 101. THIS IS THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE DROP SINCE THE THIRD QUARTER IN 1984 IN WHICH 157 COMPLAINTS WERE RECORDED,+ SAID MR PANG.
+THERE WERE ALSO FEWER COMPLAINTS ON SIMILAR GROUNDS FOR HONG KONG ISLAND. THE NUMBER FELL FROM 49 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 34,+ HE SAID.
ALTOGETHER 81 COMPLAINTS CONCERNING CMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE WERE RECEIVED.
+THE FIGURE REPRESENTS A DECREASE OF 22 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH 104 COMPLAINTS IN THE LAST QUARTER. THE MAIN REDUCTION IS IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT CMB DRIVERS. CASES OF THIS KIND DECREASED BY MORE THAN ONE-THIRD FROM 35 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 22. COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY ALSO DECREASED SLIGHTLY FROM 41 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 37,+ SAID MR PANG.
A TOTAL OF 74 COMPLAINTS ABOUT KMB’S STANDARD OF SERVICE WERE RECORDED, 28 CASES MORE THAN THE LAST QUARTER.
+THE UPWARD TREND WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED COMPLAINTS CONCERNING KMB BUS CAPTAINS. THE NUMBER WENT UP FROM 13 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 33. COMPLAINTS ABOUT BUSES NOT KEEPING TO SCHEDULED FREQUENCY ALSO SHOWED A SMALL INCREASE FROM 25 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 30,+ SAID MR PANG.
THE FERRY SERVICES OPERATED BY THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LTD (HYF) RECEIVED FEWER COMPLAINTS. TWENTY-TWO COMPLAINTS WERE RECORDED COMPARED WITH 33 IN THE LAST QUARTER.
/MH pm..........
2
SATURDAY, NAY 11, 1985
MR PANG SAID THAT THE DECREASE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO A DROP IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT NON-ADHERENCE TO DEPARTURE SCHEDULES. THE NUMBER OF THESE COMPLAINTS WENT DOWN FROM 21 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO EIGHT. OF THESE EIGHT COMPLAINTS, FIVE WERE ABOUT THE LATE DEPARTURE OF THE 7.20 AM SAILING FROM PENG CHAU TO CENTRAL.
COMPLAINTS CONCERNING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS WERE ON THE DECREASE — 246 CASES IN THE QUARTER AND 289 IN THE LAST QUARTER. ROAD CONGESTION WAS STILL THE MAIN SUBJECT AND IT ACCOUNTED FOR 56 PER CENT OF ALL THE COMPLAINTS CONCERNING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS. THERE WERE FEWER COMPLAINTS ABOUT TRAFFIC AIDS, PEDESTRIAN AND PARKING FACILITIES.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT ROAD MAINTENANCE DROPPED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM 103 IN THE LAST QUARTER TO 60. THERE WAS A GENERAL DECLINE IN COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE STATE OF ROADS, TRAFFIC AIDS AND SIGNS IN WANT OF REPAIRS AND FADED CARRIAGEWAY MARKINGS.
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PRINTING DEPARTMENT BEGINS BIG MOVE MAY 13
X X * X
THE
PREM ISES
GOVERNMENT PRINTING DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN MOVING TO NEW IN QUARRY BAY FROM MONDAY (MAY 13).
AND THE BIG JOB OF DISMANTLING SOME 150 SETS OF MACHINERY TOGETHER WITH OTHER ITEMS, AND SETTING THEM ALL UP AGAIN WILL take about three weeks to complete, a spokesman for the department SAID TODAY.
the whole operation will be planned so as TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT to CONTINUE to OPERATE AT 50 PER CENT OF NORMA1 PRODUCTION DURING THAT TIME, HE SAID.
THE MOVE IS TO MEET THE EXPANSION NEEDS OF THE DEPARTMENT WHICH HAS BEEN OPERATING IN A TWO-STOREY BUILDING ON JAVA ROAD’ NORTH POINT FOR THE PAST 33 YEARS.
WORK HAD BEEN BUILDING UP SINCE 1952 SO THAT STAFF HAD TO BE INCREASED FROM LESS THAN 100 TO THE PRESENT 400-M0RE AND THE PRODUCTION MACHINERY FROM 23 ITEMS TO MORE THAN 150 HE SAID AT The SAME time, OUTPUT HAD INCREASED TO THE PRESENT ANNUAL CONSUMPTION OF SOME 4 600 TONNES OF PAPER.
/THE NEW .......
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 19&5
- 3 -
THE NEW PREMISES, COVERING EIGHT FLOORS — FROM 7TH TO 14TH — IN CORNWALL HOUSE, TAI KOO TRADING ESTATE, 28 TONG CHONG STREET, QUARRY BAY, WILL OFFER A TOTAL COMBINED FLOOR AREA OF 14 OOO SQUARE METRES, COMPARED WITH THE 5 700 SQUARE-METRE EXISTING PREM ISES.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE FULL AIR-CONDITIONING, AND CONSTANT HUMIDITY CONTROL ON CERTAIN FLOORS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A STAFF CANTEEN AND A CLUB ROOM FOR STAFF RECREATION.
THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT WILL BE IN FULL OPERATION IN THE NEW PREMISES FROM JUNE 3 (MONDAY).
THE NEW PRINTING DEPARTMENT TELEPHONE NUMBER AT CORNWALL HOUSE WILL BE 5-649500 (20 LINES).
-----o------
TEACHERS INVITED TO APPLY FOR TRAINING COURSE * * * *
TECHNICAL TEACHERS, WHO ARE QUALIFIED ACADEMICALLY BUT DO NOT POSSESS PROFESSIONAL TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS, ARE INVITED TO APPLY FOR A TWO-YEAR TRAINING COURSE OFFERED BY THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
THE COURSE, TO START IN SEPTEMBER, WILL CONSIST OF LECTURES, PRACTICAL WORK AND SUPERVISION OF TEACHING OVER TWO ACADEMIC YEARS ON A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE BASIS.
CANDIDATES WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE COURSE WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES CARRYING +QUALIFIED TEACHER* STATUS.
APPLICANTS MUST BE EMPLOYED AS FULL-TIME TEACHERS OF TECHNICAL OR COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, HAVE TWO YEARS’ RELEVANT TEACHING OR INDUSTRIAL EXPERIENCE AND HAVE ATTENDED AN INITIAL COURSE ON TEACHING SKILLS.
THEY MUST ALSO POSSESS A DIPLOMA, HIGHER CERTIFICATE, HIGHER DIPLOMA, SECRETARIAL CERTIFICATE OR OFFICE STUDIES CERTIFICATES AWARDED BY THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR AN EQUIVALENT QUALIFICATION.
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO ATTEND CLASSES ONCE A wEEK FOR A PERIOD OF 32 WEEKS IN THE FIRST YEAR AND 33 WEEKS IN THE SECOND YEAR OF COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE NOw AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 15.
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/4......
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1985
4
FOUR NEW SILKS CALLED TO THE BAR K * * * * *
there has been a remarkable transformation during the past 15 YEARS, IN THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF WORK AT THE SUPREME COURT LEVEL, THE CHIEF JUSTICE, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SIR DENYS WAS OFFICIATING AT A CEREMONY IN THE SUPREME COURT TO CALL WITHIN THE BAR FOUR NEW QUEEN’S COUNSEL, MR FRANCIS ARTHUR LANCELOT EDDIS, MR ANTHONY WILLIAM SEDGWICK, MR EDWARD CHRISTOPHER MUMFORD AND MR FRANK STOCK.
+IN THE LATE 196O’S, MOST OF THE TIME OF THE HIGH COURT WAS ABSORBED IN CRIMINAL WORK, USUALLY OF FAIRLY SHORT DURATION, AND IT WAS POSSIBLE, WITHOUT GREAT DIFFICULTY, TO FORM AN APPELLATE BENCH FROM THE SIX HIGH COURT JUDGES WHO WERE AVAILABLE,* SIR DENYS SAID.
+ CI VI L WORK WAS SPARSE, FOR THIS WAS A COMMUNITY IN WHICH THERE WAS A LONG TRADITION OF SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTES OUTSIDE THE COURTS. LEGAL AID HAD ONLY JUST BEEN INTRODUCED TO REPLACE THE IN FORMA PAUPERIS SYSTEM UNDER WHICH THE REPRESENTATION OF POOR LITIGANTS DEPENDED UPON THE GENEROSITY OF THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
+THIS PICTURE HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY. HONG KONG HAS DEVELOPED INTO A FINANCIAL, COMMERCIAL AND TRADING CENTRE OF WORLD STATURE, IN WHICH THERE IS A DEMAND FOR LEGAL SERVICES OF THE HIGHEST QUALIty.
+ THE GROWTH OF LEGAL AID HAS MADE IT FINANCIALLY POSSIBLE FOR MANY MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE THEIR DISPUTES TO THE COURTS, THOUGH THERE ARE STILL GAPS IN THE SCHEME WHICH CAUSE HARDSHIP.
+ AS CUSTOMARY METHODS AND VALUES HAVE BROKEN DOWN, UNDER THE IMPACT OF AN URBAN SOCIETY WHICH IS DISRUPTIVE OF TRADITION, A GREATER WILLINGNESS TO RELY ON THE JUDICIAL PROCESS HAS DEVELOPED.
+HIGHER STANDARDS OF EDUCATION HAVE BROUGHT WITH THEM A KEENER APPRECIATION OF A MAN’S LEGAL RIGHTS AND OF HOW HE SHOULD SEEK TO ENFORCE THEM,* SIR DENYS SAID.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID IT WAS NOT ONLY THE QUANTITY OF THE WORK WHICH HAD INCREASED, SO HAD ITS QUALITY AND COMPLEXITY.
+THESE DEVELOPMENTS HAVE NATURALLY HEIGHTENED THE DEMAND FOR THE SERVICES OF COUNSEL AT ALL LEVELS OF COMPETENCE AND ESPECIALLY FOR THOSE WHO POSSESS THE HIGH STANDARDS OF -EARNING, JUDGMENT AND INTELLECT REQUIRED OF LEADING COUNSEu.
/-rAGaINST THIS.........
SATURDAY, MAY 11 198$
+ AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, IT IS A PLEASURE TO ADMIT THE FOUR NEW QUEEN’S COUNSEL, WHO FORM A VALUABLE ADDITION TO THE FRONT BENCH,* HE SAI D.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE SAID WITH THE ADDITION OF THE NEW QCS, THERE WOULD BE 22 OF THEM IN PRIVATE PRACTICE, OUT OF A BAR OF ABOUT 250.
ON THE APPOINTMENT OF THE FOUR NEW SILKS, HE SAID HE WAS GLAD THAT ANOTHER SENIOR AND EXPERIENCED MEMBER OF ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS, MR STOCK HAD BEEN APPOINTED AS ONE OF THE MAJESTY’S COUNSEL FOR THE TERRITORY.
+THIS ACCORDS NOT ONLY WITH HIS OWN STATURE, SINCE THE POST OF DEPUTY CROWN SOLICITOR DEMANDS INTELLECTUAL AND FORENSIC SKILL OF THE HIGHEST QUALITY, BUT ALSO WITH THE ENHANCED IMPORTANCE AND SIZE OF THOSE CHAMBERS, WHICH PLAY SUCH AN IMPORTANT ROLE, ESPECIALLY IN CRIMINAL MATTERS, IN MAINTAINING THE PROPER
' ATMOSPHERE OF FAIRNESS AND DETACHMENT WHICH IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN OUR SYSTEM OF JUSTICE.
+MR EDDIS AND MR MUMFORD WILL FORM A SIGNIFICANT ACCRETION TO THE STRENGTH OF THOSE SILKS WHO CONCENTRATE ON CIVIL WORK. MR SEDGWICK IS A WELCOME REINFORCEMENT TO THE SMALLER NUMBER OF THOSE WHO SPECIALIZE IN CRIMINAL MATTERS,* SIR DENYS SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS; THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION, MR DENIS CHANG; THE PRESIDENT OF THE LAW SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR TIMOTHY FRESHWATER ALSO ADDRESSED THE GATHERING OF THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BENCH AND THE BAR BEFORE THE CEREMONY CLOSED WITH A REPLY BY MR EDDIS ON BEHALF OF THE NEW QUEEN’S .COUNSEL.
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AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL TO BE UPGRADED * * * *
THE PROBLEM OF INADEQUATE VENUES FOR STAGING MAJOR PERFORMANCE^ IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE GREATLY EASED WHEN THE AP LEI CHAU COMMUNITY HALL IS UPGRADED, AND ITS MANAGEMENT TRANSFERRED TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (SOUTHERN) MISS ANGELA TSE SAID TODAY (SATURDAY).
SHE SAID THE LACK OF A SIZEABLE, WELL-EQUIPPED INDOOR VENUE FOR PUBLIC USE, PARTICULARLY DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, HAD HINDERED THE DEVELOPMENT OF ARTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN YHE DISTRICT.
/♦jsparamG ok ......
SATURDAY, IdkY 11f 1985
♦DEPENDING ON THE AVAILABILITY OF STAFF, WE PLAN TO OPEN THE HALL SEVEN DAYS A WEEK,+ MISS TSE SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A CHORAL AND DANCE PERFORMANCE ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT’S ARTS AND CULTURE ASSOCIATION AND THE SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE TO MARK THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WILL DONATE ABOUT $2 MILLION FOR THE INSTALLATION OF AIR-CONDITIONING AND IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SOUND AND LIGHTING SYSTEMS.
♦AFTER THE HALL IS HANDED OVER TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WHICH WILL INCLUDE LOCAL RESIDENTS, WILL BE FORMED TO DISCUSS THE USAGE OF EXISTING FACILITIES TO MEET PRACTICAL NEEDS,+ MISS TSE SAID.
THE VARIETY SHOW IS THE ASSOCIATION’S FIRST PROGRAMME OF THE YEAR AND FEATURES SINGING, DANCING AND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCES BY THE HONG KONG CHILDREN’S CHOIR AND 12 LOCAL GROUPS.
THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED $100 000 THIS YEAR JO ORGANISE 11 PROGRAMMES, WHICH INCLUDE CHORAL, PH0f0GRARH3lC£^?6^^LT,PERF0R"ANCES' *S *ELL AS MAW'NG AN“
-----o------
JOURNALISM SYMPOSIUM TO BEGIN
*****
SOME 160 JOURNALISTS WILL ATTEND THIS YEAR'S ihiidkiai icm
<FM?Hf'vSc*!??i5*L,TR^J^S!?uNcy|™E J0UI”“LISH BOARD
THE
HARBOUR CENTRE, HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG, FROM MAY 13-31.
* MOR™ISES"aT;VENE'a?RNa™EOF°?JeTI5oURN™*SM'
ON MONDAY (MAY 13) ’AT^So^AM^ 0FF,C,ATE AT THE opEN’NG CEREMONY
--------0----------
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1985
NEw F IRESOAT NO. 4 LAUNCHED * * * *
a sa-million fireboat was put into service today (Saturday) AT A CEREMONY PERFORMED BY THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, HONG KONG FIRE COMMAND, MR BRIAN FENDER.
THE NEw FIREBOAT REPLACES +FIREBOAT NO. 4+ WHICH HAD BEEN IN SERVICE FOR OVER 26 YEARS, AND ALSO TAKES THE NAME +FIREBOAT NO. 4+.
BUILT BY A LOCAL SHIPYARD, THE NEW STEEL-HULL FIREBOAT HAS TwIN TwO-STAGE FIRE PUMPS OF 9 090 LITRES PER MINUTE CAPACITY EACH.
THE FIREBOAT IS 18.6-METRE LONG, 5.1-METRE WIDE. IT HAS A CRUISING SPEED OF 11 KNOTS.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE NEW FIREBOAT SAILED TO JOSS HOUSE BAY TO PAY HOMAGE TO THE SEA GODDESS +TIN HAU+.
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OPERATES EIGHT FIREBOATS, COVERING HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
- - 0 -
NEW BOOK ON BUILDINGS’ NAMES OUT * * *
A NEw EDITION OF ’NAMES OF BUILDINGS’, COMPILED BY THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $75 EACH.
IT CONTAINS A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF BUILDING NAMES wITH THE OFFICIAL ADDRESSES AND INCLUDES THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE NAMES WHERE APPROPRIATE.
THE BOOK IS DIVIDED INTO TWO PARTS.
PART ONE CONTAINS NAMES OF BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON AND PART TWO CONTAINS THOSE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCLUDING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS. IN ADDITION, AN INDEX OF CHINESc NAMES IS PROVIDED IN EACH PART.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY, +THE NUMBER OF BUILDING NAMES RECORDED HAS NOW REACHED 9 500 AND THE BOOK SHOULD CONTINUE TO PROVE POPULAR NOT ONLY wITH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT BUT CERTAIN BUSINESSES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR.+
HE SAID THAT WHILE THERE WAS NO LEGISLATION CONTROLLING THE USE OF BUILDING NAMES, THE BOOK SHOULD ASSIST AN OWNER OR DEVELOPER TO AVOID DUPLICATION WHEN CHOOSING A NAME FOR HIS BUILDING.
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1935
8
BLITZ ON UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT A +SPOT CHECK+ OPERATION ON UNLICENSED DANGEROUS GOODS VEHICLES NEAR THE BORDER ON TUESDAY (MAY 14) AT 2 PM.
THE OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT JOINTLY BY THE FIRE PROTECTION BUREAU AND THE NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND.
- - 0
INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE HITS SPEEDPOST SERVICE
******
DUE TO AN INDUSTRIAL DISPUTE IN AUSTRALIA AFFECTING THE MOVEMENT OF CARGO AND MAIL BY ROAD AND AIR TO THE STATE OF QUEENSLAND, THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE FROM HONG KONG TO QUEENSLAND IS TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY).
+AIRMAIL LETTERS AND AIR PARCELS TO QUEENSLAND WILL CONTINUE TO BE ACCEPTED BUT THEY WILL BE SUBJECT TO DELAY,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFF ICE SAID.
WORK STARTS ON HOSPITAL EXTENSION * * *
A $389—MILLION CONTRACT FOR WORK ON THE EXTENSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL HAS BEEN AWARDED.
A CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON MONDAY (MAY 13) AT 3 PM AT THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH CONFERENCE ROOM, 21ST FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR CHAU CHAM-SON, WILL BE SIGNING ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT WITH A REPRESENTATIVE FROM SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY.
3ATU?.D> >AY 11, 1985
$
SOUND AND LIGHTING SUPPLIERS SOUGHT
* * * * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE PROVISION OF SOUND AND LIGHTING SERVICES FOR OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES IN THE NEw TERRITORIES.
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE ONE-YEAR CONTRACT STARTING FROM AUGUST 1.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ORGANISED SOME 35 OUTDOOR ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES TO ENRICH THE CULTURAL LIFE OF NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS.
THE ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA, ORCHESTRAL CONCERT, VARIETY SHOW, PUPPET SHOW, ALL-STAR SHOW, CANTONESE OPERATIC SONGS, DISC JOCKEY SHOW AND CHINESE FOLK SONG AND DANCE PERFORMANCES.
TENDER FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL REGISTRY OF THE RSD HEADQUARTERS ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE •(AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON.
COMPLETED TENDER FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT TENDER BOX IN THE LIFT LOBBY ON THE LOWER GROUND FLOOR CF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, BEFOR 12 NOON ON JUNE 7 (FRIDAY). LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
ENQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CULTURAL PRESENTATION UNIT OF THE RSD ON TELEPHONE O-6O65673.
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FOOTBRIDGE LINK FOR SHA TIN COMPLEX, PLAZA * * * *
A COVERED FOOTBRIDGE BETWEEN SHA TIN CULTURAL COMPLEX AND NEW TOWN PLAZA WILL BE CONSTRUCTED IN CONNECTION WITH THE SHA TIN TOWN CENTRE DEVELOPMENT.
THE FOOTBRIDGE FORMS PART OF THE EXISTING ELEVATED WALKING NETWORK AT PODIUM LEVEL STRETCHING FROM SHA TIN KCR STATION TO WO CHE ESTATE, AND LINKING THE NEW TOWN PLAZA AND THE CULTURAL COMPLEX WITH NEARBY COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS.
ON COMPLETION, THE ELEVATED NETWORK WILL SEPARATE PEDESTRIAN FROM VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN THE TOWN CENTRE AREA, THUS ENSURING ROAD SAFETY.
THE PLAN AND SCHEME MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OF'ICE, WEST wING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
ANY PERSON WISHING TO OBJECT TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD SEND HIS OBJECTION TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 9.
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/10 ........
. MAY 11, 1985
1G -
FLOODLIGHTS FOR KING’S PARK TENNIS PLAYERS
* * *
THE PROVISION OF FLOODLIGHTING AT THE SIX TENNIS COURTS IN r. ING’s PARK SPORTS GROUND IS ENABLING MORE TENNIS PLAYERS IN THE DISTRICT TO USE THESE POPULAR COURTS.
FOLLOWING THE PROVISION OF FLOODLIGHTING ON APRIL 1. THESE COURTS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 6 A.M. TO 11 P M DAIlY IN SUMMER, AS AGAINST FROM 6 A.M. TO 7 P.M. IN THE PAST, THUS ALLOWING MANY MORE PLAYERS TO ENJOY A GAME.
FURTHERMORE, IN ORDER TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT TO TENNIS PLAYERS DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, AN ADVANCE BOOKING SYSTEM HAS ALSO BEEN INTRODUCED. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO MAKE SURE THAT A COURT IS AVAILABLE ON THESE DAYS SHOULD FILL IN A RESERVATION FORM AND HAND IT BACK TO THE BOOKING OFFICE SEVEN DAYS IN ADVANCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY kEMINDED TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS THAT COURT CHARGES MUST BE PAID AT THE LATEST 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE HOUR OF USE, OTHERWISE THE COURT WOULD BE RE-ALLOCATED. THE CHARGES ARE $15 PER HOUR DURING THE DAY TIME AND $30 PER HOUR IN THE EVEN I NG.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO FIND OUT THE BOOKING AVAILABILITY OF COURTS SHOULD DIAL 3-858985 DURING OPENING HOURS OF THE COURTS.
FOR SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS AND OTHER ORGANISED BODIES, BLOCK BOOKING CAN BE MADE ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE.
-----o------
PARK SITE WORK STARTING * * * fc
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AwARDED A ^-MILLION CONTRACT FOR SITE FORMATION WORK FOR TSO KUNG TAM PARK IN TSUEN WAN.
ABOUT 5.7 HECTARES OF LAND, LOCATED IN THE TSO KUNG TAM VALLEY TO THE NORTH-WEST OF THE URBAN AREA, IS TO BE FORMED.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE CONTRACT ARE FOUNDATION r OR THE BUILDING, RETAINING AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MINOR ACCESS
THE CONSTRUCTION OF CAISSON WALLS, SLOPE TREATMENT ROAD.
WORK WILL START THIS MONTH AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN NINE MONTHS.
- - 0 -
SATURDAY, MAY 11, 1985
r.
TAPS OFF IN KENNEDY TOWN K XX
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN KENNEDY TOWN WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 10 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 14) TO 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR MAINS WORK.
THE SUSPENSION WILL AFFECT ALL PREMISES IN POKFIELD ROAD, TO LI TERRACE, CHING LIN TERRACE, HEE WONG TERRACE, TAI PAK TERRACE, VIOLET TERRACE, HOK SZ TERRACE AND LI PO LUNG TERRACE, INCLUDING NO. 14-50, 83-85 AND LOT NO. 35 SMITHFIELD AND MOUNT DAVIS AMBULANCE DEPOT.
- - 0 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES IN SAI WAN HO * * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SA I WAN HO FOR ABOUT FIVE MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 14) TO ALLOW ROAD WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE:
* HING MAN STREET BETWEEN HOI AN STREET AND HOI NING STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC, BUT A TEMPORARY ROAD WILL BE PROVIDED NORTH OF HING MAN STREET.
* THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND IN HING MAN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED WESTWARD TO A POINT WEST OF HOI NING STREET. PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL PROCEED TO THE STAND VIA THE SECTION OF HOLY CROSS PATH BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND HING MAN STREET.
- - 0 - -
TEN-HOUR FLYOVER CLOSURE * * *
THE GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 14) UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LIGHTING INSTALLATION REPAIRS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIa JORDAN ROAD, WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA KANSU STREET.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TEAM TO ADVISE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ........................ 1
BOARD CHAIRMAN TO MEET THE PUBLIC ............................ 2
VALUES, OBJECTS OF TRADE UNIONS SET OUT ...................... 2
EXAMINATION CENTRES FOR STUDENTS ON ISLANDS................... 3
LIBRARY COURSES FOR TEACHERS OFFERED ......................... 4
MORE VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY ....................... 5
PIER FOR ABERDEEN MARINE POLICE BASE.......................... 6
FANLING SWIMMING POOL REOPENS................................. 6
CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN TAKES ON NEW LOOK........................... 7
COUNCILLOR Wants answers to dog PROBLEMS ..................... 8
300 ESTATE FLATS REaDY FOR SINGLE PERSONS .................... 9
BUS-ONLY LANE OPENS TO ALL TRAFFIC ........................... 10
NO LEARNER DRIVERS HERE....................................... 10
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KOi/LOQN CITY......................... 10
SI. aY, Af 12 1985
i
TEAM TO ADVISE ON BUILDING MANAGEMENT ******
A BUILDING MANAGEMENT CO-ORDINATING TEAM WILL START WORK SOON TO ADVISE EASTERN DISTRICT RESIDENTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS, EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICER, PR LUI HAU-TUEN SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THE TEAM COMPRISES A HOUSING MANAGER, AN ASSISTANT HOUSING MANAGER AND TWO HOUSING ASSISTANTS, ALL SECONDED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND WILL BE STATIONED IN THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFF ICE.
+IT WILL WORK IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, AREA COMMITTEES, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, AND OWNERS CORPORATIONS TO ADVISE RESIDENTS ON HOW TO DEAL WITH THE ENVIRONMENTAL AND MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS,* PR LUI SAID AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT CARNIVAL AT VICTORIA PARK.
HE SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD’S PRIME OBJECTIVE WAS TO PROMOTE THE WELL-BEING OF RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT, AND WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE ELECTIONS OF NEW UNOFFICIAL CHAIRMAN, THE BOARD COULD NOW CONCENTRATE ON SERVING THE RESIDENTS IN ITS FULLEST SENSE.
+THE BOARD WILL CONTINUE EFFORTS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF l IFF FOR RESIDENTS, BY CARRYING OUT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS, PROMOTING CULTURAL AND ARTS ACTIVITIES, AND MONITORING TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.
+THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH WILL PROVIDE A MUCH IMPROVED TRAFFIC NETWORK IN THE DISTRICT, AND REDUCE TRAVELLING TIME CONSIDERABLY,* HE ADDED.
TODAY’S CARNIVAL WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD AND RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG TO PROMOTE DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, AND THE HEAD OF THE CHINESE PROGRAMME SERVICES OF RTHK, MR CHU PUI-HING, ALSO OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
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3jNLA I,
1985
2
BOARD CHAIRMAN TO MEET THE PUBLIC X * * *
FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY), THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMAN OF THE KwUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD, MR LAM HANG-FAI, WILL BE AVAILABLE H IS OFFICE ON WEEKDAYS BETWEEN 2 PM AND 4 PM, TO MEET MEMBERS
AT
OF THE PUBLIC.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD SAID : +ANYONE WHO WISHES TO CALL ON MR LAM CAN EITHER COME TO HIS OFFICE, OR DIAL 3-418014 DURING THOSE HOURS.*
PROVIDED BY THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE, MR LAM’S OFFICE IS LOCATED IN THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING IN TUNG YAN STREET.
-►MESSAGES WILL ALSO BE TAKEN DOWN FOR MR LAM DURING OTHER HOURS IN THE DAY,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
+APART FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S OFFICE, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL PROVIDE ANOTHER WORKING OFFICE FOR KWUN TONG DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS ‘ NEXT TO THE CHAIRMAN’S,* HE SAID.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE MEMBERS’ WORKING OFFICE IS 3-898134, AND MESSAGES WILL ALSO BE TAKEN DOWN FOR BOARD MEMBERS.
-----o------
VALUES, OBJECTS OF TRADE UNIONS SET OUT * * * *
MANY PEOPLE DID NOT SEEM TO APPRECIATE THE VALUES AND OBJECTS OF TRADE UNIONS, THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE UNIONS, MR ALFRED CHAN, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
THIS WAS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE LOW TRADE UNION MEMBERSHIP, WHICH HAD DECLINED FROM 415 038 IN 1977 TO 380 771 IN 1983, MR CHAN TOLD A TRADE UNION EDUCATION SEMINAR IN THE CITY HALL.
HOWEVER, RECENT INFORMATION SHOWED THAT UNION MEMBERSHIP BEGAN TO GROW AGAIN. THE TOTAL DECLARED MEMBERSHIP OF ALL TRADE UNIONS HAD INCREASED MODERATELY BY SOME 4 000 IN 1984.
FINANCIALLY, MR CHAN SAID, MOST TRADE UNIONS IN HONG KONG WERE ALSO PROGRESSING SATISFACTORILY.
+THE AGGREGATED INCOME OF ALL TRADE UNIONS DOUBLED DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS FROM SLIGHTLY BELOW $40 MILLION IN 1979 TO ABOUT $82 MILLION IN 1984. THIS REPRESENTS A GROWTH RATE OF ABOUT 15 PEi-. CENT PER ANNUM.
/■►ALTHOUGH TOTAL
SUNDAY, JJAY1-, 1985
♦ALTHOUGH TOTAL EXPENDITURE OF ALL TRADE UNIONS ALSO INCREASED FROM ABOUT $38 MILLION IN 1979 TO $76.5 MILLION IN 1984, IT LEAVES AN AGGREGATED CREDIT BALANCE OF ABOUT $39 MILLION TO 432 TRADE UNIONS,♦ MR CHAN SAID.
MR CHAN SAID ANOTHER ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENT LAST YEAR WAS THAT 1° PREMISES WERE PURCHASED BY VARIOUS TRADE UNIONS, SHOWING THEIR GREAT CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
HE SAID THE REGISTRY HAD EMBARKED ON A SERIES OF TRADE UNION EDUCATION COURSES SINCE LATE 1983 WITH A VIEW TO PROMOTING HIGHER STANDARD AND QUALITIES OF MANAGEMENT AMONG TRADE UNIONS.
♦ ALL THE COURSES WERE WELL-RESPONDED AND THE ATTENDANCE WAS VERY SATISFACTORY.
♦ SINCE JANUARY, SEVEN TRADE UNION MANAGEMENT COURSES /.'ERE COMPLETED AND THERE WILL BE ANOTHER SIX COMING IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.*
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE REGISTRY WAS PLANNING ANOTHER SIX COURSES ON TRADE UNION BOOK-KEEPING, AND THREE ON TRADE UNION ACCOUNTS AUDITING BEFORE THE END OF 1985.
♦ MAY BE AS AN INDIRECT RESULT OF THIS TRADE UNION EDUCATION PROGRAMME WHICH WAS STARTED SLIGHTLY OVER A YEAR AGO, THE NUMBER CF CONTRAVENTIONS OF THE TRADE UNIONS ORDINANCE HAS REDUCED BY SOME 30 PER CENT. IT DROPPED FROM 128 IN 1983 TO 89 IN 1984.
♦ I AM, INDEED, VERY DELIGHTED TO SEE THIS SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT,* HE SAID.
------o-------
STUDENTS ON ISLANDS
EXAMINATION CENTRES FOR )€ X K * *
LANTAU AND CHEUNG CHAU STUDENTS SITTING FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (HKCEE), NO LONGER HAVE TO TRAVEL LONG DISTANCES TO TAKE THEIR TESTS.
EXAMINATION CENTRES HAVE, FOR THE FIRST TIME, BEEN SET UP Ik THE TWO ISLANDS TO ACCOMMODATE STUDENTS SITTING FOR THE ANNUAL EXAMINATION.
IN THE PAST STUDENTS LIVING IN OUTLYING ISLANDS HAD TO TRAVcu TO THE URBAN AREAS TO SIT FOR THE HKCEE, BUT THROUGH EFFORTS OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE, THEY NOW USE THt NEW FACILITIES ON LANTAU AND CHEUNG CHAU ISLANDS.
/THE COMMITTEE.........
SUNJAY, Mn.Y 1c, 1985
THE COMMITTEE, COMPRISING PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE ISLANDS DISTRICT, WAS FORMED IN APRIL LAST YEAR WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE. IT SERVES Ao A LINK BETWEEN LOCAL SCHOOLS, THE DISTRICT BOARD, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS.
THE AIMS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE TO PROMOTE SCHOOL PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS AND CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT.
DURING THE PAST YEAR, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE HAD ARRANGED FORUMS FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO DISCUSS VARIOUS PROBLEMS SUCH AS STUDENTS GAMBLING ON FERRIES, A CENTRALISED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SOUTH LANTAU, SETTING UP EXAMINATION CENTRES FOR THE HKCEE IN THE DISTRICT AND SCHEDULES OF LAND AND SEA TRANSPORT SERVICES.
IN STRENGTHENING THE LINK AMONG SCHOOLS PRINCIPALS, TEACHERS, STUDENTS, PARENTS AND THE PUBLIC, THE COMMITTEE HAD ALSO ENCOURAGED SCHOOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN DISCUSSIONS ON THE UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR OF PUPILS IN SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS A JOINT PRESENTATION CF ICAC TEACHING AIDS FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL.
TO ENCOURAGE MORE PARTICIPATION IN RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES, THE COMMITTEE RECENTLY ORGANISED A MAJOR EVENT BROUGHT TOGETHER SOME 700 PRIMARY STUDENTS FOR A DAY OF FUN AND ACTIVITIES.
THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SCHOOL LIAISON COMMITTEE HAS RECENTLY RE-ELECTED MR FONG CHAI-MAN AS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE. MR WU KAU-KAN WAS ELECTED VICE-CHAIRMAN ALONG WITH EIGHT CONVENERS, .sHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR TAI 0, TUNG CHUNG, SOUTH LANTAU, MUI WO, NORTH LAMMA, PENG CHAU AND CHEUNG CHAU.
- 0 -
LIBRARY COURSES FOR TEACHERS OFFERED * * * * *
TWO TRAINING COURSES ON CLASS LIBRARIES FOR TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE HELD IN JULY AND AUGUST.
PRIMARY 1 AND PRIMARY 2 TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE COURSES WHICH TELL THEM THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF MANAGING CLASS LIBRARIES, HOW TO SELECT LIBRARY BOOKS AND DEVISING RELEVANT ACTIVITIES.
EACH COURSE WILL CONSIST OF EIGHT SESSIONS HELD OVER FOUR DAYS. IT WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE EXTRA MURAL TOWN CENTRE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG ON THE 8TH FLOOR OF WING ON CENTRE AT 111, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, FROM JULY 30 TO AUGUST 2 AND FROM AUGUST 5 TO 8.
/THE COUHSES,
SUNDAY, MAV 12, 1985
THE courses, run by the library section of the advisory INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ARE FREE OF CHARGE.
PARTICIPANTS WHO FULFILLED THE ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS * ILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF ATTENDANCE.
DUE TO LIMITED ACCOMMODATION, HEADS OF GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE ADVISED TO NOMINATE ONLY ONE TEACHER TO ATTEND.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, LIBRARY SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, ON OR BEFORE JUNE 7.
- 0 - - - -
MORE VOLUNTEERS TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY
******
THE COMMANDER GURKHA FIELD FORCE, BRIGADIER P.R. DUFFELL, TODAY (SUNDAY) INSPECTED A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 131 VOLUNTEERS AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT’S HEADQUARTERS.
THE CADRE CONSISTED OF 139 MEN AND 22 WOMEN. THEY WERE SELECTED FROM 1 7QO PEOPLE WHO APPLIED TO JOIN THE REGIMENT LAST NOVEMBER.
DURING THE PAST SIX MONTHS, THEY HAD UNDERGONE TRAINING AND TESTS ON A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING MAP READING, FIELD CRAFT, RADIO OPERATING, FIRST-AID, WEAPON HANDLING, DRILL AND SHOOTING.
THE TESTS WERE AIMED AT ASCERTAINING THE PROGRESS AND STANDARD EACH MEMBER HAD ATTAINED THROUGHOUT THE TRAINING PERIOD, ERIGADIER DUFFELL SAID.
THOSE WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE TRAINING AND TESTS WILL HELP THE POLICE AND THE REGULAR ARMY IN PERFORMING INTERNAL SECUR ITY DUTIES.
AT THE CEREMONY, AWARDS WERE PRESENTED TO THE BEST RECRUIT, THE BEST SHOT, THE BEST TROOP AND THE BEST WOMAN.
THE REGIMENT NOW HAS A TOTAL FORCE OF ABOUT 1 000. IT WILL CONTINUE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY AS IT HAS DONE FOR MORE T-AN A CENTURY.
/THIS YEAH, .......
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1^85
THIS YEAR, THE REGIMENT AIMS AT RECRUITING 90 MORE MEN.
VACANCIES ARE OPEN TO THOSE AGED 17-1/2 AND OVER WHO HAVE RECEIVED SECONDARY EDUCATION, CAN SPEAK AND WRITE FLUENT ENGLISH AND CHINESE, AND HAVE A REGULAR CIVILIAN EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG. BUT, BEFORE APPLYING TO JOIN THE REGIMENT, THEY MUST OBTAIN THE CONSENT OF THEIR EMPLOYERS.
APPLICATION FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES FRO?" MAY 19.
-----o------
PIER FOR ABERDEEN MARINE POLICE BASE X X * X X
A 51-METRE PIER WILL BE BUILT FOR ABERDEEN MARINE BASE.
THE PIER, PART OF THE ABERDEEN MARINE BASE EXPANSION, WILL PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BERTHING AND SERVICING FACILITIES FOR THE ■■ARINE POLICE IN THE REGION.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND BE COMPLETED IN 11 MONTHS.
--------o - - - -
FANLING SWIMMING POOL REOPENS
X X X X
THE FANLING PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL RE-OPEN NEXT SUNDAY (MAY 19) ON COMPLETION OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE WORK, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE DAILY OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 7 AM TO 9.15 AMS 9.30 AM TO 11.45 AM; 12.45 PM TO 3 PM; 3.30 PM TO 5.45 PM AND 6.45 PM TO 9 PM.
THE OTHER FIVE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE RE-OPENED SINCE APRIL 1 THIS YEAR.
-----0------
SUNDAY, >-,AY 12, 1985
- 7 -
CLEAN HK CAMPAIGN TAKES ON NEW LOOK * X * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN WILL TAKE ON A NEW LOOK THIS YEAR.
WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW CHAIRMAN, MR WALTER SULKE, THE CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE HAS BEEN RE-TITLED THE KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN COMMITTEE TO REFLECT THE PRESENT STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS.
+THE 1981/82 CAMPAIGN WAS CARRIED OUT TO RECTIFY THE SERIOUSLY DETERIORATING STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG,* MR SULKE SAID.
+ THIS OBJECTIVE, I BELIEVE, HAS BEEN ACCOMPLISHED TO A LARGE DEGREE,+ HE SAID. + THE PRESENT AND FUTURE TASK IS TO MAINTAIN THE HIGHER STANDARD OF CLEANLINESS.*
MR SULKE SAID, HOWEVER, THAT THE PROBLEM OF LITTERING HAD BY NO MEANS BEEN ERADICATED AND THAT PUBLICITY WOULD STILL BE ’ NECESSARY.
+BUT IT WOULD TAKE A DIFFERENT APPROACH FROM NOW ON.
+THE OLD THREATENING EYES MOTIF WILL BE PHASED OUT AND REPLACED BY A MORE POSITIVE, COMMUNITY-SPIRITED THEME WITH NEW GRAPHICS AND SLOGANS,* HE SAID.
IN LINE WITH THESE CHANGES, THE CONSTITUTION AND MEMBERSHIP CF THE COMMITTEE HAVE ALSO BEEN REVISED.
FOLLOWING THE DISBANDMENT OF THE CLEAN HONG KONG PUBLICITY WORKING GROUP, IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT THE COMMITTEE’S TERMS OF REFERENCE SHOULD BE EXPANDED TO COVER THE INVESTIGATION, PROGRAMMING AND FORMULATION OF POLICY FOR THE CAMPAIGN; THE CO-ORDINATION OF ALL ACTIVITIES AIMED AT REDUCING LITTERING PROBLEMS AND CHANGING THE LITTER-CREATING HABITS OF THE PUBLIC; AS WELL AS THE PLANNING CF PUBLICITY ACTIVITIES FOR THIS PURPOSE.
MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE FORMER CLEAN HONG KONG COMMITTEE, WILL CONTINUE TO SIT ON THE PRESENT COMMITTEE, BUT SOME OF THE OLD MEMBERS, INCLUDING MR STEPHEN LAU, MR TONG KAM-BIU AND MR JOSEPH CHAN, HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY NEW ONES SUCH AS MR L.H. KWAN AND MRS MARGARET LI.
-----0-----
/8........
SU: A*', !•' v 12, 1985
COUNCILLOR WANTS ANSWERS TO DOG PROBLEMS
******
URBAN COUNCILLOR MRS MARGARET LI IS CONCERNED ABOUT THE GROWTH AND SIZE OF THE CANINE POPULATION IN THE URBAN AREA.
AND AT TUESDAY’S MONTHLY OPEN MEETING OF THE URBAN COUNCIL SHE WILL ASK SEVERAL RELEVANT QUESTIONS, INCLUDING DETAILS OF THE ESTIMATED DAILY OUTPUT OF DOG URINE AND EXCRETA, AND THE TOTAL WEIGHT OF EXCRETA COLLECTED ON STREET OR FROM DOG LATRINES IN THE URBAN AREA.
MRS LI ALSO WISHES TO FIND OUT WHETHER THERE HAS BEEN ANY SUSTAINED IMPROVEMENT, CONTAINMENT OR DETERIORATION OF THE PROBLEM SINCE THE LAST BLITZ ON DOG FOULING OF STREETS A NUMBER OF YEARS AGO.
SHE ALSO WANTS TO KNOW IF AN EDUCATIVE ELEMENT WOULD BE INCLUDED IN ANY FUTURE BLITZ OPERATION TO LET THE PUBLIC KNOW OF THE TRANSMISSION OF DISEASE AND THE DELETERIOUS EFFECTS OF DOG FOULING ON HUMAN HEALTH.
MR WALTER SULKE WILL ENQUIRE ABOUT THE PRESENT POSITION WITH REGARD TO HIS EARLIER PROPOSAL TO SET UP +SPEAKER’S CORNERS* IN TWO UC PARKS AND ABOUT THE PRESERVATION OF THE BANYAN TREES IN STANLEY.
HE WILL ALSO ASK IF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS MADE AN INVENTORY OF OLD AND HISTORIC TREES, ESPECIALLY IN PLACES WHERE TOWN PLANNING INDICATES FURTHER RIBBON DEVELOPMENT.
ON THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS SUSTAINED BY USD STAFF, MR SULKE WANTS TO KNOW IF THE FIGURES FOR 1984 SHOW ANY IMPROVEMENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S RECORD.
FOLLOWING THE QUEST ION-AND-ANSWER SESSION, THE MEETING aILL GO INTO COMMITTEE WHEN MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS SEVEN PAPERS WHICH WOULD NORMALLY BE DELIBERATED AT THE FORTNIGHTLY MEETING OF THE COUNCIL’S STANDING COMMITTEE.
AMONG THE TOPICS ARE IMPROVEMENT TO VENTILATION PROVISIONS IN URBAN COUNCIL MARKETS, PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION FOR THE USD TRAINING SCHOOL, PROGRESS REPORT ON UC CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF A GARDEN AND A PLAYGROUND AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD.
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1985
300 ESTATE FLATS READY FOR SINGLE PERSONS * * * * *
« FP'T BATCH OF 300 PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR SINGLE PERSONS HAVE COME ON STREAM AND ARE NO* TAKING IN TENANTS.
-MOVING IN ARE ELIGIBLE SINGLE PERSONS FROM TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS AND MARK l/lI ESTATE BLOCKS SOON TO BE DEMOLISHED FOR REDEVELOPMENT,- SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID ALLOCATIONS WERE MADE ACCORDING TO APPLICANTS’ LENGTH OF STAY IN THA’S AND REHOUSING POSITION IN THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
-THERE ARE PLANS TO CREATE SOME 700 SINGLETON FLATS IN NEw ^STATES AND ANOTHER 2 000 FROM CONVERSION OF EXISTING 'ESTATE FLATS DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
-CONVERSION IS INITIALLY CONFINED TO CASUAL VACANCIES IN Mark lll/IV BLOCKS AND FORMER GOVERNMENT LOW COST HOUSING BLOCKS •
-VACANCIES ARISE WHEN TENANTS VACATE THEIR FLATS AS A RESULT OF TRANSFERS TO NEW ESTATES OR HAVING BOUGHT HOME Ownership scheme flats.-
The SPO-xESMAN SAID THAT AFTER CONVERSION, THESE FLATS PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL AND MORE COMFORTABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR SINGLETON TENANTS, GIVING A GREATER DEGREE OF PRIVACY.
-APART FROM A BALCONY AND A KITCHEN, THEY EACH HAVE Th-IR OWN METERED WATER AND ELECTRICITY SUPPLY, PLUS IN MANY CASES A TOILET COMPARTMENT.-
THE SPOKESMAN SAID PROVISION OF PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS FOR SINGLE PERSONS WAS IN LINE WITH CHANGES IN THE PUBLIC OUS I NG ALLOCATION POLICY.
-PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO SINGLETON TENANTS LIVING IN THA’S AND MARK I/I I BLOCKS.-
/IO .......
SUNDAY, MAY 12, 1985
10 -
BUS-ONLY LANE OPENS TO ALL TRAFFIC
******
BUS-ONLY LANE ON
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 15), THE
THE WESTBOUND KERBSIDE LANE OF GLOUCESTER ROAD IN WAN CHAI FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH O’BRIEN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 35 METRES wEST OF THE SAME JUNCTION WILL BE OPEN TO ALL VEHICLES FOR
ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
THE MEASURE IS TO FACILITATE FOOTBRIDGE WORK.
- - 0 -----------
NO LEARNER DRIVERS HERE ******
FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 14), LEARNER DRIVERS WILL BE BANNED FROM THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER, WHICH SPANS JUNCTION ROAD AND CORNWALL STREET.
-----o------
MORE PARKING METERS FOR KOWLOON CITY
******
TWO HUNDRED AND SIXTY-ONE PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN KOWLOON CITY OVER THE NEXT FEW DAYS TO REGULATE THE USE OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES.
THE NEW METERS ALONG FORFAR ROAD, GRAMPIAN ROAD AND SAU CHUK YUEN ROAD WILL OPERATE EOM 9 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 14).
THOSE ALONG INVERNESS ROAD AND COLLEGE ROAD WILL OPERATE FROM 9 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 15).
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
UK URGED TO TAKE MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ...................... 1
HK TEAM TO VISIT FUJIAN ........................................ 2
LAW OFFICER ARRIVING............................................ 3
THREE MAGAZINES GET SUMMONSES .................................. 3
MORE WORK STARTS ON EXTENDING QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL .............. 5
CLOSURE OF TWO WAREHOUSES SOUGHT ............................... 6
YOUNG SWIMMING, DIVING TALENT SOUGHT ........................... 7
JOURNALISM SYMPOSIUM BEGINS .................................... 8
PRESS BRIEFING ................................................. 9
TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW HOUSING PROJECTS ....................... 9
UC SWIMMING POOLS TO OPEN EARLIER.............................. 10
BOOK NOW FOR PRADEL'S MIME SHOWS............................... 10
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ......................................... 11
WATER CUT FOR WORK............................................. 11
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
UK URGED TO TAKE MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES
******
THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES, MR POUL HARTL ING, SAID TODAY (MONDAY) HE HOPED THE UNITED KINGDOM WOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO ACCEPT MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG BECAUSE THAT MIGHT ENCOURAGE OTHER RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES TO ACCEPT MORE ALSO.
MR HARTL I NG WAS TALKING TO REPORTERS AFTER TOURING THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE FOR REFUGEES IN TUEN MUN.
HE SAID HE WOULD BE HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE CONCEPT OF CLOSED CAMPS AS WELL AS WAYS TO SPEED UP THE RESETTLEMENT PROGRAMME.
+WE WILL DO WHAT WE CAN WITH THAT BECAUSE THAT IS IN THE HANDS ' CF THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
ON HIS VISIT TO THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE THIS MORNING, MR HARTL I NG POINTED OUT THAT HE DID NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF CLOSED CAMPS.
I THINK THE HONG KONG AUTHORITIES ALSO DID NOT LIKE THE IDEA OF CLOSED CAMPS, HE SAID.
+BUT INSIDE, I FOUND THE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE CONDITIONS VERY ENCOURAGING.
+1 ALWAYS LOOK AT THE CHILDREN,* HE SAID. +1 CAN TELL YOU THAT WE HAVE 10 MILLION REFUGEES IN THE WORLD, HALF OF THEM ARE CHILDREN.*
MR HARTL I NG TOLD REPORTERS THAT IF THEY WENT AND SAW THE REFUGEE CHILDREN IN OTHER COUNTRIES, THEY WOULD FIND SOME OF THEM STARVING, SICK, DESTITUTE, AND WITH TEARS IN THEIR EYES.
+NOW LOOK AT THE CHILDREN HERE. YOU HAVE SEEN THEM YOURSELVES, HE SAID.
♦I WAS ENCOURAGED TO SEE THAT, AND I THINK BOTH THE AUTHORITIES HERE AND THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ARE DOING A VERY GOOD JOB AND FOR THAT I AM VERY GRATEFUL.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON WHETHER THE SPEEDIER RESETTLEMENT OF ' REFUGEES WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE TO COME HERE, MR HARTL I NG SAID HE ' DID NOT THINK A +PULL FACTOR* WOULD BE CREATED BY FASTER
- RESETTLEMENT.
/•4-IN the
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
2
+ IN THE YEARS 1979-80, HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS WERE TAKEN AWAY FROM THESE COUNTRIES HERE AND ALSO FROM HONG KONG, AND THEN AT THE SAME TIME, ARRIVALS WENT DOWN,+ HE SAID.
EARLIER, MR HARTL ING SPENT MORE THAN AN HOUR LOOKING AT VARIOUS FACILITIES INSIDE THE BOWRING CLOSED CENTRE AND TALKING TO REFUGEES HOUSED THERE.
THE CENTRE, CONVERTED FROM AN ARMY BARRACKS AT A COST OF SOME $10 MILLION, WAS OPENED ON MARCH 1 THIS YEAR. IT HAS A POPULATION OF JUST OVER 1 000.
THE SAVE THE CHILDREN FUND PROVIDES EDUCATIONAL, SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES IN THE CENTRE. THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES HELPS TO FINANCE EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS IN THE CENTRE IN ADDITION TO THE GOVERNMENT’S FUNDING IN THE FIELDS OF SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES.
MR HARTL I NG WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS VISIT BY MR KEN WOODHOUSE, PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MRS DOLORES LASAN, CHARGE DE MISSION, UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSION FOR REFUGEES, AND OTHER GOVERNMENT AND UNHCR OFFICIALS.
-----0,----
HK TEAM TO VISIT FUJIAN * * *
A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL VISIT FUJIAN FROM MAY 14 TO 18 AT THE INVITATION OF THE FUJIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE.
THE TEAM COMPRISES THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD;
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER; ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR JOHN H.C. YEUNG; AND INTERPRETER MISS VIVIEN FONG.
THE PURPOSE OF THEIR VISIT IS TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THE FUJIAN AUTHORITIES AND TO SEE PLACES OF INTEREST IN THE PROVINCE.
THEY WILL HOLD DISCUSSIONS ON STRENGTHENING COOPERATION BETWEEN THE TWO SIDES.
-------o----------
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1935
- 3 -
LAW OFFICER ARRIVING * * *
MR FRED BURROWS, LEGAL COUNSELLOR IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE, ARRIVES IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY) TO TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT AS LAW OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES) IN THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT.
HE WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT BA 03, ETA 3.45 PM.
THE POST OF LAW OFFICER (SPECIAL DUTIES) WAS CREATED TO DEAL WITH THE MANY LEGAL MATTERS CONNECTED WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION CF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
-----o------
THREE MAGAZINES GET SUMMONSES X K M
THE POLICE HAVE TAKEN OUT A NUMBER OF SUMMONSES FOR ALLEGED CFFENCE UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATION INTO VARIOUS ISSUES OF THREE MAGAZINES, +DISCOVERY+, +YELLOW BOOK+ AND +MYSTERY+.
DETAILS OF THE SUMMONSES AND THE DATE AND COURT OF FIRST HEARING OR TRIAL OF THE CASES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ISSUE NUMBER AND NAME OF MAGAZINE
DEFENDANTS
DATE AND COURT OF FIRST HEAR ING/TRI AL
(1) ’DISCOVERY’ ISSUE 29
(I) THE DISCOVERY 21.5.85 AT NO. 1 COURT PUBLICATION CO. WESTERN MAGISTRACY, LTD. (COMPANY)
(II) WAI KIN-BONG
(COMPANY DIRECTOR)
(III) LAW WAI
(COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE)
/(2) 'YELLOW BOOK' ........
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
4
(2) ’YELLOW BOOK’ ISSUE 27 (1) THE YELLOW BOOK 23.5.85 AT NO. 3 COURT. PUBLICATION CO. WESTERN MAGISTRACY LTD. (COMPANY)
( ID LAU CHUNG-NGOK, WILLIAM (COMPANY DIRECTOR)
(HI) CHANG YUK-FUNG (EDITOR)
( IV) LAW WAI (PUBLISHER)
(3) ’YELLOw BOOK’ ISSUE 32 (1) THE YELLOW BOOK 21.5.85 AT NO. 1 COURT PUBLICATION CO. WESTERN MAGISTRACY LTD. (COMPANY)
(ID LAU CHUNG-NGOK, WILLIAM (COMPANY DIRECTOR)
(HI) LAW WA1 (COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE)
(4) ’YELLOW BOOK’ ISSUE 34 SAME AS (3) 21.5.85 AT NO. 1 COURT WESTERN MAGISTRACY
(5) ’MYSTERY’ ISSUE 4 (1) TINDER INVESTMENTS LTD. (COMPANY) 27.5.85 AT NO. 4 COURT WESTERN MAGISTRACY • ’
(ID KONG WING-FAT (COMPANY REPRESENTATIVE)
(6) ’MYSTERY’ ISSUE 14 SAME AS (5) SAME AS (5)
--------0----------
/5 .......
AY, MAY 13, 1935
MORE WORK STARTS ON EXTENDING QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL
*****
A 8389-MILLION CONTRACT WAS AWARDED TODAY FOR WORK ON THE SECOND OF A THREE-STAGE PROGRAMME TO EXTEND AND IMPROVE FACILITIES AT QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL IN POK FU LAM.
PART OF AN S864-MILLI0N OVERALL SCHEME, THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY (MONDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR CHAU CHAM-SON, AND THE DIRECTOR OF OVERSEAS DIVISION OF SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED, MR MAMORU ASAHATA.
WORK ON THE SECOND STAGE INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO BUILDINGS, ONE 29 STOREYS HIGH AND FRONTING POK FU LAM ROAD AND THE OTHER OF 12 STOREYS TO BE BUILT AT THE REAR OF THE HOSPITAL.
WORK WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE SOME OF THE EXISTING FACILITIES, SUCH AS EXTENDING THE KITCHEN, BUILDING A NEW MAIN ENTRANCE AND ALTERING THE CASUALTY BLOCK.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 76 000 SQUARE METRES MORE HOSPITAL SPACE WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE NEW BUILDINGS, WHICH WOULD BE CONNECTED TO THE EXISTING HOSPITAL BY BRIDGES AND TUNNELS.
THE TALLER BUILDING WOULD BE MAINLY FOR PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS, AND WOULD INCLUDE INTENSIVE CARE UNITS AND A NEW PAEDIATRIC OUT-PATIENT DEPARTMENT.
♦ THE BUILDING WILL ALSO BE PROVIDING WARDS FOR DIALYSIS, UROLOGY, ORTHOPAEDIC, RECONSTRUCTIVE, OBSTETRIC AND PRIVATE PATIENTS AND A NEW BURNS UNIT.
♦THERE WILL ALSO BE ADDITIONAL OPERATION THEATRES, X-RAY ROOMS, LABORATORIES, STERILISING FACILITIES AND STAFF ACCOMMODATION,* HE ADDED.
THE LOWER BLOCK WOULD HOUSE THE PSYCHIATRIC UNIT WITH WARDS AND FACILITIES FOR BOTH IN-PATIENTS AND OUT-PATIENTS. THERE WOULD ALSO BE A NEW CUSTODIAL WARD AND A MAJOR EXTENSION TO THE EXISTING CASUALTY DEPARTMENT.
ON COMPLETION OF THE WORK IN THE LATTER PART OF 1988, PATIENTS WILL BE MOVED INTO THE 844 BEDS AVAILABLE IN THE NEW BUILDINGS TO ALLOW UPGRADING WORK TO START ON WARDS IN THE EXISTING BLOCK.
♦WE HAVE ENGAGED THE CONSULTANT FIRM OF LLEWELYN-DAVIES WEEKS TO UNDERTAKE THE PLANNING AND OVERALL DESIGN OF THE TWO BUILDINGS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG. THIS IS BECAUSE QUEEN MARY SERVES AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AS WELL AS BLING THE TEACHING HOSPITAL FOR THE UNIVERSITY’S MEDICAL FACULTY,* HE SAID.
/BUILDING WOBK .......
MAY 13, 19S5
BUILDING WORK IS EXPECTED TO START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH ON A SITE ALREADY FORMED UNDER AN EARLIER CONTRACT. IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR, WORK WILL START ON EXTENDING THE MEAL KITCHEN IN THE EXISTING BUILDING AND PROVIDING A TEMPORARY STAFF CANTEEN TO REPLACE ONE NOW OCCUPYING PART OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITE.
♦THE PROJECT REPRESENTS A CONSIDERABLE CHALLENGE IN THE INTEGRATION OF MAJOR NEW BUILDINGS WITHIN THE SITE OF AN EXISTING REGIONAL HOSPITAL,+ HE SAID.
♦RESTRICTIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO LIMIT DISTURBANCE CAUSED BY BUILDING WORKS, AND THIS WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY US,+ F£ ADDED.
DURING THE FINAL STAGES OF REDEVELOPMENT, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT YEAR, WORK WILL INVOLVE FURTHER UPGRADING, RENEWAL CF BUILDING SERVICES, INTRODUCTION OF CENTRAL AIR-CONDITIONING TO EXISTING WARDS, EXTENSIONS TO THE SISTERS’ AND NURSES’ QUARTERS, EXPANSION OF THE MORTUARY AND IMPROVEMENT TO THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING AND AN EXTENSION TO THE RADIOTHERAPY UNIT.
FOLLOWING THE SIGNING OF THE MAIN CONTRACT, MR ASAHATA OF SHIMIZU CONSTRUCTION ALSO SIGNED AGREEMENTS WITH REPRESENTATIVES CF THE THREE MAIN SUB-CONTRACTORS.
--------0 ----------
CLOSURE OF TWO WAREHOUSES SOUGHT X X * X X
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY (MONDAY) DECLARED TWO TWO-STOREY WAREHOUSES INSIDE THE KOWLOON DOCKS, HUNG HOM, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION FOLLOWING A FOURTH ALARM FIRE YESTERDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID THAT INSPECTIONS HAD SHOWN MOVEMENTS IN THE BRICK AND STEEL WORKS.
♦AS THERE WAS A RISK OF COLLAPSE, IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO CLOSE THE STRUCTURES,+ HE SAID.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM TOMORROW WERE POSTED TODAY.
---0------
'/7
MONDAY, MAV 13, 1985
YOUNG SWIMMING, DIVING TALENT SOUGHT
******
MANY HUNDREDS OF HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO PROVE THEMSELVES IN SWIMMING, DIVING AND SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING, UNDER A COMPREHENSIVE, TERRITORY-WIDE TRAINING SCHEME TO BE STARTED SHORTLY.
THF IDEA OF THE PROGRAMME IS TO SEARCH OUT AND DEVELOP YOUNG PEOPLE’S TALENTS IN THESE AQUATIC SPORTS SO AS TO PREPARE THEM FOR EVENTUAL PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS.
+IT IS THE FIRST TIME WE ARE ORGANISING SPORTS PROGRAMMES ON SUCH A COMPREHENSIVE SCALE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS ORGANISING THE SCHEME, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION, THE HONG KONG SWIMMING TEACHERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
IN THE SWIMMING SECTION OF THE SCHEME, A 1O-MONTH LONG DEVELOPMENT COURSES WILL BE OFFERED TO SOME 2 OOO YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT AND 15, DIVIDED INTO THREE STAGES.
PARTICIPANTS WILL START FROM STAGE ONE AND, AFTER PASSING QUALIFYING TESTS, WILL PROGRESS ON TO STAGE TWO FOR +BRONZE SQUAD+ TRAINING, AND THEN STAGE THREE — +SILVER SQUAD+ TRAINING.
OUTSTANDING SWIMMERS COMPLETING THE THIRD STAGE WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR PARTICIPATION IN THE AGE-GROUP SWIMMING COMPETITION.
ANOTHER COURSE IS IN THE RELATIVELY NEW SPORT OF SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING, WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO MORE THAN 500 PERSONS ABOVE THE AGE OF 12.
BASIC TECHNIQUES WILL BE TAUGHT IN THE ELEMENTARY TRAINING AND INTERMEDIATE TRAINING CLASSES TO BE HELD FROM THIS MONTH TILL OCTOBER.
THE COURSE WILL END IN A COMPETITION, FROM WHICH THE MOST TALENTED SWIMMERS WILL BE CHOSEN FOR FURTHER TRAINING.
AND A COURSE IN DIVING WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR 700 YOUTHS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 35, ALSO FROM THIS MONTH UNTIL OCTOBER.
AFTER ELEMENTARY AND INTERMEDIATE TRAINING, THEY WILL TAKE PART IN A DIVING COMPETITION TO GAIN EXPERIENCE.
/AS THE .
.MAY 13, 1985
8 -
OUTSTANDING INTERESTED
AS THE HK SWIMMING ASSOCIATION WILL RECRUIT THE DIVERS, INTO THE NATIONAL SQUAD, YOUNG PEOPLE WHO ARE SHOULD'APPLY NOW.
THE FEE FOR THE DIVING OR SYNCHRONISED SWIMMING ELEMENTARY COURSE IS $10 AND FOR THE ELEMENTARV SWIMMING COURSE IS
FURTHER INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION OF MSB, 14/F, RUTTONJEE HOUSE, 11 DUDDELL STREET CENTRAL, HONG KONG AND DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN
1 DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT OR BY
SERVICES
DIALLING
5-253161.
-----o-----
JOURNALISM SYMPOSIUM BEGINS
*****
MORE THAN 160 JOURNALISTS AND EMPLOYEES FROM SOME 40 MEDIA ORGANISATIONS ARE TAKING PART IN A SYMPOSIUM SPONSORED BY THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL WHICH BEGAN TODAY (MONDAY).
THOSE TAKING PART IN THE SYMPOSIUM, ORGANISED BY THE COUNCIL’S JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD, WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN THE LATEST IN NEWS REPORTING AND WRITING TECHNIQUES FROM LINDSAY CRYSLER AND GRAEME DECARIE, PROFESSORS AT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY IN CANADA.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SYMPOSIUM, THE COUNCIL’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, MR MORRIS MORGAN SAID LAST YEAR’S EVENT HAD BEEN WELL RECEIVED. THIS YEAR, A SESSION ON ADVANCED REPORTING SKILLS HAD BEEN ADDED TO ATTRACT EXPERIENCED JOURNALISTS.
THE THREE-WEEK SYMPOSIUM COVERS INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, INTERPRETATIVE AND ADVANCED REPORTING, THE WRITING OF PRESS RELEASES AND FEATURES, BUSINESS AND MAGAZINE JOURNALISM, ENGLISH FOR JOURNALISTS AND PRESS LAW AND ETHICS. THERE WILL ALSO BE A TALK ON LAW OF RELEVANCE TO THE PRESS BY THE ASSISTANT TO THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR WILLIAM MARSHALL.
CERTIFICATES WILL BE PRESENTED ON MAY 31 TO THOSE WHO COMPLETE THE COURSE BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER K.Y. TSAO.
/9 ........
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
- 9 -
PRESS BRIEFING * *
PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR LEE LAP-SUN WILL GIVE A PRESS BRIEFING TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 2.30 PM TO EXPLAIN AN EXERCISE TO UPDATE THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL (FOR DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS).
THE BRIEFING WILL BE HELD IN THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF HARBOUR CENTRE, 25 HARBOUR ROAD, HONG KONG.
-----o------
TENDERS INVITED FOR NEW HOUSING PROJECTS
X X X X
PUBLIC HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IS MOVING FAST FORWARD IN THE BUDDING NEW TOWNS OF JUNK BAY AND MA ON SHAN AS BUILDING TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR TWO NEW ESTATE PROJECTS THERE.
THE TENDERS WILL COVER THE SECOND PHASE OF TSUI LAM ESTATE IN JUNK BAY AND THE FIRST PHASE OF YIU ON ESTATE IN MA ON SHAN, BOTH THE SECOND ESTATE FOR THE TWO NEW TOWNS.
AT TSUI LAM ESTATE, FOUR MORE BLOCKS WILL BE BUILT TO HOUSE 11 000 PEOPLE BY 1988.
OTHER WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND A SEVEN-STOREY COMMERCIAL CENTRE, PLUS ASSOCIATED ROADS.
DEVELOPED IN THREE PHASES, TSUI LAM ESTATE WILL BE FULLY BUILT BY 1939 PROVIDING HOMES FOR 26 000 PEOPLE IN EIGHT RENTAL AND THREE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME BLOCKS.
AT YIU ON ESTATE, THREE TRIDENT BLOCKS FOR 11 000 PEOPLE AND A PRIMARY SCHOOL WILL BE BUILT UNDER ITS FIRST PHASE.
THE ESTATE IS SCHEDULED FOR FULL COMPLETION BY 1983, WITH SEVEN RENTAL AND THREE HOS BLOCKS IN TWO PHASES TO HOUSE ALTOGETHER 25 000 PEOPLE.
-------0
/10 .......
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
10 -
DC SWIMMING POOLS *
TO OPEN EARLIER * *
THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL WILL OPEN AT 6.33 A.M. AS FROM WEDNESDAY (MAY 15), HALF AN HOUR EARLIER THAN AT PRESENT.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (MONDAY), A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL SAID THIS IS TO MEET THE DEMAND OF SWIMMERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO HAVE AN EARLY MORNING DIP AT THE START
OF
THE DAY DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.
THE COUNCIL’S OTHER SWIMMING POOLS WILL ALSO BE OPENED AT 6.30 A.M. AS FROM JUNE 1, EXCEPT FOR THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL WHICH IS CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE.
ALL THE POOLS WILL BE CLOSED AT 10 P.M. AS USUAL.
-----o------
BOOK NOW FOR PRADEL’S MIME SHOWS ******
POSTAL BOOKINGS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR PRADEL’S TWO MIME PERFORMANCES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN JULY.
ONE OF THE MOST CHARISMATIC ARTISTES IN THE WORLD, PRADEL WILL APPEAR IN THE LUT SAU HALL IN YUEN LONG ON JULY 6 AT 7.30 PM AND THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AT 8 PM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ON JULY 6, HE WILL STAGE +THE HAIR*, +THE STREET MUSICIAN*, +THE MARATHON OF ANGUISH*, +THE MAKER OF GONGS FOR THE EMPEROR HITOMIMITO+, +THE SPANISH HAT*, +THE OLD MAN AND THE TREE*, +THE DICTATOR*, +THE VAMPIRE+, +ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL* AND +REQUIEM FOR A MIME*.
THE PROGRAMME FOR JULY 7 WILL INCLUDE +BROKEN-HEARTED LOVER*, +THE DRUM MAJOR*, +KNIFE PAINTING*, +THE SELECTOR OF ELECTRONIC SOUNDS*, +GOOD WEEKEND*, +THE CUBES*, +LOVE AND AN UMBRELLA*, +THE VAMPIRE*, +ORCHESTRA REHEARSAL* AND +THE DOORS*.
TICKETS FOR BOTH PERFORMANCES, PRESENTED BY THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ARE PRICED AT $10, $20, $30 AND $40.
POSTAL BOOKING FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED BY CALLING 0-6065657 DURING OFFICE HOURS ON WEEKDAYS. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD REACH THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL BY JUNE 7.
-----o------
/11 ........
MONDAY, MAY 13, 1985
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 56.3 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 329.974 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 397.775 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 67.9 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
WATER CUT FOR WORK * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO SOME PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 16) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY POTTINGER STREET, HOLLYWOOD ROAD, ABERDEEN STREET, GAGE STREET AND LYNDHURST TERRACE, INCLUDING KAU U FONG.
0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR, UMELCO LEADERS GOING TO UK......................... 1
LEGCO TO DEBATE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM................... 1
HK PROTESTS OVER U.S. CUSTOMS REPLY ON SWEATERS ............. 2
'GOOD MFA INTUITIONS NOT REALISED' .......................... 3
SPECIAL KUK COUNCILLORS ELECTED ............................. 4
GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL TO BE UPDATED......................... 5
PUTONGHUA TO BE OFFERED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS................... 6
MARCH EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS ............................. 7
QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE FIGURES RELEASED ..................... 14
FIRST FREE-FORM LEISURE POOL FOR NT ......................... 16
ILLEGAL VIDEO RECORDING CENTRES SMASHED ..................... 16
MEET THE MEDIA .....................................-........ 17
COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MEETING RULES ............................ 17
COMPUTER CONTEST STRESSES ROAD SAFETY ....................... 18
NEW CIGARETTE TAR TESTS CARRIED OUT ......................... 19
EXTRA SUM SOUGHT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY .................... 20
EVENING CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURES ................................ 20
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL ........................... 21
UC OFFERS HELP TO REGIONAL COUNCIL .......................... 21
UC CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE DOW ............................ 22
CHARGES TO RISE FOR USE OF POOL FACILITIES .................. 23
SITE APPROVED FOR USD TRAINDIG SCHOOL ....................... 24
VIEWS ON SPEAKER'S CORNERS BEING SOUGHT ..................... 24
TREE STUDY TO BETTER CONSERVATION ........................... 25
MEASURES TAKEN TO ENSURE GREATER WORK SAFETY ................ 26
+MEAT+ SYSTEM FOR NEW UC MARKETS ............................ 27
DOG PROBLEMS IN URBAN AREA DIMINISHING ...................... 28
GARDEN AND PLAYGROUND FOR BRAEMAR HILL ...................... 30
TUESDAY, MAY 1A, 1985
1
GOVERNOR, UMELCO LEADERS GOING TO UK * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT the GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL SIR S.Y. CHUNG, AND THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SIR ROGER LOBO, WILL VISIT LONDON AT THE TIME OF THE VISIT TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF MR ZHAO ZI YANG, PREMIER OF THE STATE COUNCIL OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, FROM JUNE 2 TO 8, AND HAVE BEEN INVITED TO ATTEND THE DINNER WHICH THE PRIME MINISTER WOULD GIVE FOR HIM.
THEY WILL TRAVEL TO LONDON AT THE BEGINNING OF JUNE, RETURNING A FEW DAYS LATER.
THEY ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO CALL ON MR RICHARD LUCE AT THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE DURING THEIR STAY.
-----o------
LEGCO TO DEBATE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM
* * * *
THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE RAISED BY AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
IN ADDITION TO DR HO, THE FOLLOWING FIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL BE SPEAKING ON THE SUBJECTS THE HON RITA FAN, THE HON SELINA. CHOW, THE HON WONG LAM, THE HON ALLEN LEE AND DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP.
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL REPLY.
OTHER BUSINESS WILL INCLUDE 13 BILLS, 11 MOTIONS AND NINE QUESTIONS.
QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS THE ROBBERY CF A WATCH COMPANY IN TSIM SHA TSUI, GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON LAND ALLOCATION FOR OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND SUBVENTION TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SERVING THE BLIND AND THE DEAF.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
JiSS. MnY 14, 1985
2
THE FOLLOWING NINE BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED:
* LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL 1985
* DANGEROUS GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE FOLLOWING BILLS, PRIOR TO COMMITTEE STAGE AND FINAL READING:
* DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1985
* ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
* OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985
-----o-----
HK PROTESTS OVER U.S. CUSTOMS REPLY ON SWEATERS ******
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS PROTESTED TO THE UNITED STATES AUTHORITIES THAT IT HAS NOT RECEIVED A CLEAR AND DEFINITIVE RESPONSE FROM THE U.S. CUSTOMS TO QUESTIONS RAISED ON WHAT EXTENT OF KNITTING OF COMPONENT PARTS IS REQUIRED TO TAKE PLACE IN HONG KONG FOR SWEATERS TO QUALIFY FOR HONG KONG ORIGIN UNDER THE NEW U.S. COUNTRY OF ORIGIN REGULATIONS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
COMMENTING ON THE U.S. CUSTOMS’ RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT’S QUESTIONS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +IT IS EXTRAORDINARY THAT THE UNITED STATES CANNOT CLARIFY THE RULES PRECISELY AFTER ALL THIS TIME.
/+WE CAN .......
JUE. .Y, MAY 14, 1985
- 3 -
+WE CAN ONLY ADVISE THE TRADE THAT SHIPMENTS OF MFA SWEATERS TO THE UNITED STATES WILL BE CONSIDERED BY U.S. CUSTOMS ON A CASE BY CASE BASIS.+
THIS ADVICE WAS CONTAINED IN A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT, IN HONG KONG, ORIGIN ARRANGEMENTS FOR SWEATERS WOULD REMAIN AS SPECIFIED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN CIRCULAR ISSUED ON JULY 2, 1984.
-----0------
’GOOD MFA INTENTIONS NOT REALISED’ * * * *
THE GOOD INTENTIONS OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT HAD NOT BEEN REALISED, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO TOLD JOURNALISTS IN BRUSSELS TODAY (TUESDAY).
DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES IN EUROPE HAD NOT NECESSARILY BENEFITED, AND THE +ORDERLY GROWTH OF THE TEXTILE TRADE* IN FAVOUR OF THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAD NOT TAKEN PLACE, HE SAID.
MR HO IS ON A TOUR OF EUROPEAN CAPITALS FOR INFORMAL TALKS WITH SENIOR TRADE AND OTHER OFFICIALS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULTIFIBRE ARRANGEMENT — MFA — WHICH IS DUE TO EXPIRE ON JULY 31, 1986.
HONG KONG, MR HO SAID, PRACTISED FREE TRADE, AND BELIEVED THERE WAS NO ALTERNATIVE TO AN OPEN MARKET. IT ALSO PUT NO RESTRICTIONS ON IMPORTS.
ON THE SUBJECT OF THE MEXICO COMMUNIQUE, ISSUED IN APRIL FOLLOWING THE MEETING ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES AND CLOTH I No IN MEXICO CITY OF 21 DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, MR HO SAID HONG KONG WAS HAPPY WITH IT AND WOULD STAND BY IT.
HE SAID THAT ATTEMPTS AT DIVIDING THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES HAD BEEN NOTED AT THE MEETING, AND THAT HONG KONG FOR ONE WAS NOT FALLING FOR IT AND HAD NO INTENTION OF +GOING IT ALONE*.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION ON WHAT HONG KONG WOULD LIKE TO SEE IN A NEW MFA, MR HO SAID THAT IT WAS FOR THE IMPORTING DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO MAKE THE CASE FOR ANY SUCH PROVISION, GIVEN THE COMMITMENT TO LIBERALISATION OF TRADE IN TEXTILES IN THE MINISTERIAL DECLARATION IN GENEVA IN NOVEMBER, 1982.
HONG KONG, MR HO SAID, WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO AN ENLIGHTENED APPROACH, ESPECIALLY FROM THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITY.
ASKED ABOUT POSSIBLE +CUT BACK* OF EXPORTS, MR HO SAID THERE WAS NO CASE WHATEVER FOR ANY REDUCTION: THE AIM OF THE MFA *AS TO PROVIDE FOR AN ORDERLY GROWTH OF TRADE.
- - 0 -
/4........
rUu^AY, KAY 14, 1985
- 4 -
SPECIAL KUK COUNCILLORS ELECTED *****
SEVEN SPECIAL COUNCILLORS WERE ELECTED TODAY (TUESDAY) TO SERVE THE HEUNG YEE KUK’S ELECTORAL DISTRICT OF SOUTHERN.
TWENTY-FIVE NOMINATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR THE ELECTION CF 21 SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR THE THREE ELECTORAL DISTRICTS OF TAI PO (INCLUDING SHA TIN AND NORTH), YUEN LONG (INCLUDING TUEN MUN), AND SOUTHERN (COMPRISING KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl, TSUEN WAN, SAI KUNG AND ISLANDS), EACH WITH SEVEN SEATS.
HOWEVER, SPECIAL COUNCILLORS FOR TAI PO AND YUEN LONG WERE RETURNED UNOPPOSED, LEAVING 11 CANDIDATES TO VIE FOR THE SEVEN SEATS IN TODAY’S SOUTHERN ELECTION.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WAS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ELECTION, WHICH WAS HELD &Y SECRET BALLOT AT THE HEUNG YEE KUK’S'OFFICE IN KOWLOON TONG.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES FOR THE SOUTHERN ELECTORAL DISTRICT
ELECTION ARE:
MR KWONG KWOK-KAM ( 34 VOTES)
MR CHAN MUK-SANG ( 34 VOTES )
MR NG TO-PO ( 25 VOTES )
MR LUNG KWOK-FAI ( 22 VOTES )
MR KWOK TAM-FUK ( 22 VOTES )
MR YUEN WAI ( 22 VOTES )
MR LEUNG CHOI-FUK ( 22 VOTES )
THE ELECTORATE COMPRISED THE CHAIRMEN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF RURAL COMMITTEES AND UNOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE NEW SPECIAL COUNCILLORS WILL SERVE THE KUK’S 26TH TERM
FOR THREE YEARS, FROM JUNE 1.
ELECTION OF THE KUK CHAIRMAN, TWO VICE-CHAIRMEN AND 15 ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE FOR THE NEW TERM WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 28.
- 0-----------
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 5 -
GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL TO BE UPDATED * * * *
THE REGISTRATION AND ELECTORAL DIVISION WILL BE STAGING A MASSIVE UPDATING EXERCISE IN RESPECT OF THE GENERAL ELECTORAL ROLL FOR THE DISTRICT BOARD AND URBAN COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (ELECTORAL SERVICE), MR LEE LAP-SUN, TODAY (TUESDAY).
HE SAID THAT MORE THAN 58 OOO ENQUIRY NOTICES WILL BE SENT OUT DURING THE NEXT SEVEN WEEKS FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASCERTAINING WHETHER A REGISTERED ELECTOR MAY HAVE CEASED TO SATISFY THE REQUIREMENTS OF REGISTRATION, OR MAY HAVE CEASED ORDINARILY TO RESIDE IN HONG KONG OR HAVE CHANGED HIS RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS.
THE CASES SUBJECT TO ENQUIRY COVER THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES
* THOSE WITH WHOM THE REGISTRATION OFFICER HAS LOST CONTACT, WITH POLL CARDS AND NOTICES RETURNED UNDELIVERED.
K THOSE WHO ARE BELIEVED TO HAVE GIVEN MISINFORMATION AT THE TIME OF REGISTRATION PARTICULARLY ABOUT THEIR PLACE OF RESIDENCE.
* THOSE WHO ARE REPORTED TO HAVE LEFT HONG KONG FOR SETTLEMENT OVERSEAS.
* THOSE RESIDENTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHO HAVE BEEN RESITED.
WHILE CONFIRMATION ON CERTAIN INFORMATION IS BEING OBTAINED FROM THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT, INCLUDING THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO HAVE DIED, THE ELECTORS UNDER ENQUIRY ARE EXPECTED TO RESPOND TO SUCH NOTICES WITHIN A PERIOD OF ONE MONTH.
IF NO RESPONSE WAS RECEIVED AFTER ONE MONTH OF ISSUE, OR IF THE REPLY INDICATED THAT THE ELECTOR DID NOT WISH TO CONTINUE TO BE REGISTERED ON THE ROLL, HIS NAME WOULD BE OMITTED FROM THE PROVISIONAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS TO BE COMPILED AND PUBLISHED ANNUALLY IN NOVEMBER.
+IT IS SOMETHING WE LOATHE TO DO, BUT IT SERVES NO USEFUL PURPOSE TO HAVE A REGISTER WITH INCORRECT PARTICULARS,* SAID MR LEE.
MR LEE INDICATED THAT 22 614 NAMES IN TOTAL HAD BEEN DELETED FROM THE REGISTER IN 1983 AND 1984 AND URGED ALL ELECTORS *H0 WOULD BE- RECEIVING ENQUIRY NOTICES TO RESPOND EXPEDITIOUSLY.
/+ALL THAT .......
TUESDAY, MAY U, 1985
6
♦ALL THAT AN ELECTOR NEEDS TO DO IS TO FILL IN A STANDARD REPLY FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE REGISTRATION OFFICER BY POST. AN ADDRESS SLIP IS PROVIDED WHICH WILL ALLOW THE REPLY FORM TO BE SENT POSTAGE FREE,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR LEE ALSO APPEALED TO ELECTORS WHO HAVE NOT YET REPORTED CHANGES OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS TO DO SO BY LETTER WITHOUT DELAY, LEST THEY MIGHT FIND THEMSELVES INELIGIBLE TO VOTE IN THE CONSTITUENCY OF THEIR NEW RESIDENCE IN THE MARCH 1986 URBAN COUNCIL AND REGIONAL COUNCIL ELECTIONS. TO THEIR INCONVENIENCE, THEY WOULD REMAIN TO BE ENTITLED TO VOTE ONLY IN THE CONSTITUENCY OF THEIR FORMER RESIDENCE.
-----o------
PUTONGHUA TO BE OFFERED IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS
* M * *
PUTONGHUA WILL BE INTRODUCED AS AN OPTIONAL SUBJECT IN THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM FROM SEPTEMBER 1986, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE DECISION WAS THE RESULT OF THE ENCOURAGING FINDINGS OF THE EVALUATION STUDY INTO THE FIRST STAGE OF A PILOT SCHEME ON THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA IN SCHOOLS, HE SAID.
THE PILOT SCHEME WAS STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1981 AND THE FIRST STAGE INVOLVING 42 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WAS COMPLETED IN JULY LAST YEAR.
THE RESULTS INDICATED THAT IT WAS FEASIBLE TO INCLUDE PUTONGHUA IN THE PRIMARY CURRICULUM AS A SEPARATE OPTIONAL SUBJECT.
IN THIS CONNECTION, THE DEPARTMENT IS NOW INVITING INTERESTED PRIMARY SCHOOLS TO JOIN THE EXTENDED SCHEME THIS SEPTEMBER IN PREPARATION FOR PUTONGHUA TO BE INTRODUCED AS AN OPTIONAL SUBJECT’ NEXT YEAR.
AS A RESULT OF THE GROWING INTEREST OF SCHOOLS IN PROMOTING PUTONGHUA AS AN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITY, THE CHINESE SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF' THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A PAMPHLET, +GUIDELINES ON PUTONGHUA EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES*.
THIS PAMPHLET HAS NOW BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SCHOOLS WHILE PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE ADDITIONALLY BEEN PROVIDED WITH COPIES OF THE +INTRODUCTORY NOTES TO THE TEACHING OF PUTONGHUA IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS* AND THE +CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PUTONGHUA PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS*.
TO ASSIST SCHOOLS INTENDING TO OFFER PUTONGHUA IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS ORGANISING A SEMINAR FOr( THE END OF JUNE TO FAMILIARISE SCHOOL HEADS WITH MATTERS RELATING TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUBJECT.
FOR OTHERS INTENDING TO OFFER PUTONGHUA AS AN OPTIONAL SUBJECT IN SEPTEMBER 1986, A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD NEXT APRIL.
------o ------
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1935
- 7 -
MARCH EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS ******
TOTAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FOR JANUARY-MARCH THIS YEAR, VALUED AT $108 449 MILLION, INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT. ON THE SAME BASIS CF COMPARISON, DOMESTIC EXPORTS ROSE BY THREE PER CENT TO $28 976 MILLION, IMPORTS BY 11 PER CENT TO 54 000 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS BY 44 PER CENT TO $25 473 MILLION. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER INCREASED BY 19 PER CENT.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS
COMPARING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF 1985 WITH THOSE FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE U.S.A. SHOWED LITTLE CHANGE.
ANALYSED BY COMMODITY, INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $571 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT), PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (BY $97 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $78 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $328 MILLION OR 38 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $246 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES EXPORTED TO CHINA INCREASED RAPIDLY IN VALUE, PARTICULARLY OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $605 MILLION OR 1 789 PER CENT), TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $415 MILLION OR 155 PER CENT), AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $241 MILLION OR . 231 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $70 MILLION OR 15 PER CENT) AND FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (BY $9 MILLION OR 50 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WERE REGISTERED FOR METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $53 MILLION OR 106 PER CENT), CLOTHING (BY $10 MILLION OR 1 PER CENT) AND TRAVEL GOODS, HANDBAGS AND SIMILAR CONTAINERS (BY $7 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN TEXTILES (BY $71 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $51 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT).
/MEANWHILE, INCREASES........
8
MEANWHILE, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY OF METALLIFEROUS ORES AND METAL SCRAP (BY $30 MILLION OR 348 PER CENT) AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (BY $25 MILLION OR 20 PER CENT) AND IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO JAPAN CF JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES (BY $13 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY WERE RECORDED IN CLOTHING (BY $318 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT) AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $66 MILLION OR 45 PER CENT), AS DID DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO JAPAN (BY $21 MILLION OR 7 PER CENT).
IMPORTS
DEMAND FOR GOODS IMPORTED FROM JAPAN INCREASED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $878 MILLION OR 82 PtR CENT) ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY S565 MILLION OR 75 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $443 MILLION OR 109 PER CENT), MACHINERY SPECIALISED FOR PARTICULAR INDUSTRIES (BY $190 MILLION OR 70 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $141 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT). HOWEVER, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $210 MILLION OR 13 PER CENT) AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $86 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT).
AS FOR IMPORTS FROM CHINA, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $179 MILLION OR 42 PER CENT) AND CLOTHING (BY $157 MILLION OR 8 PER CENT). HOWEVER, LARGE DECREASES WERE REGISTERED FOR TEXTILES (BY $775 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT) AND MEAT AND MEAT PREPARATIONS (BY $135 MILLION OR 31 PER CENT).
INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM THE U.S.A. WERE MOSTLY OF TOBACCO AND TOBACCO MANUFACTURES (BY $224 MILLION OR 76 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $154 MILLION OR 26 PER CENT), AND MANUFACTURES OF METAL (BY $72 MILLION OR 101 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN TEXTILE FIBRES (OTHER THAN WOOL TOPS) AND THEIR WASTES (BY $134 MILLION OR 53 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $125 MILLION OR 12 PtR CENT).
MEANWHILE, INCREASES WERE REGISTERED IN IMPORTS FROM TAIWAN OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $454 MILLION OR 84 PER CENT) AND IN IMPORTS FROM SINGAPORE OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY $216 MILLION OR 288 PER CENT). HOWEVER, IMPORTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT FROM TAIWAN DECREASED (BY $22 MILLION OR 23 PER CENT), AS DID IMPORTS OF PETROLEUM, PETROLEUM PRODUCTS AND RELATED MATERIALS FROM SINGAPORE (BY $82 MILLION OR 5 PER CENT).
/RE~/LCPCx<TS.........
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 9 -
RE-EXPORTS
SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN RE-EXPORTS TO CHINA (BY 57 075 MILLION OR 149 PER CENT), U.S.A. (BY $610 MILLION OR 24 PER CENT), JAPAN (BY 5342 MILLION OR 32 PER CENT). MACAU (BY $154 MILLION OR 29 PER CENT), THE REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) (BY $72 MILLION OR 9 PER CENT), ITALY (BY $54 MILLION OR 92 PER CENT), PHILIPPINES (BY $51 MILLION OR 17 PER CENT) AND FRANCE (BY $51 MILLION OR 59 PER CENT). ON THE OTHER HAND, DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS TO INDONESIA (BY $306 MILLION OR 30 PER CENT) AND SINGAPORE (BY $211 MILLION OR 19 PER CENT).
MOST COMMODITIES RE-EXPORTED THROUGH HONG KONG EXHIBITED STRONG GROWTH, THE MORE SIGNIFICANT ONES BEING TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT (BY • $1 388 MILLION OR 201 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND ELECTRICAL PARTS THEREOF (BY $1,098 MILLION CR 63 PER CENT), OFFICE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUIPMENT (BY $1 000 MILLION OR 228 PER CENT) AND ROAD VEHICLES (INCLUDING AIR-CUSHION VEHICLES) (BY $668 MILLION OR 102 PER CENT). DECREASES WERE REGISTERED IN RE-EXPORTS OF VEGETABLES AND FRUIT (BY $96 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT), FEEDING STUFF FOR ANIMALS (NOT INCLUDING UNMILLED CEREALS) (BY $52 MILLION OR 69 PER CENT) AND FERTILISERS MANUFACTURED (BY $50 MILLION OR 95 PER CENT).
THE MARCH 1985 ISSUE OF THE +HONG KONG TRADE STATISTICS -SUMMARY* WILL BE AVAILABLE LATER THIS MONTH AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $5 A COPY. A MORE COMPREHENSIVE REPORT, +HONG KONG EXTERNAL TRADE*, WITH A DETAILED ANALYSIS OF IMPORTS, EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN MARCH 1985 WILL BE AVAILABLE IN EARLY JUNE, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT $13 A COPY.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING SUBSCRIPTIONS TO THESE REPORTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT BASKERVILLE HOUSE, HONG KONG (TEL. NO.: 5-214375). ENQUIRIES CONCERNING TRADE STATISTICS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL. NO.: 5-444436).
FOLLOWING ARE THE TABLES:
/TABLE 1 : .......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
10 -
TABLE 1 : DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-MAR. 1985 ($ MN) JAN.-MAR. 1984 ($ MN) INCREASE^*)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE
U.S.A. 12 111 12 068 + 43 * *
CHINA 3 912 1 984 +1 928 + 97
U.K. 1 891 2 089 - 198 - 9
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 833 2 223 - 390 - 18
JAPAN 986 996 10 - 1
CANADA 876 910 - 34 - 4
AUSTRALIA 859 842 + 17 + 2
SINGAPORE 544 621 - 76 - 12
NETHERLANDS 520 537 18 - 3
SW ITZERLAND 389 446 - 57 - 13
* LESS THAN 0.5 PER CENT
TABLE 2 : D0MEST1C EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DI VISIONS
COMMODITY DI VI S10NS JAN.-MAR. 198 5 ($ MN) J AN.-MAR. 1984 ($ MN) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) ($ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (g)
ARTICLES OF APPAREL 9 778 AND CLOTHING ACCESSORI ES 9 459 + 319 + 3
Ml SCELLANEOUS 4 039 3 893 + 146 + 4
MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTI C TOYS AND
DOLLS, JEWELLERY, GOLDSMITHS’ AND SILVERSMITHS’ WARES, and
PLASTIC ARTICLES)
/•EaLBCTRiC All -ilrA > •••••••
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 11 -
ELECTRI CAL 2 638 MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLI ANCES (MAINLY HOUSEHOLD TYPE APPLI ANCES AND SEMI-CONDUCTOR INTEGRATED CIRCUITS) 2 441 + 197 + 8
PHOTOGRAPHI C APPARATUS, E QU I PM ENT, SUPPLIES AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 2 210 2 114 + 96 5
TELECOMMUNI CATIONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCI NG APPARATUS AND EQUI PMENT 2 147 2 207 60 3
OFFI CE MACHI NES AND AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING EQUI PMENT 2 069 1 864 + 205 + 11
TABLE 3 : IMPORTS FROM TEN major sources
JAN.-MAR. MAJOR 1985 SOURCES (5 MN) JAN.-MAR 1984 (S MN) . INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) (1 MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE W
JAPAN 13 454 11 146 +2 308 + 21
CHINA 12 094 12 524 — 430 — 3
U.S.A. 5 663 5 015 + 648 + 13
TAIWAN 4 974 3 541 + 1 433 + 40
SINGAPORE 3 010 2 833 + 177 4- 6
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 2 154 1 487 + 667 + 45
/U.K.........
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 12 -
U.K. 1 937 2 131 - 194 - 9
F.R. OF GERMANY 1 535 1 123 + 382 + 34
FRANCE 313 698 + 115 + 16
ITALY 749 670 + 79 + 12
TABLE 4 : IMPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY SECTIONS
commodity SECTIONS JAN.-MAR. 198 5 (S MN) JAN.-MAR. 1984 (S MN) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) (S MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
MACHINERY AND . TRANSPORT E QU I PMENT 16 481 11 572 +4 908 + 42
MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSI Fl ED CHI EFLY BY MATERI AL (MAINLY TEXTILE PRODUCTS, DIAMONDS, IRON AND STEEL, AND PAPER) 13 756 14 486 - 730 - 5
MlSCELLANEOUS MANUFCTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES AND CLOCKS, ARTICLES OF APPAREL) 9 348 8 132 + 1 216 + 15
FOOD AND LI VE ANIMALS CHIEFLY FOR FOOD 4 433 4 788 - 349 - 7
CHEMICALS AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 484 3 504 20 - 1
MINERAL FUELS, LUBRICANTS AND RELATED MATERI ALS 2 661 2 807 - 146 - 5
/TABLE 5 : ......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 19&5
TABLE 5 : RE-EXPORTS BY TEN MAJOR MARKETS
MAJOR MARKETS JAN.-MAR. 198 5 (fl MN) J AN.-MAR 1984 (fl MN) INCREASE^)/ DECREASE(-) (fl MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
CHINA 11 812 4 738 +7 075 + 149
U.S.A. 3 202 2 592 + 610 + 24
JAPAN 1 428 1 085 + 42 + 32
TAIWAN 1 047 1 167 - 120 - 10
SINGAPORE 919 1 131 - 211 - 19
REPUBLIC OF KOREA (SOUTH KOREA) 865 792 + 72 + 9
INDONESI A 716 1 022 - 306 - 30
MACAU 686 532 + 154 + 29
PHILIPPINES 356 304 + 51 + 17
AUSTRALI A 312 328 15 - 5
TABLE 6 : RE-EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS
COMMODITY DI VI SIONS JAN.-MAR. 1985 (fl MN) J AN.-MAR 1984 (fl MN) INCREASED) (fl MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE (%)
TEXTI LE YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 3 355 2 695 + 660 + 24
ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLI ANCES 2 850 1 751 + 1 098 + 63
/TELSCOMIUJIICATICMS AND
TUESDAY, MAY 1' 1^85
— 14 -
TELECOMMUNI CAT 1ONS AND SOUND RECORDING AND REPRODUCING APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT 2 078 690 + 1 383 + 201
ARTlCLES OF APPAREL AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES 1 660 1 460 + 200 + 14
OFF 1 CE MACHINES AND AUTOMATIC DAU PROCESSING EQUI PMENT 1 439 • 439 + 1 000 + 228
Ml SCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTlCLES 1 420 913 4- 507 *&.» •** ’1 + 56
- 0
QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE FIGURES RELEASED * * * *
THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION IMPROVED WHILE THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT SITUATION DETERIORATED IN THE QUARTER JANUARY - MARCH 1985 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984, ACCORDING TO THE LATEST LABOUR FORCE STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1985 WAS 3.3 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 3.8 PER CENT FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984. THE RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1984 WAS 4 PER CENT. THE DECREASES OF 0.5 AND 0.7 PERCENTAGE POINTS OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND THE SAME QUARTER OF LAST YEAR RESPECTIVELY ARE BOTH STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, THAT IS, THEY ARE GREATER THAN MIGHT BE EXPECTED TO ARISE FROM SAMPLING ERROR.
THE NUMBER OF UNEMPLOYED PERSONS IN THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1985 WAS ESTIMATED TO BE 84 500, AS COMPARED WITH 99 500 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984 AND 102 000 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1984.
/THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT.......
TL'BSD. ., MAY 14, 1985
THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1985 WAS 1.3 PER CENT, AS COMPARED WITH THE RATE OF 0.8 PER CENT FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THE RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1984 WAS 1.5 PER CENT. THE INCREASE IN THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER WAS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT.
THE ESTIMATED NUMBER OF UNDEREMPLOYED PERSONS FOR THE QUARTER ENDING MARCH 1985 WAS 34 100, AS COMPARED WITH 21 800 FOR THE QUARTER ENDING DECEMBER 1984 AND 37 800 FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1984.
CONSISTENT WITH THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (I.L.O.), PERSONS WHO WORKED LESS THAN 35 HOURS A WEEK WERE REGARDED AS UNDEREMPLOYED ONLY IF THEY WERE SEEKING MORE WORK OR WERE NOT SEEKING MORE WORK BECAUSE THEY BELIEVED MORE WORK WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
COMMENTING UPON THESE FIGURES, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS SAID THAT BECAUSE THE PROPORTION OF FIRST-TIME JOB • SEEKERS (E.G. PEOPLE WHO HAVE JUST LEFT SCHOOL) VARIED FROM MONTH TO MONTH, THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATES WHICH HAD BEEN SEASONALLY ADJUSTED FOR THE VARIATION IN FIRST-TIME JOB SEEKERS SHOULD BE USED IN MAKING COMPARISONS OVER TIME.
HE ALSO SAID THAT BASED ON A SYSTEM OF MANUAL EXTRACTION OF INFORMATION FROM SURVEY QUESTIONNAIRES FOR THE LATEST MONTH, PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATES COVERING THE LATEST MOVING THREE-MONTH PERIOD COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE WITHIN TWO WEEKS AFTER THE SURVEY. THE PROVISIONAL UNEMPLOYMENT RATE (NOT SEASONALLY ADUSTED) FOR FEBRUARY - APRIL 1985 WAS 3.1 PER CENT AND THE PROVISIONAL UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE WAS 1.1 PER CENT. THE UNADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1985 WAS ALSO 3.1 PER CENT.
THE UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT STATISTICS WERE OBTAINED FROM A CONTINUOUS GENERAL HOUSEHOLD SURVEY (GHS) 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.
IN THE SURVEY, THE DEFINITIONS USED IN MEASURING UNEMPLOYMENT AND UNDEREMPLOYMENT FOLLOW CLOSELY THOSE RECOMMENDED BY THE I.L.O.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT TO CONFORM TO THE LATEST STANDARDS RECOMMENDED BY I.L.O., THE GHS DEFINITIONS OF +UNEMPLOYMENT+ AND +UNDEREMPLOYMENT+ HAVE BEEN MODIFIED SINCE JANUARY 1985.
/HCWH7EB, A .......
TLESDAi, 1UY 14, 1985
- 16 -
ONLY BE INTRODUCED IN OF THE STATISTICS UNDER THE NEW DEFINITIONS THE
HOWEVER, A COMPLETE CONVERSION WILL MAY 1986 WHEN A SUFFICIENTLY LONG SERIES THE NEW DEFINITIONS IS AVAILABLE. USING — SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE AND THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE FOR JANUARY - MARCH 1985 WERE 3.1 PER CENT AND 1.5 PER CENT
RESPECTIVELY.
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 MARCH 1985 SHOULD BE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AROUND JUNE 19.
----o------
FIRST FREE-FORM LEISURE POOL FOR NT * * * *
THE FIRST FREE-FORM LEISURE POOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, EQUIPPED WITH MANY UNIQUE AQUATIC PLAY FACILITIES, WILL BE OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, ON THURSDAY (MAY 16) IN TUEN MUN.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB YAN 01 TONG SWIMMING POOL, MAIN FEATURE OF WHICH IS A SADDLE-SHAPED 1 OOO-SQUARE-METRE POOL, DIFFERS FROM OTHER EXISTING PUBLIC POOLS DUE TO ITS MANY INNOVATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE DESIGNS.
OTHERS WHO WILL ATTEND THE FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY ARE THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR LI FOOK-WO-THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WONG-FAT, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN 01 TONG, MR HO SUNWING.
----0-----
ILLEGAL VIDEO
RECORDING CENTRES SMASHED * * * *
CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS LAST YEAR SMASHED NINE ILLEGAL VIDEO RECORDING CENTRES FOR THE PRODUCTION OF PORNOGRAPHIC AND PIRATED VIDEO TAPES.
STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY (TUESDAY) BY THE DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT 104 CONVICTIONS WERE SECURED IN 1984 ON CHARGES AGAINST 58 PERSONS AND TWO COMPANIES FOR UNLAWFULLY POSSESSING PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS.
/OF THESE, .......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 19&5
- 17 -
OF THESE, THE HIGHEST FINE IMPOSED wAS $20 000, WHILE GAOL SENTENCES RANGED FROM ONE MONTH TO SIX MONTHS.
ARTICLES FORFEITED INCLUDED 1 322 PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO CASSETTE TAPES 73 REELS OF PORNOGRAPHIC 8 MM FILMS, 54 PRONOGRAPHIC SLIDES, TWO SETS OF PORNOGRAPHIC PLAYING CARDS, AND 4 378 PORNOGRAPHIC MAGAZINES.
, FIVE CONVICTIONS ON RESULTING IN A TOTAL
PORNOGRAPHIC VIDEO TAPES
IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR CASES INVOLVING PORNOGRAPHY WERE SECURED, FINE OF 53 000 AND THE CONFISCATION OF 105
AND EIGHT PORNOGRAPHIC MAGAZINES.
-----o------
MEET THE MEDIA M * *
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, WILL MEET THE MEDIA ON THURSDAY (MAY 16) AT 4 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, CENTRAL.
-----o------
COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MEETING RULES
* * * *
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL BE DISCUSSING THE RULES UNDER WHICH ITS BUSINESS SHOULD BE CONDUCTED, AT ITS FIRST BUSINESS l*EETING TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), ONE WEEK AFTER ITS INAUGURAL MEETING.
IT WILL ALSO CONSIDER THE LEVEL OF HONORARIA AND OFFICE RENTAL ALLOWANCE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL RECEIVE EACH MONTH.
AT THE MEETING, COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL BE BRIEFED ON THE ORGANISATION OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE COUNCIL, AND THAT OF THE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT.
THEY WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THEIR FUTURE COUNCIL CHAMBER IN TSUEN WAN.
- 0 ----------
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
18
COMPUTER CONTEST STRESSES ROAD SAFETY
*****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO JOIN A TWO-SECTION COMPUTER PROGRAMME DESIGN COMPETITION PROMOTING ROAD SAFETY, WHICH BEGINS TOMORROW AND CLOSES ON JULY 20.
TOP PRIZES OFFERED ARE TWO RETURN AIR TICKETS TO FRANKFURT AND KUALA LUMPUR, WHILE SECOND PRIZES WILL BE GIFT COUPONS WORTH $2 000 AND THIRD PRIZES WILL BE COUPONS WORTH $1 000, IN ADDITION TO SIX MONTHS’ FREE SUBSCRIPTION TO THE HONG KONG COMPUTER JOURNAL. FIVE CONSOLATION PRIZES WILL ALSO BE GIVEN IN EACH SECTION.
THE COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ROAD SAFETY PUBLICITY COMMITTEE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST, THE HONG KONG COMPUTER SOCIETY, THE HANG SENG BANK AND CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS.
. IT IS DIVIDED INTO A SENIOR SECTION FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC, AND A JUNIOR SECTION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS.
PROGRAMMES DESIGNED SHOULD EMPHASISE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY, GOOD DRIVING MANNERS AND CYCLING SAFETY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ORGANISERS SAID.
REFERENCE MATERIAL ON ROAD SAFETY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE MARKETING SECTION OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, SECOND FLOOR, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL.
ENTRIES MUST BE SUBMITTED IN GRAPHICS AND IN ENGLISH. THEY MUST BE APPLICABLE TO APPLE II E COMPUTER, WITH APPLESOFT BASIC, AND ACCOMPANIED BY DOCUMENTATION AND FLOPPY DISK CONTAINING THE PROGRAMME AND AN ENTRY FORM.
ENTRY FORMS WILL BE PUBLISHED REGULARLY IN THE SCM POST, WAH KIU YAT PO AND THE HONG KONG COMPUTER JOURNAL, AND MAY ALSO oc OBTAINED FROM ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THREE WINNERS WILL BE SELECTED FROM EACH OF THE SENIOR AND JUNIOR SECTIONS AND THEIR ENTRIES WILL BE USED ON THE COMPUTER IN THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE’S ROAD SAFETY BUS. THE BUo CALLS REGULARLY AT SCHOOLS, HOUSING ESTATES, COMMUNITY HALLS, AMONG OTHER PLACES, TO SPREAD THE ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE.
RESULTS OF THE COMPETITION WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN EARLY AUGUST.
-----o-----
/iq .......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 19 -
NEW CIGARETTE TAR TESTS CARRIED OUT * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS COMPLETED ANOTHER SERIES OF TESTS ON CIGARETTES ON SALE IN HONG KONG AND RESULTS, TO BE PUBLISHED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY), SHOW THAT OVER HALF OF THESE BRANDS OF CIGARETTES BELONG TO THE ’LOW TAR’ AND ’LOW TO MIDDLE TAR’ GROUPS.
FOUR SUCH SERIES HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED BY THE GOVERNMENT CHEMIST SINCE FEBRUARY, 1983. THE PURPOSE OF THESE PERIODIC TESTS IS TO PROVIDE CIGARETTE SMOKERS WITH A GUIDE TO WHAT THEY ARE INHALING AND ALSO TO PROVIDE THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY WITH OFFICIAL TAR GROUP DESIGNATIONS FOR THEIR BRANDS OF CIGARETTE.
THE LATEST SERIES OF TESTS COVERS THE PERIOD AUGUST 1984 TO JANUARY 1985 DURING WHICH A TOTAL OF 30 TESTS WERE CONDUCTED ON EACH BRAND OF CIGARETTE. BASED ON THE FINDINGS, A TABLE REPRESENTING THE AVERAGE TAR AND NICOTINE YIELDS OF 90 BRANDS ‘HAS BEEN COMPILED, SETTING OUT THE BRANDS UNDER IVE GROUPS RANGING FROM LOW TO HIGH TAR.
OF THE 90 BRANDS TESTED, 19 BELONGED TO THE ’LOW TAR’ GROUP, 28 BRANDS CAME UNDER THE ’LOW TO MIDDLE TAR’ GROUP, 39 BRANDS WERE LISTED IN THE 'MIDDLE TAR’ GROUP AND THREE WERE CLASSIFIED AS ’MIDDLE TO HIGH TAR’. ONLY ONE BRAND WAS 'HIGH TAR’.
IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THERE WAS A GRADUAL INCREASE IN LOW TAR CIGARETTES ON SALE IN HONG KONG. LOW TAR CIGARETTES COMPRISED ABOUT 21.1 PER CENT OF THE BRANDS IN THE LATEST SERIES OF TESTS WHILE IN PREVIOUS EXERCISES, THE FIGURES WERE 9.5 PER CENT, 11.6 PER CENT AND 17.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. ON THE OTHER HAND, A DECREASE WAS NOTED IN THE NUMBER OF ’LOW TO MIDDLE TAR’ BRANDS.
WHILE ALL OF THE 90 BRANDS CARRIED MANUFACTURERS’ CLAIMS OF THE TAR GROUP ON THEIR PACKAGES, 13 DID NOT COMPLY WITH THESE CLAIMED TAR GROUPS. TWO OF THESE 13 BRANDS CONTAINED HIGHER TAR THAN THEIR LABELLED CLAIMS, WHILE THE OTHERS BELONGED TO LOWER TAR GROUPS THAN THEIR LABELLED CLAIMS.
IN GENERAL, THE TAR AND NICOTINE CONTENTS OF MOST BRANDS WERE QUITE STABLE AS WAS THE CASE IN PREVIOUS TESTS.
AS IN THE LAST TAR TABLE, BRANDS OF CIGARETTES WITH +PINHOLES+ ON THEIR FILTERS ARE INDICATED IN THE LATEST TABLE.
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/20
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
20
EXTRA SUM SOUGHT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) CONSIDER INCREASING BY $672 000 THE COMMITMENT TO ENGAGE CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT.
THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE SUM ESTIMATED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, BEFORE THE CONSULTANCY BRIEF HAD BEEN FINALISED.
SINCE THEN THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY HAS BEEN APPROACHED AND IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT THEY WILL PROVIDE AN EXTREMELY DETAILED AND FAR-REACHING STUDY.
THE STUDY WILL INVOLVE THE PRODUCTION OF SEVEN REPORTS COVERING FIVE DIFFERENT ASPECTS.
THE TOTAL COST OF THE CONSULTANCY WILL NOW BE JUST OVER $2 MILLION.
-----o------
EVENING CARRIAGEWAY CLOSURES
XIX
SECTIONS OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WUHU STREET BETWEEN DOCK STREET AND WALKER ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR 15 EVENINGS FROM THURSDAY (MAY 16), TO ALLOW ROAD RESURFACING WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES.
ABOUT 150 METRES OF THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE CLOSED EACH EVENING FROM 7 PM UNTIL 5.30 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ONE TRAFFIC LANE OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE USED FOR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC DURING THE CLOSURE.
- 0 ----------
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 21 -
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL
* * * *
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SAI KUNG TOWN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 17) TO FACILITATE THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES TO BE HELD FOR TIN HAU FESTIVAL.
THE MEASURES, WHICH WILL BE IN FORCE FOR 35 DAYS TILL JUNE 20, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* Yl CHUN STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 28 AND HOUSE NO. 51 WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. THE REMAINING SECTION OF Yl CHUN STREET, ALONG WITH THE ENTIRE MAN NIN STREET, WILL BE REROUTED TWO WAYS.
* THE TERMINUS FOR N.T. GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES 2, 3 AND 4 AT Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO THE OFF-STREET CAR PARK ADJACENT TO MAN YEE PUBLIC SCHOOL AT MAN NIN STREET. THE CARPARK, MEANWHILE, WILL BE SUSPENDED.
* THE TAXI STAND AT Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY RELOCATED TO THE NORTHERN END OF THE SAME STREET, WHERE PARKING SPACES WILL BE SUSPENDED.
* A TOTAL OF ABOUT 40 OTHER PARKING SPACES AT MAN NIN STREET AND Yl CHUN STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED.
* THE OFF-STREET CAR PARK IN FRONT OF TIN HAU TEMPLE WILL BE SUSPENDED.
0 ---------
UC OFFERS HELP TO REGIONAL COUNCIL * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, HAS PROMISED THAT THE COUNCIL, IF ASKED, WILL GIVE ANY HELP IT CAN TO THE NEW PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL.
SPEAKING AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MONTHLY MEETING TODAY, MR CHEONG-LEEN EXTENDED A VERY SINCERE AND WARM WELCOME TO THE URBCO’S SISTER BODY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
- 22 -
♦THIS NEW COUNCIL IS OF COURSE STILL VERY MUCH IN THE FORMATIVE STAGE NEVERTHELESS IT WILL, I AM SURE, QUICKLY SETTLE DOWN TO THE WIDE RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF SERVING THE CIVIC NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES,* HE SAID.
ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR CHEONG-LEEN ALSO CONGRATULATED THE NEWLY ELECTED CHAIRMEN OF THE TERRITORY’S DISTRICT BOARDS, IN PARTICULAR THOSE CHAIRMEN OF ALL OF THE URBAN DISTRICT BOARDS.
+THE URBAN COUNCIL IS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO WORKING AS CLOSELY AS PRACTICABLE WITH THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE URBAN AREA SINCE -- WHETHER BOARD MEMBER OR URBAN COUNCILLOR — WE ALL HAVE THE ONE SINGLE GOAL AHEAD OF US AND THAT IS TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE AND MAKE HONG KONG AN EVEN BETTER PLACE TO LIVE IN,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO THE URBAN COUNCIL’S MOVE LAST MONTH IN OPENING UP TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC ITS DECISION-MAKING PROCESSES, MR CHEONG-LEEN NOTED THAT IT HAD BEEN WIDELY SUPPORTED BOTH BY THE MEDIA AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE.
+THIS NEW SYSTEM, WHICH BRINGS INTO THE OPEN THE IMPORTANT DECISIONS PREVIOUSLY TAKEN BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL, BRINGS FURTHER INTO THE PUBLIC GLARE THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE HARD WORKING CHAIRMEN AND CHAIRWOMEN — AND THE COMMITTEE MEMBERS — OF OUR 13 SELECT COMMITTEES AND BOARDS WHICH ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR EVERY PHASE OF URBAN SERVICES IN HONG KONG.
+THESE COMMITTEES AND BOARDS WILL THUS BE CALLED ON TO MAKE AN EVEN GREATER CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORKINGS OF THIS COUNCIL BY PUBLICLY PROBING ALL PROPOSALS AND BE SEEN TO BE FINE-TUNING ALL DECISIONS AND SCHEMES SO THAT THEY ARE BOTH MORE EFFICIENT AND MORE ECONOMICAL,* SAID MR CHEONG-LEEN.
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UC CAPITAL WORKS EXPENDITURE DOWN ******
THE EXPENDITURE ON THE URBAN COUNCIL’S CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME FOR 1984/85 TOTALLED $205 MILLION AGAINST THE APPROVED PROVISION OF $333 MILLION.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE QUARTERLY REPORT ON UC CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME 1984/85 - 1988/89 TABLED FOR MEMBERS’ INFORMATION AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY.
/ACCOBiZJG TC .......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE UNDERSPENDING WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE FOLLOWING FACTORS:
+ SLIPPAGES WHICH OCCURRED IN SOME PROJECTS DUE TO DELAY IN THE PREPARATION OF WORKING DRAWINGS AND TENDER DOCUMENTS, CHANGES IN DESIGN, REVISION OF COST ESTIMATE, SLOW PROGRESS ON SITE, INCLEMENT WEATHER AND OTHER UNFORESEEN SITE PROBLEMS.
+ GENUINE SAVINGS ACHIEVED DUE TO LOWER TENDER PRICES RECEIVED ON CONTRACTS LET IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.
CLOSER MONITORING OF THE CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE HAS ALSO RESULTED IN A REDUCTION FORECAST EXPENDITURE LEVELS FOR SOME PROJECTS WHICH HAVE THEREFORE BEEN REVISED DOWNWARDS TO MORE REALISTIC LEVELS, THE REPORT ADDED.
TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE SAME FACTORS WHICH AFFECTED •EXPENDITURE IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, THE REPORT FORECAST THAT THE EXPENDITURE ON CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS IN 1985/86 WOULD BE AROUND $280 MILLION.
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CHARGES TO RISE FOR USE OF POOL FACILITIES
XXX
ADMISSION FEES AND HIRE CHARGES FOR THE 11 URBAN COUNCIL SWIMMING POOLS WILL BE REVISED FROM JUNE 1 THIS YEAR — THE FIRST INCREASE FOR THREE YEARS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY WHEN HE MOVED A MOTION TO AMEND THE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS BY-LAWS.
UNDER THE REVISED SCALE OF CHARGES, THE ADMISSION FEE FOR AN ADULT WILL BE INCREASED FROM $5 TO $6 AND THAT FOR A CHILD AGED UNDER 14 WILL BE INCREASED FROM $2 TO $3.
THE ENTRANCE FEE FOR THE COUNCIL’S LEARN TO SWIM WILL GO UP FROM $20 TO $25 FOR A COURSE OF 15 ONE-HOUR SESSIONS.
USE OF THE SWIM-GYM AT THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL WILL BE $16 PER HALF-HOUR. THE EXISTING FEE IS $31 PER HOUR.
THE REVISED RATES WILL ALSO APPLY TO THE SHAM SHU I PO SWIMMING POOL WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE COMMISSIONED IN AUGUST THIS YEAR.
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/24 ......
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
24
SITE APPROVED FOR USD TRAINING SCHOOL
******
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE BUILDING OF PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL AT LAI CHI KOK.
THE APPROVAL WAS GIVEN AFTER DISCUSSION BY MEMBERS DURING THE COMMITTEE STAGE AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY.
AT PRESENT, THE VARIOUS COMPONENT UNITS OF THE SCHOOL ARE LOCATED SEPARATELY AT ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, KOWLOON PARK, AND AT 01 KWAN COURT AND GUARDIAN HOUSE IN HAPPY VALLEY.
IT HAS BEEN THE DEPARTMENT’S LONG-TERM PLAN TO PUT THEM ALL UNDER ONE ROOF IN PERMANENT ACCOMMODATION TO FORM A CENTRALISED DEPARTMENTAL TRAINING SCHOOL.
THE NEW TRAINING SCHOOL WILL BE LOCATED IN THE SAME BUILDING WITH A DISTRICT LIBRARY AT THE LAI CHI KOK RECREATION CENTRE, NEXT TO THE LAI CHI KOK INDOOR GAMES HALL AND SWIMMING POOL.
THE SITE HAS BEEN CHOSEN BECAUSE OF ITS CENTRAL LOCATION, ITS OPEN SPACE AND ITS PROXIMITY TO RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND A PARK, WHICH ARE NECESSARY FOR TRAINING PURPOSES.
ALSO, THE HILLY TERRAIN NEAR THE SCHOOL SITE OFFERS FACILITIES FOR PRACTICAL TRAINING IN PEST CONTROL WORK. THE USE OF RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND DAILY EXERCISES FOR TRAINEES.
THE TOTAL COST FOR THE BUILDING OF THE TRAINING SCHOOL IS AROUND $41 MILLION.
-----o------
VIEWS ON SPEAKER’S CORNERS BEING SOUGHT ******
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS STILL AWAITING COMMENTS FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WITH REGARD TO THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP ^-SPEAKER'S CORNERS* IN URBAN COUNCIL PARKS.
THIS WAS STATED BY MR HOWARD YOUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY PR WALTER SULKE AT THE COUNCIL’S OPEN MEETING TODAY.
/MR YOUNG .......
TUESDA1, MAY 14, 1985
- 25 -
MR YOUNG SAID THE COUNCIL HAD REFERRED THE PROPOSAL TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE FOR COMMENTS BEFORE IT COULD CONSIDER SUCH A DEVELOPMENT FURTHER.
THE COMMISSIONER HAS REQUESTED THE VIEWS OF THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY WHO IN TURN IS CONSULTING THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION AND THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION.
+THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS KEEPING THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE INFORMED OF PROGRESS ON THIS ISSUE AND WHEN THERE IS SOMETHING SUBSTANTIAL TO REPORT I WILL ENSURE THAT MR SULKE IS ADVISED,+ SAID MR YOUNG.
THE PROPOSAL TO SET UP +SPEAKER’S CORNERS* WAS FIRST MADE BY MR SULKE LAST FEBRUARY WHEN HE CALLED ON THE COUNCIL TO SET ASIDE AREAS IN LOCAL PARKS FOR USE AS SPEAKER’S CORNER, SIMILAR TO THE ONE IN LONDON’S HYDE PARK, IN ORDER TO HELP HONG KONG ENTER THE POLITICAL AGE AND HELP ‘EXERCISE FREE SPEECH.
-----0------
TREE STUDY TO BETTER CONSERVATION * * *
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING THE POSSIBILITY OF IMPLEMENTING A MAJOR STUDY OF OLD TREES WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE CONSERVANCY ASSOCIATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE RECREATION SELECT COMMITTEE, MR HOWARD YOUNG, WHEN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MR WALTER SULKE AT TODAY’S URBAN COUNCIL MEETING.
IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE PLANNERS TO INCORPORATE TREES WHEN PLANNING DEVELOPMENTS.
TURNING TO THE CONTROVERSIAL BANYAN TREES IN STANLEY, MR YOUNG SAID THE SALE OF THE SITE ON WHICH THE TREES STOOD HAD BEEN DEFERRED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD WITH A VIEW TO EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF ALTERNATIVE DEVELOPMENT WHICH WOULD NOT NECESSITATE REMOVAL OF THE TREES.
/+THS PROSPECTS.......
TUESDAY, MAY 14,
26 -
+THE PROSPECTS FOR SURVIVAL OF THE TREES WOULD THEREFORE SEEM TO BE MUCH IMPROVED, THOUGH WHETHER THAT WOULD BE IN CONJUNCTION WITH COMMERCIAL OR OPEN SPACE DEVELOPMENT HAS YET TO BE RESOLVED,+ HE SAID.
MR YOUNG NOTED THAT PERMISSION TO FELL TREES ON CROWN LAND IS GOVERNED BY THE GOVERNMENT’S GENERAL REGULATIONS. THE PROCEDURE IS WELL UNDERSTOOD BY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
REFERRING TO THE CASE IN STANLEY, HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH THERE WAS SOME CONFUSION OF PROCEDURE IN THE FIRST INSTANCE, THE LANDS DEPARTMENT DID OBTAIN ADVICE FROM BOTH THE URBAN SERVICES AND THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENTS.
+THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S DETAILED ADVICE WAS THAT THE RETENTION OF THE TREES WAS DESIRABLE BUT, HAVING REGARD TO CONCERN OVER THEIR GENERAL HEALTH AND STABILITY, .NOT ESSENTIAL,+ SAID MR YEUNG.
♦DECISIONS ON THESE MATTERS ARE BASED ON AN ASSESSMENT CF THE FACTORS INVOLVED BY THE COUNCIL’S PROFESSIONAL CFF ICERS.
♦BUT, AS IN THIS CASE, THEY CAN BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW. IT IS MOST UNLIKELY THAT SUCH CASES WILL OCCUR IN FUTURE.+
----o------
MEASURES TAKEN TO ENSURE GREATER WORK SAFETY ******
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF APPOINTING A DEPARTMENTAL SAFETY OFFICER TO MONITOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE DEPARTMENTAL WORK-FORCE OF 18 000.
IN ADDITION TO STAFF RELATIONS AND WELFARE WORK, HE WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR INSPECTING OPERATIONAL WORK-PLACES, CONSULTING THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED WITH SAFETY AND ADVISING ON MEASURES TO ENSURE GREATER SAFETY AT WORK.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY DR KIM CHAM, CHAIRMAN OF THE ADMINISTRATION SELECT COMMITTEE, WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY MR WALTER SULKE AT THE URBAN COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
DR CHAM TOLD THE MEETING THAT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TOOK A SERIOUS VIEW OF THE NEED FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
/-rPHECAUTIuSAiiY .....
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 1985
27 -
♦PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES ADOPTED FOR STAFF ON DANGEROUS DUTIES ARE KEPT UNDER REVIEW TO ENSURE THAT ACCIDENTS ARE REDUCED TO A MINIMUM,+ HE SAID.
CITING STATISTICS, DR CHAM SAID THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS SUSTAINED BY USD EMPLOYEES IN 1984 TOTALLED 1 470 - A DECREASE OF 13.7 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 1 705 IN 1983.
LAST YEAR’S TOTAL ALSO REPRESENTED A 7.6 PER CENT DECREASE COMPARED WITH THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF 1 591 ACCIDENTS RECORDED OVER THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD FROM 1979 TO 1983.
THE NUMBER OF FATAL CASES HAD DROPPED FROM FOUR IN 1980 TO ONE IN 1984.
--------0-----------
+MEAT+ SYSTEM FOR NEW UC MARKETS
* * *
NEWLY-BUILT UC MARKETS AND COOKED-FOOD CENTRES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE MARKET ECONOMIC AIR TREATMENT (MEAT) SYSTEM TO ENHANCE THE VENTILATION THERE.
AT ITS MONTHLY OPEN MEETING TODAY, MEMBERS WERE TOLD THAT EIGHT MARKET COMPLEXES EITHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR ACTIVE PLANNING WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SUCH A SYSTEM.
THESE INCLUDE THE MARKETS IN KIMBERLEY ROAD AND SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND THOSE IN THE WESTERN COMPLEX, LOCKHART ROAD COMPLEX, FA YUEN STREET COMPLEX, KOWLOON CITY COMPLEX, SHU I WO STREET COMPLEX AND PO ON ROAD COMPLEX.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL EXPLAINED THAT THE I^EAT SYSTEM IS A FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF THE EXISTING +PUSH-PULL+ MECHANICAL VENTILATION SYSTEM UNDER WHICH FRESH AIR IS +PUSHED+ IN AT ONE SIDE OF THE BUILDING AND USED AIR EXTRACTED AT THE OTHER SIDE.
THE MEAT SYSTEM WILL SEE THAT BEFORE THE AIR FROM OUTSIDE IS INTRODUCED THROUGH AN INLET, IT WILL BE COOLED DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 20 TO 25 DEGREES CELSIUS.
♦BY AIMING THE PRE-COOLED AIR AT THE CEILING FANS, IT CAN THEN BE DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE MARKET,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/♦ALTHOUGH THE .......
TUEtOAY, A-.. 1-,, 1985
28 -
♦ALTHOUGH THE INJECTED COOL AIR MIGHT RISE IN TEMPERATURE DUE TO INTERNAL HEAT, THE COOLING EFFECT SHOULD STILL BE FELT BY THOSE SHOPPING AND DOING BUSINESS BELOW.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MEAT SYSTEM WILL NOT BE PROVIDED FOR THOSE MARKETS AND COOKED-FOOD CENTRES WHICH WILL EITHER ENJOY GOOD NATURAL VENTILATION OR BE ASSISTED BY ADEQUATE MECHANICAL VENTILATION.
MEANWHILE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING CEILING FANS IN SOME OF THE EXISTING URBAN COUNCIL MARKETS AND COOKED-FOOD STALLS TO IMPROVE THEIR VENTILATION.
THE FANS ARE MAINLY INSTALLED OVER THE PUBLIC WALKWAYS AND AROUND THE MEAT AND POULTRY STALL AREAS TO HELP CREATE AIR MOVEMENTS AND KEEP THE AIR INSIDE THE MARKETS COOL AND •FREE OF ODOUR.
INSTALLATION WORK HAS ALREADY BEEN CARRIED OUT IN THE CENTRE STREET MARKET, SAI WAN HO MARKET, ABERDEEN COMPLEX AND YUE KWONG ROAD MARKET.
SIMILAR WORK WILL TAKE PLACE SHORTLY IN THE TIN WAN MARKET, CHEUNG SHA WAN COOKED-FOOD MARKET, HAIPHONG ROAD TEMPORARY MARKET, MONG KOK MARKET AND TO KWA WAN MARKET.
-------0 - - w _
DOG PROBLEMS IN URBAN AREA DIMINISHING
X * X
THE PROBLEM OF DOGS FOULING THE STREETS IN THE URBAN AREA HAS DIMINISHED VERY CONSIDERABLY SINCE THE 1972 KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE MANY DOG OWNERS NOW REALISE THE NEED TO MAKE USE OF THE DOG LATRINES FACILITIES WHERE AVAILABLE OR THEY ARE PREPARED TO CLEAN UP THE MESS IMMEDIATELY AFTERWARDS,+ SAID DR DENNY HUANG WHEN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY MRS MARGARET LI AT TODAY’S URBAN COUNCIL MEETING.
+HOWEVER+ HE ADDED, +AS LONG AS THERE REMAINS A NUMBER OF STRAY AND UNLEASHED DOGS, SOME FOULING IS INEVITABLE AND COMPLETE ERADICATION OF THE PROBLEM IS NOT FEASIBLE.+
/DB HUANG........
TUESDAY, MAY 14, 19&5
- 29 -
DR HUANG WHO IS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SELECT COMMITTEE, SAID THE STREETS ARE CLEANED REGULARLY BY THE COUNCIL’S STREET SWEEPERS AND AT INTERVALS BY THE STREET WASHING GANGS.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE SOME 290 DOG LATRINES IN THE URBAN AREA AND ABOUT 150 PROSECUTIONS ARE TAKEN OUT EACH MONTH AGAINST OWNERS PERMITTING THEIR ANIMALS TO FOUL THE STREETS.
THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS RECEIVED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON THIS SUBJECT HAS ALSO FALLEN TO ABOUT ONE OR TWO EACH MONTH AS COMPARED WITH ABOUT 14 A MONTH IN 1980.
HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO KEEP UP ITS LAW ENFORCEMENT AND PUBLICITY .MOMENTUM IN ORDER TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM DETERIORATING IN THE FUTURE.
TURNING TO THE CANINE POPULATION, DR HUANG SAID THERE ARE NO ACCURATE STATISTICS AVAILABLE BUT HE BELIEVED THAT THE DOG POPULATION IS CURRENTLY ON THE DECLINE AFTER THE LAST RABIES CRISIS.
+1 UNDERSTAND THAT JUST OVER 30 000 DOG LICENCES, EACH VALID FOR THREE YEARS, ARE ISSUED ANNUALLY BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AND APPROXIMATELY 11 000 STRAY DOGS ARE DESTROYED EACH YEAR,* HE SAID.
AS FOR THE WEIGHT OF DOG EXCRETA COLLECTED FROM STREETS OR DOG LATRINES, DR HUANG SAID THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT DOES NOT KEEP SUCH STATISTICS.
HE STRESSED THAT DOG EXCREMENT WHICH MAY CARRY DISEASE GERMS AS ANY OTHER ANIMALS WASTES, IS NOT A SUBSTANTIAL PUBLIC HEALTH RISK IN HONG KONG AT THE PRESENT.
+A TERRITORY-WIDE BLITZ OPERATION IS GOING TO BE CONDUCTED THIS SUMMER, AND EDUCATIONAL PAMPHLETS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO DOG-OWNERS,+ DR HUANG SAID.
+THESE PAMPHLETS WILL INCLUDE AN ELEMENT OF WARNING ON THE POTENTIAL HEALTH RISKS POSED BY DOGS FOULING STREETS.
+S0 DOGGIES AND DOG-OWNERS BEWARE+ HE WARNED.
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/30
TUESDAY, MAY 14» 1985
- 30 -
GARDEN AND PLAYGROUND FOR BRAEMAR HILL * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO BUILD A GARDEN AND PLAYGROUND AT BRAEMAR HILL ROAD TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THE PROJECT, ESTIMATED TO COST $3.5 MILLION, WAS APPROVED BY THE COUNCIL AT ITS MONTHLY OPEN MEETING TODAY.
THE SITE MEASURES ABOUT 4 400 SQUARE METRES. IT WILL BE TURNED INTO A GARDEN WITH A PAVILION, A FOUNTAIN, ARBOURS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WITH MODERN PLAY EQUIPMENT AND SAFETY MATTING, AND TWO BASKETBALL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURTS WHICH WILL BE FLOODLIT AT NIGHT.
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE A REFRESHMENT KIOSK.
WORK IS DUE TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION ABOUT A YEAR LATER.
-----o------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
CONTENTS page no.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
, BILL ENABLES LEGCO MEMBERS TO SERVE PROPERLY............. 1
*....»......... •
HIGHER REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT RATE SOUGHT.................... 3
FOUR WAYS FOR UK TO HELP ON VRS ........................... 4
HONG KONG’S HELPING EFFORTS ’WELL KNOWN TO ALL’ ........... 6
CALL FOR BRITAIN TO TAKE. 5 OOO VRS........................ 6
CLOSED CAMPS ACHIEVE OBJECTIVE ............................ 8
TAKE MORE REFUGEES AS MATTER OF POLICY, UK TOLD ........... 8
LOGICAL FOR UK TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEM....................... 10
MEMBER ABSTAINS FROM VOTING ON OATHS BILL.................. 11
OATHS BILL MOVE TO MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT ................... 12
.....•........... ’ >:
NEW OATH A HELP TO LEGCO .................................. 13
SEVERAL ROBBERS HIT IN GUN BATTLE, LEGCO TOLD ............. 14
...... ■ • ■ ■ . I
MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME A SUCCESS — SDA..................... 15
POLICY ON REFUSE SITES OUTLINED ........................... 16
HELP FOR DEAF , BLIND OUTLINED ............................ 17
'SCHOOL AUDIO-VISUAL TECHNICIANS NOT NECESSARY' ........... 18
• • • • • >««•••....., . # ...
ESTATE SHOP TENANTS GET COMPENSATION ...................... 19
STEPS TAKEN TO MINIMISE MONKEY NUISANCE.................... 19
/NEED FOR........
NEED FOR WORKING INDEPENDENCE STRESSED ................... 20
SCHEME PLANNED FOR REPAIR PROJECTS IN SCHOOLS ............ 21
SIX PER CENT PENSION RISE APPROVED ....................... 21
RISES IN FEES, CHARGES APPROVED .......................... 22
MOTION FOR LAND PREMIUM PAYMENT APPROVED ................. 24
' LEVY THRESHOLD RAISED ................................... 25
AMENDMENTS TO BILL 'WILL BE EASIER.............. it...........25~"
BILL AIMS TO FURTHER RELAX RENT CONTROL .................. 26
BILL PROVIDED WITH PENALTY CLAUSE......................... 27
BILL SEEKS TO RAISE $7.7 MILLION A YEAR .................. 28
MOVE TO APPOINT VICE CHAIRMAN ............................ 30
PILOTAGE PROPOSAL REFLECTS PORT ACTIVITY.................. 30
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES BILL GOOD PIECE OF LEGAL DRAFTING ... 32
FOUR BILLS PASSED......................................... 33
COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST BUSINESS MEETING......................... 34
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY FEE APPROVED ...................... 35
SOCIAL WORKERS' ROLE IN DRUG FIGHT STRESSED ................. 37
TWO SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT ..................... 38
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT FIGURES RELEASED ......... 39
NEW OFFICE OPENING............................................... 41
POSTAL SERVICES RESUME .......................................... 41
SIGNBOARDS TO BE CLEARED........................................ 42
SAI KUNG TOWN HALL READY SOON ............................... 42
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
1 -
BILL ENABLES LEGCO MEMBERS TO SERVE PROPERLY * * * * *
THE OBJECTIVE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL 1985 IS TO ENABLE MEMBERS TO DISCHARGE THEIR FUNCTIONS PROPERLY, WITHOUT FEAR OR FAVOUR, AND TO UPHOLD THE DIGNITY OF THE LEGISLATURE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, SIR PHILIP SAID THE BILL FOLLOWS TO A LARGE EXTENT THE STANDARD PATTERN OF SUCH LEGISLATION AS DEVELOPED FOR OTHER LEGISLATURES 'IN A POSITION SIMILAR TO HONG KONG.
AN AD HOC GROUP OF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, CHAIRED BY THE HON MARIA TAM, HAD EXAMINED THE INITIAL DRAFT OF THE BILL AND HAD SUGGESTED A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS.
ALL THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN INCORPORATED IN THE BILL, WHICH THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL HAD THEN ADVISED SHOULD BE INTRODUCED, HE SAID.
AS PROVIDED IN PART I, THE BILL WOULD COME INTO FORCE ON A DATE^TO BE SET BY THE GOVERNOR AND THIS WOULD BE SOME TIME BEFORE THE FIRST SITTING OF THE 1985-86 LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
SESSION, HE SAID.
PART II OF THE BILL DEALS Wi EH THE PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND THE MEMBERS.
IN THIS PART, CLAUSE THREE, HE SAID, EXPRESSLY PROVIDES FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH AND DEBATE IN THE COUNCIL OR ANY COMMITTEE AND FOR THE CORRESPONDING IMMUNITY OF THE PROCEEDINGS FROM BEING QUESTIONED IN ANY COURT OR PLACE OUTSIDE THE COUNCIL.
CLAUSE FOUR CONFERS IMMUNITY ON MEMBERS FROM CIVIL OR CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS IN RESPECT OF MATTERS SAID, OR DOCUMENTS BROUGHT BEFORE THE COUNCIL OR ANY COMMITTEE.
PART III, SIR PHILIP SAID, MAKES PROVISION GOVERNING WITNESSES BEFORE THE COUNCIL AND ITS COMMITTEES.
FINALLY, HE SAID, PART IV DEALS WITH OFFENCES AND PENALTIES.
SIR PHILIP SAID THAT +A NEW STYLE HONG KONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IS TO BE ASSEMBLED WITH EFFECT FROM THE 1985-86 SESSION, WITH A BLEND OF MEMBERSHIP APPROPRIATE TO HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES*, AND HE COMMENDED THE BILL TO MEMBERS AS *aN ESSENTIAL MEASURE TO SECURE AND TO STRENGTHEN THE STANDARDS AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THAT NEW STYLE COUNCIL.*
/EARLIER, SIR ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
2
EARLIER, SIR PHILIP SAID THAT THOUGH THE LEGISLATURE OF A CROWN COLONY, BY ITS MERE ESTABLISHMENT. DID NOT ACQUIRE ALL THE POWERS, PRIVILEGES AND IMMUNITIES ENJOYED BY MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT IN WESTMINSTER, THE EXISTING BODY OF LAW IN HONG KONG, THE JURY ORDINANCE AND OTHER ADMINISTRATIVE PRACTICES +IN FACT CONFER ALl these powers and privileges on members of this council.+
+IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, HOWEVER, IT IS DESIRABLE TO ENACT LEGISLATION GENERALLY TO CODIFY ’SUCH POWERS AND PRIVILEGES,+ HE SAID.
THERE WERE SEVERAL CONSIDERATIONS SUPPORTING THIS VIEW, HE SAID, INCLUDING:
FIRST, AFTER 1997, ANY INHERENT POWERS AND PRIVILEGES DERIVED FROM THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS A COLONIAL LEGISLATURE WOULD CEASE TO HAVE EFFECT IN HONG KONG?
SECOND, TO SMOOTH THE TRANSITION, THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION TO CODIFY THESE POINTS SHOULD BE COMPLETED EARLIER, RATHER THAN LATER ;
THIRD, AS HONG KONG MOVES TOWARDS REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF CONSENSUS POLITICS MAY COME UNDER SOME PRESSURE. IT WOULD THEREFORE BE DESIRABLE SPECIFICALLY TO PROVIDE FOR THE RIGHTS OF MEMBERS AND FOR THE POWERS AND PRIVILEGES THROUGH WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MANAGES ITS BUSINESS TO BE CLEARLY UNDERSTOOD;
FOURTH, IF THE GOVERNOR IS TO CEASE TO BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AT SOME FUTURE DATE, IT WOULD BE DESIRABLE FOR THE NEW PRESIDING OFFICER TO HAVE CLEAR LEGAL SANCTION TO HAND FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE COUNCIL’S BUSINESS; AND
FIFTH, DECISIONS RECENTLY TAKEN TO HOLD MEETINGS OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE AND THE PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE IN PUBLIC MAKE IT TIMELY FOR THE POSITION AS REGARDS THE CALLING OF WITNESSES AND THE HEARING OF EVIDENCE TO BE CODIFIED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
0 --------
/3........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
3
HIGHER REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT RATE SOUGHT ******
A MUCH HIGHER RATE OF RESETTLEMENT WAS THE BEST SOLUTION TO THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WINDING UP THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, MR JEAFFRESON STRESSED THAT THIS POSSIBILITY REMAINED HONG KONG’S PREFERRED ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM.
+THE EXTENT TO WHICH WE KEEP THE ENTRY DOOR OPEN FOR ARRIVALS MUST DEPEND ON THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE PREPARED TO KEEP OUR EXIT DOOR OPEN FOR RESETTLEMENT,* HE SAID.
+WHAT I CAN SAY IS THAT, ON THE ADVICE OF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, WE ARE PURSUING ALL THE REALISTIC POSSIBILITIES HARD WITH THE COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS CONCERNED.*
MR JEAFFRESON POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG WAS PREPARED TO CONTINUE TO BE A PLACE OF FIRST ASYLUM FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FOR AS LONG AS THE INTERNATIONAL PRESUMPTION WAS THAT THEY WERE REFUGEES AND RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES WERE PREPARED TO TAKE THEM.
HONG KONG ITSELF, HE SAID, COULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO TAKE ON AGAIN THE ROLE OF RESETTLEMENT AS WELL AS BEING A PLACE FOR FIRST ASYLUM.
ON LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS OF THE PROBLEM, MR JEAFFRESON SAID HONG KONG WOULD HAVE TO RECONSIDER ITS POLICIES IF RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES WERE NOT PREPARED TO ACCEPT REFUGEES FOR RESETTLEMENT.
+IT IS NO SECRET THAT THOSE NOW ARRIVING HERE, AND WHOM wE, AS A PLACE OF FIRST ASYLUM, ACCEPT, ARE FINDING IT VERY MUCH MORE DIFFICULT TO MEET THE CRITERIA FOR RESETTLEMENT THE RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES ARE NOW CHOOSING TO APPLY,* HE SAID.
HE SAID IT WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO SAY WHETHER HONG KONG WOULD ACCEPT +THE REJECTS* INTO ITS COMMUNITY.
+OUR HOPE IS THAT RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES WILL HONOUR THEIR INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS AND TAKE ALL REFUGEES ARRIVING HERE FROM VIETNAM.*
MP JEAFFRESON SAID THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL BUT IT HAD ALSO, INEVITABLY, COME IN FOR SOME CRITICISM.
/♦AS IT .......
WEDNESDAY, MY 15» 19$5
+ aq IT HAPPENS IN THE PAST FEW DAYS THE COMMISSIONER OF THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND NATURALISATION SERVICE AND 5mF OF HIS STAFF AND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER mmiffis Ind sow’of' his staff have visited some of our CLOSED CENTRES,+ HE SAID.
+UHILE LIKE US THEY MAY DEPLORE THE NEED FOR THESE CENTRES, THEY HAD NO’CRITICISMS OF THE WAY IN WHICH THEY WERE BEING RUN,+ HE SAID.
-----o-----
FOUR WAYS FOR UK TO HELP ON VRS
*****
THERE ARE FOUR WAYS THE UNITED KINGDOM SHOULD ACT ON HONG KONG’S BEHALF IN THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE ISSUE, APART FROM ADOPTING A MUCH LARGER INTAKE, DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
LEADING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG, DR HO SAID:
* FIRST, HER MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT SHOULD REMIND THE UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) OF ITS PLEDGES AND PROMISES THAT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES ARE ONLY TAKING TEMPORARY ASYLUM IN HONG KONG AND IT SHOULD ENSURE THAT ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING MADE FOR THEIR PERMANENT RESETTLEMENT ELSEWHERE AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE
* SECOND, HONG KONG’S PREDICAMENT IN RESPECT OF THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES SHOULD BE PRESENTED TO THE UNHCR, AND THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE UNHCR IN GENEVA SHOULD BE ASKED TO CALL AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR RESETTLEMENT
* THIRD, THE UNITED KINGDOM GOVERNMENT SHOULD TRY ITS BEST TO PERSUADE THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY AND BRITISH COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES TO COMPASSIONATELY ACCEPT MORE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FOR RESETTLEMENT AND
* FOURTH, THE VIETNAMESE GOVERNMENT SHOULD BE URGED THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS TO EXERCISE CnECKS ON FURTHER OUTFLOW AND TO ACCEPT REPATRIATION OF ITS NATIONALS AND THOSE REFUGEES WILLING TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMELAND.
/DR HC .......
WBtt'iaSDAX, MAY 15, 19&5
3
DR HO SAID THE RECENT REPORT BY THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM onOULD RELAX THE FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
+ l wHOLE-HEARTEDLY ENDORSE THIS RECOMMENDATION,* HE SAID.
HOwEVER, THIS MEASURE ALONE WAS NOT ENOUGH.
+ IF THE UNITED KINGDOM REALLY WANTS TO SOLVE THE VIETNAMESE kEFUGEE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, IT SHOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER ACCEPTING A REASONABLY LARGE NUMBER OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG ON TOP OF THE FAMILY REUNION CATEGORY.
+ THIS LEAD BY THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL BE CATALYTIC IN EFFECT.
+THE MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES FOR OUR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES .HAVE INDICATED THAT THEY WOULD FURTHER REDUCE THEIR RESPECTIVE RESETTLEMENT OFFERS IF THE UNITED KINGDOM IS NOT SEEN TO BE PLAYING ITS FULL PART.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, IF THE UNITED KINGDOM INCREASES ITS INTAKE, THEY WOULD FOLLOW SUIT.*
DR HO SAID BRITAIN HAD ALWAYS CLAIMED THAT IT HAD A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TOWARDS HONG KONG, AND HAD TIME AND AGAIN ASSURED HONG KONG THAT IT WOULD DISCHARGE THIS RESPONSIBILITY CONSCIENTIOUSLY.
+ HONG KONG IS AT PRESENT UNDER TREMENDOUS STRAIN IN TACKLING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM: IS IT NOT THE MOST APPROPRIATE TIMt NO* FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM TO DEMONSTRATE TO US ITS CONCERN AND SINCERITY BY REMOVING A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF OUR REFUGEE BURDEN?* hE ASKED.
DR HO ALSO SAID UNDER THE PRESENT CONDITIONS IN VIETNAM, THE ABOLITION OF THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY WAS DEFINITELY NOT IN THE INTEREST OF HONG KONG.
+IT IS TANTAMOUNT TO OPENING THE FLOODGATES AND INVITING AN ENDLESS INFLUX OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO HONG KONG,* HE SAID.
EDNE&DAY, MAY 15, 1985
HONG KONG’S HELPING EFFORTS ’wELL KNOWN TO ALL
******
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG COULD DC VERY LITTLE TO ASSIST VIETNAMESE --FUGEES, THE EFFORTS ALREADY MADE WERE WELL KNOWN TO ALL, UNOFFICIAL ■EMBER, THE HON WONG LAM, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, MR WONG SAID ANY PERSON WITH AN IMPARTIAL MIND, WHEN COMMENTING ON THE WAY IN WHICH HONG KONG HAD HANDLED THE ISSUE, SHOULD TAKE A VIEWPOINT OF SYMPATHY AND UNDERSTANDING.
+APART FROM SYMPATHISING WITH HONG KONG’S LIMITATION IN THIS REGARD, HE SHOULD UNDERSTAND THAT THE KEY TO A SOLUTION LIES IN PREVENTING THE RECURRENCE OF A REFUGEE INFLUX, AND IN ASSISTING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AT PRESENT STAYING IN HONG KONG TO RESETTLE IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES,* HE SAID.
+WHAT WE NEED IS INTERNATIONAL ASSISTANCE RENDERED THROUGH PRACTICAL ACTION,* MR WONG SAID.
- - 0 -
CALL FOR BRITAIN TO TAKE 5 003 VRS
******
A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY) HE WOULD BE SATISFIED IF THE UNITED KINGDOM ACCEPTED 5 003 VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.
THE HON ALLEN LEE WAS SPEAKING DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG.
HE QUOTED BRITISH uABOUR PARLIAMENTARIAN, MR CLIVE SOLEY, AS CALLING ON THE UNITED KINGDOM TO ACCEPT 10 903 OF THE REFUGEES SO THAT OTHER COUNTRIES LIKE CANADA, THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA WOULD TAKE THE REST AND CAMPS IN HONG KONG COULD BE CLOSED.
WHILE WELCOMING MR SOLEY’S STATEMENT, MR LEE SAID HE HOPED -ITISH MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT REALISED THAT THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA HAD TAKEN A MUCH GREATER NUMBER OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IT WAS ABOUT TIME Tr.E UNITED KINGDOM DID ITS PART ABOUT +THIS SAD SITUATION*.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
+ l a ILL BE JUMPING WITH JOY IF THE UNITED KINGDOM WILL ACCEPT 10 033 REFUGEES,* MR LEE SAID.
+ IN FACT, I WILL BE SATISFIED IF THE UNITED KINGDOM ACCEPTS HALF THAT NUMBER.*
HOWEVER, FOR THE RECORD, LAST YEAR THE UNITED KINGDOM ACCEPTED A PATHETIC 88 REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, OF WHOM ONLY 61 WERE NOT SHIP RESCUE CASES.
+1 HOPE THE UNITED KINGDOM MEANT WHAT IT SAID THAT BRITAIN HAS A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HONG KONG AND I WOULD URGE THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO SHOW THAT SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY BY ACCEPTING THESE VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN THE QUANTITY THAT MR SOLEY MENTIONED.*
MR LEE SAID HE COULD, WITH A CLEAR CONSCIENCE, SAY THAT THE •TREATMENT VIETNAMESE REFUGEES WERE GETTING IN HONG KONG WAS BETTER THAN THAT OF A LOT OF PEOPLE LIVING IN HONG KONG WHO WERE GENUINE HONG KONG RESIDENTS.
WE HAD ALREADY SPENT HALF A BILLION DOLLARS ON THE REFUGEE PROBLEM AND WE WERE CONTINUING TO SPEND MONEY ON A DAILY BASIS OUT OF THE PUBLIC PURSE.
+IN MY VIEW, WE HAVE DONE MORE THAN OUR SHARE BASED ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS OR ON ANY OTHER GROUND,* MR LEE SAID.
+VERY FEW PEOPLE REALISE THAT WE HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED 14 500 REFUGEES INTO OUR COMMUNITY.
+WE CAN STAND UP TO THE WORLD AND TO ANY CRITICISM WITH REGARD TO OUR TREATMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES.*
HE ASKED WHAT WAS HONG KONG GOVERNMENT POLICY TOWARDS THE REFUGEES AND WHAT WOULD BE THE LONG TERM IMPLICATIONS? DID WE HAVE TO ACCEPT THE REJECTS INTO OUR COMMUNITY? WHAT WAS THE SOLUTION?
ON THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY MR LEE SAID IT WAS A DETERRENT TO VIETNAMESE REFUGEES TO COME TO HONG KONG AND HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT NOT TO REMOVE THE POLICY.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 193 5 •
- 8 -
CLOSED CAMPS ACHIEVE OBJECTIVE
* * * *
WITH THE WISDOM OF HINDSIGHT WE CAN SAY THAT THE OBJECTIVE CF THE CLOSED CAMPS FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES - ALTHOUGH BY NO •'EANS A PLEASANT ONE, BUT DEFINITELY A NECESSARY ONE - HAS BEEN AChIEVED.
THIS WAS THE VIEW OF THE HON SELINA CHOW, WHO SPOKE IN TODAY’S (WEDNESDAY’S) ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM1 IN HONG KONG.
SHE SAID TWO MONTHS AFTER THE ADOPTION OF THE CLOSED CAMP POLICY IN 1982, WHICH WAS THE TIME ESTIMATED FOR THE NEWS TO GET BACK TO VIETNAM, THE NUMBER OF MONTHLY ARRIVALS DROPPED jU ITE DRAMATICALLY.
FOR THE LAST FOUR MONTHS OF 1982, TOTAL ARRIVALS NUMBERED ONLY HALF THOSE OF THE SAME PERIOD THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN 1983, TOTAL ARRIVALS WERE LESS THAN HALF OF 1982, AND IN 1984 THE TOTAL WAS 60 PER CENT OF THAT OF 1983.
+THE CLOSED CAMPS ARE PART AND PARCEL OF MEASURES NECESSARY TO CURB THE AGGRAVATION OF AN INTERNATIONAL PROBLEM,* MRS CHOW SA ID.
+UNLESS AND UNTIL THE WORLD CAN HELP US SEE THE END OF THE TUNNEL HONG KONG CANNOT AFFORD TO ACT OTHERWISE.*
SHE SAID IN THE FACE OF THE ONLY REALISTIC OPTIONS OPEN TO HONG KONG: TO REPATRIATE THEM, TO TURN THEM AWAY, AND OFFER ASYLUM IN THE CLOSED CAMPS, THE LAST WAS CERTAINLY THE LEAST INHUMANE.
-----o-----
TAKE MORE REFUGEES AS MATTER OF POLICY, UK TOLD * * * *
STATEMENTS IN A REPORT ISSUED LAST MONTH BY THE HOUSE OF COMMONS HOME AFFAIRS SELECT COMMITTEE ON VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG WERE DESCRIBED AS +NOBLE+ BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE PROBLEM OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG, SHE SAID IT WAS VERY NOBLE FOR THE COMMITTEE TO RECOMMEND THAT BRITAIN SHOULD RELAX ITS FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA SO AS TO ATTRACT OFFERS OF ADDITIONAL RESETTLEMENT PLACES FROM OTHER COUNTRIES? THAT NEGOTIATIONS SHOULD BE HELD TO REDUCE DRASTICALLY THE SIZE OF HONG KONG’S VIETNAMESE REFUGEE POPULATION; AND THAT AS PART OF A BURDENSHARING AGREEMENT BRITAIN SHOULD ACCEPT A SMALL SHARE OF THOSE wHO WERE HARD TO RESETTLE.
/+BHITAIN SHOULD........
WEDNESDAY, JUY 15, 19&5
- 9 -
+BRITAIN SHOULD TAKE IN MORE REFUGEES AS A MATTER OF POLICY AND SPELL OUT THEIR NOBLE PROPOSALS INTO CONCRETE FIGURES,+ DR IP SAID.
+ IT IS TIME TO PUT THE MATTER TO THE TEST,+ SHE ADDED, QUOTING FROM THE REPORT.
♦I BELIEVE THAT SUCH A LEAD BY BRITAIN WOULD INDEED BE FOLLOWED BY THE MAJOR RESETTLEMENT COUNTRIES,* SHE SAID.
THE UNITED STATES AND AUSTRALIA HAD INDICATED THAT THEY aOULD VIEW such a lead positively.
IT WAS REASSURING, DR IP CONTINUED, THAT THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE RECOGNISED THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG, THAT OTHER COUNTRIES WERE RELUCTANT TO DO MORE TO HELP HONG KONG IN THE ABSENCE OF A FURTHER UNITED KINGDOM RESETTLEMENT EFFORT OR PROGRAMME, THAT HONG KONG, BEING DENSELY ‘POPULATED AND COPING WITH ITS OWN HALF A MILLION-ODD SQUATTERS WITHOUT A PERMANENT SHELTER, HAD ALREADY ACCEPTED FOR PERMANENT RESETTLEMENT SOME 14 500 REFUGEES SINCE 1975, AND LASTLY THAT INTEGRATION IN COUNTRIES OF FIRST ASYLUM OF WHICH HONG KONG WAS ONE WAS NOT A REALISTIC OPTION EXCEPT ON A SMALL SCALE. |
+HAVING RECOGNISED ALL THESE, DOES THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE REALLY CONSIDER IT EQUITABLE AND POSSIBLE FOR HONG KONG TO ACCEPT ANY MORE REFUGEES FOR RESETTLEMENT OR’ TO DO AWAY WITH CLOSED CAMPS?* DR IP ASKED.
SHE SUBMITTED THAT HONG KONG WAS ONE OF THE SIX SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES OR TERRITORIES WHICH HAD TO COPE AND WAS STILL COPING WITH THE AFTERMATH OF A LARGE INFLUX OF REFUGEES.
LIKE THE OTHER FIVE COUNTRIES IN MANAGING THIS PROBLEM, HONG KONG NEEDED TO CONTINUE TO OPERATE THE CLOSED CAMPS - ALTHOUGH wITH RELUCTANCE - UNTIL AND WHEN ALL SUCH REFUGEES WERE PROPERLY RESETTLED ELSEWHERE, HONG KONG DID NOT HAVE A BETTER ALTERNATIVE.
+RATHER THAN CRITICISE US FOR DOING THE BEST WE CAN WITH A PROBLEM THEY DO NOT HAVE TO FACE, OTHER COUNTRIES SHOULD BE MORiE POSITIVE IN THEIR ASSISTANCE,* SAID DR IP.
SHE REITERATED THAT HONG KONG HAD PLAYED A DUAL ROLE IN THE GLOBAL MANAGEMENT OF VIETNAMESE REFUGEES AND SHOULDERED MORE THAN ITS FAIR SHARE OF THE BURDEN.
*IT IS NOW TIME FOR OTHER COUNTRIES TO DO A BIT MORE,* SHE SAID.
-----o-----
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
10
LOGICAL FOR UK TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEM
******
IT IS LOGICAL THAT BRITAIN SHOULD TAKE THE INITIATIVE TO ■ ■ HONG KONG SETTLE ITS VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM, THE HON MRS RITA FAN SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE ON THE REFUGEES, RRS FAN SAID IN 1984 A LARGE COUNTRY LIKE BRITAIN ONLY ACCEPTED & REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG, OF WHOM OVER 20 WERE SHIP-RESCUED CASES.
♦BRITAIN'S INTAKE OF REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG IN THE LAST THREE YEARS AMOUNTS TO ONLY 2.5 PER CENT OF THE RESETTLED REFUGEES,* SHE SAID.
♦WITH THIS LEVEL OF HELP FROM BRITAIN, WHAT CHANCES HAVE v£ GOT TO CONVINCE OTHER COUNTRIES TO TAKE IN MORE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG?*
MRS FAN SAID THE STRINGENT POLICY PRACTISED BY THE HOME OFFICE IN BRITAIN EVEN BARRED FAMILY REUNION OF REFUGEES WITH CLOSE RELATIVES RESIDING IN BRITAIN.
-HE THEREFORE WELCOMED THE RECOMMENDATION IN THE RECENT REPORT OF THE HOME AFFAIRS COMMITTEE THAT BRITAIN SHOULD RELAX ITS FAMILY REUNION CRITERIA.
INDEED, BRITAIN SHOULD AT LEAST FOLLOW THE EXAMPLES OF THE TWO COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES, AUSTRALIA AND CANADA, WHICH ACCEPTED 20 PER CENT AND 27 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY OF THE REFUGEES FROM HONG KONG IN 1984.
SHORT OF A RENEWED COMMITMENT BY BRITAIN WE COULD NOT EXPECT OTHER COUNTRIES TO TAKE UP A MORE SUBSTANTIAL BURDEN THAN THEY HAD ALREADY DONE.
IT WAS THEREFORE IMPERATIVE THAT BRITAIN SHOULD TAKE THE LEAD.
IF BRITAIN COULD NOT TAKE UP THIS RESPONSIBILITY THERE ••OULD BE MORE FRUSTRATED, BITTER AND HARD-CORE REFUGEES IN HONG KONG AND THE PEOPLE HERE WOULD HAVE TO LIVE WITH THE PROBLEM INDEFINITELY.
+wE HAVE ALWAYS BEEN WILLING TO HELP OTHERS IN NEED,* MRS FAN SAID.
+HCWEVER, THERE IS A LIMIT TO PATIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING.
+WHEN THE THRESHOLD IS PASSED, IT IS ONLY NATURAL THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE *ILL REQUEST MORE DRAMATIC MEASURES.*
/THERE APPEARED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 19&5
11
THERE APPEARED TO BE GAPS IN UNDERSTANDING THE VIETNAMESE REFUGEE PROBLEM BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BRITAIN.
+l THEREFORE URGE THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT EVERY PIECc f INFORMATION IS PROVIDED TO PERSUADE BRITAIN TO SET A GOOD EXAMPLE,* SHE SAID.
ON THE CLOSED CAMPS MRS FAN SAID IT WOULD BE IMPRACTICAL TC ABOLISH THE POLICY BEFORE A SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM WAS FOUND.
SHE APPRECIATED THAT LIFE IN CLOSED CAMPS WAS COMPARATIVELY DULL. AS REFUGEES COULD NOT SEEK OUTSIDE WORK OR LEAVE THE CAMPS AT a ILL, BUT THEY DID ENJOY FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND WERE FREE FROM POLITICAL HARASSMENT.
-----0-----
MEMBER ABSTAINS FROM VOTING ON OATHS BILL * * * * *
LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, THE HON CHAN KAM-CHUEN, ABSTAINED FROM VOTING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MR CHAN TOLD THE COUNCIL: +IF THE WORDING OF THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH AMOUNTS TO PLEDGING LOYALTY TO HONG KONG ONLY, THEN IT IS WRONG IN PRINCIPLE AS HONG KONG IS NOT AN INDEPENDENT STATE.
+THE DATE 1ST JULY, 1997, IS A CLEAR-CUT POLITICAL DIVIDING LINE WHICH AFFECTS OUR ALLEGIANCE, ECONOMY, SOCIETY. IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IT IS NOT BLURRED TOO SOON,+ HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID MONTHS BEFORE THE BILL AND THE GOVERNMENT PRESS RELEASE WERE PUBLISHED, IT WAS ALREADY LEARNED FROM A TELEVISION INTERVIEW THAT AN ASPIRANT TO A SEAT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD STATED THAT IF THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE RULE WAS NOT CHANGED HE WOULD RESIGN, EVEN IF ELECTED.
♦THIS MAY BE MISCONSTRUED AS DICTATING TO THE GOVERNMENT THE TERMS OF ENTRY TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
+THESE MISCONCEPTIONS SHOULD BE EMPHATICALLY DENIED, OTHER*ISE IT WOULD NOT ONLY UNDERMINE BRITISH ADMINISTRATION BEFORE 1997 TC THE DETRIMENT OF STABILITY AND PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG BUT WOULD ALSO CREATE A SPECIAL PRIVILEGED CLASS AMONG LEGISLATIVE COUNCILut
/♦THE INTENTION ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 19&5
« .'nt INTENTION OF BENDING OVER BACKWARDS TO ACCOMMODATE MORE
v EE GOOD, BUT IF WE OVERDO IT WE MAY FALL OVERBOARD.+
THE JOINT DECLARATION STATED THAT ’CHINA HAS DECIDED TO RESUME THE EXERCISE OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER HONG KONG WITH EFFECT FROM 1ST JULY 1907 ’.
+BEFORE THIS DATE, THE BRITISH FLAG STILL FLIES HERE AND BRITISH LAw AND ADMINISTRATION WILL MAINTAIN STABILITY AND PROSPER IT IN HONG KONG.+ MR CHAN SAID.
+TOO EARLY A CHANGE IN LOYALTY WOULD CHANGE HONG KONG INTO A 'CHAMELEON LAND’.+
- - 0 - -
OATHS BILL MOVE TO MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT * * * *
THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 CLEARLY DEMONSTRATES GOVERNMENT’S SINCERITY AND COMMITMENT TOWARDS MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE HON MRS PAULINE NG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DURING THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE BILL.
SHE SAID IN SEPTEMBER THE FIRST ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE HELD AND IT WAS UNDESIRABLE TO RETAIN THE OATH IN ITS PRESENT FORM WHICH SWORE ALLEGIANCE TO THE QUEEN ALONE.
+ IN THE CONTEXT OF DEVELOPING A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG AND IN THE RUN UP TO 1997, BY WHICH TIME HONG KONG WOULD TURN INTO A HIGHLY AUTONOMOUS REGION wITHIN CHINA, THE IMAGE OF HONG KONG AS A COLONY SHOULD GRADUALLY FADE,+ ffiS NG SAID.
+THE RETENTION OF SUCH A MANDATORY REQUIREMENT MIGHT DETER SOME CANDIDATES FROM SEEKING ELECTION TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL RESULTING IN ALLEGATIONS THAT THIS GOVERNMENT IS FAR FROM GENUINE IN ITS COMMITMENT TOWARDS POLITICAL REFORM.+
SHE SAID THE BILL DEFINITELY HELPED TO DISPEL ANY LINGERING DOUBTS AND IF PASSED WOULD GO A LONG WAY TO REMOVING A MAJOR OBSTACLE AND TO ENSURING THAT AS WIDE A FIELD OF CANDIDATES AS POSSIBLE WOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO STAND IN THE COMING LEGCO ELECTIONS.
/INSTEAD OF
WKMix. MY 15, 1985
INSTEAD OF PLEDGING LOYALTY TO THE CROWN, THE PROPOSED LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OATH TOOK THE FORM OF A PUBLIC AFFIRMATION CF DUTY TO SHOW THAT THE MEMBER ACCEPTED THE RESPONSIBILITY WHICH HE OR SHE HAD INCURRED BY APPOINTMENT OR ELECTION AND THAT HE OR SHE WOULD CONSCIENTIOUSLY AND TRULY SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AS A MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATURE.
+THIS PROVISION WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY INSTIL A GREATER SENSE CF DIRECT ACCOUNTABILITY TO THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE,+ SAID MRS NG.
SHE SAID CONCERNS WERE RAISED THAT WITH THE PASSING
CF THIS BILL A SCENARIO WOULD OCCUR WHEREBY MEMBERS OF THIS BE SPLIT INTO TWO GROUPS PURELY BY THE OATH WHICH TAKE UPON THEIR ELECTION OR APPOINTMENT TO THE
COUNCIL WOULD THEY CHOSE TO LEGISLATURE.
♦I AM OF THE VIEW THAT THIS SHOULD NOT CAUSE ANY UNDUE ALARM,+ SHE SAID.
+l FIRMLY BELIEVE, AND I AM SURE MY COLLEAGUES WOULD AGREE, THAT MEMBERS SITTING WITHIN THIS CHAMBER HAVE THE SOLE AIM TO SERVE THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND WOULD DO NOTHING BUT TO FOSTER THE INTEREST OF THE PUBLIC.
+THERE IS A SAYING, 'OATHS ARE BUT WORDS, AND WORDS ARE BUT WIND.’
+ALTHOUGH I COULD NOT ENTIRELY AGREE TO THIS I
AM CONFIDENT THAT NO MATTER WHICH OATH MEMBERS TAKE THE THOUGHT^ BEHIND IT GO MUCH FURTHER BEYOND THE WORDS THEMSELVES,* SHE SAI^.
-----0------
NEW OATH A HELP TO LEGCO
*****
THE OBJECT OF THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1905 WAS THAT OATH TAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WOULD NOT IMPEDE, AND INDEED SHOULD FACILITATE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING OF THE BILL, TSAO SAID IT SOUGHT TO PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE OATH WHICH MIGHT BE TAKEN BY ANY MEMBER OF LEGCO WHO DID NOT WISH TO TAKE THE OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.
/he assured .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1905
- 14 -
HE ASSURED MR K.C. CHAN THAT, AS ALWAYS, THE AMENDMENTS SOUGHT HAD BEEN MOST CAREFULLY CONSIDERED BEFORE THEY WERE PUT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+THEY ARE CERTAINLY NOT IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER A RESPONSE TO THE ONE ELUSIVE PERSON ASPIRING TO A SEAT ON THIS COUNCIL TO WHICH CHAN MADE REFERENCE,* HE SAID.
-----0------
SEVERAL ROBBERS HIT IN GUN BATTLE, LEGCO TOLD
* * *
SEVERAL ROBBERS WERE THOUGHT TO HAVE BEEN HIT IN THE EXCHANGE OF FIRE WITH POLICE DURING THE ROBBERY OF THE TIME WATCH COMPANY AT 54 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON ON MAY 1, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+WE DO NOT KNOW WHAT CASUALTIES THE ROBBERS SUFFERED. BUT WE ARE PRETTY SURE SEVERAL OF THEM WERE HIT,* HE SAID.
RESPONDING TO A REQUEST BY THE HON PETER C. WONG FOR A STATEMENT ABOUT THE ROBBERY, MR JEAFFRESON SAID IT WAS +PROFESSIONALLY PLANNED AND RUTHLESSLY EXECUTED*.
HE ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT NO EFFORT WAS BEING SPARED *T0 BRING THESE VICIOUS CRIMINALS TO JUSTICE.*
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT THE POLICE HAD OBTAINED INFORMATION THAT AN ARMED ROBBERY OF THE COMPANY WAS BEING PLANNED. BUT WHILE THIS INFORMATION WAS CORRECT IN ESSENCE, IT WAS INACCURATE AND VERY SCANTY IN VITAL RESPECTS, INCLUDING WHEN IT WAS GOING TO HAPPEN.
THIS FACT, HE SAID, HAD A DIRECT BEARING ON THE EVENTS THAT FOLLOWED.
ON THE BASIS OF AVAILABLE INFORMATION, THE POLICE DETERMINED THEIR STRATEGY AND PLANNED THEIR TACTICS WITH GREAT CARE, AND SET UP AMBUSHES IN SEVEN LOCATIONS AROUND THE TARGET PREMISES.
SHORTLY AFTER 10.15 PM ON MAY 1, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, A GANG OF SIX PERSONS STORMED INTO THE SHOP AND SECURED BOTH THE Premises and the street in the immediate vicinity.
/they were ......
■.SDN-ioDAY, MAY 15, 1985
15 -
THEY WERE ARMED WITH GENUINE FIREARMS AND PISTOL-LIKE OBJECTS AND WORE MASKS AND BULLET-PROOF VESTS. ABOUT SEVEN SECONDS LATER, THEY WERE LEAVING WITH WATCHES VALUED AT $1.7 MILLION.
WHEN THE POLICE MOVED IN TO BLOCK THEIR ESCAPE, AN EXCHANGE CF FIRE ENSUED IN NATHAN ROAD AND IN MODY ROAD, WHERE THE ROBBERS HAD PARKED THEIR GETAWAY VAN.
SEVEN POLICE OFFICERS WERE INJURED IN THE EXCHANGE OF GUNFIRE, WHILE TWO PASSERS-BY RECEIVED MINOR INJURIES FROM FLYING GLASS AND A WOMAN STAFF MEMBERS OF THE SHOP WAS SLIGHTLY INJURED BY THE ROBBERS IN THE ATTEMPT TO TAKE HER HOSTAGE.
IF IT WERE NOT FOR THE INTERVENTION OF THE POLICE, THE WHOLE EPISODE WOULD PROBABLY HAVE BEEN OVER IN ABOUT 15 SECONDS, NR JEAFFRESON SAID.
SO, ♦CONSIDERING THAT THE POLICE HAD ONLY A PRETTY VAGUE IDEA OF WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN, THEY REACTED VERY QUICKLY,+ HE SAID.
THE GANG WAS PREPARED TO RESORT TO EXTREME VIOLENCE AND SHOWED A CHILLING DISREGARD FOR HUMAN LIFE.
♦THE POLICE OFFICERS ON THE GROUND DISPLAYED EXTRAORDINARY COURAGE IN THEIR ATTEMPTS TO APPREHEND THEM,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID THE POLICE RECOVERED THE VEHICLES USED
BY THE ROBBERS FOR THEIR ESCAPE AND FOUND SOME ARMS AND
AMMUNITION IN THEM. THE POLICE ALSO FOUND ARMS, AMMUNITION AND ONE BULLET-PROOF VEST, ALL BELIEVED TO BE CONNECTED WITH THE CASE, NEAR MONGKOK RAILWAY STATION.
o ---------
MEET THE PUBLIC SCHEME A SUCCESS -- SDA ******
MORE THAN HALF OF THE 2 623 CASES HANDLED UNDER THE DISTRICT BOARDS’ MEET-THE-PUBLIC SCHEME DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR WERE SUCCESSFULLY RESOLVED, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON MRS PAULINE NG ON THE VALUE OF THE SCHEME, MR LIAO SAIDx +IN OTHER CASES WHICH COULD NOT BE RESOLVED FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, FULL EXPLANATION WAS ALWAYS GIVEN TO THOSE CONCERNED.
/+BY AND........
WE. .DAY, MAY 15, 198j
- 16 -
+BY AND LARGE, THE SCHEME HAS PROVED TO BE A SUCCESS AND CREDIT MUST GO TO ALL DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT.+
MR LIAO SAID THAT DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS THEMSELVES KEPT THE SCHEME UNDER REGULAR REVIEW AND BE UNDERSTOOD THAT SOME DISTRICT BOARDS WERE CONSIDERING WAYS TO FURTHER EXPAND IT.
HE ALSO ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT ALL DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WOULD CONTINUE TO GIVE THEIR FULLEST SUPPORT TO THE SCHEME.
MR LIAO POINTED OUT THAT ALL DISTRICT BOARDS HAD MEET' THE-PUBLIC SESSIONS ON A REGULAR BASIS.
+IT HAS PROVED TO BE AN EFFECTIVE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH DISTRICT RESIDENTS CAN CONTACT THEIR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO MAKE ENQUIRIES, TO SEEK PERSONAL ASSISTANCE OR TO MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON A WHOLE RANGE OF SUBJECTS SUCH AS HOUSING, TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT,* HE SAID.
MEETING SESSIONS ARE HELD IN DISTRICT OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES ONCE OR TWICE A WEEK! AND THEY ARE USUALLY ARRANGED AFTER OFFICE HOURS TO SUIT THE CONVENIENCE OF RESIDENTS.
-----o-----
POLICY ON REFUSE SITES OUTLINED
* * *
IT IS GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO RESERVE AND ALLOCATE SITES FOR USE AS REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS (RCPS) IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPROVED PLANNING STANDARDS, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, . hfi NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION BY DR THE HON KIM CHAM AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON GOVERNMENT’S CURRENT POLICY ON THE ALLOCATION OF LAND FOR THE PROVISION OF OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS TO REPLACE ON-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS.
MR CHAN SAID THAT AS A GENERAL RULE, OFF-STREET RCPS WERE PREFERRED TO ON-STREET ONES AS THE LATTER MIGHT CAUSE OBSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS.
+SITES FOR OFF-STREET RCPS WILL BE ALLOCATED ON APPLICATION BY THE CLIENT DEPARTMENTS IF THEY ARE RESERVED IN THE TOWN PLAN AND CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY,* HE SAID.
+IF NO RESERVATION HAS BEEN MADE OR IF THE RESERVED SITES ARE NOT AVAILABLE, THE CLIENT DEPARTMENTS MAY IDENTIFY OTHER SUITABLE SITES IN CONSULTATION WITH THE LANDS DEPARTMENT AND DISTRICT TOWN PLANNERS.
+N0 PREMIUM OR RENT WILL BE CHARGED FOR THE ALLOCATION OF RCP SITES,* HE ADDED.
0
WEDNESD .Y, MAY 15, 1985
- 17 -
HELP FOR DEAF, BLIND OUTLINED ******
A TOTAL OF 7 151 DEAF AND PARTIALLY HEARING, AND 12 364 BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS REGISTERED IN THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF THE DISABLED WERE RECEIVING GOVERNMENT FUNDED OR SUBVENTED SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION RAISED BY THE HON ALEX WU, HE SAID UNDER HONG KONG’S 1984 REHABILITATION PROGRAMME PLAN BLIND AND DEAF PEOPLE RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
* IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT OF THEIR DISABILITY;
* MEDICAL TREATMENT AT CLINICS OR HOSPITALS;
* SPECIAL EDUCATION, DEPENDING ON AGE AND THE EXTENT OF DISABILITY;
* SOCIAL REHABILITATION - COMPASSIONATE REHOUSING, RECREATIONAL SERVICES; AND FOR THE BLIND, ORIENTATION AND MOBILITY TRAINING, COMMUNICATION, INCLUDING BRAILLE SERVICES, DAILY LIVING SKILLS, AND RESIDENTIAL FACILITIES;
* VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION;
* ASSISTANCE IN JOB PLACEMENT; AND
* DISABILITY ALLOWANCE.
OVER THE PAST THREE YEARS VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SERVING THE BLIND RECEIVED $14.1 MILLION SUBVENTION FROM GOVERNMENT IN 1982-83, $15.7 MILLION IN 1983-84, AND $17.2 MILLION IN 1984-85.
VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SERVING THE DEAF RECEIVED $16.3 MILLION IN 1982-83, $18.5 MILLION IN 1983-84, AND $21.4 MILLION IN 1984-85, MR HENDERSON SAID.
--------o----------
/IS.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
18
’SCHOOL AUDIO-VISUAL TECHNICIANS NOT NECESSARY’
******
A SUGGESTION THAT AN AUDIO-VISUAL TECHNICIAN GRADE BE ESTABLISHED FOR SERVICE IN SCHOOLS BECAUSE OF THE WIDE USE CF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT FOR TEACHING PURPOSES WAS NOT CONSIDERED JUSTIFIED, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN, WHO ASKED IF THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER ESTABLISHING SUCH A GRADE SPECIFICALLY TRAINED TO HANDLE THE EQUIPMENT, AND ALLOCATING A PURPOSE-BUILT ROOM AT THE SCHOOL PLANNING STAGE FOR THE STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE CF SUCH EQUIPMENT.
MR LEUNG SAID HE DID NOT THINK THERE WAS A STRONG CASE FOR THE CREATION OF SUCH A GRADE AS STUDENT TEACHERS IN THE COLLEGES CF EDUCATION WERE TAUGHT EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE ABILITY TO HANDLE STANDARD HARDWARE AND TO PRODUCE APPROPRIATE SOFTWARE.
+THE PROCUREMENT, ISSUE AND COLLECTION, ORGANISATION AND MAINTENANCE OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING MINOR REPAIRS, IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EXISTING SCHOOL STAFF, INCLUDING TEACHERS.
+FOR SERVING TEACHERS, THE VISUAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE PROVIDES A WIDE RANGE OF ADVISORY SERVICES IN THE USE OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS THROUGH VISITS, PUBLICATIONS, SEMINARS, SHORT COURSES AND WORKSHOPS CONDUCTED BY THE MEDIA PRODUCTION SERVICES UNIT,* HE SAID.
MORE COMPLEX AND VALUABLE AUDIO-VISUAL ITEMS, SUCH AS MICRO-COMPUTERS, TELEVISION RECEIVERS, VIDEO-CASSETTE RECORDERS AND THE WIRE-FREE LOOP SYSTEMS USED FOR LANGUAGE LEARNING, ARE ALL MAINTAINED BY CONTRACTED AGENTS.
THE CURRENT PRACTICE OF DESIGNATING TEACHERS AS AUDIOVISUAL CO-ORDINATORS, SUPPORTED WHERE NECESSARY BY CLERICAL STAFF AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, IS EDUCATIONALLY APPROPRIATE, EFFECTIVE AND SATISFACTORY.
+THE PROVISION OF AN AUDIO-VISUAL TECHNICIAN IS THEREFORE NOT AT PRESENT NECESSARY,+ MR LEUNG SAID.
AS TO THE PROVISION OF A PURPOSE-BUILT ROOM FOR THE STORAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT, HE SAID THAT THIS WAS BEING CONSIDERED IN THE REVISED STANDARD DESIGNS FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
o---------
/19 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1965
- 19 -
ESTATE SHOP TENANTS GET COMPENSATION * * *
COMPENSATION FOR SHOP TENANTS AFFECTED BY THE REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF MARK I AND MARK H ESTATES WAS MADE^N ™eElEG^LATI VE
HON DAVID FORD,
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG, HE SAID: FIRSTLY, CASH COMPENSATION WAS PAID TO TENANTS BASED ON THE SIZE OF THEIR SHOP AND ITS BUSINESS POTENTIAL. A TENANT OF A TYPICAL SHOP OF 22 SQUARE METRES WAS PAID HK$83 OOO AS COMPENSATION, SUBSTANTIALLY MORE THAN THE TOTAL RENT PAID BY TENANTS DURING THE WHOLE PERIOD OF THEIR TENANCY.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, A TENANT OF A SHOP WHO STARTED A TENANCY ON JANUARY 1, 1956 AND WHO GAVE IT UP ON APRIL 30, 1985, WOULD ONLY HAVE PAID SOME $56 000 IN RENT DURING THE WHOLE OF TH«T 29-YEAR PERIOD.
SECONDLY, AND IN ADDITION TO THE COMPENSATION, SHOP TENANTS AFFECTED BY RE-DEVELOPMENT WERE OFFERED RE-PROVISIONING IN NEW OR OLD ESTATES THROUGH A SYSTEM OF RESTRICTED TENDER.
THIRDLY, IF A SHOP TENANT CHOSE TO BID FOR A SHOP THROUGH THE OPEN TENDER SYSTEM IN ANOTHER AREA AND WAS SUCCESSFUL, HE WOULD BE GRANTED A RENT DEPOSIT CONCESSION EQUIVALENT TO TWO MONTHS’ RENT OR $8 000, WHICHEVER WAS THE LESS.
----0----
STEPS TAKEN TO MINIMISE MONKEY NUISANCE * * * * *
MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO MINIMISE POSSIBLE NUiSANCE CAUSED BY MONKEYS AROUND SHEK LEI PUI RESERVOIR, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON WONG LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR HIGGINSON SAID MONKEYS AROUND SHEK LEI PUI RESERVOIR WERE NORMALLY HARMLESS AND THE MANY VISITORS TO THE AREA ENJOYED WATCHING THEM. '
+HOWEVER, LARGELY AS A RESULT OF PICNICKERS FEEDING THEM, A NUMBER HAVE BECOME ACCUSTOMED TO SUCH TREATMENT AND THUS APPROACH PASSERS-BY FOR FOOD,* HE SAID.
MR HIGGINSON SAID THAT MEASURES HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TO MINIMISE NUISANCE CAUSED BY THESE MONKEYS. NOTICES HAVE BEEN DISPLAYED AT PROMINENT LOCATIONS ADVISING PICNICKERS AND RESIDENTS NOT TO FEED OR TEASE THE MONKEYS, AND PARK WARDENS REGULARLY DISCOURAGE VISITORS FROM FEEDING THEM AND SIMILAR ADVICE IS GIVEN IN THE MASS MEDIA FROM TIME TO TIME.
--------o----------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
20
NEED FOR WORKING INDEPENDENCE STRESSED * * * *
DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEES (DMCS) SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO GET ON WITH THEIR JOB WITH A REASONABLE DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE, THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, THE HON DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON KEITH LAM IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR LIAO SAID THAT FOR THE MOMENT DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN WOULD NOT ATTEND DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE f*EETINGS, WHICH ARE CHAIRED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICER.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DMC WAS A DISTRICT CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE OF DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES WHOSE MAIN DUTY WAS TO ORGANISE CO-ORDINATED ACTION TO MEET THE NEEDS OF INDIVIDUAL DISTR ICTS.
IT WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING PROMPT AND POSITIVE RESPONSES TO THE ADVICE OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
MR LIAO SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICER MADE REGULAR REPORTS ON THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE TO MEETINGS OF THE FULL BOARD.
+AS AND WHEN NECESSARY, THE DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES ALSO GIVE THEIR VIEWS AND EXPLAIN THEIR DEPARTMENTAL DECISIONS FULLY AT BOARD MEETINGS,+ HE SAID.
♦THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL ENSURE THAT THE DMC REMAINS RESPONSIVE TO THE DISTRICT BOARD.
♦NEVERTHELESS, WHERE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSIDERS IT NECESSARY, AND SO REQUESTS, THE DISTRICT OFFICER WILL ARRANGE SPECIAL MEETINGS BETWEEN HIM AND THE DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES CONCERNED TO DISCUSS IN DETAIL ANY DISTRICT ISSUE WHICH IS OF CONCERN TO THE BOARD.
♦FURTHERMORE, EVERY DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN IS PROVIDED WITH AN OFFICE IN THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THERE IS THEREFORE NO LACK OF OPPORTUNITY FOR CONTACT AND CO-ORD I NAT I ON.+
MR LIAO ADDED THAT HE WOULD BE MEETING ALL THE NEWLY-ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMEN FOR THE FIRST TIME NEXT WEEK, AND HE WOULD DISCUSS THE MATTER WITH THEM.
- - 0 -
/21 •
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 21 -
SCHEME PLANNED FOR REPAIR PROJECTS IN SCHOOLS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO LAUNCH A PILOT SCHEME IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR TO TAKE OVER THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAJOR REPAIR «ORKS IN SELECTED AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID THAT THIS WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING EXISTING PROCEDURES CONCERNING REPAIRS AND THAT IF THE SCHEME PROVED PRACTICABLE, CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO EXTENDING IT TO OTHER AIDED SCHOOL.
MR LEUNG WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KwAN ON WHAT MEASURES GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE TO SIMPLIFY AND SPEED UP THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES FOR MAJOR REPAIR WORKS IN SUBVENTED SCHOOLS OR BODIES.
REFERRING TO PRESENT PROCEDURES, MR LEUNG SAID THAT THEY WERE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A SYSTEM WHICH COMBINED THE EXPEDITIOUS CARRYING OUT OF REPAIRS WITH ADEQUATE MONITORING TO ENSURE EFFECTIVE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.
♦THE SYSTEM IS UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW AND ONLY RECENTLY IMPROVEMENTS WERE MADE TO ENABLE TECHNICAL PROBLEMS TO BE MORE QUICKLY RESOLVED AND INTERIM PAYMENTS MORE QUICKLY MADE.
+TO SEE IF ANY FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS CAN BE MADE, A MEETING WILL SHORTLY BE HELD BETWEEN THE SCHOOLS’ COUNCILS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
SIX PER CENT PENSION RISE APPROVED
* * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED TWO MOTIONS TO INCREASE BY SIX PER CENT PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON APRIL 1, THIS YEAR, INCLUDING PREVIOUS INCREASES ALREADY APPROVED.
THE INCREASE IS ESTIMATED TO COST $37.1 MILLION FOR A FULL YEAR.
MOVING THE MOTIONS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER OF CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING PENSIONS PAYABLE UNDER THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION SCHEME AND UNDER THE WIDOWS’ AND CHILDREN’S PENSIONS SCHEME.
THIS WAS ACHIEVED BY PERIODIC ADJUSTMENTS TO REFLECT CHANGES IN THE COST OF LIVING.
DURING THE LATEST REVIEW PERIOD FROM APRIL 1, 1984 TO MARCH 31, 1985, HE SAID, THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 9.1 POINTS, OR 6.1° PER CENT.
-----o------
/22 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 22 -
RISES IN FEES, CHARGES APPROVED * * *
SIX MOTIONS DEALING WITH RISES IN FEES AND CHARGES WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SPEAKING OF THE MAGISTRATES (FEES)(AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS SAID THE INCREASED FEES REFLECTED INFLATION SINCE THE OLD FEES WERE SET IN 1976, AND BROUGHT THEM INTO LINE WITH THE FEES CHARGED FOR SIMILAR SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT COURT AND THE HIGH COURT.
THE REGULATIONS HAD BEEN MADE BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE, BUT REQUIRED THE APPROVAL OF THE COUNCIL TO BECOME LAW.
THE MATRIMONIAL CAUSES (FEES)(AMENDMENT) RULES 1985, bfi THOMAS SAID, INTRODUCED A +BLOCK FEE* SYSTEM, TO INCREASE EFFICIENCY AND REDUCE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC AND THE LEGAL PROFESSION.
INSTEAD A LARGER FEE STAGES OF AN
OF A FEE CHARGED FOR EACH DOCUMENT FILED AT COURT, WOULD BE CHARGED FOR ALL DOCUMENTS FILED AT VARIOUS
ACTION.
INTRODUCED UNDER THE SUPREME
THIS SYSTEM HAD ALREADY BEEN
COURT (FEES) RULES AND DISTRICT COURT (FEES) RULES, AND SO FAR AS THEY WERE COMPARABLE THE FEES WERE THE SAME AS THOSE FEES,
SAID.
THE FEES HAD BEEN LAST REVIEWED IN 1976.
SPEAKING OF THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1985, AND THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) (AMENDMENT) ORDER , 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID THE MOST SIGNIFICANT PROPOSAL WAS THE INCREASE FROM SI OOO TO $10 000 OF THE DEPOSIT PAYABLE BY A PETITIONER UPON PRESENTATION OF A PETITION FOR WINDING-UP UNDER SECTION 22A (1) OF THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) RULES, AND THE INTRODUCTION OF A MINIMUM FEE OF $10 000 CHARGEABLE UNDER THE COMPANIES (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) ORDER WHERE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER ACTED AS LIQUIDATOR OF A COMPANY.
+AT PRESENT, THE COST TO A PROSPECTIVE PETITIONER IS MINIMAL AND PETITIONS ARE FREQUENTLY PRESENTED WHEN THERE IS NO REAL HOPE OF MEANINGFUL DIVIDEND,* HE SAID.
THE REGISTRAR GENERAL HAD ESTIMATED THAT 44 PER CENT OF THE CASES PROCESSED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER INVOLVED TOTAL REALISABLE ASSETS OF LESS THAN $10 000, HE SAID.
/EACH liquidation .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15. 19&5
EACH LIQUIDATION OF THIS SORT COST THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER ALONE AN ESTIMATED $16 OOO OR MORE, AND ONLY A SMALL PROPORTION CF THE COST IS RECOVERED IN FEES AND CHARGES.
+THE RESULT OF INTRODUCING A MINIMUM DEPOSIT AND FEE OF $10 030 WILL BE TO DISCOURAGE CREDITORS FROM PETITIONING FROM WINDING UP WHERE THE ASSETS ARE NOT LIKELY TO YIELD A WORTHWHILE DIVIDEND. THIS WILL LEAD TO A CONSIDERABLE SAVING IN TIME, EFFORT AND MONEY,+ HE SAID.
AS FOR PETITIONERS RECEIVING LEGAL AID, THE MINIMUM DEPOSIT FEE CF $10 000 WOULD BE PAID BY THE LEGAL AID DIRECTOR IN ACCORDANCE WITH PRACTICE.
OTHER AMENDMENTS INCREASED THE CHARGES PAYABLE UNDER THE FEES AND PERCENTAGES ORDER, AND REPLACED THE PERCENTAGE SCALE WITH A FLAT RATE OF 10 PER CENT CHARGEABLE ON THE TOTAL ASSETS REALISED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER.
THERE WAS POWER UNDER SECTION NINE OF THE ORDER FOR THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO APPLY TO THE COURT TO REDUCE THE FEE IF IT WOULD PRODUCE AN AMOUNT WHICH, PARTICULARLY IN THE RELATIVELY STRAIGHTFORWARD CASES WHERE THE ASSETS ARE CONSIDERABLE, WOULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED BY THE EFFORT INVOLVED, HE SAID.
AS FOR THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) RULES 1985 AND
THE BANKRUPTCY (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) ORDER 1985, MR HIGGINSON SAID, THEY MADE SIMILAR PROVISIONS UNDER THE BANKRUPTCY ORDINANCE TO THOSE HE DESCRIBED FOR THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
THE OPPORTUNITY HAD ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO RE-ORGANISE AND REDRAFT THE BANKRUPTCY (FEES AND PERCENTAGES) ORDER IN ITS ENTIRETY, HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, THE MEETINGS OF CREDITORS (AMENDMENT) RULES 1985 EXTENDED, FROM ONE MONTH TO THREE MONTHS AFTER THE DATE CF THE RECEIVING ORDER, THE PERIOD OF TIME ALLOWED FOR THE HOLDING OF THE FIRST MEETING OF CREDITORS.
+THE PURPOSE OF THIS IS TO INCREASE THE INFORMATION ABOUT _ ASSETS THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE, AND SO INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY Or THE CREDITORS APPOINTING OUTSIDE TRUSTEES,+ MR HIGGINSON SAID.
MOVING THE REGISTERED TRUSTEES INCORPORATION 0RD*NANCE (AMENDMENT OF SECOND SCHEDULE) ORDER 1985, MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL ON APRIL 30 THIS YEAR, MR HIGGINSON SAID IT INCREASED SOME OF THE FEES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE INCORPORATION OF REGISTERED TRUSTEES. THE FEEo HAD BEEN LAST REVISED IN 1977.
THE NEW FEES WOULD NOT BE A BURDEN ON THE CHARITABLE ORGANISATIONS FOR WHICH THE ORDINANCE PROVIDED, AS, WITH TWO EXCEPTIONS, THEY CONCERNED THE PROVISION OF DOCUMENTS TO THIRD PARTIES ENQUIRING ABOUT THEM.
/the two .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15. 1985
- 24 -
THE TWO EXCEPTIONS, HE SAID, WERE THE FEE PAYABLE FOR ANY ALTERATION OR AMENDMENT TO A CERTIFICATE BY THE GOVERNOR, AND THE FEE PAYABLE FOR A CHANGE OF NAME OR SEAL, BOTH OF WHICH wERE RAISED FROM $20 TO $100.
THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS (FEES) (AMENDMENT) RULES 1985, W HIGGINSON SAID, INCREASED THE FEES PAYABLE FOR VARIOUS PROCEEDINGS UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PATENTS ORDINANCE.
THE FEES HAD LAST BEEN REVISED IN 1981. THE INCREASES WERE DESIGNED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF THE COST OF THE SERVICE PROVIDED.
-----o------
MOTION FOR LAND PREMIUM PAYMENT APPROVED * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION WHICH WOULD ENABLE PREMIUM INCOME FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS TO BE SPECIFIED FOR DIRECT PAYMENT INTO THE CAPITAL WORKS RESERVE FUND.
MOVING THE RESOLUTION UNDER THE PUBLIC FINANCE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN EREMRIDGE, SAID THIS WAS NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO ARRANGEMENT^ FOR IMPLEMENTING PARAGRAPH 6 OF ANNEX I I I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PUBLIC FINANCE (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1985 CONTAINED PROVISIONS FOR THE COUNCIL TO SPECIFY BY RESOLUTION THAT CERTAIN MONEYS BE CREDITED DIRECTLY TO A FUND WITHOUT THE NEED FOR APPROPRIATION.
THE RESOLUTION ALSO PROPOSED THAT THE FUND BE RESTRUCTURED, WITH EFFECT FROM THE DATE THE JOINT DECLARATION ENTERED INTO FORCE, BY THE SETTING UP UNDER IT OF THREE SEPARATE ACCOUNTS, SIR JOHN SAID.
+ALL PREMIUM INCOME FROM LAND TRANSACTIONS WILL IMMEDIATELY UPON RECEIPT GO TEMPORARILY INTO A SUSPENSE ACCOUNT,* HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE AMOUNT OF THE DEDUCTION OF THE AVERAGE COST OF LAND PRODUCTION, TOGETHER WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S SHARE OF PREMIUM INCOME, WOULD GO INTO A WORKS ACCOUNT FROM WHICH PAYMENTS FOR LAND DEVELOPMENT AND PUBLIC PROJECTS WOULD BE MADE.
+THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT’S SHARE WILL BE PAID INTO THE BANK ACCOUNT OR ACCOUNTS DESIGNATED BY THE CHINESE SIDE,* HE ADDED.
/THERE WO’JLD ......
WEDNESDAY, JUY 15» 19&5
THERE WOULD ALSO BE A RESERVE ACCOUNT THROUGH WHICH ADDITIONAL FUNDS, APPROPRIATED FROM GENERAL REVENUE, WOULD, WHEN NECESSARY, BE TRANSFERRED TO THE WORKS ACCOUNT.
INTEREST EARNED ON THE FUNDS HELD IN THE SUSPENSE ACCOUNT WILL BE DIVIDED ANNUALLY, AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH FINANCIAL YEAR, IN THE SAME PROPORTIONS AS THE GROSS PREMIUM INCOME HAS BEEN DIVIDED.
ALL THREE ACCOUNTS WOULD BE DIVISIONS OF THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND WHICH IS REFERRED TO IN ANNEX I I I TO THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE SUSPENSE AND RESERVE ACCOUNTS WERE REQUIRED FOR TECHNICAL ACCOUNTING REASONS, HE ADDED.
-----o------
LEVY THRESHOLD RAISED
* * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED TWO MOTIONS RAISING LEVY THRESHOLD UNDER THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS (COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE AND THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING (CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY) ORDINANCE.
THE LIMIT FOR ANY CONSTRUCTION WORK NOT LIABLE TO THE LEVY WILL BE RAISED FROM THE CURRENT $250 000 TO $1 MILLION.
MOVING THE TWO MOTIONS, THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, THE HON NEIL HENDERSON, SAID THE INTENTION WAS TO REDUCE THE CONSIDERABLE TIME AND EFFORT SPENT IN COLLECTING RELATIVELY SMALL SUMS OF MONEY.
THE CHANGES WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM JUNE 1, 1985.
-----o-----
AMENDMENTS TO BILL WILL BE EASIER * * * * *
THE DANGEROUS GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 SEEKS TO TRANSFEF THE POWER TO MAKE ADMINISTRATIVE AND STRAIGHTFORWARD AMENDMENTS TO VARIOUS SCHEDULES TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS REGULATIONS FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO THE PUBLIC OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR ADMINISTERING THEM.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID IT SOUGHT TO EMPOWER THE COMMISSIONER OF MINES AND THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES TO AMEND, BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE, THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS (GENERAL) REGULATIONS.
/THE BILL .......
W3DN3SDAY, MAY 15, 19&5
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSED TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO AMEND, BY NOTICE IN THE GAZETTE, THE FIRST, SECOND AND TnlRD SCHEDULES TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS (SHIPPING) REGULATIONS, HE SAID.
+THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS (GENERAL) REGULATIONS PRESCRIBES THE SPECIFICATIONS FOR LABELS TO BE ATTACHED TO THE PACKING OR CONTAINERS OF DANGEROUS GOODS.
♦PROVISIONS IN THIS SCHEDULE RELATING TO EXPLOSIVES IN CATEGORY 1 ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF MINES AND PROVISIONS IN RESPECT OF LABELS RELATING TO DANGEROUS GOODS IN CATEGORIES 2 TO 10 ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
♦THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE DANGEROUS GOODS (SHIPPING) REGULATIONS IS A LIST OF APPROVED PETROLEUM WHARVES. THE SECOND SCHEDULE PRESCRIBES THE FORMAT OF DANGEROUS GOODS MANIFESTS. THE THIRD SCHEDULE IS A LIST OF APPROVED CONTAINER TERMINALS.
♦PROVISIONS RELATING TO THESE THREE SCHEDULES ARE ADMINISTERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MAR INE,+ MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
BILL AIMS TO FURTHER RELAX RENT CONTROL * * * *
THE PROPOSALS OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WERE MADE FOLLOWING THE THIRD IN A SERIES CF ANNUAL REVIEWS OF THE RENT CONTROL SYSTEM, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, HE SAID THE PROPOSALS WERE DESIGNED TO FURTHER RELAX RENT CONTROL WITH THE OBJECT CF AN EVENTUAL RETURN TO FREE MARKET CONDITIONS, BUT THEY TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE SITUATION IN 1984 AND THE PROSPECTS FOR 1985.
POINTING OUT THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, MR FORD SAID PUBLIC REACTION TO IT SINCE ITS PUBLICATION ON APRIL 26 HAD BEEN MUTED, AND THERE SEEMED TO BE BROAD ACCEPTANCE +0F THESE RATHER MILD PROPOSALS+.
♦THEY AIM TO TAKE ANOTHER STEP ALONG THE ROAD OF PHASING OUT RENT CONTROL, BUT THE STEP IS A MODERATE ONE SINCE WE ARE ALWAYS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO AVOID HARDSHIP.
♦IT IS NEVER EASY TO PLEASE BOTH LANDLORDS AND TENANTS, BUT IN THE PRESENT CIRCUMSTANCES, I BELIEVE THAT THE PROPOSALS CONTAINED IN THE BILL CONSTITUTE A REASONABLE COMPROMISE,* He S~IS.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
- 0 - -
/27 ....
EDNESDAY, MAY 15, 19?5
27
BILL PROVIDED WITH PENALTY CLAUSE
*****
THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 REPRESENTED ANOTHER STEP IN PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTIONS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO SAID TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, MR TSAO TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT IT SOUGHT TO PROVIDE A PENALTY FOR ANY PERSON TO MAKE A FALSE STATEMENT OF FACT ABOUT A CANDIDATE, OR FOR THE CANDIDATE HIMSELF TO DO SO.
HE SAID THAT BREACH OF THE A FINE OF $500 AND IMPRISONMENT CONVICTION, OR A FINE OF $2 000 ON CONVICTION UPON INDICTMENT.
PROVISIONS WOULD BE SUBJECT TO FOR THREE MONTHS UPON SUMMARY AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS
+AN EFFECT OF THE BILL WILL BE ALSO TO CLEAR THE WAY FOR AN ORDER TO BE SOUGHT FROM THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL PRESCRIBING THE MAXIMUM LEVEL OF EXPENSES WHICH MAY BE INCURRED BY A CANDIDATE STANDING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ELECTIONS,* HE ADDED.
THE PROPOSED CEILING IS $20 000 FOR FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES WHICH COMPRISE AN ELECTORATE SUBSTANTIALLY SMALLER THAN THAT OF THE AVERAGE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCY, BUT WITH A MUCH WIDER GEOGRAPHICAL DISPERSAL OF ITS ELECTORS.
AS THE ELIGIBLE ELECTORATE IN ANY OF THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES WOULD NOT EXCEED 59 AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD MINIMAL MR TSAO SAID, + THE EXPENSES WHICH CANDIDATES IN THESE CONSTITUENCIES WILL NEED TO INCUR ON ELECTIONEERING WILL ACCORDINGLY BE RELATIVELY SMALL AND IT IS EELT FOR THIS REASON THAT THE CEILING ON THEIR EXPENSES SHOULD BE CAST AT THE LOWER LEVEL OF $10 000.*
+0N A PER CAPITA BASIS, THESE PROPOSED CEILINGS WOULD ALLOW AN AVERAGE EXPENDITURE OF $2.86 PER ELECTOR IN THE CASE OF THE FUNCTIONAL CONSTITUENCIES, AS COMPARED TO AN AVERAGE OF $2.28 PER ELECTOR IN THE DISTRICT BOARD CONSTITUENCIES,* MR TSAO SAID.
+ IN THE ELECTORAL COLLEGE CONSTITUENCIES, HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED CEILING OF $10 000 WOULD PRODUCE THE VERY MUCH HIGHER PER CAPITA FIGURE OF $277 PER ELECTOR, AND FURTHER CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN AS TO WHETHER THIS CEILING SHOULD NOT BE SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED,* HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
/28........
WEDNESDAY, i' ■ v 15, 1985
28
BILL SEEKS TO RAISE $7.7 MILLION A YEAR ******
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, SEEKING TO RAISE ADDITIONAL REVENUE OF ABOUT $7.7 MILLION PER ANNUM AND TO SIMPLIFY AND IMPROVE WINDING-UP PROCEDURES, WAS READ A SECOND TIME TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID THE SIMPLIFICATION WOULD ENABLE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO CONCENTRATE ON CASES IN WHICH THERE WAS +SOME REAL POSSIBILITY OF RECOVERING A DIVIDEND FOR THE CREDITORS*.
HE RECALLED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD ALREADY ANNOUNCED THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RAISE THE FEES AND CHARGES PAYABLE TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT.
♦A FULL REVIEW OF THESE FEES AND CHARGES HAS NOW BEEN COMPLETED,* HE SAID.
EXPLAINING ANOTHER AIM OF THE AMENDMENTS, MR HIGGINSON SAID A LARGE BURDEN OF THE WORK UNDER THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE FELL ON THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER, WHOSE OFFICE HAD EXPERIENCED A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN WORKLOAD DURING THE LAST FIVE YEARS.
+AN INCREASING NUMBER OF INSOLVENCIES DOES NOT NECESSARILY " ' ‘ INDICATOR OF MORE
MEAN AN INCREASE IN BAD BUSINESS, BUT IS AN BUSINESS.
♦MEASURES TO INCREASE THE PRODUCTIVITY RECEIVER’S OFFICE ARE THEREFORE TIMELY,+ HE
OF THE OFFICIAL SAID.
IN FORMULATING THE PRESENT PROPOSALS, MR HIGGINSON POINTED OUT, THE OBJECTIVE HAS BEEN TO SEEK TO REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, THEREBY INCREASING ITS PRODUCTIVITY, AND AT THE SAME TIME TO INCREASE REVENUE.
ONE OF THE MAJOR AMENDMENTS WAS TO ALLOW THE REMUNERATION OF AN OUTSIDE LIQUIDATOR TO BE DECIDED EITHER BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE LIQUIDATOR AND THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION OR BY THE COURT, AND TO ALLOW THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO APPLY TO THE COURT FOR A REVIEW OF THE REMUNERATION OF THE LIQUIDATOR, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS AMENDMENT TO SECTION 196 OF THE ORDINANCE WAS TO ENCOURAGE THE USE OF OUTSIDE LIQUIDATORS.
THE SECOND PROPOSAL IS TO RAISE FROM $10 000 TO $200 000 THE LIMIT ON THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY OF A COMPANY IN RESPECT CF WHICH THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER MAY WIND UP THE COMPANY BY WAY CF SUMMARY PROCEDURE UNDER SECTION 227F.
/♦THE EFFECT .......
V.ajNi.
MAY 15, 1985
29
♦ THE EFFECT OF INCREASING THIS LIMIT WILL BE TO ENABLE THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO USE THE SUMMARY PROCEDURE IN A GREATER NUMBER Or CASES AND SO REDUCE THE WORKLOAD OF HIS OFFICE,* HE SAID.
MR HIGGINSON EXPLAINED THAT THE LIMIT OF $10 000 HAD NOT BEEN CHANGED SINCE THE SUMMARY PROCEDURE WAS INTRODUCED IN 1976.
HE ADDED THAT THE WHITE PAPER ON THE REFORM OF THE INSOLVENCY LAW RECENTLY PUBLISHED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM RECOMMENDED THAT A SIMILAR LIMIT IN THE BRITISH ACT BE INCREASED TO 15 000 STERLING.
+A FIGURE OF $200 000 IS THEREFORE APPROPRIATE FOR HONG KONG.
+THE OPPORTUNITY HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO SIMPLIFY THE SUMMARY PROCEDURE,* HE SAID.
THE THIRD AMENDMENT PROPOSED WAS TO CREATE A MINIMUM LIMIT OF $100 000 TO THE AMOUNT OF CREDITOR’S FUNDS WHICH MAY BE INVESTED, AT THE REQUEST OF THE COMMITTEE OF INSPECTION, BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CREDITORS.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO LIMIT THE INTEREST PAYABLE ON SUCH FUNDS TO A MAXIMUM OF 3.5 PER CENT PER ANNUM OR SUCH OTHER RATE AS MAY BE FIXED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR HIGGINSON CONTINUED.
+THE INTEREST IN EXCESS OF 3.5 PER CENT ON SUMS OF OVER $100 000 AND THE INTEREST ON SUMS OF LESS THAN $100 000 INVESTED BY THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER SHALL BE TRANSFERRED TO
THE GENERAL REVENUE.
+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS MEASURE WILL GO SOME WAY TOWARDS MEETING THE COST OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE,* HE SAID.
MR HIGGINSON ADDED THAT THE BILL ALSO PROVIDED FOR THE INCREASE OF SOME MINOR FEES WHICH HAD NOT BEEN RAISED SINCE 1977 ALONG WITH CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) RULES.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
--------0 ----------
VvEDNE . DAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 30 -
MOVE TO APPOINT VICE CHAIRMAN * * * *
A BILL TO PROVIDE FOR THE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL BY THE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
APPOINTMENT OF A VICE CHAIRMAN GOVERNOR WAS INTRODUCED INTO
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) 3ILL 1985, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID THE PROVISION FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A VICE CHAIRMAN WAS TO ALLEVIATE THE HEAV,Y RESPONSIBILITY AND WORKLOAD OF THE CHAIRMAN, PARTICULARLY IF THE CHAIRMAN WAS PRECLUDED BY TEMPORARY INCAPACITY OR ABSENCE FROM DISCHARGING. HIS DUTIES.
THE BILL ALSO SOUGHT TO AMEND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL ORDINANCE SO THAT THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR WOULD CEASE TO BE AN EX OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL, AND THAT THE TITLE OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHOULD BE CHANGED TO THAT OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HE SAID.
THESE TWO MINOR AMENDMENTS WERE AIMED AT REFLECTING MORE ACCURATELY THE ROLE OF THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, WHICH PROPOSED THESE AMENDMENTS, SUPPORTED THE BILL.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o------
PILOTAGE PROPOSAL REFLECTS PORT ACTIVITY X X X X
FHE REQUIREMENT FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE REFLECTED THE HIGH LtVEL OF ACTIVITY IN THE PORT OF HONG KONG AND WOULD IMPROVE tAcE'LAND EFFICIENCY, The secretary for economic services I HE HON G.A. HIGGINSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
™r'hgg™so^ bill
AL8Ef>DT;EUSED°THET’'sSv?cl sWJ"JHE P0RT °E HONG KONG SUCH’SHIPS; IT «l"oESIM9LENfoE|NS(STNTHAT°F
/+THE BILL........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 31 -
+ THE BILL DECLARES THE WATERS OF HONG KONG TO BE A PILOTAGE AREA AND REQUIRES COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IN THOSE WATERS FOR ALL SHIPS SPECIFIED IN THE FIRST SCHEDULE.
+IT ALSO EXEMPTS CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF SHIPS FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE AND EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, AS THE PILOTAGE AUTHORITY, TO EXEMPT CERTAIN OTHER SHIPS SHOULD CIRCUMSTANCES SO REQUIRE,* MR HIGGINSON SAID.
FERRIES AND HYDROFOILS OPERATING TO AND FROM MACAU AND THE PEARL RIVER AND ALSO CERTAIN WORKING CRAFT OPERATING WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS WERE EXEMPTED FROM THE PROVISIONS.
+THE MASTERS OF THESE VESSELS ARE EXPECTED TO BE TOTALLY FAMILIAR WITH LOCAL CONDITIONS AND, UNDER NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES, WOULD NOT REQUIRE THE SERVICES OF A PILOT,* HE EXPLAINED.
COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN THREE PHASES.
THE INITIAL PHASE OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WOULD COME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1 THIS YEAR.
THIS PHASE WOULD PROVIDE FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE TO APPLY TO THREE CLASSES OF SHIPS: ALL SHIPS OVER 10 000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNES; ALL SHIPS OVER 1 000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNES PROCEEDING TO AND FROM CERTAIN SPECIFIED POINTS OR CARRYING SPECIFIED DANGEROUS GOODS- AND SHIPS OF 300 GROSS REGISTERED TONNES OR OVER WHICH ARE DISABLED FOR ANY REASON OR WHICH ARE LIKELY TO POSE A THREAT TO PROPERTY.
IT WAS HOPED THAT THE SECOND PHASE FOR ALL SHIPS OVER 5 000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNES AND THE THIRD PHASE FOR ALL SHIPS OVER 1 000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNES WOULD COME INTO FORCE IN 1987 AND 1989 RESPECTIVELY.
+THE REASON FOR THE PHASED INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IS TO ALLOW TIME FOR NECESSARY OPERATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS TO BE MADE AND FOR ADDITIONAL PILOTS TO BE RECRUITED AND TRAINED,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR HIGGINSON SAID THESE PROPOSALS HAD BEEN DRAWN UP IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG PILOTS ASSOCIATION, THE PORTS COMMITTEE, THE PORTS OPERATION COMMITTEE AND THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, ALL OF WHOM ENDORSED THE NEED FOR COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IN THE MANNER SUGGESTED.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 32 -
DUTIABLE COMMODITIES BILL GOOD PIECE OF LEGAL DRAFTING
*****
THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES BILL IS A GOOD PIECE OF LEGAL DRAFTING, THE HON PETER WONG SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE SAID ANYONE FAMILIAR WITH TAX LEGISLATION WOULD APPRECIATE THAT IT WAS BY NO MEANS EASY TO DRAFT A BILL WHICH WAS PRECISE ENOUGH TO COVER THE TAX INTENDED AND YET SIMPLE ENOUGH FOR THE AVERAGE PERSON TO UNDERSTAND AND'FOR THE TAX AUTHORITIES TO APPLY.
+IN MY VIEW THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 IS A GOOD PIECE OF LEGAL DRAFTING, PARTICULARLY THE DEFINITIONS OF COSMETICS AND NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, AND TO A LARGE EXTENT MEETS THE GENERAL CRITERIA DESCRIBED ABOVE,+ HE SAID.
THERE WERE, HOWEVER, THREE SPECIFIC AREAS IN WHICH HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE FURTHER IMPROVEMENT OR CLARIFICATION. HE WAS PLEASED . TO REPORT THAT THE ADMINISTRATION HAD AGREED TO THREE AMENDMENTS WHICH HE WOULD MOVE AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE.
FIRST, ONE OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDER THE NEW SECTION (2A) IN CLAUSE 5(B) DETERMINING THE NORMAL PRICE OF ANY DUTIABLE GOODS MANUFACTURED IN HONG KONG STATED THAT THE SELLER WOULD BEAR ’FREIGHT, INSURANCE, COMMISSION AND ALL OTHER COSTS, CHARGES AND EXPENSES INCIDENTAL TO THE SALE AND THE DELIVERY OF THE GOODS TO THE BUYER’.
THE CONCISE OXFORD DICTIONARY DEFINED ’FREIGHT’ AS THE HIRE CF SHIP OR AIRCRAFT FOR TRANSPORTING GOODS OR THE TRANSPORT OF GOODS IN CONTAINERS.
SINCE THIS SECTION WAS INTENDED TO APPLY ALSO TO GOODS MANUFACTURED AND USED LOCALLY, ’FREIGHT’ WAS PERHAPS NOT THE MOST APPROPRIATE WORD. +LOCALLY MADE GOODS FOR LOCAL CONSUMPTION ARE NOT NORMALLY TRANSPORTED BY AIR OR SHIP OR IN CONTAINERS,* MR WONG SAID.
IT HAD THEREFORE BEEN AGREED THAT THE WORD ’TRANSPORT’, WHICH CARRIED A MORE GENERAL MEANING, SHOULD BE USED INSTEAD.
SECOND, DEFINING ’COSMETICS’ AS ’ANY PREPARATION TO IMPROVE, BEAUTIFY AND GENERALLY INCREASE THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF THE PERSON BY EXTERNAL APPLICATION’ WAS SOMEWHAT SUBJECTIVE AND MAY GIVE RISE TO DIFFICULTIES IN INTERPRETATION AND CONSTRUCTION.
TO REMOVE DOUBT, IT HAD BEEN AGREED THAT THE WORD ’DESIGNED’ SHOULD BE ADDED AFTER ’PREPARATION’ AND THIS WOULD EFFECTIVELY ELIMINATE THE SUBJECTIVE ELEMENT.
/THIRD, THE ........
- 33 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
THIRD, THE WORD ’FASTIDIOUSNESS’ IN THE DEFINITION OF COSMETICS *AS BOTH SUPERFLUOUS AND UNDESIRABLE.
THERE WERE NO SCIENTIFIC OR ARTISTIC STANDARDS AS TO WHICH PREPARATION WAS LIKELY TO PROMOTE FASTIDIOUSNESS.
INDEED, SOME PEOPLE WHO USE THE PRODUCTS UNDER THIS CATEGORY -TALCUM POWDER, DEODORANT, DEPILATORY, ANTIPERSPIRANT, SUN TAN PRODUCTS OR A SALT OR FOAM FOR THE BATH - MIGHT FEEL OFFENDED BY BEING DESCRIBED AS ’FASTIDIOUS’.
+l WOULD BE SURPRISED IF ANYONE WOULD OBJECT TO THE DELETION OF THIS SOMEWHAT ’FASTIDIOUS’ WORD ALTOGETHER,+ HE SAID.
MR WONG SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD GIVEN NOTICE THAT HE WOULD BE MOVING TWO AMENDMENTS TO THE BILL.
. +THEY APPEAR TO BE IN ORDER AND THEREFORE HAVE MY SUPPORT,* HE SAID.
-----o------
FOUR BILLS PASSED * * *
FOUR BILLS WERE PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE: THE DUTIABLE COMMODITIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT)(NO. 3) BILL 1985, THE ROAD TRAFFIC (DRIVING LICENCES REGULATIONS AND REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES REGULATIONS)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 AND THE OATHS AND DECLARATIONS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
NINE BILLS WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME, AND DEBATE ON THEM WAS ADJOURNED.
THEY ARE THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL (POWERS AND PRIVILEGES) BILL 1985, THE DANGEROUS GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOL I DAT I ON)(AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 AND THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO MAY 29.
-----0------
/34........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 34 -
COUNCIL HOLDS FIRST BUSINESS MEETING * * *
THE LEVEL OF HONORARIA AND OFFICE RENTAL ALLOWANCE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WERE DECIDED AT ITS FIRST BUSINESS MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
A PROPOSED ALLOWANCE OF $28 OOO PER MONTH FOR THE COUNCIL CHAIRMAN, $14 000 FOR THE VICE-CHAIRMAN AND $7 000 FOR ALL THE ORDINARY MEMBERS WAS ACCEPTED BY'THE COUNCIL MEMBERS.
THE LEVEL REPRESENTED ABOUT 75 PER CENT THAT OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE URBAN COUNCIL.
♦ THE SLIGHTLY LOWER HONORARIA WAS PROPOSED ON THE
BASIS THAT MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WOULD NOT BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM THE FULL RANGE OF FUNCTIONS OF THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN THE URBAN AREAS,+ A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL NOT HAVE THE SAME DELEGATED STATUTORY POWERS OR FINANCIAL AUTHORITY OVER EXPENDITURE SINCE THE COUNCIL WILL BE ONLY PROVISIONAL AND ADVISORY IN NATURE IN ITS FIRST YEAR.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE 13 SELECT COMMITTEES OF THE URBAN COUNCIL HELD AN AVERAGE OF 330 MEETINGS A YEAR AND IT wAS ANTICIPATED THAT THE ACTIVITIES OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WERE UNLIKELY TO REACH ANYWHERE NEAR THIS LEVEL IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF EXISTENCE.
IN ARRIVING AT THE LEVEL OF HONORARIA, THE COUNCIL ALSO TOOK INTO CONSIDERATION THAT THE AMOUNT OF TRAVELLING EXPENSES PER JOURNEY LIKELY TO BE INCURRED BY MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL MAY BE GREATER THAN THAT OF THEIR URBAN COUNCIL COUNTERPARTS OWING TO THE GEOGRAPHICAL SPREAD OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A MAXIMUM OF $1 750 PER MONTH IN OFFICE RENTAL ALLOWANCE WAS ALSO PROPOSED FOR MEMBERS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, COMPARED TO THE $2 OQO FOR THEIR URBAN COUNCIL COUNTERPARTS.
IN EXPLAINING THE DISCREPANCY, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED TO THE GENERALLY LOWER RENT LEVELS FOR OFFICE PREMISES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES COMPARED TO SIMILAR ACCOMMODATIONS IN THE OLD URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
DURING THE 1-1/2-HOUR MEETING, THE COUNCIL ALSO DISCUSSED THE STANDING ORDERS WHICH GOVERN THE PROCEEDINGS OF COUNCIL MEETINGS SUCH AS THE RULES OF CONDUCTING A MEETING, OF DEBATE, OF VOTING, LINES OF AUTHORITY AND OTHER MATTERS RELATING TO COUNCIL PROCEDURES.
/members of .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 35 -
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WERE BRIEFED BY THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, ON THE WORK AND ORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT WHILE SECRETARY FOR THE COUNCIL SECRETARIAT, MRS PAMELA TAN, ADVISED MEMBERS ON THE SUPPORTING ROLE OF THE SECRETARIAT.
THE MEETING, HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, ALSO RECEIVED A PROGRESS REPORT ON THE FITTING-OUT WORK STILL BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE COUNCIL CHAMBER IN TSUEN WAN.
ARRANGEMENTS WERE THEN MADE FOR MEMBERS TO VISIT THEIR CHAMBER FACILITIES WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN SEPTEMBER.
-----o-----
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANCY FEE APPROVED ******
FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) GAVE THE GO-AHEAD FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO SPEND JUST OVER $2 MILLION TO ENGAGE THE UNITED KINGDOM ATOMIC ENERGY AUTHORITY AS CONSULTANTS ON THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF THE DAYA BAY NUCLEAR POWER PROJECT.
WHILE THIS SUM IS $672 000 MORE THAN ESTIMATED AT THE END OF LAST YEAR BEFORE THE CONSULTANCY BRIEF HAD BEEN FINALISED, THE ADVICE FROM THE U.K.A.E.A. WILL BE EXTREMELY DETAILED AND FAR REACHING.
IT WILL INVOLVE THE PRODUCTION OF SEVEN, IN MOST CASES HIGHLY TECHNICAL, REPORTS OVER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN 18 MONTHS, TOGETHER WITH THE PROVISION OF EXTENSIVE TRAINING, COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND PUBLICITY MATERIAL.
THE ORIGINAL COMMITMENT, APPROVED IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, WAS $1 425 000. HOWEVER, SINCE THEN A DETAILED CONSULTANCY BRIEF HAD BEEN DISCUSSED WITH THE U.K.A.E.A. WHICH RESULTED IN THE FINAL FIGURE OF $2 097 000.
/THE BHIM? .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 36 -
THE BRIEF REQUIRED THE CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE FIVE STUDIES:
* TO PROVIDE TECHNICAL EVALUATION OF THE RADIATION MONITORING PROGRAMME;
* PRODUCTION OF A PRELIMINARY CONSEQUENCE MODEL FOR HONG KONG;
* DEVELOPMENT OF A CONTINGENCY PLAN FOR HONG KONG;
* PROVISION OF TRAINING; AND
* ADVICE ON PUBLIC EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
THE PLANNED ESTABLISHMENT OF THE NUCLEAR POWER STATION AT
DAYA BAY IN 1991 GENERATED PUBLIC CONCERN, AND AS A FIRST STEP
TOWARDS RESPONDING TO VIEWS EXPRESSED THE GOVERNMENT DEVELOPED A RADIATION MONITORING PROGRAMME TO UNDERTAKE ROUTINE ENVIRONMENTAL RADIOLOGICAL SURVEILLANCE WITHIN HONG KONG.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE MONITORING PROGRAMME WILL BE TO DETERMINE THE EXISTING LEVELS OF BACKGROUND RADIOACTIVITY TO PROVIDE A STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT BASIS FOR COMPARISON AGAINST WHICH ANY CHANGES IN RADIATION LEVEL, FOLLOWING THE COMMISSIONING OF THE POWER PLANT, CAN BE MEASURED.
THE GOVERNMENT ALSO RECOGNISES THE NEED TO ASSESS THE PROBABILITY OF A NUCLEAR-RELATED ACCIDENT OCCURRING, AND TO ESTABLISH ADEQUATE MEANS TO DEAL WITH IT. THE PROBABILITY OF VARIOUS ACCIDENTS WILL BE ASSESSED THROUGH THE USE OF A CONSEQUENCE MODEL BASED UPON WHICH A CONTINGENCY PLAN DETAILING COUNTER MEASURES AND RESOURCE REQUIREMENTS WILL BE DEVELOPED.
IN ORDER TO PROPERLY DEVELOP THE CONSEQUENCE MODEL AND ADVISE ON THE MONITORING PROGRAMME AND THE CONTINGENCY PLAN, THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED EXPERTISE WAS REQUIRED FROM AN OUTSIDE CONSULTANT WITH LONG EXPERIENCE IN THE FIELD OF NUCLEAR SAFETY.
AROUND THE SAME TIME AS THE U.K.A.E.A. WERE APPROACHED THE GOVERNMENT SET ASIDE THE $1 425 OOO, THEN AN ESTIMATE OF WHAT THE FEE WOULD BE.
TODAY, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVED THE INCREASE OF $627 000.
--------o----------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1935
- 37 -
SOCIAL WORKERS’ ROLE IN DRUG FIGHT STRESSED
*****
THE CONTACT BY OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKERS WITH YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK wAS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE IN COMBATING THE PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG, THE COMMISSIONER OF NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
HE POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS INDICATED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE wERE MOST AT RISK TO THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AFTER THEY HAD LEFT SCHOOL.
SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR FOR OUTREACH SOCIAL WORKERS, MR MORTIMER APPEALED TO THEM TO HELP REDUCE THE DEMAND FOR ILLICIT DRUGS BY PROTECTING YOUNG PEOPLE AT RISK, ASSISTING FAMILIES WITH DRUG PROBLEMS AND PERSUADING ADDICTS TO SEEK TREATMENT.
BY REDUCING DEMAND THIS WAY AND BY THE ACTION OF THE POLICE AND CUSTOMS IN REDUCING SUPPLY, SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS COULD BE MADE AGAINST DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG, HE SAID.
MR MORTIMER NOTED THAT IN 1984, THERE WAS A 14.8 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES NEWLY REPORTED AS DRUG ABUSERS COMPARED WITH 1983 FIGURES, AND A 21 PER CENT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF YOUNG PEOPLE UNDER THE AGE OF 21.
♦HOWEVER,* HE ADDED, +THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.+
MR MORTIMER SAID THAT HEROIN ADDICTION CONTINUED TO BE A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM.
♦THE ABUSE OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS, WHICH CAN BE JUST AS HARMFUL AS HEROIN, IS NOT A SERIOUS PROBLEM IN HONG KONG ACCORDING TO PRESENT I ND I CAT IONS,+ HE SAID.
THERE WAS NO PERCEPTIBLE DRUG-RELATED DETERIORATION IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOLS AND THERE WAS NO UPSURGE IN ABSENTEEISM AT SCHOOLS OR IN THE WORK PLACE.
HE SAID IT WAS, HOWEVER, NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTIMATE HOW MANY PEOPLE MIGHT BE ABUSING THESE DRUGS ON AN OCCASIONAL OR CASUAL BASIS AND WHO HAD NOT YET FELT IN NEED OF MEDICAL TREATMENT.
THE NARCOTICS DIVISION CONTINUED TO MONITOR THE SITUATION CAREFULLY THROUGH THE ANALYSIS OF REPORTS TO THE CENTRAL REGISTRY OF DRUG ABUSE (CRDA), THROUGH SPECIAL SURVEYS CONDUCTED BY CERTAIN REPORTING AGENCIES, AND THROUGH THE SEIZURES OF ILLICIT PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS.
I I
/THE SEMINArt, ..........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15. 1985
38
ThF SEMINAR ENTITLED +DRUGS COMMONLY ABUSED IN HONG KONG*, IS JOINTLY SrGANIsId BY tSe NARCOTICS D I VI SI ON.GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL bERV a mA q Is'thE FOURTH OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD IN RECENT MONTHS AND lb AIMEDEAT PROVIDING OUTREACH SOCI AL WORKERS WI TH UP-TO-DATE KNOWLEDGE OF DRUG ABUSE IN HONG KONG SO THAT THEY COULD ^A AN EFFECTIVE ROLE IN HELPING THE COMMUNITY TO FIGHT THE PRObLc...
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WERE MR ISAAC CHO*« ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION? DJ.RSA^ ^AN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH bERVICES; MR STtrHtN CHAN^OF^THF PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICE OF MEDICAL AN1> HEALTH DEPARTMENT? AND MISS IVY CHAN, SOCIAL WORKER OF THE HONG KONG CHRISTIAN SERVICE.
----o------
TWO SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT
* * * *
A PRE-DAWN ANTI-ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION OPERATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES RESULTED IN THE ARREST OF TWO SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CHINA.
THE OPERATION, JOINTLY CONDUCTED BY OFFICERS OF THE INVESTIGATION DIVISION OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND YUEN LONG POLICE STATION, WAS CARRIED OUT SHORTLY BEFORE 6 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) IN MA TIN TSUEN, YUEN LONG.
A 22-YEAR-OLD MAN WAS ARRESTED INSIDE A HUT WHILE ANOTHER, AGED 30, WAS SUBDUED WHEN TRYING TO ESCAPE IN THE FIELDS.
BOTH ARE BEING DETAINED BY IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FOR FURTHER ENQUIRIES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY STRESSED THAT SUCH OPERATIONS AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDING IN HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE.
+THERE WILL BE NO AMNESTY FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND THEY WILL BE REPATRIATED WHEREVER THEY ARE FOUND,* HE SAID.
-----o------
/39........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
39
FOURTH QUARTER CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT FIGURES RELEASED * * * *
THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK CARRIED OUT BY ALL CONTRACTORS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WAS 4.1 PER CENT HIGHER AT $9 129 MILLION THAN THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT 0.4 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983.
ACCORDING TO THE QUARTERLY SURVEY OF CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT RELEASED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THIS BROUGHT THE TOTAL VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK BY ALL CONSTRACTORS IN 1984 TO $34 848 MILLION, MARGINALLY HIGHER THAN IN 1983.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WAS $5 942 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INDEX CF 90.2, OR 0.8 PER CENT LOWER THAN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. THIS *AS ALSO FIVE PER CENT LOWER THAN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983. THE QUARTERLY AVERAGE FOR 1982 WAS TAKEN AS 100.
THE DECLINE IN CONSTRUCTION WORK BY MAIN CONTRACTORS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECLINE IN VALUE OF WORK CARRIED OUT AT SOME MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION SITES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK PERFORMED BY MAIN CONTRACTORS DURING 1984 wAS VALUED AT $23 792 MILLION, 1.3 PER CENT LOWER THAN IN 1983.
COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE ON CONSTRUCTION WORK BY ALL CONTRACTORS, THE FIGURES FOR MAIN CONTRACTORS ARE FREE FROM THE EFFECT OF DOUBLE-COUNTING VALUE DUE TO THE PRACTICE OF SUB-CONTRACTING PREVALENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 AMOUNTED TO $4 724 MILLION, 0.7 PER CENT LOWER THAN THAT RECORDED IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 10.2 PER CENT LOWER THAN FOR THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983.
THE GROSS VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORK BY MAIN CONTRACTORS AT OTHER MINOR WORK SITES AND ERECTED BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES DECLINED SLIGHTLY, BY 1.3 PER CENT FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, REVERSING THE CONTINUOUS UPWARD TREND IN THE PAST FEW QUARTERS. HOWEVER, AT $1 218 MILLION, IT STILL REPRESENTED AN INCREASE CF 22.7 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ROSE FURTHER IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 TO $1 672 MILLION. IT WAS THE HIGHEST 'QUARTERLY FIGURE RECORDED BY THE SURVEY TO-DATE.
COMPARED TO 1983 FIGURES, CONSTRUCTION OF RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS ROSE BY 17.7 PER CENT.
/THE output .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 WAS 2.6 PER CENT HIGHER AT $596 MILLION THAN IN THE PREVIOUS QUARTER, BUT WAS STILL 31.1 PER CENT LESS THAN FOR THE SAM -QUARTER IN 1983.
THE OUTPUT VALUE OF COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS WAS RELATIVELY LOw THROUGHOUT 1984. WITH AN ANNUAL TOTAL OF $2 621 MILLION, IT WAS ONLY ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE TOTAL 1983 VALUE.
THE RECOVERY IN THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS THAT STARTED IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984 CONTINUED IN THE FOURTH QUARTER TO $270 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 13.2 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER BUT A DECLINE OF 9.4 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER IN 1983.
COMPARING BOTH YEARS, THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE OF INDUSTRIAL AND STORAGE BUILDINGS WAS DOWN 25.1 PER CENT.
DURING THE SAME QUARTER, THE OUTPUT OF TRANSPORT FACILITIES DROPPED TO $903 MILLION. THIS WAS A DROP OF 11.6 PER CENT FROM THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 33.1 PER CENT DOWN FROM THE SAME QUARTER IN 1333. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE DECLINE IN THE CONSTRUCTION VALUE FOR A NUMBER OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECTS FOR THE ISLAND LINE.
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT SURVEY IS PRIMARILY AIMED AT DEPICTING THE QUARTERLY CHANGES IN CONSTRUCTION OUTPUT. ANNUAL ESTIMATES MAY BE DERIVED BY SUMMING UP FIGURES RELEASED FOR EACH QUARTER, BUT THESE ESTIMATES SHOULD BE TREATED AS PROVISIONAL FIGURES ONLY.
THE DEPARTMENT ALSO PUBLISHES ANOTHER SERIES OF ANNUAL SURVEY RESULTS WHICH ARE SUBJECT TO SMALLER ERRORS BY VIRTUE OF A LARGER SAMPLING SIZE.
THE QUARTERLY SURVEY REPORT, AT $2 A COPY, MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES 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.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE BUILDING, CONSTRUCTION AND REAL ESTATE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE 3-7224490.
- 0
/41
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
- 41 -
NEW OFFICE OPENING * * *
THE KWAI CHUNG WEST SUB-OFFICE OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES AT THE CONVERTED TAI WO HAU ESTATE TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE VARIOUS SERVICES, ORIGINALLY PROVIDED IN THE OLD OFFICE AT KWAI CHUNG ESTATE, SUCH AS THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE, SHOULD NOW CALL AT NO. C12-14 OF THE COMMERCIAL CENTRE AT TAI WO HAU.
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT COMMISSIONER, MR CHAN SUI-JEUNG? THE CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CH INGs AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE WEST KWAI CHUNG AREA COMMITTEE, MA HIM, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE OPENING.
--------0 - -
POSTAL SERVICES RESUME
* * *
I
INTELPOST SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND SWEDEN, SUSPENDED SINCE MAY 8, 1985 FOLLOWING A STRIKE BY THE SWEDISH POST OFFICE, HAS RESUMED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GENERAL POST OFFICE SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
AT THE SAME TIME, SPEEDPOST SERVICE BETWEEN HONG KONG 'AND QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, WHICH HAS BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE MAY 11, 1985, HAS ALSO RESUMED.
' I
AIRMAIL AND AIR PARCEL SERVICES TO QUEENSLAND ARE ALSO BACK TO NORMAL, HE ADDED.
----o------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 1985
SIGNBOARDS TO BE CLEARED
******
TWENTY-FOUR OBJECTIONABLE AND ABANDONED SIGNBOARDS ON TWO BUILDINGS IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE REMOVED IN SEPARATE OPERATIONS TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE FIRST OPERATION WILL INVOLVE 22 SIGNBOARDS AT TOUGHA MANSION ON NATHAN ROAD. FIFTEEN OF THESE ARE OBJECTIONABLE AND SEVEN ARE ABANDONED ONES.
TwO RE-ERECTED SIGNBOARDS AT 66, PARKES STREET WILL ALSO BE DEMOLISHED. A SIMILAR CLEARANCE TOOK PLACE AT THE SAME BUILDING LAST MONTH WHEN 16 OBJECTIONABLE SIGNS WERE TORN DOWN.
TOMORROW’S EXERCISES ARE INITIATED BY THE OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS OF THE TWO BUILDINGS, AND ASSISTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
- - 0 -
SAI KUNG TOWN HALL READY SOON XXX
THE SAI KUNG TOWN HALL WILL BE READY IN A FEW MONTHS, PROVIDING LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH BETTER FACILITIES FOR CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE 25TH TERM OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, HE NOTED THAT RURAL COMMITTEES WERE PLAYING A DISTINCT AND IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT.
THEY PLAYED THEIR PART BY WIDENING THEIR CONTACT WITH THE COMMUNITY SO AS TO EFFECTIVELY EXERT THEIR INFLUENCE.
MR HO ALSO PRAISED THE EFFORTS OF PAST CHAIRMEN AND COMMITTEE PEMBERS IN PROMOTING AND PARTICIPATING IN DISTRICT AFFAIRS.
THROUGH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD MANAGED TO RESITE HAWKERS INTO THE NEW SAI KUNG MARKET COMPLEX, WHICH WAS OPENED LAST MONTH. THIS HAD RESULTED IN A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT TO THE DISTRICT’S ENVIRONMENT.
ALSO PRESENT AT TODAY’S INAUGURATION WERE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, PR LAU WONG-FAT.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HIGH COST BLOCKS MUSEUM PLAN ................................... 1
SIR PHILIP VISITS CONTAINER TERMINAL ........................... 1
MANUFACTURERS TOLD TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY ....................... 2
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR TWO SITES ................................. 4
CLOSURE OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT ............................ 5
INSURANCE MANPOWER NEEDS TO BE SURVEYED ........................ 5
TRAINING COURSES FOR SPORTS COACHES ............................ 6
BASEBALL TEAMS COMPETE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP ........................ 7
FIRST FREE-FORM FUN POOL IN NT OPENS ........................... 7
STUDENTS TO VIE FOR CHAMPION AWARD ............................. 8
SHARE DISCLOSURES .............................................. 9
WATERFRONT GARDEN FOR EASTERN ..........-...................... 10
ROADS CLOSED IN SHA TIN AND ISLAND ............................ 10
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1985
HIGH COST BLOCKS MUSEUM PLAN * * * * *
THE PROPOSAL FOR A JOINT MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY IN TSIM SHA TSUI EAST HAS HAD TO BE SHELVED BECAUSE CF ITS HIGH COST.
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT THE GOVERNOR HAD WRITTEN LETTERS TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB YESTERDAY INFORMING THEM THAT BECAUSE THE ESTIMATED COST HAD RISEN TO OVER $450 MILLION, THE GOVERNOR DID NOT NOW FEEL THAT IT WOULD BE JUSTIFIED TO ASK THE JOCKEY CLUB TO FUND THE PROJECT.
THE GOVERNOR HAD SAID THAT HE FELT THAT THIS MIGHT NOT BE THE MOST BENEFICIAL WAY TO SPEND SO LARGE A SUM OF PUBLIC MONEY. HE HAD THEREFORE ASKED THAT PLANNING WORK ON THE PROJECT SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED FOR THE TIME BEING.
COMMENTING ON THE ANNOUNCEMENT, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, SAID THAT IT WAS DISAPPOINTING NEWS BUT THE COUNCIL WOULD NOW HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER IT SHOULD PROCEED WITH ITS PLANS FOR A TEMPORARY SCIENCE MUSEUM, WHICH WERE DISCONTINUED WHEN THE COUNCIL WAS INFORMED OF THE PROPOSED JOCKEY CLUB DONATION OF $200 MILLION TOWARDS THE MUSEUM BUILDING.
NOW, FOLLOWING THIS LATEST DEVELOPMENT, THE COUNCIL WOULD BE CONSIDERING OTHER OPTIONS FOR PROVIDING THESE SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC.
--------o
SIR PHILIP VISITS CONTAINER TERMINAL
* * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY (THURSDAY) VISITED THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL WHERE HE WAS BRIEFED ON ITS FACILITIES AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
AS THE LEADING CONTAINER PORT IN ASIA AND THE THIRD LARGEST IN THE WORLD, THE TERMINAL PROVIDES SIX BERTHS WITH MORE THAN 2 300 METRES OF QUAY AND ABOUT 88 HECTARES OF BACKUP SPACE FOR CARGO HANDLING, CONTAINER STORAGE AND CONTAINER FREIGHT STATIONS.
DURING 1984, IT HANDLED A TOTAL OF 2.1 MILLION T.E.U.S (20-F00T EQUIVALENT UNITS), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE O’7 14 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
/ACCCllPANIED BY........
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1985
2
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED, NR D.A. GLEDHILL, AND SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE COMPANY, SIR PHILlg WAS SHOWN AN AUDIO-VISUAL DISPLAY OF THE FACILITIES AND V SlkD THE CONTROL ROOM BEFORE BOARDING A LAUNCH FOR A GENtRAL VIEW OF
THE AREA.
SIR PHILIP WAS MET ON BOARD BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR K.Y. TANG, WHO EXPLAINED THAT A SIX-STOREY CARGO DISTRIBUTION AND HANDLING CENTRE, WHICH WOULD BE THE LARGEST CF ITS KIND IN THE WORLD, WAS BEING BUILT.
SIR PHILIP ALSO LOOKED AT RECLAMATION WORKS AT THE KWAI CHUNG CREEK. THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO YIELD 25.5 HECTARES OF LAND BY EARLY 1987, AND INCREASE THE THROUGHPUT CAPACITY 0- FHE CONTAINER TERMINAL TO MEET RISING DEMAND.
HE WAS ALSO TOLD THAT A THREE-BERTH TERMINAL TO THE SOUTH CF THE RECLAMATION SITE WAS BEING PLANNED TO FURTHER INCRtAbc THE CAPACITY OF THE TERMINALS.
-----o------
MANUFACTURERS TOLD TO UPGRADE TECHNOLOGY
* * * *
HONG KONG MANUFACTURERS SHOULD CONTINUE TO UPGRADE THEIR TECHNOLOGY AND PRODUCTS AND THERE ARE ALREADY SIGNS OF INCREASED AUTOMATION, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
MR YAXLEY MADE THESE REMARKS WHEN HE ADDRESSED A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
+IT IS EVIDENT THAT A LOT OF MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG WHICH REQUIRES CHEAP LABOUR OR CHEAP LAND, CAN NO LONGER BE DONE IN HONG KONG AND IS INCREASINGLY BEING DONE IN CHINA.
+THAT DOES NOT MEAN THAT WE ARE GOING TO SEE A MASSIVE EXODUS OF MANUFACTURING VENTURES FROM HONG KONG TO CHINA. WE ARE ABLE TO CONCENTRATE ON HIGH-TECHNOLOGY, THE UP-MARKET AND THE BETTER QUALITY PRODUCTS,+ MR YAXLEY SAID.
+AS OUR INDUSTRY MOVES UP MARKET, IT BECOMES MUCH MORE SOPHISTICATED AND IT REQUIRES MORE ASSISTANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT. WE ARE GOING TO SEE A MUCH GREATER INVOLVEMENT IN TECHNICAL SUPPORT FOR THE INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
/for example.........
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1965
FOR EXAMPLE, WE WOULD HAVE TO PROVIDE BETTER SERVICES IN THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE AND A LIBRARY IN WHICH MANUFACTURERS COULD COME AND LOOK AT STANDARDS. IF THEY HAD ANY PROBLEMS, IT wAS NECESSARY FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ASSIST TECHNICALLY TO HELP THEM UNDERSTAND INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS.
HOWEVER, MR YAXLEY STRESSED THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF NON-INTERVENTION.
+IT WILL BE A DISASTER IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO GET INTO THE BUSINESS OF INTERFERING WITH MANAGEMENT DECISIONS,* HE SAID.
ON RELATIONS WITH CHINA, MR YAXLEY SAID THIS WAS SYMBIOTIC AND CO-OPERATIVE, PARTICULARLY IN TERMS OF MANAGEMENT AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER.
ON OVERSEAS INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG, HE SAID A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT LAST YEAR SHOWED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF OVERSEAS INVESTMENT WAS $11 448 MILLION — AN INCREASE OF 63 PER CENT SINCE 1981. A SIGNIFICANT PORTION OF THE INCREASE WAS DUE TO EXISTING ESTABLISHMENTS EXPANDING THEIR OPERATIONS.
WHILE THE AVERAGE SIZE OF FACTORIES IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT DECREASED SLIGHTLY FROM 230 TO 200 WORKERS, THE AVERAGE INVESTMENT PER WORKER INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY FROM $89 000 TO $159 000. THIS IMPLIED THAT ESTABLISHMENTS WITH OVERSEAS INTERESTS HAD BECOME MORE CAPITAL INTENSIVE AND MOVED TOWARDS AUTOMATION, HE SAID.
REGARDING THE CURRENT STATE OF PLAY ON NEW COMPANIES COMING TO HONG KONG, MR YAXLEY SAID THAT WE HAD 53 COMPLETED PROJECTS COVERING A WIDE VARIETY. THESE PROJECTS HAD BEEN COMPLETED SINCE JANUARY 1, 1983 AND HAD ALREADY COME INTO PRODUCTION.
IN ADDITION, WE HAD 17 COMMITTED PROJECTS - FIVE FROM THE UNITED STATES, TWO FROM GERMANY, TWO FROM AUSTRALIA AND THE REST FROM A VARIETY OF OTHER SOURCES. THESE COMPANIES HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE DECISION TO GO AHEAD WITH THEIR PROJECTS IN HONG KONG.
MR YAXLEY ADDED THAT THERE WERE ALSO A FURTHER 26 PROMISING PROJECTS OF WHICH 10 CAME FROM THE UNITED STATES. THESE INCLUDE A LAMINATES PLANT, AND MANUFACTURERS OF CEMENT ADDITIVES, DISC DRIVES, SEMI-CONDUCTORS, OFFSET PRINTING, WORD PROCESSORS, VINYL FLOOR COVERING AND EVEN JAPANESE CAKES.
0
/4........
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1935
- 4 -
TENANCIES SOUGHT FOR TWO SITES * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO SITES.
THE FIRST SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 4 650 SQUARE METRES, AT CHOI SHEK LANE, KWUN TONG, IS FOR OPEN STORAGE.
THE INITIAL TENANCY FOR THE SITE IS FOR TWO YEARS AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 1 920 SQUARE METRES, IS AT SHEK LI STREET, KWAI CHUNG. IT IS FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CAR PARK BUT NOT FOR PARKING CONTAINER TRACTORS AND TRAILERS.
TENANCY FOR THIS SITE IS FOR SIX MONTHS AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR BOTH SITES IS NOON ON MAY 31.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLANS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT:
K LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, 5TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONGj
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST,
YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN,
10TH FLOOR, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTI-STOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE KWAI CHUNG SITE.
1
S~AY, I .V 16. 1985
5
CLOSURE GF ILLEGAL STRUCTURE SOUGHT * * *
THE EUILL ING AUTHORITY IS SEEKING THE CLOSURE OF AN ILLEGAL STRUCTURE ON THE ROOF OF 16-18 KWONG MING STRCET, WAN CHAI TO ENABLE DEMOLITION OF THE STRUCTURE WITHOUT DANGER TO PEOPLE.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 AM ON JUNE 20, 1985 WAS POSTED ON THE STRUCTURE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE CLOSURE IS PART OF THE EXERCISE TO ENFORCE THE ORDER ISSUED ON OCTOBER 10, 1984 UNDER THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE REQUIRING THE DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL STRUCTURE AND AS A RESULT OF THE OWNER’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE ORDER.
BE CARRIED 0UT IMMED,4TELV the
--------0 ----------
INSURANCE MANPOWER NEEDS TO BE SURVEYED
* * * * *
THE BIG GROWTH IN THE LAST TWO YEARS OF THE INSURANCE BUSINESS, PARTICULARLY THE LIFE INSURANCE SECTOR, AND ITS MANPOWER NEEDS WILL BE THE SUBJECT OF A SURVEY BETWEEN MAY 30 AND JUNE 10.
THE THIRD BIENNIAL INSURANCE INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY WILL EE CARRIED OUT BY THE INSURANCE TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID THAT THE SURVEY WOULD ENABLE THE BOARD TO FORMULATE TRAINING PLANS AND MAKE THE NECESSARY RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT, EMPLOYERS AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS.
HE URGED ALL EMPLOYERS TO COOPERATE BY SUPPLYING INFORMATION, WHICH WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES, WITHOUT REFERENCE TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
-----o------
, MAY 16, 1985
TRAIN I G COURSES FOR SPORTS COACHES h -r r ii *
TH" MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS PLANNING TO TRAIN MORE COACHES AND INSTRUCTS. S IN VARIOUS SPORTS.
ORGANISED BY THE BRANCH’S RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES DIVISION, COURSES IN ROLLER-SKATING, HANDBALL AND VOLLEYBALL WILL BE HELD BETWEEN MAY AND AUGUST.
INTERESTED PERSONS AGED 18 OR ABOVE AND WITH EXPERIENCE IN THE SPORTS ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
TWO ROLLER-SKATING COACHES TRAINING COURSES, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE HONG KONG AMATEUR ROLLER-SKATING ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD EVERY TUESDAYS AT THE ROLLER WORLD COMPLEX IN TELFORD GARDEN FROM MAY 28 TO JULY 23 AND AT THE ROLLER WORLD COMPLEX OF CITY PLAZA FROM MAY 30 TO JULY 25 ON THURSDAYS.
CLASSES WILL BE CONDUCTED BY EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTORS APPOINTED BY THE ASSOCIATION.
PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTEND CLASSES REGULARLY AND PASS AN EXAMINATION WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES.
COURSE FEE IS $20 AND ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 80 PERSONS.
THOSE INTERESTED IN PROMOTING HANDBALL AS A SPORT ARE WELCOME TO JOIN AN ELEMENTARY COACHES TRAINING COURSE TO BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ON JUNE 29 AND 30 AND JULY 6 AND 7.
THE COURSE IS JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE HONG KONG AMATEUR HANDBALL ASSOCIATION.
PARTICIPANTS SHOWING SATISFACTORY PROGRESS WILL HAVE A CHANCE, TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING TRAINING CLASSES IN AUGUST.
THOSE AGED 18 OR ABOVE ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PART.
AN AUDITION WILL BE HELD LATER AND 40 PERSONS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THE COURSE. COURSE FEE IS $30.
VOLLEYBALL ENTHUSIASTS WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO LEARN COACHING SKILLS IN THE ELEMENTARY COACHES TRAINING COURSES TO BE HELD FROM JULY 20 TO AUGUST 11 AND FROM JULY 21 TO AUGUST 17.
THE COURSES, TO BE HELD AT LAI CHI KOK PARK INDOOR GAMES HALL AND YU KWONG ROAD INDOOR GAMES HALL, ARE ORGANISED WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF HONG KONG AND KOwLOON VOLLEYBALL ASSOCIATION. FORTY PERSONS WILL BE ADMITTED AT EACH CLASS. COURSE FEE IS *30.
APPLICANTS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND AN AUDITION ON JUNE 23 (SUNDAY) AT LAI CHI KOK PARf INDOOR GAMES HAUL.
FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE BRANCH’S SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AN? SERVICES SECTION ON THE FLOOR OF RUTTONJEE HOUSE, ‘1 DUDDELL STREET, CENTRA! . FOP ENQUIRIES CALL 5-224415 OR ^-224416.
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1935
7 -
BASEBALL TEAMS COMPETE FOR CHAMPIONSHIP * * * *
SHATIN MARTINS, THE BASEBALL TEAM FORMED BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD, WILL BE PLAYING AT THE ALL HONG KONG CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FOR MINOR A DIVISION ON SUNDAY (MAY 19).
THE TEAM, AFTER WINNING ALL NINE MATCHES IN THE FIRST ROUND, WILL BE COMPETING AGAINST THE JAPANESE TEAM +EAGLES+ FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP.
SHA TIN’S THREE LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL TEAMS - SHATIN DRAGONS, SHATIN MARTINS AND SHATIN LIONS - HAVE A TOTAL OF 45 MEMBERS AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND 12. THEY FORM PART OF THE DISTRICT-BASED SPORTS AND RECREATION PROGRAMME SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE MARTINS WAS FORMED IN 1983 TO ENRICH CHILDREN’S INTEREST IN AND KNOWLEDGE OF BASEBALL, TO FOSTER TEAM SPIRIT AND GOOD CHARACTER THROUGH HEALTHY GROUP ACTIVITIES, AND TO PROMOTE SPORTS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES IN SUPPORT OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
DESPITE ITS SHORT HISTORY, THE MARTINS HAS TAKEN PART IN A NUMBER OF OPEN COMPETITIONS AND GIVEN DEMONSTRATION SHOWS ON MANY OCCASIONS.
UNDER A PROMOTIONAL SCHEME BEGINNING NEXT MONTH, A NEWLY RECRUITED TEAM MEMBER WILL RECEIVE TRAINING BY INSTRUCTORS FOR TWO HOURS EVERY TUESDAY AND SUNDAY AT THE SHA TIN BASEBALL FIELD.
--------o ----------
FIRST FREE-FORM FUN POOL IN NT OPENS * * * *
THE FIRST FREE-FORM LEISURE POOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, EQUIPPED WITH MANY INTERESTING AQUATIC PLAY APPARATUS, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN TUEN MUN TODAY (THURSDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF REGIONAL SERVICES, MR TONY HAMMOND, SAID THAT THE SADDLE-SHAPED 1 OOO—SQUARE METRE SWIMMING POOL, KNOWN AS THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB YAN 01 TONG SWIMMING POOL, HAS ALREADY PROVED POPULAR AS IT HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE LAST AUGUST.
AMONG THE MANY ATTRACTIONS AT THIS SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, WHICH OCCUPIES AN AREA OF ABOUT 6 600 SQUARE METRES, ARE TWO WATER SLIDES FITTED WITH WATER SPOUTS TO KEEP THE SLIDES SLIPPERY.
/THE MAIN .......
THURSDAY, MAY 16, 1985
8
THE MAIN POOL IS SEPARATED INTO TWO LAGOONS BY A CENTRAL ROCK DIVIDER. THE SLIDES LEAD INTO THE SPLASHING LAGOON WHILE THE OTHER LAGOON IS FITTED WITH A FOUNTAIN. A SMALLER PADDLING POOL IS LOCATED WITHIN THE COMPLEX.
THE WHOLE COMPLEX CAN ACCOMMODATE 350 SWIMMERS AT ANY ONE TIME AND SPECIAL FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED FOR THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED.
MR HAMMOND SAID THE JOCKEY CLUB CONTRIBUTED $5 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION COST WHILE THE YAN Ol TONG SUPERVISED THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPLEX,'SITUATED NEAR THE TUEN MUN TANG SHIU KIN SPORTS GROUND.
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT PLANNED TO PROVIDE TWO LARGE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES IN TUEN MUN.
ONE TO THE SOUTH OF YAU Ol ESTATE, IS ALREADY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND SHOULD BE READY FOR NEXT YEAR’S SWIMMING SEASON.
THE SECOND COMPLEX, NEAR LEUNG TIN ESTATE, IS A LONGER TERM PROJECT AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1993, IN LINE WITH POPULATION BUILD UP IN THE AREA, MR HAMMOND SAID.
AS A RESULT OF THE SUCCESS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB YAN 01 TONG SWIMMING POOL, HE ADDED, THE DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING THE INCORPORATION OF FREE-FORM CHILDREN’S POOLS IN ADDITION TO A COMPETITION POOL FOR THE LATTER PROJECT.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WERE THE CHAIRMAN CF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, MR LI FOOK-WO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR LAU WONG-FAT AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF YAN 01 TONG, MR HO SUN-WING.
-----o-----
STUDENTS TO VIE FOR CHAMPION AWARD * * * *
MORE THAN 1 500 SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM ABOUT 130 SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL SHOW OFF THEIR TALENTS OVER THE WEEKEND IN PRELIMINARY CONTESTS OF THE INTER-DISTRICT STUDENT TEAM CHAMPION AWARD COMPETITION.
THE EVENT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE OF ’85 YOUTH FESTIVAL IN RESPONSE TO THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR (IYY).
/A PRINCIPAL........
9 -
Tr.Jat ;^Y , 1??5
A PRINC'^AL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF CNTA, MRS FAN4Y LA'., SaID THE COMPETITION «AS A I ’ED AT SELECTING THE MOST OUTSTANDING STUDENT TEAM WITH APTITUDE FOR LEADERSHIP, ORGANISING ABILITY, CREATIVITY, SOCIAL KNOWLEDGE, VITALITY AND TEAM WORK.
THE PRELIMINARY ROUND OF CONTEST WILL BE HELD AT EACH OF THE 1° BIST’ICTS ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MAY 13 AND 19) WHEN PARTICIPATING TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN A QUIZ ON GENERAL AND SOCIAL KNOWLEDGE OF HONG KONG.
EACH TEAM, COMPRISING AT LEAST 15 STUDENTS, WILL ALSO HAVE TO PRESET A THREE-MINUTE SOPHISTICATED, MUSICAL AND LIVELY STAGE PERFORMANCE TO ILLUSTRATE THE IYY THEME OF +PARTICI PAT I ON, DEVELOPMENT AND PEACE.+
THE .INNING TEAM OF EACH DISTRICT WILL ENTER THE FINAL IN SUMMER WHEN EACH TEAM HAS TO PRESENT AN ADDITIONAL SOCIAL PROJECT ON A STUDY DIRECTED TOWARDS THEIR OWN DISTRICT.
THE PANEL OF ADJUDICATORS FOR THE WEEKEND’S PRELIMINARY CONTESTS WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM CNTA, URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, DISTRICT BOARDS, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE TELEVISION BROADCAST LTD.
THE FINAL COMPETITION WILL BE FEATURED IN AN HOUR-LONG TV PROGRAMME LATER THIS YEAR.
SHARE DISCLOSURES * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN O’7 THE COMMITTEE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS UNDER RULE 29 OF THE HONG KONG CODE ON TAKEOVERS AND MERGERS ADVISES THAT, IN CONNECTION WITH THE OFFER TO BE MADE TO ACQUIRE THE REMAINING ISSUED SHARES IN LEE HING DEVELOPMENT LTD. (’LEE RING’) NOT ALREADY OWNED BY PARKWAY HOLDINGS LTD. (’PARKWAY’), THE FOLLOWING DISCLOSURES HAVE BEEN MADE TO HIM:
SUN HUNG KAI INTERNATIONAL LTD. (’SHK’) ADVISES THAT PARK.,AY BOUGHT A TOTAL OF 5 150 000 SHARES IN LEE HING ON MAY 14, 1965 AT 12.35 PER SHARE FROM MR HO TIM, A DIRECTOR OF LEE HING. CONSEQUENTLY, PARKWAY OWNS IN AGGREGATE 45 150 000 SHARES IN LEE HING, REPRESENTING 45.15 PER CENT OF THE ISSUED SHARE CAPITAL OF LEE -ING.
THURSDAY, MAY •, 19r?
WATERFRON"7 GARDEN FOP EASTERN H * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS APPROVED THE ALLOCATION OF S2.A MILL IO!' FOP THE DEVELOPMENT OF A 3 OOO-SQUARE-METRE SITE OFF WHITFIELD ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY INTO A WATERFRONT GARDtN.
THE SITE, LOCATED NEAR THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER, IS CURRENTLY USED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE STORAGE OF BEACH RAFTS.
UNDER THE PROJECT, A CH INESE-STYLE PAVILION, CHESS TAELES SEATS, PLANTERS, ARBOURS AND A TOILET WITH FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED WILL BE PROVIDED.
A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID THE DESIGN HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT CONNECTION TO THE PROMENADE ON THE FUTURE RECLAMATION AT THE SOUTH EASTERN CORNER OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO START EARLY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 -
ROADS CLOSED IN SHA TIN AND ISLAND * * *
A NUMBER OF ROAD SECTIONS IN SHA TIN AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ROAD WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT.
IN SHA TIN, A TRAFFIC LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ’ LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, BETWEEN THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND KAK TIN VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 19) FOR SURFACE IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, CONGESTION IS EXPECTED AT THE NORTHBOUND SECTION AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR USE TAI PO ROAD.
A TRAFFIC LANE OF THE KOWLOON-BOUND SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD OUTSIDE SHA TIN RACECOURSE AND MAFOO QUARTERS WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT EIGHT WEEKS FROM 10 AM ON SUNDAY (MAY 19).
IN CENTRAL, D’AGUILAR STREET BETWEEN WYNDHAM STREET AND WELLINGTON STREET WILL BE CLOSED ON MAY 19 AND MAY 26 FROM 8 Ar UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IN aAN CHAI, TONNOCHY ROAD BETWEEN HARBOUR ROAD AND GLOUCESTER ROAD WILL ” CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 PM. TO 9 Pr ON MAY VEHICLES EASTBOl'\~ GLOUCESTER ROAD hEADINc FOR HAF?OUR -DAD WILL r.c 7 IA MARSH ROAD AND HUNG I NG -.OAD
DURING the CLOSURE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MARINE DEPARTMENT RAISING FEES, CHARGES TO MEET COSTS.... 1
HK TEAM RETURNING FROM FUJIAN ........................... 4
WORKERS RECEIVE INSOLVENCY FUND PAYMENT ................. 4
DANGER FROM LOCKED ROOF DOORS IN FIRES STRESSED ......... 5
NEW OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI ...... 5
VOLUNTARY HELPERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATION SCHEME............ 6
MORE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS TO BE FITTED WITH LIGHTING SYSTEM 7
FEE CHARGES PROPOSED .................................... 8
MENTAL HEALTH WEEK FOR KWAI CHUNG-TSING YI .............. 8
WASTE TRANSFER STATION PLANNED........................... 9
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS ............... 10
CIVIL AID SERVICES UNITS TO COMPETE...................... 10
77 HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE............................. 11
NEW PREMISES FOR COLLEGE................................. 11
PRESS VISIT ............................................. 11
FISHERMEN MAY REGISTER FOR CLAIMS........................ 12
CHORAL CONCERT .......................................... 12
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WAN CHAI ............................. 13 .
PARKING SPACE FOR MOTOR CYCLES........................... 13
WATER CUT FOR TESTS
13
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1935
MARINE DEPARTMENT RAISING FEES, CHARGES TO MEET COSTS * K * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE INCREASING ITS FEES AND CHARGES FROM JUNE 1, TO MAKE UP IN STAGES FOR THE COST OF PROVIDING THOSE SERVICES.
THE NEW FEES AND CHARGES WILL BRING IN ABOUT $50 MILLION MORE A YEAR, AGAINST A SHORTFALL OF $70 MILLION.
A RECENT OVERALL REVIEW HAD SHOWN THAT THE COST RECOVERY LEVEL FOR THE DEPARTMENT IN 1984-85 WAS ONLY 60 PER CENT.
A FURTHER INCREASE WILL BE INTRODUCED IN 1986-87, TO GENERATE AN ADDITIONAL $14 MILLION, OPENING THE WAY FOR SMALLER BUT MORE REGULAR INCREASES IN FUTURE YEARS, TO KEEP UP WITH COSTS.
A NOTICE OF THE NEW FEES AND CHARGES AS SET OUT IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1985 HAS BEEN GAZETTED TODAY.
REFERRING TO THE NOTICE, A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS GOVERNMENT POLICY THAT AREAS OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR WHICH PROVIDE DIRECT SERVICES SHOULD, AS FAR AS PRACTICABLE, BE SELF-FINANCING.
+THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD FURTHER ELABORATED ON THIS PRINCIPLE BY SUGGESTING THAT ’IT IS MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER IN OUR LOW TAX ECONOMY TO OBSERVE THE NO SUBSIDY PRINCIPLE UNLESS A POSITIVE POLICY DECISION IS TAKEN TO SUBSIDISE, AND Services should be paid for by those who use them,’* h£ said.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE COSTING HAD ESTABLISHED A NEW BASE LINE AGAINST WHICH ALL FEES AND CHARGES WOULD BE REVIEWED SYSTEMATICALLY IN THE FUTURE.
HITHERTO, CHANGES IN FEES AND CHARGES HAD BEEN BASED ON A 1965 COST REVIEW.
-WHILE AMENDMENTS INTRODUCED SHORTLY AFTER THEN WERE MADE AGAINST A REASONABLY ACCURATE BASE, THIS DID NOT NECESSAR L CONTINUE TO BE THE CASE WITH THE PASSAGE OF YcARS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, EVERY EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO INCREASE THF PRODUCTIVITY OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, WHICH OFFERS OVER 1 000 SERVICES, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF ANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMEN I, HE ADDED.
/PRODUCTIVITY,
FEI.-J, MA: 17,
PRODUCTIVITY, HE SAID, WAS BROADLY BASED ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS:
(A) THE NUMBER, TONNAGE AND GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF SHIPS ON THE HONG KONG REGISTER,
(B) THE NUMBER OF SHIPS ENTERING AND CLEARING THE PORT OF HONG KONG, AND
(C) THE AMOUNT OF CARGO HANDLED THROUGH THE PORT, INCLUDING PUBLIC CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES.
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS REGISTERING IN HONG KONG BETWEEN 1980 AND 1984 INCREASED FROM 574 TO 820, AND THEIR ASSOCIATED GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE GREW FROM LITTLE UNDER TWO MILLION TONS TO 6.4 MILLION TONS. AND THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION HAD CORRESPONDINGLY WIDENED.
+AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND, PROFESSIONAL STAFF DEALING WITH SURVEY AND RELATED MATTERS HAS INCREASED BY ONLY SEVEN TO 34 OFFICERS,* HE SAID.
THE NUMBER OF SHIPS ENTERING AND CLEARING PORT HAD RISEN FROM 110 800 TO 167 700 IN 1984. SIMILARLY, THE AMOUNT OF CARGO HANDLED INCREASED FROM 33 MILLION TONS IN 1980 TO 47.5 MILLION TONS IN 1984.
DURING THE PERIOD IN QUESTION THE NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF ASSOCIATED WITH PORT ACTIVITIES INCREASED BY 12 TO 56 OFFICERS.
+IN THESE TERMS PRODUCTIVITY HAS BEEN MAXIMISED, WHILE STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND PORT EFFICIENCY HAVE BEEN MAINTAINED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE NET RESULT OF THE INCREASED PORT CHARGES, IT WAS ESTIMATED, WOULD ADD ABOUT U.S. 21 CENTS TO THE COST OF SHIPPING A STANDARD 20 FOOT CONTAINER ACROSS THE PACIFIC. SHIPPING CHARGES FOR THIS SERVICE VARIED, BUT WERE GENERALLY BETWEEN US$1 000 AND US$2 000, HE SAID.
THE NEW INCREASES HAD VERY-LIMITED ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS, AND HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE TO BE AMONG THE LESS EXPENSIVE PORTS IN THE REGION. THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/3XAMPL.BS tF
?fiX2aY. ilAY 17» 1985
EXAMPLES OF THE NEw FEES ARE Ao FOLLOWS
1. ANCHORAGE DUES PRESENT RATE RATE 1.6.85 RATE 1986/87 REMARKS
■ ———
(1) INSIDE HARBOUR LIMITS $28 $37 $45 FOR EVERY 100 TONS OR PART THEREOF, PER DAY OR PART OF A DAY. N.B. THE FIRST DAY AT ANCHOR CONTINUES TO BE FREE.
(II) OUTSIDE HARBOUR LIMITS $ 8 $19 $30
2. MOOR 1 NG BUOY DUES
(1) ’A’ CLASS $2 100 $2 100 $2 400 PER SHIP PER DAY
(II) *B’ CLASS $1 400 $1 400 $1 600 PER SHIP PER DAY
3. PORT AND LIGHT DUES PRESENT RATE RATE 1.6.85
( 1) OCEAN GOING $13 $26 PER 100 TONS PER ENTRY TO HONG KONG
(II) RIVER TRADE $ 5 $10
4. PORT CLEARANCE $40 $60 PER SHIP PER DEPARTURE
/A .......
FRIDAY, MY 17, 1985
4
HK TEAM RETURNING FROM FUJIAN
*****
A TEAM OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AFTER VISITING FUJIAN AT THE INVITATION CF THE FUJIAN FOREIGN AFFAIRS OFFICE.
THE TEAM COMPRISES THE. POL ITI CAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD; THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR ALAN CARTER; THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR JOHN H.C. YEUNG, AND INTERPRETER MISS VIVIEN FONG.
IT WILL BE TRAVELLING ON FLIGHT CA 5005, ETA 10.50 AM.
--------0----------
WORKERS RECEIVE INSOLVENCY FUND PAYMENT
* * *
THE FIRST PAYMENT FROM THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY FUND WAS MADE TODAY (FRIDAY) TO FORMER EMPLOYEES OF AUDIOTRON ICS LIMITED, WHICH CLOSED DOWN LAST MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID ABOUT $200 000 'WOULD BE PAID OUT TO THE 309 WORKERS WHO HAD FILED CLAIMS FOR PAYMENT FROM THE FUND UNDER THE PROTECTION OF WAGES ON INSOLVENCY ORDINANCE.
THE ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON APRIL 19, PROVIDES A RELIEF SCHEME WHICH ENABLES WORKERS WHOSE EMPLOYERS HAVE BECOME INSOLVENT TO APPLY FOR EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND FOR SERVICE RENDERED AFTER APRIL 1, 1985.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE 309 WORKERS WERE THE FIRST GROUP TO APPLY FOR PAYMENT UNDER THE SCHEME AND THEIR CLAIMS HAD BEEN PROCESSED AND VERIFIED BY THE WAGE SECURITY UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
UP TO MAY 14, THE UNIT HAD RECEIVED 604 APPLICATIONS FOR PAYMENT FROM THE INSOLVENCY,FUND. THE AMOUNT OF CLAIMS INVOLVED TOTALLED $830 000, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WORKERS APPLYING FOR PAYMENT FROM THE FUND WOULD BE ASKED T0 FILL IN AN APPLICATION FORM IN TRIPLICATE, PRODUCE DOCUMENTS SUC« AS EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT, PAYROLL RECEIPTS, WAGE RECORDS AND ATTENDANCE RECORDS, IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CLAIMS.
HE ADDED THAT WORKERS SHOULD GIVE ACCURATE INFORMATION WHILE FILLING IN THE FORMS AS ANY ERROR MADE MIGHT DELAY Trit PROCESSING OF THEIR CLAIMS.
/5.......
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1935
- 5 -
DANGER FROM LOCKED ROOF DOORS IN FIRES STRESSED
******
RESIDENTS WERE WARNED TODAY BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT NOT TO LOCK EXIT DOORS LEADING TO ROOFS OF BUILDINGS BECAUSE OF THE DANGER TO LIFE THIS COULD CAUSE IN CASE OF FIRES.
♦PEOPLE MAY BE TRAPPED AND KILLED WHEN DOORS ARE LOCKED,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
ALL DOORS, HE STRESSED, SHOULD BE EASILY OPENED FROM THE INSIDE WITHOUT THE USE OF KEYS.
HE DISAGREED WITH A REPORTED SUGGESTION BY A CORONER THAT IF ROOF DOORS WERE LOCKED, THE KEYS SHOULD BE READILY AVAILABLE AND SHOULD BE HUNG IN A CONSPICUOUS PLACE, KNOWN TO ALL OCCUPANTS CF THE BUILDINGS.
THE SUGGESTION HAD BEEN MADE AT A RECENT INQUEST INTO THE DEATH OF A SIX-YEAR-OLD BOY WHO HAD BEEN TRAPPED BY A LOCKED ROOF DOOR IN A FIRE IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR.
♦KEYS CAN EASILY BE MISPLACED, MISSING OR STOLEN, AND IT WOULD ALSO BE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO LOCATE THEM IN THE DENSE
SMOKE OF A FIRE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----o------
NEW OUTLINE ZONING PLAN FOR MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI ******
A NEW OUTLINE ZONING PLAN HAS BEEN DRAFTED FOR MONG KOK AND YAU MA TEI (EAST) TO EXERCISE STATUTORY PLANNING CONTROL OVER THE AREAS.
THE DRAFT PLAN COVERS ABOUT 138 HECTARES BOUNDED BY BOUNDARY STREET ON THE NORTH, NATHAN ROAD ON THE WEST, JORDAN ROAD/GASCOIGNE ROAD ON THE SOUTH AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY ON THE EAST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD SAID LAND USE ZONINGS SHOWN ON THE DRAFT PLAN PRIMARILY REFLECT THE EXISTING DEVELOPMENT AND REDEVELOPMENT PROPOSALS FOR THE AREA.
OF THE 138 HECTARES, 7.07 HECTARES ALONG NATHAN ROAD HAS BEEN ZONED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL USE; 14.31 HECTARES TO THE NORTH CF DUNDAS STREET FOR RESIDENTIAL USE ALLOWING COMMERCIAL USES ON THE LOWER THREE FLOORS OF ANY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING; 3.85 HECTARES AT KING’S PARK SOLELY FOR RESIDENTIAL USE; AND 34.67 HECTARES FOR GOVER NMENT/1NSTI TUT ION/COMMUNITY USES.
/THERE '.‘/ILL....................
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 19&5
6 -
THERE WILL ALSO BE 18.35 HECTARES OF LAND FOR OPEN SPACE, 22.5 HECTARES FOR OTHER SPECIFIED USES SUCH AS THE MILITARY HOSPITAL, PRIVATE SPORTS AND RECREATIONAL CLUBS, AND RAILWAY STATION DEVELOPMENT. THE REMAINING 37.2 HECTARES ARE OCCUPIED BY ROADS.
+IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE POPULATION OF THE AREA WOULD REACH 87 OOO ON FULL DEVELOPMENT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE DRAFT PLAN SHOULD WRITE TO THE SECRETARY OF THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, C/0 LANDS DEPARTMENT, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG BEFORE JULY 16, 1985.
COPIES OF THE DRAFT PLAN CAN BE SEEN AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICE, WEST WING ENTRANCE, HONG KONG} THE TOWN PLANNING DIVISION, FOURTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE (MONG KOK), TUNG PING BUILDING, GROUND TO SECOND FLOORS, 157 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WEST, KOWLOON.
THE DRAFT PLAN IS ON SALE AT THE SURVEY DIVISION, LANDS DEPARTMENT, FIFTH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND THE KOWLOON MAP SALES SECTION AT 382 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT $10 EACH UNCOLOURED AND $120 EACH COLOURED.
--------o
VOLUNTARY HELPERS SOUGHT FOR PROBATION SCHEME
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO HELP WITH REHABILITATION WORK FOR PROBATIONERS.
PEOPLE WHO ARE 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER, WHO HAVE A SECONDARY EDUCATION AND ARE INTERESTED IN HELPING YOUNG OFFENDERS, ARE I NV ITtu TO JOIN THE +VOLUNTEERS SCHEME FOR PROBATIONERS*.
THOSE SELECTED WILL BE GIVEN A THOROUGH BRIEFING BEFORE THEY START WORK.
+VOLUNTEERS PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN WIDENING CONTACTS WITH PROBATIONERS AND IN HELPING TO RE-INTEGRATE THEM INTO THE COMMUNITY,* THE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SCHEME, MR LIU KOON-KEUNG, SAID.
APART FROM BEFRIENDING PROBATIONERS VOLUNTEERS CAN ASSIST BY HELPING-THEM DEVELOP MEANINGFUL HOBBIES AND HABITS, AND CULTIVATE HEALTHY PURSUITS, HE SAID.
/TUITION ANU .......
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
- 7 -
TUITION AND USEFUL GUIDANCE CAN ALSO BE PROVIDED TO THE PROBATIONERS.
Hc SA ID RESPONSE TO PREVIOUS RECRUITMENT EXERCISES HAD BEEN ENCOURAGING AND HE HOPED MORE PEOPLE WOULD COME FORWARD TO TAKE PART IN THIS MEANINGFUL WORK.
APPLICATION FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ALL PROBATION OFFICES AND THE OFFICE OF THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, SEVENTH FLOOR.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE VOLUNTEER SCHEME OFFICE BEFORE JUNE 8.
FURTHER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SCHEME CAN BE MADE TO MR P.Y. FUNG ON TELEPHONE 5-7955230.
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MORE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS TO BE FITTED WITH LIGHTING SYSTEM ******
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS TO SPEND $2.27 MILLION TO IMPROVE LIGHTING FACILITIES IN 12 PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN THE URBAN AREA.
THIS IS PART OF THE COUNCIL’S ON-GOING PARKLIGHT/ FLOODLIGHT IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WHICH HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS. SO FAR 12 PACKAGES OF PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH.
THE LATEST PACKAGE INVOLVES THE INSTALLATION OF NEW LIGHTING SYSTEM AT ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND (RUNNING TRACK), TELEGRAPH BAY VILLAGE PLAYGROUND, THE ROLLER SKATING RINK IN KOWLOON TSAI PARK, LAM TIN ESTATE PLAYGROUND NO. 6, FUK WAH STREET REST GARDEN AND FUK WING STREET REST GARDEN.
THE EXISTING LIGHTING SYSTEM AT TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE CENTRAL PLAYGROUND, TSZ WAN ROAD PLAYGROUND, WILLOW STREET PLAYGROUND, CHERRY STREET PLAYGROUND AND YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY CIVIC CENTRE REST GARDEN WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED.
A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN SELECTING THESE VENUES, A HIGHER PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO THOSE PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS WHERE THERE ARE NO EXISTING PARKLIGHTS OR FLOODLIGHTS.
OTHER FACTORS TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION WERE THE POPULARITY OF THE FACILITIES WHERE BETTER LIGHTING WOULD ENHANCE THEIR USAGE, AND THE ADVICE OF NATIONAL SPORTS BODIES ON THE ILLUMINATION REQUIREMENT FOR A PARTICULAR VENUE.
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/8......
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
- 8 -
FEE CHARGES PROPOSED
X * *
A BILL SEEKING TO AMEND THE FEES CHARGED UNDER THE BILLS OF SALE ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
+THE BILLS OF SALE (AMENDMENT) BILL MAINLY SEEKS TO PROVIDE FOR THE FEES FOR A SEARCH OF THE REGISTER OF BILLS OF SALE, AND FOR AN INSPECTION OF A BILL OF SALE, TO BE PRESCRIBED BY REGULATIONS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL,* A JUDICIARY SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE FEES CHARGED UNDER THE ORDINANCE HAVE NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 1976,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL IS SCHEDULED TO RECEIVE ITS FIRST READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON MAY 29.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT IN WRITING TO UMELCO OFFICE AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE REGISTRAR, SUPREME COURT AT 38, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
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MENTAL HEALTH WEEK FOR KWAI CHUNG-TSING Yl *****
A +KWAI CHUNG-TSING Yl MENTAL HEALTH WEEK+ TO PROMOTE MENTAL HEALTH EDUCATION IN THE DISTRICT, WILL BE HELD FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) UNTIL WEDNESDAY (MAY 22).
THE PROGRAMME, ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN-KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL. THE OPENING HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 AM TO 9 PM DURING WEEKDAYS AND BETWEEN 10 AM AND 5 PM ON SUNDAY.
THERE WILL BE AN EXHIBITION, FILMS, SLIDES, VIDEO TAPES, PAMPHLETS AND TALKS ON MENTAL ILLNESS AND REHABILITATION SERVICES.
AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE'MENTAL HEALTH WEEK WILL BE HELD TOMORROW AT 11 AM AT THE KWAI FONG COMMUNITY HALL.
OFFICIATING AT THE CEREMONY WILL BE THE REGIONAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR ALFRED CHUI» DISTRICT OFFICER OF KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl, MR TAM WING-PONG; MEDICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE KWAI CHUNG HOSPITAL, DR SHUM PING-SHIU5 CHAIRMAN OF THE KWAI CHUNG AND TSING Yl DISTRICT BOARD, MR HO TUNG-CHING; AND CHAIRMAN OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE SUB-COMMITTEE, MR YAU HON-KEE.
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/9........
FR DAY, MAY .7, 1985
- 9 -
WASTE TRANSFER STATION PLANNED * * * *
PARTIES INTERESTED IN PROVIDING AND OPERATING A MUNICIPAL WASTE TRANSFER STATION IN KOWLOON BAY ARE BEING ASKED TO SUBMIT THEIR NAMES TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE WASTE TRANSFER STATION WOULD PROVIDE FOR THE EXPANSION CF MUNICIPAL WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES FOR KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED.
IT WOULD FUNCTION AS A DESTINATION FOR MUNICIPAL REFUSE COLLECTION VEHICLES WHICH WOULD UNLOAD THERE. WASTE WOULD THEN BE LOADED INTO SPECIALIST BULK ROAD VEHICLES AND TRANSPORTED TO A CONTROLLED TIP IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR FINAL DISPOSAL.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE TRANSFER STATION WOULD BE FULLY ENCLOSED AND ALL APPROPRIATE MEASURES FOR THE PREVENTION CF POLLUTION AND NUISANCE FROM THE STATION WOULD BE REQUIRED TO BE PROVIDED.
THE STATION WOULD HANDLE BETWEEN 1 200 AND 2 000 TONNES OF MUNICIPAL REFUSE EACH DAY AND WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OPERATE ALL YEAR ROUND, WITH TWO SHIFTS EACH DAY, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE COMPILING A LIST OF PARTIES INTERESTED IN PROVIDING AND OPERATING SUCH A TRANSFER STATION ON A COMMERCIAL BASIS, AND IN PROVIDING ASSOCIATED BULK ROAD TRANSPORTATION SYoTEM AND DEVELOPMENT AND OPERATION OF CONTROLLED TIPS.
THE ABOVE FACILITIES ARE EXPECTED TO BE PROVIDED ON A DESIGN, CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE CONTRACT BASIS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
NOTICE OF THIS HAS BEEN PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, MAIN WING, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, CENTRAL, BEFORE JUNE 21, 1985.
0
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
10
AWARDS FOR OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS * * * *
ORGANISERS OF SIX PROJECTS FUNDED BY THE SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD HAVE BEEN COMMENDED UNDER THE BOARD’S 84-85 BEST COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECT AWARD SCHEME.
THE PROJECTS, SELECTED FROM 371 SPONSORED BY THE BOARD, WERE ORGANISED BY VARIOUS LOCAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE SHA TIN aRTo ASSOCIATION. SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION, YOUTH CENTRES, A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AND A SPECIAL WORKING COMMITTEE.
THE AWARDEES WILL BE PRESENTED WITH PRIZES BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG, AT A CEREMONY DURING THE BOARD’S SECOND MEETING ON TUESDAY (MAY 21).
THE SCHEME, FIRST INTRODUCED IN 1983, WAS LAUNCHED WITH THE AIM TO ENCOURAGE THE EFFECTIVE USE OF DB FUNDS TO PROMOTE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES, TO ENCOURAGE ORGANISERS TO UPGRADE THE STANDARD OF COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS, AND TO DIRECT DB-SPONSORED PROJECTS TOWARDS CULTIVATING HIGHER CIVIC-SPIRITEDNESS AND A SENSE OF BELONGING AMONG SHA TIN RESIDENTS.
SCREENING OF THE APPLICATIONS FOR THE AWARD WAS CONDUCTED IN MARCH BY A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING THE CHAIRMEN OF THE DISTRICT BOARD’S VARIOUS COMMITTEES AMD THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARY.
--------o ---------
CIVIL AID SERVICES UNITS TO COMPETE
* K X K * H
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD AN INTER-UNIT FOOTDRILL COMPETITION ON SUNDAY (MAY 19).
SEVENTEEN CAS TEAMS WILL TAKE PART IN THE COMPETITION, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 8.30 AM AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE AT 204 ARGYLE STREET.
+THE COMPETITION IS TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD IN TURNOUT AND SENSE OF DISCIPLINE OF CAS MEMBERS,+ A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID.
AFTER THE COMPETITION, THE CAS N.T. REGIONAL COMMANDER, NR CHAU HOW-CHEN, WILL PRESENT THE +CAS N.T. REGIONAL COMMANDER’S CUP+ TO THE WINNING TEAM AND SOUVENIRS TO OTHER TEAMS.
0---------
/11 ........
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
11 -
77 HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE
*****
SEVENTY-SEVEN OFFICERS OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WERE HONOURED FOR THEIR LONG SERVICE TODAY.
THEY WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR T.H. TOMLINSON, AND MEMBERS OF THE DIRECTORATE AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THESE OFFICERS INCLUDED WORKMEN, ARTISANS AND WORKS SUPERVISORS, A MOTOR DRIVER AND A COXSWAIN. AMONG THEM, 45 HAD SERVED MORE THAN 30 YEARS AND ANOTHER 25 HAD MORE THAN 20 YEARS’ OF SERVICE.
THEY HAD ALL RETIRED BETWEEN OCTOBER 1984 AND MAY THIS YEAR.
TROPHIES AND PRIZES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE DEPARTMENTAL SPORTS COMPETITIONS AT THE CEREMONY.
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NEW PREMISES FOR COLLEGE
* * *
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW COLLEGE PREMISES OF THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT 4 PM.
THE CEREMONY WILL BE HELD ON THE FOURTH FLOOR AUDITORIUM, DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING AT 15 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG.
--------0-----------
PRESS VISIT , * *
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR A PRESS VISIT TO THE YAU MA TCI AND MONG KOK FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND YAU MA TEI FIELD UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ON TUESDAY (MAY 21) MORNING.
PRIOR TO THE TOUR, A BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN BY YAU MA TEI AND MONG KOK DISTRICT SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MISS NANCY CHOW.
- 0
/12 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
12
FISHERMEN MAY REGISTER FOR CLAIMS
*****
FISHERMEN AFFECTED BY A PROPOSED RECLAMATION PROJECT AT TSANG TSUI IN TUEN MUN WILL BE ABLE TO REGISTER FOR CLAIMS OF EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES NEXT WEEK.
ANY FISHERMAN BASED BETWEEN BLACK POINT AND TAI SHU I HANG WHO WISHES TO REGISTER A CLAIM SHOULD BRING HIS VESSEL TO THE AREA CF DEEP BAY JUST OFF TSANG TSUI.
A MARINE DEPARTMENT VESSEL WILL BE STATIONED THERE BETWEEN 10 AM AND 11 AM ON TUESDAY, MAY 21, AND AT THE SAME TIME ON FRIDAY, MAY 24.
CLAIMANTS MUST PRODUCE THEIR IDENTITY CARDS, BOAT LICENCE BOOKS AND EVIDENCE OF RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS SUCH AS UTILITY BILLS.
MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS, ASSISTED BY OFFICERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WILL CONDUCT THE REGISTRATION EXERCISE.
- - 0
CHORAL CONCERT * * *
A CHORAL CONCERT ORGANISED BY THE MUSIC OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH WILL BE HELD AT SHOUSAN THEATRE, HONG KONG ARTS CENTRE, NEXT SUNDAY (MAY 26) AT 8 PM.
THE CONCERT WILL FEATURE THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR AND THE CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE.
REPERTOIRE FOR THE MUSIC OFFICE YOUTH CHOIR WILL INCLUDE MADRIGALS OF THE SIXTEENTH CENTURY, SONGS BY VAUGHAN WILLIAMS, PURCELL, ADAMS AND NEGRO SPIRITUALS AND THAT FOR THE CHINESE FOLK SINGING CHILDREN’S ENSEMBLE WILL INCLUDE FOLK SONGS FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES OF CHINA.
MR MICHAEL RIPPON, PRINCIPAL VOCAL INSTRUCTOR OF THE HONG KONG ACADEMY FOR PERFORMING ARTS, AND MISS CHEUNG LING-LING, A RENOWNED CHINESE FOLK VOCALIST, WILL BE THE GUEST CONDUCTORS.
TICKETS AT $5 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MONG KOK, YAU MA TE I AND HONG KONG MUSIC CENTRES.
FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CALL 0-428127.
- 0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 1985
- 13 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN WAN CHAI
* * * *
A SHORT SECTION OF INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD, WEST OF O’BRIEN ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT A MONTH FROM 10.30 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 20) TO FACILITATE FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED:
* A TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL BE PROVIDED WEST OF THE CLOSED SECTION FOR VEHICLES ON GLOUCESTER ROAD TO ENTER INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD.
* WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD EAST OF STEWART ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD AND THE TEMPORARY ACCESS TO REJOIN INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD.
* VEHICLES ON GLOUCESTER ROAD HEADING FOR O’BRIEN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE TEMPORARY ACCESS, INNER GLOUCESTER ROAD, FENWICK STREET AND JAFFE ROAD.
--------0
PARKING SPACE FOR MOTOR CYCLES
*****
MOTOR CYCLISTS WILL BE ABLE TO USE THE MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK IN CENTRAL AND FUK TONG ROAD CAR PARK IN KWUN TONG AS FROM 8 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 20).
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT 24 SPACES AT THE MURRAY BARRACKS CAR PARK AND 10 SPACES AT THE FUK TONG ROAD CAR PARK WILL BE DESIGNATED FOR MOTOR CYCLES.
PARKING FEE WILL BE 50 CENTS PER HOUR.
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WATER CUT FOR TESTS
* * * *
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 21) TO € AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY SHOUSON HILL ROAD ..EST, SHOUSON HILL ROAD, SHOUSON HILL ROAD EAST AND 37-80 DEEP ATER BaY ROAD, INCLUDING THE ROYAL HONG KONG GOLF CLUB.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
USEFUL LINKS BETWEEN HK AND FUJIAN .......................... 1
MEDICAL DIRECTOR OPENS NEW COLLEGE PREMISES ................. 2
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT SWINDLERS ............................... 3
CHILDREN' S WEEK - A REMINDER FOR PARENTS ................... 4
LADY YOUDE ATTENDS ART SHOW ................................. 5
SEMINAR ON AIR FREIGHT TRANSPORT SAFETY ..................... 6
FOURTH QUARTER INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX RELEASED.......... 6
HEALTH HINTS FOR SUMMER...................................... 8
REFRESHMENT KIOSKS UP FOR TENDER ............................ 9
SPEEDPOST GOES TO ITALY ..................................... 10
BOARD MEMBERS TO CHEER BASEBALL TEAM......................... 10
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES ................................ 11
+LEARN-TO-SWIMF CLASSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN ......... 11
COLLEGE HOLDING SPEECH DAY .................................. 12
CARRIAGEWAY TO BE CLOSED THREE MONTHS ....................... 13
AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE .................................. 13
FORESHORE LEASE OFFERED FOR MARINE WORKSHOP
13
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1985
1
USEFUL LINKS BETwEEN HK AND FUJIAN * * *
THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD, SAID TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT HE aAS IMPRESSED WITH FUJIAN PEOPLE’S INTEREST IN AND KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HONG KONG TO THE PROVINCE.
TALKING TO REPORTERS ON HIS RETURN FROM A VISIT TO
FUJIAN wI TH MR ALAN CARTER, DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR BOYD SAID: + THAT CAME ACROSS VERY CLEARLY. THEY ARE ANXIOUS THAT HONG KONG SHOULD BE PROSPEROUS.* ,
HE SAID DURING THE VISIT THEY HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO RAISE POINTS OF IMPORTANCE TO HONG KONG WITH FUJIAN OFFICIALS.
+ l MADE IT MY BUSINESS ALL ALONG THE wAY TO POINT OUT THAT THE MOOD IN HONG KONG IS VERY GOOD AND VERY CONFIDENT, AND wE FEEL HONG KONG HAS A GOOD CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE TO THE KINDS OF THINGS THAT ARE NOW GOING ON IN FUJIAN PROVINCE,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID THERE WAS A FEELING THAT THE LINKS BETWEEN THE TwO PLACES WERE USEFUL AND THAT BOTH HONG KONG AND FUJIAN COULD GO ON BUILDING ON THEM.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HAD VERY GOOD ON-GOING LINKS WITH THE FUJIAN AUTHORITIES, AND THAT THAT +VERY SATISFACTORY MECHANISM* WORKED WELL.
+ALAN CARTER AND I WERE INVITED UP BY THE FUJIAN AUTHORITIES TO PAY A FRIENDLY VISIT DESIGNED TO STRENGTHEN OUR LINKS,* HE SAID.
+l SHOULD SAY RIGHT AWAY THAT THIS wAS PRIMARILY A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK ALAN AND HIS STAFF HAVE DONE IN RELATION TO THE EVER EXPANDING FLOW OF VISITORS FROM FUJIAN.
+WE HAVE OF COURSE GREAT LINKS ALL OVER SOUTH CHINA, BUT I HAVE THE FEELING RATHER THAT THE RELATIONSHIP WITH FUJIAN WOULD BE wELL WORTH LOOKING AT.*
MR BOYD SAID THE FIVE-DAY VISIT WAS WELL JUSTIFIED.
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1)35
2
MEDICAL DIRECTOR OPENS NEW COLLEGE PREMISES ******
THE HONG KONG COLLEGE OF GENERAL PRACTITIONERS WAS PRAISED TODAY (SATURDAY) FOR ITS EFFORTS IN ORGANISING THE FIRST FELLOWSHIP EXAMINATION FOR MEMBERS.
OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE COLLEGE’S NEW PREMISES AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING, THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR K.L. THONG, SAID THE EXAMINATION WAS THE LATEST AND MOST SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE REACHED BY THE COLLEGE.
+1 AM GLAD TO NOTE THAT SUCH AN EXAMINATION HAS BEEN ORGANISED AS THIS IS AN INEVITABLE AND IMPORTANT STEP FOR ANY COLLEGE IN ITS QUEST FOR RECOGNITION AND RESPECT FROM MEMBERS OF THE PROFESSION AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC,+ DR THONG SAID.
. HE NOTED THAT THE COLLEGE, WHICH WAS FORMALLY INAUGURATED IN MARCH 1979, HAD PROGRESSED FROM ITS FIRST TODDLING STEPS TO YOUNG ADOLESCENCE AND WOULD SOON REACH MANHOOD.
DR THONG SAID THAT THE COLLEGE HAD CONCERNED ITSELF WITH CONTINUED EDUCATION FOR ITS MEMBERS WITH AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF LECTURES, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS AND VIDEO SESSIONS AS WELL AS A REFRESHER COURSE.
+THESE AND OTHER DEVELOPMENTS BY THE COLLEGE HAVE, I AM SURE, DONE MUCH TO BOOST THE IMAGE OF THE COLLEGE BOTH WITHIN THE PROFESSION AND IN THE COMMUNITY ITSELF,+ HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE PRESIDENT OF THE COLLEGE, DR PETER LEE, APPEALED TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION TO PLAY AN ACTIVE IF NOT THE LEADING ROLE IN THE FORMATION OF A JOINT PROFESSIONAL COALITION.
+1 FERVENTLY BELIEVE THAT THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO FORM A STRONG COALITION TO IRON OUT DIFFERENCES AND TO MAKE A COMPREHENSIVE LIST OF COMMON FEATURES WITH A VIEW TO PRESENTING A UNITED FRONT TO THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRAFTING THE BASIC LAwS,+ HE SAID.
DR LEE SAID THAT HE FELT THAT THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH HONG KONG-BASED AUTONOMOUS PROFESSIONAL BODIES BEING HEARD AND BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN THE BASIC LAWS WOULD BE GREATLY ENHANCED IF THE PROFESSIONALS SPOKE WITH ONE VOICE.
HE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH NO MENTION WAS MADE ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE PROFESSIONS IN THE JOINT DECLARATION, HE SAW THAT THIS OMISSION WAS A SCINTILLATING CHALLENGE FOR ALL PROFESSIONS IN HONG KONG.
/THEY COULD .......
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1985
THEY COULD LOOK URGENTLY INTO THEMSELVES TO ESTABLISH A TRULY HONG KONG-BASED AUTONOMOUS AUTHORITY TO CONTROL AND GOVERN OUR OwN PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND ACCREDITATION PROCESSES IN PLACE CF WHATEVER AUTHORITY WHICH UNDERTOOK THE TASK PREVIOUSLY, HE ADDED.
DR LEE SAID THAT IN SO DOING, THE PROFESSIONALS SHOULD BE GUIDED BY THREE BROAD PRINCIPLES WHICH ARE:
(1) HONG KONG MUST HAVE ITS OWN ABSOLUTELY AUTONOMOUS GOVERNING BODY IN EACH OF THE PROFESSIONS’
(2) THE STANDARDS SET BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNING BODY MUST BE COMPARABLE WITH THE BEST IN THE WORLD; AND,
(3) HAVING ACHIEVED THAT, THIS GOVERNING BODY SHOULD EMBARK ON A CAMPAIGN TO GET ITS STANDARDS AND QUALIFICATIONS INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED, AND AT ALL TIMES MAINTAIN DIALOGUE WITH OUR RESPECTIVE COUNTERPARTS THROUGHOUT THE WORLD TO ACHIEVE CONTINUING UPDATE IN SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS. ISOLATION IS SUICIDE.
PUBLIC WARNED ABOUT SWINDLERS * * * * *
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY WARNED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AGAINST SWINDLERS POSING AS CIVIL SERVANTS OR USING THE NAMES OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS TO CANVASS PAID ADVERTISEMENTS IN PUBLICATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS MUST FIRST OBTAIN APPROVAL FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE TO CANVASS PAID ADVERTISEMENTS IN PUBLICATIONS.
♦APPROVAL IS GIVEN UNDER STRICT CONDITIONS AND CANVASSING ACTIVITIES ARE RESTRICTED TO A SPECIFIED TIME LIMIT,* HE SAID. THREE OF THESE CONDITIONS STATE THAT:
* CANVASSING MUST BE DONE BY LETTER; NO DIRECT APPROACH EITHER BY TELEPHONE OR IN PERSON SHOULD BE MADE TO THE POTENTIAL ADVERTISERS;
/* HJJG&GEMS?? OF..........
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1985
- 4 -
* ENGAGEMENT OF OUTSIDE BODIES TO SOLICIT ADVERTISEMENT ON BEHALF OF CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS IS NOT PERMITTED. CANVASSING CAN ONLY BE DONE BY CIVIL SERVANTS WHEN THEY ARE OFF-DUTY.
* ACCEPTANCE OF CASH PAYMENT IS NOT ALLOWED. ADVERTISERS MUST BE ASKED TO MAKE PAYMENT BY CROSSED CHEQUE OR BANKDRAFT PAYABLE TO THE STAFF UNION CONCERNED AND SENT BY MAIL TO THE UNION’S REGISTERED ADDRESS.
CHEQUES OR BANKDRAFTS SHOULD NEVER BE MADE PAYABLE TO A PRIVATE FIRM (OR ANY PERSON).
+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD ALSO NOTE THAT BUYING ADVERTISING SPACE IN PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED BY CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNIONS IS PURELY VOLUNTARY. AGREEMENT OR REFUSAL TO PURCHASE ADVERTISING SPACE WILL CARRY NEITHER ADVANTAGES NOR DISADVANTAGES IN DEALING WITH THE GOVERNMENT OR CIVIL SERVANTS,* THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED.
PEOPLE WHO WISH TO CHECK WHETHER ANY ORGANISATION, WHICH HAS APPROACHED THEM WITH THE INTENTION TO CANVASS FOR PAID ADVERTISEMENTS, IS A BONA-FIDE CIVIL SERVANTS’ UNION, OR WHETHtR PRIOR APPROVAL HAS BEEN GIVEN FOR THE UNION TO DO SO, CAN CONTACT THE STAFF RELATIONS DIVISION OF THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH, OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AT TEL. NO. 5-225409. THEY ARE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO MAKE A REPORT TO THE POLICE IF THEY SUSPECT ANY IRREGULARITIES IN BEING SO APPROACHED.
-----o------
CHILDREN’S WEEK - A REMINDER FOR PARENTS * * * * *
A BETTER APPROACH TO HELPING PARENTS BRING UP THEIR YOUNG CHILDREN CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH DISCUSSIONS WITH EXPERIENCED TEACHING OR CHILD-CARE STAFF, ATTENDANCE AT WORKSHOPS OR SEMINARS, AND MEETINGS WITH OTHER PARENTS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, AT THE OPENING OF THE CHILDREN’S WEEK 1985 AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM.
THE REAL OBJECTIVE OF THE CHILDREN’S WEEK, SHE SAID, IS TO REMIND PARENTS OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TOWARDS THEIR CHILDREN, BY ENABLING PRE-SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO COME TOGETHER TO ASSIST PARENTS IN BRINGING UP THEIR CHILDREN IN THE BEST WAY POSSIBLE.
/SHL C 0
.UHIV., DAY 18, 1985
SHE COMMENDED TO BOTH TEACHERS AND PARENTS THE SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS WHICH ARE BEING HELD AS DART OF THE CHILDREN’S WEEK’S PROGRAMME, AND DESCRIBED THEM AS +VALUABLE FORA WHERE DEVELOPMENTAL PROBLEM OF YOUNG CHILDREN MIGHT BE FREELY AND USEFULLY DISCUSSED.*
+IN THESE WAYS, ALL OF US CAN IMPROVE OUR PARENTING SKILLS AND THUS ENSURE A BETTER FUTURE FOR OUR CHILDREN,* SHE SAID.
MRS CHAN SAID THAT PARENTS NOWADAYS DO THEIR BEST TO ENSURE THAT THEIR CHILDREN RECEIVE GUIDANCE, CARE AND ATTENTION FROM THE VERY BEGINNING. '
THE ANNUAL EVENT, STARTING FROM TOMORROW UNTIL MAY 26, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND SERVICES AND THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE FOR TEACHERS, CHILD CARE WORKERS AND CHILDREN IN THE FIELD OF PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION AND SERVICES.
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LADY YOUDE ATTENDS ART SHOW * * *
LADY YOUDE, PATRON OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE ■MENTALLY HANDICAPPED, TODAY (SATURDAY) ATTENDED AN ANNUAL ART EXHIBITION HELD BY THE ASSOCIATION AT JOCKEY CLUB SCHOOL.
THE EXHIBITION WAS AIMED AT ENCOURAGING MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN ART.
LADY YOUDE PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO 30 WINNERS AT THE EXHIBITION.
WINNING PAINTINGS, SELECTED FROM 280 ENTRIES, WILL REPRESENT HONG KONG SCHOOLS AND CENTRES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED IN THE 23RD INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ART BY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE TO BE HELD IN LONDON LATER THIS YEAR.
CERTIFICATES WERE ALSO PRESENTED TO WINNERS OF THE 22ND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ART LAST YEAR.
AFTER THE PRESENTATION, LADY YOUDE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE ASSOCIATION’S CHAIRMAN, DR HENRIETTA IP, SAW THE PAINTINGS ON DISPLAY.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SEVEN WINNING PAINTINGS OF LAST YEAR’S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION OF ART WERE ALSO ON DISPLAY.
FOUNDED IN 1964, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PROMOTES THE WELFARE OF MENTALLY HANDICAPPED PEOPLE AND RUNS SCHOOLS AND CENTRES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
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S/FURDA., MaY 18, 1985
6
SEMINAR ON AIR FREIGHT TRANSPORT SAFETY * * *
SOME 60 AIR FREIGHT TRANSPORT PERSONNEL WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL ON MONDAY (MAY 20).
SPONSORED BY THE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG AIR FREIGHT AGENTS, THE SEMINAR IS TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN CARGO HANDLING AND TRANSPORTATION. ,
EXPERTS ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, COMMUNITY MEDICINE AND AIR FREIGHT TRANSPORT WILL SPEAK ON ACCIDENT PREVENTION, HEALTH HAZARDS IN CONNECTION WITH CARGO HANDLING AND PREVENTION FROM NJURIES AND SAFETY IN CARGO OPERATIONS.
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FOURTH QUARTER
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION INDEX RELEASED * * * *
THE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IN THE FOURTH QUARTER T 1°84, AT 143.7, WAS 18 POINTS OR 14.6 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE SAME QUARTER OF 1983, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
COMPARED WITH THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1984, AND BEARING IN MIND ThAT THIS COMPARISON MAY BE AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, THERE aiAS A MARGINAL DECREASE OF 0.6 PER CENT.
«I TH IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE TOBACCO INDUSTRY SHOWED 7HE MOST SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN PRODUCTION, BY 68.1 PER CENT OVER THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1983 AND 50.1 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS QUARTER. MOST OF THE PRODUCTION WAS FOR EXPORTS TO CHINA.
OTHER INDUSTRIES WITH INCREASES IN PRODUCTION OVER THE SAME QUARTER A YEAR EARLIER INCLUDED PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+58.5 PER CENT), CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+44.7 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+25.9 PER CENT), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+21.9 PER CENT), AND NEWSPAPER PRINTING (+20.4 PER CENT).
HOWEVER, SEVERAL INDUSTRIES REPORTED SIGNIFICANT DECLINES IN PRODUCTION ON THE SAME BASIS OF COMPARISON, INCLUDING LEATHER PRODUCTS (-24.5 PER CENT), PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT (-20 PER CENT), ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PARTS, ACCESSORIES AND MACHINERY (-15.4 PER CENT), AND FOOD (-11.9 PER CENT).
/BESIDES TOBACCO, .......
. .-UuiU,
. 1985
7 -
BESIDES TOBACCO, INDUSTRIES /J I TH MARKED INCREASES IN PRODUCTION BETWEEN THE THIRD AND FOURTH QUARTERS OF 1984 WERE RUBBER PRODUCTS (+22.4 PER CENT), NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (+13.2 PER CENT), CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+12.5 PER CENT), AND NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (+11.8 PER CENT).
MARKED DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE PRODUCTION OF BEVERAGE (-29.7 PER CENT), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (-24.3 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-16 PER CENT), AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (-10.2 PER CENT) OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
THE LOWER SEASONAL DEMAND FOR BEER AND AERATED WATER IN WINTER AFFECTED THE BEVERAGE INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS THE PRODUCTION OF METAL CANS IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY.
THE ANNUAL INDEX FOR THE WHOLE MANUFACTURING SECTOR IN 1984 STOOD AT 132, 18 POINTS OR 15.9 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN 1983. SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE NOTED FOR TOBACCO (+44.7 PER CENT), FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS (+44 PER CENT), PLASTIC PRODUCTS (+43.7 PER CENT), TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+35.2 PER CENT), CONSUMER ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (+32.6 PER CENT), AND PAPER AND PAPER PRODUCTS (+31.6 PER CENT).
SEVERAL INDUSTRIES, HOWEVER, RECORDED DECREASES IN 1984 OVER 1983: PROFESSIONAL AND SCIENTIFIC EQUIPMENT (-12.7 PER CENT), NON-ELECTRI CAL MACHINERY (-12.5 PER CENT), BASIC METALS (-10.6 PER CENT) AND NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS (-10.6 PER CENT).
IN RELEASING THESE FIGURES, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT TflE INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION IF PRIMARILY INTENDED TO REFLECT THE LEVELS AND TRENDS OF OUTPUT IN REAL TERMS. IN OTHER WORDS THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IS MEASURED AFTER REMOVING THE EFFECTS OF PRICE CHANGES.
TwO TABLES ON THE QUARTERLY INDEXES OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1934 WILL BE SENT BY FACSIMILE NETWORK AND BOXED SEPARATELY. ONE IS A SUMMARY TABLE FOR BROAD INDUSTRY GROUPS, WHILE THE OTHER GIVES MORE DETAILED INDUSTRY BREAKDOWNS.
MORE DETAILED INFORMATION CAN BE FOUND IN THE +REPORT ON THE QUARTERLY INDEX OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, FOURTH QUARTER 1984+.
ON SALE AT $2 A COPY THE PUBLICATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE AT THE 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 THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-7224504.
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/8........
b, UR: MAY Id, lq35
HEALTH HINTS FOR SUMMER * * * *
GOVERNMENT HYGIENE ADVISER, DR R.A. PERRY TODAY (SATURDAY) REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO TAKE PRECAUTIONARY ^LASUR-S AGAINST FOOD POISONING AND GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES WITH THE
ONSET OF WARMER WEATHER.
+FOOD BORNE DISEASES ARE NORMALLY ASSOCIATED WITH UNCLEAN AND UNWHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER, AND THE PUBLIC SHOULD, THEREFORE, OBSERVE PROPER PRACTICES TO ENSURE THAT THE FOOD THEY TAKE IS FREE FROM CONTAMINATION,* DR PERRY SAID.
HE GAVE THE FOLLOWING POINTS TO REMEMBER WHEN EATING AT HOME:
A) KEEP THE KITCHEN CLEAN
B) CLEAN HANDS BEFORE PREPARING FOOD.
C) USE WHOLESOME FOOD AND WATER.
D) USE CLEAN COOKING UTENSILS.
E) STORE ALL PERISHABLE FOOD NOT FOR IMMEDIATE CONSUMPTION IN REFRIGERATOR AND SEPARATE COOKED FOOD IN REFRIGERATOR FROM RAW FOOD ITEMS.
F) DO NOT THAW FROZEN FOOD UNTIL NEEDED.
G) DO NOT USE A CHOPPING BLOCK AND KNIFE FOR CUTTING COOKED FOOD IMMEDIATELY AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN USED FOR CUTTING RAW FOOD, PARTICULARLY MEAT OR POULTRY.
H) EAT COOKED FOOD WHILE IT IS STILL HOT. DON’T LEAVE IT EXPOSED FOR A LONG TIME.
I) FOOD KEPT OVER-NIGHT SHOULD BE PUT IN A REFRIGERATOR. RECOOK LEFTOVERS THOROUGHLY BEFORE EATING.
J) ALL GARBAGE AND WASTE SHOULD BE PUT INTO A COVERED CONTAINER.
/? .......
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1985
- 9 -
REFRESHMENT KIOSKS UP FOR TENDER * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE OPERATION CF LIGHT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE CENTRAL PLAYGROUND AND THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK AND THEATRE.
THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE CENTRAL PLAYGROUND IS BOUNDED BY WAN wAH STREET, WAI WAH STREET AND TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD. FACILITIES THERE INCLUDE A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND, A ROLLER-SKATING RINK, A BASKETBALL COURT AND TWO FOOTBALL PITCHES.
THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK AND THEATRE OCCUPIES AN AREA OF 5.5 HECTARES IN KOWLOON CITY. THE THEATRE HAS A SEATING CAPACITY OF 3 OOO WHILE THE PARK COMPRISES A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, FOUR TENNIS COURTS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A LANDSCAPED REST GARDEN. THE MINI-SOCCER PITCH AND THE TENNIS COURTS ARE FLOODLIT AT NIGHT.
SUCCESSFUL TENDERERS WILL EACH BE AWARDED A THREE-YEAR CONTRACT STARTING FROM AUGUST 1, 1985. THE CURRENT MONTHLY RENTAL FOR THE KIOSK AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE CENTRAL PLAYGROUND IS $1 455 AND THAT FOR THE KO SHAN ROAD PARK AND THEATRE IS $1 900.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE RESPECTIVELY FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE (ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE), 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, AND THE KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE (LEISURE SERVICES KOWLOON EAST), AMOY PLAZA (PHASE I), 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
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 FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1985. LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
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/IO ......
SATURDAY, MAY 18, 1935
10 -
SPEEDPOST GOES TO ITALY * * *
SPEEDPOST SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO ITALY FROM MONDAY (MAY 20), BRINGING TO 31 THE NUMBER OF COUNTRIES IN THE SPEEDPOST NETWORK SERVED FROM HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GENERAL POST OFFICE SAID THAT SPEEDPOST ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR TRANSMISSION TO THE FOLLOWING PLACES IN ITALY: ROME, MILAN, GENOA, TURIN, VENICE, BOLOGNA, FLORENCE, PRATO, PISA, NAPLES, BARI AND CATANIA.
+ITEMS POSTED IN HONG KONG WILL BE DELIVERED TO ADDRESSEES IN MILAN ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY,* HE SAID.
IN THE CASE OF ITEMS FOR ROME, THOSE POSTED ON WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY, WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE NEXT WORKING DAY WHILE THOSE POSTED ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY WILL BE DELIVERED ON THE SECOND WORKING DAY, HE ADDED.
ITEMS TO OTHER ITALIAN CITIES IN THE NETWORK WILL BE DELIVERED ONE DAY LATER THAN THOSE TO ROME.
♦CONTRACT* AND +0N DEMAND* SERVICES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE.
THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT PER ITEM IS 20 KILOGRAMMES AND THE POSTAGE RATES ARE:
ITEMS WEIGHING UNDER 250G : $70
ITEMS WEIGHING BETWEEN 250G AND 500G : $85
EACH SUBSEQUENT ADDITIONAL 500G : $25
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BOARD MEMBERS TO CHEER BASEBALL TEAM
* * *
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS AND STAFF MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL TURN UP IN FORCE TO CHEER THE SHATIN MARTINS, A YOUTH BASEBALL TEAM, AT THE ALL HONG KONG CHAMPIONSHIP GAME TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE CHEERING TEAM WILL BE LED BY THE BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR NG CHAN-LAM, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LAM WOON-KWONG.
/TH3 I&K'miS........
11
THE MARTINS TEAM wAS FORMED TwO YEARS AGO BY THE SHA TIN SPORTS ASSOCIATION UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
THE MARTINS WILL BE COMPETING AGAINST THE +EAGLES+, A JAPANESE TEAM, FOR THE MINOR DIVISION CHAMPIONSHIP AT 2.30 PM AT THE KGV SPORTS-GROUND, TIN KWONG ROAD, KOWLOON.
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MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES * * *
SITTING-OUT AREAS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR RESIDENTS IN FANLING NEW TOWN AND HAPPY VALLEY.
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROVISION OF SITTING-OUT AREAS, GARDENS, PAVILIONS AND CHILDREN’S PLAY AREAS FOR SHEUNG SHU I TSUEN VILLAGE IN SHEK WU HUI.
wORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND TAKE EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
•iEANWHILE, THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS ALSO I'.ITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 950-SQUARE-METRE SITTING-OUT AREA ON THE HILLSIDE OF BLUE POOL ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THIS PROJECT WILL START IN AUGUST AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN APRIL 1986.
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+LEARN-TO-SWIM+ CLASSES FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN K K X K
FREE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ CLASSES WILL BE HELD FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILDREN AT 12 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS BETWEEN JULY 15 AND AUGUST 24.
THE CLASSES ARE PART OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL BE HELD FROM MONDAY TO SATURDAY BETWEEN 8 AM AND 5 PM IN THREE SERIES DURING THE SUMMER VACATION.
EACH CLASS WILL CONSIST OF 12 ONE-HOUR LESSONS AND STUDENTS MUST BE BEGINNERS AND OVER 10 YEARS OF AGE.
X'BjAY
1985
LEARN-TO-Sw IM CLASSES WILL BE HELD -T PAO YUc KONG SWIMMING POOL CENTRE, CHAI WAN SwIMMING POOL AND VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING °OOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND; THE KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL, LA I CH I KOK PARK SWIMMING POOL, LEI CHENG UK SWIMMING POOL, MORSE PARK SWIMMING POOL AND TAI WAN SHAN SWIMMING POOL IN KOwLOON; THE FANLING SWIMMING POOL, KWAI SHING SWIMMING POOL, SHA TIN JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AND YUEN LONG SWIMMING POOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
EXCEPT FOR THE FIRST DAY OF EACH CLASS, NO SCHOOL STAFF WILL BE REQUIRED TO ASSIST WITH THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING QUALIFIED SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS TO TEACH SCHOOL CHILDREN.
ON COMPLETION OF THE CLASS, SCHOOL CHILDREN WILL BE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATES BASED ON THEIR SWIMMING ABILITY.
-SWIM+ SCHEME EDUCATION), 405 NATHAN ROAD
SCHOOLS WISHING TO TAKE PART IN THE +LEARN-TO SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICAL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 7TH FLOOR, KOWLOON BEFORE MAY 24.
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COLLEGE HOLDING SPEECH DAY
* * *
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE WILL BE HOLDING IT'S TENTH SPEECH DAY AT THE THEATRE OF THE CITY HALL, HONG KONG, ON MAY 21.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
MR ALLEN LEE, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING, AND MRS LEE WILL PRESENT THE CERTIFICATES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CEREMONY AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE, HONG KONG, AT 11 AM ON MAY 21 (TUESDAY).
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INFORMATION OFFICER WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE NEWS MEDIA.
/13........
v lot 1985
13 -
CARRIAGEWAY TO BE CLOoc • Tc.-.lE .<NTHS r. X a
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REMINDED . OTORISTS TODAY (SATURDAY) THAT A TRAFFIC LANE OF THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD BETWEEN THE TUNNEL TOLL PLAZA AND KAK TIN VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (MAY 19) FOR SURFACE IMPROVEMENT WORKS.
THE MEASURE WILL BE IN FORCE FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS.
DURING THE CLOSURE, CONGESTION IS EXPECTED AT THE NORTHBOUND SECTION AND MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT OR USE TAI PO ROAD.
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AUSTIN ROAD TRAFFIC CHANGE
*****
VEHICLES EASTBOUND ON AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM PROCEEDING STRAIGHT AHEAD AT THE JUNCTION WITH NATHAN ROAD FROM 7 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 21) UNTIL 7 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE REPAIRS.
DURING THE PERIOD, VEHICLES HEADING FOR CHATHAM ROAD SOUTH WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NATHAN ROAD SOUTHBOUND, KIMBERLEY ROAD AND AUSTIN AVENUE.
KOWLOON GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 6 WILL BE TEMPORARILY REROUTED VIA CANTON ROAD, JORDAN ROAD, COX’S ROAD AND AUSTIN ROAD.
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FORESHORE LEASE OFFERED FOR MARINE WORKSHOP
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO OFFER BY OPEN TENDER A LEASE OF ABOUT 3P5 SQUARE METRES OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED IN TAI PO HOI NEAR SHA LAN.
THE SITE WILL BE USED FOR THE ERECTION AND OPERATION OF A SLIPwAY OF A MARINE WORKSHOP FOR REPAIRING, SERVICING AND MAINTENANC CF BOATS.
THE PROPOSED LEASE WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE ADJACENT SITE OF 1 455 SQUARE METRES FOR THE MARINE WORKSHOP.
ALL OBJECTIONS ~0 THIS PROPOSAL AND CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD REACH THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS NOT LATER THAN JULY 17.
THE NOTICE TOGETHER WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SiTE. THE PLAN CAN ALSO BE SEEN aT THE LANDS DEPARTMENT SURVEY DIVISION, 5/F, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD AND AT Trie TAI PO DISTrsIC; OrFICE, Ta I PG GOVERNMENT OFFICe BUILDING, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUESDAY MEETINGS THAT DECIDE HONG KONG POLICY ................... 1
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT ........... 3
NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1937 - 1940 ................... 6
CALL FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR SPORTS ................................ 7
RURAL COMMITTEE URGED TO WIDEN SERVICES ......................... 8
COMPUTER CONTEST WINNERS TO GET PRIZES .......................... 8
STUDENTS GET TASTE OF WORK ...................................... 9
TOP STUDY HONOURS FOR STANLEY MAN ............................... 9
+LEARN-TO-SWIMF SCHEME POPULAR ................................. 11
CAS MEMBERS COMPETE IN FOOTDRILL ............................... 13
VILLAGERS WARNED ON ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERING ....................... 14
POLLUTANT THREAT WORKSHOP FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHERS ............... 14
EAST KOWLOON MAINS LAYING JOB OFFERED........................... 15
URBAN CLEARWAY IN NORTH POINT ................................ 15
SUNDAY, MAY 1J, 1985
TUESDAY MEETINGS THAT DECIDE HONG KONG POLICY * * * *
EVERY TUESDAY, IN A SMALL ROOM IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, A NUMBER OF PEOPLE GATHER TO MAKE SOME OF THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISIONS IN HONG KONG.
LED BY THE GOVERNOR, THE GROUP, COMPRISING BOTH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND PEOPLE FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY, DISCUSS A * IDE RANGE OF MATTERS.
THEY MAY TALK ABOUT — AS THEY INVARIABLY DO — PROPOSED LEGISLATION. THEY MAY CONFER AND ADVISE ABOUT THE REFUGEE PROBLEM AND, PERHAPS, ABOUT THE URGENT DECISION THAT HAS TO BE TAKEN TO DEAL WITH IT. OR, THEY MAY PONDER TRADE MATTERS, THE STATE OF THE HONG KONG CURRENCY, AND EVEN THE ACTIVITY OF THE STOCK MARKET.
THEY MAY DELIBERATE ON LAND POLICY, PUBLIC UTILITIES, PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND CHARGES, FRANCHISES, OR ANY OF A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS -ALL OF THEM OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE EVERYDAY RUNNING OF THIS ‘CITY, OR TO ITS LONG-TERM PLANNING.
THEY ARE THE PEOPLE WHO, BY VIRTUE OF THE DIFFERENT FIELDS THEY REPRESENT IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE AND PRIVATE SECTOR, ADVISE THE GOVERNOR IN HIS ADMINISTRATION OF HONG KONG AS THE QUEEN S APPOINTEE AND REPRESENTATIVE.
THESE PEOPLE MAKE UP THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL — OR EXCO FOR SHORT.
THEY ARE, TO ALL INTENTS AND PURPOSES, HONG KONG’S CABINET.
IN RECENT YEARS, UNOFFICIALS CHOSEN HAVE INCLUDED A SCIENTIFIC TECHNOCRAT, THE HEAD OF ONE OF THE WORLD’S LEADING BANKS, DIRECTORS CF OTHERS, BUSINESSMEN, FINANCIERS, DOCTORS, AND ACCOUNTANTS.
ON BEING NOMINATED TO EXCO, THE UNOFFICIALS, LIKE THE OFFICIALS, SWEAR TO GIVE PERSONAL AND INDEPENDENT ADVICE AND COUNSEL ACCORDING TO THEIR CONSCIENCE +FOR THE GOOD MANAGEMENT CF THE PUBLIC AFFAIRS OF HONG KONG.+
WE HAVE IT, IN THE WORDS OF THE FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL, NR JOHN GRIFFITHS, WRITING IN THE 1983 HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT ABOUT THE WORK OF EXCO, THAT:
+POLICY DECISIONS ARE BASED UPON CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE
OF THE PEOPLE QUALIFIED BY JUDGEMENT OF WHAT IS PRACTICABLE
AT ANY TIME, AND NEVER CONSCIOUSLY ASCRIBED TO ANY POLITICAL THEORY. BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY, THOSE POLICIES ARE FASHIONtD AND HONED FOLLOWING A MOST ELABORATE AND WIDESPREAD NETWORK OF CONSULTATION - HONG KONG’S VERSION OF ATHENIAN DEMOCRACY.+
/EXCO, IN .......
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 19&5
EXCO, IN SHORT, IS THEREFORE RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL POLICY DECISIONS RESULTING IN THE NAME OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL. AND aHERE THESE POLICIES TOUCH ON LEGISLATION, THE RELEVANT BILL IS PRESENTED TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL -- HONG KONG’S LAW MAKING BODY, MADE UP, AGAIN, OF OFFICIALS AND PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS -- FOR CONSIDERATION, PRIOR TO APPROVAL.
DISCUSSIONS IN EXCO ARE SECRET. AT THE TIME ANY ITEM IS BROUGHT UP FOR DISCUSSION, ANY MEMBER WITH AN INTEREST TO DECLARE DOES SO AND RETIRES FROM THE ROOM, UNLESS INVITED BY THE GOVERNOR FOR SPECIAL REASONS TO REMAIN. f
THE PUBLIC SERVANTS WHO PRODUCED THE PAPER, ALONG WITH ANY NECESSARY EXPERTS, ENTER THE CHAMBER TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS ASKED BY MEMBERS. THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL, WHO IS INVARIABLY CHINESE, AND WHO HAS A PARTICULAR STANDING IN BOTH THE COUNCIL AND THE COMMUNITY, STARTS THE DISCUSSIONS, AND OTHER MEMBERS STATE THEIR VIEWS. THE DEBATE CONTINUES UNTIL USUALLY A CONSENSUS EMERGES-IF NOT, A STRAW VOTE IS TAKEN OR THE DECISION DEFERRED.
• FINALLY, THE GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES HIS DECISION, WHICH THE CLERK RECORDS IN THE MINUTES.
LATER, ON RECEIPT OF THE RELEVANT MINUTE, THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY STARTS TO IMPLEMENT THE DECISION. WHERE LEGISLATION IS CONCERNED, THE PROPOSAL GOES FORWARD, FOR INTRODUCTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
EXCO COMPRISES THE GOVERNOR, FOUR EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE ADMINISTRATION WHO ARE: THE CHIEF SECRETARY, THE COMMANDER BRITISH FORCES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL -- AND 11 NOMINATED MEMBERS: TWO OFFICIAL, BEING THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, AND THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, AND NINE PRIVATE INDIVIDUALS FROM THE COMMUNITY.
UNOFFICIALS MAKE UP THE MAJORITY OF EXCO. BUT BY PREROGATIVE UNDER THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS, IT IS THE GOVERNOR WHO DECIDES WHAT MATTERS SHOULD BE PUT BEFORE THE COUNCIL.
IF A MEMBER SHOULD REQUEST THE DISCUSSION OF A SPECIFIC f>ATTEF AND THE GOVERNOR REFUSES HIM PERMISSION, THEN A RECORD OF BOTH THE REQUEST AND THE REFUSAL MUST BE ENTERED IN THE MINUTES OF THE COUNCIL, IF THE MEMBER SO DESIRES.
CONSTITUTIONALLY, EXCO ADVISES THE GOVERNOR, WHO THEN MAKES A DECISION. IF THE GOVERNOR DECIDES TO ACT AGAINST THE ADVICE OF THE MAJORITY OF MEMBERS, HE IS REQUIRED TO REPORT THE REASONS TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL -- THE GOVERNOR ACTING AFTER CONSULTING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL — ALSO CONSIDERS APPEALS, PETITIONS AND OBJECTIONS UNDER THOSE ORDINANCES WHICH CONFER A STATUTORY RIGHT OF APPEAL.
/THE PAST .......
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1
THE PAST FEW YEARS, THERE HAVE BEEN SOME CHANGES IN THE COMPOSITION OF EXCO. THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS CEASED TO EE AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER IN AUGUST 1983 BUT REMAINED AN OFFICIAL REMBER UNTIL HE WAS REPLACED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY IN JANUARY 1985. THE NUMBER OF NOMINATED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS FLUCTUATED FROM NINE IN 1983 TO 11 IN 1984 AND THEN TO NINE AGAIN IN 1985.
FOR THIS YEAR, HOWEVER, AS STATED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THERE IS NO INTENTION TO MAKE ANY CHANGES AFFECTING EXCO.
SIR EDWARD MADE THIS KNOWN WHEN TABLING THE +WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG+ IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 21 LAST YEAR.
HE RECALLED THAT IT HAD BEEN PROPOSED IN THE GREEN PAPER, WHICH PRECEDED THE WHITE PAPER, THAT THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHOULD, IN DUE COURSE, ELECT THE MAJORITY CF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF EXCO FROM AMONG THEIR OWN NUMBER. HE ALSO •NOTED +THE CONSIDERABLE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE POSSIBILITY OF INTRODUCING A MINISTERIAL SYSTEM.+
THE GOVERNOR THEN SAID: +THE WHOLE QUESTION OF THE EXECUTIVE AND ITS COMPOSITION AND ROLE WILL REMAIN OPEN FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION AND PUBLIC DISCUSSION AT A LATER STAGE.+
-----o------
MARCH ORDERS-ON-HAND, EMPLOYMENT, PAYROLL FIGURES OUT ******
THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS-ON-HAND IN TERMS OF MONTHS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR DECLINED IN MARCH 1985 WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO THE RESULTS OF A SURVEY RELEASED TODAY (SUNDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
WHILE AN INCREASE IN ORDERS-ON-HAND WAS REPORTED IN THE FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS INDUSTRY, ORDERS IN THE WEARING APPAREL, PLASTIC PRODUCTS AND ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS INDUSTRIES DROPPED. THE TEXTILES INDUSTRY, ON THE OTHER HAND, REPORTED NO CHANGE IN THE AVERAGE VOLUME OF ORDERS HELD.
EMPLOYMENT IN MOST MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES DECREASED. THIS WAS PARTICULARLY SIGNIFICANT IN THE CASE OF THE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
DECREASES IN PAYROLL AND IN PER CAPITA EARNINGS WERE REPORTED BY ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES AS MANY FIRMS DISTRIBUTED YEAR-END BONUS AND DOUBLE PAY IN FEBRUARY.
/3MPL0YMSNT Di .......
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
- 4 -
EMPLOYMENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND SERVICES SECTORS REMAINED STABLE. HOWEVER, BOTH PAYROLL AND PER CAPITA EARNINGS IN THESE TWO SECTORS DECLINED DUE TO THE PAYMENT OF BONUSES AND DOUBLE PAY BY SOME FIRMS IN FEBRUARY.
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.
k
THE SURVEY REPORT FOR MARCH 1985 IS NOW 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.
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 1 PRECEDING JAN. FEB. 1985 1985 OVER THE MONTH) MAR. 1985 ORDERS-ON-HAND (IN TERMS OF MONTHS) FOR MARCH 1985
^EARING APPAREL, FOOTWEAR EXCEPT -2 * -4 4.37
TEXTILES, EXCEPT APPAREL WEARING -4 * * 2.16
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -1 5 -1 4.39
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 6 2 2 3.67
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS * * -1 5.41
OTHERS * * 2 4.41
ALL ABOVE INDUSTRIES -1 * -2 4.40
/B. SMPLOYMaiT........
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
- 5 -
B. EMPLOYMENT AND EARNINGS
PERSONS ENGAGED
BY THE COMPANIES PER CAPITA SURVEYED EARNINGS
(% CHANGE OVER THE PRECEDING MONTH)
PER CAPITA EARNINGS
FOR MARCH 1985
INDUSTRY/SERV ICES JAN. 1985 FEE. , MAR. JAN. 1985 FEB. 1985 MAR. 1985 HK $
1985 1985
MANUFACTURING * -2 -1 15 11 -23 2 860
FOOD AND DRINKS 1 * * 48 -32 - 8 3 390
WEARING APPAREL, EXCEPT FOOTWEAR -1 -2 1 10 9 -20 2 466
TEXTILES, EXCEPT WEARING APPAREL -1 -1 -1 2 20 -28 2 723
PLASTIC PRODUCTS -2 -3 -1 10 64 -44 2 512
FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS * -2 -1 30 20 -36 2 392
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS * -4 -4 12 12 -21 2 786
OTHERS 2 * * 20 -2 -17 4 062
CONSTRUCTION ** -1 -3 ★ 13 6 -12 4 550
SERVICES * * * 17 -21 -11 5 247
BANKS -1 * * -7 -34 2 4 662
HOTELS -X -1 -X 58 -20 -33 3 533
PUBLIC UTILITIES * * * 35 -23 - 8 5 229
OTHERS 1 * * 11 - 2 -19 6 747
* CHANGES WITHIN + 0.5 PER CENT
** PERSONS ENGAGED COVER COMPANY EMPLOYEES ONLY; SITE WORKERS EMPLOYED BY LABOUR-ONLY SUB-CONTRACTORS NOT INCLUDED.
--------0 ----------
/6 .......
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
6
NEW ID CARDS FOR MEN BORN BETWEEN 1937 - 1940
*****
NEW I.D. CARDS WILL BE ISSUED TO MEN BORN IN 1937, AND 1940 FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) UNTIL JUNE 29.
1938, 1939
APPLICANTS MUST BRING ALONG THEIR OLD I.D. CARDS WHEN THEY CALL AT ANY OF THE EIGHT ISSUE OFFICES OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
THE OFFICES ARE OPEN FROM 8 AM TO 9.30 PM, EXCEPT SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS (JUNE 15, 17 AND 22).
THEY ARE LOCATED AT:
HONG KONG : BASEMENT, 151 GLOUCESTER ROAD, WAN CHAI.
EAST KOWLOON : AMOY GARDEN PLAZA, 2ND FLOOR, 77 NGAU TAU KOK ROAD.
WEST KOWLOON : CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 2ND FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, TSIM SHA TSUI.
TSUEN WAN s EAST ASIA COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, 29-37 TSUEN FU STREET.
SHA TIN : SHAT IN CENTRE, PODIUM FLOOR, 2-16 WANG POK STREET.
YUEN LONG : HOP YICK CENTRE, 2ND FLOOR, 31 HOP YICK ROAD
TUEN MUN : CHI LOK COMMERCIAL CENTRE, GROUND FLOOR, CHI LOK FA YUEN.
SHEUNG SHU I
: TSUEN WO TAI LAU, GROUND FLOOR, 82-84 SAN FUNG AVENUE, SHEK WU HUI.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE ISSUE OFFICES WERE USUALLY MORE CROWDED THAN USUAL DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF A NEW PHASE.
HE ADVISED APPLICANTS TO AVOID THE INITIAL RUSH, ADDING THAT FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT HAVE TO WORK ON WEEK-ENDS, SATURDAY AFTERNOON WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO APPLY.
+THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE MAIL-IN APPOINTMENT SERVICE CAN GET APPLICATION FORMS FROM ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OR IMMIGRATION OFFICE,+ HE SAID.
♦ BUT THE FORMS MUST BE RETURNED-TO THE ISSUE OFFICE OF THEIR CHOICE AT LEAST 10 DAYS BEFORE THE END OF THE PHASE,+ HE ADDED.
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
- 7 -
CALL FOR MORE SUPPORT FOR SPORTS * * * * *
INDUSTRIALISTS AND EMPLOYERS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT ARE URGED TO ENCOURAGE THEIR WORKERS AND STAFF TO TAKE PART IN MORE RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES.
THE APPEAL CAME FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR EDDY CHAN, TODAY (SUNDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT INTER-FIRM AND FACTORY CHAMPIONSHIP CUP.
MR CHAN SAID SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND LOCAL ORGANISATIONS HAD PROVIDED GOOD OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO RELAX AND USE THEIR LEISURE TIME.
+THE GOOD AND HIGH SPIRITS OF WORKERS HELP BOOST PRODUCTIVITY, REDUCE MISTAKES OR THE LIKELIHOOD OF ACCIDENTS. AND COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WILL STAND TO BENEFIT,* HE SAID.
MR CHAN SAID THE CHAMPIONSHIP, WHICH FEATURES SEVERAL COMPETITIONS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY EMPLOYERS AND WORKERS BECAUSE + IT PROMOTES FRIENDSHIP AS WELL AS ENCOURAGES MORE PEOPLE TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS*.
+TO SHOW ITS SUPPORT, THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS ALLOCATED ABOUT $100 000 TO THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION COUNCIL FOR ORGANISING THE CHAMPIONSHIP AND MORE THAN 20 SPORTS EVENTS THIS YEAR.
+WE HOPE THE COUNCIL WILL MAKE THE BEST USE OF THESE RESOURCES TO MEET THE DEMAND BY ALL AGE GROUPS IN THE DISTRICT AND TO PROMOTE THEIR SENSE OF DISTRICT IDENTITY,* MR CHAN ADDED.
SPONSORED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD, THE CHAMPIONSHIP CUP IS CO-ORGANISED BY THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT SPORTS AND RECREATION COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S SOUTHERN DISTRICT RECREATION, AMENITIES AND SPORTS OFFICE.
TODAY’S CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION FOR SOUTHERN DISTRICT WORKERS AND EMPLOYEES. COMPETITIONS IN BASKETBALL, SWIMMING, TRACK AND OTHER SPORTS WILL BE HELD OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
-----o------
/8........
SUNDAY, MAY 19, 1985
- 8 -
RURAL COMMITTEE URGED TO WIDEN SERVICES * * * *
ANY CHANGES TO THE PLANS OF THE JUNK BAY DEVELOPMENT- PROJECT WILL BE PUT TO THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD FOR COMMENTS AND DISCUSSION, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN HO, SAID TODAY (SUNDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION OF THE HANG HAU RURAL COMMITTEE, HE SAID BOARD MEMBERS HAD ALREADY BEEN BRIEFED ON DETAILS OF THE PLAN EARLIER THIS YEAR.
♦ BUT A PROJECT OF THE MAGNITUDE OF JUNK BAY NEW TOWN NEEDS TO BE REVIEWED FROM TIME TO TIME.' AND THE DISTRICT BOARD WILL BE CONSULTED ON ANY REVISION OR CHANGES.+
THE DEVELOPMENT OF JUNK BAY WILL BRING ABOUT A MASSIVE POPULATION GROWTH, AND MR HO URGED THE RURAL COMMITTEE TO USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO WIDEN ITS SCOPE OF SERVICES AND, AT THE SAME TIME, STRENGTHEN ITS LINK WITH TRADITIONAL VILLAGES.
REFERRING TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A CENTRAL PRIMARY SCHOOL • IN HANG HAU MENTIONED EARLIER BY THE RE-ELECTED RURAL COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN, MR YAU KEI, MR HO SAID THE DISTRICT OFFICE SUPPORTED THE IDEA IN PRINCIPLE AND WAS NOW WORKING WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THE PROPOSAL.
AMONG THE GUESTS AT TODAY’S INAUGURATION CEREMONY WERE THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT BOARD CHAIRMAN, MR WILLIAM WAN, AND THE HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN, MR LAU WONG-FAT.
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COMPUTER CONTEST WINNERS TO GET PRIZES * * *
THREE STUDENTS WHO WON THE COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING SOFTWARE CONTEST WILL BE PRESENTED WITH THEIR PRIZES, INCLUDING A TRIP TO SINGAPORE, ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 22).
THEY WILL BE LEAVING HONG KONG LATER THIS MONTH TO ATTEND THE SINGAPORE SCIENCE FORTNIGHT 1985.
THE WINNERS ARE AMONG 28 STUDENTS, AGED 15 TO 20, WHO TOOK PART IN THE CONTEST WHICH WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED.
/THE ACTING
MAY 19, 1985
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ^EDUCATION (CHIEF CF SCHOOLS), DR KONG YUN-FUN, a ILL OFFICIATE AT THE PR PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY.
INSPECTOR ZE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE COMPUTER ASSISTED
LEARNING SOFTWARE CONTEST PR 1 ZE PR’E^^T1ATinuSEER24-28 ^QUEEN'S lA/iii takF PLACE ON THE 1OTH FLOOR, oHtLL HOUSE, to, 0
ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG, ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 22) AT 5.30 P .
--------o ---------
STUDENTS GET TASTE OF WORK
* * * *
A aORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME WHICH OFFERS STUDENTS A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL WORLD OF WORK HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
ABOUT 700 SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM 23 SCHOOLS IN SHA TIN, TAI PC AND THE NORTHERN DISTRICT ARE TAKING PART IN THE MONTH-LONG PROGRAMME, WHICH STARTED ON MAY 9.
THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES VISITS TO ESTABLISHMENTS IN COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE CIVIL SERVICE AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRES, WHERE SPECIALISTS ARE INVITED TO GIVE TALKS ON THEIR WORK.
A SPOKESMAN SAID THE WORK ORIENTATION PROGRAMME HAD BEEN ORGANISED TO MARK THE INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR AND TO OFFER STUDENT^ THE CHANCE TO EXPERIENCE THE REAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE WORKPLACE.
-------o---------
TOP STUDY HONOURS FOR STANLEY MAN X X *
A 25-YEAR-OLD CANDIDATE FROM STANLEY PRISON HAS BEEN AWARDED A BRONZE MEDAL FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE TECHNOLOGICAL EXAMINATION.
HE IS AMONG THE HONG KONG RESIDENTS, INCLUDING 20 HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC GRADUATES AND STUDENTS, wnO WON TOP HONOURS IN VARIOUS TECHNOLOGICAL EXAMINATIONS OFFERED BY THE INSTITUTE.
/THE INSTITUTE........
19, 1985
10
THE INSTITUTE OFFERS A BRONZE OR A SILVER MEDAL TO THE BEST CANDIDATE ELIGIBLE TO RECEI VE IT AND WHO HAS PASSED ALL THE EXAMINATION COMPONENTS IN ONE AND THE SAME SERIES.
THE MAN SAT FOR THE INSTITUTE'S PART ONE (SECOND YEAR) TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS EXAMINATION IN JUNE LAST YEAR AND ATTAINED DISTINCTIONS IN ALL THE SUBJECTS HE TOOK, INCLUDING MATHEMATICS A, TELECOMMUNICATIONS PRINCIPLES AND COMPUTER A.
IN ADDITION, HE WAS NAMED THE BEST CANDIDATE BY THE INSTITUTE IN THE 1933/34 PART ONE COMPUTER A EXAMINATION.
THE MAN, SERVING A SEVEN-YEAR SENTENCE, BEGAN STUDYING THE TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS COURSE WHEN IT WAS INTRODUCED IN STANLEY PRI SON I N 1933.
THE FIRST YEAR TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNICIANS COURSE ATTENDED BY 10 PRISONERS, WAS CONDUCTED BY A SENIOR MASTER A MASTER OF THE PRISON.
• AND
THE
AND
THE GROUP HAD TO ATTEND HALF-DAY THEORETICAL TRAINING IN CLASSROOM AND HALF-DAY PRACTICAL TRAINING IN THE TELEVISION RADIO REPAIRING WORKSHOP INSIDE THE PRISON.
ASSISTED BY THE MASTERS OF THE PRISON, THEY SUBMITTED AP°LI CATIONS FOR THE CITY AND GUILDS OF LONDON INSTITUTE EXAMINATION HELD IN DECEMBER 1983 THROUGH THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
EACH CANDIDATE TOOK THREE PAPERS - PRACTICAL MATHEMATICS, ENGINEERING SCIENCE AND ELEMENTARY TELECOMMUNICATION PRACTICE -I . THE INSTITUTE’S PART ONE (FIRST YEAR) TELECOMMUNICATION TECHNI Cl ANS EXAMI NATION.
= ASS
WERE
Wl TH JUNE
RESULTS OF THE EXAMINATION SHOWED A REMARKABLE 100 PER CENT IN EVERY PAPER. IN ADDITION, 22 DISTINCTIONS AND SIX CREDITS EARNED.
Wl TH SUCH ENCOURAGING RESULTS, EIGHT CANDIDATES CONTINUED THE SECOND YEAR COURSE AND SAT FOR THE EXAMINATION IN 1934.
OF THE 24 PAPERS THEY TOOK, EVERY PAPER CARRIED A DISTINCTION.
THE REMARKABLE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GROUP ILLUSTRATED THE EFFORT Bv THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES TO PROVIDE FACILITIES AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR A PERSON SERVING SENTENCE TO USE TIME AT HIS DISPOSAL TO GOOD ADVANTAGE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID.
/at phbssmt, ........
MAY 19, 1985
AT PRESENT, SIX OF Th£ GROUP, INCLUDING THE BRONZE-MEDAL WINNER, ARE STUDYING THE THIRD YEAR COURSE. MEANWHILE, ANOTHER BATCH OF if PRISONERS HAVE ENROLLED FOR THE FIRST YEAR COURSE.
SINCE 1983, A TOTAL OF 165 CANDIDATES FROM DIFFERENT INSTITUTIONS HAVE SAT AT VARIOUS OPEN EXAMINATIONS INCLUDING THE CITY AND GUILDS COURSE FOR TELECOMMUNICATION, BOOK-KEEPING AND TYPEWRITING OF THE LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, AS WELL AS TYPEWRITING AND ENGLISH IN THE PITMAN EXAMINATIONS. THE PASS RATE HAS BEEN OVER 90 PE,R CENT.
THESE OPEN EXAMINATIONS AND CERTIFICATES PROVIDE INMATES WITH RECOGNISED STANDARDS AND ARE VERY USEFUL TO THEM AFTER THEIR DISCHARGE, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
--------0----------
+-LE ARN-TO-SWI M+ SCHEME POPULAR X X X X X
IF YOU HAVEN’T LEARNT TO SWIM AND ENVY THOSE WHO REGULARLY ENJOY A DIP DURING THE PRESENT HOT WEATHER, THE URBAN COUNCIL’S +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ COURSE CAN PERHAPS SOLVE YOUR PROBLEM.
ACCORDING TO MR TSANG CHO-CHUNG, WHO HAS BEEN AN INSTRUCTOR OF THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ COURSE EVER SINCE THE SCHEME STARTED IN 1972, THE VAST MAJORITY OF HIS STUDENTS COULD MASTER THE SKILL AFTER ATTENDING A 15-HOUR COURSE.
+THaT IS VERY REWARDING. EQUALLY ENCOURAGING IS THAT MANY OF MY FORMER STUDENTS ARE ALWAYS SEEN SwIMMING AT THE URBAN COUNCIL’S PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS,+ SAID MR TSANG.
+ IT IS ALSO NOT UNCOMMON TO FIND PARENTS AND CHILDREN ATTENDING THE COURSE TOGETHER.+
HE NOTED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE SCHEME LAY PARTLY IN THE VERY HIGH TEACHING STANDARD. ALL THE SWIMMING INSTRUCTORS WERE FULLY QUALIFIED TEACHERS OF THE HONt KONG swimming teachers’ association.
IN HIS VIEW, VIRTUALLY AuL people, irrespective of THEIR age OR SEX, COULD MASTER THE SKILL OF SWIMMING IF THEY HAD THE DETERMINATION AND PERSEVERANCE.
Z+SWIMMING IS .......
UY 19, 1985
♦SWIMMING IS NOT DIFFICULT TO LEARN AS THE AVERAGE PERSON CAN MASTER THE BASIC SKILL IN ABOUT FIVE HOURS.
♦BUT IN MOST CASES, THE MAJOR OBSTACLE IS THE PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR. MY BEST ADVICE TO BEGINNERS IS NOT lu HAVE ANY FEAR OF THE WATER. ONCE THEY CAN OVERCOME THIS PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTOR, THEY CAN HAVE A SMOOTH TAKEOFF,+ SAID MR TSANG.
MR TSANG FURTHER SUGGESTED THAT A BEGINNER SHOULD LEARN FROM AN EXPERIENCED INSTRUCTOR IN ORDER TO START IN THE CORRECT WAY.
DURING THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ COURSE, STUDENTS ARE TAUGHT THE BASIC SKILLS. ALL KINDS OF SWIMMING STYLES — BREAST STROKE, CRAWL STROKE, AND BACK STROKE — ARE TAUGHT TO ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO GET TO KNOW THE DIFFERENT gTYLES THAT THEY CAN CHOOSE WHATEVER STYLE SUITS
cf swimming so THEM BEST.
TO ENABLE THE PARTICIPANTS TO LEARN IN AN EASIER AND FASTER MANNER, VARIOUS ITEMS OF TEACHING EQUIPMENT — SUCH AS 'KICK-BOARDS, RATTAN HOOPS, ROPES AND OTHER AIDS -- ARE USED IN THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE COURSE.
AN INTERESTING TREND IN THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME WAS A LARGE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF WOMAN APPLICANTS DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, ACCORDING TO THE URBAN SERVICES .--AFTMtNT’S SENIOR AMENITIES OFFICER (SWIMMING), MR PAUL CHEUNG.
TO CATER FOR THE GROWING INTEREST OF WOMEN IN THE S?ORT THC COUNCIL THIS YEAR ORGANISED MORE COURSES FOR ■VEN’__ ^76 AS AGAINST 1% CLASSES FOR MEN. PREVIOUSLY, THE NUMBER OF CLASSES FOR MEN AND WOMEN WAS THE SAME.
MR CHEUNG SAID THE +LEARN-TO-SwIM+ SCHEME HAD COME A LONG -,aY SINCE IT WAS ORGANISED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN 1972 AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL CAMPAIGN TO PROMOTE WATER SAFETY.
+A RECORD NUMBER OF 8 958 PARTICIPANTS OF DIFFERENT AGES FROM AL. WALKS OF LIFE TOOK PART IN THE SCHEME LAST YEAR REPRESENTING A SIXFOLD INCREASE OVER THE 1972 FIGURE,* FE-SA-fD.
+THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS THIS YEAR
IS EXPECTED TO
PASS THE 10 000 MARK.*
IN AN EFFORT TO PROMOTE THE PROFICIENCY OF SWIMMING AND SHIMMING AS A SURVIVAL SKILL, MR CHEUNG NOTED, THE URBAN COUNCIL, TOGETHER wI Tn THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG -.ENG :_ICE GUARD CLUE, ALSO ORGANISES THE HONG KONG SHIMMERS BADGE SCHEME IN CONJUNCTION wITH THE +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME.
, 19, 1965
EACH YEAR, A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF LEARNERS FROM THE BEGINNER CLASSES UNDERTAKE THE PROFICIENCY TESTS. LAST YEAR, 65 PER CENT OF THE PARTICIPANTS WERE ISSUED WITH DISTANCE CERTIFICATES AFTER THEY PASSED THE EXAMINATION ON shimming skill at the end of each course.
THIS YEAR’S +LEARN-TO-SWIM+ SCHEME INCLUDES 341 CLASSES DIVIDED INTO SIX SERIES ’WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE COUNCIL’S 12 SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES ON EITHER SIDE OF THE HARBOUR. OF THE TOTAL, 299 CLASSES ARE FOR'BEG INNERS, 34 FOR INTERMEDIATE LEVEL AND EIGHT FOR ADVANCED LEVEL.
+THE COUNCIL IS REGULARLY MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF THE SCHEME AND MORE COURSES WILL BE HELD IN THOSE DISTRICTS WITH GREATER DEMAND. FOR EXAMPLE, MORE CLASSES ARE ORGANISED AT LAI CHI KOK PARK, LEI CHENG UK, MORSE PARK, AND KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES,+ SAID MR CHEUNG.
EACH SERIES WILL LAST FIVE WEEKS WITH THREE ONE-HOUR SESSIONS PER WEEK. THE FIRST SERIES HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED, THE SECOND WILL START TOMORROW (MAY 20) AND THE PEST ON JUNE 24, JULY 29, SEPTEMBER 2 AND OCTOBER 14 RESPECTIVELY. ENROLMENT WILL BE ACCEPTED A WEEK BEFORE THE START OF EACH SERIES.
CAS MEMBERS COMPETE IN FOOTDRILL
XXX
SOME 373 VOLUNTEERS FROM 17 CAS TEAMS AROUND THE TERRITORY IOOK PART IN THE SERVICE’S INTER-UNIT FOOTDRILL COMPETITION THI S (SUNDAY) MORNING.
THE CONTEST TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD IN TURNOUT AND SENSE OF DISCIPLINE OF MEMBERS WAS HELD AT THE CAS KOWLOON TRAINING
FOOTDRILL WAS IMPORTANT IN TRAINING MEMBERS TO OBEY ORDERS AND FOR DISCIPLINE. IT ALSO PROMOTES TEAM SPIRIT AND FACILITATES COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE TEAMS, A CAS SPOKESMAN SAID.
AFTER THE COMPETITION, THE CAS N.T. REGIONAL COMMANDER MR CHAU HOW-CHEN PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE TOP THREE TEAMS WITH THE HIGHEST TOTAL SCORE IN UNIFORM AND DRILL PERFORMANCE.
THE WINNING TEAM - THE CADET CORPS WAS AWARDED THE CAS N.T. REGIONAL COMMANDER’S CUP.
- 0
SUNDAY, / Y 19, 1935
14
VILLAGERS WARNED ON ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERING
*****
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AGAIN WARNED NEW TERRITORIES VILLAGERS INVOLVED IN ILLEGAL SLAUGHTERING TO STOP IMMEDIATELY, OTHERWISE THEY WOULD BE LIABLE TO PROSECUTION.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POSSESSING UNCERTIFIED MEAT
ALSO ADVISED MEAT SHOP OPERATORS AGAINST FOR SALE AS IT WAS AN OFFENCE.
THE WARNING CAME AFTER SEVEN OFFENDERS IN YUEN LONG AND SAI KUNG DISTRICTS WERE FINED A TOTAL AMOUNT OF $13 800 FOR RELATED OFFENCES DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR OPERATING AN UNLICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSE WAS $10 000 WHILE THAT FOR POSSESSING UNCERTIFIED MEAT FOR SALE WAS $2 000.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CARRY OUT REGULAR RAIDS IN THE ‘ NEV. TERRITORIES TO STAMP OUT THE ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NOT TO BUY MEAT FROM ON-STREET HAWKERS AS SUCH MEAT, MOSTLY SUPPLIED BY UNLICENSED SLAUGHTERHOUSES, WAS NOT HYGIENICALLY PREPARED AND aOULD PROBABLY BE UNFIT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.
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POLLUTANT THREAT WORKSHOP FOR CHEMISTRY TEACHERS
******
depar?Sent'sESd?isory iSspectora?eJEC!heSSshops JillE?ncJJdeN
DISCUSSION SESSIONS AND PRACTICAL WORK ON
^cr„oTDHrFAoTR°:NATLH?ss!NGPVH^T?NTS T0 THE standard
AN
/TH2 WORKSHOPS ......
JUY i , 1985
SUK , -.i, - 15 -
THE WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD IN THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG, BETWEEN JUNE 19 AND 29.
AS EACH WORKSHOP CAN ACCOMMODATE ONLY 24 TEACHERS, APPLICATIONS wILL BE ACCEPTED ON A FIRST-COME-FIRST-SERVED BASIS.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS TO THE WORKSHOPS SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (CHEMISTRY), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, 5TH FLOOR, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, BEFORE MAY 31.
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EAST KOWLOON MAINS LAYING JOB OFFERED
XXX
TENDERS ARE BEING IN EAST KOWLOON.
INVITED FOR WATER SUPPLY MAINS LAYING
THE PROJECT IS, PART OF THE WATER SUPPLY IMPROVEMENT SCHEME KOWLOON DEVELOPMENT. IT INCLUDES THE LAYING OF ABOUT
1 860 METRES OF FRESH WATER MAIN ALONG LUNG CHEUNG ROAD HAMMtR HILL ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD EAST. ’
m^J3-tEXPECTED T0 START IN august AND TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
--------0 ----------
URBAN CLEARWAY IN NORTH POINT * H * K *
FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 22), NORTH POINT ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH KING’S ROAD TO .A POINT ABOUT 75 METRES NORTH OF THE m nEvJUNCT,0N WILL BE MADE Ah| URBAN CLEARWAY BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK WORK.
WITHIN THE RESTRICTED ZONE, NO MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN THE SPECIFIED HOURS.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POWER OF 'RULE OF LAW FOR LIBERTY STRESSED .................. 1
LAND AUCTION GOES WELL ...................................... 5
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED .................. 6
PLAN TO EASE CAUSEWAY BAY PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC ................ 8
LABOUR OFFENCES DROP AS FINES GO UP ......................... 13
25 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH.......................... 14
DB MEMBERS SEE POLYCLINIC FACILITIES......................... 15
SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE .................. 16
VEHICLE EXAMINERS FOR BUSES SOUGHT .......................... 16
CONTRACT FOR LAB SCHEME SIGNED .............................. 17
PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR TAI PO ................................... 18
ECOLOGY COURSE FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS ................... 18
MEDALS FOR FIREMEN .......................................... 19
CONFIRMATION LETTERS PRESENTED .............................. 19
BETTER INSTRUMENTS FOR MARCHING BANDS........................ 19
KWUN TONG, JUNK BAY INTERCHANGE PLANNED ..................... 20
NIGHT WORK CLOSES CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ...................... 21
MORE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHEK WU HUI ....................... 21
TRAFFIC REROUTING IN KWAI CHUNG ............................. 22
FOOTBRIDGE WORK CLOSES ROAD ................................. 22
MEET THE MEDIA .............................................. 22
RETURNING SECRETARY TO MEET PRESS ........................... 23
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ....................................... 23
WAN CHAI WATER LEAKAGE TESTS ................................ 23
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
1
POWER OF ’RULE OF LAW’ FOR LIBERTY STRESSED
*****
HONG KONG, WITH THE ESTABLISHED TRADITION OF THE COMMON LAa BEHIND IT, HAD AT ITS DISPOSAL POWERFUL WEAPONS WITH WHICH TO PRESERVE LIBERTY AND TO CHALLENGE OPPONENTS OF FREEDOM, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY.
THAT TRADITION, HE SAID, WAS ACCORDED THE TITLE +THE RULE OF LAW+. ,
ADDRESSING HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS THIS AFTERNOON ON THE QUESTION OF WHAT WAS MEANT BY +THE RULE OF LAW + , MR THOMAS EXPLAINED IT WAS A REFERENCE TO SOME OF THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF LAW THAT GOVERNED THE WAY IN WHICH POWER WAS EXERCISED.
IT wAS ALSO A VERY IMPORTANT QUESTION TO YOUNG PEOPLE GROWING UP IN HONG KONG AT THIS TIME, HE SAID.
FOR THE IDEA OF THE +RULE OF LAw+ LAY AT THE HEART OF THE LEGAL SYSTEM WHICH THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION PROMISED TO PRESERVE AFTER 1997, WHEN HONG KONG BECAME PART OF CHINA.
IT HAD FORMED THE BASIS OF LAW AND ADMINISTRATION THROUGHOUT THE BRITISH EMPIRE AND SURVIVED IN MANY PLACES AFTER BRITISH RULE ENDED.
+IT HAS CERTAINLY TAKEN ROOT AND FLOURISHED IN HONG KONG,+ THOMAS SAID.
BRITAIN AND HONG KONG, MR THOMAS SAID, DID NOT HAVE WRITTEN CONSTITUTIONS FOR EVERYONE TO READ, LIKE THOSE OF THE UNITED STATcj, SOVIET RUSSIA OR CHINA, BECAUSE THOSE COUNTRIES HAD ALL BEEN THROUGH REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES WHILE BRITAIN HAD AVOIDED REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES.
+THE ABSOLUTE POWER OF ITS KINGS WAS TAMED GRADUALLY, AT FIRST BY THE BARONS AND LATER BY ITS OWN PEOPLE IN PARLIAMENT. IN THE MEANTIME, THE JURISTS WERE EXPOUNDING THE LAWS AND THE JUDGES WERE APPLYING THEM TO CASES THAT CAME TO COURT.
+THUS THE COMMON LAW OR CUSTOMARY LAW DEVELOPED OUT OF THE TEXTBOOKS AND REPORTS OF DECIDED CASES.
+EVEN TODAY THE LAWYERS CAN REFER A JUDGE TO A DECISION THAT IS HUNDREDS OF YEARS OLD TO SHOW WHAT THE LAW IS,+ HE SAID.
THE POWER TO MAKE NEW LAWS WAS ENJOYED BY PARLIAMENT WHO, WITH THE FORMAL ASSENT OF THE KING, MADE STATUTES WHICH WERE JUST AS BINDING ON THE KING’S SUBJECTS AS THE RULES LAID DOWN BY THE JURISTS AND THE JUDGES.
/+BUT NOWHKRE ......
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
2
♦BUT NOWHERE IS THERE TO BE FOUND A WRITTEN CONSTITUTION WHICH COMPREHENSIVELY SETS OUT WHERE POWER LIES, HOW POWER IS TO BE EXERCISED AND THE RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF I ND IV I DUALS,+ MR THOMAS SAID.
EXPLAINING THE SPECIAL FEATURES OF THE RULE OF LAW, HE SAID, FIRST, THE RULE OF LAW REQUIRED THAT THE POWERS OF THE CROWN AND OF ALL ITS SERVANTS SHOULD BE DERIVED FROM LAW, CLEARLY LIMITED BY LEGISLATION AND THE JUDICIAL DECISIONS TAKEN BY INDEPENDENT COURTS.
THIS WAS TO BE CONTRASTED WlfH A DIFFERENT STATE IN WHICH THE SOVEREIGN OR THE PRESIDENT OR THE GOVERNMENT COULD EXERCISE POWERS BEYOND THE REACH OF THE LAW.
AT THE HEART OF THE HONG KONG SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, HE SAIL, LAY THE RULE THAT NO ONE, FROM THE GOVERNOR DOWN THROUGH THE RANKS OF SECRETARIES, DIRECTORS, COMMISSIONERS, THE POLICE, ICAC, AND CUSTOMS AND EXCISE, COULD DO ANYTHING THAT AFFECTED THE INDIV IL JAL, HIS HOME, HIS MONEY OR HIS FREEDOM, UNLESS HE COULD POINT TO SOME SPECIFIC PROVISION OF THE LAW WHICH AUTHORISED WHAT HE HAD J1O. . .
IF HE COULD NOT DO THAT, HE COULD BE SUED IN THE COURTS OF HONG KONG AND COMPELLED TO PUT RIGHT WHAT HE HAD DONE OR TO PA' QOMPENSATION FOR THE WRONG THAT HE HAD DONE,
MR THOMAS SAID THAT IN HONG KONG’S ORDINANCES, THERE WAS PROVISION FOR SEARCH WARRANTS TO BE ISSUED BY A MAGISTRATE UNDER SPECIFIC PROCEDURES AND THESE WERE AUTHORISED BY LAW.
THE LAW ENFORCEMENT BODIES, SUCH AS THE POLICE AND ICAC, COULD NOT GO BEYOND THE POWER GIVEN TO THEM UNDER PARTICULAR ORDINANCES, HE EXPLAINED.
+NO ONE ELSE, NOT EVEN THE GOVERNOR, CAN ORDER SEARCHES OF PRIVATE PROPERTY,* HE SAID.
THE COMMON LAWYER’S DISLIKE OF ARBITRARY POWERS EXTENDED TO THE CRIMINAL LAW WHICH OPERATED ON PRINCIPLES THAT PROTECTED PERSONS FROM BEING PUNISHED MERELY BECAUSE THEY WERE DISSENTERS OR UNPOPULAR WITH THE POWERS THAT BE.
THE POWER OF ARREST AND THE POWER TO DETAIN BEFORE TRIAL WERE SUBJECT TO STRICT LIMITS, HE SAID.
+THE CROWN HAS TO PROVE ITS CASE BEYOND A REASONABLE DOUBT,* l£ SAID.
THE TRIAL HAD TO BE IN PUBLIC AND CONFESSIONS WOULD ONLY BE ADMITTED AS EVIDENCE IF THEY WERE MADE VOLUNTARILY.
THOSE WHO PROSECUTED DID NOT STRIVE TO SECURE A CONVICTION BUT TO SEE THAT THE FACTS WERE FAIRLY PLACED BEFORE THE COURT, SO THAT THE VERDICT WOULD BE A JUST ONE, HE ADDED.
/a S2CQND .......
’OJDAY, MAY 20, 1985
3
A SECOND FEATURE OF THE RULE OF LAW, MR THOMAS SAID, WAS EQUALITY BEFORE THE LAW.
♦ IT IS FUNDAMENTAL THAT ALL PERSONS, HIGH OR LOW, REGARDLESS OF RACE, POLITICS OR RELIGION, ARE SUBJECT TO THE ORDINARY LAW OF THE LAND ADMINISTERED BY THE ORDINARY COURTS OF LAW,* HE SAID.
+THIS MEANS THAT AN ATTORNEY-GENERAL WHO DRIVES WITHOUT A PROPER LICENCE IS LIABLE TO BE BROUGHT BEFORE THE COURTS AND BE PUNISHED FOR THE OFFENCE,* HE SAID.
HE SAID THAT MANY PEOPLE PASSIONATELY DISAGREED WITH THE VIEWS OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE DA/ AND FORMED GROUPS TO RESIST ITS POLICIES.
+T0 EXERCISE THE RIGHT OF FREE SPEECH, TO PERSUADE CF THEIR CAUSE, TO DEMONSTRATE BELIEFS IS ONE THING.
OTHERS
+T0 BREAK THE LAW IS QUITE ANOTHER,* HE EXPLAINED.
ANYONE WHO BROKE THE LAW WAS LIABLE TO BE PUNISHED DESPITE THE SINCERITY OF HIS BELIEFS AND HIS RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEM, HE ‘ADDED.
+THROUGH THE YEARS, THE COURTS HAVE PROTECTED THE RIGHTS AND FREEDOM OF INDIVIDUALS, AND THEY HAVE ALSO KEPT IN CHECK THE GROWTH CF STATE POWER AND DEALT EFFECTIVELY WITH ITS ABUSE,* MR THOMAS SAID IN OUTLINING THE THIRD, +AND IN SOME WAYS THE MOST IMPORTANT WANING OF THE RULE OF LAW.*
DESPITE THE ABSENCE OF ELABORATE WRITTEN CONSTITUTIONS, BRITAIN AND HONG KONG ENJOYED REPUTATIONS AS RELATIVELY FREE AND OPEN SOCIETIES COMPARED WITH MANY OTHERS.
+THIS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BECAUSE OF THE RESPECT ACCORDED BY THOSE IN POWER TO LANDMARK JUDICIAL DECISIONS FROM THE PAST,* HE SAID.
THIS WAS DUE TO THE ATTITUDE AND INFLUENCE OF JUDGES, LEGAL PRACTITIONERS AND LEGAL DRAFTSMEN AND LEGAL ADVISERS WHICH WAS CHARACTERISTICALLY CONSERVATIVE AND JEALOUS OF WELL-ESTABLISHED LEGAL RULES.
+IN THEORY THE POWER OF THE GOVERNOR TO MAKE LAWS WITH THE ADVICE AND CONSENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL UNDER THE LETTERS PATENT FOR ’THE PEACE ORDER AND GOOD GOVERNMENT’ OF HONG KONG IS A WIDE ONE. BUT IN REALITY THAT POWER IS CAREFULLY CONTROLLED IF ONLY BECAUSE IT IS WIDELY DISPERSED,* HE SAID.
MANY DIFFERENT PEOPLE WERE INVOLVED IN THE PREPARATION AND APPROVAL OF NEW ORDINANCES: SECRETARIES AND PUBLIC OFFICERS WHO EVOLVED POLICY, THE ADVISORY AND DISTRICT BOARDS WHO WERE CONSULTED UPON POLICY PROPOSALS, THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHICH DETERMINED POLICY AND APPROVED BILLS, INTERESTED PARTIES, THE MEDIA AND PUBLIC OPINION WHO EXAMINED BILLS WHEN THEY WERE GAZETTED, AND FINALLY THE MEMBERS CF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHO SCRUTINISED, DEBATED AND PASSED THOSE BILLS, WITH OR WITHOUT AMENDMENT.
/♦SO IF
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
4
♦SO IF SOME HOT HEAD WERE TO DEMAND A NEW ORDINANCE TO TAKE AwAY RETROSPECTIVELY THE PROPERTY RIGHTS OF ALL LEFT-HANDED PEOPLE, IT WOULD HAVE NO CHANCE OF GETTING THROUGH ALL THOSE CHECKS AND BALANCES IN OUR LEGISLATIVE PROCESS.
♦AMONG THOSE WITH AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY ARE THE LAWYER^ IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE WHO HAVE A POWERFUL AND PERSUASIVE INFLUENCE UPON GOVERNMENT POLICY AND UPON THE DRAFTING AND PROMOTION OF LEGISLATION.
+N0 LAWYERS TRAINED IN THE COMMON LAW WOULD BE WILLING TO HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH A BILL OF THAT KIND. THEY WOULD CERTAi ADVISE THAT RETROSPECTIVE LEGISLATION WAS IN GENERAL OBJECTIONABLE. THEY WOULD CERTAINLY ADVISE THAT VESTED RIGHTS COULD NOT LAWFULLY EE TAKEN AWAY WITHOUT PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION. THEY WOULD CERTA ADVISE THAT LEGISLATION THAT DISCRIMINATES ARBITRARILY AGAINST C :L SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WAS REPREHENSIBLE AND CONTRARY TO INTERNATIONAL LAW.
♦SIMILARLY THEIR INFLUENCE WILL ENSURE THAT WHERE INDIVIDUAL •RIGHTS MUST GIVE WAY .TO SPECIFIC COMMUNAL NEEDS - FOR EXAMPLE.
BUILD A NEW ROAD, - T|HE PUBLIC INTEREST OVERRIDES PRIVATE RIGHT L LITTLE AS POSSIBLE, AND THE FINANCIAL LOSS OF INDIVIDUALS IS AS F‘; AS PRACTICABLE COMPENSATED OUT OF THE PUBLIC PURSE,+ HE SAID.
THE COURTS TOO HAD AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN SUPERVISING THE EXERCISE OF POWER.
THEY WERE ASTUTE TO PROTECT THE RULE OF LAW.
WHERE LEGISLATION WAS AMBIGUOUS, THEY WOULD INTERPRET IT IN FAVOUR OF THE PRESERVATION OF EXISTING RIGHTS.
WHERE LEGISLATION EMPOWERED OFFICIALS TO REACH DECISIONS OR TO TAKE ACTION THAT AFFECTED PERSONAL RIGHTS, A PERSON AGGRIEVED HAD THE RIGHT TO ASK THE COURTS TO REVIEW THE MATTER.
SPEAKING OF THE IMPORTANCE TO THE COMMUNITY OF THE RULE OF LAW, MR THOMAS SAID:
♦SO LONG AS GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS RESPECT ITS SPIRIT, THEN HONG KONG’S REPUTATION AS A FREE AND OPEN SOCIETY WILL CERTAINLY CONTINUE. IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT THAT SOME GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE TO TRY TO OVERTHROW ESTABLISHED PERSONAL FREEDOMS, OR TO DISREGARD THE PROVISIONS OF HONG KONG’S ORDINANCES OR THE INTERNATIONAL COVENANTS, OR TO CLAIM THE RIGHT TO EXERCISE ARBITRARY POWERS OF INTERFERENCE WITH ACTIVITIES THAT ARE OPPOSED TO THEIR POLICIES, THE RULE OF LAW WOULD BE IN DANGER.
♦HONG KONG COULD THEN EXPECT PUBLIC OPINION, THE LEGISLATURE AND EVERY LAWYER TRAINED IN THE COMMON LAW TO STAND UP AND MAKE THEIR ARTICULATE PROTEST.
♦IT WOULD BE UP TO THE PERSONS AFFECTED TO EXERCISE THEIR RIGHT OF ACCESS TO THE COURTS TO CHALLENGE UNLAWFUL ACTS OF THE EXECUTIVE. IT WOULD BE UP TO HONG KONG’S JUDGES, PROUD OF THEIR ROLE AS INDEPENDENT AND IMPARTIAL GUARDIANS OF THE RULE OF LAw, TO EXERCISE THEIR JURISDICTION TO CHECK THE ABUSE OF POWER,+ NR THOMAS SAID.
'• 'ND?
f 20 1985
LAND AUCTION GOES WELL
*****
A SITE IN THE PRIME LOCATION OF WAN CHAI WAS SOLD FOR $302 MILLION AT TODAY’S (MONDAY) AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
IT WAS AMONG SEVERAL SALES THAT WENT VERY WELL AMID STRONG BIDDING, THE AUCTIONEER, THE GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR TIM MILLS SAID. /
MEASURING ABOUT 3 429 SQUARE METRES AT HARBOUR ROAD, THE SITE wAS BOUGHT BY SOUTH CASTLE LIMITED FOR COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT (INCLUDING HOTEL).
THE DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO COMPLETE NOT LESS THAN 30 900 SQUARE METRES OF THE GROSS FLOOR AREA BEFORE JULY 1, 1989.
TWO OTHER LOTS ARE AT MOORSOM ROAD, JARDINE’S LOOKOUT AND SOUTH BAY ROAD IN REPULSE BAY, BOTH FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES WERE ALSO AUCTIONED.
THE 2 243 SQUARE-METRE SITE AT MOORSOM ROAD WAS SOLD TO CAMAFORCE LTD FOR $51 MILLION, WHILE THE SOUTH BAY ROAD SITE OF 3 650 SQUARE METRES WAS BOUGHT BY WIN STANDARD INVESTMENT LTD FOR $76 MILLION.
TWO MORE PLOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND - ONE AT VICTORIA ROAD FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN USES AND THE OTHER AT SA I NING STREET FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL PURPOSE - WERE ALSO SOLD.
MEASURING 500 SQUARE METRES, THE VICTORIA ROAD LOT WAS BOUGHT BY GAIN SOURCE INVESTMENT LTD FOR $9 MILLION AND THE SAI NING STREET SITE OF 680 SQUARE METRES WAS SOLD TO RYFORT CONSTRUCTION LTD FOR $25.5 MILLION.
OF THE TWO PLOTS IN SHA TIN, ONE OF ABOUT 39 440 SQUARE METRES NEAR SUI WO COURT WAS SUCCESSFULLY BID BY HEE YUN COMPANY LTD AT $138 MILLION. IT IS FOR RESIDENTIAL USE.
THE OTHER SITE OF 3 371 SQUARE METRES, BEHIND CITY ONE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX, IS RESTRICTED TO INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER IS CROWN PACIFIC LIMITED AT 99.2 MILLION.
THE SALES WERE AN INDICATION THAT THE PROPERTY MARKET WAS MAKING A COMEBACK, MR MILLS SAID.
♦ BUT THIS IS AT AN EARLY STAGE, AS THERE IS STILL A LONG wAY TO GO BACK TO THE BOOMING PERIOD SEVERAL YEARS AGO,+ HE ADDED.
0
/6.......
* .-A - ' 20 '9fl5
6 -
QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*****
FIRMS IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR EXPERIENCED A DETERIORATION IN THEIR BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED TO THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984, ACCORDING TO SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
HOWEVER, MANUFACTURING FIRMS ARE GENERALLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1985 AND EXPECT TO ACHIEVE SOME IMPROVEMENT.
AS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, THE EXPECTATION OF A RECOVERY IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER, AS INDICATED BY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN THE PREVIOUS ROUND OF THE SURVEY, MATERIALISED.
IT WAS THE FIRST TIME SINCE THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1982 THAT AN IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS WAS ACHIEVED. A CONTINUED UPTREND IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED BY CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS SECTOR EXPERIENCED A LARGELY STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION IN THE FIRST QUARTER, BUT A DECLINE IN BUSINESS IS ANTICIPATED FOR THE SECOND QUARTER.
ABOUT 1 000 FIRMS FROM VARIOUS INDUSTRIES AND BUSINESSES, FORMING A CROSS-SECTION OF THE ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, PARTICIPATED IN THE SURVEY AND WERE ASKED ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS EXPERIENCE AND EXPECTATIONS.
WITHIN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, THE MAJORITY OF FIRMS IN THE WEARING APPAREL, TEXTILES, PLASTICS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS AND ELECTRONICS INDUSTRIES EXPERIENCED A DECLINE IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985.
FIRMS IN THE OTHER INDUSTRIES HOWEVER EXPERIENCED A LARGELY STABLE BUSINESS SITUATION, WITH A SMALL DECLINE ON BALANCE REPORTED BY FIRMS IN THE FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES INDUSTRIES.
THE PRINTING INDUSTRY HAS DONE BETTER THAN EARLIER EXPECTED AND THIS HAS BEEN A RATHER GOOD FIRST QUARTER WHEN COMPARED WITH THE HISTORICAL TREND.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE BUSINESS SITUATION IS EXPECTED TO IMPROVE FOR FIRMS ACROSS ALL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, WITH FIRMS IN THE FOOD, BEVERAGE AND TOBACCO, PLASTICS, FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS, ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS INDUSTRIES PARTICULARLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE BUSINESS OUTLOOK FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1985.
AS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR, A RECOVERY IN BUSINESS WAS EXPERIENCED IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN BUSINESS IS EXPECTED TO BE ACHIEVED IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
/THE business........
2G, 1985
THE BUSINESS ACTIVITY OF FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES AND RESTAURANTS SECTORS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WAS MAINTAINED AT A LEVEL SIMILAR TO THAT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984.
A DECLINE IN BUSINESS IS ANTICIPATED BY FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES WHILE A SEASONAL DROP IN BUSINESS IS PREDICTED BY FIRMS IN THE RESTAURANTS SECTOR.
RESPONDENTS IN THE HOTELS BUSINESS EXPERIENCED A SEASONAL DOWNTREND IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER BUT THEY ARE CONFIDENT OF AN UPTREND IN BUSINESS IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
WITH REGARD TO THE OTHER SERVICES SECTOR, BANKS AND FIRMS IN THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES BUSINESS EXPERIENCED AN UPTURN IN BUSINESS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
AS FOR TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION, EXPERIENCE VARIED AMONG FIRMS BUT THE OVERALL SITUATION COULD BE CONSIDERED AS STABLE. LOOKING INTO THE SECOND QUARTER, FIRMS IN THE SECTOR ARE GENERALLY CONFIDENT OF IMPROVEMENTS.
THE SURVEY ALSO COVERED BUSINESS PROBLEMS FACED BY FIRMS.
FOR THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR, A CONSIDERABLY LARGER PROPORTION OF FIRMS INDICATED INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS, AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG AND OVERSEAS AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER.
THESE PROBLEMS ARE EXPECTED TO PERSIST IN THE NEXT QUARTER. IN THE MEANTIME, THE PROBLEMS OF QUOTA AND OTHER TRADE RESTRICTIONS AND THAT OF SHORTAGE OF LABOUR ARE EASING.
FIRMS IN THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR STILL CONSIDER INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS CONTRACTS AND PRICE COMPETITION FROM FIRMS IN HONG KONG AS THEIR PROMINENT PROBLEMS FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS OF 1985.
AS FOR THE RESTAURANTS BUSINESS, INSUFFICIENT BUSINESS, PRICE COMPETITION AND HIGH STAFF TURNOVER WERE CITED AS THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS.
PRICE COMPETITION REMAINED AS THE MOST PROMINENT PROBLEM FOR FIRMS IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL AND IMPORT/EXPORT TRADES, HOTELS, TRANSPORT, STORAGE AND COMMUNICATION AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES BUSINESSES IN THE FIRST QUARTER, WITH LITTLE PROSPECT OF EASING IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
AS FOR THE HOTEL BUSINESS, THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE PROPORTION OF RESPONDING FIRMS THAT CONSIDERED HIGH STAFF TURNOVER AS THEIR MAJOR PROBLEM IN THE FIRST QUARTER, ALTHOUGH THE INTENSITY OF THIS PROBLEM IS EXPECTED TO DIMINISH CONSIDERABLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER.
/HIGH STAFF .......
•JNL ; ’ 2', 1985
- 8
HIGH STAFF COSTS WAS REGARDED AS A MAJOR PROBLEM BY SOME BANKS IN THE FIRST AND SECOND 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 OF THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION OF HONG KONG.
IN THE SURVEY. PARTICIPATING FIRMS WERE ASKED TO INDICATE WHETHER, IN THEIR OPINION, THE GENERAL BU$'NESS SITUATION AND LEVcL CF CAPACITY UTILISATION HAD +IMPROVED+, +REMAINED THE SAME* OR +DETERIORATED+ IN THE QUARTER JUST ENDED AS COMPARED WITH THE QUARTck BEFORE THAT.
FOR THE FORTHCOMING QUARTER, THEY WERE ALSO ASKED TO INDICATE u/ucTupo THF SITUATION WILL +IMPROVE+, +REMA N THE SAME+ OR
WHETHER THE S 1TU^ । IL^ ^|NI6NS 0F RESPONDENTS WERE TABULATED
+DETERIORATE+.
AND ANALYSED.
REPORT ALSO CONTAINS A SECTION EXPECTED BY FIRMS IN DIFFERENT
THE SURVEY
EXPERIENCED AND _
A BREAKDOWN OF VIEWS OF FIRMS BY SIZE GROUPS.
ON BUSINESS PROBLEMS ECONOMIC SECTORS AND
OF THIS NATURE, THE
THE DEPARTMENT CAUTIONED THAT IN A SURVEY
RESULTS SHOULD BE INTERPRETED WITH CARE AS IT WAS DIFFICULT TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY THE EXTENT TO WHICH RESPONDENTS’ PERCEPTION OF THE PAST AND THE FUTURE ACCORDS WITH THE UNDERLYING TRENDS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT, CONTAINING AN ANALYSIS OF THE SURVEY FINDINGS AND STATISTICAL TABLES, HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO FIRMS TAKING PART IN THE SURVEY AND TO OTHER BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS. THE PUBLIC MAY OBTAIN COPIES FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, AT $3 A COPY.
FURTHER DETAILS ON THE QUARTERLY BUSINESS SURVEY MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NATIONAL INCOME BRANCH OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT 5-423401.
-------0----------
PLAN TO EASE CAUSEWAY BAY PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC
*****
A MAJOR PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CAUSEWAY BAY TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN THE DISTRICT’S PEDESTRIAN TRAFFIC WHEN THE MTR ISLAND LINE BECOMES OPERATIONAL AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR JIM COWIE, CHIEF ENGINEER, TRAFFIC ENGINEERING HONG KONG DIVISION, OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE TODAY (MONDAY).
/THE SCHEME, ........
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
THE SCHEME, TO BE IMPLEMENTED IN STAGES, COMPRISES TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS, WIDENING OF FOOTPATHS, IMPROVEMENTS TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES AND RELOCATION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STANDS. THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY GLOUCESTER ROAD TO THE EAST AND NORTH, PERCIVAL STREET TO THE WEST AND LEIGHTON ROAD TO THE SOUTH.
MR COWIE EXPLAINED THAT THE SCHEME WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE CAUSEWAY BAY WAS A POPULAR SHOPPING AND TOURIST CENTRE AND WAS LIKELY TO BECOME EVEN MORE POPULAR WITH THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND LINE AND THE COMPLETION OF HOTEL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS ABOVE THE CAUSEWAY BAY STATION. , +ALREADY PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT IN THE AREA IS CONSIDERABLY RESTRICTED OWING TO THE NARROW FOOTPATHS, OBSTRUCTIONS OF AND ENCROACHMENTS INTO FOOTWAYS AND CONFLICT WITH TRAFFIC. THE SITUATION IS BOUND TO GET WORSE AS MORE PEOPLE FLOCK THERE.* HE SAID.
TO GIVE AN IDEA OF THE HEAVY PEDESTRIAN FLOWS IN THE DISTRICT, MR COWIE SAID, TRAFFIC COUNTS TAKEN BETWEEN 4.45 PM ‘AND 5.45 PM ON AN APRIL SUNDAY LAST YEAR REVEALED THAT 16 300 PEOPLE HAD USED THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING ACROSS YEE WO STREET.
THE MAIN AIM OF THE PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME, MR COWIE SAID, WAS TO CREATE BETTER, LESS CONGESTED CONDITIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS, TO PROVIDE EASY ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND TO MAINTAIN VEHICULAR ACCESS TO RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENTS WITHOUT UNDULY AFFECTING PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT. IT ALSO AIMED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SERVICING OPPORTUNITIES WHILE MINIMISING CONFLICTS BETWEEN LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD DISCUSSED THE SCHEME a I TH THE *vAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD, CMB, KMB AND PLB OPERATORS. THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SCHEME, WHICH WOULD IMPROVE ACCESS TO THE MTR STATION AT CAUSEWAY BAY, WAS TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE MAY 31.
UNDER THE INITIAL STAGE OF THE SCHEME, TRAFFIC WOULD ENTER CAUSEWAY BAY EITHER VIA A TWO LANE, ONE-WAY WEST-EAST ROUTE ALONG LOCKHART ROAD, EAST POINT ROAD AND GREAT GEORGE STREET OR VIA A TWO LANE ONE-WAY NORTH-SOUTH ROUTE ALONG CLEVELAND STREET, KINGSTON STREET AND GREAT GEORGE STREET. LOCAL OUTBOUND TRAFFIC TO CENTRAL WOULD BE DIVERTED VIA THE NEW GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER WHILE INBOUND TRAFFIC FROM HENNESSY ROAD WOULD' BE DIVERTED VIA SUGAR STREET.
+THE TRAFFIC REROUTINGS WILL HOPEFULLY REDUCE EXTRANEOUS TRAFFIC IN THE AREA AND SIMPLIFY THE FLOW PATTERN. MOREOVER, THEY WILL FACILITATE THE LINKING OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS, PERMIT THE USE OF REDUCED CYCLE TIMES AND PROVIDE INCREASED GREEN TIME AT THE PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS THEREBY REDUCING WAITING TIME FOR PEDESTRIANS,* MR COWIE EXPLAINED.
/another prominent........
WNDAY, iiAY 20, 1985
10
ANOTHER PROMINENT FEATURE OF THE oCHEME *AS THAT THE NORTHERN FOOTPATH OF HENNESSY ROAD WOULD LINK UP WI TH THE NORTHERN FOOTPATH ON YEE wO STREET AND THE SOUTHERN FOOTPATH Oi' GREAT GEORGE STREET. THE FOOTPATH, COUPLED a I TH THE W IDER AND ORE DIRECT CROSSING FACILITIES TO BE INSTALLED IN PATERSON STREET AT A LATER STAGE, WOULD CONSIDERABLY EASE PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENT IN THE BUSY PART OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY SHOPPING AREA.
FOLLOWING THE OPENING OF THE CAUSEwAY BAY STATION, THE TRAFFIC AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS WOULD BE CLOSELY MONITORED AND THE EXISTING SCHEME MODIFIED IF NECESSARY, MR COWIE SAID.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS WOULD BE POSSIBLE WHEN THE FOOTBRIDGE AT THE JUNCTION OF SUGAR STREET WITH YEE WO STREET AND PENNINGTON STREET WAS COMPLETED.
BY REOPENING LEE GARDEN ROAD TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, AN EXPERIMENT TO CLOSE JARDINE’S CRESCENT BETWEEN JARDINE’S BAZAAR AND KAI CHIU ROAD TO VEHICLES COULD BE CARRIED OUT BY DIVERTING TRAFFIC IN JARDINE’S CRESCENT TO LEE GARDEN ROAD. SUCH A CLOSURE WOULD IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION OUTSIDE THE MTR STATION ENTRANCE IN JARDINE’S CRESCENT AND COULD BE MADE PERMANENT IF NO SERIOUS PROBLEMS WERE CREATED.
THE WAN CHAI DISTRICT BOARD HAD ALSO SUGGESTED THE CLOSURE OF PATERSON STREET, KINGSTON STREET AND GREAT GEORGE STREET. CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE PROPOSAL AND TO FURTHER STREET CLOSURES, POSSIBLY ON A PART-TIME OR SELECTIVE BASIS, AFTER THE DEPARTMENT HAD MONITORED THE SITUATION FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF THE SCHEME.
PLANS WERE ALSO AFOOT TO WIDEN FOOTWAYS IN KINGSTON STREET, PATERSON STREET, GREAT GEORGE STREET, HENNESSY ROAD, YEE WO STREET, PERCIVAL STREET AND JARDINE’S BAZAAR.
MEANWHILE, THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALREADY TAKEN ACTION TO CLEAR ALL NON-ESSENTIAL ITEMS AND ACTIVITIES FROM THE FOOTWAYS IN THE AREA. MR COWIE SAID THAT THE CONGESTED AREAS OF CAUSEWAY BAY WERE PARTICULARLY AFFECTED BY MOBILE HAWKER STALLS, NEWSPAPER VENDORS AND BUS QUEUES.
POINTING OUT THAT THE PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME DID NOT PROPOSE ANY CHANGE TO EXISTING RESTRICTIONS ON LOADING AND UNLOADING ACTIVITIES IN THE AREA, MR COWIE, HOWEVER, SAID THE SITUATION WOULD BE KEPT UNDER CLOSE WATCH AND ALTERNATIVE LOADING AND UNLOADING FACILITIES MIGHT HAVE TO BE PROVIDED TO ELIMINATE PERSISTENT PROBLEM AREAS.
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
Legend
Banned Turning Movement
Direction of Traffic Flow
Bus Only Lane
MTR Entrance
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR CAUSEWAY BAY
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
Legend
MTR Entrance
Existing Crossing hHIHH Additional Crossing
PEDESTRIAN MANAGEMENT SCHEME FOR CAUSEWAY BAY
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MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
13 -
LABOUR OFFENCES DROP AS FINES GO UP * * * *
THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES UNDER THE LABOUR LAW HAS DROPPED CONSIDERABLY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 AS A RESULT OF STEPPED-UP ACTION AND HEAVIER FINES IMPOSED BY THE COURTS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
THE DEPARTMENT’S PROSECUTIONS DIVISION HANDLED 399 PROSECUTION CASES IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR FOR BREACHES OF SAFETY REGULATIONS, RESULTING IN A TOTAL CF $1 386 900 IN FINES IMPOSED, HE SAID.
IN COMPARISON THE FIGURES FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WERE 888 CASES AND A TOTAL FINE OF JI 266 850.
ALSO IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 595 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST EMPLOYERS FOR BREACHES OF THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS AND THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS.
THESE CASES RESULTED IN FINES TOTALLING $607 290. COMPARED * I TH 1 219 CASES IN THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR AND $746 550 IN FINES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE LEVEL OF FINES FOR FACTORY SAFETY CASES RECORDED IN THE FIRST THREE MONTHS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 33.7 PER CENT OVER THAT OF THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND AN INCREASE CF 97.5 PER CENT OVER THAT OF THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER IN 1984.
FOR CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY CASES, THE INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF FINES WAS 82.2 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 174.81 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.
AS FOR CASES UNDER THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS (INDUSTRY) REGULATIONS AND THE EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN REGULATIONS, THE LEVEL CF FINES ALSO RECORDED AN INCREASE OF 10.29 PER CENT OVER THAT CF THE PRECEDING QUARTER AND 38.97 PER CENT OVER THAT OF THE SAME PER IOD IN 1984.
THE INCREASES IN THE LEVEL OF FINES MIGHT HAVE HAD A DETERRENT EFFECT WHICH EXPLAINED THE RECENT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF PROSECUTIONS TAKEN OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID.
OTHER FACTORS WHICH CONTRIBUTED TO THE DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF OFFENCES WERE THE STRENGTHENED ENFORCEMENT ACTION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF REVISED PROSECUTION GUIDELINES BY THE DEPARTMENT.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S PROSECUTIONS DIVISION, WITH THE HELP OF THE OPERATIONAL DIVISIONS, HAD BEEN CONCENTRATING ON BRINGING THE MORE SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT OFFENDERS TO JUSTICE.
/AHRANGhMeNTo HAVE........
MONDAY, MWY 20, 1985
- U -
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S INSPECTORATE TO VERIFY REMEDIAL ACTION ALLEGED TO HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY AN OFFENDER ON MITIGATION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID APPLICATION FOR A REVIEW OF SENTENCE aOULL BE CONSIDERED IF THE ALLEGED REMEDIAL ACTION HAD BEEN CONFIRMED NOT IN EXISTENCE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH MOST FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND EMPLOYERS WERE LAW-ABIDING CITIZENS WHO SAW TO THE SAFETY AND WELFARE OF THE PEOPLE UNDER THEIR EMPLOY, IT WAS THE DEPARTMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT'SERIOUS AND PERSISTENT OFFENDERS AGAINST HONG KONG’S LABOUR LEGISLATION SHOULD BE BROUGHT TO THE COURT AND GIVEN THE HEAVY FINES THEY DESERVED.
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25 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MARCH * * * *
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE APPROVED 25 BUILDING PLANS IN MARCH THIS YEAR - SEVEN ON HONG KONG ISLAND, SIX IN KOWLOON AND 12 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE INCLUDED 10 BLOCKS OF THE KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT, TwO HOTEL BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI AND SHA TIN, FOUR BLOCKS OF 31 STOREYS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL PURPOSES IN SHA TIN AND AN EXTENSION FOR A SCHOOL IN KWAI CHUNG.
IN THE SAME MONTH, THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO AGREED TO WORK STARTING ON 38 PROJECTS - 11 ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 IN KOWLOON AND 15 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THESE INCLUDED AN ELECTRICITY SWITCHING STAT ION/QUARTERS AT POKFULAM ROAD, A SOCIAL CENTRE AT THE JUNCTION OF NAM CHEONG STREET AND TAI HANG SAI STREET, A SEWAGE PUMPING STATION IN SHA TIN AND AN LPG/AIR PLANT IN YUEN LONG.
THE FLOOR AREA OF THESE 38 PROJECTS TOTALLED 226 075.3 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 151 506.5 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES WITH THE REMAINDER FOR NON-DOMESTIC USE.
DURING MARCH, 35 OCCUPATIONAL PERMITS WERE ISSUED FOR NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS, INCLUDING SEVEN RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS AT SASSOON ROAD, A BUS DEPOT AT HEUNG YIP ROAD, TWO PETROL-FILLING STATIONS IN SHA TIN, AND FIVE STAFF QUARTERS FOR THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.
TOTAL FLOOR AREA FOR ALL NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN MARCH WAS 399 357.3 SQUARE METRES, OF WHICH 316 178.1 SQUARE METRES WERE FOR NON-DOMESTIC USE AND THE REMAINDER FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO ISSUED EIGHT DEMOLITION ORDERS IN RESPECT OF 21 BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
- JDAY, HAY <.J, 1985
DE MEMBERS SEE POLYCLINIC FACILITIES * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD’S COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE TODAY (MONDAY) VISITED A NON-PROFIT-MAKING POLYCLINIC IN NORTH POINT TO SEE ITS FACILITIES AND SERVICES FOR LOCAL RES I DENTS.
RUN BY THE KIANGSU AND CHEKIANG RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION THE CLINIC PROVIDES VARIOUS OUT-PATIENT TREATMENTS, INCLUDING MEDICAL SURGICAL, DENTAL, PAEDIATRIC, GYNAECOLOGY, SKIN, EAR, NOSE AND ’ THROAT.
THE POLYCLINIC, OFFICIALLY OPENED TWO MONTHS AGO, IS ALSO EQUIPPED WITH X-RAY FACILITIES, AN OPERATION THEATRE FOR MINOR OPERATIONS, A LABORATORY, PHYSIOTHERAPY AND ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT ROOMS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMUNITY BUILDING COMMITTEE, MR LEE KwONG-LAM, SAID AFTER THE VISIT THAT HE AND OTHER MEMBERS WERE ‘IMPRESSED BY THE FACILITIES AND VARIOUS SERVICES PROVIDED AT THE CLINIC.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE DISTRICT BOARD, ITS COMMITTEES, AND THE VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS IN THE DISTRICT SHOULD CONTINUE TO COLLABORATE THEIR EFFORTS IN PROMOTING THE RESIDENTS’ WELFARE,+ SAID MR LEE.
♦THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES OF THE CLINIC WILL SUPPLEMENT THE EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY MEDICAL SCHEME WHICH, IMPLEMENTED BY THE DISTRICT BOARD IN 1982, HAS PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL AND POPULAR IN THE PAST THREE YEARS.+
UNDER THE SCHEME, LOCAL RESIDENTS AGED OVER 60 AND OTHERS I'i NEED CAN RECEIVE TREATMENT AT REDUCED FEES FROM MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS JOINING THE SCHEME.
ALSO JOINING TODAY’S VISIT WAS THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG, AND DISTRICT OFFICER, MR LUI HAU-TUEN, AS PART OF A PROGRAMME TO FAMILIARISE BOARD MEMBERS WITH THE DISTRICT’S INFRASTRUCTURE AND FACILITIES.
- 0
/16........
MUNDAY, MAY 2u
1985
SHA TIN DB TO DISCUSS COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
******
SHA TIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL DISCUSS THE PROCEDURE FOR HANDLING PUBLIC COMPLAINTS AT THEIR MEETING TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THEY WILL ALSO COMMENT ON PROPOSALS FOR THE SAFETY AND MANAGEMENT OF PRIVATE ROADS, WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT BY A WORKING GROUP.
OTHER ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE THE NEW TERRITORIES TAXI BOUNDARIES, THE SHA TIN TO TAI WO PING INTERCHANGE IMPROVEMENTS AND PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO PROTECT THE DISTRICT BOARD LOGO.
- 0-----------
VEHICLE EXAMINERS FOR BUSES SOUGHT
* * * *
A RECRUITMENT EXERCISE FOR MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE REQUIREMENT TO DEPLOY MORE STAFF TO MONITOR CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S PROGRESS IN IMPLEMENTING THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP’S REPORT ON CMB MAINTENANCE.
THIS IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH TAC’S ADVICE AND THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DIRECTIVE.
THE DEPARTMENT’S SENIOR ENGINEER (MOTOR VEHICLES), MR P.K. LO, SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS CURRENTLY LOOKING FOR FOUR SUITABLE CANDIDATES TO THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER II POST.
+THESE ADDITIONAL POSTS WILL FORM PART OF A NEW ’BUS DIVISION’ SET UP WITHIN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TO ENABLE IT TO STEP UP MONITORING OF BUS MAINTENANCE BY FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, IN PARTICULAR THAT OF CMB.+
THIS BUS DIVISION WILL BE PLACED UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF A SENIOR ENGINEER.
MR LO SAID APPLICANTS FOR THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER II POST SHOULD EITHER HAVE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED AN APPROVED TECHNICIAN APPRENTICESHIP OR HOLD A HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HIGHER CERTIFICATE IN MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING OR EQUIVALENT.
HE MUST ALSO HAVE FIVE YEARS POST-QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE (EXCLUDING APPRENTICESHIP) IN ALL FIELDS OF MOTOR VEHICLE ENGINEERING OR THREE YEARS POST-QUALIFICATION EXPERIENCE AT SUPERVISORY LEVEL IN THE INSPECTION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIRS OF MOTOR VEHICLES OF ALL TYPES.
/THE DOTIES ......
1985
- 17 -
THE DUTIES OF A MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINER II ARE:
X TO CONDUCT INSPECTION OF VEHICLES TO ENSURE THEIR ROADWORTHINESS AND COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION;
* DEAL WITH CASES REGARDING CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE OF VEHICLES;
* INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF VEHICLE ACCIDENTS AND
* ASSIST IN THE MANAGEMENT OF AN INSPECTION CENTRE.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES MAY BE REQUIRED TO WORK IRREGULAR HOURS AND TO PERFORM OUTDOOR DUTIES.
THE PAY SCALE FOR THE POST IS $9 010 TO $12 970 PER MONTH WITH ENTRY POINT DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE OF THE CANDIDATES.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD BE MADE ON FORMS G.F. 340 WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FROM DISTRICT OFFICES, CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OR THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, LABOUR DEPARTMENT. THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY, PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION, ROOM 416, FOURTH FLOOR, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (MAIN WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
MR LO STRESSED THAT APPLICATIONS MUST REACH THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NOT LATER THAN NEXT MONDAY (MAY 27).
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE APPLICATION PROCEDURES COULD BE DIRECTED TO THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH ON 5-951953.
-----0-----
CONTRACT FOR LAB SCHEME SIGNED
XXX
A $1.6 MILLION CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY FOR THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF TESTING AUTHORITIES (NATA) TO PROVIDE A WIDE RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S LABORATORIES ACCREDITATION SCHEME FOR TESTING LABORATORIES HERE.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BETWEEN THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY MR JOHN YAXLEY, AND THE REGISTRAR OF NATA, MR JOHN GILMOUR.
WITNESSING THE SIGNING OF THE AGREEMENT WAS MR ERNIE EVANS THE EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE GOVERNMENT SYSTEM, WHICH IS TO BE KNOWN AS HOKLAS (HONG KONG -ABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME).
ABOUT 10 LABORATORIES ASSESSMENTS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CONDUCTED AS THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE INTRODUCTION OF HOKLAS DURING THE Fl RST Si X MONTHS OF 1986.
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/18........
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1935
PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR TAI PO * * * *
A PRIMARY SCHOOL IS TG BE BUILT ON A 4 320 SQUARE-METRE-SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF ON CHEUNG RCAD AND TAI WO ROAD, TAI PO.
THE SIX-STOREY SCHOOL BUILDING wILL HAVE 24 CLASSROOMS, THREE SPECIAL ROOMS AND AN ASSEMBLY HALL, AS WELL AS BASKETBALL COURTS, TwO VOLLEYBALL COURTS AND PLAY AREAS.
wORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN AUGUST AND BE COMPLETED IN ONE YEAR.
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, AND THE DEADLINE FOR TENDERS IS JUNE 7.
ECOLOGY COURSE FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS X * * *
FIFTEEN RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY COURSES HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THE 1985/86 ACADEMIC YEAR FOR MATRICULATION STUDENTS AT TH-EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S FIELD STUDIES CENTRE IN SA I KUNG.
THE COURSES, JOINTLY HELD BY THE EDUCATION AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENTS, ARE TO PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR BOTH STUDY AND ENJOYMENT IN A NATURAL ENVIRONMENT.
APART FROM ACADEMIC STUDIES, THE CONTENT OF WHICH WILL BE BASED ON THE HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES, EACH COURSE WILL ALSO INCLUDE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
THERE WILL BE TWO THREE-DAY RESIDENTIAL ECOLOGY COURSES FOR MIDDLE VI STUDENTS AND 13 FOUR-DAY RESIDENTIAL COURSES rOR LOWER AND UPPER FORM VI STUDENTS DURING THE TERM-TIME IN THE 1985-86 ACADEMIC YEAR AT THE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AT SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
THE MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PLACES FOR EACH COURSE WILL BE 40. AT LEAST ONE TEACHER FROM EACH PARTICIPATING SCHOOL wILL BE REQUIRED TO STAY IN THE CAMP WITH THE STUDENTS AND TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING THE COURSES.
NO TUITION FEES WILL BE CHARGED. ACCOMMODATION AND MEALo wILL BE PROVIDED AT $60 AND $90 PER PARTICIPANT PER COURSE FOR HIGHER LEVEL AND ADVANCED LEVEL COURSES RESPECTIVELY.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WHO WOULD LIKE THEIR MATRICULATION STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE COURSES SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TC THE INSPECTOR, FIELD STUDIES CENTRE, SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, PAK KONG, SAI KUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, BEFORE JUNE 7.
ENQUIRIES ON THE ECOLOGY COURSES CAN BE MADE BY CONTACTING ThE FIELD STUDIES CENTRE AT 3-2814009.
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
19 -
redals for firemen
* * *
The SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR DAVID JEAFFRESON, WILL BE PRESENTING THE COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 58 OFFICERS AND MEN OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT A CEREMONY AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION ON THURSDAY (MAY 23) AT 4 PM.
CONFIRMATION LETTERS PRESENTED * * *
TWO ASSISTANT COMMISSIONERS OF THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT, MR P.L. WONG AND MR K.S. TONG, RECEIVED LETTERS OF CONFIRMATION FROM THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR MARTIN ROWLANDS, TODAY (MONDAY).
LETTERS OF CONFIRMATION WERE ALSO PRESENTED BY MR ROWLANDS TO SENIOR SUPERINTENDENTS, MR MAN SHU-HUNG AND MR MAK KAM-LAU, SUPERINTENDENTS, MR LI KWAN-KEUNG AND MR DAVID TONG, AND ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTS, MR LEE YIP-TIM, MR WAI CHI-HUNG AND MR LEE WOON-WAH.
LATER, MR ROWLANDS, WHO IS RETIRING SHORTLY, WAS PRESENTED WITH A SOUVENIR BY THE COMMISSIONER, MR HARNAM GREWAL, ON BEHALF OF THE SENIOR OFFICERS’ MESS COMMITTEE.
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BETTER INSTRUMENTS FOR MARCHING BANDS
XXX
THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S CAPE COLLINSON MARCHING BAND AND THE TAI TAM GIRLS’ PIPERS AND PRECISION MARCHING TEAM ARE BETTER EQUIPPED, THANKS TO A DONATION OF «53 000 FROM THE HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB (CHARITIES) LIMITED FOR THE PURCHASE OF A NUMBER OF MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS.
THpSE INCLUDE DRUM SETS, PIPES, BAGPIPES, SAXOPHONES, FLUTES, CLARINETS, FIFES AND BALDRICS FOR TEAM LEADERS.
THE TWO BANDS ARE VERY POPULAR AND OFTEN PERFORM PUBLICLY.
THEY HAVE PERFORMED AT CEREMONIAL FUNCTIONS, PUBLICITY CAMPAIGNS, FESTIVALS AND CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, SUCH AS THE COMMUNITY CHEST, _ ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS, CRIME PREVENTION CARNIVALS, AND LUNCH-TIMt CONCERTS.
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MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
23
KwUN TONG, JUNK BAY INTERCHANGE PLANNED
& * %
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT A GRADE SEPARATED INTERCHANGE AT THE JUNCTION OF SAU MAU PING ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD AS PART OF THE ROAD SYSTEM LINKING KWUN TONG AND JUNK BAY NEa TOWN.
ALSO PROPOSED ARE THE REALIGNMENT OF JUNK BAY ROAD, CONSTRUCTION OF TWO SLIP ROADS AND THE ASSOCIATED FOOTPATHS.
AS PART OF THE WORK, IT WILl’bE REQUIRED TO PERMANENTLY CLOSE A FOOTPATH ALONG JUNK BAY ROAD AND A SHORT LENGTH OF AN UN-NAMED ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION OF SAU MAU PING ROAD AND JUNK BAY ROAD.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN NOVEMBER AND BE COMPLETED IN 39 MONTHS.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A PLAN SHOWING THE EXTENT OF THE WORK CAN BE SEEN AT:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE,
CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE,
CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG;
> DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON EAST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND
* KwUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE,
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET, THIRD AND FOURTH FLOORS, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED WORK MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JULY 16.
/21 ........
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1935
- 21 -
NIGHT WORK CLOSES CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD * * * *
CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD BETWEEN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND NEW CLEAR wATtR BAY ROAD IN NGAU CHI WAN WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR AN HOUR AND A HALF FROM 2.30 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 22) FOR WORK ON A STEEL BRIDGE NEAR PING SHEK ESTATE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS WILL BE BANNED:
* LEFT TURN FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND INTO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD;
* RIGHT TURN FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AT THE CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE INTO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD EASTBOUND; AND
* LEFT TURN FROM PING SHEK ESTATE ACCESS ROAD INTO CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND PING SHEK ESTATE ACCESS ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY EASTBOUND.
TRAFFIC FROM KOWLOON HEADING FOR SAI KUNG WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KWUN TONG ROAD, HIP WO STREET, SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD, SAN SHUN STREET AND NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD. TRAFFIC FROM SAI KUNG HEADING FOR KOWLOON WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA NEW CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, SHUN LEE TSUEN ROAD, HIP WO STREET AND KWUN TONG ROAD.
--------0
MORE ROADS TO BE BUILT IN SHEK WU HUI * * * *
THt NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PLANS TO BUILD TaG ROADS TOTALLING 1.3 KILOMETRES TO THE NORTH OF JOCKEY CLUB ROAD IN SHEK WU HUI TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
THE PROPOSED WORK WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BUS TERMINUS, A CAR PARK, FOOTPATHS, AND ASSOCIATED STORMWATER AND SEWER DRAINAGE WORKS.
WORK IS SCHEDULED TO START AT THE END OF THE YEAR AND *1 TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
LL
/A NOIICii.........
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
22 -
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE UNDER THE ROADS (WORKS, USE AND COMPENSATION) ORDINANCE.
A RELATED PLAN CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG; AND THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTIONS IN WRITING MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JULY 16.
--------o----------
TRAFFIC REROUTING IN KwAI CHUNG
* * * *
WAI KEK STREET, BETwEEN TAI LOONG STREET AND SHEK LI STREET, IN KwAI CHUNG WILL BE REROUTED TwO WAYS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 23). THE SOUTHBOUND SECTION WILL HOWEVER BE RESTRICTED TO FRANCHISED BUSES.
- 0-----------
FOOTBRIDGE WORK CLOSES ROAD
*****
THE TUEN MUN BOUND SECTION OF TUEN MUN ROAD, BETWEEN SIU LAM INTERCHANGE AND ROAD D8, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 11.30 PM AND 5 AM FROM THURSDAY TO SATURDAY (MAY 23 - 25) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A FOOTBRIDGE.
GENERAL TRAFFIC AND KMB ROUTES 57M, 59A, 59M, 60, 60M, 66, 66M, 67M, 68 AND 68M HEADING FOR TUEN MUN WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE SLIP ROAD AT SIU LAM INTERCHANGE AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
-----o------
MEET THE MEDIA * *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE MEDIA TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 ROOM ON FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD
MR IAN MACPHERSON, WILL MEET PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE HOUSE, CENTRAL.
-----o-----
/23.......
MONDAY, MAY 20, 1985
23
RETURNING SECRETARY TO MEET PRESS * * M *
TH“ SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE BACK IN HONG KONG TOMORROW (TUESDAY) EVENING AFTER A TOUR OF SIX EUROPEAN CAPITALS WHERE HE HAD INFORMAL EXCHANGES OF VIEwS •ITH SENIOR TRADE OFFICIALS AND OTHERS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
MR HO WILL BE RETURNING ON BRITISH CALEDONIAN FLIGHT BR 382, ETA 6.10 PM.
- 0 ----------
WATER STORAGE FIGURES * * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 55.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 324.853 MILLION CUBIC METRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 401.121 MILLION CuEIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
-----o------
WAN CHAI wATER LEAKAGE TESTS * * * *
„ „ FRESH -ATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVEN HOURS FROM 11 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 23) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
CA-T AREA ,S BOUNDED BY LOCKHART ROAD, CANAL ROAD
EAoT, HENNESSY ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
-----0------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION TO BE EXCHANGED ................. 1
COMPOSITION OF JOINT LIAISON GROUP .......................... 1
HO SPEAKS ON MOST-FAVOURED-NATION RIGHTS FOR HK UNDER GATT .. 2
NEED FOR FAMILY LAV/ GROUP RAISED BY AG...................... 4
VALUE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY RECOGNISED HERE ................ 5
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS ................................. 6
SDA MEETS DB CHAIRMEN ....................................... 7
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY......... 7
SCHEME TO ACCREDIT LABS STARTS............................... 8
109 PASS MEDICAL LICENTIATE EXAM............................. 9
SPECIAL CLEAN-UP OPERATION ON APLEICHAU ..................... 10
TaX RESERVE CERTIFICATE INTEREST RATE DOW ................... 10
TOUR OF KWUN TONG COMMUNITY FACILITIES....................... 12
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS UP FOR AUCTION .......................... 13
ROAD WORK CONTRACT AWARDED................................... 13
COURSES FOR HANDBALL, FOOTBALL REFEREES ..................... U
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED..................................... 15
NEV/ ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENING.................................. 15
STREET BAN IN ABERDEEN ...................................... 15
ABERDEEN WATER CUT .......................................... 15
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
1
INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION TO BE EXCHANGED X X X X X
THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN LONDON AND BEIJING AT 5 PM, HONG KONG TIME, TODAY (TUESDAY):
+IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, SIGNED BY PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER AND PREMIER ZHAO ZIYANG IN BEIJING ON 19 December 1984 the British and Chinese governments have 19 JJtCtMBtKT19S^RUMENTs oF RAT|F|CAT10N of the J0|NT DECLARATION
DECI DED WlLL BE
EXCHANGED IN BEIJING ON 27 MAY 1985.+
-----0------
COMPOSITION OF JOINT LIAISON GROUP X X X
THE FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN LONDON AT 5 PM, HONG KONG TIME, TODAY (TUESDAY):
+ANNEX II OF THE JOINT DECLARATION STATES THAT EACH SIDE SHALL DESIGNATE A SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE, WHO SHALL BE OF AMBASSADORIAL RANK, AND FOUR OTHER MEMBERS OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO BE ESTABLISHED UPON THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION. THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH SECRETARY HAS NOW DECIDED TO DESIGNATE THE FOLLOWING AS BRITISH MEMBERS OF THE GROUP TO BE SHORTLY ESTABLISHED -
SENIOR REPRESENTATIVE: DR D.C. WILSON, CMG
MEMBERS : MR E.P. HO, CBE
MR J.D.I. BOYD, CMG
MR A.C. GALSWORTHY, CMG MR P.A.B. THOMSON*
-----0------
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 193:
2
HO SPEAKS ON MOST-FAVOURED-NATION RIGHTS FOR HK UNDER GATT K K K X K *
THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT HONG KONG’S TRADING PARTNERS MUST OBSERVE +OUR MOST-FAVOURED-NATION RIGHTS UNDER THE GENERAL AGREEMENT ON TARIFFS AND TRADE (GATT)+ SO THAT THE TERRITORY COULD CONTINUE TO PROSPER AND PROVIDE THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES FOR TRADE, INDUSTRY AND SERVICES.
MR HO WAS SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE AIRPORT SHORTLY AFTER HIS TOUR OF SIX EUROPEAN CAPITALS WHERE HE MET MINISTERS AND SENIOR OFFICIALS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT (MFA) AND TO DISCUSS OTHER MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
DURING HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN OFFICIALS, MR HO STRESSED THE FAVOURABLE DEVELOPMENTS IN HONG KONG SINCE THE CONCLUSION OF THE SI NO-BRITISH AGREEMENT ON THE TERRITORY’S FUTURE LAST YEAR.
+1 DREW ATTENTION TO THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT EXIST IN HONG KONG’S INCREASINGLY SOPHISTICATED MARKET FOR THE WHOLE SPECTRUM OF HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS FROM EUROPE AND ELSEWHERE, MADE POSSIBLE BY OUR RISING STANDARD OF LIVING AND OUR OPEN ECONOMY WHICH HAS NO TARIFFS OR OTHER BARRIERS TO TRADE.
+OUR EXCELLENT LOCATION, TOGETHER WITH MODERN COMMUNICATIONS AND OTHER SERVICES, IS ALSO LEADING TO THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE CF HONG KONG AS AN ENTREPOT FOR CHINA AND OUR PART OF THE PACIFIC RIM,-*- HE SAID.
MR HO POINTED OUT THAT THE MFA AND ITS PRECURSORS HAD EXISTED FOR SOME 25 YEARS.
+NOW THAT INDEPENDENT STUDIES LIKE THAT OF PROFESSOR SILBERSTON IN BRITAIN HAVE SHOWN THAT IT IS TECHNOLOGICAL IMPROVEMENTS RATHER THAN IMPORTS WHICH ARE THE MAIN CONTRIBUTORS TO DECLINE IN TEXTILE EMPLOYMENT, AND AS SUCH EMPLOYMENT NOW COMPRISES LESS THAN THREE PER CENT OF THE WORK FORCE IN THE COMMUNITY AS WELL AS THE UNITED STATES, IT WAS TIME THAT INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES SHOULD COME BACK WITHIN THE RULES OF THE GATT — WHICH ALREADY GOVERN THE INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN OTHER PRODUCTS,* HE SAID.
i
MR HO ADDED THAT WHILE A NUMBER OF IMPORTANT OBSERVERS SHARED HONG KONG’S AIM OF AN ULTIMATE RETURN TO GATT RULES FOR THE TEXTILES TRADE, THERE WAS GENERAL AGREEMENT IN EVERY COUNTRY FE VISITED, THAT, AT LEAST IN THE SHORT TERM, THE MFA SHOULD EE RENEWED ON MORE LIBERAL LINES.
/referring to .......
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 198$
- 3 -
REFERRING TO THE JENKINS BILL IN THE UNITED STATES, MR HO DESCRIBED IT AS +HIGHLY PROTECTIONIST IN CHARACTER*.
HE STATED THAT THE BILL WOULD OFFEND AGAINST THE UNITED STATES’ BILATERAL AND MULTILATERAL OBLIGATIONS.
+UNDER THE EXCUSE OF ENFORCING THE MFA, THE BILL PROPOSES TO ROLL BACK DRAMATICALLY TEXTILE IMPORTS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
+ IT ALSO PROPOSES RESTRAINT ON NON-MFA IMPORTS AND SOME OTHER DISCRIMINATORY MEASURES.*
THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY SECRETARY SAID THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK AND TWO LEGAL FIRMS EMPLOYED TO FURTHER THE TERRITORY’S TRADE INTERESTS HAD BEEN CARRYING OUT AN INTENSIVE LOBBYING CAMPAIGN AGAINST THE BILL.
+MOREOVER OTHER U.S. GROUPS PROMOTING FREE TRADE, INCLUDING IMPORTERS, RETAILERS AND FARMERS, HAVE SENT LETTERS AND EXPLANATORY LEAFLETS TO U.S. CONGRESSMEN, SENATORS AND OTHERS CONCERNED. MR DORWARD (HONG KONG’S COMMISSIONER IN NEW YORK) HAS JUST COMPLETED A SERIES OF CALLS IN WASHINGTON ON CONGRESSMEN AND SENATORS SYMPATHETIC TO OUR CAUSE.*
MR HO SAID THAT CLEARLY THIS WAS A MATTER OF CONCERN TO MANY TRADING NATIONS NOT JUST HONG KONG.
URGENT CO-ORDINATION MEETINGS BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE LESS DEVELOPED COUNTRIES WERE TAKING PLACE IN GENEVA.
MR HO SAID THAT IF THE BILL LOOKED LIKE BEING IMPLEMENTED THEN HE WOULD EXPECT THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES TO BE CONCERNED TOO . AS ANY NEW PROTECTIONIST MEASURE WOULD HAVE IMPLICATIONS FOR THE GATT.
THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD IN HONG KONG WAS MONITORING EVENTS CLOSELY AND WOULD BE DISCUSSING THE SITUATION AT ITS NEXT MEETING.
+CLEARLY THIS ISSUE WILL BE ONE OF THE MAIN PROBLEMS TO WHICH I SHALL BE DEVOTING MUCH PERSONAL ATTENTION IN THE MONTHS AHEAD,* MR HO SAID.
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1935
4
NEED FOR FAMILY LAW GROUP RAISED BY AG *****
THE LACK OF AN ADEQUATE CONSULTATIVE BODY IN HONG KONG WHICH COULD PROVIDE INFORMED VIEWS TO GOVERNMENT WAS ONE OF THE DIFFICULTIES THAT THE LAW REFORMER ON FAMILY LAW MATTERS FACED, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
IN ENGLAND, HE SAID, THERE WAS A VERY SUCCESSFUL FAMILY LAW BAR ASSOCIATION WHICH WAS ONE OF A NUMBER OF ORGANISATIONS TO WHICH THE LORD CHANCELLOR’S ORGANISATION, THE MINISTER OF SOCIAL SECURITY AND THE JUDICIARY COULD TURN TO FOR VIEWS AND ADVICE.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION CF BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONAL WOMEN, MR THOMAS SAID THAT THE BRITISH BODY STRETCHED ITS INFLUENCE OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY THROUGH WORKING GROUPS, SEMINARS AND CONFERENCES.
HE SAID THAT THIS STIMULATED A GOOD DEAL OF THOUGHT OF PROBLEMS CF CHILD CARE AND MATTERS OF MATRIMONIAL REFORM.
BUT WHAT WAS NEEDED FOR HONG KONG WAS A MUCH WIDER COMMITTEE INVOLVING BARRISTERS, SOLICITORS, FAMILY JUDGES, THE HEALTH AND WELFARE BRANCH, PROBATION OFFICERS, MARRIAGE GUIDANCE COUNSELLORS, LEGAL AID AND OTHER INTERESTED ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THOSE CONCERNED WITH WOMEN’S AFFAIRS GENERALLY.
MR THOMAS SAID HE WOULD LIKE TO SEE A STANDING COMMITTEE OR A STANDING LAW REFORM COMMITTEE THAT SPECIALISED IN THE WHOLE RANGE OF FAMILY LAW MATTERS, AND WHICH WOULD INVOLVE PEOPLE IN THE TASK OF KEEPING THE LAW UNDER REVIEW AND WHICH WOULD ALSO LIAISE WITH GOVERNMENT OVER WHAT CHANGES THOUGHT NECESSARY TO KEEP IN TOUCH WITH THE CHANGING NEEDS OF SOCIETY.
IN HIS SPEECH MR THOMAS ALSO TOUCHED ON LEGISLATION DEALING WITH DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND SAID THAT THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WOULD BE ASKED NEXT WEEK TO ADVISE WHETHER IT SUPPORTED THE INTRODUCTION CF LEGISLATION SIMILAR TO TWO STATUTES THAT THE UNITED KINGDOM HAD SINCE 1967 AND 1976.
HE SAID THAT REPRESENTATIONS MADE BY WOMEN’S GROUPS, THE PRESS, THE JUDICIARY AND THE ACADEMIC, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROFESSIONS AND VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS OF THE GOVERNMENT HAD TO BE CONSIDERED BEFORE A FINAL DRAFT OF THE PROPOSALS WAS READY TO BE PUT BEFORE EXCO.
ON ANOTHER PROPOSED REFORM, THAT OF RAISING THE PRESENT LIMITS ON MAINTENANCE PAYMENTS FOR SPOUSES AND CHILDREN, MR THOMAS SAID THAT ORDERS FOR MAINTENANCE COULD BE MADE BY THE COURT FOLLOWING SEPARATION, IN THE CASE OF DIVORCE PROCEEDINGS, AND IN PATERNITY CASES.
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/5........
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
5
VALUE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY RECOGNISED HERE
*****
HONG KONG RECOGNISES THE IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY IN MAINTAINING THE BUOYANCY OF ITS ECONOMY AND WISHES TO CULTIVATE A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TO THIS TECHNOLOGY.
THIS WAS THE MESSAGE GIVEN BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, AT THE OPENING OF THE HK COMPUTER EXPO ’85 TODAY.
MR TSAO SAID IT WAS NOT BY CHANCE THAT THE PRODIGIOUS ECONOMIC GROWTH OF OUR REGION IN THE LAST 10 YEARS HAD BEEN ACCOMPANIED BY WHAT ONE COULD ONLY CALL AN EXPLOSION IN THE USE OF COMPUTERS.
+IN HONG KONG ALONE, THE AMOUNT OF MONEY INVESTED IN COMPUTER EQUIPMENT HAS INCREASED TENFOLD OVER THE LAST FIVE YEARS, TO REACh THE STAGGERING SUM OF $2.1 BILLION IN 1984,+ HE SAID.
AMONG RECENT COMPUTER APPLICATIONS IN HONG KONG CITED BY W TSAO WERE THE NUMEROUS AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINES, ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS, A VERSATILE SYSTEM FOR STOCK TRANSACTIONS WHEN THE UNIFIED EXCHANGE OPENS, AND COMPUTER SYSTEMS IN THE GOVERNMENT TO BACK UP THE RENEWAL OF IDENTITY CARDS AND THE MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS.
+BUT IN HONG KONG, WE NOT ONLY USE COMPUTERS, WE MAKE THEM TOO.+ MR TSAO SAID, POINTING OUT THAT IN 1984, THE COMPUTER INDUSTRY EXPORTED OVER $7.5 BILLION WORTH OF PRODUCTS, AND EMPLOYED ONE OUT OF EVERY FIVE PERSONS ENGAGED IN THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
HE NOTED THAT MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN TO FURTHER HARNESS COMPUTER TECHNOLOGY, IN RECOGNITION OF THE ROLE THAT IT HAS TO PLAY IN THE ECONOMY.
.1 ♦
+A COMMITTEE OF THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING COUNCIL IS WORKING TOWARDS ENHANCING BOTH THE QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF DATA PROCESSING PERSONNEL IN ANTICIPATION OF OUR FUTURE NEEDS.
+THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE IS RESEARCHING INTO COMPUTER-AIDED DESIGN AND MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES FOR OUR FACTORIES, AND THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT IS ACTIVELY ENCOURAGING THE EXPANSION OF OUR MANUFACTURING BASE IN ELECTRONICS AND COMPUTERS,* MR TSAO SAID.
MR TSAO ADDED THAT HONG KONG WAS TACKLING SOME OF THE POSSIBLY NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF A COMPUTERISED SOCIETY.
+A WORKING PARTY IS EXAMINING THE IMPACT OF COMPUTERS ON PRIVACY AND THE NEED FOR PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION. OUR YOUNG GENERATION IS ALSO BEING PREPARED TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF A COMPUTERISED SOCIETY WITH A SCHEME, NOW WELL UNDERWAY, TO PUT MICRO-COMPUTERS INTO EVERY PUBLIC SECTOR SECONDARY SCHOOL. THIS YEAR, A HUNDRED SCHOOLS WILL BENEFIT FROM THIS SCHEME,* HE SAID.
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
6
LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MEETS * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD MET TODAY (TUESDAY)
TO DISCUSS SEVERAL ISSUES RELATING TO LABOUR MATTERS AND LEGISLATION.
THE MEETING FOLLOWED WEEKS OF INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS IN WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM BOTH THE EMPLOYERS’ AND THE EMPLOYEES’ SIDE HAD FRANKLY AND THOROUGHLY EXCHANGED VIEWS ON THE ISSUE RELATING TO THE PROPOSED LONG SERVICE GRATUITY SCHEME.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS ENDORSED THE PROPOSAL AND EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE LEGISLATION ON THE SCHEME WOULD BE ENACTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE BOARD ALSO ENDORSED A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE TO PROVIDE FOR MINOR TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS, AND TO PROVIDE FOR PENALTIES FOR EMPLOYERS AND THEIR AGENTS WHO FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE CONTRACT-ATTESTATION REQUIREMENTS.
MEMBERS CONSIDERED THE BIENNIAL REVIEW OF THE LEVELS OF COMPENSATION UNDER THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE AND THE PNEUMOCONIOSIS COMPENSATION ORDINANCE, AND ADVISED THAT SUITABLE ADJUSTMENTS SHOULD BE MADE TO KEEP IN LINE WITH THE GENERAL WAGE MOVEMENT.
THE BOARD REVIEWED THE SCHEME PERMITTING WOMEN WORKERS TO BE EMPLOYED AT NIGHT FROM 11 PM TO 7 AM SUBJECT TO COMPLIANCE WITH CERTAIN STRINGENT CONDITIONS, AND ADVISED THAT THE SCHEME SHOULD BE EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER YEAR FROM JULY.
THE BOARD ALSO ADVISED THAT A LABOUR RELATIONS COMMITTEE UNDER THE AEGIS OF THE BOARD SHOULD BE SET UP TO PROVIDE A FORUM FOR THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS ON PROMOTING AMICABLE RELATIONS BETWEEN, EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AND THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANISATIONS AND ALSO ON THE GENERAL POLICY RELATING TO THE OPERATION OF THE DISPUic SETTLING MACHINERY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE MEETING WAS CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, W RON BRIDGE.
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/7
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
- 7 -SDA MEETS DB CHAIRMEN * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, THIS (TUESDAY) EVENING HOSTED A DINNER RECEPTION FOR THE CHAIRMEN OF THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS TO WELCOME THEM AND EXCHANGE VIEWS.
ALSO ATTENDING THE RECEPTION WERE THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, AND THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES.
DURING THE INFORMAL GATHERING, MR LIAO SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE BOARDS WOULD CONTINUE TO WORK EFFECTIVELY TO IMPROVE THEIR DISTRICTS AND REPRESENT THE VIEWS OF DISTRICT RESIDENTS.
MR LIAO ASSURED THE CHAIRMEN THAT THE GOVERNMENT VALUED THE BOARDS’ ADVICE ON DISTRICT MATTERS, AND WOULD ALSO CONTINUE TO CONSULT THEM AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE ON MATTERS OF TERRITORY-WIDE INTEREST.
HE ALSO TOLD THE CHAIRMEN THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICER, AS CHAIRMAN OF THE DISTRICT MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE, WOULD KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THEM AND MAKE REGULAR REPORTS ON THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE TO THE FULL BOARD.
WHERE THE CHAIRMEN SO REQUESTED, HE ADDED, SPECIAL MEETINGS COULD BE ARRANGED BETWEEN THEM AND DEPARTMENTAL REPRESENTATIVES CONCERNED TO DISCUSS IN DETAIL ANY DISTRICT ISSUE OF CONCERN TO THE BOARDS.
- - 0 -
ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY CONTINUES TO GROW AND DIVERSIFY * * * * *
THE CONTINUED GROWTH AND DIVERSIFICATION OF THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG WILL LARGELY DEPEND ON INVESTMENT AND REINVESTMENT IN MODERN ELECTRONIC MACHINERY AND EQUIPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FOURTH INTERNATIONAL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND EQUIPMENT EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE COHNERS EXPOSITION GROUP, HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING TO NOTE THAT THE INDUSTRY’S INVESTMENT AND RE-INVESTMENT IN PLANT AND MACHINERY HAD INCREASED CONSIDERABLY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
TAKING THE OVERSEAS SECTOR OF THE INDUSTRY AS AN EXAMPLE, W YAXLEY SAID, OVERSEAS INVESTMENT INCREASED FROM $2 BILLION TO 84 BILLION IN THE PERIOD 1981 TO 1984.
/+OF THS
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
8
+0F THE 50 OR SO NEW MANUFACTURING PROJECTS WHICH HAVE SET UP IN HONG KONG FROM OVERSEAS SINCE 1983 THE MOST NUMEROUS HAVE BEEN IN ELECTRONICS - AND WE HAVE QUITE A FEW MORE IN THE PIPELINE,* HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, MR YAXLEY POINTED OUT, THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAD GROWN AND DIVERSIFIED IN BOTH PRODUCT RANGE AND MARKET.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO $12 BILLION, AN INCREASE OF 73 PER CENT OVER 1983. ITS SHARE IN THE TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS WAS 39 PER CENT COMPARED TO 29 PER CENT IN 1983, HE SAID.
+THE MANUFACTURE OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS SUCH AS LARGE-SCALE INTEGRATED CIRCUIT CHIPS, MULTI-LAYER PRINTED CIRCUIT BOARDS, COMPUTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES, MEMORY SYSTEMS, SWITCH-MODE POWER SUPPLIES, READ/WRITE MAGNETIC HEADS AND HIGH QUALITY SWITCHES, REFLECTS AN UPLIFTING OF THE INDUSTRY’S TECHNOLOGICAL LEVEL AND SKILLS TO A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE.
+THIS, IN TURN, ENABLES THE OVERALL IMPROVEMENT IN THE PRODUCTION CAPABILITIES OF THE INDUSTRY TO PRODUCE HIGHER QUALITY AND SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS,* HE ADDED.
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SCHEME TO ACCREDIT LABS STARTS
*****
THE GOVERNMENT IS NOW STARTING A HONG KONG LABORATORY ACCREDITATION SCHEME (HOKLAS) TO ASSESS AND MONITOR THE COMPETENCE OF LABORATORIES IN UNDERTAKING VARIOUS TYPES OF TESTS AND TO ENHANCE THE INTERNATIONAL ACCEPTANCE OF TEST CERTIFICATES ISSUED BY THESE LABORATORIES.
THE HOKLAS SCHEME WILL BE ADMINISTERED AND RUN BY STAFF OF THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT. MR ERNIE EVANS, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR CF INDUSTRY, WILL SERVE AS EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE SCHEME TO PROVIDE THE FOCAL POINT IN THE CO-ORDINATION OF ACCREDITATION ACTIVITIES.
THE SCHEME WILL INITIALLY PROVIDE FOR THE EXPORT SECTOR CF THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY. IT WILL BE TARGETED AT FIVE MAIN COMMODITY GROUPS — ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, TEXTILES AND GARMENTS, TOYS, FOOD PRODUCTS AND CALIBRATION SERVICES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID: +LABORATORIES INVOLVED IN THE TESTING OF THESE COMMODITIES CAN NOW APPLY FOR ACCREDITATION UNDER THE SCHEME.*
/+JNQJJ IRIES CAN ........
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
- 9 -
-♦-ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE AT THE INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WITH REGARD TO THE ASSESSMENT DETAILS. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT FORMAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE FIRST BATCH OF LABORATORIES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN EARLY 1986,+ HE SAID.
TO ASSIST IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF HOKLAS, A $1.6 MILLION CONTRACT HAS BEEN AWARDED TO THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL ASSOCIATION CF TESTING AUTHORITIES (NATA) WHICH WILL BE ENGAGED AS CONSULTANTS FOR THE SCHEME.
NATA WILL ASSUME THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PROFESSIONAL ASPECTS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION PROGRAMME. TWO OF NATA’S CHIEF EXECUTIVES, MR JOHN GILMOUR AND MR TONY RUSSELL, ARE NOW IN HONG KONG TO ASSIST IN THE INITIAL PHASE OF THE WORK.
THE TWO COMMITTEES OF HOKLAS, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON LABORATORY ACCREDITATION (ACLA) AND THE INDEPENDENT TECHNICAL ASSESSMENT BOARD (ITAB), HELD THEIR RESPECTIVE INAUGURAL MEETINGS YESTERDAY AND TODAY (TUESDAY), TO DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF POLICY MATTERS AND THE FUTURE OPERATIONS OF THE SCHEME. (
ACLA ADVISES GOVERNMENT ON GENERAL POLICY MATTERS RELATING TO THE SCHEME. ITAB IS THE INDEPENDENT BODY WHICH WILL DIRECT . AND REVIEW TECHNICAL EVALUATIONS OF LABORATORIES SEEKING .• ACCREDITATION UNDER HOKLAS. |(
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109 PASS MEDICAL LICENTIATE EXAM
* * * *
ONE-HUNDRED-AND-NINE CANDIDATES PASSED THE PART II (ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL USE PAPER) OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS, THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG ANNOUNCED TODAY (TUESDAY).
THIS YEAR THE PART II EXAMINATION WAS HELD TWICE, IN MARCH AND MAY, GIVING SOME CANDIDATES A CHOICE OF EXAMINATION DATES, AND SOME OTHERS WHO HAD FAILED IN THE FIRST EXAMINATION THE CHANCE TO TAKE THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION AGAIN.
K
SEVENTY-FIVE OUT OF 98 CANDIDATES PASSED THE EXAMINATION IN MARCH, AND 34 OUT OF 47 CANDIDATES (INCLUDING 22 WHO HAD FAILED IN MARCH) PASSED IT IN MAY, GIVING A PASS RATE OF 89 PER CENT.
THOSE WHO PASSED THE PART II EXAMINATION THIS YEAR MAY NOW TAKE THE PART III EXAMINATION IN JULY.
PART III IS AN ORAL EXAMINATION OF CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS. EACH CANDIDATE WILL BE GIVEN A 30-MINUTE TEST IN MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
/10 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
10 -
SPECIAL CLEAN-UP OPERATION ON APLEICHAU
* * * *
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO LAUNCH A SPECIAL CLEAN-UP CAMPAIGN ON APLEICHAU NEXT WEEK TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITION THERE.
THE CAMPAIGN WHICH WILL COVER ALL PARTS OF THE ISLAND, WILL BE HELD FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID LOCAL RESIDENTS COULD TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET RID OF UNWANTED ARTICLES AND DISPOSE OF THEM AT THE APLEICHAU MAIN STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT.
ADDITIONAL TEMPORARY JUNK AND REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS WILL ALSO BE SET UP.
DURING THE WEEK-LONG CLEAN-UP, A SPECIAL CLEANSING SQUAD COMPRISING AN OVERSEER, A FOREMAN AND 11 WORKMEN WILL BE DEPLOYED TO REMOVE ALL UNSIGHTLY POSTERS, REFUSE AND JUNK FROM BLACK SPOTS.
A STREET WASHING GANG MADE UP OF A GANGER AND THREE WORKMEN WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEARING REFUSE IN ACCESSIBLE SURFACE CHANNELS, NULLAHS AND STREAMS.
IN ADDITION, THE DEPARTMENT’S PEST CONTROL SECTION WILL ELIMINATE POTENTIAL RODENT HARBOURAGES AND MOSQUITO BREEDING GROUNDS IN PUBLIC PLACES.
THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT THROUGHOUT THE CAMPAIGN PERIOD, LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AGAINST LITTER OFFENDERS ON THE ISLAND.
0
TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE INTEREST RATE DOWN *****
FROM TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) THE NEW ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES WILL BE 4.08 PER CENT (TAX FREE) AS AGAINST THE CURRENT RATE OF 4.56 PER CENT (TAX FREE).
NOTICE OF THIS WAS PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY ISSUE OF THE GAZETTE YESTERDAY.
INTEREST ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES IS CALCULATED IN MONTHLY STEPS AND THE NEW RATE WILL BE $0.34 PER MONTH PER $100. INTEREST WILL BE CREDITED AS BEFORE IN RESPECT OF COMPLETED MONTHS BETWEEN PURCHASE AND SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX.
/INTEREST IS .......
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
INTEREST IS ONLY CREDITED WHEN CERTIFICATES ARE USED TO PAY TAX AND NO INTEREST IS DUE WHERE THE PRINCIPAL VALUE OF A CERTIFICATt IS REPAID BY A CHEQUE.
THE NEW RATE WILL APPLY TO ALL CERTIFICATES ISSUED TOMORROW (MAY 22) OR AFTER.
CERTIFICATES ISSUED BEFORE MAY 22 WILL CONTINUE TO EARN INTEREST AS FOLLOWS:-
8.4% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER MAY 18, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 6, 1984;
10.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 6, 1984 AND BEFORE JULY 13, 1984;
12.84% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JULY 13, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 10, 1984;
10.8% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 10, 1984 AND BEFORE AUGUST 31, 1984;
9.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER AUGUST 31, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 5, 1984;
8.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 5, 1984 AND BEFORE OCTOBER 31, 1984?
8.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER OCTOBER 31, 1984 AND BEFORE NOVEMBER 28, 1984;
7.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER NOVEMBER 28, 1984 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 23, 1984;
7.08% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 28, 1984 AND BEFORE JANUARY 16, 1985;
6.6% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 16, 1985 AND BEFORE JANUARY 30, 1985;
5.52% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER JANUARY 30, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 3, 1985;
5.04% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 3, 1985 AND BEFORE APRIL 24, 1985; AND
4.56% PER ANNUM FOR CERTIFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER APRIL 24, 1985 AND BEFORE MAY 22, 1985
BUT ALWAYS SUBJECT TO THE GENERAL RULE THAT INTEREST CEASES TO ACCRUE AFTER 36 COMPLETED MONTHS WITHOUT SURRENDER FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
/EXAMPLE: ........
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
12 -
EXAMPLE: $1 000 CERTIFICATES PURCHASED ON MAY 24, 1985, JUNE 24, 1985 AND JULY 24, 1985 RESPECTIVELY, SURRENDER IN PAYMENT OF TAX DUE ON AUGUST 23, 1985 WILL HAVE INTEREST CALCULATED AS FOLLOWS:-
ON $1 000, MAY 24, 1985 TO AUGUST 23, 1985
3 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.40 PER MONTH = $13.2j
ON $1 000, JUNE 24, 1985 TO AUGUST 23, 1985
2 COMPLETE MONTHS AT $3.40 PER MONTH - $ 6.80
ON $1 000, JULY 24, 1985 TO AUGUST 23, 1985
1 COMPLETE MONTH AT $3.40 PER MONTH = S 3.40
$20.4-0
-----0------
TOUR OF KWUN TONG COMMUNITY FACILITIES ******
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, TODAY (TUESDAY) INSPECTED FACILITIES AT THE KAI YIP COMMUNITY HALL IN KWUN TONG, ONE OF THE COMMUNITY CENTRES AND HALLS THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY TAKEN OVER BY THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION FROM SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE HALL AT KAI YIP ESTATE CONSISTS OF A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL, A CONFERENCE ROOM, A GENERAL OFFICE AND TWO DRESSING ROOMS.
THE DISTRICT OFFICE IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ITS GENERAL CLEANLINESS AND ORDERLINESS, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR, BOOKINGS AND HIRING CHARGES.
EARLIER, MR WIGGHAM ALSO VISITED THE NEWLY-OPENED TSUN YIP STREET COOKED-FOOD MARKET AND KWUN TONG DISTRICT OFFICE AND MET STAFF OF THE DISTRICT BOARD SECRETARIAT.
--------0 -
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
13
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS UP FOR AUCTION
* * M *
ANOTHER BATCH OF SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS WILL BE OFFERED IN AN AUCTION BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON SATURDAY (NAY 25) AT 10 AM IN THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL.
THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR BIDDING. THEY ARE:
DE2628 DE 190 CN 669 DE2699 BW 238
DE 981 CC 14 1945 833 DE 551
DC 38 DD9996 DE8133 DE3088 CT 38
DEP803 DD 111 CJ 223 DF 663 DE 861
DE8832 DD9998 DD 8 AB3838 DE 908
DA 8 CL3382 DE3201 DF 564 AD1835
DE 8Q1 BG2033 CS2000 DF 157 BL1238
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED BIDDERS THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBER WOULD BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION, AND THAT PAYMENT MUST BE MADE BY CASH OR CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL AS USUAL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
THE AUCTION WILL BE THE 97TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973.
-----0------
ROAD WORK CONTRACT AWARDED
******
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A $7.5 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE IN THE SAI KUNG TOWN RECLAMATION AREA.
THE CONTRACT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW ROAD BETWEEN THE NEW SAI KUNG MARKET/BAZAAR AND 94 TO 120 MAN NIN STREET.
/A HSU.......
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 198 5
14 -
A NEW BUS, MAXICAB AND PLB TERMINUS WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO REPLACE EXISTING FACILITIES, TOGETHER wITH THE EXTENSION OF A NEW ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE SAI KUNG SPORTS GROUND.
IN ADDITION, IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE MADE TO EXISTING ROADS, PARTICULARLY AT THE JUNCTION OF PO TUNG ROAD AND THE NEW ROAD.
WORK HAS STARTED AND WILL TAKE 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0------
COURSES FOR HANDBALL, FOOTBALL REFEREES
* * * *
THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH IS INVITING PARTICIPANTS TO JOIN TWO COURSES ORGANISED TO TRAIN REFEREES IN HANDBALL AND FOOTBALL.
AN ELEMENTARY HANDBALL REFEREE TRAINING COURSE WILL BE HELD AT THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE ON JUNE 29 AND 30 AND JULY 6 AND 7.
INTENSIVE TRAINING WILL BE OFFERED TO 40 HANDBALL ENTHUSIASTS AGED 18 AND ABOVE.
THOSE WHO ATTEND ALL CLASSES AND PASS AN EXAMINATION WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR HANDBALL ASSOCIATION.
A FOOTBALL REFEREE TRAINING COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED WITH THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, WILL BE HELD FROM JUNE 24 UNTIL JULY 20, 1985.
THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL SESSIONS WILL BE HELD EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY IN THE ASSOCIATION’S BUILDING AND AT THE BOUNDARY STREET ARTIFICIAL TURF.
THE COURSE IS OPEN TO MALES AGED 18 AND ABOVE AND ENROLMENT IS LIMITED TO 60 PERSONS.
THOSE WHO ATTEND ALL LESSONS AND PASS AN EXAMINATION WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO REFEREE FOOTBALL MATCHES LATER.
THE FEE FOR THE HANDBALL OR FOOTBALL REFEREE COURSE IS S30.
APPLICATION FORMS AND DETAILS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION, MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, 14TH FLOOR, RUTTONJEE HOUSE, 11 DUDDELL STREET, CENTRAL OR BY CALLING 5-224415.
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/15 .......
TUESDAY, MAY 21, 1985
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON CHAN WING-SIU, WONG KIN-SHING AND TSE WAI-MING ON JUNE 9, 1981 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
CHAN, WONG AND TSE WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF CHEUNG MAN-KAN ON MAY 31, 1930.
- 0 -
NEW ENQUIRY CENTRE OPENING
A NEW PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE CENTRE IN FANLING WILL BE OPENED BY THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICER, MR IAN WOTHERSPOON, TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
LOCATED AT CHEUNG CHUNG HOUSE IN CHEUNG WAH ESTATE, THE CENTR IS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING POPULATION IN THE AREA AND TO ENHAN THE PROVISION OF PUBLIC ENQUIRY SERVICE.
THE CENTRE OPENS BETWEEN 8.45 AM AND 5.15 PM DURING WEEKDAYS AND BETWEEN 9 AM AND NOON ON SATURDAYS. STAFF OF THE CENTRE CAN ALSO BE REACHED AT 0-909547.
- - 0
STREET BAN IN ABERDEEN
X X X X
ALL VEHICLES EXCEEDING 5.5 TONNES GROSS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING TIN WAN NEW STREET IN ABERDEEN FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 24) FOR ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION CF A NEW BUS TERMINUS.
- - 0
ABERDEEN WATER CUT XXX
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN ABERDEEN WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 PM ON FRIDAY (MAY 24) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR WATER MAINS WORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY NO. 2-108, ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PIER SITE GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY.......................... 1
NEW TRAFFIC PLAN FOR CAUSEWAY BAY............................ 2
52 RECEIVE GOLD AWARD CERTIFICATES........................... 4
GOVERNOR LOOKS INTO GIS WORK................................. 5
NEW HOUSING PROJECT IN FINAL STAGE........................... 6
SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OFFERED FOR KT SITES ................... 6
DB MEMBERS TO MEET THE PUBLIC ............................... 7
MAIL TO SWEDEN RESUMES....................................... 8
THREE STUDENTS WIN TRIP TO SINGAPORE......................... 8
LANDS AND WORKS PRIZE PRESENTATION .......................... 9
SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT WELFARE CENTRES.................... 10
BUTE STREET DIVERSION ....................................... 10
URBAN COUNCIL APPROVES LIQUOR LICENCE TO CLUB ............... 11
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG................................. 11
PROHIBITED ZONE CANCELLED
11
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
1
PIER SITE GRANTED BY PRIVATE TREATY *****
THE GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT OF A 2.4-HECTARE SITE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN WATERFRONT TO CHINA RESOURCES (HOLDINGS) COMPANY LIMITED (CRC) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PIER AND A GODOWN TO HANDLE THE INCREASING RIVER TRADE WITH CHINA.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE GRANT WAS IN LINE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO IMPROVE BERTHING AND WAREHOUSE FACILITIES FOR VESSELS ENGAGED ON SUCH TRADE.
HE NOTED THAT IN NOVEMBER 1982, THE CHINA MERCHANTS STEAM NAVIGATION COMPANY HAD OBTAINED A PRIVATE TREATY GRANT OF A 1.3-HECTARE SITE AT KENNEDY TOWN TO CONSTRUCT A CARGO HANDLING PIER AND GODOWN FACILITIES.
♦RIVER TRADE WITH CHINA HAS GROWN SIGNIFICANTLY IN THE PAST FEW YEARS AND HAS NOW BECOME A VITAL PART OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMY,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
*THE GROWTH AND NATURE OF THE TRADE IS SUCH THAT IT CANNOT BE HANDLED SATISFACTORILY THROUGH PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS OR THROUGH THE CONTAINER PORT, SO IT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE SPECIAL CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED AT CHEUNG SHA WAN AND KENNEDY TOWN WOULD ENABLE CARGOES FROM CHINA TO BE HANDLED MORE EFFICIENTLY. THIS HANDLING PROCESS WOULD AVOID THE DELAYS IN HAVING THE GOODS LIGHTERED ASHORE AS AT PRESENT AND THUS REDUCE THE COSTS OF GOODS.
HE NOTED THAT AS A PRINCIPAL AGENT FOR CHINA TRADE WITH HONG KONG, CRC IMPORTS MOST OF ITS GOODS TO HONG KONG BY SEA. THE GRANT WOULD GIVE THE COMPANY GREATER FLEXIBILITY AND EFFICIENCY IN HANDLING CARGOES FOR THE LOCAL MARKET OR FOR TRANSHIPMENT.
THE SITE COMPRISES 1.6 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND 0.8 HECTARE OF SEABED. THE PREMIUM IS ASSESSED ON FULL MARKET VALUE BASED ON THE DEVELOPMENTS PROPOSED BY CRC.
IT IS UNDERSTOOD THAT THE COMPANY INTENDS TO INVEST ABOUT $200 MILLION TO DEVELOP THE SITE AND CONSTRUCT A PIER. THE WHOLE DEVELOPMENT IS TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN FOUR YEARS FROM THE DATE OF THE EXECUTION OF THE CONDITIONS OF THE GRANT.
0 --------
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
2
NEW TRAFFIC PLAN FOR CAUSEWAY BAY
* * * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 24), AS PART OF THE PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
ROAD OPENING AND TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS
* EAST POINT ROAD WILL BE REOPENED FOR ONE-WAY THROUGH TRAFFIC TO GREAT GEORGE STREET.
* A CONTINUOUS FOOTPATH WILL BE PROVIDED AT THE JUNCTION OF HENNESSY ROAD AND GREAT GEORGE STREET. VEHICLES WILL BE UNABLE TO ENTER GREAT GEORGE STREET STRAIGHT FROM HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND.
* PATERSON STREET BETWEEN GREAT GEORGE STREET AND YEE WO STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND AND RESTRICTED TO FRANCHISED BUSES.
* LEFT TURNS FROM GREAT GEORGE STREET INTO PATERSON STREET NORTHBOUND WILL BE BANNED;
* LOCAL TRAFFIC FROM CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE PERMITTED TO EXIT TOWARDS CENTRAL VIA GLOUCESTER ROAD FLYOVER.
* VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR GREAT GEORGE STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA LOCKHART ROAD AND EAST POINT ROAD.
X VEHICLES ON HENNESSY ROAD EASTBOUND HEADING FOR PATERSON STREET WILL BE DIVERTED VIA YEE WO STREET, SUGAR STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND KINGSTON STREET.
* VEHICLES ON PATERSON STREET HEADING FOR NORTH POINT WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GREAT GEORGE STREET, GLOUCESTER ROAD AND CAUSEWAY ROAD.
/URBAN CL.iAKWAYS.........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
URBAN CLEARWAYS
* THE ENTIRE SUGAR STREET WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY. NO PLB WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIOD.
ft ALSO IN SUGAR STREET, A 25-METRE SECTION OF THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE NEAR YEE WO STREET, ALONG WITH MOST OF THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE EXCEPT THE EASTERN END, WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ALL VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND FROM 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY. AT THE SAME TIME, A SHORT SECTION AT THE EASTERN END OF SUGAR STREET WILL BE MADE AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ALL VEHICLES FROM 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY. NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTIONS DURING THE RESTRICTED PERIODS.
X THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION AT GREAT GEORGE STREET OUTSIDE WINDSOR HOUSE WILL BE LIFTED.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT
* EASTBOUND BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 5B, 24 AND CROSSHARBOUR ROUTES 103 AND 170 WILL ENTER PATERSON STREET FROM YEE WO STREET.
X ON ITS WESTBOUND JOURNEY, CMB ROUTE 5B WILL PROCEED VIA PATERSON STREET NORTHBOUND, GLOUCESTER ROAD, PERCIVAL STREET, LEIGHTON ROAD, MORRISON HILL ROAD AND TIN LOK LANE BEFORE ENTERING HENNESSY ROAD.
* BUSES ON ROUTE 200 BOUND FOR KOWLOON WILL TRAVEL VIA HENNESSY ROAD, TONNOCHY ROAD, LOCKHART ROAD, EAST POINT ROAD AND GREAT GEORGE STREET INSTEAD OF TURNING LEFT FROM HENNESSY ROAD INTO GREAT GEORGE STREET. ON THEIR RETURN JOURNEY, THESE BUSES WILL PROCEED FROM GLOUCESTER ROAD STRAIGHT TO CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL VIA HARCOURT ROAD.
* THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND IN SUGAR STREET WILL BE RELOCATED TO THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF GLOUCESTER ROAD UNDER THE TAI HANG ROAD FLYOVER.
/4.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
- 4 -
52 RECEIVE GOLD AWARD CERTIFICATES * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, TODAY (WEDNESDAY) PRESENTED AWARD CERTIFICATES TO 52 WINNERS OF THIS YEAR’S DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S GOLD AWARD AT A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE.
THE RECIPIENTS INCLUDED STUDENTS, TECHNICAL WORKERS, CLERKS, TEACHERS, POLICEMEN, A NURSE AND A SAILOR.
THEY CAME FROM 17 OPERATING AUTHORITIES, A RECORD FOR THE SCHEME, WHICH IS AN INTERNATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE FOUNDED AND SPONSORED BY THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.
IT IS A LEISURE-TIME ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME OPEN TO YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN THE AGES OF 14 AND 25.
MORE THAN 37 OOO YOUNG PEOPLE HAVE NOW TAKEN PART IN THE SCHEME SINCE IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG.
ALL THE RECIPIENTS HAD FULFILLED THE REQUIRED FORMS OF ACTIVITIES OF THE SCHEME, WHICH INCLUDED ’SERVICE’, 'EXPEDITIONS’, ’SKILLS’, ’PHYSICAL RECREATION’ AND ’RESIDENTIAL PROJECT’.
UNDER ’SERVICE’ MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF THE RECIPIENTS TOOK PART IN COMMUNITY SERVICES SUCH AS YOUTH SERVICE, HOSPITAL SERVICE AND HANDICAPPED SERVICE.
ALL RECIPIENTS TOOK PART IN EXPEDITIONS WHICH INCLUDED SUCH DIVERSIFIED TOPICS AS THE EXPLORATION ON THE EDUCATION IN LANTAU ISLAND, THE EXPLORATION ON THE LAMMA ISLAND DEVELOPMENT, VILLAGE CUSTOMS DURING THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, ARCHAEOLOGY AND OTHERS.
THE 52 WINNERS ALSO TOOK PART IN 29 DIFFERENT KINDS OF SKILLS, THE MOST POPULAR BEING MANDARIN COURSES AND PHOTOGRAPHY. OTHER INTERESTS INCLUDED MUSIC, GRAPHIC ARTS, CRAFTS, ASTRONOMY AS WELL AS ARTISTIC CYCLING AND COMPUTER.
FOR ’PHYSICAL RECREATION’ MOST RECIPIENTS TOOK PART IN SWIMMING, CANOEING, TAEKWONDO, TABLE TENNIS AND CHINESE DANCING.
SIR EDWARD ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES OF APPRECIATION TO TwO OTHERS WHO HAD MADE NOTABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCHEME IN PAST YEARS.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
- 5 -
GOVERNOR LOOKS INTO GIS WORK * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SPENT OVER TWO HOURS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON LOOKING INTO THE WORK OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND MEETING WITH ITS STAFF.
FROM ABOUT 2.30 PM THE GOVERNOR TOURED VARIOUS DIVISIONS AND SUB-DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT LOCATED AT DIFFERENT FLOORS IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES, MISS CHEUNG MAN-YEE, JUST BACK FROM A VISIT TO THE UNITED STATES, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MRS IRENE YAU.
AFTER A GENERAL BRIEFING BY DIRECTORATE STAFF ON GIS ACTIVITIES, SIR EDWARD WENT FOR AN OVERVIEW OF THE WORK BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE DEPARTMENT’S THREE MAIN DIVISIONS OF NEWS, PUBLIC RELATIONS AND PUBLICITY.
THESE THREE DIVISIONS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES WHICH, IN THE BEACONSFIELD HOUSE HEADQUARTERS INCLUDE:
* AN INQUIRY SECTION WHOSE ROUND-THE-CLOCK OPERATION DEALS WITH AN AVERAGE OF 600 CALLS A DAY,
* AN EDITORIAL SECTION, WHICH PROCESSES ALL THE INFORMATION PUT OUT IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE BY THE GIS NEWS ROOM,
* A MEDIA RESEARCH SUB-DIVISION, WHICH KEEPS THE GOVERNMENT INFORMED OF PUBLIC OPINION AS EXPRESSED IN THE INFORMATION MEDIA,
* AN OVERSEAS PUBLIC RELATIONS SUB-DIVISION, PROVIDING A SERVICE TO BOTH VISITING JOURNALISTS AND HONG KONG-BASED FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS, AND
# PROMOTIONS, PUBLISHING AND CREATIVE SUB-DIVISIONS, DEALING WITH GOVERNMENT CAMPAIGNS, A RANGE OF PUBLICATIONS, DESIGN AND DISPLAY SERVICES, AND FILM AND PHOTOGRAPHIC WORK.
SIR EDWARD ROUNDED OFF HIS VISIT WITH A 20-MINUTE MEETING OVER TEA WITH SOME OF THE GIS STAFF, AND CHATTED WITH THEM ABOUT THE IR WORK.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
6
NEW HOUSING PROJECT IN FINAL STAGE * * *
A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE PROJECT FOR 35 OOO PEOPLE IN YUEN LONG NEW TOWN IS ENTERING ITS FINAL STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.
IN A NEWLY-APPROVED TENDER WORTH OVER $18.3 MILLION, PILING TO FOUNDATIONS WILL BEGIN SOON FOR THE THIRD PHASE OF LONG PING ESTATE.
+THIS WILL PAVE THE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO 22-STOREY SLAB BLOCKS, TWO SCHOOLS, A CARPARK AND ELEVATED WALKWAYS,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY TODAY.
HE SAID THE TWO RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS WOULD HOUSE 6 000 PEOPLE IN 1 976 FLATS WHEN COMPLETED.
■►DEVELOPED IN THREE PHASES, LONG PING ESTATE IS THE THIRD PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING ESTATE IN YUEN LONG, WITH NINE DOMESTIC BLOCKS WELL UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN ITS FIRST TWO PHASES.
+0N FULL COMPLETION BY 1987, THE ESTATE WILL BECOME A SELF-SUFFICIENT ENTITY OF 35 000 PEOPLE WELL SERVED BY WIDE-RANGING COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FAC ILITES.+
THE PILING TENDER WAS APPROVED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S BUILDING COMMITTEE AT ITS LAST MEETING.
- 0 - -
SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OFFERED FOR NT SITES * * * *
THE LANDS DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE SHORT-TERM TENANCIES OF TWO SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE FIRST SITE, AT PING CHE ROAD IN FANLING AND MEASURING ABOUT 1 370 SQUARE METRES, IS FOR USE AS AN OPEN STORAGE AREA.
THE INITIAL TENANCY FOR THE SITE IS THREE YEARS, AND RENEWABLE QUARTERLY AFTERWARDS.
THE SECOND SITE, MEASURING ABOUT 2 390 SQUARE METRES, IS AT THE JUNCTION OF TAI WAI ROAD AND TSUEN NAM ROAD IN SHA TIN. IT IS FOR USE AS A FEE-PAYING PUBLIC CARPARK.
/tjnancy j-oa
I
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
- 7 -
TENANCY FOR THIS SHA TIN SITE IS FOR ONE YEAR AND RENEWABLE MONTHLY AFTERWARDS.
CLOSING DATE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS FOR THE SHA TIN SITE IS NOON ON JUNE 7 WHILE THE DEADLINE FOR THE ACCEPTANCE CF TENDERS FOR THE FANLING SITE IS NOON ON JUNE 14.
TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND PLANS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT:
* LANDS DEPARTMENT, SURVEY DIVISION, MURRAY BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON;
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, NORTH, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE FANLING SITE; AND
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, SHA TIN, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE SHA TIN SITE.
-----o------
DB MEMBERS TO MEET THE PUBLIC * * * *
WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS WILL LAUNCH THEIR wEEkLY +MEET THE PUBLIC* SESSIONS TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO HELP LOCAL RESIDENTS WITH THEIR ENQUIRIES AND PROBLEMS.
THEY WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERY THURSDAY BETWEEN 7.30 PM AND .30 PM AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE TO MEET RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO oc£K ASSISTANCE OR MAKE SUGGESTIONS ON DISTRICT MATTERS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH BOARD MEMBERS CAN TELEPHONE 3-222261 DURING OFFICE HOURS.
TWO BOARD MEMBERS WILL BE ON DUTY AT EACH SESSION AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WHICH IS IN THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, KING FUK STREET.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
8
MAIL TO SWEDEN RESUMES * * * *
AIRMAIL, AIR PARCEL AND SPEEDPOST SERVICES TO SWEDEN, WHICH HAD BEEN SUSPENDED SINCE MAY 4, RESUMED TODAY (WEDNESDAY), A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SUSPENSION HAD BEEN DUE TO A STRIKE AFFECTING AIRMAIL OPERATIONS IN SWEDEN.
-----0------
THREE STUDENTS WIN TRIP TO SINGAPORE *****
tuocc SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AWARDED PR IZES InLSdInS A TRIP TO SINGAPORE FOR THEIR EXCELLENT ACHIEVEMENT IN THE COMPUTER ASSISTED LEARNING SOFTWARE CONTEST.
THEY ARE WONG CHI-MAN OF HO FUNG COLLEGE, CHOW TAK-SHING OF DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL AND CHEUNG HOK-LEUNG OF THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
THE CONTEST WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED.
SPEAKING AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION, THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), DR KONG YUN-FUN, SAID THE THREE STUDENTS WOULD BE LEAVING FOR THE SINGAPORE YOUTH SCIENCE FORTNIGHT BEING HELD TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
THE FORTNIGHT IS AIMED AT STIMULATING THE IMAGINATION OF STUDENTS AND DEVELOPING THEIR CREATIVITY BY PROVIDING THEM WITH OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND APPRECIATE THAT SCIENCE IS A VITALLY IMPORTANT FIELD OF STUDY.
+ 1 AM SURE THAT THE WINNERS WILL FIND THE TRIP BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND ENJOYABLE,* SAID DR KONG.
THE OBJECTIVES OF THE CONTEST WERE TO PROMOTE COMPUTER PROGRAMMING IN SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION, TO FOSTER THE ENJOYMENT OF LEARNING SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS THROUGH THE USE OF COMPUTERS AND TO ENHANCE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CAPABILITIES AND LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER APPLICATION, DR KONG SAID.
/twenty-eight smaiTs, .........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
9
TWENTY-EIGHT STUDENTS, AGED 15 TO 20, FROM 18 SCHOOLS PARTICIPATED IN THE CONTEST AND THEIR ENTRIES WERE IN THE FORM OF GAMES, SIMULATIONS AND SELF-INSTRUCTIONAL PACKAGES.
+WINN ING ENTRIES WERE ALL CLEVERLY DESIGNED AND WELL DOCUMENTED AND I THINK THAT ALL WHO HAVE THE PLEASURE OF SCRUTINISING THEM HAVE BEEN MUCH IMPRESSED BY THEIR LEVEL OF SOPHISTICATION AND CREATIVITY,* DR KONG SAID.
HE ALSO THANKED THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LIMITED FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTION OF THE VARIOUS PRIZES.
ALSO OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION WAS THE PERSONNEL AND PUBLIC RELATIONS MANAGER OF THE SHELL COMPANY, MR PETER NG.
- 0
LANDS AND WORKS PRIZE PRESENTATION
* * * M
THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, MR NICKY CHAN, HAS PRESENTED PRIZES TO WINNERS OF VARIOUS SPORTS EVENTS HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR BY THE LANDS AND WORKS GROUP OF DEPARTMENTS.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY HELD AT THE MARINERS’ CLUB, MR CHAN PRAISED STAFF FOR THEIR ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND PARTICIPATION IN ALL THE SPORTING ACTIVITIES.
+LOOKING BACK ON OUR SPORTS CALENDAR, WE HAVE BEEN VERY ACTIVE IN THE PAST MONTHS. OUR SPORTS TEAMS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN VARIOUS COMPETITIONS HELD BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND NONGOVERNMENT ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WON BOTH THE WRIGHT CUP AND L.W.G. SPORTS COMMITTEE CUP BY SCORING THE MOST POINTS IN THE MEN’S AND LADIES’ TEAM EVENTS.
- - - - 0 -----------
/10 .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
10 -
SOUTHERN DB MEMBERS VISIT WELFARE CENTRES
* * * X
MEMBERS OF THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT BOARD VISITED THREE SOCIAL WELFARE INSTITUTIONS THIS (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON TO LEARN ABOUT SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE VISIT TO THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE, KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND NEW LIFE PSYCHIATRIC REHABILITATION ASSOCIATION’S WORKSHOP IS PART OF A FAMILIARISATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
MEMBERS OF THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD WERE ALSO BRIEFED ON THE ORGANISATION AND OPERATION OF THE INSTITUTIONS.
THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE IS A MULTI-SERVICE GOVERNMENT CENTRE PROVIDING VOCATIONAL TRAINING, WORK ACTIVITY GROUPS AND SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR DISABLE PEOPLE AGED OVER 16.
THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL CARE AND TRAINING FOR MODERATE GRADE MENTALLY-RETARDED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX AND 16.
-----o------
BUTE STREET DIVERSION
* X X X *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IMPLEMENTED IN BUTE STREET TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL CONTINUE UNTIL THE END OF JUNE.
THESE ARE:
* THE SECTION OF BUTE STREET BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 46 AND 50 HAS BEEN CLOSED;
X THE SECTION OF BUTE STREET BETWEEN PORTLAND STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET HAS BEEN RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND;
* MOTORISTS ON BUTE STREET HEADING TOWARDS LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD NORTHBOUND ARE ADVISED TO DIVERT VIA SHANGHAI STREET SOUTHBOUND, MONG KOK ROAD, SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, ARGYLE STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 22, 1985
11
URBAN COUNCIL APPROVES LIQUOR LICENCE TO CLUB
XXX
THE URBAN COUNCIL’S LIQUOR LICENSING BOARD APPROVED AT ITS MONTHLY MEETING TODAY THE GRANTING OF A LIQUOR LICENCE TO THE JOYFUL CLUB (KOWLOON) LIMITED AT SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET IN MONG KOK. THE LICENCE IS VALID FOR ONE YEAR.
THE MEETING WAS PRESIDED OVER BY THE BOARD’S CHAIRMAN, l»R PETER C.K. CHAN, AND ATTENDED BY MR KWAN LIM-HO, MISS CECILIA YEUNG, MR SAMUEL WONG, MRS MARGARET LI AND MR FAN KAM-PING.
-----o------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN YUEN LONG X X X X X
FROM 10 AM TOMORROW (THURSDAY), THE SECTION OF YAU SAN STREET BETWEEN KIN YIP STREET AND HOP YlCK ROAD IN YUEN LONG WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND, AND KIN YIP STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND AND THEN WESTBOUND.
LEFT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM HOP YlCK ROAD EASTBOUND INTO YAU SAN STREET, AND RIGHT-TURN MOVEMENT FROM HOP Yl CK ROAD WESTBOUND INTO YAU SAN STREET WILL BE BANNED.
-----o------
PROHIBITED ZONE CANCELLED
X X X X
FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (MAY 25), THE PROHIBITED ZONE AT THE OUTER BAY OF THE LOADING AND UNLOADING LAYBY ON MODY ROAD, BETWEEN HOUSE NOS. 68 AND 70, WILL BE CANCELLED.
MEANWHILE, PO HEUNG STREET BETWEEN KWONG FUK ROAD AND PO YICK STREET WILL BE CLOSED FOR RESURFACING ON FRIDAY AND SATURDAY (MAY 24-25) BETWEEN 7 PM AND MIDNIGHT.
DURING THE CLOSURE, NORTHBOUND MOTORISTS MAY USE PO HEUNG STREET, NAM SHING STREET, ON FU ROAD, PO YICK STREET AND PO HEUNG BRIDGE. AND SOUTHBOUND MOTORISTS MAY USE PO HEUNG BRIDGE AND PLOVER COVE ROAD TO REJOIN KWONG FUK ROAD.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MORE IMPROVEMENT IN UN EMPLOYMENT, INFLATION................. 1
LAND SALES PROGRAMME ........................................ 4
CHIEF SECRETARY LOOKS OVER USD ACTIVITIES ................... 4
GUIDELINES ON 'DOUBTFUL PUBLICATIONS' SET OUT ............... 5
AMBULANCE SERVICE REVIEW .................................... 7
HK FIREMIN PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK............................. 8
METERED WATER FOR OLDER HOUSING AREAS ....................... 8
HK INDUSTRY MISSION TO VISIT UK.............................. 10
LADY YOUDE OPENS CENTRE FOR ELDERLY.......................... 10
VOLUNTEERS TO RUN WELFARE PREMISES SOUGHT ................... 11
PLACEMENT SERVICE SET UP FOR TEACHERS ....................... 11
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR YIN NGAI SOCIETIES ..................... 12
FREE COURSE ON MATERIAL SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS ................ 13
ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT SET FOR SATURDAY .................... 14
KAI TAK NULLAH IMPROVEMENT WORK STARTS ...................... 14
COURTESY TRAINING FOR SWD STAFF ............................. 15
POLICE VETERANS GET MEDALS .................................. 15
STUDY ROOMS OPENING HOURS EXTENDED .......................... 16
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ON ISLAND.......................... 1$
TSING YI TRAFFIC CHANGES .................................... 17
WEAKER WATER PRESSURE........................................ 18
PRESS CONFERENCE............................................. 18
BRIEFING ON VISIT TO MACAU BY PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT........... 18
’h SL . V.S 1085
MORE IMPROVEMENT IN UNEMPLOYMENT, INFLATION ******
DOMESTIC EXPORTS DECREASED BY AN ESTIMATED ONE PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, WHILE OVER THIS PERIOD THE RATE OF INFLATION (AS MEASURED BY THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A)) SLOWED DOWN TO 3.4 PER CENT, ACCORDING TO THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOMIC REPORT 1985 PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS NOT UNEXPECTED, IN VIEW OF THE DECLINE IN RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES IN REAL TERMS IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984 AND IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIODS A YEAR AGO.
DOMESTIC DEMAND, HOWEVER, CONTINUED TO GROW IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984. REFLECTING THIS, RETAINED IMPORTS OF CAPITAL GOODS GREW BY ABOUT 13 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, AND RETAINED IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS BY ABOUT NINE PER CENT.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE UNEMPLOYMENT SITUATION FOR THE LABOUR FORCE AS A WHOLE SHOWED A FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985.
THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WAS 3.3 PER CENT, AGAINST 4.0 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 3.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1984. THE UNDEREMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 1.3 PER CENT, AGAINST 1.5 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER AND 0.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER OF LAST YEAR.
THE DOWNTREND IN THE RATE OF INFLATION CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985. THE YEAR-ON-YEAR RATE OF INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WAS 3.4 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985, COMPARED WITH 11.1 PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984 AND 4.8 PER CENT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) WAS ON AVERAGE 3.9 PER CENT HIGHER IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 THAN IN THE FIRST QUARTER CF 1984, WHILE THE HANG SENG CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WAS 4.8 PER CENT HIGHER.
THE REPORT ASSESSES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 USING SUCH STATISTICS AS ARE AVAILABLE. IT ALSO UPDATES THE ANALYSIS OF THE ECONOMY WHICH WAS GIVEN IN THE 1984 ECONOMIC BACKGROUND PUBLISHED ON BUDGET DAY. APART FROM GIVING AN OVERALL VIEW, THE REPORT ALSO CONTAINS INDIVIDUAL CHAPTERS ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE LABOUR SECTOR, ACTIVITY IN SELECTED SECTORS AND PRICES.
/ON THE .......
2 3, 1985
ON THE EXTERNAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO HONG KONG'S MAJOR MARKETS VARIED. wHILE DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO CHINA CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY, BY ABOUT 86 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR, THOSE TO THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY AND JAPAN DECLINED BY ABOUT SIX PER CENT, 13 PER CENT, 20 PER CENT AND THREE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN REAL TERMS.
THE SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY AND THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR BOTH CONTRIBUTED TO THESE DECLINES.
ON THE OTHER HAND, OVER THE SAME PERIOD IMPORTS GREW BY ABOUT 11 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS, AND RE-EXPORTS BY ALMOST 35 PER CENT.
THE REPORT FURTHER POINTS OUT THAT COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS (DOMESTIC EXPORTS PLUS RE-EXPORTS), AT 19 PER CENT, WAS FASTER THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, AT 11 PER CENT.
IN CONSEQUENCE, A VISIBLE TRADE SURPLUS, EQUIVALENT TO ONE PER CENT OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS, WAS RECORDED IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH A VISIBLE TRADE GAP OF SIX PER CENT IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984.
ON THE FINANCIAL SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING DEVELOPMENTS:
* FIRST, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED STEADY AGAINST THE US DOLLAR THROUGHOUT THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985, NOTWITHSTANDING THE LATTER’S STRENGTH INTERNATIONALLY DURING MOST OF THE PER IOD;
* SECOND, THE GROWTH RATE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY SLOWED DOWN DURING THE FIRST QUARTER, AS DID THAT OF LOANS AND ADVANCES FOR USE IN HONG KONG; AND
M THIRD, THERE WAS AMPLE LIQUIDITY IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY MARKET DURING MOST OF THE FIRST QUARTER, WHICH EXERTED DOWNWARD PRESSURE ON LOCAL INTEREST RATES. ADMINISTERED INTEREST RATES WERE TWICE ADJUSTED DOWNWARDS IN THE LATTER HALF OF JANUARY AND TWICE AGAIN IN APRIL.
ON THE LABOUR SECTOR, THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT TOTAL EMPLOYHEL INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT DURING 1984, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF ONE PER CENT DURING 1983. WHILE INCREASES OCCURRED IN MANUFACTURING AND IN THE SERVICES SECTORS, EMPLOYMENT ON BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION SITES CONTINUE: T'. DECLINE DURING THE YEAR.
/THS report .......
2 3, 1985
THE REPORT FURTHER SAYS THAT EARNINGS IN THE MANUF ACT’JR I' -SECTOR, IN TERMS OF PAYROLL PER PERSON ENGAGED, INCREASED BOTh IN MONEY TERMS AND IN REAL TERMS DURING THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDING DECEMBER 1984, AS DID THOSE IN THE SERVICES SECTORS.
CONSTRUCTION WAGE RATES, ON THE OTHER HAND, FELL IN REAL TERMS, ALTHOUGH THERE WAS A SMALL INCREASE IN MONEY TERMS.
THE REPORT OBSERVES THAT THERE WAS SOME SLOWING DOWN IN MANUFACTURING ACTIVITY IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, AS EVIDENCED BY THE FIGURES ON DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND ON RETAINED IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES.
ON THE PROPERTY SECTOR, THE REPORT NOTES THE FOLLOWING TRENDS:
* FIRST, THE RATE OF TAKE-UP FOR MOST TYPES OF FINISHED PROPERTY IMPROVED OR REMAINED AT A REASONABLY HIGH LEVEL IN 1984 AND VACANCY RATES FOR ALL MAIN TYPES OF PROPERTY FELL DURING 1984, PARTICULARLY FOR OFFICES AND FLATTED FACTORIES;
* SECOND, PRICES AND RENTALS IN CERTAIN SECTORS APPEARED TO HAVE INCREASED SLIGHTLY SINCE MID-1984;
* THIRD, THERE WERE REPORTS OF GOOD CONSUMER RESPONSE TO THE MARKETING OF SMALLER DOMESTIC UNITS IN WELL-LOCATED AND BETTER-PLANNED DEVELOPMENTS, PRESUMABLY BECAUSE REASONABLE PRICING HAD MADE THE PURCHASE OF SUCH FLATS MORE AFFORDABLE TO INTENDING OWNER-OCCUPIERS AND BECAUSE MORE FAVOURABLE FINANCING PACKAGES WERE BEING OFFERED BY SOME DEVELOPERS. THE RENTAL MARKET FOR LARGE DOMESTIC FLATS WAS ALSO REPORTED TO BE QUITE ACTIVE; AND
X FOURTH, THE DEMAND FOR BETTER-MANAGED ARCADE SHOPS AND OFFICES IN PRIME LOCATIONS CONTINUED TO BE STRONG, AS STIMULATED BY A FAIRLY OPTIMISTIC ECONOMIC OUTLOOK AND THE OFFER OF REALISTIC RENTALS.
ON
PRICES, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE DECELERATION IN THE RATE OF INFLATION WAS DUE TO A NUMBER OF FAVOURABLE DOMESTIC AND EXTERNAL FACTORS. FOR EXAMPLE, AGGREGATE DEMAND IN THE ECONOMY WAS NOT PARTICULARLY STRONG, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR STRENGTHENED AGAINST THE CURRENCIES OF HONG KONG’S MAJOR SUPPLIER COUNTRIES, AND THE RATES OF INFLATION IN HONG KONG’S MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS REMAINED AT RELATIVELY LOW LEVELS.
THE FIRST QUARTER ECONOM.C REPORT 1985 IS ON SALE AT >8 A COPY.
iY 3, 1985
A
LAND SALES PROGRAMME
* X *
THE DIRECTOR OF LANDS, MR JOHN TODD, ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT FOLLOWING THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE AGREEMENT WITH CHINA, THE DOCUMENTATION FOR FUTURE LAND SALES WOULD BE CHANGED TO REFLtCi THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN ANNEX III OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
+T0 GIVE EFFECT TO THESE CHANGES, SOME RESCHEDULING OF THE LAND SALES PROGRAMME FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR WOULD BE NECESSARY, BUT THE AREA OF LAND IN THE PROGRAMME WILL REMAIN THE SAME.+ HE SAID.
+THE AUCTION PROVISIONALLY PROGRAMMED TO BE HELD ON JUNE 2'3, 1985 WILL BE DEFERRED, AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THESE LOTS CAN BE INCLUDED IN THE FOLLOWING AUCTION PROGRAMMED IN SEPTEMBER 1985.+
HE ADDED THAT THE ABILITY NOW TO SELL LAND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR A TERM EXPIRING ON JUNE 30, 2047 SHOULD INCREASE CONFIDENCE IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AS PURCHASERS OF FLATS AND OTHEh ScOMHODATli" IN THE NEW TERRITORIES "HO PREVIOUSLY HAD GUARANTEE OF ONLY ABOUT 12 YEARS WOULD NOW HAVE A TERM OF SOME
CF A TERM
62 YEARS.
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CHIEF SECRETARY LOOKS OVER USD ACTIVITIES
* 4 * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY COVERED SEVERAL FIELDS OF ACTIVITY WHEN HE MADE AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
SIR PHILIP BEGAN WITH AN INSPECTION OF THE DEPARTMENT’S NEWEST SWIMMING POOL, THE SPECIALIST TRAINING POOL AT WAN CHAI WHICH FEATURES UNDERWATER VIEWING WINDOWS AND IS USED REGULARLY BY THE HONG KONG AMATEUR SWIMMING ASSOCIATION, VARIOUS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS, SCHOOLS AND THE DEPARTMENT’S LEISURE SERVICES DIVISION.
TURNING FROM SPORT TO CULTURE, SIR PHILIP THEN WENT TO THE GYMNASIUM AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH STADIUM WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY IN A PRACTICE SESS ION.
CATCHING UP ON ANOTHER INNOVATION IN THE DEPARTMENT, THE CHIEF SECRETARY ALSO LOOKED OVER THE COMPUTER +BRAIN+ OF THE URBTIX (URBAN COUNCIL TICKETING SYSTEM) NOW IN OPERATION FOR PROVIDING BOOKING SERVICES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL PRESENTATIONS.
/FROM THE.......
THURSDAY, IAAY 23, 19&5
- 5 -
FROM THE STADIUM IT WAS BACK TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, WHERE SIR PHILIP WANTED TO KNOW HOW THE NEWLY REORGANISED URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WAS +SHAKING DOWN+ TO ITS WIDER RESPONSIBILITIES.
SIR PHILIP WAS GIVEN A FULL RUN-DOWN ON THE RELATIVELY SMOOTH TRANSFORMATION OF THE DEPARTMENT OVER THE PAST TWO MONTHS BY THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR AUGUSTINE CHUI KAM, AND HIS TWO DEPUTIES, MR JOHN HEYWOOD, WHO LOOKS AFTER ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND ADMINISTRATION, AND MRS HELEN YU, RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DEPARTMENT’S CULTURAL AND ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES.
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GUIDELINES ON ’DOUBTFUL PUBLICATIONS’ SET OUT X M * * * *
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION BRANCH TODAY EXPLAINED THE GUIDELINES USED BY THE BRANCH WHEN CONSIDERING DOUBTFUL PUBLICATIONS TO BE REFERRED TO THE CROWN PROSECUTOR FOR LEGAL ADVICE AS TO WHETHER THE PUBLICATIONS IN QUESTION ARE IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PROVISIONS UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE, CAP. 150.
THE GUIDELINES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
1. DISPLAY OF HUMAN BODY PER SE IS NOT OBJECTIONABLE. HOWEVER, DISPLAYS IN PICTORIAL FORM (WHETHER PHOTOGRAPHS OR DRAWINGS), AND DESCRIPTIONS IN WRITTEN TEXT MIGHT BE OBJECTIONABLE IF THEY:
(A) INCLUDE MINORS IN SUCH DISPLAY;
(B) INVOLVE SEXUAL ACTS OF ANY FORM, INCLUDING DEPICTION OF HOMOSEXUAL AND LESBIAN PRACTICES.
2. OTHER FORMS OF OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS INCLUDE THOSE DISPLAYING PERVERTED BEHAVIOUR, EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE, CRUELTY AND MATTERS OF A REVOLTING NATURE.
/3. MAGAZ2JSS ’.YHICH .....
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 19;;
6
3. MAGAZINES which might be read by children are SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL AND MORE STRINGENT RULES. THESE RULES ARE ENUNCIATED IN SECTION 3(3) OF THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE.
SECTION 3(3) OF THE ORDINANCE STATES + ANY ARTICLE wHICH IS INTENDED, OR BY REASON OF THE MANNER OF ITS PRESENTATION OR ITS FORM OR OTHERWISE IS OF A KIND THAT IS LIKELY, TO BE READ OR LOOKED AT BY JUVENILES, WHETHER OR NOT IT IS ALSO INTENDED OR LIKELY TO BE READ OR LOOKED AT BY ADULTS, AND CONSISTS OF OR CONTAINS STORIES TOLD IN PICTURES, WITH OR WITHOUT THE ADDITION OF WRITTEN MATTER, BEING STORIES PORTRAYING -
(A) THE COMMISSION OF CRIME IN SUCH A WAY AS TO -
(I) CREATE SYMPATHY FOR OR EXTOL THE CRIMINAL;
(II) BRING INTO CONTEMPT THE FORCES AND INSTITUTIONS ENTRUSTED WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF LAW AND ORDER;
(III) INSPIRE OR ENCOURAGE PERSONS TO IMITATE CRIMINALS;
(B) ACTS OF -
(I) EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE OR CRUELTY; OR
(II) TORTURE OR OTHER PHYSICAL AGONY;
(C) ACTS OF A REPULSIVE OR HORRIBLE NATURE OR WHICH TEND TO DEPRAVE;
(D) SEDUCTION, RAPE OR SEXUAL PERVERSION; OR
(E) THE COMMISSION OF CRIME, ACTS OF VIOLENCE OR CRUELTY OR OF A REPULSIVE OR HORRIBLE NATURE, OR OTHER MATTER, IN SUCH A WAY THAT THE STORY AS A WHOLE WOULD TEND TO CORRUPT A JUVENILE,
SHALL BE DEEMED TO BE AN OBJECTIONABLE ARTICLE.*
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
AMBULANCE SERVICE REVIEW * * *
COMMENTING ON A REPORT IN THE HONG KONG STANDARD TODAY (MAY 23) WHICH STATED THAT +THE GOVERNMENT HAS FINALLY BOWED TO WIDESPREAD PUBLIC CRITICISM ABOUT THE EFFICIENCY OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICES IN HONG KONG AND HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF TH= SERVICES WILL BE MADE SOON,+ A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN FACT THE REVIEW HAD BEGUN IN 1984 AND THE STEERING GROUP HAD ALREADY MET FIVE TIMES.
NEITHER WAS THE REVIEW CONDUCTED IN THE CONTEXT OF THE RECENT FATAL ACCIDENT IN A FITNESS CLUB NOR AS A RESULT OF COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE AMBULANCE SERVICE, AS WAS IMPLIED BY THE REPORT.
+ IN 1984 THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WAS A MERE 11 OUT OF SOMETHING LIKE 300 000 CALLS FOR SERVICE. THE AMBULANCE SERVICE IN HONG KONG IS A VERY GOOD SERVICE WHICH NOT ONLY COMPARES WELL WITH THE UK BUT IS MARKEDLY BETTER IN TERMS OF ITS SERVICES, ITS EQUIPMENT AND VEHICLES THAN MOST OF ITS COUNTERPARTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE REVIEW OF AMBULANCE SERVICES WAS A COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATION OF OPERATIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE REQUIREMENTS. +IT IS BEING UNDERTAKEN BECAUSE THE DEMANDS FOR THE SERVICES ARE CHANGING IN LINE WITH THE HEALTH CARE ASPIRATIONS OF THE POPULATION.
+THE DECISION OF THE STEERING GROUP TO RECOMMEND CONSULTANTS TO ADVISE ON OPERATIONAL ASPECTS IS BECAUSE OF THE SPECIALISED NATURE OF AMBULANCE SERVICES AND THE AVAILABILITY OF TOP CLASS CONSULTANTS IN THIS FIELD.
+IT IS SEVERAL YEARS SINCE THERE WAS A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEw, BUT LIKE ALL OTHER SERVICES PROVIDED TO THE PUBLIC, VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE HAVE BEEN REVIEWED AT REGULAR INTERVALS. THE OPPORTUNITY IS BEING TAKEN NOW TO REVIEW ALL ASPECTS OF THE SERVICE FROM THE FIRE SERVICES ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH IT OPERATES TO THE MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE OF THE AMBULANCE SERVICE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE STEERING GROUP FOR THE REVIEW COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES CF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WHICH IS THE MAJOR DEPARTMENT INVOLVED, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WHICH USES THE SERVICES AND THE TWO POLICY BRANCHES, SECURITY AND HEALTH AND WELFARE. THE CHAIRMAN IS MR JACK DUNCAN OF THE FINANCE BRANCH.
-----o------
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
HK FIREMEN PRAISED FOR GOOD WORK * * * *
HONG KONG FIRE SERVICES ENJOYED A VERY HIGH REPUTATION HERE AND THROUGHOUT THE WORLD FOR COURAGE, EFFICIENCY AND SKILL, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR D.G. JEAFFRESON SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN A SPEECH BEFORE PRESENTING COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADE LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 58 OFFICERS AND MEN AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, MR JEAFFRESON SAID THAT FIREMEN PERFORMED AN ESSENTIAL DUTY REQUIRING SKILL, TECHNICAL KNOWLEDGE, DETERMINATION, PHYSICAL FITNESS AND COURAGE OF A HIGH ORDER.
+THESE REQUIREMENTS ARE PARTICULARLY NECESSARY IN HONG KONG WHERE FIREMEN HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE UNUSUAL COMPLEXITIES ASSOCIATED WITH MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS PROVIDING RESIDENTIAL, COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PREMISES.
+BACKED BY MODERN EQUIPMENT, THEY MANAGE THESE DIFFICULT PROBLEMS WITH CONSPICUOUS SUCCESS,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
MR JEAFFRESON WAS LATER PRESENTED WITH A FIREMAN’S AXE AS A SOUVENIR BY THE PARADE COMMANDER TSANG KWONG-YU.
- - 0 - -
METERED WATER FOR OLDER HOUSING AREAS X * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS TO METER THE INDIVIDUAL WATER SUPPLY IN PRE-MARCH 1982 TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, BRINGING IT INTO LINE WITH THAT IN NEW THAS.
THE DECISION WAS MADE TODAY BY THE AUTHORITY’S OPERATIONS COMMITTEE.
+ALL NEW THAS ARE ALREADY PROVIDED WITH METERED WATER SUPPLY AND THE TENANTS PAY FOR THE WATER THEY CONSUME,* SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN.
HE SAID IT WAS CONSIDERED THAT TENANTS IN THE OLDER THAS SHOULD PAY THEIR OWN WATER BILL AS WELL.
+AT PRESENT, THE WATER ACCOUNT FOR THE OLDER THAS IS PAID FOR BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT DIRECT.
/+Di 1984-85,
THURSDAY, iuAY 23, 198?
- 9 -
+ IN 1084-85, EXPENDITURE ON WATER CHARGES FOR 25 380 HOUSEHOLDS AT 35 OLDER THAS TOTALLED 523.9 MILLION.
+ IN 1984-85, INCOME FROM THA RENTS WAS 343.6 MILLION, WHILE EXPENDITURE ON WATER AND MANAGEMENT AMOUNTED TO 365.5 MILLION.*
AND FOR SOME TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN CONCERNED ABOUT THE HIGHER LEVEL OF WATER CONSUMPTION OR WATER VASTAGE IN THAS WHERE INDIVIDUAL VATER SUPPLY WAS NOT METERED.
+RECORDS SHOW THAT THE COST OF WATER CONSUMPTION FOR ONE NON-METERED THA HOUSEHOLD IS ON AVERAGE 5673 PER ANNUM, COMPARED WITH 5209 FOR A METERED HOUSEHOLD.
+ THIS ILLUSTRATES THAT WATER IS WASTED. AS THE AVERAGE WATER BILL COMES TO LESS THAN 51 A DAY AND AS RENTS IN THAS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO REGULAR REVIEW AND INCREASES, IT SHOULD BE WELL WITHIN THE MEANS OF THE TENANTS TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN CHARGES, IN LINE WITH THE PRACTICE IN THE NEWER THAS.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS NOW CONSIDERED THAT TAXPAYERS SHOULD NO LONGER SUBSIDISE THE WATER CONSUMPTION OF RESIDENTS OF THE OLDER THAS.
+RENTS FOR THESE THAS ARE VERY LOW AND INCLUDE ONLY A NOMINAL CHARGE OF 31.07 PER SQUARE METRE FOR WATER AND MANAGEMENT EXPENSES. THIS AMOUNT HARDLY COVERS THE RELEVANT EXPENDITURE INCURRED.
+WHILE EXISTING RENTS ARE 37.50 A SQUARE METRE PER MONTH FOR URBAN THAS AND 36.50 FOR RURAL THAS, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS PAYING 35.70 A SQUARE METRE PER MONTH AS WATER CHARGE FOR THE TENANTS.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID METERED WATER SUPPLY WOULD BE INTRODUCED IN TURN TO THE 25 OLDER THAS BUILT BEFORE MARCH 1982, BUT NOT IN EIGHT OTHERS WHICH WERE SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE THIS YEAR.
+WITH THE DECISION TO INTRODUCE METERED WATER SUPPLY TO 25 OLDER THAS, IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL SAVE A NET SUM OF ABOUT 320 MILLION A YEAR IN WATER CHARGES FOR THA RESIDENTS.
+INDIVIDUAL TENANTS WILL BE GIVEN AT LEAST ONE MONTH’S NOTICE BEFORE METER INSTALLATION WORKS BEGIN. MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AND OTHER LOCAL COMMUNITY GROUPS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED.*
0
/10 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
HK INDUSTRY MISSION TO VISIT UK * * * *
A HONG KONG DELEGATION OF NINE MEMBERS, LED BY THE DIRECTOR OF INDUSTRY, MR JOHN YAXLEY, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF LI AND FUNG LTD., DR VICTOR FUNG, toILL BE LEAVING ON AN INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM FROM JUNE 3 TO JUNE 7.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE GROUP REPRESENT A WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES INCLUDING ELECTRONICS, TELECOMMUNICATION EQUIPMENT, ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, GARMENTS AND TEXTILES, AS WELL AS PLASTIC PRODUCTS.
THEY ARE: MR ERIC WINKLER, SCI SYS-W LTD; MR EDDIE LO, LOMAK INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LTD; MR PATRICK WANG, JOHNSON ELECTRIC INDUSTRIAL MFY LTD; MR CHRIS REARDON, ELEC AND ELTEK COMPUTERS LTD; HARTMUT A. VOELKNER, OPTICHRON LTD; MR JOSEPH WONG, S. MEGGh TELECOMMUNICATIONS LTD; MR RAYMOND YAP, WONG’S INTERNATIONAL (EUROPE) LTD.
MR DONALD FLETCHER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION OFFICE IN LONDON WILL ACCOMPANY THE MISSION.
THE GROUP WILL SPEND THREE DAYS IN LONDON BEFORE MOVING ON TO BRISTOL AND BIRMINGHAM FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE WEEK. A SEMNa; ON THE ATTRACTIONS OF HONG KONG AS A MANUFACTURING BASE WILL BE HELD AT EACH STOP.
A FULL PROGRAMME OF INDIVIDUAL APPOINTMENTS WITH EXECUTIVES CF BRITISH COMPANIES INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING SOME FORM OF INDUSTRIAL CO-OPERATION WITH HONG KONG IS BEING ARRANGED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S LONDON OFFICE FOR MISSION MEMBERS, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
+RESPONSE FROM BRITISH COMPANIES HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING, AND MISSION MEMBERS CAN EXPECT A VERY FULL SCHEDULE,+ HE SAID.
- 0 - -
LADY YOUDE OPENS CENTRE FOR ELDERLY * * * * *
LADY YOUDE TODAY (THURSDAY) OPENED THE CARITAS SOCIAL CENTRE FOR THE ELDERLY AT TUI MIN HOI IN SAI KUNG.
THE CENTRE PROVIDES RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE 60 YEARS OLD OR ABOVE.
THE FITTING OUT WORK OF THE CENTRE WAS FUNDED BY LOTTERIES FUND, WHILE ITS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WILL BE MET BY GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION.
LADY YOUDE ALSO VISITED THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, A FAMILY IN THE HOUSING SOCIETY’S TUI MIN HOI RURAL HOUSING ESTATE, AND A RURAL PRIMARY SCHOOL WHEN SHE TOURED SAI KUNG IN THE AFTERNOON.
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1935
11
VOLUNTEERS TO RUN WELFARE PREMISES SOUGHT
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO OPERATE WELFARE PREMISES IN NEW HOUSING ESTATES AND PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS.
THIRTEEN SITES, RESERVED AS NURSERIES AND SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY, WILL BECOME AVAILABLE FOR THE NEXT THREE YEARS.
WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 4 3OO SQUARE METRES, THESE PREMISES WILL BE LOCATED IN SEVEN HOUSING ESTATES AND THREE PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS PLANNED FOR CHUK YUEN, LAM TIN, JUNK BAY, TSING Yl, KWAI FONG, SHA TIN, MA ON SHAN, KORNHILL GARDEN, HUNG HOM AND SHAU KEI WAN.
TEN OF THE PREMISES WILL BE USED AS NURSERIES AND THE REST AS SOCIAL CENTRES FOR THE ELDERLY.
A LIST OF THE PREMISES HAS BEEN SENT TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES FOR THEIR INFORMATION.
APPLICATIONS FROM INTERESTED AGENCIES SHOULD REACH THE DEPARTMENT AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, 19TH FLOOR, 280 GLOUCESTER ROAD, ON OR BEFORE JULY 15, 1985.
♦SUCCESSFUL APPLICATIONS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY ENTITLED TO SUBVENTIONS OR LOTTERIES FUND GRANTS,+ A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE SHOULD BE MADE IN DUE COURSE AND EACH CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED ON ITS OwN FER ITS,+ HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
PLACEMENT SERVICE SET UP FOR TEACHERS * * * *
THE ANNUAL EXERCISE OF PLACING REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS INTO NEW POSTS HAS ALREADY STARTED WITH THE SETTING UP LAST WEEK OF THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE UNIT, IN OPERATION FOR THREE MONTHS EVERY YEAR, IS STAFFcu BY OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT’S SCHOOLS DIVISION.
/establishsd in ....
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 19&5
12 -
ESTABLISHED IN 1975, MORE THAN 3 500 REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEbN ASSISTED BY THE UNIT TO SECURE ALTERNATIVE JOBS AS A RESULT OF THE DROP IN POPULATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOL AGE AS WELL AS A SHIFT OF POPULATION FROM URBAN AREAS TO THE NEW TOWNS.
+OUR 100 PER CENT SUCCESS RATE IS DUE TO THE FULL CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENT FOR WHICH THE DEPARTMENT IS MOST GRATEFUL,* SAID SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER, MR TSE KUM-SHING, WHO THIS YEAR HEADS THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT.
MR TSE REMINDED TEACHERS WHO HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED LETTERS OF THEIR REDUNDANCY UNDER THE AGREED PRINCIPLE OF +LAST IN, FIRST OUT* TO REGISTER WITH HIS UNIT ON THE SPECIFIED DATES IF THcY wISHtj TO SECURE NEW TEACHING POSTS IN SEPTEMBER 1985. REGISTRATION Or THE FIRST GROUP STARTS TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
HELPING MR TSE WITH HIS JOB IS A STAFF OF THREE, ALL EXPERIENCED OFFICERS IN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION WORK.
MR TSE SAID THAT THE SERVICE WAS NOT SIMPLY HELPING TEACHERS TO FIND NEW JOBS. THERE MIGHT BE RELATED PERSONAL PROBLEMS INVOLVED AND THESE HAD TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
HE EMPHASISED THAT REDUNDANT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS SHOULD REGISTER WITH THE PLACEMENT SERVICE UNIT, LOCATED ON THE SIXTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 405 NATHAN ROAD. ALL WOULD BE HELPED WHETHER THEY ARE REGISTERED WITH A TEACHERS UNION OR ASSOCIATION OR NOT.
-----o------
NEW HEADQUARTERS FOR YIN NGA I SOCIETIES * * * *
A CENTRAL OFFICE FOR THE CO-ORDINATION OF ACTIVITIES OF THE 24 YIN NGA I SOCIETIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY WILL OPEN ON SATURDAY, MAY 25.
THE YIN NGAI CENTRAL COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS AT LAI KOK PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL HAVE A CONFERENCE ROOM AND A REFERENCE LIBRARY FOR MEMBERS OF YIN NGAI SOCIETIES, GROUPS FORMED MAINLY BY HOUSEWIVES TO ENCOURAGE WOMEN’S PARTICIPATION IN DISTRICT AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS.
/IT WILL ........
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
- 13 -
IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE A VENUE FOR TERRITORY-WIDE YIN NGA I ACTIVITIES SUCH AS LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE, SEMINARS AND EXHIBITIONS.
JOINTLY OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BE THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE? DISTRICT GOVERNOR CF LIONS CLUBS INTERNATIONAL, DISTRICT 303, MR LINCOLN LINN; AND PRESIDENTS OF NINE LIONESS CLUBS.
ALSO PRESENT WILL BE A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MRS FANNY LAW, AND SPONSOR WHO HAVE DONATED TOWARDS THE SETTING UP OF THE NEW OFFICE.
--------o----------
FREE COURSE ON MATERIAL SCIENCE FOR TEACHERS
*****
A FREE COURSE ON TEACHING OF MATERIAL SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING SCIENCE FOR SECONDARY SUBJECT TEACHERS WILL BE HELD ON JULY 3 ANl 4.
THE TWO-DAY COURSE, ORGANISED BY THE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS SECTION ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, wILL BE HELD AT THE AUDIO VISUAL THEATRE, ROOM 330, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE VIEWS INSPECTORS OF TECHNICAL SUBJECTS AND SCIENCE FROM OTHER SCHOOLS DURING THE
PARTICIPANTS WILL ON TEACHING WITH SCHOOL TEACHERS OF ENGINEERING
COURSE.
IN ADDITION, FILMS SHOWN IN THE COURSE.
ON VARIOUS AREAS
IN ENGINEER ING WILL BE
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE COURSE SHOULD APPLY TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR, TECHNICAL SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ROOM 523, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG,
BEFORE JUNE 18.
-----o-----
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
- 14 -
ADULT EDUCATION CONCERT SET FOR SATURDAY * * * *
MEMBERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES WILL HOLD AN + AE 30 CONCERT+ AT THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL AUDITORIUM ON SATURDAY (MAY 25) EVENING TO MARK THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, WILL ATTEND THE CONCERT WHICH WILL INCLUDE MUSIC PRESENTATIONS BY WINNERS GF THE SINGING COMPETITION IN THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES THE JOINT CENTRES CHOIR AND THE CHINESE INSTRUMENTAL BAND OF’THE CENTRES AND STUDENTS OF THE TEACHERS’ COURSE IN MUSIC AND DANCE.
THERE WILL ALSO BE PERFORMANCES BY THE WORLD-RENOWNED PIANIST MR CHOI SOWN-LEE, AND SONGS BY TWO LEADING LOCAL VOCALISTS, MR SIU HOK-LAI AND MISS POON CHI—CHING.
KAI TAK NULLAH IMPROVEMENT WORK STARTS
* * *
WORK HAS STARTED ON A SCHEME TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF WATER IN KAI TAK NULLAH AND THE KOWLOON BAY TYPHOON SHELTER.
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A 53.9 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE WORK WHICH IS EXPECTED TO TAKE A YEAR TO COMPLETE.
THE POLLUTED CONDITION OF THE NULLAH AND THE TYPHOON SHELTER NEAR KAI TAK AIRPORT HAS REACHED AN UNSATISFACTORY STATE WITH THE RELEASE OF OBNOXIOUS GAS.
AS PART OF THE PROJECT TO TACKLE THE PROBLEM, THREE PUMPING STATIONS, AN OXYGEN STORAGE COMPOUND, A CONTROL HOUSE, A TRANSFORMER HOUSE AND ASSOCIATED PIPE-WORKS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED UNDER THE PRESENT CONTRACT.
THESE WILL BE BUILT ON LAND ALONG THE SEAWALL AT THE UPSTREAM END OF THE TYPHOON SHELTER FOR INJECTING PURE OXYGEN INTO THE WATER, THUS PREVENTING THE FORMATION OF THE FOUL SMELLING GAS.
-------0
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
- 15 -
COURTESY TRAINING FOR SWD STAFF * * * *
FRONTLINE STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WHO DEAL WITH A LARGE NUMBER OF +CUSTOMERS+ DAILY, HAVE BEEN UNDERGOING COURTESY TRAINING SINCE LAST MONTH TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND SERVICE.
SELECTED STAFF, COMPRISING JUNIOR OFFICERS AND SUPERVISORS FROM SEVERAL SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS, FAMILY SERVICE CENTRE, PROBATION OFFICE AND HEADQUARTERS UNITS, HAVE TAKEN PART IN THE COURTESY EXERCISE CONDUCTED JOINTLY BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND THE DEPARTMENTAL TRAINING SECTION.
THE TRAINING INCLUDES WORKSHOPS AND BRIEFING AND WILL LAST UNTIL THE MIDDLE OF JUNE.
-----0------
POLICE VETERANS GET MEDALS
* * *
TWENTY-THREE POLICE VETERANS RECEIVED LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, MR KEITH LOMAS, AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL TODAY (THURSDAY).
AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR LOMAS PRAISED THEM FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND CONTRIBUTION TO THE FORCE AND-THE COMMUNITY.
THE RECIPIENTS COMPRISED A CHIEF SUPERINTENDENT, A SUPERINTENDENT, THREE CHIEF INSPECTORS, A SENIOR INSPECTOR, AN INSPECTOR, A WOMAN INSPECTOR, A STATION SERGEANT AND NINE SERGEANTS AND CONSTABLES.
LONG SERVICE MEDALS EACH MARKING 18 YEARS’ SERVICE WERE PRESENTED TO SP CHAN WAl-CHl, CHIEF INSP NING SHIU-CHEUNG, SEN INSP CHU KAM-YIU AND EIGHT OTHER OFFICERS.
CHIEF SUPT MICHAEL WATSON, CHIEF INSP LI KA-KIN AND EIGHT RANK AND FILE OFFICERS WHO HAVE SERVED IN THE FORCE FOR 25 YEARS WERE PRESENTED FIRST CLASPS TO THEIR LONG SERVICE MEDALS.
SECOND CLASPS EACH SIGNIFYING 30 YEARS’ OF DEDICATED SERVICE IN THE FORCE WERE AWARDED TO CHIEF INSP MATTHEW ATKINSON AND STATION SERGEANT LI YING.
- 0
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1935
16
STUDY ROOMS OPENING HOURS EXTENDED
*****
THE OPENING HOURS OF TWO TEMPORARY STUDY ROOMS IN SOUTHERN DISTRICT HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO WEEKENDS DURING THE SCHOOL EXAMINATION PERIOD, THANKS TO EFFORTS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD.
STUDY ROOMS RUN BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE OPENING ON WEEKDAYS ONLY, INCLUDING THE TWO AT THE HOK SHAN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WAH FU ESTATE AND TANG SHIU KIN PRIMARY SCHOOL IN WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE.
UNDER A PILOT SCHEME INITIATED LAST MONTH BY THE DISTRICT BOARD’S SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE, THE TWO STUDY ROOMS ALSO OPEN ON SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS BETWEEN 1 PM AND 6 PM UNTIL JUNE 30.
+ IF THE SCHEME IS PROVED SUCCESSFUL, THE CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE OF STUDY ROOM PROVISION COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL CONSIDER IMPLEMENTING IT ON A PERMANENT BAS IS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BOARD SAID.
- - 0 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC CHANGES ON ISLAND * * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN SHAU KEI WAN, NORTH POINT AND WESTERN DISTRICT OVER THE WEEKEND, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
IN SHAU KEI WAN, SHING ON STREET BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND SAI WAN HO STREET, ALONG WITH THE SECTION OF SHAU KEI WAN ROAD BETWEEN SHING ON STREET AND HOLY CROSS PATH, WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES FROM 0.15 AM UNTIL 6 AM DAILY ON SUNDAY AND MONDAY (MAY 26 AND 27) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION CF A FOOTBRIDGE.
DURING THE CLOSURE, SAI WAN HO STREET BETWEEN HOLY CROSS PATH AND TAI FOO STREET, AND THE SECTION OF HOLY CROSS PATH BETWEEN SHAU KEI WAN ROAD AND SAI WAN HO STREET, WILL BE REROUTED TWO WAYS.
EASTBOUND VEHICLES ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TAI FOO STREET, SAI WAN HO STREET AND HOLY CROSS PATH WHILE WESTBOUND VEHICLES ON SHAU KEI WAN ROAD WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA HOLY CROSS PATH, SAI WAN HO STREET AND TAI CHEONG STREET.
PARKING SPACES IN HOLY CROSS PATH AND SAI WAN HO STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 2.30 PM ON SATURDAY (MAY 25) UNTIL 6 AM ON MONDAY (MAY 27) TO FACILITATE THE TRAFFIC DIVERSION.
/IN ADDITION,
THUttjJAY, MAY 23, 1985
17
IN ADDITION, CMB ROUTE 2 AND ROUTE 82 WILL FINISH ABOUT 20 MINUTES AND AN HOUR EARLIER THAN USUAL RESPECTIVELY ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (MAY 25 AND 26) NIGHT.
IN NORTH POINT, KAM HONG STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM SUNDAY (MAY 26) TO JUNE 1 DAILY FROM 10 PM TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
ALL NORTHBOUND VEHICLES ON KAM HONG STREET SOUTH OF KING’S ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA TANNER ROAD AND TIN CHIU STREET.
AND IN WESTERN DISTRICT, A COUPLE OF ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY (MAY 26) AND JUNE 2 FOR FOOTBRIDGE CONSTRUCTION WORK NEAR THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN POKFIELD ROAD AND HILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.15 AM TO 2.15 AM ON THOSE DAYS. VEHICLES ON POK FU LAM ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA POKFIELD ROAD, WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON POK FU LAM ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HILL ROAD.
FROM 2.15 AM TO 5.30 AM, POK FU LAM ROAD BETWEEN HILL ROAD FLYOVER AND HILL ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC. VEHICLES ON POK FU LAM ROAD EASTBOUND WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HILL ROAD FLYOVER WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON POK FU LAM ROAD AND BONHAM ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA HILL ROAD.
--------0
TSING Yl TRAFFIC CHANGES
K * * *
FOR THREE ONE-HOUR PERIODS ON SUNDAY (MAY 26), TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT INTERVALS OF FIVE MINUTES ONLY. THESE ONE-HOUR PERIODS WILL START FROM 12 MIDNIGHT, 6.30 AM AND 3 PM.
THIS IS TO ENABLE CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIVE WORK.
AND FROM MONDAY (MAY 27) TO SUNDAY (JUNE 2) ONE TRAFFIC LANE ON THE TSING Yl ROUNDABOUT, NEAR TSING Yl HEUNG SZE WUI ROAD, AND PART OF THE NEARBY EXIT OF TSING Yl BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 12.30 AM AND 5.30 AM, FOR ROAD WORKS.
0
/16........
THURSDAY, MAY 23, 1985
WEAKER WATER PRESSURE * *
FRESH WATER PRESSURE TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TSIM SHA TSUI WILL BE WEAK FROM NOON TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO 9 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY, DUE TO WATER WORKS IN HO MAN TIN.
PREMISES ALONG THE SOUTH OF AUSTIN ROAD, IN TSIM SHA TSUI AREA, INCLUDING TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, WILL BE AFFECTED.
PRESS CONFERENCE * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, AND THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE. MR PETER Y.Y. CHAN, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3 PM TO ANNOUNCE THE PUBLICATION OF A CONSULTATIVE PAPER ON AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER IN HONG KONG.
THE PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM ON 5/F, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
- - 0 - -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
BRIEFING ON VISIT TO MACAU BY PORTUGUESE PRESIDENT
*****
AN INFORMAL BRIEFING FOR THE MEDIA WILL BE HELD IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) ON ARRANGEMENTS FOR PRESS COVERAGE OF THE VISIT TO MACAU BY THE PRESIDENT OF PORTUGAL ON MAY 27.
THE BRIEFING WILL BE GIVEN BY TWO OFFICIALS FROM MACAU, MR FERNANDO CORREIRA AND MR EDWARD FARR.
ACCREDITATION FOR THE MEDIA AND PROGRAMMES FOR THE PRESIDENTIAL VISIT WILL ALSO BE DISTRIBUTED AT TOMORROW’S BRIEFING.
THE MACAU AUTHORITIES ARE OFFERING HOTEL ACCOMMODATION FOR JOURNALISTS FROM HONG KONG WHO WISH TO SPEND THE NIGHT OF MAY 27 IN MACAU. YOU ARE REQUESTED TO LET MR CORREIRA AND MR FARR KNO* AT TOMORROW’S BRIEFING WHETHER YOUR REPRESENTATIVES WOULD BE SPENDING THE NIGHT IN MACAU.
- 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON HK SHIPPING REGISTER PLAN ............... 1
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1985 ...................... 3
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL ........................ 6
BILL TO IMPROVE COMPENSATION SYSTEM......................... 9
GOVERNOR ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS DINNER ........................ 10
COMING BACK FROM CHEU VISIT ............................... 1°
GURKHA COMMANDER SEES COxiRECTIONAL WORK................... 11
DB MEMBERS TO DISCUSS ERP ................................. 11
VALUE OF CAREERS EDUCATION STRESSED ....................... 12
DTC REGISTRATION SUSPENDED................................. 13
EXTRA LANE FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER.............. 14
CANTON ROAD LANE BEING WIDENED ............................ 14
GRAND PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU ........................... 15
PLAYGROUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED ............................. 16
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR FESTIVAL..............................
NEW ROADS FOR MA ON SHAH ................................
BIG-HEADED TURTLE SOUGHT ................................
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
COMMENTS SOUGHT ON HK SHIPPING REGISTER PLAN ******
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) PUBLISHED A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT PROPOSING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER TO BE IN PLACE AND WORKING EFFECTIVELY WELL BEFORE 1997.
IT IS HOPED TO HAVE ALL COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED PARTIES, BOTH LOCAL AND OVERSEAS BY THE END OF JULY.
THE DECISION TO PUBLISH INITIAL GOVERNMENT THINKING ON THE SHIPPING REGISTER WAS GIVEN THE GO-AHEAD BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ON TUESDAY.
THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, EXPLAINED THAT HONG KONG WAS AT PRESENT A BRITISH PORT OF REGISTRY AND CONSEQUENTLY ITS REGISTER WAS A BRITISH ONE.
+THIS WILL CEASE TO BE THE POSITION ON JULY 1, 1997,+ SAID. +STEPS THEREFORE NEED TO BE TAKEN TO ESTABLISH AN AUTONOMOUS HONG KONG REGISTER, SEPARATE FROM THE BRITISH REGISTER, TO BE IN PLACE AND WORKING EFFECTIVELY WELL BEFORE 1997 AND TO BE IN A FORM CAPABLE OF CONTINUING POST 1997 WITH THE MINIMUM OF CHANGE.+
MR HIGGINSON SAID THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AUTONOMOUS REGISTER AND THE ENACTMENT OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION WOULD LIKELY TAKE ABOUT FIVE YEARS.
IT WAS ENVISAGED, HE SAID, THAT THE PRINCIPAL FEATURES OF THE REGISTER WOULD INCLUDES
* STANDARDS AND OBLIGATIONS SHOULD BE SET OUT IN LOCAL LEGISLATION,
* IT SHOULD NOT BE, NOR BE REGARDED AS, A FLAG OF CONVENIENCE,
* IT SHOULD OPERATE TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS,
* IT SHOULD HAVE A DISTINCTIVE FLAG,
* FULL COSTS SHOULD BE RECOVERED BY FEES OR DUES,
* IT SHOULD ALLOW SHIPS TO BE REGISTERED AND DEREGISTERED AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE WITH THE MINIMUM OF +RED TAPE+, AND
* IT SHOULD BE AS ATTRACTIVE AS POSSIBLE TO SHIPOWNERS WITHIN THE CONSTRAINTS LISTED.
/ON3 OF .......
i JAY, MAY 24, 1985
2
ONE OF THE FIRST STEPS WOULD POSSIBLY BE THE SETTING UP OF A SHIPPING ADVISORY BOARD.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE BOARD WOULD BE TO ADVISE THE ADMINISTRATION ON BROAD POLICY FOR THE PROPER DEVELOPMENT AND GOOD MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPING INDUSTRY.
AS MR HIGGINSON EXPLAINED! +ONE OF ITS EARLY TASKS WOULD BE TO ADVISE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN AUTONOMOUS REGISTER FOR THE TERRITORY AND TO OVERSEE HONG KONG’S DISENGAGEMENT FROM THE BRITISH REGISTER AND THE CONCOMITANT LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY CHANGES THAT WILL BE NECESSARY.*
+THE BOARD WOULD INITIALLY BE NON-STATUTORY. BUT CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE GIVEN TO IT BECOMING STATUTORY AFTER IT HAD BEEN IN OPERATION FOR SOME TIME.*
SECTION VIII OF ANNEX 1 TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG PROVIDES THAT THE HONG KONG SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION +SHALL MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S PREVIOUS SYSTEM OF SHIPPING MANAGEMENT AND SHIPPING REGULATION, INCLUDING THE SYSTEM FOR REGULATING CONDITIONS OF SEAMEN.*
IT ALSO PROVIDES THAT THE SAR +SHALL BE AUTHORISED TO CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN A SHIPPING REGISTER AND ISSUE RELATED CERTIFICATES UNDER ITS OWN LEGISLATION.*
AT PRESENT HONG KONG HAS SOME 839 SHIPS AND 6.6 MILLION GROSS TONNAGE REGISTERED.
MR HIGGINSON SAID THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WAS PUBLISHED TO OBTAIN VIEWS AND TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE EXPERIENCE OF ALL SHIPPING INTERESTS.
+THE DOCUMENT IS ESSENTIALLY A ’SPECIALISED’ GREEN PAPER WHICH SETS OUT THE INITIAL THINKING OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE ISSUES WHICH NEED TO BE ADDRESSED,* HE SAID. +SOME ARE POTENTIALLY CONTROVERSIAL. ISSUES SUCH AS THE FLAG, OWNERSHIP, THE NATIONALITY OF OFFICERS AND SEAMEN, THE LANGUAGE OF EXAMINATION AND COMMAND, AND THE CONCEPT OF AN AUTONOMOUS SHIPPING REGISTER ARE LIKELY TO STIMULATE CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION AND DEBATE.
*IT IS IMPORTANT ALSO THAT IN FORMULATING ANY NEW HONG KONG REGISTER, BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL VIEWS REGARDING THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT.
♦ONCE ALL VIEWS HAVE BEEN EXPRESSED, AND SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, A FORMAL POLICY STATEMENT ON THE WAY FORWARD WOULD BE PUBLISHED.*
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FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
3
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1985 *****
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) ROSE BY 3.9 PER CENT AND THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) BY 4.2 PER CENT BETWEEN APRIL 1984 AND APRIL 1985, ACCORDING TO FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE CP 1(A) AND CPI(B) FOR APRIL 1985 WERE 159.9 AND 160.0 RESPECTIVELY, OR SIX POINTS AND 6.5 POINTS RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THOSE FOR APRIL 1984. COMPARED WITH MARCH 1985 AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, CPI (A) INCREASED BY 0.6 POINT OR 0.4 PER CENT AND CPI(B), BY 0.9 POINT OR 0.6 PER CENT.
THE AVERAGE CP I (A) AND AVERAGE CP 1(B) FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1985, BOTH AT 156.7, WERE 5.9 PER CENT AND 6.3 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY HIGHER THAN THE AVERAGES FOR THE 12 MONTHS ENDED APRIL 1984.
DURING THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD ENDED APRIL 1985, BOTH THE SEASONALLY ADJUSTED CP I(A) AND CP 1(B) INCREASED AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF 0.5 PER CENT EACH MONTH.
DURING APRIL, RETAIL PRICES OF FRESH VEGETABLES, RENTALS OF PUBLIC AND PRIVATE DWELLINGS, AND PRICES OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR WERE HIGHER.
THE CP 1(A) AND CPI(B) ARE BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE PATTERNS OF 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) REFERS TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN |1 000 AND $3 499 A MONTH, AND THE CP 1(B) TO HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $3 500 AND $6 499 A MONTH AT THAT TIME.
THE INDEXES FOR APRIL 1985 IN RESPECT OF THE NINE COMMODITY/ SERVICE SECTIONS IN THE TWO CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ARE GIVEN BELOW, TOGETHER WITH THOSE FOR MARCH 1985 AND APRIL 1984.
/(OCTOBER 1979 .......
- 4 -
PKxMI, KAY 24, 1985
SECTION (OCTOBER 1979 TO SEPTEMBER 1980 AVERAGE - 100)
APR. 84 CPI(A) APR. 84 CP 1(B)
MAR. 85 APR. 85 MAR. 85 APR. 85
FOODSTUFFS 155.0 156.8 157.0 155.4 157.6 157.7
HOUSING 143.6 153.4 154.4 143.9 152.9 153.7
FUEL AND LIGHT 148.8 146.8 146.8 148.5 146.7 146.7
ALCOHOLIC DRINKS TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) 208.0 231.0 231.6 200.6 221.4 222.1
CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR 154.6 164.9 169.4 155.9 166.2 171.9
DURABLE GOODS 125.4 123.9 123.9 129.1 128.5 128.7
MISCELLANEOUS GOODS 149.3 150.3 151.6 146.5 146.2 148.6
TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES 168.5 181.1 181.6 170.5 181.9 182.3
SERV’CES 165.8 180.0 180.8 164.3 176.1 176.8
ALL ITEMS 153.9 159.3 159.9 153.5 159.1 160.0
COMPARED WITH MARCH 1985, THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ROSE BY 0.2 POINT IN CPI(A) AND 0.1 POINT IN CPI(B). THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES AND THE AVERAGE CHARGE FOR MEALS IN RESTAURANTS AMD OTHER EATING PLACES WENT UP. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH FRUIT DECREASED. THE EFFECT OF MOVEMENTS IN THE RETAIL PRICES OF OTHER FOOD ITEMS ON THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING INCREASED BY 1.0 POINT IN CP I(A) AND 0.8 POINT IN CP 1(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER RENTS AND RATES FOR SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS AND FOR SOME HOUSING SOCIETY AND HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A ESTATES.
/HIGHER prices........
FBIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
5
HIGHER PRICES OF CHINESE WINES AND BEER PUSHED UP THE INDEX FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO (FOR HOME CONSUMPTION) BY 0.6 POINT IN CPI (A) AND 0.7 POINT IN CPI(B).
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR ROSE BY 4.5 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 5.7 POINTS IN CPI(B) DUE TO HIGHER PRICES OF OUTERCLOTHING.
THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS WENT UP BY 1.3 POINTS IN CPI(A) AND 2.4 POINTS IN CPI(B) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES OF JEWELLERY, TOILET REQUISITES AND COSMETICS.
HIGHER TRAIN FARES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES TO RISE BY 0.5 POINT IN CP 1(A) AND 0.4 POINT IN CPI(B).
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ROSE BY 0.8 POINT IN CPI(A) AND 0.7 POINT IN CPI(B) BECAUSE OF HIGHER CHARGES FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT AND HAIRDRESSING.
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 FT* ICE INDEX REPORT+ FOR APRIL 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; OR FROM THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT, BASKERVILLE HOUSE, DUDDELL STREET, HONG KONG, FOR LOCAL AND OVERSEAS MAILINGS.
FOR ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, PLEASE CONTACT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT AT TELEPHONE NO. 3-7216512.
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FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
6
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL *****
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN APRIL 1985, AT $9 660 MILLION, DECREASED BY 7.5 PER CENT OR $788 MILLION COMPARED WITH APRIL 1984, WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO GROW RAPIDLY, BY 56 PER CENT OR $3 409 MILLION TO $9 499 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
TAKING DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS TOGETHER, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS, AT $19 159 MILLION, WAS 16 PER CENT OR $2 621 MILLION HIGHER THAN IN APRIL 1984.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY SEVEN PER CENT OR $1 269 MILLION OVER APRIL 1984 TO REACH $19 798 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW AT A FASTER RATE THAN THAT OF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP, THAT IS THE PROPORTION OF THE VALUE OF IMPORTS NOT COVERED BY THAT OF TOTAL EXPORTS, NARROWED TO THREE PER CENT IN APRIL 1985 FROM 11 PER CENT IN APRIL 1984.
PUTTING THE MONTH’S TRADE FIGURES INTO CONTEXT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1985 WAS $73 608 MILLION, MADE UP OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS CF $38 635 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS OF $34 973 MILLION.
COMPARED WITH THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1984, THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW BY $11 233 MILLION OR 18 PER CENT, DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY $72 MILLION OR 0.2 PER CENT, AND RE-EXPORTS BY $11 161 MILLION OR 47 PER CENT. THE VALUE OF IMPORTS GREW BY $6 486 MILLION, OR 10 PER CENT, TO $73 798 MILLION.
AS THE VALUE OF TOTAL EXPORTS GREW AT A FASTER RATE THAN THAT CF IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE GAP FOR THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1985 NARROWED TO 0.3 PER CENT, FROM SEVEN PER CENT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1984.
COMMENTING ON THESE FIGURES, A GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE YEAR-ON-YEAR GROWTH RATE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, AFTER PEAKING IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1984, SLOWED DOWN DURING THE REST CF THE YEAR, AND THIS TREND CONTINUED INTO THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF 1985.
THE SLOWING DOWN IN THE GROWTH RATE OF THE UNITED STATES ECONOMY AND THE STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR BOTH CONTRIBUTED TO THE RELATIVELY POOR PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF THIS YEAR. ON THE OTHER HAND, RE-EXPORTS CONTINUED TO RECORD VERY HIGH GROWTH RATES, ILLUSTRATING HONG KONG’S INCREASING ROLE AS AN ENTREPOT.
/THE FOLLOWING ......
FSU) AY, MAY 24, 1985
7
THE FOLLOWING TABLE PRESENTS THE PROVISIONAL MERCHANDISE TRADE FIGURES FOR APRIL 1985t-
MERCHANDISE!
DOMESTIC EXPORTS $ 9 660 MILLION
RE-EXPORTS 2 $ 9 499 MILLION
TOTAL EXPORTS 1 $19 159 MILLION
IMPORTS 2 $19 798 MILLION
TRADE BALANCE $ 639 MILLION (IN DEFICIT)
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
FEBRUARY-APRIL
FEBRUARY-APRIL
INCREASE OR
LATEST 3 MONTHS 1985 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 27 470 27 772 302 - 1.1
RE-EXPORTS 26 014 17 836 + 8 178 +45.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 53 484 45 608 + 7 876 +17.3
IMPORTS 54 679 51 413 + 3 266 + 6.4
TRADE BALANCE - 1 195 - 5 805 + 4 610
APRIL APRIL INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1985 1984 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 660 10 448 788 - 7.5
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (50.4%) (63.2%)
RE-EXPORTS 9 499 6 090 + 3 409 +56.0
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 159 16 538 + 2 621 +15.8
IMPORTS 19 798 18 529 + 1 269 +6.8
TRADE BALANCE - 639 - 1 991 + 1 352
/last MONTH
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
8
LAST MONTH APR IL 1985 MARCH 1985 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 9 660 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (50.4%) 8 430 (48.1%) + 1 230 +14.6
RE-EXPORTS 9 499 9 078 + 421 + 4.6
TOTAL EXPORTS 19 159 17 508 * 1 651 + 9.4
IMPORTS 19 798 19 915 - 117 - 0.6
TRADE BALANCE - 639 - 2 407 ♦ 1 768
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JANUARY-APR IL 1985 JANUARY-APRIL 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 38 635 (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (52.5%) 38 563 (61.8%) + 72 + 9.2
RE-EXPORTS 34 973 23 812 +11 161 +46.9
TOTAL EXPORTS 73 608 62 375 +11 233 + 18.0
IMPORTS 73 798 67 312 + 6 486 ' + 9.6
TRADE BALANCE 190 - 4 937 + 4 747
LAST 12 MONTHS MAY 1984 TO APRIL 1985 MAY 1983 TO APRIL 1984 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. S MN.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 138 009 116 727 +21 282 + 18.2
RE-EXPORTS 94 665 64 784 4-29 881 +46.1
TOTAL EXPORTS 232 674 181 511 +51 163 +28.2
IMPORTS 229 856 195 086 +34 770 + 17.3
TRADE BALANCE + 2 818 - 13 575 +16 393
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FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
- 9 -
BILL TO IMPROVE COMPENSATION SYSTEM * * * *
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF A SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM FOR THE RECOVERY OF COMPENSATION BY EMPLOYEES, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN 1982, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WAS GIVEN THE POWER TO ASSESS THE COMPENSATION PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF AN INJURY TO AN EMPLOYEE WHICH RESULTED IN TEMPORARY INCAPACITY FOR A PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING 14 DAYS.
THE COMMISSIONER COULD ISSUE A CERTIFICATE REQUIRING PAYMENT CF COMPENSATION BY THE EMPLOYER WITHIN 21 DAYS, EXCEPT WHERE AN APPEAL HAD BEEN LODGED AGAINST THE ASSESSMENT.
THIS SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM OBVIATED DELAYS IN PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION DUE TO DISAGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AS TO THE AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION PAYABLE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THE SYSTEM HAD BEEN WIDELY WELCOMED BY BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION.
THE PURPOSE OF THE BILL, HE ADDED, WAS TO EXTEND THIS SYSTEM TO COVER ALL CLAIMS FOR COMPENSATION FOR INJURIES WHICH RESULTED IN TEMPORARY INCAPACITY.
INJURIES CAUSING PERMANENT INCAPACITY WOULD, HOWEVER, CONTINUE TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE TWO-TIER COMPENSATION BOARD SYSTEM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OTHER MAJOR AMENDMENTS IN THE BILL ARE TO EMPOWER THE ORDINARY AND SPECIAL ASSESSMENT BOARDS TO REVIEW ASSESSMENTS OF COMPENSATION ON THEIR OWN INITIATIVE, AND ALSO TO ENABLE THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO APPLY TO THE BOARDS FOR A REVIEW CF AN ASSESSMENT.
AT PRESENT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE BOARDS’ DECISIONS COULD ONLY BE REVIEWED ON APPEAL BY EITHER THE INJURED EMPLOYEE OR HIS EMPLOYER.
OTHER AMENDMENTS CONTAINED IN THE BILL INCLUDED THE PROVISION^ TO ENABLE THE ASSESSMENT BOARDS TO CERTIFY ANY PERIOD OF ABSENCE FROM DUTY BY AN INJURED EMPLOYEE AS PERIODS OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES; AND THE APPOINTMENT OF A SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER AS A MEMBER OF AN ORDINARY ASSESSMENT BOARD IN PLACE OF A LABOUR OFFICER.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR FIRST READING AND COMMENCEMENT OF SECOND READING ON MAY 29.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR EDUCATION AND MANPOWER, AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
- - 0 ------------
/1O .......
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1935
10
GOVERNOR ATTENDS VOLUNTEERS DINNER
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING ATTENDED THE 131ST FOUNDATION DAY DINNER OF THE HONG KONG VOLUNTEERS AT TH HILTON HOTEL.
THE DINNER WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REC (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
SIR EDWARD WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY COL. JOHN HEYWOOD, THE HONORARY COLONEL OF THE REGIMENT, AND WING COMMANDER ALISTAIR ASF COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
HE ALSO MET SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE REGIMENT AND THE AUXILIARY AIR FORCE FOR DRINKS BEFORE DINNER.
AFTER THE LOYAL TOAST, SIR EDWARD JOINED THE VOLUNTEERS IN A TOAST TO +THE NINETY-NINE* IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE 99 FOUNDING MEMB
THE HONG KONG VOLUNTEERS WAS FORMED IN MAY 1854 TO PROTECT HONG KONG WHEN THE BRITISH GARRISON WAS WITHDRAWN FOR THE CRIMEAN WAR.
ITS TITLE AND CONSTITUTION HAD CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES SINCE TH
IN 1970, ITS TWO REMAINING CONSTITUENT UNITS, THE HONG KONG REGIMENT AND THE HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, WERE ESTABLISHED AS SEPARATE LEGAL ENTITIES, EACH WITH ITS OWN ORDINANCE.
-----o------
COMING BACK FROM CHINA VISIT * * *
THE CHIEF SECRETARY-DESIGNATE, MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE RETURNING TO HONG KONG BY TRAIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY) MORNING AFTER A TWO-WEEK VISIT TO CHINA.
ON ARRIVAL, MR AKERS-JONES WILL MEET THE PRESS BRIEFLY IN THE VIP ROOM IN KCR’S KOWLOON STATION IN HUNG HOM.
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FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
11 -
GURKHA COMMANDER SEES CORRECTIONAL WORK * * *
THE COMMANDER GURKHA FIELD FORCE, BRIGADIER PETER DUFFELL, TODAY (FRIDAY) VISITED FOUR INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO HAVE A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE DAILY LIVES CF PRISONERS, DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE INMATES AND CLOSED CENTRE REFUGEES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, NR THOMAS GARNER, THE COMMANDER FIRST WENT TO THE MAXIMUM SECURITY STANLEY PRISON, WHICH NOW HOLDS OVER 1 400 ADULTS. HE TOURED THE VARIOUS FACILITIES AND SAW PRISONERS AT WORK IN FULL INDUSTRIAL SETTINGS.
HE THEN FLEW BY HELICOPTER TO HEI LING CHAU, TO SEE THE KI LING CHAU CLOSED CENTRE FOR VIETNAMESE REFUGEES, THE LAI SUN CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION FOR YOUNG PRISONERS AND THE HEI LING CHAU DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE.
DURING THE TOUR, BRIGADIER DUFFELL WAS BRIEFED ON THE VARIOUS PROGRAMMES PROVIDED BY THE DEPARTMENT FOR DIFFERENT TYPES OF INMATES.
HE LEARNED THAT YOUNG PRISONERS UNDERGO A PROGRAMME OF HALF-DAY EDUCATION AND HALF-DAY VOCATIONAL TRAINING, DRUG DEPENDENTS RECEIVE WORK THERAPY AND COUNSELLING, AND THAT REFUGEES CAN MOVE VERY FREELY WITHIN THE CONFINES OF THE CENTRE.
AFTER THE VISIT, HE SAID HE WAS VERY IMPRESSED WITH THE WAY CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS WERE RUN IN HONG KONG. HE NOTED THE GOOD ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT, HIGH MORALE AMONG THE STAFF AND GOOD RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE STAFF AND THE PRISONERS. HE ALSO SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT GAVE MUCH ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE PRISONERS, WITH HOPE FOR THE FUTURE.
------o-------
DB MEMBERS TO DISCUSS ERP * * * *
VIEWS ON THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING SYSTEM WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE 19 DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE FINAL ROUND OF CONSULTATION DURING THE NEXT THREE WEEKS.
BEGINNING ON TUESDAY (MAY 28) IN WAN CHAI, BOARD MEMBERS m ILL DISCUSS THE ELECTRONIC ROAD PRICING PILOT SCHEME RESULTS BRIEF AND CONSULTATION DOCUMENT AT SPECIALLY ARRANGED OR REGULAR DE MEETINGS.
/REPRESENTATIVES OF .......
FHIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
- 12 -
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TRANSPORT BRANCH AND THE CONSULTANTS FIRM WHICH PREPARED THE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WILL BE PRESENT AT THE MEETINGS TO EXPLAIN THE ERP SYSTEM AND ANSWER QUESTIONS.
APART FROM WAN CHAI, THREE OTHER DISTRICT BOARDS IN NORTH, YAU MA TEI, AND KWAI CHUNG AND TSI NG Yl WILL ALSO BE CONSULTED ON THE SYSTEM NEXT WEEK.
IN WAN CHAI, BOARD MEMBERS WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE PRIORITIES CF URBAN COUNCIL PROJECTS, THE DRAFT MID-LEVELS EAST OUTLINE ZONING PLAN, AND LAND USE ZONING PROPOSALS.
-----o------
VALUE OF CAREERS EDUCATION STRESSED * * * *
CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE ARE INTENDED TO HELP STUDENTS MAKE INFORMED CHOICES ABOUT THEIR FUTURE IN RELATION TO BOTH WORK AND ANY NECESSARY CONTINUING STUDIES, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER), MR BRIAN FRENCH, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE CAREERS MASTERS SEMINAR AT THE HANG SENG BANK AUDITORIUM, MR FRENCH SAID THE CAREERS EDUCATION TASK WAS AIMED AT PROVIDING STUDENTS WITH KNOWLEDGE ABOUT JOBS AND TYPES OF QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED, ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND TO EQUIP THEM WITH THE SKILLS OF SELECTION AND SELF-KNOWLEDGE.
+THE GUIDANCE TASK AIMS TO ESTABLISH A PROCESS THAT HELPS STUDENTS EXPLORE IN ADVANCE THE POSSIBLE RANGES, AVENUES AND RESULTS OF CHOICE AND THUS TO MAKE WISE AND WELL-INFORMED DECISIONS.
♦BOTH CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE OVERLAP AND TOGETHER THEY DEFINE AN AREA IN WHICH CAREERS TEACHERS SEEK TO ENABLE YOUNG PEOPLE TO REALISTICALLY RELATE AMBITION AND PERSONAL PERFORMANCE TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES,* MR FRENCH SAID.
IN THIS FAST CHANGING SOCIETY, MR FRENCH SAID, CAREERS TEACHERS HAD TO BE FULLY AWARE OF THE CHANGES TAKING PLACE AND THE IMPACT OF SUCH UPON THEIR STUDENTS.
+T0 ASSIST THEM IN THIS TASK IT IS VITALLY IMPORTANT THAT THEY MAKE FULL USE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN THEIR WORK.
/+IF THEY........
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
+IF THEY ARE BOTH FULLY AWARE AND EQUIPPED, THEY CAN ENSURE THAT THEIR STUDENTS HAVE READY ACCESS TO UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON JOBS AND RELEVANT QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED.
+THEY CAN ALSO ENSURE THAT THEIR CAREERS EDUCATION PROGRAMMES WILL IMPROVE DECISION MAKING AND FOSTER PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMITMENT TO THE PROMOTION OF CAREERS EDUCATION, MR FRENCH SAID A WELL-EQUIPPED CAREERS EDUCATION CENTRE HAD BEEN SET UP AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, WHILE CAREERS RESOURCE MATERIALS HAD BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO SCHOOLS.
COMPUTERS WERE ALSO BEING USED IN CAREERS EDUCATION TO FACILITATE DATA COLLECTION AND INFORMATION DISTRIBUTION.
HE SAID THAT TWO DISKETTES ON OPPORTUNITIES FOR FURTHER STUDIES IN HONG KONG WOULD SOON BE AVAILABLE TO ALL CAREERS TEACHERS.
HE THANKED THE HANG SENG BANK AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF CAREERS MASTERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT TO CAREERS EDUCATION WORK, INCLUDING THE ANNUAL SEMINAR WHICH HAS BEEN HELD FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS.
SOME 260 PRINCIPALS AND TEACHERS FROM VARIOUS SCHOOLS ATTENDED THE SEMINAR.
---------0 ----------
DTC REGISTRATION SUSPENDED
K * * *
THE COMMISSIONER OF DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ANNOUNCED THAT HE HAS TODAY (FRIDAY) SUSPENDED THE REGISTRATION OF ASIAVEST LIMITED AS A DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANY, ON THE GROUND THAT THE BUSINESS OF THE COMPANY IS BEING CARRIED ON IN A MANNER DETRIMENTAL TO THE INTERESTS OF ITS DEPOSITORS.
/14 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
- 14 -
EXTRA LANE FOR PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER * * * *
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IS TO BE WIDENED FROM THREE LANES TO FOUR LANES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN BOTH DIRECTIONS.
GROUND LEVEL ROADS, INCLUDING PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, ARGYLE STREET AND WATERLOO ROAD, WILL ALSO BE WIDENED AND REALIGNED IN THE VICINITY OF THE FLYOVER.
ON COMPLETION, TRAFFIC CONGESTION AT THE EXISTING SIGNAL-CONTROLLED JUNCTION OF ARGYLE STREET/WATERLOO ROAD/PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD WILL BE RELIEVED AND ADEQUATE CAPACITY WILL BE PROVIDED FOR FUTURE TRAFFIC GROWTH.
WORK ON WIDENING THE FLYOVER WILL BE CARRIED OUT IN STAGES AND TWO LANES SOUTH-BOUND WILL BE MAINTAINED THROUGHOUT THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD.
A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC DIVERSION SCHEME WILL BE IMPLEMENTED TO REDUCE CONGESTION DURING CONSTRUCTION.
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; AT THE DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORKS MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 23.
--------0-----------
CANTON ROAD LANE BEING WIDENED * * * * *
A REAR LANE AT CANTON ROAD WILL BE WIDENED TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN FLOW.
THE WORKS WILL INCLUDE THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING LANE, AT THE REAR OF NO. 2 TO 16 CANTON ROAD, TO SIX METRES AND THE FORMAT!Ji. CF A RIGHT-ANGLE TURN ONTO CANTON ROAD.
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; AT THE KOWLOJN WEST DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING. 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON; AND AT THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT OFFICE. 490 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 23.
- 0
/15 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1985
- 15 -
GRAND PROCESSION ON CHEUNG CHAU * * * *
THOUSANDS OF LOCAL SIGHTSEERS AND TOURISTS WILL FLOCK TO CHEUNG CHAU FOR THE TRADITIONAL PROCESSION OF THE ANNUAL BUN FESTIVAL ON MONDAY (MAY 27) AFTERNOON.
MORE THAN 1 000 PEOPLE FROM 15 ORGANISATIONS, SCHOOLS AND SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE GRAND PROCESSION WHICH WILL FEATURE A PARADE OF SHRINES FROM THE ISLAND’S TEMPLES, THE TREASURE SWORD OF PAK TAI, FLOATS, UNICORNS AND LION DANCES, GONG AND DRUM PERFORMANCES AND TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC AND DANCES.
THE HOUR-LONG PROCESSION, BEGINNING AT 2 PM, WILL START FROM PAK TAI TEMPLE PASSING THROUGH PRAYA STREET TO THE GUEST STAND BEFORE RETURNING TO THE TEMPLE VIA OTHER MAIN STREETS ON THE ISLAND.
THE SECRETARY FOR DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION, MR DONALD LIAO, WILL PRESENT PENNANTS TO THE MARSHALS OF PARADE TEAMS.
THREE 12-METRE TALL BUN TOWERS HAVE BEEN BUILT AT THE PAK TAI SQUARE WITH $55 000 CONTRIBUTED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT BOARD.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS, THERE WILL BE NO SCRAMBLE FOR BUNS WHICH, ACCORDING TO LEGEND, WILL BRING GOOD LUCK TO RECIPIENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR. INSTEAD, THE BUNS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO PEOPLE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY, TUESDAY, AT 9 AM.
THE BUN FESTIVAL IS CELEBRATED TO PLACATE THE SPIRITS OF PEOPLE KILLED BY PIRATES IN THE PAST CENTURIES.
AS A TOKEN OF SINCERITY AND SOLEMNITY, THE ISLANDERS WILL ABSTAIN FROM EATING FISH AND MEAT FOR THREE CONSECUTIVE DAYS STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY), AND THERE WILL ALSO BE NO SLAUGHTERING OF ANIMALS DURING THE PERIOD.
OTHER ACTIVITIES INCLUDE CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCES THROUGHOUT THE WEEK-LONG FESTIVAL.
ON SUNDAY (MAY 26), THE DAY BEFORE THE GRAND PROCESSION, THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICER, MR WILLIAM YAP, WILL OFFICIATE AT AN EYE-DOTTING CEREMONY AT PAK TAI SQUARE, AT 3 PM, BRINGING TO LIFE LIONS AND UNICORNS PARTICIPATING IN THE PROCESSION.
FRIDAY, MAY 24, 1965
- 16 -
PLAYGROUND TEMPORARILY CLOSED
* * *
THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE PLAYGROUND NO 8 HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR MAJOR RENOVATION WORK INCLUDING THE RE-SURFACING CF THE SKATING RINK.
THE PLAYGROUND, WHICH ALSO HAD A HARD-SURFACED MINI-SOCCER PITCH, HAS BEEN IN USE SINCE 1970.
MEANWHILE, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO TAKE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REPAIR TWO DEFECTIVE FLUSHING MAINS UNDERNEATH THE SOCCER PITCH.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE PLAYGROUND WILL BE REOPENED FOR PUBLIC USE IN MID-AUGUST.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIOD, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO USE THE FUK WAH TSUEN PLAYGROUND NEARBY.
- - 0------------
TRAFFIC CHANGE FOR FESTIVAL * X *
SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST, BETWEEN KAM WA STREET AND A KUNG NGAM ROAD, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 9 AM TO 5 PM ON MONDAY (MAY 27) TO ALLOW WORSHIPPERS TO CELEBRATE TAM KUNG FESTIVAL.
FRIDAY, MaY 24, 1035
17
NEW ROADS FOR MA ON SHAN * * * *
SEVERAL NEW ROADS ARE PLANNED FOR MA ON SHAN, TO PROVIDE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AREA.
THE WORKS INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ACCESS ROADS, FOOTPATHS AND CYCLETRACKS, ABOUT 400 METRES TO ONE KILOMETRE TO THE SOUTH OF WU KAI SHA CAMPING AREA.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED WORKS CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, THE SHA TIN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, NEW TERRITORIES AND THE SHA TIN DISTRICT OFFICE, 6TH FLOOR, K.C.R. HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL MUST BE SENT IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 23.
- - 0
BIG-HEADED TURTLE SOUGHT
*****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) URGED THE TWO CHINESE MEN WHO WERE REPORTED TO HAVE CAUGHT A BIG-HEADED TURTLE ON TAI MO SHAN TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S FAUNA CONSERVATION SECTION AT 3-688111 EXT. 201 AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
THE DEPARTMENT WAS INTERESTED IN FINDING OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAPTURED REPTILE, A SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT ALL LOCAL WILD ANIMALS, INCLUDING THE BIG-HEADED TURTLE, WERE PROTECTED UNDER THE WILD ANIMALS PROTECTION ORDINANCE.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANCE TO LEARN, LISTEN AND SEE................................ 1
COMPOSITION OF LAND COMMISSION ................................ 5
SUBMISSIONS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE TO BE DESTROYED............... 5
ARRANGEMENT FOR VISITING PRESIDENT ............................ 4
SEIZE HK OPPORTUNITIES, ITALIANS TOLD.......................... 4
TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET .................................. 5
HEADQUARTERS BOOST FOR YIN NGAI SOCIETIES ..................... 6
MEASURES TO EASE TEMPORARY CONGESTION ......................... 7
PRICE LIST AT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS MANDATORY..................... 7
TENDERS CALLED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK .......................... 8
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FETCH $446 200 ............................ 9
HEUNG YEE KUK TO ELECT CHAIRMAN ............................... 10
SEMINARS ON TEACHING OF ELECTRONICS ........................... 10
NATURAL FLAVOUR FOR ABERDEEN GARDEN ........................... 11
WATER CUT IN TWO AREAS ........................................ 11
MORE PARKING METERS FOR QUaRRY BAY ............................ 12
FIRING PRACTICE................................................ 12
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 19
1
CHANCE TO LEARN, LISTEN AND SEE
******
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (DESIGNATE), MR DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING THAT HE HAD +LEARNED A LOT, LISTENED TO A uOT, AND SEEN A LOT+ DURING HIS FIVE-WEEK OVERSEAS JOURNEY.
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AT THE HUNG HOM KCR STATION ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG, HE SAID HE DID NOT HAVE ANY FORMAL BUSINESS TO CONDUCT DURING THESE VISITS.
HOWEVER HE HAD A LOT OF INFORMAL AND FRIENDLY DISCUSSIONS WITH A LARGE’NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN EUROPE, THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CANADA, JAPAN AND CHINA.
GIVING REPORTERS A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF HIS JOURNEY WHICH COVERED BRUSSELS, GENEVA, WASHINGTON, NEW YORK, OTTAwA, TOKYO, EElJlNG, SHANGHAI, FUZHOU, XIAMEN, AND GUANGZHOU, MR AKERS-JONE^ SAID HE FOUND THE TRIP MOST VALUABLE.
HE SAID HE WAS IMPRESSED BY THE IMMENSE AMOUNT OF ACTIVITIES AND THE IMPACT OF ECONOMIC REFORMS IN CHINA.
+IN I JING I HAD A PARTICULARLY INTERESTING TIME WHERE I WAS ABLE TO MEET OFFICIALS OF THE STATE PLANNING COMMISSION AND OF THc. -CONCMIC RESEARCH DEPARTMENT OF THE SOCIAL SCIENCES INSTITUTE,+ nc SAID.
♦THIS GAVE ME AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN SOMETHING OF THE WORK WHICH GOES INTO THE PREPARATION OF THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN — THE SEVENTH FIVE-YEAF. PLAN WAS JUST COMING UP OF COURSE — AND THE ANNUAL PLANS AND THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF WORK WHICH GOES ON tchIND THC SCENE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ECONOMIC REFORM
PROGRAMME. +
THE CHIEF SECRETARY (DESIGNATE) ADDED THAT HE HAD HAD FRIENjLY AND INFORMAL CONVERSATIONS WITH STATE COUNCILLOR JI PENGFEI AND VICE MINISTER ZHOU NAN WHILE IN EElJlNG.
+IN SHANGHAI AND GUANGZHOU I WAS ABLE TO LEARN SOMETHING TOO jr yhE PROBLEMS OF CITY PLANNING IN THESE CITIES WHICH HAVE MANY OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH WE IN HONG KONG HAVE FACED IN THE PAST 20 OR 30 YEARS WITH OUR CITY DEVELOPMENT,* HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION, SR AKERS-JONES SAID HIS TRIP TO CHI-\A riAD REINFORCED HIS FAllh IN THE FUTURE SAR GOVERNMENT.
/+TIME AND .......
SATURJAI - 25, 1985
♦ TIME AND AGAIN THE CHINESE LEADERS AND THE PEOPLE I MET, NOT ONLY IN BEIJING BUT ELSEWHERE, HAD AFFIRMED HOW IMPORTANT THE CONTINUING STABILITY aNL PROSPERITY OF HONG KONG WAS TO CHINA’S OwN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, AND THE IMPORTANCE OF THE SEPARATE SYSTEM WHICH WILL APPLY IN THE SPECIAL ADM I N I STR AT I Vt REGION OF HONG KONG AFTER 1997,+ HE SAID.
ON HIS VISIT TO EUROPE AND THE UNITED STATES, HE SAID THE TRIP HAD PROVIDED HIM w I TH A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY TO LOOK AT THE WORK OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS OFFICES.
+IT IS VERY IMPORTANT FIRST OF ALL TO SEE OUR OVERSEAS OFFICES IN BRUSSELS, GENEVA, WASHINGTON AND NEW YORK, AND TO SEE HOW THEY INTERFACE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT LEADERS,* HE SAID.
THE VISIT HAD ALSO GIVEN HIM A CHANCE TO TALK TO A LOT OF GOVERNMENT AND OTHER OFFICIALS, INCLUDING THOSE OF THE GATT.
HE SAID HE WAS ABLE TO TALK ABOUT HONG KONG AND THE MEANING 3F THE JOINT DECLARATION, AND HOW HONG KONG WAS SHAPING UP FOR THE FUTURE.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION, MR AKERS-JONES SAID HE DETECTED NO WORRY OVER THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG.
+THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF INTEREST IN WHAT I HAVE TO SAY AND MY REASONS FOR FEELING CONFIDENT ABOUT THE AGREEMENT, AND THE DETAILS IN IT,* HE SAID.
+1 THINK PEOPLE WERE INTERESTED TO HEAR MY ANALYSIS OF THE SITUATION.+
ASKED FOR HIS VIEwS ON THE FUTURE OF MACAU, HE SAID THE PRESENT DEVELOPMENT WAS NOT A SURPRISE TO HIM.
+IT SEEMS TO BE A NATURAL FOLLOW-UP TO WHAT HAPPENED SOME YEARS AGO WHEN PORTUGAL DECLARED THE SOVEREIGNTY OF MACAU. THERE wAS NO QUESTION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF MACAU BEING IN QUESTION.
+SO IT SEEMS A NATURAL FOLLOW-UP TO THAT, AND A NATURAL FOLLOW-UP TO THE JOINT DECLARATION ABOUT HONG KONG’S FUTURE.+
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD CARRY OUT A RESHUFFLE IN THE GOVERNMENT AFTER HE HAS TAKEN UP HIS POST AS CHIEF SECRETARY, MR AKERS-JONES SAID HIS FIRST TASK WAS TO BRING HIMSELF UP-TO-DATE SINCE HE HAD BEEN AWAY FOR ABOUT 2-1/2 MONTHS.
+1 REALLY MUST GET UP-TO-DATE BECAUSE THINGS DO MOVE VERY, VERY QUICKLY IN HONG KONG AND THERE IS A TREMENDOUS LOT GOING ON AT THE PRESENT TIME.
*DON’T EXPECT ANY REVOLUTIONS,* HE SAID.
MR AKERS-JONES WILL TAKE UP THE POST OF CHIEF SECRETARY AFTER JUNE 8.
------0-------
/3......
1
’■JR ..AY, r, Y 2 7 1985
COMPOSITION OF LAND COMMISSION * * * *
’ •£ FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN LONDON AT 5 PM, HUNG KUNG TIME, TODAY (SATURDAY):
+ANNEX 3 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG PROVIDES THAT A LAND COMMISSION SHALL BE ESTABLISHED UPON ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION, COMPOSED OF AN EQUAL NUMBER OF OFFICIALS DESIGNATED RESPECTIVELY BY THE TWO GOVERNMENTS, TOGETHER WITH NECESSARY SUPPORTING STAFF. IT HAS KEN AGREED BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS THAT EACH SIDE SHALL DESIGNATE THREE MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION. THE MEMBERS ON THE BR ITISH SIDE WILL BE:
MR J.R. TODD CVO
MR N.M. GLEESON
MR J.C. CHAN OBE+
-----o------
SUBMISSIONS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE TO BE DESTROYED
*****
FOLLOWING THE RATIFICATION OF THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHtRN IRELAND AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG, ALL SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BY THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, SET UP IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO ASSESS AND COLLATE PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, WILL BE DESTROYED ON TUESDAY (MAY 28).
MR JUSTICE SIMON LI, ONE OF THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENT TEAM SET UP TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE AMD THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, WILL BE PRESENT AS WITNESSES.
THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE PUBLISHED ITS REPORT, TOGETHER WITH AN ANNEX CONTAINING SUBMISSIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAD NOT REQUESTED THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL, ON NOVEMBER 2S LAST YEA.'.
THr REMAINING SUBMISSIONS HAVE SINCE BEEN HELD IN 44 SEALED. CARTONS INSIDE A STRONG-ROC'11 I' THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE. THEY .•.'LL BE DESTROYED BY INCINERATION AT THE KENNEDY TOWN INCINERATOR ON TUESDAY.
------o-------
/4......
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1935 4
ARRANGEMENT FOR V ISI TNG PRESIDENT
* * * * *
PRESIDENT ANTONIO RAMALHO EANES OF PORTUGAL WILL BE INANSITTING THROUGH HONG KONG NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 28) MORNING AFTER HIS VISIT TO CHINA AND MACAU. PRESS FACILITIES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED FOR THE MEDIA TO COVER HIS ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE.
A FIXED POSITION WILL BE PROVIDED INSIDE THE MACAU FERRY TERMINAL FOR THE PRESS TO TAKE PHOTOGRAPHS WHEN PRESIDENT EANES ARRIVES BY JETFOIL. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE OUTSIDE THE TERMINAL AT 7.45 AM WHEN GIS OFFICERS WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH SPECIAL ACCREDITATION BADGES AND ESCORT THEM INTO THE PRESS POSITION.
AFTER ARRIVAL AT THE FERRY TERMINAL, PRESIDENT EANES WILL LEAVE IMMEDIATELY FOR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. MED IA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING BEFORE 8.25 AM. GIS OFFICERS WILL ALSO BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
0
SEIZE HK OPPORTUNITIES, ITALIANS TOLD
******
ITALIAN BUSINESSMEN AND OTHERS IN EUROPE WERE URGED YESTERDAY (FRIDAY) TO RECOGNISE THE OPPORTUNITIES OFFERED BY HONG KONG AND THE FAR EAST AND TO GO OUT AND SEIZE THEM.
THIS CALL WAS MADE BY THE MINISTER OF HONG KONG COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES AND MEMBER STATES, NR DEREK JONES, AT THE END OF HIS VISIT TO ITALY.
♦HONG KONG IS A DYNAMIC CENTRE OF BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY AT THE HUB OF THE FASTER GROWING ECONOMIC AREA IN THE WORLD,+ MR JONES TOLD MEMBERS OF THE ITALY/HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN MILAN.
+AS WELL AS BEING AN IMPORTANT MARKET IN ITS OWN RIGHT, HONG KONG IS A FINANCIAL,COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE OF THE FIRST MAGNITUDE,* HE ADDED.
MR JONES SAID THAT ABOVE ALL HONG KONG wAS THE PREFERRED GATEWAY TO CHINA FOR WESTERN BUSINESSMEN, ACTING AS IT DID AS TriE CONDUIT FOR TRADE AND INVESTMENT WITH AN UNRIVALLED UNDERSTANDING CF THE CHINESE MARKET.
DURING HIS VISIT TO ITALY, MR JONES MET GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, BUSINESSMEN AS WELL AS MEMBERS OF THE ITAlY/HONG KONG ASSOCIATION IN ROME, VENICE AND MILAN.
HE TOLD THEM THAT THE EXPANSION OF TRADE AND INVESTMENT WITH HONG .KONG COULD BE A REWARDING EXPERIENCE IN ITS OWN RIGHT.
-----o ------
/5......
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
5
TRAl-r J ACCIDENT VICTIMS GET J31M *****
:Ht SOCIAL .'.Eu A,-£ DEPARTMENT PAID OJT MORE THAN $31 MILLI ON TJ TRAP-IC ACCIDENT VICTIMS AND THEIR DcPENDANTS IN THE 1983 84 FINANCIAL yEAR.
ACCORDING TO THE 1983-84 REPORT ON THE TRAFFIC ACCIDENT VICTIMS ASSISTANCE (TAVA) FUND, TABLED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK, THE NUMBER OF NEW APPLICATIONS RECEIVED IN THE YEAR WAS 6 398.
OF THESE, 327 INVOLVED DEATH, 4 571 SERIOUS INJURIES AND 1 500 SLIGHT INJURIES.
THE HIGHEST SINGLE PAYMENT OF $42 000 WAS MADE IN A CASE IN rtrilCH THE DECEASED WAS THE SOLE WAGE EARNER AND WAS SURVIVED BY 10 FAMILY MEMBERS.
+THERE WERE 33 SERIOUS TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN THE YEAR WITH TH'7 WORST OCCURRING ON JANUARY 28, 1984 WHEN A DOUBLE DECKER BUS RAN ONTO THE PAVEMENT IN FRONT OF A SCHOOL AT WONG NE I CHUNG ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY,+ THE REPORT NOTED.
SIX PERSONS WERE KILLED AND EIGHT OTHERS INJURED IN THE INCIDENT.
OF THESE 14 CASES, 12 WERE PAID ASSISTANCE AMOUNTING TO il70 483, .vHILE TWO VICTIMS GAVE UP THEIR CLAIMS.
IN MAJOR TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, STAFF FROM THE TAVA SECTION INITIATED CONTACT WITH VICTIMS OR THEIR DEPENDANTS TO ASSIST THEM WITH THEIR APPLICATION.
DURING THE YEAR, THE AVERAGE TIME REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING A CASE - FROM APPLICATION TO ARRANGEMENT OF PAYMENT - WAS ABOUT 23 CALENDAR DAYS.
THE REPORT STATED THAT 72 PER CENT OF THE CASES WERE COMPLETED WITHIN THREE WEEKS AND ONLY FOUR PER CENT WERE NOT COMPLETED «I TH IN TWO MONTHS.
+WHERE CASES PROCEEDED SMOOTHLY AND APPLICANTS WERE IN NEED OF URGENT ASSISTANCE, PAYMENTS WERE ARRANGED WITHIN A FEW DAYS,+ IT ADDED.
0 -------
/6........
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
6
HEADQUARTERS BOOST FOR YIN NGA I SOCIETIES
*****
THE OPENING OF THE YIN NGA I CENTRAL COUNCIL HEADQUARTERS IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL ENABLE BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF YIN NGA I ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY.
A PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY OF THE CITY AND NEW TERR I TOR IE3 ADMINISTRATION, MRS FANNY LAjv, SAID THIS TODAY (SATURDAY) AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW OFFICE AT LAI KOK PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
SHE NOTED THAT THE HEADQUARTERS ALSO SIGNIFIED THE UNITY OF THE 24 YIN NGA I SOCIETIES IN HONG KONG AND THEIR 3 OOO MEMBERS.
+APART FROM PROVIDING A VENUE FOR MEETINGS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES, THE NEW OFFICE WILL SERVE AS A COMMUNICATION POINT FOR YIN NGA I SOCIETIES IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY,* MRS LAW SAID.
+THIS WILL HELP BOOST THE SENSE OF BELONGING OF EVERY YIN NGAI MEMBER, AND STRENGTHEN THE RELATIONS BETWEEN YIN NGA I GROUPS AND OTHER WOMEN ORGANISATIONS.*
THE FIRST YIN NGAI SOCIETY WAS FORMED IN 1981 WITH THE OBJECTIVES OF PROMOTING WOMEN’S WELFARE AND ENCOURAGING THEIR PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS.
THE YIN NGAI HEADQUARTERS WHICH INCLUDE A CONFERENCE ROOM AND A REFERENCE LIBRARY HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE WITH DONATIONS FROM THE LIONS CLUB INTERNATIONAL -- DISTRICT 303, AND SEVERAL SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS.
JOINTLY OFFICIATING AT TODAY’S OPENING WERE THE SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR SYLVESTER TSE ; DISTRICT GOVERNOR OF LIONS CLUBo INTERNATIONAL — DISTRICT 303, MR LINCOLN LINN; AND THE PRESIDtNTS OF NINE LIONESS CLUBS.
ALSO PRESENT WERE THE FIVE DB MEMBERS WHO HAD DONATED TOWARDS THE PROJECT, MR CHOW KWAN-LIM, MR KWOK CHEONG, MR TAI TUNG-NGOK, MR TAM PING-FAI AND MR WONG PING-HON.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
7
MEASURES TO EASE TEMPORARY CONGESTION
* * X *
SEVERAL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS HAVE TAKEN INTERIM MEASURES T.- HELP EASE THE TEMPORARY CONGESTION ON THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY CF THE SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN TAI TAM ROAD AND SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.
TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM TWO TO ONE LANE TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OFFICE SAID TODAY.
+THE MEASURES TAKEN INCLUDE THE MODIFICATION OF THE SETTING OF TRAFFIC LIGHTS IN THE AREA TO ENABLE THE MAXIMUM PHASE OF THE GRtEN LIGHT, THE EXTENSION OF WORKING HOURS TO SPEED UP BUILDING WORK OF THE CORRIDOR AND THE DEPLOYMENT OF A POLICEMAN THERE DAILY TO HELP CONTROL THE TRAFFIC.
+THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION AND LOOK INTO OTHER POSSIBLE MEANS FOR IMPROVEMENT,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE SAID THIS SECTION OF THE CORRIDOR, FROM TA I KOO SHING TO SHAU KEI WAN, WAS SCHEDULED FOR OPENING IN JULY.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK SHOULD CONTINUE WITHOUT INTERRUPTION SO THAT THE PROJECT CAN BE COMPLETED AS PLANNED FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC FLOW IN EASTERN DISTRICT.
♦MOTORISTS AND COMMUTERS USING THIS SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD ARE URGED TO EXERCISE PATIENCE FOR THE RELATIVELY LONGER TRAVELLING TIME required.
♦THE SITUATION WILL RETURN TO NORMAL IN JULY,+ HE SAID.
--------o-----------
PRICE LIST AT REFRESHMENT KIOSKS MANDATORY
X X X X X
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC PATRONISING REFRESHMENT KIOSKS AT PUBLIC RECREATION AND SPORTS VENUES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE REMINDED TO BEWARE OF OVERPAYING FOR THEIR PURCHASES.
TO PREVENT THE PUBLIC FROM BEING OVER-CHARGED, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS CALLED ON ALL REFRESHMENT KIOSK CONTRACTORS TO DISPLAY AN APPROVED PRICE LIST AT PROMINENT POSITIONS AT THEIR KIOSKS.
/TO FACILITATE
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
8
TO FACILITATE CONTRACTORS, THE DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY INSTALLED NEW ALUMINIUM CASES AT ALL KIOSKS UNDER ITS JURISDICTION TC DISPLAY THE APPROVED PRICE LIST, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT PROVIDES A TOTAL OF 40 REFRESHMENT KIOSKS AT VARIOUS BEACHES, SWIMMING POOL COMPLEXES, SPORTS GROUNDS, PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC.
UNDER THE TENANCY AGREEMENT, NO CONTRACTOR IS ALLOWED TO SELL ANY COMMODITY, SUCH AS BEER, SOFT DRINK, ICE CREAM AND OTHER FROZEN CONFECTIONS, ABOVE THE MAXIMUM PRICE STIPULATED IN THE APPROVED PRICE LIST.
PRICES FOR ALL COMMODITIES SOLD ARE SET DOWN ACCORDING TO A RECENT MARKET SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
TO ENSURE THAT THE REGULATIONS ARE BEING OBSERVED, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT REGULAR AND SURPRISE INSPECTIONS AT ALL DEPARTMENT-OWNED KIOSKS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC wHO HAVE BEEN OVER-CHARGED ARE ADVISED TO REPORT TO THE NEAREST RSD DISTRICT OFFICE OR THE OFFICER-IN-CriARGE OF THAT PARTICULAR VENUE.
- - 0 - -
TENDERS CALLED FOR REFRESHMENT KIOSK ******
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR TriE OPERATION OF A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AT KWAI CHUNG SPORTS GROUND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPORTS GROUND IS A MAJOR RECREATION AND SPORTS COMPLEX FOR RESIDENTS IN THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT, A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
FACILITIES IN THE COMPLEX INCLUDE A STANDARD-SIZED GRASS SOCCER PITCH, TWO MINI-SOCCER PITCHES, THREE BASKETBALL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A 400-METRE RUNNING TRACK AND OTHER ATHLETIC FACILITIES AND A SITTING OUT AREA.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE BUSINESS WILL BE EFFECTIVE FROM OCTOBER 1 THIS YEAR TO SEPTEMBER 30, 1988.
TENDER FORMS FOR THE CONTRACT ARE AVAILABLE AT RSD’S KwaI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF KWAI HING GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX LOCATED AT RSD HEADQUARTERS, THIRD FLOOR, SWIRE AND MACLAINE HOUSE (AUSTIN CENTRE), 19-23 AUSTIN AVENUE, TSIM SHA TSUI, BEFORE 9 AM ON JULY 5. LATE TENDERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
INTERESTED PARTIES CAN TELEPHONE 0-209204 FOR FURTHER DETAILS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1985
9 -
SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FETCH S446 200
******
THIRTY-FIVE SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS -.ERE SOLD EY AUCTION THIS MORNING (SATURDAY) FOR A TOTAL OF 5446 200, wHICr. WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL RECITAL HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 833 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF 873 000.
ANOTHER NUMBER DD 8 /.AS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE CF >65 000 WHILE THE LOwEST PRICE /.AS .-,1 300 FOR FIVE NUMBERS.
OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PR ICES:
3 $ $
DE2628 4 700 DD 111 35 000 DE3088 6 300
DE Q81 6 500 DD9998 4 300 DF 663 5 500
DC 38 22 003 CL3382 6 500 AB3838 36 000
DE8803 2 300 BG2033 2 000 Bw 238 19 000
DE8832 4 000 CN 669 4 000 CT 38 31 000
DA 8 37 000 1945 21 000 DE 861 1 800
DE 891 2 430 DE8133 3 500 DE 908 3 000
DE 193 3 000 CJ 223 9 000 BL1238 9 000
CC 14 16 030 CS2000 7 300
DD9996 2 500 DE2699 2 500
THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL ONLY BE ASSIGNED TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 97TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY FOR CHARITY REALISED SO FAR TO $33 873 632.
-----o------
/1O........
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1935
10
HEUNG YEE KUK TO ELECT CHAIRMAN
* * * *
ELECTIONS OF THE CHAIRMAN, TwO VICE-CHAIRMEN AND 15 ORDINARY NEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE 26TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY (MAY 28).
THE ELECTION OF ORDINARY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE aILL TAKE PLACE IN THE MORNING WHILE ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN WILL BE HELD IN THE AFTERNOON.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE, ALL COUNCILLORS, EXCEPT EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEc WHO ARE CHAIRMAN OF RURAL COMMITTEES OR NEW TERRITORIES UNOFFICIAL JUSTICES OF THE PEACE, ARE ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES FOR THE ELECTION OF ORDINARY MEMBERS.
AND ALL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR THE ELECTION OF THE CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, wIlL BE THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ELECTIONS, TO BE HELD BY SECRET BALLOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE.
-----o------
SEMINARS ON TEACHING OF ELECTRONICS
*****
A SERIES OF 10 ONE-DAY SEMINARS ON THE TEACHING OF ELECTRONICS wILL BE HELD FOR FORM 3 INTEGRATED SCIENCE TEACHERS BETWEEN JULY 1 AND 10.
THE SEMINARS, CONDUCTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ARE AIMED AT FAMILIARISING TEACHERS WITH THE CONTENTS OF +1NTRODUCTORY ELECTRON ICS+ IN THE +CURRICULUM GUIDE FOR FORM 3 SCIENCE TOPICS .
THERE WILL BE TALKS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS INCLUDING +SOME USEFUL ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS*, +SWITCHES+, +ELECTRONIC LOGIC* AND ■CONSTRUCTION DETAILS OF THE ELECTRONIC MODULES*.
IN ADDITION, PRACTICAL SESSIONS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL BE HELD DURING THE COURSE OF THE SEMINARS WHICH WILL BE CONDUCTED AT THE SCIENCE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EUCATION DEPARTMENT AT 4 PAK FJK ROAD, THIRD FLOOR, NORTH POINT, HONG KONG.
secondary SCHOOL HEADS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR TEACHERS TO
SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL
iMcpcrTOR (PHYSICS) SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, edumtZ DEPARTMEnI, LEE GARDENS, hysah AVENUE, HONG KONG BEFORE JUNE 19.
- - 0 - -
/11
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1935
11
NATURAL FLAVOUR FOR ABERDEEN GARDEN
* * * *
RESIDENTS OF ABERDEEN WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES WHEN WORK ON A REST GARDEN AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND IS COMPLETED NEXT YEAR.
THE REST GARDEN AND CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND WILL BE BUILT ON A 4 7OO-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT THE JUNCTION OF ABERDEEN PRAYA ROAD AND SHEK PAI WAN ROAD.
WOODEN ARBOURS, CHINESE STYLE CONCRETE PERGOLA WITH CHINESE CHESS TABLES AND SEATING WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE SITTING-OUT AREA.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT SAID THaT TO ADD A MORE NATURAL FLAVOUR TO THE GARDEN, A WATER CASCADE WITH MULTI-COLOURED SUBMERGED LIGHTING WOULD ALSO BE BUILT.
THE DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY.
-----o------
WATER CUT IN TWO AREAS
* * * *
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT AND TAI HANG WILL BE SUSPENDED FOR SEVERAL HOURS ON TUESDAY (MAY 28).
FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN TAI HANG WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM FOR WATER MAINS wORK.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY ALL PREMISES AT WANG FUNG TERRACE, TAI HANG DRIVE, CHUN FAI ROAD AND HOUSE NOS. 83-113, TAI HANG ROAD.
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN NORTH POINT WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 28) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE AFFECTED PREMISES ARE BOUNDED BY TONG SHU I ROAD, KING’S ROAD, LAU SIN STREET, ELECTRIC ROAD, wHARF ROAD AND JAVA ROAD.
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/12 .......
SATURDAY, MAY 25, 1935
12
MORE PARKING METERS FOR QUARRY BAY * * * *
sixteen parking meters at the ne*. road in quarry bay RECLAMATION (NEAR F INNIE STREET) .'.ILL OPERATE FROM 8 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 28). THE FEE WILL EE Si FOR HALF AN HOUR.
- 0 -
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN-CASTLE PEAK RANGE NEXT TUESDAY (MAY 28) AND WEDNESDAY (MAY 29) BETWEEN 8 AM TO 5 PM.
THE PUBLIC IS WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE HOISTED.
- - c -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1985
CONTESTS PAGE NO.
HISTORICAL GAS LAMPS IN DUDDELL STREET RELIT ................... 1
FOCUS ON GDP STATISTICS ........................................ 1
FLYOVER PLANNED FOR HUNG HOM.................................... 2
HISTORIC PAINTINGS OFFER NOSTALGIC JOURNEY ..................... 3
IMPROVEMENT '.YORK AT LIDO BEACH ............................... 5
REFLECTIVE NUMBER PLATE REMINDER................................ 5
SEMINAR ON LABORATORY MANAGEMENT ............................... 6
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KOULOON BAY ................... 6
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CAUSEWAY BaY ................................ 7
YAU MA TEI TENNIS COURT OPENS .................................. 8
ROAD CLOSURE
8
SUNDAY, NAY 26, 1P85
HISTORICAL GAS LAMPS IN DUDDELL STREET RELIT * * * * *
THE FLIGHT OF STEPS AT THE SOUTHERN END OF DUDDELL STREET, AND THE FOUR GAS LAMPS MOUNTED ON THE BALUSTRADES ON EITHER SIDE HAVE RECENTLY BEEN RESTORED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS OFFICE OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH SAID IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO ESTABLISH PRECISELY WHEN THESE STONE STEPS WERE BUILT BUT SERIAL MAPS OF ■HONG KONG INDICATED THAT IT WAS SOMETIME BETWEEN 1875 AND 1889.
+IT IS ALSO UNCERTAIN WHEN THE GAS LAMPS WERE INSTALLED BUT IT WAS PROBABLY EARLY THIS CENTURY,+ HE NOTED.
RECORDS SHOW THAT THE LAMPS WERE RELIT AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR IN FEBRUARY 1948 AND IN THE ENSUING 20 YEARS AlL OTHER GAS LAMPS WERE GRADUALLY REPLACED BY ELECTRIC ONES.
+THE FOUR DUDDELL STREET LAMPS HAVE SINCE 1967 BEEN THE ONLY GAS PUBLIC STREET LIGHTING IN THE TERRITORY,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
WITH THE HONG KONG AND CrilNA GAS COMPANY SUPPLYING TOWN GAS, AND THE URBAN COUNCIL BEING RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE, THE GAS LAMPS HAVE NOW BEEN RELIT AS OBJECTS OF HISTORICAL INTEREST.
THE STONE STEPS AND GAS LAMPS ARE GAZETTED AS MONUMENTS UNDE. THE PROTECTION OF THE ANTIQUITIES AND MONUMENTS ORDINANCE.
- 0 - -
FOCUS ON GDP STATISTICS * * *
A SPECIAL REVIEW, ENTITLED +A GUIDE TO BASIC CONCEPTS AND STATISTICS OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP) OF HONG KONG+ IS INCLUDED IN THE MARCH 1985 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY' DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
THE ARTICLE INTRODUCES SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS OF THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT AND GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE DATA AVAILABILITY AND MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN STATISTICS ON THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT OF HONG KONG OVER THE PAST YEARS. SOME ANALYSES OF THE PAST DATA SERIES ON THE EXPENDITURE AND PRODUCTION-BASED GDP ESTIMATES ARE ALSO GIVEN.
THE ARTICLE IS INTENDED AS AN INTRODUCTION TO READERS wHO WANT TO UNDERSTAND THE BASIC CONCEPTS OF GDP AND THE AVAILABILITY CF SUCH STATISTICS IN HONG KONG.
,',HC
SUNDAY, :&Y 26, 1985
2
READERS WHO WISH TO PURSUE THE SUBJECT IN GREATER DEPTH. YAY REFER TO THE LATEST PUBLICATION +ESTIMATES OF GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, 1966 TO 1984+.
THE MARCH 1985 ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS IS NOW ON SALE AT $25 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, CONNAUGH. PLACE. IT IS ALSO OBTAINABLE FROM THE CENSUS AND STATIST CS DEPARTMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES COUNTER, KAI TAK COMMtRCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
------y ------
FLYOVER PLANNED FOR HUNG HOM
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A 40-METRE-L0NG FLYOVER AT DYER AVENUE TO THE EAST OF HUNG HOM ESTATE.
THE PROPOSED FLYOVER WILL SPAN THE FUTURE NORTH-SOUTH DUAL CARRIAGEWAY, WHICH WILL FORM PART OF THE ROAD NETWORK SERVING TO KWA WAN, HUNG HOM AND THE FUTURE WHAMPOA DOCKYARD REDEVELOPMENT.
THE PROJECT WILL ALSO INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO CARRIAGEWAYS CONNECTING THE FLYOVER. RAMPS AND STAIRWAYS * ILL EE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FLYOVER TO GIVE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO AND FROM THE FUTURE NORTH-SOUTH DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.
TO MAINTAIN TRAFFIC ALONG DYER AVENUE DURING THE CONSTRUCT I CL PERIOD, A TEMPORARY DIVERSION TO THE NORTH OF THE FLYOVER WILL BE BUILT PRIOR TO COMMENCEMENT OF WORK.
A NOTICE CONCERNING THE PROPOSAL WAS PUBLISHED IN THE LATEST ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A RELATED PLAN IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
* CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, HONG KONG?
* DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, KOWLOON WEST, YAU MA TEI CAR PARK BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOwLOON; AND
* KOWLOON CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 141-143 KAU PUI LUNG ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSED wORK MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS BY JULY 23.
0
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1985
3
HISTORIC PAINTINGS OFFER NOSTALGIC JOURNEY
*****
LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN NO* TAKE A NOSTALGIC JOURNEY INTO THE 1QTH CENTURY THROUGH REPRODUCTIONS OF PAINTINGS DEPICTING HONG KONG, MACAU AND GUANGZHOU WHICH HAVE JUST BEEN RE-PUBLISHED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
+THESE REPRODUCTIONS ARE VERY EDUCATIONAL BECAUSE THEY PROVIDE VALUABLE VISUAL RECORDS OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY, AND MANY OF THEM COMPLEMENT THE WRITTEN RECORDS THAT HAVE SURVIVED,* SAID THE ASSISTANT CURATOR OF THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART, MR JOSEPH TING.
MR TING SAID THE URBAN COUNCIL HAD RECENTLY DECIDED TO REPRINT A TOTAL OF 2 OOO REPRODUCTIONS OF EACH OF THE 26 PICTURES IN VIEW OF POPULAR PUBLIC DEMAND. THE FIRST PRINTINGS OF THE REPRODUCTIONS HAD BEEN SOLD OUT SOON AFTEP THEY WERE PUT ON SALE SEVERAL YEARS AGO.
+THE PAINTINGS, WHICH WERE SELECTED FROM THE COLLECTION CF HISTORICAL PICTURES IN THE HONG KONG MUSEUM OF ART, SHO* THE CHANGES MADE TO HONG KONG AFTER THE BRITISH ARRIVED IN 1841. THEY ARE THE ONLY MEANS AVAILABLE FOR CAPTURING THE SIGHTS AND SCENES OF HONG KONG AND ITS PEOPLE IN THE EARLY AND MID-19TH CENTURY WHEN THE CAMERA WAS NOT YET INTRODUCED TO THE FAR EAST.
+AMONG THE COLLECTION ARE THREE DRAWINGS DEPICTING HONG KONG IN THE EARLY 19TH CENTURY BY A YOUNG FRENCH ARTIST, AUGUSTE BORGET, WHO ARRIVED IN HONG KONG ON BOARD THE SHIP 'PSYCHE' IN 1838. HIS DRAWINGS DEPICT LOCAL RURAL LIFE AND VILLAGE SCENES DURING HIS ONE-YEAR SOJOURN IN HONG KONG, GUANGZHOU AND MACAU,* SAID MR TING.
THE THREE REPRODUCED PICTURES WERE SELECTED FROM THE 32 SCENES USED TO ILLUSTRATE THE ENGLISH AND FRENCH EDITIONS OF BORGET’S BOOK, +SKETCHES OF CHINA AND THE CHINESE*, WHICH WAS ALSO REGARDED AS A VALUABLE RECORD OF HONG KONG.
+THE HONG KONG DEPICTED BY BORGET IS IN SHARP CONTRAST TO THE HONG KONG DEPICTED BY MURDOCH BRUCE, WHO WAS AN ARCHITECT, AN INSPECTOR OF BUILDINGS AND AN OVERSEER OF ROADS FOR THE HONG KONG ADMINISTRATION IN THE 18403,+ SAID MR TING.
+A COMPARISON OF BRUCE’S AND BORGET’S LITHOGRAPHS GIVES US SOME IDEA OF HOW MUCH HONG KONG CHANGED WITHIN THE SPAN CF A DECADE.
/♦BRUCE IS .......
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1985
+BRUCE IS NOW REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST FAMOUS ARTISTS WHO SOUGHT TO REFLECT IN THEIR WORKS THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG AFTER IT WAS SETTLED. THE 10 REPRODUCED PAINTINGS, WHICH ARE SELECTED FROM HIS SET OF 12 PRINTS, SHOW THE VIEWS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF 4THE NEWLY ESTABLISHED SETTLEMENT INCLUDING THE CITY OF VICTORIA, SPRING GARDENS (NOW KNOWN AS WAN CHAI), EAST POINT (CAUSEWAY BAY), SAI WAN (CHAI WAN), AND ABERDEEN,+ SAID MR TING.
BRUCE’S PROFESSION AS AN ARCHITECT OBVIOUSLY INFLUENCED HIS PAINTING STYLE. WESTERN-STYLE BUILDINGS COULD BE SEEN THROUGHOUT HIS PICTURES. AMONG THE MANY LANDMARKS DEPICTED BY HIM WERE THE RESIDENCE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR AND COMMANDANT OF THE GARRISON, MAJOR-GENERAL GEORGE D*AGUILAR, WHICH WAS LATER KNOWN AS FLAGSTAFF HOUSE AND WAS CONVERTED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL IN JANUARY 1984 INTO THE MUSEUM OF TEA WARE.
OTHER IMPORTANT LANDMARKS IN THE SERIES INCLUDE MURRAY HOUSE, HEADQUARTERS HOUSE, THE OLD HONG KONG CLUB, THE GOVERNMENT OFFICES, ST JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, THE BISHOP’S HOUSE, AND THE FORMER GOVERNMENT HOUSE IN SPRING GARDENS.
THE SHAPE AND LOCATION OF THESE LANDMARKS ARE ALSO ACCURATELY AND FAITHFULLY DEPICTED BY AN ANONYMOUS ARTIST, WHO, IN 1854, PAINTED THE VIEW OF THE VICTORIA CITY AND THE HARBOUR IN GREAT DETAIL. THE PICTURE ALSO CONVEYS THE MESSAGE THAT BY THIS TIME HONG KONG WAS ALREADY A BUSY SEAPORT AND THRIVING CITY.
+THIS PICTURE IS REGARDED AS ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PAINTINGS DEPICTING THE VICTORIA CITY AND THE HARBOUR IN THE 19TH CENTURY BECAUSE OF ITS ACCURATE DETAILS AND THE SKILFUL APPLICATION OF OIL PAINTS,+ SAID MR TING.
TURNING TO BORGET’S PAINTINGS DEPICTING GUANGZHOU AND MACAU, MR TING SAID THESE PICTURES SERVED AS USEFUL VISUAL RECORDS ON HONG KONG’S NEIGHBOURING CITIES DURING THE 19TH CENTURY.
COPIES OF THE REPRODUCED PAINTINGS, AT $3.20 EACH, ARE ON SALE AT THE MUSEUM OF ART ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE CITY HALL HIGH BLOCK, THE URBAN COUNCIL PUBLICATIONS CENTRES IN ICE HOUSE STREET AND AT THE CITY HALL LOW BLOCK, AND THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SALES CENTRE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE.
-----0------
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1935
5
IMPROVEMENT WORK AT LIDO BEACH
*****
THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO SPEND SOME $140 000 Oi. IMPROVING LIDO BEACH IN TSUEN WAN THIS YEAR.
THE IMPROVEMENT WORK, ALREADY IN PROGRESS, AIMS TO PROVIDE BETTER SWIMMING FACILITIES TO THE COMMUNITY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
LIDO BEACH, LOCATED AT 11-1/2 MILESTONE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD, IS THE MOST POPULAR PUBLIC BATHING BEACH IN THE WESTERN NEW TERRITORIES. IT WAS FREQUENTED BY MORE THAN 1.7 MILLION BATHERS LAST YEAR.
WORK WILL INCLUDE-, AMONG OTHER THINGS, INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONERS AT THE FIRST-AID ROOM, PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL SHOWzT FACILITIES AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF ARBOURS.
ON THE INSTALLATION OF AIR CONDITIONERS AT THE FIRST-AID ROOM, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD PROVIDE PATIENTS WITH A COOLER AND MCRx PLEASANT ENVIRONMENT, THUS LESSENING THEIR SUFFERING FROM SUN STkOKc CR PAINS.
AT PRESENT THE BEACH HAS AN OPEN SHOWER FACILITY WITH SIX SHu-t; HEADS. UNDER THE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, 10 MORE WILL BE INSTALLED i. COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FOUR NEW ARBOURS AT THE BEACH HINTERLAND SHOULD PROVE POPULAR WITH BEACH GOERS WHO WANT TO ESCAPE FROM THE HEAT OF THE SUN.
WORK FOR THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE APRIL NEXT YEAR.
--------o----------
REFLECTIVE NUMBER PLATE REMINDER
* * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED VEHICLE OWNERS TO FIT REFLECTIVE NUMBER PLATES TO THEIR VEHICLES BEFORE THIS SATURDAY (JUNE 1).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (REGISTRATION AND LICENSING OF VEHICLES) REGULATIONS, ALL VEHICLES MUST BE FITTED WITH A FRONT WHITE REFLECTIVE AND A REAR YELLOw REFLECTIVE PLATE BY THAT DATE.
/+CAR OWNERS........
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1985
♦CAR OWNERS SHOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR REFLECTIVE NUMBER PLATtS ARE OF AN APPROVED TYPE, WHICH BEARS THE SPECIFICATION NUMBER BSAU 145 (A) AND THE NAME OR TRADEMARK OF THE MANUFACTURER. THcY SHOULD CHECK WITH THE DEPARTMENT ON 5-259494 OR 5-3933111 WHEN
IN DOUBT,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+THE MAXIMUM PENALTY FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENT IS A FINE OF $2 OOO. +
----0------
SEMINAR ON LABORATORY MANAGEMENT X * * *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TO ORGANISE TWO SEMINARS ON LABORATORY MANAGEMENT FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE TEACHERS ON JUNE 29 AND JULY 6.
THE SEMINARS WILL FOCUS ON THE GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF LABORATORY MANAGEMENT AND WILL MAKE PRACTICAL SUGGESTIONS TO DEAL WITH PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THE HEAVY USE OF THE LABORATORY. IT WILL ALSO DISCUSS THE USE OF COMMON MICROCOMPUTER DATABASE PROGRAMMES IN SETTING UP A STOCK RECORD SYSTEM.
THE SEMINARS, ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION, ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL BE HELD AT THE AUDIO-VISUAL ROOM ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE SKH TANG SHIU KIN SECONDARY SCHOOL AT 9, 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
HEADS OF SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE THEIR SCIENCE TEACHERS TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (PHYSICS), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG BEFORE JUNE 18.
--------0 ---------
MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR KOWLOON BAY
* * K * *
THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SPORTS STADIUM AND AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AT KAI LOK ROAD, KOWLOON BAY.
THERE WILL BE A SPECTATOR STAND FOR 1 500 PERSONS IN THE SPORTS STADIUM, WHILE THE INDOOR GAMES HALL, MEASURING ABOUT 3760 SQUARE METRES, ■ILL BE FOR SPORTING FACILITIES RANGING FROM TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON TO JUDO AND GYMNASTICS.
/OTHER FACILITIES .......
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1985
- 7 -
OTHER FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ARE A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, TOO BASKETBALL-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURTS, A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AND A REST GARDEN.
COVERING ABOUT 5.7 HECTARES, THE SITE AREA WILL BE LANDSCAPED.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JULY AND WILL TAKE 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-----0------
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CAUSEWAY BAY
X * * *
NEW TRAFFIC MEASURES WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CAUSEWAY BAY FROM 10 AM ON TUESDAY (MAY 28) AS PART OF THE PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF THE MIR ISLAND LINE.
DETAILS ARE :
TRAFFIC REROUTING
M CANNON STREET WILL BECOME TWO WAYS.
* JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN CANNON STREET AND PERCIVAL STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
URBAN CLEARWAYS
M CANNON STREET, EAST POINT ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF LOCKHART ROAD FROM THE JUNCTION WITH EAST POINT ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES WESTWARDS WILL BE DESIGNATED AS URBAN CLEARWAYS, WITHIN WHICH NO VEHICLE WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
GREEN MINIBUS SERVICES
H THE TERMINAL POINT OF GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 10 WILL BE RELOCATED TO JAFFE ROAD, WHILE THAT OF ROUTE 31 WILL BE RELOCATED TO LOCKHART ROAD NEAR THE MTR ENTRANCE.
- 0 -
/8........
SUNDAY, MAY 26, 1935
YAU MA TEI TENNIS COURT OPENS
*****
THE YAU MA TEI HAMILTON STREET TENNIS COURT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM TUESDAY (MAY 23).
ITS TWO COURTS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TENNIS ENTHUSIASTS FROM 6 AM TO 7 PM DAILY, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAS CONTRIBUTED HALF OF THE $300 000 BUILDING COST, AND THE BALANCE WAS MET BY PRIVATE DONATIONS. IT WILL BE UNDER THE MANAGEMENT OF THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION.
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY TO DECLARE THE TENNIS COURT OPEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE TENNIS COURT OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE JUNCTION OF HAMILTON STREET AND NATHAN ROAD AT 3.30 PM ON TUESDAY (MAY 28).
ROAD CLOSURE * * *
THE KOWLOON-BOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT SHAM TSENG WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1.30 AM TO 4 AM ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 29), TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK.
THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL HOWEVER BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT INTERVALS.
- - 0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
STATEMENT BY BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING .................. 1
SPEECH BY SIR RICHARD EVANS ............................. 1
TRIBUNAL IDEA ON PUBLICATIONS 'WELL ADVANCED' ........... 2
DEAK PERERA FAR EAST LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) ........... 6
PROVISIONAL RC TO CONSIDER COUNCIL BILL ................. 7
HONG KONG TEAMS FETED AT RECEPTION ...................... 8
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR MTR ISLAND LINE OPENING ................ 9
BOARD WORKS OUT +MEET PUBLIC+ PLAN ...................... 11
DISTRICT BOARD GROUPS LOOK INTO HOUSING PROBLH4S ........ 12
ACCESS ROAD TO MA CHAI HANG, CHUK YUEN PLANNED........... 15
250 FAMILIES FROM CHAI WAN THA TO BE REHOUSED............ 14
VISITORS SEE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER ESTATES ............. 14
BUILDING TO BE CLOSED ................................... 15
WORKSHOP ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING ................... 16
PARKING METERS IN TAI PO ................................ 16
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .................................. 16
WATER CUT IN TWO AREAS .................... -........... 17
WATER STORAGE FIGURES ................................... 17
■ ON-.I, > •' cl, 1935
STATEMENT EY BRITISH EMBASSY IN DEKING * * * *
THE FOLLOWING IS A PRESS STATEMENT ISSUED BY THE BRITISH EMBASSY IN PEKING THIS (MONDAY) MORNING FOLLOWING THE EXCHANGE CF INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG:
SIR RICHARD EVANS, AMBASSADOR EXTRAORDINARY AND PLENIPOTENTIARY OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND TO THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, AND NF ZHOU NAN, VICE MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA, ON 27 MAY 1965 IN PEKING EXCHANGED INSTRUMENTS CF RATIFICATION OF THE JOINT DECLARATION OF THE GOVERNMENT OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA AND THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG WHICH WAS SIGNED ON 19 DECEMBER 1984 BY PRIME MINISTER MARGARET THATCHER AND PREMIER ZHAO ZIYANG AND WHICH HAS BEEN RATIFIED BY THE TWO SIDES IN ACCORDANCE wITH THEIR RESPECTIVE LEGAL PROCEDURES. THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS ENTERED INTO FORCl AS OF TODAY.
-------o--------
SPEECH BY SIR RICHARD EVANS
******
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF A SPEECH MADE BY SIR RICHARD. EVANS, BRITISH AMBASSADOR TO PEKING, AT THE CEREMONY FOR THE EXCHANGE OF INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION OF THE SI NO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG THIS (MONDAY) MORN ING:
+YOUR EXCELLENCY THE VICE MINISTER, wE HAVE JUST EXCHANGED THE INSTRUMENTS OF RATIFICATION OF OUR TWO GOVERNMENTS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG. THIS EXCHANGE SIGNIFIES THE COMPLETION ON BOTH SIDES OF THE LEGAL PROCESS NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE JOINT DECLARATION TO ENTER INTO FORCE. THE TERMS OF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS ANNEXES ESTABLISH A FRAMEWORK FOR HONG KONG TO CONTINUE TO ENJOY STABILITY AND PROSPERITY, BOTH BEFORE 1997 AND wHEN IT WILL BECOME A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA THEREAFTER.
+THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND CHINA IN NEGOTIATING THE JOINT DECLARATION HAS BEEN WIDELY WELCOMED INTERNATIONALLY: BY THE GOVERNMENTS CF MANY COUNTRIES AND EY THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE UNITED NATIONS. THIS IS MOST ENCOURAGING. IT IS ENCOURAGING IN !TSELr ; AND IT IS ENCOURAGING EECAUSE INTERNATIONAL GOODWILL wILL EE IMPORTANT FOR THE PROSPERITY AND STABILITY OF HONG KONG IN THE FUTURE.
/♦THL BRITISH .......
MCI .1, £7, 1985
♦ THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT a ILL ABIDE STRICTLY BY THE TERMS CF THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS ANNEXES. THE BRITISH GOVERN'-'EaT IS CERTAIN THAT THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT /.ILL DO LIKEWISE.
♦ THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT LOOKS FORWARD TO COOPERATING CLOSELY rtiTH THE REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP WHICH HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED UNDER PARAGRAPH 5 OF THE JOINT DECLARATION.
♦ AS THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER SAID IN HER SPEECH AFTER THE SIGNATURE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION ON 19 DECEMBER, 1984, ’.... I AM CONVINCED THAT AS *E vORK TOGETHER IN THE FUTURE WE SHALL BE LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR AN EVEN CLOSER AND DEEPER RELATIONSHIP. THAT IS GOOD FOR BRITAIN; GOOD FOR CHINA; AND GOOD FOR THE WORLD. ABOVE ALL, IT IS GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG. ’
♦ YOUR EXCELLENCIES, THE ENTRY INTO FORCE OF THE JOINT DECLARATION OF OUR TwO GOVERNMENTS IS AN EVENT OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE. IT IS ALSO AN EXCELLENT AUGURY FOR THE VISIT WHICH PREMIER ZHAO ZIYANG IS ABOUT TO MAKE TO MY COUNTRY.+
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TRIBUNAL IDEA ON PUBLICATIONS ’WELL ADVANCED’
*****
A WORKING GROUP WAS WELL ADVANCED IN DEVISING A SUITABLE SCHEME FOR A TRIBUNAL TO OPERATE IN HONG KONG TO DEAL WITH OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR MICHAEL THOMAS, SAID TODAY.
THE WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY HIS ASSISTANT, MR BILL MARSHALL, HAD BEEN LOOKING INTO THIS IDEA SINCE HE SPOKE ON THE SUBJECT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE WORKING GROUP’S PRINCIPAL PROPOSAL WOULD, HE THOUGHT, BE THAT THE TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF A LAWYER, BUT OTHERWISE COMPOSED OF LAYMEN AND LAYWOMEN, PREDOMINANTLY DRAWN FROM THE LOCAL COMMUNITY TO RULE WHETHER OR NOT THE MATERIAL IN QUESTION WAS OBJECTIONABLE, MR THOMAS SAID.
THIS WOULD ENABLE A PRELIMINARY DECISION TO BE MADE IN A VERY SHORT TIME ON ANY DOUBTFUL PUBLICATION SUBMITTED TO IT.
MR THOMAS WAS SPEAKING AT THE MEETING OF THE KwUN TONG COMMUNITY HEALTH PROJECT TODAY.
/♦ANYONE WOULD
H -AI, -A 27, -J85
+ANYONE WOULD BE ABLE TO PRESENT A DOUBTFUL ARTICLE FOR DECISION, EITHER THE POLICE OR THOSE CONCERNED WITH LAw ENFORCEMENT, OR PUBLISHERS, WHOLESALERS AND RETAILERS OF PUBLICATIONS WHO WISH TO KNOW WHERE THEY STAND IF THEY DEAL IN THE ARTICLE.
■•■ARRANGEMENTS WOULD BE MADE TO PREVENT PRE-PUBLICATION VETTING FROM HOLDING UP DECISIONS ON PUBLISHED MATERIAL. IF THE TRIBUNAL APPLYING THE LEGAL DEFINITION DECIDED THAT THE ARTICLE WAS OBJECTIONABLE, THEN THEY WOULD HAVE THE POWER TO ORDER IMMEDIATE SEIZURE OF IDENTICAL ARTICLES,* MR THOMAS SAID.
TO SAVE TIME, A PRELIMINARY RULING COULD BE GIVEN BY THE CHAIRMAN OR THE DEPUTY CHAIRMAN, BUT ANY INTERESTED PARTY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT TO SEEK THE DECISION OF THE FULL TRIBUNAL CONSISTING OF FOUR PERSONS IF THEY WERE DISSATISFIED, MR THOMAS SAID.
ONCE THE TRIBUNAL HAD RULED THAT AN ARTICLE WAS OBJECTIONABLE, THEN IT WOULD BECOME A DECISION BINDING UPON THE COURTS IN THE EVENT OF PROSECUTION. IN SUBSEQUENT CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS, IT WOULD STILL BE FOR THE PROSECUTION TO PROVE THAT THE PERSONS ACCUStD HAD COMMITTED AN OFFENCE BY PUBLISHING OR DEALING IN THE ARTICLEo, BUT 11 WOULD NOT THERE BE OPEN FOR ANY PERSON TO CHALLENGE THE CORRECTNESS OF THE TRIBUNAL’S DECISION THAT THE ARTICLE WAS OBJECTIONABLE. IN A CONVICTION, THE COURT COULD PROCEED TO PASS AN APPROPRIATE SENTENCE, MR THOMAS SAID.
THE CURRENT THINKING OF THE WORKING GROUP WAS THAT SOME t ADDITIONAL PROTECTION WAS NEEDED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE.
+ACCORDINGLY, IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THEY WOULD RECOMMEND THAT POWERS SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THE TRIBUNAL TO RULE, FOR EXAMPLE, THAT AN ARTICLE IS NOT OBJECTIONABLE PROVIDED ITS SALE IS RESTRICTED TO THOSE OF ADULT YEARS, SAY OVER 18 YEARS OF AGE, AND, ADDITIONALLY, TO IMPOSE OTHER RESTRICTIONS UPON THE PUBLIC DISPLAY OF SUCH MATERIAL,* MR THOMAS SAID.
THESE PROPOSALS, HE STRESSED, WERE STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION IN THE WORKING GROUP, AND WERE INTENDED TO REMEDY SHORTCOMINGS IN THE PRESENT SYSTEM.
MR THOMAS SAID THAT MACHINERY OF THIS KIND WOULD NOT REMOVE FROM HONG KONG ALL PUBLICATIONS THAT OFFENDED THE SENSIBILITY OF *PORNOGRA°HY’S SEVEREST CRITICS*.
+BUT AT LEAST THEY WOULD STENGTHEN THE POWER TO ENFORCE THE LAa THEY WOULD CUT DOwN THE TIME TAKEN TO DETERMINE THAT AN ARTICLE IS OBJECTIONABLE, AND THEY SHOULD INCREASE PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE CONSISTENCY OF STANDARDS APPLIED AND ENSURE THAT THEY REFLECT THOSE PREVAILING IN THE COMMUNITY,* MR THOMAS SAID.
/1’HK FHOBLrH
, 1^65
THE PROBLEM OF DECIDING wHAT TO DO ABOUT THE COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION OF SEXUAL CURIOSITY, ESPECIALLY IN PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIAL, WAS FACED BY EVERY MODERN SOCIETY.
THREE MAIN REASONS FOR THIS wERE:
* FIRST, WITH THE SPREAD OF EDUCATION THERE WAS GREATER FREEDOM OF THOUGHT.
M SECOND, WITH THE INCREASED QUALITY AND EFFICIENCY OF PRINTING PROCESSES AND THE CHEAP REPRODUCTION OF COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHY, MAGAZINES HAD BECOME ATTRACTIVELY GLOSSY AND CHEAP, AND
* THIRD, THE PROFITS TO BE MADE FROM THE SALE AND DISTRIBUTION OF PUBLICATIONS WITH A PRURIENT APPEAL HAD INCREASED THEIR SUPPLY TO A NEW MASS MARKET FOR BOOKS AND MAGAZINES.
ANY CONSIDERATION OF CONTROL OF PORNOGRAPHY HAD TO START BY RECOGNISING THESE FACTORS, HE SAID.
+IT IS NOT JUST SIMPLY A MATTER OF DECLINING STANDARDS OF WEAKNESS ON THE PART OF THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. THE PROFITEERS HAVE A VESTED INTEREST IN PORNOGRAPHY.
4. THEY SPEND MONEY ON LAWYERS AND ON PUBLIC RELATIONS IN ORDER TO DEFEND THEIR RIGHT TO PRINT THE MATERIAL WHICH THEIR' CUSTOMERS DEMAND,* HE SAID.
THE EMPHASIS ON FREEDOM OF THOUGHT AND FREEDOM OF THE PRESS IN LIBERAL COUNTRIES TENDED TO MAKE ALL FORMS OF CENSORSHIP OBJECTIONABLE, AND THE DIFFICULTY OF DRAWING THE LINE BETWEEN WHAT WAS OBJECTIONABLE UNDER THE LAW AND WHAT WAS PERMITTED MADE PROSECUTORS RELUCTANT TO BRING INTO COURT RESPECTABLE PUBLISHERS AND DISTRIBUTORS, UNLESS THE CASE WAS A CLEAR-CUT ONE.
IT WAS USUALLY THE LAw IN MOST SOCIETIES THAT A LINE HAD TO BE DRAWN, EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT BE DIFFICULT IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE TO SAY WHEN MATERIAL FELL ON ONE SIDE OF THE LINE OR THE OTHER.
IN HONG KONG, MR THOMAS EXPLAINED, UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE IT IS AN OFFENCE TO PUBLISH OR DEAL IN ANY OBJECTIONABLE ARTICLE.
AN OBJECTIONABLE ARTICLE WAS DEFINED AS ANY ARTICLE wH I CM CONTAINED +MATTER OF AN INDI LENT, OBSCENE OR REVOLTING NATJRc*.
/NLARLY ALL .......
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
- 5 -
NEARLY ALL PROSECUTIONS FOR PORNOGRAPHY WERE BROUGHT UNDER THIS PROVISION AND IN EVERY CASE, THE CONVICTION DEPENDED ON THE COURT BEING SATISFIED THAT THE ARTICLE WAS EITHER INDECENT OR OBSCENE OR REVOLTING.
THESE ORDINARY WORDS PROBABLY MEANT DIFFERENT THINGS TO DIFFERENT PEOPLE, MR THOMAS SAID. THEY DID NOT HAVE ANY PRECISE NEANING WHICH COULD BE APPLIED SCIENTIFICALLY TO THE WRITTEN WORD CR TO A PHOTOGRAPH.
ALL THAT THE LAWYERS HAD TO GO ON IN DECIDING WHETHER TO PROSECUTE, OR IN ADVISING CLIENTS WHETHER THEY WERE COMMITTING AN OFFENCE IN SELLING AN ARTICLE, OR IN ADVISING THOSE ACCUSED WHETHER OR NOT TO PLEAD GUILTY WAS A 1977 HONG KONG COURT OF APPEAL DECISION THAT IN INTERPRETING THESE WORDS THE MAGISTRATE HAD TO EXERCISE THE COMMUNITY’S CONSCIENCE AND TREAT HIMSELF AS REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY’S FEELINGS IN THE MATTER.
♦SMALL WONDER THEN THAT SO MANY HAWKERS AND DEALERS HAD RECENTLY BEEN UP IN ARMS BECAUSE THE POLICE HAD MOVED IN TO PROSECUTE PUBLICATIONS WHICH FOR SOME TIME APPEARED TO HAVE GAINED RESPECTABILITY FROM THE FACT THAT THEY HAD NOT BEEN SUBJECT TO PROSECUTION.
REFERRING TO RECENTLY PUBLISHED GUIDELINES THAT WERE USED FOR DECIDING WHETHER OR NOT TO REFER DOUBTFUL PUBLICATIONS TO THE CROWN PROSECUTOR FOR LEGAL ADVICE, MR THOMAS SAID, ♦THESE MAKE IT CLEAR THAT THE DISPLAY OF A HUMAN BODY IN ITSELF IS NOT OBJECTIONABLE, BUT MIGHT BECOME SO IF MINORS ARE INCLUDED OR IF SEXUAL ACTS OF ANY FORM INCLUDING HOMOSEXUAL OR LESBIAN PRACTICES ARE DISPLAYED.
+PERVERTED BEHAVIOUR, EXCESSIVE VIOLENCE, CRUELTY AND MATTERS OF A REVOLTING NATURE WILL ALSO JUSTIFY ACTION ON HIS PART.
♦ A STRICT VIEW WILL BE TAKEN WHERE MAGAZINES ARE LIKELY TO BE READ BY CHILDREN.+
WHILE THESE GUIDELINES MIGHT WELL ASSIST THOSE WHO TRADED IN SALACIOUS MATERIAL, IT WOULD STILL REMAIN FOR THE CROwN PROSECUTjk IN THE ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS TO TAKE A FINAL VIEW ON THE PROSPECTS OF SECURING A CONVICTION.
MR THOMAS ALSO SAID THAT HE DID NOT THINK THAT THERE aAS ANY EVIDENCE TO SUPPORT THE THOUGHT SOMETIMES THAT EXPATRIATE MAGISTRATES APPLIED MORE LIBERAL STANDARDS THAN THOSE PREVAILING IN THE COMMUNITY.
MANY CASES WERE TRIED BY HONG KONG CHINESE MAGISTRATES AND THE RESULTS WERE THE SAME, HE SAID.
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/6........
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
6
DEAK PERERA FAR EAST LIMITED (IN LIQUIDATION) *****
RESPONDING TO ENQUIRIES FROM ITS METAL TRADING CUSTOMERS THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR NOEL GLEESON, TODAY RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT CONCERNING THE FORMER PRECIOUS METAL TRADING BUSINESS OF DEAK PERERA FAR EAST LIMITED (DPFE).
DPFE FORMERLY CARRIED ON THE BUSINESS OF PRECIOUS METAL TRADING AND PROVIDED A STORAGE SERVICE FOR CUSTOMER’S METAL HOLDINGS. THE METAL TRADING DIVISION WAS OPERATED LARGELY INDEPENDENTLY OF THE REST OF THE DPFE’S BUSINESS AND APPEARS TO HAVE BEEN CONDUCTED PROFESSIONALLY AND EFFICIENTLY.
AT THE TIME THAT DPFE WENT INTO LIQUIDATION, LARGE QUANTITIES OF METAL, HAVING A TOTAL VALUE AT PRESENT OF ABOUT $40M., WERE AND STILL ARE STORED IN FIVE BANKS IN HONG KONG, UNITED STATES, LONDON, SWITZERLAND AND AUSTRIA. THEY REPRESENT THE HOLDINGS CF SOME 6OQ CUSTOMERS, MANY RESIDENTS OF HONG KONG AND MANY OVERSEAS. THOSE BANKS NOW HOLD THE METAL TO THE ORDER OF THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AS LIQUIDATOR OF DPFE.
AFTER LIQUIDATION, QUESTIONS OF OWNERSHIP OF THE METAL AROSE AND IT APPEARED FOR SOME TIME THAT THERE WAS A PROSPECT OF A CHALLENGE TO THE METAL CUSTOMERS’ OWNERSHIP CLAIMS. IN THE END THE CHALLENGE DID NOT MATERIALISE AND THAT QUESTION HAS NOW BEEN RESOLVED BY A DIRECTION FROM THE HIGH COURT IN FAVOUR OF THE METaL CUSTOMERS.
IT NOW REMAINS FOR THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO DISCHARGE THE OBLIGATIONS OF DPFE TO ITS METAL CUSTOMERS. IN VIEW OF THE NUMBEno AND COUNTRIES OF RESIDENCE OF THE CUSTOMERS AND THE QUANTITY AND LOCATIONS OF THE METAL, IT HAS BEEN CONCLUDED THAT THE BEST SOLUTION WILL BE FOR ANOTHER METAL TRADING COMPANY TO ACT AS THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S AGENT SO THAT THE DPFE METAL CUSTOMERS’ REQUIREMENTS, WHETHER TO SELL, TAKE POSSESSION OF OR TRANSFER SAFE CUSTODY OF THE METAL TO THE NEW COMPANY CAN BE MET.
WITH THAT OBJECTIVE IN MIND, THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER HAS REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE IN NEGOTIATIONS WITH A HONG KONG COMPANY WHICH INTENDS TO ESTABLISH A PRECIOUS METAL TRADING SCHEME. THAT COMPANY HAS EMPLOYED SOME OF THE FORMER DPFE METAL TRADING MANAGERS wHO ARE FAMILIAR WITH THE FORMER DPFE CUSTOMERS, THEIR METAL HOLDINGS AND THE NET-WORK OF BANKS WHICH ACTED IN THE PURCHASE AND SALE OF METAL AND AS SAFE CUSTODIANS.
TO THE EXTENT THAT IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER TO AUTHORISE THE NEW COMPANY TO DEAL WITH THE EXISTING METAL STOCKS, VARIOUS SAFEGUARDS, INCLUDING A BANK INDEMNITY, WILL BE ARRANGED TO PROTECT THE OWNERS’ INTERESTS. METAL CUSTOMERS WILL BE NOTIFIED AS SOON AS THE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE NEW COMPANY HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED AND THE NEW COMPANY IS IN A POSITION TO DEAL WITH THEM.
FINAL AGREEMENT ON THIS WILL ALSO BE SUBJECT TO THE NEW COMPANY OBTAINING THE NECESSARY CONSENTS FROM THE COMMISSIONER FOR COMMODITIES TRADING UNDER THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE.
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/7........
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1935
7
PROVISIONAL RC TO CONSIDER COUNCIL BILL ******
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL WILL MEET ON WEDNESDAY (MAY 29) MORNING TO DISCUSS A WIDE RANGE OF MATTERS.
AMONG THE TOPICS TO BE DISCUSSED WILL BE THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL 1985, WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT, MEMBERSHIP, FUNCTIONS, POWERS AND PROCEEDINGS OF THE FULL REGIONAL COUNCIL. THE BILL, TO BE PRESENTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR, IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, 1986 WHEN THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL ORDINANCE WILL BE REPEALED.
THE COUNCIL WILL ALSO DISCUSS ITS COMMITTEE STRUCTURE.
ANOTHER TOPIC FOR DISCUSSION WILL BE THE WAY THE COUNCIL’S AS WELL AS THE DEPARTMENT’S PUBLIC RELATIONS WORK SHOULD BE HANDLED.
COUNCIL MEMBERS WILL ALSO BE BRIEFED ON THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL AND ITS EXECUTIVE ARM - THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN DISCHARGING THEIR FUNCTIONS IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1985/86. THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE FOR THE COUNCIL IS $5.39 MILLION AND FOR THE DEPARTMENT, $456 MILLION.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL THEN EXAMINE THE MAJOR PROVISIONS IN THE ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE FOR BOTH THE COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT.
THE ACCOUNTS AND SUPPLIES SYSTEM, THE BUDGETARY SYSTEM AND THE FINANCIAL INFORMATION SYSTEM FOR THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO BE EXPLAINED TO COUNCIL MEMBERS AT THE NEETING.
THE MEETING WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CITY AND NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION UNTIL THE COUNCIL’S OWN CHAMBER IN TSUEN WAN IS READY FOR OCCUPATION IN AUGUST.
- - 0 - -
/8
MONDAY, MAY 27, 19S5
8
HONG KONG TEAMS FETED AT RECEPTION
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR MUNICIPAL SERVICES, MR GRAHAM BARNES, TODAY (MONDAY) HOSTED A RECEPTION FOR MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL TEAM AND HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS TEAM IN APPRECIATION OF THEIR RECENT SUCCESSES.
THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL TEAM SCORED A HARD FOUGHT 2-1 VICTORY OVER CHINA AT THE WORKERS’ STADIUM IN PEKING ON MAY 19. THEY WILL NOW BE MEETING JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA IN THE NEXT ROUND OF QUALIFYING MATCHES IN THE ASIAN ZONE FOR THE WORLD CUP FINALS TO BE HELD IN NEX ICO NEXT YEAR.
THE HONG KONG TABLE TENNIS TEAM TOOK PART IN THE EIGHTH COMMONWEALTH TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT DOUGLAS, ISLE OF MAN, AND AT THE 38TH WORLD TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN, WITH OUTSTANDING RESULTS.
SPEAKING AT THE RECEPTION, MR BARNES SAID THAT THEIR EFFORTS AND ACHIEVEMENTS WERE THE RESULT OF DEDICATION, DETERMINATION AND WILL-POWER AND SHOWED THAT HONG KONG HAD A SPIRIT AND IDENTITY OF ITS OWN.
ADDRESSING MEMBERS OF THE FOOTBALL TEAM, MR BARNES SAID, +1 WISH YOU THE SAME SUCCESS IN YOUR GAMES AGAINST JAPAN LATER THIS YEAR. IF YOU GET THROUGH TO THE WORLD CUP FINALS IN MEXICO, I THINK I CAN PROMISE YOU A BIG SEND-OFF.+
HE ALSO PRAISED THE TABLE TENNIS PLAYERS FOR RETAINING THEIR PLACES IN THE MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FIRST DIVISION IN THE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS AND BEING ABLE TO REACH THE LAST FOUR OF THE MEN’S SINGLES FOR THE FIRST TIME.
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/9........
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
9
TRAFFIC PLAN FOR MTR ISLAND LINE OPENING
******
PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE READJUSTED TO COPE WITH THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE ON FRIDAY (MAY 31).
THE DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
TRAMS
A NEW CIRCULAR ROUTE LINKING HAPPY VALLEY AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE IN OPERATION FROM 6.32 AM ON MAY 31 TO SERVE AS A FEEDER SERVICE FOR THE CAUSEWAY BAY MTR STATION. TRAMS ON THIS ROUTE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 6.30 AM AND 7.30 PM DAILY AND THE FARE IS SET AT 60 CENTS.
BUSES
FROM 2 PM ON MAY 31, TWO NEW FEEDER SERVICES FOR THE ISLAND LINE WILL BE INTRODUCED :
* ROUTE 88M (CHAI WAN (ON YIP STREET) TO CHAI WAN MTR STATION) - BUSES ON THIS ROUTE DEPARTING FROM ON YIP STREET WILL OPERATE VIA SUN YIP STREET, CHAI WAN ROAD, ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SLIP ROAD AND NING FOO STREET I WHILE THOSE ON THEIR RETURN JOURNEYS FROM CHAI WAN MTR STATION WILL TRAVEL VIA KUT SHING STREET, CHAI WAN ROAD, SUN YIP STREET, SUN ON STREET AND ON YIP STREET. THE SERVICE WILL OPERATE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY AT A FARE OF 80 CENTS.
* ROUTE 25M (CAUSEWAY BAY TO BRAEMAR HILL (CIRCULAR)) - BUSES ON THIS ROUTE WILL OPERATE VIA CANAL ROAD, LEIGHTON ROAD, MORRISON HILL ROAD, TIN LOK LANE, HENNESSY ROAD, YEE WO STREET, CAUSEWAY ROAD, NGAN MOK STREET, LAU LI STREET, KING’S ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, BRAEMAR HILL ROAD, CLOUD VIEW ROAD, TIN HAU TEMPLE ROAD, TUNG LO WAN ROAD, MORETON TERRACE, CAUSEWAY ROAD, IRVING STREET, PENNINGTON STREET, YEE WO STREET, HENNESSY ROAD AND CANAL ROAD. THE ROUTE PROVIDES A PEAK HOUR SERVICE BETWEEN 6.55 AM TO 9.25 AM AND BETWEEN 3.35 PM AND 7.05 PM FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AT A FARE OF 51. ON SATURDAYS, THERE WILL ONLY BE A MORNING PEAK SERVICE.
/GREHi MINIBUSES
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
10
GREEN MINIBUSES
ALSO FROM 2 PM ON MAY 31, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTES WILL BE REORGANISED AS LISTED BELOW :
K THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 14 LINKING KESWICK STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY WITH PURVES ROAD, JARDINE’S LOOKOUT WILL BE DIVERTED TO TERMINATE AT PAK SHA ROAD TO SERVE THE CAUSEWAY BAY MTR STATION AND RE-NUMBERED AS 14M.
* THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 16 PLYING BETWEEN STANLEY VILLAGE, CHUNG HOM KOK AND CHAI WAN EAST WILL BE DIVERTED TO TERMINATE AT THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION AND RE-NUMBERED AS 16M.
K THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 18 LINKING CAPE COLLINSON AND CHAI WAN CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED TO TERMINATE AT THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION AND RE-NUMBERED AS 18M.
* THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 20 WILL REMAIN LARGELY UNCHANGED TO MAINTAIN A LINK BETWEEN CHAI WAN FERRY AND SAI WAN HO FERRY, BUT ITS PRESENT SHORT-WORKING SERVICE BETWEEN CHAI WAN FERRY AND HING MAN ESTATE WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE CHAI WAN MTR STATION ENROUTE AND RE-NUMBERED AS 20M.
K THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 21 PLYING BETWEEN TAI HANG DRIVE AND KESWICK STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO TERMINATE AT PAK SHA ROAD TO SERVE THE CAUSEWAY BAY MTR STATION AND RE-NUMBERED AS 21M.
* THE SERVICE OF THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 24 LINKING MOUNT BUTLER AND ADMIRALTY MTR STATION WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED BUT RE-NUMBERED AS 24M.
# THE EXISTING SERVICE ON ROUTE NO. 25 BETWEEN UPPER BRAEMAR HILL AND ADMIRALTY MTR STATION WILL BE OPERATED AT REDUCED FREQUENCY, AND A MTR FEEDER SERVICE BETWEEN UPPER BRAEMAR HILL AND THE QUARRY BAY MTR STATION (CIRCULAR) NUMBERED AS 25M WILL BE INTRODUCED.
* THE MAIN SERVICE OF THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 30 BETWEEN PATERSON STREET, CAUSEWAY BAY AND WATFORD ROAD WILL BE CUT SHORT TO TERMINATE AT THE ADMIRALTY MTR STATION (TAMAR STREET) AND RE-NUMBERED AS 30M, AND A ROUTE BETWEEN WATFORD ROAD AND CAUSEWAY BAY (LOCKHART ROAD) VIA HAPPY VALLEY NUMBERED AS 30 WILL BE INTRODUCED.
/• THE SERVICE
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
11
* THE SERVICE OF THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 32 BETWEEN CHEUNG HONG STREET IN NORTH POINT AND LAMBETH WALK IN CENTRAL WILL BE CANCELLED. A NEW ROUTE LINKING KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT WITH SHAU KEI WAN MTR STATION (MONG LUNG STREET) NUMBERED AS 32 WILL BE INTRODUCED.
* THE SERVICE OF THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 33 BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET EAST, NORTH POINT, AND HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, WILL BE CANCELLED. A NEW ROUTE LINKING KORNHILL DEVELOPMENT AND NORTH POINT FERRY (MARBLE ROAD) NUMBERED AS 33 WILL BE INTRODUCED.
* THE EXISTING ROUTE NO. 35 BETWEEN ABERDEEN CENTRE AND LUN FAT STREET, WAN CHAI, WILL BE DIVERTED TO SERVE THE WAN CHAI MTR STATION ENROUTE WHILE HEADING FOR LUN FAT STREET AND RE-NUMBERED AS 35M.
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BOARD WORKS OUT +MEET PUBLIC+ PLAN
*****
RESIDENTS CAN NOW MAKE APPOINTMENTS WITH THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT OFFICE TO MEET MEMBERS OF THE NEW DISTRICT BOARD.
A ROSTER HAS BEEN DRAWN UP FOR DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS TO' ATTEND THE +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SESSIONS FROM NOW TO THE END OF DECEMBER. THERE ARE FOUR SESSIONS EACH WEEK, WITH A DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AT EACH SESSION.
TWO SESSIONS WILL BE HELD AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE’S MAIN OFFICE IN ABERDEEN CENTRE ON TUESDAYS FROM 3 PM TO 5 PM, AND ON FRIDAYS FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM. ONE SESSION WILL BE HELD AT THE WAH FU AND STANLEY SUB-OFFICES ON TUESDAYS FROM 8 PM TO 9 PM.
RESIDENTS CAN EITHER CONTACT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AT 5-524429 OR AT ITS PUBLIC ENQUIRIES COUNTERS AT THE THREE SUB-OFFICES FOR APPOINTMENTS.
‘ A DISTRICT BOARD SPOKESMAN SAID THE +MEET THE PUBLIC+ SCHEME HAD PROVED TO BE A USEFUL CHANNEL FOR RESIDENTS TO DISCUSS THEIR PROBLEMS OR MAKE SUGGESTIONS.
+IT HELPS TO ENHANCE RESIDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE WORK CF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND ENABLES BOARD MEMBERS TO KNOW MORE ABOUT PROBLEMS IN THE DISTRICT AND COLLECT OPINIONS ON VARIOUS ISSUES,+ l£ SAID.
+THE SCHEME HAS BEEN QUITE WELL RECEIVED IN THE DISTRICT. AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, 407 CASES WERE HANDLED WHICH REPRESENTS AN AVERAGE OF 12 CASES PER MONTH,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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/12 .....
MONDAY, MAY 27, 1985
12
DISTRICT BOARD GROUPS LOOK INTO HOUSING PROBLEMS
*****
THREE WORKING GROUPS HAVE BEEN SET UP UNDER THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT BOARD TO LOOK INTO THE DISTRICT’S HOUSING AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS.
THEY WILL DEAL WITH ISSUES INCLUDING THE REVISED DEED OF MJTUAL COVENANT, PRIVATE BUILDING MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS AND WELL-OFF TENANTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MR WONG PING-HON, SAID TWO OF THE WORKING GROUPS WOULD ENGAGE IN IDENTIFYING PROBLEMS IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND IN MAKING RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH THE DISTRICT BOARD.
ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE PEOPLE IN SHAM SHU I PO LIVE IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS, MANY OF WHICH ARE POORLY MANAGED AND PLAGUED BY ENVIRONMENTAL AND MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS.
MR WONG SAID THE DISTRICT BOARD HOPED TO EDUCATE RESIDENTS ON HOW TO IMPROVE THE MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS OF THEIR BUILDINGS.
THE FIRST WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY MR CHUNG PUI-LAM, WOULD LOOK INTO THE PROPOSED REVISION OF THE DEED OF MUTUAL COVENANT BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON MULTI-STOREY BUILDING MANAGEMENT AND ASSESS ITS BEARING ON THE DISTRICT.
THE SECOND WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY MR RAYMOND CHOY, WOULD CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIVE STUDIES ON THE ENVIRONMENT, MANAGEMENT AND RESIDENT ORGANISATIONS IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS.
THE OTHER WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY MR FUNG KIN-KEE, WOULD GATHER PUBLIC OPINIONS ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FORTHCOMING GREEN PAPER ON WELL-OFF TENANTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
J /1J
L7, 19' 5
13
ACCESS ROAD TO MA CHAI HANG, CHUK YUEN PLANNED
*****
THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT PROPOSES TO CONSTRUCT AN EASTERN ACCESS ROAD TO CONNECT MA CHAI HAwb AND CHUK YUtN .Jin THE EXISTING ROAD NETWORK IN THE WONG TAI SIN AREA.
THE PROJECT COMPRISES THE PROVISION OF A DIRECT CONNECTION AT LUNG FUNG STREET BETWEEN THE UPPER SECTION OF SHATIN PASS ROAD AND CHUK YUEN ESTATE AS WELL AS INTRODUCING A GYRATORY SYSTEM IN FUNG WONG NEW VILLAGE AS PART OF AN AREA-WIDE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME.
THE SCHEME IS AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC IN THE AREA AND TO COPE WITH THE ANTICIPATED TRAFFIC DEMAND GENERATED BY DEVELOPMENT IN CHUK YUEN, MA CHAI HANG AND DIAMOND HILL.
WORK WILL INCLUDE THE RECONSTRUCTION OF MING FUNG STREET AND THE MODIFICATION OF SHATIN PASS ROAD, MING FUNG STREET, FUNG TAK ROAD AND SHEUNG FUNG STREET.
NEW ROADS TO BE CONSTRUCTED WILL LINK SHATIN PASS ROAD NEAR LUNG FUNG STREET WITH CHUK YUEN DEVELOPMENT ESTATES AND YING FUNG LANE WITH FUNG TAK ROAD. FUNG TAK ROAD EAST OF SHEUNG FUNG STREET WILL ALSO BE WIDENED.
AS PART OF THE PROJECT, THE PORTION OF KAM FUNG STREET BETWEEN SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND NGAN FUNG STREET WILL BE CLOSED AND DEVELOPED AS A LANDSCAPED EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING SITTING OUT AREA.
A PEDESTRIAN SUBWAY WITH ACCESS BY STAIRS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED BENEATH SHATIN PASS ROAD NEAR FUNG TAK ROAD. THIS WILL PROVIDE A SAFE GRADE-SEPARATED CROSSING FOR PEDESTRIANS AND PERMIT FREE TRAFFIC FLOW BETWEEN FUNG TAK ROAD AND SHATIN PASS ROAD BY REMOVING THE EXISTING SIGNALS AT THE JUNCTION OF THESE ROADS.
THE PLANS 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 BUILDING, 1OTH FLOOR, 250 SHANGHAI STREET, KOWLOON- AND THE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, GROUND AND FOURTH FLOORS, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, KOWLOON.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORKS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 23.
-------o-----------
M(
■ 27, 1985
230 FAMILIES FROM CHAI WAN THA TO BE REHOUSED
*****
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR REHOUSING 230 FAMILIES FROM THE CHAI WAN II (EXTENSION) TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA WHICH WILL MAKE WAY FOR A NEW PUBLIC HOUSING PROJECT.
+THESE FAMILIES, TOTALLING 643 PEOPLE FROM 11 BLOCKS REMAINING IN THE THA, ARE REHOUSED ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY,* SAID A HOUSING SPOKESMAN TODAY.
HE SAID ALTOGETHER 171 FAMILIES WERE ELIGIBLE FOR PERMANENT PUBLIC HOUSING, AND 42 OTHERS FOR TEMPORARY HOUSING.
♦ AMONG THE 230 FAMILIES ELIGIBLE FOR REHOUSING ARE 85 SINGLE PERSONS WHO HAVE PAID RENTS FOR THEIR NEW HOMES. ELEVEN OTHER SINGLE PERSONS HAVE OPTED FOR CASH ALLOWANCE OF $5 800 EACH IN EXCHANGE FOR REHOUSING.
♦ THE SAME OFFERS HAVE BEEN MADE TO ANOTHER SIX SINGLE PERSONS WHO HAVE YET TO TAKE UP THE OPTIONS.
♦ APART FROM CASH ALLOWANCE, THE OPTIONS INCLUDE SPECIALLY-DESIGNED FLATS OR SHARED ACCOMMODATION IN ESTATES, OR NEW HOSTEL UNITS IN THAS, ACCORDING TO THEIR ELIGIBILITY.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID 21 FAMILIES OF 44 PEOPLE WERE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR REHOUSING AS THEY WERE EITHER UNAUTHORISED PERSONS IN THE THA OR THEY WERE FOUND TO HAVE ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION.
- - 0 -
VISITORS SEE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLDER ESTATES
*****
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S REDEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR ITS OLDER ESTATES HAS MET WITH FAVOURABLE APPRAISAL FROM A VISITING HIGH-LEVEL CHINESE DELEGATION.
THE EIGHT-MEMBER GROUP PROM THE MINISTRY OF URBAN AND RURAL CONSTRUCTION AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OF CHINA, SPENT A MORNING AT THE LOK FU AND WANG TAU HOM ESTATES LOOKING AT THE REDEVELOPMENT WORKS THERE.
THEY WERE IMPRESSED WITH THE LARGE SCALE OF WORKS INVOLVING INSITU-CONVERSION OF OLD BLOCKS, BUILDING OF NEW BLOCKS AND THE PROVISION OF ADDITIONAL COMMERCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
/LEADER OF
' ..DA .27, 1985
- 15 -
LEADER OF THE GROUP, VICE MINISTER CHU CHUAN-HENG, WAS PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE IMPROVEMENTS MADE TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE AND LIVING CONDITIONS FOR TENANTS AT THE TWO ADJOINING ESTATES.
THE GROUP ALSO TOURED LOK FU SHOPPING CENTRE, WHICH WAS NEWLY COMPLETED AS THE LARGEST COMMERCIAL HUB IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE VISIT FOLLOWED A BRIEFING ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (ADMINISTRATION), MISS ELAINE CHUNG, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (HOUSING ARCHITECT), MR BONA CHEUNG, AT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S EXHIBITION HALL.
-----0------
BUILDING TO BE CLOSED * * *
A FOUR-STOREY BUILDING IN ON LAN STREET, CENTRAL, HAS BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS FOLLOWING A FIRE LAST SATURDAY WHICH DAMAGED PART OF THE STAIRCASE AND THE UPPER FLOORS.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE INTENDS TO APPLY FOR AN EMERGENCY CLOSURE ORDER FROM THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 9.30 AM TO CLOSE THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD FLOORS CF THE BUILDING.
A NOTICE OF INTENTION WAS PUT UP ON THE AFFECTED BUILDING TODAY (MONDAY).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE SAID A REPAIR ORDER WOULD BE ISSUED SHORTLY REQUIRING REPAIRS TO THE STAIRCASES AND THE AFFECTED AREA.
THE CLOSURE ORDER WOULD BE LIFTED ON COMPLETION OF REPAIR WORK.
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/16........
16
HONDA Y, i- *Y 27, 1935
WORKSHOP ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING
******
JUNIOR SECONDAPY SCHOOL ENGLISH TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND A WORKSHOP ON REMEDIAL ENGLISH TEACHING IN JULY.
THE WORKSHOP WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON THREE CONSECUTIVE AFTERNOONS BETWEEN JULY 3 AND 5.
DIFFERENT MATERIALS FOR TEACHING READING AND WRITING IN ENGLISH TO REMEDIAL GROUPS WILL BE DISCUSSED IN THE WORKSHOP. LISTENING AND ORAL SKILLS WILL ALSO BE DEALT WITH.
PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO DESIGN OR ADAPT TEACHING MATERIAL FOR USE IN THEIR OWN CLASSES.
HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD SUBMIT A NAME LIST OF TEACHERS WISHING TO ATTEND THE WORKSHOP TO THE SENIOR INSPECTOR, ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING CENTRE, 9A BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG, BEFORE JUNE 20.
- - 0 -
PARKING METERS IN TAI PO * * *
A TOTAL OF 360 PARKING METERS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN TAI PO MARKET ON THURSDAY (MAY 30) TO REGULATE THE UTILISATION OF ON-STREET PARKING SPACES.
PARKING FEE WILL BE $1 PER 30 MINUTES FOR PRIVATE CARS AND 50 CENTS PER 30 MINUTES FOR GOODS VEHICLES.
0 - -
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
******
KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN NORTH POINT ROAD AND KAM HONG STREET WILL BE TEMPORARILY ClOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM MAY 30 TO JJNE 8 BETwEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM DAILY FOR ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, E ST30UND BUSES WILL BE DIVERTED VIA NORTH POINT ROAD AND JAVA 'OAD.
MONDAY, KAY 27, 1965
- 17 -
..ATER CUT IN TWO AREAS
* * *
FRESH AND SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN PREMISES IN HO MAN TIN AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR ABOUT SEVEN TO EIGHT HOURS ON THURSDAY (MAY 30) FOR LEAKAGE TESTS AND WATER MAINS WORK.
IN HO MAN TIN, PREMISES BOUNDED BY WATERLOO ROAD, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD AND PUI CHING ROAD WILL BE WITHOUT FRESH WATER FROM 10 PM ON THURSDAY (MAY 30) TO 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY.
IN CAUSEWAY BAY, SALT WATER SUPPLY TO PREMISES BOUNDED BY KING’S ROAD, LAU SIN STREET, HING FAT STREET, WHITFIELD ROAD, WATSON ROAD, ELECTRIC ROAD AND MERLIN STREET WILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 11 PM ON THE SAME DAY TO 6 AM ON FRIDAY.
-----0-----
WATER STORAGE FIGURES
* * *
STORAGE IN HONG KONG’S RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54.6 PER CENT OF CAPACITY OR 320.002 MILLION CUBIC NE TRES.
THIS TIME LAST YEAR THE RESERVOIRS CONTAINED 401.759 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF WATER, REPRESENTING 68.5 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SUBMISSIONS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE DESTROYED ...................... 1
UNOFFICIALS TO ASK 15 QUESTIONS ................................. 1
S225M SOUGHT FOR FINAL HOSPITAL WORK ............................ 2
LAW TO COVER DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROPOSED ......................... k
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED ............................... 6
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE CONTINUE ON WAY .......................... 7
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW CHINA FLEET CLUB ........................... 7
POSITIVE REPORT BY TAC WORKING GROUP ........................... 8
SURVEY OF TRANSPORT, RELATED SERVICES BEGINS .................... 9
EDUCATION GROUP VISITS NOISE-POLLUTED SCHOOLS .................. 10
SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS .......................... 11
MORE SPORTS FACILITIES ON WAY .................................. 11
TSUEN WAN NULLAH CONTRACT SIGNED ............................... 12
NEW CHAI WAN TRAFFIC PLAN STARTS FRIDAY ........................ 13
NIGHT CLOSURE OF TUNNEL ........................................ 15
TWO-DAY BOWEN DRIVE CLOSURE .................................... 15
NO LEFT TURN HERE .............................................. 15
SPEED LIMIT .................................................... 16
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
16
TUESDAY, MA Y 2.H, 113 =
SUBMISSIONS TO ASSESSMENT OFFICE DESTROYED
* X * *
FORTY-FOUR SEALED CARTONS CONTAINING SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED BY THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE WERE DESTROYED AT THE KENNEDY TOWN, INCINERATOR TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, SET UP LAST YEAR TO ASSESS AND COLLATE PUBLIC VIEWS ON THE DRAFT SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT, PUBLISHED ITS REPORT TOGETHER wI TH AN ANNEX CONTAINING SUBMISSIONS FROM ORGANISATIONS WHICH HAD NOT REQUESTED THEIR SUBMISSIONS TO REMAIN CONFIDENTIAL, ON NOVEMBER 29 LAST YEAR.
THE REMAINING DOCUMENTS HAD BEEN HELD IN 44 SEALED CARTONS INSIDE A STRONG-ROOM IN THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE.
AT TODAY’S CEREMONY, THE GOVERNMENT ARCHIVIST, DR Y.W. LAU, UNLOCKED THE STRONG-ROOM AND SUPERVISED THE REMOVAL OF THE 44 CARTONS ONTO A VAN FOR DELIVERY TO THE INCINERATOR.
MR JUSTICE SIMON LI, ONE OF THE TWO MEMBERS OF THE INDEPENDENT TEAM SET UP TO MONITOR THE WORK OF THE ASSESSMENT OFFICE, AND THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, WITNESSED THE REMOVAL AND DESTRUCTION CF THE DOCUMENTS AT THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE AND AT THE INCINERATOR.
-----o------
UNOFFICIALS TO ASK 13 QUESTIONS * * * *
THIRTEEN MATTERS TO BE (WEDNESDAY).
QUESTIONS, DEALT WITH
EIGHT BILLS AND TWO MOTIONS WILL BE AMONG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW
THE QUESTIONS WILL DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS THE PROGRESS MADE IN IMPLEMENTING THE CONS REPORT ON CORONERS’ POWER AND PROCEDURES WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG WATERS, DECISION ON THt SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON COMMERCIAL
HELICOPTER SERVICES.
BILLS TO BE INTRODUCED ARE THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1Q85 AND THE BILLS OF SALE (AMENDMENT) BILL
1985.
/DEBATE WILL
'Fl- . JA •
2 -
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON THE FOLLOWING BILLS PRIOR TO FINAL READING:
CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985;
* COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985;
* BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 ;
* TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985;
* CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985? AND
* PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
TWO MOTIONS — ONE DEALING w I TH DUTY ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AND COSMETICS AND ON AMENDMENT TO THE RESOLUTION PASSED ON APRIL 27, 1983 TO FACILITATE DUTY INCREASES — WILL BE MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE.
A STATEMENT WILL ALSO BE MADE BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON WONG PO-YAN, ON THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE ANNUAL REPORT 1983-84.
-----o-----
B223M SOUGHT FOR FINAL HOSPITAL wORK * * * *
A PROPOSED CAPITAL GRANT OF $223.7 MILLION TO ENABLE THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL IN TSUEN WAN TO COMPLETE ITS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE CONSIDERED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE GRANT, IF APPROVED, WILL ENABLE THE SUBVENTED HOSPITAL TO PROCEED WITH PHASE IV OF ITS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, WHICH INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 21-STOREY BLOCK TO ACCOMMODATE AN EXTRA 512 BEDS.
UPON COMPLETION OF THIS LAST PHASE OF THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE HOSPITAL WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 697 BEDS, TOGETHER WITH AN ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT AND A FULL RANGE OF CLINICAL AND ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
PHASE I AND II OF THE HOSPITAL’S EXTENSION PROGRAMME HAVE BEEN COMPLETED WHILE PHASE III, WHICH INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION CF A 16-STOREY NURSES TRAINING SCHOOL, IS TO COMMENCE SHORTLY. FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD EARLIER APPROVED A GRANT OF SOME 534.85 MILLION FOR THIS PHASE.
A'NDER EXISTING ---------
MA x c. ~ $
3
UNDER EXISTING PRACTICE, SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS ARE GENERALLY REQUIRED TO CONTRIBUTE A MINIMUM OF 20 PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF MEDICAL PROJECTS AND GOVERNMENT CAPITAL SUBVENTIONS DO NOT NORMALLY EXCEED 80 PER CENT OF THE COST.
TWENTY PER CENT OF THE ESTIMATED COST OF THIS PROJECT AMOUNTS TO SOME $51.5 MILLION. THE HOSPITAL HAS SO FAR RAISED $22 MILLION, AND IS CONFIDENT OF RAISING AT LEAST $12 MILLION MORE.
FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TOMORROW TO CONSIDER MAKING AN EXCEPTION TO THE 20 PER CENT TO 80 PER CENT RULE, AND TO APPROVE A CAPITAL GRANT OF $223.7 MILLION FOR THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS:
* THAT THE HOSPITAL WILL TRY ITS BEST TO RAISE ADDITIONAL SUMS WITH THE AIM OF REDUCING THE CAPITAL SUBVENTION REQUIRED, AND
* THAT THE HOSPITAL EXTENSION SHOULD BE DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTED IN A MANNER ACCEPTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE ECONOMICAL AND EFFECTIVE USE OF PUBLIC FUNDS.
INCLUDED IN THE PROPOSAL IS THE CONDITION THAT NO GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION WILL BECOME PAYABLE UNTIL THE YAN CHAI HOSPITAL HAS SPENT $34 MILLION ON THE PROJECT.
OTHER ITEMS TO BE CONSIDERED AT TOMORROW’S MEETING INCLUDE:
* ADJUSTMENT OF PAY AND ALLOWANCES FOR THE AUXILIARY POLICE FOLLOWING THE PAY RISE FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE,
* RETROSPECTIVE APPROVAL FOR TWO ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS IN SHAM SHU I PO AND KOWLOON CITY WHERE COSTS HAVE EXCEEDED THE APPROVED LIMIT, AND AN INCREASE IN THE FINANCIAL LIMIT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT PROJECTS,
* EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS FOR TWO RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS,
/• ADVANCING THE .......
•bl f HaI ,
* ADVANCING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF « PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS FROM 1986 AND 1987, TO 1985 AND 1986,
* ADDITIONAL DELEGATIONS OF POWER IN RESPECT OF THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND, THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AND THE HOME OWNERSHIP FUND, AND
* A PROPOSAL TO AMEND THE DEEDS OF GUARANTEE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND PARTICIPATING FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS OF MORTGAGE RATES FOR THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR PARTICIPATION SCHEME, TO ENABLE RATES LOWER THAN THOSE SPECIFIED TO BE CHARGED.
IN ADDITION, THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL BE ASKED TO APPROVE VARIOUS RECOMMENDATIONS MADE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE.
LAW TO COVER DOMESTIC * * *
VIOLENCE PROPOSED * *
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL ADVISED TODAY THAT IN PRINCIPLE LEGISLATION SHOULD BE INTRODUCED TO EXTEND THE PROTECTION OF THE LAw TO SPOUSES AND CO-HABITEES SUBJECT TO VIOLENCE AT HOME.
THIS DECISION IS THE RESULT OF REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE JUDICIARY, THE LEGAL, ACADEMIC, MEDICAL AND SOCIAL WELFARE PROFESSIONS, WOMEN’S GROUPS AND THE PRESS. THESE GROUPS HAVE REPORTED THAT THERE IS A GROWING NUMBER OF CASES PARTICULARLY OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN BEING SUBJECT TO VIOLENCE AT HOME. THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT A TRIAL SCHEME FOR REPORTING AND RECORDING SUCH CASES IN OCTOBER, NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER LAST YEAR. DURING THAT TIME 306 CASES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE WERE REPORTED TO THE DEPARTMENT.
THE PROPOSAL IS THAT THE NEw LEGISLATION WOULD PROVIDE FOR SPOUSES OR CO-HABITEES TO APPLY TO A COURT FOR AN INJUNCTION CONTAINING ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING PROVISIONS.
/♦ A PROVISION
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
- 5 -
* A PROVISION REQUIRING THE OTHER PARTY TO ALLOW A SPOUSE OR CO-HAEITEE TO ENTER AND REMAIN IN THE HOME. THIS PROVISION WILL BE APPLICABLE WHEN THE VIOLENT ACT TAKES THE FORM OF KEEPING THE SPOUSE OR CO-HABITEE AWAY FROM THE HOME ♦
* A PROVISION TO EXCLUDE THE OTHER PARTY FROM THE HOME. THIS PROVISION WILL BE DESIGNED TO KEEP THE VIOLENT MEMBER OF THE FAMILY AWAY FROM THE HOMEl
* A PROVISION RESTRAINING THE OTHER PARTY FROM MOLESTING THE SPOUSE OR CO-HABITEE OR ANY OF THEIR CHILDREN.
THE PROPOSAL TO ARREST SOMEONE
WOULD ALSO PROVIDE THE POLICE WITH A POWER WHO FAILS TO OBEY THE INJUNCTION.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THESE PROVISIONS WOULD BE TO PROVIDE FOR TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR SPOUSES, CO-HABITEES AND THE.IR CHILDREN WHO ARE BEING SUBJECT TO SERIOUS VIOLENCE AT HOME. THIS TEMPORARY RELIEF WOULD BE AVAILABLE UNTIL THE COURT wAS SATISFIED THAT FURTHER VIOLENCE WAS UNLIKELY BECAUSE, FOR EXAMPLE, EITHER THE FAMILY WAS ONCE AGAIN RECONCILED OR THE HUSBAND AND WIFE HAD AGREED TO SEPARATE PERMANENTLY.
HE SAID THAT CONSIDERATION MIGHT BE GIVEN TO WHETHER THE VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SHOULD BE ABLE TO GO BEFORE TWO JUSTICES OF THE PEACE IN ORDER TO OBTAIN THEIR INJUNCTIONS RATHER THAN GOING THROUGH MORE FORMAL PROCEEDINGS IN THE COURTS. VICTIMS CF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE MIGHT BE LESS RELUCTANT TO GO TO JUSTICES CF THE PEACE FOR AN INJUNCTION RATHER THAN TO THE COURTS.
SUBJECT TO THE ADVICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COUNCIL AND TO THE REACTION OF THE PUBLIC TO THE PROPOSALS, THE INTENTION IS TO SEEK EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S ADVICE ON THE DETAILED LEGISLATION IN ABOUT THREE MONTHS’ TIME. THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS SHOULD WRITE TO HIS DISTRICT OFFICE.
- - 0 - -
/6
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
6
HEUNG YEE KUK CHAIRMAN RE-ELECTED
* * * *
MR LAU wONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, wAS TODAY (TUESDAY) RE-ELECTED CHAIRMAN FOR THE 26TH TERM OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK.
MR LIU CHING-LEONG OF THE TAI PO ELECTORAL D (STRICT, AND
M? TSANG LIN OF THE SOUTH FIRST AND SECOND VICE-CHAI ELECTORAL DISTRICT WERE RMAN RESPECTIVELY. RE-ELECTED
ALSO ELECTED TODAY WERE 15 ORDINARY MEMBERS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THEY ARE: MR LAU TIN-FUK (102 VOTES) MR TANG KWOK-YUNG (102 VOTES) MR CHEUNG HON-KAU (101 VOTES) MR LAI KWOK-YIU (95 VOTES) MR TANG PAK-YUI (93 VOTES) MR HAU YIU-CHUEN (91 VOTES) MR TSO SHIU-WAI (91 VOTES) MR TANG KWONG-WING (90 VOTES) MR CHEN SUEN (86 VOTES) MR LEE WAI-KWONG (86 VOTES) MR MAN PING-NAM (85 VOTES) MR TANG TIN-YAN (82 VOTES) MR NG CHUNG-WAN (81 VOTES) MR LEE KANG-CHING (80 VOTES) MR CHOY KWAI-SANG (68 VOTES) OF THE KUK’S
THE NEW TERM OF OFFICE, LASTING FOR THREE YEARS, WILL BEGIN CM'J SATURDAY (JUNE 1). /
THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, DR JAMES HAYES, WAS THE RETURNING OFFICER FOR THE ELECTIONS WHICH WAS HELD BY SECRET BALLOT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE.
------o-------
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
7
VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE CONTINUE ON WAY
*****
A GROUP OF VIETNAMESE BOAT PEOPLE, WHO ENTERED HONG KONG WATERS ON MAY 23, VOLUNTARILY DECIDED TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY ON MAY 27, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED TODAY.
THE GROUP ORIGINALLY CONSISTED OF 61 PEOPLE - 28 MEN, 25 WOMEN AND EIGHT CHILDREN.
THEY CLAIMED TO HAVE LEFT GUANGNING, NORTH VIETNAM, ON APRIL 22 AND TO HAVE STOPPED OVER IN CHINA BEFORE ARRIVING IN HONG KONG.
FOUR MEN IN THE GROUP WERE FOUND TO BE CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS AND WERE REPATRIATED TO CHINA ON MAY 25.
THE REMAINING 57 VIETNAMESE CHOSE TO CONTINUE THEIR JOURNEY EASTWARDS.
THEY WERE PROVIDED WITH FOOD, WATER AND OTHER ESSENTIAL ITEMS. MINOR REPAIRS WERE MADE TO THEIR BOAT AND ITS ENGINE.
THE GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS WAS THE NINTH BOAT TO'LEAVE HONG KONG SINCE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CLOSED CENTRE POLICY IN JULY 1982 AND THE SIXTH BOAT TO LEAVE THIS YEAR.
-----o------
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW CHINA FLEET CLUB * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW CHINA FLEET CLUB PREMISES IN WAN CHAI ON THURSDAY EVENING (MAY 30).
HE WILL ARRIVE AT THE CLUB AT 6.10 PM AND WILL BE GREETED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLUB, CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER GOTTO, RN, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER, MR PHIL BALDWIN.
THE GOVERNOR WILL THEN DOT THE EYES OF A LION, AND CUT THE RIBBON AT THE CLUB’S MAIN ENTRANCE, BEFORE UNVEILING A PLAQUE.
AFTER BEING GREETED IN THE LOBBY BY THE CLUB’S TRUSTEES, MR MARTIN BARROW AND MR MICHAEL SANDBERG, SIR EDWARD WILL BE ESCORTED INTO THE RECEPTION HALL TO OFFER A TOAST AND CUT A CAKE.
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/8........
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
8
POSITIVE REPORT * *
BY TAC WORKING GROUP * * *
THE SECOND PROGRESS REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REPORT OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE WORKING GROUP ON CMB MAINTENANCEREVEALS THAT THE BUS COMPANY, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE HAVE TAKEN POSITIVE STEPS TO MAKE IMPROVEMENTS.
THE PROGRESS REPORT WAS SUBMITTED TO TAC MEMBERS FOR DISCUSSION AT THEIR MEETING TODAY.
MEMBERS NOTED THAT THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, IN A BID TO STEP UP MONITORING OF MAINTENANCE WORK BY FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES, IN PARTICULAR THAT OF CMB, HAD SET UP A SEPARATE BUS MAINTENANCE DIVISION UNDER THE OVERALL SUPERVISION OF A SENIOR ENGINEER.
STAFF SECONDMENT FROM THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND INTERNAL REDEPLOYMENT OF OFFICERS WITHIN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAD ENABLED THE NEW DIVISION TO BECOME OPERATIVE FROM MAY 20, ALTHOUGH SOME POSTS HAD YET TO BE FILLED AND A RECRUITMENT EXERCISE WAS IN PROGRESS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT WAS SETTING UP A PROSECUTION UNIT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE TAC WORKING GROUP REPORT.
ON THE RECOMMENDATION THAT THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD ARRANGE FOR ITS MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS TO BE LICENSED AND INSURED TO TAKE CMB BUSES OUT ON ROAD TESTS, TAC MEMBERS FELT THAT THERE WOULD BE MAJOR LEGAL PROBLEMS.
THEY ENDORSED AN ALTERNATIVE PROPOSED BY THE DEPARTMENT THAT SHOULD THE MOTOR VEHICLE EXAMINERS DEEM IT NECESSARY TO CONDUCT ROAD TESTS ON BUSES, TESTING COULD BE DONE BY CMB DRIVERS UNDER THE EXAMINERS’ OBSERVATION.
MEMBERS ACCEPTED THAT MUCH OF THE BUS TESTING COULD BE EFFECTIVELY CARRIED OUT WITHIN THE BUS DEPOT WITH THE AID OF SUITABLE EQUIPMENT.
MEMBERS ALSO NOTED THAT THE CMB HAD MADE IMPROVEMENTS IN AREAS NOT COVERED IN THE FIRST PROGRESS REPORT, SUCH AS IN PUTTING STRAIGHT ITS MAINTENANCE RECORDS AND FAULT RECORDING SYSTEM. EFFORTS WERE ALSO MADE TO STEP UP ITS MONTHLY INSPECTION SERVICING PROGRAMME FUR BUSES AND TO PROVIDE REFRESHER TRAINING FOR ITS DRIVERS.
/THE TRANSPORT .........
Ti SDA MA. C, 19t5
- 9 -
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT «AS GENERALLY SATISFIED THAT CONSIDERABLE ACHIEVEMENT HAD BEEN MADE BY THE BUS COMPANY IN AREAS OF IMPROVING WORKSHOP FACILITIES AND CONDITIONS SUCH AS PURCHASE CF EQUIPMENT, BETTER WORKING CONDITIONS AT DEPOTS AND PROPER INSTRUCTIONS TO STAFF ON MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES.
CME’S QUALITY CONTROL SECTION, SET UP IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, ,vAS APPARENTLY ACHIEVING RESULTS AS THE NUMBER OF DEFECTS FOUND ON CMB BUSES DURING SPOT CHECKS HAD SHOWN A DECLINE FROM AN AVERAGE OF THREE SAFETY DEFECTS PER BUS IN JANUARY TO AN AVERAGE CF 1.4 DEFECTS PER BUS IN APRIL.
TAC MEMBERS, HOWEVER EXPRESSED CONCERN THAT CMB HAD MADE LITTLE PROGRESS ON THOSE RECOMMENDATION THAT HAD AN EFFECT ON ITS ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE.
AT TODAY’S MEETING, MEMBERS ALSO DISCUSSED A ROAD SAFETY STRATEGY PAPER AND NOTED PROGRESS ACHIEVED IN REMOVING PEDESTRIAN PROf-L^ SPOTS IN A REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE ROAD SAFETY DIVISION CF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
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SURVEY OF TRANSPORT, RELATED SERVICES BEGINS * * * *
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF TRANSPORT AND RELATED SERVICES FOR THE YEAR 1984. THE ANNUAL SURVEY COVERS LAND, SEA AND AIR TRANSPORT SERVICES, SUCH AS PUBLIC BUSES, TRAMWAYS, TAXIS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, TRUCKS, FERRIES, SHIPPING COMPANIES AND AIRLINES.
IT ALSO COVERS SERVICES RELATED TO TRANSPORT, SUCH AS CAR PARKS, TRAVEL AGENTS AND CARGO FORWARDING AGENTS.
QUESTIONNAIRES ARE BEING SENT TO A SAMPLE OF ABOUT 3 600 ESTABLISHMENTS OUT OF A TOTAL OF SOME 40 000 ESTABLISHMENTS FALLING UNDER THE PURVIEW OF THE SURVEY.
DATA TO BE COLLECTED IN THE SURVEY INCLUDE THE TYPE OF OWNERSHIP, FLOOR AREA, EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, OPERATING EXPENSES, BUSINESS TURNOVER AND CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
/SUCH ECONOMIC
D; . HA 20, 1985
10 -
SUCH ECONOMIC DATA WILL PROVIDE BASIC INFORMATION ON THE STRUCTURE AND PERFORMANCE OF THE TRANSPORT SECTOR AND ARE NEEDED FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF THE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT. THE SURVEY RESULTS WILL ALSO BE USED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN THE FORMULATION OF DECISIONS AND POLICIES.
RESPONSE TO THE SURVEY IS A LEGAL REQUIREMENT. A CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDER AUTHORISING THE CONDUCT OF THIS SURVEY WAS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL UNDER SECTION 11 OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS ORDINANCE AND ISSUED AS LEGAL NOTICE NO. 11 IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON JANUARY 13, 1984.
SELECTED ESTABLISHMENTS ARE REQUIRED TO RETURN THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRES BY JULY 31. OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, WHO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY, WILL VISIT THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED TO ASSIST THEM IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES IF REQUIRED.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS STRESSES THAT INFORMATION RELATING TO INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND THAT ONLY AGGREGATE INFORMATION WHICH DOES NOT REVEAL DETAILS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL BE RELEASED.
- - -0 - - - -
EDUCATION GROUP VISITS NOISE-POLLUTED SCHOOLS * * * * *
SEVERAL MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION VISITED TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KOWLOON TODAY (TUESDAY) TO EXPERIENCE NOISE POLLUTION IN THESE SCHOOLS.
THE GROUP, COMPRISING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR CHAN YING-LUN, PROFESSOR B.L. COOKE, MR ALBERT LI, MR TAM MAN-KWAN, MR TIMOTHY HA AND MR M. PAGLIARI WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (KOWLOON REGION) OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS ALICE CHENG, AND THE SECRETARY OF BOARD OF EDUCATION, MRS REBELLA HO.
THEY FIRST VISITED THE RHENISH CHURCH COLLEGE AT KOWLOON CITY WHERE THEY OBSERVED THE DISRUPTION OF CLASSES FROM TIME TO TIME BY THE NOISE OF LOW-FLYING PLANES.
THE VISITORS THEN TOURED THE PHC WING KWONG COLLEGE WHICH IS AFFECTED BY THE NOISE OF HEAVY VEHICULAR TRAFFIC ALONG LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND FUNG MO STREET.
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/11 .....
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
11
SCREEN PRINTING WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS * * *
* FOUR-SESSION WORKSHOP ON THE TEACHING OF SCREEN PRINTING FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ART TEACHERS HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ART SECTION ON JULY 15 AND 16
THE WORKSHOP, AIMED AT INTRODUCING THE BASIC TECHNIQUES OF SCREEN PRINTING, WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE AND WILL BE HELD AT THE CULTURAL CRAFT CENTRE AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT HONG KONG.
HEADS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS WISHING TO NOMINATE TEACHERS FOR THE WORKSHOP ARE ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS TO THE INSPECTOR (ART), ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AT 4 PAK FUK ROAD, FIFTH FLOOR, NORTH POINT, BEFORE JUNE 24.
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MORE SPORTS FACILITIES ON WAY
* * *
PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS FACILITIES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED IN A FEW YEARS, AFTER REDEVELOPMENT OF KOWLOON PARK AND TWO URBAN COUNCIL COMPLEXES, THE REGIONAL SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, MR BARRIE WIGGHAM, SAID TODAY (TUESDAY).
THE REDEVELOPED PARK WILL INCLUDE THE FIRST PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN THE DISTRICT, AND THE UC COMPLEXES IN KWUN CHUNG AND NEAR WATERLOO ROAD WILL PROVIDE MORE INDOOR SPORTS FACILITIES AND GAMES ROOMS.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE FIRST PUBLIC TENNIS COURTS EVER BUILT IN YAU MA TEI.
THE HAMILTON STREET TENNIS COURTS PROJECT HAS BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BY THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE LANDS DEPARTMENT, IN MAKING THE SITE AVAILABLE, THE DISTRICT BOARD, IN CONTRIBUTING $150 000, AND THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION IN RAISING $160 000.
YAU MA TEI, HE SAID, WAS ONE OF THE SMALLEST AND YET MOST DENSELY DEVELOPED DISTRICTS IN THE URBAN AREA.
+WHEN ONE TALKS ABOUT THE DISTRICT, ONE’S ATTENTION TENDS TO FOCUS ON ITS BUSY TOURISM TRADE AND COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
♦NEVERTHELESS WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT MORE THAN 160 000 PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT, wI TH MORE THAN HALF OF THEM BELOW THE AGE OF 30.
/♦UNFORTUNATELY, .......
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
12
+UNFORTUNATELY, AS A RESULT OF THE DENSELY BUILT-UP NATURE OF THE DISTRICT, THE PROVISION OF MORE RECREATIONAL AND ACTIVE SPORTS FACILITIES IS SOMETIMES SEEN AS A FORM OF LUXURY, OR THAT SITES ARE SIMPLY NOT AVAILABLE.+
THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD OVER THE LAST FEU YEARS TAKEN NOTE OF THE PROBLEM AND UTILISED ITS OWN RESOURCES TO PROVIDE SOME SMALLER SCALE FACILITIES.
+OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS IN THE DISTRICT, WITH THE YAU MA TEI AND TSIM SHA TSUI RECREATION AND SPORTS ASSOCIATION AS A DISTINGUISHED EXAMPLE, HAVE ALSO CONTRIBUTED VERY SIGNIFICANTLY TO THE ORGANISATION AND PROMOTION OF RECREATIONAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN THE DISTRICT,* HE ADDED.
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TSUEN WAN NULLAH CONTRACT SIGNED * * * *
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED A 391.5 MILLION CONTRACT TO PROVIDE VITAL ACCESS BETWEEN TSUEN wAN NEw TOWN AND THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS.
THE CONTRACT, FOR THE DECKING OF THE CHUNG HANG NULLAH, WAS SIGNED BY THE DEPUTY PROJECT MANAGER FOR TSUEN WAN, MR BOSCO KEOWN, AND MR GEORGE C. TSO, CHAIRMAN OF THE CONTRACTORS, PAUL Y. CONTRUCTION COMPANY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN WAN NEw TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE SAID WORK ON DECKING THE 5OO-METRE-LONG, 30-METRE-WIDE NULLAH wOULD START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
ONCE THE DECKING WAS IN PLACE, A ROAD WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED OVER THE NULLAH. THE SPOKESMAN SAID: + THE ROAD WILL LINK UP WITH STAGE TwO OF THE TSUEN WAN BYPASS FROM TEXACO ROAD TO TUEN MUN ROAD.
+ IT WILL ENABLE TRAFFIC USING THE BYPASS TO ENTER TSUEN WAN CENTRAL THROUGH A CONNECTION AT SHA TSUI ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD.+ .
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROJECT HAD A NUMBER OF BUILT-IN DIFFICULTIES. ONE OF THESE WOULD BE THE DISMANTLING OF THE BRIDGE CARRYING THE SHA TSUI ROAD ACROSS THE NULLAH AND BUILDING ANOTHER BRIDGE ON THE SAME SITE WHILE AT THE SAME TIME KEEPING TRAFFIC FLOWING ACROSS THE NULLAH.
THIS WILL BE DONE BY BUILDING ONE DECK OF THE NEW BRIDGE FIRST, OPENING IT TO TRAFFIC AND THEN DISMANTLING THE OLD BRIDGE.
THE CONTRACT IS THE LATEST IN THE $800 MILLION TSUEN WAN BYPASS PROJECT.
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/13........
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
15
NEW CHAI WAN TRAFFIC PLAN STARTS FRIDAY * * * *
TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPEN I NG Ui- in THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WITHIN
ROADS
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE ]N CHAI WAN^FROM 10.30 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 31) MTR ISLAND LINE AND PART OF THE DISTR ICT.
THE DETAILS ARE:
CLOSURE AND OPENING OF
* LEE CHUNG STREET BETWEEN KUT SHING STREET AND CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED.
* THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR BETWEEN CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT AND A POINT ABOUT 200 METRES NORTH OF THE ROUNDABOUT WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC.
* THE SLIP ROAD LINKING ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WITH NING FOO STREET WILL BE OPENED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
* KUT SHING STREET EXTENSION, LEADING TO CHAI WAN ROAD, WILL BE OPENED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
TRAFFIC REROUTING
* NING FOO STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
* LEE CHUNG STREET SOUTH OF NING FOO STREET WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND. THE SAME STREET NORTH OF NING FOO STREET WILL BECOME ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
* KUT SHING STREET BETWEEN LEE CHUNG STREET AND CHAI WAN ROAD, WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS
* ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR NORTH OF CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT.
/THE FOLLOWING .......
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1985
14
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS 1LL BE DESIGNATED URBAN CLEARWAYS BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM DAILY, DURING WHICH NO VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO STOP FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS:
* NING FOO STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH LEE CHUNG STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES EAST OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LEE CHUNG STREET FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH NING FOO STREET TO A POINT ABOUT 30 METRES SOUTH OF THE SAME JUNCTION.
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF LEE CHUNG STREET FROM 25 TO 40 METRES SOUTH OF NING FOO STREET.
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KUT SHING STREET BETWEEN LEE CHUNG STREET AND CHAI WAN ROAD.
* THE SOUTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF KUT SHING STREET FROM CHAI WAN ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 20 METRES WEST OF CHEUNG LEE STREET.
THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE DESIGNATED 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAYS FOR ALL VEHICLES:
* CHAI WAN ROAD FROM 55 METRES EAST TO
40 METRES WEST OF CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT.
* WAN TSUI ROAD FROM CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO A POINT ABOUT 65 METRES SOUTHWARD.
* THE EASTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM CHAI WAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO A POINT ABOUT 95 METRES NORTH OF THE ROUNDABOUT.
* THE WESTERN KERBSIDE LANE OF ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM CHAI wAN ROAD ROUNDABOUT TO NING FOO STREET.
* THE NORTHERN KERBSIDE LANE OF NING FOO STREET FROM 65 METRES TO 80 METRES EAST OF LEE CHUNG STREET.
* THE SLIP ROAD LINKING ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR WITH NING FOO STREET.
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/15
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 1^85
15
NIGHT CLOSURE OF TUNNEL * * * *
THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR TwO HOUKS FROM 2 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 30) TO FACILITATE TESTING OF EQUIPMENT.
MOTORISTS ARE REQUESTED TO USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES DURING THE CLOSURE.
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TWO-DAY BOWEN DRIVE CLOSURE
* * * *
BOWEN DRIVE IN MID-LEVELS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR TWO DAYS FROM 10 AM ON THURSDAY (MAY 30) TO FACILITATE ROAD RECONSTRUCTION WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE, VEHICLES ON KENNEDY ROAD HEADING FOR eOwEN ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA GARDEN ROAD, COTTON TREE DRIVE AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD.
NO LEFT TURN HERE
* * *
TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOw, THE LEFT TURN FROM CHUN WAH ROAD wESTBOUND INTO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD SOUTHBOUND, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 31).
0 -------
/16........
TUESDAY, MAY 28, W5
16
SPEED LIMIT * * * *
THE SPEED LIMIT ALONG THE SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN CHING CHEUNG ROAD AND A POINT ABOUT 240 METRES NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION wITH CALDECOTT ROAD WILL BE 50 KILOMETRES AN HOUR FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 31).
- - 0 - -
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED # * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON CHENG SHUN-TIT ON MAY 14, 1^82 SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
CHENG WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF LAM KAI-YUEN ON OCTOBER 6, 1981.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL 5-233191
...ft T . ■'
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING;
SIR PHILIP PRAISED FOR +UNFAILING DEVOTION+ TO HK ......... 1
UNOFFICIALS PAY TRIBUTE TO SIR PHILIP ..................... 2
SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL DECISION BY YEAR END .......... J
SUB-COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON CORONERS' FUNCTIONS ............
•CRIME IN COUNTRY PARKS LOW' .............................. 5
MEASURES TAKEN TO CURB ILLEGAL FLATS ...................... 6
DEATH CERTIFICATE PROCEDURES EXPLAINED .................... 7
MARINE WATER QUALITY +SATISFACTORY IN GENERAL* ............ 8
GRADUATE TEACHERS TURNOVER RATE REVEALED .................. 9
BEST USE MADE OF LIMITED HOUSING RESOURCES ................ 10
CONSUMER PROTECTION SAME FOR RESIDENTS, TOURISTS........... 11
POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE ................................... 11
PUBLIC HOUSING INHERITANCE POLICY EXPLAINED ............... 12
LITTLE DEMAND SEEN FOR HELICOPTER SERVICE ................. 14
PUBLIC FUNDS FOR BAPTIST COLLEGE WELL SPENT ............... 15
WINES, SPIRITS DUTY RISES APPROVED ......................... 16
SOFT DRINK, COSMETIC DUTIES APPROVED ...................... 16
/ACCORD SEEN .......
ACCORD SEEN ON EMPLOYEES* COMPENSATION PL/Ji ................. 1?
CONSISTENCY SOUGHT ON FEE CHARGES ............................ 18
STANDARDS, AVAILABILITY OF QUALIFIED PILOTS MOST IMPORTANT. 19
SIX BILLS PASSED ........................................... 21
JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO HOLD FIRST MEETING ...................... 22
SCHOOLS TO GET MORE TEACHERS EARLIER ............................ 22
NEW RATES FOR AUXILIARY POLICE APPROVED ......................... 23
MEMBERS CONSIDER REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL ......................... 24
GOVT AWARE OF NEWSVENDORS' DIFFICULTY ........................... 26
POLICE BUILDING PROJECTS TOTAL «1 BILLION ....................... 28
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS Hi NORTH POINT ......................... 29
COUNCIL APPROVES $1 MILLION FOR MINOR PROJECTS .................. 30
HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING STANDARDS .............. 30
FAREWELL THEE PLANTING AT PHOENIX HOUSE ......................... 32
ROAD CLOSED FOR RESURFACING ..................................... 32
ROAD CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE WORK ................................. 33
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE ............................................. 33
r
■ ■ .............................. , ' L,
I •><"* 1 I-
■t ................................................................
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
1
SIR PHILIP PRAISED FOR +UNFAILING DEVOTION+ TO HK *****
HONG KONG OWED THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE A GREAT DEBT OF GRATITUDE FOR HIS UNFAILING DEVOTION TO ITS INTEREST^, AND HIS OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP OF THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE CIVIL SERVICE THROUGHOUT THIS OFTEN TESTING PERIOD, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODAY.
IN HIS VALEDICTORY TO SIR PHILIP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE GOVERNOR SAID SIR PHILIP WOULD SHORTLY LEAVE HONG KONG ON RETIREMENT, AND THIS WAS THE LAST SITTING OF THE COUNCIL AT WHICH FE WOULD BE WITH MEMBERS.
+1 SHOULD LIKE TO PAY A WARM TRIBUTE TO HIM FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE WORK OF THE GOVERNMENT, BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THIS COUNCIL,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
POINTING OUT THAT SIR PHILIP JOINED THE HONG KONG CIVIL SERVICE IN 1962 AND BECAME AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL IN 1971, WHEN F£ WAS APPOINTED FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE GOVERNOR SAID:
♦FOR A DECADE HONG KONG HAD THE BENEFIT OF HIS SHREWD AND IMAGINATIVE GUIDANCE OF OUR ECONOMY. DURING THOSE TEN YEARS HONG KONG ENJOYED AN ERA OF ECONOMIC GROWTH AND PROSPERITY.+
THE PAST FOUR YEARS THAT SIR PHILIP HAD BEEN CHIEF SECRETARY HAD BEEN HISTORIC AND EVENTFUL YEARS, HE SAID.
♦THE AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S FUTURE HAS BEEN REACHED- PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE TOWARDS MORE REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT- AND THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN CONDUCTED WITH EFFICIENCY AND DESPATCH,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR PHILIP HAD LONG BEEN A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL AND ON MANY OCCASIONS HAD PRESIDED OVER IT, SIR EDWARD SAID.
♦MEMBERS NEED NO REMINDER OF HIS TACT AND ROBUST GOOD HUMOUR IN CONDUCTING ITS BUSINESS.
♦MANY OF HIS SPEECHES AND STATEMENTS WILL BE THE SOURCES TO WHICH FUTURE HISTORIANS WILL TURN IN SEEKING AN AUTHORITATIVE EXPOSITION OF THE ECONOMIC AND ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES WHICH HAVE BEEN AT THE HEART OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS.
♦WE SHALL MISS HIM, HIS WISE COUNSEL, AND HIS INCISIVE MIND. DEBATES - AND QUESTION TIME - IN THIS COUNCIL WILL NEVER BE THE SAME WITHOUT HIM,+ SIR EDWARD SAID.
HE HAD NO DOUBT, THE GOVERNOR SAID, THAT HONOURABLE MEMBERS WOULD WISH TO JOIN HIM IN WISHING SIR PHILIP AND LADY HADDON-CAVE ♦A LONG, HAPPY AND WELL-DESERVED RETIREMENT+.
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/2.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
2.
UNOFFICIALS PAY TRIBUTE TO SIR PHILIP
******
SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE HAS MADE AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO THE FORMULATION OF GOVERNMENT POLICIES AND THE PROVISION OF A FAVOURABLE FRAMEWORK FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND SOCIAL PROGRESS DURING HIS 22 YEARS’ SERVICE IN HONG KONG.
THIS WAS SAID BY THE HON SIR ROGER LOBO, SENIOR MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN A VALEDICTORY TO THE CHIEF SECRETARY ON BEHALF OF THE UNOFFICIALS AT THE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SIR ROGER DESCRIBED THE +SCRUPULOUSLY DETAILED EXPLANATORY FOOTNOTES AND MARATHON BUDGET ADDRESSES* AS +FURTHER MEMORABLE EVENTS FROM SIR PHILIP’S DISTINGUISHED DECADE IN THE OFFICE CF FINANCIAL SECRETARY*.
HE SAID SIR PHILIP WAS ALSO KNOWN AS THE ARCHITECT OF HONG KONG’S ESTABLISHMENT AS A LEADING FINANCIAL CENTRE AND THE INVENTOR-AUTHOR OF +POSITIVE NON-1NTERVENTI ON ISM+.
+AN EX-OFFICIO MEMBER SINCE 1971, HE IS ONE OF THE MOST FORMIDABLE AND TRENCHANT DEBATERS IN THIS COUNCIL AND HIS INTELLECTUAL POWERS HAVE WON HIM THE HIGHEST RESPECT BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THIS CHAMBER.
+HIS LONG-ESTABLISHED RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNOFFICIALS AND HIS COMMITMENT TO HONG KONG WAS PARTICULARLY VALUED BY US IN THE MANY USEFUL MEETINGS AND DISCUSSIONS WE HAVE HELD OVER THE PAST YEARS AND, INDEED, DURING THE MOST TRYING PERIOD IN OUR HISTORY WHEN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG WAS UNDER NEGOTIATION AND IN THE BALANCE,* SIR ROGER SAID.
SIR PHILIP’S TERM OF OFFICE HAD ALSO SEEN FIRM PLANS LAID FOR THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, AND IT WAS A PITY THAT HE WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO SEE THE NEW-STYLE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TAKE OFFICE IN THE NEXT SESSION, SIR ROGER ADDED.
+WE ARE GREATLY HONOURED TO HAVE WITNESSED THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE SIR PHILIP HAS GIVEN TO HONG KONG.
+HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED BY US ALL, AND MY UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AND I WOULD LIKE TO PLACE ON RECORD OUR HIGH REGARD AND AFFECTION FOR HIM AND TO WISH HIM AND LADY HADDON-CAVE A VERY HAPPY RETIREMENT,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
3
SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL DECISION BY YEAR END ******
INITIAL RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL WOULD SHORTLY BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND A FINAL ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE MADE BY THE END OF THE YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, THE HON IAN MACPHERSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HARRY FANG REGARDING GOVERNMENT’S DECISION ON THE SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL, W MACPHERSON SAID THAT LAST OCTOBER, FOLLOWING A STUDY OF THREE POSSIBLE ALIGNMENTS, GOVERNMENT CALLED FOR PROPOSALS TO FINANCE, CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A SECOND CROSS-HARBOUR ROAD TUNNEL FROM QUARRY BAY TO CHA KWO LING.
+THE REQUIREMENT WAS FOR A MINIMUM OF TWO TRAFFIC LANES IN EACH DIRECTION, BUT IT WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THIS WAS NOT TO BE RESTRICTIVE AND THAT PROPOSALS FOR JOINT ROAD AND RAIL TUNNELS WOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, BE CONSIDERED,* MR MACPHERSON SAID.
THERE WAS +A TRULY INTERNATIONAL RESPONSE* FROM NINE CONSORTIUMS REPRESENTING AUSTRALIAN, BRITISH, CHINESE, DUTCH, FRENCH, HONG KONG AND JAPANESE INTERESTS WHICH SUBMITTED PROPOSALS ON APRIL 1.
THIS RESPONSE, HE SAID SHOWED +A VERY ENCOURAGING CONFIDENCE IN THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG+.
MANY OF THE CONSORTIUMS HAD SHOWN INTEREST IN PROVIDING AN MTR AS WELL AS A ROAD TUNNEL, HE SAID.
THESE PROPOSALS WERE BEING CONSIDERED BY A STEERING GROUP CHAIRED BY THE SECRETARY FOR TRANSPORT, *I TH MEMBERS FROM ALL INTERESTED GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+CONSULTANTS HAVE ALSO BEEN RETAINED TO ADVISE ON SOME OF THE COMPLEX FINANCIAL ISSUES,* MR MACPHERSON SAID.
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A ...
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1935
4
SUB-COMMITTEE TO REPORT ON CORONERS’ FUNCTIONS
******
A LAW REFORM COMMISSION SUB-COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, IS EXPECTED TO REPORT TO THE COMMISSION THIS AUTUMN ON THE MATTEL OF DEATH CERTIFICATION AND CORONERS’ FUNCTIONS AND PROCEDURES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON MICHAEL THOMAS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR THE HON HARRY FANG ON THE PROGRESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONS REPORT ON CORONERS’ POWERS AND PROCEDURES.
GIVING THE BACKGROUND TO THE CONS REPORT, MR THOMAS SAID A WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY MR JUSTICE CONS, HAD BEEN APPOINTED BY THE CHIEF JUSTICE IN 1979 TO REVIEW THE WORKING OF THE CORONERS’ ORDINANCE AND TO MAKE SUCH RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AMENDMENT TO THE ORDINANCE OR TO PRACTICE AS IT DEEMED DESIRABLE.
HE SAID THE WORKING GROUP HAD MADE EIGHT RECOMMENDATIONS IN JANUARY 1980. THE FIVE WHICH REQUIRED LEGISLATION HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED BY THE CORONERS (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE ASSENTED TO BY THE GOVERNOR ON JULY 24, 1980.
TWO OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS, MR THOMAS POINTED OUT, HAD BEEN IMPLEMENTED ADMINISTRATIVELY.
THESE RESULTED IN THE APPOINTMENT FOR THE FIRST TIME OF TWO FULL-TIME CORONERS IN NOVEMBER 1980 AND THE TURNING OF LEGAL . REPRESENTATION OF THE CORONERS’ OFFICE BY CROWN COUNSEL INTO A REGULAR FEATURE OF INQUESTS IN THE SAME YEAR.
MR THOMAS SAID THE LAST RECOMMENDATION HAD PROPOSED NO CHANGE TO THE LAW AND PRACTICE RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF DEATH CERTIFICATES OR THE NOTIFICATION OF DEATH TO THE CORONER.
♦NONETHELESS A NUMBER OF CRITICISMS OF THE LAW, PRACTICE AND PROCEDURES RELATING TO THE CERTIFICATION OF DEATH AND THE INVESTIGATION OF THE CAUSES OF DEATH WERE MADE SUBSEQUENTLY BY LAWYERS APPEARING FOR INTERESTED PARTIES AT DEATH INQUIRIES AND SEPARATELY BY A FORMER HONG KONG CORONER (MR JOHN HANSEN).
♦THOSE CRITICISMS WERE BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION. AS A RESULT, AND IN THE LIGHT OF MY OWN THOUGHTS UPON EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS, A BACKGROUND AND ISSUES PAPER WAS PREPARED IN MY CHAMBERS,* HE SAID.
IN APRIL 1984, THE CHIEF JUSTICE AND HE HAD DECIDED TO REFER THE MATTER OF DEATH CERTIFICATION AND CORONERS’ FUNCTIONS AND PROCEDURES TO THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION UNDER WIDE TERMS OF REFERENCE, MR THOMAS SAID.
THE LAW REFORM COMMISSION SUB-COMMITTEE, CHAIRED BY DR THE HON HENRIETTA IP, HAD BEEN HARD AT WORK SINCE JUNE LAST YEAR, AND WAS EXPECTED TO REPORT TO THE COMMISSION THIS AUTUMN, MR THOMAS SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
5
’CRIME IN COUNTRY PARKS LOW’
* * * *
THE INCIDENCE OF CRIME IN COUNTRY PARKS WAS VERY LOW, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY DR THE HON HO KAM-FAI, MR JEAFFRESO.. SAID A SPECIAL STUDY BY THE POLICE HAD SHOWN THAT FROM APRIL 1982 TO MARCH 1983, THERE WERE 101 CASES OF REPORTED CRIME IN HONG KONG’S 21 COUNTRY PARKS.
THIS COMPARED WITH A TOTAL OF MORE THAN 80 000 REPORTED CRIMES THROUGHOUT THE TERRITORY DURING THE SAME 12 MONTHS.
HE SAID THE POLICE HAD CONTINUED TO KEEP A CLOSE WATCH FOR ANY SIGNS OF AN INCREASE IN CRIME IN THESE AREAS, AND THAT THE LEVEL OF CRIME HAD REMAINED LOW SO FAR.
♦POLICE PATROLS ARE DEPLOYED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEEDS ON THE GROUND AND MAY TAKE THE FORM OF MOTORCYCLE AND MOBILE PATROLS, OR PATROLS BY DOG-HANDLERS AND OTHER POLICEMEN ON FOOT,+ HE SAID.
IN ADDITION TO THE POLICE PRESENCE, MR JEAFFRESON SAID, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT MAINTAINED 28 MANAGEMENT. CENTRES AND 19 PARK WARDEN POSTS WHICH WERE STRATEGICALLY LOCATED WITHIN THE COUNTRY PARKS.
♦FROM THESE CENTRES AND POSTS, 117 UNIFORMED PARK RANGERS REGULARLY PATROL DIFFERENT PARKS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS ON MOTOR CYCLES AND ON FOOT,+ HE SAID.
IN REPLY TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, l*R JEAFFRESON SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER EXTENDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY POLICE UNIT TO COVER THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY ONLY IF AND WHEN CIRCUMSTANCES SO JUSTIFIED.
♦REPORTED CRIME ON THE KCR DROPPED FROM 472 IN 1983 TO 332 IN 1984 -- AND THE INDICATIONS ARE THAT IT MIGHT BE EVEN LOWER IN 1985,+ HE SAID.
THIS COMPARED WITH 249 REPORTED CRIMES FOR THE MTR IN 1984.
MR JEAFFRESON SAID POLICE COVERAGE OF KCR TRAINS AND STATIONS WAS CO-ORDINATED BY THE REGIONAL POLICE COMMANDER OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/+THE DAY-TO-DAY ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
6
+THE DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILITY FOR PROVIDING UNIFORMED AND PLAINCLOTHES POLICE COVERAGE IN KCR STATIONS AND ON THE TRAINS REMAINS WITH THE DISTRICT COMMANDERS OF MONG KOK, KOWLOON CITY, SHA TIN AND FRONTIER DISTRICTS.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW CONDUCTED BY THE POLICE IN 1984 SHOWED THAT THESE ARRANGEMENTS WERE WORKING WELL AND THAT A CHANGE IN THE COMMAND STRUCTURE WAS NOT JUSTIFIED.
+THESE FINDINGS WERE CONFIRMED IN A SECOND REVIEW COMPLETED EARLIER THIS YEAR,* HE ADDED.
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MEASURES TAKEN TO CURB ILLEGAL FLATS
******
SEVERAL MEASURES WERE BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT TO CURB AND PREVENT PROPERTY TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING THE SALE OF FLATS WHICH HAD BEEN ILLEGALLY SUB-DIVIDED OR MODIFIED, THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS, THE HON NICKY CHAN, SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON S.L. CHEN ON MEASURES TAKEN TO PREVENT INNOCENT PURCHASERS FROM BEING VICTIMISED, MR CHAN SAIDs +FIRST, THE BUILDING AUTHORITY ON DISCOVERING SUCH UNAUTHORISED ALTERATIONS WOULD ISSUE A NOTICE UNDER SECTION 24(1) OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE, REQUIRING THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE TO BE DEMOLISHED AND THE PROPERTY TO BE RESTORED TO ITS FORMER CONDITION.
+A NOTICE OF THIS KIND IS REGISTERED IN THE LAND OFFICE AND THUS ANY INTENDING PURCHASER WOULD BE PUT ON NOTICE OF THE MATTER IF HE MAKES A SEARCH OF THE PROPERTY IN THE LAND OFFICE.*
MODERN LEASE CONDITIONS INVARIABLY INCLUDED A PROVISION FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE AND AN UNAUTHORISED SUB-DIVISION AMOUNTED TO A BREACH OF THE LEASE CONDITIONS AND SUBJECT TO RE-ENTRY ENFORCEMENT ACTION, HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD ALSO STEPPED UP PUBLICITY TO WARN THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE RISKS OF BUYING FLATS WHICH HAD BEEN ALTERED OR ERECTED IN CONTRAVENTION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.
+IT IS IN THE INTEREST OF EVERY CONSUMER TO MAKE ALL APPROPRIATE ENQUIRIES BEFORE PURCHASING A FLAT, TO CONSULT A SOLICITOR OR AN AUTHORISED PERSON, AND IN CASE OF DOUBT TO MAKE AN ENQUIRY WITH THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE,* MR CHAN SAID.
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/7
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1935
7
DEATH CERTIFICATE PROCEDURES EXPLAINED ******
PROCEDURES FOR ISSUING DEATH CERTIFICATES FOR VICTIMS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE THE SAME AS THOSE FOR OTHER PERSONS WHO DIED UNNATURAL DEATHS, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON DAVID JEAFFRESON, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON K.C. CHAN ON SUCH PROCEDURES, W JEAFFRESON GAVE A RUNDOWN OF THE STEPS REQUIRED.
+UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CORONERS’ ORDINANCE, WHEN A PERSON DIES SUDDENLY, BY ACCIDENT (INCLUDING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS) OR AS A RESULT OF VIOLENCE, OR UNDER SUSPICIOUS CIRCUMSTANCES, A CORONER MAY ENQUIRE INTO THE CAUSE OF THE DEATH AND THE CIRCUMSTANCES CONNECTED WITH IT.
+ THE OBJECT OF THE ENQUIRY IS GENERALLY SPEAKING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE AND WHETHER ANY PERSON SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENCE AS A RESULT,* HE SAID.
WHEN SATISFIED AS TO THE CAUSE, THE CORONER WOULD NOTIFY THE REGISTRAR OF BIRTHS AND DEATHS OF THE PARTICULARS OF THE DECEASED TO ENABLE AN ENTRY TO BE MADE IN THE DEATH REGISTER.
+ONCE THE PARTICULARS OF THE DEAD PERSON ARE RECORDED IN THE DEATH REGISTER, THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES ARE CONSIDERED COMPLETE,* MR JEAFFRESON SAID.
THE REGISTRAR MAY THEN ISSUE A DEATH CERTIFICATE FOR THE PERSON CONCERNED ON APPLICATION BY A MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC.
THE REGISTRAR WOULD ALSO INFORM THE NEXT OF KIN THAT A DEATH CERTIFICATE COULD NOW BE COLLECTED FROM THE GENERAL REGISTER OFFICE, HE ADDED.
AS TO THE QUESTION ABOUT THE NORMAL TIME TAKEN TO ISSUE SUCH CERTIFICATES, MR JEAFFRESON SAID: +WHAT TAKES THE TIME IS THE CORONER’S ENQUIRY — AND THE LENGTH OF THAT DEPENDS ON HOW COMPLICATED THE ISSUES ARE.*
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/8.......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
8
MARINE WATER QUALITY +SATISFACTORY IN GENERAL* * * * * *
THE QUALITY OF HONG KONG’S MARINE WATERS WAS, IN GENERAL, SATISFACTORY, AND THERE WAS NO SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE OF ANY SIGNIFICANT RISK OF DISEASE IN THE WATERS OF THE BATHING BEACHES, THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, THE HON JOHN CHAMBERS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
BUT THERE WERE PROBLEM AREAS, HE ADDED, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON YEUNG PO-KWAN ON WATER QUALITY IN HONG KONG PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO BATHING AREAS.
+RATHER SURPRISINGLY,* HE SAID, THE WATER QUALITY OF MOST OF VICTORIA HARBOUR WAS STILL CONSIDERED BY AND LARGE TO BE IN A SATISFACTORY CONDITION DESPITE THE HEAVY LOAD IT HAD TO BEAR.
OF THE PROBLEM AREAS, DEEP BAY WAS MODERATELY POLLUTED, HE SAID,
THE LIMITED TIDAL FLUSHING IN THE BAY COULD NOT COPE FULLY a I Tn THE HEAVY POLLUTANT LOADS FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES AND FROM SHENZHEu.
ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, TOLO HARBOUR, PORT SHELTER, HEBE HAVEN AND JUNK BAY - ESPECIALLY TOLO HARBOUR - WERE POLLUTED INSHORE AND HAD DETERIORATED SERIOUSLY FROM THEIR NATURAL CONDITION.
ENCLOSED AREAS SUCH AS TYPHOON SHELTERS REQUIRED SPECIAL REMEDIAL MEASURES AND FLOATING REFUSE PRESENTED A SEPARATE PROBLEM, HE SAID.
CONCERNING THE 40 GAZETTED BEACHES, AND THE 11 NON-GAZETTED BEACHES POPULAR WITH BATHERS, MR CHAMBERS SAID, THE WATER IN THESE BEACHES WAS JUDGED AGAINST A STANDARD AGREED BY EPCOM IN APRIL 1931, AND BASED ON A WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION RECOMMENDATION.
THERE WERE, HE SAID, THREE BEACHES WHICH CONSISTENTLY FAILED TO MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARD - CASTLE PEAK, ANGLERS’, BOTH GAZETTED, AND BUTTERFLY BEACH, AND THERE WERE NOTICES WARNING PEOPLE NOT TO SWIM THERE.
THE REMAINING BEACHES WERE CLASSIFIED AS +SATISFACTORY+ OR *GOOD+.
THERE WERE STILL SOME POLLUTING AND POTENTIALLY POLLUTING DRAINS WHICH DISCHARGED ACROSS OR CLOSE TO BATHING BEACHES.
THE BEACH POLLUTION ACTION COMMITTEE WHICH HE CHAIRED, HAD IDENTIFIED AND INVESTIGATED THESE DRAINS, AND ACTION WAS IN HAND TO IMPROVE THE SITUATION.
CHAMBERS ......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
9
MR CHAMBERS ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT PROMPT ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN IP ANY THREAT TO THE HEALTH OF SEA BATHERS MATERIALISED.
HE SAID ALSO THAT ONE MAJOR SOURCE OF UNAVOIDABLE POLLUTION
aAS the swimmers themselves.
SWIMMERS MIGHT DEPOSIT SIGNIFICANT QUANTITIES OF BACTERIA INTO THE WATER, EVEN IF THEIR PERSONAL HYGIENE WAS GOOD.
WATER SAMPLES TAKEN ON SUMMER SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS SHOWED THAT THE LEVEL OF BACTERIA WAS SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER AT THESE TIMES, MR CHAMBERS SAID.
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GRADUATE TEACHERS TURNOVER RATE REVEALED * * * * *
THE TURNOVER RATE OF GRADUATE TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHO TAUGHT FOR THREE YEARS OR LESS AND THEN RESIGNED OR TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT WAS SIX OUT OF 94 (OR 6.4 PER CENT) IN 1982-83 AND THREE OUT OF 90 (OR 3.3 PER CENT) IN 1983-84, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON SELINA CHOW ON THE TURNOVER RATE OVER THE PAST FIVE YEARS, MR LEUNG SAID HE COULD ONLY PROVIDE EXACT INFORMATION ON GRADUATE TEACHERS IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND FOR THE TWO PREVIOUS SCHOOL YEARS.
+AS FOR GRADUATE TEACHERS IN AIDED AND PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WE ONLY HAVE INFORMATION ON THE PERCENTAGES OF THOSE TEACHERS, BY AGE BRACKET AND NOT BY LENGTH OF TEACHING EXPERIENCE, WHO LEFT THE TEACHING PROFESSION OR TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SCHOOL IN THE 1981-82 AND 1982-83 SCHOOL YEARS,+ HE SAID.
INFORMATION FOR THE 1983-84 SCHOOL YEAR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE, HE ADDED.
+THE AGE BRACKET CLOSEST TO THE GROUP REFERRED TO BY MRS CHOW IS 24 OR BELOW. IN 1981-82, 9.9 PER CENT OF THE AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THIS AGE BRACKET LEFT THE TEACHING PROFESSION WHILE ANOTHER 5.9 PER CENT TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SCHOOL.
+IN 1982-83 THE CORRESPONDING PERCENTAGES WERE 7.3 PER CENT AND 5.2 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY,* MR LEUNG SAID.
+AS FOR PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATE TEACHERS IN THE SAME AGE BRACKET, IN 1981-82, 15.3 PER CENT LEFT THE TEACHING PROFESSION WHILE ANOTHER 17.1 PER CENT TRANSFERRED TO ANOTHER SCHOOL. THE CORRESPONDING PERCENTAGES FOR 1982-83 WERE 21.6 PER CENT AND 6.5 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY,* HE SAID.
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/10
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
10
BEST USE MADE OF LIMITED HOUSING RESOURCES * * * *
THE MAIN REASON FOR IMPOSING A SPACE ELIGIBLITY OF 2.23 SQUARE NETRES PER PERSON WAS TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF LIMITED HOUSING RESOURCES FOR THE MOST DESERVING CASES RATHER THAN A TIGHTENING OF THE ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DAVID FORD, SAID TODAY.
HE CITED THESE MOST DESERVING CASES AS FAMILIES WHO WERE MORE OVERCROWDED AND WHO WERE UNABLE TO BUY HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS.
MR FORD POINTED OUT THAT THE DEMAND AND SUPPLY SITUATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING HAD NOT BEEN AFFECTED BY THE REVISED SPACE ELIGIBILITY CRITER ION.
+THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES TRANSFERRED FOR OVERCROWDING RELIEF PURPOSES IN THE SIX YEARS UP TO 1984-85 WERE, 4 100, 3 600, 4 530, 6 200, 4 800 AND 5 000 RESPECTIVELY.
♦THESE FIGURES SUGGEST THAT THE TRANSFER PATTERN HAS NOT CHANGED SUBSTANTIALLY OVER THIS PERIOD AND NOR DO I EXPECT IT TO DO SO IN THE FUTURE.+
AS FOR THOSE OVERCROWDED FAMILIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR RELIEF, l«R FORD SAID THEY COULD IMPROVE THEIR SPACE SITUATION IN VARIOUS WAYS.
HE SAID IT COULD BE ACHIEVED BY BUYING HOS FLATS MAKING USE CF THE GREEN FORM, OR APPLYING FOR LARGER FLATS THROUGH THE WAITING LIST IN WHICH CASE THE WAITING LIST ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA WOULD APPLY,
♦ IN THE CASE OF LARGE EXTENDED FAMILIES, ONE OR MORE OF THE NUCLEAR FAMILY UNITS MAY APPLY FOR PUBLIC HOUSING THROUGH THE WAITING LIST OR BUY HOS FLATS.
+OVERCROWDED FAMILIES MAY BE PROVIDED WITH LARGER FLATS ON COMPASSIONATE GROUNDS.+
UNDER THE PRESENT POLICY ON OVERCROWDING RELIEF, MR FORD SAID SUCH RELIEF WOULD BE PROVIDED TO FAMILIES CURRENTLY LIVING IN THE MORE OVERCROWDED CONDITIONS SUCH AS THOSE PEOPLE OCCUPYING LESS THAD 2.23 SQUARE METRES PER PERSON.
IN ORDER TO QUALIFY FOR OVERCROWDING RELIEF, HOUSEHOLD INCOME MUST BE BELOW $7 500 PER MONTH AND TENANTS SHOULD NOT POSSESS DOMESTIC PROPERTY.
OVERCROWDING RELIEF MAY ALSO BE PROVIDED WHEN TENANTS ARE REHOUSED FOR MANAGEMENT REASONS INCLUDING REDEVELOPMENT, IMPROVEMENT CR CONVERSION, OR WHEN THERE IS A NEED TO CREATE SMALL FLATS FOR SINGLE PERSONS AND TWO-PERSON HOUSEHOLDS.
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WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
11
CONSUMER PROTECTION SAME FOR RESIDENTS, TOURISTS
*****
TOURISTS WERE ENTITLED TO THE SAME CONSUMER PROTECTION UNDER THE LAW AS CITIZENS OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, MR HIGGINSOI SAID, HOWEVER, THAT CONSUMER PROTECTION FOR TOURISTS THROUGH LAW ENFORCEMENT WAS NOT ALWAYS PRACTICAL, AS TOURISTS SPENT LITTLE TIME HERE, WHILE LEGAL PROCEEDINGS TOOK TIME.
HE BELIEVED THAT IN CONSUMER DISPUTES INVOLVING TOURISTS, PERSUASION AND ACTIVE MEDIATION BY INDEPENDENT BODIES WERE MORE EFFECTIVE.
IN THIS RESPECT, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION HAD BOTH DONE MUCH GOOD WORK, HE SAID.
THE ADMINISTRATION WAS ALWAYS PREPARED TO CONSIDER NEW PROPOSALS TO GIVE FURTHER PROTECTION TO CONSUMERS - BOTH CITIZENS AND TOURISTS - IF SUCH COULD BE ACHIEVED WITHOUT UNNECESSARILY INTERFERING WITH NORMAL BUSINESS PRACTICES.
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POSTAL DELIVERY SERVICE XXX
IT WAS THE POLICY OF THE POST OFFICE TO DELIVER LETTER MAIL TO THE DOOR AT ALL IDENTIFIABLE ADDRESSES AND REGISTERED ITEMS AND CERTAIN PARCELS TO THE ADDRESSEE IN PERSON, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON GERRY HIGGINSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON CHAN YING-LUN, HE SAID WHERE THERE WAS NO IDENTIFIABLE ADDRESS A DELIVERY SERVICE WAS PROVIDED TO A COMMUNAL LETTER BOX OR NEST OF LETTER BOXES INSTALLED AT A LOCATION AGREED BY ALL RESIDENTS IN THE AREA.
AS REGARDS REGISTERED ITEMS, MR HIGGINSON SAID, +IF THE ADDRESSEE IS OUT WHEN HIS REGISTERED LETTER ARRIVES, A SECOND ATTEMPT IS MADE ON THE NEXT DELIVERY BY THE POSTMAN.
♦ONLY IF THIS ATTEMPT IS ALSO UNSUCCESSFUL IS THE ITEM RETURNED TO THE LOCAL POST OFFICE, WHERE IT MAY STILL BE PICKED UP BY THE ADDRESSEE WITHIN 14 DAYS.+
/M* HIGGINSON
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
12
MR HIGGINSON SAID THAT IN AREAS WHICH DID NOT ENJOY A DOOR-TO-DOOR SERVICE, A CARD WAS LEFT IN THE COMMUNAL LETTER BOX OR NEST OF LETTER BOXES, INFORMING THE ADDRESSEE THAT A REGISTERED ITEM WAS AWAITING COLLECTION.
IN THE CASE OF PARCELS, HE SAID, THOSE TO BE DELIVERED IN THE URBAN AREA, APART FROM THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT, WERE TREATED IN THE SAME WAY AS REGISTERED ITEMS, WITH THE DIFFERENCE THAT ONLY ONE ATTEMPT AT DELIVERY WAS MADE, AFTER WHICH THE PARCEL MIGHT BE PICKED UP WITHIN SEVEN DAYS.
+ IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, WHERE POST OFFICE MANPOWER IS LIMITED, ADDRESSEES ARE ADVISED BY CARD THAT A PARCEL IS AWAITING COLLECTION,+ HE SAID.
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PUBLIC HOUSING INHERITANCE POLICY EXPLAINED * * * * *
THE POLICY ON INHERITANCE OF PUBLIC HOUSING TENANCIES WAS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY BELIEVED THAT RENTAL HOUSING SHOULD BE PROVIDED TO THOSE MOST IN NEED, AND THAT IT WAS INEQUITABLE FOR TENANCIES TO PASS FROM ONE GENERATION TO ANOTHER IN PERPETUITY WITHOUT REGARD TO THE INCOME OF THE TENANTS,
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON DAVID FORD, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PAULINE NG.
+IT SEEMS TO US REASONABLE, THEREFORE, THAT BEFORE A TENANCY IS INHERITED, SOME FORM OF INCOME TEST SHOULD BE APPLIED,* MR FORD SAID.
HE SAID THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY MIGHT HAVE SOME BEARING ON THE INHERITANCE ISSUE.
+BUT JUDGING FROM THE VERY SMALL NUMBER OF UNSUCCESSFUL CASE?, WE DO NOT FEEL THAT THERE IS A NEED AT THE MOMENT TO REVIEW THE INHERITANCE POLICY.
+HOWEVER, THE ISSUE WILL BE FURTHER CONSIDERED IN THE LIGHT CF THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON HOUSING SUBSIDY AND THE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THEM.*
MR FORD SAID THAT SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE NEW POLICY ON INHERITANCE IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, 251 APPLICATIONS FOR THE INHERITANCE OF TENANCIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT.
/+OF THESE, ........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
+0F THESE, 247 SECOND GENERATION FAMILIES HAVE BEEN PERMITTED TO INHERIT THE TENANCIES- TWO HAVE BEEN FOUND TO EXCEED THE INCOME LIMIT- AND THE REMAINING TWO OWN OTHER DOMESTIC PROPERTIES.+
HE POINTED OUT THE PRESENT INCOME LIMIT OF $7 5OO PER MONTH WAS HIGHER THAN THE WAITING LIST LIMIT AND WAS CONSIDERED TO BE QUITE GENEROUS.
♦WHILE FAMILIES IN PRIVATE SECTOR HOUSING ARE BARRED FROM APPLYING FOR HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS WHEN THEIR INCOME EXCEEDS $7 503, SECOND GENERATION FAMILIES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ARE NOT RESTRICTED BY THIS LIMIT.
♦FURTHERMORE THEY ARE GIVEN GREEN FORM STATUS WHICH ALLOWS THEM A MUCH BETTER CHANCE OF GETTING THE HOME OWNERSHIP FLAT OF THEIR CHOICE.+
UNDER PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, WHEN A TENANT DIED, THE TENANCY COULD AUTOMATICALLY BE INHERITED BY THE SURVIVING SPOUSE.
IF BOTH PARENTS DIED, THE SECOND GENERATION COULD INHERIT THE TENANCY IF THE TOTAL FAMILY INCOME WAS LESS THAN 57 500 PER MONTH, WHICH WAS THE MAXIMUM HOUSEHOLD INCOME LIMIT FOR THE PURCHASE CF HOME OWNERSHIP FLATS FOR APPLICANTS FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID.
+IF THE FAMILY’S INCOME EXCEEDS THIS LIMIT, THEY WILL BE REQUIRED TO RELINQUISH THE TENANCY WITHIN ONE YEAR AND TO FIND ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION EITHER BY BUYING A HOME OWNERSHIP FLAT CR MOVING INTO THE PRIVATE SECTOR. IF THEY OPT TO BUY A HOME OWNERSHIP FLAT, THEY ARE GIVEN PRIORITY UNDER THE GREEN FORM SYSTEM.
♦ IN THE CASE OF LARGE EXTENDED FAMILIES WHO OCCUPY MORE THAN ONE FLAT UNDER THE SAME TENANCY, EACH NUCLEAR FAMILY WILL EE SUBJECT TO THE INCOME LIMIT OF $7 500 AND TREATED ACCORDINGLY.*
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WEDNESDAY, '.AY 29, 1935
14
LITTLE DEMAND SEEN FOR HELICOPTER SERVICE * * * *
GOVERNMENT’S LONG STANDING POLICY WAS TO FACILITATE, RATHER THAN POSITIVELY TO ENCOURAGE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER SERVICES BASED IN HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, PROVIDED SOME ENCOURAGEMENT BY OFFERING PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE AND TECHNICAL SUPPORT TO PROSPECTIVE OPERATORS.
HOWEVER, DURING RECENT YEARS, THERE HAD BEEN ONLY A HANDFUL CF ENQUIRIES.
THIS HE THOUGHT, WAS BECAUSE IN COMMERCIAL TERMS HELICOPTER OPERATIONS WERE +FINELY BALANCED VENTURES*.
AND, THE DEMAND FOR DOMESTIC AND INTERNATIONAL HELICOPTER SERVICES FOR PASSENGER SERVICES APPEARED TO BE SMALL, BECAUSE SUCH OPERATIONS HAD TO COMPETE WITH ESTABLISHED EFFICIENT, CONVENIENT AND MUCH CHEAPER METHODS OF TRANSPORT.
AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH COSTS INVOLVED IN THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE TO FACILITATE COMMERCIAL l-ELICOPTER SERVICES, AND IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED DEMAND DEMONSTRATED THUS FAR NO DIRECT INVESTMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS FOR THE PROVISION CF FACILITIES FOR COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER SERVICES WAS JUSTIFIED AT PRESENT, HE SAID.
HOWEVER, DURING THE PAST YEAR, FOUR SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAD BEEN IDENTIFIED AS BEING SUITABLE FOR DEVELOPMENT BY COMMERCIAL OPERATORS AS BASES FOR DOMESTIC OR INTERNATIONAL SERVICES SHOULD THERE BE A DEMAND FOR SUCH SERVICES.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON PETER POON ON GOVERNMENT POLICY REGARDING COMMERCIAL HELICOPTER SERVICES.
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/15 .......
■..EDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1’35
PUBLIC FUNDS FOR BAPTIST COLLEGE WELL SPENT * * X * *
THE COUNCIL OF THE HONG KONG BAPTIST COLLEGE WAS +MOST SATISFIED* THAT THE COLLEGE HAD ESTABLISHED AN EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS ALLOCATED TO THE COLLEGE WERE SPENT IN THE BEST POSSIBLE WAYS, THE HON WONG PO-YAN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
TABLING THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COLLEGE FOR 1983-84 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR WONG SAID THIS HAD BROUGHT ABOUT OPTIMUM IMPROVEMENTS TO THE QUALITY OF THE COLLEGE’S ACADEMIC WORK, DIRECTLY BENEFITTING DESERVING STUDENTS WHO ASPIRE TO BETTER HIGHER EDUCATION.
+ALTHOUGH IT WAS NOT UNTIL NOVEMBER, 1983, THAT THE COLLEGE CAME UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE, GOVERNMENT FUNDING RECEIVED SINCE THEN HAS ALREADY MADE A VERY SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE STAFF AND SUPPORT FACILITIcS FOR THE COLLEGE’S ACADEMIC PROGRAMMES.*
MR WONG SAID WHILE THE COLLEGE TRULY APPRECIATED THE SUPPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT IT WAS EQUALLY GRATIFYING THAT SUPPORT FROM THE COMMUNITY WAS STILL CONTINUING.
HE NOTED THAT PRIVATE DONATIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FOR A VARIETY CF PURPOSES, INCLUDING THE SETTING UP OF SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LIBRARY AND THE CAMPUS AND ALSO FOR RESEARCH PURPOSES.
+THE COLLEGE IS NOW MOVING FULL STEAM AHEAD IN PLANNING NEW COURSES AT DEGREE LEVEL AND IS SPARING NO EFFORT IN INTRODUCING THE FIRST TWO DEGREE COURSES IN OCTOBER, 1986,+ HE SAID.
IT HAD ALSO LAUNCHED A CAPITAL PROJECT TO ADD FIVE NEW BUILDINGS.
+BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE WITH THE COLLEGE, I CAN PROJECT WITH CONFIDENCE THAT IT WILL HAVE MANY MORE ENCOURAGING DEVELOPMENTS TO REPORT BY THIS TIME NEXT YEAR, WHEN THE COLLEGE WILL BE CELEBRATING THE 3OTH ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDATION,* MR WONG SAID.
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/16 ......
.2. .ESDAY, MAY 29, 1985 16
WINES, SPIRITS DUTY * * *
RISES APPROVED K
ON BEER, NON-EUROPEAN TYPE
A MOTION INCREASING THE DUTIES .
■INCS AND SPIRITS, ETHYL ALCOHOL, TOBACCO, HYDROCARBON OILS AND hETHYL ALCOHOL WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY
(WEDNESDAY).
THE MOTION ALSO REMOVED THE DIFFERENTIAL RATE ON COMMODITIES OF HONG KONG AND NON-HONG KONG ORIGIN, NAMELY, BEER, NON-EUROPEAN TYPE WINES AND SPIRITS, AND ETHYL AND METHYL ALCOHOL.
MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE SAID THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN UNMANUFACTURED RAW TOBACCO AND IMPORTED MANUFACTURED CIGARETTES HAD ALSO BEEN REDUCED TO ITS LOWEST LEVEL SINCE ITS INTRODUCTION IN 1949.
SIR JOHN POINTED OUT THAT THE INCREASED DUTIES HAD COME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 27 THIS YEAR, WHEN THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER.
THE PROPOSALS WERE EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ADDITIONAL REVENUE CF $360 MILLION IN 1985-86.
-------o --------
SOFT DRINK, COSMETIC DUTIES APPROVED * * * X
A MOTION PROVIDING FOR BEVERAGES AND COSMETICS WAS TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
DUTIES TO BE PAID ON NON-ALCOHOLIC APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
MOVING THE RESOLUTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON SIR JOHN BREMRIDGE, POINTED OUT THAT THE DUTIES HAD COME INTO EFFECT ON FEBRUARY 27 THIS YEAR, WHEN THE GOVERNOR SIGNED THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDER.
THE RESOLUTION PROVIDED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF DUTIES PAYABLE ON NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES AT THE RATE OF $60 PER HECTOLITRE AND ON COSMETICS AT THE RATE OF 25 PER CENT ON THE CIF PRICE FOR IMPORTED, OR WHOLESALE PRICE FOR LOCALLY PRODUCED COSMETICS, SIR JOHN SAID.
THE PROPOSALS SHOULD PRODUCE REVENUE OF $100 MILLION FOR COSMETICS AND $200 MILLION FOR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES IN 1985-86, HE SAID.
C
/1? ..
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1935
17
ACCORD SEEN ON EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION PLAN * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON RON BRIDGE, SAID TODAY HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WOULD BE WELCOMED BY BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR BRIDGE SAID THE AMENDMENTS HAD THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION ORDINANCE HAD BEEN AMENDED IN 1932 TO PROVIDE FOR A NUMBER OF IMPROVEMENTS TO THE COMPENSATION SYSTEM.
THESE INCLUDED PROVISION FOR MINOR CLAIMS TO BE SETTLED QUICKLY AND CONVENIENTLY BY A CERTIFICATE OF ASSESSMENT ISSUED BY THE LABOU.' DEPARTMENT, INSTEAD OF THE PREVIOUS TIME-CONSUMING REQUIREMENT FOR THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE TO NEGOTIATE AN AGREEMENT IN EVERY CASE.
THE PRESENT BILL, HE SAID, PROPOSED TO APPLY THIS SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM TO A WIDER RANGE OF CLAIMS.
+TILL NOW THE SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM HAS APPLIED ONLY TO CLAIMS FOR INJURIES RESULTING IN TEMPORARY INCAPACITY FOR NOT MORE THAN 14 DAYS,* MR BRIDGE SAID.
+THE PRESENT BILL PROPOSED TO EXTEND IT TO COVER ANY CASE IN WHICH NO PERMANENT INCAPACITY IS INVOLVED,* HE SAID.
MR BRIDGE SAID THE SIMPLIFIED SYSTEM NOW COVERED ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF ALL EMPLOYEE COMPENSATION CASES AND THE EFFECT OF THE AMENDMENT WOULD BE TO EXTEND IT TO ABOUT 87 PER CENT OF ALL CASES.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT INJURIES CAUSING PERMANENT INCAPACITY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE DEALT WITH BY THE TWO-TIER COMPENSATION BOARD SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN DECEMBER 1982.
+THE OTHER AMENDMENTS PROPOSED IN THE BILL WERE INTENDED TO MAKE THE WORKING OF THE COMPENSATION BOARD SYSTEM MORE FLEXIBLE AND EFFICIENT,* MR BRIDGE SAID.
+AT PRESENT, EMPLOYEES’ CLAIMS ARE SOMETIMES PREJUDICED BY BREAKS IN SICK LEAVE ARISING FROM PURELY TECHNICAL REASONS, SUCH AS A GAP OF A FEW DAYS BETWEEN THE EXPIRY OF SICK LEAVE AND THE NEXT APPOINTMENT WITH THE DOCTOR,* HE SAID.
/♦THE BILL .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
- 18 -
+ THE BILL PROPOSES TO GIVE ASSESSMENT BOARDS THE DISCRETION TO CERTIFY SUCH PERIODS AS PERIODS OF TEMPORARY INCAPACITY FOR COMPENSATION PURPOSES.+
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR A BOARD TO REVIEW ITS ASSESSMENT ON ITS OWN INITIATIVE OR ON THE APPLICATION OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR.
AT PRESENT, MR BRIDGE SAID, BOARD DECISIONS COULD ONLY BE REVIEWED ON APPEAL BY EMPLOYER OR EMPLOYEE.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0----------
CONSISTENCY SOUGHT ON FEE CHARGES
*****
THE BILLS OF SALE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 PROVIDES FOR FEES CHARGED FOR SEARCHING THE REGISTER OF BILLS OF SALE AND FOR INSPECTING A BILL OF SALE TO EE PRESCRIBED BY REGULATIONS MADE BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, SO AS TO ACHIEVE CONSISTENCY, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, THE HON PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR TSAO EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THE FEE FOR SEARCHING THE REGISTER OF BILLS OF SALE AND FOR INSPECTING BILLS OF SALE WAS CONTAINED IN SECTION 22 (3) OF THE ORDINANCE, WHEREAS ALL OTHER FEES APPEARED IN THE BILLS OF SALE (FEES) REGULATIONS.
HE ALSO SAID THAT FEES CHARGED UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS HAD NOT BEEN UPDATED SINCE 1976.
+THE JUDICIARY HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED A REVIEW OF ALL FEES AND CHARGES. THIS IS THE LAST ORDINANCE AFFECTED BY THIS REVIEW,* MR TSAO SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME TO AMEND SECTIONS 3 AND 7 OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH CONTAINED REFERENCE TO +THE COLONY*.
+SECTIONS 2 AND 3 OF THE BILLS OF SALE (AMENDMENT) BILL SUBSTITUTE THE WORDS ’HONG KONG’ FOR ’THE COLONY’,+ MR TSAO SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
-----o------
/19........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
19
STANDARDS, AVAILABILITY OF QUALIFIED PILOTS MOST IMPORTANT ******
THE SUCCESS OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE HINGED ON TWO IMPORTANT FACTORS — THE STANDARDS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF SUFFICIENT QUALIFIED PILOTS TO CARRY OUT THE JOB, THE HON S.L. CHEN SAID TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, WHICH IS DESIGNED TO INTRODUCE COMPULSORY PILOTAGE TO THE PORT OF HONG KONG, MR CHEN SAID WHILE HE WOULD READILY JOIN THE MARITIME COMMUNITY IN RENDERING HIS SUPPORT TO THE PRINCIPLES AND SPIRIT OF THE BILL HE WAS CONCERNED ABOUT ITS SMOOTH IMPLEMENTATION.
+THE SAFETY OF OUR PORT TRAFFIC IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.
+THEREFORE, THE PRESENT HIGH STANDARDS OF THE PILOTS WORKING WITHIN HONG KONG WATERS MUST BE MAINTAINED AND SHOULD NOT BE IMPAIRED AS A RESULT OF DEMANDS GENERATED FROM COMPULSORY PILOTAGE,* HE SAID.
+TO ACHIEVE THESE AIMS, THE TRAINING AND QUALIFICATIONS OF PILOTS SHOULD NOT IN ANY WAY BE COMPROMISED,* MR CHEN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ON AVERAGE, SHIPS WORKING CARGO AT HARBOUR MOORINGS WERE IN PORT FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF TO THREE DAYS AND CONTAINER SHIPS AT THE KWAI CHUNG TERMINALS REMAINED FOR ABOUT 13 HOURS AND THESE WERE PROBABLY THE FASTEST TURN-ROUND TIMES FOR SHIPS AT ANY PORT IN THE FAR EAST.
+1 AM SURE MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL WOULD BE AS ANXIOUS AS I AM TO SEE THAT THE TURN-ROUND TIMES OF VESSELS COVERED BY COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WILL NOT BE UNDULY DELAYED BECAUSE OF AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED PILOTS.
+THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD ENSURE THAT AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED PILOTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN THE COURSE OF PHASING IN THIS COMPULSORY REQUIREMENT,* HE SAID.
MR CHEN ADDED THAT ALTHOUGH AT THE MOMENT SOME 95 PER CENT CF OCEAN-GOING VESSELS OVER 10 000 GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE (GRT) ENTERING OR LEAVING HONG KONG HARBOUR USED THE SERVICES OF PILOTS, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WOULD EXTEND THE COVERAGE TO A MUCH WIDER SCOPE AND INCLUDE, EVENTUALLY, SHIPS OF MUCH SMALLER SIZE.
/HE SUGGESTED .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 19&5
20 -
HE SUGGESTED THE PILOTAGE DUES, WHICH WOULD FORM PART OF THE REGULAR EXPENDITURE OF THE SHIPPING INDUSTRY, MUST EE SET AT A LEVEL THAT WOULD NOT HAMPER THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT AND COMPETITIVENESS OF THE INDUSTRY.
+SINCE THE PILOTAGE DUES WOULD HAVE MUCH WIDER IMPLICATIONS THAN BEFORE, THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD EXAMINE THE SITUATION CAREFULLY WITH THE WIDEST POSSIBLE CONSULTATION IN THE NEXT REVIEW OF THE PILOTAGE (DUES) ORDER,+ HE SAID.
MR CHEN NOTED THAT, AS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MAJOR AND BUSIEST PORTS, HONG KONG HAD EARNED A WORLD-WIDE REPUTATION FOR EFFICIENCY IN MEETING THE INCREASING DEMANDS OF MODERN SHIPPING REQUIREMENTS.
SUMMING UP HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO BE FLEXIBLE IN IMPLEMENTING THE PROPOSAL AND TO AVOID GETTING INTO A SITUATION WHERE, FOLLOWING PASSAGE OF THE BILL, THE VOLUME OF PILOTAGE MOVEMENT WAS EXPANDING AT SUCH A RATE THAT THE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED PILOTS COULD NOT MATCH IT.
+ IN THIS REGARD I WOULD LIKE TO SEEK THE GOVERNMENT’S ASSURANCE THAT TRAINING FACILITIES WILL BE ADEQUATE TO ENSURE A SUPPLY OF PROPERLY TRAINED PILOTS TO MEET THE DEMANDS GENERATED BY IMPLEMENTATION OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE,+ HE SAID.
ALSO SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL, THE HON MARIA TAM RECALLED AN ACCIDENT WHICH OCCURRED TO AN OCEAN-GOING VESSEL, THE +SUNSHINE ISLAND+, ON DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG IN 1981. THERE WAS NO PILOT ON BOARD.
MISS TAM SAID SHE WELCOMED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE BILL WHICH, AS THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES HAD PROMISED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON NOVEMBER 25, 1981, WOULD PHASE IN COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IN HONG KONG WATERS.
+THE GROSS REGISTERED TONNAGE SPECIFIED UNDER THE FIRST SCHEDULE TO THE BILL COVERS ONLY THE FIRST PHASE OF THIS EXERCISE.
+HOW SOON WE CAN MOVE TO PHASES TWO AND THREE MUST DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF LICENSED PILOTS; BUT I AM PLEASED TO NOTE THAT /HE NEXT PHASE WILL NOT TAKE ANOTHER FOUR YEARS,+ SHE SAID
/ON THE
. 2-. 1985
21
ON THE BILL ITSELF, MISS TAM MENTIONED THE APPLICATION OF CLAUSE 1OF(C) WHICH GIVES THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE THE POWER TC +WAIVE THE REQUIREMENT OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE IN RESPECT CF A SHIP NAVIGATING IN THE PILOTAGE AREA IF THERE EXISTS ANY CONDITION WHICH I THE OPINION OF THE AUTHORITY MAY CAUSE DANGER TO A LICENSED PILOT ...+
SHE SAID SHE HAD BEEN REASSURED BY THE ADMINISTRATION THAT THE WORDS +ANY CONDITION* HERE MEANT CONDITIONS ON BOARD THE VESSEL, SUCH AS A FIRE, WHICH WOULD CAUSE DANGER TO THE LIFE AND LIMB OF THE PILOT AND IT WAS MOT CONTEMPLATED THAT HE WOULD OTHERWISE LEAVE HIS SHIP IN DISTRESS.
THANKING MISS TAM AND MR CHEN FOR THEIR SUPPORT, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON GERRY HIGGINSON, SAID HE HAD BEEN ASSURED BY THE PILOTAGE AUTHORITY AND THE HONG KONG PILOTS ASSOCIATION THAT NEITHER STANDARDS NOR AN ADEQUACY CF NUMBERS WOULD BE A PROBLEM.
+THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPULSORY PILOTAGE WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED BY THE PILOTAGE ADVISORY COMMITTEE,* HE SAID.
MR HIGGINSON SAID THAT ON THE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT, +WE ARE DETERMINED THAT NEITHER TRAINING NOR QUALIFICATIONS WILL EE COMPROMISED AND THAT ADEQUATE NUMBERS WILL BE AVAILABLE.*
-----o------
SIX BILLS PASSED * * *
SIX BILLS WERE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
PASSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING
THEY WERE: THE CORRUPT AND ILLEGAL PRACTICES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE BANKRUPTCY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE TRUSTEE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985, THE CONSUMER COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1935 AND THE PILOTAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985.
TWO BILLS, THE EMPLOYEES’ COMPENSATION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 AND THE BILLS OF SALE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WERE INTRODUCED AND READ A SECOND TIME. DEBATE ON THEM aAS ADJOURNED.
THE MEETING WAS ADJOURNED TO JUNE 12.
-----o------
f , TIM
1985
JOINT LIAISON GROUP TO HOLD FIRST MEETING * * * *
the FOLLOWING ANNOUNCEMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN LONDON AND PEKING AT 5 PM, HONG KONG TIME, TODAY (WEDNESDAY):
+IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT DECLARATION ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG, THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WAS ESTABLISHED ON 27 MAY 1985 WHEN THE JOINT DECLARATION CAME INTO FORCE. THE BRITISH AND CHINESE GOVERNMENTS HAVE AGREED THAT THE FIRST MEETING OF THE SINO-BRITISH JOINT LIAISON GROUP WILL TAKE PLACE IN LONDON BETWEEN 22 AND 25 JULY.+
- - o - -
SCHOOLS TO GET MORE TEACHERS EARLIER
*****
ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED STANDARD-SIZED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL EE PROVIDED WITH AN ADDITIONAL NON-GRADUATE TEACHER IN SEPTEMBER 1985 AND A SECOND ONE IN SEPTEMBER 1986, ONE YEAR IN ADVANCE OF THE ORIGINAL PLAN.
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS (WEDNESDAY) EVENING APPROVED THE COST OF THIS PROPOSAL OF MORE THAN 841 MILLION TO BE SPREAD OVER THE NEXT THREE SCHOOL YEARS FROM 1985/86 TO 1987/88.
ORIGINALLY THE PROVISION OF THE TWO NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WAS SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER 1986 AND SEPTEMBER 1987 AND WAS PART OF AN OVERALL PACKAGE TO IMPROVE THE STAFFING IN SECONDARY SCHOOL ACCEPTED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE IN 1981.
IN SEPTEMBER 1982, ALL GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WERE PROVIDED WITH TWO ADDITIONAL GRADUATE TEACHERS FOR REMEDIAL TEACHING IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH IN FORMS 1 TO 3.
A THIRD GRADUATE TEACHER WAS PROVIDED IN SEPTEMBER 1983. THIS TEACHER, TOGETHER WITH THE TWO NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS TO BE PROVIDE. WILL BE FOR REMEDIAL TEACHING IN SUBJECTS OTHER THAN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, PUPIL COUNSELLING AND GUIDANCE, INCLUDING CAREER ADVICE, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WHICH COMPLEMENT AND REINFORCE THE FORMAL CURRICULUM.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE EARLIER PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE POSSIBLE BECAUSE, BASED ON THE LATEST POPULATION PROJECTIONS, THERE WOULD BE A LOWER THAN EXPECTED PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT IN AND AFTER 1985 AND FEWER NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS WOULD THEREFORE BE REQUIRED IN THE PRIMARY SECTOR.
/A SECOND
. 29. 1985
- 23 -
A SECOND FACTOR, HE ADDED, WAS THE RESULT OF A RECENT VALUE-FOR-MONEY STUDY CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WHICH WOULD RESULT IN A MORE EXTENSIVE AMALGAMATION OF UNDER-UTILISED CLASSES AND THE OPTIMUM USE OF RESOURCES.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE DEVELOPMENTS, GRADUATES OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION THIS SUMMER ARE LIKELY TO BE MAINLY EMPLOYED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE ISSUING A CIRCULAR TOMORROW ADVISING SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS OF DETAILS OF THE PROVISION OF THE TWO ADDITIONAL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS.
-----0------
NEW RATES FOR AUXILIARY POLICE APPROVED
*****
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED ADDITIONAL FUNDS, TOTALLING $5.7 MILLION, TO MEET THE COST OF A PAY RISE AWARDED TO MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE EARLIER THIS YEAR.
SINCE MAY 1980, PAY SCALES FOR THE AUXILIARY POLICE FORCE HAVE BEEN BASED ON THE SALARY SCALES FOR RANKS IN THE REGULAR FORCE. PROVISIONS ALSO EXIST FOR THESE SCALES TO BE AUTOMATICALLY REVISED IN THE EVENT OF ANY NEW PAY AWARDS TO THE REGULAR FORCE.
THE EXTRA FUNDS ALLOCATED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE WILL NOW BRING THE AUXILIARIES INTO LINE WITH THE NEW PAY RATES SET DOWN IN THE PAY TREND ADJUSTMENT TO CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES APPROVED BY THE COMMITTEE ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR, AND WHICH CAME INTO EFFECT ON APR IL 1.
A SUM OF $63,591,000 IS INCLUDED IN THE 1985-86 GOVERNMENT ESTIMATES FOR PAY AND ALLOWANCES FOR THE AUXILIARY POLICE, BASED ON AN ESTIMATED DAILY TURNOUT OF 700 AUXILIARIES. IT IS ESTIMATED, HOWEVER, THAT ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF $5,700,000 WILL ARISE IN 1985-86, BASED ON THE NEW RATES OF PAY AND THE SAME MANNING CRITER Im.
UNDER THE NEW RATES, THE STARTING SALARY FOR AN AUXILIARY POLICE CONSTABLE HAS GONE UP FROM $108 PER DAY TO $120 PER DAY, WHILE INCREASES FOR SERGEANTS HAVE RISEN FROM $156 TO $172 PER DmY, AND THOSE FOR INSPECTORS ARE UP FROM $240 TO $264 PER DAY.
THE TOP RATE FOR AUXILIARY POLICE OFFICERS IS NCw $408 PER DAY — UP FROM $376 -- AND IS THE SAME FOR ALL SENIOR RANKS RANG ING FROM SUPERINTENDENT TO SENIOR ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER.
------0-------
/24......
WEDNESDAY, MAh' 29, 1985
- 24
MEMBERS CONSIDER REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL
******
THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) DEBATED A BILL THAT PROVIDES FOR ITS CONSTITUTION, FUNCTIONS AND POWER WHEN IT BECOMES A FULLY FLEDGED COUNCIL WITH FINANCIAL AUTONOMY NEXT APRIL.
THE COUNCIL ALSO DISCUSSED ITS COMMITTEE STRUCTURE AND FINANCIAL PROVISIONS IN THE FISCAL YEAR 1985-86 FOR ITSELF AND ITS EXECUTIVE ARM, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BILL 1985 WAS PRESENTED TO THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL FOR COMMENT BEFORE IT WAS SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION AND ENACTMENT ABOUT A MONTH LATER.
SENIOR ASSISTANT LAW DRAFTSMAN, MR ERIC MARTIN, WAS PRESENT TO EXPLAIN NUMEROUS LEGAL POINTS RAISED BY MEMBERS IN CONNECTION WITH THE BILL.
THE BILL SETS THE MEMBERSHIP OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AT 36, WHO WILL ELECT A CHAIRMAN AND A VICE CHAIRMAN FROM AMONG THEMSELVES.
TWELVE OF THE MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR AND ANOTHER 12 WILL BE DIRECTLY ELECTED TO THE COUNCIL IN MARCH 1986 IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THE ELECTORAL PROVISIONS ORDINANCE.
THE REMAINING 12 WILL CONSIST OF NINE ELECTED REPRESENTATIVE'S FROM DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS AND THE CHAIRMAN AND FIRST AND SECOND VICE-CHAIRMEN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK WHO WILL BE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES PROTECTION TO MEMBERS FROM ANY LIABILITY WHILE CARRYING OUT THEIR DUTIES UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE BILL.
AT THE MEETING, MEMBERS, HOWEVER, EXPRESSED A DESIRE FOR ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE WHICH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEMBERS HAVE. IT WAS DECIDED THAT THEIR WISH WOULD BE REFLECTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL OUTLINES THE SCOPE OF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL’S FUNCTIONS, WHICH WILL COVER ALL MATTERS RELATING TO THE ENVIRONMENT, PUBLIC hEALTH, SANITATION, HYGIENE, RECREATION AND CULTURE IN NON-URBAN AREAS.
/IT PROVIDES .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
- 25 -
IT PROVIDES THE COUNCIL WITH THE NECESSARY POWERS TO DISCHARGE ITS RESPONSIBILITIES.
IT ALSO ENABLES THE REGIONAL COUNCIL TO APPOINT COMMITTEES FOR CARRYING OUT ITS FUNCTIONS, AND WILL ALLOW FOR PERSONS NOT MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL TO BE APPOINTED TO SERVE ON THEM.
ALTHOUGH THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL IS NOT VESTED WITH ANY STATUTORY EXECUTIVE POWERS, AS WILL BE THE CASE IN RESPECT CF THE REGIONAL COUNCIL AFTER APRIL 1, 1986, MEMBERS CONSIDERED THE ADOPTION OF A COMMITTEE STRUCTURE TO GIVE THEM THE NECESSARY EXPERIENCE BEFORE THEY ARE CALLED UPON TO RECOMMEND THE MOST APPROPRIATE COMMITTEE STRUCTURE FOR THE REGIONAL COUNCIL.
TO CATER TO THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED POPULATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, DIVIDED AS IT IS INTO DISTINCTLY SEPARATE DISTRICTS EACH WITH THEIR OWN INDIVIDUAL REQUIREMENTS, MEMBERS DECIDED THAT A LESS CENTRALISED AND MORE DISTRICT-BASED SYSTEM WOULD BE BETTER SUITED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE NON-URBAN AREAS.
THIS CONTRASTS WITH THE CENTRALISED AND FUNCTIONALLY BASED COMMITTEE STRUCTURE OF THE URBAN COUNCIL WHICH SERVES THE MORE-CR-LESS HOMOGENEOUS NATURE OF THE URBAN AREAS.
THIS WAS REFLECTED BY THE CHAIRMAN, MR CHEUNG YAN-LUNG, WHO CALLED ON MEMBERS TO +TAKE SPECIAL NOTICE OF THE LOCAL FEATURES IN THE REGION.+
MR CHEUNG ALSO NOTED THAT SERVICES IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS CFTEN DIFFER FROM THOSE IN THE URBAN AREAS.
THE COUNCIL THEN EXAMINED THE FINANCIAL PROVISIONS OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL AND THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
A TOTAL OF $5.39 MILLION HAS BEEN MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL SECRETARIAT FOR DISCHARGING ITS FUNCTIONS IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1985/86. OF THIS AMOUNT, 53.5 MILLION WILL BE FOR PAYMENT OF HONORARIA AND RENTAL ALLOWANCES TO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
THE TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR THE SAME PERIOD AMOUNTS TO $456 MILLION, WHICH WILL BE PAID FOR BY THE GOVERNMENT. THIS INCLUDES $412 MILLION FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF MUNICIPAL SERVICES AT 1984/85 LEVELS AND $13 MILLION FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF NEW FACILITIES COMPLETED OR NEW SERVICES INTRODUCED IN 1985/86.
/DURING THE
WEDNESDAY, MAI 29, 1985
26
DURING THE TERM OF THE PROVISIONAL REGIONAL COUNCIL, THE REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO FOLLOW GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL PROCEDURES AND PRACTICES.
COUNCIL MEMBERS WERE BRIEFED ON THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS AND SUPPLIES SYSTEM AS WELL AS THE BUDGETARY SYSTEM, BOTH OF WHICH ARE STILL APPLICABLE IN THE DEPARTMENT UNTIL THE REGIONAL COUNCIL BECOMES FINANCIALLY AUTONOMOUS ON APRIL 1, 1986.
MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL ALSO STUDIED THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OBJECTIVES OF THE COUNCIL, WHICH ARE TO PROMOTE A GENUINE UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN ITSELF AND THE PEOPLE, GAIN THE SUPPORT CF THE COMMUNITY AND PROJECT AN ACCURATE IMAGE OF THE COUNCIL.
IN THIS RESPECT, MR CHEUNG SAID THAT +IN THE MAKING OF A BETTER LIVING ENVIRONMENT IN OUR REGION, PUBLIC PARTICIPATION IS VERY IMPORTANT.+
+OPEN DIALOGUE WILL ENCOURAGE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND SOLICIT SUPPORT OR COMMENTS. IN THIS CONTEXT, OUR FRIENDS IN THE MASS MEDIA HAVE RENDERED US A BIG HAND. THROUGH THEIR EFFORTS, WE HAVE STARTED A GOOD COMMUNICATION WITH THE PUBLIC,* CHEUNG ADDED.
THE MEETING ALSO DECIDED TO APPOINT THE VICE CHAIRMAN, NR NATHAN MA, AS THE COUNCIL’S REPRESENTATIVE TO THE COUNCIL FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS. MEMBERS ALSO RESOLVED TO VISIT ALL THE DISTRICT BOARDS IN THE NON-URBAN AREAS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.'
--------0-----------
GOVT AWARE OF NEWSVENDORS’ DIFFICULTY *****
THE GOVERNMENT KNEW VERY WELL THAT IT WAS DIFFICULT FOR THE NEWSVENDOR BY THE STREET CORNER WHO DID NOT OR PROBABLY COULD NOT READ THE THINGS HE SOLD TO DECIDE WHICH PUBLICATIONS WERE OBJECTIONABLE AND MIGHT NOT BE SOLD.
THE FACT THAT UNTIL RECENTLY, ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN ONLY AGAINST THOSE DIRECTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR PUBLISHING THE ARTICLES SHOWED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN REASONABLE TO THE ’SMALL FRY’ WHO MIGHT NOT EVEN BE AWARE OF THEIR LIABILITY UNDER THE LAW, THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR LEE KAI-FAT SAID AT A PANEL DISCUSSION ORGANISED BY THE HK COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TODAY.
/HE POINTED
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
- 27 -
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE OBJECTIONABLE PUBLICATIONS ORDINANCE, A PUBLISHER INCLUDED ANY PERSON WHO PRINTED, DISTRIBUTED, CIRCULATED OR SOLD THE ARTICLE TO THE PUBLIC.
HE ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOT IN A POSITION TO GIVE A DEFINITIVE OPINION ON WHETHER SOMETHING WAS OBJECTIONABLE BECAUSE THIS WAS FOR THE COURT TO DECIDE.
MR LEE QUOTED AN APPEAL COURT JUDGEMENT WHICH SET OUT THE TEST OF ’OBJECTIONABLENESS’ - +THE MAGISTRATE MUST EXERCISE THE COMMUNITY’S CONSCIENCE AND TREAT HIMSELF AS REPRESENTING THE COMMUNITY’S FEELINGS IN THE MATTER. IF, WITH THESE FEELINGS IN MIND, THE PUBLICATION APPEARS TO HIM TO BE OFFENSIVE, THEN HE SHOULD TREAT IT AS SUCH+.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER THE LAST YEAR OR SO, THE SPATE OF CHEAP, LOCALLY PRODUCED PORNOGRAPHIC MAGAZINES AND COMICS HAD BECOME A MATTER OF INCREASING CONCERN FOR THOSE WHO HAD DIRECT CONTACTS WITH JUVENILES AND SCHOOL CHILDREN.
+THE CLAMOUR IS A CLEAR INDICATION TO GOVERNMENT THAT THE CONTENTS OF THESE MAGAZINES, DEPICTING, AS THEY DO, OBSCENITY IN BAD TASTE, PERVERTED BEHAVIOUR AND MATTERS OF A REVOLTING NATURE, HAVE OFFENDED THE RECOGNISED STANDARDS OF PROPRIETY,+ HE SAID.
IT WAS IN THIS CONTEXT THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S SURVEILLANCE HAD INCREASED AND THE POLICE HAD BEEN BUSY WITH INVESTIGATIONS.
+ l NVESTIGATIONS ARE, INEVITABLY, INVOLVED AND TIME-CONSUMING, AND GOVERNMENT IS NOT PERSUADED THAT WARNINGS AND REQUESTS FOR SELF-DISCIPLINE FROM AMONG THE VENDORS WILL PRODUCE RESULTS.
+HENCE, THE RECENT SEIZURE ACTION AT NEWSPAPER STANDS. I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT THE RECENT DECISION TO STEP UP ACTION WAS NOT TAKEN LIGHTLY, AND WE STRESS THAT THESE MEASURES, EFFECTIVE AND PERHAPS UNFAIR AS SOME MAY SAY, WILL CONTINUE UNTIL A MORE PERMANENT AND SATISFACTORY SOLUTION IS FOUND,+ MR LEE SAID.
ON MATTERS OF INTERPRETING WHAT THE COMMUNITY FOUND ’OBJECTIONABLE’, MR LEE SAID IT WAS BEST FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO BE RESPONDING TO A SITUATION PROMPTLY AND EFFECTIVELY.
+COMMUNITY STANDARDS WILL CHANGE, AS REFLECTED IN PUBLIC OPINION SURVEY RESULTS, AND AS LONG AS GOVERNMENT REMAINS RESPONSIVE AND RECEPTIVE, THE PUBLIC CAN REST ASSURED THAT THERE IS NO LACK OF DETERMINATION TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM AND TO ACCORD IT WITH THE PRIORITY IT DESERVES,+ HE SAID.
0 -------
/28........
WKENBSDAY, MAY 29, 1985
28
POLICE BUILDING PROJECTS TOTAL $1 BILLION *****
BUILDING PROJECTS TOTALLING AROUND $1.1 BILLION ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION, OR BEING PLANNED, TO PROVIDE THE QUANTITY AND QUALITY OF ACCOMMODATION HONG KONG WILL NEED FOR ITS POLICE FORCE IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
’’WE HAVE MORE PROJECTS GOING ON, WHETHER UNDER CONSTRUCTION OR PREPARATION FOR FUNDING, THAN AT ANY TIME IN THE PAST,” THE ACTING SENIOR STAFF OFFICER FOR PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT, MR PAUL DEAL, SAID TODAY, IN REVIEWING THE CURRENT STATE OF THE FORCE BUILDING PROGRAMME.
’’THIS SITUATION HAS RESULTED FROM THE EXPANDING POPULATION OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE INCREASED REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOMMODATION BY MARINE POLICE UNITS AND THE RAPID EXPANSION OF THE FORCE, IN GENERAL, ’ ’ HE EXPLAINED.
AT PRESENT, THE FORCE HAS 12 PROJECTS UNDER CONSTRUCTION WITH A TOTAL VALUE OF AROUND $330 MILLION. THESE RANGE FROM THE SOUTH DIVISION MARINE POLICE BASE AT ABERDEEN, TO INTERIM ACCOMMODATION FOR THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, A DISTRICT POLICE STATION IN TAI PO, AND QUARTERS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND BOUNDARY STREET.
” IN ADDITION, WE HAVE A FURTHER NINE PROJECTS WHICH WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ALLOCATION OF FUNDS IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR,” SAID MR DEAL.
THE DECISION ON WHETHER THESE PROJECTS GET THE GO-AHEAD WILL BE MADE BY THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE ANNUAL REVIEW IN NOVEMBER.
THEY ARE :
+ A NEW POLICE TACTICAL UNIT DEPOT AT FANLING
+ A NEW DETECTIVE TRAINING SCHOOL
+ A DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AT HUNG HOM
+ NEW DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL STATION AT TSUEN WAN + PROVISION OF 396 JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS’ MARRIED QUARTERS
AT FANLING
+ A NEW WATERFRONT DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION
+ A VEHICLE POUND AT SHA TIN
+ MA ON SHAN DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS AND DIVISIONAL STATION
AT SHA TIN
+ PROVISION OF 288 JUNIOR POLICE OFFICERS’ MARRIED QUARTERS ON TSING Yl ISLAND.
FUNDS BEING SOUGHT FOR THIS PACKAGE AMOUNT TO $406.5 MILLION.
” IN ADDITION, WE HAVE A PROGRAMME TO RENOVATE 31 EXISTING POLICE STATIONS -- MAINLY THE OLDER STATIONS -- AND 104 JPO CANTEENS, ” SAID MR DEAL.
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/29
cDNESDhi, i Y 29, 1985
- 29 -
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT
*****
FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF MTR WORK, ROADS WILL EE REOPENED AND CLEARWAY HOURS SHORTENED IN NORTH POINT FROM 10 AM ON FRIDAY (MAY 31).
DETAILS ARE:
ROAD REOPENING
* TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD BETWEEN KAM HONG STREET AND SHU KUK STREET WILL BE REOPENED TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND TRAFFIC.
* SHU KUK STREET BETWEEN TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD AND KING’S ROAD WILL BE REOPENED TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC.
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS
* CLEARWAY HOURS WILL BE SHORTENED AT THE SECTION OF SHU KUK STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND MARBLE ROAD, AND THE SECTION OF MARBLE ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 19 AND SHU KUK STREET. THE NEW RESTRICTION HOURS WILL BE 7 AM TO MIDNIGHT DAILY FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM FOR OTHER VEHICLES.
DURING THE RESTRICTION PERIODS, THE SPECIFIED VEHICLES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS WITHIN THE ROAD SECTIONS.
* THE CLEARWAY HOURS AT KING’S ROAD EASTBOUND BETWEEN SHU KUK STREET AND KAM HONG STREET WILL ALSO BE SHORTENED. ALL VEHICLES WILL NOW BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING THERE FOR PASSENGERS OR GOODS FROM 7 AM TO 10 AM AND 4 PM TO 7 PM DAILY.
* THE EXISTING CLEARWAYS RESTRICTIONS AT THE FOLLOWING ROAD SECTIONS WILL BE LIFTED : TIN CHIU STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD; TIN CHIU STREET NORTHBOUND BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND JAVA ROAD ; TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD BETWEEN HOUSE NO. 100 AND 112.
------o ------- V
)
/30........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
- 50
COUNCIL APPROVES SI MILLION FOR MINOR PROJECTS
* * * *
THE URBAN COUNCIL HAS GIVEN APPROVAL TO SPEND SOME $1 MILLION UNDER THE MINOR PROJECTS BLOCK VOTE TO MEET ADDITIONAL COSTS OF FIVE PROJECTS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR.
THREE OF THE PROJECTS ARE IN KOWLOON. THEY INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A TEMPORARY REFUSE COLLECTION POINT AT FUNG TAK ROAD WHICH WILL BE REPLACED BY AN OFF-STREET RCP IN THE SHEUNG FUNG STREET JOINT-USER BUILDING AT THE END OF 1987 THE RENOVATION OF A BLOCK AT KOWLOON PARK FOR USE BY THE HONG KONG REPERTORY THEATRE AND THE HONG KONG DANCE COMPANY AND THE RE-INSTATEMENT OF THE TSUEN YIP STREET PLAYGROUND WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY USED TO ACCOMMODATE SOME COOKED FOOD STALLS PENDING THE COMPLETION OF THE TSUN YIP STREET COOKED FOOD MARKET.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, A 75-SQUARE-METRE SITE AT UPPER STATION STREET WILL BE TURNED INTO A SITTING-OUT AREA AND A NEW AIR COMPRESSOR HOUSE WILL BE BUILT AT THE KENNEDY TOWN ABATTOIR TO FACILITATE ITS NORMAL SLAUGHTERING PROCESS.
A COUNCIL SPOKESMAN SAID THE MINOR PROJECTS BLOCK VOTE IS INTENDED TO COVER EXPENDITURE FOR SOME MINOR WORKS PROJECTS AS WELL AS TO IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES.
A PROVISION OF $35 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO THE VOTE FOR 1985/86 BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
-----o-----
HOUSING AUTHORITY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING STANDARDS * * * * *
POLICIES ARE CURRENTLY BEING CONSIDERED WHICH WOULD HELP ENSURE THAT HEAVILY SUBSIDISED PUBLIC RENTAL HOUSING IS PROVIDED ONLY TO THOSE MOST IN NEED OF IT.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR DAVID FORD, SAID THIS TODAY WHILE ADDRESSING AN OPENING CEREMONY OF THE INTERNATIONAL BUILDING EXHIBITION 1985 AT THE OCEAN TERMINAL.
HE ALSO TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS FIRMLY COMMITTED TO IMPROVING BUILDING STANDARDS AND METHODS.
/MB FCRD .......
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1985
MR FORD SAID THE AUTHORITY WAS CONSCIOUS THAT A LARGE NUMBER OF ’HE TENANTS COULD AFFORD TO CONTRIBUTE MORE TO THE COST OF THEIR HOUSING.
♦ THE AUTHORITY’S HOUSING STOCK IS NOW WELL OVER HALF A MILLION UNITS PLUS A LARGE PORTFOLIO OF COMMERCIAL AND NON-DOMESTIC BUILDINGS.
+OF PRIME IMPORTANCE, AS WE MOVE INTO THE 199O’S, WILL BE TO ESTABLISH POLICIES WHICH ENSURE THAT THIS MASSIVE INVESTMENT IN HONG KONG IS PROPERLY MANAGED AND MAINTAINED, AND THAT THE ACCOMMODATION IT PROVIDES IS MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE MOST IN NEED.+
MR FORD SAID THE AUTHORITY ALSO BELIEVED THAT IT WAS A FAR WISER INVESTMENT TO BUILD TO THE HIGHEST POSSIBLE STANDARD, AND WHERE NECESSARY SUBSIDISE THE OCCUPANT, RATHER THAN TO SAVE MONEY ON BUILDING IN THE SHORT TERM AND PAY DEARLY ON MAINTENANCE COSTS EVER AFTER.
+THE AUTHORITY HAS JUST MET ITS PRODUCTION TARGET FOR THE FIFTH YEAR RUNNING, AND IS SCHEDULED TO CONTINUE TO BUILD AT A RATE OF A MINIMUM OF 40 OOO UNITS A YEAR. INCREASINGLY, HOWEVER THE EMPHASIS IS TURNING AWAY FROM JUST QUANTITY.
+THE AUTHORITY IS PAYING MORE AND MORE ATTENTION TO THE QUALITY OF ITS NEW BUILDINGS TO REDUCE MAINTENANCE COSTS, WHILST AT THE SAME TIME EMBARKING ON A VERY AMBITIOUS PROGRAMME OF RENOVATION AND REDEVELOPMENT OF ITS OLDER STOCK.+
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS AN INTERNATIONAL BUILDING MARKET OF GREAT IMPORTANCE, AND ONE THAT WAS INCREASINGLY BEING SEEN AS A VITAL GATEWAY TO CHINA.
+l AM SURE, THROUGH MY EXPERIENCE WITH THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THAT HARDLY A DAY NOW GOES BY WITHOUT A TRADE OR GOVERNMENTAL DELEGATION ARRIVING, EITHER HAVING BEEN TO, OR
GOING TO CHINA.
OFFER ARD
+THERE IS CURRENTLY TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL FOR THOSE CONCERNED WITH THE BUILDING INDUSTRY TO PROMOTE AND DO BUSINESS. THIS PUS INESS WILL BE SECURED BY THOSE COMPANIES PREPARED TO 5 FIRST-CLASS PRODUCT AND SERVICE, AND TO BE INNOVATIVE FLEXIBLE IN RESOLVING PROBLEMS AND MEETING CHALLENGES.+
- 0 -
/52........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1935
- 52 -
TREE PLANTING AT PHOENIX HOUSE * * * * *
A TREE WAS PLANTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, MR THOMAS GARNER, AT THE PHOENIX HOUSE TODAY (WEDNESDAY), TO MARK HIS COMING RETIREMENT, AFTER HIS 38 YEARS CF SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
MR GARNER HAD BEEN INVITED TO PLANT THE TREE BY THE STAFF CF PHOENIX HOUSE, WHICH HE WAS VISITING TO SAY FAREWELL TO STAFF THERE.
PHOENIX HOUSE IS A HALF-WAY HOUSE FOR THE YOUNG MEN DISCHARGED FROM TRAINING AND DETENTION CENTRES.
MR GARNER LATER ALSO CALLED AT PIK UK CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AND PIK UK PRISON.
MR GARNER IS MAKING A FINAL ROUND OF VISITS TO THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS ADMINISTERED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
- - 0 - -
ROAD CLOSED FOR RESURFACING
* * * *
QUEEN STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST IN WESTERN DISTRICT WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MAY 31 UNTIL 10 AM ON JUNE 13 TO FACILITATE ROAD RESURFACING WORK.
DURING THE CLOSURE VEHICLES ON EASTBOUND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST HEADING FOR CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA WILMER STREET.
MEANWHILE, CHIU KWONG STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST IN WESTERN WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2 PM ON SATURDAY (JUNE 1) UNTIL MIDNIGHT THE FOLLOWING DAY FOR THE INSTALLATION CF TRAFFIC CONTROL EQUIPMENT.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA WESTERN STREET DURING THE CLOSURE.
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/55........
WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1935 - 35 -
ROAD CLOSED FOR DRAINAGE WORK ******
STREET iN°HUNG''HOMFWILLKBEECLOSEDtFROMTWEAMMONGSATURDAYC(-JUNE 1) *
ek kles exceed,ng seven metres in eengt«
DURING THE CLOSURE, LONG VEHICLES ON BULKELEY STREET HEADING S? !h1CS?S^LL BE DIVERTED TO MING ON STREET, BAKER STREET AND GILLIES AVENUE.
AND
TIN
ON THE SAME DAY, GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 65R, PLYING BETWEEN SHi KCR STATION AND SHATIN MEISHA FERRY TERMINAL, WILL RESUME OPERATION.
THIS ROUTE WILL OPERATE FROM 8.15 AM TO 7 PM DAILY, IN LINE WITH THE SAILING SCHEDULE OF THE FERRY SERVICE BETWEEN SHA TIN AND DA XIAO ME I SHA.
-----0------
NEW MINIBUS SERVICE
* * *
NEW GREEN MINIBUS ROUTE 67K, FROM AH KUNG KOK TO SHA TIN KCR STATION, WILL BE INTRODUCED ON SATURDAY (JUNE 1) TO MEET THE DEMAND OF AH KUNG KOK RESIDENTS.
THE ROUTE WILL OPERATE VIA ROAD T5, TAI CHUNG KIU ROAD, SAND MARTIN BRIDGE, SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE ROAD AND SHATIN KCR STATION FROM 7 AM TO 9 PM.
THE FARE WILL BE $2.
- 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE. HONG KONG TEL: 5-233191
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1985
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW CHINA FLEET CLUB .......................... 1
LETTER FROM LOWER ALBERT ROAD ................................ 1
WOMEN CIVIL SERVANTS 'MORS SENSITIVE' ........................ 7
APRIL MONETARY STATISTICS RELEASED ........................... 8
JUNK BAY TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD .......................... 11
SEMINAR ON SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS .......................... 12
NEW COMPUTER FOR BETTER TEXTILE SERVICE ...................... 13
GRANTS OFFERED FOR SPORTS, OTHER PROJECTS .................... 13
FUNDS OFFERED FOR SPECIAL STUDIES ............................ 1*t
BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS TACKLED ........................ 16
TRAINING COURSE ON COMMUNITY SERVING ......................... 17
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TO STRESS PEDESTRIAN NEEDS ................ 17
20 COMPLETE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING COURSE ...................... 19
ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR RACE DAY ...................... 19
NEW OFFICE FOR SELLING T.D. FORMS............................. 20
MEET THE MEDIA ............................................... 20
ISLAND TRAFFIC CHANGES ....................................... 20
FIRING PRACTICE .............................................. 21
PRESS CONFERENCE BY TRADE LOBBYIST ........................... 21
GRASS PITCHES CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
21
THUF DAY, MAY 30, 1985
1
GOVERNOR OPENS NEW CHINA FLEET CLUB * * X X
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING DOTTED THE EYES OF TWO LIONS AND CUT A RIBBON TO DECLARE OPEN THE NEW PREMISES OF THE CHINA FLEET CLUB IN WAN CHAI.
SIR EDWARD WAS GREETED ON ARRIVAL BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CLUB, CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER GOTTO, RN, AND THE GENERAL MANAGER, MR PHIL BALDWIN.
AFTER UNVEILING A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AT THE ENTRANCE OF THE CLUB, SIR EDWARD MET THE CLUB’S TRUSTEES, MR MARTIN BARROW AND MR MICHAEL SANDBERG.
SIR EDWARD, WITH THE TRUSTEES, THEN WENT INTO THE RECEPTION HALL TO CUT A CAKE AND TO OFFER A TOAST.
THE CLUB STARTED AS A NAVAL CANTEEN IN 193^. IT NOW OCCUPIES NINE FLOORS IN A 26-STOREY BUILDING DEVELOPED FROM ITS ORIGINAL SITE IN GLOUCESTER ROAD, AND PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION FACILITIES, RESTAURANTS, BARS, A THEATRE AND A SWIMMING POOL. IT HAS MORE THAN 2 500 MEMBERS, INCLUDING SERVICEMEN AND LOCAL RESIDENTS.
-----o-----
LETTER FROM LOWER ALBERT ROAD * X * X
(TEXT OF A SPEECH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB TODAY.)
+WHILST I WAS MOST GRATIFIED TO BE INVITED TO BE HERE TODAY, AND WHILST I AM CONSCIOUS THAT THE FOREIGN CORRESPONDENTS’ CLUB HAS CERTAIN EXPECTATIONS THAT A FREE LUNCH WILL BE PAID FOR, I MUST MAKE IT CLEAR AT THE OUTSET THAT I AM STANDING UP HERE AS A MATTER OF COURTESY. I FEAR I HAVE NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO SAY OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE: I SHALL NOT BE AIRING A POLICY INITIATIVE I SHALL NOT BE DEFENDING A POLICY DECISION I SHALL NOT BE TAKING AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT A FASHIONABLE SUBJECT OF THE DAY I SHALL NOT BE CONTRIBUTING TO ONE OF THE POPULAR CONTROVERSIES THAT HAS ENGAGED YOUR ATTENTION RECENTLY, OFTEN VERY SPECULATIVELY, SOMETIMES QUITE FRANTICALLY AND, ABOVE ALL, I SHALL NOT BE MAKING A FAREWELL SPEECH IN AN ATTEMPT TO LEAVE BEHIND A LEGACY OF WISDOM. I SHAN’T EVEN CONSCIOUSLY TRY TO AMUSE YOU. THERE IS NO FUTURE IN THAT. IF I’VE LEARNED ONE LESSON OVER THE YEARS, IT IS THIS: NEVER TAKE ANYONE’S SENSE OF HUMOUR FOR GRANTED. I’VE LEARNED THAT LESSON THE HARD WAY, THAT IS TO SAY, VIA THE ACUTE EMBARRASSMENT CF DEATHLY SILENCE WHEN A CLEVER CRACK, OR AN ANECDOTE, OR A SHAGGY DOG STORY SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT IF NOT THE HOUSE DOWN AT LEAST A RIPPLE OF POLITE LAUGHTER.
/+MIND YOU, .......
3URSDAY, lulY JO, 1985
2
+MIND YOU, I MIGHT HAVE PREPARED MYSELF FOR THIS OCCASION MORE AMBITIOUSLY BUT A FRIEND OF MANY YEARS STANDING, DEREK DAVIES NO LESS, TOLD ME THE OTHER DAY OVER A DOUBLE GIN GIMLET AND WITH SCANT REGARD FOR MY BLOOD PRESSURE, THAT MOST, IF NOT ALL, OF MY MANY SPEECHES OVER THE PAST 15 YEARS OR SO HAVE SUFFERED FROM A LACK OF SUB-EDITING BY WHAT HE QUAINTLY DESCRIBED AS A PROFESSIONAL SPEECH WRITER. WELL, I DON’T EMPLOY SUCH AN ANIMAL AND HAVE NO INTENTION OF DOING SO IN THE FUTURE (ASSUMING, RASHLY, THAT THIS IS NOT THE LAST SPEECH I SHALL EVER MAKE).
+1 HAVE NOTHING WHATSOEVER TO SAY OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE IS WHAT I TOLD ALAN HARGREAVES WHEN I WENT FOR THE FREE LUNCH AND THAT IS WHAT I HAVE JUST TOLD YOU. SO PLEASE DON’T TAKE ME TOO SERIOUSLY. BUT I’M UP HERE AND AM NOT ALLOWED TO SIT DOWN FOR 20 MINUTES AND EVEN THEN I MAY NOT GET OUT ALIVE, PARTICULARLY AS MY STARTING POINT IN THIS LETTER FROM LOWER ALBERT ROAD IS CICERO’S IMMORTAL ADVICE TO ALL GOOD JOURNALISTS IN BC 61: IF YOU HAVE NO NEWS, WRITE THE FIRST THING THAT COMES INTO YOUR HEAD (THAT BEING A FAIR TRANSLATION OF QUOD IN BUCCAM VENERIT IN BOOK 1 OF AD ATTICUM). A CONVENIENT ADAPTATION OF THIS ADVICE MEANS THAT I SHALL SAY WHATEVER COMES TO MIND, MAKING NO ATTEMPT TO BE PROFOUND OR INFORMATIVE OR ACCURATE OR FAIR OR REASONABLE OR OBJECTIVE OR OBLIGING OR COURTEOUS, LET ALONE STRUCTURED, WHICH WILL REMIND MOST OF YOU OF YOUR OWN DAILY OR WEEKLY LABOURS, INCLUDING THOSE OF YOU WHO BROADCAST IN RTHK’S LETTER FROM HONG KONG SERIES.
+EVEN SO, THE FIRST THOUGHT THAT WILL UNDOUBTEDLY OCCUR TO YOU AS, INDEED, IT OCCURRED TO ME, IS THAT IF I HAVE NOTHING TO SAY OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE, DON’T SAY IT AND GIVE UP THE FREE LUNCH. BUT AS DIOGENES PROCLAIMED 309 YEARS BEFORE CICERO WAS BORN: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING IN THE WORLD IS FREEDOM OF SPEECH. AND AS MANY HAVE BEEN EXERCISING THIS FREEDOM RECENTLY - OFTEN WITHOUT REGARD TO THE CONSEQUENCES, LET ALONE THE FACTS - IT IS AT LEAST ARGUABLE THAT IT IS SOMEONE ELSE’S TURN. AS THE ROMAN POET CATO WROTE SOME TIME BETWEEN CICERO AND DIOGENES IN ABOUT 175 BC: HE WILL HEAR WHAT HE DOESN’T LIKE WHO PERSISTS IN SAYING WHAT HE LIKES.
+THE CARDINAL SIN, OF COURSE, THAT JOURNALISTS MUST AVOID IS TO BE LATE WITH THEIR COPY. THEY CAN, THEREFORE, SOMETIMES JUSTIFY GETTING THINGS WRONG. BUT THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF OTHER COMMENTATORS SUCH AS ACADEMICS AND WOULD-BE ACADEMICS ARE INEXCUSABLE FOR, GIVEN THE LEISURELY WAY THEY CAN GO ABOUT THEIR BUSINESS, THEY REALLY HAVE NO EXCUSE FOR NOT DOING THEIR HOMEWORK PROPERLY. (+ACTUALLY, TO WRITE A SPEECH ON CATO’S OBSERVATION IS SOMETHING I WOULD QUITE LIKE TO DO SOMETIME FOR THE FRUSTRATION I HAVE FOUND QUITE TIRESOME IN THE PAST 14-15 YEARS OR SO AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND THEN AS CHIEF SECRETARY HAS BEEN THAT WHICH STEMS FROM THE INTENSE DISLIKE OF MOST COMMENTATORS TO BE ANSWERED BACK. AS A RESULT, THE ADVICE SO OFTEN TENDERED BY MY FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES IN THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, THE POLITICAL ADVISERS’ OFF ICE AND ELSEWHERE IS, FORGET IT.
/+SOUND ADVICE, .........
THU Ri AY, AT 30, 1985
5
♦SOUND ADVICE, I’M SURE, FOR IF ONE DOES SNAP BACK, ONE IS ACCUSED OF BEING OVER-SENSITIVE OR DEFENSIVE AS ONLY A +BUREAUCRAT+ CAN BE AND, SOMEHOW, THE COMMENTATOR ALWAYS HAS THE LAST SAY AND, ANYWAY, THE TACTICAL ADVANTAGE ALWAYS LIES WITH THE ACCUSER.
YET, IF ONE DOESN’T ANSWER BACK ONE IS ACCUSED OF BEING INDIFFERENT TO PUBLIC OPINION AS ONLY A +BUREAUCRAT+ CAN BE (AS IF THE MEDIA AND FREE-STANDING COMMENTATORS REFLECTED PUBLIC OPINION: THAT REALLY IS, OF COURSE, ONE OF THE GREAT MYTHS OF OUR DAY AND AGE).
♦BUT I’M GRADUALLY DIGGING A GREAT HOLE FOR MYSELF OUT OF WHICH I SHALL BE UNABLE TO SCRAMBLE AND IN WHICH SOME OF YOU WOULD BE ONLY TOO HAPPY TO BURY ME. THAT WOULD MEAN I MIGHT NOT LIVE
LONG ENOUGH TO ENJOY THE PEACE AND QUIET OF RETIREMENT AND PURSUE
A LIFE LONG AMBITION TO WRITE A DEFINITIVE WORK ON THE SEX LIFE
CF THE BLACK BUTTERFLIES OF WESTERN MADAGASCAR. HOWEVER, AS I HAVE NOW INADVERTENTLY DRIFTED INTO A DISSERTATION ON GOVERNMENT AND THE MEDIA INCLUDING FREE-STANDING COMMENTATORS, LET ME SAY THIS EVEN AT THE AWFUL RISK OF BEING SERIOUS FOR A MOMENT. THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE SO FOND OF HAMMERING THE SYSTEM AND RESURRECTING OLD SHIBBOLETHS CONVENIENTLY TO SUSTAIN THE ARGUMENT OF THE DAY, SHOULD BEAR THIS IN MIND: IF THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT OF HONG KONG IS TO BE SUCCESSFULLY CONVERTED INTO THE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SAR - AND, BY SUCCESSFULLY, I MEAN WITH THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS RETAINED - THEN THERE IS A LIMIT TO THE AMOUNT OF DEROGATORY SARCASM AND NEGATIVE CRITICISM THAT THE SYSTEM CAN WITHSTAND, WITHOUT PARTIALLY DISINTEGRATING BEFORE THE CONVERSION PROCESS GETS UNDER WAY.
+THAT IS TO SAY, GIVEN YOUR PREDILECTION TO AMBIVALENCE -DEFINED FOR THIS PURPOSE AS A SIMULTANEOUS ADHERENCE TO CONTRARY VALUES - GIVEN YOUR MADDENING HABIT OF PUTTING TWO AND TWO TOGETHER AND MAKING FIVE, OR SIX, OR EVEN SEVEN, GIVEN THE CASUAL WAY IN WHICH YOU DEAL WITH CAUSE/EFFECT RELATIONSHIPS, GIVEN THE CARELESS WAY IN WHICH YOU TEAR SUBJECTS OUT OF THEIR HISTORICAL CONTEXT, AND GIVEN YOUR FREQUENT LOVE FOR SEMANTICS RATHER THAN A CONCERN FOR SUBSTANCE, GIVEN ALL THESE MANY SHORTCOMINGS OF JOURNALISTS . AND OTHER COMMENTATORS, THERE IS A RISK THAT THE SYSTEM - OR AT ANY RATE THE MORALE OF THE SYSTEM - WILL SUFFER REAL DAMAGE JUST AT THE TIME WHEN THE CONVERSION PROCESS MUST BEGIN.
+NOW ALL THAT SOUNDS RATHER HARSH AND DEEP DOWN I’M OF A KINDLY DISPOSITION. SO LET ME PUT THE POINT I’M TRYING TO MAKE ANOTHER WAY. IT IS THE JOB OF GOVERNMENTS TO DECIDE WHAT TO DO. THERE IS SELDOM A CLEAR-CUT CHOICE BETWEEN WHAT IS RIGHT AND WHAT IS WRONG. AS ELSEWHERE, IT IS THE TASK OF THE PRESS HERE TO EXAMINE WHAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO DO, AND HOW IT DOES IT, OBJECTIVELY: BUT THIS EXAMINATION OFTEN AMOUNTS TO LITTLE MORE THAN INSTANT CRITICISM. GOVERNMENT BASHING AND STORIES OF PROTEST, REAL OR IMAGINARY, MAKE GOOD COPY. CAREFUL, DISPASSIONATE EXAMINATION OF ALL ASPECTS OF A PROBLEM SENDS READERS TO SLEEP. ALL THIS IS PART OF LIFE, AND CIVIL SERVANTS LIKE EVERYBODY ELSE HAVE TO LEARN TO LIVE IN THE REAL WORLD (AND, IN ACTUAL FACT, THAT IS PRECISELY WHERE CIVIL SERVANTS DO LIVE, AT ANY RATE MOST OF US FOR MOST OF THE TIME). BUT GIVEN THE COMPLICATED AND SENSITIVE TASKS FACING THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY IN HONG KONG OVER THE NEXT TWELVE YEARS, GIVEN YOUR ROLE AS PART OF THE COMMUNITY AND AS THE BENEFICIARIES, AS jELL AS THE GUARDIANS, OF DIOGENES’ PROCLAMATION, I FELL BOLD ENOUGH TO ASK YOU TO TRY WHAT MAY BE A NOVEL, BUT CERTAINLY COULD BE AN INTERSTING EXPERIMENT: PUT YOURSELVES IN OUR SHOES, PREFERABLY BEFORE SETTING PEN TO PAPER.
/+! AM .....
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1985
+l AM NOT SUGGESTING FOR A MOMENT THAT CIVIL SERVANTS AND UNOFFICIALS CAN’T PUT UP WITH YOU, ALTHOUGH MORALE IN THIS SENSITIVE AND VOLATILE CITY OF OURS CAN NEVER BE TAKEN FOR GRANTED- AND, AS REGARDS UNOFFICIALS, SOME MIGHT ARGUE THAT OUR TRADITION OF VOLUNTARY PUBLIC SERVICE IS SOMETIMES PUT AT RISK BY YOUR LITERARY EFFORTS. HOWEVER, WITH DIOGENES, I BELIEVE IN FREEDOM OF SPEECH, IN THE WRITTEN AS WELL AS THE SPOKEN FORM BUT, HAVING SAID THAT, I WILL SAY THIS AS WELL: HONG KONG AND HONG KONG-BASED JOURNALISTS ARE IN THE FORTUNATE POSITION OF BEING OBSERVERS OF A UNIQUE GEO-POLITICAL SITUATION REQUIRING A UNIQUE PROCESS OF CHANGE WHICH MUST BE SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED IN A FEW YEARS’ TIME TO THE SATISFACTION, MOREOVER, OF ALL PARTIES CONCERNED. QUITE UNCHARTED WATERS HAVE TO BE NAVIGATED AND SO I PUT IT TO YOU THAT YOU HAVE A UNIQUE RESPONSIBILITY TO BE TEMPERATE.
+UNUSUALLY, BUT UNDERSTANDABLY, THE CLASSIC COLONIAL FORM CF GOVERNMENT CHARACTERISED BY THE SUPREME AUTHORITY OF THE GOVERNOR HAS PERSISTED IN HONG KONG TO THE PRESENT DAY, IN FORM, OF COURSE, RATHER THAN IN PRACTICE, BUT THAT IS ANOTHER STORY AND IF YOU DON’T UNDERSTAND THAT POINT NOW YOU NEVER WILL. THE DE-COLONI SAT ION PROCESS SO FAR AS THE BRITISH COLONIAL EMPIRE IS CONCERNED REALLY BEGAN QUITE A LONG TIME AGO. IT BEGAN, IN FACT, WITH THE DEVONSHIRE DECLARATION OF 1922, FOR THIS SET THE TONE OF MODERN (IF YOU LIKE POST-VICTORIAN) BRITISH COLONIAL POLICY. THAT DECLARATION STATED THAT 'THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLE ON WHICH HIS MAJESTY’S GOVERNMENT’S COLONIAL POLICY IS BASED IS THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE LOCAL PEOPLE ARE PARAMOUNT.’ EVENTUALLY AFTER THE SECOND WORLD WAR, THE PERCEPTION OF THOSE BEST INTERESTS LED TO A PROGRESSIVE WITHDRAWAL OF THE QUEEN’S WRIT FROM ONE CONSTITUENT PART OF HER OVERSEAS REALMS AFTER ANOTHER.
+T0 THIS END, BEGINNING WITH MY IMMEDIATE POST-WAR GENERATION CF COLONIAL CIVIL SERVANTS THERE WAS AN EMPHASIS ON THE VALIDITY OF A VERY NON-IMPERIAL IDEA WHICH, IN EFFECT, ADDED AN ADDITIONAL DIMENSION TO THE MEANING OF THE DEVONSHIRE DECLARATION: THAT IS TO SAY, IT WAS IMPRESSED UPON US BY ONE SECRETARY OF STATE AFTER ANOTHER, OF EVERY POLITICAL COMPLEXION, THAT THE INTERESTS OF THE INHABITANTS OF COLONIAL POSSESSIONS DID NOT JUST LIE IN ENSURING THAT POLICIES WERE PURSUED WHICH FOSTERED THEIR WELFARE RATHER THAN, FOR EXAMPLE, THE COMMERCIAL OR STRATEGIC INTERESTS OF THE METROPOLITAN POWER. BEYOND THAT, THEIR INTEREST LAY IN BRITAIN PROGRESSIVELY HANDING OVER POWER VIA A PROCESS OF CONSTITUTIONAL CHANGE TO INDIGENOUS AUTHORITIES. THIS PROCESS CONSISTED OF A SERIES OF STEPS UP TO FULL INTERNAL SELF-GOVERNMENT BASED ON UNIVERSAL FRANCHISE UNTIL, BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT, FULL INDEPENDENCE WAS GRANTED, THE LAST POWERS SURRENDERED BEING DEFENCE AND EXTERNAL AFFAIRS.
/+IF THE .......
THURSDAY, kAf 30, 1 ‘85
- 5
+ IF THE INDEPENDENCE ROUTE HAD BEEN POSSIBLE FOR HONG KONG, THEN I HAVE NO DOUBT THAT HONG KONG WOULD HAVE BECOME AN INDEPENDENT CITY STATE AT LEAST 25 YEARS AGO, BUT FOR HMG TO PURSUE THAT ROUTE WAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR WELL KNOWN AND ACCEPTED GEO-POLITICAL REASONS. NOR WAS CONTINUING BRITISH ADMINISTRATION UNDER CHINESE SOVEREIGNTY AN ACCEPTABLE ROUTE, NOT BECAUSE THE EXERCISE OF SOVEREIGNTY HAS TO BE COUPLED WITH TITULAR SOVEREIGNTY - THERE HAVE BEEN MANY EXAMPLES OF THAT SITUATION IN THE PAST 2DO AND MORE YEARS - BUT BECAUSE THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT WAS UNWILLING TO DRAW A DISTINCTION BETWEEN SOVEREIGNTY AND ULTIMATE ADMINISTRATIVE AUTHORITY. AT THE SAME TIME, A SIMPLE STRAIGHTFORWARD INCORPORATION OF HONG KONG - AND FOR PRACTICAL REASONS THIS WOULD HAVE TO BE THE CEDED AND LEASED TERRITORIES TOGETHER - WAS SEEN TO BE DISADVANTAGEOUS TO CHINA’S INTERESTS AND UNACCEPTABLE TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, 60 PER CENT OF WHOM WERE BORN HERE AND THE REMAINING 40 PER CENT CAME TO LIVE HERE VOLUNTARILY.
+S0, THE ONLY REMAINING ROUTE OPEN WHICH, CONCEIVABLY, WOULD ENABLE AT LEAST PARTIAL OBSERVANCE OF THE PRINCIPLE ENUNCIATED BY THE DEVONSHIRE DECLARATION, WAS THE SO-CALLED AUTONOMY ROUTE. THIS ROUTE WAS OPENED UP, AS IT WERE, BY THE CHINESE GOVERNMENT’S IMAGINATIVE CONCEPT OF ’ONE COUNTRY/TWO SYSTEMS’. NOW, ALTHOUGH THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT COMPRISING THE JOINT DECLARATION AND ITS ASSOCIATED ANNEXES, WAS EVENTUALLY NEGOTIATED, SIGNED AND HAS JUST BEEN RATIFIED, THE AUTONOMY ROUTE WILL BE A DIFFICULT ROUTE TO TRAVERSE AND WOULD BE SO EVEN IF IT WAS NOT SUCH A UNIQUE SOLUTION TO SUCH A UNIQUE PROBLEM (IN OTHER WORDS, EVEN IF THERE WAS CASE LAW TO GUIDE ALL CONCERNED). SPECIFICALLY, THE AUTONOMY ROUTE WILL INVOLVE CONVERTING THE COLONIAL GOVERNMENT CF HONG KONG - COMPRISED AS IT IS OF CERTAIN FORMAL INSTRUMENTS INTERPRETED IN PRACTICE OVER MANY YEARS BY A COMPLEX OF CONVENTIONS AND PRACTICES, WRITTEN AND UNWRITTEN - INTO THE GOVERNMENT CF THE HONG KONG SAR. THE SMOOTH REMOVAL OF THE BRITISH LINK AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN ’AUTONOMOUS’, YET NOT ’INDEPENDENT’, GOVERNMENT WILL NOT BE EASY AND ALL THE PREPARATIONS FOR THIS HAVE TO BE PUT IN HAND AT THE SAME TIME AS THE PRESENT GOVERNMENT IS OBLIGATED TO CONTINUE TO MANAGE THE PLACE EFFECTIVELY AND THAT CANNOT BE ACHIEVED SIMPLY VIA DECLARATIONS OF INTENT. A CREDIBLE REGIME MUST BE MAINTAINED MEANWHILE AND ALL PARTIES CONCERNED MUST BE SUPPORTIVE OF IT.
♦WHILST THE POLICIES TO BE PURSUED BY THE SAR GOVERNMENT ARE LAID DOWN IN FAIRLY CLEAR TERMS IN ANNEX II TO THE AGREEMENT, THERE IS RELATIVE SILENCE ON THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AND ON THE CONSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK WHICH WILL SECURE HONG KONG AS A CAPITALIST ENCLAVE WITHIN THE SOCIALIST MOTHERLAND. YET THIS CONVERSION EXERCISE CANNOT WAIT UPON THE PROMULGATION OF THE BASIC LAW IN 1990 OR THEREABOUTS. WE MUST BEGIN NOW TO DEVISE A STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT AND SEE THAT IT IS FIRMLY ESTABLISHED DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS IN ORDER TO FACILITATE A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM HONG KONG’S PRESENT STATUS AS A BRITISH COLONY TO THAT OF A SPECIAL ADMINISTRATIVE REGION OF CHINA.
/♦ALTHOUGH THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
6
-•■ALTHOUGH THE CONTENT OF THE BASIC LAW, SO FAR AS THE STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED, IS STILL UNKNOWN TO US WE DO HAVE A STARTING POINT: A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY, BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE OF THE MAXIMUM POSSIBLE CONTINUITY OF EXISTING SYSTEMS - LEGAL, ADMINISTRATIVE, FISCAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL. THIS IS PROMISED BY THE SINO-BRITISH AGREEMENT FOR THE FUTURE GOVERNMENT OF THE HONG KONG SAR. IF IT IS LOGICAL AND SENSIBLE TO START DEVELOPING A STRUCTURE OF GOVERNMENT WHICH IS COMPATIBLE WITH AND, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, REINFORCES THIS PROMISED HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY (AND WHICH IS SELF-GENERATING AND MORE OBVIOUSLY REPRESENTATIVE FOR GUBERNATORIAL PATRONAGE OBVIOUSLY MUST FADE AWAY GRADUALLY), THEN EXISTING SYSTEMS MUST BE LOOKED AT, IF NOT SYMPATHETICALLY, AT LEAST DISPASSIONATELY, AND THIS IS WHERE I COULD PICK UP A WHOLE HOST OF EXAMPLES TO DEMONSTRATE THAT STORIES BASED ON CICERO’S ADVICE IS YOUR STOCK IN TRADE RATHER THAN OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS. BUT BEING, AS I SAID EARLIER, OF A KINDLY DISPOSITION, I SHALL REFRAIN FROM DOING SO.
+MOREOVER, IF I GO ON, YOU MAY BE TEMPTED - IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY - TO TAKE ME TOO SERIOUSLY DESPITE MY DISCLAIMERS AND I HAVE NOW FULFILLED MY OBLIGATION TO SPEAK FOR 20 MINUTES. SO LET ME END ON A FRIENDLY NOTE: MOST OF YOU - AND HERE I AM SPEAKING OF THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE FULL-TIME PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS - LIVE AND WORK IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE WORLD AND YOU HAVE TO WORK HARD FOR YOUR COPY. THAT YOU DO AND I ADMIRE YOU IMMENSELY FOR THAT. THE SPEED WITH WHICH YOU CATCH UP WITH THOSE TRYING TO ELUDE YOU AND THE HOURS YOU PATIENTLY WAIT AROUND FOR THEM HAVE EARNED YOU MANY PLAUDITS. SO HAVE THE EDITORIALS OF MANY OF OUR NEWSPAPERS WHICH OFTEN REVEAL A PERCEPTION OF THE ISSUES AT STAKE WHICH DOES THE WRITERS GREAT CREDIT- AND WHICH ARE READ WITH CARE, I MIGHT ADD, IN LOWER ALBERT ROAD. AT THE SAME TIME, YOU ARE NOT ALL THAT GENEROUSLY REWARDED: AS A PASSIONATE BELIEVER IN A HIGH WAGE ECONOMY AND A LIMITED ROLE FOR THE SOCIAL WAGE, I WOULD GO SO FAR AS TO SAY THAT AT LEAST SOME OF YOU ARE GROSSLY UNDERPAID- AND ON THAT HOPEFULLY WELCOME NOTE I THANK YOU FOR AN EXCELLENT LUNCH AND BID YOU ALL A FOND FAREWELL.+
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/7........
THURSDAY, MAV 30, 1985
7
WOMEN CIVIL SERVANTS ’MORE SENSITIVE’ * * * * *
THE SUGGESTION THAT WOMEN CIVIL SERVANTS HAD THE EDGE OVER THEIR MALE COLLEAGUES BECAUSE OF THEIR GREATER SENSITIVITY, WAS MADE TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO.
+WE MEN ARE NOT EXACTLY INSENSITIVE. IT IS JUST THAT WOMEN HAVE REFINED SENSITIVITY ALMOST INTO A SIXTH SENSE.
♦MANY A TIME I HAVE FOUND THAT A PROPOSITION THAT HAS SEEMINGLY BEEN EXAMINED FROM ALL ANGLES, AND FAIRLY EXHAUSTIVELY ASSESSED, CAN YIELD UP AN UNEXPECTED FACET TO THE MORE DISCERNING EYE OF A FELLOW OFFICER WHO HAPPENS, IN NEARLY ALL CASES, TO BE A WOMAN.
+IT WILL INVARIABLY BE AN EXTREMELY SUBTLE POINT THAT MAY NOT SWAY THE DECISION ALREADY REACHED - AND IN FACT MAY NOT AFFECT THE OUTCOME OF A COURSE OF ACTION AT ALL - BUT IT NEVERTHELESS WAS THERE AND WAS ONLY VISIBLE TO HER,+ MR TSAO SAID.
MR TSAO, SPEAKING PERSONALLY AT A MEETING OF THE ZONTA CLUB CF HONG KONG EAST, SAID HE HAD TO ADMIT IT WAS EASIER TO LIVE WITH THE MORE ATTRACTIVE IMAGE OF THE SO-CALLED TYPICAL GOVERNMENT SERVANT NOWADAYS.
+1 FIND MYSELF SURROUNDED BY COLLEAGUES IN THE ADMINISTRATION WHO, SHALL I SAY, HAVE GREATLY ENHANCED MY WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
♦ BUT FOR FEAR OF BEING ACCUSED OF SUCH REACTIONARY MALE CHAUVINIST TENDENCIES AS SEXUAL STEREOTYPING, LET ME ADD THAT I AM BY NO MEANS MISLED BY APPEARANCES. I RECOGNISE THAT UNDER THE GLAMOROUS LOOK AND THE DECEPTIVELY SOFT EXTERIOR DWELLS A HEART OF STEEL AND A WILL OF IRON.
+THESE WOMEN WHO NOW SHARE THE CORRIDORS OF POWER ARE STRIDING IT WITH AN UNMISTAKABLE SENSE OF PURPOSE. THEY KNOW, AS WE ALL DO, THAT THEY HAVE ARRIVED THERE NOT BECAUSE OF FEMININE CHARM BUT BECAUSE OF THEIR SKILL AND INTELLECT,+ HE SAID.
TURNING TO A MORE SERIOUS PROBLEM FACING ALL CIVIL SERVANTS, MALE AND FEMALE, OLD AND YOUNG, MR TSAO SAID THEY HAD ENTERED UPON A NEW AGE, AND ALMOST CERTAINLY UPON THE GREATEST CHALLENGE THE ADMINISTRATION HAD EVER FACED.
+WE ARE LIVING IN THE PERIOD LEADING UP TO 1997, WHEN HONG KONG IS TO BECOME AN SAR WITH A HIGH DEGREE OF AUTONOMY.
+THE IRONY IS THAT THE VERY FOUNDATION ON WHICH HONG KONG HAS BEEN ADMINISTERED IN THE PAST IS ONE WHICH WILL SPELL THE TOTAL FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM WE MUST DEVELOP FOR THE FUTURE.
/+ YEARS AGO........
THURSDAY, AY JO, 1985
- 8 -
+YEARS AGO, WHEN I WAS A MUCH YOUNGER, MORE JUNIOR OFFICER IN THIS ADMINISTRATION, I WAS GIVEN TO UNDERSTAND THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS LEFT TO GET ON WITH THE BUSINESS OF GOVERNING PRECISELY BECAUSE THE PEOPLE WERE MUCH TOO BUSY PURSUING THEIR FORTUNES TO CONCERN THEMSELVES WITH THE WIDER SOCIAL ISSUES.
+TODAY ALL THAT HAS CHANGED DRAMATICALLY, TO THE POINT WHERE OUR ADMINISTRATION, WHICH HAS ALREADY PROGRESSED LIGHT YEARS TOWARDS MORE OPEN GOVERNMENT, IS ACCUSED OF NOT MOVING FAST ENOUGH FOR THE PUBLIC TASTE,+ MR TSAO SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT WE HAD MOVED FROM A POSITION OF APATHY AND INDIFFERENCE TO ONE OF -OBSERVATION AND CONFRONTATION, BUT HAD YET TO SHIFT TO A THIRD AND MORE DESIRABLE STAGE OF PARTICIPATION AND CO-OPERATION.
+l PUT IT TO YOU THAT THIS NEXT STAGE IS ABSOLUTELY CRUCIAL TO THE SUCCESS OF THE SOCIETY WE ARE SEEKING TO DEVELOP. IT MUST BE NOT ONLY A POLITICALLY EDUCATED SOCIETY, BUT ALSO AN ACTIVELY INVOLVED ONE,+ HE SAID.
HE APPEALED FOR AN EROSION OF THE OLD DIVIDING LINE BETWEEN ‘THEM’ AND ’US’, BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE GOVERNED. +WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER, WITH A COMMON CAUSE AND A COMMON PURPOSE,+ HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE FINE EDGE OF SENSITIVITY THAT WOMEN BRING TO THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE CAREERS WOULD BE A QUALITY WHICH COULD STAND THE GOVERNMENT IN GOOD STEAD IN THE YEARS AHEAD.
+FOR WE MUST BE EXTRA SENSITIVE - SHOULD I PERHAPS SAY SUPER SENSITIVE - TO PUBLIC ISSUES AND TO PUBLIC CONCERN. AND, MORE THAN EVER BEFORE, WE MUST EXPLORE THE OPPORTUNITIES OPEN TO US TO GUIDE THAT CONCERN INTO POSITIVE CHANNELS OF EXPRESSION,+ W TSAO SAID.
0 - - - -
APRIL MONETARY STATISTICS RELEASED
*****
BOTH HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS AND FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS GREW STEADILY IN APRIL, ACCORDING TO MONETARY STATISTICS PUBLISHED TODAY (THURSDAY).
SO DID THE MONEY SUPPLY, APART FROM HK$M1 WHICH FELL AS A RESULT OF SEASONAL CHANGES IN THE PUBLIC’S HOLDING OF CASH.
THE MONETARY STATISTICS ALSO SHOWED A CONTINUATION OF WEAK LOAN DEMAND, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF LOANS FOR FINANCING VISIBLE TRADE.
/DEPOSITS .......
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
- 9
DEPOSITS
HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS ROSE FURTHER, BY 1.2 PER CENT IN APRIL, AFTER AN INCREASE OF 1.4 PER CENT IN MARCH. THESE DEPOSITS INCREASED BY 3.3 PER CENT OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL AND BY 19.3 PER CENT OVER THE 12 MONTHS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS ALSO ROSE BY 1.2 PER CENT, FOLLOWING AN INCREASE OF 4.8 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THESE DEPOSITS WERE 8.0 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE LATEST THREE MONTHS AND 23.5 PER CENT HIGHER OVER THE 12 MONTHS. PART OF THESE INCREASES WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN FOREIGN CURRENCY SWAP DEPOSITS.
THESE DEPOSITS, WHICH ARE BASICALLY HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS, INCREASED BY 2.0 PER CENT, FROM $24.6 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH TO $25.1 BILLION AT THE END OF APRIL.
ADJUSTED TO INCLUDE SWAP DEPOSITS, HONG KONG DOLLAR DEPOSITS SHOWED HIGHER GROWTH RATES, AT 1.3 PER CENT IN APRIL .'LD 4 0 PER CENT OVER THREE MONTHS.
FOREIGN CURRENCY DEPOSITS, ON THE OTHER HAND, SHOWED LOWER GROWTH RATES AT 1.0 PER CENT AND 7.6 PER CENT OVER THE RESPECTIVE PERIODS AFTER SWAP DEPOSITS HAVE BEEN EXCLUDED.
TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH BANKS ROSE BY 1.3 PER CENT IN APRIL, ' COMPARED WITH 2.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ALSO ROSE, BUT BY ONLY 0.5 PER CENT FOLLOWING A SIGNIFICANT RISE OF 4.5 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THE GROWTH RATE OF TOTAL DEPOSITS WITH THE LATTER, AT 7.7 PER CENT, WAS STILL HIGHER THAN THAT WITH THE FORMER, AT 5.0 PER CENT, REFLECTING AT LEAST IN PART THE INFLUENCE OF THE SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN MONEY MARKET RATES AND HKAB RATES.
HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY
A FURTHER POST LUNAR NEW YEAR AND EASTER REDUCTION IN THE PUBLIC’S HOLDING OF CASH CAUSED HONG KONG DOLLAR MONEY SUPPLY ON THE NARROWEST DEFINITION, HK$M1, TO FALL FURTHER BY 0.2 PER CENT IN APRIL, AFTER A SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE OF 5.7 PER CENT IN MARCH. HK$M2 AND HK$M3 (THE BROADER DEFINITIONS), HOWEVER, ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT AND 1.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
THE CORRESPONDING INCREASES IN MARCH WERE 0.1 PER CENT AND 0.7 PER CENT.
/IN THE ........
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
10 -
IN THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, HK$M1 ROSE BY 2.9 PER CENT, '' BY 2.8 PER CENT AND HK$M3 BY 3.7 PER CENT. THE RESPECTIVE INCREASES OVER THE 12 MONTHS WERE 14.7 PER CENT, 18.6 PER CENT AND 18.7 PER CENT.
THE GROWTH RATES OF HK$M2 AND HK$M3, AFTER ADJUSTING FOR Swap DEPOSITS, WERE HIGHER AT 1.0 PER CENT AND 1.1 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR THE MONTH, AND 3.7 PER CENT AND 4.4 PER CENT ■' JPECTIVELY FOR THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL.
’ MONEY SUPPLY
TOTAL MONEY SUPPLY REGISTERED INCREASES ON ALL DEFINITIONS.
TOTAL Ml ROSE MARGINALLY BY 0.2 PER CENT, AFTER A FALL OF 6.2
PER CENT IN MARCH. TOTAL M2 AND TOTAL M3 INCREASED BY 1.2 PER -i.'T AND 1.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH 2.1 PER CENT AND 2.5 PER CENT IN MARCH. THE CORRESPONDING GROWTH RATES OVER
THREE MONTHS TO APRIL WERE 3.0 PER CENT, 5.1 PER CENT AND 5.7 PER CENT, AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS WERE 15.2 PER CENT, 23.4 PER CENT AND 21.1 PER CENT.
LOANS AND ADVANCES
LOANS AND ADVANCES EXTENDED BY BANKS AND DEPOSIT-TAKING
' : . . .IES CONTINUED TO GROW SLOWLY, BY 0.5 PER CENT FOLLOWING PPR CENT IN MARCH. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THESE 1Y 1.7 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS BY 7.1 PER CENT. ■
WITHIN THE TOTAL, LOANS TO FINANCE VISIBLE TRADE GREW MORE SIGNIFICANTLY, BY 3.7 PER CENT AFTER A RISE OF 2.6 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THESE GREW BY 9.1 PER CENT BUT ONLY BY 6.4 PER CENT OVER THE 12 MONTHS REFLECTING DECREASES IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1984.
OTHER LOANS FOR USE IN HONG KONG ROSE BY 0.9 PER CENT IN APRIL, FOLLOWING ZERO GROWTH IN MARCH. OVER THE THREE MONTHS TO APRIL, THEY ROSE BY 1.6 PER CENT AND OVER THE 12 MONTHS BY 7.2 PER CENT.
FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
THE SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY POSITION OF THE MONETARY SECTOR SHOWED A DECREASE IN NET ASSETS FROM $7.4 BILLION AT THE END OF MARCH, TO $5.9 BILLION AT THE END OF APRIL.
SIMILAR STATISTICS COLLECTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING AND DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES (ON THE BASIS OF SLIGHTLY DIFFERENT DEFINITIONS) SHOWED A DECREASE IN NET SPOT FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS OF $1.0 BILLION TO $3.8 BILLION. NET FORWARD FOREIGN CURRENCY ASSETS, HOWEVER, ROSE BY $1.0 BILLION TO 724.0 BILLION OVER THE SAME PERIOD.
Aiqoidity RATIO.........
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
LIQUIDITY RATIO
THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO (AS DEFINED IN S. 18 OF THE BANKING rDINANCE) FOR ALL BANKS WAS 49.7 PER CENT, SOMEWHAT BELOW =3.2 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE AVERAGE LIQUIDITY RATIO • DEFINED IN S. 24A OF THE DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES ORDINANCE)
FO-. ALL DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES WAS ALSO LOWER AT 44.7 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 53.0 PER CENT A MONTH EARLIER.
• J.1BER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS
THE NUMBER OF REPORTING INSTITUTIONS REMAINED UNCHANGED IN APRIL, WITH 140 LICENSED BANKS, 33 LICENSED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, AND 306 REGISTERED DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES.
- - 0 - -
JUNK BAY TAKES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD ******
THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAS AWARDED "ER CONTRACT IN THE CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR JUNK BAY.
THE $74.7 MILLION CONTRACT IS FOR RECLAMATION AND ROAD CONSTRUCTION AT AP TSAI PENINSULA ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF JUNK BAY TO PROVIDE LAND AND ACCESS FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE.
IT ALSO INCLUDES THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER, PART OF WHICH WILL BE A SUBMARINE PIPE ACROSS HANG HAU BAY. THIS WILL CONNECT TO A SEWER TUNNEL AND A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT THE SOUTHERN END OF JUNK BAY.
THE CONTRACT WAS SIGNED BY THE JUNK BAY PROJECT MANAGER, MR T.D. ARMOUR, AND THE SENIOR MANAGING DIRECTOR OF AOKI CORPORATION, MR SUNAO HORII.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL INVOLVE THE MOVING OF ABOUT 1.8 MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILLING MATERIAL FROM AP TSAI PENINSULA TO RECLAIM 14 HECTARES OF LAND.
ASSOCIATED WITH THE RECLAMATION WILL BE MAJOR DRAINAGE WORKS INCLUDING 550 METRES OF STORMWATER CULVERT, 1 500 METRES CF TRUNK SEWER, 400 METRES OF WHICH WILL BE A SUBMARINE PIPE.
/THERE WILL
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
12
THERE WILL ALSO BE 600 METRES OF ROAD CONNECTING THE HOUSING ESTATE WITH THE REST OF THE ROAD SYSTEM WHICH WILL BE BUILT AT THE SAME TIME.
THE AP TSAI PENINSULA WILL BE LANDSCAPED WHEN FILL MATERIAL HAS BEEN MOVED AND THE SLOPES WILL BE PART OF THE URBAN FRINGE PARK.
CONSTRUCTION WILL START SOON AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 30 MONTHS.
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SEMINAR ON SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS X X * *
MORE THAN 200 SECONDARY SCHOOL HEADS WILL BE ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON SEX EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS ON SATURDAY (JUNE 1).
THE HALF-DAY SEMINAR, WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE AUDITORIUM CF THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICES BUILDING AT HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHAI, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE SEMINAR WOULD PROVIDE A VENUE FOR SCHOOL PRINCIPALS TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND VIEWS ON HOW SEX EDUCATION COULD BE PROMOTED IN THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR CF SCHOOLS), DR KONG YUN-FUN, WILL GIVE AN INTRODUCTORY TALK AT THE SEMINAR.
OTHER SPEAKERS INCLUDE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE EDUCATION AND YOUTHWORK SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MRS K. YAU- THE PRINCIPAL OF COGNITIO COLLEGE (KOWLOON), NR C.K. CHEUNG- THE PRINCIPAL OF YUEN LONG PAK KAU ENGLISH COLLEGE, NR M.K. TAM- THE PRINCIPAL OF KEI YUEN COLLEGE, MR Y.W. CHOW- AND THE PRINCIPAL OF HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, MRS E. MA.
0 --------
/1J........
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1985
13
NEW COMPUTER FOR BETTER TEXTILE SERVICE * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT HAS INSTALLED A $12.3 MILLION COMPUTER TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT SERVICE TO THE TEXTILE TRADE IN HONG KONG.
KNOWN AS THE +PHASE 111+ COMPUTER SYSTEM, IT IS AN IMPROVED VERSION OF THE SYSTEM PREVIOUSLY DEVELOPED FOR QUOTA ADMINISTRATION AND PROCESSING OF TEXTILE LICENCES.
USING AN IBM 4341 COMPUTER IT IS AN INTEGRATED SYSTEM TO COVER EXPORTS TO ALL RESTRAINT MARKETS (INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, EEC, CANADA, SWEDEN, FINLAND, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND AND NORWAY).
WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL IN 1986, THE COMPUTER SYSTEM WILL BE LINKED TO 73 WORK-STATIONS WHICH CAN PROCESS OVER A MILLION LICENCES A YEAR.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY OF THE NEW SYSTEM TODAY (THURSDAY), THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, SAID: +THE NEW COMPUTER SYSTEM WILL IMPROVE THE SPEED AND ACCURACY OF LICENCE PROCESSING SO THAT BETTER SERVICE CAN BE PROVIDED TO THE TEXTILE TRADE.
+IT WILL ALSO PROVIDE MORE UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON QUOTA BALANCES SO THAT HONG KONG’S QUOTA UTILISATION CAN BE MAXIMISED.
+AND WITH THE SUPPLY OF MORE DETAILED EXPORT DATA, TRADE DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS CAN NEGOTIATE BETTER EXPORT RIGHTS FOR HONG KONG TEXTILE GOODS.+
AMONG THE GUESTS AT TODAY’S CEREMONY WERE DATA PROCESSING MANAGER, MR STEPHEN LAU, PROMINENT MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILE TRADE, AND REPRESENTATIVES FROM IBM WORLD TRADE CORPORATION.
- - 0 - -
GRANTS OFFERED FOR SPORTS, OTHER PROJECTS * X * X *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FOR GRANTS FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION, FOR NON-CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS DEALING WITH RECREATIONAL, SPORTING, CULTURAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
ABOUT 52.5 MILLION WILL BE ALLOCATED THIS FINANCIAL YEAR -1985-86 - TO ORGANISATIONS WISHING TO INITIATE PROJECTS wHICH WILL OFFER CONSTRUCTIVE AND LONG-TERM BENEFIT TO THE PUBLIC.
THE FUND IS ADMINISTERED BY THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH.
/A SPOKESMAN
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
14
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COUNCIL SAID THAT THE FUND IS TC ENCOURAGE RECREATIONAL AND RELATED PROJECTS WHICH PROMOTE PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT, PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE, AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, ESPECIALLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT PROJECTS SHOULD BE SPECIFIC AND ALLOCATIONS MUST BE ONCE-FOR-ALL GRANTS MADE FOR PARTICULAR ITEMS.
REQUESTS FOR CAMPING, CANOEING AND PHYSICAL EXERCISE EQUIPMENT, OR AUDIO-VISUAL EQUIPMENT AND THE LIKE WILL USUALLY BE CONSIDERED, HE SAID.
PROJECTS MUST ALSO CATER FOR A WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF THE POPULATION.
PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN TO NEW PROJECTS AND ORGANISATIONS UNABLE TO OBTAIN FUNDS ELSEWHERE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE SPORTS DEVELOPMENT AND SERVICES SECTION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND REGIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND FROM THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FORWARDED TO THE SECRETARY, COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, 11/F., WING ON CENTRE, ill CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED AT 5-458511.
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FUNDS OFFERED FOR SPECIAL STUDIES *****
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR SCHOLARSHIPS, GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS UNDER THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS SCHOLARSHIP FUND AND THE MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUND.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEAD OFFICE ON THE 12TH FLOOR OF CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, AND FROM VARIOUS DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES LIAISON OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS CAN BE RETURNED FROM SATURDAY (JUNE 1).
/+THE FUNDS
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
- 15 -
+THE FUNDS ARE TO HELP PEOPLE WISHING TO SERVE THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERIES INDUSTRIES OR RELATED TRADES ON COMPLETION. OF THEIR STUDIES, AND THOSE EMPLOYED IN THE INDUSTRIES, WHO WISH TO PURSUE FURTHER TRAINING,* A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (THURSDAY).
+THE FUNDS ARE ALSO AIMED AT ASSISTING CHILDREN OF FARMING AND FISHING FAMILIES TO COMPLETE THEIR SECONDARY SCHOOLING AS A PREREQUISITE FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION,* HE ADDED.
SINCE THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SCHEME IN 1978, MORE THAN $1.78 MILLION HAS BEEN ALLOCATED TO DESERVING STUDENTS TO ENABLE THEM TO ATTAIN ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AT VARIOUS LEVELS.
+THIS YEAR, SOME $640 000 HAVE BEEN SET ASIDE TO ASSIST STUDENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
APPLICATIONS FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION SUBSIDIES WILL CLOSE ON JULY 19 WHILE THOSE FROM SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 16.
THE AWARDS WILL BE TENABLE AT ANY UNIVERSITY IN HONG KONG, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, CITY POLYTECHNIC, ANY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ANY ACCEPTABLE OVERSEAS INSTITUTION AND AT ANY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.
APPLICANTS IN TERTIARY EDUCATION SHOULD BE HONG KONG RESIDENTS, PREFERABLY UNDER 30 YEARS OF AGE WHILE SECONDARY SCHOOL APPLICANTS SHOULD BE STUDENTS IN FORMS 4 TO 7.
APPROVED COURSES FOR TERTIARY EDUCATION INCLUDE THOSE ON AGRICULTURE, VETERINARY SCIENCE, MARINE BIOLOGY OR ANY APPLIED SCIENCE RELEVANT TO THE LOCAL AGRICULTURAL OR FISHERIES INDUSTRIES AND RELATED TRADES.
+GRANTS TO COVER TUITION FEES AND PURCHASE OF BOOKS, AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS TO BE USED AS LIVING EXPENSES MAY BE AWARDED TO DESERVING NEEDY CANDIDATES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, ADDING THAT STUDENTS APPLYING FOR SCHOLARSHIPS MAY ALSO APPLY FOR GRANTS AND/OR INTEREST-FREE LOANS.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE FUNDS AND APPLICATION PROCEDURES SHOULD BE MADE BY TELEPHONING THE SECRETARY OF THE AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS AND MARINE FISH SCHOLARSHIP FUNDS ADVISORY COMMITTEE AT 3-688111 EXT 510.
THURSDAY, MAY 33, 1985
16
BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS TACKLED * * * *
THE REAL SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM OF UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS LAY NOT IN MEASURES TO DEAL WITH SEPARATc AREAS OF CONCERN, BUT IN PROVIDING A SCHOOL SYSTEM THAT MET THE FULL RANGE OF NEEDS, ABILITIES AND INTERESTS OF YOUNG PEOPLE, . THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR MICHAEL LEUNG, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING.
ADDRESSING A GATHERING AT THE HONG KONG PRIVATE SCHOOLS ASSOCIATION’S ANNUAL DINNER, MR LEUNG SAID IT WAS TO THIS END THAT ALL INVOLVED IN EDUCATION HAD TO CONTINUE TO WORK.
GOVERNMENT HAD RECOGNISED IN 1981 THAT BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS IN SCHOOLS WERE INCREASING. THIS LED TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOLS TO IDENTIFY THE PROBLEMS AND TO ADVISE THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ON REMEDIAL MEASURES, HE SAID.
THE COMMITTEE CONSISTED OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED, AND MET REGULARLY. ITS MAIN WORK WAS TO TRY TO IDENTIFY THE KINDS AND EXTENT OF BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS, AND TO TAKE STEPS TO REMEDY THE SITUATION, MR LEUNG SAID.
TWO SURVEYS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED ON BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS AND TWO REPORTS COVERING THE 1982-83 AND 1983-84 YEARS HAD THEN BEEN ISSUED, HE SAID.
A THIRD SURVEY WAS NOW IN PROGRESS.
IN ADDITION, A WORKING GROUP OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE HAD BEEN SET UP IN 1983 TO EXAMINE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE EXISTING SERVICES IN COMBATING UNRULY AND DELINQUENT BEHAVIOUR AND TO SUGGEST IMPROVEMENTS.
THE REPORT WAS SUBMITTED LAST YEAR AND WAS ENDORSED BY BOTH THE STANDING COMMITTEE AND THE FIGHT CRIME COMMITTEE.
FOLLOWING THE FIRST RECOMMENDATION, A DESCRIPTIVE PAMPHLET ON SERVICES TO HELP PUPILS WITH PROBLEMS, WAS PREPARED AND DISTRIBUTED TO ALL SCHOOLS THIS MONTH AND A ’LEAFLET’ VERSION OF THE PAMPHLET WAS BEING PREPARED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO PARENTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
AND A START WOULD BE MADE NEXT YEAR IN SETTING UP A SCHOOL I SUPPORT TEAM OF SPECIALLY TRAINED TEACHERS, SUPPORTED BY » PSYCHOLOGISTS, COUNSELLORS AND INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS TO PROVIDE AN OUTREACH I NG SERVICE TO HELP SCHOOLS EXPERIENCING BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS AMONG STUDENTS.
MR LEUNG SAID ALSO THAT THE ALLOCATION OF STAFF TO GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS WAS BEING INCREASED TO ENABLETHEM TO INCREASE THE PROVISION OF GUIDANCE AND COUNSELLING SERVICES, AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES.
0---------
/17 .......
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 103?
17
TRAINING COURSE ON COMMUNITY SERVING * * * * *
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING INVITED FROM YOUNG PEOPLE IN KOWLOON CITY TO TAKE PART IN A TRAINING COURSE ON HOW TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, THE HEALTHY COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERS TRAINING SCHEME IS aIMEu AT PROVIDING A TWO-DAY COURSE ON JUNE 15 AND 16 FOR 100 YOUTHS AGED OVER 18 AND OTHERS WITH FORM 3 EDUCATIONAL LEVEL.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE THE DEFINITION OF HEALTHY COMMUNITY, PROBLEM SOLVING, EFFECTIVE WORKING, AND SKILLS ON BODY CHECKING, SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMITTEE.
♦PARTICIPANTS ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO UNDERTAKE FIELD PRACTICES IN JULY AND AUGUST,+ HE SAID.
+0N COMPLETION OF THE COURSE, THEY WILL BE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT.*
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON CITY DISTRICi SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON CITY YOUTH AND COMMUNITY OR ANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT. COMPLETED FOnMS
OFFICE, OFFICE, MUST BE
RETURNED ON OR BEFORE JUNE 7.
----0------
TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT TO STRESS PEDESTRIAN NEEDS
*****
THE NEEDS OF PEDESTRIANS SHOULD BE GIVEN GREATER EMPHASIS IN FUTURE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEMES, A STUDY ON PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT RECOMMENDED.
THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE ENDORSED THIS RECOMMENDATION CONTAINED IN THE PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS REVIEW 1984 AND EXPRESSED APPRECIATION OF THE PROGRESS MADE IN INVESTIGATING PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT SITES AND THE REMEDIAL MEASURES IMPLEMENTED AT SUCH SITES.
THE TAG ALSO NOTED THAT IN CONGESTED URBAN AREAS IT MIGHT SOMETIMES BE NECESSARY TO REDUCE THE CAPACITY OF THE ROADS FOR VEHICULAR TRAFFIC IN ORDER TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR PEDESTRIANS.
THE CAUSEWAY BAY PEDESTRIAN AND TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME, WHICH IS NOW BEING INTRODUCED, TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THIS POLICY.
/HOWEVER, .......
THURSDAY, MAY JO, 1985
18 -
HOWEVER, BEFORE SUCH MEASURES ARE UNDERTAKEN, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL CONSULT OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND DISTRICT BOARDS TO ENSURE THAT THE REASONS FOR THE MEASURES ARE UNDERSTOOD AND ACCEPTED.
THE PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS REVIEW 1984, WHICH HAS BEEN SENT TO DISTRICT BOARDS FOR INFORMATION, IS THE 14TH IN THE SER IES.
IT LISTS OUT THE LOCATIONS OF PEDESTRIAN PROBLEM SPOTS AND PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES IN EACH DISTRICT BOARD AREA, IDENTIFIES THE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS, REMEDIAL MEASURES TAKEN AND ASSESSED THE EFFECTS OF THESE MEASURES AT SOME OF THE PROBLEM SPOTS.
+PROBLEM SPOTS+ ARE DEFINED AS LOCATIONS WHERE SIX OR MORE PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS HAD OCCURRED IN A 12-MONTH PERIOD.
ALTHOUGH PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS CONTINUE TO DECLINE, THE REVIEW IS CONCERNED OVER THE HIGH FATALITY RATE. STATISTICS SHO;. THAT IN 1983, PEDESTRIAN DEATHS ACCOUNTED FOR 70 PER CENT OF THE FATALITIES FROM TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS AND PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENTS FOR 45 PER CENT OF ALL RECORDED INJURY ACCIDENTS ON THE ROADS.
PEDESTRIANS FACED OTHER PROBLEMS APART FROM ACCIDENTS. IT IS NOT UNCOMMON, PARTICULARLY IN THE OLDER PARTS OF THE URBAN AREA, FOR PEDESTRIANS TO HAVE TO PUT UP WITH NARROW, CONGESTED' PAVEMENTS WITH SLIPPERY OR UNEVEN SURFACES. THE REVIEW EMPHASISED THAT THERE IS A NEED TO PLACE GREATER EMPHASIS ON THE NEED TO EXPAND AND IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES.
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS EXAMINING A NUMBER OF AREAS, FOR EXAMPLE IN ABERDEEN, WHICH HAVE PARTICULAR PEDESTRIAN FLOW PROBLEMS AND VARIOUS SOLUTIONS RANGING FROM AREA-WIDE PLANS TO SMALLER SINGLE LOCATION IMPROVEMENTS WILL BE RECOMMENDED.
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/19........
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1935
19
20 COMPLETE SOCIAL WORK TRAINING COURSE * * * *
TWENTY ASSISTANT OFFICERS OF THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WHO HAVE COMPLETED A SOCIAL WORK TRAINING COURSE AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC RECENTLY, WERE PRESENTED WITH CERTIFICATE^ TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE SIX-WEEK PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE TRAINING COURSE IS TO ENABLE OFFICERS TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY WHEN PROVIDING WELFARE SERVICES TO PRISONERS AS WELL AS AFTER-CARE SERVICES TO ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE INMATES AND YOUNG INMATES.
IN ADDITION TO THEORETICAL TRAINING, OFFICERS PAID VISITS TO VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS INCLUDING A HALF-WAY HOUSE, A BOYS’ HOME, A SKILL CENTRE FOR THE DISABLED AND THE HONG KONG DISCHARGED PRISONERS’ AID SOCIETY.
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF CORRECTIONAL SERVICES, DR ROBERT ANDRY, AND THE ACTING HEAD OF THE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK OF HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR FOO TAK-NAM, OFFICIATED AT THE PRESENTATION.
- - 0 - -
ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC CHANGES FOR RACE DAY * * * *
TO COPE WITH THE FIRST RACE MEETING AFTER THE OPENING OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE, ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IN FORCE IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND HAPPY VALLEY ON SATURDAY (JUNE 1).
THESE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL BE IMPLEMENTED BESIDE THE USUAL RACE DAY TRAFFIC MEASURES, ARE AS FOLLOWS:
* A NUMBER OF ROADS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM ABOUT 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE LAST RACE UNTIL RACEGOERS HAVE DISPERSED. THESE INCLUDE MATHESON STREET? YIU WA STREET; THE SECTION OF PERCIVAL STREET BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND LEIGHTON ROAD (EXCEPT TRAMS); THE SECTION OF RUSSELL STREET BETWEEN LEE GARDEN ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET.
K ALL PARKING SPACES IN YIU WA STREET WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 3 PM AND 7 PM.
* BUSES ON CMB ROUTES 5B, 63 AND 81, AND GREEN MINIBUSES ON ROUTES 4, 5, 25, 28 AND 30 WILL BE DIVERTED AS A RESULT OF THE ROAD CLOSURES.
- - 0 - -
/20
THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1935
20
V'
NEW OFFICE FOR SELLING T.D. FORMS * * * * *
THE TRADE DEPARTMENT TODAY (THURSDAY) REMINDED IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS THAT NO TRADE DEPARTMENT FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE DEPARTMENT’S COLLECTION OFFICE FROM JUNE 1 (SATURDAY).
THESE FORMS WILL NOW BE AVAILABLE AT THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW FORM-SELLING AND COLLECTION OFFICE AT ROOM 822, EIGHTH FLOOR, OCEAN CENTRE, TSIM SHA TSUI, KOWLOON ; THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATION^ CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, CONNAUGHT PLACE, HONG KONG.
THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW OFFICE WILL ALSO BE USED FOR COLLECTING MISCELLANEOUS FEES AND CHARGES.
-----o------
MEET THE MEDIA * * *
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE, MR T.H. CHAIT, AND THE PRINICIPAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION OFFICER, MR P.R. HOLMcS, WILL MEET THE MEDIA AT 11 AM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TO EXPLAIN A SET OF DRAFT REGULATIONS ON WATER POLLUTION
CONTROL.
-----o------
ISLAND TRAFFIC CHANGES
* * * *
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN MIDLEVELS AND CENTRAL FOR SLOPE AND ROAD WORK.
IN THE MID-LEVELS, ROBINSON ROAD WESTBOUND BETWEEN GLENEALY AND MOSQUE STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 2 AH AND 6 AM ON SUNDAY (JUNE 2). DURING THE CLOSURE TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CONDUIT ROAD.
IN CENTRAL, D’AGUILAR STREET, LAN KWAI FONG AND WO ON LANE WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 8 AM UNTIL 6 AM THE FOLLOWING DAY ON JUNE 2 AND 9.
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THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1985
21
FIRING PRACTICE * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HA TSUEN/CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR 20 DAYS IN JUNE.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WARNED NOT TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN RED FLAGS ARE FLYING.
FIRING PRACTICE WILL BE HELD FROM 8.30 AM TO 5 PM ON THE FOLLOWING DAYS: JUNE 4-7, 11-15, 17-21 AND 24-29.
- - 0 - -
PRESS CONFERENCE BY TRADE LOBBYIST * * * *
THE VISITING TRADE LOBBYIST FOR HONG KONG IN THE UNITED STATES, MR VERRICK FRENCH, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 PM IN THE GIS PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
THE DIRECTOR OF TRADE, MR HAMISH MACLEOD, AND THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL, MR LEN DUNNING, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.
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GRASS PITCHES CLOSED FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE
*****
A NUMBER OF GRASS PITCHES IN URBAN COUNCIL PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM SATURDAY (JUNE 1) TO FACILITATE ANNUAL RENOVATION AND RETURFING WORK.
THESE INCLUDE TWO PITCHES AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND AND ALL THESE AT THE HAPPY VALLEY SPORTS GROUND AND THE HO MAN TIN EAST SERVICE RESERVOIR PLAYGROUND. THE TWO PITCHES AT THE ABERDEEN SPORTS GROUND WILL BE REOPENED ON AUGUST 1 WHILE THE REST WILL BE READY A MONTH LATER.
MEANWHILE, THE HONG KONG STADIUM AND THE GRASS PITCHES AT MORSE PARK AND TAI HANG TUNG RECREATION GROUND WILL ALSO BE CLOSED ON JUNE 17 FOR ANNUAL MAINTENANCE. THEY WILL BE REOPENED FOR PUBLIC USE IN EARLY SEPTEMBER.
- o -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, HONG KONG. TEL: 5-233191
FRIDAY, MAY , 1985 CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REPORTS EXPECTED FROM JOINT LIAISON GROUP — GOVERNOR ............ 1
•MTR — VITAL LONG-TERM ASSET' ................................... 2
GOVERNOR SEES EASTERN DISTRICT PROGRESS ......................... 4
TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIME STUDY GROUP NAMED ..................... 5
'JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS IMPROVING' .............................. 5
LO WU FOOTBRIDGE TO BE OPENED ................................... 6
DRAFT POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS GAZETTED .................... 6
BILL DEALING WITH OIL DISCHARGE GAZETTED ........................ 9
BILL TO ENSURE SAFE TRANSPORT BY AIR OF DANGEROUS GOODS ........ 10
SAUDI PRINCE PRAISES HK POLICE ................................. 11
DRUG PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION STRESSED ..................... 11
NEW DESIGN COMPANY TO MAKE DEBUT THIS YEAR ..................... 1J
WARNING ON IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES ........................ 14
MORE SCHOOLS FOR KWUN TONG ..................................... 15
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RET .EASED ......................... 16
BOOKINGS INVITED FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES ...................... 20
NEW REMAND UNIT FOR GIRLS ...................................... 21
DANCING TO SUPPORT YOUTH YEAR .................................. 21
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME DISCUSSED .............................. 22
BEACH LITTERBUGS, NOISE-MAKERS FACE BLITZ ...................... 2?
EXHIBITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE AT WORK .......................... 24
ACCESS PLANNED TO KWAI CHUNG PARK .............................. 24
NEW ROADS TO SERVE SHEK WU HUI DEVELOPMENT ..................... 25
PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PLANNED FOR SHA TIN .......................... 25
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND............................. 26
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON BRIDGE ...................................... 26
SALT WATER CUT ................................................. 26
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
1
REPORTS EXPECTED FROM JOINT LIAISON GROUP — GOVERNOR ******
THERE MUST BE REPORTS FROM TIME TO TIME ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING TO REPORTERS AFTER VISITING THE EASTERN DISTRICT, THE GOVERNOR SAID THE JOINT LIAISON GROUP HAD A PARTICULAR AGENDA AND THE FIRST PART OF IT CONCERNED THE INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS OF HONG KONG.
+ALTHOUGH THE MEETINGS ARE SPECIFIED IN THE AGREEMENT TO BE CONFIDENTIAL, OBVIOUSLY THERE MUST BE REPORTS FROM TIME TO TIME ON WHAT IS GOING ON,+ HE SAID.
ASKED WHETHER HE WOULD BE MEETING MEMBERS OF THE GROUP DURING HIS FORTHCOMING TRIP TO THE UK, THE GOVERNOR SA IDs +SOME OF THEM CF COURSE ARE HERE AND OTHERS WILL BE IN LONDON.+
♦I DON’T HAVE A PARTICULAR PLAN TO MEET THEM EXCEPT IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF MEETING OFFICIALS IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH CFPICE.
♦BUT I SHALL, NO DOUBT, MEET MR KE AND ANY OF THE OTHERS WHO ARE THERE IN THE NORMAL COURSE OF THE VISIT,* HE SAID.
THE GOVERNOR POINTED OUT THAT THE FORTHCOMING VISIT BY THE CHINESE PREMIER TO THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS A VERY IMPORTANT ONE WHICH SYMBOLISED GOOD RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE TWO COUNTRIES.
HONG KONG COULD ONLY BENEFIT FROM SUCH A GOOD RELATIONSHIP, HE SAID.
ASKED TO COMMENT ON THE +POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE* OF HIS TRIP TO LONDON DURING THE CHINESE PREMIER’S VISIT, SIR EDWARD SAIDs +THERE IS ALWAYS A LITTLE SIGNIFICANCE, I SUPPOSE, WHEN I TRAVEL --AT LEAST YOU ALWAYS READ A LITTLE SIGNIFICANCE INTO IT WHEN I TRAVEL.*
HE SAID HE WOULD BE ATTENDING SOME OF THE MEETINGS BETWEEN THE PRIME MINISTERS AND BETWEEN OTHER MINISTERS WHO WOULD BE THERE DURING HIS VISIT.
+IF THE SUBJECT OF HONG KONG IS ON THE AGENDA — THERE ARE MO MAJOR PROBLEMS — BUT IF THE SUBJECT OF HONG KONG IS ON THE AGENDA, I AM SURE THEY WILL WANT ME TO BE THERE,* HE SAID.
/+SOME OF .......
FRIDAY, MAY J1, 1985
+SOME OF THEM OF COURSE WILL NOT CONCERN ME BECAUSE THEY WILL BE ON MATTERS OF ECONOMIC RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN CHINA AND THE UNITED KINGDOM,* HE ADDED.
ASKED WHETHER HE EXPECTED TO BE *TREATED LIKE THE THIRD LEG CF A THREE-LEGGED STOOL* DURING HIS TRIP TO LONDON, SIR EDWARD SAID: +NO, I DON’T INTEND TO TAKE A STOOL WITH ME AT ALL. I INTEND TO SIT ON A CATHAY PACIFIC CHAIR WHICH IS ALWAYS EXCEEDINGLY COMFORTABLE.
+IT HAS FOUR LEGS AND NO POLITICAL SIGNIFICANCE AT ALL.*
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON A NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT HE HAD WRITTEN +THANK YOU LETTERS* TO SOME APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID: +WHEN THERE IS AN ANNOUNCEMENT TO BE MADE ON THE FUTURE MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, YOU CAN BE SURE I WILL MAKE IT.*
ON THE OPENING OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ISLAND LINE TODAY, SIR EDWARD SAID IT WOULD HAVE A MAJOR EFFECT ON THE EASTERN DISTRICT AND WOULD ADD TO THE EFFECT ALREADY CREATED BY THE ISLAND EASTERN CORR I DOR.
, *l THOUGHT IT WOULD BE QUITE A GOOD IDEA TO COMBINE TODAY THE OPENING OF THE MTR AND THEN TO COME UP AND HAVE A TALK WITH THE AMBERS OF THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD ABOUT HOW THEY SEE THE DEVELOPMENT, AND TO SEE WHETHER NOW THAT THEY HAVE A RAILWAY, A ROAD, AND A HOSPITAL IN PROSPECT, WOULD THEY HAVE ANYTHING ELSE THAT THEY FELT WAS OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE,* HE SAID.
+BUT I AM GLAD TO SAY THAT THEY ALL RECOGNISE THAT A VERY GREAT DEAL HAS BEEN DONE FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT IN THE LAST FEW YEARS, AND SO I DIDN’T GET TOO MUCH IN THE WAY OP COMPLAINTS. I HAD A VERY NICE LUNCH,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
MTR — VITAL LONG-TERM ASSET’
*****
URBAN HONG KONG, AS IT IS TODAY WOULD BE UNTHINKABLE WITHOUT THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE SAID TODaY.
THE MTR, SIR EDWARD SAID, MIGHT HAVE ITS PROBLEMS, BUT IT WAS UNDOUBTEDLY AN IMPORTANT LONG-TERM ASSET FOR THE COMMUNITY.
/*IT CONTRIBUTES
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
+ IT CONTRIBUTES BOTH TO THE EFFICIENCY OF OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM AND TO THE QUALITY OF LIFE IN HONG KONG. I AM SURE THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO FOR MANY GENERATIONS TO COME,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
SIR EDWARD WAS SPEAKING JUST BEFORE DECLARING OPEN THE MTR ISLAND LINE AT TAI KOO STATION TODAY.
THE COMPLETION OF THE MAJOR PART OF THE ISLAND LINE TODAY WAS ANOTHER MILESTONE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE MTR, HE SAID.
+IT BRINGS ABOUT A MUCH-NEEDED UNDERGROUND TRANSPORT LINK, NOT ONLY BETWEEN THE URBAN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND, BUT ALSO BETWEEN HONG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER PARTS OF THE TERRITORY,* THE GOVERNOR SAID.
THE SUCCESS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROJECT WAS WIDELY KNOWN.
DESPITE DIFFICULT GROUND CONDITIONS AND THE DENSE URBAN ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH IT HAD TO BE BUILT, SIR EDWARD SAID, THE ISLAND LINE HAD BEEN CONSTRUCTED, AS HAD BEEN THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AND THE MASS TRANSIT EXTENSION, AHEAD OF TIME AND WITHIN BUDGET.
ALL MAJOR CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS HAD TO COME TO AN END, SIR EDWARD SAID.
+THIS REGRETTABLY MEANS THAT THE ENGINEERING AND PROJECT DIVISION OF THE CORPORATION WILL NOW BE CONTRACTED.
+THIS TEAM CAN BE PROUD OF ITS ENGINEERING ACHIEVEMENTS. IT IS SAD THAT MANY OF THEM WILL NOW HAVE TO MOVE ON TO NEW PROJECTS ELSEWHERE.
+BUT THEY CAN LOOK BACK WITH PRIDE ON WHAT THEY HAVE CREATED HERE, AND WE WISH THEM EVERY SUCCESS IN THE FUTURE,* HE SAID.
ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG, SIR EDWARD THANKED AND CONGRATULATED THEM +FOR THE TREMENDOUS EFFORT WHICH THEY HAVE PUT INTO COMPLETING THE PROJECT'.IN SUCH A HIGHLY PROFESSIONAL AND EFFICIENT MANNER*.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO CONGRATULATED THE MANY CONTRACTORS, CONSULTANT ENGINEERS, ARCHITECTS AND GOVERNMENT OFFICERS WHO HAD ALSO BEEN UNSTINTING IN THEIR EFFORTS TO ENSURE THE SUCCESS OF THIS PROJECT.
TOGETHER, SIR EDWARD SAID, THEY HAD CREATED FOR HONG KONG ONE OF THE MOST MODERN, HIGH-CAPACITY UNDERGROUND RAILWAY SYSTEMS IN THE WORLD.
o -------
A....
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
4
GOVERNOR SEES EASTERN DISTRICT PROGRESS * * * *
EASTERN WILL EVOLVE FROM A DISTRICT WITH CHRONIC TRAFFIC PROBLEMS INTO ONE WITH EXCELLENT TRAFFIC INFRASTRUCTURE, WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF NEW TRAFFIC MEASURES ALONG KING’S ROAD, AND THE OPENING OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR AND MTR ISLAND LINE.
AND THIS IS MADE POSSIBLE THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS ADVISORY BODIES, INCLUDING THE EASTERN DISTRICT BOARD.
THE TRANSPORT IMPROVEMENT SHOULD BE WELL ABLE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASE OF POPULATION UP TO ABOUT 750 000 BY THE END OF THE CENTURY.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR EDWARD YOUDE, WAS TOLD THIS TODAY DURING A VISIT TO THE DISTRICT, AFTER HE OPENED THE MTR ISLAND LINE.
FROM THE ROOFS OF TWO BUILDINGS, SIR EDWARD HAD PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE PROGRESS OF VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND LAND USE IN SAI WAN HO, SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, NR BARRIE WIGGHAM, THE GOVERNOR WAS BRIEFED BY OFFICIALS FROM DIFFERENT DEPARTMENTS ON MATTERS CONCERNING TRANSPORT, PUBLIC HOUSING, AND DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS.
THE EASTERN DISTRICT HOSPITAL IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1991, PROVIDING 1 550 BEDS AND A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF TREATMENT, 24-HOUR ACCIDENT AND EMERGENCY SERVICES AND SPECIALIST OUT-PATIENT CLINICS.
WELL IN PROGRESS ON THE SAI WAN HO RECLAMATION IS THE ELEVATED SECTION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR, WHICH WILL OPEN TO TRAFFIC IN JULY. OTHER PROJECTS ON THE RECLAMATION INCLUDE A MAGISTRACY AND GOVERNMENT OFFICE BUILDING, RECREATION SITES INCLUDING AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, AND FOUR COMMERCIAL-RESIDENTIAL SITES.
IN CHAI WAN, 90 PER CENT OF THE 120 000 PEOPLE LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS OR HOME OWNERSHIP ESTATES.
CHAI WAN IS ONE OF THE MAIN INDUSTRIAL AREAS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, WITH SOME 1 100 INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS EMPLOYING OVER 25 000 PEOPLE.
WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE MTR ISLAND LINE AND THE PLANNED EXTENSION OF THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR FROM SHAU KEI WAN, MORE INDUSTRIALISTS AND DEVELOPERS ARE EXPECTED TO INVEST IN CHAI WAN.
MR CHAN YING-LUN, AN ELECTED DISTRICT BOARD MEMBER AND A LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, ALSO BRIEFED SIR EDWARD ON COMMUNITY FEATURES AND PROBLEMS IN SHAU KEI WAN.
PRIOR TO THE DISTRICT TOUR, THE GOVERNOR HAD LUNCH WITH MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT BOARD AND THEIR CHAIRMAN, MR SHUM CHOI-SANG. ______0 _
/5......
-<1 AY, .>./ 31 1985
- 5 -
TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIME * * * *
STUDY GROUP NAMED *
THE GOVERNOR AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS NOMINATED MR PETER C. WONG AS CHAIRMAN OF THE SE ECT COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE COUNCIL ON MAY 1 TO CONSIDER AND REPORT ON THE APPROPRIATE MEASURES TO BE TAKEN TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN THE PROSECUTION AND TRIAL OF 'OMPLEX COMMERCIAL CRIMES, INCLUDING CHANGES IN THE PROCEDURES BEFORE AND DURING TRIAL AND THE MODE OF TRIAL.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE UNOFFICIAL COUNCILLORS DR HO KAM-FAI, MR ALLEN LEE PENG-FEI, MR ANDREW SO, MR HU FA-KUANG, MR WONG PO-YAN, MR CHAN KAM-CHUEN, MR JOHN SWA I Nt, MRS SELINA CHOW, MISS MARIA TAM WAI-CHU, DR HENRIETTA IP, MR CHAN YING-LUN, MRS RITA FAN, AND MR PETER POON, AND THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, MR PIERS JACOBS.
ALL THE UNOFFICIALS PREVIOUSLY SERVED ON THE UMELCO AD-HOC GROUP CONVENED BY MR PETER C. WONG TO HEAR REPRESENTATION FROM THE PUBLIC ON THE TRIAL OF COMMERCIAL CRIMES BILL 1985.
THE FIRST MEETING WILL BE HELD ON JUNE 4.
-----0------
'JOURNALISTIC STANDARDS IMPROVING’ * * * *
THERE HAS BEEN A MARKED IMPROVEMENT IN Ji. UENAL ISTIC STANDARDS IN HONG KONG DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS, THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES AND INFORMATION, MR PETER TSAO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
SPEAKING AT THE CONCLUSION OF A JOURNALISM S^OSIUM ORGANISED BY THE JOURNALISM TRAINING BOARD OF THE VOCATI. . TRAINING COUNCIL, MR TSAO SAID THE PRINTED MEDIA IS NOW ABLE TO ATTRACT WELL-EDUCATED YOUNG PEOPLE TO JOIN ITS RANKS.
+MANY OF THEM HAVE PROVED THEIR WORTH AND HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO RESPONSIBLE POSITIONS IN THEIR TRADE,+ HE SAID.
MR TSAO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE JOURNALISM Th ...I . BOARD OF THE COUNCIL FOR ORGANISING, ON A REGULAR BASIS, VAFI. — TRAINING PROGRAMMES FOR JOURNALISTS IN HONG KONG. HE AL CONGRATULATED MEMBERS OF THE BOARD AND STAFF OF THE COUNCIL 0 HAVING SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED THE JOURNALISM SYMPOSIUM FOR THE SECOND YEAR.
+1 AM SURE THAT THIS WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS FURTHER UPGRADING THE STANDARD OF JOURNALISM IN HONG KONG. TO THE EMPLOYERS WHO HAVE RELEASED AND SPONSORED THEIR STAFF MEMBERS TO ATTEND THIS SYMPOSIUM, I WISH TO ASSURE THEM THAT THEIR INVE TNtJT WILL REAP DIVIDENDS IN THE YEARS TO COME,+ HE SAID.
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/6........
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
6
LO *U FOOTBRIDGE TO BE OPENED
******
THE NEw LO WU DOUBLE DECK FOOTBRIDGE, BUILT JOINTLY BY THE GUANGZHOU RAILWAY AUTHORITIES AND THE RAILWAY DEVELOPMENT OFFICE CF THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, 'WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE POLITICAL ADVISER, MR JOHN BOYD, AND THE DEPUTY MAYOR OF SHENZHEN, MR ZHEN XI PE I, AT 10.30 AM ON JUNE 13.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A SPECIAL KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY COACH FOR THE PRESS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION AT HUNG HOM AT 9.20 AM. ON ARRIVAL THE PRESS WILL BE ESCORTED TO THE FOOTBRIDGE.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE LOBBY OF THE STATION NOT LATER THAN 9 AM.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE CEREMONY ARE REQUIRED TO GIVE THEIR NAMES AND ID CARD NUMBERS BY TELEPHONE TO MISS JEAN CHAN AT 5-267O27O1 OR MISS YVONNE CHIN AT --262527 OF THE LANDS AND WORKS BRANCH INFORMATION AND PUBLIC RELATIONS UNIT BY 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5.
- 0 - -
DRAFT POLLUTION CONTROL REGULATIONS GAZETTED
******
REGULATIONS IN DRAFT FORM FOR CONTROLLING POLLUTION IN WATER CONTROL ZONES HAVE BEEN PUBLISHED TODAY IN THE GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
THESE DRAFT WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (GENERAL) REGULATIONS WERE CONSIDERED RECENTLY BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND, IN VIE* CF THEIR LENGTH AND COMPLEXITY, IT WAS FELT THAT THEY SHOULD BE PUBLISHED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION SO THAT THE PUBLIC COULD HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO COMMENT ON THEM BEFORE THEY WERE MADE.
/VIEWS ON
VIEWS ON THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS MAY BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY FOR HEALTH AND WELFARE AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REGULATIONS WERE TO BE MADE IN ACCORDANCE WITH POWERS CONTAINED IN THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH WATER CONTROL ZONES COULD BE DECLARED. AT PRESENT THERE IS ONLY ONE SUCH ZONE, NAMELY THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE WHICH WAS DECLARED IN 1982.
THE DRAFT REGULATIONS ESTABLISH THE PROCEDURES WHICH WILL BE FOLLOWED IN ORDER TO BRING UNDER CONTROL TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL DISCHARGES INSIDE A WATER CONTROL ZONE. THE CONTROLS WILL APPLY ONLY TO A LIST OF TRADES AND INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL BE PRESCRIBED.
FOR THE TOLO HARBOUR AND CHANNEL WATER CONTROL ZONE, IT IS INTENDED THAT DISCHARGES FROM THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES WILL BE SUBJECT TO CONTROL;
FOOD MANUFACTURING
TEXTILE INDUSTRIES
BEVERAGE INDUSTRIES
BASIC METAL INDUSTRIES
LAUNDRIES
MANUFACTURE OF METAL
PRODUCTS
SEWAGE TREATMENT
LEATHER MANUFACTURE
PAPER INDUSTRIES
CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES
MOTOR REPAIR SERVICES PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS MANUFACTURE OF NON-METALLIC MINERAL PRODUCTS
♦FROM AN ANNOUNCED DATE ALL EXISTING DISCHARGES WILL, ON NOTIFICATION, BE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING REQUIREMENTS WHILE ANY OTHER DISCHARGES, THAT IS, THOSE WHICH WILL BE ’NEW’ AFTER THE ANNOUNCED DATE, WILL HAVE TO BE LICENSED, + THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT EXISTING DISCHARGES WOULD BE EXEMPT FROM LICENSING CONTROLS PROVIDED THAT THEY WERE NOTIFIED TO THE GOVERNMENT WITHIN A SPECIFIED PERIOD.
+THEY WILL REMAIN EXEMPT SO LONG AS THEY DO NOT CHANGE SIGNIFICANTLY NO FEE WILL BE CHARGED FOR EXEMPTION BUT EXISTING operators will have to complete forms which describe their present DISCHARGES; THESE DESCRIPTIONS WILL THEN FORM A REFERtNCE POINT FOR SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION AND MONITOR ING,+ HE SAID.
/THE REGULATIONS .........
FRIDAY, MaY >, 1985
- 8 -
THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR CANCELLATION OF EXEMPTIONS WHERE FALSE INFORMATION HAS BEEN PROVIDED OR WHERE THE LEVEL OR NATURE OF THE DISCHARGE HAS SUBSEQUENTLY INCREASED BEYOND THE ALLOWED LIMIT OR WHERE THE DISCHARGE ITSELF REPRESENTS A THREAT EITHER TO PUBLIC HEALTH OR TO THE PUBLIC SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE SYSTEM.
UNDER THE DRAFT REGULATIONS, ALL NEW DISCHARGES FROM THE ACTIVITIES ON THE PRESCRIBED LIST WILL HAVE TO BE LICENSED AND APPLICANTS FOR LICENCES WILL BE REQUIRED TO DESCRIBE THE NATURE OF THE PROPOSED DISCHARGES IN THEIR APPLICATIONS.
THE REGULATIONS LAY DOWN PROCEDURES FOR SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION AND MONITORING OF DISCHARGES. THERE IS PROVISION FOR PUBLICATION OF APPLICATIONS FOR PROPOSED DISCHARGES TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO NOTE THEM AND TO OBJECT TO THEM.
WHERE PUBLICATION OF THE NATURE OF A DISCHARGE WOULD VIOLATE INDUSTRIAL OR COMMERCIAL SECRECY, APPLICANTS WILL BE ABLE TO SEEK APPROVAL TO WITHHOLD CERTAIN INFORMATION FROM PUBLICATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THERE WOULD BE APPEAL PROCEDURES AND PROVISION FOR COMPENSATION TO BE PAID IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY TO RESTRICT OR CURTAIL EITHER EXEMPTIONS OR LICENCES.
♦RESTRICTION OR CURTAILMENT WOULD ONLY BECOME NECESSARY IF THE STATE OF THE WATERS IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE MADE IT NECESSARY.
+IN ANY WATER CONTROL ZONE THE QUALITY OF THE WATERS IS MONITORED CONTINUOUSLY AGAINST QUALITY OBJECTIVES WHICH ARE PUBLISHED FOR THAT ZONE AT THE TIME OF ITS DECLARATION,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE REGULATIONS WERE BEING PROPOSED AFTER EXTENSIVE CONSULTATION WITH INDUSTRY. +BUSINESSES ALREADY IN OPERATION WILL NOT BE MUCH AFFECTED ALTHOUGH THEY WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE DETAILS OF THEIR EFFLUENTS SO THAT THE GOVERNMENT CAN ASSESS THE TOTAL POLLUTION LOAD FROM ALL SOURCES.
♦THE DETAILED INFORMATION PROVIDED BY EXISTING OPERATORS WILL ENABLE CONTROL TO BE EXERCISED IN A SENSITIVE AND FLEXIBLE WAY.
♦IT IS INTENDED THAT SEMINARS WILL BE ORGANISED TO EXPLAIN THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS. GUIDANCE NOTES, IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ON THE COMPLETION OF THE PRESCRIBED FORMS AS WELL AS ASSISTANCE IN THE COMPLETION OF THOSE FORMS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED,♦ HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AFTER THE ANNOUNCED DATE, PERSONS INTENDING TO LOCATE A BUSINESS WHICH IS INCLUDED IN THE PRESCRIBED LIST OF ACTIVITIES IN A WATER CONTROL ZONE MAY NEED TO EQUIP THEIR PREMISES WITH ADEQUATE DISCHARGE TREATMENT PLANTS.
/ADVICE ON
FkxOAV MAY , 1985
9 -
ADVICE ON SUCH FACILITIES IS AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG FROM A NUMBER OF SOURCES INCLUDING THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY AND THE ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
+GENERALLY, THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, ALL APPLICATIONS FOR NEw BUILDING PERMITS ARE CHECKED ANYWAY TO ENSURE THAT ACCEPTABLE PROVISION HAS BEEN MADE FOR THE TREATMENT OF WASTES BEFORE THEY ARE DISCHARGED,+ HE SAID.
-----0------
BILL DEALING WITH OIL DISCHARGE GAZETTED *****
PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY ARE A WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1985 WHICH WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 12, AND WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (APPEAL BOARD) REGULATIONS 1985 WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE ON A DATE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE BILL SEEKS TO INCLUDE WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE ANY DISCHARGE OF OIL OR A MIXTURE CONTAINING OIL INTO THE WATERS OF HONG KONG.
IT ALSO PROPOSES TO EXEMPT DISCHARGES LICENSED UNDER THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL ORDINANCE FROM THE OIL POLLUTION CONTROLS IN THE SHIPPING AND PORT CONTROL ORDINANCE.
ON MATTERS OF COMPENSATION, THE BILL SPECIFIES WHICH PERSONS 'WOULD BE ABLE TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FOLLOWING THE CANCELLATION OR VARIATION OF A LICENCE OR OF AN EXEMPTION IN RESPECT OF A DISCHARGE OR DEPOSIT OF MATTER INTO A WATER CONTROL ZONE.
+IT PROVIDES THAT, IN THE EVENT OF DISAGREEMENT OVER THE AMOUNT CF COMPENSATION, THE DISPUTE WOULD BE REFERRED TO THE LANDS TRIBUNAL FOR DETERMINATION,* A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID.
ON THE WATER POLLUTION CONTROL (APPEAL BOARD) REGULATIONS 1985, rE EXPLAINED THAT THE APPEAL BOARD TO BE SET UP WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO HEAR AND DETERMINE AN APPEAL AGAINST THE AUTHORITY’S DECISIONS, FOR EXAMPLE IN SUCH MATTERS AS REFUSAL TO GRANT OR RENEW A LICENCE, CANCELLATION OF A LICENCE, OR IMPOSING NEW OR AMENDED TERMS OR CONDITIONS FOR CONTINUANCE OF A LICENCE.
+THE APPEAL BOARD MAY ALSO HEAR AN APPEAL FROM A PERSON WHO IS AGGRIEVED BY THE DECISION OF THE SECRETARY ^OR HEALTH AND WELFARE TO REFUSE HIS APPLICATION TO WITHHOLD FROM PUBLIC INFORMATk.. ANY SPECIFIED INFORMATION CONCERNING A DISCHARGE OR DEPOSIT.
+THESE REGULATIONS, MADE BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, FURTHER PROVIDE FOR THE PROCEDURE TO BE FOLLOWED AND THE FORMS TO BE USED IN THE COMMENCEMENT AND CONDUCT OF APPEALS TO AN APPEAL BOARD,* HE SAID.
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/10
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
10
BILL TO ENSURE SAFE TRANSPORT BY AIR OF DANGEROUS GOODS ******
A DANGEROUS GOODS (CONSIGNMENT BY AIR)(SAFETY) BILL 1985 WAS PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) SEEKING TO PROVIDE THE DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION WITH POWERS TO ENSURE THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR.
THE BILL WILL ALSO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE PREPARATION AND PACKAGING OF SUCH DANGEROUS GOODS. THESE WILL INCLUDE GOODS WHICH PRESENT ANY KIND OF HAZARD TO AN AIRCRAFT, ITS OCCUPANTS OR THE PEOPLE WHO HAVE TO HANDLE THE GOODS.
THE SUBSTANCES TO BE COVERED INCLUDE EXPLOSIVES, COMPRESSED GASES, FLAMMABLE MATERIALS, POISONS, INFECTIOUS SUBSTANCES, RADIOACTIVE MATERIALS AND CORROSIVES.
THE BILL, TO BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JUNE 12 BY THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, AIMS TO REFLECT RECENT INTERNATIONAL CONCERN ABOUT SAFETY STANDARDS FOR THE CARRIAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS IN AIRCRAFT.
AS A RESULT OF THIS CONCERN, THE INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION RECENTLY INTRODUCED +TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE SAFE TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODS BY AIR+.
THESE +TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS* INTRODUCE A COMPREHENSIVE SET CF INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS WHICH SPECIFY THE REQUIREMENTS TO BE MET IF DANGEROUS GOODS ARE TO BE CARRIED IN AN AIRCRAFT.
MAXIMUM QUANTITIES, THE MANNER IN WHICH DANGEROUS GOODS ARE TO BE PACKED AND THE REQUIRED PACKAGE LABELS ARE ALL SPECIFIED INDIVIDUALLY FOR THOUSANDS OF SUBSTANCES.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WILL REQUIRE THAT ALL DANGEROUS GOODS IN HONG KONG INTENDED FOR CARRIAGE BY AIR BE PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS.
OFFENCES UNDER THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD INCUR A MAXIMUM FINE OF $500 000 AND-OR UP TO TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
IT IS INTENDED THAT IF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL APPROVES THE BILL, THE LEGISLATION WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON AUGUST 1, 1985.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE BILL MAY BE SENT TO UMELCO, AT SWIRE HOUSE, 12TH FLOOR, CHATER ROAD, OR TO THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG.
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/11 .......
MAY 31, 1985
SAUDI PRINCE PRAISES K F L * * * * *
A SAUDI ARABIAN PRINCE WAS SO IMPRESSED BY HONG KONG POLICE EFFICIENCY DURING A RECENT VISIT, THAT HE HAS DONATED $25,000 TO THE POLICE WELFARE FUND.
HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE SAUD BIN NAIF BIN ABDULAZIZ AL SAUD AND HID ENTOURAGE OF 20, INCLUDING TWO MORE PRINCES, APPARENTLY ENJOYED HIS FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG SO MUCH THAT HE STAYED ON MUCH LONGER THAN HE HAD ORIGINALLY INTENDED.
ON BEHALF OF THE PRINCE, THE DONATION WAS PRESENTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF PERSONNEL AND TRAINING, MR KEITH LOMAS, BY THE GENERAL MANAGER OF ARABIAN GULF INVESTMENTS (FAR EAST) LIMITED, MR D.F.J. PATERSON.
MR PATERSON SAID THAT THE 30-YEAR-OLD PRINCE, WHO IS A NEPHEW OF SAUDI ARABIA’S KING FAISAL, HAD BEEN MAKING A TOUR OF THE FAR EAST WITH HIS ENTOURAGE WHEN HE WAS PERSUADED TO COME TO HONG KONG BY ONE OF THE DIRECTORS OF HIS COMPANY.
’’AT FIRST HE ONLY INTENDED TO STAY THREE DAYS. BUT THIS WAS EXTENDED, AND EXTENDED, AND EXTENDED, TO EIGHT DAYS,” SAID MR PATERSON.
THE VISITORS HAD LIKED THEIR HOTEL, THE METICULOUS ATTENTION GIVEN TO THEIR SECURITY, AND ALL OF THE ARRANGEMENTS THE GOVERNMENT HAD MADE FOR THEM.
THEY WENT TO THE RACES AT SHA TIN AND TO MACAU, AND DID LOTS OF SHOPPING.
’’THE PRINCE THOROUGHLY APPRECIATED THE EFFICIENCY OF THE POLICE FORCE AND THE WAY THE POLICE HANDLED EVERYTHING DURING HIS STAY,” SAID MR PATERSON.
0 - -
DRUG PREVENTION THROUGH EDUCATION STRESSED * * * *
STRENGTHENING PREVENTIVE DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS COULD DETER YOUNG PEOPLE FROM GETTING INVOLVED IN DRUGS AFTER THEY LEFT SCHOOL WHEN THEY WOULD BE MORE VULNERABLE, THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR GORDON MORTIMER, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
+FOLLOWING THE SETTING UP OF THE SCHOOL TALKS TEAM IN THE NARCOTICS DIVISION EARLY LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 367 DRUG EDUCATION TALKS HAVE BEEN GIVEN TO OVER 106 000 STUDENTS IN 201 SECONDARY SCHOOLS,+ HE SAID.
/+BI This
’085
12 -
+BY THIS MEANS MORE AND MORE YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BEING ARMED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE THAT WILL ENABLE THEM TO RESIST DRUGS.*
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR FOR SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR^, MORTIMER STRESSED THAT HEROIN CONTINUED TO BE THE MAIN DRUG ABUSED IN HONG KONG.
+HOWEVER, WE ARE NOT NEGLECTING THE PROBLEM OF PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSE EVEN THOUGH THIS DOES NOT APPEAR TO BE A SERIOUS SOCIAL PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT,* HE SAID.
+WE HAVE BEEN MONITORING THE SITUATION CLOSELY,* HE ADDED.
MR MORTIMER POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS NO PERCEPTIBLE DRUG-RELATED DETERIORATION IN ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN SCHOOLS, NO DRUG-RELATED UPSURGE IN ABSENTEEISM AT SCHOOL OR WORK PLACE, AND NO MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF ADMISSIONS TO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS FOR THE TREATMENT OF HABITUAL PSYCHOTROPIC DRUG ABUSERS.
HE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE, HOWEVER, TO ESTIMATE THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE WHO MIGHT BE TAKING THESE DRUGS OCCASIONALLY AND WHO HAD NOT YET FELT THE NEED FOR MEDICAL TREATMENT.
+WE WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE SITUATION BY MEANS OF SPECIAL SURVEYS, MEDICAL STATISTICS AND SEIZURES OF ILLICIT PSYCHOTROPIC DRUGS,* HE SAID.
THE SEMINAR, ENTITLED +THE DRUG PROBLEM AND PREVENTIVE EDUCATION*, WAS ORGANISED BY THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT AND IS THE SECOND OF ITS KIND.
IT IS AIMED AT GIVING SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO EXPRESS VIEWS ON PREVENTIVE DRUG EDUCATION.
PRESENT AT THE SEMINAR WERE ABOUT 100 ADMINISTRATORS FROM SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWUN TONG, TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, NORTH AND SOUTHERN DISTRICTS, 'HERE DRUG EDUCATION TALKS HAD BEEN CONDUCTED SINCE OCTOBER, 1984.
ALSO SPEAKING AT THE SEMINAR WAS MR ISAAC CHOW, ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, NARCOTICS DIVISION, WHO PRESENTED SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS WITH THE GENERAL PICTURE OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PREVENTIVE EDUCATION.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR S.L. CHAN ALSO EXPLAINED THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUG ABUSE, AND SUPERINTENDENT C.K. KWOK OF THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU, ADVISED SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ON HOW THE POLICE COULD ASSIST IF A PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE SHOULD DEVELOP IN THEIR SCHOOLS.
/13
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1935
13
NEW DESIGN COMPANY TO MAKE DEBUT THIS YEAR ******
THE NEW PRODUCT INNOVATION AND DESIGN COMPANY LIMITED (PIDC) SHOULD BE OFFICIALLY REGISTERED BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR, THE SECRETARY FOR TRADE AND INDUSTRY, MR E.P. HO, SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
OFFICIATING AT THE PRESENTATION OF AWARDS IN THE 1985 NEW PRODUCT COMPETITION, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG (CMA), MR HO SAID THE COMPANY WOULD BE INVOLVED INITIALLY IN ASSESSING CATEGORIES OF PRODUCTS IN TERMS CF THEIR POTENTIAL FOR DESIGN AND INNOVATION.
+PROPOSALS WILL THEN BE PREPARED FOR CONSIDERATION BY .MANUFACTURERS IN THESE AREAS. SPECIFIC PROJECTS WILL ALSO BE UNDERTAKEN FOR INDIVIDUAL COMPANIES ON A CONSULTANCY BASIS.+
BESIDE PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE ORGANISERS OF THE COMPETITION, YR HO ALSO CONGRATULATED THE CMA ON ITS INITIATIVE IN SPONSORING A PRODUCT CONSULTANCY SERVICE.
HE REMINDED MANUFACTURERS OF THE INCREASINGLY KEEN COMPETITION IN 'OVERSEAS MARKETS AND THE SHORTENING LIFE CYCLES OF THE AVERAGE PRODUCT DUE TO RAPID TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS.
IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY FOR MORE RESOURCES TO BE DEVOTED TO PRODUCT DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER THAT NEW AND BETTER PRODUCTS COULD BE CREATED AND NEW MARKET DEMANDS GENERATED, HE SAID.
+1 HAVE NOT THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT THAT OUR MANUFACTURERS WILL RISE TO THIS CHALLENGE.
+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT THE COMBINED SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED BY THE PIDC AND THE CONSULTANCY SERVICE SPONSORED BY THE CMA WILL GREATLY ENHANCE THE ABILITY OF OUR SMALL AND MEDIUM-SIZE FIRMS TO DEVELOP THEIR PRODUCTS AT A MUCH FASTER PACE TO MEET CHANGING MARKET NEEDS,+ HE SAID.
THE NEW PRODUCTS COMPETITION HAS BEEN ORGANISED ANNUALLY BY THE CMA SINCE 1970.
THERE WERE 39 ENTRIES IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION, THREE OF WHICH WON THE HK NEW PRODUCTS AWARD AND FOUR WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES OF MERIT. THE WINNING PRODUCTS INCLUDED ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES, ELECTRONICS GOODS, AND MACHINERY AND ENGINEERING PRODUCTS.
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/1A .......
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1^35
14
EARNING ON IMPORT OF ENDANGERED SPECIES
******
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY (FRIDAY) WARNED HOLIDAY MAKERS AND TRADERS THAT THEY FACED HEAVY PENALTIES FOR ILLEGALLY IMPORTING INTO HONG KONG ANY ENDANGERED SPECIES OF ANIMALS AND PLANTS.
THE WARNING WAS ISSUED FOLLOWING TWO RECENT COURT CASES IN WHICH TwO MEN WERE FINED $750 AND $800 AT FANLING MAGISTRACY FOR ILLEGALLY BRINGING INTO HONG KONG FIVE KESTRELS. THE BIRDS WERE CONFISCATED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DESPITE REPEATED APPEALS, THERE HAD BEEN AN UPSURGE IN THE NUMBER OF ILLEGAL IMPORTS.
+IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR ALONE THERE WERE 219 CASES, WHICH IS MUCH HIGHER THAN THE 39 CASES RECORDED FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR,+ HE SAID.
THE MOST COMMON ITEMS INTERCEPTED ARE HAWKS, KESTRELS, OwLS, PANGOLINS AND STUFFED SPECIMENS OF SEA TURTLES AND CROCODILES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IT WAS AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS IMPORT a EXPORT ENDANGERED SPECIES (LIVING OR STUFFED SPECIMENS) WITHOUT THE PRIOR AUTHORISATION OF THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHER IES.
♦VIOLATION OF THE ANIMALS AND PLANTS (PROTECTION OF ENDANGERED SPECIES) ORDINANCE MAY LEAD TO A FORFEITURE OF THE IMPORTED ITEMS AND A FINE OF UP TO $5 000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE AND $10 000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR A SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT OFFENCE,* HE ADDED.
UNDER THE ORDINANCE, LICENCES TO IMPORT OR TO POSSESS HAVE TO BE OBTAINED IN ADVANCE OF EACH SHIPMENT AND MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY A VALID EXPORT PERMIT ISSUED BY THE APPROPRIATE AUTHORITY OF THE EXPORTING COUNTRY.
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/15........
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
15
MORE SCHOOLS FOR KWUN TONG * * * * *
PLANS ARE IN HAND TO BUILD TWO MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KWUN TONG BETWEEN 1987 AND 1991, THE DISTRICT OFFICER, MR KEVIN MAK, SAID THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE FOURTH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE LEUNG SHEK CHEE COLLEGE, HE SAID: +THE TWO SCHOOLS ARE AMONG THE THREE PLANNED FOR THE URBAN REGION UNDER THE STAGE V SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME.
+TOGETHER WITH FIVE OTHER SCHOOLS TO BE COMPLETED BY 1987, KWUN TONG WILL HAVE SEVEN MORE GOVERNMENT-AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS FOR LOCAL STUDENTS.+
MR MAK POINTED OUT THAT ACCORDING TO A STUDY BY THE DISTRICT BOARD ON THE DEFICIENCY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES IN THE DISTRICT, MORE THAN 2 500 FORM I STUDENTS HAD TO ATTEND AIDED GRAMMAR SCHOOLS OUTSIDE KWUN TONG.
THE STUDY WAS A TYPICAL EXAMPLE OF HOW THE DISTRICT BOARD HAD WORKED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY, HE SAID.
ALTHOUGH IT WOULD TAKE QUITE SOME TIME BEFORE THE GRADUATES COULD BECOME DB MEMBERS, HE URGED THEM TO PARTICIPATE MORE IN ACTIVITIES OF STUDENT ASSOCIATIONS, YOUTH GROUPS, MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES OR OWNERS’ CORPORATIONS TO SERVE THE PEOPLE AROUND THEM.
+AS WRITTEN IN YOUR SCHOOL SONG, 'TO SERVE AND LEAD TOGETHER AND TO LOVE AND HELP EACH OTHER’ IS VITAL TO THIS FAST-DEVELOPING SOCIETY OF HONG KONG,+ HE ADDED.
MR MAK ALSO THANKED THE SCHOOL FOR ITS SUPPORT TO COMMUNITY AFFAIRS BY MAKING AVAILABLE THE SCHOOL HALL TO DISTRICT BOARD AND LOCAL BODIES FOR ORGANISING FUNCTIONS, AND BY ENCOURAGING STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.
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/16........
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
16
RETAIL SALES SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED
*****
THE VALUE OF RETAIL SALES IN MARCH 1985, ESTIMATED AT $5 569 MILLION; WAS FOUR PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN MARCH 1984, WHILE THEIR VOLUME aAS TwO PER CENT HIGHER, ACCORDING TO THE PROVISIONAL SURVEY RESULTS RELEASED TODAY (FRIDAY) BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
RETAIL SALES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 ROSE BY NINE PER CENT IN VALUE AND EIGHT PER CENT IN VOLUME WHEN COMPARED WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984.
COMPARING MARCH 1985 WITH FEBRUARY 1985, AND BEARING IN MIND THAT THIS COMPARISON IS AFFECTED BY SEASONAL FACTORS, RETAIL SALES DECREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
IN MARCH 1985, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS ROSE BY 10 PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME wHEN COMPARED WITH MARCH 1984. FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO SHOWED INCREASES OF SEVEN PER CENT IN VALUE AND SIX PER CENT IN VOLUME. THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES INCREASED BY FIVE PER CENT IN VALUE AND ONE PER CENT IN VOLUME. FUELS RECORDED AN INCREASE OF TWO PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* INCREASED BY ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IK 1884, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS INCREASED BY 18 PER CENT IN VALUE AND EIGHT PER CENT IN VOLUME. THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES ROSE BY 14 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 13 PER CENT IN VOLUME.
+OTHER CONSUMER GOODS+ AND FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO INCREASED BY NINE PER CENT AND THREE PER CENT RESPECTIVELY IN SALES VALUE AND VOLUME. FUELS REGISTERED THE SMALLEST INCREASE CF ONE PER CENT IN VALUE AND TWO PER CENT IN VOLUME.
COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1985, RETAIL SALES OF FUELS ROSE BY 16 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 14 PER CENT IN VOLUME. CONSUMER DURABLES ALSO INCREASED, BY TWO PER CENT IN VALUE AND THREE PER CENT IN VOLUME. ON THE OTHER HAND, RETAIL SALES OF CLOTHING, FOOTWEAR AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DROPPED BY 21 PER CENT IN VALUE AND 23 PER 'CENT IN VOLUME.
FOODSTUFFS, ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO ALSO DECREASED, BY SEVEN PER CENT IN VALUE AND EIGHT PER CENT IN VOLUME, WHILE THOSE OF +OTHER CONSUMER GOODS* FELL BY FOUR PER CENT IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
/ANALYSED BY
FRIDAY, MAY J1, 1985
- 17 -
ANALYSED BY SELECTED TRADES, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE SUBSTANTIALLY IN TERMS OF VALUE AND VOLUME WHEN COMPARED WITH '‘ARCH 1984. DEPARTMENT STORES AND SUPERMARKETS ALSO SHOWED 'ODERATE INCREASES. HOWEVER, THOSE OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES DROPPED MODERATELY IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
COMPARING THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984, RETAIL SALES OF MOTOR VEHICLES ROSE CONSIDERABLY IN E-YTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES, CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES ALSO RECORDED INCREASES IN BOTH SALES VALUE AND VOLUME.
WHEN COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1985, RETAIL SALES OF CONSUMER DURABLES OTHER THAN MOTOR VEHICLES INCREASED SLIGHTLY IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS. HOWEVER, SUPERMARKETS, DEPARTMENT STORES AND MOTOR VEHICLES ALL RECORDED DECREASES IN BOTH VALUE AND VOLUME TERMS.
TABLE 1 PRESENTS THE REVISED TOTAL SALES FIGURES FOR FEBRUARY 1985 AND THE PROVISIONAL FIGURE FOR MARCH 1985.
' TABLES 2 SHOWS THE VALUE AND VOLUME INDEXES OF RETAIL SALES "Y MAJOR TRADE GROUPS AND SELECTED TRADES (WHICH FORM PART OF THE RELEVANT MAJOR TRADE GROUPS), WITH AVERAGE MONTHLY RETAIL SALES IN 1980 TAKEN AS 100. COMPARISONS OF MARCH 1985 RESULTS WITH THOSE OF FEBRUARY 1985 AND MARCH 1984 AND COMPARISONS OF RETAIL SALES IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1985 WITH THOSE IN THE SAME QUARTER IN 1984 ARE ALSO GIVEN.
GRAPHS 1 AND 2 DEPICT SALES FROM JANUARY 1983 TO
THE INDEX MOVEMENTS OF FEBRUARY 1985.
TOTAL RETAIL
THE REPORT CONTAINING THE ANALYSIS OF THE MARCH 1985 SURVEY RESULTS IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE, AT $1 PER COPY.
ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE SURVEY RESULTS MAY BE DIRECTED TO THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT (TEL: 3-7216024).
/TABLE 1 : .......
FRIDAY, MAY J1, 1985
- 18 -
TABU 1 l TOTAL RETAIL SALES
Total Ro tall Sales for March 196} (Provisional Figure) • HKb 5.5*9 aillios for February 196} (Revlaed Figure) • 1065,839 siUioa
TAfttx 2 I VALUE AND VOLUML INDUES OF OTTATI. SALLS ________________FOR HBRUART AND MARCH __________________________
(Monthly average of I960 • 100)
Item Index of Retail Sales February 1965 Karch 1985 Karch 1985 compared with February 1985 March 1985 compared with March 198* Jan. - March 193}
conpo Jan. - res mo March 196*
(Revised figures) (Provisional figures) Points % Points Points
(A) FOR ALL RETAIL TRADES Value 172 164 . 8 - 5 ♦ 7 ♦ * ♦ 1* ♦ 9
Volume 119 11* . 6 - 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 8 ♦ 8
(B) BT MAJOR TRADE 0ROUPS
Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco Value Volume 19* 126 179 116 - 1* . 10 - 7 • 8 ♦ 12 ♦ 7 ♦ ♦ 7 6 ♦ 6 e * ♦ 5 ♦ 5
Fuels Value 168 19* ♦ 26 ♦ 16 ♦ * ♦ 2 e 2 e 1
Volume 109 12* ♦ 15 ♦ 1* ♦ 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 2
Clothing, footwear and allied products Value Volume 2*3 159 192 125 IX X • • - a - 23 ♦ 17 ♦ 2 ♦ ♦ 10 1 ♦ 55 ♦ U 0 18 e 8
Consumer durables Value 1*5 1*8 ♦ 5 ♦ 2 ♦ 7 ♦ 5 ♦ 18 e 1*
r Volume 107 110 ♦ 5 ♦ 5 ♦ 1 ♦ 1 ♦ 10 ♦ 10
Other consumer goods Value 161 155 - 7 * ♦ 2 ♦ 1 ♦ 1* ♦ 9
Volume 116 112 - 5 - 4 ♦ 2 ♦ 2 ♦ 10 ♦ 9
(C) BT 3ELLCTLD TRADES
Supermarkets Value 551 291 - 60 - 17 ♦ 51 ♦ 12 ♦ 51 ♦ 12
Volume 217 176 - *1 - 19 ♦ 16 ♦ 10 ♦ 18 ♦ 11
Motor vemcles Value 85 8* - 2 • 2 ♦ >9 ♦ 86 ♦ 28 ♦ 47
Volume 50 *9 - 1 - 2 ♦ 22 ♦ 78 ♦ 1* ♦ 59
Consuser durables other than motor vehicles Value Volume 186 1*5 193 151 ♦ 7 ♦ 5 ♦ * ♦ 4 - 15 - 13 - 7 a ♦ U , 7 ♦ 6 ♦ 5 e 8
Department stores Value 188 15* - 5* - 18 ♦ 17 ♦ 12 ♦ 15
Volume । . I 136 UI - . - 24 - 18 ♦ 12 e 12 ♦ 9 ♦ 8
Bo too : 1. "Foodstuffs, alcoholic drinks and tobacco1* includes "supermarkets".
2« "Consumer durables" includes "notor vehicles".
3« "Other consumer goods" includes "department stores".
4. Figures denoting changes are derived from ths unrounded index figures.
/Graph 1: .......
19 - FRIDAY, MAY J1, 1985
Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun Sep Dec Mar Jun
83 84 85 86
Volume index
Graph 2: Volume Indexes of Total Retail Sales
Volume inde*
180 r—
170 - ....- Volume index
---- Seasonally adjusted volume index
160 - .... Trend
|180
W
160
Notes: (1) Monthy average of 1980 = 100.
(2) The seasonally adjusted value and volume indexes and Henderson trends are compiled using theX-11 variant seasonal adjustment program of the U.S. Bureau of the Census
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/20........
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1935
20
BOOKINGS INVITED FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES
*****
BOOKINGS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE USE OF FACILITIES IN THREE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND HALLS IN EASTERN AS FROM JUNE 17, A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY).
REGISTERED ORGANISATIONS AND SCHOOLS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES WHICH INCLUDE MULTI-PURPOSE HALLS, CONFERENCE ROOMS, ACTIVITY ROOMS AND A BASKETBALL COURT ARE URGED TO SUBMIT THEIR APPLICATIONS EARLY.
FROM TOMORROW (SATURDAY), THE DISTRICT OFFICE WILL TAKE OVER THE MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE, YUE WAN COMMUNITY HALL AND HING MAN COMMUNITY HALL FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
+WE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL CLEANLINESS AND ORDERLINESS, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR, BOOKING AND HIRING CHARGES OF,THESE VENUES,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ORGANISATIONS AND COMMUNITY GROUPS ARE URGED TO MAKE MORE USE OF THESE FACILITIES TO ORGANISE MEANINGFUL AND HEALTHY ACTIVITIES FOR LOCAL RESIDENTS.
+NON-PROFIT-MAKING GROUPS WISHING TO ORGANISE ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC INTEREST FOR YOUTHS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS CAN ALSO APPLY FOR THE EXEMPTION OR REDUCTION OF HIRING CHARGES FOR THESE FACILITIES.*
ALL APPLICATIONS RECEIVED WILL BE VETTED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WHILE APPLICANTS WILL BE INFORMED IN WRITING OF THE RESULT. BOOKINGS SHOULD BE MADE FOUR WEEKS IN ADVANCE BEFORE THE EVENT.
THE THREE CENTRES ARE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM FROM TUESDAYS TO SATURDAYS, AND FROM 2 PM TO 10 PM ON SUNDAYS. THEY wILL BE CLOSED ON MONDAYS AND ALL PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE THREE CENTRES. ENQUIRIES CAN BE MADE TO MRS YVONNE FUNG ON 5-573265.
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/21 .......
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
21
NEW REMAND UNIT FOR GIRLS * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE CORRECTIONAL SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WILL SHORTLY BE OPERATING A TEMPORARY REMAND UNIT FOR GIRLS IN THE TAI TAM GAP TRAINING CENTRE.
NAMED +PUI YIN*, THE UNIT WILL ACCOMMODATE 38 GIRLS AGED 14 AND OVER WHO ARE AWAITING COURT APPEARANCE EITHER ON CHARGES OF CRIMINAL OFFENCES OR ON APPLICATION FOR CARE AND PROTECTION CRDER.
A SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW UNIT WOULD RELIEVE THE OFTEN-CONGESTED REMAND FACILITIES IN THE MA TAU WAI GIRLS’ HOME.
IT WILL START RECEIVING GIRLS FROM JUNE 10 AND WILL BE IN OPERATION UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR WHEN A NEW MIXED REMAND HOME FOR BOYS AND GIRLS IS EXPECTED TO OPEN AT THE OLD MA TAU wAI GIRLS’ HOME SITE.
, THE GAZETTE TODAY PUBLISHED NOTIFICATION TO INCLUDE TAI TAM GAP CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTION AS A PLACE OF DETENTION FOR JUVENILE OFFENDERS, A PLACE OF REMAND AND A PLACE OF REFUGE.
0 - -
DANCING TO SUPPORT YOUTH YEAR * * *
A WHEELCHAIR DANCE PERFORMANCE AND DANCE-IN SESSION FOR ABOUT 300 PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE WILL BE HELD FROM 3.30 PM TO 5 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE LADY MACLEHOSE POKFULAM PHAB CENTRE.
THE EVENT, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE DIVISION OF THE MUNICIPAL SERVICES BRANCH, THE HONG KONG PHAB ASSOCIATION AND THE HONG KONG REHAB AID, IS IN SUPPORT OF THE 1985 INTERNATIONAL YOUTH YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MRS ANSON CHAN, AND THE COMMISSIONER FOR RECREATION AND CULTURE, MR DICKEN YUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
- 22 -
CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME DISCUSSED
*****
MEMBERS OF THE YAU MA TEI DISTRICT BOARD TODAY DISCUSSED AT LENGTH THE CAPITAL AND MINOR WORKS PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE DISTRICT BY THE URBAN COUNCIL OVER THE NEXT FIVE YEARS.
THESE PROJECTS, INCLUDING FIVE UNDER CONSTRUCTION, RANGE FROM THE LATEST LANDMARK IN THE TERRITORY -- THE TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL CENTRE -- TO A SWIMMING POOL, GARDENS, SITTING-OUT AREAS, MARKET COMPLEXES, A COOKED FOOD CENTRE, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS AND PUBLIC TOILETS.
ALTOGETHER THERE ARE 20 CAPITAL WORKS AND 27 MINOR WORKS PROJECTS IN THE COUNCIL’S PLANNING PIPELINE FOR THE DISTRICT, OF WHICH SOME 68 PER CENT ARE RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES. FULL DETAILS OF THE PROJECTS AND THEIR PROPOSED PRIORITIES WERE TABLED AT THE BOARD’S MEETING TODAY BY THE STAFF OFF ICER(PLANNI NG)/KOWLOON WEST OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR A.P. HASSAN.
DURING THE ENSUING DISCUSSION, MEMBERS WERE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SWIMMING POOL IN KOWLOON PARK WHICH THEY SAID WAS URGENTLY NEEDED BY LOCAL RESIDENTS.
THEY ALSO EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO SHELVE THE MUSEUM PROJECT AND CALLED ON THE URBAN COUNCIL TO LIAISE WITH THE GOVERNMENT ON WAYS TO GO AHEAD WITH THE PROJECT.
MR HASSAN TOLD THE MEETING THAT THE COUNCIL WAS CONSIDERING SEVERAL OPTIONS AND THAT THE ISSUE WOULD BE DISCUSSED BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE COUNCIL AT ITS NEXT MEETING.
MR HASSAN ALSO ASSURED THE BOARD THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD TAKE THEIR VIEWS INTO CONSIDERATION AND SUGGEST ADJUSTMENTS WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
HE ADDED THAT THE USD WOULD PRESENT ITS FINALISED DRAFT CAPITAL WORKS PROGRAMME TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL AND THAT THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICT BOARDS WOULD ALSO BE INFORMED OF THE FINALISED PLANS FOR THEIR DISTRICTS AROUND NOVEMBER.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD, MR YIP WAH, SAID THE CONSULTATION EXERCISE HELPED FOSTER A BETTER UNDERSTANDING BY DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS OF THE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE COUNCIL IN PLANNING CAPITAL WORKS PROJECTS FOR THE RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS.
+AT THE SAME TIME, IT WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE COUNCIL AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO GET FIRST-HAND INFORMATION ON THE NEEDS AND PRIORITIES FOR UC FACILITIES AS THE DISTRICT BOARD MEMBERS SEE THEM,+ HE ADDED.
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/23......
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
- 2i -
BEACH LITTERBUGS, NOISE-MAKERS FACE BLITZ * * X * X
LITTERBUGS VISITING URBAN COUNCIL BEACHES ON HONG KONG ISLAND MAY BE IN FOR A SHOCK FROM TOMORROW (JUNE 1) WHEN A DRIVE FOR CLEANER BEACHES - AND A BLITZ ON LITTERERS AND NOISE-MAKERS - GETS UNDER WAY.
THIS MONTH’S (MAY’S) EXCEPTIONALLY HOT, DRY WEATHER BROUGHT CROWDS FLOCKING TO THE BEACHES IN NUMBERS MUCH LARGER THAN NORMAL, CATCHING THE UNDER-STRENGTH WORKFORCE OF THE USD BY SURPRISE AND RESULTING IN AN ORGY OF LITTER.
BUT WITH A STRENGTHENED WORKFORCE STARTING DUTY FROM TOMORROW THE USD IS NOT ONLY SET TO CLEAN UP THE BEACHES BUT ALSO TO SEVERELY HIT THE POCKETS OF LITTERBUGS.
THE CHIEF MANAGER (LEISURE SERVICES) FOR HONG KONG, MR R.F. POLLARD, SAID TODAY: +THE FILTH INFLICTED ON OUR BEACHES OVER THE PAST MONTH, DESPITE A WEALTH OF MEDIA PUBLICITY IMPLORING PEOPLE TO BE MORE CONSIDERATE, HAS BEEN A PUBLIC DISGRACE.
+THE HEALTH RISK OF THIS ANTI-SOCIAL ATTITUDE MUST BE OBV'IOUS TO ALL AND IN THE ABSENCE OF A RESPONSIBLE ATTITUDE BY SOME SELFISH MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, RIGID ENFORCEMENT IS NOW INEVITABLE. CONSEQUENTLY, ANTI-LITTER PATROLS WILL BEGIN ON ALL MAIN BEACHES AS FROM THIS WEEKEND, AND OFFENDERS WILL BE PROSECUTED.+
BESIDES LITTERBUGS, OTHER SELFISH BEACHGOERS SPOIL THE ENJOYMENT OF OTHERS BY TURNING UP THE VOLUME OF RADIOS AND OTHER SOUND AMPLIFYING EQUIPMENT, CAUSING A CONSIDERABLE NUISANCE WHICH THE COUNCIL ALSO INTENDS TO CURB.
♦THIS WILL NOT BE POPULAR WITH SOME BEACHGOERS, WHO WILL SEE IT AS A RESTRICTION ON THEIR FREEDOM,+ SAID MR POLLARD.
♦HOWEVER, NOBODY HAS THE FREEDOM TO INFLICT EITHER THEIR NOISE OR THEIR RUBBISH ON OTHERS, AND FROM THIS WEEKEND THERE WILL ALSO BE A CRACKDOWN ON EXCESSIVE NOISE SO THAT THE BEACHES CAN BE ENJOYED BY THE LARGE MAJORITY OF RESPONSIBLE BEACHGOERS IN THE MANNER INTENDED.+
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
- 24 -
EXHIBITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE AT wORK
* * *
THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT V, ILL STAGE TWO MOBILE EXHIBITIONS OF DISABLED PEOPLE AT WORK AT THE MTR STATIONS NEXT WEEK.
THE EXHIBITIONS WILL BE HELD ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY AT THE ADMIRALTY STATION AND ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY AT THE KWUN TONG STATION.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE EXHIBITIONS HAD BEEN ORGANISED TO DEMONSTRATE THE WORKING ABILITY OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO EMPLOY THEM.
STATIC DISPLAY COMPRISING COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS OF DISABLED PERSONS AT WORK IN VARIOUS TRADES AND BRIEF GUIDES TO EMPLOYERS ON EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS WOULD BE PUT UP.
A SOUND-ON-SLIDE PRESENTATION ON THE WORK OF THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE WILL ALSO BE SHOWN.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT OFFICERS FROM THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE WOULD BE PRESENT TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES FROM THE PUBLIC CONCERNING EMPLOYMENT OF DISABLED PERSONS AND TO PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION TO INTERESTED PARTIES.
EMPLOYERS WISHING TO EMPLOY SUITABLE DISABLED PERSONS CAN CONTACT THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT SERVICE AT 3-7554835, 5-296672 OR 0-4988444.
------0-------
ACCESS PLANNED TO KwAI CHUNG PARK * * * *
THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE IS TO PROVIDE COVERED PEDESTRIAN ACCESS BETWEEN THE PROPOSED KWAI CHUNG PARK AND KWAI SHING CIRCUIT.
THE PROPOSED ACCESS WILL CONSIST OF A SUBWAY UNDER KWAI FUK ROAD AND A SERIES OF FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS KWAI HEI STREET AND TSUEN WAN ROAD LEADING INTO THE PARK WHICH IS SCHEDULED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1987.
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 TSUEN WAN DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE, TSUEN WAN STATION MULTISTOREY CARPARK BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 174-208 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN WAN AND THE KWAI CHUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 166-174 HING FONG ROAD, KWAI CHUNG.
OBJECTIONS TO THE WORK OR THE USE, OR BOTH, SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 30.
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/25......
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
25
NE*/ ROADS TO SERVE SHEK WU HUI DEVELOPMENT *****
THE NEw TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING TO CONSTRUCT NEW ROADS IN SHEK WU HUI TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO NEW DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FANLING AREA.
THE PROPOSED WORK INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LOCAL DISTRIBUTOR ROAD AND INTERNAL ACCESS ROADS TOTALLING 1.5 KILOMETRES, A CAR AND LORRY PARK, FOOTPATHS AND STREET FACILITIES.
CERTAIN ROADS AND FOOTPATHS IN THE AREA, WEST OF SHEK WU HUI, WILL BE CLOSED. TEMPORARY ACCESS WILL HOWEVER BE MAINTAINED DURING CONSTRUCTION TO MINIMISE INCONVENIENCE TO THE PUBLIC.
A PLAN SHOWING THE PROPOSED PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE LOBBY, AND AT THE NORTH DISTRICT LANDS OFFICE AND THE NORTH DISTRICT OFFICE, JOCKEY CLUB ROAD, FANLING ROUNDABOUT, NEW TERRITORIES.
OBJECTIONS IN WRITING MUST REACH THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 30.
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PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE PLANNED FOR SHA TIN * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO BUILD A NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE ACROSS THE SHING MUN RIVER AT SHA TIN BETWEEN CENTRAL PARK AND THE RIVER PROMENADE NEAR SHA KOK ESTATE.
IT WILL EXTEND THE PEDESTRIAN NETWORK TO CONNECT THE KCR STATION NEW TOWN PLAZA, CULTURAL COMPLEX AND CENTRAL PARK WITH THE ALREADY COMPLETED RESIDENTIAL ESTATES SOUTH OF THE RIVER.
A PLAN OF THE PROJECT CAN BE SEEN AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT OFFICE, CENTRAL ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, MAIN ENTRANCE L0BBY BHA TIN J^TRICT
LANDS OFFICE, 2 TUNG LO WAN HILL ROAD, SHA TIN, AND THE SHA JIN DISTRICT OFFICE, SIXTH FLOOR, KCR HOUSE, SHA TIN STATION, SHA TIN.
OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL SHOULD BE SENT IN WRITI NG TO THE SECRETARY FOR LANDS AND WORKS NOT LATER THAN JULY 30.
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/26........
FRIDAY, MAY 31, 1985
26
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON HONG KONG ISLAND
* * * *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN CENTRAL, WAN CHAI AND WESTERN DISTRICT FROM MONDAY (JUNE 3), THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (FRIDAY).
IN CENTRAL, THE SLIP ROAD OFF GARDEN ROAD LEADING TO MURRAY tARRACKS OPEN AIR CAR PARK WILL BE PERMANENTLY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON MONDAY FOR SITE REDEVELOPMENT.
VEHICLES ON GARDEN ROAD HEADING FOR THE CAR PARK WILL HAVE TO PROCEED VIA GARDEN ROAD FLYOVER AND COTTON TREE DRIVE.
IN WAN CHAI, ALL VEHICLES OVER 10 TONNES GROSS WILL BE BANNED FROM ST. FRANCIS STREET FROM 10 AM ON THE SAME DAY.
AND IN WESTERN DISTRICT, WESTERN STREET BETWEEN FIRST STREET AND SECOND STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 AM ON JUNE 3 UNTIL 10 AM ON JUNE 16 FOR ROAD WORK.
TRAFFIC WILL BE DIVERTED VIA POK FU LAM ROAD AND THIRD STREET DURING THE CLOSURE.
------o-------
TRAFFIC CHANGES ON BRIDGE * * *
Tsi NG Yl BRIDGE WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC AT MIDNIGHT AND 5.45 AM THE FOLLOWING MORNING FROM Thursday (june 3 to 6).
INTERVALS BETWEEN MONDAY TO
THIS IS TO ENABLE CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT INVESTIGATIVE
wORK.
THE SAME MEASURE WILL BE CARRIED OUT AGAIN FROM JUNE 10 TO 13, 18 TO 20, AND 24 TO 27.
-------o---------
SALT WATER CUT * * *
SALT WATER SUPPLY TO CERTAIN AREAS IN TSUEN wAN wILL BE TURNED OFF FROM 10 AM TO MIDNIGHT ON MONDAY (JUNE 3) FOR MAIN WORKS.
THE AREAS TO BE AFFECTED WILL BE SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG, KWAI CHUNG, HA KWAI CHUNG INCLUDING KWAI HING ESTATE, KWAI FONG ESTATE, LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE, SHEK YAM ESTATE, SHEK LEI ESTATE, CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, SHEK wAI KOK ESTATE, LO WAI AND THE CONTAINER TERMINAL.
- - 0 -