Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1972 - JUL - ENG





 P.R.M. 7 (REVISED) 4000001

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Saturday, July 1, 1972.

Results of 49th Government Lottery Draw ««*$***

The first prize of $462,000 for the 49th Government Lottery was won by ticket no. 191910.

This and other winning numbers were drawn this morning at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club race course at Happy Valley by four Commercial Radio artistes — Miss Wan Fong-ling, Miss Winnie Yu, Mr. Fung Chin-ping and Mr® Stephen Yung.

The five second prizes of $30,800 each w. nt to ticket nos. 255565f 421673, 594556, 643775 and 68326O.

The three-digit number drawn for the special prize was 122.

Holders of 770 tickets ending with this number won $100 for each ticket® After the draw, the four artistes were presented with bopquets by little Miss Chan Ping*ting and Master Fung Kai-yan of Kathleen Mcdonall’s Nursery®

Winning numbers for the 50 third prizes of $4,620 each are as follows:

1909, 14J284, 286648, 423109, 576413

35473, 145262, 332731, 433559, 594495

53703, 159480, 334449, 439022, 638534

755696

2

Saturday, July 1, 1972

55696, 168373, 356575, 445955, 680847

61224, 178425, 357763, 449668, 703823

61949, 218191, 367267, 457084, 706314

92871, 234515, 384913, 498230, 724394

106585, 240671, 385669, 503824, 725721

132477, 244JO8, 407821, 515524 748050

137265 244749, 419712, 565354, 754792

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P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN


MORE LIFE GUARDS AT BEACHES

*«**»**«

More life-guards are being stationed this year at beaches and swimming pools controlled by the Urban Council Recreation and Amenities Select Committee.

This is part of an overall plan to improve services and is being done in conjunction with a swimming safety campaign.

The establishment of life-guards has been increased at bathing beaches from 196 to 273, or about 38 per cent; and from 59 to 70, or about 19 per cent at the five existing swimming pools.

The number of labourers at the beaches has also risen from 51 to 110 and from 30 to 49 at swimming pools.

Recruiting well-qualified life-guards has been made easier by an increased salary scale which now ranges from $586-716. The old scale was $472-531.

A number of selected beaches already have more life-guards on shift, and action is now being taken to fill all the vacancies as quickly as possible.

It is advisable to swim only at Urban Council gazetted beaches where there are life-saving facilities. Swimmers themselves, however, should also follow safety rules in order to guard against mishaps.

/The..........

1972

2 -

The Senior Executive Officer (Swimming) of the USD Recreation and Amenities Division, Mr. M.C. Ho, pointed out that swimming had now become the most popular recreational activity during the summer. In fact, at a peak period last year, it was estimated that over 37,000 people were at Repulse Bay.

Because of this a swimmer in difficulty is relatively inconspicuous and he must therefore try to attract the attention of the life-guards, who, on the other hand, are conspicuous in their orange red uniforms.

Mr. Ho said that people who find themselves in difficulties must first of all keep calm and conserve their energy and breath. They must try to tread water or float on their back, and raise their arm for assistance. And he had a word of warning: never pretend to be in difficulties when you are not.

These rules and other safety instructions have been printed in handy leaflets and are distributed to students and swimmers.

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djundayy lTuly 1972

- 3 -

SUMMER PROGRAMME 1972

*******

The Social Welfare Department summer programme this year involves more than 90^000 young people in 337 different activities.

Organised by the Group and Community Work Division the programme is designed to emphasise training, community service and outdoor activities, Sub-divisions within the programme break it down into three distinct parts for smoother handling. One part, called the Central Programme, is being organised by the Department’s Youth Work Unit for young people in general.

Another part, the Centre Programme, is meant for young people belonging to communities being served by the Department’s community centres such as the Wong Tai Sin and Princess Alexandra community centres.

The District Programme, the third and final part, involves the Department’s District Community Officers and Wardens of the community and social centres working in close touch with representatives of voluntary groups in various District Youth Recreation Co-ordinating Committees.

All three programmes revolve around six common themes — training, community service, outdoor groups, indoor groups, mass recreation, and community self-study.

Twenty-nine items have been devised to cover training. They include orientation courses for volunteers, youth leadership, seminars, forums, and career talks. The aim is to provide young people with opportunities to share their experiences, to acquire skills, and to develop leadership.

/In community .....

flrrnda-yv-^y^ 1972

In community service, 25 items are planned, including work camps, rural observation and service teams, forestry work camps, and services for the aged and handicapped. It is hoped that as a result of participation in these activities, young people will learn how to derive personal satisfaction from serving others.

About 120 items take into account indoor and outdoor group activities. They include whole weeks of organised ’’summer clubs,” where members take part in indoor games, group songs, dances, and special interests such as judo and karate lessons.

For the outdoors, there are holiday camps, track camps, launch picnics, visits of observation, Army and Police camps held in conjunction with the Department, day trips, overnight hikes,and short-term courses on subjects such as canoeing and swimming.

Activities making up mass recreation include variety shows, competitions, youth balls and fun fairs.

Community self-study items cover visits to factories in Tsuen Wan, a project study at Kwun Tong, and in-depth looks at the communities in Ta-i Hang Tung and the Western District.

Mr. Law Chi-kin, Senior Principal Social Welfare Officer, and Head of the Group and Community Work Division says: ”We believe we have come up with a balanced and integrated programme for thousands of young people this summer.

”The main aim is to give participants group experience, develop their leadership potential, instil in them a sense of civic responsibility, and mobilise them in community service.”

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/5........

M-^l, "Sunday , July , 1972 S' -0 -

PENALTY CHARGES FOR IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS

****««*«*

Importers and exporters were today reminded of their obligation to lodge trade declarations and pay ad valorem charges, within 14 days of transacting business on all imports and exports other than those which are exampted.

A spokesman of the Commerce and Industry Department said prosecutions will be initiated against those who, without reasonable excuse, fail to lodge the necessary trade declarations.

Trade declarations submitted outside the prescribed period of 14 days will be liable, without any further notice, to penalty charges which rise after two months to a maximum of $50 per declaration where the total value of articles specified does not exceed $20,000.

Where this value exceeds $20,000,the penalty charges rise after two months to a maximum of $100 per declaration.

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P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

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INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Monday, July 3, 1?72

AIRPORT EXTENSION CONTRACT

*»«$**«

A Hong Kong firm has won the contract for the second stage of the airport runway extensions. Completion of the contract, worth about $42 million, will enable supersonic aircraft to use the runway.

The Government through its consulting engineers, Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick and Partners, has accepted the tender of Paul Y. Construction Co. Ltd.

The main work to be carried out under the second stage is the construction of nine acres of concrete pavements and 28 acres of asphalt pavements, which are designed for use by supersonic jets.

Work should begin early this month and take about 16 months to complete. The runway length is being increased from 8,350 feet to 11,130 feet. Ancillary works include the construction of a new subsidiary fire station, an electric power sub-station, an underground building for electronic equipment to be used for guiding aircraft landing over the sea from the direction of Lei Yue Mun, and dolphins beyond the end of the extended promontory to carry the runway approach lights.

In addition, the whole of the existing runway surface will be strengthened and improved by an asphalt overlay.

/The first ••••••••

Monday, July 3, 1972

2

The first stage development, involving the construction of seawalls and reclamation, is now about 75 per cent complete.

Tenders for the third and final stage of the runway extension, the supply and installation of electrical equippment, will be called later this year so that the extension can be opened in the autumn of 1975*

Note to editors: The contract for the second stage of

the runway extension will be signed on Wednesday, July 5, ^972, at 12 noon, in the Conference Room of the Public Works Department, 7th floor, Murray Building. Mr. H.D. Stead, Principal Government Civil Engineer, will sign on behalf of the Government.

You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the contractsigning ceremony on Wednesday, July 5* ---------------------0----------

QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS LIFTED

MM****

The Port Health Authority has announced the lifting of quarantine restrictions imposed against arrivals from D®Jat (A),Vietnam Republic. The restrictions had been imposed because of plague.

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Monday, July 3, 1972

- 3 -

RESETTLEMENT CLEARANCE

*******

Staff of the Resettlement Department today carried out the last of a four-phase tidying up operation at Ngau Tau Kok Resettlement Estate in Kowloon.

The operation involves the removal of some 284 illegal hawker structures now choking parts of the estate. Apart from causing obstruction they are also regarded as fire and health hazards.

Hawkers involved in today’s operation will be resited in a temporary hawker bazaar nearby where proper water taps and drains are provided.

During the two-day operation, some 34 illegal shop extensions will also be cleared.

Since the first phase of the clearance began last November some 670 illegal structures have been demolished.

The Commissioner for Resettlement, Mr. Ian Lightbody, recently expressed his determination to improve the environment of the department’s estates by tidying up the places and bringing the hawkers under tighter control. He is al so determined to restore dignified and pleasant living conditions to the estate tenants•

In today’s operation, some 120 lorry loads of refuse and debris were collected.

When members of the Department ’ s Tidiness Teams arrived at Ngau Tau Kok this morning, many structures had already been torn down or vacated. Those hawkers who remained were cooperative and moved out by themselves shortly after the teams arrived.

*******

Note to editors: Copies of a photograph showing the illegal

hawker stalls before today’s removal are distributed separately in the GIS press boxes.

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A..........

Monday, July J, 1972

- 4 -

GRANT FOR BASKETBALL CHAMPONSHIPS

********

The Government is to give $15,000 towards to cost of sending two Hong Kong schools basketball teams to participate in the Asian Schools International Basketball Championship in Singapore later this month.

This followed a request from the Hong Kong and the New Territories Sports Associations who accepted an invitation to take part in the Championships.

A Government spokesman said “basketball was not only a major sport in Hong Kong schools, but also a game in which students had reached a reasonably high standard.

Participation in the forthcoming championships would expose Hong Kong students to overseas competition and would help to improve standards•

The competition will be held in Singapore between July 24 and 29. The two Associations plan to send two teams of 12 players each, accompanied by four officials.

The Associations have estimated the cost of participation to be about $32,000 covering air fares, uniforms, sports equipment, insurance and contingencies. The cost of board, accommodation and other expenses in Singapore will be met by the organisers.

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/5.........

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 5 -

CAREERS AMONG SCHOOL LEAVERS I

• School leavers in two Kowloon districts are to take part in an unusual project beginning tomorrow (July 4) to help them choose a career and then show them factories in action.

The project is to involve 126 boys and girls fresh from final examinations in Shek Kip Mei and Kowloon Tsai secondary schools, and is the joint effort of the Social Welfare Department and the Youth Employment Advisory Service of the Labour Department.

The idea comes from the headmasters of district schools, who told community workers they believed school leavers could benefit not only from talks on the openings available to them, but from visits to factories to see for themselves industrial working conditions.

As a result, two days of lectures at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre have been arranged, on July 4 and 7i beginning at 2 p.m.

Between lectures and discussions, by invitation of the management concerned, the participants will visit Sonca Industries Limited and Fairchild Semiconductor Limited.

Other talks on careers for school leavers in Wong Tai Sin will be held later in the month in the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre.

Note to Editors: You are invited to attend the lectures and accompany the students on their visits to the factories.

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/6........

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 6 -

CONCERN OVER WAGE PAYMENTS

*»*««****

The Labour Department is concerned about the early payment of wages due to workers of eight factories which were damaged by fire on June 21 and 22.

Officers from the Labour Relations Service visited the managements of these establishments during the past few days. They found that adequate arrangements had been made to pay the workers their wages earned up to the date of the fire on their normal pay days early this month.

The establishments concerned consist of an electronics factory and a plastics factory in King’s Road, North Point and six other factories in Ning Foo Street, Chai Wan.

A spokesman for the Labour Department said,” Workers who have experienced difficulty in getting wages due to them are welcome to contact the Labour Relations Service (Hong Kong) at the Hong Kong Regional Office, New Rodney Building, 99 Queensway or on telephone H-249081 extension 60.”

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/7........

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 7 -

LEGAL AID FOR ALL STORM VICTIMS

*»«*«**«

Legal aid is available to all victims of the recent rainstorm disasters as well as their dependents.

A reminder to this effect was issued today by the Director of Legal Aid, Mr. D.O.’R. Mayne Q.C.

All those wishing to apply for legal aid in connection with any legal claims which they might consider they have against any person or persons, incitiding the Government, should call during office hours at the Legal Aid Department’s branch office at Rooms 702-705, D’Aguilar Place, 7th floor, No. 7, D’Aguilar Street.

They can also ask for an appointment after office hours by telephoning H-231973 or H-253862.

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DRAW FOR 50TH LOTTERY

•***««*

Winning tickets of the 50th Government Lottery will be drawn by four popular HK-TVB artistes: Miss Lee Heung-kam, Miss Law Lan, Mr. Tam Ping-man and Mr. Ho Sau-shun, at the Concert Hall, City Hall on Saturday, July 15*

This was revealed today at a press conference given by the Government Lotteries Management Committee.

Lottery tickets are already on sale and will remain so until closing time at 9 p»m. on Jfciday, July 1^.

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/8........

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 8 -

WATER INTERRUPTION

The water supply to certain premises in the Hung Hom area will be interrupted for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on July 5, 1972.

The temporary stoppage is to enable the Waterowrks Office to carry out a leakage test.

The premises affected are in the area bounded by Farm Road, Ma Tau Wai Road, Ma Tau Chung Road, Ma Tau Kok Road, Tam Kung Road, San Shan Road, Pau Cheung Street, Kok Shan Road, Hau Pui Loong Road, Tin Kwong Road and Argyle Street.

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TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS

Note to Editors: Construction of the cross-harbour tunnel road connections by the Public Works Department on both sides of the harbour - a multi-million-dollar project designed for smooth and easy traffic flow to and from the tunnel portals - is now almost completed for the opening of the tunnel later this month.

A comprehensive press item giving details of the project is contained in a supplement to today’s Daily Information Bulletin.

Copies of sketches showing the tunnel road connections on each side of the harbour are attached to the D.I.B. Supplement, which is distributed separately in the 6.I.S. Boxes this evening.

Release Time: 6.30 p.m,

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400003S P.R.^3

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

NFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Monday, July J, 1972

The following has been prepared by the P.W.D, and is issued for your editorial use.

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROADS

*******

The cross-harbour tunnel road connections on both sides of the harbour -a scheme designed for smooth and easy traffic flow to and from the tunnel portala -are now almost ready for the opening of the tunnel later this month.

A major part of the connections on Hong Kong Island is already in use and the connections in Kowloon are nearing completion.

This scheme to provide the necessary land-fall connections to the tunnel comprises no less than six separate projects at a total cost of some HKS37 million.

Planning and design of the scheme, which has been a formidable task, has been carried out by the Highways Office and the Port Works Division of the Civil Engineering Office of the Public Works Department.

In addition to being responsible for the construction of all the roadworks associated with the tunnel connections the Director of Public Works is required under the Cross-Harbour Tunnel Ordinance to approve al1 plans for the tunnel construction.

/The authority .......

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 2 -

The authority for approving these plans was delegated by the Director to the Chief Engineer, Port Works Division of the Public Works Department. This task has required the checking of over 400 drawings and the related design calculations.

The tunnel connections are supplemented by other major works which have been constructed to provide quick and direct routes for traffic both on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon.

Island Connections

On the Island side, the tunnel connections have been integrated with the new Waterfront Road to provide a main interchange connecting important centres on the Island by way of the Canal Road twin flyover. The latter provides a direct link between Happy Valley/Central and Happy Valley/North Point/Shau Kei Wan. The Causeway flyover, spanning the approach road to the tunnel portal, will separate the main traffic flow between Central and North Point and the cross harbour tunnel. The Marsh Road flyover will cater for traffic serving completed and future developments on the Wan Chai reclamation. Six foot-bridges have been located at strategic points for safe pedestrian crossing.

At the Kowloon end, the road connections are situated on a 16-acre area in Hung Hom. This network has two elevated roadways, three flyovers and six subways, including a vehicular bridge over the railway tracks to the proposed Hung Hom Railway Terminal. This interchange has been designed for maximum traffic flow to and from the tunnel portal in three directions — westwards towards Tsim Sha Tsui by Chatham Road and Austin Road and to Yau Ma Tei by Gascoigne Road, northwards to Princess Margaret Road by two one-way parallel elevated roadways 60 feet above the existing railway tracks to the Tsim Sha Tsui station, and eastwards, to Chatham Road by two paral1 el flyovers and loop roads.

/A two-way ••••••••

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 3 -

A two-way flyover spanning Gascoigne Road for traffic between Chatham and Princess Margaret Roads has been in operation since October 19^9* The alignment and level of Princess Margaret Road are also being altered so that northbound traffic from the tunnel can pass over southbound traffic to Tsim Sha Tsui# A part of Chatham Road is being re-graded and re-aligned to a standard three-lane dual carriageway. Princess Margaret Road is also being widened from its junction with Gascoigne Road to Wylie Road.

Access to the Technical College will be via an underpass from Chatham Road to old On Fat Road for the period of approximately one year until work is sufficiently advanced on the Austin Road Extension Project due to commence at the end of this year. Subways and a footbridge across the tunnel approach road will give pedestrians direct access between the Technical College and the Hung Hom bus terminus and ferry piers; subways elsewhere allow ground-level footpaths to pass below roads on embankments.

Difficulties

It was intended originally that the tunnel would be opened in 1970 and the Waterfront Road from Arsenal Street to Victoria Park was planned to be ready then so that it could cater for the increased flow of traffic. Much of this road was to be on land reclaimed under the Wan Chai reclamation scheme. Difficulties were encountered in 1966/1967 in obtaining filling from the usual sources which were private site - development schemes. A special site-formation contract in the Tin Hau Temple area was let together with contracts for transporting filling material by barge from Kowloon to meet the then expected deadline.

/In advance

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 4 -

In advance of the Island connections to the tunnel it was necessary to construct an extension to the Bowrington Canal comprising a culvert 1,000 feet long and 40 feet wide. Problems in dealing with large inflows of ground water had to be overcome; especially since filling for the reclaimed area had little chance to settle and large voids were encountered. The problems of incoming ground water were particularly difficult immediately at the back of the seawall and special precast sections were used at this location to overcome the difficulties.

The remainder of the canal roof is supported on precast concrete piles some of which are 90 feet in length. Side walls were precast and hung from edge beams at roof level. The canal invert slab is cast directly onto the ground below, with an intervening rock-filter layer, and is thus able to move independently of the roof structure under the action of water pressure. Work on this extension began in August 19&7 and was completed in March 19&9 at a cost of HKS2.7 million.

Construction of the elevated roadway within Canal Road, ultimately to provide a direct route between Happy Valley area and the Waterfront Road or Harbour Tunnel, was commenced at an early date (in March 1965) to provide sufficient time for overcoming anticipated foundation difficulties. These were expected because of two major reasons

(1) Foundations were to be constructed below invert level of the existing Bowrington Canal, which occupied a substantial part of the area of Canal Road. The canal had to remain in use, and during the rainy season could not be obstructed by temporary works.

(2) A number of old adjacent buildings were structurally unsound, and the effect of ground vibration during piling could not be accurately predicted.

/Particular

Monday, July 5, 1972

- 5 -

Particular problems in addition to those mentioned, included handling and driving piles up to 90 feet in length between buildings not more than 95’ -0” apart whilst working above a canal approximately 40* - 0" in width; prestressing support frames with pulls of up to 200 tons, working to within a few feet of existing buildings which had to remain occupied; placing up to 400 tons of concrete in single pours, above ground areas which had to be kept open for the public; lifting and placing beams 75’ - 0” in length and in some instances weighing as much as J8 tons, again within the restricted site area and above the canal. A maximum clear span of approximately 110’ - 0”, was constructed above Hennessy Road which could not be obstructed in any way during the daytime. The contract was successfully completed by April 1970 within the specified 25 months period at a cost of HKS4.9 million.

Circular

The Canal Road Flyover Extension was constructed to provide a connection between Canal Road flyover and Waterfront Road. Within a short time of work beginning, however, a decision was made to proceed with the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and the scope of the contract was therefore revised.

A particular feature is the circular shape of the major flyover, which is dictated by the very restricted area of site available for the whole of the interchange. This posed problems when fitting the heavy precast beams within the circular flyover deck; nevertheless other advantages accrue from the use of precasting and in this instance it was combined with an insitu concrete deck-slab and edge detail to give the required shape.

/In conjunction ......

Monday, July J, 1972

- 6 -

In conjunction with flyover and road construction, extensive improvements have been made to existing trunk-sewers and new trunk-sewers laid in readiness for further improvement in future. Construction commenced in April 19&9 and was completed in February 1971 at a cost of HKS5.4 million.

Work on the Island connections to the tunnel began in July 1970* These comprise two flyovers which complete the Waterfront Road/Cross Harbour Tunnel interchange. Both flyovers are of similar construction to those constructed previously. They were opened in April 1972 at a cost of HK&4.9 rm'll iont

Kowloon Connections

In Kowloon work on the flyover at Gascoigne Road began in the spring of 1968 and was completed in October 19&9 at a cost of HK$3*5 million. The remainder of the works in Kowloon commenced in April 1970 and are estimated to cost HK#15 million.

The north south route climbs from the tunnel by means of an earth-fill embankment, which for most of its length is contained by retaining walls in order not to impinge upon the area for the Hong Kong Technical College on the one side, and the new Hung Hom Railway Terminus development on the other.

Special measures were taken to deal with anticipated settlements of retaining walls due to the underlying ground conditions; an existing concrete culvert crossing the line of the embankment, is now protected by a specially designed structure which carries the weight of the new filling. Vfliere the route crosses Chatham Road, it is carried by simply-supported spans of beam and deck slab construction on reinforced concrete columns and capping beams with piled foundations.

/The route ......

Monday, July 3, 1972

The route then continues on a further section of embankment before reaching the high-level spans which climb to meet Princess Margaret Road. These high-level spans presented special problems since they cross the main Kowloon-Canton Railway line and in part are 60 feet above ground. For this reason the contractor chose to work entirely at deck level, including the launching and placing of 70’ - 0” long beams weighing up to 36 tons, by using launching equipment and hanging platforms all of which had to be fabricated and fitted on site*

Blasting

Foundations for this section were in part piled, in part pad footings upon rock, but adjacent to the railway caissons five feet in diameter had to be sunk to a depth of 65-feet before suitable bearing capacity was found. To marry in with this route, the existing Princess Margaret Road south bound carriageway was lowered, and the north bound carriageway widened. Excavation in rock immediately alongside the cutting face above the Kowloon-Canton Railway, which of necessity required blasting operations, had to be co-ordinated in detail with the railway authorities and police to avoid any risk to the users of either road or rail. In the event, the entire work for the high-level route was completed without accident or undue interference to road or rail traffic.

The east west route runs alongside and partly occupies the existing Chatham Road, but has been elevated to allow track crossing at original ground level to serve the new Hung Hom Railway Terminus area. The new road is again on an embankment, but in this ease for most of the length the embankment slopes are grassed. Alongside the railway alignment, however, JJ-foot-high retaining walls had to be provided and by reason of poor ground conditions these are of the counterfort type entirely supported on piles.

/There .......

Monday, July 3, 1972

- 8 -

There were two major problems in connection with this route. The most difficult of these was dealing with existing utility services since many of these had to be raised, but at the same time could not be disconnected or buried under deep embankment filling until the alternative high-level route on the embankment was available.

Interim diversions had to be implemented by the Utility Companies, and the co-ordination of this work required great care to ensure that each Company did not unduly interfere with the other, whilst at the same time any delay to road construction was kept to a minimum. Existing utilities also obstructed a new pedestrian subway which had to be built prior to the high-level route being completed, and in this case many of the utilities had to remain in position whilst the subway was constructed around them.

Traffic Density

The second major problem was caused by the very high density of traffic using the existing Chatham Road. To avoid any interruption of traffic flow the movement of plant or materials from one side of the road to the other by means of a straight forward road crossing was not allowed. This meant that all site traffic had to enter the normal traffic stream and thereafter follow a very lengthy off-site route before returning to join the opposite carriage-way. The diversion of traffic from existing road onto the new high-level road had to be arranged in two stages, with the interval between each stage taken up by completion of embankment filling and further road construction.

Throughout the contract particular measures were taken to stabilise the very high embankment fills, and despite two typhoon seasons, including the very severe typhoon Rose, inconvenience due to rain water run-off or silt on adjacent public roads was minimal.

/The main .......

Monday, July 3, 1972

The main quantities of work constructed are:-

Length of road on structures 3,900 ft.

Length of road on embankment 9,400 ft.

Length of ground level roads 9,800 ft.

Volume of compacted fill 420,000 cubic yards

Driven precast piling 101,000 ft.

Total weight of reinforcement 4,710 tons

Total weight of insitu concrete 96,000 tons

Precast beams 374 No. (total weight 13,300 tons)

Government*s Consulting Engineers were Messrs. Scott Wilson Kirkpatrick and Partners, in association with Messrs. Freeman Fox and Partners.

The contractor for the main Canal Road Flyover across Hennessy Road and for the main tunnel connections was Messrs. Paul Lee Engineering Co., Ltd., and for the extension of the Canal Road Flyover across the Waterfront Road and for the Bowrington Canal Extension was Messrs. Fook Lee Construction Co. Ltd. The contractor for the works in Kowloon was Messrs. Paul Y. Construction Co. Ltd.

0

Release Time: 7>00 p.m.

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS -- ISLAND

<st1tUi£)

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS -MAINLAND AND PROPOSED AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

CLOSURE ORDER ON SEVERAL MID-LEVELS BUILDINGS REMOVED

The closure orders on three buildings in Mid-Levels are being lifted today as a result of progress on preliminary remedial works in the area of the Po Shan Road landslide.

The Director of Public Works, Mr. Robson, said this afternoon the closure orders are being removed from Nos. 17, 19 and 21 Babington Path.

Residents of these properties and other properties in the area, which were vacated without closure orders, can now, of course, return to their homes.

This includes the residents of Alpine Court (12 Kotewall Road), Clementine Court (49 Conduit Road), and the residents of buildings on the western side of the landslide. Water, gas or electricity are now available to these buildings on a temporary, or permanent basis.

Mr. Robson said, however, that the closure orders would remain in force for buildings in the immediate vicinity of the slip. Emerald Gardens Blocks I and II (36 Kotewall Road), Mirror Marina (47 Conduit Road), Skyline Mansion (51 Conduit Road), and 21 Po Shan Road have been damaged or are immediately affected and must be made safe before reoccupation.

Po Shan Mansions (10-16) Po Shan Road, 53 and 55 Conduit Road are to be kept under observation for the time being but their closure orders will be removed as quickly as possible.

/Arrangements .......

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

- 2 -

Arrangements will be made with the police for residents to enter these buildings and recover more of their personal effects if they so wish. These arrangements will be announced separately tomorrow.

The Director of Public Works also announced that with effect fror tomorrow (Wednesday) and by arrangement with the Commissioner for Transport, Conduit Road in the area of the landslide will be reopened to through traffic for residents requiring access to Po Shan Road, Hatton Road, University Drive and Conduit Road beyond house No. 55•

These residents should arrange to collect permits at the Commissioner for Transport’s office at Blake Block, Queensway as from today and are warned that delays may occur because of the continued remedial work in the area. Applicants must bring proof of identity and residency.

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Tuesday, July 4, 1972

- 3 -

21,000 PEOPLE BEING OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING

****»«*«

A total of 21,000 people are being offered public housing following the completion of a comprehensive survey of licensed and squatter areas after last month’s rainstorms.

A Public Works Department engineer began the survey some two weeks ago. As a result of his last report, which has just been submitted to the Resettlement Department, another 7,000 squatters have been offered public housing.

This brings the total to 21,000 people.

Of these, about 5,000 will go to resettlement estates, while the others will be given Government low-cost housing.

Commenting on reports that the Resettlement Department is withholding empty flats from the public, a department spokesman said this was not true.

He said that these so called empty rooms had all been allocated to either squatters involved in clearance operations or to tenants of other estates due for decantation.

In fact, some of the department1s clearance operations and decantation programmes had to be postponed due to the sudden in-take of rainstorm victims.

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A.........

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

- 4 -

UNSCRUPULOUS HUT SELLING AT TAI HANG TUNG

***««**«

Officers of the Resettlement Department today uncovered cases of people selling their huts in the Tai Hang Tung squatter area where 6,000 squatters have been offered public housing as a result of a special survey.

Officers who are interviewing squatters at Tai Hang Tung for eventual resettlement discovered that many unscrupulous squatters are offering their illegal structures for sale.

A Resettlement Department spokesman said that these huts would be demolished as soon as the present occupants moved to resettlement estates or Government low-cost housing.

He said those who were foolish enough to buy them would not be given compensation or resettlement after these huts had been demolished.

The spokesman appealed to the public to be on their guard against such racketeering.

He said the area in Tai Hang Tung had been declared unsuitable for squatting and it was for this reason that the present squatters were given urgent resettlement or low-cost housing.

Resettlement Department officers had been sent to Tai Hang Tung to warn these squatters against practising such an unscrupulous trade.

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

TAXI DISPUTE SETTLED

*******

About $400,000 has been paid to workers of a taxi company in settling

a dispute over the termination of employment following the closure of the business.

The dispute, involving 240 workers of the World Taxi Company, was

over the question of wages in lieu of notice for the termination of services and severance pay.

As a result of direct negotiations, the workers received an ex-gratia

payment covering severance pay and year-end bonus in addition to the wages payable to them in lieu of notice.

Earlier, officers of the Labour Department had visited the company and advised the management on provisions of the Employment Ordinance.

About 70 per cent of the retrenched workers have been introduced to new jobs by the management.

- - 0 - -

WATER INTERRUPTION

*******

The water supply to certain premises in Aberdeen on Hong Kong Island will be interrupted for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on Thursday, July 6.

The temporary water stoppage is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out a night leakage test for waste detection.

The area to be affected is bounded by Yue Kwong Road and Yue Hong Road, including the Yue Kwong Estate.

- - 0 - -

/6

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

- 6 -

EDUCATION OFFICER RETIRING AFTER 22 YEARS

*»«*****»

A Senior Education Officer, Mr. N.C. Fong, is retiring after

22 years with the Education Department.

Mr. Fong joined the department as an Assistant Master (later regraded Assistant Education Officer) in 1950.

He was promoted to Education Officer in i960 and to his present grade in 1968. At one stage earlier this year he acted as Assistant Director of Education (Further Education).

Mr. Fong had been heading the Overseas Students and Scholarships

Section until his retirement.

Outside his official duties, Mr. Fong also takes an active part in community work. He holds responsible positions in a number, of educational bodies, including membership of the Court, Hong Kong University.

Note to Editors: A farewell party will be held for Mr. Fong in the conference room, Education Department Headquarters, at 11.30 a.m. on July 7 (Friday) when the Director of Education, Mr. J. Canning, will present a retirement gift to him.

You are cordially invited to send a representative to cover the farewell party.

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/7........

Tuesday, July 4, 1972

- 7 -

NEW TRAFFIC SIGNS

*♦**♦♦*♦

Illuminated overhead direction signs to guide motorists are being installed along many approach roads to flyover complexes and busy traffic junctions*

A spokesman for the Public Works Department said today that this was a further measure to provide safe and smooth traffic flow at all busy intersections

White acryllic panels with place names in black mounted on steel gantries are illuminated at night by flourescent tubes housed behind the plastic sheets so that the directions are legible during the day or night.

The spokesman said that the siting of these gantry signs, together with the large sized place names in English and Chinese, would enable motorists to select their correct traffic lanes some distance before reaching the actual junction*

Seven overhead signs have already been installed in the vicinity of the Kowloon City and San Po Kong interchanges.

Additional illuminated signs are being installed as more grade separated interchanges are built, particularly on the approaches to the cross-harbour tunnel*

Note to Editors: Copies of a photograph showing the illuminated signs will be distributed separately in the G.I.S. press boxes this evening.

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Release Time: 6*30 p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 4000091

INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

FINANCIAL SECRETARY SPEAKS ABOUT FLOATING OF POUND

********

The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave, said today Government has no intention of allowing the situation to drift in respect of the floating of the Hong Kong dollar in line with the pound sterling#

Quite the contrary, he said, Government will take a firm decision when the time is right.

He said this decision will be taken from a position of financial strength, not weakness, and it will be based on the most careful assessment that can be made of all the various and somewhat conflicting considerations that must be taken into account.

Mr. Haddon-Cave was speaking in the Legislative Council in reply to a question by the Hon. Wilfred Wong.

Mr. Wong had asked: ’’Will Government state its reasons for floating the Hong Kong dollar in line with the pound sterling and will Government state whether, in the light of experience, any modification of its decision is necessary in order to safeguard the Colony’s economy?”

The Financial Secretary said the British Government’s sudden and unexpected decision to float the pound sterling had created an entirely new situation.

/’’At......

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 2 -

"At the time, the decision to leave unaltered the relationship between the Hong Kong dollar and the pound sterling was the only practicable immediate course open to us, since it was impossible to judge how events would develop and where Hong Kong’s true interests would lie.

"We were anxious to avoid making a hasty decision about the future of the Hong Kong dollar which, as events unfolded, might not have been in our best interest,” he said.

Mr. Haddon-Cave said that, in due course, he would hope that members of the Council would wish to debate the decision taken in the Council.

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/3........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 3 -

’LUCKY1 CAR NUMBERS TO BE AUCTIONED FOR CHARITY

*******

Lucky or prestigious car number plates — much sought after in Hong Kong — are to be put on sale to the highest bidders with the proceeds going to the Lotteries Fund for charitable purposes.

This will be the eventual outcome of a bill now before the Legislative Council.

The main purpose of the bill, known as the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 1972, is to enable the Governor in Council to make regulations for the sale of car registration numbers.

The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave, told the Legislative Council today that the scheme ”is not meant to be a hidden weapon of transport policy to make car ownership more expensive.”

’’The scheme which the bill before honourable members foreshadows, is that certain lucky or prestigious car registration numbers should be set aside and sold periodically at public auctions. The proceeds from these auctions would be paid into the Lotteries Fund and used for charitable purposes,” he said.

The Financial Secretary added that with this arrangement the Transport Department would be rid of a continuing and considerable source of embarrassment, and the substantial suras of money now paid by car owners, one way or another, for ’good’ numbers would be capable of being pooled together and used for the benefit of the community.

Mr. Haddon-Cave said it was a well known fact in Hong Kong that certain registration numbers were generally associated with good fortune or with prestige, and car owners are known to have paid hundreds or even thousands of dollars to obtain one of them.

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 4 -

PUBLIC HAS VITAL ROLE TO PLAY IN KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN CAMPAIGN

«*»«****

The proposed changes in the Public Health and Urban Services Ordinance will facilitate the task of bringing home to the public the vital part they must play in the coming "Keep Hong Kong Clean" campaign, and to keep it clean.

This was stated in the Legislative Council today by the Chairman of the Urban Council and Director of Urban Services, the Hon. D.R.W. Alexander, when moving the second reading of the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill.

Mr. Alexander reminded members of Legislative Council that cleaning up Hong Kong was not at all a question of providing his department with the necessary basic and mechanical resources to do the job.

"Rather it was a task of, first of all, enlisting the co-operation of the people of Hong Kong in understanding the problem and assisting to overcome it," he said.

"For the first three months then, from August to October, the staff of several, government departments most closely involved will be undertaking this task by carrying out the programme set by the Keep Hong Kong Clean Campaign Committee and endorsed by the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee of the Urban Council - both under the chairmanship of Dr. Denny M.H. Huang."

Mr. Alexander said the publicity "run up" for this "major project*^ covering all of Hong Kong, was scheduled to start next month.

The amending Bill before Legislative Council was to make existing legislation dealing with public cleansing and the prevention of litter "more effective, stronger in certain aspects, and generally easier to enforce."

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/5.........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

5

IMPROVEMENTS TO IDENTITY CARD SYSTEM

The Acting Colonial Secretary, the Hon. M.D.A. Clinton, said today that the Governor-in-Council had approved in principle, the review of the need for improvements in the present identity card system for young persons under 17 years of age.

He was speaking in the Legislative Council in reply to Dr. the Hon. S.Y. Chung who had asked whether the review had been completed, and if so। what new measures were proposed.

Mr. Clinton said the main purpose was to provide for first registration at 11 years of age, and for the issue at that age of juvenile identity cards with photographs so that their holders could be readily identified.

The age of re-registration for an adult identity card is to be raised from 17 to 18 years, he added.

"In order to put the scheme into effect, amending legislation is necessary and drafting instructions are almost completed. ’■

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

TRAFFIC IN WANCHAI TO BE RE-ROUTED

The Commissioner for Transport today announced new arrangements in Wanchai to improve the flow of traffic.

As from 10 a.m. on Friday (July 7) Marsh Road between Hennessy Road and Lockhart Road will be re—routed from two-way to one-way northbound

At the same time, Tin Lok Lane between Hennessy Road and Wanchai Road will be open for two-way traffic.

Appropriate signs will be placed to guide motorists.

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/6........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 6 -

MOVES MADE FOR MORE COMPREHENSIVE COPYRIGHT LAWS

********

The Attorney General, the Hon. D.T.E. Roberts, said today a draft Order in Legislative Council seeking to apply Britain’s Copyright Act of 19% to Hong Kong with suitable modifications had been prepared and would be submitted to the Secretary of State in the near future.

He said if the 19% Act was so applied and an Ordinance containing some necessary supplementary matters was enacted, the phonographic industry in Hong Kong would enjoy adequate protection in law.

Mr. Roberts was speaking in the Legislative Council in reply to a question by the Hon. P.C. Woo.

Mr. Woo had asked: ”Is the Government aware that the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry passed a resolution on May 26, 1972, noting the growth of record piracv in Hong Kong and appealing for the necessary legislation to remedy the same; and will Government say whether such legislation is necessary in Hong Kong?”

The Attorney General said Government was aware of the resolution, and substantial protection of copyright in records and tapes was already given by the Copyright Act, 1911, which had been applied to Hong Kong,, and the Copyright Ordinance.

He said the Copyright Act, 19% provides a more comprehensive protection, but it is not yet applicable here.

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/7........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

CAR PARKS FOR MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY

«***«»***

The Government will consider building underground carparks as a project allied to the Mass Transit Railway, but it is unlikely that they could be built on an appreciable scale as they are more costly than above-ground carparks.

The Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, stated this today in the Legislative Council in reply to the Hon. Szeto Wai who had asked whether Government would make such consideration.

Mr. Robson said there was little advantage to be gained in combining the construction of the Mass Transit Railway with underground carparks as the latter would occupy a very large area of ground compared with that required for the railway.

In association with the railway, he said there was little opportunity to build any kind of carpark in the existing urban areas because the railway routes followed the line of the heavily trafficked streets in the most intensively developed areas.

flHowever, in areas which are still developing such as Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan, the opportunity has been taken to plan the immediate environment of the Mass Transit stations to include, wherever appropriate, a multi-storey carpark to cater for prospective park-and-ride passengers as well as other carparking needs.”

For example, he said, four sites have been planned for multistorey carparks adjacent to Mass Transit stations in Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan.

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/8.........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

, - 8 -

NEW SCHEME FOR MARRIED WOMEN IN GOVT. SERVICE

*********

Necessary amendments to the pensions legislation in respect of married women in Government service have been drafted and should reach the Executive Council in about three weeks’ time.

This was stated today by the Acting Colonial Secretary, the Hon. M.D.A. Clinton, in the Legislative Council in reply to a question by the Hon. Ellen Li.

Mrs. Li had asked when full details would be announced of the scheme for pensionability of married women in Government service and of the arrangements for their employment on contract, and when these schemes would be implemented.

Mr. Clinton said the Senior Service Council reached agreement at the end of April on the detailed scheme, the substance of which had been approved by the Finance Committee in January.

He said full details of the approved schemes, including the terms for employing married women on contract, would be announced when the Bill comes up for consideration by the Legislative Council.

”1 hope that the schemes can then be implemented before the end of the year,” he added.

- - 0 - -

/9

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 9 -

LAW ON DAMAGE TO PROPERTY BEING SIMPLIFIED

*******

The Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1972, which deals with the law governing offences of damage to property, achieves ”a considerable simplification of a complicated part of the criminal law,” the Attorney General, the Hon. D.T.E. Roberts, said today.

In moving the second reading of the Bill at today’s meeting of the Legislative Council, Mr. Roberts said it was based on the provisions of the English Criminal Damage Act 1971f which was enacted as a result of reports by the English Criminal Law Revision Committee and the English Law Commission.

Both bodies had described the previous English law, which was still substantially that in force in Hong Kong, as having ’’many unsatisfactory features.”

The Attorney General said that under the new Bill, a high maximum punishment was provided for serious cases, though in practice most offences of criminal damage would be dealt with by the magistrates’ courts, which would impose only moderate punishments.

The essence of the new offence of criminal damage contained in the Bill is the destruction of or damage to the property of another without lawful excuse.

Among other things the Bill creates the basic offence of destroying or damaging property belonging to another in very wide terms, designed to cover the majority of offences involving criminal damage.

Mr. Roberts said an order for compensation made under the Bill would not preclude the person who had suffered damage from instituting separate civil proceedings in connection with his loss, insofar as that might exceed the amount of compensation ordered by the court to be paid to him.

’•Summary compensation in a criminal case is not intended to be a substitute for civil proceedings, but where small amounts are involved, it provides a simple and speedy relief,” he added.

- - 0 - -

/10

Wednesday, July 5» 1972

- 10 -

ARRANGEMENTS FOR COLLECTION OF BELONGINGS FROM CLOSED FLATS

**»**«*«

Special arrangements have been made to enable people to collect more of their personal effects from their homes in buildings in the Mid-Levels area, which are still subject to closure orders.

They will be allowed to enter at their own risk under police supervision during the next four days from tomorrow (July 6). A specific day will be allocated to collect belongings between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.

The entry days are as follows:

Thursday, July 6: For residents of Nos. 10 and 16 Po Shan Road.

Friday, July 7 : For residents of Nos. 12 and 14 Po Shan Road.

Saturday, July 8: For residents of Nos. 53 and 55 Conduit Road;

Emerald Gardens Block II, Kotewall Road; and Mirror Marina, 47 Conduit Road.

Sunday, July 9 • For residents of Skyline Mansion, 51 Conduit Road; and Emerald Gardens Block I, Kotewall Road.

In this connection, residents of Nos. 10-16 Po Shan Road and 55 and 551 Conduit Road should arrange to collect access permits for their car from the Commissioner for Transport’s office at Blake Block, Queensway as from today. Applicants are to bring proof of their identity and residence.

Police check points will be set up to ensure that only bona fide residents and their employees are allowed entry.

Permission for entry is liable to be withdrawn if this becomes necessary for safety or any other reasons.

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Wednesday, July 1972

- 11

RAINSTORM DAMAGED GRAVES

♦*♦♦*♦***

A number of memorials and enclosures over certain graves at the Colonial Cemetery in Happy Valley have been damaged as a result of the recent rainstorm.

The Chairman of the Urban Council said today that the responsibility for repair rested with the surviving relatives of the deceased.

Any people in Hong Kong who are aware of relatives surviving in places other than Hong Kong are asked to get in touch with Mr. Chan Sze-wing by telephoning H-95^58, so that the matter can be taken up with the relatives concerned.

The following is a list of the damaged graves:

Section Grave No. Name of Deceased

9 11602 Cecile Madge Newcombe

12 9562 John George Swans torn

15B 11168 Elizabeth Emma Yang

16F 10550 E.F. Malysheff

35 7064 Umanosuka Aoki

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Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 12 -

TRIBUTES TO RETIRING LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLORS

4c***# * * «

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today paid tribute to the services rendered by Sir Yuet-keung Kan, Mr. G.M.B. Salmon and Mr. K.S. Lo each of whom retired from the Legislative Council at the beginning of this month.

In a valedictory speech in the Legislative Council before he adjourned the council sitting, the Governor spoke of the various services each former member had rendered during their appointments to the Council.

The following is the full text of Sir Murray’s valedictory speech:-’’Honourable Members, before I adjourn this sitting I would like to pay tribute to the service rendered by Sir Yuet-keung Kan, Mr. Salmon, Mr. Lo, all of whom have retired from the Council as from July 1.

’’Sir Yuet-keung was appointed a substantive member on July 1, 1961 having succeeded Mr. Ruttonjee as Senior Unofficial Member on July 1, 1968. We shall very much miss not only his stimulating and pertinent contributions to our debates in the full Council but also his contribution which is most frank and sincere in the Finance Committee. ”He is no respecter of persons, he could always be relied on to say what is apposite and to say it very well. We are, fortunate that he will be remaining on the Executive Council and various other public bodies - notably the Trade Development Council, of which he is Chairman -to offer his usual sound contribution to the tackling of our problems present and future.

/”Mr. Salmon .......

Wednesday, July 5? 1972

- 13 -

"Mr. Salmon was appointed to the Council on July 1, 1970 and rendered valuable service on the Finance Committee and its Public Works Sub-Committee. In addition to the keen interest he has taken in such fields as public transport, trade, ecology, public works, social problems, he has served on the Select Committe of this Council which was appointed to enquire into the costs of running English-Speaking schools and also on the Chinese Language Committee.

"Mr. Lo also became a Member on July 1, 1970, and since that time he has made many a valuable contribution both in the Chamber and during the meetings of the Finance Committee and its Establishment Sub-Committee. His interests have ranged over such fields as preservation of the countryside, town planning, public welfare, Hong Kong’s economy and last year he was a member of the Salaries Commission.

I am sure that honourable Members will wish to join me in regretting that poor health has impelled him to reduce the enormous amount of work he contributes to the public good, and thus deprive us of his services, and to wish him a speedy return to full health.”

The Hon. P.C. Woo described Sir Yuet-keung Kan as a "fearless and forthright man” and said he "has done a great deal to show the Unofficial Members what part they should play" in the business of the Legislative Council.

Mr. Woo, who is now the Senior Unofficial, said: "I shall myself find it extremely difficult to shoulder his mantle which now falls upon me."

/He gave ••••••••

Wednesday, July 1972

- 14 -

He gave an assurance that the Unofficials would try to carry on in the way that Sir Yuet-keung "would want us to do: not by opposing for the mere sake of opposition, but by putting forward constructive criticism and suggestions in an endeavour to make more effective the steps taken by the legislature to make this Colony a better place to live in."

Mr. Woo also associated himself with the sentiments expressed by the Governor over the retirement of Mr. Salmon and Mr. Lo.

The Acting Colonial Secretary, Mr. M.D.A. Clinton, said: "Sir, on behalf of my Official colleagues, may I say how much we shall miss Sir Yuet-keung Kan, Mr. Salmon and Mr. Lo. Their wide-ranging contributions to the work of this council and its various committees have been of immense value. And Sir Yuet—keung Kan who in particular with his wise counsel and debating skill has won the respect of us all w

- 0 ---------

/15........

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 15 -

EMERGENCY AMENDMENTS TO BUILDINGS ORDINANCE

***««***»

An amending bill designed as an emergency measure to relieve pressure on the Buildings Ordinance Office following the recent rainstorm disasters was passed by the Legislative Council this afternoon.

In moving the second reading of the Buildings (Amendment) Bill 1972 at today’s meeting, the Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said the Buildings Ordinance Office was now heavily committed in inspecting and making safe properties endangered or damaged by the recent disasters.

"Over 300 requests for assistance or to inspect private buildings have been received by the Office since June 17 and around 70 orders closing buildings have had to be made," he said.

All staff of the Office previously processing plans and inspecting building schemes had been diverted to this emergency work, he added.

In consequence, Mr. Robson said, it was now quite impossible to approve plans or give consent to building or street works or to issue occupation permits within the statutory periods laid down under the Buildings Ordinance•

"If, however, these approvals, consents or permits are not given within the statutory periods then under the Ordinance they are deemed to have been granted by default," Mr. Robson said.

/The bill,

Wednesday, July 5i 1972

- 16 -

The bill, he said, ’’sets out to remedy this situation.”

If enacted, with effect from June 15> no approval of plans or consent to commence building works shall be deemed to have been given and no occupation permit shall be deemed to have been granted where these approvals, consents or permits have not been specially given within the time limits laid down.

Mr. Robson said the amendment of the principal ordinance would cease to have effect on September 50 unless some other date was specified by the Governor in Council by notice in the Gazette.

During the committee stage, Mr. Oswald Cheung moved that the date when the amendment would cease to have effect should be specified by resolution but he later withdrew this.

An amendment proposed by the Attorney General, Mr. D.T.E. Roberts, that the section concerned shall cease to have effect on September 50, 1972 or on such other date as may be specified by the Governor in Council by regulations was accepted and passed.

Earlier, the Director of Public works had assured the Council that Buildings Ordinance Office staff would be ’’diverted back to their normal duties just as soon as possible.”

He said they would then concentrate, in order of priority, on (a) the issue of permits to occupy buildings; (b) authorities to commence building works; and (c) the approval of building plans.

Mr. Robson also gave an assurance that’’temporary occupation permits will be issued by the Building Authority as freely as is reasonably possible in order to ensure that completed buildings do not remain unoccupied unnecessarily• ”

Wednesday, July 5, 1972

- 17 -

SUPPORT FOR EMERGENCY BUILDINGS BILL

********

The Hon. Szeto Wai today gave his support to an amending bill designed to relieve the ’’tremendous etrain” that had been imposed on the staff of the Buildings Ordinance Office as a result of the recent natural disasters.

Speaking on the Buildings (Amendment) Bill in today’s Legislative Council meeting, he said the magnitude and extreme urgency of the emergency work the Office had been called upon to perform was indeed ’’staggering.”

He felt sure that ”no member of the public will reasonably expect them to find it possible at the same time to discharge their normal duties of examining and approving voluminous building plans and reports,” as well as answering the many calls arising from the normal process of construction.

Referring to the priority placed on the various spheres and stages of the work of the B.O.O., Mr. Szeto hoped that special emphasis would be laid on new school buildings as most of these were usually scheduled for completion and occupation at this particular time of the year.

This, he said, was ”to avoid adverse effects on the community through unnecessary delayed commencement of school term.”

Mr. Szeto said that between commencement and completion of any building work, there were many operations for which the Building Authority’s ready approva. and response were needed to ensure non-interruption of building progress.

He hoped that during the emergency period, the B.0.0. could devise ’’expedient means” to entrust such duties to the architects or engineears response1 ~ for the building works.

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A8.........

Wednesday, July 5t 1972

- 18 -

THREE BILLS PASSED INTO LAW

**«»**««

Three bills passed their committee stage and third readings in Legislative Council this afternoon and became law.

They were the Loans (Asian Development Bank) Bill 1972; the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) Bill 1972, and the Buildings (Amendment) Bill 1972.

The Buildings (Amendment) Bill 1972 also had its first and second readings today and had an amendment before it was passed.

Three other bills had their first readings and debate on the second readings was adjourned.

They were the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1972; the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 1972, and the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1972.

Debate resumed on the second reading of the Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill 1972.

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Release time: 8tOO p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 400009!

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Thursday, July 6, 1972

MORE CHINESE TO BE USED IN LOWER COURTS

«*«*•«*

The law in Hong Kong is to be amended to allow wider use of Cantonese in Magistrates1 Courts and quasi-judicial bodies of comparable rank.

It will be left to the discretion of the presiding officer to decide whether Cantonese, English or both, should be used in the spoken part of the proceedings.

This and other recommendations made by the Chinese Language Committee in its Third Report have been accepted in principle by the Government.

A government spokesman said today that according to judicial statistics for the year 19&9-7O» more than 96 per cent of all the cases heard in Hong Kong courts were dealt with in the Magistracies.

"The implementation of this recommendation is a significant step forward in the use of Chinese in the courts,” he said.

Other recommendations accepted in principle by the Government include the following:

* Explanatory booklets in Chinese of the more important ordinances should continue to be prepared and published;

* A glossary of legal terms should be compiled in Chinese and English;

• A list of titles together with a brief description of existing ordinances and subsidiary legislation should be prepared and published in Chinese;

/* Pleadings •••••••

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 2 -

* Pleadings made by litigants not legally represented should be accepted in either English or Chinese, but for the purpose of appeals and in case of discrepancy, the English version should prevail;

* Statutory forms, and government licences and certificates which are prescribed by law in both English and Chinese, should be equally authoritative;

* All statements should be taken down in the language in which they are made and in case of discrepancy, the original should prevail;

The spokesman explained that the individual recommendations of the

Legal Sub-Committee of the Chinese Language Committee had been considered by

the Chief Justice, the government departments and professional bodies concerned.

The Secretary for Home Affairs, as the Chinese Language Authority, will

be responsible for putting into effect the recommendations in the Report other

than those which are the direct concern of the Judiciary, for which the Judiciary itself will be responsible.

The spokesman said that implementation of the recommendations will depend very much on how quickly additional staff can be recruited.

He added that at present it was more practicable to concentrate on publishing booklets on ordinances affecting the daily life of the public rather than to attempt to translate all the laws of Hong Kong.

However, special arrangements will be made to publish in both English

and Chinese important bills and ordinances which are of wide public interest.

The spokesman also disclosed that the Chinese Language Authority is finalizing plans for the recruitment and training of the staff required to carry out the recommendations of the Chinese Language Committee.

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Z5.........

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 3 -

NEW INSTITUTE OF IMMUNOLOGY HANDED OVER

tot****

The Medical and Health Department’s new vaccine institute in Victoria Road, formally handed over by the Public Works Department today, incorporates the most modern facilities for research, experiments and production.

It replaces the former institute in Caine Lane, and will concern itself with all aspects of immunology. For this reason, it is to be known as the Department’s Institute of Immunology.

The Director of Medical and Health Services,Dr. G.H. Choa, said its completion ’’signifies a further step in the development of this particular field of health service in Hong Kong.”

The Institute takes into account World Health Organisation recommendations for public health laboratories — in other words, separate facilities for the production of bacterial and viral vaccines as a precaution against contamination.

It wi11 continue to produce human vaccine for public health in Hong Kong, but in times of emergency, and if required, it will also produce certain vaccines for export to other countries in this region to meet their urgent needs.

Dr. Choa said it would be possible for staff at the Institute to use new laboratory techniques and also to carry out further research. He explained that production of a safe and effective vaccine involved not only laboratory experiments, but also extensive field trials.

/Also

Thursday, July 6, 1972

Also for consideration was the development of immunisation against other viral diseases, such as rubella and influenza, which continued to resist laboratory attempts to control them by vaccines.

Dr, Choa referred to the conquest of infectious diseases by the application of the principles of immunisation as "one of the most colourful and exciting stories in the history of medicine."

In Hong Kong, as a result of largescale immunisation campagins coupled with other preventive measures since the end of World War II, smallpox had disappeared after the last case in 1952.

Immunisation of infants was now well received by parents, and diptheria, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, even tuberculosis and measles, were being brought under control.

Mr. G.R.J. Donnithome, Director of Building Development, formally handed the Institute over to Dr. Choa with the presentation of the keys to the main doors.

He referred to the part played by the Public Works Department in providing a further means of improving medical facilities in Hong Kong by designing and constructing the Institute. He was sure it would have "a regional importance in the future."

The Institute occupies an area of approximately 45,000 square feet. It costs $2,900,000.

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/5

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 5 -

NEW SYSTEM FOR LETTING SHOPS AND KINDERGARTENDS

********

The Housing Authority announced today that the existing system of letting shops and kindergartens in both Housing Authority and government low-cost housing estates will be discontinued.

An Authority spokesman said future vacancies of shops and kindergartens will continue to be made public by advertisements, but applications will be invited in the form of tenders.

At present, he said, applications received in response to advertisements are processed by ballot to determine the priority of investigation, and the first satisfactory applicant for a particular trade is offered tenancy.

In future, applicants will be required to offer the lump sum premia they are prepared to pay, in addition to a fixed inclusive rent, for the tenancy of a particular premises.

nThe Housing Authority, however, does not bind itself to accept the highest or any tender,” the spokesman added.

This new system of letting will not be extended to include market stalls and medical clinics which will continue to be let by existing methods.

A similar system whereby banking premises are let by tendered rents will remain unchanged.

/6.......

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 6 -

LAND RESUMPTION AT SHA TIN »***«**«

About 55square feet of private agricultural land will be resumed at Sha Tin for Stage III of the Shing Mun River Hood Control Scheme.

No building land or permanent buildings are involved, but 120 temporary structures comprising J7 workshops, 7^ domestic and nine agricultural structures will have to be moved.

Forty families, or 163 people, are affected by the schemes.

A Government spokesman said they would either be offered resettlement accommodation or be allowed to re-establish themselves on other similar land.

lfThe families who opt to re-establish themselves will be eligible for ex-gratia compensation," he added. Each family will be able to receive 31,000 for rehabilitation.

The owners of the workshops will be offered units in resettlement factories provided they comply with a survey to be undertaken by the Resettlement Department.

The multi-million dollar improvement scheme is to eliminate the risk of flooding along the banks of the Shing Mun River.

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/7........

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 7 -

URBAN COUNCIL COMPLETES TWO MORE PLAYGROUNDS

********

The Urban Council has completed two more playgrounds in Kowloon for sporting activities and recreational use.

One of the playgrounds, converted from a small piece of land at To Yuen Street, Tai Hang Tung, is equipped with a basketball court and a rest garden.

The other, situated on top of the Ho Man Tin High Level Service Reservoir

at Fat Kwong Street opposite the Valley Road Housing Estate, has an area of 1.24 acres.

It has two turfed mini soccer pitches and a rest garden.

Both playgrounds are already open to the public.

0 - -

SCOUTING PRESENTATION

********

Note to Editors: The District Commissioner, New Territories, Mr. D.C.

Bray, will officiate at a presentation ceremony of prize and Diamond Jubilee Jamboree certificates to New Territories boy scouts on Saturday, July 8, at 5 p*m.

Mr. H.C. Ma, Chairman of the ’’Friends of Scouting” Organisation, will also officiate at the ceremony.

You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the presentation ceremony.

- - 0 - -

/8

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 8 -

CROWN LAND AUCTION

*******

Three lots of Crown Land will be put up for sale by public auction at 2.30 p.m. on Friday, July 28, in the Lecture Room, 8th floor, City Hall.

Of the three lots, one is for industrial and/or godown purposes and the other two are for non-industrial purposes.

Details of the lots are as follows:

* Yau Tong Inland Lot No. 19, at Shung Shun Street, Sam Ka Tsuen, Kowloon.

Area: 18,500 square feet

Upset Price: $925,000

Purpose: for industrial and/or godown purposes

* Kowloon Inland Lot No. 10155, at No. 508-510 Reclamation Street, Kowloon Area: 1,076 square feet Upset Price: $350,000 Purpose: for non-industrial purposes

* Kowloon Inland Lot No. 10155, at No. 515 Shanghai Street, Kowloon.

Area: 675 square feet

Upset Price: $250,000

Purpose: for non-industrial purposes

Full particulars and Conditions of Sale may be obtained from and

Sale Plans inspected at the Public Enquiry Sub-office, Central Government Offices (West Wing), Ground Floor, Hong Kong, and at the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, 10th floor, Kowloon.

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Release time: 6.30 p«m.

4000035 P.R. 33

HONG KONG GOVERNMENT

NFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUPPLEMENT

Thursday, July 6, 1972

FIXED HONG KONG DOLLAR RATE WITH U.S. DOLLAR

*«*****»

A fixed rate has been established between the Hong Kong dollar and the U.S. dollar of HK$5.65OO to US$1, representing a revaluation of the Hong Kong dollar against the closing rate for sterling on the London market yesterday of approximately per cent.

Announcing this decision this evening the Financial Secretary, Mr. C.P. Haddon-Cave said: ’’This is a temporary measure which will last only as long as the pound sterling continues to float”.

”A new fixed rate between the Hong Kong dollar and sterling will be re-established when the British Government announces a new fixed rate for sterling with the U.S. dollar,” he added.

In the meantime, the Hong Kong Government will stand ready to maintain the new rate of the Hong Kong dollar with the U.S. dollar within limits of 2% per cent around this middle rate as provided for under international practice sanctioned by the International Monetary Fund. The upper limit will be HK$5.5229/ US$1 and the lower limit HK$5.7771/US$1.

’’The fact that this move can be made”, Mr. Haddon-Cave said, ”is a measure of the strength of the Hong Kong dollar and of the resilience of, the Hong Kong economy. I am sure that the rate we have chosen in relation to the U.S. dollar is the right one in our circumstances and that it can be maintained. It will help to stabilise the prices of our imports, and hence our cost of living but will at the same time be such as to maintain the competitiveness of our exports which is the basis on which the expansion of the economy depends.”

/Explaining •••••••

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 2 -

Explaining the background to the decision, the Financial Secretary said that,, ever since the announcement of the floating of sterling on June 23 last, the Hong Kong Government had been following developments very closely. Since that time the sterling/U.S. dollar rate had fallen on the London foreign exchange market by about 7% compared with its previous middle rate. Under the arrangements prevailing until now there has been a fixed rate between the Hong Kong dollar and sterling of HK$l4.5^5^/^e ' One consequence of a fall in the foreign exchange value of sterling as a result of its float has been to lower the exchange value of the Hong Kong dollar in relation to other currencies by more or less the same extent. In other words, the maintenance of a fixed rate between the Hong Kong dollar and sterling has resulted in the Hong Kong dollar floating more or less in line with sterling.

Strong Position

The Financial Secretary sa:..d there were several reasons why a floating . . > . • ■ ;:xX-* v

of the Hong Kong dollar with sterling was not suited to our circumstances: in rthe first place, any significant’downward floating of the Hong Kong dollar would result in a rise in import costs of food and other essential consumer goods, as well as of raw materials for industry. This would send up the cost of living and costs and prices generally throughout the economy.

Secondly, the Hong Kong economy and the’Hong Kong dollar are in a strong position and resources are fully employed. '"There is no need",Mr. Haddon-Cave said,"for any significant fall in the exchange value of the currency to provide a stimulus to "the economy".

/Thirdly,

Thursday, July 6, 1972

- 5 -

Thirdly, a floating rate results in continuous uncertainty for traders as regards the rates of exchange at which they will be contracting business. In Hong Kong’s circumstances, where most manufacturers produce to order for overseas markets and incur large import commitments for raw materials, these difficulties would be especially marked.

Mr. Haddon-Cave revealed that, in the course of a detailed and intensive review of all the courses open, the Government gave serious consideration to the possibility of revaluing the Hong Kong dollar immediately to a new fixed rate with sterling. But this involved the difficulty of choosing a rate which would be considered realistic in relation to the movements of the sterling float. If too low a rate were picked in relation to sterling the Hong Kong dollar would again be pulled down in relation to other currencies by the movement of sterling. On the other hand, if too high a rate were chosen, the Hong Kong dollar might even appreciate against other currencies and thus make our exports uncompetitive in overseas markets.

Most Convenient Method

’’Furthermore’1, he said, "if this course were adopted the Hong Kong dollar would still continue to fluctuate, at the new rate, in response to the movements of the pound sterling in relation to the U.S. dollar”. So there would be continuing uncertainty.

"In all the circumstances", the Financial Secretary continued, "the Government has decided that the most convenient method of getting through the period of the floating of sterling would be to establish a nCw fixed rate of exchange with the U.S. dollar. This will provide stable exchange rates with countries with which Hong Kong conducts almost nine-tenths of its trade while

• • _ /involving ......

Thursday, July 6, 1972

>

- 4-

involving no break in the traditional ties with sterling in which the bulk of our external reserves are held.” ’’The fact that sterling will be floating in relation to the Hong Kong dollar as well as other currencies,” he said,’’will • be less serious for Hong Kong than a continued floating of the Hong Kong dollar in relation to all currencies except sterling.”

Mr* Haddon-Cave added that an inevitable consequence of a stable exchange rate for the Hong Kong dollar, when combined with the downward float of sterling, would be that all Hong Kong’s assets held in the United Kingdom, including those of the Government, would lose value in Hong Kong dollar terms~ Depending on the new parity established between the Hong Kong dollar and sterling there will be such a loss and the banks will have to be compensated in accordance with the Exchange Fund guarantee arrangement, but the amount of compensation cannot be determined at this stage.

However, the British Government has agreed to very early consultations, generally on the future security of Hong Kong’s sterling reserves and particularly on the future of the Sterling Guarantee Agreements in the context of a floating sterling. The Agreements guarantee the value of official reserves of sterling area countries against a fall in the exchange rate of the pound sterling in relation to the.U.S. dollar below the pre-December 1971 parity of USS2.4O. The Financial Secretary will also be consulting with the Hong Kong banks on the implications of the decision just announced for the Exchange Fund guarantee arrangement covering the banks’ sterling holdings.

The Financial Secretary concluded by emphasising that it was the Government’s intention to return to a fixed rate with sterling as soon as the floating of the pound ended.

Release. Time: 6.30 p.m*

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 4000091

ffil® W®

INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Friday, July 7, 1972

MORE P0.7ERS FOR CLEARING CROWN LAND

********

Strong powers to discourage dumping and to clear Crown land have been included in a Bill to be introduced into the Legislative Council shortly.

A Government spokesman said today that dumping on Crown land and its illegal use for storage are a major problem. Chai Wan and Kowloon Bay reclamations are examples of places where serious problems have arisen.

However, under the Crown Land Bill 1972, the authorities will be empowered to serve notices requiring unlawful occupation of Crown land to cease within a specified period.

If the notice is not complied with, the authority may remove trespassers from the land and take possession of any property on it. Failure to comply with such a notice will be an offence.

The spokesman said: ”This simple procedure is considered to be fair to the owners of goods, who will be given an opportunity of removing them before the Government clears the land and ownership of the goods reverts to the Crown.

He said an important change from the existing law was that uni awful occupation of Crown land would no longer in itself be a criminal offence.

/The remedy •••••••

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 2 -

The remedy would be either civil proceedings for trespass or action under the new Bill, he added.

Similarly, the offence of encroaching on Crown land is abolished and encroachments will be treated as a form of unlawful occupation of Crown land. However, it is necessary to retain as an offence the practice of extracting or removing earth, turf or stone except under a permit.

The Bill also deals with the control of excavations in uni eased Crown land and the revesting of certain private streets in the Crown.

Thus a simple procedure is introduced in the bill for vesting in the Crown a private street which the owners are bound by agreement to surrender to the Crown free of cost when called upon to do so.

"At present, some practical difficulties are encountered in taking a surrender," the- spokesman said, "if the ownership of any such street has.been sub-divided."

The spokesman said these provisions would help towards solving the problems posed by a number of private streets, which need to be taken over by the Government in the public interest.

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/3......

Friday, July 7, 1972

i

- 3 -

REVISED TERMS FOR INQUIRY COMMISSION

**«**«»*

The Commission of Inquiry appointed to look into the recent rainstorm disasters has decided to confine its investigations principally to the landslides which resulted in loss of life, with particular reference to Sau Mau Ping and Po Shan Road.

Originally it was intended that the Commission should look into all landslides which had resulted in death and or loss of property. But because this would include many of the recent landslides and considerably extend the length and scope of the inquiry, the changes have been introduced.

In a statement today the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mo Yiu-chor, said that although the emphasis would be on the two major disasters, the Commission would still consider other landslides only so far as they would enable it to make recommendations on how such disasters may be avoided in the circumstances of Hong Kong and its climate.

Meanwhile the public hearing on the Sau Mau Ping landslides is expected to finish next week and any person who would like to supply information in this connection is asked to immediately contact Mr. Mo Yiu-chor on H-95312.

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A....

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 4 -

MR. ANTHONY ROYLE SPEAKS ABOUT HONG KONG

*******

Hong Kong’s external situation has been described as "good” by the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Mr. Anthony Royle.

Mr. Royle, who was speaking at a meeting of the Anglo-Hong Kong Parliamentary Group in London on Wednesday said that internally, Hong Kong was prosperous, although there were anxieties about the possible erection of barriers to its export trade.

However, he assured the Group that the British Government was doing its best to protect Hong Kong’s interests.

Members attending the meeting welcomed the fact that the Prime Minister, Mr. Heath, and the Foreign Secretary, Sir Alec Douglas-Home, were to visit Hong Kong soon. They believed the visits confirmed the interest of the British Government in Hong Kong’s well being.

Mr. Royle may also be making a return visit to Hong Kong in November. • • • •

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

/5.........

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 5 -

GUARDIANSHIP OF MINORS BILL

********

The Government is to introduce a bill consolidating the law relating to the custody and guardianship of minors.

Known as the Guardianship of Minors Bill 1972, it is intended to replace the Infants Custody Ordinance.

It sets out the main principle which is to govern a court dealing with any guardianship matter, namely that the welfare of the minor is the paramount consideration in deciding any question of the child’s custody, upbringing or the administration of his property.

Under the bill, the mother of a child shall have the same rights as the father when applying to the court in a dispute over the custody of the childe

Another clause provides that a parent may, by deed or will, appoint any person to be a guardian. Where a child has no parents, the court is empowered to appoint a guardian for him.

The Supreme Court would also have the power to remove guardians as well as to determine disputes between them.

Orders for the custody and maintenance of an illegitimate child may also be made on the application of a natural parent, who has the same rights as a surviving parent as to guardianship and the power of appointing guardians «

.... /6 ••••••••

Eriday, July 7, 1972

- 6 -

PRISONERS DONATE MONEY

********

Four hundred and nineteen prisoners at Stanley Prison have spontaneously joined forces with the community in contributing money for the relief of f rainstorm victims.

The prisoners - 414 Chinese, two Italians, two Filipinos and one Indian - have donated a total of 84,254.38, with individual donations ranging from 50 cents to 8149.

The money, mostly in loose amounts including Singapore 87 and US82, will be presented to the Community Relief Trust Fund next week, together with donations totalling over 81,000 by the Prisons Department staff.

The Commissioner of Prisons, Mr. T.G. Gamer, today commended the generous gesture by the prisoners as well as his staff. •<

He said the contributions made by the prisoners were money they held when they were admitted to prison at the start of their sentence.

"This action was spontaneous. It all started on June 23 when the Senior Superintendent at Stanley Prison made his daily inspection tour around the prison.

’’During his tour, two prisoners working in the laundry approached him and said they wanted to donate some monejr to aid the rainstorm victims.

’’After that, the news quickly spread. Subsequently, 417 other prisoners subscribed to the idea and made their donations,” he said.

/Mr. Gamer

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 7 -

Mr. Garner said it was an example that rehabilitation does pay and prisoners are not forgetting people outside who are suffering from hardship caused by disasters.

The donations will be presented at Stanley Prison next week to the Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, by two prisoner representatives and a prison warder on behalf of the prisoners and the Prisons Department staff*respectively•

Mr. Garner and the Deputy Commissioner of Prisons, Mr. T, Ecob, will be present at the presentation ceremony.

Recently the Chi Ma Wan prison staff donated $2,137.50 in aid of the

rainstorm victims

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 8 -

FIREMEN AWARDED LONG SERVICE MEDALS

********

Thirty-six Hong Kong fire officers have been awarded the Colonial Fire Brigades Long Service Medal.

Among the recipients are the Director of Fire Services Mr* A.E.H.

Wood and the Deputy Director Mr. F.M. Watson.

The others include two Chief Fire Officers, four Assistant Chief Fire Officers, six Senior Divisional Officers, sixteen Divisional Officers, four Assistant Divisional Officers, and two Station Officers*

Mr. Wood and five other officers were also awarded the First Clasp to the Colonial Fire Brigades Long Service Medal.

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

UNDERGROUND WATER TANK AT VICTORIA PARK

********

Work will start shortly on the construction of an underground water storage tank at the south-east corner of Victoria Park for watering the lawns and plants in the park.

The tank will have a storage capacity of 50,000 gallons and will intake stream water from a nearby nullah.

The work is expected to begin early next month and should take three months to complete.

A similar storage tank is already under construction in the Botanic Gardens*

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/9 ........

Friday, July 7, 1972

/ - 9 -

ROAD IMPROVEMENTS NEAR AIRPORT

mt****

Plans to relieve traffic congestion in the sections of Prince Edward Road near the airport and Kwung Tong Road near the Ngau Tau Kok Resettlement Estate are being realised.

A four-lane vehicular tunnel under the airport runway, which will link Kowloon City Road to a new road network on Kowloon Bay reclamation, is expected to be completed early in 1975.

The western entrance to the tunnel is situated near the junction of Kowloon City and Sung Wong Toi Roads and calls for the construction of a down ramp in Kowloon City Road from the Mok Cheong Street crossing.

Access to and from existing properties will be maintained, or alternative access will be provided, by a system of roads. Pedestrian needs will be safeguarded by the provision of pavements on both sides of Kowloon City Road and a footbridge across the tunnel entrance ramp.

The proposed works will also involve alterations to the alignment and levels of the existing Kowloon City Road, Sung Wong Toi Road and Mok Cheong Street.

An announcement in the Government Gazette giving notice of an order to be made under the Streets (Alteration) Ordinance for this project is made today.

The closing date for objections will be August 7, 1972 and any claims for compensation should be made by September 7, 1972.

-------O - - • -

Ao.........

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 10 -

LIST OF PLANS PUBLISHED

*******

A list of outline zoning, development and layout plans prepared by the Town Planning Board and covering a wide area of Hong Kong have been published in today’s Government Gazette.

The plans, in three categories, include approved plans, approved plans referred back to the Town Planning Board for amendment or replacement, and draft plans exhibited by the Board for public inspection.

Certified copies of the approved plans are available for public inspection free of charge at the Land Office, Central Government Offices (West Wing).

Printed copies of these plans can also be purchased from the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Murray Building, Garden Road, or from the Government Publication Centre, Star Ferry Concourse, Hongkong.

Dye-line prints are available at S3 each while hand-coloured ones at S25 each. Some of the plans, available in booklet form, cost between $8 and 512 each.

A list of plans prepared by the Board under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance is published twice a year a year for general information.

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

Ai.........

Friday, July 7, 1972

- 11 -

ROAD REPAIRS IN FULL SWING

«*«#«.***

The Public Works Department expects to take between one and six months to completely repair all roads affected by the recent rainstorms.

A number of contractors have been engaged and the men have been working 12 hours, and in some cases 24 hours a day, to try to get the roads passable.

Altogether 11 roads are still affected, 10 of these are either blocked or closed because of the dangerous state of buildings or rocks nearby, and the other, Conduit Road, although still damaged, has been opened to residents only.

The closed roads are: Po Shan Road, Kotewall Road, Honiton Road, Barker Road, Severn Road, Plantation Road, Gough Hill Road, Plunkett’s Road, Robinson Road, and Tai Tam Road, which is blocked in two places.

In some cases alternative routes are available and passes to residents have been issued where this is possible.

Tai Tam Road, which forms part of the round the Island link, is expected to be opened to limited traffic before the end of August.

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/12

Friday, July 7,1972

- 12 -

CLOSURE OF EMERGENCY ENQUIRY CENTRE

*********

The temporary Enquiry Centre, set up to co-ordinate answers to enquiries concerning the recent landslide disasters, will close at midday tomorrow (Saturday, July 8).

Thereafter, members of the public seeking information concerning victims of the Mid-levels disaster, are advised to contact the Disaster Investigation Unit at Western Police Station, telephone H-489860.

Enquiries regarding private premises in the Mid-levels area should be made to the Buildings Ordinance Office, telephone ft-251111 extension 2j511 or 2^24. Enquiries may also be made at any Public Enquiry Centre.

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

Release time : 6.3Q p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000001


INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Saturday, July 8, 1972

OPENING OF DENTAL HEALTH WEEK

****«•*»»

The public must realise that dental health cannot be separated from general health since oral disease may be an aggravating factor in some more wide spread systemic disorder, the Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. G.H. Choa, said today.

Any action taken to improve or maintain dental health is of great importance because it safeguards general health as well, he said.

Dr. Choa was speaking at a luncheon meeting in the Hong Kong Hotel on the occasion of the opening of the Dental Health Week organised by the Dental Society of Hong Kong.

Generally speaking, people tend to appreciate the importance of health only when it is impaired, but very often early symtoms of disease go un-noticed or are regarded as of little significance.

••This tendency also applies to dental disease, in fact , perhaps even more so,” he added.

The Director said the undramatic nature of most dental diseases was such that people tend to ingore them or, at least, to put up with them until the condition became serious enough to be intolerable.

'Teople are perhaps more anxious about headaches or epigastric pains than toothaches which somehow they always seem to hope that they can get rid of.”

/In order ......

Saturday, July 8, 1972

In order to achieve the purpose of positive dental health, it

was essential that children should be taught to understand and appreciate it at as early an age as possible.

Dr. Choa also spoke of three of a series of inter-related factors

which determine the degree to which dental health education goals could be achieved.

The first was the accessibility of dental health services and

of advice in which individuals have confidence. ”In this respect, Hong Kong is fortunate in having a dental profession which has shown great concern in dental health education and persistently tried to put the message over to the people,” he said.

The second was the economic feasibility of putting into practice

the dental health meaaures advocated. Dr. Choa said the introduction of fluoridation of water in 1961 was a first but significant step which had already produced good results, and consideration was being made of the proposal to set up a Dental Nurses Training School and subsequently a Dental Health Service for schoolchildren.

The third measure, which he thought was the meaning of holding a

Dental Health Week, was the acceptability of the proposed dental health practices in terms of the customs, traditions and beliefs of individuals, families and groups.

0 - -

/?

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 3 -

DEVELOPMENT IN HO MAN TIN UNDERWAY

***«•*«**

Intensive construction work is going on in the Ho Man Tin area under a development scheme to provide residential and commerical buildings.

Site formation for the Ho Man Tin Development Stage VII is to make available one million square feet of land for residential, commercial and other uses. This work will be completed in mid-1973•

The area is the last major land development in Central Kowloon. It is situated to the north of the Oi Man Estate, bounded by Princess Margaret Road and Fat Kwong Street near the Pui Ching Road Flyover.

Road and other ancillary works will closely follow the completion of the site formation, and part of the land will be ready for use in 197^* At the same time, the construction of the Ho Man Tin Low Cost Housing Estate, situated on the site, is also nearing completion. This estate of eight blocks ranging from seven to 16 storeys, will be the homes of more than 26,000 people.

Construction work on this estate is being carried out in three stages. The first two stages of six blocks to house 15,000 people will be completed towards the end of this year. The third and last stage will be ready in March 1973-

The estate will also have schools, markets, a bank, a post office, a community centre and shops.

/To the •••••

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 4 -

To the south of this development site is the Oi Man Estate which will have 12 blocks to accommodate more than 46,000.

Construction of this estate is divided into four stages. The first stage, which includes the building of three blocks, will be completed in late 1973 or early 1974, and will have more than 2,000 flats.

Residents will be provided with shopping facilities, banks, restuarants, market stalls as well as a covered multi-storey car-park. There will also be a bus terminus.

The whole project is expected to be finished in 1976.

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/5.........

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 5 -

FULL-TIME COURSES AT TECHNICAL COLLEGE

*«»*«*»•**

Enrolment of new students will start on Monday (July 10) for 28 full-time courses at the Technical College including twelve Higher Diploma courses, ten Ordinary Diploma courses and six certificate courses.

The total number of places available to new students in all the full-time courses will be approximately 1,000.

Application forms for Certificate Courses in Radio Mechanics and Television Mechanics are obtainable on personal application at the Hong Kong Technical College, and those for other courses at all City District Offices, Tsuen Wan District Office the Technical College. Each applicant is allowed to submit only one application.

Completed forms should be returned to the Technical College, Hung Hom, before August 18, 1972.

Form V students of the current year should wait for their Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination results, so as to complete their application forms adequately before returning them to the Technical College.

Late applicants and those with inadequately completed forms will not be considered for enrolment.

/Preliminary ••••••

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 6 -

Preliminary selection of students will be based on the merits gained by the applicants in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examinati ons (English or Chinese) , or any other public examinations that have a standard acceptable as equivalents.

Additional merits gained in the Hong Kong University Matriculation Examination, the Chinese University Matriculation Exami nation, the General Certificate of Education Examination of the University of London, etc. will also be taken into consideration.

Applicants for Higher Diploma Course in Industrial Design are required to pass an aptitude test. Those applying for Certificate Course in Radio Mechanics are required to sit an entrance examination. Final selection will, however, be based on the results of the interviews.

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/7

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 7 -

PRESENTATION OF ••WINGS" TO RHKAAF PILOTS

**»****,,

Three pilots of the Royal Hong Kong Auxiliary Air Force will be presented with their pilots’ ’’wings” this afternoon.

The three pilots - Pilot Officer G.A. Higginson, Cadet Pilot A.K. Fraser and Cadet Pilot J.H. Spencer - have just completed their 150 hours of basic training in the Auxiliary Air Force’s own aircraft.

The presentation will be made by the Defence Secretary, Mr. D.S. Whitelegge, at the RHKAAF headquarters at Kai Tak.

Pilot Officer Higginson will now be transferred to the helicopter flight where he will receive flying training on the Alouette III helicopter. Later he will carry out such operational tasks as weekly flying doctor services, night casualty evacuation flights and local search and rescue duties.

Cadet Pilots Fraser and Spencer, besides carrying out operational tasks on the Musketeer aircraft, will now go to advanced flying training on the twin-engined Britten-Norman Islander in mapping and aerial photography and medium range search and rescue.

/8

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 8 -

EXPOPT OF RESTRAINED COTTON TEXTILES TO U.K.

**********

The Director of Commerce and Industry has issued to all Hong Kong exporters and manufacturers Notice to Exporters, Series 1 (Britain) No. 12/72, dated July 7, 1972, in respect of export of restrained cotton textiles to the United Kingdom.

In the Notice to Exporters, the Director announced, with immediate effect until December 4, 1972, the operation of Phase 11 of the High Hong Kong Cost Content Schemes for the export of restrained cotton finished piecegoods and made-ups and garments to the United Kingdom in the same manner as in Phase 1.

He added that the minimun qualifying Hong Kong Cost Contents for Phase 11 of the Scheme were similar to those of Phase 1.

Copies of the Notice to Exporters are obtainable at the Department’s Textiles Licensing Office on the second floor, Fire Brigade Building, Hong Kong.

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/9.......

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 9 -

HEALTH EDUCATION EXHIBITION AT SHEK LI RESETTLEMENT ESTATE.

«***»**»

A five-day health education exhibition will be held at the new Social Welfare Building in the Shek Li Resettlement Estate, Kwai Chung, beginning on July 10.

The exhibition will focus on nutrition, eyesight protection and prevention of gastro-intestinal diseases.

Open-air films will also be shown each night weather permitting

The exhibition is joincxy organised by the Social Welfare Department, Shek Li Resettlement Estate and the Health Education Unit of the Medical and Health Department, New Territories.

It will be open from 9*30 a.m. to 9 P«m. each day until July 14

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to have the event covered.

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

QUARANTINE RESTRICTIONS REMOVED

**********

The Port Health Authority announced today that the quarantine restrictions imposed against arrivals from Cebu (Port), Philippines, on account of cholera had been removed.

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AO........

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 10 -

T.V.B. HANDS OVER MORE DONATIONS

•**««**•

At a ceremony this morning Mr. Andrew K.W. Eu, Managing Director of T.V.B., handed over to Mr. Michael Clinton, the Acting Colonial Secretary, a cheque for 31,378,276.72 together with the title deeds in respect of shop premises in Sai Wan Ho Street and one piece of farm land at Un Long.

In handing over this further contribution from the people of Hong Kong, Mr. Eu commented that it showed the fine spirit and solidarity of the people of Hong Kong when the need arises.

In accepting on behalf of the Government these gifts, Mr. Clinton thanked Mr. Eu for this further most generous gift from the people of Hong Kong and added that it reflected great credit on T.V.B.*s organisation in being able to organise these donations.

Mr. Clinton said that he would hand over the cheque and the title deeds to the Management Committee of the Community Relief Trust Fund for them to decide how best to use it.

He added that together with the cheque for 37•2 million which Mr. H.W. Lee had presented last Friday to His Excellency the Governor, the total contribution to the Fund throught T.V.B. approached 39 million.

Note to Editors: Copies of a photograph showing Mr. Clinton receiving the cheque and title deeds from Mr. Eu at the presentation ceremony are distributed separately in the G.I.S. Boxes this afternoon.

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/Il........

Saturday, July 8, 1972

- 11 -

HK-TVB ARTISTES TO HELP SELL GOVERNMENT LOTTERY TICKETS

Four HK-TVB artistes will help sell tickets of the 50th Government Lottery on Monday (July 10)between 12.50 p.m. and 1 p.m. at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club booth outside the Star Ferry Pier, Central.

The artistes are Miss Lee Heun^-kum, Miss Lo Lan, Mr. Ho Sau-shun and Mr. Tam Ping-man.

Up to 12 noon today, a total of 292,000 tickets have been sold. The draw of the winning tickets, to be performed by the four artistes, will take place on Saturday, July 15, at the City Hall Concert Hall.

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Release time: 2.50 P»m*

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 4000091

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INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

W® 11

Monday, July 10, 1972

HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL 1972

The Hong Kong Arts Festival 1972 will be inaugurated by the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, on Thursday (July 13) evening. The Festival is being presented by the Urban Council to mark the 10th anniversary of the City Hall, The inauguration will be followed by a gala concert, the first of a series of 38 performances embracing all branches of the performing arts including music, opera, dance and drama — both Western and Chinese — al 1. performed by local artists.

The shows will be held at the City Hall Concert Hall and Theatre and will continue until the end of July. Many of them have already been sold out and tickets for the remaining ones ai*e available from the City Hall Box Office with prices ranging from 51 to $5.

The Arts Festival will also feature six exhibitions. They include Contemporary Hong Kong Art, A Decade of Children’s Pictures, Hong Kong - The Changing Scene, and three book exhibitions.

These will be held at the City Museum and Art Gallery and the City Hall Library and will remain open till August 13. Admission will be free.

/The famous

Monday, July 10, 1972

2

The famous series of 30-minute colour films entitled ’’Civilization’1 by Kenneth Clark, the distinguished art historian and critic, will be presented at the City Hall Theatre from July 31 to August 13.

In the series of 13 films, which will be presented in association with the British Council, Lord Clark examines the ideas and values which to him give meaning to the term ’’Western Civilization”. Free tickets may be obtained at the City Hall Box Office.

«$***«**

Note to editors: You are cordially invited to send a

reporter and/or photographer to cover the inauguration ceremony. For Press representatives, the two Boxes in the Concert Hall will be reserved, where a sound feed will be made available for film cameras. Theinauguration ceremony will be followed by the gala vocal concert. Filming and photography must cease at the end of the inauguration ceremony and will not be allowed during the vocal concert, as is usual with all concerts of serious music at the City Hall. Press photographs may be taken at the final curtain calls at the end of the concert. A G.I.S. Information Officer will be there to assist the Press.

Monday, July 10, 1972

- 3 -

LABELLING OF TEXTILE PRODUCTS

*«*«**»**»

The Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. J. Cater, today informed Hong Kong manufacturers and exporters that the E.E.C. Council of Ministers had issued a directive regarding the harmonisation of Member States Legislation on correct labelling of textile products.

Among other things, the directive makes it obligatory for all textile products which are marketed within the Community to contain a label or other indication correctly describing the textile fibres used in the manufacture of the product.

Mr. Cater added that the provisions of this directive will also be applied to the United Kingdom, Ireland, Norway and Denmark if these countries join the enlarged European Economic Community on January 1, next year.

Details of the directive are attached to three Notice to Exporters issued to the trade today. Copies of these notices are also available at the department’s Textiles Licensing Office, 2nd floor, Fire Brigade Building, Hong Kong.

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Monday, July 10, 1972

- 4 -

CERTIFICATE COURSE FOR PRE-SCHOOL TEACHERS

A certificate course in work with pre-school children will be offered to young adults between the ages of 18 and 25 by the Training Section of the Social Welfare Department later this year.

The one-year full-time training course is to prepare those interested in child care for careers in day nurseries, play centres and children’s institutions.

The course is made up of several parts, such as classroom teaching, reading, discussion, practice sessions and visits of observation to agencies and nursery programmes.

It also includes an introduction to pre-school education with a detailed study of the day nursery, and the professional and administrative responsibilities of a nursery worker.

Emphasis is also placed on helping trainees to gain some understanding of, and learning how to fulfil, children’s needs and rights during their growth and development.

Applicants must have Grade E or above in five subjects, including English and Chinese, in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (English), or Grade E or above in four subjects plus Grade C or above in English in the Hong Kong Certificate of Education Examination (Chinese).

Application forms can be obtained from the Lady Trench Day Nursery and Training Centre at No. 44, Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai.

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/5........

Monday, July 10, 1972

- 5 -

PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION OPENS THIS WEEK

********

More than 190 works by local photographers will be put on display this week for one month at a photographic exhibition organised by the City Museum & Art Gallery.

The works have been selected from 400 entries by a panel of judges composed of leaders of major local photographic societies.

The judges awarded a gold trophy to Mr. Chow Kan*ehoi for his work ’’The Old Couple” and a silver trophy to Mr. K.F. Ho for his "Flood at Tai Hang", Ten bronze trophies were also awarded.

The exhibition, entitled "Hong Kong - The Changing Scene", is being held at the City Hall and is one of the highlights of the 1972 Arts Festival presented by the Urban Council to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the City Hall,

The works will be exhibited together with 300 other interesting photographs assembled by the organisers. Many of these photographs date back a quarter of a century and depict many dramatic changes in Hong Kongt

Private photographers and organisations have contributed to the exhibition*

Among them are the Hong Kong Tourist Association, the Armyfs Joint Service Public Relations Staff, the Government Information Services and the Public Works Department’s Crown Lands & Survey Office,

The Newspaper Society of Hong Kong has also produced a special section of news photographs.

/6.........

I

Monday, July 10, 1972

- 6 -

ANOTHER NEW PARK

*«»«***

An area of about 7«^ acres at Fat Kwong Street opposite the

Valley Road Housing Estate in Kowloon has been developed into a playground.

The completion of the project, which incorporates a grass soccer pitch* basketball court and children’s playground, will help to relieve the shortage of open space in Hung Hom.

It is the second park to be opened in the Hung Hom area within a week*

WATER SUPPLY CUT

Water supply to certain premises in the Western District on Hong Kong Island will be interrupted for eight hours beginning from 10 p.m* tomorrow (July 11)*

The temporary stoppage is to enable the Waterowrks Office to connect fresh water pipes in Connaught Road West between Centre Road and Eastern Street*

The areas to be affected are Nos. 129 • 153 Connaught Road West* Nos* 161 « 205A Des Voeux Road West and Nos* 1A w XE Eastern Street*

w • < w 0 • - • •

/7 .......

h

Mondayt July 10, 1972

MONEY ORDER AND POSTAL ORDER SERVICES RESUMED

»*«««*«*

The Post Office announced that with effect from today (Monday), all Money Order and Postal Order Services have been resumed*

The services were temporarily suspended last Friday (July 7) while the parity between the Hong Kong Dollar and Sterling was determined.

0 - -

PRESENTATION TO AGRICULTURAL OFFICER

«««*****

Note to Editors:

The Acting Director of Agriculture and Fisheries,

Mr. J.M. Riddell-Swan, will present a farewell memento to Mr. Siak Pak-ling an Agricultural Officer at 11 a.m. on Wednesday (July 12).

Mr. Siak is retiring after 22 years service and will be returning to Singapore.

The presentation ceremony will take place in the Staff Club Room, 12th floor, Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon.

You are cordially invited to cover this event

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/8

Monday, July 10, 1972

- 8 -

IMPROVED MAINTENANCE FACILITIES FOR GOVT* VEHICLES ON LANTAU

*««*«*•«

Better maintenance facilities will soon be available for government vehicles on Lantau Island.

The existing servicing depot at Silvermine Bay for the PWD Electrical and Mechanical Office will be extended to include a new servicing shed, an oil store and a single storey dormitory.

Staff will then be able to stay overnight on the island, thus reducing the amount of unproductive travelling time.

The building project is expected to cost about 9200,000.

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INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

ASSISTANCE FOR SMALL BUSINESSMAN IN BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS

********

The Government has extended the scope of its scheme to make advances of compensation to tenants in buildings declared dangerous under the provisions of the Demolished Buildings (Redevelopment of Sites) Ordinance.

Proprietors of shops and factories, who are affected by the ordinance and who were previously excluded from the scheme, are now eligible to apply for advances of compensation from the Secretary for Home Affairs.

Each of these non-domestic tenants will be advanced a sum of money not exceeding #10,000 or 50% of the expected compensation to be awarded by the Tenancy Tribunal, whichever is the less, to help tide them over immediate difficulties.

If because of fire, house collapse or any other reason, the floor space occupied by such shops and factories cannot be ascertained, they will be given advances according to the following flat rates:

1) Whole ground floor for non-domestic purposes occupied by one tenant - #4, (XX).

2) Whole ground floor for domestic and non-domestic purposes occupied by one tenant:

Advance for non-domestic portion - #500.

Advance for domestic portion - according to the established flat rates for domestic purposes.

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 2 -

3) If the ground floor is sub-let, advance to each non-domestic tenant - 3500.

4) Whole upper floor for non-domestic purposes occupied by one tenant - S3>000.

5) Whole upper floor for domestic and non-domestic purposes occupied by one tenant: Advance for domestic portion - according to the established flat rates for domestic premises. Advance for non-domestic portion - S500.

6) If the upper floor for non-domestic purposes is sub-let, advance to each tenant - S500.

In terest at 8 per cent per year will be charged on the advances until they are repaid either by the tenants or the landlords on their behalf#

Announcing this new measure to help small businessmen, a spokesman for the Secretariat for Home Affairs, explained that since October 1964, when the advance of compensation scheme was introduced, only domestic tenants of buildings declared dangerous who were eligible for compensation from their landlords have been able to apply for these advances from the department.

Owners of shops and factories in dangerous buildings had not been eligible because it was considered the loss of their premises was more of a commercial hazard than a personal domestic tragedy, as in the case of most domestic tenants.

However, in view of the recent rise in rents of shop premises and the increased costs in fitting out and decorating new ehope, it has been decided that email businessmen should also be given an opportunity to apply for advances.

/The........

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 3 -

The spokesman said that all non-domestic tenants of dangerous buildings would be entitled to advances except those whom the Secretary for Home Affairs considers not to be in need of an advance ; those who are involved in rental disputes; those who have been or will shortly be awarded compensation under Exclusion Orders; those who have entered into agreements in favour of the landlords; those whose status as protected tenants is in doubt; and those who intend to settle their claims to compensation privately with the landlords.

Owners of shops and factories in dangerous buildings who have queries on how they can benefit from the new measure should contact the Tenancy Inquiry Bureau of The Secretariat for Home Affairs, in International Building, 10th floor, 141 Des Voeux Road Central, Hong Kong, Tel. H-4528J7 or H-452845 or 6th floor, Canton Road Government Offices, Kowloon, Tel. K-685036 or K-685928.

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A....

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 4 -

NEW AIRPORT FIRE STATION

«*««***

Hong Kong Airport is to have a new permanent fire station and additional equipment to deal with the risks arising from the increased number and size of aircraft using the airport.

Finance Committee of the Legislative Council has just approved funds for the project.

The new station will replace the existing one which came into operation 14 years ago.

A government spokesman said today that the present station to the west of the runway would be cut off from the rest of the airport by construction works on the airport tunnel road. It was therefore necessary to resite the station permanently.

At the same time the number and type of appliances will be increased to deal with the situation that now exists at the airport.

He pointed out that in 1959, the first year after the existing station was completed, there were some 22,000 aircraft movements and about 1,800 helicopter movements on the runway.

This relatively low level of utilisation meant that there was no significant delay to fire appliances wishing to cross the runway.

However, by 1971 the number of aircraft movements had risen to 73,000, added to which there were 29,000 helicopter movements.

He said the resulting frequency of aircraft movements could lead to critical delays in reaching a fire on the apron, as a response must be made within two minutes of the outbreak of a fire to have any chance of success.

/The spokesman ......

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 5 -

The spokesman said it would be necessary to provide access from the new fire station to both ends of the runway, to the parking apron and maintenance area and to the new aircargo complex.

Fire appliances will be able to make use of existing and planned taxiways for these movements, as well as the parking aprons and the runway itself.

The new station should be operational by the end of October next year. This is the date by which the existing fire station must be resited to permit work on the airport tunnel road to proceed unimpeded.

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/6.........

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 6 -

NEW SESSION FOR COMMISSION OF INQUIRY

********

The Commission of Inquiry into the recent rainstorm disasters will begin hearing evidence on Friday (July 14) on the less serious landslides which resulted in loss of life.

This follows the virtual completion of its hearing on the Sau Mau Ping landslides yesterday (Monday).

The landslides to be dealt with in the next session will exclude the Po Shan Road disaster but cover landslides at Bullock Lane, Wanchai; No. 12, Belcher’s Street; Yue Tai construction site, Shiu Fai Terrace, Stubbs Road; and Kau Man Village, Shek Kip Mei.

Any person who can provide information on these disaster sites is invited to immediately contact the Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Mo Yiu-chor, on H-95312.

The next session will start at 10 a.m. on Friday in Court No. 5, Victoria District Court, Battery Path, Hong Kong, and is expected to 1ast for about a week.

The hearing on the Po Shan Road disaster will be held towards the end of this month at the Victoria District Court at a date to be notified. Any person who wishes to give evidence or who can supply information concerning this landslide is also asked to contact the Secretary as soon as possible.

Any person, or his legal representative, who considers that he is implicated or concerned in any way in the subject matter of the inquiry and who wishes to appear before the Commission, other than as a witness, should notify the Counsel Assisting the Commission, Mr. Ross Penlington, Tel. H—95&O1, before July 17, indicating what the nature of his interest is and what, if any, evidence he wishes to call.

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/7

Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 7 -

TRADE UNION STATISTICS ♦

There were 336 registered trade unions in Hong Kong at the end of

t

last month, according to figures released by the Registrar of Trade Unions today (Tuesday).

Of these, 277 were workers unions, 47 employers unions and 12 mixed organisations of employees and employers.

During the second quarter of this year, one new union - the House Service Inspectors’ Association, Waterworks Office - was added to the register.

Another, the Hong Kong Boarding House Trade Masters Association (Kwong-Luen), was removed from the list.

In the same period, 32 applications for registration of alterations of rules were approved and registered.

These concerned, among other things, management, welfare benefits, fees, membership qualifications and the provision for safe custody of the common seal of a trade union.

Nineteen applications were pending at the end of the quarter.

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Tuesday, July 11, 1972

- 8 -

NEW TERRITORIES TOUR FOR 200 ELDERLY

»«****«*

The Wong Tai Sin District Committee on Welfare Services for the Aged is organising a tour around the New Territories for 200 elderly people on Saturday (July 15)*

The day-long tour is aimed at promoting a sense of community care and to stimulate interest in voluntary services for the elderly, as well as providing an entertainment outlet for the aged.

The 200 elderly people will be given a vegetarian lunch at the Ching Chung Koon temple in Castle Peak before visiting Yuen Long, Kam Tin, Plover Cove and the Chinese University. A group of 5° volunteers and helpers will look after the party.

The elderly people will come from the 25 member agencies of the Wong Tai Sin District Committee on Welfare Services for the Aged, the Ho Man Tin Kaifong Welfare Association and the Wong Tai Sin Resettlement Estate.

Most of the volunteers and helpers are members of the Women’s Club and Old People Service Team of Wong Tai Sin Community Centre, Social Service Society and the Wong Tai Sin Resettlement Estate.

The group will arrive at Ching Chung Koon at about 11 a,m. and will be taken on the tour at 2.50 p»m.

Note to Editors:

You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/ or photographer to cover the event.

Release Time: 6.50 p.m

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P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

MS W®

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN


Wednesday, July 12, 1972

DISCUSSIONS ON PROTECTION OF HONG KONG’S RESERVES ««***♦*

Two senior British officials will arrive in Hong Kong tomorrow (Thursday) to hold discussions on the future of the sterling guarantee agreement between Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, following the floating of the pound.

The officials are Mr. Christopher Fogarty of H.M. Treasury and Mr. R.H. Turner of the Bank of England.

Commenting on their arrival, the Financial Secretary, Mr. C.P. Haddon-Cave said today: f,H.M.G.’s prompt response to our request for early talks is most welcome and shows a concern for the situation in which we found ourselves as a result of the floating of sterling.

111 do not expect these talks to result in firm conclusions being reached, but I am hopeful that a good start can be made in working out new arrangements to protect our reserves”•

Mr. Fogarty and Mr. Turner will leave Hong Kong on Saturday for talks in Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

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Wednesday, July 12, 1972

- 2 -

PLANS APPROVED FOR NEW BUILDINGS

***««*«*

The Building Authority approved 64 new building plans of all types in May and certified 85 completed buildings for occupation.

Of the plans approved, 33 were on Hong Kong Island, eight in Kowloon, 12 in New Kowloon and 11 in the New Territories.

They include plans for a 21-storey apartment-commercial building at 64—68 Pokfulam Road; a 21-storey commercial building at 130-136 Connaught Read Central; a 22-storey apartment-commercial building at 179-191, Lockhart Road; a 27-storey apartment-commercial building at 124, Argyle Street; two 24—storey blocks of low-cost housing at the junction of Princess Margaret Road and Chi Man Road; and a 22-storey apartment-commercial building in Kwong Fuk Road, Tai Po.

Building certified for occupation included 20 for domestic use, 25 for non-domestic and 40 for combined domestic and non-domestic purposes.

In addition, the Building Authority approved the demolition of 96 buildings — 61 on Hong Kong Island, 23 in Kowloon, 11 in New Kowloon and one in the New Territories.

Lists giving brief particulars of all buildings concerned may be inspected at the Public Enquiry Service on the ground floor of the Central Government Offices, West Wing.

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/3.........

Wednesday, July 12, 1972

- 3

LAI CHI KOK HOSPITAL ’TOPPED OUT’

*******

A topping-out ceremony on Friday (July 14) will mark a further step towards the completion of the multi-million dollar Lai Chi Kok Hospital in Kowloon.

The Director of Building Development, Public Works Department,

Mr. C.R.J. Donnithorne, will officiate at the ceremony to be held on the roof of the main hospital block at 3.30 p.m. Among the guests will be the Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. G.H. Choa.

The new Lai Chi Kok hospital consists of three inter-connected blocks.

One of the blocks will house a modern casualty department providing a 24-hour emergency and accident service.

The second will be the main hospital building for both general and special patients, together with a suxte of six operating theatres and other ancillary services.

The third block will accommodate an infectious diseases unit and a geriatric unit which will be the first of its kind in Hong Kong.

When it is opened in 197^, it will provide 1,320 beds and will serve the densely populated areas of north-west Kowloon, Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung.

*******

Note to Editors: You are invited to send a reporter and/or

photographer to cover the event.

Official transport will be provided. Press representatives wishing to make use of the facility are requested tc assemble at the Kowloon Transport Sub-pool, behind the Tsira Sha Tsui Post Office, not later than 2.30 p.m. on Friday.

An officer from the Public Works Department will be present to assist the press. ----------------------0---------

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Wednesday, July 12, 1972

EDUCATION OFFICIALS RETIRING

********

Two senior education officials are retiring soon after serving a total of 28 years with the Technical College.

They are Mr. C.L. Mawhood, a Senior Education Officer, and Mr. Tan Chin-tong, Head of the Department of Mathematics and Science.

To mark their retirement, Dr. Y.K. Ching, the Principal of the Technical College, will present them souvenirs in a ceremony to be held at the College on Friday (July 14) at 4 p.m.

Mr. Mawhood joined the government service as an Education Officer (Technical) in 1959» In July 1970, he was promoted to Senior Education Officer and became Vice-Principal of the College. At one stage he acted as Principal.

Mr. Tan joined the civil service as an Assistant Education Officer in 1957 and was promoted to Education Officer in 1959. Later, he was re-graded as Education Officer (Technical).

He acted as Organiser (Technical) and Head of the Department of Mathematics and Science from September 1964 to February 1965» and again from April to October 1965, when he was promoted to that post.

From September to November 1970, and again from July to September 19717 he acted as Vice-Principal.

********

Mote to Editors: You are cordially invited to send a

reporter and/or photographer to attend the presentation ceremony.

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/5.........

Wednesday, July 12, 1972

- 5 -

RETIRING AFTER LONG SERVICE WITH GOVT.

*«**«**»

Mr. Chiu Kan-yee, Interpreter/Translator Class I of the District

Office, Sai Kung, is retiring after more than 24 years’ service with the Government.

To mark his retirement, the District Commissioner, New Territories,

Mr. D.C. Bray, will present him with a memento in a ceremony to be held on Friday,(July 14).

Mr. Chiu joined the Government in 1947 as a clerk and was

promoted to Interpreter/Translator Class I in 1969- Before joining

the New Territories Administration in 19591 he was with the Hong Kong

Police Force for over 11 years.

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/ or photographer to cover the presentation ceremony. It will be held at the District Office, Sai Kung, in San Po Kong, Kowloon on Friday, (July 14) at 4.00 p.m.

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/6.......

Wednesday, July 12, 1972

- 6 -

BOCK DONATION TO URBAN COUNCIL LIBRARIES

********

The Hong Kong Branch of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers is to present a collection of some 67 books to ;he Urban Council Public

Libraries•

The books cover such subjects as law, finance, geography and insurance, in addition to various aspects of shipping.

The Chairman of the Institute, Mr. I-R. Shaffer will hand over the

books to Mr. P.K. Ng, a member of the Urban Council’s Cultural Affairs

Select Committee on Friday afternoon.

After the ceremony, the books will be incorporated into the stock of the Urban Council Public Libraries and will be available for loan and reference to the public

•o.a.o.oo

Note to Editors; You are invited bo send a reporter and or photographer to cover the presentation, which will take place in the Rwll dining room at 2 p.m. on the 2nd floor of the Hong Kong Club.

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/7.........

Wednesday, July 12, 1972

- 7 -

WATER INTERRUPTION

******

Water supply to certain premises in Hung Hom will be interrupted for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on Friday, July 14, 1972.

The temporary water stoppage is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out a leakage test.

The area to be affected is bounded by Ma Tau Wei Road, Lok Shan Road, Chi Kiang Street, Kowloon City Road and Pau Cheung Street.

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Release Time; 6.45 p.m.

Wednesday, July 12, 1972

BIG CASH PRIZES FOR SCHOOL ANTI-LITTER COMPETITIONS «•*****,

Cash prizes and book tokens with a total value of more than 820,000 will be awarded for winning entries in four competitions on anti-litter themes which have been launched in local schools as part of the "Clean Hong Kong" drive* *

The competitions are for photography, poetry, a study kit for teaching purposes and a poster and bookmark design.

Different categories have been arranged for entries from both • • • • • • students and teachers in the photography, poetry and study kit competitions. The poster and bookmark design competition is open to students only.

Details are being sent to 2,500 schools throughout Hong Kong with a circular from the Director of Education who is appealing to headteachers to ensure that staff and students are made fully aware of the importance of the "Keep Hong Kong Clean" campaign.

,rThey should give every possible encouragement and opportunity to their schools for voluntary participation in activities organised to promote the campaign," the circular says.

,nPhe response of the school community depends to a very large extent on the enthusiasm and interest shown by heads of schools and their staff. Their efforts in encouraging students are vital to the success of the campaign."

/The

2

The theme for both the photography and poetry competitions is

. anything which will arouse awareness of pollution, filth and litter, or which suggests remedies for these problems.

The closing dates are September 29 for the photography competition and October 6 for the poetry competition.

The theme for the study kit competition is the effects of . . i environmental filth and litter contributing to pollution, and the closing tl . . . ’ • •

date is October 27.

Entries in the poster and bookmark design competition, using the sflogan "Fight Filth — Clean Hong Kong", are due in by October 6.

Note to Editors:

A photograph showing the campaign broom symbol, incorporating the slogan "Clean Hong", has already been circulated to you. We are hopeful that you will make use of this as a trademark for new items relating to the campaign. Further copies can be obtained if required from G.I.S.

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P.R.M. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Thursday, July 13, 1972

TAI PO SQUATTER AREA TO BE CLEARED

**««*«**»

A temporary licensed area with huts built by the Government will, be established in Shuen Wan, Tai Po for people whose huts are in a most dangerous position at the Yuen Chau Tsai squatter area*

Some 4?0 families comprising about 4,500 people are living in this squatter area, which has always been exposed to danger during typhoons, as well as presenting serious fire and health risks.

In the absence of permanent rehousing in the locality at present, the Government has decided, as an immediate and interim measure, to establish a licensed area to enable some of these families to move out of this squalid area into a cleaner and safer place before the onslaught of further typhoons or fire.

A fire occurred in the area on November 299 19719 rendering 257 people of 31 families homeless. Since then they have been temporarily housed in huts built for them by the New Territories Administration on a site at Shuen Wan.

Mr. H.S. Grewal, District Officer, Tai Po said today that the licensed area, an extension of the site where the fire victims have been accommodated, will cover about 230,000 square feet.

/It will

Thursday, July 13, 1972

- 2 -

It will be provided with water, drainage, latrines, communal bathhouse and cleansing facilities. Negotiations for electricity supply are being conducted with the China Light & Power Co., Ltd.

Site formation work for the licensed area is expected to start shortly and will take about one month to complete.

Under the clearance plan, Mr. Grewal said, those huts in the most dangerous position at Yuen Chau Tsai will be cleared first and the people affected will be accommodated in huts built for them free by the Government in the licensed area.

This will involve all the huts on the seaward side of the main causeway and those which have to be demolished to make way for a further fire lane.

Altogether, some 59 families (about 558 people) are required to move first.

At the same time, the Government will encourage as many as possible of the remaining squatters to move to the licensed area on a voluntary basis.

Instead of government-built huts, families who move voluntarily to the licensed area will receive an ex-gratia grant of 31,000 each for the purchase of materials to build their own huts, on condition that their structures at Yuen Chau Tsai are demolished.

Under a long-term plan, all the huts in the Yuen Chau Tsai squatter area will be cleared in stages and the people from the licensed area will be accommodated in a low-cost housing estate to be built at Tai Po Market in due course.

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/3.........

Thursday, July 13, 1972

- 3 -

TRIBUTE TO RAINSTORM VOLUNTEERS

*******

The head of the Social Welfare Department’s Group and Community Work Division, Mr. Stephen Law Chi-kin, today praised hundreds of volunteers for helping with relief work in disaster areas following last month’s rainstorms.

He was referring in particular to members of departmental community centres, including students, factory workers, and housewives, who had made themselves available for odd jobs in Wong Tai Sin, Tai Hang Tung, Kwun Tong and Tsuen Wan at all hours of the day and night.

Their offers of help ranged from fetching and carrying for the dispossessed to making tea on the spot for tired workers.

One group of housewives in Kwun Tong came regularly to the district’s centre soon after daybreak every morning to attend to the needs of landslide victims being temporarily housed there.

Students in Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, and Tsuen Wan performed a variety of services. They helped in the removal of rubble, assisted victims to set up temporary accommodation, or register for aid.

In other cases, they volunteered to effect contact between lone survivors and relatives elsewhere, and took part in the transportation of salvaged household items.

Mr. Law said as soon as news of the disaster spread, volunteers came forward with offers of help. Their eagerness to be of service profoundly impressed professional social workers who were moved by this ’’massive demonstration of public concern at fellow suffering.”

”1 cannot thank each volunteer by name, since they were so numerous, but I hope all will regard this general expression of appreciation as directed at them personally,” he commented.

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Thursday, July 13, 1972

- 4 -

TENDERS BEING CAUSED FOR RESETTLEMENT SHOPS

*******

The Government is to invite tenders for the renting of some 26 resettlement shops in six estates situated on Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon.

Tenancies will be for a term of three years, renewable for another three years.

It is the first group of shops to be let by tender since the Resettlement Department introduced the scheme on an experimental basis last year.

Although part of the shop premises may be used for domestic purposes, there can be no sub-letting.

Each shop to be let has been designated to a particular trade in order to provide a balanced shopping centre for the estates.

Successful tenderers will not be allowed, under normal circumstances, to change their trade and in case of a breach of the lease conditions, the lease will be terminated.

A spokesman for the Resettlement Department said today: "Anyone can tender for these shops, but the final decision will rest with the Central Tender Board."

A deposit of $500 will be required as a pledge of the bona fide of the person submitting the tender, but will be refunded if he is unsuccessful.

Anyone who wants further details may call personally at the Resettlement Department Office, No. 692 Prince Edward Road, San Po Kong Government Offices, fourth floor, Kowloon.

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/5........

Thursday, July 131 1972

- 5 -

NEW IMMIGRATION OFFICE OPENING

*««**»**

The Director of Immigration Mr. W.E. Collard will personally issue the first travel document during the opening next week of a new Immigration branch office in Mong Kok.

The new office will replace the existing one in Sham Shui Po which will close at 1 p.m. on Saturday (July 15)•

The work previously done by the Sham Shui Po office will now be handled by the new Mong Kok branch until alternative premises can be found for a larger office in the Sham Shui Po area.

However, the Mong Kok office will remain in operation to provide an improved immigration service to residents of north-west Kowloon, even after the other branch office has been set up.

The new Mong Kok office, which is situated at 2O1A-2O5, Fa Yuen Street, will be formally opened by the Chairman of the Mong Kok Kaifong Assication, Mr. Cho Shiu-chung, M.B.E. at 10.30 a.m. next Monday (July 17).

A number of Kaifong leaders have been invited to the opening ceremony and both Mr. Collard and Mr. Cho will address the gathering.

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the ceremony which will take place at 10.30 a.m. on Monday, July 17» 1972.

The event is expected to last one hour.

0 -------

/6.......

Thursday, July 13, 1972

- 6 -

ASSISTANCE FOR FIRE GUTTED FACTORY

*******

The Labour Department is concerned that the payment of wages should not be unduly delayed in the case of a factory damaged by a recent fire in Kowloon.

Officers of the Labour Relations Service visited the factory building shortly after the fire, to determine the number of factories and workers affected and to advise managements and workers of the provisions of the Employment Ordinance.

However of the five establishments visited, only one knitting factory employing 75 workers was directly affected.

The management of this factory has been advised to follow the provisions of the ordinance and to refer workers to the Labour Department for assistance if required.

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/?.........

c '*

Thursday, July 1?, 1972

- 7 -

ANTI-MOSQUITO CAMPAIGN

*»***»«

Note to Editors: Details of a nine-day ”Anti-Mosquito

Campaign” will be announced at a press conference to be held at the 16 mm Cinema of the Information Services Department at 3 p.m. next Monday (July 17)•

The press conference will be chaired by Dr. Denny Huang, Chairman of the Environmental Hygiene Select Committee of the Urban Council.

The campaign is aimed at urging members of the public to play an active role in eradicating breeding grounds for mosquitoes within their premises.

You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the conference. -----------------------0---------

MR. H.J.C. BROWNE CEASES TO ACT ON EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

**.*>|>*4<

A Government spokesman announced today that the Honourable H.J.C. Browne, an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council, ceased to be temporarily an Unofficial Member of the Executive Council, with effect from July 11, 1972, on the return to Hong Kong of the Honourable Sir Douglas Clague.

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Release Time: 7«3O P«m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

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INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Saturday, July 15» 1972

DATE SET FOR PO SHAN ROAD INQUIRY

**»**««

A date has been set by the Commission of Inquiry into the recent rainstorm disasters to hear evidence on the Po Shan Road landslide.

The session will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, July 51? in Court No. 4, Victoria District Court, Battery Path.

Any person who can supply information in this connection is asked to immediately contact the Secretary of the Commission, Mr. Mo Yiu-chor, on telephone H-95512.

In particular, the Commission is interested in any photographs taken recently in the disaster area. If the photographs prove to be of value to the inquiry, they will be purchased.

Any person who considers that he is implicated or concerned in any way, and who wishes to appear before the Commission, other than as a witness, should contact the Counsel to the Commission, Mr. R.G. Penlington, on H-95&O1 before July 51• The person should indicate what the nature of his interest is and what, if any, evidence he wishes to call.

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Saturday, July 15, 1972

- 2 -

8,000 PEOPLE SEEKING V/ORK

**41*#**

More than 8,000 people are seeking jobs through the Local Employment Service of the Labour Department.

A spokesman for the department said today that at present there were just over 700 vacancies on the books. These ranged from office boy to executive in commerce.

During the second quarter of this year the Service helped to find work for nearly 1,150 people.

This represents an increase of 45 per cent over the corresponding figure last year and an increase of 48 per cent over the number of people placed in employment in the first quarter of this year.

Of those who were found work, 442 were placed in commerce, ?82 in industry, 226 in government service, 49 in public utilities and 50 in other establishments•

Three of them received an initial salary of 81,000 or more, although the majority are getting salaries ranging from 8500 to $600.

The Local Employment Service provides ffree facilities to assist both employers and job-seekers.

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

Saturday,. July 15, 1972

- 3 -

50TH GOVERNMENT LOTTERY DRAWN AT CITY HALL

The first prize of $408,600 for the 50th Government lottery was won by ticket No. 564540.

This and other winning numbers were drawn this morning at the City

Hall Concert Hall by four H.K.-T.V.B. artistes — Miss Lee Heung-kam, Miss Law Lan, Mr. Tam Ping-man and Mr. Ho Sau-shun.

Ticket Nos. 55$96, 24915% 266893, 326264 and 620646 won the five second prizes of S27»24o each.

The three-digit special prize number was 252. Holders of 681 tickets ending with this number get $100 for each ticket.

Winning numbers for the 50 third prizes of $4,086 each are as follows

3563 11188 39507 50091 77379 104301 115593

12008? 120228 121039 121864 139660 142114 179658

218896 226822 241725 250075 250887 256736 273843

302393 317966 323576 329920 360650 393713 412297

415353 427437 430288 489855 496272 521752 549706

558340 570866 576100 586115 596189 603093 609194

610593 612360 616569 624253 637329 645794 659579

679577 -----------------------------0---------

TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

*******

Mr. Li Fook-wo and Mr. H.M.G. Forsgate have been appointed temporary members of the Legislative Council during the absence of Mr. Oswald Cheung and Mr. P.G. Williams.

The appointments for both Mr. Li and Mr. Forsgate started on July 12 and will continue till August 6 and August 23 respectively.

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/4........

Saturday, July 15, 1972

- 4 -

HONG KONG’S EMERGING ART STYLE ON DISPLAY ««*«***

One hundred and forty works by local artists are now on display at the City Museum and Art Gallery as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival celebrating the 10th anniversary of the City Hall.

The exhibition entitled ’’Contemporary Hong Kong Art”, consists of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, Chinese ink paintings and Chinese calligraphy. They have been selected from nearly one thousand works.

The exhibition represents a biennial survey of the Hong Kong art scene and will remain open until August 1J.

An interesting aspect is the interfusion of East-West culture reflected clearly in many of the works. Chinese paintings, forming the largest group in the exhibition, generally show contemporary expression.

Oil or acrylic paintings are often impregnated with Oriental poetry or philosophy while sculptures in bronze, wood, stone or bamboo tend to bring out solemn and primitive feelings of the ancient world.

Together they are said to mark the characteristics of an emerging ”Hong Kong Style".

A souvenir catalogue for the exhibition with 37 illustrations and a long introduction has been published by the City Museum and Art Gallery. It is on sale at the Museum at $2.

Saturday, July 15, 1972

- 5 -

WORKS BY YOUNG ARTISTS TO BE SHOW IN LONDON

********

Young artiste in Hong Kong are being given an opportunity to demonstrate their skills and have their works exhibited in London,

The Commonwealth Institute is organising a children’s art exhibition to be held at the end of this year. Apart from Hong Kong it will include entries from other Commonwealth countries.

The children must be aged between 7 and 10 and the work of art must be two-dimensional and unmounted, although there is no restriction in the use of the media of expression.

The theme is ’Children at Home’•

Certificates from the Commonwealth Institute will be awarded to those whose works are exhibited, *******

Note to Editors: Copies of the full particulars of the

competition are being distributed separately in the G.I.S. press boxes today.

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/6........

Saturday, July 15, 1972

- 6 -

RECLAMATION FOR SAI KUNG TOWN nt***** *

Spoil from the High Island Water Scheme may be used to form an additional reclamation scheme to the East of Sai Kung Police Station.

The final size of the proposed reclamation will depend on the amount of material available, but an area of about 23*8 acres has been earmarked for the purpose.

If the area is reclaimed, the land formed will probably be developed as an extension to the existing Sai Kung town.

A notice, published in the Government Gazette and posted near the siteffully describes the boundaries of the proposed reclamation.

The notice also gives two months for people objecting to the proposal to submit their claims to the Director of Public Works.

- - 0 - -

Saturday, July 15, 1972

WORK CAMP FOR YOUNG PEOPLE ««*«*«*«

A six-day youth camp, aimed at encouraging young people to join in social work activities, is being sponsored by the Social Welfare Department.

The camp, beginning on Monday (July 17)» will be held on Ma Wan, a small island off the west coast of the New Territories.

One of the projects to be undertaken by the campers will be the construction of the first ^00-foot portion of a pathway leading from Lau Fa Village to the Ma Wan Fong Yuen Public School.

Apart from encouraging young people to be active in the field of social work, the camp also seeks to instil in them an appreciation of country life and to foster mutual understanding between urban and rural youths.

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

/8........

Saturday, July 15, 1972

- 8 -

INTENSIVE COURSE FOR CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHERS

The English Language Teaching Centre will be holding its second Sumner Holiday Course for Teachers of English in Chinese Middle Schools ft*om July 17 - 29.

The course, consisting of 10 sessions, from 2.30 p.m. - 4.30 p.m., will be held at Kennedy Road Junior School on Hong Kong Island.

Eighty-two teachers from 26 schools will be participating. Lectures, followed by discussions, will be given on various aspects of teaching English as a second language, and there will be demonstrations of various teaching methods.

The Assistant Director of Education (Secondary), Mr. R.M. Cameron, will give the opening address.

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

WATER INTERRUPTION IN TSIM SHA TSUI

**««*«**

Water supply to a number of premises in the Tsim Sha Tsui area will be interrupted for six hours from 12 midnight on Monday (July 17) to 6 a.m. the following day.

The Waterworks Office will carry out work on mains connection during that period.

The premises affected are Nos. 1-63 (odd numbers) and 2—62 (even numbers) Kimberley Road, Nos. 13-17 Observatory Road, Nos. 1-16 Knutsford Terrace, Mount Elgin and the Royal Observatory.

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Release Time: 2.30 p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

fflfflg»


INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Monday, July 17, 1972

SHARP RISE IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEX »«*»«,«***

The General Consumer Price Index for the month of June rose by four points to 142.

The rise was brought about by a sharp increase in the index for food which jumped by seven points following the disastrous rainstorms in the middle of the month.

Increases of one point each were also recorded in the indexes for alcoholic drinks, durable goods and services. Movements in the indexes for other sections of commodity were insignificant.

Because of the adverse weather conditions there were considerable increases in the average retail price of fresh vegetables. Higher prices were also recorded for salt and fresh water fish, other fish, live poultry, and fresh fruit. On the other hand the retail price of beef fell.

The Modified Consumer Price Index also rose by four points to 146 at the end of June. This is 10 points higher than for the same month in 1971.

The General Consumer Price Index is based on the general price level operating between September 196 3 and August 1964. The index for that period is taken as 100.

Monday, July 17» 1972

- 2

INITIAL DISCUSSIONS ON HONG KONG’S STERLING RESERVES END

********

The present round of discussions with British officials on the future security of Hong Kong’s sterling reserves were concluded this morning*

A Government spokesman said today that the problems created by the British Government’s decision to float the pound had been examined in considerable detail and, as a result, both sides had a clear understanding of each other’s position.

A further round of discussions is expected to take place shortly.

One of the officials, Mr. Christopher Fogarty of the U.K. Treasury flew to Singapore today. Mr. R.H. Turner of the Bank of England will return to London tomorrow evening.

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

TEMPORARY /iPFCINTMENTS TO LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS

********

Mr. A.P. Richardson and Mr. C.J.G. Lowe have been appointed temporarily to the Legislative Council with effect from today (Monday) during the absence of Mr. D.R.W. Alexander and Mr. J. Canning.

The appointment of both members to the Council will continue until August 29 and September 1 respectively.

At the same time, Mr. Wilson T.S. Wang has been appointed provisionally an Unofficial Member of the Executive Council.

He will take over Sir Yuet-keung Kan’s place until August 7«

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3

AWARDS FOR PEOPLE INVOLVED IN "JUMBO" FIRE RESCUE OPERATIONS

«**«***«

Twenty-nine people will receive special commendations this week for their assistance in rescue operations during last October’s fire on the ’’Jumbo” floating restaurant in Aberdeen.

The Director of Marine, Mr. A. Fletcher, will present his

Certificates of Commendation in a ceremony on Thursday (July 20) at the

Marine Department Examination Centre.

Receiving the certificates will be 12 members of the public and

17 members of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force and the Fire Services Department•

The Commission of Inquiry into the ’’Jumbo” fire acknowledged the courage of all those who voluntarily went to the rescue of workers stranded on the burning Restaurant and to whom some of the survivors owe their lives

At the presentation ceremony, the Director of Marine will also mention other people involved in the rescue work whose names are not known.

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to attend the presentation ceremony which will start at 10 a.m. at the Marine Department Examination Centre, 10th floor, Rumsey Street Multi-storey Car Park, Hong Kong.

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A..........

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 4 -

MORE CHOLERA GERMS DISCOVERED

***««**«

During routine inspection of night soil in Government laboratories today, eight cholera-positive samples were discovered.

The Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. G.H. Choa, said the discovery did not mean that there was now a case of cholera in Hong Kong.

••The cholera germs may well have come from a carrier who can do no harm provided there is no contamination of water or food,” Dr. Choa said.

The samples of night soil containing the germs were collected on Saturday night from the Shau Kei Wan area. Three weeks ago, another cholera-positive sample was discovered in the same area. Routine inspection showed no further positive samples until early this morning.

Dr. Choa emphasised that discovery of cholera germs in night soil could well continue from time to time during the summer season.

"I would like to make clear that discovery of the germs in this way does not mean that a case of cholera has occurred, but does emphasise the need for taking precautions," he said.

Dr. Choa repeated his warning about the necessity for personal hygiene during the summer months, particularly the washing of hands after visits to the toilet, and the preservation of food and water from the likelihood of contamination.

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/5.........

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 5 -

SPECIAL GOVERNMENT LOTTERY TO MARK 1OTH ANNIVERSARY

*********

A special lottery to commemorate the 10th anniversary of Government lotteries is now on sale until September 22 and will be drawn the following day.

Announcing this at a press conference today* the Chairman of the Government Lotteries Management Committee, Mr. Alex S.C. Wu, said that the prizes for the lottery would be quite considerable.

Tickets at S2 each will be sold for over two months.

There will be seven prizes. The first prize will amount to 40 per cent of the total proceeds and the second prize 10 per cent. The other five prizes will each amount to 2 per cent.

Mr. Wu said the anniversary lottery was organised to further the purpose of holding Government lotteries, which provide funds for social welfare purposes, as well as to promote community spirit towards a worthwhile cause.

It will be drawn on the same day as the 55th Government lottery, at the City Hall Concert Hall.

”The special lottery is not intended to replace the usual issue of lotteries. It is only one more way to raise more money for the Lotteries Fund,*’ Mr. Wu said.

/Meanwhile ••••••

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 6 -

Meanwhile tickets for the 51st lottery, the fifth this year, are now on sale.

Winning numbers for this lottery will be drawn at 10 a.m. on Saturday (July 29) at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club race course at Happy Valley.

Well-known broadcasters from Radio Hong Kong — Miss Kimmy Got, Miss Stella Chan, Miss Katherina Tsang and Miss Monita Miu — will assist in publicity work and draw the winning numbers.

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

HONG KONG’S PRINTING INDUSTRY ON DISPLAY

An exhibition showing the various types of books produced by the local printing industry is now being held at the City Hall Library as part of the 10th anniversary celebration of the City Hall.

On display are some 350 titles in English and Chinese selected from over 6,000 books registered and deposited with the Urban Services Department over the past 10 years.

A Government spokesman said the growth of Hong Kong as a high quality book production centre during the past few years had been little short of spectacular.

’•The development of the publishing and printing industry is such that it is fast becoming a sector of some significance to the economy of Hong Kong,” he said.

The exhibition will close on Monday, July 31, 1972. On that day, Mr. A. de 0. Sales, member of the Cultural Affairs Select Committee of the Urban Council, will present prizes for the best produced books at a brief ceremony.

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/7.........

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 7 -

IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT TO OPEN ADDITIONAL OFFICES

The Immigration Department has plans to open another four branch offices in various parts of Hong Kong to provide proper facilities and to deal with problems and enquiries without delay.

This was disclosed by the Director of Immigration, Mr. W.E. Collard, at the opening ceremony today of the Mong Kok Branch Office in Fa Yuen Street.

The new offices will be located in Shau Kei Wan and Western district on Hong Kong Island, at Kwun Tong in Kowloon and at Yuen Long in the New Territories.

The Department is also looking for larger premises to replace its office in Sham Shui Po which closed last Saturday.

Mr. Collard said the new Mong Kok office would be able to deal with all normal types of immigration work for the residents of north-west Kowloon.

The Chairman of the Mongkok Kaifong Association, Mr. Cho Shiu Chung, performed the opening ceremony.

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/8.........

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 8 -DESIRABILITY OF VOCATIONAL TRAINING AS A FORM OF EDUCATION

**«**«,**

The Deputy Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas C.Y. Lee, today urged industrialists and community leaders to help spread the notion among youth that education in vocational training should be regarded as desirable.

He was speaking at a graduation ceremony of the Practical Training Centre of the Churches.

Mr. Lee said trainees should appreciate the value of their work, and it was wrong to dismiss ’’blue collar” careers as affording little prospect for the future.

He recalled the words of the Governor at the opening of the recent Vocational Training Exhibition that practical training, as a form of education, was ”highly desirable in itself, and not a second best.”

The Deputy Director praised the Centre for offering courses in automobile maintenance, electrical trades, refrigeration and air-conditioning, in addition to lessons in Chinese, English, mathematics, Biblical knowledge, physical training and general knowledge.

In his view, graduates should be proud of the Centre’s success in placing trained students in appropriate jobs — 100 per cent in the motorcar industry, 100 per cent in refrigeration and air-conditioning, and 93 per cent in the electrical trades.

Mr. Lee asked graduates to take with them into their careers the precepts taught at the Centre, and to contribute positively to the community of which they formed a part.

*

Note to Editors: Copies of the full Chinese text of Mr. Lee’s speech are distributed separately in the Press boxes, Government Information Services, later this evening. “---------------------------------0 -------- /9.....................

Monday, July 17, 1972

- 9 -

COURSES ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY

*******

The number of industrial accidents can only be reduced by the communication of industrial safety knowledge.

This was said by Mr. A.H. Carter, the Industrial Safety Training Officer of the Labour Department, during the presentation of certificates to 32 foremen and supervisors at the conclusion of the first of a series of 14 courses on basic and advanced industrial safety.

He said that all industrial accidents, whether they caused injury or not, were costly due to damages to machinery, equipment, finished and semi-finished products, raw materials, and disruption or stoppage of production.

"It is hoped that you will pass on the benefit of this knowledge to your fellow workers on the one hand and to the management on the other," he said

Mr. Carter commended the employers, who had sent their staff to attend the course, for their awareness of the need for industrial safety training and their interest in promoting safe working practices and accident prevention techniques.

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/10........

Monday, July 17» 1972

- 10 -

20,000 TO ATTEND WONG TAI SIN SHOWS

*««*»««*

More than 20,000 school children in the Wong Tai Sin area will attend two variety shows in the Morse Park open-air theatre on July 20 and 21 as part of the Social Welfare Department’s summer recreational programme.

The shows, called respectively ’’Children’s Night,” and ”Youths Night,” have been organised by the Cultural and Recreational Committee of the Wong Tai Sin Community Centre.

The auditorium of the theatre seats 10,000, and applications make plain that every seat will be taken up.

The programme on both evenings will last two and a half hours, beginning at 8 o’clock, and will comprise ten items — including folk songs, instrumental music, drama, Chinese boxing, folk dancing and a lion dance.

Mr. Li Yiu-bor, Committee President, will attend on ’’Children’s Night,” deliver a short address, and present souvenirs to performers. Mr. Kwok Ka-chi, Principal Social Welfare Officer, Group and Community Work Division, will officiate on the other night.

Since it was set up in 1968, the Committee — consisting of representatives from more than 80 primary and secondary schools in the area — has been actively engaged in promoting cultural and recreational occasions for young people in Wong Tai Sin.

Note to Editors: You are invited to have the two shows covered.

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Release time:, 6.^0 p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

NEED FOR MORE SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS

*********

The Education Department is seeking further support and help from voluntary and religious bodies to implement its target of providing secondary technical education for four per cent of those in the 12 - 16 age group by 1976.

Disclosing this today, a spokesman for the department said: "We are trying to encourage these organisations to establish as many schools as possible, to be aided by the Government."

He pointed out that government and aided projects approved so far could provide such schooling for only 2.7 per cent of the estimated 541,200 children in the age group by the target date.

Many sponsoring bodies hesitated to take on the operation of these schools because of financial implications and lack of expertise in this field.

There are now 1J secondary technical schools in Hong Kong — eight run by the Government and the others subsidised or assisted by the Government, with a total enrolment of about 9,000.

A new school, the North Kwai Chung Government Secondary Technical School, will be opened in September for another 920 students.

/The...........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 2 -

The spokesman disclosed that there were four other government schools now included in the current public works building programme, while five subsidised schools were in the planning stage or under consideration.

In addition, the Shau Kei Wan Government Secondary Technical School will soon be expanded to provide additional facilities. This will bring the school up to the standards normally applied to secondary technical schools in the public sector, and it will also be able to provide courses at Form 6 level.

While appealing to voluntary and religious organisations to build more schools, the spokesman stressed the importance of secondary technical education, and the role that this type of school plays in the preparation of students for life in modern Hong Kong.

One advantage is that they combine a sound general education with the opportunity to engage in work and activities of a more practical nature.

The students are selected through the Secondary School Entrance Examination and the schools offer a five-year secondary education up to Certificate of Education level.

In addition to most of the general subjects found in grammar schools, they provide technical subjects like metal work, wood work, practical electricity, technical drawing for boys, and domestic and commercial subjects for girls.

/The.......

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 3 -

The spokesman said: "The teaching of technical subjects in these schools is not vocationally biased but, nevertheless, results in the acquisition of quite acceptable basic skills which can be utilised by means of further training, such as technician apprenticeship, to produce very useful technicians or technologists”.

He emphasised that such schools were never intended to prepare their students for direct employment in a productive capacity in industry

However, he pointed out that of 1J8 secondary school leavers recruited into the first properly organised technician apprenticeships in various industries, 110 were from secondary technical schools.

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A.....

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

INCREASED WATER CHARGES FOR TRADE USE NOW IN FORCE

*********

The Water Authority today reminded the public that as from April 1 this year, the rate for fresh water used for trade purposes has been increased from S3 to 84 per 1,000 gallons.

The new rate of charge, announced by the Financial Secretary in March last year, will be included in all bills issued in respect of meter readings taken after July 1 this year.

This is to ensure that no water consumed by the trade users before April 1 will be charged under the new rate.

A spokesman for the Authority pointed out that there are about 34,000 communal meters in service, the majority of which serve buildings covering both domestic and trade users.

Water supplied through these meters will continue to be charged at the domestic rate of S3 per unit of 1,000 gallons for the time being and, in addition, the standard free allowance will be given in respect of each wholly domestic premises served by the meter concerned.

’’However”, the spokesman added, ’It may be necessary to review the method of charging for trade supply meters, and consumers in these premises are strongly advised to make arrangements for the installation of separate meters for their own use without delay.”

He said the Water Authority had prepared a leaflet in English and Chinese explaining the procedure on how to apply for separate water meters. Copies of this publication, as well as application forms for the installation of separate water meters are obtainable at all Cisty District Offices.

/Applicants

Tuesday, July 18, 2972

- 5 -

Applicants are required to appoint licenced plumbers to install the meters. A list of all licenced plumbers and their addresses is also available at all City District Offices.

Enquiries can be made at the Waterworks Office in Murray Building, Garden Road, Hong Kong, and the Waterworks Depot in Argyle Streetj Kowloon.

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/6.........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 6 -

HONG KONG CHILDREN AWARDED PRIZES IN INTERNATIONAL ART EXHIBITION

«*«*«***

Four Hong Kong children have won first class prizes in an international painting contest held in the city of Hyvinkaa in Finland*

Nine other awards were presented to outstanding paintings from out of the 50 entries submitted by Hong Kong.

The contest was open to children under 14 and the theme was •My Home Area1: people at work, at home, in the fields, in factories, fishing etc.

Prize-winning paintings were displayed in an exhibition which was opened by the Vice Secretary General of the United Nations, Mrs. Helvi Sipila.

The exhibition was given wide publicity by Finnish television and radio and will be taken round the country in the near future.

The four first prize winners are:

Wong Kam-shan (girl, aged 14) Jockey Club Government Secondary Technical School.

Katty Tung (girl, aged 14) St. Paul’s School (Lam Tin)

Cheung Chi-sung (boy, aged 9) Kei Chun School

Yip Mui-sing (boy, aged 7) Building Contractors’ Association School Announcing the results of the contest today, a spokesman for the

Art and Craft Section of the Education Department said it was not the first time local children had won international renown through their extremely high standard of art work.

Note to Editors: A list of all the Hong Kong prize winners is distributed separately in the G.I.S. press boxes tonight.

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

/7.........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 7 -

,rPOOR HOUSEKEEPING” RESPONSIBLE FOR FACTORY FIRES

The majority of factory fires in Hong Kong are said to be caused through "poor housekeeping”.

The Chief Fire Officer, Kowloon Command, Mr. R.H. Holmes, speaking at the first of a series of one-day courses on Fire Prevention, described 15 forms of poor housekeeping. These included the lack of a floor sweeper or cleaner, unsafe stacking of raw materials and finished goods, allowing employees to smoke in prohibited areas, the removal of self-closing doors, locked exit doors and the obstruction of installed fire fighting equipment.

Mr. Holmes said that in many instances when a fire broke out everyone would be leaving it to the others to call for assistance from the Fire Services.

He urged managements to encourage their employees to know the various routes of escape from the factory buildings, and advised people never to use a lift in a building which is affected by fire.

The special one-day fire prevention courses are being organised by the Labour Department in conjunction with the Fire Services Department and are being held at the Industrial Safety Training Centre, Labour Department Kowloon Regional Office, 393 Canton Road.

-------0 •-------

/8..........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 8 -

BIG LAND RESUMPTION FOR ROAD PROJECT

*********

Nearly a quarter of a million square feet of land will be resumed in Yuen Long for widening Tai Tong Road leading to the developing township,

One-hundred-and-two people affected by the resumption will be paid a cash allowance and offered domestic resettlement in Yuen Long or, if possible, in an estate of their own choice elsewhere.

Those engaged in farming will be compensated for their crops and allowed to re-establish themselves on alternative farm land in nearby areas, "The houses and sheds affected are all temporary domestic and shop structures and no permanent structures are involved," a New Territories Administration spokesman said today.

He added that negotiation for the land resumption is going ahead smoothly and the land will revert to the Crown in three months1 time.

The V/z mile feeder road, which connects Yuen Long and Tai Tong, has become inadequate because of the increasing volume of traffic between the two places.

The carriageway will be widened from 10 to 20 feet at the end of this year and a number of passing bays will also be provided.

The wider road is expected to ease the present congestion and facilitate future development in the area.

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Z9.........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 9 -

WATER INTERRUPTION IN POKFULAM

t

Water supplies to a part of Pokfulam will be interrupted for eight hours beginning from 10 p.m. on Thursday, July 20.

This temporary stoppage of water will enable the Waterworks Office to connect a fresh water main near the junction of Pokfulam and Sassoon Roads.

The area affected includes all aquatters in Telegraph Bay

Villages, all premises in Sassoon Road, including Northcote Close and those in Pokfulam Road between Sassoon Road and Pokfulam Reservoir Road, including the Nurses’ and Doctors' Quarters in Queen Mary Hospital•

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

TWO MORE N.T. DISTRICTS JOIN SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME

Two free open-air variety shows will nark the official inauguration of the summer youth programme in Tai Po and Sheung Shui.

They are jointly organised by the Urban Services Department, the Social Welfare Department, the local Rural Committees and the District A

Youth and Recreation Co-ordinating Committee.

The shows will be held at the Tai Po Sports Ground on July 20

and at Shek Wu Hui Play ground in Sheung Shui on July 24.

Beginning at 7«3O p.m. and lasting for three hours, the shows will include a lion dance, folk dances, acrobatic display, mimicry and a lucky draw.

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Ao........

Tuesday, July 18, 1972

- 10 -

MEDICAL AND HEALTH STATISTICS

,„***,*

Statistics released today by the Medical and Health Department for the week ending on July 1, 1972 are as follows

* Notifications of infectious cases (previous week’s figures in brackets) — total 157 (117); amoebiasis — 2. (2); bacillary dysentery — 9 (12); chickenpox — 3 (1); diphtheria — nil (1); enteric fever (typhoid) — 14 (12); enteric fever (paratyphoid) — 1 (4); leprosy — 6 (2); measles — 6 (4); scarlet fever — nil (1); tuberculosis — 116 (78).

* Births — total registered 1239; 333 on Hongkong Island, 745 in Kowloon and 161 in the New Territories.

* Deaths — 365 from all causes; 118 on the Island, 227 in Kowloon and 20 in the New Territories.

* Four dumped bodies were found — two from each side of the harbour.

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Release Time: 6.30 p.m

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED)

4000091


INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

MORE CONTROL OVER MINI BUSES?

*******

The Transport Advisory Committee is considering adopting measures to check any undue profiteering by operators of public light buses.

The Financial Secretary, the Hon* C.P. Haddon-Cave, told the Legislative Council this afternoon that the Committee had before it a proposal that calls for public light bus operators to register their normal routes with the Transport Department, together with the* maximum fares they wish to charge over these routes at peak and non-peak periods. The proposal also stipulates that the operators must adhere to these routes and fares which should be displayed outside and inside their vehicles.

Mr. Haddon-Cave, who was replying to a question by the Hon. Wilfred Wong, said that the Transport Advisory Committee had not yet reached any firm conclusions, but any recommendations would be carefully considered by the Government.

He said that when the public light buses were regularised in late 1969» the relative freedom accorded them was basically a recognition of the intention that they should be a flexible form of public transport.

However, in the course of time they had tended to operate over well-defined routes, and while more or less standard fares were charged at norma] times, some operators put up their fares, sometimes by a significant margin, at weekends, on holidays and on certain other occasions.

/The Financial .......

Wednesday, July 1% 1972

- 2 -

The Financial Secretary said there had also been instances of operators dropping their passengers short of the destination declared on the notice board. Inevitably such practices had caused confusion and resentment among the travelling public.

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

NEGOTIATIONS ON TEACHERS SALARY SCALE REACH DELICATE STAGE

********

The Government is making every effort to implement the new salary scale for teachers by the beginning of the new academic year in September.

The Acting Colonial Secretary, the Hon. M.D.A. Clinton, said, however, that the Government was not the only party involved, and much depended on the progress of the long drawn out and complicated consultations now going on almost daily with the Staff Side of the Senior Civil Service Council.

Mr. Clinton, who was replying to a question by the Hon. Mrs. Joyce Symons, said that as the negotiations had reached a rather delicate stage he did not wish to say any more.

He also disclosed that the draft Code of Aid for schools was now in an advanced stage and hopefully agreement on the outstanding points could be reached with the Grant and Subsidised Schools Councils for the new unified code to be introduced in April 1973•

However, Mr. Clinton pointed out that there were still a ’’few formidable hurdles” to be surmounted ’’namely the Board of Education, the Executive Council and the Finance Committee of this Council.”

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/3.........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 3 -

PROPOSED EXPORT LICENSING SYSTEM FOR CERTAIN PRODUCTS

*******

The Health and Safety Committee of the Trade and Industry Advisory Board has recommended in its final report that guidelines be drawn up and widely disseminated to manufacturers to avoid the export of manifestly dangerous and unhygienic products.

The Committee has also recommended the introduction of an export licensing system for foodstuffs, toys and electrical products using mains power, supplemented by a system of spot-checks on product samples by industrial inspectors.

This was stated today by the Director of Commerce and Industry, the

Hon. J. Cater, in reply to Dr. the Hon. S.Y. Chung*

Dr. Chung had asked whether the Government was in a position to publish, and to state its view on, the findings and recommendations of the Committee.

Mr. Cater said the proposed export licensing system would allow him a degree of control, which he did not have at present, over exports of the three categories of products.

However, he said, the proposed spot-check system could be expensive to operate on a scale necessary to achieve effective results.

After in-depth consideration, he had concluded that the extent of the problem was not yet sufficiently serious to warrant the considerable interference with trade and the substantial expenditure of public funds that a spot-check’ system would entail, he said.

”My proposals were considered and endorsed by the Trade and Industry Advisory Board at its meeting of June 12 and they are now being considered further within the Government.

"Once a final decision has been made, I would hope that the report of the Committee will be published," he said.

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Wednesday, July 19, 1972

CENSORS TAKE STERNER VIEW OF VIOLENCE IN FILMS

********

The Panel of Film Censors has generally been taking a sterner view in

recent weeks of violence in films submitted for censorship and it will continue to do so.

This was stated today by the Secretary for Home Affairs, the Hon.

D.C.C. Luddington, in the Legislative Council in reply to the Hon. T.K. Ann.

Mr. Ann had asked: ’’Will Government take steps to moderate or curtail, . if necessary by stricter censorhsip, the gory scenes of violence appearing in many Chinese language films which are shown locally and seen by young persons of an impressionable age?” , . . ■ •

Mr. Luddington said he had discussed with the Chief Censor and the

Secretary to the Panel about the need to warn film producers that the quantity and quality of violence portrayed was regarded as excessive and that he would pursue the matter.

He said the Government was aware of a strong body of opinion that many

local films portrayed too much violence and included unnecessarily detailed scenes of wounds and suffering.

”In addition, the Panel of Film Censors and the Board of Review, of

which I am Chairman, are aware that portrayal of sadistic or detailed and prolonged scenes of violence could have an unhealthy influence oh young and impressionable minds.”

However, he said, the setting of the films concerned would continue to

influence the Panel’s decisions as it was generally agreed that ’’fantastic f ilms about by-gone days” were less likely to be harmful than films set in modern times with more realistic, and all too often, sadistic portrayal of violence.

0 -

/5

Wednesday, July 19* 1972

- 5 -

TOUGHER MEASURES FOR CLEANING HONG KONG

*««*«**

The Hon. H.M.G. Forsgate said today it was now time for all Hong Kong people to give serious consideration to their environment, and described the exercise of self-control in disposing litter as an ’’important first step”. He was speaking in support of the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1972 at a resumed debate on its second reading in the Legislative Council.

He said he viewed this legislation as a vital part of the ’’Keep

Hong Kong Clean” Campaign which was itself a first step towards the control of pollution and improvement in the quality of Ilves’ill Hong Kong.

’’The carrots of education, improved Urban Services disposal facilities, publicity, etc., will be useless without the stick of enforcement, which we all sincerely hope this enabling Bill, with its subsequent Bye-Laws and Regulations, will provide^.”, he said.

Also speaking in support of the Bill, the Hon. Wilson T.S. Wang said it could not be denied that Hong Kong’s ’’filthy” condition had reached ’’disgraceful proportions” and that tougher measures were obviously needed to keep the city clean.

’’For indeed Hong Kong must be cleaned up and kept clean - at all costs,” he added.

Mr. Wang pointed out that schools could play a very important part, not only in terms of education but also as a spearhead of community involvement.

/•’Let

Wednesday, July 19i 1972

- 6 -

"Let us hope that grown-ups and children from now on will join forces in an all-out effort to clean up Hong Kong and keep it clean all the time."

Earlier, the Hon. Wilfred Wong cited incidents in which rubbish were disposed of indiscriminately and said he preferred to see stronger legislation against littering.

He said he fully supported the Bill as a member of the "Keep Hong Kong Clean" Campaign committee and chairman of the Finance and Budget sub-committee.

"We are spending a large sum of money on this campaign and we must not failt" he said.

/7.........

Wednesday, July 19, *>972

- 7 -

PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME EXCEEDS TARGET

*««*«*»*

The total number of active cases in the Social Welfare Department’s Public Assistance Scheme reached 15,265 at the end of June — exceeding for the first time the target of 15,000 originally set when the scheme was revised last year.

New applications received during the month numbered 889, including 88 from voluntary agencies. A total of 151 cases were reactivated in June, and at the same time, 618 cases were closed.

Cash payments during the month totalled 82.5 million, bringing to 818.5 million the amount spent so far since the expanded scheme was implemented on April 1, 1971.

Commenting on these figures, Mr. Chou Ting-hsun, Acting Assistant Director (General) of Social Welfare, said today: "They make clear that the scheme has begun to be widely known, and that people who were meant to benefit are coming forward."

On the basis of an average family of five members, 15,265 cases means that 76,525 residents are presently covered by the scheme.

But Mr. Chou said if one took into account the individuals who had been helped to stand on their own feet again and who were accordingly no longer beneficiaries, the grand total would be about 90,000.

To cope with these numbers, 14 field units have been set up, and the 15th, to serve the Shau Kei Wan and Chai Wan areas, will open on August 1, 1972.

Wednesday, July 199 1972

- 8 -

GOVERNMENT URGED TO IMPLEMENT BILL WITHOUT DELAY

*«»***«*

The amending bill empowering the Commissioner for Transport to auction selected vehicle registration numbers will be welcomed by many private car owners who fancy good and prestigious numbers.

Speaking during the resumed debate on the Road Traffic (Amendment)

Bill 1972 in the Legislative Council, the Hon. Szeto Wai explained that such numbers are usually acquired as "status symbols" for expensive or prestigious cars.

He pointed out that while there is open trading of good car registration numbers, it is "ostrich-like not to recognise the possibility or the existence of irregular practice."

Mr. Sseto agreed with the Financial Secretary that by bringing the sale of these coveted numbers within the ambit of the law, the Transport Department will be rid of "a continuing source of embarassment."

At the same time, by turning over the proceeds of the auction to charitable purposes, the present bill will have "the double merit of public acceptability and of jacking up the auction price," Mr. Szeto said.

He urged the Government to implement the provisions of the bill without further delay and pointed out that it was first considered by the Transport Advisory Committee more than 2# years ago.

The delay has already robbed charity of "a very substantial sum" of money in the course of the two and a half years, he said.

/Speaking ........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 9 -

Speaking in support of the bill, Dr. the Hon. C.Y, Chung pointed out that it was misleading to suggest that a small batch of ••good” numbers are at present reserved for members of the Legislative and Executive Councils.

He pointed out that this may have been true in the early years, but the practice no longer exists, and he emphasised that no such special privileges should be granted to members of the two Councils, members of the Government or other bodies.

To dispel the popular misconception that members of Umelco are exempted from the Road Traffic Ordinance Dr. Chung said: ’’There are instances in which honourable Members were fined not only for driving in excess of speed limit but also for minor parking offences.”

In reply, the Financial Secretary, gave an assurance that charity had not been ’’robbed” of a substantial sum by a delay in the introduction of legislation. ”In fact”, he said, ’’since November 19^9, pending the introduction of the legislation, the Commissioner for Transport has issued no further registration numbers which would qualify for inclusion in the list of ’good* numbers.”

Mr. Haddon-Cave said that there were now over 3,000 ’good’ numbers in reserve and these would be auctioned in suitable batches at carefully predetermined intervals.

He also said that his statement about a small batch of numbers being reserved for members of the Legislative and Executive Councils had been made in the context of a description of the established practice in the Transport Department in allocating registration numbers. Certain numbers had in fact been set aside and allocated in the past to members of the two councils, although the practice had now ceased, -----------------------------------0 - • - • /10....................................................................

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 10 -

MORE TYPHOON ANCHORAGES TO BE PROVIDED

********

The- area of typhoon anchorages will be increased from the present 866 acres to 9^0 acres by 1975• But some temporary shelters will be lost by reclamation projects.

This was disclosed by the Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, in today’s Legislative Council meeting in reply to a question by the Hon. James Wu.

He said a full review of requirements was carried out by the Director of Marine, and it showed a shortage of 114 acres of sheltered space specifically designed for use as typhoon shelters.

At present the shortage was largely offset by areas of sheltered water, such as the area between the airport runway and the Kowloon Bay reclamation

However, the Government is taking steps to improve the overall situation. A new 100-acre typhoon shelter is being constructed at Kwun Tong, and a 120 acre shelter and cargo handling basin at Castle Peak is expected to be upgraded to category A on the Public Works Programme.

The depth of water in certain parts of the shelters at Aberdeen will soon be reduced to provide better holding ground for the anchors of fishing craft. There are also plans for a large typhoon shelter in the south-western approaches to the harbour and a small one in the Sai Kung area, but the timing is still indefinite.

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

Wednesday, July 191 1972

- 11 -

NEW WHOLESALE MARKET FOR CHEUNG SHA WAN

*******

The Financial Secretary, the Hon. C.P. Haddon-Cave, said today plans had been drawn up for a new wholesale market in Cheung Sha Wan for imported vegetables, fruit and poultry, together with the necessary wharf space.

He said the Public Works Sub-Committee would be asked to recommend next month a Category B item in the Public Works Programme.

If the Sub-Committee agrees to do this and the Finance Committee accepts the recommendation, he said, the new market would be constructed and in operation by mid-1976.

Mr. Haddon-Cave was speaking in the Legislative Council in reply to a question by the Hon. Wilfred Wong.

The Financial Secretary said there were no facilities for landing imported vegetables in Kowloon, and the trade was centred on Kennedy Town and based on long-standing traditional practices.

’’The Government has for some time been aware of the inadequacy of facilities in Kowloon for dealing with imported vegetables.”

He said detailed investigations had been made by a special unit into the wholesale marketing of primary products, as a result of which plans had been drawn up for the new wholesale market in Cheung Sha Wan.

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/12

r

Wednesday, July 19» 1972

- 12 -

NO SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE SITE FOR ROYAL OBSERVATORY

*******

The Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said today that no suitable alternative site has been found for the Royal Observatory because of its specialised operation and communication requirements.

Mr. Robson was replying to a question by the Hon. H.J.C. Browne in today’s Legislative Council.

Mr. Browne had asked if the Government had plans to move the Royal Observatory out of the urban area and thereby release valuable land in Tsim Sha Tsui.

"Aside from the large cost of rebuilding and installing specialised equipment, the continuity of some 80 years’ geophysical records of both local and international value would be lost," Mr. Robson added.

He said if it were possible for the Observatory to move out, the present site, which was zoned on the statutory plan for Government institution and community purposes, would be used for open space.

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/13........

Wednesday, July 1% 1972

- 13 -

NO SERIOUS RISK OF LANDSLIDE OR FLOODING IN RESITE AREA

********

A squatter resite area in Hong Ning Road, Kwun Tong, can still be used provided one unoccupied section is left vacant and drainage channels are improved.

This decision follows inspections by an experienced engineer of the Public Works Department who had, since the June reainstorms, also examined many other licensed areas, squatter areas and cottage areas.

’’There appears to be no serious risk of landslide or flooding in this area,” the Commissioner for Resettlement, the Hon. I.M. Lightbody, said in reply to a question by the Hon. R. Lobo in the Legislative Council this afternoon.

,rBut as an added precaution the engineer who conducted these inspections has recommended that further detailed investigations of this and other sites should be made to determine their stability more exactly,” Mr. Lightbody added.

Following the inspections by the engineer, many areas or parts of areas have been scheduled for clearance.

More than 24,000 people are to be removed. The great majority of them will be eligible for public housing, and the rest will be eligible for re-siting.

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/14........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 14 -

NEW LAW FOR CLEARING CROWN LAND

*»*«*«»«

The Director of Public Works, the Hon. J.J. Robson, said today many of the articles illegally stored on Crown land could block drains with serious consequences in the event of heavy rains.

He pointed out that illegal storage on Crown land was prevalent today and that it was very necessary to introduce law to prevent such continued practice.

Mr. Robson was speaking in the Legislative Council on the Crown

Land Bill 1972 which provides for a simple procedure for the clearance

I

of unlawfully occupied or used Crown land.

This provision, he said, empowers the District Commissioner, New Territories, the General Manager of the Railway or himself to serve a notice requiring the unlawful occupation to cease within a specified period.

"If the trespasser does not comply with this notice within the period laid down, he may be removed from the land and the Crown may take possession of anything remaining on it which then becomes government property to be disposed of as thought fit."

In event of any one failing to comply with any notice requiring him to cease unlawful occupation, he will be committing an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of $10,000 and to six months’ imprisonment, he added.

Under the new Bill, Mr. Robson said, mere unlawful occupation of Crown land shall cease to be a criminal offence.

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/15........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 15 -

BETTER CONTROL OVER CEMETERIES

**»«****«

Experience has shown a need to amend certain existing regulations in order to improve the administration of private cemeteries in the New Territories and to make the management of private and public cemeteries more uniform.

This was stated today by the Acting Director of Urban Services, the Hon. A.P. Richardson, in the Legislative Council while moving the second reading of the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No.j) Bill 1972.

The Bill, he said, seeks to amend the principal ordinance to enlarge the regulation-making powers of the authority relating to private cemeteries.

,rIt will enable the authority to make regulations prescribing, or providing for, the depth and size of graves and vaults, burial fees and other matters which it may consider necessary for the proper regulation and control of both private and public cemeteries in the public interest• ”

He said another amendment enables the authority to charge for permission granted under the principal ordinance to exhume human remains from any cemetery or from places outside authorised cemeteries.

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/16.........

Wednesday, July 191 1972

- 16 -

THREE BILLS PASSED INTO LAW

********

Three bills passed their committee stage and third readings in Legislative Council this afternoon and became law.

They were the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 1972; the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1972, and the Nurses Registration (Amendment) Bill 1972.

The Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 3) Bill 1972 had its first and second readings, and three other bills had their second readings.

They were the Crimes (Amendment) Bill 1972; the Road Traffic (Amendment) Bill 1972, and the Public Health and Urban Services (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 1972.

The Crown Land Bill 1972 had its first reading and debate on the second reading was adjourned.

************

Note to Editors: The proceedings in today1s Legislative

Council have been recorded. You are welcome to consult the tapes at the Press Room, G.I.S.

- - 0 - -

/17

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 17

COLONIAL SECRETARY TO VISIT ESTATES

The Acting Colonial Secretary, Mr. M.D.A. Clinton, will pay a visit to three Kowloon resettlement estates tomorrow (Thursday).

He will be accompanied by the Commissioner for Resettlement, Mr. I.M. Lightbody, and the Assistant Commissioner, Mr. Henry Ching.

Mr. Clinton will fly by helicopter to Yau Tong Estate to begin his visit. From there, he will tour, on foot and by car, the Lam Tin Estate and the Ngau Tau Kok Estate.

Note to Editors: The Acting Colonial Secretary will take

off from the Harcourt Road helipad at 2.40 p.m. arriving at the Lady Margaret Trench Centre at 2.45 p.m. From there, he will travel by car to Yau Tong Estate.

A van will be available to take members of the Press and broadcasting stations who wish to cover the visit. It will leave the Resettlement Department headquarters at 10, Middle Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, at 1.45 p.m. The visit is expected to end at about 5*50 p«nu

The Resettlement Department's public relations officer, Mr. J. Khan, will be there to assist the Press.

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/18.........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 18 -

IMPROVING RELATIONS THROUGH TEA

********

The art of tea drinking.will be put to the test at a somewhat unusual competition for young people in the Kowloon Tsai and Shek Kip Mei districts.

. It’s competition to promote good-manners in tea drinking and has been sponsored by the Social Welfare Department. But the organisation has really been the work of a group of service-conscious youths from the two areas.

Apart from the promotion.of good tea-drinking manners, the unusual project also aims at encouraging young people to become actively engaged in community service. It is hoped that through these activities, young people can establish good relations with other community mined youngsters in their neighbourhood.

One-hundred-and-twenty children whose ages range from seven to 13 will take part in the competition to be held at the Tai Hang Tung Community Centre on Saturday (July 22).

• • •<••••.

Note to Editors: You are invited to send' a reporter and/or a photographer to cover the event. It begins at 3 p*m.

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/19.........

Wednesday, July 19, 1972

- 19 -

NEW LIBRARY OPENS

********

The second Urban Council Public Library in a housing estate will be officially opened tomorrow (Thursday) afternoon.

The library, with a floor space of some 11,000 square feet and an initial stock of 13,000 books in English and Chinese, is on the first floor of Tsuen Shek House, Ping Shek Estate in Kowloon.

Among other things the library has a quick reference section and a students reading room accommodating 144 people.

A member of the Urban Council's Cultural Affairs Select Committee, Mrs. Elsie Elliott, will officiate at tomorrow's opening ceremony.

The library itself will open to the public from Friday. The times of operation will be 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays,Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays; 9 a.m. to 5 P*m. on Saturdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sundays and public holidays.

Note to Editors: You are invited to cover the opening ceremony which begins at 3*30 p.m.

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/20

Wednesday, July 19* 1972

S

- 20 -

ROAD DEVELOPMENT AT JARDINE’S LOOKOUT

*«*»«**#

Two new roads will be built in Jardine’s Lookout adjoining new building development sites situated at the end of Moorsom Road and at the junction of Mount Butler Road and Mount Butler Drive.

The road will have a combined length of 1,100 feet with widths varying from 50 feet to 42 feet. The carriageway will be constructed with flexible bituminous material and the footpaths, surfaced in concrete.

Sewers and stormwater drains will also be laid in conjunction with the roadworks.

Work on the project will begin soon and should take about six months to complete.

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

WATER INTERRUPTION IN HUNG HOM

********

Water supply to certain premises in Hung Hom, Kowloon will be interrupted for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on Friday, July 21.

The temporary water stoppage, .is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out a leakage test. ___—-----------

The area to be affected is bounded by Lok Shan Road, Kowloon City RoadjHau Pui Loong Road, Ma Tau Wei Road, Pak Kung Street and Chatham Road.

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Release Time: 8.00 p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 4000091

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Thursday, July 20, 1972

MID-YEAR POPULATION STATISTICS

********

The estimated population of Hong Kong at the end of June was 4,077,400 — an increase of only 13,000 over the 1971 end of year est/i mater

The Census and Statistics Department said today that the smal 1 er increase was due mainly to the number of people leaving Hong Kong during the first half of the year.

The spokesman said migration statistics showed a negative balance of 14,649 on the inward and outward movements in the past six months.

The total number of births —— 35,988 —— was also the second lowest for any half-year period since 1954. And, the spokesman says, it is evident that births will continue to remain at the present low level, both in numbers and as a rate per thousand of the population in the near future.

The number of deaths was 12,175 which appears to be high for a six-month period. In the previous half-yearly intervals the number of deaths has been in the vicinity of 10,000.

- - 0 - -

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 2 -

MARINE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SECTION TO BE FORMED

***#*»*«

A Working Party comprising representatives of the shipping

industry and Government departments is now drawing up a Code of Safe •

Working Practices concerning shipbuilding and ship-repairing activities#

The Code will comprise several sections, but it is intended to produce first those sections dealing with precautions relevant to fire and explosion prevention, and to distribute these amongst the industrial sector at an early stage.

When completed, the Code will form the basis of new legislation, which is already being given consideration.

A Marine Department spokesman said to ensure efficient control being exercised for operations associated with the repair, renovation and refitting of ships in Hong Kong waters, a new Industrial Safety Division within the Department would need to be formed.

The Marine Court of Inquiry into the ’’Seawise University” fire has recommended, inter alia, that the Director of Marine be given overall control for such operations, and this recommendation has already been accepted in principle by the Governor in Council.

The Court has also proposed that before the introduction of new legislation, no repairs of any kind should be carried out aboard a ’’dead ship” without permission from the Director of Marine.

/The.......

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 3 -

The spokesman said such a suggestion had merit so far as the provision could be achieved by a simple amendment to the relevant regulations, but to be effective, sufficient staff would be needed to ensure control being exercised.

Considering both the immediate and the longer term situations envisaged by the Court Report, he said implementation of the recommendations would depend on the introduction of the appropriate legislation and the recruitment of sufficient inspecting staff to undertake the additional responsibilities of ensuring adequate safe working conditions aboard vessels under construction or repair.

"These matters are being given a high degree of priority in order that the recommendations of the Marine Court of Inquiry will be implemented as soon as possible,” the spokesman said.

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A....

Thursday, July 20, 1972

350,000 PAID IN SETTLEMENT OF DISPUTE

*,**»**«

A total of more than 350,000 is being paid to a group of workers retrenched by an engineering company on Ap Lei Chau.

More than 325,000 has been given to the workers and a similar amount will be paid at a later date already agreed to by the parties concerned.

The dispute arose over the retrenchment of 136 workers of the Eiling Engineering Company Limited and was amicably settled with the help of the Labour Department.

Officers of the Labour Relations Service paid two visits to the company and conducted five joint meetings for the two parties.

Agreement was reached at a joint meeting on Tuesday (July 18).

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

RAINSTORM CLOSED ROAD REOPENS

********

A section of Barker Road in the peak district, which was closed to traffic following the rainstorms in mid-June, has been reopened to traffic.

The road had been blocked between house No. 27 and No. 31 wnile repairs were carried out.

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/5........

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 5 -

WORKS BY HONG KONG CHILDREN ON DISPLAY * * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The progress of children’s art in Hong Kong over the past decade can be seen in a special exhibition mounted at the City Hall as part of its 10th anniversary.

Entitled "A Decade of Children’s Pictures”, the works have been selected from the Children’s Mural Competitions of the Hong Kong Festival and the Children’s Art Exhibitions organised by the City Museum and Art Gallery during the past 10 years.

A spokesman for the Gallery has described the 250 pictures on display as ”a world of dazzling originality and vibrant colours”.

He explained that many changes have occurred in the world of art in Hong Kong, including the teaching of art, since the City Hall was opened.

Art courses nowadays are ’’freer" and ’’more stimulating” and children are guided to develop their natural capacity and creative instinct, he said.

The works on display not only reflect the achievement of one important aspect of art education in Hong Kong, but also help both the young and old to come to a better understanding of each other.

The exhibition is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily until August 1J at the Exhibition Gallery on the seventh floor of the City Hall

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/6........

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 6 -

SUMMER COURSE FOR MUSIC TEACHERS

**«»«*»*

The Education Department will hold a summer course for serving music teachers.

A three-day course for 50 secondary school music teachers will begin on July 24 at Wah Yan College in Kowloon.

At the same time a three-day course for 168 primary school teachers in the New Territories will begin at the Hoi Pa Street Government Primary School in Tsuen Wan.

The programme includes a detailed examination of a proposed new secondary school syllabus, a discussion of problems related to class teaching, choir conducting and song accompaniment. Several inspectors from the Education Department and leading experts will speak at the seminars

Apart from providing an opportunity for an exchange of views on mutual problems, the course will "revitalise" the teachers’ experience and will help promote their greater understanding of creative music-making and appreciation.

It is the first time that secondary teachers have been included in the summer course and is in line with the recommendations of the Curriculum Development Council which has launched an extensive project to study curricula at all levels.

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/7........

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 7 -

NEW LICENCE FOR AP LEI CHAU FERRY SERVICE

A new licence has been granted by the Government for the operation of a passenger ferry service between Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen.

The successful tenderer was the Eastern Ferry Company. The licence will be effective for three years from August 1.

A spokesman for the Transport Department said today that the service to be operated by the company will be the same as the existing one. The ferries will operate at a 5-minute frequency between 6 a.m. and midnight, with landing pontoons at either end.

The fare will continue to be 20 cents for adults and 10 cents for children under the age of 12.

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WATER INTERRUPTION IN SHAU KEI WAN

»««**«*

Water supply to a number of premises in Shau Kei Wan, on Hong Kong Island, will be interrupted for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on Saturday, July 22.

The temporary water stoppage is to enable the Waterworks Office to carry out a leakage test for waste detection in that area.

The area to be affected is bounded by Tai Cheong Street, Holy Cross Path, Tai On Street, Shing On Street, Shau Kei Wan Road and Sai Wan Ho Street, including Ma Shan Village, Au Pui Lung Village and Shing On Village.

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/8.........

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 8 -

CROWN LAND AUCTION »**»«*«

Three lots of crown land will be auctioned at the City Hall (Lecture Room, 8th floor) on Friday, August 11,at 2.30 p.m.

The biggest lot for sale, covering an area of 27i000 square feet, is off Chung Hom Kok Road and is for private residential purposes. The upset price is 3900,000.

Another lot at Chai Wan, to be used for industrial or godown purposes with an area of 14,870 square feet, has an upset price of 3750^000.

A small piece of land measuring 3,300 square feet in Sai Wan Ho Street, Shau Kei Wan for non-industrial use is the other lot to be offered. Its upset price is 3500,000.

Full particulars and conditions of sale may be obtained from, and Sale Plans inspected at, the Public Enquiry Sub-office, Central Government Offices (West Wing), ground floor, Hong Kong; and at the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Kowloon Government Offices, 405 Nathan Road, 10th floor, Kowloon.

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/9.........

Thursday, July 20, 1972

- 9 -

MINIMUM PERIOD FOR PROCESSING APPLICATIONS

FOR PASSPORTS AND ENTRY CERTIFICATES INCREASED

*•*«*«*

The Director of Immigration announced today that due to considerable increase in the number of applications for British passports and Entry Certificates for Britain, changes have been made regarding the minimum period required for processing.

The minimum period is now 14 working days (i.e. about three weeks) in the case of Hong Kong British passports, and four working days (i.e. about one week) in the case of Entry Certificates.

Any inconvenience caused is regretted and people intending to travel should take these changes into account in planning their arrangements.

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Release Time: 7»?Q p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

IM® W®

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Friday, July 21, 1972

RESETTLEMENT ESTATE FOR AP LEI CHAU

The Government is to spend 849 million on a new resettlement estate on Ap Lei Chau, near Aberdeen.

The estate will house some 21,600 people in the latest Mark VII type accommodation. It is due for completion in 1976.

The project will comprise four 20-storey and two seven-storey blocks with individual cooking facilities and toilets.

The Mark VII design, which has been adopted for all future resettlement estates, has additional space for recreational purposes and amenities.

There will be two primary schools, one kindergarten, a clinic and a combined welfare and community hall. Tenants in the estate will also be served by a modular market, two restaurants and cafes, a post office and a bank.

More than three acres will be reserved for local recreational areas.

The Ap Lei Chau estate has been upgraded to category A of the public works programme and work is expected to start some time next year.

Plans for linking Ap Lei Chau and Aberdeen by a bridge are also under consideration.

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Friday, July 21, 1972

- 2 -

THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTH EDUCATION AMONG YOUTH it******

The Director of Medical and Health Services, Dr. G.H. Choa, today urged young people entering the teaching profession to help the medical authorities promote health in the community by playing an active part in propagating health education.

He was speaking at the annual speech day of the Grantham College of Education.

He told the graduates that in his opinion, health education in schools should be based on the health needs and interests of children and youth — normally met by the home, the community, and the school working in co-operation.

Dr. Choa divided these needs and interests into two categories — physical needs, and mental and emotional needs.

Of the first, he said they include adequate nutrition, a healthy environment, rest and sleep, suitable physical activity, protection from disease, and appropriate medical and dental care.

To meet the mental and emotional needs, a child should feel that he is wanted, understood, accepted and respected as a person, and is in effect a member of his family, school and community.

’’The teacher should know that good health contributes to happy living and effective learning, while basic health habits and attitudes are formed during the period of childhood and youth,” he said.

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 3 -

Dr# Choa reminded the graduates, who would be going as teachers into Government schools, that in their daily contacts with their pupils, they would have opportunities to notice early changes in the health and vivacity of their charges, so that, from this point of view, their roles were obviously important. For example, a teacher would be in a position to be suspicious of defective eye sight or even heart disease among his pupils, because of poor performance in the classroom or in the playground.

Dr. Choa said he thought it was important that future teachers should know something about infection, immunity and communicable disease control.

”It is clearly the teacher’s job to help the health workers to ensure and verify that BCG for tuberculosis, smallpox vaccination and immunisation against whooping cough, diptheria, tetanus, poliomyelitis and measles, have taken place/’ Dr. Choa said.

He gave credit to the co-operation from parents that had enabled the Department to achieve success in controlling infectious diseases in Hong Kong»

Dr. Choa also stressed the need for teachers to assist the authorities to spread news of the Importance of environmental and personal hygiene because of the danger that lack of proper appreciation of hygiene could lead to cholera, dysentery’ ancf typhoid fever.

He recommended that instructions such as keeping the hands clean, protecting food and water, and keeping the garbage bin closed, be continuously given to the young in a language that they could easily understand.

Keeping the city clean was a slogan which they should learn not only early but also remember for the rest of their lives.

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A.........

Friday, July 21, 1972

GOVERNMENT QUARTERS FOR JUNIOR STAFF IN TAI PO

* * ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦ ♦

Two five-storey blocks are to be built in Tai Po to house junior staff of the government working in the area.

The site on which the buildings will stand has been reclaimed from the sea next to the existing Plover Cove Village resettlement blocks*

Site formation and piling were completed last month and the main pant of the work is expected to begin in September.

The new staff quarters will contain 91 units of various sizes, a children's play area, an open-air car park and a turfed flower bed.

The project, which will cost the Government some S1t5 million is

expected to be completed by the end of 1975

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 5 -

GOVERNOR TOURS SHA TIN

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today visited Sha Tin in the New Territories seeing for himself the works now in progress there to transform the market township into an important commercial and industrial centre.

During his tour, Sir Murray inspected sites for government and private housing projects, as well as for community facilities, and was briefed on the development that has been taking place.

The satellite town is now undergoing rapid development under Phase 1, Stage 1 of the Sha Tin New Town Development Scheme which will provide about 100 acres of reclaimed land with roads and services for commercial, industrial and residential needs.

Accommodation for 35>000 people in both government and private housing schemes will be provided on the reclamation.

The Governor was accompanied on his tour by the District Commissioner, New Territories, Mr. D.C. Bray; the District Officer, Tai Po, Mr. H.S. Grewal; e I

the Chief Engineer, Development and Airport Division of the Public Works Department, Mr. Ng Teck-sheng; and the Senior Planning Officer (N.T.) of the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Dr. E.G. Pryor.

He began his visit at 2.30 p.m. and went to the Development and Airport site office for a briefing before touring the area.

/Following

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 6 -

Following the Sha Tin visit, the Governor went to the Outward

Bound School near Sai Kung.

Note to editors: Copies of pictures showing the Governor

during today’s visits are available for collection in the 6.I.S. Press room at 8 p.m. • •

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NEW JURY LIST POSTED

*******

A list of new jurors is to be posted in the Supreme Court from next Monday (July 24).

The list, containing about *700 names, will remain posted for 14 days dfuring which time any person can apply in writing to the Supreme Court Registrar seeking the removal or posting of his name or the name of some other person.

It will then be left to the discretion of the Registrar whether the list will be altered.

The jury list will be posted on the notice board near the lift inside the south-west entrance of the Supreme Court building.

At the beginning of June the common jury list contained some 27»900 names.

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Friday, July 21, 1972

ESTATE RESTAURANT OUTSIDE SEATING PERMIT CANCELLED

********

The Resettlement Department has cancelled the outside seating permit of one of the largest estate restaurants when its operator ignored repeated warnings to abide by the permit conditions.

The restaurant is situated in Wong Tai Sin and occupies 10 shop spaces.

The outside seating extension is completely enclosed by aluminium gates and no pedestrians can walk through. One of the conditions said there should be no enclosures and pedestrian thoroughfare must be maintained.

At the same time, the operator was using the rear extension for cooking when the permit stipulated that it should be used for outside seating.

The first written warning was sent to the restaurant three months ago and this, and another letter a month later, were both ignored.

A visit was then made by a senior staff member of the Resettlement Department who explained that the department was determined to clear the estates of all obstructions which were causing health and cleansing problems, and to end this constant abuse of outside seating permit conditions.

The department has received many complaints from estate tenants that these illegal enclosures by the restaurant operators are creating a lot of nuisance and they want the department to take action.

The operator of the Wong Tai Sin restaurant has now been given one week to clear all his seating equipment outside the restaurant. If he fails to do so his tenancy will be terminated.

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/ 8........

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 8 -

AVOIDING ACCIDENTS ON BUILDING SITES

«*****«»

The Labour Department announced today that 3&2 workers were injured and seven were killed while working on building construction sites in June.

Of this number, 71 were injured while handling material without the aid of machinery.

The Industrial Safety Training Officer of the Labour Department, Mr. A.H. Carter said today that many of the injuries could have been avoided if workers were taught the correct methods of lifting and handling.

He emphasised that it was not enough to protect workers by legislation or by requiring them to wear special protective clothing.

’’Safe methods of work lie completely in the hands of workers and it is, therefore necessary that they be trained and educated in order to reduce the number of accidents caused by adopting incorrect working methods,"

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/9.........

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 9

20 DISABLED PEOPLE FOUND WORK

********

Twenty disabled were found jobs by the Social Welfare Department’s Liaison and Placement Unit during June.

Of the total, 16 were crippled, three deaf, one had just recovered from mental illness, and one was slightly retarded.

The jobs ranged from telephone operator to work in textile firms.

Mr. Paul Leung, Officer in charge of the Liaison and- Placement Unit« says the June placements were affected by the bad weather and rainstorm disaster, and as a result completion of certain placements were held up.

He urged the disabled seeking employment to get in touch with the Unit in the World Rehabilitation Fund Day Centre in Kwun Tong, or its sub-office in the Causeway Bay Magistracy Building, Hong Kong.

They can do this directly, or through, various welfare organisations and the medical social workers of hospitals. ____

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 10

RALLY FOR 1,000 YOUTHS

********

More than 1,000 youths will take part in a Civil Aid Services Cadets Day to be held at the C.A.S. Kowloon Training Centre on Sunday, (July 23).

The day’s events will include games.,, magic shows, drama and folk dance performances. Prizes will be awarded at the end of the rally, A C.4»S. spokesman said the events were designed to develop the • • talents of the boys, to test their organising and conducting abilities and to promote a sense of brotherhood. »

The Commissioner of Civil Aid Services, Mr. P.C. Woo, will officiate at the opening ceremony and the Deputy Commissioner, Mr. R.H. Lobo, will present the prizes.

The rally begins at 9 a.m. and continues until 1 p.m.

Note to Editors: You are welcome to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the events, which will be held at the C.A.S. Kowloon Training Centre, 204 Argyle Street, Kowloon.

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Friday, July 21, 1972

- 11 -

LAW GOVERNING POWERS OF ATTORNEY TO BE SIMPLIFIED

«*»**•*«

Provisions to simplify the law governing powers of attorney have been included in a bill to be introduced into the Legislative Council shortly. »

This bill, the Powers of Attorney Bill 1972, is modelled on the United Kingdom Powers of Attorney Act 1971, which is itself based on a report in 1970 of the English Law Commission on Powers of Attorney.

The bill covers the manner in which a power of attorney may be executed by or on behalf of the donor and it also simplifies the manner in which the contents of a power of attorney may be proved.

It contains a short form of power of attorney which may be used to confer authority to do anything which the donor could lawfully do by an attorney.

A Government spokesman said today powers of attorney are governed partly by statute and partly -by common law.

"Consolidation in one ordinance should prove a convenience to those who have occasion to draft powers of attorney," he said.

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9

Friday, July 21, 1972

- 12 -

BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS

*«««•»«

The Building Authority today declared Nos. 7 and 8 Ladder Street Terrace« Hong Kong to be in a dangerous condition.

The Principal Government Building Surveyor said that in the course of routine inspection, it was found that the load bearing brick and masonry walls of these two buildings were extensively fractured.

No. 7 is a three storey pre-war domestic building and the party wall separating it from No. 8 showed signs of recent movement. No. 8t which is a two storey domestic building reconstructed in 1952, showed signs of failure of the bearing of the reinforced concrete beams supporting the first floor and roof.

Although both of these buildings are extensively shored, there is a risk of collapse and notices of intention to apply for Closure Orders in Victoria District Court at 9.30 a.m. on August 23. 1972 were posted today.


Release Time: 6,30 p.mt

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000001

M® M®

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Saturday, July 22, 1972

FACTORY PROPRIETORS ADVISED ON PROPER HOUSEKEEPING

***«**«»

Indiscriminate internal alteration of factory buildings and the misuse of common areas in those buildings such as yards, loading bays, roofs, are rapidly turning the industrial areas of Hong Kong into slums.

Stating this today, a Labour Department spokesman said the department was alarmed at the way conditions are deteriorating in newly developed areas, particularly in Kwai Chung.

He said floor areas are being divided up with flimsy partitioning which was often made of combustible material.

frNot enough regard is being paid to essential provisions such as proper exits, good natural lighting and ventilation, adequate working and storage space.

"Finished products and work are being allowed in areas designed for other purposes, e.g. stairways are being used for storage; loading bays and yards are being used for working and storage purposes. Al 1, these are signs of improper management."

The spokesman said factory proprietors should plan their workshop lay-outs properly and allow for adequate exits (at least two), good lighting and ventilation, adequate working and storage space.

/He.........

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 2 -

He pointed out that if a factory in an industrial building did not have adequate exits (at least two), no certificate of registration would be issued to the proprietor.

The proprietor will have to move out of the unsuitable premises or face prosecution for operating an unregistered factory, he added.

,fMembers of the Factory Inspectorate in the Labour Department are prepared to give advice on the setting-up of good working conditions. Factory proprietors are advised to consult them at the early stage of their planning. •’

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 3 -

MECHANISED SAGGAGE EXAMINATION COUNTERS AT AIRPORT ********

Mechanised examination counters have been installed in the baggage reclaim hall at Hong Kong Airport to improve security and to facilitate the handling of passengers’ luggage. • •

Eighteen counters, costing about 3300,000, have already been installed as part of Stage III of the airport expansion programme, and 22 other counters will be set up when the next stage is completed, a Preventive Service spokesman said today.

The number and position of counter^ open at any one time can be controlled by the officer-in-charge and depend on the number and direction of passengers to be cleared at the time, he said.

The counters consist of a conveyor belt with static rollers at each end. The belts are set in motion by the Revenue Inspector manning it.

The spokesman said passengers had only to put their baggage onto the conveyor rollers on one end, see it through the inspection, and fasten the baggage at the other end before leaving the hall.

Two passengers, one at each end of the belt, can thus be handled at the same time’by one inspector. The time taken to clear the baggage of a passenger averages about 80 seconds.

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 4 -

If contraband is discovered in the baggage, the inspector does not have to leave his post and disrupt his work — be can give an immediate signal to the officer-in-charge who takes over the case.

On an average, 1,800 aircrafts come into Hong Kong each month, bringing with them some 105,000 passengers, and this is steadily increasing. As all passengers are processed through the baggage reclaim hall, it is essential that they can be cleared in the shortest possible time.

The installation of counters has been coupled with an expansion of Preventive Service staff to deal with the increased passenger traffic.

Note to Editors: Copies of photographs showing the new counters are distributed separately in the G.I.S. Press Boxes this afternoon.

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Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 5 -

SECOND SERIES OF SWIMMING COURSES

********

A new series of swimming courses is being organised for the public at public swimming pools managed by the Urban Council.

A spokesman for the Urban Services Department said the first series of swimming courses, which started on July 11, 1972, was attended by about 700 people with an average of 20 learners in each class.

"In view of the apparent success and demand for such classes* arrangements have been made to run a second series of similar courses* This new series will start on August 14," he said.

The Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association and the Education Department are both assisting in the project.

Non-swimmers in the beginners’ course will learn the basic movements in swimming and breathing while those in the intermediate course will be taught personal survival in water and how to improve their swimming techniques* Classes will be given only during week-day evenings and at weekends. The courses will last for five weeks.

Fees range from $2 for children under 14 to $10 for adults over 18.

Office and factory workers, as well as children who do not have the opportunity to undertake swimming with their schools* are particularly welcome*

Application forms will be obtainable from all City District Offices in Kowloon and all government public swimming pools as from July 24.

These should be completed and returned to either Kowloon Tsai, Kwun Tong or Lei Cheng Uk Swimming Pool on or before Monday, July 31.

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/6........

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 6 -

LUNCHEON GIVEN IN HONOUR OF HONG KONG KNIGHTS

«***»**««

A Hong Kong girl student and a nurse were specially invited guests at a luncheon given by the British Government in honour of Sir Sidndy and Lady Gordon and Sir Yuet-keung and Lady Kan aj^ Lancaster House, London, on Thursday (July 20).

They wer Miss Ffrances Chang Mo-chee, a student of pharmacy who has just taken her final examinations at the Chelsea College of Science and Technology, London University, and Miss Angela King Oi-kam who was trained in Britain and is now a district nurse employed by the London borough of Hillingdon.

Miss Chang and Miss King were invited to attend the luncheon as representatives of Hong Kong students in Britain at the suggestion of the host for the British Government, Mr. Anthony Royle, Undersecretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs.

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Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 7 -

MOSQUITO NUISANCE CAN BE REMOVED

********

The nuisance caused by mosquitoes can be effectively removed if they are deprived of breeding places — this is one of the message which, the current anti-mosquitoes campaign launched by the Urban Services Department aims at putting across to the public.

It is unrealistic to think they breed only in filthy places, a department spokesman said today.

He pointed out that mosquitoes breed in stagnant water — clean or otherwise — regardless of the environment.

Heat and moisture favour their propagation and summer is their season because of the rain, he added.

Government has been doing what it can to control large-scale breeding places, such as streams, pools, ponds, building sites and vacant lands.

The control of small breeding places in and around domestic premises however is just as important, the spokesman said.

In built-up areas the most favourite breeding places are discarded receptacles such as tins, bottles, and motor tyres. Uncovered water tanks and choked surface drains are also common breeding grounds.

These neglected places can be located and destroyed or removed. The Urban Services Department gives the following advice:

/* Pay .......

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 8 -

* Pay special attention to open areasf such as the roof, balcony, verandah and yard,

* Remove all empty tins and bottles and turn large receptacles upside down, and

* Cover up your water tank and clear all rain water outlet to prevent their being choked.

There are many types of mosquitoes• Some transmit malaria while others, do not, although most of those in the urban area belong to the latter type.

Everyone can help to remove the nuisance, by regularly checking for possible breeding places and destroying them.

The spokesman said the maximum penalty for allowing the breeding of mosquitoes is 31,000.

In a recent court case, a construction company was fined a total of 31,000 on two summonses taken out by the Urban Services Department for allowing mosquitoes to breed at a building site.

In the case, the magistrate told the company to provide staff to look at its building site to prevent the breeding of mosquitoes.

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/9........

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 9 -

SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITY PROGRAMME IN FULL SWING

**«»**«*

Boys and girlsfit is time to forget about your books for a while and start planning your summer vacation, now that your examination is over.

If you want to have an enjoyable and meaningful holiday, come and join the summer youth activities.

A summer youth activity programme full of varieties is now in full swing. It has been organised by government departments and organisations involved in youth work for young people between the ages of eight and 25• It consists of two main types of activies: educational and recreational. Educational type activities include work camps, visits to organisations and factories, and training and study courses through which participants may acquire new skills and knowledge. Recreational activities include camping, variety shows, barbecue parties and youth tea-house etc.

Several districts are still in need of volunteer workers to act as leaders or help run such activities as service projects, training and study courses and recreation clubs and centres.

Anyone above the age of 16 who is interested in joining such activities may apply to the City District Offices, district offices in the New Territories, community centres of the Social Welfare Department,..the Hong Kong Council of Social Service or the Association of Volunteers for Service.

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Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 10 -

VISIT TO WORK CAMP AT MA WAN

*******

Mr. Peter Williams, the Principal Assistant Colonial Secretary (Social Services), who is Chairman of the Central Co-ordinating Committee for Youth Recreation, will visit a work camp at Ma Wan on Monday (July 24) morning.

On arrival, Mr. Williams will be met by Mr. Stephen Law, Senior

Principal Social Welfare Officer; Mr. Albert Lai, Assistant District Officer, Tsuen Wan, Mr. Chan Kwong Chuen, Chairman of Ma Wan Rural Committee, and other members of the Social Welfare Department.

The five-day work camp is organised by the Fulgent Youth Society, a self-programming group sponsored by the Youth Work Unit of the Social Welfare Department.

The project of the work camp is the building of a 1,000-foot long footpath leading from a football field to Lau Fa village.

About 40 young people will take part in the project. Most of them are secondary or university students between the age of 19 and 25.

The purpose of the work camp is to enable the participants to have a better understanding of the ways of life between the urban and the rural district, and give them an opportunity to learn about community life.

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to cover the visit which begins at 10.50 a-m. on Monday. Transport will be provided for members of the press. A government station Wagon will leave the transport sub-pool behind the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office at 8.45 a.m. sharp.

A ferry will be waiting at the pier in Sham Tseng, Tsuen Wan to take them across to Ma Wan.

A Social Welfare Officer will be present to assist

........ the press.

0 - -

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 11 -

CENTRES FOR WATER CHARGES COLLECTION

**»»****

Temporary collecting centres will be set up by the Taipo District Office at Sheung Shui, Fanling and Shatin for the collection of water charges for the 2nd quarter of 1972•

The Sheung Shui collection centre, located at the Sheung Shui Police Station, will operate on July 24 ( Monday ) and July 25 ( Tuesday )• The Fanling collection centre, at the Fanling Rural Committee Office, Luen Wo Hui, will operate on July 26 ( Wednesday ).

The collection centre at Shatin will operate at the Shatin Rural Committee Office on July 27 ( Thursday ).

The hours of business will be from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents of the districts are invited to use these facilities which are provided for their convenience.

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/12.........

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 12 -

RADIO HONG KONG ARTISTES TO SELL LOTTERY TICKETS *********

Four Radio Hong Kong artistes will help boost the ticket sale of the 51st Government Lottery next Tuesday (July 25) at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club selling booth at the Star Ferry Concourse on Hong Kong Island.

Miss Kimmy Got, Miss Stella Chan, Miss Katherina Tsang and Miss Monita Miu will help sell tickets for about half an hour from 12.45 p.m. onwards on Tuesday and draw the winning numbers next Saturday at the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club in Happy Valley.

Up to 12 noon today, a total of 280,000 tickets have been sold.

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Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 13 -

EMERGENCY ’.YORK LARGELY COMPLETED

In Po Shan Road Disaster Site tic********

A spokesman for the Building Authority said today that the emergency work on the landslide slope above and below Po Shan Road in the western mid-levels area had now been largely completed, and consideration was being given to the form which the final restoration of the area would take*

A meeting was recently held between senior officers of the Buildings Ordinance Office, the Police and representatives of the majority of the buildings closed because of the landslide.

The first point discussed at this meeting was the arrangements which were subsequently put in hand for residents to service their flats on one day in the week.

The representatives of the various management groups were also asked to arrange for the appointment of authorized architects to act on behalf of the owners so that the Building Authority could discuss with these persons when they were appointed the measures which would be necessary in order that reoccupation could be permitted.

The first of such discussions has already been held between officers of the Buildings Ordinance Office and architects appointed in respect of No. 21 Po Shan Road, Mirror Marina at 49 Conduit Road and Skyline Mansion at 51 Conduit Road.

It is hoped that the architects will propose measures to be taken jointly which will deal with the present situation, Any proposal made will y of course, be subject to the approval of the Building Authority.

/Architects

Saturday, July 22, 1972

- 14 -

Architects have now been appointed in respect of Blocks A and B, Po Shan Mansion, at 10-16 Po Shan Road and additionally the Public Works Department are undertaking soil investigations which should produce information which will be evaluated by the end of August. The reoccupation of 53 and 55 Conduit Road must await the decision in respect of Po Shan Mansion*

The spokesman said that the appointment of an architect in respect of the two blocks at Emerald Gardens, No. 36, Kotewall Road, is awaited, but one of these blocks is badly damaged and has been shored.

Since work cannot be commenced on this damaged block while the clearance operation at Kotewall Court continues and since repair will in any event be difficult, it is unlikely that this building can be re-occupied in the near future, he said.

In the meantime, the spokesman said the clearance and body recovery operation at Kotewall Court continues on a 24-hour basis and the work is proceeding as quickly as is possible.

He said that because this operation is primarily one of body recovery and also because the work is both difficult and dangerous, it is necessarily a time-consuming operation. Nevertheless, 31 bodies have been recovered since the 23rd June, most of these in the last two weeks.

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

Release time: 2*30 p.m,

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

M® «

■■

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Monday, July 24, 1972

GOVERNMENT CALLS FOR PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS ON MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY

********

The provision of a Mass Transit Railway system for Hong Kong advanced a step further today with the .announcement that the government is inviting firms to submit preliminary proposals for the scheme.

The invitation is to individuals or groups with a genuine interest in either financing, constructing, equipping or operating the proposed railway. The preliminary proposals should be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than mid-October this year.

A spokesman for the Steering Group, set up to consider and advise the government on the scheme, said that the Group had already been contacted by a large number of individuals and groups.

,fBut we are now issuing a general invitation to all financial interests, groups construction companies and manufacturers of equipment to make it clear .we are open to bids from all comers.”

All proposals received will be strictly confidential.

The spokesman emphasised that although the basic design and alignment of the railway system had been approved, the government had no fixed view on the manner in which the railway should be financed, constructed or operated.

/Decisions •••••••

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 2 -

Decisions would only be taken once the views and proposals of interested groups had been fully evaluated.

He said proposals may be confined to financing or building or operating the railway; or they may provide for a combination of any or all of these aspects of the scheme.

The deadline for submission of proposals is mid-October.

All proposals and enquiries should be addressed to the Director of Mass Transit Studies, Public Works Department, Murray Building, Hong Kong.

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

/3........

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 3 -

GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO BE EXPANDED

****»^*«

Additional facilities will be provided at the Grantham College of Education, including a four-storey classroom block and a 6,500 square foot multi-purpose games hall.

The new classroom block will have a general science laboratory and preparation room, together with rooms for geography, music practice, art and printing, as well as a reading room, sculpture space and an exhibition space.

The first floor of the east wing of the existing building will be altered to accommodate a 7Q0 square foot language laboratory, a 1,200 square foot lecture room, an audio-visual-aid preparation room and a dark room.

There will also be a new single-storey block to provide quarters for staff.

Construction work is expected to start in September this year for completion by the end of August 1973*

The Grantham College of Education is one of three teacher-training colleges run by the Education Department, the others are the Northcote College and the Sir Robert Black College.

The extension and alterations to Grantham College will provide more space as well as better facilities for teacher trainees.

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

A.........

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 4 -

GOVERNOR TOURS KENNEDY TOMI .......

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today paid a visit to Kennedy Town to see for himself the environmental conditions in the area and to be briefed on development plans.

The tour lasted some two hours during which time the Governor examined the operations of wholesale and retail markets, poultry laans, and the cattle lairage, as well as the effects of cargo handling activities on the Western waterfront.

The Governor was accompanied on his visit by the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr. D.C.C. Luddington, the City District Commissioner (H.K.), Mr. David T.K. Wong; the Government Town Planner, Mr. A.F. Meyers; and the City District Officer (Western), Mr. Rafael Hui.

He started his tour at the Shek Tong Tsui Market which was built in 1869 and is now being reprovisioned. Later, he went via the waterfront to Cadogan Street, where he walked through the poultry laans and saw the sites for the Kennedy Town swimming pool complex and the proposed Kennedy Town station for the mass transit system.

The Governor was also briefed on plans for wholesale markets, hawkers bazaars, relocation of the Victoria Public Mortuary and the cattle lairage, and other improvements contemplated for Kennedy Town.

* ......

Editors: Copies of photographs of the Governor

during his visit to Kennedy Town are distributed separately in the G.I.S. Press Boxes this evening. ----------------------0--------- /5.....................................................

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 5 -

PUBLIC HOUSING FOR ADDITIONAL 2,500 PEOPLE

About 2,500 people living on three terraces of the Hong Ning Road licensed area in Kwun Tong will be offered public housing towards the end of this year when the area will be cleared.

These people are now staying at terraces 4,5 and 6.

Terraces 1 and 2 will continue to be used as a licensed area and work will be carried out soon to improve the drainage channel there® Terrace 5 is now vacant.

A Resettlement Department spokesman said there appears to be no serious risk of landslide or flooding in the area. However as an added precaution the Public Works Department has recommended that further detailed investigations of this and other sites should be conducted to determine their stability more exactly.

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/6........

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 6 -

BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS

*******

The Building Authority today declared all of No. 1 Bonham Road and the first floor of the kitchen and bathroom block of No. 3 Bonham Road to be in a dangerous condition.

The Principal Government Building Surveyor said that these pre-war buildings were inspected following a report of a collapsed floor during the June rainstorm. Both buildings are two-storey with double floors of basements.

A portion of the rear of the timber ground floor of No. 1 recently collapsed leaving the rear main wall in a dangerous condition.

The remainder of the structural timbers of this building are in a decayed condition and beyond reasonable repair.

The rear wall of the kitchen and bathroom block of No. 3 is severely fractured at the first floor level and there is a risk of a collapse onto Hospital Road.

Notices of intention to apply for Closure Orders in Victoria District Court at 9*30 a.m. on August 23, 1972 were posted today.

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

Monday, July 24, 1972

LITTLE ARTISTS AT WORK IN STATUE SQUARE

*««*«**«

Statue Square on Hong Kong Island will be turned temporarily into a studio for young artists during a drawing and photo contest to be held early next month.

The drawing section of the contest is open to children aged from 8 to 14 and the photo section is open to young people under 25.

The young painters will draw from life and the photographers will in turn capture their expressions with the camera. Drawing paper and colours will be provided.

Valuable prizes will be awarded in both sections and there will be many consolation prizes.

The event, to be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 6, is organised by the Social Welfare Department District Community Work Office (Wan Chai), the City District Office (Wan Chai) and the Hong Kong Boys’ and Girls’ Club Association.

Application forms are obtainable at these three places

Monday, July 24, 1972

- 8 -

SUMMER COURSES PUR TEACHERS *******

The Education Department is holding another two summer courses for in service teachers this week.

Sixty primary school teachers in the New Territories are being given an opportunity to learn the latest methods of teaching oral Chinese*

The course, which begins tomorrow, is being held at the Fortress Hill Government Primary School.

The second course, for geography teachers in secondary schools, also starts tomorrow at the Grantham College of Education*

Discussions will range over a number of topics including the aims and purpose of fieldwork in geography, fieldwork in rural and urban areas and possible fieldwork areas in Hong Kong* ♦ ------------------------------------0---------

Release time: 6.30 p*m*

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

THE NAME OF THE GAME — THINKING NOT MEMORISATION

A continual expansion plan during the next few years will bring

•n ___

the government’s Educational Television (ETV) service to more than half a million children and 20,000 teachers.

The Acting Deputy Director of Education (Professional), Mr. Colvyn Haye, said today that the service had been such a great success in its . ■■■ first year of operation, that the number of viewers will be doubled to over 200,000 this year.

This expansion will continue until 500,000 children and 20,000 teachers accept television as a matter of course in their education#

Mr. Haye, speakihg at a luncheon of the Hong Kong Association of the Pliarmaceutical Industry, said a "quiet revolution" was taking place in Hong Kong’s primary school classrooms where television was being used to "vitalise education".

"Teachers and children are discovering that learning can be fun and that thinking, not* memorisation,*- is the name of the game."

Mr. Haye said that television can breathe "quality" into an education system which has of necessity been concerned with "quantity".

/He...........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 2 -

He described television as the most powerful audio-visual tool divised by man, and said that Hong Kong could congratulate itself on having the beginnings of one of the finest educational television services in the world.

Educational Television (ETV) in Hong Kong was the product of planning over a decade covering careful observation of the application of television to education in 10 countries.

"Axioms of ETV-HK are the direction and control of the service by educators trained as broadcasters, first class production centre staffed by professionals, local lessons locally made for local classrooms, a close professional relationship between the teachers who use it, and careful evaluation of the effectiveness of ETV," Mr. Haye said.

But, he concluded, television should never replace the classroom teacher. "Of course the medium can be abused, but the awareness that television is a two-edged sword is ah assurance that it will be carefully handled in communications and education."

-----0 - -------- %

Z5 .......

Tuesday, July 255 1972

- 3 -

SECOND SQUATTER CLEARANCE FOR LUNG CHEUNG ROAD PROJECT

********

Some 180 huts are to be demolished in the second phase of a squatter clearance operation connected with a major road project along the Kowloon foothills

The clearance, to take place on August 15 at Yuen Ling Village, Diamond Hill, will involve about 240 families, consisting of more than 1,200 people.

The squatters will be given resettlement in Lam Tin or Sau Mau Ping Estates. On top of resettlement, cultivators and shop operators have been given ex gratia payments totalling $200,000. Cultivators are also being given crop compensation.

Seventeen factory operators have been allocated units in the department’s resettlement flatted factories.

Of the 240 families, about 100 have already moved and others are expected to follow soon. Twenty families occupying illegal structures will be accommodated in a licensed area.

The improvement works for Lung Cheung Road will cut across Tai Hom and Yuen Ling Village and will link the two industrial complexes of Kwun Tong and Kwai Chung.

Construction of the vital project had been delayed for more than three years by squatters refusing to leave the land.

Under the road improvement scheme, Lung Cheung Road will be widened to provide two lanes in each direction and all existing intersections will be replaced by flyovers thereby eliminating all junction holdups.

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

A.........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 4 -

SUMMER CAMPS VISITED BY GOVERNOR

********

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, will visit two summer camps in the New Territories on Thursday (July 27).

He will call first at Wu Kwai Sha, where 700 secondary school

.’i '

girls are attending a six-day summer camp organised by the Education Department at the YMCA Youth Village.

The campers are holding an Open Day on Thursday and in addition to the normal programme of events, there will be games competitions, and exhibitions of handicrafts and other projects undertaken in the camp.

After the visit the Governor will fly by helicopter to the Princess Alexandra Community Centre in Tsuen Wan.

About 300 children, aged between 10 and 15, will be at play as part of the Social Welfare Department’s summer programme.

During an hour-long visit to the Centre, Sir Murray will see folk dances, group singing, and ball games, which are all part of the 60-day programme designed to give some constructive meaning to the leisure of thousands of young people on holiday.

The Governor will be met on arrival at the Centre by Mr. Stephen Law Chi-kin, Senior Principal Social Welfare Officer,and head of the Group and Community Work Division.

/Note to Editors: ••••••••

Tuesday, July 251 1972

- 5 -

Note to Editors: Reporters covering the Wu Kwai Sha visit should assemble at the Kowloon cub-pool behind the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office where two government minibuses will leave at 12.45 p.m. for University 1 station pier.

They will then be taken by launch across to Wu Kwai Sha. The return launch will leave Wu Kwai Sha at 3.45 p.m.

For reporters covering the Princess Alexandra visit, a station wagon will wait at the Kowloon sub-pool and will leave for Tsuen Wan at 2.30 p.m. SHARP.

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

/6........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 6 -

SAFETY HINTS FOR NEW WORKERS

********

Young people taking up work in factories during the summer vacation were advised today that life on ’’the factory floor” would be completely different from that at school or elsewhere.

The Labour Department’s Industrial Safety Training Officer, Mr. A.H. Carter, said that many accidents involving young workers and new entrants to industry were due not so much to carelessness as to ignorance of the hazards which exist in the industrial environment.

Mr. Carter invited students about to enter industry to visit the Industrial Safety Training Centre where a wide range of properly guarded machinery and personal protective clothing equipment are on display.

He also gave a list of 16 safety hints for the guidance of new workers which ranged from the use and maintenance of tools to avoiding simple accidents such as tripping over objects.

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

/7........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 7 -

THE JUNE WEATHER SITUATION

*»«*»«**

June 1972 will probably be remembered for the heavy rainstorms which caused disastrous landslides at Sau Mau Ping and in the Mid-Levels.

Exceptionally heavy rain and continuous thunderstorms occurred during the three day period, June 16-18. More than 100 people were killed and thousands were left homeless.

It was the first time in recorded history that rainfall in excess of 200 millimetres fell at the Observatory in three consecutive days.

The total of 652.5 millimetres recorded during the period was the highest since 1889.

The first tropical cyclone of the year to affect the south China coast also occurred in June. Three tropical cyclones were reported in the Pacific and the South China Sea during the month. They were Tropical Depression Mamie on June 5, a tropical depression on June 10-11 and Typhoon Ora on June 25 - 27.

It was sunny for the first few days of the month. A ridge of high pressure from the Pacific covered most of eastern and southern China.

A developing low pressure area over the western part of the South China Sea intensified and became tropical depression Mamie on June 5. It quickly moved overland near Danang and dissipated the following day.

Along the south China coast, winds turned to easterly on June 4 and two overcast and dull days with moderate and continuous rain followed. The weather cleared on June 6 and, fine conditions prevaled with almost cloudless skies until June 9.

/On........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 8 -

On June 10, several upper-air disturbances moved eastwards across the South China Sea and activated a surface trough of low pressure. As a result, a tropical depression formed about 190 nautical miles south of Hong Kong the same day.

The stand by signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 2.30 p.m. The tropical depression turned onto an east-northeast course and weakened on June 11 and the stand by signal was lowered at 9*40 a.m.

Locally, it was mainly cloudy with some showers during June 10-11. Winds freshened from the east and maximum gusts of 51 knots were recorded at Tate’s Cairn and 44 knots at Waglan Island.

On June 14, an active trough of low pressure formed across south China with a series of small depressions lying along it. The trough moved slowly southwards and affected the entire south China during the following few days.

Hain began falling late on June 15, and for the next three days, Hong Kong experienced almost continuous heavy rain and frequent thunderstorms, reminiscent of the June flood of 1966.

On June 15 Dragon Boat day, a thunderstorm and heavy rain warning, the second of the month, was issued and was renewed almost continuously until June 19.

At the Observatory, rain was heaviest during midday on June 18 when 98*7 ram were recorded in one hour. This is only slightly less than the highest hourly rainfall of 108.2 mm recorded on June 12, 1966•

/The........

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 9 -

The trough receded to the north on June 19 and the weather improved quickly. The remainder of the month was generally fine apart from some isolated showers and there was no significant rainfall.

Typhoon Ora first formed on June 24 about 630 miles east of the Philippines. It crossed the Central Philippines on June 25 and came to within 400 nautical miles of Hong Kong on June 26.

The stand by signal, No. 1, was hoisted at 6.15 a.m. and was followed at 9*45 a.m. by the strong wind signal, No. 3, as Ora continued to move rapidly northwestwards.

Ora finally dissipated over the Lui Chow Peninsula on June 27.

All signals were lowered at 9.25 a.m. on June 27•

During the month, 19 aircraft were diverted due to adverse weather conditions.

Eleven thunderstorms and/or heavy rain warnings were issued during June.

The month’s figures and departures from normal were:

Sunshine 203.6 hours; 43.7 hours above normal

Rainfall 799.8 mm ; 398.6 mm above normal

Cloudiness 64% ; 14% below normal

Relative Humidity 84% ; normal

Mean Maximum Temperature 30.8 C ; 1.0 C above normal

Mean Temperature 27.7°C ; 0.4 C above normal

Mean Minimum Temperature 25.6°C ; 0.2 C above normal

Mean Dev/ Point 24.6°C ; 0.4 C above normal

Total Evaporation 155; 4.3mm below normal

Maxinum Temperature of 33*1°C was recorded on June 30.

Minimum Temperature of 23*3°C was recorded on June 6 and 18.

_______0_________

Tuesday, July 25i 1972

- 10 -

CITY MUSEUM ORGANISES EDUCATIONAL COMPETITION

********

Young people are now visiting the City Museum and Art Gallery at the City Hall in much greater numbers and taking a far more serious look at the exhibits.

It is all part of an educational competition being organised by the Museum to attract more young visitors and enable them to share, in their own way, the pleasure many adults have derived from the collection of Chinese art on display there.

The children are asked to study the exhibits and captions and answer some simple questions afterwards.

The questions are intended to draw out their power of observation, logical thinking, imagination, and written and pictorial expression.

The competition is open to everyone under 17 and is divided into two groups — senior (over 15) and junior (15 and under).

Medals will be awarded to those whose answers are judged to be good.

The City Museum and Art Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except on Thursdays and Sunday mornings.

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

/11

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 11 -

NO QUARANTINABLE DISEASES LAST MONTH ********

Hong Kong remained free from cholera and other quarantinable diseases in June.

However, a spokesman for the Medical and Health Department said there were 809 notifications of infectious diseases resulting in 8j deaths all from tuberculosise

This compared with 91^ notifications and 113 deaths recorded in May.

"Compared with May, there was a reduction in the number of notifications of chickenpox and measles, and the incidence of diphtheria was low with only one case notified," the spokesman said.

There were no cases of cerebrospinal meningitis, poliomyelitis, or puerperal fever recorded, and there was no appreciable variation in the level of notification of other infectious diseases.

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

/12

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 12 -

TEMPORARY APPOINTMENTS TO EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS

Mr. Q.W. Lee and Mr. T.K. Ann have been appointed temporary members of the Executive Council during the absence of Mr. Szeto Wai and Dr. S.Y. Chung.

Mr. Lee’s appointment will continue until August 18, and Mr. Ann’s until August 8.

At the same time, Mr. A.S. Robertson and Mr. J.C.C. Walden have been appointed temporarily to the Legislative Council during the absence of Mr. J.J. Robson and Mr. I.M. Lightbody respectively.

The appointment of both members to the Council will continue until September 22 and September 4 respectively.

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

Tuesday, July 25, 1972

- 13 -

HA TSUEN FIRING RANGE

********

All of the topics relating to the Ha Tsuen Firing Range which are currently being raised by the Chairman of the Ha Tsuen Rural Committee are matters for the Government and not for the Army or Services.

The Services use the range in accordance with a government ordnance and therefore responsibility for matters of public access to, or public usage of, land within the gazetted area is a subject for the government.

The problems are of long standing. They have been constantly under review by the Government in consultation with the Anny and, in fact, a possible solution has been under investigation for some months. The Chairman of the Ha Tsuen Rural District Committee has been kept informed by the District Officer Yuen Long.

On the topic of compensation payments raised by the Chairman of the Ha Tsuen Rural District Committee, the families cultivating land within the range area are regularly in contact with the District Office Yuen Long on matters related to their livelihood. It can certainly be confirmed that the Services constantly are paying compensation for lost crops.

The District Office Yuen Long first acts as the initial contact point for cultivators wishing to make claims; and second, draws up the claims in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, and recommends to the Army the sum which should be paid. Finally the District Office hands the compensation payments to the cultivators on behalf of the Army.

Normally the Services meet claims within a short time of receiving them from the District Office Yuen Long. On no occasion that can be recalled has the Army paid less crop compensation to the range cultivators than the sum recommended by the District Office.

-------0 - • - -

Release time: 7»Q0 P»m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION SERVICES

PUBLIC RECORDS

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Wednesday i July 26,. 1972

OFFICE ESTABLISHED

A Public Records Office providing a centralised service in the selection and preservation of permanently valuable public records will be inaugurated in Hong Kong this week.

The office will be temporarily housed at No. 1A Garden Road in Central until permanent accommodation is available at the new Murray Road Car Park building now under construction.

Its main functions are to help government offices evaluate, select and dispose of non-current records and to provide facilities for the safe custody and maintenance of records.

Documents held at the office will be made available for official reference and, under certain conditions, for private research.

The establishment of the Public Records Office of Hong Kong, follows the appointment of an archivist last year.

A government spokesman said today that the development of archive facilities was long overdue.

”A government’s archives,” he said, ”are potentially one of the largest and most important resources for documentary research in almost any field of study.”

Initially, the Public Records Office will form part of the Colonial

Secretariat, but it may be necessary to set up a separate department later, with its powers and functions defined by legislation.

The spokesman said that an early start would be made on the training of staff and the development of archive services.

He said that the Public Records Office will be equipped with a reading room and reference library for public use. He added that facilities will also be provided for microfilming and document repair.

------0-------- /2......................

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 2 -

KOWLOON FOOTHILLS ROAD CORRIDOR

*«»»*****

A new highway linking the industrial centres of Kwai Chung and Kwun Tong will be completed by 1975-

Work is already under way on five of the 11 separate projects forming the Sl^K) million scheme, known as the Kowloon Foothills Road Corridor, and the others are being given high priority.

When the highway is completed in 1975, the entire route across the northern part of Kowloon will merge with the Kwai Chung Coastal Road. This will complete the important traffic route linking San Po Kong and Kwun Tong in the east and Kwai Chung and Tsuen Wan in the west.

A government spokesman pointed out today that the big increase in population occurring in these areas had resulted in a rapid growth in the volume of traffic using the route, and this would be further increased when the container terminals at Kwai Chung became operational.

"To cope with this traffic growth, it has become necessary to widen the existing carriageways in Ching Cheung Road and Lung Cheung Road and to construct flyovers at all major junctions,” he said.

This will help sustain the capacity of the route and provide freo-flowing traffic conditions.

Eight grade separated interchanges will be constructed along Lung Cheung Road at its junctions with Clear Water Bay Road, Hammer Hill Road, Po Kwong Road, Shatin Pass Road, Fung Mo Street, Lion Rock Tunnel Approach Road, Nam Cheong Street and Tai Po Road.

/Construction•••••••

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 3 -

Construction work on the Po Kwong, Fung Mo and Lion Rock Interchanges is now in progress and Lung Cheung Road and Ching Cheung Road are being widened to permit two-lane traffic in each direction. The existing grade separated interchanges at Tai Po Road and Castle Peak Road will also be improved.

Work on the Choi Hung, Piper’s Hill and Tai Wor Ping Interchanges is about to start and that on the other items will begin at intervals over the next 12 months.

Meanwhile, to relieve congestion in Kwun Tong Road, an alternative route, forming part of the North-East Kowloon Corridor, is to be constructed. Wai Yip Street will be extended to join Kwun Tong Road about mid-way between Clear Water Bay Road and Ngau Tau Kok Road.

A flyover will also be constructed at the junction of the new road with Kwun Tong Road to allow both eastbound and westbound traffic to merge with and diverge from the main Kwun Tong Road traffic.

The date of completion for this multi-million dollar project is scheduled to coincide with that of the Kowloon Foothills Road Corridor.

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

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 4 -

GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND HELPS EQUIP SCHOOL

***«*««*

The Outward Bound School is to receive a grant of almost $350,000 from the Lotteries Fund for new equipment.

Most of the money will be used to replace the school launch which is beyond economic repair, and to obtain additional equipment for a recent expansion of courses.

The new 42 foot launch is being specially modified to meet the requirements of the school.

The other equipment to be acquired includes canoes, a 30 foot naval cutter and a fast rescue boat.

The School is run by the Outward Bound Trust, a non-profit-making organisation, for character training and personality development of young people.

It provides a variety of outdoor activities, including sailing and cross-country expeditions, and has now extended its activities to include special courses for girl and handicapped children.

In 1969i the Lotteries Fund made a grant of some $224,000 to the school for buying basic equipment. Many items acquired then were second-hand and have now worn out.

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

/5..........

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 5 -

GOVERNOR PILOTS POLICE JET BOAT

********

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, tried his hand at piloting a Marine Police jet launch this afternoon during a cruise on Deep Bay.

He remained at the helm of the 4O-foot launch for about 15 minutes. During the trip he inspected the recently installed navigation beacons in the centre of the Bay.

The cruise in the jet boat was part of an informal afternoon spent with the Marine Police.

Accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Mr. C.P. Sutcliffe, he flew to Tsim Bei Tsui in the New Territories, where he was net by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, New Territories, Mr. M.C. Illingworth, the Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, Marine, Mr. H.J. Carlyle, and two other senior police officials.

After visiting the Brothers Islands, Sir Murray boarded one of the newest acquisitions of the Marine Police — a 78-foot launch. Two of these launches arrived in Hong Kong earlier this month and are still in the hands of the Marine Department, although police crews are being trained to take them over.

A total of seven 78-foot launches have been ordered by the Marine Police.

The Governor was shown around the boat by the Marine Department’s Surveyor General of Ships, Mr. R. Blacklock, and another Marine Department official.

Sir Murray returned to Hong Kong Island at 5.50 p.m.

Note to Editors: Copies of a photograph showing the Governor,

during his visit to the Marine Police, are distributed in the G.I.S. press boxes this (Wednesday) evening.

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 6 -

QUIZ FOR TRAINEES FROM INSTITUTIONS

Trainees from five correctional and two voluntary institutions will take part in a quiz contest to be held on Friday (July 28).

The contest, sponsored by Mr. Mak Wing-hong, Principal Social Welfare Officer (Correctional Institutions), will be held at the 0 Pui Shan Boys* Home near Lai Chi Kok.

The aim of the competition is to enrich the common knowledge of the trainees and to broaden their scope of living so that when they return to society, they will become well-informed and contributing citizens.

Institutions participating are the Begonia Road Boys1 Home, the Castle Peak Boys’ Home, the Ma Tau Wei Girls’ Home, the Kwun Tong Hostel, the 0 Pui Shan Boys’ Home, the Juvenile Care Centre and the Society of Boys’ Centres.

Questions on the subject of local news, sports news, Chinese Proverbs and member countries of the United Nations will be asked.

Mr. Leung Tin, a popular television star will be the adjudicator.

About 200 guests are expected to attend.

*******

Note to Editors: You are welcome to send a reporter and/or

photographer to have the contest covered. It begins at 2.30 p.m.

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

/?........

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 7 -

PRIZES FOR EXHIBITION PHOTOGRAPHERS

********

The winning photographers of the "Hong Kong - The Changing Scene” photographic exhibition now being held at the City Hall will receive their prizes tomorrow.

The presentation will be made by Mr. Hilton Cheong-Leen, an Urban

Councillor, at a ceremony to be held in the City Hall exhibition hall at 5*30 p.m.

The prizes include a gold trophy, a silver trophy and 10 bronze trophies.

In addition, there will be tokens for the panel of judges and advisers. Certificates for successful entrants will be issued at the end of next month.

On display at the exhibition, organised by the City Museum and Art Gallery, are 640 photographs which tell a graphic and dramatic story of the changes of Hong Kong and the life in the city.

Of the exhibits, 200 have been selected from public entries. The rest are from the City Museum and Art Gallery’s own collection, veteran photographers and various organisations.

The exhibition is drawing a daily average of 5>000 visitors. It is open daily at the City Hall exhibition hall from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sundays and public holidays inclusive, and will close on August 12.

*******

Note to Editors: You are cordially invited to send a reporter

and/or photographer to cover the presentation ceremony tomorrow (Thursday).

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

/8........

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 8 -

DANGEROUS BUILDINS

******

The building at No. 67 Wyndham Street has been declared dangerous by the Building Authority.

In a statement issued this morning the Principal Government Building Surveyor said that the three storey pre-war building had been under observation since the adjoining building, 69 Wyndham Street, was closed earlier this year.

The demolition of No. 69 progressed to the stage where the flank wall of No. 67, adjacent to No. 69, was exposed for examination and it is now seen to be badly fractured and is considered unstable.

The building has been vacated by the residents and as there is a danger of collapse, notice of intention to apply for a Closure Order in Victoria District Court at 9*30 a.m. August 23, 1972 was posted today.

Wednesday, July 26, 1972

- 9 -

WATER INTERRUPTION IN WESTERN AND HUNG HOM ********

Water supply to a number of premises in the Western District on Hong Kong Island and in Hung Hom, Kowloon, will be interrupted for a number of hours on Thursday and Friday (July 2? - 28).

The supply will be turned off for eight hours from 10 p.m. on Thursday for certain premises in Western District, and will be switched off for five hours beginning from 1 a.m. on Friday, in the Hung Hom area.

The temporary water stoppages are to enable the Waterworks Office to install a sluice valve at Pokfulam Road near Third Street, and to carry out a leakage test in Hung Hom.

The premises affected in Western District are those in High Street and Third Street; between Eastern Street and Pokfulam Road; Second Street between Eastern Street and Water Street; >-25 Pokfulam Road; j6O-37^ Queen’s Road West and Western Magistracy.

The area affected in Hung Hom is bounded by Lok Shan Road, Kowloon City Road, To Kwa Wan Road, Chi Kiang Street, Ma Tau Wei Road and Bailey Street.

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

Release time: 7.0° P*nu

N

CHING CHEUNG WIDENING i

ROAD

ROAD

PIPER'S HILL INTERCHANGE

NAM CHEONG INTERCHANGE

SHATIN PASS INTERCHANGE

HAMMER HILL INTERCHANGE

LION ROCK INTERCHANGE

LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EXTENSION

CHING CHEUNG EXTENSION

LUNG CHEUNG ROAD /

TAI

WOR PING

INTERCHANGE

WIDENING

MO

INTERCHANGE

PO KWONG INTERCHANGE

CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE

WAI YIP STREET EXTENSION

CASTLE PEAK INTERCHANGE

CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD

/

FUNG

KOWLOON FOOTHILLS ROAD CORRIDOR

PRH 7 4000091

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Thursday, July 27, 1972

JUNE EXPORT FIGURES SHOW HEALTHY INCREASE

*$**$«*«

Hong Kong’s domestic exports for the month of June were valued at $1,324 million — an increase of 10.8 per cent or $129 million over June 1971.

Provisional figures released today by the Census and Statistics Department also showed that imports, worth $1,926 million, increased by 6.9 per cent or $125 million, while re-exports rose by 21.3 per cent or*$62 million to $355 million, compared with the same month last year.

A spokesman for the Commerce and Industry Department said that during the three-month period, April to June, domestic exports totalled 33,676 million, imports $5,534 million, and re-exports $945 million.

Compared with the same period in 1971, these figures represent increases of 6.2 per cent, 3.6 per cent and 10.5 per cent.

However, taken over the six-month period from January to June the figures are more impressive with increases over the coirresponding period in 1971 of 9.7 per cent for domestic exports, 2.4 per cent for imports and 14.7 per cent for re-exports.

The provisional figures released by the Census and Statistics Department

are as follows:- $1,324 million

' ’ 'MERCHAMDISE; Domestic Exports:

Imports : 31,926 million

Re-exports : $ 355 million

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

/2.........

Thursday, July 2?, 1972

- 2 -

COMPARATIVE FIGURES:

June, 1972 S Million June, 1971 8 Million Increase or decrease

8 Million Per Cent

Domestic Exports 1,324 1,195 + 129 + 10,8

Imports 1,926 1,801 + 125 + 6.9

Re-exports 355 293 + 62 + 21.3

April-June April-June

1972 1971 Increase or decrease

8 Million 8 Million 8 Million Per Cent

Domestic Exports 3,676 3,462 + 214 + 6.2

Imports 5,534 5,342 + 192 + 3.6

Re-exports 945 855 + 89 +10.5

Jan.-June Jan.-June

1972 1971 Increase or. decrease

8 Million 8 Million 3 Million Per Cent

Domestic Exports 6,987 6,369 + 618 + 9.7

Imports 10,309 10,068 + 241 + 2.4

Re-exports 1,820 1,586 + 234 + 14.7

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 3 -

PARENTS TO PAY LESS FOR SCHOOL MEDICAL SCHEME

*********

With effect from October 1, the cost to pupils of participation in the School Medical Service will be reduced from 37 to 35 a year.

At the same time, the Government’s contribution will be increased from 37 to 320.a year for each participating pupil.

- Also from that date future first enrolments in the scheme will be restricted to pupils in primary classes and Form I to Form III in secondary schools. This revision is in line with the Government’s present policy of providing nine years of aided education.

The School Medical Service Board considers that Form III is an appropriate dividing line as by that time most children have gone through the paediatric stage, after which the need for medical attention is normally much less.

Present enrolment in the scheme is about 40,000, including pupils in upper forms of secondary schools, who will be allowed to remain in the scheme at the new rate of subscription until they phase out.

A fourth change in the scheme to take effect from October 1 is an increased payment to participating doctors. They will receive 325 per panel pupil a year instead of the present 31^ — an increase which takes into account rising costs of drugs, administrative overheads, and professional services.

In supporting this increased payment’the School Medical Service Board points out that remuneration to doctors has not been revised since the present scheme was first established.

/The

t

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 4 -

The Board feels that the increase will also enable doctors to supply a wider range of medicines and drugs. At present the cost of any medicines or drugs, for example antibiotics, which are not listed in the approved formulary is being borne by the pupils themselves.

The School Medical Service provides a full medical examination upon enrolment, further examinations at doctors’ discretion, and an unlimited number of consultations at doctors’ clinic. In this way, it serves the special needs of school children for the early detection and diagnosis of defects in childhood, and continued medical supervision, which cannot be adequately met by the public medical service•

The low level of enrolment reflects the fact that, in the Board’s view, among other reasons, the majority of parents in Hong Kong are not ’’insurance minded.”

The School Medical Service Board was set up in. 19^4 to operate a scheme to provide economical medical treatment to pupils in registered schools. Participation of pupils and doctors is voluntary, and pupils may join the scheme any time they wish for a period of 12 months from the date of entry.

These revisions in the scheme are expected to cost the Government an estimated 3729^000 for the current financial year at the present enrolment.

The scheme will be reviewed in two years

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 5 -

RAINSTORM VICTIMS MOVING TO NEW HOMES

********

About 1,400 victims of last month’s rainstorm will move into government low cost .housing estates early next month.

They will be moving into flats at Ko Chiu Road in Kwun Tong and at Lei Muk Shue and Kwai Fong in the Tsuen Wan area.

The second group will follow soon after and it is expected that all the 16>000 people scheduled to go to government low eost housing Hats will be in their new homes by the end of November.

Some 6>J00 people have already moved into Resettlement Department estates4and another l>700 will be going to licensed areas. All available resettlement rooms have now been allocated.

A government spokesman pointed out that four months was needed to rehouse the 16,000 people because of the large numbers involved in the rehousing programme.

He said that staff of the Housing Authority are working at full speed to -complete the final intake procedures.

• '5.‘. *1 . •

/6 ••••»•••

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 6 -

PUBLIC HEARING ON PO SHAN ROAD DISASTERS

*********

At least 20 people have indicated that they are willing to appear as witnesses before the Commission of Inquiry into the June rainstorm disasters, when it begins hearing evidence on the Po Shan Road landslides on Monday (July 31 )•

The hearing will begin at 10 a.m. in Court 4, Victoria District Court, Battery Path.

Monday’s session will be confined to a preliminary consultation with members of the public, or their legal representatives, who consider they are implicated or concerned in any way and who wish to appear before the • Commission other than as a witness.

These people are invited to immediately contact the Counsel to the Commission, Mr. R.G. Penlington, on H-95601, if they have not already done so.

After the preliminary consultation the Commission intends to adjourn until Tuesday August 8 to enable reports and other technical evidence to be produced and made available to the interested parties prior to the hearing of evidence on that day. After August 8 the Commission expects to be in a position to begin‘the continuous hearing of evidence.

Members of the public who have indicated their willingness to give evidence will be notified the Commission intends to invite them to appear before it.

Meanwhile any other person who wishes to give evidence or who can supply information in connection with the Po Shan Road landslides is still invited to immediately contact the Secretary to the Commission, Mr. Mo Yiu-chor on H-95312.

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Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 7 -

SCULPTURE TO DEPICT YOUTH IN A CHANGING SOCIETY

*»**««»«*

Young people are being given an opportunity to develop their creative talents in a sculpture competition and as an added incentive selected works will be exhibited at the Ocean-Terminal.

The competition, organised by the Social Welfare Department, is open to people between the age of 15 and 30. Participants must be ingroups of no less than two.

The objects of the competition are to provide opportunities for young people to work together for a common project and to give healthy outlets for them to express their views, ideals and imagination towards different aspects of society.

The theme is "youth in a changing society" and people who wish to complete should submit a sketch plan of the sculpture, together with the synopsis, to the Youth Work Unit of the department by August 10.

There is no restriction on the use of materials.

A spokesman for the Unit says that on request a maximum of S50 could be granted to each participating unit towards meeting the cost of materials*......

Application forms are available from the Youth Work Unit, Room 9O8t Causeway Bay Magistracy, Hong Kong and the Youth Work Unit, Kowloon Government Offices, Top ELoor, ^05 Nathan Road.

0 - -

/8

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 8 -

KOWLOON KITCHEN BLOCK DECLARED DANGEROUS «***«*«*

The Building Authority today declared the kitchen block of No. 241 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Kowloon to be in a dangerous condition.

The Principal Government Building Surveyor said the four-storey pre-war building was subject to a routine inspection when it was found that the reinforced concrete frame to the kitchen block was seriously spalled and the reinforcement badly corroded.

The condition is such that there is risk of collapse. A notice of intention to apply for a Closure Order of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd floors of the kitchen block in Kowloon District Court at 10 a.m. on August 10, 1972 was posted today.

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/9........

Thursday, July 27, 1972

- 9 -

WATER INTERRUPTION IN NORTH POINT AND KWUN TONG

********

Water supply to a number of premises in North Point and Kwun Tong will be interrupted on Friday (July 28) and Saturday (July 29)*

The supply will be turned off for seven hours for certain premises in North Point and will be switched off for eight hours in the Kwun Tong area* Both interruptions will begin at 10 p.m. on Friday*

The area affected in North Point is bounded by 1-49, and 2-40 Ming

Yuen Street West, 2-18 Peacock Road, and Peacock Terrace*

Premises affected in the Kwun Tong area are those at 11 and 55-59 Tung Yan Street, 81-99 and 78-82 Fu-Yan Street, 1-33 and 2-32 Yan Oi Street*

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

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL

********

A section of the northern carriageway of Connaught Road Central is to be closed to traffic for five hours on Saturday (July 29) morning from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m.

The closure, affecting the section between Queen Victoria Street and Pedder Street, will facilitate the placing of prefabricated steel frames for the G*P*O. gantry extension across Connaught Road*

Motorists travelling towards Harcourt Road are advised to turn left in front of the Hang Seng Bank Building, proceed eastwards along the new road at the waterfront and then turn right at Blake Pier to join Connaught Road Central again at the Pedder Street junction-

Appropriate directional and traffic signs will be erected to guide motorists* ------------------------------------0---------

Release Time; 6*45 p.m.

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED) 4000091

INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Friday, July 28, 1972

PILE-DRIVING TO BE FURTHER RESTRICTED

*******

The deafening sounds of pile drivers disturbing residents late into

the night and on public holidays will virtually be a thing of the past if proposed legislation being introduced into the Legislative Council is approved*

’ ** I

Under an amending bill, it will be an offence to operate or permit

the operation of pile drivers between 8 p.m. and 6 a.m. or on any public holiday

including Sundays. At present the only restrictions are between the hours of

11 p«m. and 6 a.m. • * / , • • * f

However, a government spokesman said today that this provision of

the bill will not come into force until June 1, 1973 because of the considerable

difficulties that would be encountered with existing piling contracts. But within 10 months all these contracts should have been completed.

The spokesman said the proposed additional restrictions should not interfere unduly with building operations, and although there v/as bound to be some increase in building costs, they would not be unacceptable.

The new bill - the Summary Offences (Amendment) Bill 1972 - also raises

the maximum penalty for offences under the provisions relating to noise from $500 to $5>000.

/Under .......

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 2 -

Under the present legislation, when an exemption is granted to a specific district it has the effect of giving a blanket exemption to the whole area.

However, the new bill will enable the Governor in Council to limit the exemptions to specified purposes and circumstances. The Governor in Council will al no be empowered to impose conditions on the exemption.

The proposed legislation also provides a simple procedure for granting exemptions for short-term works, particularly emergency jobs. Under this provision < • • • ' •

the Governor in Council can make regulations to allow the Director of Public

Works to grant permits to carry out certain works at night.

These permits are expected to be issued for a maximum period of one ■ r t i month and will probably be renewable for a similar period.

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

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL OPERATING DATE

********

Motorists were today reminded that the actual operating date for the cross—harbour tunnel was next Thursday, August J.

The Commissioner for Transport said that this is the date on which the tunnel will be opened for public use.

He emphasised that although the opening ceremonies will be held on

Wednesday evening, general traffic will not be able to use the tunnel until

1 a.m. on Thursday, a f • < ------------------------------------o--------- /3......................................................................

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 3 -

USE OF CANTONESE IN OPEN URBAN COUNCIL MEETINGS

4c * * * * * * *

A bill is to be introduced into the Legislative Council next week that will pave the way for the use of Cantonese as well as English at open meetings of the Urban Council.

The Urban Council Amendment Bill 1972 proposes to repeal a section of the Urban Council Ordinance which requires proceedings of the Council to be conducted in English.

It al Ro proposes to repeal and to re-enact in part another section of the same ordinance to allow minutes of the proceedings to be kept in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Council. * *

Commenting on the bill, a government spokesman said that this follows the acceptance by the government of the recommendations of the first report of the Chinese Language Committee. This report dealt with the use of Cantonese in the Legislative and Urban Councils and government boards and committees.

If the bill is approved, the languages spoken at open meetings of the ♦ t

Urban Council will no longer be regulated by the Urban Council Ordinance. Such regulations will be affected by the Council’s Standing Orders.

’’This means”, the spokesman said, ’’the Urban Council will change its Standing Orders as soon as a simultaneous interpretation system is available to allow the use of Cantonese in its open meetings.

The use of the Standing Orders for this purpose will bring the Urban Council into line with the Legislative Council.

A meeting of the Legislative Council in November last year passed a resolution amending its Standing Order to allow members to address the Council in either English or Cantonese.

-------0--------- /4.......................

iJ <•

Friday, July 28, 1972

EASING OF RESTRICTIONS ON TEXTILE EXPORTS TO CANADA

********

Restrictions on Hong Kong’s textile exports to Canada will be eased slightly under a new agreement just concluded.

The Director of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Jack Cater, said this afternoon that although restraints would continue, one item — nightwear — had been removed from the list.

At the same time the agreement incorporates other improvements, including provisions for a more liberal growth rate.

The agreement, which was formally signed yesterday, was the result of negotiations held in Ottawa at the end of June. It will take effect from October 1.

Mr. Cater said that full details of the new scheme would soon be announced by the Commerce and Industry Department.

In 1971। Hong Kong’s textile exports to Canada were worth 5246 million.

- 0 - -

/5.

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 5 -

NGAU CHI WAN TO REMAIN BASICALLY RESIDENTIAL

*»*««**

Ngau Chi Wan in north-east Kowloon is to remain basically a residential and green belt area under an outline zoning plan approved by the Governor in Council.

The plan, covering 464 acres, has been prepared by the Town Planning Board and provides a land use pattern and major road framework within which the use and development of the land may be controlled.

By far the largest area — 232.8 acres — has been reserved as a green belt which takes in the wooded steep hillsides to the north-east of Ngau Chi Wan village and the lower slopes of Kowloon Peak.

Almost 60 acres has been zoned for residential and 2.3 acres for commercial/residential use.

The residential zone includes the existing Choi Hung and Ping Shek housing estates and a similar estate to be developed immediately to the north of Clear Water Bay Road. It also includes a further government low-cost housing estate planned to the east of Hammer Hill Road.

Land for government, institution and community uses occupy 42.2 acres. Within this area, five acres are reserved for government purposes, including a polyclinic, market and bus terminus. Space is also allocated for future schools<

Eleven point eight acres has been reserved for open space, with an area at the junction of Hammer Hill Road and Lung Cheung Road earmarked for active recreational facilities.

/The outline.........

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 6 -

The outline plan does not include land for industrial purposes as the proposed Kowloon Bay reclamation immediately to the south will provide industrial land, with ample employment opportunities for workers*

The site for a new crematorium is provided in a 61*2 acre Bone marked for cemetery and crematorium uses and which includes the New Kowloon Cemetery No. 8.

The Choi Hung station for the proposed mass transit line to Kwun Tong is located under part of the commercial/residential zone and a grade separated interchange is also proposed at the Lung Cheung Road, Clear Water Bay Road and Kwun Tong Road junction.

The population of the Ngau Chi Wan area at the 1971 census was 77,204, and on full development this is expected to reach 117,000.

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

RECONSTRUCTION OF SECTION OF SHANGHAI STREET

***««**»

The section of Shanghai Street between Mong Kok Road and Fife Street, and its two junctions with Nelson Street and Shantung Street are to be reconstructed The work involves the construction of the carriageway in reinforced concrete slab, a new footpath and ancillary drainage works. It is expected to begin in September and will take about six months to complete.

The temporary closure of side streets and traffic diversions; will be put into effect when work is in progress*

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/7........

Friday, .July' 28, 1972

- 7 -

GOVERNOR VISITS CASTLE PEAK NEV TOWN

******

The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today spent one and a half hours touring Castle Peak New Town which is now taking shape on the west coast of the New Territories.

He drove through the development area, saw works in progress, and was briefed on future development plans and problems. •• •* *

The general area of the proposed new town has a population of about 36tOOOe Stage 1 is being completed to provide land for residential, industrial and community facilities.

The Governor was accompanied by a number of officials including the District Commissioner for New Territories, Mr. D.C, Bray; the Deputy District Commissioner, Mr. I.F.C. Macpherson; the District Officer, Yuen Long, Mr, A.P. Asprey; and the Senior Planning Officer (N.T.), Dr. E.G. Pryor,

During a walk around the Castle Peak Resettlement Estate, Sir Murray was mobbed by dozens of excited children.

The estate, which is part of Stage 1 of the development scheme, provides lowwrent homes for 10,000 in two eight-storey and two 16-storey blocks of the latest type with 35 square feet of living space for each person.

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 8 -

NEW SCENIC ROAD IN NEW TERRITORIES TO BE SURFACED ********

Work will start shortly on surfacing a new road in the New Territories to provide a direct link between Tai Mei Tuk and Luk Keng as well as a vehicular access to the remote villages at Wu Kau Tang.

< . . Formation of the 5&-mile-long road has already been completed

tha section from Luk Keng to Wu Kau Tang undertaken by the Army, and from Wu Kau Tang to Chung Mei, by the Government.

, . Surfacing work will invlove the construction of a 2d-foot-wide .earriageway, lay-bys, turning circles and surface drainage.

Lookout points and open carparks will also be provided for sightseeing at suitable locations along the road. Work is expected to •start in September and will take about 15 months to finish.

I

In conjunction with this road project, plans are in hand to widen the. Luk Keng Road from 10 feet to ensure free vehicular movement between the new road and Sha Tau Keflt Bead.

- - 0 - -

Friday, July 28, 1?72

- 9 -

WORKING HAZARDS FOR NEWCOMERS

********

A leading Hong Kong industrialist, Mr. K.S. Lo, today had some specific advise for newcomers to industry.

During the presentation of certificates to instructors and supervisors who had completed a short course on basic industrial safety, Mr. Lo said that new workers, especially young people, were particularly vulnerable to accidents because they were ignorant of the hazards which experienced workers had learnt to avoid.

He went on: "They choose the unsafe way of doing job merely because it seems easier, or because they think it is an indication of maturity to disregard safety precautions."

Such ignorance and misconceptions, Mr. Lo added, could be overcome by incorporating accident prevention techniques into a training curriculum, thus ensuring that the basic elements of safe working methods were taught at the same time as technical skills.

A total of 29 people were awarded safety certificates in the course sponsored by the Labour Department’s Industrial Safety Training-Centre.

------ *0 “-------

Friday, July 28, 1972

- 10 -

GUTZLAFF STREET BUILDINGS DANGEROUS

********

Two buildings Nos. 4 and 6, Gutzlaff Street in Central District on Hong Kong Island were today declared dangerous by the Building Authority

At the same time it warned that No. 2 Gutzlaff Street was liable to become dangerous.

. . 2- J A-J

The Principal Government Building Surveyor said that these three-storey pre-war buildings were inspected following a report from one of the tenants.

t

On inspection it was found that the brick pier at the ground floor level supporting the rear wall in No. 4 is bulging and fractured. The brickwork of the party wall adjoining No. 6 Gutzlaff Street is also fractured. In addition much of the structural timbers in both these buildings is in a decayed condition and there is a possibility of collapse.

It is considered that No. 2 Gutzlaff Street is liable to become dangerous during or after the demolition of Nos. 4 and 6, and notices of intention to apply for Closure Orders in Victoria District Court at 9«3O a.m. on September 8, 1972 were posted today.

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

Release Time:

6,^0 p.m»

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 400009!

M® M®

INFORMATION SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

1 ~ Saturday, July 29, 1972

.. . ■ • • • • • . * .

FORMER-MILITARY HOSPITAL SITE AND BUILDINGS FOR SALE

The buildings and site of the former Military Hospital at the junction of Mount Kellett Road and Homestead Road on the Peak will be put up for public auction next month.

The property covers about 78,310 square feet and its upset price is . i $2 million,- with an annual rent of 81,798.

. Hie hospital buildings themselves comprise a total floor area of

some 111,000 square feet on four floors*and a site of 48,000 square feet.

The property can be used for residential or hospital and sanatorium purposes if the existing buildings are retained.

If the purchaser wishes to redevelop the site, use will be restricted to private residential accommodation only.

The hospital — originally the Hong Kong War Memorial Nursing Home — was erected to the memory of those who served and fell in the First World War.

A special committee was set up to raise funds for the project with a donation by the Government. Hie foundation stone was laid on April 24, 1930 by the wife of the then Officer Administering the Government,Mrs. W.T. Southorn.

The hospital was used by the British Navy and Army and in 19&7 was handed over to the Government by the Ministry of Defence on the opening of a new British Military Hospital in Kowloon.

/A block ........

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 2 -

A block of flats lower down Mount Kellett Road, previously used as sisters’ quarters, was renovated for use as government quarters.

The hospital itself was intended to be converted into an infectious diseases and convalescent hospital for the Medical and Health Department, but the project was later dropped on the advice of the Medical Development Plan Standing Committee.

The land with the hospital buildings is to be put up for sale because no economic government use could be found for the buildings.

Full particulars and conditions of the sale may be obtained from the Public Enquiry Sub-office, Central Government Offices (West Wing), ground floor, Hong Kong, and at the Crown Lands and Survey Office, Kowloon Government Offices, 405, Nathan Road, 10th floor, Kowloon.

A sale plan may also be inspected at these two places.

The premises will be open for viewing on the mornings of August 4, 8 and 11.

The auction will take place at 2.30 p.m. on August 25 (Friday) in the Lecture Room of the City Hall High Block on the 8th floor.

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/3.........

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 3

POLYTECHNIC TAKES OVER TECHNICAL COT,T,EGE

Advanced technical education in Hong Kong will enter a new phase next week when the Polytechnic Board assumes responsibility for the Technical College at Hung Hom.

On Tuesday (August 1), the Deputy Chairman of the Board, Mr. James Wu Man-hon, will unveil a plaque at the college to commemorate the occasion.

The new Director and his staff have already moved into the college for the transfer of management.

When it takes over, the Polytechnic Board will set in motion its plans for increasing the enrolment to 8,000 full time and 20,000 part-time students by 1976.

The Polytechnic Director, Mr. C. Old said today the Board will assume direct responsibility for all staff appointments, all buildings and equipment, and for the funds made available by the Government through the University and Polytechnic Grants Committee. It will also handle other functions required to support the academic work of the Polytechnic.

He said it was the Board’s intention to expand the teaching in the Polytechnic as soon as teaching staff can* be recruited and temporary accommodation found. -

«*«****«

Note to Editors; The Polytechnic Board will hold a press .conference at 4 p.m. on August 1 in the Director’s Office at the Polytechnic (Technical College). You are welcome to hav'e the conference covered. The plaque will be unveiled at 4. JO p.m.

-----L 0 •-------

- - — * /4........

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 4 -

MAIL FOR LANDSLIDE DISASTER VICTIMS

*******

The Post Office announced today that it still has a quantity of undeliverable mail for premises which were evacuated last month due to the landslide disasters.

A spokesman for the Post Office said that generally mail which had arrived since the disasters had been redirected to new addresses and this would continue for as long as required.

However, in a number of cases, no redirection requests had been received and all attempts by the Post Office to trace addresses who are believed to have survived the landslides have so far failed.

The spokesman advised anyone affected in this matter to contact the General Post Office Enquiry Bureau on H-247116 or H-24-7117.

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

GOVERNOR TO VISIT CARITAS

*******

Note to Editors: The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, is to

visit the Caritas Centre in Caine Road on Monday (July 31)*

He will arrive at Caritas at 2.30 p.m. where he will be met by the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hong Kong, Bishop Francis Hsu, the President of Caritas, Hong Kong, the Reverend Father F. Lerda, and the Secretary-General of Caritas, Mr. A.E. Perry,

During the visit, the Governor will see activities in the family services department, the dental clinic, the .handicrafts section and the •. .

machine shops of the. pre-voca^ional training section. He will also call .at other sections of the -centre* The visit will continue'Until 3,50 p.m.

You. are invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the event,

-------0 - . - - /5......

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 5 -

51ST GOVERNMENT LOTTERY RESULTS

*******

The first prize of $^^,400 for the 51st Government lottery was won by ticket No. 85652.

This and other winning numbers were drawn this morning at the City

Hall Concert Hall by four Radio Hong Kong artistes — Miss Kimmy Got, Miss Stella Chan, Miss Katherina Tsang and Miss Monita Miu.

Ticket Nos. 261038, 414485, 479752, 520809 and 565897 won the five second prizes of $50,960 each.

The three-digit special prize number was 711* Holders of 774 tickets ending with this number get $100 for each ticket.

Winning numbers for the 50 third prizes of $4,644 each are as follows:

716 31069 33567 37807 49340 90656 97400

110446 132747 203146 223185 228894 238693 258087

259845 270873 293008 315464 344222 347566 364154

407364 412426 414904 418550 421931 436676 452276

452314 462279 474318 484792 485158 48546? 494551

503595 506793 507971 549963 553370 589587 602801

614136 634475 664108 693604 721308 739490 747506

755871

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/6........

Saturday, July 29? 1972

- 6 -

URBAN COUNCIL MONTHLY PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT

********

The Urban Council has organised by a programme of variety shows, film shows and Chinese band concerts and operas to be held in a number of playgrounds during August.

The variety shows begin at 8 p.m. and conclude with a lucky draw in which toys and other prizes are given away. A total of eight shows will be held in the urban areas and in the New Territories.

The film show of the month will be screened at 10 different locations beginning at 8 p.m.

The six Chinese band concerts and operas are expected to attract more than 1,000 people to each show. The programme also begins at 8 p.m.

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/7........

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 7 -

KOWLOON CITY WATER CUT

»****««

Water supply to a number of premises in the Kowloon City area will be switched off for eight hours between 10 p.m. on Monday and 6 a.m. the following day.

The temporary stoppage is to allow the Waterworks Office to connect the ends of the existing sub-mains with a new 12-inch main at the portion of Nga Tsin Wai Road between Nga Tsin Loong Road and Fuk Lo Tsuen Road.

The following buildings will be affected by the interruption: Nos. 31-49A Nga Tsin Wai Road, Nos. 2-46 Junction Road, Nos. 1-49 Fuk Lo Tseun Road, Nos. 1-43 and Nos. 1-42 Lion Rock Road, Nos. 1-43 and Nos. 2A-26 Hau Wong Road, Nos. 1A-25 Nga Tsin Loong Road, the Kowloon City Market, the Kowloon City Dispensary and Nos. 320-402 Prince Edward Road.

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

/8........

Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 8 -

PRECAUTIONS AGAINST THE MOSQUITO MENACE

$**«*«**

The Urban Services Department today issued a list of hints on ways to help eliminate the mosquito menace.

A spokesman for the department said insecticides and repellents were ineffective against mosquitoes while their breeding ground — stagnant water — was allowed to stand.

He said that it only took one week for the eggs to hatch in stagnant water.

”A weekly check in your house to locate and remove possible mosquito breeding places can eliminate the nuisance,” the spokesman added.

The list of hints covers the removal of water from areas inside and outside the house and in the garden.

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Saturday, July 29, 1972

- 9 -

BOOKS PRINTED IN HONG KONG EXHIBITION

*******

Mr. A. de 0. Sales, member of the Cultural Affairs Select Committee of the Urban Council, will present prizes for the best produced books in the ’’Books Printed in Hong Kong Exhibition” in a ceremony to be held in the City Hall Library on Monday afternoon.

The exhibition was held as part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival, 1972 to mark the 10th Anniversary of the City Hall.

Prizes will be awarded in the following two categories: art books and plain text printing; within each category there will be two prizes: one for an English work and another for a Chinese work.

In addition, there will be a prize for the best produced bilingual book containing both styles, that is, illustrations and text matter. A sixth prize will be awarded to a Chinese book produced on traditional lines.

*******

Note to editors: The presentation will take place at the

City Hall Library on the 5th floor of the High Block at 5.50 p.m. on Monday.

You are welcome to have the presentation covered•

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

Release Time: 2.50

P.R.H. 7 (REVISED! 400000!

INFORMATION

SERVICES

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

Monday, July JI, 1972

■GOVERNOR DETERMINED SUPPORTER OF CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN

jo ♦♦♦♦♦♦*♦♦

At 6.45 a.m. today the Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose walked the back streets of Hong Kong to see for himself some of the problems which will be facing the Clean Hong Kong campaign.

The entire visit lasted for just over an hour. It follows a briofingto press radio and televicion editors in which Sir Murray emphasised that he was an enthusiastic and completely determined supporter of the Clean Hong Kong 'campaign.

This morning, accompanied by Mr. Wong Man-yui, Assistant Director (Cleansing) Urban Services Department, he saw the state of the streets in Western district before the USD workers began the big task of cleaning the area of night litter.

; tv' f

He saw similar situations at two locations in Wan Chai and • •

further on down in North Point.

In each case the streets were heavily littered with refuse that had been left outside in baskets or wooden boxes or simply strewn around in the streets.

Most of the litter had been placed outside illegally instead of being taken to the refuse collecting trucks.

/Sir Murray .......

Monday, July 31, 1972

Sir Murray also saw small back lanes blocked in places by

illegal structures which made it extremely difficult for USD Cleaners to sweep the areas. In other streets parked cars also obstructed the cleaners work.

At the briefing to press,radio and TV editors last week, Sir

Murray said he was writing to the head of every government department to stress that the campaign was no routine matter and that he expected every man and woman in the public service to do their utmost to make the campaign a success.

,rI am sure that when the public sees the Government

and commitment, it will respond -enthusiastically* and that the effort by the whole combined community that will result is the right way to solve- this problem once and for all-11

The Governor added: "I believe everyone is heartily sick, of the

dirt and litter that spoil so much of our city for so much of every day4 and that there is not a person in Hong Kong in his right mind who does not want this campaign to succeed. I shall do everything I possibly can to ensure that they will not be disappointed.”

- - 0 - -

/5

Monday, July 3*19 *1972

- 3 -

CONDITIONS FOR LION ROCK SUSPENDED CABLE CAR SYSTEM

*******

Basic conditions for the grant of a franchise to a successful tenderer to build and operate an aerial ropeway or suspended cable car system leading to Lion Rock were announced today.

These are contained in a resolution to be introduced in the Legislative Council on Wednesday.

The company which will be awarded the franchise will be granted two sites for use* as the lower and upper stations and the system must be completed within three years of the sites being acquired.

At the lower station, car parking, restaurant and shopping facilities will’be provided for visitors, while at the upper station, an open area will be provided for a helicopter landing pad. Restaurant and shopping facilities may also be provided.

The minimum and maximum capacities of the system are 500 and 700 passengers an ’hour in each direction between the lower and upper stations.

The company must pay an annual fee and a royalty of 10 per cent of gross operating receipts including advertising.

It must indemnify the Government in connection with claims arising from the operation of the system and tenure of the two stations. It must also provide adequate insurance cover for claims from passengers and third parties.

The company must submit a proposed fare structure with its tender.

Government may re-enter the lot, terminate the franchise and take over the system if there is a serious default in the terms of the franchise.

The Government may also impose penalties for lesser infringements.

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

....: A..........

Monday, July JI, 1972

- 4 -

SPORTS STADIUM WITH BOWLING CENTRE FOR YUEN LONG

«*«*«***

The Government has granted a piece of Crown land to the Yuen Long District Sports Association to build a modern sports stadium in the township.

The land covering an area of over 7,000 square feet is situated next to the existing Yuen Long recreation and sports ground.

The cost of the stadium, estimated at about $1 million* will be met with funds to be raised by the sports association and local civic leaders*

The stadium will be four storeys high. A 10-pin bowling centre, the first of its kind in the New Territories, will be set up on the first floor and there will be a club room and a gynasium on the second and third floors. The ground floor will be used as a car park.

The land, with the assessed market value of over 3600,000* was granted by private treaty without any premium. The association is required to pay only a token Crown rent on condition that it must be developed into a non-profit making recreational centre.

The Yuen Long District Sports Association, a non-profit making organisation, was formed 12 years ago with the aim of promoting various sporting activities in the area.

A spokesman for the association said that with the stadium there will be more opportunities for young people in the New Territories to take part in recreational activities.

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

/5........

Monday, July J1, 1972

- 5 -

CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS READY

^Ht******

The cross-harbour tunnel road connections on both sides of the harbour have now been completed, after years of planning and construction, for the opening of the tunnel this week.

The 837 million scheme is designed for smooth and easy traffic flow to and from the tunnel portals.

The road connections network on Hong Kong Island consists of five flyovers and five footbridges.

Traffic leaving the Wan Chai end of the tunnel will be dispersed in three directions — to Central via the new Waterfront Road, to North Point and Shau Kei Wan via a left turn on to the eastern end of Waterfront Road, and to Happy Valley by going up an elevated loop road leading to the Canal Road flyover.

Vehicles will also enter the tunnel in the same three directions — from Shau Kei Wan and North Point over the Tsing Fung Street flyover, from Central by way of the Waterfront Road, and from Happy Valley through the Canal Road flyover.

In Kowloon, the road connections network has two elevated roadways, three flyovers and six subways, including vehicular bridges over the tracks to the proposed Hung Hom Railway Terminal.

This network has been designed for maximum traffic flow to and from the Hung Hom end of the tunnel in three directions — westwards towards Tsim Sha Tsui by Chatham and Austin Roads and to Yau Ma Tei by Gascoigne Road, northwards to Princess Margaret Road by two one-way parallel elevated roadways, and eastwards to Chatham Road by two parallel flyovers and loop roads.

/The tunnel .......

Monday, July J1, 1972

- 6 -

The tunnel road connections are supplemented by other major works which have been consturcted to provide quick and direct traffic routes for motorists on both Hong Kong Island and in Kowloon.

*«****««

Note to Editors: Copies of two sketches showing the tunnel

road connections on each side of the harbour are attached to today’s Daily Information Bulletin*

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

PRESIDENT OF ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK ARRIVES

*«»***«*

The President of the Asian Development Bank, Mr* Takeshi Watanabe, arrived from Tokyo today to sign a loan agreement of HKS12O million with the Hong Kong Government for the construction of a desalting plant at Castle Peak.

Mr. Watanabe was met on arrival by the Financial Secretary, Mr. Philip Haddon-Cave and the Governor’s A.D.C., Mr. W.I. Nicholson. He is staying at Government House.

The signing ceremony will take place on the first floor of the Central Government Offices, Main Wing at noon tomorrow (August 1).

********

Note, to Editors: You are welcome to send a reporter and/or

photographer to have the ceremony covered.

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

Monday, July 31, 1972

ASIAN REGIONAL SEMINAR ON SOCIAL WORK OPENS

**+****♦

’ The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. G.T. Rowe, said today the Government was spending 330 million a year on payments under the Public Assistance Scheme.

This expenditure was part of the one-third of the current budget being spent on social services as a whole, underlining the comparative health of the economy.

And because of this, Mr. Rowe said, it was becoming "at last possible for the Government to turn its attention increasingly from its previous ad hoe emergency actions to one of refining and sophisticating the quality of the services now being made available."

He was speaking at the opening of the four-day Asian Regional Seminar of the International Federation of Social Workers, being held for the first time in Hong Kong.

He told about 150 delegates, including many from overseas, that Hong Kong’s Public Assistance Scheme was a good example of how the emphasis on social welfare in Hong Kong was changing.

It used to be the norm that relief efforts were concentrated on seeing that the starving, the homeless, and victims of fire and natural disasters were given food, shelter, clothing, and other immediate assistance in kind.

But a significant step was taken in 1971 when the Government introduced the public assistance programme by which residents and families whose incomes fell below a prescribed level received help in cash on a monthly basis. In the short time since the scheme’s implementation, it had become "the most generous non-contributory income-maintenance programme in Southeast Asia."

/Speaking.........

Monday, July 31, 1972

- 8 -

Speaking as Patron of the Seminar, Mr. Rowe said the choice of Hong Kong as the venue reflected credit on the Colony’s standing in the region in the developing field of social work.

He had no doubt that what overseas delegates would learn during the seminar would convince them that Hong Kong, despite its ’’vast and unique problems,” was succeeding in its social welfare programme.

The Seminar proper began with a plenary session on the theme ’’The

Asian Concept of Social Work, Values and Philosophy.” The speaker was Mr. Thomas »-

C.Y. Lee, Deputy Director of Social Welfare, with Miss Lee Hei-man, Senior

Lecturer, University of Hong Kong, as Chairman.

A group discussion followed under the joint chairmanship of Miss Ko Siu—wah General Secretary, YWCA, and Mr. Ho Kam-fai, Head of the Department of Social Work, United College, the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The Seminar continues tomorrow at the Ward Memorial Church, Waterloo

Road, Kowloon.

Monday, July 31, 1972

- 9 -

LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE HELPS SETTLE 741 DISPUTES «**##***

The Labour Relations Service of the Labour Department helped settle 7^1 disputes out of a total of 1,050, during the second quarter of this year.

This represents a settlement rate of 70*6 per cent.

Mr. T.F. Tsui, Senior Labour Officer in charge of the Division, said today that this rate is high considering the fact that all cases brought to the Service were dealt with irrespective of the rights and wrongs of the parties.

As a result of the settlements a total of 3807,414 was paid to 1,444 workers as arrears of wages, payment in lieu of notice under the Employment Ordinance or as ex gratia severance pay.

Mr. Tsui said most labour problems arose out of disagreement over wage rates, changes in conditions of employment, dismissals, prolonged lay-off on redundancy and insolvency of the employer or simply mutual misunderstanding.

Eleven strikes which occurred during the quarter accounted for a loss of 6,558 man-days.

In settling 20 of the 25 big labour disputes, Mr. Tsui said that officers of the Labour Relations Service conducted a total of 50 joint meeting^’ bT* ah* Average duration of three hours each. They also made 48 visits to the sites of disputes and a further 24 visits to sites of factory fires to ensure that there would be no undue delay in the payment of wages to workers affected by the fires.

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

/10........

Monday, July 31, 1972

- 10 -

SWIMMING POOL FOR WU KWAI SHA

«**«»***

The Chinese YMCA has received a grant of 83OO»OOO from the Lotteries Fund for the construction of a swimming pool at its popular Youth Village at Wu Kwai Sha.

, The village provides a variety of recreational and camping facilities for young people and family groups throughout the year.

Last summer more than 40,000 people used the facilities.

However, there is no satisfactory swimming area, as the beach is considered unsafe-, particularly for beginners. It is also strewn with rocks.

A swimming pool at the village will help go a long way towards taking the danger out of this popular sport, as it will be used for teaching beginners, life-saving instruction and general recreation.

The new pool is expected to be ready for use next summer.

/11

Monday, July JL, 1972

- 11 -

CENTRAL BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS

Another building in Central district has been declared dangerous by the Building Authority.

The building, which fronts onto both No J Lyndhurst Terrace • • • • • and No. 80 Wellington Street, is a five-storey pre-war structure.

It was the subject of a complaint earlier this month and on • ■ • • inspection it was found that the brickwork of the old party wall, which formerly separated No. J Lyndhurst Terrace and the rear of 82 Wellington Street was severely fractured.

The Principal Government Building Surveyor said today that because of the redevelopment of 82 Wellington Street, this party wall is now an exposed flank wall without adequate lateral support and shows signs of recent movement.

The party wall between Nos. 1 and 5 Lyndhurst Terrace, on which the common staircase is supported, also shows signs of fracture in the brickwork and it is considered that No. 1 is liable to become dangerous during or after the demolition of No. J Lyndhurst Terrace and 80 Wellington Street.

No. 1, which is a four-storey pre-war building? was inspected recently following the report of a defective balcony. At that time no major defects were found in the building and a notice to repair the balcony was served.

Notices of intention to apply for closure orders in Victoria District Court at 9*30 a.m. on September 8, 1972 were posted today.

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

/12

Monday, July J1| ^972

- 12 -

DRAW FOR 52ND GOVERNMENT LOTTERY

********

Four RTV artists will rotate the drums to draw the winning numbers of the 52nd Government Lottery on Saturday August 12, 1972 at the City Hall Theatre.

They are Miss Stella Chee, Miss Margaret Miller, Miss Irene Ryder, and Mr. Tony Law. The draw will start at 10 a.m.

This was announced today by Mr. Chau Kai-yin, a member of the Government Lotteries Management Committee, at a news conference held at the City Hall Restaurant.

The four RTV artists, along with other members of the Management Committee, Mr. Leung Man-kin, Mrs. K. Fok and the secretary, Mr. A.H. Kitehell attended the conference.

Tickets for the 52nd Government Lottery are now on sale together with tickets for the 10th anniversary lottery which will be drawn later this year. Both are selling at 32 each.

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

Release Time; 7.00 p.m.

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS-MAINLAND AND PROPOSED AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION ft. £------4

. I TO HAPPY VALLEY 223 FOOTBRIDGES

CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS _______________ ISLAND


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