PRH 7
—BAILY- INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SEPTEMBER EXPORTS UP BY C61 MILLION IN VALUE TERMS ............................................. 1
WATER SITUATION: TOTAL STORAGE 78.6 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPACITY..................................... 2
SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR LIFTING APPLIANCES COME 1
INTO EFFECT .FROM TODAY............................. 3
EXPORT LICENSING SCHEME FOR PLASTIC^RAW MATERIALS TERMINATED ......................................• 4
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE •MOVING TO NEW PREMISES ..,.......................... 4
HIGHER PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES AGAINST MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE PROPOSED......................... 5
YOUTH SEMINARS ON EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES IN WAN CHAI ................... •................i.* 5
TEMPORARY BUILDING RESTRICTIONS IN POK FU LAM TO BE LIFTED.......................................... 6
KOWLOON HOSPITAL TO HOLD'ATHLETIC MEETING .'........ ’6
TOO MORE F.P.A. CLINICS INTEGRATED INTO
GOVERNMENT’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE .................. 7
TRAINING CAMP FOR VOLUNTEERS FOR VILLAGE SERVICE GROUPS...........,................................ 7
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X - -O ;
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
- 1 -. SEPTEMBER EXPORTS UP BY 361 MILLION H it 5$ % % %
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR WAS 31,981 MILLION, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 361 MILLION OR 3.2 PER CENT BY VALUE OVER THE SAME MONTH IN 1973.
ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS DECREASED BY 0.9 PER CENT TO 32,681 MILLION WHILE THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS ALSO DECREASED BY 18.9 PER CEtyT TO 3598MILLI0N.
FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER 1974 SHOW INCREASES BY VALUE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1973 OF 29.7 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 22.4 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS AND 33.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE GIVES A LIST OF COMPARATIVE TRADE FIGURES :-
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
•SEPTEMBER 1974 SEPTEMBER 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
•
• 3 MN. 3 MN. 3 MN. ' %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS). 1,981 (76.8%) 1,920 (72.2%) +61 + 3.2
IMPORTS 2,681 2,704 - 24 - 0.9
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 598 (23.2%) 738 (27.8%) -140 -18.9
■i- A JULY-SEPT^ JULY-SEPT INCREASE OR
• 1974 1973 DECREASE
• $ MN. 3 MN. 3-- -Ml?;;' %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 6,273 • 5,503 + 770 +14.0
IMPORTS 8,713 7,533 +1180 +15.7
RE-EXPORTS 1,812 1,976 - 164 - 8.3
/JAN.-SEPT ....
- 2 -JAN.-SEPT 1974 FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 1, 1974.
JAN.-SEPT 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. 3 KN. £ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS ' 17,745 13,680 ’ ♦4064 +29.7
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (76.3%) (75.2%)
IMPORTS 26,552 • 19,896 ♦6656 +33.5
RE-EXPORTS 5,510 4,503 +1008 +22.4
(% CF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.7%) (24.8%) •
OCT. 1973 OCT. 1972 INCREASE OR
TO TO
SEPT 1974 SEPT 1973 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. S MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 23,539 17,724 ♦5814 +32.8
IMPORTS 35,660 25,692 ♦9968 +38.8
RE-EXPORTS. • 7,533 5,703 +1830 +32.1
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WATER SITUATION REPORT *****
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IK ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (FRIDAY) STOOD AT 52,901 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 78.6 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME L..ST YEAR THERE WERE 61,034 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 36,129 MlCLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 47,505 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAKE DAY Last YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 71.5 FER CENT CF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 KILLION GALLONS.
116.5 KM (4.59 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE’ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,091.1 KM (62.33 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,096.1 MM (82.52 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.24 PER CENT.
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Lj. I LHJHMUI"I
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
- 3 -
LABOUR SAFETY REGULATIONS COME INTO FORCE OHM#
NEW REGULATIONS GOVERN I EG THE SAFE OPERATION CF LIFTING APPLIANCES AND GEAR CAME INTO EFFECT TODAY - ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DRIVE FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
THE NEW REGULATIONS - WHICH CARRY A FINE OF $5,000 - WILL AFFECT OWNERS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, QUALIFIED GEAR EXAMINERS AND WORKERS.
THEY WERE DESIGNED TC COVER SPECIFICALLY INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS USING LIFTING APPLIANCES AND GEAR.
THE EQUIPMENT IS MOST CuMMOKLY USED IN GARAGES, PLASTICS AND EaTAL WARE FACTOR IES, FOUNDS I aS, DOCKS, 'WHARVES, QUAYS, ..AREHOUSES AUD CONTAINER TERMINALS.
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, HR. DAVID LIU, SAID TODAY TEE INTRODUCTION GF THE FACTORIES AHD INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAR) REGULATIONS SHOULD MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTR11UTI Of. TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
♦THEY ARE PART OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORTS TC ENSURE THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE AT WORK.
♦THE REGULATIONS WERE APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL Ch JANUARY 30, ALLOWING MANAGEMENT NINE MONTHS TO MAKE THE NECESSARY PREPARATIONS,* MR. LIN SAID.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS, OWNERS MUST ENSURE THEIR LIFTING APPLIANCES AND GEAR ARE CF SOUND CONSTRUCTION. THE EQUIPMENT
UST BE TESTED AND EXAMINED BY COMPETENT EXAMINERS BEFORE BEING USED AND MUST HAVE PERIODICAL TESTS AFTER THAT.
LIFTING APPLIANCES AMD GEAR MUST NOT EE USED FOR LOADS GREATER THAN THEIR MAXIMUM WORKING LOADS, WHICH MUST EE LEGIBLY MARKED ON THE EQUIPMENT. THEY MUST ALSO BE FITTED WITH EFFICIENT RAKES TO PREVENT SUSPENDED LOADS FROM FALLING.
MH. LIN POINTED-OUT THAT PENALTY CLAUSES IN THE NEW REGULATIONS APPLIED TO PROPRIETORS OF INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS, COMPETENT EXAMINERS WHO BREACH THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES AND •ORKEFtS w'HC WILFULLY AND WITHOUT REASONABLE CAUSE ENDANGER .TiEMSaLVES OR OTHERS. .. <-■ '
♦WE HAVE RECENTLY PUBLISHED A GUIDE CN THE REGULATIONS TO uiABLE EMPLOYERS, WORKERS AND EQUIPMENT INSPECTORS TO HAVE A .ETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND THEIR ;LLIGATICHS UNDER THE LA...
♦THE GUIDE WAS SENT TO ALL INDUSTRI AL UKDERTAKINGS
JSI.NG LIFTING APPLIANCES ARD GEAR, WITH THE EXCEPTION GF •ONSTRUCTICN SITES WHICH ABE UXDuR THE PURVIEW CF THE CONSTRUCTION •ITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.
♦MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE REGULATIONS •AN CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE JN 3-609456 FOP. FREE COPIES,* .IF;. LIN ADDEiJ.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
• 4 •
EXPORT LICENSING SCHEME FOR PLASTIC RAW MATERIALS TERMINATED
* M M * 4 # M
EXPORT LICENCES FOR PLASTIC RAW MATERIALS ARE IIO LONGER uEGUIRED, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
AR AMENDMENT TC THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (GENERAL) REGULATIONS ABOLISHING LICENSING REQUII:Er£HT3 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT IS .DDL I SHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
AN EXPORT LICENSING SCHEME FOR PLASTIC RAW MATERIALS WAS INTRODUCED ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR AFTER THE OIL SITUATION RAISED SUPPLY UNCERTAINTIES FOR THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY.
FIVE KEY MATERIALS USED BY THE LOCAL PLASTICS INDUSTRY WERE SUBSEQUENTLY PLACED UNDER EXPORT QUOTA CONTROL.
THESE CONTROLS WERE LIFTED IN JULY THIS YEAR TO TAKE ACCOUNT ;F AN IMPROVED SUPPLY SITUATION. BUT EXPORT LICENSING WAS RETAINED .S A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE FOR MONITORING PURPOSES.
♦RECENT DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SUPPLY SITUATION HAVE SHOWN 'URTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE EXTENT THAT THERE IS NO LONGER ANY .EED TO CONTINUE WITH THE EXISTING EXPORT LICENSING ARRANGEMENTS^ . D.C. AND I. SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦CH THE ADVICE OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD WE
•.RE THEREFORE DISCONTINUING THE NEED FOR EXPORT LICENCES TO BE •DTAIKED-FCf. PLASTIC RA..1 MATERIALS.♦
ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE MOVES HOUSE TOMORROW n * * M M H
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS ENTRY PERMIT OFFICE WILL MOVE INTO NEW PREMISES AT THE MACAO FERRY WHARF TOMORROW (NOVEMBER 2).
THE HEW OFFICE WHICH IS OPPOSITE TO THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS cRMKAL AT THE RUMSEY STREET RECLAMATION, WILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS •N MONDAY. NOVEMBER 4.
THERE WILL DE KO CHANGE IN THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OFFICE. HICH IS 5-458D31 EXT. 53. ’
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974. - 5 -
INCREASED PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES AGAINST MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE
******
AMENDING LEGISLATION IS SCON TO EE INTRODUCED TO PROVIDE FOR AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE, AND TO CONFER ON THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE CERTAIN POWERS GOVERNING THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY FOR OFFICERS AND SEAMEN OF THE MERCANTILE MARINE.
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974 PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE SEEKS TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE PENALTIES IMPOSED ON CONTRAVENTION GF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO MAKE THEM CURRENTLY COMMENSURATE WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THE.INCREASE WAS NECESSARY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE EXISTING RATE OF PENALTIES WAS INCONSISTENT WITH PRESENT MONETARY VALUES.
THE BILL ALSO PROPOSES TO CONFER UPON THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE POWERS TO MAKE RULES IN CONNECTION WITH CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS MASTERS, FIRST AND SECOND KATES OR ENGINEERS IN THE MERCHANT NAVY.
IT ALSO PROPOSES THAT THE DIRECTOR SHOULD HAVE THE AUTHORITY iO DETERMINE THE STANDARD OF COMPETENCY TO DE ATTAINED, THE PROCEDURES, SUBJECTS AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE RELATED EXAMINATIONS, THE APPOINTMENT OF EXAMINERS ETC.
IN ADDITION, THE BILL SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE DIRECTOR CF MARINE TO EXAMINE CANDIDATES FOR CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS TRAWLING MASTERS OR ENGINEERS, AND ALSO THAT FOR LOCAL CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS MASTERS OR ENGINEERS OF FERRIES, LAUNCHES, RIVER STEAMERS AND SMALL CRAFT.
YOUTH SEMINARS ON EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ******
J •
A YOUTH SEMINAR ON "STUDENTS AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES" HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE WAN CHAI YOJTH SCCJAL -ERV ICE TEAM UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT'S WAN CHAI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH WORK OFFICE.
THE SEMINARS WILL TAKE PLACE TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND NOVEMBER 3 IN THE CHRISTIAN AND MISSIONARY ALLIANCE YCUTH CAMP WHICH IS LOCATED AT LUNG YUK TAU, FANLING, NEW TERRITORIES.
PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE KEYNOTE SPEECHES BY MR. LAM HARK-CHEE, THE WAN CHAI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, THE CHAIRMEN OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION, AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS’ UNION- SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS, REPORTING BACK SESSIONS AND SOCIAL GATHERINGS.
SIXTY STUDENT LEADERS CHOSEN FROM 16 SECONDARY SCHOOLS ■ Il.L PARTICIPATE IN THE SEMINAR WHICH IS BEING FINANCED THROUGH THE SIR ROBERT ELACK TRUST FUND.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974 '
- 6 -
TEMPORARY BUILDING RESTRICTIONS IN POK FU LAM TO BE LIFTED ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
A BILL PROPOSING THE LIFTING OF THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON DEVELOPMENT IN POK FU LAM BY THE END CF 1974 IS TO BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
THE BILL, ENTITLED +THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (POK FU LAM AND MID-LEVELS)(AMENDMENT)(NO.2) LILL, WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
WHEN THE QUESTION OF EXTENDING THE MORATORIUM ON DEVELOPMENT IN THE MID-LEVELS AND POK FU LAM AREAS WAS DISCUSSED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN JULY, THE DIRECTOR CF PUBLIC WORKS GAVE AN ASSURANCE TO THE COUNCIL THAT THE RESTRICTIONS IN RESPECT OF POK FU LAM WOULD BE LIFTED BY THE END OF THE YEAR. AT THE SAME TIME, HE TOLD THE COUNCIL THAT THE EXTENT OF THE DEVELOPMENT PERMITTED WOULD BE LIMITED TO THAT PERMITTED UNDER EXISTING LEASE CONDITIONS AND WITH PRESENT PLANNING CONTROLS.
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KOWLOON HOSPITAL TO HOLD ATHLETIC MEETING ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE KOWLOON HOSPITAL WILL HOLD ITS EIGHTH ANNUAL ATHLETIC MEETING ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, IN THE HOSPITAL’S GROUNDS, BEGINNING AT 9.30 AM.
THE-EVENT HAS BEEN ORGANISED DY THE SPORTS COMMITTEE OF THE HOSPITAL.
DOCTORS, NURSES, AND OTHER STAFF WILL COMPETE IN ABOUT 20 EVENTS. MEMBERS OF OTHER HOSPITALS AND UNITS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL ALSO PARTICIPATE IN SOME CF THC TRACK AND FIELD COMPETITIONS.
A +ROUND-THE-HOSPITAL+ RACE AND A TUG-OF-WAR ARE TWO INTERESTING EVENTS PLANNED FOR THE AFTERNOON. ■> -
DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OCCASION COVERED.
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'FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
- 7 -
MORE GOVERNMENT FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS
******
TWO MORE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION CLINICS WERE INTEGRATED INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE TODAY, BRINGING THE TOTAL OF FPA CLINICS NOW ABSORBED TO 25.
IN ADDITION, FIVE NEW GOVERNMENT CLINICS OFFERING FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE ARE NOW IN OPERATION.
THE FPA INTEGRATION SCHEME BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1973, AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS YEAR WHEN 32 OF THE ASSOCIATION’S CLINICS WILL HAVE BEEN ABSORBED.
BY JANUARY 1975, THE TOTAL OF GOVERNMENT CLJNICS PROVIDING FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE WILL TOTAL 37.
ONE NEWLY-INTEGRATED CLINIC IN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICE IS AT THE.TSAN YUK HOSPITAL.- THE OTHER IS AT THE KWUN TONG JOCKEY .CLUB HEALTH CENTRE.
ELIGIBLE WOMEN MAY USE THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE IN ALL THE CLINICS AT Si A VISIT.
A SPOKESMAN DESCRIBES THE PROGRESS OF THE INTEGRATION SCHEME AS +EXCELLENT, AND ATTENDANCES ARE GOOD AND GROWING.*
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TRAINING VILLAGE SERVICE GROUPS
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH-OFF ICER IN EASTERN IS HOLDING A TRAINING CAMP THIS WEEKEND TO PREPARE VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE TO THEIR OWN HILLSIDE VILLAGES IN SHAU KI WAN. . / ' ' ■
z? -*•
CO-OPERATING IN THE PROJECT IS THE O’ PUI LOONG VILLAGE ASSOCIATION AND EXPENSES WILL BE COVERED BY A $1,700 GRANT FROM’THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND. ~
ABOUT 40 YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE HILLSIDE VILLAGES OF 0’ PUI LOONG, FA YUEN, SHING ON AND HOLY CROSS PATH, WILL EE PARTICIPATING IN THE CAMP WHICH IS BEING HELD IN TAI MONG TSAI IN SAI KUNG.
THEY WILL BE TAUGHT BOTH THE THEORIES AND PRACTICES OF VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP AND HOW TO CONDUCT SERVICE PROJECTS FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THEIR OWN VILLAGES.
0
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON: .
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE
AVAILABILITY OF
SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY) AVERAGE
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW S.C. JIEN PO NGAI CHU CHO THAI RICE GOOD GOOD 2.02 1.86
100% WHOLE 10-15% BROKENS Al SUPER EXTRA Al SUPER WHOLE GLUTINOUS U.S. RICE ’ GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD 1..80 1.65 1.70 1.45 1.75 1.92 . ♦ 1
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD
1.74
PAKISTAN RICE 5
TAIWAN RICE •
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE «—*" ■' 111 ■ ■ ■ ■■ . ■■ ■ y. — । — i,,
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - . QOCD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (^/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 320 (AVERAGE) .
/SUPPLIES AND .....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (8/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD BIG-EYES SCARCE 6.20 2.50 4.30
LIMITED 3.80 1.00 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 5.50 1.50 3.50
HAIR-TAILS LIMITE-D 2.80 1.40 2.00
LIZARD FISHES SCARCE 4.70 1.50 3.00
CROAKERS NORMAL 3.40 1.30 2.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS SCARCE 3.60 2.40 3.00
MELON COAT NORMAL 4.50 2.50 3.50
BREAMS SCARCE 5.50 2.50 3.90
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 2.00 1.20 1.60
MACIUHELS SCARCS 6.20 3-00 4.60
PED GOAT FISH LIMITED 1.20 0.80 1.00
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 2.30 1730 1.80
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 6.00 3.20 4.60
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.50 1.80 2.60
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.50 7.50 8.00
GAROUPAS SCARCE 10.00 8.00 9.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 15.00 8.00 1'1.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWER 1 NG CABBAGE SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.50
WHITE CABBAGE ■ LIMITED 2.50 0.80 1.80
CHINESE LETTUCE SCARCE 2.60 1.00 1.80
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 1.60 0.60 1.20
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 3.20 1.00 2.40
STRING BEANS SCARCE 3.20 1.20 2.40
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.40 0.50 1.40
SPINACH ScARC c 3.50 1.00 2.50
v.ATER CRESS SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.40 0.80 1.40
CHINESE SPIKACH Ci o Q 1.80 0.50 1.20
i i 0 SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
DAU Y INFORMATION BLMTtiV-
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974 *
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MANAGING DIRECTOR-DESIGNATE OF FUTURE MASS TRANSIT
RAILWAY CORPORATION NAMED .................... 1
•ACCELERATED SURFACE POST’ TO U.K. BEING INTRODUCED FROM NOVEMBER 11............................. 4
LATE RAINS HELP KEEP FIRES DOWN IN OCTOBER.. 3 '
WATER SITUATION! TOTAL STORAGE NOW 79.2 PER CENT •
OF FULL CAPACITY.............................. 3
MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS BEING POSTED ...... 4
•
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON .......... 4
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT WELFARE AGENCIES ON CHEUNG CHAU.................•.................. 5
MORE STUDY FACILITIES BEING PROVIDED FOR ESTATE •
STUDENTS.................................... o
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974
- 1 -
APPOINTMENT OF MANAGING DIRECTOR' (DESIGNATE) OF FUTURE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION ft X X X X X
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY HAS ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF DR. TONY M. RIDLEY AS MANAGING DIRECTOR (DESIGNATE) OF THE FUTURE MASS.TRANS IT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO BE SET UP BY LEGISLATION TO CONSTRUCT, EQUIP AND RUN THE RAILWAY.
DR. RIDLEY IS CURRENTLY DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE WHICH OPERATES DUSES AND DIRECTS PUBLIC TRANSPORT, INCLUDING DOTH BUS AND RAIL SERVICES,-IN THE AREA OF NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND. THIS EXECUTIVE IS ALSO PLANNING AND CONSTRUCTING FOR ITS AREA A MULTI-MILLION POUND RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM, WHICH WILL INCLUDE AN UNDERGROUND SECTION.
BORN IN 1933, DR. RIDLEY WAS TRAINED AS A CIVIL ENGINEER AND HOLDS A DOCTORATE IN TRANSPORT ENGINEERING. HE HAS LONG EXPERIENCE IN BOTH ENGINEERING AND TRANSPORT ENTERPRISES.
BEFORE JOINING THE TYNE AND WEAR PASSENGER TRANSPORT EXECUTIVE IN 1969, HE HAD BEEN CHIEF RESEARCH OFFICER FOR FOUR YEARS WITH THE GREATER LONDON COUNCIL’S DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS AND TRANSPORTATION. HE WAS RESPONSIBLE, AMONG OTHER MATTERS, FOR STRATEGIC TRANSPORT PLANNING.
BETWEEN 1956 AND 1957, DR. RIDLEY WORKED AS A FOUNDATION ENGINEER IN THE UNITED STATES.' THEN HE BECAME A CIVIL ENGINEER WORKING ON THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS IN ENGLAND UNTIL 1962.
DR. RIDLEY IS AT PRESENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IS LIKELY TO TAKE UP HIS APPOINTMENT EARLY'IN 1975.
HE IS MARRIED WltH THREE CHILDREN. HIS HOBBIES INCLUDE A VARIETY OF SPORTS AND THE THEATRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
WE REGRET WE HAVE NO PHOTOGRAPHS OF DR. RIDLEY AT THE MOMENT.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2,
1974
- 2 -
NEW SURFACE POSTAL SERVICE FOR BULK ITEMS ROHM
A NEW POSTAL ''SERVICE TO BE KNOWN AS THE +ACCELERATED SURFACE POST+>T'lL SOON BE INTRODUCED BY THE POST OFFICE.
TH I SERVICE- IS AVAILABLE FOR THE BULK POSTING OF items averted in accordance with the printed paper REGULATIONS WHICH ARE THEN DESPATCHED TO THE COUNTRY OF Dp-HNATION BY AIR USING SPARE AIRCRAFT CARGO CAPACITY.
THE NEW SERVICE WILL START ON NOVEMBER 11 AND INITIALLY WJLL ONLY BE AVAILABLE BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE UNITED 'Kingdom.
- HOWEVER, IT IS HOPED.THAf SERVICES TO OTHER COUNTRIES HAY FOLLOW AT A LATER DATE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THE SERVICE WILL BE PARTICULARLY USEFUL FOR POSTING LARGE QUANTITIES OF HONG KONG PRODUCED PUBLICATIONS TO THE UNITED i- 1 NGDC. '.
+ IT PROVIDES CUSTOMERS WITH A USE^Ll.1 A .TERNATIVE TO THE CHEAPER, SLOWER SURFACE CONVEYANCE ADD’'. HE FAST BUT MORE EXPENSIVE AIRMAIL SERVICE,+ HE
THE COST OF SENDING PRINTED MATTER BY ACCELERATED SURFACE POST IS 34.50 PER LB. GROSS WEIGHT AND A MINIMUM POSTING OF 35 LBS. IS REQUIRED. OTHER CONDITIONS WILL BE THOSE APPLICABLE FOR THE BULK POSTING OF PRINTED PAPER TITEMS.
THE FOLLOWING IS A TABLE SHOWING A COMPARISON OF THE TARIFF FOR ACCELERATED SURFACE POST WITH SECOND CLASS AIRMAIL AND SURFACE MAIL TO THE UNITED KINGDOM s-
SURFACE SECOND CLASS AIRMAIL ASP
COST PER LB. $1.10 (1 LB.) $20.80 -$4.50
$1.90 (2 LBS.) ' 53.20(4 LBS.) * -EACH ADDITIONAL TWO LBS. (BOOKS ONLY) ..... C-A
$1.60
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO USE THIS SERVICE SHOULD CONTACT THE APPROPRIATE CONTROLLER OF POSTS, TEL. NO. 5-232516 FOR POSTINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND 3-884111, EXT. 201 FOR POSTIGSTN KOWLOON.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974
RAIL'S KEEP
OCTOBER FIRES DOWN it Ji it Ji
TYPHOONS CARMEM AND ELAI ME BROUGHT ANOTHER BLESS I KG.TO HOMO KONG BESIDES MUCH-HEEDED RAIL' — A DROP OF ABOUT A THIRD IN THE NUMBER .OF FIRES LAST MONTH COMPARED WITH OCTOBER THE PREVIOUS, YEAR. %
THERE WERE AN AVERAGE OF 30 FIRES A DAY It! OCTOBER 1973, BUT THE FIGURE FOR OCTOBER THIS YEAR WAS 21.
♦WE VERY MUCH WELCOME
PART (
_______________ ______ ________ THIS REDUCTION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID. ♦Wiiil.E EE WOULD LIKE TO ATTRIBUTE SOME OF IT TO FIRE P.REVEfF'iON PUBLICITY, IT IS OBVIOUS THAT THE TWO TYPHOONS MUST TAKE A LA.CE PART CF THE CREDIT. THEY HAVE MADE CONDITIONS MUCH DAMP. . THAN USUAL .WHICH MEANS THAT THE CHANCES OF STARTING A FIRE BY ACCIDENT ARE LESS.*
THE SPOKESMAN LARNED AGAINST COMPLACENCY HOWEVER. +THE NEXT TWO MONTHS ARE ALLAYS VERY DRY AND ONGE THE HUMIDITY LEVEL DROPS BELOW 60 PER CELT AGAIN, THE FIRE DANGER WILL QUICKLY RETURN,* HE ALSO POINTED CUT THAT TilE FIGURE CF 21 FIRES A CAY IN OCTOBER COMPARED WITH ONLY 14 THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE LARGEST HUMBER OF FIRES DURING THE MONTH OCCURRED ON OCTOBER 19 WHEN THERE WERE 50 FIRES. THERE WERE 33 FIRES ON OCTOBER 23, THE CHUNG YEUK3 FESTIVAL.
♦
WEEKENDS ARE THE WORST TIMES FOR FIRES, ESPECIALLY IN THE RURAL AREAS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IVATER SITUATION REPORT « it »:• it it
reAT.JnLTOLWA,ER STOnAGE IN ALL. RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY ^^ STOCD AT 53,288 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 79.2 PER
FaoT £ULL CAPACITY CF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 60,066 MILL ION ..GALLONS IN STORE.
AI1 iaTHI5 MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 36,703 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 47,376 MILLION GALLONS OH frig SAMS.DAYLAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 72.7‘PER CENT CF ITS FULL CAPACITY CF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,091.1
ROYAL OBSERVATORY
A.M. TODAY. TOTAL PAINFALL MM (02.33 IN).
mm AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,09'9.0
MM (82.64 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL'OF 0.33 PER CENT.
----0----
A...
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974
- 4 -
MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGI'S TO EE POSTED
** V M ** *.*
•,r :: x ?? r:
ANOTHER FOUR SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS, INCLUDING ONE WHICH WARNS MOTORISTS OF POSSIBLE ENCOUNTER WITH HORSES-ON THE ROAD AHEAD, WILL EE INTRODUCED FAIRLY WIDELY NEXT WEEK.
THE HORSE SIGH INDICATES THAT HORSES HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY. TRIANGULAR IN SHAPE WITH RED BORDER AND BLACK SYMBOL GN WHITE BACKGROUND, IT MAY DE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES, AND IS LARGELY FOR USE IN THE HAPPY VALLEY AREA.
THE OTHER THREE SYMBOLIC SIGNS, ALL CIRCULAR IN SHAPE WITH RED EORDER AND DIAGONALS, PROHIBIT EITHER STOPPING OF VEHICLES. ENTRY OF RICKSHAWS AND HANDCARTS, OR PEDESTRIANS ARD PEDESTRIAN PROPELLED VEHICLES.
THE +NO STOPPING* SIGN INDICATES THAT THE STOPPING OF MOTOR VEHICLES IS PROHIBITED UNLESS THE VEHICLE 'IS PREVENTED FROM PROCEEDING DUE TO TRAFFIC CONDITIONS.
THE +RICKSHAWS AND HANDCARTS PROHIBITED* SIGN HAS, IN ADDITION, BLACK SYMBOL OH WHITE BACKGROUND, WHILE THE FOURTH SIGN INDICATES THAT PEDESTRIANS AND PEDESTRIAN PROPELLED VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM PASSING BEYOND THE SIGH;
NOTE TO EDITORS*.
PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE FOUR SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES.
... - 0 - - - - '
KOWLOON TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS / * h « # Ji
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE KV.'UN TONG CARGO HANDLING AREA ALONG HOI DUH ROAD BETWEEN TSUW YIP STREET AND LAI YIP STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC AS FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (NOVEMBER 4)70 FACILITATE-,CARGO HANDLING IN THE AREA.
ONLY GOODS VEHICLES AND THOSE WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AUTHORITY WILL EE ALLOWED TO USE THE CLOSED SECTION?1 ’
MEANWHILE, AT PAK SHA WAN, THE 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT ZONE ON HIRAM’S HIGHWAY WILL EE EXTENDED ABOUT 120 FEET SOUTHWARDS TO INCLUDE A SHARP BEND, AS FROM 10 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 7 IN A MOVE SO AS TO IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE-MOTORISTS.
/5
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974
- 5 -
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT CHEUNG CHAU WELFARE AGENCIES it it it v it it
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT TWO WELFARE AGENCIES ON CHEUilG CHAU ISLAND ON TUESDAY MORNING (NOVEMBER 5) IN HER CAPACITY AS PRESIDENT OF THE COMMUNITY CHEST CF HONG KONG.
SHE WILL DE ACCOMPANIED BY MISS GAIL DEAKIN, SOCIAL SECRETARY » OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE, AND MR. GRAHAM A. HENDERSON, DEPUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE CHEST.
DURING HER TOUR OF GAUDETE HOUSE CARITAS COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE SALVATION ARMY CHEUNG CHAU HOME FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND’MENTALLY'RETARDED CHILDREN, LADY MA'CLEHOSE WILL SEE FOR HERSELF- THE DAILY WORK OF ..THE WELFARE AGENCIES.
THE GAUDETE HOUSE CARITAS COMMUNITY CENTRE )* ISA CAMPSITE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE CF HONG KONG AS WELL AS A YOUTH CENTRE FOR RESIDENTS OF THE ISLAND.
THE SALVATION ARMY CHEUNG CHAU HOME ACCOMMODATES 32 • CHILDREN WHOSE I.Q. RANGE FROM 30 TO 50. THEY ARE REFERRED TO THE HOME BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
--------------- MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE VISITS. HOWEVER, PHOTOGRAPHERS ARE REQUESTED TO AVOID TAKING FULL VIEW PICTURES OF THE PATIENTS.
TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. MARINE LAUNCH 53, WILL BE WAITING AT QUEEN’S PIER AT 8 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVE TO CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND AND BACK.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1974 s
PLACES FOR STUDENTS TO STUDY # « « -x k-
NOW THAT SCHOOL HAS STARTED AGAIN MANY CHILDREN MAY BE NEEDING A QUIET PLACE TO STUDY OR DO THEIR HOMEWORK.
IN RECOGNIT!ON OF THIS NEED, SIX COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES AND A YOUTH CENTRE RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ARE MAKING SPACE AVAILABLE OR PROVIDING HOMEWORK GUIDANCE GROUPS FOR STUDENTS WHO MAY DE UNABLE TO STUDY IN THEIR OWN HOME ENVIRONMENT.
THE ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES ARE LOCATED IN TSZ WAN SHAN, SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL AND SOUTH), LAM TIN (EAST AND WESTERN) AND SHEK LEI. THE YOUTH CENTRE IS IN SHAM SHU I PO. STAFF OF VOLUNTEERS WILL UE ON HAND TO SUPERVISE THE CHILDREN.
THE FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE EVERYDAY OF THE WEEK IN SOME CENTRES, AND ON CERTAIN DAYS IN OTHERS TO AVOID CLASHING WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES, III MOST CASES BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 10 P.M., SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION WHICH RUNS THESE OFFICES. HE ADVISED CHILDREN WHO WANTED TO ' MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES TO CHECK WITH THE OFFICE LOCATED IN THEIR DISTRICT.
IN ADDITION, THE LIBRARIES OF THE DIVISION’S COMMUNITY CENTRES IN WESTERN DI STR I CT, TA I HANG TUNG, WONG TA HSIN, KWUN TONG AND TSUEN WAN TOGETHER WITH THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, ARE ALSO OPEN TO STUDENTS DAILY, EXCEPT SUNDAYS, EACH WEEK AS PLACES OF STUDY.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
■ , SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER 400,000 PRIMARY STUDENTS NOW BENEFITTING FROM ETV..................................................... 1
; \
ENROLMENT NOW OPEN FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES WISHING
TO SIT THE 1975 CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS........................ -..................... 3
FIRES DROP SLIGHTLY THIS YEARs PUBLIC WARNED ,
AGAINST COMPLACENCY........................................ 4
TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS TO CELEBRATE +FRIENDS’IIP DAY+ NEXT WEEKEND............................................. 5
PARKING ARRANGEMENTS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FOR INSIGNIA PRESENTATION CEREMONY ............................ o
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1974
- 1 - . \
ETV AUDIENCE NOW EXCEEDS 400,600 M w • > »• w w k :c u k u
TO OVER 460,000 PRIMARY 3-6 STUDENTS IN HONG KONG, TELEVISION MEANS MORE THAN SIMPLY A MEDIUM OF ENTERTAINMENT - IT IS THEIR TEACHER AS WELL AS EVERYDAY COMPANION.
UNDER THE EXPANSION PLANS, EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES ARE HOU EXTENDED TO PRIMARY SIX CHILDREN III THE 1974-75 ACADEMIC YEAR WHICH BEGAN LAST MOUTH.
THE PROGRAMMES PRODUCED DY ETV ARE OH CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND SOCIAL STUDIES.
FOR PRIMARY THREE TO FIVE .CLASSES, A TOTAL OF 120 DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES ARE PRODUCED EACH YEAR - 30 FOR EACH OF THE FOUR SUBJECTS. BUT PUPILS IN PRIMARY SIX WILL ONLY BE ABLE TO.VIEW 64 DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES DURING THIS ACADEMIC YEAR.*
’ +THIS IS BECAUSE WE ARE LIMITED IN AIR-TIME AND WE ARE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THAT PRIMARY SIX PUPILS WILL BE QUITE OCCUPIED WITH PREPARATION FOR THE'SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION,+ MR. SUN PING-SHU, THE SENIOR EDUCATION OFF ICER FOR.ETV SA ID.
+AT PRESENT, WE TRANSMIT 40 HOURS OF PROGRAMMES EACH WEEK VIA THE NETWORKS OF TVD AUD RTV BETWEEN MONDAY AND FRIDAY,+ HE DDED.
TURNING TO THE PRODUCTION OF ETV PROGRAMMES, MR. S,UN POINTED OUT THAT IT IS NOT COMMONLY KNOWN THAT ONE SINGLE PROGRAMME MIGHT SOMETIME TAKE A YEAR TO PERFECT. •?
APART FROM MONTHS OF PLANNING AND PREPARATION WHICH FOLLOW THE SELECTION OF A TOPICS, EACH 15-MINTUE ETV LESSON REQUIRES FROM 10 TO 12 LOURS FOR REHEARSALS AND FINAL RECORDING.
TO BEGIN WITH, PROGRAMME COMMITTEES ON FOUR SUBJECTS ARE FORMED. EACH CONSISTS OF HEADS OF SCHOOLS, PRACTISING TEACHERS, INSPECTORS OF SCHOOLS, LECTURERS FROM COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND ETV PRODUCTION STAFF.
THEY MEET ANNUAL!TO DRAFT ARE DIRECTLY RELATED 70 THOSE IN
THE VARIOUS SYLLABUSES WHICH USE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
ONCE THE SYLLABUSES FOR EACH SUBJECT ARE DECIDED, OUTLINE SCRIPTS ARE THEN DRAFTED BY ETV PRODUCERS WITH THE HELP OF'''7’ PRESENTERS AND OTHER RESEARCHERS. THE ETV PRODUCERS WHO HAVE TO PREPARE THE CAMERA SCRIPTS MUST FIRST VISUALISE ACTUAL STUDIO SITUATIONS IN WHICH THE MECHANICS OF SOUND AND VISION ARE CO-ORDINATED IN PRODUCTION.
THE NEXT STEP IS THE ASSEMBLY OF TALENTS FOR PRELIMINARY REHEARSALS. +THERE ARE HOW ABOUT 40 TO 50 ACTORS AND ACTRESSES WHO APPEAR ON OUR SCREEN FREQUENTLY. THEY ARE MAINLY TEACHERS AND SCHOOL CHILDREN WHO ARE INTERESTED IN ACTING,* MR. SUN SAID.
USUALLY........
SUHDAY, NOVEMBER J, 1974
USUALLY, BEFORE STUDIO BEFORE MOVING
EACH ETV BROADCAST.
- 2 -
THEY WILL RECEIVE THEIR SCRIPTS ABOUT A WEEK RECORDING AND THEN REHEARSE FOR TWO OR THREE TIMES INTO THE STUDIO FOR FINAL RUN-THROUGH ON CAMERA.
PROGRAMME IS PRE-RECORDED ABOUT TWO MONTHS BEFORE
THE OVERALL PURPOSE OF ETV ‘IS TO APPEAL TO CHILDREN’S CURIOSITY, THAT IS WHY MOST ETV PROGRAMMES ARE PRESENTED IN THE FORM OF DRAMATIZATION, PUPPETRY, PERSO;JAL INTERVIEWS AND DEMONSTRATION OF VARIOUS KIND.
FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME AND ROAD SAFElY CAL. AIGl.o.
MR. SUN POINTED OUT THAT HIS DEPARTMENT IS THE FACT THAT SINCE ETV HAS BEEN Oil THE AIR FOR
ACADEfj/C YE An e
+TO REMEDY THIS SITUATION, WE HAVE TRIED TO REMAKE ADOUT ’ 30 PER CENT OF THE OLD PROGRAMMES FOR EACH PRIMARY CLASS EVERY YEAR. IN FACT, WE ARE ALSO PLANNING TO REMAKE THE WHOLE OF OUR FIRST YEAR PROGRAMMES FOR PRIMARY THREE STUDENTS IN 1975,* HE ADDED.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT THERE ARE PLANS TO EXTEND THE ETV PROGRAMMES TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOL SECTOR DY 1976 AND THAT THE ESTIMATED TARGET AUDIENCE WILL DE MORE THAN SCO,GOO.
♦THESE ARE UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION IN THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT AND A DECISION IS EXPECTED SHORTLY.♦ HE SAID. * £■
i
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/3
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1974.
1975 CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMS APPLICATION NOW OPEN FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES
U if II :J i:
APPLICATION FORMS IN EtlQLICN AND CHINESE ARE HO'J AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WlS.'l 70 ENTER "EE 1975 IIDHG HONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION AS PRIVATE CANDIDATES. ‘
THE FORMS, TOGETHER WITI’A GUIDE TO SUBJECT SELECTION, MAY DE OBTAINED FROM CITY DISTRICT CFFICE'J CM CUB-OFFICES IN URBAN AREAS. AND FROM THE TSJ.EH UAH, VUuti ’/'.'D ARD TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES..
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD DE SUBMITTED IM PERSON.BETWEEN NOVEMBER 11 AND 22 AT THE CAUSEWAY DAY SUB-TREASURY. CAUSEWAY DAY MAGISTRACY BUILD ICG, 2ND FLCCR, ELECTRIC ROAD, HONS KONG, OR AT THE YAUMATI SUB-TREASURY, 4TII ( I APj EAVHAH ROAD, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. OH UI" "'SAVS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAYS. .
A STUDENT MAY ENTER FOR THE EXAMINATION AS A PRIVATE CANDIDATE PROVIDED THAT i’E HAS SATISFIED CHE OF THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS a- ...
1$ OBTAINED AT LEAST 5 DIFFERENT SUBJECTS AT GRADE E(5) OR ADOVE TAKEN IN TWO OR MCRE PREVIOUS CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS.
• ’* ■••••'»•
tt OBTAINED AT LEAST 4 SUBJECTS AT GRADE E(5) OR ABOVE TAKEN IN A PREVIOUS CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
« POSSESSES EVIDENCE OF HAVING ACHIEVED A STANDARD SIMILAR TO EITHER OF THE ABOVE III ANY OTHER APPROVED EXAMINATION(S).
STUDENTS OVER 23 YEARS OF AGE ON JANUARY 1, 1975 MAY PARTICIPATE IN THE EXAMINATION AS PRIVATE CAl.'DIDATi’j EVEN THEY DO NOT POSSESS THE QUALIFICATION SET GUT ABOVE.
IF
IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MAY ALSO CONSIDER SPECIAL APPLICATIONS FRC.1 HEADS OF SCHOOLS ON BEHALF OF FORMER STUDENTS WHO HAVE PREVIOUSLY ENTERED THE EXAMINATION BUT WHO HAVE FAILED TO ACHIEVE THE STANDARDS LISTED ABOVE. THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MAY ALSO RELAX THE ABOVE REGULATION IN RESPECT OF APPLICATIONS FROM HANDICAPPED STUDENTS • IF THEIR CLAIMS CAN BE JUSTIFIED.
PRIVATE CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO REGISTER AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO AVOID THE RUSH IN THE LAST FEW DAYS
SUIIDAY, NOVEMBER J, 1974
SLIGHT DROP "tN FIRES THIS YEAR « it n it »:•
— THE F,RE SERV,CES TODAY REPORTED A SLIGHT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF FIRES DURING THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR BUT WARNED THE COMMUNITY AGAINST COMPLACENCY AS THE PEAK FIRE PERIOD IS DY RO MEANS OVER.
DURING THE JANUARY-OCTOBER PERIOD, THERE WERE 5,758 FIRES, COMPARED WITH 5,CC3 DURING THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR - REPRESENTING A DROP OF SLIGHTLY OVER TWO PER CENT,
THERE WERE 17 DEATHS DURING THE PERIOD AND 333 PERSONS WERE INJURED, 29 OF THEM FIREMEN. LOSSES UEl.'E ESTIMATED AT ADOUT 337 MILLION, OF WHICH 325 MILLION AROSE FROM 295 INDUSTRIAL FIRES.
KOWLOON HAD THE MOST FIRES (2,612) FOLLOWED DY RONG KONG ISLAND (1,805) AND THE HEW TERRITORIES (1,341). \
THE MAJOR CAUSES OF FIRES CONTINUED TO BE CARELESS DISPOSAL OF LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES (1,371 FIRES) AND ELECTRICAL FAULTS (816 FIRES).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID IT HAD DEEN EXPECTED THAT 1974 WOULD EE A RECORD YEAR FOR FIRES IN VIEW OF THE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY SUMMER AND THE SHORTAGE OF WATER.
♦THIS WAS THE SITUATION DEFORE TYPHOONS CARMEN AND ELAINE,* HE SAID. +THESE DROUGHT HIGH HUMIDITY WHICH IS A MAJOR FACTOR IN KEEPING THE HUMBER OF FIRES DOWIJ.+
A?
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THERE WERE TWO OR THREE VERY DRY MONTHS AHEAD, AND THE PUBLIC SHOULD CON?IHUE TO EXERCISE CARE IN THEIR HOMES, PLACES OF WORK AND WHEN VISITING THE ” COUNTRYSIDE. +THE PEAK FIRE PERIOD IS DY HO MEANS OVER,* HE STRESSED. . .
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1974. - 5 -
• FRIENDSHIP DAY’ IN TSUEN WAN n n
TSUEN WAN IS TO HOLD A FRIENDSHIP DAY NEXT WEEKEND (NOVEMBER 0 AND 9) TO PROVIDE A DAY OF RELAXATION AND ENJOYMENT FOR ALL TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS.'
FRIENDSHIP DAY WILL HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYBODY -YOUNG AND OLD - WITH FOOTBALL MATCHES, FILM SHOWS, SKY DIVING, RACES, IN FACT THE LOT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TSUEN UAH DISTRICT OFFICE SAID. -
_ ON FRUAY fl,GHT (NOVEMBER 8) AT SHA TSUE ROAD PLAYGROUND THERE WILL BE A BAND, GYMNASTICS, UNARMED COMBAT, POLICE DOGS GOING THROUGH THEIR PACES, AUD A LUCKY DRAW.
ou/ON ?ATURDAY, 3,000 CHILDREN WILL DE TREATED TO FREE FILM SHOWS. IN THE AFTERNOON, THERE WILL DE MOTORCYCLE SHILLED-RIDING DISPLAYS, +ROPIHG DOWN* FROM HELICOPTERS, AND A SKYDIVING DISPLAY DY MEMBERS OF THE HONG KONG PARACHUTE CLUB.
FOR SPORT ENTHUSIASTS THERE WILL DE A FOOTBALL MATCH BETWEEN TSUEN WAN PLAYERS AND A JOINT ARMY-POLICE TEAM.
6nAMD F,fJALE WILL DE THE MILITARY TATTOO AT THE
YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND AT 8 P.M. THIS PROGRAMME INCLUDES TENT PACKING DISPLAYS, A MORTAR OBSTACLE RACE, A PARADE OF LIGHT TANKS AND GUNS AND THE CEREMONIAL BEATING OF THE RETREAT. '
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THOUSANDS OF TSUEN UAH RESIDENTS HAD DEEN INVITED TO THE SHOW. OTHERS WHO WOULD LIKE TO ATTEND SHOULD APPROACH THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR FREE TICKETS, HE ADDED.
SUNDAY, MOVEBnn J, 1974.
- 6 -
PARKINS ARRANGEMENTS AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE DURING INSIGNIA PRESENTATION CEREMONY it it it ii it it
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS WILL DE INTRODUCED ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 6) TO ASSIST GUESTS ATTENDING A CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE AT 11.30 A«M. WHEN THE GOVERNOR* SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL PRESENT INSIGNIA TO MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.
ALL CARS CARRYING GUESTS MAY ENTER DY THE MAIN GATE OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE. AFTER GUESTS HAVE ALIGHTED, CARS DEARING
FORE COURT OR TENNIS COURTS AS . CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, RETURN AT
IN THE
OR, IF
’G.H.’ LADEL MAY PARK DIRECTED DY THE POLICE 11.50 A.M.
LABELS
CARS DEARING CLUE
MUST EXIT BY THE EAST GATE AND
MAY THEN PARK AT UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS, THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE BUILDING AND AT THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD ARD GARDEN ROAD.,
ALL VEHICLES PARKED INSIDE GOVERNMENT HOUSE SHOULD LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE AFTER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. OTHER GUESTS ARE REQUESTED TO WALK TO THEIR CARS.
METERED PARKING SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS, AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 1 P.M. '
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
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5
5
6
7
IREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE HERE TO STAY, SAYS DIRECTOR GF EDUCATION '
LONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE EECOM I NG INCREASINGLY (OMMUHITY CONSCIOUS
COMMODITIES
Q.tl.H
MONDAY
ENROLMENT OF PRIVATE CANDIDATES FOR 1975 G.C.E OPENS TOMORROW
EXAMS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
NOVEMBER 4, 1974
IN I END I NG LUNAR HEW YEAR TRAVELLERS TO CHINA OR MACAU IRGED TO APPLY HO17 FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS
YOUTH FORUMS TO DISCUSS DRUG PROELEM
I A I SING COURT RE-OPENED TO RESIDENTS
LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE FOR YAU HA TEI YOUTH D
EATER SIlUATIONs TOTAL STORAGE NOW 79.7 PER CENT OF
LULL CAPACITY
GOVERNOR TO OPEN HEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY DUfLDH'G IN ■
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF DAS IC FOOD
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
MONDAY, NOVEIiDER 4, 1974
1
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FULFILLING A HEED
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS A SMALL BUT IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF THE EDUCATION PLAN FOR THE 1? TO 14 YEARS OLD IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TCPI.EY SAID TODAY WHEN HE OPENED THE CARITAS ST. PAUL’S PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL OH CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND.
THERE ARE 3,480 PLACES IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND UNDER APPROVED POLICY, THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANS TO EXPAND THESE TO 11,000 APPROVED PLACES BY 1979.
IN ADDITION, PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, 111 COMMON WITH ALL OTHER SECONDARY SCHOOLS, WILL BE ENCOURAGED TO EXPAND THEIR INTAKE DY VARIOUS METHODS SUCH.AS FLOTATION AND EXTENDED DAY.
+THERE CAN, THEREFORE, DE NO DOUBT THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE HERE TO STAY. THEIR CONTINUED POPULARITY IS A-CLEAR INDICATION THAT THEY ARE FULFILLING A NEED,-5- MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN FACT, THE FOUR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS RUN BY CARITAS HAD 4,436 DIRECT APPLICATIONS THIS SEPTEMBER FOR 560 PLACES. IN ADDITION TO THIS, THERE WERE THE APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AS A RESULT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THE SINCERE BELIEF OF CARITAS IN THESE SCHOOLS HAD BEEN TRANSLATED INTO A SUCCESSFUL ACHIEVEMENT AND HE CONGRATULATED THE ORGANISATION’S DEDICATION CH l\ JOD WELL DONE.
WITH THE OPENING OF.ST. PAUL’S - ONE OF THE NEWEST AND.’’ MOST MODERN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS - STL. ENTS CH CHEUNG CHAU WOULD SAVE MANY HOURS GF UNNECESSARY TRAVELLING.
AS IN ALL AIDED SCHOOL PROJECTS, THE GOVERNMENT PAID A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE CAPITAL COST OF THIS SCHOOL. THE SPONSORS’ SHARE FOR THIS SCHOOL IS LARGELY IN THE FORM GF A DONATION FROM THE HOLY CHILDHOOD SOCIETY IN GERMANY.
MR. TOPLEY ASKED THE PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY, FATHER PAUL KOPPELDERY, TO TAKE BACK TO THE CHILDREN OF GERMANY THE THANKS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG FOR THEIR HELP IN FINANCING THE BUILDING OF THIS FINE SCHOOL Will Cl I LAS ELEVEN CLASSROOMS AND NINE SPECIAL ROOMS TO HOUSE THE PRACTICAL ARD SCIENCE SUBJECTS AND A LIBRARY. „ ,
THE SCHOOL HAS 600 STUDENTS. ITS CURRICULUM IS WELL BALANCED BE'iWEEN PRACTICAL WORK AND GENERAL EDUCATION WHICH COMPRISES THE USUAL SUBJECTS UP TO FORM 3 LEVEL INCLUDING MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION.
THERE IS A WIDER VARIETY OF PRACTICAL SUBJECTS THAN IN MANY SCHOOLS OF THIS TYPE. APART FROM METAL WORK, WOODWORK AND PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY, THERE ARE COMMERCIAL, TEXTILES AND TAILORING SUBJECTS.
+PUPILS WHO HAVE ATTENDED THIS SCIiOCL SHOULD BE WELL-PREPARED TO CONTINUE THEIR STUDIES HI ONE OF THE TECH I CAL INSTITUTES IN HONG KONG,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974.
- 2 -
HONG KONG YOUTHS BECOMING MORE COMMUNITY CONSCIOUS j$ « n « n
HONG KONG’S YOUNG PEOPLE ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE OF WHAT THEY CAN DO FOR THEIR FELLOW MEH, AS DEMONSTRATED BY THEIR ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN VARIOUS COMMUNITY SERVICES. THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SAID TODAY.
YOUTH VOLUNTEERS, HE SAID, HAD ALREADY SHOWN INITIATIVE
IN HELPING TO OPERATE RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES, HELPING THE ELDERLY AND ASSISTING IN EMERGENCY WORK, AND THEIR SERVICES WERE INVALUABLE TO COMPLEMENT THE EFFORTS OF PROFESSIONALS AND BRING A REFRESHING . HUMAN TOUCH AND HEW ATTITUDES TOWARDS MAKING HONG KONG A BETTER INTEGRATED COMMUNITY.
- MR.‘LI WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SOUTH-EAST ASIAN REGIONAL SEMINAR Otl VOLUNTEER SERVICE IN URBAN AREAS, BEING HELD IN THE MANDARIN HOTEL. ' /
HE SAID IT WAS MOST APPROPRIATE THAT THE SEMINAR WAS BEING HELD IN HONG KONG AS IT COULD ADVISE HOW BEST THE ENERGY AND IDEALISM OF OUR YOUTH COULD DE HARNESSED HOT OHLY TO IMPROVE THE LIFE OF THEIR COMMUNITY DUT ALSO TO IMPROVE THEIR OWN ATTITUDES AND SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY TO SOCIETY.
+ IN RETURN OUR EXPERIENCE IN THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED CITY IN THE WORLD WILL NO DOUBT DE OF VALUE TO OVERSEAS DELEGATES.+
HE HOPED THAT ONE OF THE MAIN TASKS OF THE SEMINAR*
WOULD BE TO DISCOVER AND TO DEFINE MORE CLEARLY THE VAR.IOUS WAYS IN WHICH VOLUNTEERS COULD.DE INTEGRATED IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
ANOTHER USEFUL RESULT OF THE SEMINAR, HE ADDED, MIGHT BE GUIDANCE ON HOVJ HONG KONG COULD EXTEND ITS SQilOOL CIVICS SYLLABUS — BY INTEGRATING COMMUNITY SERVICE INTO IT.
+OUR YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD THEN NOT ONLY LEARN THE THEORY OF BEING GOOD CITIZENS BUT WOULD ALSO INCREASE THEIR OWN AWARENESS AND USEFULNESS BY PRACTICAL SERVICE HOT OHLY IN THEIR HOLIDAYS BUT ALSO AS AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM.* .
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. LI’S SPEECHWILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION LATER TODAY. ~
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974.
-3-
RESIDENTS URGED TO APPLY NOW FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS - FOR NEW YEAR HOLIDAY JOURNEYS TO CHINA OR MACAU ' » ft ft ft ft n
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. BILL COLLARD, TODAY ADVISED RESIDENTS INTENDING TO TRAVEL TO CHINA OR MACAU OVER THE CHRISTMAS AND CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS TO APPLY NOW FOR THEIR HONG KONG RE-ENTRY PERMITS'BEFORE THE RUSH STARTS.
HE SAID THAT BUSINESS WAS RELATIVELY QUIET AT THE MOMENT AND THOSE WAITING UNTIL JANUARY OR EARLY FEBRUARY TO APPLY FOR RE-ENTRY PERMITS WOULD FACE THE INEVITABLE DELAYS AND LONG QUEUES AT IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT OFFICES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT OVER 360,000 LOCAL RESIDENTS TRAVELLED TO MACAU AND CHINA DURING THE HOLIDAYS LAST YEAR - AND THE FIGURE MAY WELL BE MUCH HIGHER IN 1975.
A SINGLE JOURNEY RE-ENTRY PERMIT COSTING ONLY 02 IS VALID FOR ONE JOURNEY TO MACAU OR CHINA AND RETURN TO HONG KONG WITHIN 6 MONTHS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE. A MULTIPLE JOURNEY PERMIT COSTING CIO IS VALID FOR ANY NUMBER OF JOURNEYS WITHIN 5 YEARS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE.
+THERE IS THEREFORE NO HEED FOR ANYONE TO WAIT UNTIL JUST BEFORE CHRISTMAS OR CHINESE NEV/ YEAR DEFORE APPLY I NG,+ MR. COLLARD SAID. +THERE IS ALSO CONSIDERABLE ADVANTAGE IN APPLYING FOR THE MULTIPLE RATHER THAN THE SINGLE JOURNEY DOCUMENTS - IT IS CHEAPER IN THE LONG RUN AND ELIMINATES THE HEED TO QUEUE, AND TO OBTAIN FRESH PHOTOGRAPHS, TO OBTAIN A DOCUMENT FOR EVERY TRIP.+
RE-ENTRY PERMITS CAN BE OBTAINED NOW FROM BRANCH OFFICES AND FROM THE MOBILE IMMIGRATION DAILY AT REMOTER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ALL INMIGRATION OFFICE WHICH CALLS
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974 '
- 4 -
YOUTH TO DISCUSS DRUG PROBLEM
Ji Ji i; ii it
IN RESPONSE TO THE KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AMD YOUTH OFFICERS HAVE ORGANISED A SERIES OF YOUTH FORUMS ON 4-YOUTH AMD THE DRUG TIDE+ 111 FIVE DIolRIClo,-KWUN TONG, EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, WESTERN AND SHAH SHUI PO. THE FORUMS Wl(.L BE HELD ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE SAiURL-AYo SlARlILG FROM NOVEMBER 9 TO DECEMBER 7. THEY ARE DESIGNED YO REACH YOUNG PEOPLE THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES OH THE FROBLLf.o CF DRLG ABUSE AND TO UNITE EFFORTS OF ‘THE YOUTHFUL SECtCR IL COMBAllLG IT.
PROGRAMMES OF THE FORUMS WILL BE GEARED TOWARDS EDUCATING STUDENTS, WORKING YOUTH AND INTERESTED YOUNG PERSONS.- THE FORUM WILL START WITH A PANEL DISCUSSIONS BY SOCIAL WORKERS, EX-ADDICTS, EDUCATORS AND POLICE OFFICERS, FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND REPORTING BACK SESSIONS. THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE FORUM, WILL COLLECT THE ________
INFORMATION AND OPINIONS REFLECTED DY YOUNG PEOPLE FOR THE PLANNING OF FUTURE CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES.
THE FORUMS ARE ORGANISED TO COINCIDE WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER SCHEME WHICH AIMS AT HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE TO ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL ACTIVITIES.
THE FORUMS WILL BE HELD IN THE KWUH TONS CYO ON NOVEMBER 9, IN THE EASTERN CYO ON NOVEMBER 16, IN THE YAU MA TEI CYO ON NOVEMBER 23, IN THE WESTERN CYO ON NOVEMBER 30, AND IN SHAMSHUIPO CYO ON DECEMBER 7.
LAI SING COURT RE-OPENED TO RESIDENTS Ji ii Ji ii ii ii
RESIDENTS OF LAI SING COURT OFF TAI HANG ROAD WHO HAD TO VACATE THE PREMISES A SECOND TIME-. AS A RESULT OF TYPHOON ELAINE, WERE ALLOWED TO RETURN TO THEIR HOMES THIS MORNING.
IN A STATEMENT, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT DU ILDI NG SURVEYOR SAID THE BUILDING WAS RE-OPENED AT 10 AM FOLLOWING FURTHER INSPECTIONS OVER THE WEEKEND WHICH SHOWED A MAJOR REDUCTION'IN THE WATER FLOW FROM THE SLIPPED AREA AT THE REAR OF THE BUILDING WITH A CONSEQUENT REDUCTION IN THE POTENTIAL DANGER.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT RE-ENTRY WAS BEING PERMITTED SUBJECT TO THE SAME CONDITIONS AS SPECIFIED IN THE.GENERAL ENTRY PERMIT-ISSUED BEFORE TYPHOON ELAINE ON OCTOBER 20 — NAMELY, THAT IN THE EVENT OF HEAVY RAIN, WHETHER OR EOT ASSOCIATED WITH A TYPHOON, THE PREMISES MAY HAVE TO BE EVACUATED.
MEANWHILE, PROPOSALS FOR PERMANENT REMEDIAL MEASURES ARE DE'NG PREPARED.
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/5
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974.
- 5 -
LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE FOR YAU MA TGI YOUTH k g i- ?:•
A LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN YAU MA TEI TO HELP THEM ACQUIRE A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AND TO DEVELOP T.iEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIALS
„A„ ..THE COURSE IS ORGANISED DY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YAU MA TEI SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS WHICH ARE SPONSORED BY THE YAU MA TEI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, THE HUNG YAH SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP, THE LOK MO,SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP AND THE ALPENGLOW SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP.
PROGRAMMES WILL COVER ORGANISATIONAL SKILLS IN LEADERSHIP, RULES AND VALUES OF GROUP WORK, PLANNING AND ORGANISING ACTIVITIES FIRST AID AND KNOWLEDGE IN DEALING WITH EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS OF THE DISABLED.
EACH SESSION WILL EE CARRIED OUT IN THE FORM OF TALKS, FILM SHOWS, VISITS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS GUIDED .BY AN EXPERIENCED AND PROFESSIONAL SOCIAL WORKER.
THE COURSE WILL START ON NOVEMBER 21, AND CONTINUE TO JANUARY 30, 1975. IT WILL TAKE PLACE EVERY THURSDAY FROM 7 PM TO 9 PM AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN NOW BE OBTAINED FROM THE OFFICE LOCATED AT 57, PEKING ROAD, 5TH FLOOR, METROPOLE BUILDING, TSIM SHA TSUI,’ KOWLOON.
- - - - 0 -----
WATER SITUATION REPORT n « « H H
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 53,629 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 79.7 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 60,579 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,073 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 47,142 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 73.4 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS..
8.3 MM (0.33 IN) RA INFALL WAS -RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2099.4 MM (82.65 IN).
«... ’
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,101.6 MM (82*74 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.10 PER. CENT.
o
I
/6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974
- 6 -
G.C.E. EXAMS ENTRY FORMS AVAILABLE FROM TOMORROW n u n h
ENTRY FORMS FOR THE GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATIONS AND THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON ASSOCIATED EXAMINING BOARD EXAMINATIONS, TO DE HELD III JUNE HEXT YEAR, WILL DE AVAILABLE AS FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO SIT AS PRIVATE CANDIDATES.
AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED INTENDING CANDIDATES THAT THEY CAN ENTER FOR CNLY ONE OF THESE EXAMINATIONS, AND ANY CANDIDATE ATTEMPTING TO ENTER FOR DOTH IS LIABLE TO DISQUALIFICATION FROM BOTH EXAMINATIONS,
ENTRY FORMS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND SUB-OFFICES. COMPLETED FORMS MUST DE SUBMITTED 111 PERSON BEFORE 4 P.M. ON NOVEMBER 13 TOGETHER WITH FEES AND EVIDENCE OF . QUALIFICATIONS, AT EITHER THE CAUSEWAY DAY SUB-TREASURY OR THE YAU MA TEI SUB-TREASURY. HO LATE ENTRIES WILL DE ACCEPTED.
TO QUALIFY FOR THE EXAMINATIONS, PRIVATE CANDIDATES SHOULD BE 23 YEARS OF AGE OR OVER ON JANUARY 1, 1975, AND SHOULD HAVE EITHER FIVE SUBJECTS AT GRADE E OR ABOVE ACCUMULATED IN TOO OR MORE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT EXAMINATIONS0 OR FOUR SUBJECTS AT GRADE E OR ABOVE OBTAINED IN THE SAME CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION OR EQUIVALENT EXAMINATION- OR AH APPROVED ALTERNATIVE (E.G. HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ADVANCED LEVEL EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE,. CHINESE UNIVERSITY MATRICULATION CERTIFICATE, G.C.E. CERTIFICATE, ETC.)
•• THE INITIAL ENTRY FEE PER CANDIDATE IS 045. IN ADDITION, THE FEE FOR EACH SUBJECT OFFERED AT ORDINARY LEVEL IS 030 AND AT ADVANCED LEVEL 055., CANDIDATES OFFERING PRACTICAL TESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL FEE OF 025 FOR EACH TEST.
CANDIDATES ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SUBMIT THEIR ENTRIES AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE IN ORDER TO AVOID THE RUSH IN THE LAST FEW DAYS.
/? ..
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974
- 7 -
GOVERNOR TO OPEN NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING IN Q.M.H.
>:■ •:$ n u «
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OPEN "HE NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING IN THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL OH WE'fHESDAY (NOVEMBER 6).
SIR MURRAY WILL DE WELCOMED BY DR, GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR G.F MEDICAL AMD HEALTH SERVICES, AND PROFESSOR J.D. GIDSON, h, LESSOR OF PATHOLOGY AND DEAN OF THE FACULTY OF MEDICI(JE, I (DIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE 09 MILLION BUILDING, RISING TO EIGHT FLOORS, BECAME OPERATIONAL IN .JANUARY THIS YEAR, FROVIDltD THE CLINICAL PA'HIOLOGY SERVICE FOR THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL, THE TH1ER BUILDING WHICH HOUSES THE UNIVERSITY EEPARiMEHT OF PATHOLOGY JILL HOW BE USED ENTIRELY FOR 'I EACH I EG-AND RESEARCH.,
THE HEW BUILDING MARKS A MAJOR IMPROVEMENT If! THE QUEEN -MARY HOSPITAL, IT ACCOMMODATES THE I. RTUARY, VIRUS LABORATORY, CLINICAL PATHOLOGY, AND J HOLD TRANSFUSIcN SERVICES. ,
THE LABORATORIES ARE OF THE LATEST DESIGN AND EQUIPPED TO MODERN STANDARDS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY COVERED. GUESTS WILL BE SEATED AT 2.50 P.M., AND THE GOVERNOR WILL ARRIVE AT 3 P.M. CAMERAMEN WILL BE ABLE TO PHOTOGRAPH SECTIONS OF THE BUILDING DURING THE OFFICIAL TOUR CF INSPECTION, MR. MAK KING-YIU. SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, WILL DE ON HARD TO ASSIST THE PRESS. '
9
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE n u :*;■ n n h
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (MONDAY) AT
SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AH) AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AMD THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOULOONi
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
AVAILABILITY OF WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
GRADE OF RICE SUPPLY .AVERAGE
CHINA RICE • • • > 1 . ■
SEE MEW GOOD 2.02
S.C. JIEN GOOD — 1.C6
PO NGAI •
CHU CHO • w
THAI RICE * 1
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.70
10-15% DROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD ' - 1.61
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.75
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.94
AUSTRALIAN RlCfi GOOD 1.77
-
PAKISTAN RICE •
TAIWAN RICE •» • w
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) f .
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
U/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 320 (AVERAGE) '
•• * *■ /OT3EMES AND...
t »
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF HARIHE FISH UMiurTTr ■« -! r«,TTi i t- ~ rr~ ~T~*—
(FMO CHEUHG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
AVAILABILITY
SPECIES OF SUPPLY ' NIG!! LOU MODE
■ 1 —1—1 TIM GOLDEN THREAD TMB* —itw-- NORMAL 6.5 3 s.on 4. co
DIG-EYES NORMA’. :%(,) u □ 2.50
SQUID NORMAL 6.0) l.f 3 4.90
1 AIR-TAILS x LIMITED :>.( » 1.49 2. 20
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 4.9.) 1.40 3iE0
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.C ) o.so 1.50
COHGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 4.7.) 2.C3 3.60
MELON COAT LIMITED 4.5-0 l.CO 3.90
DREAMS SCARCE 5.L ) 9.00
YELLOW DELLY SCARCE. 2. CO 1.00 2.00
MACKERELS LIMITED 6.C3 3.03 5.00
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 1.43 1.20
FORK-TAIL SCARCE 2.49 1 e GO 2 ©CO
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 9.CO 3,20 4.C0
MELON SEED nrr NO SALE
POWFRETS SCARCE 9.T3 7.50 OdOO
GAROUPAS NORMAL 12tT'O 6.C0 9=00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 9.G0 6oCD 8.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.H.O. CHEUHG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE ($/CATTY)
VEGETABLE ‘ OF SUPPLY HIGH’ LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE O CJ o I cn 1.00 2.40
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.00 0.60 1.90
CHINESE LETTUCE ■ LIMITED 2„r:o 0.C3 1.50
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 1.00 0.40 0.70
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 3.03 1.00 2.40
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.L3 1.20 . 2.00
SPRING ONION SCARCE 1.80 0.90 1 o 20
SPINACH SCARCE 3.00 l.CO 2.00
WATER CRESS / LIMITED 3.93 2.00 2.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED l.CO 0.60 1.20
CHINSES SPINACH SCARCE leSD 0.90 l.CO
TOMATO . SCARCE 4.03 2.0i3 3<C0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
HONG KONG HAS FULL CONTROL OF ITS RESERVES IN U.K.
SAYS HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON ................
RESIDENTS DECORATED BY THE QUEEN WILL RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR TOMORROW ..................
SEVEN LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE PUT UP FOR SALE THIS
MONTH ................ ...............................
WATER SITUATION I TOTAL-STORAGE NOW 79.8 PER CENT OF
FULL CAPACITY ........................................
%
HONG KONG LABOUR STILL IN DEMAND OVERSEAS ............
INTERNATIONAL TRADE SEMINAR TO* BE HELD IN HONG KONG NEXT WEEK ................Z...........................
LATEST POSTING FOR CHRISTMAS SURFACE MAIL TO HAWAII AND AUSTRALIA ADVANCED ...............................
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
1
USE OF RESERVES +ENTIRELY UP TO HONG KONG* --HK COMMISSIONER TELLS LONDON MEETING « « M H «
MR. S.T. KIDD, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, TOLD AN AUDIENCE AT THE ROYAL OVERSEAS LEAGUE, LONDON, LAST (MONDAY) NIGHT, THAT IT WAS ENTIRELY HONG KONG’S OWN DECISION WHETHER OR NOT IT KEPT ITS STERLING BALANCES IN LONDON.
*IN THIS MATTER,+ SAID Mft. KIDD, +WE ARE UNDER NO CONSTRAINT FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.*
THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER WAS THE MAIN SPEAKER AT A DISCUSSION ON +HONG KONG TODAY* AT THE LEAGUE’S LOUDON HEADQUARTERS. THE DIRECTOR GENERAL OF THE LEAGUE, MR. PHILIP CRAWSHAW, WAS IN THE CHAIR.
MR. KIDD DESCRIBED HONG KONG’S GROWTH AS A MAJOR COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL CENTRE, AND WENT ON TO DESCRIBE THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES III THE TERRITORY.
MR. KIDD SAID THAT HONG KONG WAS STILL EXPOSED TO A CONSTANT STREAM OF IMMIGRATION, BOTH FROM CHINA AND THE REST OF SOUTH-EAST' ASIA - THE NET GAIN IN 1973, FOR EXAMPLE, WAS RECKONED AT OVER 60,000, OF WHICH THE BULK CAME FROM CHINA, LEGALLY OR ILLEGALLY;
EVEN THOUGH FACILITIES FOR FAMILY PLANNING WERE BEING RAPIDLY EXPANDED, AND THE BIRTH RATE HAD DECLINED BY A HALF BETWEEN 1963 AND 1973, IT COULD TRULY EE SAID THAT HONG KONG’S GREATEST PROBLEM REMAINED +A PROBLEM OF PEOPLE’.
+T0 ILLUSTRATE THE CONSEQUENCES,* SAID MR. KIDD, +I.NEED ONLY SAY THAT IN AN AVERAGE YEAR AND BY A PRODIGIOUS HOUSING PROGRAMME, WE REHOUSE OVER 100,000 PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT-OWNED OR SUBSIDISED HOUSING, BUT AT THE PRESENT RATE OF IMMIGRATION, THE EFFECT ON THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO ELIMINATE SUB-STANDARD HOUSING IS BEING CONTINUALLY ERODED BY EVENTS VERY LARGELY
BEYOND OUR OWN CONTROL.
+PERHAPS, HOWEVER, YOU CAN APPRECIATE WHY WE ARE NOT ALWAYS AS RECEPTIVE AS OUR CRITICS THINK WE SHOULD DE WHEN FRESH ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ARE DISCOVERED IN TIME FOR THEM TO BE RETURNED TO THEIR PLACE OF ORIGIN.*
TURNING TO FINANCIAL MATTERS, THE COMMISSIONER SAID THAT HONG KONG HAD HITHERTO BEEN ABLE TO MEET THE COST OF ITS CAP ITAL AND RECURRENT EXPENDITURE OUT OF REVENUE. INDEED, THE PHYSICAL CAPABILITY TO SPEND HONEY, RATHER THAN BUDGETARY CONSTRAINTS, HAD BEEN THE LIMITING FACTOR UNTIL VERY RECENTLY.
/HIE AVAILABILITY......
2
TUESDAY, I .’OVE TER 5, 1974
THE AVAILABILITY OF SURPLUS FUNDS OVER THE PAST DECADE OR MORE HAD RESULTED IN THE BUILDING UP OF FINANCIAL RESERVES. INCLUDING THE RESERVES HELD IN LONDON. APART FROM PROVIDING BACKING FOR ITS CURRENCY, THESE STERLING RESERVES HAD EARNED HONG KONG ADDITIONAL REVENUE. BUT IT WOULD DE UROL'S TO ASSUME THAT BECAUSE IT WAS AMONG THE LARGEST HOLLERS OF STERLING BALANCES HONG KONG HAD BECOME AS WEALTHY AS CERTAIN MIDDLE EASTERN STATES. IN FACT, ITS CURRENT RESERVES REPRESENTED HO MORE THAN 50 PER CENT OF ITS CURRENT ANNUAL EXPENDITURE.
MOREOVER, DURING THE NEXT THREE YEARS ALONE ITS PROJECTED CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WOULD REQUIRE IT TO FIND A FURTHER C2,000 MILLION,WHETHER BY WAY Or INCREASED TAXATION OR BY RAISING FOREIGN LOANS, QUITE APART FROM THE USE OF ITS RESERVES TO OFFSET THE DEFICIT ANTICIPATED ON ITS CURRENT BUDGET.
+ l SHOULD ADD+ SAID MR. KIDD +THAT IT IS ENTIRELY OUR OWN DECISION WHETHER OR NOT WE KEEP OUR STERLING BALANCES IN LONDON,. AND IN THIS MATTER WE ARE UNDER NO CONSTRAINT FROM THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.*
MR. KIDD CONCLUDED: +IT MAY WELL EE THAT OUR CAUTIOUS OPTIMISM ABOUT OUR CONTINUING PROSPERITY EASED UPON OUR INTERNATIONAL TRADING POSITION WILL BE CONFOUNDED. BUT IF Til IS SHOULD BE THE CASE, IT WILL DE IN SPITE OF THE UNREMITTING EFFORTS CF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG WHOSE VERSATILITY, ENTIIUSIASM, AID CONFIDENCE IN THEIR OWN FUTURE HAS ALREADY CARRIED THEM THROUGH CRISES WHICH WOULD HAVE DAUNTED A LESS ENERGETIC COMMUNITY.*
_ _ 0 - -
GOVERNOR TO PRESENT INSIGNIA TO 54 MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY
H x x Jc
NOTE TO EDITORS:
FIFTY-FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS WHO WERE DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY WIL.L RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT. HOUSE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE INSIGNIA INCLUDE TWO C.B.E.’S, FIVE O.B.E.’S, ONE I.S.O., TWO M.B.E.’S (M), SIX M.B.E.’S, AND ONE M.B.E. (H).
COPIES OF A LIST OF RECIPIENTS OF THE INSIGNIA WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE PRESS ROOM, G.I.S. SIXTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, AT 11.30 A.M. TOMORROW.
ONLY PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE NOT LATER THAN 11 A.M. G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THEM.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS IN THE ORDINARY WAY WITH FRANCIS WU STUDIO, GLOUCESTER BUILDING, AT F-224500.
0 - -
3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBEB 5, 19?4
CROWN LAND SALE x x x x
SEVEN LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF MORE THAN 102,700 SQUARE FEET WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
FOUR OF THEM ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, WITH THE LARGEST ONE, MEASURING 26,770 SQUARE FEET, LOCATED OFF TAI TAM ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND. TWO OTHERS ARE SITUATED OFF CHUNG HOM KOK ROAD WITH AREAS OF 21,170 SQUARE FEET AND 11,500 SQUARE FEET. THE OTHER RESIDENTIAL LOT COVERS 16,500 SQUARE FEET OFF CHAI WAN ROAD. SALE OF THIS LOT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR OCTOBER 18 BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO WEATHER CONDITICLS.
OF THE REMAINING LOTS, TWO ARE FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GODOWN PURPOSES WHILE THE OTHER — A SMALL ONE OF SOME 750 SQUARE FEET AT 810 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON -- IS INTENDED FOR NON-INDUSTRIAL USE.
THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL LOT COVERS AN AREA OF 14,670 SQUARE FEET AT THE JUNCTION OF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD, NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND HEUNG YIP ROAD IN ABERDEEN. THE OTHER IS OFF WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND MEASURES 11,400 SQUARE FEET.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 29 IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR,' HONG KONG, AND FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
------0 - - - -
WATER SITUATION REPORT « « « « il
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 53»735 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 79.8 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,SCO MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 60,447 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,207 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 47,029 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 73.7 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,5C0 MILLION GALLONS.
1.4 MM (0.06 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,100.8 MM (82.71 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,102.9 MM (82.79 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.10 PER CENT.
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A
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
- 4 -
HONG KONG WORKERS STILL IN DEMAND OVERSEAS * * M H
THERE IS STILL A DEMAND IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES FOR HONG KONG WORKERS DESPITE A DROP IN THE NUMBER Or WORKERS GOING ABROAD IN THE LAST TOO YEARS.
•
ACCORDING TO STATISTICS ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, 798 WORKERS WENT ABROAD DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH 706 IN 1972-73, 1,057 IN 1971-72 AND 2,134 IN 1970-71;
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE MORE THAN 4,000 HONG KONG WORKERS EMPLOYED OVERSEAS OTHER THAN THE UNITED KINGDOM. A LARGE NUMBER OF THEM ARE EMPLOYED AS BAKERS, COOKS, BLACKSMITHS, CARPENTERS, LAUNDERS AND MECHANICS IN NAURU, OCEAN ISLAND, BRUNEI,. SABAH, BRITISH SOLOMAN ISLAND, AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, WEST GERMANY AND THE NETHERLANDS.
OF THESE, ABOUT 1,360 ARE UNDER NEW CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO WITH THEIR EMPLOYERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PROVISIONS. OF THE CONTRACTS FOR OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE. THE REMAINING WORKERS ARE UNDER RE-ENGAGEMENT CONTRACTS.
- A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID THAT SINCE THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, +OVER 16,000 , MANUAL WORKERS HAVE TAKEN UP EMPLOYMENT OVERSEAS. ABOUT HALF OF THEM HAVE BEEN RE-ENGAGED.+
HE ADDED, HOWEVER: +UNLESS WAGES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE ARE PARTICULARLY ATTRATIVE, IT IS NOT EASY TO RECRUIT HONG KONG WORKERS FOR EMPLOYMENT ABROAD.+
THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN 1965, AIMS TO PROTECT LOCAL WORKERS TAKING UP EMPLOYMENT OVERSEAS., MANUAL WORKERS PROCEEDING OVERSEAS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE URGED TO ENTER INTO A CONTRACT WITH THEIR PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYERS IN ACCORDANCE WITH PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE. r,
THE PURPOSE'OF A CONTRACT. THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WAS TO SAFEGUARD THE WORKERS’ INTERESTS AND WELL-BEING.
THE CONTRACT MUST BE ATTESTED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF LABOUR, PRIOR TO THE WORKERS’ DEPARTURE FROM HONG KONG.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED HOWEVER THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAD THE POWER TO REFUSE TO ATTEST A CONTRACT IF THE TERMS IN IT WERE UNFAIR TO THE EMPLOYEE.
----0---------
/5 ......
i:cve:eer 5, 1974
HONG KONG TO HOST INTERNATIONAL TRADE SEMINAR V »« M \f
X X X X X X
EXPERTS FROM MANY PARTS OF THE WORLD WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG NEXT WEEK TO DISCUSS WAYS OF FURTHER STREAMLINING INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROCEDURES AND DOCU.LiJTATIOtl.
HONG KONG IS REGARDED AS A FITTING Fl ACE FOR THE TWO-DAY (NOVEMBER 13 AND 14) MEETING BECAUSE GF IiS POSITION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE WITHIN THE FAR EAST AiJ> EECAUSE OF THE STRIDES IT HAS ALREADY TAKEN IN SIMPLIFYING ARD RATIONALISING DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES. •
DELEGATES FROM MORE THAN 10 COUNTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS, INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, EI: I TA III, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES, FRANCE, THE ECONOMIC CO.'MI S31 Oli FCR EUROPE (EEC), THE ECONOMIC AUD SOCIAL CO;U SS I Oil FUR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP), THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF CCE-ERCE (ICC), AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME COMMITTEE (CMI), ARE ATTENDING THE-MEETING CALLED THE +HONG KONG FAR EAST TRADE FACILITATION SEMI EAR.+
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE, AN ADVISORY BODY FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMITTEE’S CHAIRMAN, MR. IAN TOMLIN- POINTS OUT THAT THERE IS A GROWING APPRECIATION AMONG INTERNATIONAL TRADE FORUMS OF THE NEED TO STANDARDISE AND SIMPLIFY TRADE PROCEDURES ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS.
+THE NEED ALSO ARISES BECAUSE OF TODAY’S FASTER MODES OF TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION,* MR. TCMLIJI ADDED.
ONE OF HONG KONG’S RECENT EFFORTS IN HELPING TO CUT DOWN TIME-CONSUMING PAPER WORK IS SEEN IN THE PUBLICATION +IIOW TO USE SIMPLER TRADE DOCUMENTS.+
THE BROCHURE ADVOCATES THE ADOPTION OF THE +ONE-RUN+ SYSTEM BY EXPORTERS TO MECHANISE THEIR PAPER WORK IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE REPETITIVE TYPING AND CHECKING OF INFORMATION.
BY ADOPTING THIS SYSTEM, SOME COUNTRIES HAVE SHOWN SAVINGS OF UP TO 70 PER CENT IN THE COST OF PREPARING AND PROCESSING DOCUMENTS.
MR. TOMLIN SAYS THAT THE SEMINAR WILL PROVIDE THE VARIOUS COUNTRIES AND ORGANISATIONS WITH A VALUABLE OPPORTUNITY OF EXCHANGING IDEAS AND OF WORKING OUT COMMON POLICIES BENEFICIAL TO ALL.
A HIGHLIGHT OF THE TWO-DAY SEMINAR WILL DE A DEMONSTRATION OF DATA TRANSMISSION - DIRECT FROM THE UNITED STATES TO HONG KONG - USING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE TELECOMMUNICATIONS TECHNIQUES.
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, WIL- OPEN THE SEMINAR AND WILL SPEAK ON THE OCCASION.
- - 0 - -
6
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
LATEST POSTING FOR CHRISTMAS SURFACE MAIL TO HAWAII AND AUSTRALIA ADVANCED M M ii
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT DUE TO SHIPPING PROBLEMS OUTSIDE ITS CONTROL, *IT WAS FORCED TO BRING FORWARD THE LATEST ACCEPTANCE DATE FOR CHRISTMAS MAIL AND PARCELS DY SURFACE FOR HAWAII AND AUSTRALIA.
THE REVISED DATES ARE NOW NOVEMBER 9 FOR CHRISTMAS SEA MAIL AND PARCELS FOR HAWAII, AND NOVEMBER 11 FOR AUSTRALIA.
0
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE H M « « M *
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOONi
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY) ...... ... AVERAGE
CHINA RICE *
SEE MEW S.C. JIEN PO NGAI CHU CHO THAI RICE GOOD GOOD 2.02 1.86 •
100% WHOLE 10-15% BROKENS Al SUPER EXTRA Al SUPER WHOLE GLUTINOUS U.S. RICE GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD 1.78 1.66 1.41’ 1.75 1.94 ■ *
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.82
PAKISTAN RICE •
TAIWAN RICE
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE ' ______d____ — -
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - ' GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(S/PICUL—LIVE WEIGHT) - 320 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND ....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE HIGH PRICE LOW (S/CATTY) MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 6.50 2.00 4.20
BIG-EYES NORMAL 3.20 1.50 2.30
SQUID NORMAL —- 5.50 1.60 3.50
HAIR-TAILS LIMITED 3.20 1.20 2.20
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 4.60 1.70 3.20
CROAKERS NORMAL 3.20 1.50 2.30
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.60 2.00 3.00
MELON COAT LIMITED 4.00 1.60 2.80
BREAMS SCARCE 8.50 5.00 7.10
YELLOW BELLY LIMITED 2.20 1.20 1.70
MACKERELS SCARCE 5.80 4.50 5.00
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 1.60 0.60 1.00
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.50 0.60 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.00 3.00 4.50
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.50 2.40 3.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 7.50 8.50
GAROUPAS NORMAL 13.00 7.00 9.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 8.50 5.50 7.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET) '
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE L1M1 TED 3.00 1.00 2.20
WHITE CABBAGE / LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.40
CHINESE LETTUCE SCARCE ' 2.50 0.80 1.60
WATER SPINACH CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.80 1.00 2.20 . ,
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.40 1.50 2.00 ’
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE • 3.50 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS SCARCE 3.50 1.50 2.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.00 0.60 1.40
CHINESE SPINACH TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.00
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PRESENTS INSIGN IA-TO 54 HONG KONG RESIDENTS ... 1
NEW PATHOLOGY BUILDING OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL OPENED ... 3
U.K. LABOUR EXPERT CRITICISES HONG KONG FACTORY SAFETY STANDARDS ..............................................
WATER SITUATION REPORT ................................... 5
MAJOR CENSUS OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE BEING PLANNED 6
PRICE CEILING ON RICE REDUCED........................... 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSIM SHA TSUI .................... 7
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETE STRUCTURE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION . 0
FIRE DRILL COMPETITION TO BE HELD IN PAT HEUNG........... 10
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974
- 1 -
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA
H If « « « *
FIF'TY-FOUR HONG KONG RESIDENTS RECEIVED THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY.
THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED EITHER IN THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS OR IN THE NEW YEAR’S HONOURS.
TODAY’S INSIGNIA INCLUDED TWO C.B.E.’S, FIVE O.B.E.’S, ONE I.S.O., TWO M.B.E.’S (M), SIX M.B.E.’S AND ONE M.B.E. (H).
MR. RUN RUN SHAW AND MR. WILFRED WONG SIEN-BING RECEIVED THE C.B.E. (COMMANDER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE).
OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED WEREs
O.B.E. - (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR. CHOW CHUNG-KAI
MR. HUGH MOSS GERALD FORSGATE
BRIGADIER RAINALD GILFRID LEWTHWAITE
MR. PERCY THOMAS WARR
THE HON. JAMES ’WU MAN-HON
I.S.O. - (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
MR. ROBERT KWOK CHEUNG
M.B.E. (M) - (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (MILITARY) MAJOR LEE CH I-PI NG WARRANT OFFICER CARLOS JACINTO PINTOS
M.B.E. - (MEMBER ORDER OF-THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR. FUNG HAK-MING
MR. LEUNG-HON-MING
MR. FRANCIS LOO KHIM-L-ENG
MR. WILLIAM JOHN MACDONALD
MRS. MARGARET MARY WILSON
MISS YEUNG SO-MIN .. '
M.B.E. (H) - (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (HONORARY) MR. KWOK WAI-MAN
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR. CHEUNG YIU-KAY MR. HUNG CHEUNG-HO MR. LAI KAM-YUEN MRS. LEE WAI-NGAN MISS LIN HON-YING MR. LO CHI-SANG MR. TAI KUEN MR. TANG TAI-CHUEN
/C.P.H
C.P.M
B.E.M
B.E.M
Q.P.M.
C.P.M
C.P.M
- 2 -
DAY, 6, 1974
- (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL) (GALLANTRY) POLICE CONSTABLE CHAN KAM-MING (M) - (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL) (MILITARY) CORPORAL HARISING GURUNG
- (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
MR. CHAN WING-FAI
MR. KUNG YING-FUN
MR. MA PING
MR. ABDUL ERERUN MAHOMED RAFEEK
MR. SO SAU-YUFN
MR. WAN TIN-CHUN
- (QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL) MR. CERALD ARTHUR HARKNETT MR. RAYMOND FRANCIS SMITH
- (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL) MR. GEORGE JAMES DATTS MR. PETER ANTHONY ENGLISH MR. FAN KWOK-CHOI
MR. CHARLES MCGREGOR JOHNSTON STATION SERGEANT LAU YIU STATION SERGEANT LEUNG KAI-YAN MR. CHARLES DEREK MAYGER MR. WILLIAM PATRICK MCMAHON SERGEANT MIAO FENG-CHAO SERGEANT POON KAM-FAI SERGEANT TSUNG SHU-TIEN CONSTAELE WAN YEE-YEP SERGEANT WONG CHIU
MR
WONG PANG-KWAN
(F) MR. MR. MR. MR.
- (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL) (FIRE)
LO CHAU
PO CIIEUX-PUI
TAM HON-CHEUNG
JULIO YUEN
S.B. OF THE ORDER OF ST. JOHN - (SERVING BROTHER OF THE-MOST VENERABLE OR6ER OF
MR. LAM MING-HO
ST. JOHN)
- - o - -
WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 6, 1974
- 3 -
QMH NEW PATHOLOGY BUILDING OPENED « « « M ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY OPENED THE NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING OF QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL DESCRIBING IT AS +A SIGNIFICANT STEP TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+
+THERE WILL BE MANY OTHER SUCH STEPS,+ SIR MURRAY SAID, CITING THE COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME DRAWN UP FOR THE STEADY EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
THIS PROGRAMME, HE ADDED, WILL BE ROLLED FORWARD YEAR DY YEAR AND WOULD ENABLE US. +TO GO FORWARD IN AN ORDERLY WAY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHAT RESERVES ARE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME.+ I
THE EIGHT-STOREY BUILDING,«BUILT AT A COST OF $9 MILLION, BECAME OPERATIONAL IN JANUARY THIS YEAR, PROVIDING THE CLINICAL PATHOLOGY SERVICE FOR THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH :
+1 AM INDEED PROUD OF THIS NEW CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING, AND AM DELIGHTED BY YOUR TRIBUTE TO THE GOOD CO-OPERATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHICH BROUGHT IT INTO BEING. WITH THIS NEW BUILDING WE TAKE A FURTHER AND SIGNIFICANT STEP TO IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF MEDICAL SERVICES FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG AND TO ENSURE THEY KEEP PACE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL SCIENCE.
+THERE WILL BE MANY OTHER SUCH STEPS. WE HAVE DRAWN UP A COMPREHENSIVE PROGRAMME -FOR THE STEADY EXPANSION AND IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL SERVICES OVER THE HEXT TEN YEARS, AND THIS PROGRAMME WILL BE ROLLED FORWARD YEAR BY YEAR. THIS WILL HELP US TO GO FORWARD IN AN ORDERLY WAY AND IN ACCORDANCE WITH WHAT RESERVES ARE AVAILABLE AT ANY TIME..
+THE MAIN ITEMS ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW HOSPITALS AND CLINICS- THE ORGANISATION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ON A REGIONAL BASIS- THEIR EXTENSION TO THE NEW TOWNS AND THE NEW TERRITORIES- AND A GENERAL IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARDS WHEREVER PRACTICABLE. YOUR GOVERNMENT WILL STEADILY AND PRUDENTLY PRESS FORWARD WITH THESE DEVELOPMENTS. ' ‘
+BUT WE ARE CONCERNED TODAY WITH THIS NEW BUILDING, WHICH IS THE PRODUCT OF SO MUCH CAREFUL THOUGHT AND PLANNING^-' AND WORK BY SO MANY PEOPLE OF SO MANY SKILLS AND CRAFTS. I WOULD LIKE TO CONGRATULATE THEM ALL, BUT PARTICULARLY PROFESSOR GIBSON FOR THE PART HE HAS PLAYED WITH SUCH DILIGENCE AND ' ENTHUSIASM. j
+IT GIVES ME GREAT PLEASURE TO DECLARE THIS CLINICAL PATHOLOGY BUILDING OF THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL OPEN.+
1 I
A......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974
- 4 -
U.K.'LABOUR EXPERT CRITICISES H.K. FACTORY SAFETY STANDARDS ft » » ft r » ft
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY STANDARDS OF FAR TOO MANY FACTORIES IN HONG KONG ARE EITHER INDIFFERENT OR TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, A BRITISH LABOUR EXPERT SAID TODAY.
THE EXPERT, MR. TONY LINEHAN, A SENIOR MEMBER OF THE U.K. FACTORY INSPECTORATE, CLAIMED THAT ONLY A FEW LOCAL FACTORIES HAD ATTAINED WORLD STANDARDS OF WORK SAFETY.
MR. LINEHAN HAS BEEN IN HONG KONG FOR JUST OVER A YEAR AS A SPECIALIST ADVISER TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ON FACTORY INSPECTION AND RELATED MATTERS.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG EAST ROTARY CLUB, MR. LINEHAN SAID THERE WAS NO REASON THAT ALL FACTORIES SHOULD NOT BE ABLE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION FOR WORKERS - AND PROFIT FROM IT.
+INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAS A JUSTIFIABLE REPUTATION FOR THE SKILL OF ITS WORK PEOPLE, THE INGENUITY OF ITS DESIGN AND PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES, THE RESOURCEFULNESS OF ITS FACTORIES AND THE ADMIRABLE WAY IN WHICH IT ADAPTS ITSELF TO CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES,* HE SAID.
+IT SHOULD NOT BE DIFFICULT TO EXERCISE THESE QUALITIES TO PROVIDE EFFECTIVE PROTECTION FOR THOSE, WHO BY THEIR DAILY WORK IN FACTORIES, CONTRIBUTE DIRECTLY TO OUR PROSPERITY.
+WHAT WE SHOULD ENSURE IS THAT THE EXAMPLE SET BY THIx FEW BECOMES RAPIDLY THE NORM FOR THE REMAINDER.*
MR. LINEHAN SAID THE OBJECTIONS RAISED AGAINST PROVIDING GUARDS FOR POWER PRESSES, AS AN EXAMPLE, WERE THAT THEY WOULD SLOW PRODUCTION, JEOPARDISE PROFITABILITY AND ERODE THE EARNING CAPACITY OF THE OPERATOR.
AM W0ULD CREATE ANTIPATHY OR DOWNRIGkxF HOSTILITY
ta Jaa PART Op THE production WORKER TOWARD THE DEVICE DESIGNED TO PROTECT H I.M*
_u_ SAID: +THIS CHARGE, HOWEVER, IS TOO FREQUENTLY
THE ALLEGATION OF THOSE WHO ARE DISINCLINED TO MAKE THE CHANGE.
+A PROPERLY-DESIGNED GUARD CAN NOT ONLY PROVIDE A HIGH
product?v?tySAFETY* BUT CAN ALS0 C0NTRIBUTE to increased
taa. ^OREOVER, IMPROVED production techniques such as better ™°EBEB pN AND AUTOMATIC FEEDING CAN CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS GREATER
I?cIdentII/ATUI,E DIHIN,SH "ost s,gn,fica"tly
/Iffl. LINEHAN.....
WEDNESDAY, WOVEHDEB 6, 1974.
- 5 -
MR. LINEHAN SAID THAT, ON THE OTHER HAND, THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY STANDARDS OF SOME FACTORIES IN HONG KONG RANKED WITH THE BEST OF ANY INDUSTRIAL NATION.
THIS STEMMED FROM AN ENLIGHTENED MANAGEMENT WHICH SAW NO CONFLICT BETWEEN-THE DEMANDS OF A GENUINE INTEREST IN THE SAFETY OF EMPLOYEES AND THE DEMANDS OF AN EFFICIENT, HIGHLY-PRODUCTIVE AND PROFITABLE ENTERPRISE.
HOWEVER, TOO FEW FACTORIES HAD ATTAINED THIS MARK, HE ADDED.
------0--------
WATER SITUATION REPORT a « « n
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 53,815 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.0 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 60,305 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE
GALLONS
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,325 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,916 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 73.9 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,100.8 MM (82.71 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,104.2 MM (82.84 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.16 PER CENT.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974.
- 6 -
MAJOR CENSUS OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE PLANNED . RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS TO DE INCLUDED
if if if if if if
THE GOVERNMENT IS PLANNING A COMPREHENSIVE CENSUS OF THE WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADE, AS WELL AS RESTAURANTS AND HOTELS.
THE CENSUS, SCHEDULED FOR 1976, IS PART OF A LONG-TERM PROGRAMME TO COLLECT COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC STATISTICS COVERING ALL ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES SO AS TO PROVIDE A CONTINUOUS ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMY AND THE SECTORAL CONTRIBUTIONS TO EMPLOYMENT, OUTPUT AND INCOME IN HONG KONG.
IT WILL COLLECT INFORMATIbN RELATING TO THE YEAR 1975 ON EMPLOYMENT, LABOUR COSTS, SALES AND RECEIPTS, CHANCES IN STOCKS AND RATE OF TURNOVER, AND OPERATING COSTS AMONG OTHERS.
ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THIS SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY ACCOUNTS FOR A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG. •
THERE ARE SOME 60,000 WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, 3,000 RESTAURANTS AND GOO HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES. IN 1971, THIS SECTOR EMPLOYED 254,000 PERSONS, WHICH WAS EQUIVALENT TO 16 PER CENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG. THE ESTIMATED CONTRIBUTION OF THIS SECTOR TO THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT WAS 21 PER CENT OR $4,212 MILLION III 1972.
BETWEEN JUNE AND AUGUST THIS YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT CONDUCTED A SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS SO AS TO COMPILE A COMPLETE REGISTER OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS FOR THE PURPOSE OF THE 1976 CENSUS. \ >
DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, THE DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT A SERIES OF CONSULTATIVE TALKS WITH ESTABLISHMENTS ENGAGING IN WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES. THE FIRST WILL START ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 8) WITH DEPARTMENT STORES. THE PURPOSE OF THESE.TALKS IS TO OBTAIN FROM THESE ESTABLISHMENTS THEIR VIEWS ON THE SUITABILITY OF QUESTIONNAIRES TO BE USED FOR THE CENSUS, THE ■SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED. /
WHOLESALE AND RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS, HE SAID, WOULD BE NOTIFIED IN ADVANCE BY LETTER BEFORE BEING APPROACHED FOR CONSULTATION. THE CONSULTATIONS WOULD DE CONDUCTED BY ... .
PROFESSIONAL STAFF GF THE DEPARTMENT WHO WILL CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD WHILE ON DUTY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE TIME HAD COME FOR HONG KONG- TO COLLECT DETAILED STATISTICS RELATING TO THIS SECTOR.
♦STATISTICS OF THIS KIND COLLECTED OVER A PERIOD OF TIME WILL NOT ONLY MEASURE CHANGES IN THE VOLUME OF SALES, IN CONSUMER DEMAND, IN SOURCES OF SUPPLY BUT ALSO INDICATE MOVEMENTS IN THE TREND OF EMPLOYMENT, WAGES AND PRODUCTIVITY IN THIS SECTOR OF THE ECONOMY.+
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974.
- 7 -
PRICE CEILING ON RICE REDUCED
-x. , n « « « k
A MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICE SYSTEM FOR RICE IS TO REMAIN IN FORCE FOR THE TIME BEING TO SAFEGUARD THE CONSUMER, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THIS EVENING.
THIS WAS AGREED AT A MEETING OF THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE WHICH WAS CALLED TO CONSIDER THE RICE PRICE STRUCTURE IN' THE LIGHT OF LOWER QUOTATIONS FROM HONG KONG’S MAJOR SUPPLIERS, CHINA AND THAILAND.
THE CEILING FOR TOP QUALITY SEE MEW RICE HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 3)2.45 TO 3)2.35 WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
A DC AND I SPOKESMAN COMMENTEDs +ACTUAL RETAIL PRICES ARE ALREADY BELOW THE NEW MAXIMUM PERMITTED LEVEL WHICH INDICATES THAT THE APPLICATION OF A PRICE CEILING SYSTEM MAY NO LONGER BE NECESSARY.
' +HOWEVER THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE CONSIDERS THAT IT IS IN THE INTERESTS OF THE CONSUMER TO RETAIN A MAXIMUM RETAIL PRICE AT LEAST UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR WHEN THE SITUATION WILL BE REV 1 EWED.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ABUNDANT RICE,SUPPLIES WERE \
AVAILABLE TO HONG KONG AT LOWER PRICES AS A RESULT OF GOOD HARVESTS IN THE RICE PRODUCING COUNTRIES.
+THIS IS WELCOME NEWS FOR THE- HOUSEWIFE,* HE SAID. +BECAUSE IT MEANS THAT THE RECENT DOWNWARD TREND IN RETAIL RICE PRICES IS BEING SUSTAINED.*
... "
------0-------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE SECTION-OF HAIPHONG ROAD BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND HANKOW ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 10 PM AND 6 AM FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12.
THE CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE LIFTING ARD PLACING OF I -BEAMS FOR A BRIDGE ACROSS HAIPHONG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
----o----
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974.'
- 8 -
DEVELOPMENT OF COMPLETE STRUCTURE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji Ji
HONG KONG IS DEVELOPING A COMPLETE STRUCTURE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL SAID TODAY WHEN HE DISTRIBUTED TECHNICAL SCHOLARSHIPS DONATED BY MEMBERS OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION.
MR. KINGWELL CONGRATULATED THE ASSOCIATION FOR ENCOURAGING DONORS TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE SCHOLARSHIPS WHICH WERE GIVEN'TO STUDENTS TO STUDY, WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION, IN ALL THE TYPES OF TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EACH PART OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION STRUCTURE HAD ITS PLACE AND ITS OWN PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE AND EACH HELPED AND SERVED TH'E OTHER. -
+THE TECHNICAL BRANCH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG OUTSIDE THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC. AT PRESENT THE VARIOUS SEGMENTS FOR WHICH . THE TECHNICAL BRANCH IS RESPONSIBLE ARE: PREVOCATlONAL SCHOOLS, . SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOLS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
+HONG KONG, IN COMMON WITH OTHER MODERN CITIES WILL NEED THE SERVICES OF SKILLED OPERATORS, CRAFTSMEN, TECHNICIANS AND PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERS IN INCREASING NUMBERS IF IT IS TO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE MANY EXPANSION PROGRAMMES SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT, ROAD BUILDING, REHOUSING, ETC., WHICH ARE IN TRAIN,+ MR. KINGWELL SAID.
THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, WHICH COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON-SEPTEMBER 4, WILL OPERATE A VARIETY OF COURSES FOR THE
• FULL-TIME TRAINING OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS AT ALL LEVELS AND HAS ■ PLANS TO COMMENCE NEV/ COURSES FOR_JEACHERS.
+ IN THIS WAY,+ MR. KINGWELL SAID,+EXI STI NG TECHNICAL TEACHERS CAN BE BROUGHT UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS AND IT IS HOPED THAT THERE WILL SOON BE OPPORTUNITIES FOR OTHER•TEACHERS TO TAKE CONVERSION COURSES FOR TECHNICAL SUBJECTS.
+THESE CONVERSION COURSES WILL UNDOUBTEDLY HELP WITH THE PROGRAMME OF PRACTICAL SUBJECTS IN ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN FORMS I TO III WHICH IS ENVISAGED IN THE WHITE PAPER.+
THE COLLEGE WILL BE GRADUALLY EXPANDED WHEN IT MOVES INTO THE BUILDING TO BE VACATED BY THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL. THE BUILDING WILL BE REFURBISHED AND SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR THE NEEDS OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS.
AFTER CONVERSION, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR THE COLLEGE TO PROVIDE THE EQUIVALENT OF 660 FULL-TIME PLACES.
/IIB. KINGWELL.....
i.EE: ”3DAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974
- 9 -
MR. KI^GWELL SAID: +AN EXCELLENT BEGINNING HAS BEEN MADE AND THE COLLEGE IS ALREADY STAFFED BY A TEAM OF EXPERIENCED TEACHERS WHO ARE QUALIFIED IN A WIDE VARIETY OF TECHNICAL AUD EDUCATIONAL DISCIPLINES. * • * , ..
+TECHNICAL EDUCATION CANNOT REALLY BE DIVORCE! FROM OTHER FORMS OF EDUCATION. WE LIVE IN A TECHNOLOGICAL AGE. THEREFORE, IN ORDER TO HELP PEOPLE TO LIVE INA MODERN SOCIETY, ALL EDUCATION SHOULD HAVE A TECHNICAL ELEMENT. IT IS WHEN THE TECHNICAL ELEMENT LEG I NS TO FORM A SIGNIFICANT PART THAT WE USUALLY LABEL EDUCATION AS ’TECHNICAL’.*
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID’lT WAS A GOOD THING TO INTRODUCE TECHNICAL SUBJECTS INTO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND HENCE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
+IT IS EXPECTED,* HE SAID, +THAT MANY OF THE GRADUATES FROM A SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL WILL WISH TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD AND SOME WILL PROCEED TO HIGHER STUDIES AT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OR POLYTECHNIC OR UNIVERSITY.
+THIS WILL NOT, HOWEVER, NECESSARILY BE SO AND IT SHOULD BE REALISED THAT A SECONDARY TECHNICAL EDUCATION HAS A VALUE OF ITS OWN IN DEVELOPING THE INTELLECTUAL CAPACITY AND PERSONAL QUALITIES OF THE STUDENT.*
MR. KINGWELL STRESSED THAT TECHNICAL EDUCATION OF A MORE INTENSELY PRACTICAL NATURE COULD HAVE GREAT VALUE IN A PREVOCATION-AL SCHOOL OR IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE. ••
HE SAID PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION WAS AN EXCELLENT FORM OF EDUCATION FOR THOSE WHO WISHED OR WOULD HAVE TO TAKE UP EMPLOYMENT AFTER THREE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION.
THE GRADUATE OF A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL WOULD ALSO BE ABLE TO CONTINUE HIS STUDIES FOR SPECIFIC TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS IN THE TRADE OF HIS CHOICE AT A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
+THE OVER SUBSCRIPTION FOR PREVOCATIONAL PLACES IS PROOF OF THEIR POPULARITY.'THE SCHOOLS AFIE STAFFED AND OPERATED BY EEDICATED PEOPLE AND THERE CAN BE NO DOUBT THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS ARE DOING A GOOD JOB OF WORK,* HE SAID. .... <r> ’
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, HE EMPHASISED, WERE AT PRESENT AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE FABRIC OF HONG KONG’S TECHNICAL EDUCATION SYSTEM, IN THE SAME WAY THAT TECHNICAL EDUCATION WAS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OF A MODERN SOCIETY.
NOTE TO EDITORS; COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. KINGWELL’S SPEECH ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
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/1O.....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974.
- 10 -
FIRE DRILL COMPETITION k x if if if if--.
THE FIRST EVER NEW TERRITORIES FIRE COMMAND INTER-DIVISIONAL DRILL COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HEW TERRITORIES COMMAND HEADQUARTERS, PAT HEUNG. (WITHIN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TRAINING SCHOOL COMPLEX) ON FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8.
THE DRILLS WILL BE: HOOK LADDER RESCUE DRILL, RESCUE ESCAPE DRILL, MAJOR PUMP DRILL, 35-FOOT LADDER DRILL AND ONE-MAN HYDRANT DRILL.
TROPHIES WILL BE AWARDED FOR EACH DRILL BY MR. FRED JACKSON, CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, NEW TERRITORIES- HR. H.C. ILLINGWORTH, DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, NEW TERRITORIES- MR. CHAN YAT-SAN, CHAIRMAN OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK= HR. D. AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES- AND MR. A.E.H. WOOD,. DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE EVENT- THEY SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE, FIRE SERVICES PRO, AT PAT HEUNG SHORTLY BEFORE 2.30 P.M.
» I::.: i'-SDAY, HOVEMDER 6, 1974.
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVKE
HIE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL. SCHEii!.; Ai.'O AT Til:’ VFGH'A i ’ ' MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET Ai'.’ TIT; FUH MARKET!f’G ORGr.NISAi ION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG ;/ .. ..AH, K( J .GOJj
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES 0?’ RICE
• nnArf. AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE ((./CATTY) GRADE OF RICE OF SUPPLY AVERAGE ■ ! w — m ■ mm i—*”- r*“—— - rrr iihi m
.r,'-»r™-»r.»«in .-u>1.,a.«w, n , , . CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD L.CA S.c. JI EH GOOD 1.7J 10 HGAI GOOD CHU CHO .GOOD INAI RICE
100% WHOLE .GOOD I..73 10-13% LROKENS GOOD Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.69 Al SUPER GOOD 1.A1 . W.ICLE GLUTINOUS GOOD U.S. RICE GOOD i.oS
AJSTRALIAN RICE COOD 1.32
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE ' GOOD .
... ♦•'••• •
SUPPL'ES AMD WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORKER S32O (AVERAGE) (S/PIUUL-LIVE WEIGHT) K ‘
/S’JPl’LTES AIJD.......
3
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY ’ WHOLESALE PRICE (8/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 6.30 1.50 5.00
BIG-EYES NORMAL 3.70 2.20 3.00
SQUID NORMAL 5.50 3.50 4.40
HAIR-TAILS NORMAL 3.00 1.00 2.20
LIZARD FISHES ’GOOD 3.50 . 1.20 2.00
CROAKERS GOOD ‘0.80 2.30
CONGER-PIKE-EELS . NORMAL . 3.50 1.80 3.00
MELON COAT LIMITED 3.90 1.00 2.70
BREAMS SCARCE . 5.10 4.30 4.70
YELLOW BELLY ho sale
MACKERELS SCARCE 5.50 3.20 • 4.70
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 2.50 1.50 2.00
FORK-TAIL — NO SALE
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.80 4.00 5.50
MELON SEED SCARCE 3.90 2.00 3.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 13.00 10.00 12.00
GAROUPAS NORMAL 12.00 7.00 10.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 8.50 3.70 5.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (C/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY high LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.60 0.80 1.80
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 1.60 0.40 1.20
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.40
WATER SP1NACH SCARCE 0.80 0.40 0.60
CHINESE KALE /; LIMITED 2.60 0.80 1.80
SYRING BEANS SCARCE' 2.00 1.20 1.60 '
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
SP1NACH SCARCE 3.50 1.50 k 1.20
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 -- 2700 2.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 1.30 0.50 1.20
CHINESE SPINACH —— —— —— ——
TOMATO SCARCE 3.80 2.00 3.00
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OCTOBER ECONOMIC REPORT PUBLISHED............................... 1
WATER SITUATION REPORT.,..................*..........‘.......... 3
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMOfl*ES.....,............................... 4
KONGSpOLYTECHNfcNMENT 0FF,C,ALS SEE DEVELOPMENT OF THE HONG
BE WARY OF BOGUS FIREMAN 1 PUBLIC WARNED...................... 7
CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES ON SALE NEXT WEEK..’...................... 7
• •
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
J
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
- 1 -
ECONOMIC REPORT, OCTOBER 1974 it it it it it it
HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS INCREASED, IN QUANTITY TERMS, BY AN ESTIMATED 8 PER CENT IN THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF JUNE THIS YEAR. THIS COMPARES WITH AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 3 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD TO JUNE 1973.
PRICES FOR THESE EXPORTS INCREASED BY ABOUT 28 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 11 PER CENT THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THESE AND OTHER DETAILED STATISTICS ARE CONTAINED IN THE LATEST EDITION OF THE ECONOMIC REPORT, DATED OCTODER, WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1974. THE REPORT, PREPARED THREE TIMES A YEAR, IN APRIL, JULY AND OCTOBER, COMPLEMENTS +THE DUDGETi ECONOMIC LACKGROUND+ PUBLICATION PREPARED IN JANUARY.
THE FIGURES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1974 SHOW THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS WERE WORTH 156,199 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 15927 MILLION OVER THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1974. THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS INCREASED OVER THE SAME PERIOD BY $89 MILLION.
IMPORTS ALSO INCREASED BY $1,709 MILLION DURING THE QUARTER, LEAVING A VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT FOR THE QUARTER OF $1,631 MILLION.
THE REPORT SHOWS THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TRANSISTORISED RADIOS INCREASED BY 33 PER CENT, IN QUANTITY TERMS, IN THE ' SECOND QUARTER AND THAT THE INCREASE FOR FOOTWEAR WAS AS HIGH AS 17 PER CENT.
•IT ADDS THAT, IN THE CASE OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS, +THE QUANTITIES EXPORTED WERE HIGHER THAN IN ANY QUARTER IN THE PREVIOUS TWO YEARS, AND, RESPECTIVELY,. 27 PER CENT AND 52 PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1973+ EXPORTS OF TEXTILE FABRICS, IN QUANTITY TERMS, INCREASED BY 10 PER CENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, EXPORTS OF CLOTHING DURING THE SECOND QUARTER DECLINED IN QUANTITY BY 4 PER CENT, DESPITE A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE, AMOUNTING TO 64 PER CENT, IN THE QUANTITY SOLD TO AUSTRALIA.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT, IN THE SECOND QUARTER, HONG KONG’S TERMS OF TRADE (THAT IS, THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EXPORT AND IMPORT PRICES) CONTINUED TO DETERIORATE, THOUGH MARGINALLY IN THE SECOND QUARTER, BUT ADDS THAT THIS MUST BE SHOWN AGAINST A ♦BACKGROUND OF RAPIDLY RISING WORLD PRICES*, AND TO SOME EXTENT IS TO BE EXPECTED. IMPORT PRICES OF FUELS INCREASED BY AS MUCH AS 199 PER CENT AND FOODSTUFFS AND RAW MATERIAL PRICES ROSE BY 50 PER CENT AND 53 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY.
AlIE REPORT......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
- 2 -
THE REPORT SAYS THAT, DESPITE THE I (’CREASE IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, EMPLOYMENT IN REGISTERED AND RECORDED MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS DECLINED, REFLECTING A SLACKENING OF ORDERS FROM ABROAD AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF A SLOW I EG DOWN IN THE GROWTH OF WORLD DEMAND GENERALLY.
THE FIGURES SHOW THAT EMPLOYMENT IN THESE ESTABLISHMENTS DECLINED BY ABOUT 28,600, OR 5 PER CENT DURING THE 12 MONTHS 10 JUNE THIS YEAR, COMPARED WITH AN INCREASE OF 3 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTHS PERIOD. THERE WAS ALSO A DECLINE IN REPORTED VACANCIES.
ON A BRIGHTER NOTE, THE GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX REMAINED STEADY IN THE SECOND QUARTER, COMPARED WITH A RISE CF SOME 5 PER CENT IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. ON A SEASONALLY ADJUSTED BASIS, THE* INDEX INCREASED BY 15 PER CENT IN THE YEAR ENDING JUNE 1974, AGAINST A RISE OF 16 PER CENT IN THE PREVIOUS 12 MONTH PERIOD.
THE FOODSTUFFS COMPONENT OF THE INDEX DECLINED BY 3 PER %
CENT IN THE SECOND QUARTER, BUT, DESPITE THIS, CHANGES IN FOOD PRICES STILL MADE BY FAR THE LARGEST CONTRIBUTION - 66 - TO THE OVERALL RISE IN THE INDEX OVER THE 12 MONTHS.
ACTIVITY IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY REMAINED RELATIVELY QUIET IN THE SECOND QUARTER, WITH PROPERTY PRICES CONTINUING TO FALL AND WITH INCREASES IN PRIVATE SECTOR RENTS SHOWING FURTHER SIGNS OF SLOWING DOWN OR LEVELLING OFF.
IN THE SECTION ON THE MONEY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS, THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE INCREASE IN BANK DEPOSITS IN THE SECOND QUARTER WAS LOWER THAN FOR EACH OF THE PREVIOUS TWO QUARTERS. IN CONTRAST, THE INCREASE FOR ADVANCES AND LOANS WAS HIGHER. IN JUNE, THE AVERAGE RATIO OF BANKS’ LIQUID ASSETS TO DEPOSITS WAS 41 PER CENT.
IT ADDS THAT THE EXTERNAL VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR REMAINED FIRM AND, IN THE 12 MONTHS TO JUNE THIS YEAR, THE CUMULATIVE APPRECIATION OF THE HONS KONG CURRENCY, IN TERMS OF A WEIGHTED AVERAGE OF OTHER CURRENCIES, AMOUNTED TO 3.5 PER CENT.
COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FACT THAT HONG KONG’S EXPORTS HAVE RISEN IN VOLUME TERMS BY 8 PER CENT IN THE 12 MONTHS TO THE END OF JUNE +IS ENCOURAGING*, COMPARED WITH THE PERFORMANCE OF OTHER TRADING COUNTRIES AND AGAINST A BACKGROUND OF WORLD ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES. ,+AND THE PROSPECTS OF MAINTAINING OUR EXPORTS, AND, CERTAINLY, OF BEING ABLE TO TAKE FULL ADVANTAGE OF ANY FUTURE RECOVERY IN WORLD DEMAND WHEN IT COMES, ARE FAVOURABLE BECAUSE HONG KONG’S PRODUCTIVITY IS NOW HIGH AND OUR COMPETITIVE POSITION ABROAD IS VERY STRONG.+
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE REPORT DOES REFER TO THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE YEAR AND THAT, IN THE PERIOD SINCE THEN, IT HAS BECOME MORE EVIDENT THAT HONG KONG IS BEGINNING TO FEEL THE EFFECTS OF A SLOWING DOWN IN WORLD TRADE AS A RESULT OF THE OIL CRISIS. AND IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT THIS IS CONTINUING TO HAVE AN EFFECT ON EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.
/HOWEVER, .....
I
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
- 3 -
HOWEVER, IT WAS PROBABLE THAT A NUMBER OF THESE WORKERS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED ELSEWHERE IN THE ECONOMY RATHER THAN THAT UNEMPLOYMENT HAS RISEN SUBSTANTIALLY.
♦AT THE SAME TIME,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, +THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT IS NOW NARROWING AGAIN AND THERE ARE ALSO INDICATIONS THAT THE TERMS OF TRADE ARE EEG INNING TO I ( PROVE. + IT APPEARED THAT IMPORT PRICES WERE INCREASING LESS RAPIDLY, WHILE EXPORT PRICES WERE +HOLDING UP.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE OVERALL BALANCE OF PAYMENTS, INCLUDING INVISIBLE AND CAPITAL TRANSACTIONS, STILL SEEMED TO BE IN SURPLUS AND THAT THIS WAS REFLECTED IN THE CONTINUING STRENGTH OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR. +INDEED,* HE ADDED, ♦THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IS SHOWING ITS USUAL REMARKABLE ABILITY TO ADJUST TO EXTERNAL EVENTS.+
♦IT IS ALSO ENCOURAGING.TO SEE,* THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED ♦THAT INTERNATIONAL INTEREST RATES ARE NCW BEGINNING TO FALL FROM THEIR PERVIOUS VERY HIGH LEVELS AND THAT THIS IS BEING REFLECTED IN THE RATES CHARGED IN HONG KONG.+
♦THIS WILL OBVIOUSLY BE WELCOME TO OUR TRACERS AND MANUFACTURERS IN FULFILLING THEIR PLANS FOR EXPANSION,* HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE ECONOMIC REPORT*FOR OCTOBER WILL BE AVAILABLE SHORTLY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT S3.
NOTE TO EDITORSi ADVANCE COPIES OF THE ECONOMIC REPORT FOR --------------- OCTOBER WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
- - - - 0 ----
WATER SITUATION REPORT a « n a a
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (THURSDAY) STOOD AT 53,859 MILLION GALLONS. REPRESENTING 80 • PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 60,148 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,436 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,796 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YE&R. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 74.1 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,100.8 MM (82.71 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCEJANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,105.5 MM (82.89 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.22 PER CENT.
- - 0
/4
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974 .
- 4 -
REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES if if if if it if
SPECIAL REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES WILL BE HELD THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 10) IN HONOUR OF THOSE WHO DIED DURING THE TOO WORLD WARS.
THE MAIN MEMORIAL SERVICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CENOTAPH IN STATUE SQUARE.
AMONG THOSE ATTENDING WILL BE THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR. DENYS ROBERTS” THE THREE SERVICE COMMANDERS LED DY THE COMMANDER, BRITISH FORCES, LT. GEN. SIR EDWIN DRAMALL- THE CHIEF JUSTICE, MEMBERS OF THE • EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE CHAIRMAN CF THE COMMANDING C.-FICERS’ COMMITTEE, A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MERCHANT NAVY, COMMONWEALTH COMMISSIONERS, THE DOYEN OF THE CONSULAR CORPS AND REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION AND EX-SERVICEMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS. 1
TOO HONOUR GUARDS WILL BE PROVIDED DY THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) AND THE 7TH DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES. THE BAND OF THE ROYAL HAMPSHIRE REGIMENT WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
I
THE CEREMONY WILL BEGIN WITH THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR AT 10.58 A.M. FOLLOWING THE PLAYING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND THE SOUNDING OF THE LAST POST, A TWO-MINUTE SILENCE WILL BE OBSERVED AT 11 A.M. THE BEGINNING AND ENDING WILL BE MARKED BY THE FIRING CF A GUN FROM H.M.S. TAMAR.
DURING THIS PERIOD, ALL SHIPOWNERS, SHIPMASTERS AND PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF SMALL CRAFT ARE REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE IN REDUCING TO THE MINIMUM OF SOUNDING OF WHISTLES, HORNS OR SIRENS IN THE VICINITY OF THE CENOTAPH.
AFTER THE CEREMONY AT THE CENOTAPH, THE GOVERNOR WILL ATTEND A REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICE IN ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AND ALL SERVICE OFFICERS, APART FROM THOSE OFFICIALLY INVITED, WHO WISH TO LAY WREATHS AT THE CELOTAPH MAY DO SO AFTER THE SERVICE DEPARTMENTS HAVE MOVED AWAY FROM THE STATUE SQUARE AREA. .
PRIOR TO THE CENOTAPH TRIBUTE, A SHORT CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 10 A.M. AT THE CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS.
THE GOVERNOR AND THE COMMANDER, BRITISH FORCES, WILL LAY WREATHS THERE. THEY WILL BE FOLLOWED DY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND CHINESE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE, LEGISLATIVE AND URBAN COUNCILS.
AT SEK KONG, UNITS OF THE 48 GURKHA INFANTRY BRIGADE WILL BE TAKING PART IN A DRUMHEAD SERVICE OUTSIDE ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH AT 11 A.M.
. AT STANLEY, THE ANNUAL SERVICE OF REMEMBRANCE WILL BE HELD AT THE STANLEY CLUB AT 10.45 A.M. AFTER THE SERVICE, WREATHS WILL BE LAID ON THE GRAVES OF THE FALLEN IN STANLEY MILITARY CEMETERY. THE BAND OF THE CAPE COL IS ION TRAINING CENTRE WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974.
- 5 -
NOTE TO EDITORS! FOR THE CENOTAPH CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE
--------------- LIMITED ACCOMMODATION FCR NEWSPAPER REPORTERS
AND PHOTOGRAPHERS AT TLE WESTERN END OF THE FIRST FLOOR BALCONY OF THE SUPREME COURT.
THERE WILL BE NO SPECIAL PRESS POSITION WITHIN THE STATUE SQUARE PERIMETER,.
FOR THEIR PART, PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE REQUESTED TO OBSERVE THE SOLEMNITY OF THE OCCASION, AND NOT TALK UNNECESSARILY DURIES THE SERVICE, PARTICULARLY DURING THE TUO-MII’UTE SILENCE.
NEWSPAPERS WISHING TO STATION REPRESENTATIVES ON THE SUPREME COURT BALCONY, SHOULD SUPPLY THEIR NAMES TO THE DUTY OFFICERS, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, DY UCON Oil FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 8). -
IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE ON THE SUPREME COURT BALCONY, IT MAY DE NECESSARY TO RESTRICT ACCOMMODATION TO PHOTOGRAPHERS OHLY. SPECIAL LAPEL BADGES WILL BE ISSUED OH FRIDAY AFTERNOON. G. I.S. OFFICER, MR. ANDREW YUEN, WILL BE OH HAND TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL CEREMONY
EDITORS ARE ADVISED THAT PRESS REPORTERS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL HOT DE ALLOWED INSIDE THE ROPE CORDON AROUND THE CHINESE WAR MEMORIAL IN THE BOTANIC GARDENS.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL STAND EITHER ON THE EAST OR WEST SIDE OF THE ROPE CORDON.
THEY WILL NOT DE ABLE TO STAND OH THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE MEMORIAL ARCH.
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE PARTICULARLY REQUESTED, IN VIEW OF THE LIMITED ACCOMMODATION, TO OBSERVE THE DIRECTION OF POLICE OFFICERS ON DUTY.
SERVICE AT STANLEY
THE PRESS ARE INVITED TO COVER THE SERVICE, BUT PHOTOGRAPHERS WILL HOT BE ALLOWED TO TAKE PICTURES INSIDE THE CLUB DURING THE SERVICE. HOWEVER, THEY ARE WELCOME TO TAKE PICTURES AT THE WREATH-LAYING CEREMONY AT THE CEMETERY.
SERVICE AT SEK KONG
THE PRESS ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CEREMONY, WHICH STARTS AT 11 A.M.
- - o - -
IHUKOuat, HUVcriDcrt «, - 6 -
TWO SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS VISIT H.K. POLYTECHNIC Ji it M :>■ k
WORK HAS BEGUN ON LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR A NEW BUILDING WHICH WILL TRANSFORM THE CAMPUS OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AT HUNG HOM.
PHASE I OF THE PROJECT CALLS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FIVE WINGS OF A MULTI-PURPOSE TEACHING AREA AND A LIBRARY BUILDING.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF THE POLYTECHNIC, DR. Y.K. CHING, SAID TODAY THAT IT WAS HOPED TO CALL TENDERS FOR THE SUPERSTRUCTURE NEXT MOUTH WITH THE WORK BEG INNING EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR.
PHASE I, WHICH IS COSTING SOME 90 MILLION DOLLARS, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY TIIE SUMMER OF 1976.
ONCE IT IS OPENED, THE POLYTECHNIC WILL BE CAPABLE OF ACHIEVING AN ENROLMENT OF 6,000 FULL-TIME DAY STUDENTS. THE LIBRARY BUILDING WILL HAVE ROOM FOR 400,000 BOOKS AND STUDY SPACES FOR SOME 3,000 STUDENTS.
MEANWHILE, THE ENROLMENT AT THE POLYTECHNIC IS CONTINUING TO INCREASE. AT THE OPENING OF THE ACADEMIC YEAR LAST MONTH THE TOTAL ENROLMENT FOR FULL-TIME DAY STUDENTS WAS 3,111 AND THERE WERE ANOTHER 1,455 DAY RELEASE STUDENTS WHO ATTEND THE POLYTECHNIC ONCE A WEEK. ABOUT 13,000 STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN THE EVENING COURSES.
DR. CHING SAID THAT THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE .OF ALMOST 30 PER CENT IN FULL-TIME STUDENTS AND THE EVENING ENROLMENT HAS INCREASED BY ABOUT 2,000 STUDENTS.
OF THE 14 DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE POLYTECHNIC, THE BIGGEST, IN TERMS OF NUMBERS, CONTINUES TO BE THE TEXTILE DEPARTMENT WHICH RUNS COURSES OH TEXTILE TECHNOLOGY, TEXTILE CHEMISTRY AND CLOTHING TECHNOLOGY. THE ENROLMENT FOR THE DEPARTMENT STOOD AT 500 FULL-TIME AND DAY RELEASE STUDENTS AT TIIE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH.
BUT THE MOST REMARKABLE EXPANSION HAS OCCURRED IN THE COMMERCIAL FIELD SUCH AS ACCOUNTANCY AND BUSINESS STUDIES. THE ACCOUNTANCY DEPARTMENT WHICH HAD ABOUT 130 STUDENTS IN 1972 NOW HAS AN ENROLMENT OF 420 STUDENTS- WHILE THE BUSINESS STUDIES DEPARTMENT WHICH WAS SET UP ORLY LAST YEAR HOW HAS ALMOST 330 FULL-TIME STUDENTS.
THIS MORNING, THE DEPUTY COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR. MICHAEL CLINTON, AND THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SPENT SEVERAL HOURS VISITING THE POLYTECHNIC AND TOURING THE CAMPUS TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENT TAKING PLACE AUD MEET SOME OF THE STUDENTS.
NOTE TO ED ITORSs COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VISIT WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
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* /7
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
- 7 -
BE WARY OF BOGUS FIREMAN I PUBLIC WARNED # a n h «
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY WARNED THE PUBLIC TO LOOK OUT FOR A BOGUS FIREMAN OPERATING IN KOWLOON. HE CLAIMS TO BE ON THE STAFF OF THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU AND SAYS HE HAS BEEN ORDERED TO INSPECT FIRE FIGHTING EQUIPMENT.
ABOUT A WEEK AGO, THE MAN WENT TO A MASSAGE PARLOUR IN TO KWA WAN, GIVING A FALSE NAME AND NUMBER. AFTER CARRYING OUT AN INSPECTION HE TOLD THE OWNERS THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT DID NOT HAVE SUFFICIENT FIRE PREVENTION EQUIPMENT AND THAT THEY WERE LIABLE TO A FIRE. HOWEVER, HE WENT ON TO SAY THE MATTER COULD BE DEALT WITH ON THE SPOT BY PAYMENT OF +TEA MONEY+ AND WAS GIVEN $200.
Tuev REAL,SED THEY HAD BEEN TAKEN F0R A R,DE WHEN
THEY VISITED THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU OFFICE TO MAKE ENQUIRIES.
A FEW DAYS LATER
ur .JEB +HrEMAN+, ABOUT 27 YEARS OF AGE, WAS HE IS OF MEDIUM HEIGHT AND BUILD.
IN PLAIN CLOTHES.
ALL FIRE
^..,JJ|RE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID
^R^E^Z0N BUREAU PERSONNEL ARE ISSUED WITH A NUMBERED WARRANT CARD AND THEY ALSO CARRY A GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARD BEARING THE HOLDER’S PHOTOGRAPH. ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC JN THE SLIGHTEST DOUBT SHOULD FIRST ASK TO SEE THESE CARDS SO AS TO ESTABLISH THAT THE PERSON IS GENUINE. IF THEY ARE NOT SATISFIED THEY SHOULD TELEPHONE THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE MAN, HAVING BEEN SUCCESSFUL ON
ONE OCCASION, WOULD VERY LIKELY TRY AGAIN AND THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE ON THEIR GUARD.
+APART FROM BEING CRIMINAL,* HE SAID, +THIS TYPE OF ACTION BRINGS UNWARRANTED DISCREDIT UPON THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.*
- - - - 0 ----
CHRISTMAS AEROGRAMMES H « « « i-
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT CHRISTMAS PICTORIAL AEROGRAMMES WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM MONDAY (NOVEMBER 11).
THE DESIGN DEPICTING HONG'KONG ISLAND WAS DRAWN BY A GOVERNMENT ARTIST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAIDs +CHRISTMAS • AEROGRAMMES ARE A CONVENIENT AND INEXPENSIVE WAY OF SENDING CHRISTMAS GREETING ABROAD AND CAN BE POSTED TO ANY PART OF THE WORLD AS FIRST CLASS AIRMAIL FOR ONLY 50 CENTS.*
0 -------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974.
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE k if i; i« if if
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME At?) AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET ARD THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON s
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO ESA I GOOD ——
CHU CHO .« GOOD
THAI RICE •
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.76
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.92
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD *
TAIWAN RICE GOOD X
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWIRE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(C/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) ’ - 320 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AUD
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES CF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY) NODE
HIGH LGW
GOLDEN THREAD LIMITED 6.03 1.60 5.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3..CO 1.50 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 5.20 0.50 3.20
HAIR-TAILS GCOD Ro AO 1.01) 1.0
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3-CO 1.30 2.CO
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.40 0.60 1.0
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.(0 1.20 2.50
MELON COAT GOOD 3.30 2.40 3.60
BREAMS LIMITED 5 .CO 4.50 4.60
YELLOW BELLY NO.WAlI 2.10 o.co 1.40
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.80 2.CO 4.00
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 1.30 1.60 0.70 1.00
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 0.70 1.10
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 6.70 1.50 5.00
MELON SEED POMFRETS LIMITED kJ • to o 1.60 2.00
GARCUPAS LIMITED 12.50 6.00 9.CO
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 8.50 4.50 6.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETAELES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF ■ VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (8/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
» ■ FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.80 1.00 2.00
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.00
CHINESE LETTUCE SCARCE 2.20 0.00 1.50
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.70 0.30 0.50
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.60 1.00 2.00
STRING DEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.50 2.CO
SPRING ONION SCARCE 2.CO 0.60 1.40
SPINACH SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 2.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 1.00 0.50 1.00
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE •
TOMATO SCARCE 3.80 2.00 3.00
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS’ HOLDS FIRST EXAMINATION IN HONG KONG ............................................. 1
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TONG HANG ........................ 2
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON.......................... 2
MORE RECREATIONAL SITES ON WANCHAI RECLAMATION ............. 3
WATER SITUATION REPORT................................... 3
YOUTH FORUMS ON DRUG ADDICTION AND YOUTH.................... 4
SPECIAL BOOKS DISPLAY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ..................................................... 5
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD’ COMMODITIES
• . ■ ■ •
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191 ,
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974
1
ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS’ HOLDS FIRST EXAMINATION IN HONG KONG ft ft ft ft ft
TWO OF BRITAIN’S LEADING PATHOLOGISTS HAVE JUST COMPLETED PART I EXAMINATIONS OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS IN HONG KONG — THE FIRST TIME THIS HAS BEEN HELD HERE.
PART II OF THE EXAMINATIONS, WHICH LEAD TO THE QUALIFICATION OF MEMBERSHIP OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS, WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN IN BRITAIN.
THE PATHOLOGISTS ARE PROFESSOR R.A. SHOOTER, VICE PRESIDENT OF THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS, PROFESSOR OF MICROBIOLOGY AND DEAN OF THE MEDICAL FACULTY OF ST. BARTHOLOMEW’S HOSPITAL-AND PROFESSOR N.F.C. GOWING, PROFESSOR OF HISTOPATHOLOGY, ROYAL MARSDON HOSPITAL.
BOTH WERE APPOINTED EXAMINERS BY THE ROYAL COLLEGE OF PATHOLOGISTS, SPENDING THE WHOLE MONTH OF OCTOBER CARRYING OUT THEIR ASSIGNMENT IN THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY.
SEVEN CANDIDATES SAT THE EXAMINATION — FOUR FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, ONE FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, ONE FROM MALAYSIA, AND ONE FROM SINGAPORE.
THE PROFESSORS CAME TO HONG KONG ON THE INVITATION OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
THE OPPORTUNITY WAS TAKEN DURING THEIR STAY FOR THEM TO VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S INSTITUTIONS, AND TO ADVISE ON THE TRAINING OF PATHOLOGISTS.
♦THIS BRANCH OF MEDICINE IS NOT POPULAR WITH YOUNG DOCTORS, PERHAPS BECAUSE IT INVOLVES WORK AWAY FROM PATIENTS. AS A RESULT, THE DEPARTMENT IS HAVING DIFFICULTY RECRUITING YOUNG DOCTORS INTO ITS PATHOLOGY SERVICE,* A SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY. ♦THERE ARE 19 PATHOLOGISTS ON THE STAFF IN AN ESTABLISHMENT OF 21.+
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE HOLDING OF THE PART I EXAMINATION LOCALLY HAD BEEN ARRANGED TO ENCOURAGE THOSE INTERESTED TO UNDERGO SYSTEMATIC TRAINING SO THAT THEY COULD PROCEED FURTHER TO BECOME FULLY-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED PATHOLOGISTS IN THE FUTURE.
/2.....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974.
- 2 -
NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR AT TONG HANG ft ft « ft ft
A SERVICE RESERVOIR IS TO BE BUILT AT TONG HANG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO HELP MEET INCREASING DEMAND AT FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I.
THE RESERVOIR WAS DESIGNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXTENSION WORKS AT TAI PO TAU TREATMENT WORKS AND WILL STORE UP TO FOUR MILLION GALLONS OF TREATED WATER FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE SUPPLY ZONES AT FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE INVITED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 22 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE ACCESS ROAD TO THE SERVICE RESERVOIR WILL BE CONSTRUCTED FROM TAI PO ROAD, PASSING THROUGH TONG HANG VILLAGE SO AS TO PROVIDE BETTER ACCESS FOR THE VILLAGES.
0------
BOUNDARY STREET TRAFFIC CHANGE ft ft ft ft ft ft'
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ALONG BOUNDARY STREET WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO WATERLOO ROAD AS FROM 10 AM NEXT TUESDAY. A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE . RESTRICTION WAS TO FACILITATE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER.
AS AN ALTERNATIVE, EARL STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY FOR SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC, AND MOTORISTS WISHING TO TURN RIGHT WILL BE DIVERTED VIA EARL STREET AND WESTWARDS ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO RE-ENTER WATERLOO ROAD AT ITS JUNCTION WITH PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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/3......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974
- 3 -
MORE RECREATIONAL SITES ON WANCHAI RECLAMATION a a a a a a
THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD HAS DECIDED TO AMEND SOME OF THE ZONING PROPOSALS AFFECTING PARTS OF THE WANCHAI RECLAMATION.
• BECAUSE OF CHANGES IN THE GOVERNMENT’S REQUIREMENTS FOR SITES ON THE RECLAMATION, THE BOARD NOW PROPOSES TO ALLOCATE THREE LARGE SITES FOR SALE WITH A VIEW TO COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT SUCH AS HOTELS OR OFFICES.
THE BUYERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE CERTAIN PUBLIC AMENITIES IN CONNECTION WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE. ■ IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE PROVISION OF PUBLIC FACILITIES SUCH AS CAR PARKING AND OPEN SPACE.
THE REVISED PROPOSALS INCLUDE A GOVERNMENT RESERVE FOR DEVELOPMENT AS A GAMES HALL AND SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX. THE OVERALL EFFECT WILL BE A SLIGHT INCREASE IN COMMERCIAL LAND AND AN INCREASE IN LAND RESERVED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY PURPOSES, WHICH WILL INCLUDE CONSIDERABLE DEVELOPMENT FOR RECREATIONAL USE. I
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WATER SITUATION REPORT a a a a a
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (FRIDAY) STOOD AT 53,893 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.1 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 59,988 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,530 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,667 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 74.3 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,100.8 MM (82.71 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,107.1 MM (82.96 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.3 PER CENT.
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/4........
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974.
- 4 -
YOUTH FORUMS ON DRUG ADDICTION AND YOUTH ’««««««
A SERIES OF YOUTH FORUMS ON ’DRUG ADDICTION AND YOUTH’ HAS BEEN ORGANISED TO GIVE YOUNG PEOPLE A CORRECT PICTURE OF THE MAGNITUDE AND SERIOUSNESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG.
THE FIRST WILL BE HELD BY SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S KWUN TONG COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AT 17, TSUI PING ROAD, KOWLOON, AT 3.00 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY). ABOUT 150 YOUTHS WILL PARTICIPATE AND VOICE THEIR VIEWS.
THERE WILL BE THREE TALKS BY MR. MA KIU-SANG, A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER ON "SOCIAL BACKGROUND OF DRUG ADDICTS"0 MR. KONG CHURK-HOI, CHIEF INSPECTOR OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE ON "DRUG PROBLEM AND DRUG TRAFFICKING IN HONG KONG" AND MR. JAMES LEE YAT-YUEN, AFTERCARE SUPERVISOR OF S.A.R.D.A. ON "TREATMENT AND AFTERCARE". THESE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY SMALL GROUP DISCUSSIONS ON CAUSES OF ADDICTION, MEASURES IN DEALING WITH THE PROBLEM AND YOUTH RESPONSIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION.
SIMILIAR YOUTH FORUMS WILL BE HELD IN FOUR OTHER DISTRICTS, EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, WESTERN AND SHAM SHUI PO ON THE FOLLOWING SATURDAYS.
MEANWHILE, THE WAN CHAI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE’S YOUTH FORUM ON ’A SENSE OF BELONGING TOWARDS HONG KONG’ WHICH WAS POSTPONED BECAUSE OF TYPHOON CARMEN, WILL NOW TAKE PLACE AT 2.30 PM ON NOVEMBER 23 AT LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE, 44 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
- - 0 - -
5
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974
SPECIAL BOOKS DISPLAY
A SPECIAL DISPLAY OF PUBLICATIONS FROM HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE AND THE ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC COOPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT HAS BEEN SET UP AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE. THERE ARE MORE THAN FIFTY TITLES COVERING MANY TOPICS, RANGING FROM SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY TO PATENTS IN THE COMMON MARKET.
H.M.S.O. IS THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHER AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD. THEIR PUBLICATIONS KEEP PACE WITH RAPID ADVANCES IN ALL FIELDS OF KNOWLEDGE.
AMONG THE MOST POPULAR IN HONG KONG ARE THE ’DIVING MANUAL’, ’MOUNTAIN RESCUE’ AND ’THE STORY OF THE EARTH-’. ALSO ATTRACTING CONSIDERABLE ATTENTION ARE TOO BOOKLETS ON ’CLOCKS AND WATCHES’ AND ’MOTORCYCLES’.
THE O.E.C.D. PUBLICATIONS AIM TO PROMOTE AND EXPAND WORLD TRADE. THOSE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG COVER MANY ASPECTS OF ECONOMIC AND TECHNOLOGY. TITLES INCLUDE THE ’O.E.C.D. FINANCIAL STATISTICS’, ’MAIN ECONOMIC INDICATORS’ AND ’O.E.C.D. ECONOMIC OUTLOOK’.
ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE ARE CATALOGUES OF DOTH THE H.M.S.O. AND O.E.C.D. PUBLICATIONS, LISTING HUNDREDS OF OTHER TITLES NOT ON DISPLAY. STAFF THERE WILL PLACE ORDERS ON DEHALF OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO OBTAIN ANY OF THESE BOOKS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING A SECTION OF THE BOOK DISPLAY ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
------- o -------
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 1974.
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON i
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE / 1 * •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78 •
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE r
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.76
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.77
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (•/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 320 (AVERAGE)
f . ’.'1 !
* ■>. fit*
/SUPPLIES AND..... - -
FRIDAY, f NOVEMBER 8, 1974.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET) . AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 5.00 2.00 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.50 1.60 2.80
SQUID LIMITED 5.30 2.00 4.50
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.20 0.60 •1.50
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 4.00 1.10 . 2.50
CROAKERS GOOD 2.40 1.20 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.00 2.20 2.50
MELON COAT NORMAL 3.50 1.70 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.00 4.00 4.50
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.80 0.80 1.20
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.80 3.20 4.50
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 4.50 0.80 2.80
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.50 0.80 1.10
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.80 2.40 4.50
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.30 1.50. 2.40
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 7.50 8.30
GAROUPAS LIMITED ' 11.00 7.50 9.00
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 6.80 2.20 4.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE(S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE 3.00 1.00 2.40
WHITE CABBAGE SCARCE 2.00 0.60 1.40 •
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.70 0.30 0.50
CHINESE KALE SCARCE 2.80 1.00 2.20
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.60 2.00
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.00 0.60 1.40
SPINACH SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 3.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.00 0.60 1.40
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.20
o - f
’DAILY INFORMATION BULLBBH-
•f *
I
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
» DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION CALLS FOR CAREFUL REGULATION OF HOMEWORK ................................................. 1
LONG DISTANCE SWIMMING RACE AT REPULSE BAY ............. 2
NEW KOWLOON SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE .......... 3
WATER CUT............................................. 4
WATER SITUATION REPORT ................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-23319T
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER , 1974
- 1 - •
CAREFUL REGULATION OF HOMEWCRK ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SPOKE ABOUT THE PROBLEM OF HOMEWORK WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE HONG KONG TEACHERS ASSOCIATION THIS AFTERNOON.
HE (HOSE THIS TOPIC *AS IT LOOMS LARGE IN THE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL SCENE AND IS CLOSELY RELATED TO THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION.*
MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT IT WAS USUAL TO SUPPLEMENT THE LESSONS GIVEN IN SCHOOL DY RELEVANT AND MEANINGFUL EXERCISES TO BE DONE BY THE PUPIL OUT OF THE REGULAR SCHOOL HOURS, HE ADDEDs +YO MY MIND, HOMEWORK PLAYS A NECESSARY PART IN EDUCATING THE PUPIL, PARTICULARLY THE ADOLESCENT - IN CONSOLIDATING KNOWLEDGE, IN PERFECTING SKILLS, IN DEVELOPING THE POWER OF ACQUIRING INFORMATION FROM BOOKS AND THE SELF-CONTROLLED POWER OF APPLICATION.
+ALL OF THESE HAVE TO DE‘MASTERED DY EACH PUPIL FOR HIMSELF, AND THOUGH THE FIRST STEPS CAN BE MADE IN THE CLASSROOM UNDER GUIDANCE, IT IS ONLY CONTINUED PERSONAL PRACTICE THAT CAN GIVE ANY MASTERY.*
CALLING FOR CAREFUL REGULATION OF HOME WORK, THE DIRECTOR SAID IT WAS THE BUSINESS OF THE SCHOOL TO SEE TIAT WHAT WAS ASKED FOR WAS LOT UNREASONABLE, AND THAT +WHERE DIFFERENT TEACHERS SET WORK FOR THE SAME EVENING THE SUM TOTAL OF THE DIFFERENT DEMANDS IS ALSO LOT UNREASONABLE.+
HE EMPHASIZED THAT THE REGULATION OF HOMEWORK WAS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE DURING THE MONTHS PRECEDING AN EXTERNAL EXAMINATION.
❖AT SUCH TIMES MANY OF THE MORE CONSCIENTIOUS PUPILS - AMONGST THE GIRLS ESPECIALLY - MAY SPEND OVER THEIR DOCKS ALMOST THE WHOLE OF THEIR TILE BETWEEN ARRIVING HOLE AND GOING TO BED, PERHAPS AT A LATE HOUR. THE DOW WHICH IS ALWAYS DENT LOSES ITS SPRING,* HR. TOPLEY COUNSELLED.
LESS HOMEWORK SHOULD BE REQUIRED OF THE YOJf’GER FORMS THAN OF THE OLDER, ARD THE QUOTA SET FOR THE WEEKEND SHO LID (JOT i XCEED THAT SET ON THE OTHER DAYS OF THE WEEK, THUS AL-OWING THE C ILDREIl TO HAVE A FREE EVENING TO SHARE FULLY IN THE FA1ILY LIFE.
❖ I THINK ALSO THAT ANOTHER FREE EVENING IS DESIRADLE 11 THE COURSE OF THE WEEK, AND THAT THIS MAY WELL DE CIOSEU TO FALL ON A DAY WHEN PUPILS REMAIN AFTER SCHOOL HOURS FOR VARIOUS CORPORATE ACTIVITIES,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR URGED SCHOOLS TO GIVE ACTIVE GUIDANCE TO PUPILS IN EMPLOYING THEIR FREE TIME HOT MERELY FOR PURE RECREATION BUT FOR FORMING USEFUL INTERESTS OF THEIR OWN W.IICH MIGHT D .■ REGARDED AS ❖INFORMAL EXTENSIONS OF SCHOOL WORK •.
/IIS MWIONED..
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1971*
- 2 -
HE MENTIONED GENERAL READING, PLAY-ACTING, LOCAL STUDIES AND DIRECT OBSERVATION, PRACTICAL SCIENCE, ART AND CRAFTS, AND MUSIC, IN ADDITION TO A MULTITUDE OF HOBBIES OF A MORE GENERAL KIND.
SPEAKING AS THE NEW PATRON OF JHE^ONG^ONG^TEACHERS^ ASSOCIATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID iHE AS p IMPRESSIVE RECORD
E j °F w",CH MS THE ORGANISATION OF THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE.
MR. TOPLEY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE ASSOCIATION’S ALL-OUT EFFORTS IN SUPPORTING SUCH GOVERNMENT’S CAMPAIGNS LIKE +KEEP HONG KONG CLEAN+ AND +FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME+, FOR WHICH SEMINARS AND ESSAY AND POSTER COMPETITIONS WERE ORGANISED WITH GREAT SUCCESS.
HE NOTED THAT FOR NEARLY 30 YEARS THE ASSOCIATION HAS HAD THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AS ITS PATRON AND HAS WORKED UP A CLOSE CONNECTION WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE ASSOCIATION IS AN ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE WORLD CONFEDERATION OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND ITS MEMBERSHIP IS DRAWN FROM TEACHERS ENGAGED IN KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.
-----0------
LONG DISTANCE SWIMMING RACE AT REPULSE BAY « ft ft n n
OWNERS AND OPERATORS OF SMALL CRAFT ARE URGED TO EXERCISE DUE CAUTICN WHEN UNDERWAY IN REPULSE BAY AREA ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 17) WHEN A SWIMMING RACE WILL DE HELD THERE.
THEY SHOULD KEEP WELL CLEAR OF THE SWIMMERS AND MARSHALLING BOATS FOR THE DURATION OF THE RACE.
THE LONG DISTANCE SELF-SURVIVAL SWIMMING RACE WILL BEGIN AT 10 AM AND END AT 12 NOON. THE COURSE WILL EXTEND FROM THE NORTHERN SHORE OF NGAN CHAU (ROUND ISLAND) TO THE HONG KONG LIFE GUARD CLUE AT REPULSE BAY.
- 0 - -
/3
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 1974
- 3 -
NEW SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE IN KOWLOON K # K # if
CONVERSION WORK HAS BEGUN ON THE RECENTLY VACATED PERTH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL WHICH WILL BE TURNED INTO A NEW SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICE CENTRE TO CATER FOR THE LARGE POPULATION IN KOWLOON.
THE NEW KOWLOON SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE, INCLUDED IN THE SECOND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG, IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1977.
ALTHOUGH THE CENTRE WILL NOT BE IN FULL OPERATION TILL 1977, IT WILL START OFFERING SERVICE ON A SMALL SCALE IN JANUARY 1975 WHEN THE FIRST PHASE OF ALTERATIONS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING IS COMPLETED.
THE CENTRE WILL OFFER A FULL RANGE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE ASSESSMENT, REMEDIAL AND PLACEMENT SERVICES FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING AND/OR BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.
THE UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN’S FUND RECENTLY DONATED A SUM OF ABOUT HKC200,000 TO THE SPEECH THERAPY UNIT OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR SETTING UP A PROFESSIONAL LIBRARY, AND PURCHASING EQUIPMENT AND AIDS FOR THE NEW CENTRE.
AT PRESENT THERE IS ONLY ONE SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES CENTRE IN HONG KONG. IT IS IN HOSPITAL ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND. SINCE ITS INITIAL ESTABLISHMENT IN 1966 THE CENTRE HAS UNDERGONE SERVERAL MAJOR EXPANSION STAGES. IT IS NOW ONE OF THE' MOST WELL-EQUIPPED IN ASIA, AND MEASURES UP TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD.
CHILDREN ARE MAINLY REFERRED TO THE CENTRE BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HOSPITALS, SCHOOLS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, AND PARENTS.
+PARENTS AND ALL THOSE WHO HAVE DEALINGS WITH CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO REFER CHILDREN SUSPECTED OF HAVING LEARNING AND/OR BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS TO THE CENTRE,* THE SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENTRE SAID.
AT THE CENTRE, ASSESSMENT IS CARRIED OUT BY PROFESSIONAL STAFF TO DETERMINE THE NATURE AND DEGREE OF THE CHILDREN’S HANDICAP SO THAT SUITABLE REMEDIAL AND/OR PLACEMENT SERVICES CAN BE ARRANGED FOR THEM.
REMEDIAL SERVICES INCLUDE AUDITORY TRAINING AND SPEECH TEACHING FOR DEAF AND PARTIALLY HEARING CHILDREN® INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP SPEECH THERAPY FOR ALL TYPES OF SPEECH AND LANGUAGE IMPAIRED CHILDREN® AND PLAY THERAPY AND COUNSELLING FOR CHILDREN WITH LEARNING AND/OR BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .....
Saturday, ijovemuhr 9, 1974.
- 4 -
THE SPOKESMAN SAIDt + IN RECENT YEARS, THERE IS AN INCREASING NUMBER OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS SEEKING ADVICE FROM THE CHILD GUIDANCE SERVICE OF THE CENTRE.
+THIS MAY POSSIBLY BE DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CENTRE IS NOW BETTER KNOWN AMONG THE PUBLIC AND MANY PEOPLE ARE ANXIOUS TO MAKE USE OF THE SERVICES OFFERED BY THE EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND COUNSELLORS IN THE CENTRE.
/
AS EARLY DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT WILL PREVENT MINOR HANDICAPS FROM DEVELOPING INTO MAJOR DISABILITIES, ATTENTION IS ALSO GIVEN TO STRENGTHENING THE PREVENTIVE MEASURES IN SPECIAL EDUCATION. SPECIAL TRAINED STAFF OF THE CENTRE REGULARLY CARRY OUT AUDIOMETRIC, SPEECH AND VISION SCREENING PROGRAMMES TO DETECT HEARING, SPEECH OR VISUAL DIFFICULTIES AMONG CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS. CHILDREN FOUND TO EE SUSPECTED OF BEING HANDICAPPED WILL BE GIVEN MORE DETAILED ASSESSMENT AT THE CENTRE.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT SUCH SERVICES WILL BE EXTENDED TO AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
-------0 ---------,
, WATER CUT ft « ft
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE YUEN LONG AREA WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING AT 1 AM ON TUESDAY • (NOVEMBER 12).
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO ENABLE A LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
THE AFFECTED AREA WILL BE CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND SAN TIN- KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU I TAU TSUEN SHU I MEI TSUEN, PAK WAI TSUEN AND KAM TIN MARKET- KAM SHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD AND KAM TIN ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND TSUEN KAM ROAD, INCLUDING SEK KONG CAMP.
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/5
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9, 197*.
- 5 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT K K K M #
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (SATURDAY) STOOD AT 53,942 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.1 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS
TIME LAST YEAR THERE WER^ 59,863 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,641 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,570 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY . LAST YeXr. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 74.5 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 1.5 MM (0.05 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,102.3 MM (82.76 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,108.7 MM (83.01 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.3 PER CENT.
- 0 - -
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10,1974.
DAI LY..«QmMQ^.BUUtVN
n « a n «
WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF ONE OF HONGKONG’S BIGGEST ROAD PROJECTS, THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, IS PROGRESSING ON SCHEDULE.
THE CORRIDOR WILL TAKE THE FORM OF AN ELEVATED HIGHWAY.
ITS MAIN FUNCTION IS TO RED I STR I BUTE THE HEAVY VOLUME OF TRAFFIC IN WEST KOWLOON AND TO PROVIDE AN EXPRESS ROUTE FROM LAI CHI KOK TO THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS DIVIDED INTO TOO STAGES.
STAGE ONE INCLUDES THE FIRST SECTION OF THE ELEVATED ROAD WHICH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS AT PRESENT BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI. THIS SECTION WILL SERVE AS A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN TI'E CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE WESTERN SIDE OF KOWLOON.
IT IS ABOUT 4,200 FEET LONG. STARTING FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD, IT SPANS NATHAN ROAD TO REACH THE NEW RECLAMATI N Af THE Y?U MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.
AN UNUSUAL FEATURE OF THE ROAD IS THAT IT WILL RUN RIC,'IT THROUGH THE PROPOSED EXTENSION OF THE YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
A PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE FIRST PART OF THE ELEVATED HIGHWAY IS EXPECTED TO COST ABOJT $46 MILLION, INCLUDING THE MONEY SPENT ON THE RESUMPTION OF LAND.
IT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY END OF 1976.
ANOTHER PROJECT CLOSELY RELATED TO THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR IS THE EXTENSION OF TONG MEI ROAD ALONG THE WATERFRONT.
BUILT AT A COST OF ABOUT $12 MILLION, IT IS NEARING COMPLETION. IT WILL EVENTUALLY BE JOINED BY THE FIRST PART OF THE ELEVATED HIGHWAY.
WHEN BOTH OF THEM ARE OPENED TO TRAFFIC, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO TRAVEL FROM THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL TO NORTHWEST KOWLOON, WITHOUT HAVING TO GO THROUGH OTHER BUSY ROADS IN CENTRAL KOWLOON.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW SIX-LANE TONG MEI ROAD WOULD ALSO SERVE AS A RELIEF ROUTE WHEN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION ALONG NATHAN ROAD.
IT WILL ALSO BE THE SITE OF CONSTRUCTION FOR STAGE TOO OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR. THE SECOND PART OF THE ELEVATED HIGHWAY WILL BE BUILT ABOVE THE TONG MEI ROAD EXTENSION. IT WILL EXTEND NORTHWARD FOR OVER TOO MILES TO LAI CHI KOK.
------o-------.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kon/Jel;&&J3191
T
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1974.
- 2 -
SCOPE OF VEHICLE INSPECTION ENLARGED
OVER 31,900 VEHICLES INSPECTED IN 1973/74
« n « « « n
MORE VEHICLES WERE MECHANICALLY INSPECTED FOR ROADWORTHINESS BEFORE LICENSING DURING THE YEAR 1973-74 TO HELP IMPROVE ROAD SAFETY, THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. BRIAN WILSON, SAID IN HIS LATEST ANNUAL DEPARTMENTAL REPORT.
HE SAID THAT, WITH MORE STAFF, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO INCREASE THE SCOPE OF VEHICLES INSPECTION TO INCLUDE ALL PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES.
FROM EARLY THIS YEAR, HE SAID, IT BECAME POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE FOR ALL PUBLIC VEHICLES — BUSES, LIGHT BUSES, TAXIS AND HIRE CARS — TO BE SUBJECT TO ANNUAL INSPECTION AS A PREREQUISITE TO LICENSING.
MR. WILSON SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW, HIS DEPARTMENT’S FOUR VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRES CARRIED OUT A TOTAL OF 31,957 INSPECTIONS WHICH INCLUDED RE-CHECKS — AN INCREASE OF 16.9 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE NUMBER OF SUSPECTED DEFECTIVE VEHICLES INSPECTED ALSO ROSE TO 6,334, AND A FURTHER 1,335 VEHICLES WERE INSPECTED AS A RESULT OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, HE SAID.
BUT THIS IS STILL A LONG WAY SHORT OF WHAT IS DESIRABLE, HE COMMENTED. FOR INSTANCE, THERE IS NO REGULAR INSPECTION YET OF ALL PRIVATE CARS AND GOODS VEHICLES.
AT PRESENT, HE ADDED, AN ITEM FOR A NEW SEMI-AUTOMATED VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRE IS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND, WHEN IT IS IN OPERATION, IT IS HOPED THAT MORE VEHICLES WILL BE SULJECT TO ANNUAL INSPECTION.
THE COMMISSIONER POINTED OUT THAT STAFF IMPROVEMENT ENABLED THE FOURTH VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRE AT TSUEN WAN TO BE RE-OPENED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR, ITS SOLE FUNCTION BEING THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS INVOLVING HEAVY GOODS VEHICLES increased during the year, and to combat this disturbing TREND, THREE ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION UNITS HAVE BEEN SET UR-, STAFFED BY MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTORS OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ON SECONDMENT TO THE POLICE. THE UNITS ARE LOCATED AT TRAFFIC POLICE HEADQUARTERS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT PRESENT, THE WORK OF THE VEHICLE INSPECTION SECTION, HEADED BY A SENIOR MOTOR VEHICLE INSPECTOR, COVERS A WIDE SCOPE.
IT INSPECTS, ANNUALLY, TAXIS WITH THEIR METERS CHECKED EVERY SIX MONTHS, PUBLIC CARS, ALL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC OMNIBUSES, AND ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
IN ADDITION, MECHANICAL INSPECTIONS ARE CARRIED OUT ON ALL GOODS VEHICLES AND PUBLIC SERVICE VEHICLES BEFORE INITIAL REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, ALL USED IMPORTED VEHICLES PRIOR TO REGISTRATION AND LICENSING, THE FIRST OF EVERY NEU MODEL OF PRIVATE CARS, DEFECTIVE VEHICLES REFERRED TO THE SECTION BY THE POLICE AND VEHICLES INVOLVED IN FATAL TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS.
------o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
• •
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
THREE NEW COINS WILL BE INTRODUCED WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS.................................. 1
BASEMENT OF KENNEDY ROAD BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS 2-S'./D ORGANISING THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE FOR FUTURE L'iAIERS.........................................
THREE-DAY HOLIDAY CAMP FOR DISA3LED CHILDREN ......... 4
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION IN YUEN LONG.. 4
WATER SITUATION : TOTAL STORAGE NOU 80.4 PER CUT CF FULL CAPACITY ...........................i.... 9
•»
‘daily GUILE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
ft
Issued.by Government Informatidn Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974
1
NEW COINS TO BE INTRODUCED n « « « «
THREE NEW COINS ARE TO BE INTRODUCED INTO HONG KONG’S MONETARY SYSTEM DURING THE NEXT THREE YEARS. THEY ARE A 20 CENT COIN, A $2 COIN AND A $5 COIN TO REPLACE THE EXISTING BANKNOTE.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD IT IS PROPOSED TO REPLACE THE EXISTING $1 AND 50 CENT PIECES WITH SLIGHTLY SMALLER AND LIGHTER COINS.
THESE AND OTHER PROPOSALS Of A COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE APPOINTED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL, MR. D.W.A. ELYE, HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL. THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT IS PUBLISHED TODAY IN A SLIGHTLY ABBREVIATED VERSION.
THE COMMITTEE CONSIDERED THAT CRITICISM OF THE PRESENT COINAGE WAS JUSTIFIED IN TWO RESPECTS - THAT THE 81 COIN IS TOO LARGE AND HEAVY IN RELATION TO ITS VALUE- AND THE EXISTING RANGE OF DENOMINATIONS IS INSUFFICIENT.
TO ASSIST IN ITS DELIBERATIONS, THE COMMITTEE INVITED ORGANISATIONS AND FIRMS CONCERNED WITH THE DAY-TO-DAY HANDLING OF LARGE NUMBERS OF COINS TO SUBMIT COMMENTS OR SUGGESTIONS. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE ALSO INVITED TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS. THE COMMITTEE WAS HELPED BY EXPERT ADVICE FROM THE ROYAL MINT.
THE FIRST PART OF THE PHASED PROGRAMME WILL SEE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 20 CENT AND 32 COINS IN AUGUST 1975. THEY WILL BE SLIGHTLY SMALLER THAN THE PRESENT 10 CENT AND 81 COINS, AND WILL HAVE A DISTINCTIVE SHAPE INCORPORATING SCALLOPED EDGES TO MAKE THEM EASILY .RECOGNISABLE.
THE COMMITTEE DECIDED THAT THE NEW COINS SHOULD BE SHAPED, AS IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ADD NEW ROUND COINS TO THE EXISTING RANGE WITHOUT CAUSING CONFUSION. AT THE SAME TIME IT WAS NOT PRACTICABLE TO INTRODUCE A COMPLETELY NEW RANGE OF REDESIGNED COINS ALL AT ONE TIME.
THE SECOND PHASE OF THE PROGRAMME WILL BE THE REPLACEMENT OF THE EXISTING 81 COIN IN AUGUST 1976= AND THE THIRD AND FINAL PHASE WILL DE THE REPLACEMENT, IN AUGUST 1977, OF THE PRESENT 50 CENT COIN AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 85 COIN TO REPLACE THE BANKNOTE.
THE NEW 50 CENT AND 81 COINS WILL BE CIRCULAR, LIKE THE PRESENT ONES, BUT THEY WILL BE SLIGHTLY SMALLER AND THINNER, AND CONSEQUENTLY LIGHTER. THE NEW 85 PIECE WILL BE FRACTIONALLY LARGER, BUT LIGHTER, THAN THE PRESENT 81 COIN AND IT, TOO, WILL HAVE A DISTINCTIVE SHAPE.
/THE METAL......
KONDAY, I’JVEIIBER 11, 19?4.
2
THE METAL USED IN THE MINTING OF THE NEW 50 CENT PIECE WILL DE NICKEL BRASS, THE SAME AS THAT USED IN THE EXISTING 10 CENT COIN. THIS WILL INTRODUCE UNIFORMITY IN THE METAL CONTENT OF THE CENT AND .DOLLAR DENOMINATIONS. CENT DENOMINATIONS WILL BE NICKEL BRASS AND THE DC!U R DEik'.ll NATIONS CUPRONICKEL, THE SAME METAL AS IN THE PRESENT 01 COLL
THE COST OF INTRODUCING THE NEW COINS OVER THE THREE-YEAR PERIOD CANNOT BE ESTIMATED WITH ANY DEGREE OF ACCURACY. HOWEVER, IT IS LIKELY TO BE MORE THAN OFFSET BY THE METAL VALUE OF THE EXISTING COINS WITHDRAWN FROM CIRCULATION. MOREOVER, THE COST OF MAINTAINING THE COINAGE IN FUTURE WILL DE REDUCED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW RANGE.
+ONE THE NEW COINS HAVE COME INTO USE,+ SAID A MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE, + HEN SHOULD FIND THAT THEIR TROUSER POCKETS LAST LONGER, AND WOMEN SHOULD FIND THEIR HANDBAGS LIGHTER.+
0
FEWER COINS WILL NEED TO DE CARRIED, HE ADDED, DECAUSE OF THE GREATER VARIETY, AND THESE WILL HOT BE AS HEAVY AS THE PRESENT COINS.
COPIES OF THE REPORT ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT 02 EACH.
\
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE REPORT AND PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE ---------------- TWO OF THE NEW COINS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION
IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING. .
------o - - - -
BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ft ft ft a ft ft
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED THE BASEMENT OF NO.29 KENNEDY ROAD, HONG KONG LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS DU ILDI NG WAS INSPECTED SUBSEQUENT TO A SEVERE SETTLEMENT OF A TERRACE IN FRONT OF NOS.29-35 KENNEDY ROAD TOGETHER WITH SOME CRACKING IN ADJACENT RETAINING WALLS.
HE SAID 8 ”IT IS CONSIDERED THAT DURING THE WORKS OF REPAIR AND INVESTIGATION THERE IS THE DANGER OF GRANITE BLOCKS FROM ONE OF THE RETAINING WALLS BECOMING DISLODGED ARD THUS RISKING INJURY TO THE OCCUPANTS OF THE BASEMENT FLAT.
”IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES IT IS NECESSARY TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER TO BE EFFECTIVE DURING THE PERIOD REQUIRED FOR THE WORKS.”
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON NOVEMBER 19 WAS POSTED TODAY.
0
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE if if if if if if
THE YOUTH WORK UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS NOW RECRUITING YOUNG PEOPLE INTERESTED IN YOUTH LEADERSHIP FOR A THREE-MONTH TRAINING COURSE STARTING IN DECEMEER.
THE COURSE, ORGANISED DY ONE OF THE UNIT’S SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS, THE AKIN-ALLIANCE, IS FCR BOYS AND GIRLS DETWEEN 17 AND 23 WHO HAVE REACHED FORM 4 OR ABOVE. THEY MUST, HOWEVER, BE ABLE TO SWIM AT LEAST 59 METRES. THERE IS A CHARGE OF $20 PER PERSON TO COVER COSTS.
IT STARTS FROM DECEMBER 21, AND WILL BE HELD THRICE WEEKLY AT THE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY CENTRES IN KV.'UN TONG AND TAI HANG TUNG UNTIL MID-MARCH, 1975.
THE AIM IS TO TRAIN YOUNG LEADERS THROUGH INDOOR ACADEMIC LECTURES AND OUTDOOR PHYSICAL ENDURANCE EXERCISES.
LECTURES WILL COVER TOPICS SUCH AS LEADERSHIP QUALITIES AND THE LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL SOCIO-ECONOMIC SITUATION WHEREAS THE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES WILL CONCENTRATE OH THE TECHNIQUE OF CANOEING, CAMPING, HIKING AND M0UMTAIN-CLIMDIR3.
♦THROUGH ALL THESE WE HOPE TO HELP PARTICIPANTS DEVELOP LOGICAL ARD ANALYTICAL APPROACHES IN WORKING OUT SOLUTIONS TO PROBLEMS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME TO BETTER UNDERSTAND THEIR OWN POTENTIALS,* SAID MR. ANTONIO CHU, OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE UNIT.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM EITHER OF THE UNIT’S OFFICES AT ROOM 903, CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING, 9TII FLOOR, HONG KONG (TEL: 5-712467) OR ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE KOWLOON CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING AT 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON (TEL: 3-884111 EXT. 334). CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS THE END OF THIS MONTH. -
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t
- 4 -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974
THREE-DAY CAMP FOR DISABLED CHILDREN « a a a « a
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION IS ONCE AGAIN HOLDING A THREE-DAY CAMP FOR PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER ITS CARE.
THE CAMP, WHICH BEGINS TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WILL EE HELD AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ATTENDING WILL BE 15 PHYSICALLY DISABLED, 112 DEAF AND 122 MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN FROM TEN CLUBS AND CENTRES RUN BY THE DIVISION. VARIOUS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS GROUP GAMES AND SPORTS, A BARBECUE AND AN ARTS COMPETITION HAVE BEEN ORGANISED FOR THEM.
ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 13) MR. MORRIS MORGAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY. MRS. MORGAN WILL DISTRIBUTE PRIZES.
-------o-------- .
WATER INTERRUPTION IN YUEN LONG n « MM
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG WILL BE INTERRUPTpq rno f|VE HOURS AS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 13) TO FACILITATE TESTS FOR LEAKAGE IN THE AREA.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN AU TAU CROSS ROAD AND SAN TIN, KAM TIN SHI, KAM HING WAI, SHU I TAU TSUEN, SHU I MEI TSUEN, PAK WAI TSUEN AND KAM TIN MARKET, KAM SHEUNG ROAD BETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND TAI PO ROAD, AND PREMISES BETWEEN KAM TIN ROAD AND TSUEN KAM ROAD. ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE SEK KONG CAMP AND THE SEN KONG FIRE SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL.
------0--------
MOL’DAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974
- 5 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT it it it it it
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54,121 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.4 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 59,587 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 37,925 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,361 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 75.1 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 0.4 MM (0.02 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,104.4 MM (82.82 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,111.9 MM (83.15 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.36 PER CENT.
----0----
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974.
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE n it it n it it
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (MONDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON I
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY . WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW ' GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE •
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.66‘
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91'
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD * 1.77
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD •mm
.. TAIWAN RICE GOOD ■mm
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND ..
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (fl/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 5.50 2.00 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.20 0.50 2.00
SQUID GOOD 5.50 1.00 3.20
MA 1 R—TA 11 NORMAL J .80 0.30 1.00
nH Ilf 1 H ILQ LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.30 1.00 2.00
CROAKERS NORMAL 3.00 0.80 1.60
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL . 2.00 2.00 2.40
MELON COAT ■ma* ,
BREAMS — —
YELLOW BELLY LIMITED 1.60 0.75 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 4.00 2.00 3.20
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 2.40 0.50 1.00
FORK-TAIL LIMITED 1.60 0.50 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.00 4.00 4.80
MELON SEED SCARCE 2.80 1.00 1.80
POMFRETS SCARCE 12.00 7.50 9.00
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.00 6.00 7.20
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 5.80 2.20 3.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESQLE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOU MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.80
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
CHINESE LETTUCE SCARCE 2.80 1.00 2.00
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 1.00 0.40 0.70
CHINESE KALE SCARCE 3.40 1.20 2.60
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.50 2.20
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.20 0.50 1.40
SPINACH SCARCE 3.60 1.20 2.80
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 3.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.40 0.80 1.60
CHINESE SPINACH TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 NO SALE 2.50 3.50
_ _ o -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG TO RECEIVE TRADE DOCUMENTS VIA SATELLITE FOR FIRS! TIME ......................................... j
.EGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW ............ 2
MGAU CHI WAN SQUATTERS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING .......... 3
.ATE RAINS HELP KEEP NUMBER OF FIRES DOWN............... 3
OUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE AUCTIONED NEXT MONTH ... 4
■ULLRCAPACnY°N * T0TAL STORAGE NOW 80.6 PER CENT OF
। ••••••• A
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON .................... 5
S.W.D.’S COMPENSATION SECTION MOVING TO NEW PREMISES 5 EXPORTERS URGED TO APPLY EARLY FOR EXPORT LICENtES ... 6
KCR TO STOP REPLACING LOST MONTHLY TRAIN TICKET!'. ..... 6
(ONMODUTIES T° WH0LESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
HONG KONG FIRST IN THE WORLD TO RECEIVE TRADE DOCUMENTS VIA SATELLITE
« « « n n a
HISTORY WILL BE MADE IN HONG KONG THIS WEEK WHEN SIMPLIFIED TRADE DOCUMENTS WILL B TRANSMITTED IN FULL FROM THE UNITED STATES TO HON I KOiJG VIA SATEL ITE.
TIE DEMONSTRATION IS A HIGHLIGHT OF A TWO-DAY TRADE FACILI i'ATI .N J.EMil AR W .ICH OPENS HERE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
DELEGATES FRCM MO.E THAN 10 COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS INCLUDING THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, BRITAIN, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES, FRANCE, THE ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (ECL). THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP), THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ICC) AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME COMMITTEE (CMI) ARE ATTENDING THE MEETING, CALLED THE +HOIJG KONG FAR EAST TRADE FACILITATION SEMINAR*.
THE DELEGATES WILL. DISCUSS WAYS OF FURTHER SIMPLIFYING AND STREAMLINING INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION.
THE SEMINAR IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE, AN ADVISORY BODY FORMED UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
IT WILL BE FORMALL.Y OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JOzDAH, AT 9 A.M. TOMORROW IN THE PACIFICA ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, FURAM.. HOTEL.
THE TECHNIQUE OF TRANSMITTING SIMPLIFIED, OR CODED, COMMERCIAL DOCUMENTS AI1D DATA VIA SATELLITE HAS BEEN DEVELOPED BY THE WORLD’S MAJOR TRADING COUNTRIES: 1HE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, CANADA, BELGIUM AND FRANCE TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING SPEED OF MODERN-DAY TRANSPORTATION AND TO ENSURE THAT CARGO IS NOT CONSEQUENTLY HELD UP AT CUSTOMS BONDS, WAREHOUSES AND AT NATIONAL BORDERS DUE TO DELAYS IN PREPARING, PROCESSING OR DELIVERING SHIPPING DOCUMENTS.
THERE ARE, HOWEVER, STILL SOME PROBLEMS TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE THE NEW SYSTEM CAN BE ADOPTED FOR COMMERCIAL USE ON AN INTERNATIONAL BASIS.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE, MR. IAN TOMLIN, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE SEMINAR, SAYS HONG KONG IS A FITTING PLACE FOR THE MEETING BECAUSE OF ITS POSITION IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE WITHIN THE FAR EAST AND BECAUSE OF THE STRIDES IT HAS ALREADY TAKEN IN SIMPLIFYING AND RATIONALISING DOCUMENTATION PROCEDURES.
/NOTE TO
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974. - 2 -
NOTE TO EDITORS*
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR TOMORROW MORNING IN THE PACIFICA ROOM, 4TH FLOOR, FURAMA HOTEL.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE IN THE ROOM NOT LATER THAN 8.30 A.M.
THE D.C. AND l.’S PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, MR. GERRY XAVIER, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
------0 ------ ,
LEGCO DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW * * * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE RESUMES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) WHEN SIX OFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES TWO WEEKS AGO.
THE FIRST SPEAKER WILL BE DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, FOLLOWED BY MR. LI FOOK-KOW, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. IAN LIGHTBODY, SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. IAN PRICE, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, AND MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
TEN BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED AT TOMORROW’S SITTING. THESE ARE: THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 4) BILL, THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1973/74) BILL, THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION) (REPEAL) BILL, THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE LION ROCK TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (POKFULAM AND MID-LEVELS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL.
THE DEBATE ON THE MOTION TO THANK THE GOVERNOR FOR HIS SPEECH AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SESSION WILL CONTINUE ON THURSDAY.
THE SPEAKERS WILL BE MR. WILLIAM BELL, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. JAMES ROBSON, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. DENIS BRAY, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. JOHN HOBLEY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AND THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR. DENYS ROBERTS.
THE PROCEEDINGS ON BOTH DAYS WILL BE BROADCAST LIVE ON RHK 2 IN ENGLISH AND ON RHK 4 IN CHINESE. LIVE CHINESE BROADCAST WILL ALSO BE ON CHANNEL ONE OF COMMERCIAL RADIO.
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/3
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
NGAU CHI WAN SQUATTERS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING ******
MORE THAN 600 SQUATTERS OF CHING CHUNG CHUEN IN THE NGAU CHI WAN AREA HAVE BEEN OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING AT SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
IN ADDITION, ABOUT 400 ILLEGAL SQUATTERS HAVE BEEN GIVEN SITES AT KOWLOON BAY, HOMANTIN AND CHEUNG SHA WAN LICENSED AREAS TO REBUILD THEIR HOMES.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TODAY (TUESDAY) DEMOLISHED 200 EMPTY WOODEN STRUCTURES LEFT BEHIND BY THESE SQUATTERS.
THE CLEARED LAND WILL I INITIALLY BE USED FOR CONTROLLED TIPPING OF REFUSE. A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE BUILT THERE WHEN THE SITE IS FILLED.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ALSO PAID OUT NEARLY $400,000 TO COMPENSATE 52 FARMERS, PIGBREEDERS AND SHOP OPERATORS AFFECTED BY THE CLEARANCE. A WORKSHOP OPERATOR HAS ALSO BEEN OFFERED UNITS IN THE KWUN TONG FACTORY ESTATE.
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NUMBER OF FIRES DROPS ******
THE UNSEASONAL WEATHER BEING EXPERIENCED AT PRESENT HAS BROUGHT AT LEAST ONE BENEFIT TO HONG KONG -- A HEFTY REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF FIRES.
NORMALLY AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR FIREMEN ARE BUSY HANDLING BETWEEN 30 AND 50 CALLS A DAYS BUT SO FAR THIS MONTH THE DAILY AVERAGE HAS BEEN JUST UNDER 14 FIRES.
IN THE FIRST 11 DAYS OF NOVEMBER 1973, THERE WERE 353 FIRES OR AN AVERAGE OF 32 PER DAY- DURING THE FIRST 11 DAYS OF THIS MONTH THERE HAD BEEN ONLY 152 FIRES.
+THIS PRESENTS A REDUCTION OF MORE THAN 50 PER CENT,+ A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY. +THIS IS MOST WELCOMED BUT THE PUBLIC MUST BE WARNED TO CONTINUE BEING CAREFUL AS DRIER WEATHER COULD RETURN AT ANY TIME AND BRING WITH IT AN IMMEDIATE INCREASE IN THE DANGER OF FIRE.+
HE SAID THE NUMBER OF FIRES WAS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE LEVEL OF HUMIDITY.
- - 0 - -
/4
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12,1974
- 4 -
CROWN LAND SALE if if if if if ic
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND — THREE ON HOIIG KONG ISLAND AND THE OTHER IN KOWLOON — WILL EE PUT FOR AUCTION NEXT MONTH.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD Oil FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE LECTURE ROOM , 8TH FLOOR, CITY HALL.
THE THREE LOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES. SITUATED AT CHUNG HOM KOK, T..EY MEASURE 15,110 SQ. FT., 18,630 SQ. FT. AND 17,003 SQ. FT. RESPECTIVELY.
THE KOWLOON LOT, MEASURING 810 SQ. FT., IS LOCATED AT 39 STATION LANE, HUNG HOM. IT IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL 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 I LOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
WATER SITUATION REPORT if if if if if if
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS /T 9 A.M. TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 54,218 MILLION GALLONS, RIPRESENTING 80,(5 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILL K N GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 59,421 MILLION G<LLONS IN , STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,C51 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,232 MILLION GALLONS OH T..E SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 75.3 PER -CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
5.6 MM. (0.22 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,110.0 MM (83.07
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,113..5 MM (83.21 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.17 PER CENT.
- - 0 -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
- 5 -
TRAFFIC CHANGES
>:• i:- n « a
NEl/ TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED HI TAI KOK TSUI, KOWLOON, ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 15) IN COKUECTICJ WITH THE OPENING OF A PRIVATE M LT I-STOREY CAR PARK AT T.1E JUI.JTION OF CANTON ROAD AND BUTE STREET.
FROM 10 A.M. THAT DAY, TUO-JAY TL.'FFIC WILL BL ALLOWED ALONG THE SECTION OF CANTON ROAD BETWEEN ill..3 KOK AID BUTE STREET, WHILE THE SECTION BETWEEN LUTE STRiT.i AND A .....N ST..EET ‘JILL BE REROUTED OilE-JAY NORTH. AT THE SA..E T'L.E. J UTu Si'REvT BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND RECLAMATION STREET WILL LE ,;L-ROUT.:) FOR V UE-WAY TRAFFIC HEADING WEST.
MEANWHILE ON HOES KOIIG ISLAND, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ALONG THE SECTION OF SUTHERLAND STREET LEK ;Eil B.o VOEUX ROAD WEST ANO CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WILL EOT DE ALLOWED TO TURK LEFT INTO DES VOEUX RO.iD WEST, AS FNC.l 10 A.M. GM i.OVLli..^ • 13. THE CHANGE AIMS AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IM THE AREA.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL DE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0.-
SWD’S COMPENSATION SECTION MOVING
THE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SECTION OF THE SOCI/.L WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW PREMISES 111 ROCM 10)2, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 10TH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG,' THIS FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 15).
THE EXISTING OFFICES OF THE SECTION AT CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING AND LEE GARDENS, HYSAH AVENUE, WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM THAT DATE.
THE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SECTION IS REFPOIJSIILE FOR PROVIDING A SECRETARIAT FOR THE CRIMINAL ALB LA./ ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPELSATIOil BOARDS.
APPLICATIONS FOR COMPENSATION AND ALL ENQUIRIES SHOULD THEREFORE BE MADE TO THE NEW ADDRESS. HIE TELEPHONE LUMBERS FOR ENQUIRIES ARE 5-455345 AND 5-454536.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974.
- 6 -
EARLY SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS FOR EXPORT LICENCES EXPORTERS’ CO-OPERATION SOUGHT if if if if if if if if if
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AUD INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, ' TODAY ISSUED A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS GIVING DETAILS Oli THE PERI CD OF TIME RECUI RED FOR THE PROCESSING OF VARIOUS APPLICATIONS FCR STATUTORY DOCUMENTS RELATING TO THE EXPORTS OF TEXTILES.
THE MOVE IS TO ENABLE EXPORTERS TO PLAN THEIR SCHEDULES WELL IN ADVANCE FOR THE SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS ‘|O THE DEPARTMENT.
MR. JORDAN ALSO REMINDED EXPORTERS THAT WHILE THE DEPARTMENT WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO PROCESS AL) ISSUE THE NECESSARY DOCUMENTS AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE, EXPORTERS ARE REQUESTED TO CO-OPERATE BY SUBMITTING THEIR APPLICATIONS I fl GOOD TIME.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND COMPANIES ONTHF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S MAILING LIST FOR NOTICES TO EXPORTERS WILL RECEIVE COPIES OF THE NOTICE SHORTLY.
COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE RECEPTIONIST COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KORS.
------o-------
NO REPLACEMENTS FOR LOST MONTHLY TRAIN TICKETS H it- if if if if if if '
KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY PASSENGERS WHO LOSE THEIR MONTHLY TRAIN TICKETS WILL IN FUTURE HAVE TO BUY NEW ONES.
AS FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR, 4hE PRACTICE OF ISSUING )UPLICATE MONTHLY TICKETS TO REPLACE LOST ONES WILL BE DISCONTINUED a KCR SPOKESMAN SAID. IT WAS HOPED, HE ADDED, THAT TICKET HOLIERS WOULD BE MORE CAREFUL WITH THEIR TICKETS.
AT THE SAME TIME, AS A MEASURE OF CONVENIENCE, IT WILL NOT BE NECESSARY TO FIX PHOTOGRAPHS TO MONTHLY TICKETS. BUT HOLDERS WILL HAVE TO SIGN THEIR NAMES WHEN BUYING TICKETS OR ALTERNATIVELY SHOW HEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE ii x is Jr ft Js
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME Al.) AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION UIISLESAL.E MALLET AND THE Fk!l MARKETING-ORGANISATION WIKI ESALE MALLET AT CHI URS LI . LAN, KOUl.OONi
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLfSALE PRICE (v/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.70
PO NGAI GOOD •
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE •
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BkOKENS GOOD 1.60 •
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.77
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (3/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES MD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH L.O'J MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 3.40 1.50 2.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 2.5C 1.50 2.00
SOU ID NORMAL 5.50 1.80 3. CO
HA 1R-TA1LS NORMAL 2.20 0.80 1.50
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3. CO 1.00 2.30
CLOAKERS NORMAL o.co 2.20
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.00 2.00 2.50
MELON COAT LIMITED 3.70 2.00 2.80
BJEAMS SCARCE 3.50 3.50 4.50
YELLOW EELLY NO SALE 4.00
mackerels SCARCE 4.50 3.00
RED GOAT FISH FORK-TAIL HORSE-HcAD LIMITED NORMAL NCla.AL 1.90 1.20 3.20 0.70 0.50 2.00 1.30 0.80 2.60
McLON SUED LIMITED 2.70 1.50 2.00
P0MFRET3 SCARCE 11.00 6.00 8.50
GJAOUPAS NORMAL 8.50 7.00 7.80
YELLOW CROAKER COCD 6.80 2.00 4.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF . AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PR ICE(0/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CAEDAGE SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.60
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.50
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.50 1.00 1.80
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 1.00 0.30 0.70
CHINESE KALE SCARCE • 3.40 1.20 2.50
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.50 2.20
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE 3.60 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.20 2.00 2.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.60 0.80 1.80
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DR. GERALD CHOA REVIEWED ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES .................................... 1
GOVERNMENT SEEKS COMMENTS ON NURSE TRAINING REPORT ... 3
• SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO STUDY POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND ............... 5
HONG KONG’S PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME IS NOT SLOWING DOWN •: THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING ...................... 7
HONG KONG SETS RECORD FOR INDUSTRIAL PEACE THIS YEAR 9
EDUCATION PLANS WILL LEAD TO EVENTUAL ELIMINATION OF ALL CHILD LABOUR : THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR ........ 12
HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE WAYS OF TRAINING TECHNOLOGISTS LOCALLY ........................ 13
r r
NEW LEGISLATION BEING PLANNED TO SPEED UP REPORTING OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS .................................. 14
NEW DIRECTION IN EDUCATION SYSTEM OUTLINED BY MR. KENNETH TOPLEY ........................................ 15
MORE RESIDENTIAL LAND TO BE MADE AVAILABLE IN NEW TERRITORIES ........................................... 24
TEN NEW BILLS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL 26
THE CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION) ORDINANCE TO BE REPEALED............................................... 28
STERLING GUARANTEE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED................ 29
MINIMUM OF RED TAPE PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG’S TRADE SUCCESS : DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY .... 31
WATER SITUATION REPORT ................................ 32
ADVICE ON KEEPING PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT FROM DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ..................... 33
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 1 -
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES STATISTICS SHOW SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENTS IN DECADE * * * X * *
DR. THE HON. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT SIGNIFICANT PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE STATE OF HEALTH OF THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG IN THE LAST DECADE AS A RESULT OF ACHIEVEMENTS IN THE FIELD OF PREVENTIVE MEDICINE.
SPEAKING AT THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH, HE LISTED CONSIDERABLE DECLINES IN THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE MATERNAL MORTALITY, DIPHTHERIA, POLIOMYELITIS, LEPROSY, MALARIA, AND TUBERCULOSIS. *
OF THE LATTER, HE SAID THE NOTIFICATION RATE HAD FALLEN FROM 358 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1964 TO 196 IN 1973, WHILE THE MORTALITY RATE HAD DROPPED FROM 41.1 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1964 TO 27.7 IN 1973.
THE CRUDE DEATH RATE NOW STOOD AT 5.1 PER 1,000 POPULATION +WHICH MUST BE CONSIDERED LOW.+
WHERE ONCE COMMUNICABLE DISEASES HAD BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GREATER NUMBER OF DEATHS, THE MORTALITY PATTERN HAD NOW CHANGED. IN 1973, THE MAIN CAUSES OF DEATHS WERE CANCER, HEART AND HYPERTENSIVE DISEASES, PNEUMONIA, CEREBRO-VASCULAR DISEASES, ACCIDENTS AND TUBERCULOSIS —. IN THAT ORDER.
DR. CHOA RECALLED THAT TUBERCULOSIS HAD HELD FIRST PLACE FOR MANY YEARS AFTER THE WAR, BUT HAD NOW TAKEN THE SIXTH PLACE. THIS PATTERN -- WHICH EMERGED IN HONG KONG ONLY IN THE LAST DECADE -- WAS NOW THE SAME AS IN THE ADVANCED COUNTRIES.
IN VIEW OF THIS IMPROVEMENT, HE ANNOUNCED THAT AN EMINENT AUTHORITY ON CHEST DISEASES IN BRITAIN HAD BEEN INVITED, THROUGH THE BRITISH COUNCIL, TO VISIT HONG KONG EARLY NEXT YEAR TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON HOW TO REORGANISE THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S CHEST SERVICE.
DR. CHOA INFORMED THE COUNCIL THAT IN THE LAST 10 YEARS, 227-DOCTORS HAD BEEN SENT ABROAD FOR FURTHER STUDY, AND 218 DOCTORS HAD OBTAINED HIGHER QUALIFICATIONS EITHER IN HONG KONG OR ABROAD.
+MORE AND MORE ROYAL COLLEGES ARE NOW HOLDING PRIMARY OR FINAL EXAMINATIONS IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID. +IN SOME CASES, THE EXPENSES FOR HOLDING SUCH EXAMINATIONS ARE BORNE BY THE GOVERNMENT, AND ALL THOSE WHO PASS ARE GIVEN A REFUND OF THE EXAMINATION FEES.+
IN A REFERENCE TO THE RECENT VISIT TO HONG KONG BY AN INDEPENDENT NURSING ADVISER, MISS MARGARET LAMB, WHO HAD REVIEWED THE NURSING SERVICE AND LEFT BEHIND A REPORT WHICH HAD NOW BEEN TRANSLATED AND MADE PUBLIC, DR. CHOA SAID HE FULLY SHARED THE IDEALS ON WHICH HER REPORT HAD BEEN BASED. A NUMBER OF MISS LAMB’S PROPOSALS HAD CONFIRMED LINES OF ACTION ON WHICH OFFICERS WERE ALREADY WORKING IN THE DEPARTMENT.
/HISS LAMB .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1.5, 1974.
- 2 -
MISS LAMB HAD RECOMMENDED THAT QUALIFIED CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS BE PROVIDED TO IMPROVE THE PRACTICAL SIDE OF TRAINING. SHE HAD ALSO FELT THAT THE EXISTING RATIO OF ONE TUTOR TO 70 STUDENT NURSES SHOULD BE REDUCED TO AT LEAST ONE TO 30.
+l RECOGNISE THAT THE RATIO IS UNSATISFACTORY,+ DR. CHOA EXPLAINED, +AND IT IS PROPOSED TO TRAIN TUTORS LOCALLY, AND ALSO TO PREPARE TRAINED CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS, BUT THESE AIMS CANNOT BE ACHIEVED IMMEDIATELY.+
HE COMMENTED ON MISS LAMB’S REMARKS ON THE NEED FOR BETTER COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN THE TEACHING STAFF, THE SENIOR NURSING STAFF, HOSPITAL ADMINISTRATORS AND STUDENTS, AND HE HOPED SHORTLY TO SEE THE INTRODUCTION OF IN-SERVICE COURSES +WITH THE OBJECT OF FOSTERING BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AND UNDERSTANDING.*
MISS LAMB HAD ALSO RECOMMENDED THAT PROMOTION IN THE NURSING SERVICE SHOULD NOT BE BASED MAINLY ON SENIORITY. +IN POINT OF FACT,* DR. CHOA SAID, +IT IS NOT.*
PROMOTION FOLLOWED THE GENERAL CIVIL SERVICE PRINCIPLE OF CONSIDERING OFFICERS IN THEIR ORDER OF SENIORITY, BUT THE ACTUAL SUBSTANTIVE PROMOTION WAS BASED ON MERIT AS WELL AS SENIORITY.
MISS LAMB’S OTHER SUGGESTIONS, SUCH AS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A FIRMER BASE FOR THE USE OF ENGLISH IN TRAINING, THE AMENDMENT AND RE-ARRANGEMENT OF THE TRAINING COURSE, AND IMPROVEMENT OF FACILITIES FOR STUDY AND RECREATION, WOULD RECEIVE CAREFUL ATTENTION. •
DR. CHOA ALSO MADE REFERENCES TO CHANGES IN THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES TO MEET CHANGES IN GENERAL TRENDS.
THERE WOULD, FOR EXAMPLE, BE NO LONGER ONLY TWO SEPARATE DIVISIONS FOR MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES IN THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE DEPARTMENT. INSTEAD OF THEM, THERE WOULD BE SET UP VARIOUS FUNCTIONAL DIVISIONS EACH WITH A SPECIFIC SERVICE TO PERFORM.
A PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DIVISION WOULD HAVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR IMPLEMENTING ALL THE PROPOSALS AND RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON THE TEN-YEAR PLAN. THIS DIVISION WOULD ALSO CARRY OUT FURTHER RESEARCH INTO THE REQUIREMENTS OF GERIATRIC AND PSYCHIATRIC BEDS, AND THE REDISTRIBUTION OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES AND TUBERCULOSIS BEDS.
A NARCOTICS AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DIVISION HAD ALREADY BEEN SET UP, AND THE TRAINING DIVISION WOULD CONTINUE.
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 3 -
GOVERNMENT SEEKS COMMENTS ON NURSE TRAINING REPORT # * K K K w
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT HE HAS DISTRIBUTED COPIES OF A REPORT ON STUDENT NURSE TRAINING TO THE NEWS MEDIA AND INTERESTED NURSING BODIES.
THE REPORT, BY MISS MARGARET LAMB, IS PRIMARILY CONCERNED WITH THE TRAINING OF GOVERNMENT STUDENT NURSES IN HONG KONG BUT INCLUDES ALSO WIDER-RANGING RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT THE NURSING PROFESSION GENERALLY AND CALLS FOR A GREATER APPRECIATION OF NURSES BOTH BY GOVERNMENT AND BY THE COMMUNITY. THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT ARE -
(A) WITHIN THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT NURSING ADMINISTRATION SHOULD BE STRENGTHENED AND PROMOTION SHOULD NO LONGER BE BASED ONLY ON SENIORITY-
• (B) ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT NURSES ARE TOO RIGID BUT THE MINIMUM SHOULD REMAIN FIVE HKCEE PASSES INCLUDING CHINESE, ENGLISH, BIOLOGY AND TWO OTHER SUBJECTS WHICH MAY BE SCIENCE OR ARTS-
(C) TRAINING COURSES SHOULD BE MORE RELEVANT TO THE PRACTICAL WARD SITUATION-
(D) QUALIFIED CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS SHOULD BE TRAINED- THE USE OF UNQUALIFIED-TUTORS SHOULD BE DISCONTINUED AND THE STUDENT/TUTOR RATIO REDUCED BY THE APPOINTMENT OF ADD ITIONAL QUALIFI ED TUTORS-
(E) COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN STAFF THEMSELVES AND STAFF AND STUDENTS SHOULD BE IMPROVED- AND
(F) ACTION SHOULD BE TAKEN AT ALL LEVELS TO IMPROVE AND DEVELOP THE USE OF ENGLISH WHICH IS SEEN AS THE PRINCIPAL PROBLEM FOR A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS.
MISS MARGARET LAMB CAME TO HONG KONG AT THE END OF MAY FOR SIX WEEKS. SHE HAD JUST RETIRED AS THE TUTOR ORGANISER TO THE DEPARTMENT-OF NURSE MANAGEMENT STUDIES FOR THE SOUTH-EASTERN REGIONAL HOSPITAL BOARD IN EDINBURGH. IN ADDITION TO VISITING GOVERNMENT STUDENT NURSE TRAINING SCHOOLS SHE WAS ALSO AFFORDED THE OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING OTHER NON-GOVERNMENT TRAINING HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG.
HER VISIT FOLLOWS EFFORTS WHICH HAVE BEEN MADE SINCE 1971
TO OBTAIN THE VIEWS OF AN EXTERNAL NURSING ADVISER. EVENTUALLY, MISS LAMB ACCEPTED AN INVITATION FROM THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT EARLIER THIS YEAR AND SHE WAS ASKED PARTICULARLY TO STUDY THE TRAINING OF STUDENT NURSES IN GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS.
/THE DIRECTOR .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES SAID HE WOULD WISH TO AWAIT COMMENTS FROM INTERESTED BODIES BEFORE MAKING ANY STATEMENT ON THE REPORT. HE MADE IT CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT HE FULLY SHARED THE IDEALS ON WHICH MISS LAMB’S REPORT WAS BASED AND WAS SURE THAT THESE WERE SHARED ALSO BY THE NURSING BOARD AND ALL WHO ARE CONCERNED WITH THE PROGRESSIVE AND ORDERLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE PROFESSION IN HONG KONG.
IN A NUMBER OF INSTANCES THE RECOMMENDATIONS IN THE REPORT CONFIRM LINES OF ACTION ALREADY IN HAND - THESE INCLUDE PROPOSALS FOR STRENGTHENING NURSING ADMINISTRATION AS WELL AS PLANS TO TRAIN TUTORS AND CLINICAL INSTRUCTORS IN HONG KONG AS SOON AS THE NECESSARY ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE ESTABLISHED. PLANS ARE ALSO IN HAND TO IMPROVE IN-SERVICE COMMUNICATIONS AND TRAINING COURSES DESIGNED TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONS AND • .UNDERSTANDING WILL BE PROGRESSIVELY INTRODUCED. IN THE PROMOTION OF NURSING STAFF THE SYSTEM WHICH APPLIES GENERALLY TO THE PUBLIC SERVICE IS APPLIED UNDER WHICH OFFICERS ARE CONSIDERED IN THEIR ORDER OF SENIORITY BUT WHICH ENSURES ALSO THAT SUBSTANTIVE PROMOTION IS BASED ON EXPERIENCE AND MERIT.
REDUCTION OF THE STUDENT/TUTOR RATIO AS PROPOSED BY MISS LAMB WOULD TAKE TIME. THE MEDICAL WHITE PAPER INCLUDES PROPOSALS TO ESTABLISH AN ADDITIONAL NURSE TRAINING SCHOOL. UNTIL THIS IS COMPLETED AND MORE TUTORS HAVE DEEN TRAINED, THE STUDENT/ TUTOR RATIO CAN ONLY BE REDUCED SLOWLY.
OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS REQUIRING CAREFUL CONSIDERATION INCLUDE THOSE CONCERNING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE USE OF ENGLISH AND INTRODUCING A MODICUM OF FLEXIBILITY INTO THE ENTRANCE QUALIFICATIONS.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
-5-
POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND TO BE STUDIED BY SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE • K # K
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. LI FOOK-KOW, SAID TODAY THAT THERE WERE STRONG ARGUMENTS AGAINST GOVERNMENT ADMINISTRATION OF A COMPULSORY CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HE SAID THAT IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO OPERATE SUCH A FUND TO WHICH BOTH EMPLOYERS’ AND EMPLOYEES WOULD BE OBLIGED TO CONTRIBUTE, +IT SEEMS LIKELY THAT MANY OF THEM WOULD OBJECT TO SUCH COMPULSION AND REGARD THE FUND AS A FORM OF TAXATION, PARTICULARLY IF ITS ASSETS WERE USED LOCALLY FOR DEVELOPMENT PURPOSES.+
MR. LI SAID THAT ALTHOUGH’THESE OBJECTIONS MIGHT BE REDUCED IF THE COST OF ADMINISTRATION WERE MET FROM PUBLIC FUNDS, IT SEEMED UNDESIRABLE TO USE THEM FOR THIS PURPOSE AT THE EXPENSE OF. OTHER SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY PROBLEMS WHICH HAVE URGENT CLAIMS ON +OUR LIMITED RESOURCES+.
+FOR EXAMPLE,* HE SAID, +1 AM SURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS WOULD AGREE THAT THE EXPANSION IN PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE IMPLEMENTATION OF WHITE PAPERS ON SECONDARY EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES SHOULD HAVE PRIORITY.*
HOWEVER, MR. LI ADDED THAT IT WOULD BE APPROPRIATE FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DEVOTE ITS ATTENTION IN DUE . COURSE TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL PROVIDENT FUND +AS BEING ONE FORM OF CONTRIBUTORY SOCIAL INSURANCE.*
IN THE MEANTIME, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYERS TO SET UP THEIR OWN PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES. IN FACT, A NUMBER OF THE LARGER AND BETTER EMPLOYERS ALREADY OPERATE SCHEMES FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
+FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS WITH A SMALL NUMBER OF WORKERS, A SEPARATE SCHEME MIGHT NOT BE VIABLE. HOWEVER SCHEMES ON THE BASIS OF INDIVIDUAL INDUSTRIES MIGHT BE FORMULATED BY THE APPROPRIATE .TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND EMPLOYERS’ ORGANISATIONS,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE INTENDED TO CONSULT SOME OF THESE BODIES TO SEE IF SATISFACTORY CONTRIBUTORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, NOT INVOLVING PUBLIC MONEY, COULD BE DEVISED.
DISCUSSING THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEMES, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES SAID THAT AT THE END OF OCTOBER THERE WERE OVER 37,000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND 51,000 DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES CASES.
IN THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, PAYMENTS MADE UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AMOUNTED TO NEARLY $50 MILLION COMPARED WITH $23 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME PAID OUT NEARLY $32 MILLION, ALMOST THREE TIMES THE AMOUNT FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAP.
/Mr. li ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 19?4.
MR. LI SAID THE INCREASE WAS NOT UNEXPECTED AS THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEME ONLY CAME INTO OPERATION IN APRIL 1973 AND BOTH SCHEMES HAVE HAD THEIR RATES INCREASED THREE TIMES BY AN AGGREGATE OF 62 PER CENT SINCE JUNE LAST YEAR.
+THE TREND IN PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CASES STILL SHOWS A RISE, PROBABLY REFLECTING THE PRESENT, AND I HOPE TEMPORARY, DIFFICULT EMPLOYMENT SITUATION. HOWEVER THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT THE DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE CASELOAD IS BEGINNING TO LEVEL OUT.+
A FURTHER $1-1/4 MILLION HAS BEEN PAID OUT UNDER THE CRIMINAL LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME SINCE ITS INCEPTION 18. MONTHS AGO. THE SCHEME IS DESIGNED TO COMPENSATE BY EX-GRATIA PAYMENT THOSE VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE AND THOSE WHO ARE ACCIDENTALLY INJURED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS.
ON THE SUBJECT OF RESEARCH, MR. LI SAID HE WAS CURRENTLY REVIEWING THE MEANS BY WHICH RESEARCH INTO SOCIAL PROBLEMS IS ORGANISED AND CO-ORDINATED +SO THAT WE MAY BETTER UNDERSTAND THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY AND HOW BEST THE RESOURCES BOTH IN FINANCE AND MANPOWER CAN BE DEPLOYED.+
AT THE SAME TIME AND WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE A START HAS BEEN MADE ON EVALUATION PROGRAMME ON THE RELATIVE EFFICACY OF THE VARIOUS AGENCIES WORKING IN SOCIAL WELFARE WITH A VIEW TO INCREASING GENERAL EFFICIENCY AND MAKING BETTER USE OF RESOURCES.
+THE RESULTS OF THIS EXAMINATION SHOULD ENABLE CONSIDERATION TO BE GIVEN TO THE POSSIBILITY OF VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS AMALGAMATING OR, PERHAPS, REORGANISING THEMSELVES TO BRING ABOUT A MORE EQUITABLE GEOGRAPHIC SPREAD OF SERVICE,+ MR. LI SAID.
ALTHOUGH HE WAS CONSC I OUS’ OF THE NEED TO PRESERVE THE IDENTITY AND ENTHUSIASM OF ORGANISATIONS, +GREATER EFFICIENCY MUST BE THE ULTIMATE AIM.+
+IT WOULD BE WRONG FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE TO SUBVENT SERVICES WHICH ARE NO LONGER JUSTIFIED, WHILE DEPRIVING THOSE ORGANISATIONS, WHICH PROVIDE SERVICES TO MEET THE COMMUNITY’S CURRENT NEEDS, OF THEIR FAIR SHARE OF OUR SOCIAL WELFARE RESOURCES,+ MR. LI SAID.
/7
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
HOUSING PROGRAMME FORGES AHEAD ESTATE HOME OWNERSHIP QUESTION TO BE RECONSIDERED * M K * K K
THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. IAN LIGHTBODY, TODAY DISPELLED RUMOURS THAT THE HOUSING PROGRAMME WAS IN ANY WAY SLOWING DOWN.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. LIGHTBODY SAID THAT +TODAY CONTRACT WORK IS PROCEEDING ON 11 ESTATES TO HOUSE UP TO 270,000 PEOPLE= THESE ESTATES WILL COST ABOUT $900 MILLION, THE BULK OF THEM WILL BE FINISHED IN 1976 AND ALL WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1978.+
LOOKING BEYOND THIS, HE SAID, DESIGN WORK ON A FURTHER NINE ESTATES, FOR UP TO 150,000 PEOPLE, HAS REACHED AN ADVANCED STAGE AND CONTRACTS FOR A NUMBER OF THESE WILL BE LET IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
THE MAJORITY OF THESE WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN 1978 AND THE REMAINDER WILL BE COMPLETED BY 1979.
MR. LIGHTBODY SAID THIS PROGRAMME INCLUDED A CONTRACT LET EARLIER IN THE YEAR FOR A NEW HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATE AT TUEN MUN FOR 26,000 PEOPLE- AND ANOTHER CONTRACT LET LAST MONTH FOR AN ESTATE ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND FOR A SIMILAR NUMBER OF PEOPLE.
+OUR PRIMARY TASK IS TO KEEP THE BUILDING PROGRAMME MOVING AHEAD AS FAST AS WE CAN, AND IF THIS CAN BE DONE THEN MANY OTHER PROBLEMS WILL FALL INTO PLACE,+ HE ADDED.
ON THE PROPOSITION THAT PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS SHOULD BE ALLOWED TO BUY THEIR FLATS BY INSTALMENTS, MR. LIGHTBODY SAID THIS COULD BE +POPULAR AS WELL AS SOCIOLOGICALLY SOUND*.
HE SAID THE QUESTION WAS CONSIDERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ABOUT A YEAR AGO AND IT WAS FELT THEN THAT, APART FROM THE MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL PROBLEMS INHERENT IN THE SALE OF UNITS, THE LIMITED SUPPLY OF PUBLIC HOUSING BECOMING AVAILABLE IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE MADE THE SCHEME UNSUITABLE.
AS TO THE BENEFITS THIS COULD BRING TO THE AUTHORITY’S FINANCIAL POSITION WHICH WAS MENTIONED BY TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, MR. LIGHTBODY POINTED OUT THAT THE AUTHORITY CATERS FOR FAMILIES EARNING LESS THAN $1,400 PER MONTH ($2,000 PER MONTH FOR LARGER FAMILIES) AND MANY OF THEM IN THE LOWER INCOME GROUPS WOULD FIND IT DIFFICULT TO AFFORD THE PURCHASE PAYMENTS.
+ONE THING ONLY IS CERTAIN ABOUT THIS PROPOSITION, AND THAT IS THAT THE STRENGTH OF FEELING OF THOSE WHO FAVOUR IT IS WELL MATCHED BY THE EQUALLY STRONG CONVICTIONS OF THOSE WHO ARE TOTALLY AGAINST IT.
/NONETHELESS, .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 8 -
+NONETHELESS, THE TIME IS PROBABLY RIPE FOR THE IDEA TO BE RECONSIDERED BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND I WILL ARRANGE FOR THIS TO BE DONE,+ MR. LIGHTBODY SAID.
ON THE DIFFICULTIES OF SECURING THE REDEVELOPMENT OF SLUM PROPERTIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN THE HOUSING SOCIETY AN UNDERTAKING TO USE ITS RESUMPTION POWERS WHERE NECESSARY TO ALLOW THE SOCIETY TO OBTAIN SLUM PROPERTIES AND REBUILD THEM.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREID TO PROVIDE THE SOCIETY WITH LOANS OF UP TO $100 MILLION TO FINANCE THIS PROJECT WHICH WILL GENERATE SUFFICIENT FUNDS AFTER FIVE YEARS OR SO TO LET THE SOCIETY FINANCE FUTURE PROJECTS BY ITSELF.
• MR. LIGHTBODY SAID THE SOCIETY HAD IDENTIFIED LARGE NUMBERS OF PRE-WAR URBAN DOMESTIC PROPERTIES WHICH WERE RUN-DOWN, UNSANITARY AND OVERCROWDED. SEVENTY-FIVE PER CENT OF THEM WERE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, MOSTLY IN THE WESTERN AND WANCHAI DISTRICTS, AND THE SOCIETY HAD DECIDED TO START THE SCHEME IN THESE AREAS.
IN FACT IT HAS LET ITS FIRST CONTRACT FOR A BLOCK OF ALMOST 200 FLATS IN WESTERN DISTRICT TO REHOUSE FAMILIES FROM NEARBY +BLACK SPOTS+ WHICH THE SOCIETY INTENDS TO ACQUIRE FOR REDEVELOPMENT.
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/9
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 9 -
COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR PRAISES WORKERS
OVERSEAS CRITICISMS OF LABOUR CONDITIONS +WIDE OF THE MARK+
K M M K * M
DESPITE THE PRESENT WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION, HONG KONG SET A RECORD FOR INDUSTRIAL PEACE THIS YEAR, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY.
AND MUCH OF THE CREDIT BELONGED TO ITS HARD-WORKING LABOUR FORCE, HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS MAIDEN SPEECH.
MR. PRICE SAID IT WAS ALSO THE WORKERS WHO DESERVED A MAJOR . SHARE OF THE CREDIT FOR HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC GROWTH.
COMMENTING ON THE PRESENT POST-WAR LOW OF WORKING DAYS LOST,' HE SAID IT WAS LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE REALISTIC ATTITUDE ADOPTED BY WORKERS TO THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION - AND TO A REMARKABLE DEGREE OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
THE COMMISSIONER REJECTED WHAT HE TERMED THE +DISTORTED IMAGE* OF LABOUR RELATIONS IN HONG KONG.
HE POINTED OUT THAT HONG KONG SUFFERED LESS FROM INDUSTRIAL UNREST THAN NEARLY ANY OTHER TERRITORY - THE LAST 10 MONTHS’ FIGURE BEING THE LOWEST IN 30 YEARS.
UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER, THERE HAD BEEN 70 INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES THIS YEAR, INVOLVING 16 WORK STOPPAGES AND A LOSS OF ONLY 2,900 WORKING-DAYS - COMPARED WITH 55,000 IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. • '
INA WIDE-RANGING REVIEW OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S WORK, MR. PRICE ALSO i-
* REPORTED THAT CONSULTATIONS ON HONG KONG’S FIRST LABOUR RELATIONS BILL WERE NOW WELL ADVANCED. THE BILL GIVES STATUTORY BACKING TO THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE AND LAYS DOWN GUIDELINES FOR SETTLING INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES WHEN INITIAL CONCILIATION FAILS-
K REJECTED CLAIMS - +OFTEN BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION* -OF WIDESPREAD CHILD LABOUR IN INDUSTRY, AND PREDICTED THE WHOLE PROBLEM OF CHILD LABOUR WOULD EVENTUALLY BE WIPED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED EDUCATION PROGRAMME-
K ANNOUNCED PLANS - TO BE BACKED WITH LEGISLATION - TO STREAMLINE THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT STATISTICS AND CUT DOWN THE PAPERWORK EMPLOYERS HAD TO FACE IN PROVIDING THEM- ,
* REVEALED THAT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S FIVE-YEAR PLAN TO PROMOTE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY WAS NOW READY AND SHOULD GO TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR APPROVAL SOON.
/REBUTTED ALLEGATIONS
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 10 -
* REBUTTED ALLEGATIONS OF A WIDE GAP BETWEEN LABOUR AND MANAGEMENT IN HONG KONG, AND ASSURED COUNCILLORS THAT THE GOVERNMENT WELCOMED THE GROWTH OF A RESPONSIBLE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT-
K CREDITED THE RECENTLY-ENACTED LEGISLATION ON SEVERANCE PAY WITH HAVING SO FAR HELPED TO PREVENT SERIOUS REDUNDANCY DISPUTES- AND
M STRESSED THAT HE CONSIDERED IT HIS DUTY, IN THE ABSENCE AT PRESENT OF WIDE-SPREAD TRADE UNIONISM, TO ENSURE THAT LABOUR GETS A FAIR SHARE OF HONG KONG’S SUCCESS, * AND TO SEEK CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENTS IN WORKING CONDITIONS
AND TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT.
MR. PRICE SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAD INTRODUCED 87 PIECES OF LEGISLATION SINCE 1.967, AND HE HOPED TO INTRODUCE ABOUT 12 MORE IN THE CURRENT SESSION.
HE NAMED NOVEMBER 27 AS THE DATE WHEN HE WOULD SEEK COUNCIL APPROVAL FOR A REGULATION TO REDUCE THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE OVERTIME FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG CHILDREN FROM 300 TO 250 HOURS A YEAR FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, AND TO 200 HOURS A YEAR FROM JANUARY 1, 1976.
MR. PRICE SAID IT WAS NOT WIDELY KNOWN THAT PRACTICALLY ALL LABOUR LEGISLATION PREPARED BY HIS DEPARTMENT WAS FIRST CONSIDERED BY THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD, CONSISTING OF FOUR LABOUR AND FOUR MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES, UNDER HIS CHAIRMANSHIP
PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE BOARD’S +HARD WORK AND INVALUABLE ADVICE,+ HE SAID IT WAS A CREDIT TO MEMBERS’ PRAGMATISM THAT THEY HAD NEARLY ALWAYS REACHED UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT.
ON THE SUBJECT OF LABOUR RELATIONS, MR. PRICE POINTED OUT THAT INDUSTRIAL DISPUTES RECEIVED FRONT-PAGE HEADLINES WHEN A DISPUTE BROKE OUT, AND TWO LINES - IF THAT - ON AN INSIDE PAGE WHEN IT HAD BEEN SETTLED.
+THIS,' OF COURSE, IS A FACT OF LIFE, BUT IT MEANS THE WHOLE IMAGE OF HONG KONG’S LABOUR RELATIONS TENDS TO BE DISTORTED IN THE PUBLIC EYE,+ HE SAID.
+IN FACT, THE NUMBER OF LABOUR STOPPAGES CAUSED BY INDUSTRIAL ACTION IN HONG KONG IS ONE OF THE LOWEST IN THE WORLD. SO FAR THIS YEAR, A POST-WAR LOW HAS BEEN ACHIEVED.
THIS YEAR’S VERY LOW FIGURES ARE LARGELY ATTRIBUTABLE
TO THE REALISTIC ATTITUDE ADOPTED BY HONG KONG’S HARD-WORKING LABOUR FORCE IN THE PRESENT DIFFICULT WORLD TRADING CONDITIONS.
+THE OVERALL GOOD INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS SITUATION HAS BEEN ACHIEVED BECAUSE OF A REMARKABLE DEGREE OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES, WHO CONTRIBUTE SO MUCH TO OUR ECONOMIC PROGRESS.
/I MUST .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1971*.
- 11 -
+1 MUST MENTION ALSO THE MANY HOURS OF UNSUNG WORK, OFTEN BEHIND THE SCENES AND LATE AT NIGHT, BY THE CONCILIATION OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE.*
MR. PRICE DISMISSED AS +WIDE OF THE MARK* CRITICISM, PARTICULARLY FROM OVERSEAS, OF LABOUR CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG.
HE SAID THESE CRITICS OFTEN POINTED TO WHAT THEY REGARDED AS A LACK OF TRADE UNIONISM AND A LACK OF JOINT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY AS EVIDENCE OF A LABOUR-MANAGEMENT GAP WORKING TO THE DETRIMENT OF EMPLOYEES.
HE SAID s +THE GOVERNMENT DOES, OF COURSE, WELCOME THE GROWTH OF RESPONSIBLE TRADE UNIONS, AND IT IS TRUE THAT SOME LARGE CONCERNS MAY NEED FORMALISED JOINT CONSULTATION.
+BUT IT IS OFTEN OVERLOOKED THAT NEARLY 90 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS EMPLOY FEWER THAN 50 WORKERS.
+ +IN SUCH SMALL ESTABLISHMENTS CONTACTS BETWEEN EMPLOYER AND WORKERS TAKE PLACE FREQUENTLY - OFTEN DAILY.
+THEREFORE, TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE RESULTS, THE
LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE DIRECTS ITS EFFORTS TOWARDS PROMOTING FORMAL JOINT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY IN THE LARGER, RATHER THAN SMALLER, UNDERTAKINGS ALTHOUGH THE LATTER ARE EQUALLY WELCOME TO SEEK ITS ADVICE.*
MR. PRICE SAID IT WAS TOO EARLY TO MAKE A POSITIVE ASSESSMENT OF THE FULL EFFECTS OF THE RECENTLY-INTRODUCED LEGISLATION PROVIDING A LEGAL BASIS FOR THE PAYMENT OF SEVERANCE PAY ON REDUNDANCY TO WORKERS.
+HOWEVER, I AM CONVINCED THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS LEGISLATION WAS TIMELY AND HAS SO FAR HELPED TO PREVENT SERIOUS DISPUTES ARISING FROM REDUNDANCIES AND RETRENCHMENTS.* HE ADDED.
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/12
i ' ' •
• ■ WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 12 -
CHILD LABOUR * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, PREDICTED TODAY THAT THE GOVERNMENT’S RECENTLY-ANNOUNCED EDUCATION PLANS WOULD EVENTUALLY WIPE OUT ALL CHILD LABOUR IN HONG KONG.
BUT IN THE MEANTIME, HE ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS VIGOROUS DRIVE TO ENFORCE THE LAW AGAINST EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY OF CHILDREN UNDER 14.
.MR. PRICE REFUTED WHAT HE DESCRIBED AS UNFAIR CRITICISM ON CHILD LABOUR - CRITICISM WHICH, HE SAID, WAS USUALLY BASED ON INACCURATE INFORMATION OR DISTORTION OF THE FACTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE LAST DECEMBER, THREE SPECIAL ANTICHILD LABOUR CAMPAIGNS HAD COVERED MORE THAN 14,000 FACTORIES -ABOUT HALF THE NUMBER IN HONG KONG - BUT HAD REVEALED ONLY 131 CASES INVOLVING 161 CHILDREN.
THESE CAMPAIGNS HAD SO FAR RESULTED IN 104 CONVICTIONS - SOME CASES WERE PENDING - WITH FINES OF MORE THAN $31,000.
MR. PRICE ADDED: +TWO OF THESE CAMPAIGNS WERE CONDUCTED IN TERM TIME AND IT IS SIGNIFICANT THAT BOTH DISCOVERED ONLY HALF. THE NUMBER OF CASES BROUGHT TO LIGHT DURING THE OTHER CAMPAIGN, WHICH WAS CARRIED OUT DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAYS.*
SAID 14 SUCH CAMPAIGNS HAD BEEN MOUNTED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS, TO BACK UP REGULAR DAILY AND NIGHTLY VISITS BY LABOUR INSPECTORS.
+VIGILANCE WILL NOT BE RELAXED, BUT THESE CAMPAIGNS ARE NOW PRODUCING ENCOURAGINGLY LOW RESULTS IN TERMS OF CHILDREN EMPLOYED ILLEGALLY,+ HE SAID.
+HERE I SHOULD REPEAT THAT IT HAS BEEN, AND WILL REMAIN, , THE POLICY OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO PROSECUTE EVERY CASE DISCOVERED OF. ILLEGAL EMPLOYMENT OF CHILDREN.+
MR. PRICE SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S TASK WOULD BE MADE EASIER WHEN ALL CHILDREN UNDER 14 HAD BEEN ISSUED WITH THE NEW JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS.
AND, HE ADDED, THE PROPOSALS IN THE WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY EDUCATION WERE MOST APPROPRIATE IN THE CONTEXT OF CHILD LABOUR.
+0L1IMATELY THEY WILL BE OF GREAT ASSISTANCE IN LEADING TO THE PROGRESSIVE CONTROL OF THE EMPLOYMENT OF ALL CHILDREN UNDER 14 AND TO ITS EVENTUAL ERADICATION FROM ALL SECTORS OF OUR ECONOMY,* HE SAID.
-----o ------ /U
I
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBEK 1J, 197L.
INDUSTRIAL TRAINING
* * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE TODAY ANNOUNCED PLANS BY THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL TO INVESTIGATE WAYS OF TRAINING TECHNOLOGISTS LOCALLY.
+IN THE PAST,* HE SAID, +POST-GRADUATE TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS HAD TO BE OBTAINED OVERSEAS. BUT OPPORTUNITIES THERE ARE NOW DIMINISHING, AND ALTERNATIVES HAVE TO BE FOUND.+
HE SAID THE COUNCIL HAD ALSO STARTED INVESTIGATING THE TRAINING NEEDS OF THE COMMERCE AND SERVICES SECTORS, AS WELL AS UPDATING MANPOWER SURVEYS IN INDUSTRY CARRIED OUT BY ITS FORERUNNER, THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ADVISORY COUNCIL.
HE REPORTED ENCOURAGING PROGRESS IN THE APPRENTICESHIP FIELD, WHERE ABOUT 180 EMPLOYERS HAD NOW BEEN HELPED TO ESTABLISH MODERN APPRENTICESHIP SCHEMES BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION.
THE DIVISION HAD ALREADY PLACED ABOUT 2,500 SUITABLE YOUNG MEN IN THESE SCHEMES.
MR. PRICE SAID THE DIVISION - WHICH SERVICES THE HKTC COMPLEX OF 15 BOARDS AND COMMITTEE^ - WAS HAVING PROBLEMS RECRUITING SUITABLE STAFF.
+THIS STAFF SHORTAGE HAD IMPOSED A TREMENDOUS BURDEN ON PRESENT OFFICERS OF THE DIVISION, AND ONLY THEIR RESOLUTION AND ENTHUSIASM HAVE MAINTAINED THE INFRASTRUCTURE OF THE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
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/14 .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 14 -
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
* * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS PLANNING NEW LEGISLATION TO SPEED UP REPORTING OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS - AND CUT DOWN ON EMPLOYERS’ PAPER WORK IN THE PROCESS.
THIS WILL BE DONE BY SIMPLIFYING REPORTING PROCEDURES, WHICH AT PRESENT ARE DIFFERENT UNDER THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ORDINANCE AND THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY HE HAD CREATED A NEW UNIT WITHIN HIS DEPARTMENT SOME TIME AGO TO IMPROVE THE COLLECTION, CLASSIFICATION AND ANALYSIS OF ACCIDENT STATISTICS. THE IMPROVED ANALYSIS WOULD INDICATE MORE CLEARLY THE CAUSES OF ACCIDENTS.
+THIS WILL HELP ME TO INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH DANGEROUS MACHINERY, AND TO USE THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE TO THE BEST ADVANTAGE,* HE SAID.
MR. PRICE ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SOON BE ASKED TO APPROVE IN PRINCIPLE THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S DETAILED FIVE-YEAR PLAN FOR THE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+THIS PROGRAMME DEALS MAINLY WITH SAFETY EDUCATION IN ITS BROADEST SENSE BECAUSE WITHOUT UNDERSTANDING AT ALL LEVELS LITTLE PROGRESS CAN BE MADE,* HE ’SAID.
+THIS IS ONLY ONE ASPECT OF THE DRIVE TO IMPROVE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY.
+THE OTHER ASPECTS - THE LONGER-TERM POLICIES OF SAFETY LEGISLATION, AND THE DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE - ARE CURRENTLY BEING STUDIED BY A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED FACTORY INSPECTOR FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, ACTING AS LABOUR ADVISER TO ME.*
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/15
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974 - 15 -
NEW DIRECTION IN EDUCATION SYSTEM ******
THE WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY EDUCATION DURING THE NEXT DECADE GENUINELY POINTS TO A NEW DIRECTION IN HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM. +IT DOES THIS BY CALLING FOR A NEW GENERAL CURRICULUM IN THE FIRST THREE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION,* MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SAID kN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IT CALLS FOR A MORE PRACTICAL APPROACH IN THE THREE JUNIOR SECONDARY YEARS.
MR. TOPLEY STATED: +IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS CURRICULUM FOR WHICH WE INTEND TO PRODUCE SUBSTANTIAL DRAFT PROPOSALS BY MARCH 1975 MUST BE TAUGHT AT DIFFERENT LEVELS AND DEPTHS IN THE GREAT VARIETY OF HONG KONG SCHOOLS.
+IT WILL TAKE TIME TO ESTABLISH NOT ONLY BECAUSE IT CALLS FOR GREATER USE OF EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS BUT BECAUSE IT CALLS FOR A NEW APPROACH IN TEACHING, FOR MORE PROBLEM SOLVING, LESS MEMORY WORK AND MORE PRACTICAL THINKING. THIS CANNOT HAPPEN OVERNIGHT.*
ANSWERING A POINT RAISED BY MRS. JOYCE SYMONS, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE CURRICULUM BEING PREPARED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE WAS BASED ON THE PRINCIPLE, ADOPTED BY THAT COMMITTEE, THAT ’ALL STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE COMPLETED A COURSE DESIGNED TO ENABLE THEM TO TAKE THEIR PL^CE AS GOOD CITIZENS OF HONG KONG READY TO FACE THE DEMANDS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF EMPLOYMENT AS WELL AS TO LIVE A SATISFYING AND REWARDING PERSONAL AND FAMILY LIFE’.
6
AT THE SAME TIME, BECAUSE IT IS RECOGNISED THAT MANY STUDENTS WILL BE PROCEEDING TO FORM V, THE COURSE MUST ALSO LAY FIRM FOUNDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDY OF THE NORMAL ACADEMIC, PRACTICAL AND CULTURAL SUBJECTS.
IT IS PLANNED TO HAVE NEW SUGGESTED SYLLABUSES READY FOR SEPTEMBER 1975 AS CHILDREN WILL BE ENTERING THE THREE-YEAR COURSE ON THAT DATE.
DEALING WITH THE CRITICAL THEME THAT SUBSIDIZED OR FREE SCHOOL PLACES SHOULD BE PROVIDED AT ALL LEVELS, MR. TOPLEY SAID: +A MAJOR THEME OF THE WHITE PAPER IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ADVANCE IN THIS DIRECTION BUT WITHIN ITS RESOURCES.*
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF PROVIDING THREE YEARS SUBSIDIZED EDUCATION FOR ALL MADE IT POSSIBLE TO DO AWAY WITH THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION BUT NOT BEFORE THE PLACES WERE ACTUALLY PROVIDED.
+THIS IS ALREADY A MASSIVE OPERATION AND CORRESPONDINGLY EXPENSIVE,* HE EMPHASISED.
/MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1971*..
- 16 -
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION
TURNING TO THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ISSUE, THE DIRECTOR SAID: +IT IS CLEAR AS HAS BEEN STATED BOTH IN THE GREEN AND IN THE WHITE PAPER THAT THERE ARE STRONG EDUCATIONAL ARGUMENTS FOR CHI-NESE AS THE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION BUT TO FORCE ALL SCHOOLS TO USE CHINESE EXCLUSIVELY IS ANOTHER MATTER.+
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NOT FORCED TEACHING IN ENGLISH UPON THE SCHOOLS BUT HAS RESPONDED TO PARENTAL DEMAND EXPRESSED THROlfcH THE SPONSORS OF NEW SCHOOLS.
+NEVERTHELESS, UNDER THE WHITE PAPER ARRANGEMENTS I AM SURE • THAT THERE WILL BE MORE USE OF CHINESE IN THE SCHOOLS FOR TEACHING GENERAL SUBJECTS AND THAT THIS IS RIGHT,+ HE SAID.
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR DEVELOPMENTS TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE BALANCE.
+AND FOR THIS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID, +1 AM SURE THAT WE SHALL REQUIRE TO DEVOTE MORE RESOURCES TO IMPROVING THE TEACHING OF BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH.
+NOT ONLY DO WE NEED AN INTERNAL LINGUA FRANCA WHICH CHINESE PROVIDES WHILE AT THE SAME TIME OPENING A DOOR TO THE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF CHINA BUT ALSO STUDENTS NEED TO BE EQUIPPED WITH AN INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE WITH WHICH TO LOOK AND SPEAK OUTWARD. IF WE BECOME TOO TURNED IN OUR OWN AFFAIRS WE SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO EARN OUR WAY WITH THE OUTSIDE WORLD.+
THE DIRECTOR WAS SURE THAT CHINESE HAD A VITAL PART TO PLAY AS THE MOTHER TONGUE OF THE OVERWHELMING MAJORITY OF OUR POPULATION, AND TO THIS END MAXIMUM EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF CHINESE TEACHING. IT WOULD BE HARD, HOWEVER, FOR ALL TO ACHIEVE EXCELLENCE IN BOTH LANGUAGES.
+IT WILL BE FOR PUPILS THEMSELVES AS THEY ADVANCE THROUGH THEIR SCHOOL YEARS, GUIDED BY THEIR PARENTS AND BY THEIR SCHOOLS, TO DECIDE WHERE AND HOW THEIR LINGUISTIC EFFORTS ARE TO BE MADE.
+THE ARRANGEMENTS WE ARE PROPOSING SHOULD GIVE MAXIMUM SCOPE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR THESE DECISIONS TO BE MADE IN A SENSIBLE WAY,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION
REFERRING TO CRITICISM OF THE PROPOSAL TO INTRODUCE A JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR SAID THE FACT THAT SINCE THE EXAMINATION WAS NOT TO BE INTRODUCED UNTIL 1982 +THERE MAY WELL BE CHANGES IN THE EDUCATIONAL SCENE AND THE NEEDS OF PUPILS. (CERTAINLY OUR ULTIMATE A|M SHOULD BE ABOLITION IF WE CAN HAVE PROMOTION FROM FORM I I I TO FORM V TO THE FULL EXTENT THAT IS NEEDED AND DESIRED. BUT WE ARE A VERY LONG WAY FROM THIS IDEAL STATE OF AFFAIRS.) BUT WE SHALL NEED SELECTION AT FORM III FOR MANY YEARS. THIS IS A FACT WHICH MUST BE FACED. THE QUESTION THEN BECOMES HOW WE SELECT. THE PRINCIPALS OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE ABLE TO RELY ON SELECTION PROCEDURES WHICH ARE FAIR AND, MORE IMPORTANT, ARE SEEN TO BE FAIR BY THE PUBLIC.*
/HE SAID .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, iy/4
- 17 -
HE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAD MADE MANY USEFUL POINTS - CUMULATIVE RECORDS* ATTAINMENT, APTITUDE AND ABILITY TESTS* TEACHERS’ ASSESSMENTS* ASSESSMENTS OF THE PRACTICAL WORK DONE BY PUPILS AS IS DONE IN THE CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
+ALL THESE ARE VALUABLE SUGGESTIONS, BUT AS MATTERS STAND A PUBLIC EXAMINATION MUST BE AN ELEMENT, POSSIBLY A MAJOR ELEMENT IN THE SELECTION PROCEDURE IF THIS PROCESS IS TO BE ORDERLY AND ABOVE ALL SEEN TO BE FAIR,* HE STRESSED.
THE DIRECTOR GAVE AN ASSURANCE TO THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS THAT BEFORE +WE IMPLEMENT A NEW SYSTEM OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS MUCH DELIBERATIONS AND CONSULTATION WILL TAKE PLACE.
+THE IDEAS OF EDUCATORS, OF LAYMEN INTERESTED IN EDUCATION, AND GRASS ROOTS PUBLIC OPINION. WILL ALL BE THOROUGHLY SOUNDED AND CONSIDERED.+ HE SAID.
INTAKE TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS
WITH THE ABOLITION OF THE S.S.E.E. IN 1979 OTHER ARRANGEMENTS WILL HAVE TO BE MADE TO SELECT AND ALLOCATE.
THE PRELIMINARY VIEW OF THE DIRECTOR IS THAT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE LINKED TOGETHER, PROBABLY ON A ZONAL BASIS AND THAT EACH ZONE SHOULD HAVE ITS ALLOCATING TEAM OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES, INCLUDING OFFICERS OF THE
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. *
+1 ENTIRELY AGREE THAT WE MUST FIRMLY ENCOURAGE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO ACCEPT PUPILS OF ALL LEVELS OF ABILITY. IF CERTAIN SCHOOLS INSIST ON TAKING ONLY THE BETTER QUALITY PUPILS, OTHER SCHOOLS WILL JUSTIFIABLY WANT TO DO THE SAME AND A BASIC AIM OF THE WHITE PAPER WILL BE FRUSTRATED.+
A WORKING GROUP IS BEING SET UP TO RECOMMEND A SELECTION AND ALLOCATION SYSTEM THAT IS SEEN TO BE FAIR.
MR. TOPLEY SAID: +THE PUBLIC WILL HAVE TO BE ASSURED THAT MALPRACTICE OR FAVOURITISM CAN PLAY NO PART IN THESE PROCEDURES.+
PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
THE DIRECTOR CLARIFIED SOME MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTITUDE TO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS.
HE SAID: +THE CHANGE IN EMPHASIS FROM THAT OF THE GREEN PAPER TO THAT OF THE WHITE PAPER DOES NOT MEAN THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS LOST FAITH IN THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND THE SPONSORS WHO ARE DEDICATED TO THE IDEA OF.THE PREVOCATIONAL HAVE IN SOME WAY LOST THE SEAL OF THE GOVERNMENT S APPROVAL ON THEIR WORK. WHAT IT DOES MEAN IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT FOLLOWING THE TENOR OF ADVICE GIVEN FEELS THAT THE EMPHASIS SHOULD LIE IN A NINE-YEAR GENERAL COURSE FOR OUR CHILDREN, THAT IT IS TOO EARLY TO DIVIDE CHILDREN INTO DISPARATE EDUCATIONAL CATEGORIES AT THE PRIMARY 6 LEVEL AND THAT THE INCREASINGLY COMPLEX DEMANDS, TECHNICAL, COMMERCIAL OR PROFESSIONAL, OF THE EIGHTIES WILL DEMAND A WINE-YEAR BASIC COURSE OF GENERAL EDUCATION WHICH INCLUDES A SUBSTANTIAL TECHNItAL/PRACTICAL ELEMENT.*
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1), 1974..
- 18 -
MR. TOPLEY MADE IT CLEAR THAT EXISTING AND PLANNED PREVOCATIONALS WILL CONTINUE AND WILL EXPAND UP TO THE TARGET OF SOME 10,000 PLACES.
+THIS MEANS THEIR NUMBER WILL BE TREBLED AND THEY WILL EXPAND FURTHER, IF, AS I VERY MUCH HOPE, THEY ADOPT THE EXTENDED DAY MODE OF OPERATION AND MAXIMISE THE USE OF THEIR ACCOMMODATION,* HE SAID.
PREVOCATIONALS WILL CONTINUE TO EXIST IN THEIR OWN RIGHT AND WITH PARITY OF ESTEEM AND IMPORTANCE WITH OTHER SCHOOLS.
TECHNICAL LECTURERS TRAINING
ON MR. JAMES WU’S REFERENCE TO THE NEED FOR UP-DATING THE TRAINING OF LECTURERS IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE ORGANISATION OF SUCH RETRAINING LOCALLY WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY AT THIS STAGE OF THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
HE EXPRESSED SOME DEGREE OF SATISFACTION AT THE SPEED WITH WHICH THIS COLLEGE WAS SET UP AND WITH THE EXCELLENT START IT HAS MADE SINCE THE OPENING DATE ONLY TWO MONTHS AGO.
+IN ADDITION, WE HAVE, AND HAVE HAD FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS, A SIGNIFICANT PROGRAMME OF OVERSEAS COURSES AND ATTACHMENTS FOR OFFICERS IN THE TECHNICAL FIELD TO ENSURE THE UP-DATING OF THE BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF THESE OFFICERS. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT MATTER WITH MODERN TECHNOLOGY MOVING AT THE RATE IT DOES.
+1 FULLY APPRECIATE THE NEED FOR THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES KEEPING IN THE CLOSEST POSSFBLE TOUCH WITH INDUSTRY AND I WILL GIVE EVERY ENCOURAGEMENT TO MY OFFICERS TO DO JUST THIS,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
SECONDARY EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION
REFERRING TO MR. CHEONG-LEEN’S REQUEST THAT A PAPER BE PREPARED ON THE EXTENSION OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION TO THE SECONDARY AND TERTIARY SECTORS OF EDUCATION WITHIN 18 MONTHS, THE DIRECTOR SAID: +THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALREADY APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE INTRODUCTION OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION INTO SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
+DETAILED PROPOSALS RESPECTING EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN FORMULATED AND ARE BEING STUDIED IN THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT. SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WILL INDEED BE VERY VALUABLE IN THE CONTEXT OF THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS FOR SECONDARY EDUCATION.*
ON TACKLING THE PROBLEM OF DROPPING OUT, MR. TOPLEY SAID THE USE OF COMPULSORY POWERS WAS CERTAINLY RELEVANT BUT HE WOULD COUNSEL AT THIS STAGE AGAINST THE INTRODUCTION OF FURTHER LEGISLATION ON COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE.
/^WITHOUT A .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 19
♦WITHOUT A LARGE NUMBER OF ATTENDANCE OFFICERS, IT WOULD BE UNENFORCEABLE. FURTHERMORE, THE STATISTICS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO GATHER INDICATE THAT THE PROBLEM OF DROP-OUT IS QUANTITATIVELY SMALL, I.E. ONLY A VERY SMALL PERCENTAGE OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT IN FACT DROP OUT. THIS IS NOT TO PLAY DOWN THE SERIOUS IMPLICATION FOR SOCIETY OF CHILDREN NOT AT SCHOOL INCLUDING THOSE DROPPING OUT,+ HE SAID.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN
MR. TOPLEY WAS CONSULTING THE DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION SERVICES ON THE BEST WAY OF MOUNTING A SHORT BUT INTENSIVE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN, STRESSING THE IMPORTANCE OF CHILDREN OF ATTENDING SCHOOL AND OF COMPLETING THE FULL PRIMARY COURSE TO PARENTS.
♦THIS WILL MAKE CLEAR TO THE PUBLIC IN GENERAL AND TO SOCIAL WORKERS IN PARTICULAR, WHAT THEY SHOULD DO IN CASES OF CHILDREN DROPPING OUT OR NOT ATTEND I NG’SCHOOL. IT WILL ALSO EXPLAIN WHAT ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE TO REMEDY THE SITUATION,+ HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR WENT ON TO SAY: +WHEN WE HAVE ACHIEVED THE NINE-YEAR BASIC COURSE, THE PROBLEM OF DROPPING OUT WILL EMERGE AT THE FORMS I TO III LEVEL, PROBABLY IN A MORE INTRACTABLE FORM.
♦FURTHERMORE, UNTIL THE AIM OF HAVING PLACES AVAILABLE FOR 100 PER CENT OF THE 12-14 AGE GROUP IS ACHIEVED, I CANNOT OVEREMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF TRYING TO FILL THE GAP BY SOME INTERIM MEASURES.
♦THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT WILL BE ABLE TO HELP HERE AS WILL THE WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES, INCLUDING CRAFT COURSES BEING ORGANISED BY THE SOCI AU WELFARE DEPARTMENT. I MYSELF AM GIVING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO ASSESSING THE NEED FOR EVENING CLASSES.+
AGE OF ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL
TUNING T0 MR- BILSON WANG’S PROPOSAL THAT THE AGE OF ENTRY TO PRIMARY SCHOOL SHOULD BE REDUCED FROM 6 TO 5, MR. TOPLEY SAID
BE A DESIRABLE DEVELOPMENT FROM THE EDUCATIONAL VIEWPOINT OF THE PUPILS AND THEIR PARENTS.
*BUJ, IT BECOMES FULLY DESIRABLE ONLY IN THE CONTEXT OF STILL GREATER FINANCIAL RESOURCES APPLIED,TO EDUCATION. WHILE THE RESOURCES APPLIED TO EDUCATION ARE THE SAME, THE WEIGHT WILL BE FELT IN THE FORM OF STRONGER DEMAND FOR PLACES IN SECONDARY AND TERTIARY EDUCATION.+
POINTED out that it would mean that some children would £?MPLETE three years of secondary education BEFORE THEIR 14TH birthday and before they were fully eligible for employment.
nnnnool. THEREF0RE WELC0HE THE SUGGESTION BUT BELIEVE THAT THIS PROPOSAL SHOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSED WHEN THE TARGETS IN THE WHITE PAPER HAVE BEEN ACHIEVED AND THE NEXT STAGE OF REVIEW HAS BEEN REACHED.+
/EXTRA CURRICULAR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1972*.
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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
MR. TOPLEY CONSIDERED THE EMPHASIS LAID BY MISS KO SIU-MAH ON EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES TO BE ENTIRELY JUSTIFIED.
HE ADMITTED THAT THE EXTENDED DAY ARRANGEMENTS +MAY MAKE FOR CERTAIN DIFFICULTIES IN THE ORGANISATION OF EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES BUT IN OTHER WAYS THE STAGGERING OF THE TIMES OF DISMISSAL OF CLASSES AT THE END OF THE SESSION MAY EE HELPFUL. I AM CONSTANTLY ENCOURAGING SCHOOLS TO EXTEND THEIR ACTIVITIES IN THIS FIELD AND MANY SCHOOLS DO A GREAT DEAL IN THIS DIRECTION.*
THE DIRECTOR WAS HOPING TO EXTEND THE LUEN Yl SCHEME IN WHICH ONE SCHOOL, NORMALLY A SECONDARY, ’ADOPTS’ A SMALLER PRIMARY SCHOOL TO SUPPORT A WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ACTIVITIES.
ACCEPTING MISS KO’S POINT THAT SCHOOLS REPRESENTED A VALUABLE CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND SHOULD NOT LIE EMPTY AFTER SCHOOL HOURS EXCEPT FOR PUPILS ENGAGED ON EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT A MAJOR PRIORITY WAS TO EXTEND THE RANGE OF ADULT EDUCATION ACTIVITIES WHICH INCLUDED EVENING CALSSES.
QUALITY
TURNING TO CRITICISM OF THE WHITE PAPER FOR SAYING VERY LITTLE ON QUALITY, MR. TOPLEJf SAID t +THIS HAS GIVEN A MISLEADING' IMPRESSION TO THE PUBLIC THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SIMPLY DO NOT CARE ENOUGH ABOUT QUALITY, THAT ONLY QUANTITY LOOMS LARGE IN OUR PLANS. NOTHING IS FURTHER FROM THE TRUTH. QUALITY IS A DIFFICULT AND ABSTRACT CONCEPT. IT IS OFTEN DEFINED IN TERMS OF BASIC EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHIES.
+l PREFER TO TAKE A MORE REALISTIC POSITION. IN MY VIEW, QUALITY IS A GOOD TEACHER, GIVING A GOOD LESSON TO PUPILS WHO FEEL THEY ARE LEARNING SOMETHING WORTHWHILE. THE KEY MUST LIE IN THE TEACHER AND IN THE EQUIPMENT AND MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO HIM FOR TEACHING. THUS TEACHER TRAINING AND RE-TRAINING IS THE KEY TO QUALITY.
+THE BASIC TEACHER TRAINING COURSES, THE THIRD YEAR COURSES TO EXTEND THE RANGE OF BASIC TRAINING, THE RE-TRAINING AND REFRESHER COURSES LONG AND SHORT, OVERSEAS COURSES, ALL HAVE A PART TO PLAY, ALL ARE BEING LOOKED AT WITH A VIEW TO IMPROVEMENTS.*
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE FOURTH COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WOULD BE THOUGHT OUT AND DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TRAINING TEACHERS TO PARTICIPATE IN A NEW EDUCATIONAL WORLD WHERE NEW AND MORE PRACTICAL SYLLABUSES WOULD BE TAUGHT.
HE SAID THAT THE CHINESE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE CENTRES WERE IN THEIR INFANCY BUT WERE SUSCEPTIBLE OF GREAT DEVELOPMENT.
/HR. TOPLEY .....
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974
MR. TOPLEY WAS CONSIDERING THE DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS’ CENTRES BASED ON VISUAL EDUCATION AND TEACHING RESOURCE CENTRES. +WE HAVE ENOUGH SPARE PRIMARY ACCOMMODATION FOR THIS,+ HE ADDED.
THE INSPECTORATE, ABOVE ALL, HAS A VITAL ROLE TO PLAY, SO HAS THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE-APPROPRI ATE AND LESS ACADEMIC ' SYLLABUSES.
+THERE IS NO ONE PANACEA WHICH WILL ENSURE QUALITY. THE PROBLEM HAS TO BE ATTACKED FROM EVERY QUARTER WITH DETERMINATION AND VIGOUR. THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT WE ARE DOING,+ THE DIRECTOR STRESSED.
SPECIAL EDUCATION
ALTHOUGH THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC MENTION OF EDUCATION FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN IN THE WHITE PAPER, MR. TOPLEY EMPHASISED THAT THE TARGETS SET FOR EDUCATION IN THE WHITE PAPER WERE ALSO ACCEPTED FOR CHILDREN NEEDING SPECIAL EDUCATION. BUT IT WOULD TAKE LONGER TO ACHIEVE.
+EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO ACCELERATE THE SECOND FIVE YEAR DEVELOPMENT PLAN FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION NOW IN ITS THIRD YEAR AND TO DEVELOP IT TO INCLUDE AS MUCH EXPANSION IN THE SECONDARY SECTOR AS IS FEASIBLE.*
THE FIGURE OF 120,000 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN MENTIONED BY DR. FANG AND ACCEPTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS A NOTIONAL ONE.
THE DIRECTOR SAID IT WAS ARRIVED AT BY ASSUMING THAT TEN PER CENT OF THE SCHOOL AGE POPULATION HAVE SOME FORM OF HANDICAP, THE PREPONDERANCE BEING SLOW LEARNERS. +IN FACT THE MAJORITY OF THESE CHILDREN ARE IN SCHOOL ALREADY RECEIVING A FORM OF PRIMARY EDUCATION NOT REALLY APPROPRIATE TO THEIR PRESENT LEVEL OF DEVELOPMENT. WHAT IS IDEALLY REQUIRED IS THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL CLASSES FOR ALL SLOW LEARNERS. THIS WILL TAKE TIME. IN THE MEANTIME I INTEND THAT THERE SHOULD BE FRESH ARRANGEMENTS IN THE ORDINARY PRIMARY SCHOOL CLASSES TO MODIFY THE SYLLABUS TO BETTER MEET THE NEEDS OF THOSE PUPILS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES.*
DR. FANG HAS SAID THAT FOR THE 120,000 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN THERE ARE PLACES FOR LESS THAN 5,000.
IN FACT, MR. TOPLEY SAID, +THERE ARE 8,500 PLACES WHEN SPECIAL CLASSES ARE COUNTED IN, WHICH THEY CERTAINLY SHOULD BE.*
STATING THAT SPECIAL EDUCATION IS A DIFFERENT AND DIFFICULT QUESTION, THE DIRECTOR EMPHASISED THAT +EVEN WITH THE MOST GENEROUS POSSIBLE ALLOCATION OF RESOURCES IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO DISPOSE OF THIS PROBLEM COMPLETELY WITHIN A BRIEF PERIOD.
/+NEVEBTHELESS .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 197U.
- 22 -
♦NEVERTHELESS WE HAVE MADE A SUBSTANTIAL BEGINNING AND I AM CONVINCED WE ARE WORKING ALONG THE RIGHT LINES. WHAT IS MORE, OUR ACHIEVEMENT AND OUR STANDARDS OF WORK COMPARE FAVOURABLY WITH THE WORK DONE IN MANY NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES.*
ENGLISH SCHOOL PLACES
REGARDING THE CONCERN EXPRESSED BY MR. WILLIAMS IN RESPECT OF THE PROVISION OF ENGLISH SCHOOL PLACES, MR. TOPLEY ASSURED HIM THAT THE PRESENT POSITION WAS NOT DUE TO A LACK OF FORESIGHT OR PLANNING BUT TO A NEED TO USE AVAILABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES TO THE UTMOST AGAINST AN ERRATIC DEMAND.
TO MEET THE PRESENT DEMAND, THE DIRECTOR SAID HE INTENDED TO USE SPARE ACCOMMODATION IN EXISTING BUILDINGS.
AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL, EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD SCHOOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TAI HANG TUNG SCHOOL IN YAU YAT CHUEN IN KOWLOON, THE FORMER ON A TEMPORARY BASIS UNTIL A NEW SCHOOL WAS BUILT AT STUBBS ROAD AND THE LATTER ON A PERMANENT BASIS.
+IN ADDITION, I INTEND TO CONTINUE TO USE THE EXISTING QUARRY BAY AND KENNEDY ROAD SCHOOLS UNTIL THEY CAN BE REPROVISIONED AS ONE SCHOOL ON A SITE ON THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND,* HE SAID.
\
AS REGARDS THE STUBBS ROAD SITE IT IS NOW INTENDED THAT A NEW SCHOOL TO BE RUN BY THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION SHOULD BE BUILT ON THIS SITE. +l REGRET TO STATE, HOWEVER, THAT THE STUBBS ROAD PROJECT HAS FAILED TO COMPETE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL WITH OTHER PRIORITY PROJECTS, AND CANNOT THEREFORE BE PROCEEDED WITH AT PRESENT DUE TO THE LACK OF FUNDS.*
AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL, THE DIRECTOR SAID + IT WILL BE ENTIRELY POSSIBLE TO USE THE PREMISES OF THE FORMER MILITARY HOSPITAL IN BOWEN ROAD AS AN ANNEX TO ISLAND SCHOOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND NECESSARY ALTERATIONS CAN BE PUT ON HAND STRAIGHT AWAY. A DEGREE OF FLOTATION CAN ALSO BE INTRODUCED IN KING GEORGE V SCHOOL IN KOWLOON. BOTH OF THESE MEASURES WILL BE TEMPORARY UNTIL A NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL CAN BE BUILT ON A SITE AVAILABLE IN CORNWALL STREET, KOWLOON.* HOWEVER, MR. TOPLEY EMPHASdSED THAT +NO FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR THIS PROJECT AT PRESENT, AND I WILL TRY TO INTRODUCE AN ITEM IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.*
HE EXPLAINED THAT FOR THE TIME BEING, BY PRESENT CALCULATIONS UNTIL 1978, ADEQUATE PLACES COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IN ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS AT BOTH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVELS.
+IN THE LONGER TERM WE FACE A NEW SITUATION IN WHICH THE CASE FOR NEW SCHOOLS IS GENERALLY AGREED BUT IN WHICH THE SHORTAGE OF FUNDS IN RELATION TO THE STRENGTH OF OTHER COMPETING ITEMS OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE MAKE THE SITUATION MUCH MORE DIFFICULT.
/+! HAVE .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBEH 1J, 1974.
- 25 -
+l HAVE BEGUN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ENGLISH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION AND THE JOINT COUNVIL OF PARENT-TEACHERS ASSOCIATIONS AS TO HOW BEST TO MEET THIS SITUATION, TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE BREATHING SPACE PROVIDED BY THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENTS . WHICH I HAVE DESCRIBED,* HE SAID.
GOOD PROGRESS MADE
THE DIRECTOR ENDED HIS ADDRESS BY DRAWING ATTENTION TO THE TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PROGRESS ACHIEVED SINCE THE PREVIOUS WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION WAS APPROVED IN THE.LEG ISLATIVE COUNCIL IN 1965.
IN 1964 THERE WERE SOME 43,000 KINDERGARTEN PUPILS WHEREAS THIS YEAR THERE ARE 144,000. IN 1964 THERE WERE 316,000 PUPILS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, TODAY THERE ARE 577,000 SUCH PUPILS.
AT THE SECONDARY LEVEL THE NUMBER ENROLLED IN GOVERNMENT, GRANT AND SUBSIDIZED SCHOOLS WAS 47,000. TODAY THERE ARE 180,000 PUPILS ENROLLED IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, INCLUDING BOUGHT PLACES.
+ IN THE FIELD OF QUALITY,* HE SAID, +THERE HAS BEEN A COMPARABLE ADVANCE AS INSTANCED BY THE INTRODUCTION OF E.T.V. INTO SCHOOLS AT THE PRIMARY LEVEL, THE EXTENSION FROM ONE-YEAR TO TWO-YEARS COURSES IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THREE-YEAR COURSES IN CERTAIN SPECIALIST FIELDS- THE SETTING UP OF TEACHING CENTRES .... THE BUILDING OF A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE- THE OPENING OF A TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, THE INTRODUCTION OF THE SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME AND AT FORM V LEVEL THE CHANGE EROM A GROUP BASED EXAMINATION TO A SUBJECT BASED ONE WHICH CAN'BE TAKEN IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE.*
MR. TOPLEY MENTIONED THE VIGOROUS DEVELOPMENT OF THE CURRICULUM AND TEACHING TECHNIQUES DURING THIS PERIOD'WHEN FREE PRIMARY SCHOOLING WAS INTRODUCED.
IN THE SAME PERIOD TWO DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION WERE APPROVED, A NEW TEACHING STRUCTURE AND INCREASED FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WAS ACCORDED TO SCHOOLS IN THE AIDED SECTOR AND THE FORMER TECHNICAL COLLEGE DEVELOPED INTO A POLYTECHNIC.
AS REGARDS THE FUTURE, MR. TOPLEY SAID: +THERE IS MUCH STILL TO BE DONE AS I WELL KNOW. I AM SURE I CAN RELY UPON THE SUPPORT OF HONOURABLE MEMBERS IN THIS AND INDEED WE SHALL NEED THE SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT OF THOSE CONCERNED WITH AND CONCERNED ABOUT EDUCATION IN ALL SECTIONS OF OUR SOCIETY.*
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 24 -
MORE RESIDENTIAL LAND TO BE MADE AVAILABLE I'N NEW TERRITORIES ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID .AKERS-JONES, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT MORE LAND WILL BE RESUMED IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NEXT YEAR TO PROVIDE YET MORE LAND FOR HOUSING PROJECTS.
LAST YEAR, HE SAID, SOME EIGHT MILLION SQUARE FEET OF PRIVATE LAND WERE RESUMED FOR PUBLIC USE.
MR. AKERS-JONES ADDED THAT WITH REGARD TO THE ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE LAND IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION LAST YEAR INTRODUCED A NEW METHOD OF COMPENSATING. OWNERS OF LAND OUTSIDE THE NEW TOWNS AT A MORE REALISTIC RATE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, THE LAND EXCHANGE SYSTEM, WHICH DEPENDS ON THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE LAND FOR EXCHANGE, WAS NOT FUNCTIONING AS WELL AS HE WOULD LIKE.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE THE DEMAND FOR LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WAS SO GREAT THAT THERE WAS INSUFFICIENT LAND READILY AVAILABLE WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SPAN TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO GRANT LAND IN EXCHANGE.
+THIS, AND A NUMBER OF OTHER LAND PROBLEMS ARE CONCERNING MY DEPARTMENT AT THIS MOMENT AND I MENTION THEM TODAY BY WAY OF EXPLANATION TO THIS COUNCIL AND TO A WIDER PUBLIC SO THAT THERE IS A GREATER UNDERSTANDING OF THE FREQUENT REFERENCES IN OUR DAILY NEWSPAPERS TO THE VIGOROUS DISSATISFACTION SO FREQUENTLY VOICED ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S LANQ POLICIES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND ' THE REGULAR DISCUSSIONS I HOLD WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK. WE HAVE TO FIND AN EQUITABLE SOLUTION TO THESE QUESTIONS,+ MR. AKERS-JONES SAID.
IN REPLY TO A POINT RAISED BY THE HON. Q.W. LEE, ABOUT THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OLD MARKET TOWNS THE SECRETARY SAIDs+ THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE OLD MARKET TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IS NOT AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS’ THE TWO SHOULD GO ALONG SIDE BY SIDE.
+IT IS FOR THIS REASON THAT WE ARE JUST ABOUT TO ENGAGE CONSULTANTS TO ADVICE US ON THE ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS TO EXPAND THE MARKET TOWNS OF TAIPO, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHUI,+ HE SAID.
WHEN THE BASIC INFORMATION WAS OBTAINED FROM THESE ENGINEERING STUDIES A COMPARATIVELY MODEST GOVERNMENT INVESTMENT IN A STAGED DEVELOPMENT OF ROADS AND DRAINS AT THESE TOWNS WOULD BE AMPLY REPAID, AND WOULD ENABLE THE PRIVATE DEVELOPER TO MAKE A FURTHER SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE FULFILMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S HOUSING TARGET IN THESE EXISTING CENTRES OF POPULATION.
• SPEAKING ABOUT THE FUTURE, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID ALMOST ALL THE GREAT DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS FOR HONG KONG LIE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/SOME ARE .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 25 -
„ +S0ME ARE already nearly complete, others are UNDER notSyetCspecif?™ERS ARE planned’ others are TALK£D about but are
AND LANDEFORLLE?SURERN LAND ~ LAND F°R H0USING» LAND F0R INDUSTRY,
+ IMPLEMENTING THESE PLANS AND SOLVING THESE PRORI fmq uiii require patience, flexibility and compromise- ?-s ENSURE THAT OUR COMPENSATION POLICIES FOR THE S'SaTkKSFIaSDER3'ABE PMCTICAL- fair
ABOVE ALL WE MUST DISTURBANCE OF AND UP-TO-DATE,*
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/26
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 26 -
TEN BILLS INTRODUCED IN LEGCO *****
TEN NEW BILLS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL •TODAY FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING.
THEY ARE THE FIRST BATCH OF PROPOSED LEGISLATION TO BE CONSIDERED DURING THE NEW SESSION.
THEY ARE:
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT)(N0.4) BILL WHICH, IF ENACTED, WILL GIVE FURTHER PROTECTION TO COMPANY NAMES BY PROHIBITING THE REGISTRATION OF ANY COMPANY UNDER A NAME IDENTICAL, OR DECEPTIVELY SIMILAR, TO THAT OF A FOREIGN COMPANY INCORPORATED OUTSIDE HONG KONG AND CARRYING ON BUSINESS HERE OR THAT OF A BODY CORPORATE INCORPORATED OR ESTABLISHED UNDER AN ORDINANCE.
' THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WILL ENABLE THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL COMPANY TO CHARGE A FEE OF $50 FOR THE ISSUE OF A PERMIT FOR EXTRA LARGE VEHICLES TO USE THE TUNNEL.
THE FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, BOTH OF WHICH SEEK TO MAKE NEW PROVISIONS WHICH WILL ALLOW 'A WIDER RANGE OF INVESTMENTS AND IN PARTICULAR WILL PERMIT COMPANIES TO DEPOSIT NOTES ISSUED BY THE HONG KONG BUILDING AND LOAN AGENCY THE PAYMENT OF WHICH IS GUARANTEED BY THS GOVERNMENT.
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH PROVIDES FOR AN INCREASE IN THE PENALTIES FOR CONTRAVENTION OF THE MERCHANT SHIPPING ORDINANCE, AND CONFERS ON THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE CERTAIN POWERS GOVERNING THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY FOR OFFICERS AND •SEAMEN OF THE MERCANTILE MARINE.
THE CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION) (REPEAL) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO REPEAL THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WHICH PROHIBITS CHARITABLE BODIES FROM ACQUIRING LAND OTHER THAN UNDER LICENCE GRANTED BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH AMENDS THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE l-N ORDER TO REMOVE SOME UNCERTAINTY.
THE LION ROCK TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH INTRODUCES TRAFFIC ORDINANCE UNDER WHICH AUTHORISED OFFICERS CAN DEMAND PARTICULARS OF A DRIVER OF A VEHICLE SUSPECTED OF HAVING COMMITTED A TRAFFIC OFFENCE.
THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (POK FU LAM AND MID-LEVELS) (AMENDMENT)(N0.2) BILL WHICH LIFTS THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON DEVELOPMENT IN POK FU LAM BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
/THE SUPPLEMENTARY .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 27 -
THE SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1973-74) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO GIVE FINAL LEGISLATIVE AUTHORITY TO THE SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE AUTHORISED BY RESOLUTIONS OF THE COUNCIL. IT IS THE LAST STAGE IN DISPOSING OF EXPENDITURE INCURRED DURING THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1973-74.
THE TOTAL NET SUPPLEMENTARY EXPENDITURE AMOUNTS TO MORE THAN' $833 MILLION UNDER 46 HEADS, WITH THE $300 MILLION REQUIRED AS EQUITY CONTRIBUTION TO THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION BEING THE LARGEST SINGLE ITEM ACCOUNTING FOR THE INCREASE.
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE, INTRODUCED THE HELENA MAY INSTITUTE OF WOMEN (AMENDMENT) BILL TO THE COUNCIL.
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/28
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 28 -
CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION)(REPEAL) BILL, 1974 . ft ***** *
THE CHAR I TIES(LAND ACQUISITION) ORDINANCE, ENACTED IN 1958 WITH A VIEW TO PREVENT EXCESSIVE AREAS OF LAND IN THE HANDS OF CHARITABLE BODIES AND THEREBY TO ENSURE THAT THE BEST USE AND DEVELOPMENT BE MADE OF SUCH LAND, IS TO BE REPEALED.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. JAMES ROBSON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON THAT THE ORDINANCE HAD ACHIEVED LITTLE.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION)(REPEAL) BILL, 1974, HE SAID: +IT WAS ARGUED, AT THE TIME OF ENACTMENT, THAT BECAUSE OF THE TENDENCY OF CHARITABLE BODIES, BY VIRTUE OF PERPETUAL SUCCESSION, TO RETAIN LAND INDEFINITELY AND NOT TO DEVELOP IT FULLY, GOVERNMENT STANDS TO LOSE ESTATE DUTY, STAMP DUTY ON CONVEYANCES, AND RATES. •
• +THE FEELING NOW, HOWEVER, IS THAT ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES IN HONG KONG NORMALLY DICTATE THE FULLEST POSSIBLE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS OWNED BY A CHARITABLE BODY.+
THE RECORD SHOWED, HE CONTINUED, THAT SINCE THE ORDINANCE CAME INTO FORCE, ONLY ONE OUT OF OVER 750 APPLICATIONS HAD BEEN REFUSED FOR REASONS STRICTLY CONNECTED WITH ITS PROVISION, AND ONLY ANOTHER 12 HAD BEEN REFUSED FOR OTHER REASONS.
IN THE PAST 16 YEARS, ALMOST 14 MILLION SQUARE FEET OF LAND AND OVER 400 UNDIVIDED SHARES IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS HAD BEEN ACQUIRED BY CHAR ITlABLE BODIES UNDER LICENCE UNDER THE ORDINANCE.
HE ADDED: +THE ORDINANCE APPEARS THEREFORE TO BE ACHIEVING LITTLE BUT IT DOES OCCUPY THE TIME OF VALUABLE PROFESSIONAL STAFF, CHIEFLY IN THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT AND, TO A LESSER EXTENT, IN THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
+IT ALSO PLACES ON CHARITABLE BODIES A TEDIOUS OBLIGATION AS WELL AS A BURDEN IN THE FORM OF FEES FOR SOLICITORS’ SERVICES.+
MR. ROBSON SAID HE WAS THEREFORE CONVINCED THAT +T0 REPEAL THE ORDINANCE WOULD BE NOT MERELY A CHARITABLE ACT BUT ALSO A HIGHLY PRACTICAL ONE IN THAT IT WOULD ELIMINATE UNNECESSARY CONTROLS AND FREE GOVERNMENT STAFF AND PERHAPS SOLICITORS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR MORE USEFUL WORK.+
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
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/29
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974
- 29 -
STERLING GUARANTEE WILL NOT BE EXTENDED X X X X X X
THE STERLING GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENT WILL NOT BE EXTENDED WHEN IT LAPSES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY MR. DENIS HEALEY, CHANCELLOR OF ' THE EXCHEQUER IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IN LONDON ON TUESDAY.
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE DECISION IN ADVANCE.
COMMENTING ON THIS DECISION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE GOVERNMENT NATURALLY REGRETS THE LOSS OF A FACILITY WHICH HAS BEEN AVAILABLE AT HONG KONG’S CHOICE TO ACCEPT OR REJECT. BUT THE GOVERNMENT ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THE ARRANGEMENT WAS OFFERED AS AN INDUCEMENT TO PARTICIPANTS TO HOLD FUNDS IN STERLING AND HONG KONG HAS NO RIGHT TO EXPECT OR DEMAND THE CONTINUATION OF SUCH A GUARANTEE. THE GOVERNMENT WILL DECIDE THE DISPOSITION OF ITS EXTERNAL RESERVES IN FUTURE BY REFERENCE TO NORMAL CONSIDERATIONS OF INTEREST RETURNS AND EXCHANGE RISKS.+ •
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE U.K. AUTHORITIES TAKE THE VIEW THAT THE GUARANTEE ARRANGEMENTS HAVE IN THE PAST MADE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL STABILITY, BUT THAT THEIR RELEVANCE HAS DIMINISHED SUBSTANTIALLY IN THE WAKE OF THE RECENT MASSIVE CHANGES IN THE INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM. THE GUARANTEES WERE ORIGINALLY DESIGNED IN 1968 TO ACHIEVE STABILITY OF EXISTING HOLDINGS OF STERLING. THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT BELIEVES, HOWEVER, THAT THE INTERNATIONAL DIMENSION OF THE PROBLEM OF CHANNELLING THE SURPLUS REVENUES OF THE OIL PRODUCERS HAS MADE THEIR CONTINUATION INAPPROPRIATE.
BACKGROUND NOTES FOR EDITORS’*
THE FIRST STERLING GUARANTEE AGREEMENT CAME INTO EFFECT IN SEPTEMBER 1968. BRITAIN OFFERED ALL MEMBERS OF THE STERLING AREA, INCLUDING HONG KONG, A GUARANTEE IN TERMS OF US DOLLAR VALUE OF ALL OFFICIALLY HELD STERLING IN EXCESS OF 10% OF EACH COUNTRY’S TOTAL OFFICIAL EXTERNAL RESERVES. THIS WAS IN RETURN FOR THEIR UNDERTAKING TO MAINTAIN A MINIMUM PROPORTION OF THEIR EXTERNAL RESERVES IN THE FORM OF STERLING. THE MINIMUM STERLING PROPORTION FOR HONG KONG WAS 99% AT FIRST, BUT IT WAS REDUCED TO 89.1% IN SEPTEMBER 1971. ARRANGEMENTS WERE MADE IN HONG KONG’S SPECIAL CASE TO BRING A SUBSTANTIAL PART OF THE COMMERCIAL BANKS’ LARGE HOLDINGS OF STERLING WITHIN THE SCOPE OF THE GUARANTEE. STERLING’S WEAKNESS LATE IN 1972 CAUSED THE GUARANTEE TO BE IMPLEMENTED, AND THE U.K. PAID OUT SOME 59 MILLION POUNDS STERLING IN COMPENSATION, OF WHICH 15.3 MILLION POUNDS STERLING WAS HONG KONG’S SHARE. THIS GUARANTEE AGREEMENT CAME TO AN END, AFTER FIVE YEARS, IN SEPTEMBER 1973.
THE UNCERTAIN WORLD OUTLOOK AT THAT TIME MADE IT UNLIKELY THAT PARTICIPANTS WOULD WISH TO ENTER INTO NEW LONG-TERM AGREEMENTS, SO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT UNILATERALLY OFFERED A FURTHER GUARANTEE FOR THE PERIOD OF ABOUT SIX MONTHS ENDING 31ST MARCH 1974. THE TERMS WERE BROADLY SIMILAR, BUT THE STERLING HOLDINGS OF COMMERCIAL BANKS HERE WERE NO LONGER COVERED: REFLECTING THIS, HONG KONG’S MINIMUM STERLING PROPORTION WAS REDUCED TO 78%. ANOTHER PERIOD OF WEAKNESS FOR STERLING EARLY THIS YEAR LED TO FURTHER COMPENSATION PAYMENTS BEING MADE BY THE U.K. TO THE PARTICIPANTS, TOTALLING ABOUT 80 MILLION POUNDS STERLING: HONG KONG’S SHARE THIS TIME WAS LOWER, BECAUSE ONLY OFFICIAL STERLING HOLDINGS WERE COVERED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- JO -
THE GUARANTEE CURRENTLY IN OPERATION WAS AGAIN OFFERED UNILATERALLY BY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO COVER THE PERIOD FROM 1ST APRIL TO 31ST DECEMBER THIS YEAR. THIS TIME HONG KONG’S MINIMUM STERLING PROPORTION IS 70% OF TOTAL OFFICIAL EXTERNALRESERVES AS AT 31ST MARCH 1974. THE GUARANTEE IS NO LONGER IN TERMS OF US DOLLAR VALUE, BUT INSTEAD IS IN TERMS OF STERLING’S EFFECTIVE DEPRECIATION AGAINST TEN OTHER MAJOR CURRENCIES AS CALCULATED IN A TRADE-WEIGHTED INDEX. IT COMES INTO EFFECT IF THE POUND’S AVERAGE DEPRECIATION FROM +SMITHSONIAN+ PARITIES (I.E. SINCE 19TH DECEMBER 1971) IS GREATER ON AVERAGE DURING THE NINE-MONTH PERIOD OF THE GUARANTEE THAN 18.35% (THE AVERAGE DEPRECIATION DURING THE SIXMONTH PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS GUARANTEE).
A FEATURE OF THE GUARANTEES OFFERED UNILATERALLY SINCE SEPTEMBER 1973 HAS BEEN THAT HONG KONG HAS NOT HAD TO UNDERTAKE FROM THE START TO MAINTAIN THE REQUIRED STERLING HOLDING THROUGHOUT THE PERIOD. IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN POSSIBLE TO SPEND STERLING HELD IN THE RESERVES. PROVIDED THAT OTHER CURRENCIES WERE SPENT ALSO SO THAT THE SPECIFIED PROPORTIONS WERE" MA INTAINED= BUT UNDER THE UNILATERAL OFFERS HONG KONG COULD ALSO HAVE DECIDED AT ANY TIME THAT THE GUARANTEE NO LONGER OFFERED SUFFICIENT INDUCEMENT TO MAINTAIN THE SPECIFIED STERLING HOLDING. IN PRACTICE, BECAUSE A LARGE PART OF HONG KONG’S OFFICIAL STERLING HOLDINGS WERE INVESTED IN GILT-EDGED SECURITIES, AND THE MARKET PRICES OF THESE HAVE TENDED TO BE WEAK IN A PERIOD OF HIGH INTEREST RATES (ALTHOUGH THEY WILL EVENTUALLY BE REDEEMED AT THEIR FULL NOMINAL VALUES), HONG KONG COULD HAVE SWITCHED OUT OF STERLING AND INTO OTHER CURRENCIES ONLY AT A SUBSTANTIAL LOSS. SO THE GUARANTEES HAVE IN EFFECT PROVIDED A USEFUL BONUS.
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/J1
K
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 31 -
MINIMUM OF RED TAPE PARTLY RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG’S TRADE SUCCESS, SAYS DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
M M * K X
ONE OF THE FACTORS RESPONSIBLE FOR HONG KONG’S SUCCESS IN THE FIELD OF TRADE IS THAT THE GOVERNMENT TRIES TO KEEP RED TAPE TO A MINIMUM, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN SAID TODAY.
MR. JORDAN WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE HONG KONG FAR EAST TRADE FACILITATION SEMINAR - THE FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE HELD HERE.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR IS TO DISCUSS WAYS OF FURTHER STREAMLINING INTERNATIONAL TRADE PROCEDURES AND DOCUMENTATION TO KEEP ABREAST OF MODERN MODES OF FAST TRANSPORTATION AND COMMUNICATION.
MR. JORDAN SAID HONG KONG WAS AN APPROPRIATE PLACE FOR THE SEMINAR BECAUSE THE ECONOMY WAS UNIQUELY DEPENDENT ON INTERNATIONAL TRADE.
DELEGATES FROM MANY COUNTRIES AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATIONS ARE ATTENDING THE TWO-DAY EVENT. THESE INCLUDE THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, BRITAIN, JAPAN, THE PHILIPPINES, FRANCE, THE ECONOMIC COMMISSION FOR EUROPE (ECE). THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC (ESCAP), THE INTERNATIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (ICC) AND THE INTERNATIONAL MARITIME COMMITTEE (CMI).
MR. JORDAN SAID HIS DEPARTMENT DOES ITS UTMOST TO ENSURE THAT TRADE FORMALITIES CAN BE OBSERVED WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF BOTHER TO THE TRADE, AND POINTED OUT THAT CERTIFICATES AND LICENCES, WHEN REQUIRED, COULD NORMALLY BE OBTAINED WITHIN 24 TO 48 HOURS AFTER APPLICATION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE TRADE FACILITATION MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG BEGAN IN 1967 WHEN A WORKING PARTY ON SIMPLIER TRADE DOCUMENTS WAS ESTABLISHED.
THIS WAS RECONSTITUTED LAST YEAR AS THE HONG KONG TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE WHICH IS SERVICED BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMITTEE’S MEMBERSHIP INCLUDES REPRESENTATIVES OF ALL THE MAJOR TRADE, INDUSTRIAL, TRANSPORT, BANKING AND OTHER SERVICE INSTITUTIONS.
HE SAID CONSIDERABLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN THE FIELD OF SIMPLICATION AND STANDARDISATION OF TRADE DOCUMENTS AND PROCEDURES.
/MR. JORDAN .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1J, 1974.
- 32 -
MR. JORDAN PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF MR. IAN TOMLIN, CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE FOR HIS INITIATIVE, ENERGY AND SKILL IN FURTHERING TRADE FACILITATION PROGRESS IN HONG KONG. HE SAID THE TRADE FACILITATION COMMITTEE HAD DONE MUCH TO STANDARDIZE THE DOCUMENTS USED IN TRADE.
HE ADDED I +WE NOW HAVE A HONG KONG ’MASTER’ DOCUMENT TO WHICH ARE ALIGNED ALL THE GOVERNMENT FORMS USED IN THE COURSE OF OUR IMPORT/EXPORT TRADE.
+THIS DOCUMENT IN TURN IS ALIGNED TO THE ECONOMIC COMMISSION IN EUROPE LAYOUT KEY WITH MINOR MOD IFICATION.+
NOTE TO EDITORS! COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. JORDAN SPEECH --------------- ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S.
PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
------0 - - - -
WATER SITUATION REPORT
******
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 54,272 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.6 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE'WERE 59,279 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,162 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,119 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 75.6 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
1.9 MM (0.07 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN). >
I THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,115.5 MM (83.29 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.15 PER CENT.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
- 33 -
KEEPING PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT *****
TO KEEP PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY FIT IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE DIVERSE EMOTIONAL OUTLETS IN ADDITION TO FOOD, CLOTHING AND SHELTER, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. MORRIS MORGAN, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY TO WINNERS OF • GAMES AND COMPETITIONS AT THE THREE-DAY CAMP ORGANISED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION FOR 249 CHILDREN UNDER ITS CARE. THE CAMP WHICH ENDS TQMORROW IS BEING HELD AT WU KWAI SHA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
MR. MORGAN SAID EVERYONE KNOWS THAT SOCIAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN OUR LIVES AND CAMPING IS A VERY GOOD MEANS OF RECREATION, PARTICULARLY AS WE LIVE IN A HIGHLY URBANISED AND INDUSTRALISED PLACE LIKE HONG KONG.
+OUTDOOR LIFE, WHERE WE CAN ENJOY FRESH AIR, SUNSHINE AND TRANQUILITY, IS A WELCOME CHANGE FROM THE MONOTONY IN THE CITY. IN ADDITION, WE CAN GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE THROUGH PLAYING AND LIVING WITH OTHERS.+
MRS. MORGAN PRESENTED PRIZES TO THE WINNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. MORGAN’S SPEECH ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
******
9
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON:
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78 •
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICE OF SWINE ( ALL SOURCES ) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
• * %
/SUPPLIES AND ...
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD LIMITED 6.30 2.00 4.80
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.20 0.70 2.40
SQUID LIMITED 5.50 2.80 3.50
HA 1R-TA1LS NORMAL 2.60 1.20 2.00
LIZARD FISHES LIMITED 4.00 1.00 2.40
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.20 1.10 1.50
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 4.20 1.60 2.80
MELON COAT LIMITED 4.50 1.70 2.80
BREAMS SCARCE 6.00 4.00 5.00
YELLOW BELLY LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.20
MACKERELS SCARCE 5.80 3.00 4.50
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 2.20 1.00 1.60
FORK-TA1L GOOD 2.00 1.00 1.40
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 5.50 2.00 4.00
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.80 2.00 2.50
POMFRETS SCARCE 7.50 4.10 6.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.50 6.00 7.20
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 6.70 4.50 5.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES CVMO CHEUNG SHA VAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKETS
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF WHOLESALE PRICE C$/CATTYJ
SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE 3.40 1.20 2.50
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.00 0.60 1.40
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.60
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.80 0.20 0.50
CHINESE KALE SCARCE 3.20 1.20 2.40
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.50 2.20
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.40 1.00
SPINACH SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.00 1.80 2.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.50 0.80 1.60
SP,NACH SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG TO CONSULT BRITAIN ON PROPOSED EXPANSION OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ................................... 1
TOUGHER MEASURES TO DEAL WITH SEX CRIMINALS............... 4
SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS ADVOCATES GRADUAL ELIMINATION OF WORST ABUSES .IN GAMBLING.................. 6
LAND TO BE GRANTED ON NEW PRIORITY SYSTEM................. 8
PRESSURE FOR EQUAL TREATMENT IN EEC TO CONTINUE ......... 10
PUBLIC CO-OPERATION VITAL IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME........'' 13
PUBLIC AGAIN REMINDED TO KEEP WATER CONSUMPTION DOWN .. 16
CONFERENCE ON ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY OPENS .......................................... 21
SLOW PROGRESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS.................................... 23
WATER SITUATION REPORT................................. 24
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: '5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
HONG KONG TO CONSULT BRITAIN ON PROPOSED LEGCO EXPANSION K # # H # K
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS TO CONSULT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT ON THE QUESTION OF EXPANDING THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERSHIP OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AS PROPOSED BY DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN A FORTNIGHT AGO.
WINDING UP THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DENYS ROBERTS, SAID IT WAS DESIRABLE TO REFLECT FROM TIME TO TIME ON WHETHER THE CONSTITUTIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAD SERVED HONG KONG SO WELL IN THE PAST SHOULD BE ADAPTED SO AS TO EQUIP US TO DEAL MORE EFFECTIVELY WITH CHALLENGES OF THE FUTURE.
BUT HE NOTED THAT BEFORE SUCH CHANGES COULD BE MADE THE ROYAL INSTRUCTIONS WOULD HAVE TO BE AMENDED AND SUCH AN AMENDMENT INVOLVED CONSULTATION WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE COULD NOT COMMENT FURTHER ON DR. CHUNG’S SUGGESTIONS +UNTIL WE HAVE HAD AN OPPORTUNITY TO CARRY OUT THE CONSULTATION.*
DR. CHUNG’S PROPOSALS ENVISAGED AN INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF UNOFFICIAL SEATS FROM 15 TO ABOUT 20 WITH THE NEW MEMBERS SELECTED FROM THOSE WORKING AMONG THE LOWER STRATA OF THE ORGANISATION IN FACTORIES AND SHOPS.
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY PRAISED THE UNOFFICIALS FOR THE WILLINGNESS WITH WHICH THEY ACCEPTED THE INCREASING VOLUME OF COUNCIL WORK, SAYING +THE COMMUNITY IS INDEED FORTUNATE TO FIND SO MANY MEN AND WOMEN WHO ARE PREPARED TO DEVOTE A HIGH PROPORTION OF THEIR TIME TO PUBLIC AFFAIRS, OFTEN AT CONSIDERABLE PERSONAL INCOVENIENCE AND FINANCIAL LOSS.*
TURNING TO THE PROCESS OF DECISION-MAKING, MR. ROBERTS NOTED THAT ANY GOVERNMENT SENSITIVE TO SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC OPINION HAD A NARROW AND DANGEROUS PATH TO TREAD BETWEEN RIGIDITY AND FLEXIBILITY.
GENERALLY, HE AGREED WITH THE HON. LO TAK-SHING THAT A GOVERNMENT SHOULD CHANGE ITS POLICY BECAUSE IT WAS RIGHT TO ALTER IT, NOT MERELY BECAUSE OF THE NOISY OPPOSITION OF A SECTION OF THE COMMUNITY WHICH MAY BE URGING A LIMITED INTEREST NOT REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. -
+NEVERTHELESS, THERE ARE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH THE VERY VOLUME OF CRITICISM AND THE DEGREE OF DISCONTENT GENERATED BY IT, BECOME SUCH POWERFUL FACTORS OF THEMSELVES THAT THEY MUST INFLUENCE THE COURSE OF ACTION OF THE SENSITIVE ADMINISTRATION, WHATEVER J^E MERITS OF THE POLICY AGAINST WHICH THE OPPOSITION HAS BEEN DIRECTED,
HE ADDED.
/HONG KONG, .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
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HONG KONG, HE WENT ON, HAD A LONG TRADITION OF REASONABLE GOVERNMENT MAINTAINED LARGELY BECAUSE OF A REASONABLE POPULATION, +IF THIS DESIRABLE RELATIONSHIP IS TO MAINTAINED — AND IT IS ESSENTIAL FOR OUR HAPPINESS AND PROSPERITY THAT IT SHOULD BE --THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE PREPARED TO LISTEN, AND SOMETIMES MODIFY, ITS POLICIES TO ACCORD WITH POPULAR DEMAND.+
WHILE THIS MIGHT BE INTERPRETED AS A SIGN OF WEAKNESS, SUCH PRESSURES WERE INEVITABLE BECAUSE HONG KONG WAS A FREE SOCIETY IN WHICH OPINIONS MAY BE OPENLY EXPRESSED, AND THIS WAS TO BE ENCOURAGED HE SAID.
HE STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT IF THIS KIND OF LIBERAL SOCIETY WAS TO CONTINUE, THERE MUST BE A LIMIT BEYOND WHICH A CITIZEN MUST NOT SEEK OR BE PERMITTED TO GO. WHILE HE WAS FREE TO HOLD PUBLIC MEETINGS UNDER PROPERLY CONTROLLED CONDITIONS AND MAKE USE OF THE MEDIA TO DISSEMINATE HIS VIEWS’, HE MUST NEVER GO BEYOND PEACEFUL MEANS AND PERSUASIVE PROCESSES OR INCONVENIENCE THE COMMUNITY.
+NOR MUST HE BE ALLOWED TO THINK THAT HE CAN CHANGE GOVERNMENT POLICY BY THREATS, ILLEGALITY OR VIOLENCE,+ MR. ROBERTS SAID, STRESSING THAT +THIS GOVERNMENT WILL NOT TOLERATE CONDUCT WHICH ENDANGERS THE STABILITY OF OUR SOCIETY.*
ON THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY SAID IT WAS REALISED THAT THE SERVICE COULD BE IMPROVED AND +WE ARE NOT IGNORANT OF THE PROBLEMS WHICH OUR FAILURE TO DECIDE THINGS QUICKLY IMPOSES ON MEMBERS OF THE TRADING AND BUSINESS COMMUNITY.*
HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, HE SAID, WILL COME UNDER INCREASING PRESSURE TO LOOK AT THEIR ACTIVITIES FROM A PRODUCTIVITY POINT OF VIEW IN FUTURE AND CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO WHAT FORM OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT ORGANISATION SHOULD BE DEVELOPED TO MONITOR THE WORK OF DEPARTMENTS TO MAKE SURE THEY ARE GIVING VALUE FOR MONEY.
THE GOVERNMENT WAS NOW STARTING TO PREPARE A FEW ANNUAL OPERATING PLANS WHICH AIM TO IMPOSE COST EFFECTIVENESS BY RELATING EXPENDITURE TO RESULTS. AS ENVISAGED IN THE MCKINSEY REPORT, THE PLANS ARE DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT COST EFFECTIVENESS METHODS ARE APPLIED TO THE ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN ROUGHLY THE SAME WAY AS IT IS APPLIED IN COMMERCIAL LIFE.
MR. ROBERTS WAS DOUBTFUL THAT REALLY SIGNIFICANT RESULTS COULD Be ACHIEVED IN ANOTHER YEAR OR TWO, +BUT WE SHALL PUSH AHEAD WITH THE PREPARATION OF THESE PLANS AS BEST WE CAN.*
CONTRO1-, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY SAID STSeLro ^ILY PLANNING wag NOT ENOUGH BY ITSELF AND FURTHER MEASURES MUST BE TAKEN TO DISCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF POPULATI ON.
A WORKING PARTY HAD BEEN SET UP, HE SAID, AND ITS REPORT WAS mcadCJh? T° EE preseNTED TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN THE FAIRLY POPULAnON^OMCY^1^ THE APPR0ACH T0 BE TAKEN IN FORMULATING A
/THE COLONIAL .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
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THE COLONIAL SECRETARY NOTED THE CONCERN OVER THE INCREASE IN CRIME AND SAID THAT WHILE THERE WERE NO QUICK OR EASY SOLUTIONS +THE GOVERNMENT REGARDS IT WICH THE UTMOST SERIOUSNESS AND WILL CONTINUE TO USE EVERY REASONABLE DEVICE AT ITS DISPOSAL UNTIL IT IS BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL.+
PROGRESS MIGHT BE SLOW, HE ADDED, BUT IN THE LONG RUN +THE COMBINATION OF AN OUTRAGED COMMUNITY AND AN AUGMENTED AND EFFECTIVE POLICE FORCE, MUST AND WILL REDUCE CRIME ONCE MORE TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL.+
COMMENTING ON THE EDUCATION WHITE PAPER, MR. ROBERTS NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE CRITICISM HAD CENTRED ROUND THE JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BUT HE CAUTIONED AGAINST ALLOWING THIS ISSUE TO DIVERT US FROM THE PRINCIPAL TASK OF PROVIDING THREE YEARS’ SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ALL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE EXAMINATION WOULD NOT BE TAKEN BY ANYONE FOR SEVERAL YEARS AND DURING THIS INTERVAL THERE WOULD BE TIME FOR FURTHER CONSULTATION AND REFLECTION ON IT.
MR. ROBERTS SAID HONG KONG WAS GOING THROUGH A PERIOD OF TRANSITION AND CHANGES WERE TAKING PLACE ON A SCALE WHICH WOULD DWARF OUR PRESENT DIFFICULTIES ONCE THE IMMEDIATE IMPACT OF THE PRESENT RECESSION HAD PASSED.
HONG KONG, HE NOTED, HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF MUCH OVERSEAS CRITICISM — SOME OF IT MALICIOUS AND MUCH OF IT UNINFORMED, BUT TO A LARGE EXTENT IT WAS BASED ON ENVY OF OUR ACHIEVEMENTS.
WHILE THERE WERE STILL DEFICIENCIES TO BE OVERCOME,' HE WAS SURE THAT OUR OBJECTIVES WERE RIGHT.
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
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STIFFER PENALTIES FOR SEX CRIMINALS
******
TOUGHER MEASURES TO DEAL WITH SEXUAL AND RELATED CRIMES ARE TO BE INTRODUCED SHORTLY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HE SAID WORK ON A NEW BILL WAS IN A FAIRLY ADVANCED STAGE AND WOULD SOON BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
+WE SHAL BE PROPOSING MARKEDLY INCREASED PENALTIES, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, WE HAVE IN MIND CHANGES IN THE SUBSTANTIVE LAW WHICH WILL, I HOPE, ENABLE THE POLICE TO TACKLE THIS PROBLEM WITH INCREASED EFFECTIVENESS,+ HE SAID.
MR. HOBLEY ALSO INDICATED THAT OTHER LEGISLATIVE ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN TO DEAL WITH THE CONTROVERSIAL PROBLEM OF .VIOLENCE AND SEX IN CHILDREN’S MAGAZINES.
THE REPORT ON THIS PROBLEM PREPARED BY THE ROTARY JOINT INTERACT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG SOCIAL WORKERS’ ASSOCIATION, ' HE SAID WAS +A MOST USEFUL ONE, WHICH HAS BROUGHT HOME SHARPLY THE EXTENT OF A PROBLEM WHICH HAS NOT BEEN APPRECIATED AS FULLY AS IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN.+
THE PARTICULAR EXAMPLES CONTAINED IN THE REPORT, HE ADDED, ARE SHOCKING, BUT ONE REASON -WHY ACTION HAD NOT BEEN MORE EFFECTIVE IS THAT OPINION AS ‘TO WHETHER ANY PARTICULAR PUBLICATION OF THIS KIND IS LEGALLY OBJECTIONALBE AS THE LAW STANDS IS NO MORE CERTAIN THAN IT IS IN THE CASE OF PORNOGRAPHIC LITERATURE AIMED AT A DIFFERENT AGE GROUP.
+THIS HAS MEANT THAT ACTION HAS NOT BEEN TAKEN IN THE CASE OF QUITE A NUMBER OF MAGAZINES WHICH HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED TO MY OFFICE BY THE POLICE WITH A VIEW TO PROSECUT I ON.+
MR. HOBLEY ADMITTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SLOW IN LOOKING TO SEE WHETHER TTHE LAW SHOULD BE CHANGED SO AS TO IMPOSE MORE STRINGENT RULES, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE OF PUBLICATIONS AIMED AT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE.
+GREATER STRINGENCY MIGHT NOT BE UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTABLE IN RELATION TO PORNORGRAPHIC LITERATURE AIMED AT OLDER PEOPLE BUT ; I HAVE NO DOUBT FROM THIS REPORT AND PUBLIC REACTION TO IT THAT THERE WILL BE GENERAL SUPPORT FOR FIRMER LAWS IN RELATION TO MATERIAL AIMED AT CHILDREN.
+THE NEXT MOVE CLEARLY LIES WITH THE LEGISLATURE AND MISS KO HAS SUGGESTED ONE AREA FOR LEGISLATIVE ACTION.
/MR. HOBLEY .....
I
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, I97A
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MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT MAIN SUGGESTION WILL BE THE INTRODUCTION OF A PRESUMPTION THAT A PUBLICATION DEPICTING THE COMMISSION OF CRIME OR ACTS OF VIOLENCE OR CRUELTY IS PR I MA FACIE OBJECTIONABLE IF IT IS AIMED AT CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE. ANOTHER PROPOSAL WILL EXTEND THE RANGE OF OFFENCES BY PROHIBITING THE POSSESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF TRADE OR BUSINESS OF SUCH PUBLICATIONS.
REFERRING TO MISS KO’S CALL FOR MORE RESOURCES TO BE DEVOTED TO THE PROSECUTION OF OFFENDERS IN THIS FIELD, MR. HOBLEY SAID THAT IF THE PRESENT DEFICIENCIES IN THE LAW COULD BE CURED TO SOME EXTENT, IN THE FACE OF THE LEVEL OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY NOW PREVAILING HERE THE POLICE FORCE WOULD HAVE A PRIORITIES PROBLEM.
+IT CANNOT DEVOTE MUCH TIME TO THE SUPPRESSION OF UNDESIRABLE. LITERATURE WITHOUT WITHHOLDING RESOURCES WHICH ARE COMMITTED TO DEAL WITH OTHER KINDS OF CRIME. THE IMPROVED CONTROLS WHICH WE SHALL PROPOSE WILL STILL NOT BE SIMPLE AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE LAW RELATING TO UNDESIRABLE PUBLICATIONS CANNOT BE LEFT TO BE HANDLED BY INEXPERIENCED OFFICERS. IT CANNOT BE LEFT TO ANY CONSTABLE TO SWEEP UP PUBLICATIONS FROM STALLS AND OTHER PREMISES ASHE PASSES BY.+
HE WENT ON TO SOUND A NOTE OF CAUTION TO THOSE WHO MIGHT BE DISPOSED TO FOLLOW THE SUGGESTION IN THE REPORT THAT, FAILING ACTION BY THE GOVERNMENT, MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BRING PRIVATE. PROSECUTIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE WAS WELL AWARE OF THE MEASURE OF PUBLIC CONCERN AND IT WAS HOPED THAT FACILITATION OF POLICE ACTION BY CHANGES IN THE LAW WOULD MAKE IT QUITE UNNECESSARY FOR ANYONE TO CONTEMPLATE PRIVATE PROSECUTIONS.
MEANWHILE, MR. HOBLEY EMPHASISED, POLICE ACTION AGAINST OTHER PORNOGRAPHIC LITERATURE WAS CONTINUOUS THOUGH THE RESOURCES WHICH CAN BE MADE AVAILABLE WERE LIMITED. +IT OFTEN PASSES UNNOTICED HOWEVER AND THERE IS UNDOUBTEDLY A GREAT DEAL OF DUBIOUS MATERIAL IN CIRCULATION.+
TOUCHING ON THE SUBJECT OF COMMUNITY SERVICE ORDERS AS A PUNI'SHMENT FOR CRIME, HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOUGHT ADVICE AS TO THE SUCCESS OF SUCH A SCHEME IN ENGLAND.
PRELIMINARY ADVICE RECEIVED SO FAR, HE SAID, HAD NOT ENABLED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE A FIRM DECISION ONE WAY OR THE OTHER AND A REPORT ON THE ENGLISH SCHEME WAS BEING AWAITED.
+A MAJOR DIFFICULTY, WHICH COULD PROVE INSURMOUNTABLE FOR THE TIME BEING, IS THAT SUCH A SCHEME IS VIABLE ONLY IF COMPREHENSIVE SUPERVISORY SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE.
+AT PRESENT, THAT SEEMS UNLIKELY AND I CAN ONLY BE SOMEWHAT PESSIMISTIC ABOUT THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH A SCHEME BEING INTRODUCED IN THE NEAR FUTURE, ASSUMING THAT IT IS OTHERWISE FEASIBLE TO DO SO IN HONG KONG’S CIRCUMSTANCES,+ HE ADDED.
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/6....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
SHA ADVOCATES GRADUAL ELIMINATION OF WORST ABUSES IN GAMBLING K # K H #
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. DENIS BRAY, SAID TODAY THE BEST POLICY ON GAMBLI NG SEEMS TO BE ONE OF +GRADUALISM+.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNMENT FELT IT WISE TO MOVE +CAUTIOUSLY BY THE ELIMINATION OF THE WORST ABUSES NOW FOUND IN THIS FIELD.*
+A PERIODIC CONSIDERATION OF THE PROBLEM WITH CAREFULLY CONSIDERED CHANGES, TAKING INTO ACCOUNT CHANGES IN PUBLIC OPINION ARE A BETTER WAY OF PROCEEDING THAN THE APPOINTMENT OF A WORKING PARTY,+ HE ADDED.
A WORKING PARTY MAY ONLY BE APPROPRIATE IF IT SEEMED NECESSARY TO TAKE SOME DRASTIC STEPS SUCH AS DEVISING TOUGH NEW LAWS OR ABANDONING ALL CONTROL.
MR. BRAY ADMITTED THAT THE PRESENT POSITION WAS FAR FROM SATISFACTORY, BUT SAID A START AT REFORM HAS BEEN MADE IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS AND +1 BELIEVE THE RIGHT WAY TO PROCEED NOW IS TO CONTINUE THIS PROCESS STEADILY AND PURPOSEFULLY IN A WAY THAT WILL FIND ACCEPTANCE IN THE COMMUNITY.^
NOT ALL FORMS OF UNLAWFUL GAMBLING ARE WIDESPREAD, AND IT IS THOSE WHICH ARE PERVASIVE THAT CONCERN US.
HE ADDED THAT LEGALISATION OF ALL GAMBLING WOULD NOT BE GENERALLY ACCEPTABLE NOW. +BUT CHANGES IN LICENSING AND CONTROL METHODS FROM TIME TO TIME ARE ACCEPTABLE.+
TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF CHILDREN AGED 12 AND 13 WHO ARE NOT AT SCHOOL, MR. BRAY SAID THAT THE +PROBLEM IN ITS TRADITIONAL FORM IS SOLVED BY THE EDUCATION WHITE PAPER. +
+IN ABOUT TWO YEARS FROM NOW THERE SHOULD BE ENOUGH PLACES FOR ALL PRIMARY SCHOOL LEAVERS IF WE INCLUDE PRIVATE SCHOOLS. SINCE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES ARE NOT ONE OF THE IMPORTANT REASONS DETERRING SUCH CHILDREN FROM CONTINUING SCHOOLING, THE WHITE PAPER HAS DEALT WITH THIS PROBLEM ONCE AND FOR ALL,* MR. BRAY SAID.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT WITH ADEQUATE SCHOOL PLACES FOR NORMAL CHILDREN IN THESE AGE GROUPS* A DIFFERENT PROBLEM COMES INTO GREATER PROMINENCE* -- CHILDREN UNABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NORMAL SCHOOLING OR UNWILLING TO GO TO SCHOOL AT ALL.
REFERRING TO THIS LATTER GROUP, MR. BRAY SAID THAT CHILDREN WITH BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS NEEDED PROPER GUIDANCE. IT WAS NOT YET KNOWN WHAT WAS LIKELY TO BE THE BEST FORM OF +RESCUE OPERATION* FOR THEM, MANY OF WHOM WERE ON THE +PATH TO DELINQUENCY*.
/ORDINARY SCHOOL .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
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ORDINARY SCHOOL PLACES WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE, BUT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM SHOULD BE ABLE TO HELP , AND OTHER PILOT PROJECTS OUTSIDE THE SYSTEM HAVE ALSO BEEN LAUNCHED.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS ALSO REVEALED THAT THE ' ' GOVERNMENT PLANNED TO SET UP AS MANY MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS AS THE CAPACITY OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ALLOWS. HE DESCRIBED THE MAC AS AN ORGANISATION WHICH WAS OF GREAT VALUE TO CITY DWELLERS.
EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN, HOWEVER, THAT PEOPLE IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS HESITATED TO APPROACH EACH OTHER TO FORM MACS AND THAT A CATALYST WAS NECESSARY. IN THIS CASE THE CATALYST IS THE PERMANENT AND PART-TIME STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT.
MR. BRAY ADDED THAT THE PROBLEM MUST BE APPROACHED WITH A CERTAIN DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT NUMBERS ARE NOT ACHIEVED AT THE EXPENSE OF QUALITY.
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/8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
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LAND TO BE GRANTED ON NEW PRIORITY SYSTEM * * K H ft ft
A SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP BY THE GOVERNMENT TO STREAMLINE THE PROCESSING OF LAND GRANTS FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS AND TO REDUCE DELAYS TO A MINIMUM.
ANNOUNCING THIS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, SAID HE BELIEVED THAT MUCH OF THE DELAY IN THE PAST HAD ARISEN FROM A FAILURE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE IMPORTANT AND LESS IMPORTANT PROJECTS AND ASPECTS OF LAND WORK.
BECAUSE OF THIS, A PRIORITY SYSTEM HAS BEEN DEVISED TO ENSURE THAT PROJECTS WHICH WILL BE MOST BENEFICIAL TO HONG KONG SHOULD PROCEED AS FAST AS POSSIBLE AND THAT EFFORTS SHOULD BE CONCENTRATED ON THOSE PROJECTS FOR WHICH FINANCE IS AVAILABLE.
MR. ROBSON ADDED THAT +WE MUST DO ALL WE CAN TO ENCOURAGE EMPLOYMENT, TO ATTRACT CAPITAL INVESTMENT AND TO PREPARE OUR BUILDING INDUSTRY FOR THE NEXT PERIOD OF ECONOMIC EXPANSION.*
HE MADE IT CLEAR THAT PROJECTS WOULD BE GIVEN PRIORITY SPARINGLY, AND THEN ONLY FOR VERY MAJOR ONES.
MR. ROBSON EMPHASISED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS FULLY AWARE THAT WITH ANY PRIORITY SYSTEM THERE +WILL BE ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPT PRACTICES, PARTICULARLY FROM THOSE WHO DO NOT RECEIVE PRIORITY, AND OUR PROCEDURES ARE BEING PLANNED WITH THIS IN MIND.+
ONCE A SCHEME IS PLACED ON THE PRIORITY LIST, THE LAND AUTHORITIES MUST TREAT IT WITH +URGENCY AND AUTOMATIC PRIORITY WILL BE GIVEN BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY AND FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO ANY BUILDING PLANS SUBMITTED IN RESPECT OF IT,+ HE ADDED.
TURNING TO THE PROPOSAL FOR AN OIL REFINERY - PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT AGREED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO TAKE AN EARLY DECISION ON THIS PROJECT.
HE SAID THE PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS SUBMITTED BY THE TWO APPLICANTS HAD BEEN APPRAISED AND CONSULTANTS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNMENT HAD ADVISED THAT WITH PROPER CONTROLS, THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SUCH A COMPLEX WOULD BE ACCEPTABLE.
+BUT IN THE MEANTIME THE ORIGINAL PROPOSALS WERE OVERTAKEN BY THE WORLD OIL CRISIS AND THERE HAS BEEN AN OBVIOUS NEED FOR THE TWO CONSORTIA TO REASSESS VIABILITY OF THE SCHEME, THE POTENTIAL SOURCES OF CRUDE OIL AND THE MARKETS FOR THE PRODUCTS.+
AT PRESENT THEY ARE PREPARING DETAILED PROPOSALS COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF THE PROJECT AND IT WAS HOPED THESE WOULD BE RECEIVED SOOK.
/meanwhile
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 19?4
- 9 - •
MEANWHILE, A WORKING GROUP COMPRISING THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND . MR. ROBSON HAS BEEN SET UP TO CONSIDER THE PROPOSALS ONCE THEY HAVE BEEN RECEIVED.
MR. ROBSON ADDED: +WE SHALL NOT APPLY EXCESSIVE OR UNREASONABLE POLLUTION CONTROLS AND CONDITIONS ON THIS OR ANY OTHER NEW INDUSTRY WISHING TO SET UP IN HONG KONG. NEVERTHELESS POLLUTION MUST BE KEPT WITHIN TOLERABLE BOUNDS.+
FROM HIS DISCUSSIONS WITH THE CONSORTIA IT WAS CLEAR, HE SAID, THAT THEY WERE AWARE OF THIS AND WOULD HAVE LITTLE DIFFICULTYIN MEETING THE STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION NECESSARY.
WITH REGARD TO POLLUTION GENERALLY, MR. ROBSON SAID HE HAD PUT FORWARD PROPOSALS FOR THE EMPLOYMENT OF CONSULTANTS TO HELP WITH THE PREPARATION OF COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION AND TO ADVISE ON THE ESTABLISHMENT-OF AN ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY.
ON THE QUESTION OF TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT, MR. ROBSON DISCLOSED THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IS INVESTIGATING, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE AIRPORT MANAGER, THE INTRODUCTION OF ANOTHER HIRE CAR SERVICE WITH SET CHARGES UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE GOVERNMENT.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT COULD NOT EXERT ANY CONTROL OVER THE CHARGES MADE BY THE PRESENT LIMOUSINE CAR SERVICE FOR WHICH THE CHARGES, AS FOR ANY PUBLIC CAR SERVICE, ARE DETERMINED BY A CONTRACT BETWEEN THE OPERATOR AND THE HIRER.
+WHILST THESE LIMOUSINE CARS PROVIDE A USEFUL SERVICE FOR SOME, THEY.MAY BE TOO EXPENSIVE FOR OTHERS,+ MR. ROBSON SAID.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID THE POLICE TRIAD SOCIETY BUREAU WILL EE INVESTIGATING AN ALLEGATION OF RACKETEERING IN THE TAXI TRADE AT THE AIRPORT, AND THAT SURVEILLANCE OF GROUND FACILITIES WILL BE INCREASED. THIS WILL BE ENHANCED WHEN THE PUBLIC HIRE CAR AND TAXI RANKS ARE MOVED TO A MORE SPACIOUS AREA IN FRONT OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING EARLY NEXT YEAR. •
ON AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT, MR. ROBSON SAID THAT IN THE FIVE FINANCIAL YEARS BEGINNING 1970/71 AND ENDING WITH THE PRESENT YEAR 1974/75, A TOTAL OF SOME $350 MILLION WILL HAVE BEEN SPENT ON CAPITAL WORKS AT KAI TAK. IN THE NEXT FOUR YEARS CAPITAL WORKS VALUED AT $320 MILLION ARE PLANNED +AND THIS EXPENDITURE PLUS A REASONABLE RETURN WILL HAVE TO BE RECOUPED THROUGH THE CHARGES FOR USING THE AIRPORT.+
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/to......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
10 -
PRESSURE FOR EQUAL TREATMENT IN EEC TO CONTINUE * H #
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID ' JORDAN, TODAY DESCRIBED THE REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HONG KONG’S FOOTWEAR AS A SMALL MEASURE OF SUCCESS FOR HONG KONG’S STRENUOUS EFFORTS" AND HE PLEDGED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS STRUGGLE FOR A BETTER DEAL FOR LOCAL TEXTILE EXPORTS. /
+THE DOOR IS NOT YET OPEN BUT AT LEAST IT IS AJAR, WHEREAS BEFORE IT WAS FIRMLY SHUT,* HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. JORDAN WAS REFERRING TO THE NEWS THAT THE EEC’S COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAD AGREED TO THE REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION AGAINST HONG KONG’S FOOTWEAR, BUT COULD NOT REACH A SIMILAR DECISION ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILES.
MR. JORDAN, WHO WAS SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, POINTED OUT THAT THE EEC DID AGREE, • HOWEVER, TO RECORD IN ITS MINUTES THAT +THE CASE OF HONG KONG WILL- BE REVIEWED WHEN THE COMMUNITY’S GENERALISED PREFERENCES SCHEME FOR 1976 IS DRAWN UP.+
+THE VERY IMPORTANT COROLLARY OF THIS,* MR. JORDAN EXPLAINED, +IS THAT THE ARGUMENT THAT THE ’HONG KONG CASE’ WAS DEFINITIVELY SETTLED IN 1971, HAS BEEN ABANDONED.*
MR. -JORDAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT DURING THE COMING YEAR, THEREFORE, THE STRUGGLE FOR THE’ IMPROVEMENT OF HONG KONG’S POSITION IN THE EEC’S GENERALHSED PREFERENCES SCHEME FBOM WHICH HONG KONG’S TEXTILES ARE EXCLUDED, WOULD CONTINUE TO BE ONE OF HIS DEPARTMENT’S PRINCIPAL CONCERNS IN THE EXTERNAL FIELD.
HE SAID HE TOOK SOME ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE FACT THAT THE COUNCIL OF MINISTERS HAD ALSO AGREED THAT THERE SHOULD BE A THOROUGH-GOING REVIEW OF THE WHOLE SCHEME AND THAT THIS SHOULD START EARLY IN THE NEW YEAR.
OTHER EXTERNAL MATTERS THAT WILL BE ON HIS DEPARTMENT’S SCHEDULE FOR 1975 WILL BE THE NEGOTIATION OF A BILATERAL AGREEMENT ON HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE GATT MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS,* MR. JORDAN DISCLOSED.
HE ADDED: +IF THE UNITED STATES TRADE BILL IS PASSED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR, THIS NEGOTIATION WILL REALLY GET STARTED IN 1975.
+OUR PRINCIPAL INTEREST IN IT IS THE SUBJECT KNOWN AS +SAFEGUARDS+, THAT IS TO SAY, THE APPLICATION AND POSSIBLE MODIFICATION OF ARTICLE XIX OF THE GATT WHICH PERMITS MEMBER COUNTRIES TO TAKE ACTION TO LIMIT IMPORTS WHERE THESE IMPORTS ARE CAUSING OR THREATENING TO CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY TO DOMESTIC INDUSTRY.*
/IN HIS WIDE-HANGING .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
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IN HIS WIDE-RANGING SPEECH, MR. JORDAN ALSO SPOKE ABOUT THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING INDUSTRY AT HOME- ABOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S MODIFIED LAND POLICY- THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND THE WORK OF HIS DEPARTMENT AND THE OCCASIONAL NEED TO RE-ORGANISE SOME OF THE DIVISIONS TO MEET UNEXPECTED TROUBLE SUCH AS THE OIL CRISIS. '
ON THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR, MR. JORDAN SAID THAT TEXTILES AND PLASTICS HAD BEEN TWO OF THE HARDEST HIT INDUSTRIES --INDUSTRIES WHICH WERE ALREADY FACING STRONG COMPETITION FROM OVERSEAS.
MORE RECENTLY THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY HAS SUFFERED -- BUT SOME SECTORS OF IT REMAIN STRONG, MR. JORDAN SAID, ADDING THAT A SIMILAR PICTURE RECURS IN THE OTHER INDUSTRIES TOO.
+THE DIFFICULTIES THAT SOME INDUSTRIES HAVE FACED THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN CONSIDERABLE BUT THEY HAVE, I THINK, ALSO BROUGHT ABOUT A VALUABLE RE-ARPRAI SAL BY THE MANUFACTURERS CONCERNED OF THE FUTURE OF THEIR INDUSTRIES,+ MR. JORDAN SAID.
ON THE MODIFIED LAND POLICY, HE SAID THAT UNDER IT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY PROVIDED TWO LARGE AMERICAN COMPANIES WITH SUBSTANTIAL INDUSTRIAL LAND SITES FOR COMPLETELY NEW PROJECTS.
+WE ARE CONSIDERING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN OIL REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX — IT SHOULD NOT BE TOO LONG BEFORE FURTHER DETAILED PROPOSALS BY THE COMPETING CONSORTIA ARE WITH THE GOVERNMENT FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION — AND WE ARE DEALING WITH SEVERAL OTHER POSSIBLE INDUSTRIAL VENTURES WHICH ARE IN THE SAME GENERAL CATEGORY THAT IS, LAND AND CAPITAL INTENSIVE PROJECTS WHICH WOULD REQU I RE-SPECI AL ARRANGEMENTS FOR .THE PROVISION OF LAND,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR. JORDAN SAID THAT THERE WAS INTEREST BOTH HERE AND OVERSEAS IN SETTING UP NEW PROJECTS WHICH FIT OUR DEVELOPING LAND POLICY.
ON HIS OWN DEPARTMENT, MR. JORDAN SAID THAT HE +HIVED-OFF+ A NEW DIVISION IN JANUARY THIS YEAR PARTLY IN ORDER TO ENABLE THE INDUSTRY DIVISION TO CONCENTRATE ON ITS JOB IN THE FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION.
+THIS BRINGS TOGETHER UNDER ONE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR ALL THAT PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S WORK THAT IS CONNECTED WITH NECESSARY CONTROLS THAT WE EXERCISE EXCEPT FOR CONTROL OF TEXTILE EXPORTS WHICH REMAINS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMERCIAL RELATIONS SIDE OF THE DEPARTMENT,* HE EXPLAINED.
MR. JORDAN SAID THAT HE HAD RECENTLY TRANSFERRED RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME TO THE TRADE DIVISION.
+FOR THE FUTURE THE DIVISION, WHICH IS ALREADY RESPONSIBLE FOR OUR LIAISON WITH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, EXPECTS ITS WORK TO GROW AS WE MOVE FURTHER INTO THE FIELD OF CONSUMER PROTECTION,* HE POINTED OUT.
/ON THE PREVENTIVE .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
- 12 -
ON THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, HE SAID THAT DURING THE PAST YEAR THE SERVICE SEIZED 380 KILOGRAMMES OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, WITH A RETAIL VALUE OF THREE AND A HALF MILLION DOLLARS AND MADE 4,389 ARRESTS.
+WE HAVE ALSO AT LAST HAD SOME SUCCESS IN ACTION AGAINST THE ILLEGAL IMPORTATION OF ACETIC ANHYDRIDE, AN IMPORTANT CHEMICAL USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HEROIN,+ MR. JORDAN SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE SERVICE SEIZED 2,000 KILOGRAMMES OF THIS SUBSTANCE, A QUANTITY WHICH WOULD HAVE ENABLED THE DRUG TRAFFICKERS TO MANUFACTURE OVER 1,600 KILOGRAMMES OF HEROIN.
MR. JORDAN CONTINUED: +THE SERVICE HAS ALSO BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN DRASTICALLY REDUCING THE NUMBER OF OPIUM AND HEROIN DIVANS WHICH FLOURISHED PREVIOUSLY AND THEY WERE SUCCESSFUL IN DESTROYING THE SYNDICATE WHICH HAD FOR SO MANY YEARS OPERATED IN THE NOTORIOUS MA SHAN AREA, AND IN SMASHING THE HEROIN SYNDICATE WHICH HAD OPERATED IN THE SHEUNG SHU I AREA FOR A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF TIME.+
-----0------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 13 -
PUBLIC CO-OPERATION VITAL IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME • ******
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID TODAY THAT A REDUCED LEVEL OF CRIME COULD BEST BE ACHIEVED BY MORE PUBLIC CO-OPERATION AND ASSISTANCE.
HE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THERE WAS NO COMPLACENCY IN THE POLICE OR IN THE GOVERNMENT OVER THE SERIOUS STATE OF CRIME.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND HIS OFFICERS, MR. DAVIES SAID, WOULD DO ALL THEY COULD TO ENSURE THAT THE FORCE WAS GEARED TO MEET THE THREATS TO THE PUBLIC AND THE DEMAND MADE UPON IT.
BUT HE REITERATED THAT THEY HAD TO RELY HEAVILY UPON THE SUPPORT OF THE PUBLIC TO BRING INCIDENTS TO NOTICE, TO REPORT CRIME AND TO UPHOLD THE FORCE OF LAW AND ORDER.
OUTLINING SOME OF THE WORK OF THE POLICE FORCE IN ITS CONTINUING EFFORT TO FIGHT CRIME, HE SAID THAT IN THE KOWLOON DISTRICT, WHERE THE MAJORITY OF CRIME WAS COMMITTED, THE CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION DEPARTMENT WAS RECONSTRUCTED IN JULY.
+THE AIM OF THE REORGANISATION HAS BEEN TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY IN THE COLLATING OF CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE AND THE DETECTION AND PREVENTION OF CRIME,+ MR. J3AVIES SAID.
THE RE-ORGANISATION INVOLVES, AT BOTH DISTRICT AND DIVISIONAL LEVEL, THE PROVISION OF MORE INVESTIGATION TEAMS, TO UNDERTAKE INVESTIGATION OF SERIOUS OR COMPLEX CRIMES, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF C.I.D. PATROL AND SUPPORT SQUADS FOR CRIME PREVENTION ACTION, MORE EFFICIENT METHODS OF COLLECTION, COLLATION, ASSESSMENT AND DISSEMINATION OF CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE.
HE SAID : +THOUGH IT IS TOO EARLY TO ASSESS RESULTS, THE RESTRUCTURING IS ALREADY SEEN TO BE AN IMPROVEMENT ON THE PREVIOUS ARRANGEMENTS.+
ON THE OPERATIONAL SIDE, MR. DAVIES SAID GOOD PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE PLANNING OF THE BEAT RADIO SCHEME.
THE PLAN, HE ADDED, ENVISAGED THAT EVERY POLICEMAN ON THE BEAT SHOULD HAVE A PERSONAL RADIO THUS FORMING A VITAL LINK IN THE FORCE’S COMMUNICATIONS AND CRIME FIGHTING CAPACITY.
AS IT IS EXPECTED TO BE A MAJOR OPERATIONAL BREAKTHROUGH, MR. DAVIES SAID, +THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IS GIVING PROPOSALS CONCERNING THE INTRODUCTION OF THIS SCHEME VERY HIGH PRIORITY.*
/HE STRESSED .....
•THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 14 -
HE STRESSED THAT THESE CHANGES AND PLANS, TOGETHER WITH THOSE SUGGESTED BY THE GOVERNOR, SHOULD BEGIN TO SHOW SOME RESULTS IN IMPROVING DETECTION RATES AND DISCOURAGING THUGS.
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT THE GREATEST SINGLE IMPROVEMENT WOULD BE ACHIEVED DY THE INCREASING CO-OPERATION OF, AND ASSISTANCE FROM, THE PUBLIC.
TURNING TO THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, MR. DAVIES SAID : +IT IS NOT ONLY FACING THE PROBLEMS OF AN INCREASING PRISON POPULATION BUT, EQUALLY IMPORTANT AND DEMANDING, IT NOW HAS TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR A MUCH GREATER NUMBER OF TOUGHER, YOUNGER AND MORE TRUCULENT PRISONERS SERVING LONGER SENTENCES.
+THIS POSES DISCIPLINARY- AND SECURITY PROBLEMS WHICH THE COMMISSIONER AND HIS OFFICERS ARE MEETING WITH DETERMINATION, DESPITE THE DIFFICULTIES THAT SHORTAGE OF ACCOMMODATION IMPOSES.+
APART FROM SECURITY IMPROVEMENTS IN CERTAIN INSTITUTIONS, HE SAID, CONSIDERATION WAS BEING GIVEN TO PROPOSALS FOR A MORE EFFECTIVE RADIO COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND FINANCIAL APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN TO CONSTRUCT A REFRACTORY BLOCK FOR THE BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINE WITHIN STANLEY PRISON.
SITE FORMATION WORK HAD ALSO BEGUN FOR A NEW KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE FOR THOSE ON REMAND. THIS CENTRE WOULD EVENTUALLY RELIEVE THE OVERCROWDING AND UNSATISFACTORY CONDITIONS IN THE VICTORIA RECEPTION CENTRE IN HONG KONG.
ON THE STAFFING OF THE PRISON SERVICE, MR. DAVIES SAID IT WAS BETTER THAN IT HAD EVER-BEEN.
%
+SINCE THE PRISON SERVICE PAY REVISION ANNOUNCED IN MAY THIS YEAR THERE HAS BEEN A WELCOME AND PROGRESSIVE REDUCTION OF VACANCIES AT ALL LEVELS IN THE STAFF OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT,+ HE SAID. k
HE ADDED THAT THE STRENGTH OF THE UNIFORMED SERVICE THIS MONTH WAS 2,200 COMPARED WITH 1,600 A YEAR AGO, A 37 PER CENT INCREASE.
ON THE QUESTION OF DRUGS, MR. DAVIES SHARED THE WIDELY HELD VIEW THAT TO CONTROL CRIME AND REDUCE IT THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE MUST BE SMASHED AND TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS EXPANDED AND DEVELOPED.
HE REFERRED TO THE BIG SEIZURES MADE BY THE NARCOTICS BUREAU OF THE POLICE AND THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND ADDED THAT THE LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IN BURMA, THAILAND AND ELSEWHERE HAD ALSO ACHIEVED NOTABLE SUCCESSES WHICH INDIRECTLY +HELP. OUR POSITION*.
/HE POINTED OUT: .....
Thursday, November 14, 1974
- 15 -
HE POINTED OUT s +NEVER HAVE HEROIN AND OPIUM BEEN IN SUCH SHORT SUPPLY IN HONG KONG AND NEVER HAVE THEY BEEN SO EXPENSIVE.*
REFERRING TO TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS, MR. DAVIES SAID : +THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IS NOW CONSIDERING AN OUTLINE PHASE ONE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMME WHICH, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY FINANCE, AIMS TO INCREASE THE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOURFOLD - THAT IS, FROM ABOUT 4,000 PER ANNUM TO SAY, 16,000.+
HE TRUSTED THAT MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WOULD SUPPORT THESE PLANS WHICH, HE SAID, WOULD HAVE A MAJOR EFFECT ON THE DRUG SCENE.
IN CONCLUSION, MR. DAVIES SAID s +THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE AND. THE SECURITY BRANCH ARE CURRENTLY WORKING IN THE CLOSEST CO-OPERATION ON LONG TERM PLANNING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE FORCES OF LAW AND ORDER TO ENSURE THAT ALL THE FACILITIES NECESSARY ARE AVAILABLE TO DEAL WITH AND EVENTUALLY REDUCE THE LEVELS OF CRIME.+
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 16 -
WATER POSITION BETTER — BUT CRITICAL PERIOD AHEAD PUBLIC AGAIN REMINDED TO KEEP CONSUMPTION DOWN «*««««
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. WILLIAM BELL, TODAY GAVE A WARNING THAT ALTHOUGH THE WATER STORAGE SITUATION HAD BEEN DRAMATICALLY TRANSFORMED BY THE RECENT TROPICAL STORMS, +IT SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED THAT WE ARE OUT OF THE WOODS YET.+
HE SAID THAT THE WINTER, OR DRY, SEASON OF 1975/76 WOULD BE A +CRITICAL PERIOD+, AND VERY CAREFUL STOCK WOULD HAVE TO BE TAKEN OF OUR POSITION IN THE SUMMER OF 1975. +TO MINIMISE THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER RESTRICTIONS DURING THIS PERIOD, THEREFORE, EACH ONE OF. US CAN PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN REDUCING CONSUMPTION BY USING LESS WATER.+
MR. BELL WAS SPEAKING IN .THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON A MOTION OF THANKS TO THE GOVERNOR’S OPENING ADDRESS TO THE NEW SESSION.
WHILE IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE TO RETAIN FULL SUPPLIES THROUGHOUT THE WINTER, +THE CONTINUING INCREASE IN DEMAND LEAVES NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.+
IN THE MEANTIME WORK WAS WELL UNDER WAY ON TWO PROJECTS PLANNED TO AUGMENT OUR RESOURCES IN THE LATTER HALF OF THIS DECADE. +THESE ARE THE 40 MILLION GALLONS A DAY DESALTING PLANT AT LOK ON PAI, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE PRODUCTION IN EARLY 1975 AND REACH ITS DESIGNED OUTPUT BY MID-1976, AND THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, WITH A STORAGE CAPACITY OF 60,000 MILLION GALLONS, WHICH WILL BECOME PROGRESSIVELY MORE AND MORE USEFUL TO US DURING THE PERIOD 1976 TO 1978.+ r
MR. BELL SAID THAT, LOOKING FURTHER AHEAD, 'THE MEANS OF MEETING STILL FURTHER DEMAND FOR WATER INCLUDED THE POSSIBILITY OF FURTHER MAJOR DESALTING PLANTS, ALTHOUGH DUE TO THE INCREASE IN OIL PRICES EARLY THIS YEAR, THE UNIT COST OF WATER PRODUCED BY THIS METHOD HAD INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY.
+FURTHER CONSIDERATION IS THEREFORE BEING GIVEN TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL CONVENTIONAL RESOURCES WHICH MAY NOW BE ECONOMICALLY FEASIBLE. THE CONTRIBUTION OF THESE, ALTHOUGH USEFUL, IS NOT CONSIDERED LIKELY TO OBVIATE THE NEED FOR LARGE-SCALE DESALTING PLANTS IN THE 1980S.+
TURNING TO CONSUMER SERVICES, MR. BELL SAID THAT WHILE PLANS TO PROVIDE WATER RESOURCES TO MEET FUTURE DEMAND COULD BE VIEWED WITH SOME CONFIDENCE, LITTLE PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE IN PROVIDING AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD OF SERVICE TO THE 592,000 CUSTOMERS.
+0N THE BRIGHTER SIDE, HOWEVER, AS THE RESULT OF A SPECIAL STUDY ON THE USES OF COMPUTERS WITHIN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, IT HAS BEEN AGREED AT THE TECHNICAL LEVEL THAT THE WATERWORKS ACCOUNTS SHOULD BE COMPUTER ISED.+
/TURNING TO PRIVATE ......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
17 -
TURNING TO PRIVATE BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR. BELL SAID THAT WHILE WORK IN PROGRESS HAD FALLEN OFF DURING THE YEAR, THERE WERE NOW ENCOURAGING SIGNS THAT THIS DECLINE WAS LEVELLING OFF. +THE RATE OF SUBMISSIONS OF NEW BUILDING PLANS AT SOME 150 PER MONTH IS NOW VERY STEADY AND REPRESENTS A HEALTHY POTENTIAL WORKLOAD FOR THE BUILDING CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.*
WITH VERY FEW EXCEPTIONS, BUILDING PLANS WERE NOW BEING PROCESSED WITHIN THE APPROPRIATE STATUTORY PERIODS, HE WENT ON, BUT IT WAS NOT YET POSSIBLE TO RETURN TO THE SITUATION WHERE ALL GENERAL BUILDING PLANS RECEIVE DETAILED CHECKING.
+A STEADY PROGRAMME OF INSPECTIONS OF BUILDING SITES WHERE WORK IS IN PROGRESS HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AND TO DATE, DESPITE THE LACK OF DETAILED CHECKING AT THE PLANNING STAGE, NO BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN FOUND TO CONTAIN MAJOR DIVERGENCES FROM THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE. THIS, I THINK, REFLECTS AN INCREASING SENSE OF DISCIPLINE IN THE BUILDING INDUSTRY.*
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WAS STILL CONSIDERABLY UNDER STRENGTH. +UNTIL THE VACANCIES ARE FILLED, I CAN FORESEE LITTLE POSSIBILITY OF DEALING WITH THE COMPLEX PROBLEM OF ILLEGAL WORKS WHICH BLIGHTS THE BUILDINGS OF HONG KONG. IT IS STILL ONLY POSSIBLE AT PRESENT TO DEAL WITH THOSE UNAUTHORISED WORKS WHICH REPRESENT A SERIOUS RISK TO LIFE.*
ON THE ROLE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT, ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING FRONT ALONE, WORK FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WAS IN PROGRESS ON‘43 DOMESTIC BLOCKS IN SEVEN ESTATES, TOGETHER WITH ONE VILLAGE HOUS-ING DEVELOPMENT, WHICH WHEN COMPLETED WILL HOUSE OVER 165,000 PEOPLE. ANOTHER 15 BLOCKS IN A FURTHER FOUR ESTATES WERE UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING AND WOULD PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR A FURTHER 71,000 PEOPLE.
ON THE ENGINEERING SIDE, MR. BELL SAID THAT TO PROVIDE MORE LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT, ENGINEERING INVESTIGATIONS INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF LAND FORMATION WERE A PRIORITY FUNCTION OF THE CIVIL-ENGINEERING OFFICE. AREAS UNDER INVESTIGATION INCLUDED THE KOWLOON FOOTHILLS, TAT CHEE AVENUE AND LA SALLE ROAD IN KOWLOON TONG, TAI HOM AND KWUN TONG.
+RECENT SITE FORMATION WORKS HAVE PROVIDED SOME 12 ACRES OF TERRACED SITES AT HO MAN TIN FOR GOVERNMENT, EDUCATIONAL, RESIDENTIAL AND OTHER COMMUNITY USES, WHILE RECLAMATIONS AT KOWLOON BAY AND GIN DRINKERS BAY HAVE MADE AVAILABLE SOME 60 ACRES AND 10 ACRES OF LAND RESPECTIVELY FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT. SEVERAL OTHER RECLAMATION WORKS ARE IN HAND, INCLUDING THOSE AT CHAI WAN, ALDRICH BAY, CENTRAL AND SHAM SHUI P0.+
TURNING TO COMMUNICATIONS AND TRANSPORT, MR. BELL SAID THE EXISTING NETWORK OF HIGHWAYS CONTINUED TO BE EXPANDED AND IMPROVED AND SOME 26 HIGHWAY SCHEMES WERE COMPLETED DURING THE YEAR, INCLUDING THE LION ROCK INTERCHANGE, WHILE 16 MAJOR PROJECTS WERE PUT IN HAND.
/THE HONG KONG .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 197*+
- 18 -
THE HONG KONG COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY, WHICH WOULD FORM THE BASIS ON WHICH FUTURE ROAD CONSTRUCTION AND IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMMES WOULD BE COMPILED, WOULD BE COMPLETED EARLY IN 1975.
+OTHER PARALLEL STUDIES COMPLETED INCLUDED THE ISLAND EASTERN CORRIDOR SCHEME, WHICH INVOLVES A HIGH-CAPACITY LINK AS AN EXTENSION OF THE WATERFRONT ROAD THROUGH NORTH POINT TO SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN, AND THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SCHEME DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A FAST NEW TRAFFIC ARTERY LINKING THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACHES IN THE EAST TO THE CONTAINER FACILITIES AT KWAI CHUNG IN THE WEST.
+THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THIS SCHEME -- THE SECTION GASCOIGNE ROAD TO THE YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK -- WAS LET, WHILE TENDERS FOR A SECOND CONTRACT TO EXTEND THE ROAD THROUGH TO TONG Ml ROAD WILL BE INVITED FAIRLY.SOON.
♦ANOTHER MAJOR PROJECT LIKELY TO BE RECOMMENDED TO THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE FOR UPGRADING TO CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AS SOON AS FINANCING ARRANGEMENTS ARE COMPLETED, IS THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND ASSOCIATED APPROACHES.+
M.T.R. AND THE HANDICAPPED
MR. BELL THEN TURNED TO MASS TRANSIT. HE SAID THAT IN READINESS FOR THE START OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RAILWAY NEXT YEAR, PLANS FOR THE NECESSARY TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WERE NEARING COMPLETION. ’
+IN FAIRNESS TO THE PUBLIC AT LARGE, HOWEVER, I WOULD LIKE TO SOUND A CAUTIONARY WARNING THAT, DESPITE THIS ADVANCE PLANNING, CONGESTION LEADING TO CONSIDERABLE DELAYS IS INEVITABLE IN MANY AREAS WHERE THE RAILWAY IS TO BE CONSTRUCTED. IT WILL BE OUR AIM HOWEVER TO KEEP THESE TO AN ABSOLUTE MlNI MUM.+
ON THE QUESTION OF SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR HANDICAPPED PERSONS TO USE THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, MR. BELL SAID THIS MATTER WAS VERY FULLY CONSIDERED BY A GROUP COMPRISING FIVE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AND TWO UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN JUNE THIS YEAR.
+MY COLLEAGUES THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND DIRECTOR OF MASS TRANSIT STUDIES AND I HELD A VERY FULL DISCUSSION WITH THESE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS, WHO CONCLUDED THAT THE PROVISION OF SUCH SPECIAL FACILITIES COULD NOT BE SUPPORTED.
+IN REACHING THIS CONCLUSION, AS MUCH CONSIDERATION WAS GIVEN TO THE FEELINGS OF THE HANDICAPPED PERSONS AS TO THE COST OF PROVIDING SPECIAL FACILITIES FOR THEM. THERE IS LITTLE DOUBT THAT ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IT WILL BE +RUSH-HOUR+ ALL DAY LONG, THERE BEING ONLY AN EIGHT PER CENT REDUCTION FORECAST IN THE NUMBER OF PERSONS USING THE RAILWAY IN THE +OFF-PEAK+ PERIODS, SUCH AS THEY WILL BE,+ HE SAID.
/Trains, he noted, ......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 19 -
TRAINS, HE NOTED, WERE SCHEDULED TO STOP FOR 20 SECONDS ONLY AND THEIR DOORS WOULD OPEN AUTOMATICALLY AND SHUT QUICKLY. THERE WOULD BE SURGES OF PASSENGERS ON AND OFF THE TRAINS, WHILE INSIDE THE CARRIAGES THERE WOULD BE SEATS FOR ONLY 20 PER CENT OF THE PASSENGERS, THE REMAINDER HAVING TO STAND.
' +IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, IT IS CONSIDERED UNLIKELY THAT TRULY DISABLED PERSONS WILL WANT TO USE THE RAILWAY.+ I SAY +TRULY. DISABLED+ BECAUSE I THINK THAT DR. FANG’S ESTIMATE OF (AND I QUOTE) +SOME 300,000 PEOPLE OF RESTRICTED MOBILITY* (WHICH IS IN ITSELF SOME TEN TIMES THE GOVERNMENT ESTIMATE BASED ON THE 1971 CENSUS) INCLUDES A LARGE NUMBER WHO ARE CAPABLE OF WALKING, EVEN IF WITH THE AID OF A STICK. FOR THOSE DISABLED PERSONS WHO CAN WALK, THE STAIRCASES AND ESCALATORS WHICH WILL BE PROVIDED WILL BE ADEQUATE.
+FOR DISABLED PERSONS WHO’CANNOT WALK, I SUGGEST THE PROVISION OF SPECIAL FACILITIES ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS NOT THE ANSWER.*
.MR. BELL ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE GOVERNMENT FULLY APPRECIATED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING SURFACE TRANSPORT FACILITIES APPROPRIATE TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS OF THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED. +1 UNDERSTAND FROM MY COLLEAGUES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIROMNENT AND THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THAT A WORKING GROUP, CHAIRED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, HAS BEEN SET UP TO INVESTIGATE WHAT CAN BE DONE ABOUT THIS.*
TURNING TO THE NEW TOWNS, MR. BELL RECALLED THAT LAST YEAR A NEW ORGANISATION, THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WAS FORMED WITHIN THE P.W.D. TO UNDERTAKE DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATED WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S TEN-YEAR HOUSING PROGRAMME, MUCH OF WHICH WOULD BE CONCENTRATED IN THE THREE NEW TOWNS AT TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
+SINCE THAT TIME A LOT OF ESSENTIAL GROUND WORK HAS BEEN DONE IN THE WAY OF PREPARATION OF DETAILED PLANS AND IN DEVISING DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES, INCLUDING THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE PROGRAMMES OF ALL OTHER DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES INVOLVED IN THESE VAST UNDERTAKINGS.*
ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION WORK IN THE THREE NEW TOWNS HAD BEEN GOING AHEAD AT A STEADY PACE. +SITES ARE BEING FORMED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USE AND FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES. AT THE SAME TIME, ESSENTIAL ENGINEERING INFRASTRUCTURES SUCH AS ROADS, DRAINS, SEWERS AND WATER SUPPLY ARE BEING BUILT.
/+SOME 1.J40 ACRES .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974 '
- 20 -
♦ SOME 1,340 ACRES OF LAND ARE, OR WILL SHORTLY BECOME, AVAILABLE IN THE THREE TOWNS, WHILE THE IMPETUS OF CURRENT • BUILDING PROJECTS IS BEING MAINTAINED WITH 175,000 UNITS OF PUBLIC HOUSING CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
♦ IN ADDITION, PROPOSALS ARE WELL ADVANCED FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO FORM SOME 240 ACRES OF LAND, RETAINING 64 ACRES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING AND HANDING THE REMAINDER BACK TO GOVERNMENT FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OTHER USES.+
SUMMING UP, MR. BELL SAID THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN ONE OF CONTINUING ENDEAVOUR AND MUCH HAD BEEN ACHIEVED. +AS TO THE FUTURE, WORKS WILL CONTINUE ON A BROAD FRONT.+
MUCH HAD BEEN SAID ABOUT +CUTS+ IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. ♦THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE ALTHOUGH A REASSESSMENT OF PRIORITIES HAS RESULTED IN A REPHASING OF CERTAIN PROJECTS.
♦ AS EVIDENCE OF THE MAGNITUDE OF THE CAPITAL WORKS IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, EXPENDITURE IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOUT $1,500 MILLION, WHICH IS SOME 50 PER CENT MORE THAN THAT SPENT IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. EVEN ALLOWING FOR INFLATIONARY TRENDS AND HIGHER COSTS OF CONSTRUCTION, THIS SUM STILL REPRESENTS A FORMIDABLE INCREASE.+
_ _ o - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 21 -
CONSTRUCTION COST SHOULD INCLUDE HUMAN SUFFERING ******
A REMINDER THAT THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS COULD-BE MEASURED IN LIVES AND INJURIES AS WELL AS CASH WAS GIVEN TODAY BY MR. WILLIAM BELL, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING OF THE CONFERENCE ON ACCIDENT PREVENTION IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, ORGANISED BY THE JARDINE INSURANCE LTD., MR. BELL SAID THAT PEOPLE WERE INCLINED TO SPEAK ALL TOO GLIBLY OF THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION WORK IN TERMS ONLY OF DOLLARS.
HE NOTED THAT PERHAPS THERE WOULD BE A GREATER AWARENESS OF THE TRUE COST IF IT WERE COMPULSORY FOR STATISTICS OF INDUSTRIAL INJURIES TO BE PUBLISHED ON COMPLETION OF ANY PROJECT.
+IF, INSTEAD OF PROUDLY ANNOUNCING THAT OUR NEW BUILDING, BRIDGE OR HIGHWAY HAD COST $X MILLION TO BUILD, WE HAD TO. ANNOUNCE THAT IT HAD COST $X MILLION, THREE LIVES AND TWENTY PERMANENT DISABILITIES, WE MIGHT ALL THINK MORE SERIOUSLY ABOUT CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY,+ HE SAID.
EVEN IF THERE ARE THOSE EMPLOYERS AND DEVELOPERS WHO ARE UNMOVED BY THE PERSONAL TRAGEDIES OF OTHERS, HE WENT ON, THEY WOULD STILL BE FORCED TO COUNT THE COST OF COMPENSATION AND TO IMPROVE THEIR SAFETY RECORD ON THAT SCORE ALONE.
PART OF THE CONFERENCE, MR. BELL NOTED, WOULD BE DEVOTED TO DISCUSSION OF THE NEW CONSTRUCTION SITE SAFETY REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN MAY.
+1 HAVE NO DOUBT THAT YOU WILL EXPRESS YOUR OPINIONS ON THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THEY GO TOO FAR OR WHETHER THEY HAVE NOT GONE FAR ENOUGH. MY OWN VIEW IS THAT THEY ARE A STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.+
TURNING TO SCAFFOLDING - AN ITEM NOT YET COVERED BY THE REGULATIONS, HE SAID THAT HE HAD NOTHING AGAINST BAMBOO SCAFFOLDING, WHICH WAS +STRONG, VERSATILE AND MOST SKILFULLY ERECTED.+
BUT HE FELT THAT WHEREAS THE SCAFFLODERS WERE PAID _ FOR BOTH SKILL AND DANGER, THIS DID NOT APPLY TO THE PLASTERERS, PAINTERS, TILERS AND OTHER WORKMEN WHO HAVE TO CARRY OUT THEIR WORK ON THE OUTSIDE OF BUILDINGS STRADDLED PRECARIOUSLY ACROoS A SINGLE BAMBOO POLE TWENTY STOREYS ABOVE THE GROUND.+
/MR. BELL CONTINUED .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 19?U
- 22 -
MR. BELL CONTINUED s +ANY FACTORY INSPECTOR ACCUSTOMED TO U.K. PRACTICE, WHERE IT IS COMPULSORY TO HAVE DOUBLE SCAFFOLDING, PROPERLY SECURED PLANK FOOTWAYS, AND PROPER TOE-BOARDS TO PREVENT OBJECTS BEING KICKED OFF THE FOOTWAYS ON TO PEOPLE BELOW, WOULD BE HORRIFIED, ON ARRIVING IN HONG KONG, AT THE AMOUNT OF POTENTIAL DANGER IN THIS RESPECT WHICH HE WOULD SEE, FOR EXAMPLE, ON THE SHORT RIDE FROM KAI TAK TO HIS HOTEL.+
HE COMMENDED TO THE CONFERENCE THE VALUE OF THE FREE TRAINING COURSES FOR SITE SUPERVISING STAFF RUN BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
HE URGED ANY CONTRACTOR WHO HAS NOT TAKEN ADVANTAGE OF THE OFFER TO DO SO. +IT CAN ONLY BE TO HIS BENEFIT,* HE SAID
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
- 25 -
SLOW PROGRESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS
* H K M H
SOME OF THE LARGER BUILDING CONTRACTORS ARE MAKING THEIR OWN INTERPRETATIONS OF OFFICIAL SAFETY REGULATIONS, WHILE MANY SMALLER CONTRACTORS ARE STILL IGNORANT OF THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL SAID TODAY.
MR. STAN TSAO, LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS UNIT, SAID THE IDEAS OF THE CONTRACTORS REGARDING THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS WERE OFTEN RATHER LESS THAN THOSE ENVISAGED BY THE LAW.
SPEAKING AT A SAFETY SEMINAR ORGANISED BY JARDINE’S INSURANCE AT THE HONG KONG COUNTRY CLUB, MR. TSAO SAID THE LOCAL BUILDERS HAD SO FAR BEEN Gl'VEN MORE THAN TWO YEARS TO GET TO KNOW THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE IN MAY.
. +AFTER 28 MONTHS OF GIVING PATIENT EXPLANATIONS AND ADVICE, WE HAVE SEEN ONLY SLOW PROGRESS IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE NEW REGULATIONS,* HE SAID.
HE SAID CONTRACTORS WERE NOT CARRYING OUT SOME OF THE SIMPLEST REQUIREMENTS OF THE REGULATIONS.
FOR EXAMPLE, THEY WERE REQUIRED TO SUPPLY CERTAIN INFORMATION TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF STARTING AND FINISHING A PROJECT.
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT EVEN PROVIDED CONTRACTORS WITH A PRINTED FORM TO MAKE IT EASY AND CONVENIENT TO MEET THIS REQUIREMENT.
YET IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE REGULATIONS COMING INTO FORCE, THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECEIVED THE STIPULATED INFORMATION FROM ONLY ONE THIRD OF THE BUILDING SITES IN HONG KONG.
MR. TSAO SAID THE WHOLE PICTURE OF WORK SAFETY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES WAS HOWEVER NOT COMPLETELY PITCH BLACK.
IN THE TWO MONTHS AFTER THE REGULATIONS WERE INTRODUCED -REQUIRING THE WEARING OF SAFETY HELMETS - THERE WAS AN ACUTE SHORTAGE OF SAFETY HELMETS ON THE MARKET.
+OUR ABLE MERCHANTS WASTED NO TIME AND WERE SOON ABLE TO SATISFY THEIR CUSTOMERS,* HE SAID.
+SAFETY HELMETS OF A VARIETY OF COLOURS HAVE NOW BECOME A FEATURE IDENTIFIABLE WITH CONSTRUCTION SITES IN HONG KONG.*
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/24......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974.
- 24 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT M MM M M K K M *
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. . TODAY (THURSDAY) STOOD AT 54,379 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.8 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 59,142 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,343 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 46,031 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 75.9 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,117.5 MM (83.37 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.25 PER CENT.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE AVAILABILITY : FISH MARKET) WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD LIMITED 6.30 2.40 4.80
BIG-EYES NORMAL 3.50 1.30 2.50
SQUID • LIMITED 5.20 3.00 4.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 3.00 5.00 1.60
LIZARD FISHES LIMITED 4.00 1.30 2.80
CROAKERS NORMAL . 3.20 0.80 1.60
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.50 2.50 2.80
MELON COAT GOOD 4.00 1.80 2.70
BREAMS SCARCE 6.50 4.70 5 ..00
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.80 1.00 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 6.00 4.50 5.50
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 1.00 0.70 0.80
FORK-TAIL HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 6.00 2.80 4.70
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.00 2.50 2.80
POMFRETS LIMITED 11.00 7.00 8.50
GAROUPAS LIMITED 10.00 7.50 9.00
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 6.50 3.50 5.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
• HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED WATER SPINACH SCARCE CHINESE KALE SCARCE STRING BEANS SCARCE SPRING ONION NORMAL SPINACH SCARCE WATER CRESS LIMITED LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE CHINESE SPINACH — TOMATO SCARCE 3.50 2.20 2.40 0.80 3.20 2.60 1.50 3.50 3.00 2.60 4.00 1.20 0.80 0.80 0.20 1.20 1.50 0.30 1.20 1.80 0.80 NO SALE 2.00 2.60 1.60 1.60 0.50 2.50 2.20 0.80 2.50 2.50 1.80 3.00
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
K * ft ft * *
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON;
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE •
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE • •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94 .
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE •
10054 WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD — —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(3/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974 ‘
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANGE IN BASIS OF PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENT PROPOSED ...... 1
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT CLARIFIES LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS ON STANDARDISATION OF PLB FARES ............................. 4
YOUTH TO DISCUSS DRUG ABUSE AND ITS EFFECTS ON THE YOUNG 5 t
96 ’ESTATE TYPE’ SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE BUILT AS PART OF EDUCATION EXPANSION PROGRAMME ......................... 6
DEMAND FOR FUTURE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES BEING ASSESSED 8
QUESTIONNAIRE ISSUED TO RESIDENTS OF PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS IN NEW TERRITORIES ................................. 9
NEW TYPE OF REFUSE COLLECTION POINT TO BE BUILT IN TSIM SHA TSUI ............................................... 10
WATER SITUATION s PRESENT STORAGE NOW 80.9 PER CENT OF
TOTAL CAPACITY .......................................... 10
LUK KENG ROAD IN NEW TERRITORIES CLOSED FOR REPAIR WORKS 11
SPEED LIMIT ON TING KOK ROAD IN N.T. EXTENDED............ 11
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974.
- 1 -
CHANGE IN BASIS OF PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENT PROPOSED it it it it it it /
BUSINESSMEN WILL BECOME LIABLE TO A PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX NEXT YEAR AND WILL BE ASSESSED OU THE SAME CURRENT YEAR BASIS AS SALARIES TAXPAYERS, IF DRAFT LEGISLATION GAZETTED TODAY IS ACCEPTED.
THE CHANGE IN THE BASIS OF PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENT IS PROVIDED IN THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL WHICH SETS APRIL 1, 1975 AS THE TARGET DATE FOR THE CHANGEOVER.
FROM THAT DATE, PROFITS TAX WILL DE DETERMINED ON ACTUAL PROFITS MADE IN THE CURRENT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, INSTEAD OF BEING EASED ON ASSESSMENTS OF PROF Il’S IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR AS IS NOW THE CASE.
AT THE SAME TIME, PERSONS CHARGEABLE TO PROFITS TAX IN ANY YEAR OF ASSESSMENT WILL HAVE TO PAY A PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX CALCULATED, IN THE CASE OF A CONTINUING BUSINESS, DY REFERENCE TO ASSESSABLE PROFITS FOR THE PRECEDING YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
THE PROPOSALS ARE IN LINE WITH A RECOMMENDATION DY THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE REVIEW COMMITTEE AND FULFILL AN UNDER I AR I NG GIVEN BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS 1973 BUDGET SPEECH.
COMMENTING ON THE MERITS OF THE SCHEME, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TO ASSESS BUSINESS PROPRIETORS TO TAX BY REFERENCE TO THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS FOR THE VEAR OF ASSESSMENT IS LOTH LOGICAL AND MUCH FAIRER THAN THE EXISTING SYSTEM WHICH DOES PRODUCE INEQUITIES TO THE TAXPAYER AND TO THE REVENUE IN VARYING SITUATION^.
+FURTHER, THE NEW BASIS WILL BRING PROFITS TAX IN THE LINE WITH PROPERTY TAX, INTEREST TAX AND SALARIES TAX, ALL OF WHICH ARE PRESENTLY ASSESSED ON THE CURRENT YEAR BASIS.
+THE CONFUSION ARISING FROM COMPUTING PERSONAL ASSESSMENT, WHERE IT APPLIES, ON A MIXTURE OF CURRENT YEAR’S INCOME AND PREVIOUS YEAR’S INCOME WILL ALSO BE REMOVED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE FIRST YEAR UNDER THE NEW BASIS (1975/76) THE PROVISIONAL TAX WILL BE BASED ON ACTUAL PROFITS MADE IN 1974/75, FINAL TAX PAYABLE FOR 1975/76 BEING ASCERTAINED IN 1976/77 WHEN THE ACTUAL PROFITS FOR 1975/76 ARE KNOWN.
PROVISION IS ALSO MADE FOR PART OR THE WHOLE OF THE PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX TO BE HELD OVER IF THE TAXPAYER CAN SHOU: -
it THAT HIS ACTUAL PROFIT IS LIKELY TO BE LESS iHAN 80 PcR CENT OF THE SUM ON WHICH THE PROVISIONAL TAX WAS CALCULATED, OR
K THAT HIS PROFIT IS REDUCED BECAUSE OF CESSATION OF BUSINESS, OR
/* THAT A
FRIDAY, NOVEIDER 15, 1974
- 2 -
M THAT A CLAIM MADE FOR PERSONAL ASSESSMENT IS LIKELY TO REDUCE HIS ULTIMATE LIABILITY TO TAX, OR
X THAT THE AMOUNT OF ANY LOSS BROUGHT FORWARD FOR SET OFF HAS BEEN OMITTED OR IS INCORRECT, OR
X THAT HE HAS OBJECTED TO HIS ASSESSMENT TO PROFITS TAX FOR THE PRECEDING YEAR. .
THE BILL CONTAINS PROVISIONS FOR-A TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT IN THE YEAR PRECEDING THE YEAR OF CHANGE (1974/75), AND FINAL LIABILITY FOR THAT YEAR WILL BE COMPUTED ON THE BASIS OF EITHER THE ACTUAL PROFITS OF THAT YEAR OR THE PROFITS OF THE PRECEDING YEAR WHICHEVER ARE THE GREATER. THIS FOLLOWS THE PRINCIPLE APPLIED TO THE YEAR OF TRANSITION WHEN THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT OF SALARIES TAX WAS CHANGED TO THE CURRENT YEAR BASIS, BUT WITHOUT THE 115 PER CENT LIMITATION WHICH WAS APPLIED IN THE CASE-OF SALARIES TAX.
THE BILL ALSO CONTAINS TRANSITIONAL PROVISIONS RELATING TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED IN A PERIOD WHICH, DUE TO THE CHANGEOVER IN THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT, IS NOT A BASIS PERIOD. AT PRESENT, ANY CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN SUCH AN INTERVAL PERIOD IS REGARDED AS EXPENDITURE IN THE SUBSEQUENT BASIS PERIOD AND RANKS FOR INITIAL ALLOWANCE WITH THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF THAT PERIOD. UNDER THE BILL, HOWEVER, A DEDUCTION FOR INITIAL ALLOWANCE IN ANY YEAR OF ASSESSMENT WILL BE RESTRICTED TO CAPITAL EXPENDITURE • ACTUALLY INCURRED IN THE BASTS PERIOD, ALTHOUGH CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN AN INTERVAL PERIOD WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY COUNT FOR ANNUAL ALLOWANCE.
THERE IS NO CHANGE IN THE PRINCIPLE THAT CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS AND PLANTS AND MACHINERY, LESS ANY AMOUNT RECOVERED ON DISPOSAL, IS ALLOWED AS A DEDUCTION OVER A PERIOD OF TIME OR OVER THE WORKING LIFE OF THE PLANT, AS THE CASE MAY BE.
IF A BUSINESS SHOULD SUFFER LOSS IN A PERIOD PRIOR TO THE DATE OF CHANGEOVER (APRIL 1 1975) TO THE NEW BASIS OF ASSESSMENT AND IF THIS LOSS WAS NOT SET OFF AGAINST PROFITS IN ANY ASSESSMENT BEFORE APRIL 1, 1975, Tn IS LOSS WILL EE CARRIED FORWARD AND SET OFF AGAINST PROFITS OF THE FIRST AND SUBSEQUENT ACCOUNTING PERIODS USED FOR ASSESSMENTS AFTER APRIL 1, 1975.
WHILE THE PERIOD APRIL 1 TO MARCH 31 WILL BE RETAINED AS THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, PROVISION IS MADE TO SUBSTITUTE A BUSINESS ACCOUNT YEAR AS THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT. THIS PROPOSAL INVOLVES NO CHANGE OF CONCEPT AND MAINTAINS CONTINUITY WITH ESTABLISHED PRACTICE SINCE BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE BEEN THROUGH THE COMMENCEMENT PROVISIONS FOR ASSESSMENT ARE ALREADY ASSESSED ON THE BASIS OF AN ACCOUNTING YEAR.
THE BILL ALSO REVISES THE PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH CHARITABLE DONATIONS AND PROVIDES FOR THE PERMITTED 10 PER CENT OF ASSESSABLE INCOME OR PROFITS TO BE APPLIED BEFORE, RATHER THAN AFTER, ANY DEDUCTION FOR PREVIOUS LOSSES.
/OTHER FEATURES ....
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 197^
- 3 -
OTHER FEATURES OF THE BILL RELATING TO RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE REVIEW COMMITTEE INCLUDE :-
K ACCOUNTS MADE UP ANNUALLY ON THE BASIS OF THE CHINESE LUNAR NEW YEAR AND THUS FOR PERIODS VARYING IN LENGTH FROM YEAR TO YEAR, WILL BE ACCEPTED AS A YEAR’S ACCOUNTS.
* WHERE PERSONAL ASSESSMENT APPLIES, POST-CHANGE LOSSES OF ’ AN INDIVIDUAL INCURRED AS A SOLE PROPRIETOR OR HIS SHARE OF LOSS INCURRED AS A PARTNER IN A PARTNERSHIP BUSINESS, WILL BE SET OFF IN CALCULATING HIS TOTAL INCOME UNDER PERSONAL ASSESSMENT FOR THAT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT AND SUBSEQUENT YEARS OF THE ASSESSMENT UNTIL FULLY RELIEVED.
* CORPORATIONS HAVING POST-CHANGE LOSSES WILL BE ABLE TO SET OFF A SHARE OF A PARTNERSHIP LOSS IN THEIR COMPUTATION OF ASSESSABLE PROFITS, OR TO SET OFF A LOSS IN THEIR OWN BUSINESS AGAINST THEIR SHARE OF ANY PARTNERSHIP ASSESSABLE PROFIT.
* THERE WILL BE NO CESSATION TREATMENT WHERE THE BUSINESS DOES NOT IN FACT CEASE BUT IS CARRIED ON IN WHOLE OR PART BY A SUCCESSOR. THIS PROVISION ALSO ACTS AS PART OF THE TRANSITIONAL SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ENGINEERED CESSATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE IMMEDIATE EFFECT (IN 1975/76) ON GOVERNMENT REVENUE WOULD BE MINIMAL AND IN THE LONG TERM THERE SHOULD BE-NO SIGNIFICANT DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YIELD UNDER THE REVISED SYSTEM PROPOSED AND YIELD UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM. HOWEVER, IN THE SHORT TERM, THE PROVISIONAL TAX SYSTEM WOULD CAUSE ANY PROGRESSION OR REGRESSION OF PROFITS TO HAVE AN EARLIER EFFECT ON YIELD, WITH OBVIOUS ADVANTAGES WHEN BUDGETTING FOR EXPENDITURE.
0
- 4 -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974
NO MINIMUM FARES FOR PLB’S PROPOSED PLANS ENVISAGE ONLY MAXIMUM FARES # K « ft K Jr
NO MINIMUM LIMITS ARE SET DOWN IN THE LEGISLATIVE PROPOSALS FOR THE STANDARDISATION OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
IN FACT, WHAT HAS BEEN PROPOSED IS MAXIMUM FARES ONLY, AND IF AND WHEN THESE PROPOSALS COME INTO EFFECT, PLB DRIVERS WILL NOT EE ABLE TO CHARGE HIGHER THAN THE MAXIMUM LIMITS, BUT THEY WILL CERTAINLY BE FREE TO CHARGE ANY AMOUNT OF FARE BELOW THESE LIMITS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THIS POINT WHILE COMMENTING ON SOME CHINESE PRESS REPORTS THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION PROVIDED FOR BOTH MAXIMUM AND MINIMUM FARES THAT COULD BE CHARGED.
+THIS IS SIMPLY NOT THE CASE BECAUSE IT HAS NEVER BEEN INTENDED TO LAY DOWN ANY MINIMUM FARES. ON THE CONTRARY, THE PROPOSALS, WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN AGREED TO BY REPRESENTATIVES OF PLB ASSOCIATIONS FOLLOWING A NUMBER OF CONSULTATIVE MEETINGS, PROVIDE FOR MAXIMUM FARES ONLY,+ HE SAID.
AND THIS HAS ALREADY BEEN EXPLAINED CLEARLY TO THE PLB OPERATORS DURING THE MEETINGS, HE ADDED.
THE MAXIMUM FARE SCHEME HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOLLOWING COMPLAINTS MADE BY PLB PASSENGERS THAT PLB DRIVERS CHARGED UNREASONABLY HIGH FARES.
+THE SCHEME IS INTENDED TO RULE OUT SUCH UNREASONABLE HIGH CHARGES, WHILE.AT THE SAME TIME IT WOULD ENABLE PLB OPERATORS TO HAVE A REASONABLE FINANCIAL RETURN,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
UNDER THE PROPOSALS, PEOPLE WOULD COMMIT AN OFFENCE IF THEY CHARGE HIGHER THAN THE MAXIMUM LIMITS LAID DOWN AND SHALL EE LIABLE, IN THE CASE OF A FIRST CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $500 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR THREE MONTHS, AND, ON SECOND OR SUBSEQUENT CONVICTION, TO A FINE OF $1,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE PROPOSAL PROVIDE FOR TWO TYPES OF MAXIMUM FARES - ONE FOR ORDINARY PERIODS AND THE OTHER FOR SPECIFIED PERIODS -BUT IN BOTH CASES, THE FARES CHARGED CANNOT EXCEED THE LIMITS.
THE HIGHEST FARE THAT COULD BE CHARGED IN ORDINARY TIMES FOR ROUTES ALONG THE NORTH SHORE OF HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD EE 60 CENTS, WHILE THE MAXIMUM ORDINARY FARE FOR A JOURNEY ELSEWHERE ON THE ISLAND WOULD BE $1.50. AS FOR A JOURNEY FROM ONE TO ANOTHER OF THESE TWO ZONES, THE MAXIMUM ORDINARY FARE WOULD EE THE HIGHEST FARE OF THE ZONES COVERED.
/THE HIGHEST .....
FRIDAY, tIOVEMBEB 15, 197*»-- 5 -
THE HIGHEST ORDINARY FARE THAT COULD BE CHARGED FOR A JOURNEY WITHIN KOWLOON WOULD ALSO BE 60 CENTS- WITHIN NEW ' KOWLOON, $1- AND WITHIN THE NEW TERRITORIES, $1.50. FOR A JOURNEY WHICH COVERS MORE THAN ONE ZONE, THE MAXIMUM ORDINARY FARE WOULD BE THE HIGHEST FARE OF THE ZONES COVERED, EXCEPT IN THE CASE OF A JOURNEY ORIGINATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TERMINATING IN KOWLOON OR NEW KOWLOON, OR VICE VERSA, WHERE THE HIGHEST ORDINARY FARE WOULD BY $2.
ANY JOURNEY THROUGH THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL WOULD HAVE A MAXIMUM ORDINARY FARE OF $2.
MAXIMUM SPECIAL FARES COULD BE CHARGED DURING SPECIFIED PERIODS, SUCH AS FROM 1 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 8 P.M., ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS AND DURING TYPHOONS. THESE WOULD ALLOW ’FOR A SPECIAL FARE UP TO TWICE, BUT NOT EXCEEDING, THE MAXIMUM ORDINARY FARE TO BE CHARGED.
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YOUTH AND THE DRUG TIDE
X M X X M
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (EASTERN) WILL HOLD A YOUTH FORUM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 2.30 P.M, TO 5.00 P.M. THIS IS THE THIRD IN A SERIES ORGANISED BY THE C.Y.OS IN SUPPORT OF THE +KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE+ CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
THE FORUM WILL BE'HELD AT THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, ROOM 707, CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING. ABOUT 80 SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS REPRESENTING ISLAMIC COLLEGE, GRAMMAR COLLEGE, LEE CHING DEA MEMORIAL COLLEGE, CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL AND QUEEN’S COLLEGE WILL TAKE PART.
THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN), MR. STEPHEN HO YUM-SUEN, WILL MAKE THE OPENING REMARKS.
REPRESENTATIVE FROM S.A.R.D.A. WILL GIVE TALKS ON
♦THE REASONS FOR DRUG-TAKING AND ITS EFFECTS ON YOUNG PEOPLE+. AN EX-ADDICT WILL ALSO PRESENT A VIVID PICTURE OF HIS TEN I FYI NG EXPERIENCE IN TAKING DRUGS AND HOW THIS DESTROYED HIS SOCIAL LIFE AND FUTURE. GROUP DISCUSSIONS WILL FOLLOW.
+IT IS HOPED THAT PARTICIPANTS WILL TAKE THE MESSAGE ABOUT THE DANGERS OF DRUGS BACK TO THEIR FELLOW-STUDENTS, RELATIVES AND FRIENDS SO THAT THEY WOULD BE MORE CAUTIOUS ABOUT THIS ISSUE,+ SAID MR. LAM, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER (EASTERN)
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974.
96 NEW +ESTATE TYPE+ SECONDARY SCHOOLS K * H H «
THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (DEVELOPMENT).
MR. LI WANG-FAI, THIS AFTERNOON GAVE DETAILS OF A NEW STANDARD DESIGN +ESTATE TYPE+ SECONDARY SCHOOL.
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THE 1983 TARGETS SET IN THE WHITE PAPER, 161 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR HONG KONG KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
OF THESE, 96 WILL BE OF THIS TYPE AND +THEY WILL BE FOUND MAINLY IN THE THREE NEW TOWNS - SHA TIN, TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN+ WHERE 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE A-RE EXPECTED TO MAKE THEIR HOMES IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
• 1
HR. LI SAID: +THESE SCHOOLS WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF A HOUSING ESTATE IN THESE TOWNS AND ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE DOMESTIC BLOCKS. LIKE THE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, THEY WILL BE BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND SUBSEQUENTLY HANDED OVER TO SPONSORS TO RUN.
+IN THIS WAY, IT IS HOPED THAT THE IMMEDIATE NEED FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES RESULTING FROM THE GROWTH IN THE POPULATION OF THE NEW TOWNS CAN BE MET BY THE CONCURRENT PROVISION OF THESE SCHOOLS.+
THE NEW STANDARD DESIGN fS FOR TWO SEPARATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BE INTERLOCKED BY A THREE-STOREY CENTRAL BLOCK. TOO ASSEMBLY HALLS ON THE UPPER FLOORS OF THIS BLOCK WILL SERVE EACH SCHOOL AND HALF OF THE GROUND FLOOR WILL BE USED AS A COVERED PLAYGROUND.
CONNECTED TO THE ASSEMBLY HALL BLOCK AND AT RIGHT ANGLES TO EACH OTHER ARE THE TWO OTHER BLOCKS FOR CLASSROOMS AND SPECIAL ROOMS RESPECTIVELY. IN ADDITION THERE WILL BE OPEN SPACE FOR PLAYGROUNDS AND OTHER ANCILLARY FACILITIES.
THE ASSEMBLY HALL AND CLASSROOM BLOCKS ARE ALL BUILT TO A STANDARD SIZE. HOWEVER, THE SPECIAL ROOM BLOCK CAN BE OF TOO STANDARD TYPES TO CATER FOR THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF GRAMMAR AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS. THE CLASS STRUCTURE IN ALL THESE SCHOOLS CAN BE EITHER SYMMETRICAL OR ASYMMETRICAL ACCORDING TO THE PREVAILING DEMAND.
MR. LI WAS ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE HONG KONG SZE YAP COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ASSOCIATION CHAN NAM CHEONG MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN SHEK LEI ESTATE, TSUEN WAN.
HE POINTED OUT THAT +IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO EXPAND EDUCATION THROUGH THE AIDED SECTOR WHEREVER POSSIBLE. BESIDES THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS, THE REMAINING ONES IN THE BUILDING PROGRAMME OF THE WHITE PAPER WILL EE IN RECEIPT OF GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IN VARIOUS FORMS TOWARDS THEIR CAPITAL AND RECURRENT COSTS. THIS WILL HELP INTERESTED AND COMPETENT BODIES IN THE COMMUNITY TO SPONSOR SCHOOLS TO MEET THEIR NEEDS AND OBJECTIVES IN EDUCAT I ON.+
/STATISTICS IN THE .....
FKIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 197^.
- 7 -
STATISTICS IN THE WHITE PAPER SHOW THAT SIX +ESTATE TYPE+ SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE EXPECTED TO BE READY BY SEPTEMBER 1976, ANOTHER 36 BY SEPTEMBER 1979 AND THE REMAINING 54 BY SEPTEMBER 1983.
THE SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF ALL 161 NEW SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER THE PROJECTED SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMMES BY 1983 WILL MAKE IT POSSIBLE TO PHASE OUT THE FLOTATION/EXTENDED DAY SYSTEM, WHICH IS AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE EARLY YEARS OF THE NEW SECONDARY PATTERN.
AS THE WHITE PAPER HAS STRESSED, PHASING OUT OF THIS SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO BE POSTPONED IF FINANCIAL OR OTHER DIFFICULTIES DELAY COMPLETION OF THE BUILDING PROGRAMME.
MEANWHILE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS TAKING STEPS • TO IMPLEMENT PROPOSALS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPANSION CONTAINED IN THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY HAS MET THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT, GRANT AND SUBSIDIZED SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO BRIEF THEM AND ASK THEM FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION AND COMMENTS.
BASICALLY, THE DEPARTMENT’S PROPOSED PROGRAMME IS TO. ADVANCE ON FIVE FRONTS - THE PROVISION OF ACCOMMODATION, THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SELECTION AND ALLOCATION PROCEDURES, ENHANCED CURRICULA DEVELOPMENT, THE EXPANSION OF TEACHER TRAINING COURSES AND THE DETAILED FINANCING NEEDED TO CARRY OUT THE PROPOSALS.
+THE CORNERSTONE OF THE RAPID PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY NUMBER OF PLACES ON TIME IS THE SMOOTH INTRODUCTION INTO EXISTING SCHOOLS OF THE FLOTATION/EXTENDED DAY SCHEME,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THEREFORE WHILE THE GOVERNMENT WILL MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO _ FULFIL THE AIMS OF THE AMBITIOUS TARGETS OUTLINED IN THE WHITE PAPER, THE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF ALL CONCERNED WILL BE REQUIRED, HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE NEW
--------------- STANDARD DESIGN +ESTATE TYPE+ SECONDARY SCHOOL
ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
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/8
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ASSESSES DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE SITES
H H K
THE GOVERNMENT WORKING GROUP ON INDUSTRIAL ESTATES HAS ANNOUNCED THAT AN ASSESSMENT IS TO BE MADE OF'THE POTENTIAL DEMAND FOR SITES IN INDUSTRIAL ESTATES, NOW BEING CONSIDERED AS A POSSIBLE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE ASSESSMENT WILL BE CONDUCTED BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT/ AND COMPANIES WHICH MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN OBTAINING SITES ON EITHER A PURCHASE OR A RENTAL BASIS ARE INVITED TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT.
THE WORKING GROUP IS. DEVOTING INTENSIVE STUDY TO THE POSSIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING INDUSTRIAL ESTATES AS A FURTHER MEANS OF PROVIDING LAND FOR INDUSTRIES WHICH ARE UNSUITABLE FOR HIGH-RISE FACTORY BUILDINGS.
THE INDUSTRIAL LAND COMMITTEE OF THE TRADE AND INDUSTRY ADVISORY BOARD IS ASSISTING THE STUDY, AND ITS VIEWS ARE BEING MADE AVAILABLE TO THE WORKING GROUP.
PROVISION IS ALREADY BEING MADE FOR LAND AND CAPITAL INTENSIVE INDUSTRIES WHICH WOULD INTRODUCE NEW SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG TO OBTAIN SITES ON SPECIAL TERMS.
THE INTRODUCTION OF INDUSTRIAL ESTATES IS BEING CONSIDERED AS AN ADDITIONAL STEP TO HELP ATTRACT MORE INVESTMENT IN'TH IS SORT OF INDUSTRY.
IT IS INTENDED THAT THE ESTATES, IF ESTABLISHED, WOULD BE BUILT AND MANAGED BY AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION SET UP UNDER STATUTE FOR THE PURPOSE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TOO LOCATIONS HAD BEEN PINPOINTED FOR POSSIBLE EARLY DEVELOPMENT, ONE AT YUEN LONG AND THE OTHER AT TAI PO. THE LIKELIHOOD WAS THAT THE TAI PO ESTATE WOULD BE DEVELOPED FIRST. IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THERE WOULD EVENTUALLY BE A THIRD ESTATE AT JUNK BAY AS PART OF WIDER SCALE DEVELOPMENT THERE. EACH ESTATE WOULD CONTAIN OVER 100 ACRES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, AND WOULD EE SERVED BY ESSENTIAL SERVICES SUCH AS ROADS, WATER, POWER AND TELEPHONES.
♦MUCH WILL DEPEND ON THE RESPONSE FROM THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN. +THE DETAILED STUDIES BEING MADE BY THE 'GOVERNMENT HAVE REACHED THE STAGE WHERE IT IS NECESSARY TO ASSESS THE LIKELY DEMAND FOR SITES. AN IMPORTANT POINT IS THAT THE ESTATES ARE INTENDED FOR LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS AS WELL AS FOR INDUSTRIES TO BE ATTRACTED FROM OVERSEAS.+
A ROUGH ORDER OF COSTS HAS BEEN PREPARED FOR THE TAI PO ESTATE WHICH INDICATES A POSSIBLE SALE PRICE FOR FORMED LAND OF ABOUT $545 PER SQUARE FOOT OR A GROUND RENTAL CHARGE OF ABOUT $56.5 PER SQUARE FOOT PER ANNUM.
FURTHER INFORMATION CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE INDUSTRY DIVISION OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT BY TELEPHONING MR. ROY PORTER (5-236509)= MR. ALEX PURVES (5-248280) OR MR, PETER LO (5-241578).
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974
- 9 -
RATING FORMS ISSUED TO NEW RATING AREAS ft ft ft a ft ft
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS SENT OUT SOME 9,500 FORMS OF REQUISITION FOR PARTICULARS OF TENEMENTS (FORM R. 1G) TO OCCUPIERS OF PREMISES IN EIGHT ,DI STR ICTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF CHARGING RATES IN THE AREAS FROM APRIL 1, 1976.
IN THIS CONNECTION, PRELIMINARY WORK IS ALREADY BEING CARRIED OUT IN THESE PLACES, NAMELY, YUEN LONG, TAI PO, LUEN WO MARKET, SHEK WU HUI, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND JUNK BAY.
COMMENTING ON THIS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THESE FORMS ARE BEING ISSUED IN PURSUANCE OF THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF FURTHER EXTENDING RATING TO DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING AREAS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES AS ANNOUNCED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN 1972 AND AGAIN MENTIONED EARLIER THIS YEAR IN THE 1974 BUDGET.
THE FORM, PRINTED IN BOTH'CH INESE AND ENGLISH, SEEKS INFORMATION AS TO THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE OWNER= WHETHER THE PREMISES ARE OCCUPIED BY THE OWNER OR LET AND, IF LET, THE NAME OF THE OCCUPIER.
A TENANT WHO RECEIVES THE FORM BUT DOES NOT KNOW THE INFORMATION SOUGHT SHOULD GIVE THE FORM TO THE OWNER OR THE RENT COLLECTOR WHO SHOULD THEN COMPLETE AND RETURN IT TO THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT AT 1, GARDEN ROAD HONG KONG, USING THE PRE-PAID POSTAGE RETURN ENVELOPE PROVIDED, WITHIN 40 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE FORM.
ANYONE IN DOUBT AS TO HOW TO COMPLETE THE FORM SHOULD CALL AT, OR TELEPHONE, THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE AT 1, GARDEN ROAD HONG KONG (5-249021) WHERE ASSISTANCE WILL GLADLY BE GIVEN.
THE SPOKESMAN DREW ATTENTION TO THE FACT THAT THE FORM R. 1G IS A SPECIFIED FORM ISSUED UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE RATING ORDINANCE, AND THAT IT IS IN THE OWNER AND OCCUPIER’S INTERESTS TO RETURN IT FULLY AND CORRECTLY COMPLETED WITHIN THE TIME LAID DOWN.
EARLY NEXT YEAR, A FURTHER FORM (FORM R. 1A) WILL BE ISSUED SEEKING INFORMATION ON THE OCCUPATION AND RENTAL PARTICULARS IN RESPECT OF PREMISES IN THESE PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS.
/IO......
0
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974
- 10 -
REFUSE COLLECTION POINT WITH A DIFFERENCE
* « * * * K
A NEW TYPE OF OFF-STREET REFUSE COLLECTION POINT IS TO BE BUILT IN TSIM SHA TSUI AT THE JUNCTION OF MINDEN ROW AND THE PATH LEADING TO SIGNAL HILL.
COSTING OVER #170,000, THE COLLECTION POINT WILL BE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN KOWLOON. '
SPECIAL ATTENTION WILL BE TAKEN TO PROVIDE THROUGH VENTILATION SO AS TO ELIMINATE OBNOXIOUS ODOUR. UNLIKE THE ORDINARY TYPE, IT WILL BE COMPLETELY ROOFED WITH OPENINGS ON THE WALLS.
ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE 1,260-SQUARE-FOOT COLLECTION POINT IS THAT ITS EXTERNAL WALLS WILL BE STUDDED WITH COLOURED TILES.
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
------0------
WATER SITUATION REPORT * X If * K
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (FRIDAY) STOOD AT 54,421 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.9 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 59,005 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,470 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,959 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.2 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,119.5 MM (83.44 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.34 PER CENT.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974. - 11 -
ROAD CLOSURE AT LUK KENG
K H K K
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE SECTION OF ROAD FROM LUK KENG TO BRIDE’S POOL ROAD IS CLOSED, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS TO THE DAMAGED CUTTING SLOPE.
THE AFFECTED SECTION MEASURES ABOUT 450 FEET STARTING AT THE 8-1/2 MILESTONE FROM TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
TRAFFIC SIGNS HAVE BEEN PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-----0------
SPEED LIMIT EXTENDED
* * * * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE EXISTING 30 MPH SPEED LIMIT ALONG THE SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD IN TAI PO NEAR THE PLUMMER’S VILLAGE WILL BE EXTENDED ON BOTH ENDS AS FROM 10 A.M ON TUESDAY (NOVEMBER 19).
THE NEW RESTRICTED SECTION OF TING KOK ROAD WILL BE ABOUT 1,017 YARDS LONG.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO INDICATE THE NEW RESTRICTED SECTION.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, N0VER3ER 15o '974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE H « W « «
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON:
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78
PO NGA I GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE • GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE < GOOD —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND ......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 5.50 2.00 4.30
BIG-EYES NORMAL 3.50 2.00 2.80
SQUID L1M1 TED 6.00 2.00 4.50
HAIR-TAILS NORMAL 2.80 1.20 2.00
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.50 1.40 2.40
CROAKERS GOOD 2.50 1.30 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.50 1.60 2.60
MELON COAT NORMAL * 3.00 1.80 2.20
BREAMS SCARCE 5.30 4.70 5.00
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.80 1.20 1.50
MACKERELS SCARCE 6.00 5.50 5.80
RED GOAT FISH —— NO SALE
FORK-TAIL HORSE-HEAD SCARCE NO 5.80 SALE 3.00 4.50
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.30 1.50 2.40
PCMFRETS SCARCE 9.00 6.00 7.20
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.20 7.50 8.00
YELLOW CROAKER NORMAL 6.80 3.50 4.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED
VEGETABLES
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY .WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW . MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE SCARCE 3.50 1.50 2.80
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.60
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.50 1.00 1.80
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 1.00 0.30 0.60
CHINESE KALE SCARCE 3.40 1.50 2.60
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.60 1.50 2.20
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.40 1.00
SPINACH SCARCE 3.50 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 2.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.60 0.80 1.80
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.00
0 -------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 197':.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
AMBULANCES TO HAVE INCUBATORS FOR PREMATURE BABIES ... 1
SWEDISH SOCCER TEAM TO MAKE CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS ..................................
FACILITIES AT SOUTH BAY BEACH TO BE IMPROVED, IN TIME
* FOR THE NEXT SWIMMING SEASON............................. 2
OPEN AIR PAINTING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN TOMORROW .. 3
MORE FRESH WATER MAINS IN NEW TERRITORIES TO MEET INCREASING DEMAND ...................................... 3
FORTY-SIX BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER ........... 4
WATER SITUATION REPORT ................................. 4
TRIBUTE TO WORK OF NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL 5
READING ROOM FOR VILLAGE CHILDREN ...................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1974
AMBULANCES TO CARRY INCUBATORS # * * K H K
WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF PIPED OXYGEN ON ABOUT A QUARTER OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND’S FLEET OF 86 VEHICLES, THE COMMAND WILL SOON BE ABLE TO PROVIDE A FURTHER FACILITY - THE TRANSPORTATION OF PREMATURE BABIES IN INCUBATORS.
THE INCUBATORS, WHICH ARE PORTABLE, BELONG TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND ARE HELD AT STRATEGIC POINTS IN KOWLOON, ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WHEN THE AMBULANCE COMMAND RECEIVES A CALL NECESSITATING THE USE OF AN INCUBATOR, IT wILL BE COLLECTED FROM ONE OF THESE POINTS, CONNECTED TO THE AMBULANCE’S PIPED OXYGEN AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS AND DRIVEN TO WHERE THE BADY HAS BEEN BORN. THE BABY WILL THEN BE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL ACCOMPANIED BY A DOCTOR OR MIDWIFE.
TTHIS NEW SERVICE WILL DE INTRODUCED ONCE AMBULANCEMEN HAVE DEEN TRAINED TO OPERATE THE INCUBATORS.
EVENTUALLY, IT IS INTENDED THAT ALL AMBULANCES WILL EE FITTED WITH PIPED OXYGEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE TYPE OF
--------------- INCUBATOR TO EE CARRIED EY AMBULANCES ARE
AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS
ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, EEACCNSFIELD HOUSE.
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1974
- 2 -
SWEDES AID FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS M M M M M K
THE VISITING SWEDISH SOCCER TEAM OSTERS IF WILL MAKE A SMALL CONTRIBUTION TO THE BATTLE AGAINST DRUGS IN HONGKONG DURING ITS GAME WITH THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION LEAGUE XI TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
PRESIDENT OF THE TOP SWEDISH TEAM, MR. STIG SVENSSON, AND MR. F.K. HU, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION WILL MAKE THE DRAW FOR THE PLAY-OFF OF THE ACAN (ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS) MINI-SCCER COMPETITION.
THE MINI-SOCCER COMPETITION HAS BEEN RUNNING FOR SEVERAL MONTH AND THE FINAL IS DUE TO BE PLAYED IN DECEMBER. AIMS OF THE COMPETITION ARE TO PROMOTE HEALTHY ACTIVITIES AND DISCOURAGE THE USE OF NARCOTICS AMONG HONG KONG’S YOUTH.
THE DRAW WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE FIELD DURING THE HALF-TIME BREAK IN THE OSTERS-LEAGUE CLASH AT THE GOVERNMENT STADIUM.
ALSO AT THE STADIUM WILL BE MR. K.L. STUMPF, CHAIRMAN OF ACAN’S EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE.
THE COMPETITION IS SPONSORED BY ACAN AND HAS BEEN ORGANISED DY THE HONG KONG MINIATURE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION AND THE KOWLOON MINIATURE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION.
OSTERS IF HAVE JUST COMPLETED A SUCESSFUL SEASON IN SWEDEN, FINISHING THIRD IN THE LEAGUE COMPETITION AND WERE RUNNERS-UP IN THE SWEDISH CUP.
- - 0 ----- '
A BETTER BEACH FOR SWIMMERS X K X X X X
FACILITIES FOR SWIMMERS AT SOUTH BAY BEACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE GREATLY IMPROVED, IN TIME FOR THE NEXT SWIMMING SEASON.
THE IMPROVEMENT WILL TAKE THE FORM OF A BEACH BUILDING WHICH INCLUDES A COMMUNAL SHOWER, CHANGING ROOMS FOR MEN AND WOMEN, AND A REFRESHMENT KIOSK ON THE ROOF LEVEL WITH OPEN SITTING AREA.
THE BUILDING, SITUATED IN THE SOUTH WESTERN PART OF THE BAY AND CONNECTED TO SOUTH BAY ROAD WITH A FOOTPATH, WILL ALSO HAVE AN OFFICE-CUM-FIRST AID ROOM AND A CATAMARAN STORE.
WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING WHICH, WHILE USED FOR CHANGING PURPOSES ONLY, ARE INADEQUATE AS THE BEACH BECOMES MORE POPULAR.
TWO SHEDS FOUND TO BE
CONSTRUCTION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR, TAKING ABOUT FOUR MONTHS TO FINISH.
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/A
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 197‘:
- 3 -
CHILDREN’S OPEN AIR PAINTING COMPETITION ******
ONE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SELF-PROGRAMMING GROUPS, THE +YOUTH UNION+, HAS ORGANISED A CHILDREN OPEN AIR PAINTING COMPETITION FOR TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
SPONSORED BY THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE WEST KOWLOON YOUTH GUIDANCE COUNCIL, IT WILL EE HELD IN FA HUI PARK OPPOSITE THE SPORTS STADIUM IN BOUNDARY STREET FROM 9.30 A.M. TO NOON.
THE AIM OF THE FUNCTION IS TO STIMULATE THE CHILDREN’S CREATIVITY AND INTEREST IN ART.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO GRADES - JUNIOR FOR CHILDREN AGED FROM 6-8, AND SENIOR FOR THOSE FROM 9-12. ABOUT 200 YOUNG ARTISTS WILL BE PARTICIPATING.
ADJUDICATION BY ART TEACHERS OF LOCAL SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL TAKE PLACE WITHIN A WEEK AFTER THE COMPETITION. PRIZES DONATED BY THE WEST KOWLOON YOUTH GUIDANCE COUNCIL WILL BE. AWARDED TO THE FIRST THREE IN EACH GRADE, AND CONSOLATION PRIZES TO THOSE OF DESERVING MERIT.
------o-------
FRESH WATER MAINS IN N.T.
*****
FRESH WATER DISTRIBUTION MAINS TOTALLING SOME 5,000 METRES ARE TO BE LAID ALONG TA I PO ROAD AND SHA TAU KOK ROAD IN THE SHEUIIG SHUI/TAI PO AREAS.
THE WATER MAINS WILL EE USED TO CONVEY FRESH WATER TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR WATER SUPPLY OF RESIDENTS IN THE NEIGHBOURING AREAS.
THE WORKS WILL MAINLY INVOLVE THE LAYING OF A WATER PIPE ALONG SHA TAU KOK ROAD FROM ON LOK TUEN TO ITS JUNCTION WITH PING CHE ROAD. ANOTHER PIPE, ABOUT 380 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER, WILL ALSO BE LAID ALONG TAI PO ROAD FROM FANLING ROUNDABOUT TO FANLING CROSS ROAD.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 1975, TAKING ABOUT 13 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
-------o
SATURDAY,•NOVEMBER 16, 1974
- 4 -
46 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN OCTOBER
K * K K
A TOTAL OF 46 BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED LAST MONTH. MOST OF THEM WERE FOR APARTMENT AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING EIGHT WHICH ARE TO HAVE MORE THAN 20 FLOORS.
OTHERS INCLUDED ONE FOR A 23-STOREY FACTORY BUILDING IN QUARRY BAY AND THREE FOR GODOWN/FACTORY BUILDINGS IN CHEUNG SHA WAN, YAU TONG AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
TWELVE OF THE 46 PLANS WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST), 11 ON HONG KONG ISLAND (WEST), EIGHT IN KOWLOON, 12 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON (EAST) AND THREE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND NEW KOWLOON (WEST).
IN THE SAME MONTH, A TOTAL OF 62 NEW BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION. THE DECLARED COST OF THESE BUILDINGS AMOUNTED TO OVER $170 MILLION.
•
THEY INCLUDE THREE SCHOOLS, A SWIMMING POOL IN U KWAI SHA OWNED BY THE CHINESE YMCA, ONE GODOWN/FACTORY AND TWO OTHER FACTORIES — ONE OF 24 STOREYS IN KWAI CHUNG.
APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR 41 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS TO BEGIN WORK. THESE COMPRISE MULTI-STOREY FACTORY, APARTMENT AND COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, A SCHOOL IN SHATIN AND A SPORTS CENTRE IN CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
THIRTY BUILDINGS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG WERE GIVEN DEMOLITION CONSENT AND A FURTHER TWO DANGEROUS BUILDINGS IN WING LOK STREET WERE ALSO TO BE DEMOLISHED.
----o --------
WATER SITUATION REPORT X X X X X X
T/E T0TAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVIORS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (SATURDAY) STOOD AT 54,503 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING
FE^CENT CF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 58,832 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
™IS morNING ’S STORGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,636 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,846 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY EAST-JcAR> PL0VER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.5 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
niin. A IRACE 0F ra 1 nfall WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
.... AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,121.5
MM (83.52 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.43 PER CENT.
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/5
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1974
- 5 -
NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL PRAISED
******
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL, WORKING AMONG THE PEOPLE PROVIDING ADVICE AND OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE TO HELP THEM ADAPT AND COPE WITH LIFE, WAS PRAISED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE TODAY.
MR. THOMAS LEE, SPEAKING AT THE COUNCIL’S NE'w CENTRE IN UPPER PAK TIN ESTATE, SHAM SHUI PO, SAID ITS SERVICES WERE VERY MUCH NEEDED IN AN URBANIZED SOCIETY SUCH AS OURS.
HE SAID THE PACE OF LIFE HERE WAS BECOMING SO FAST AND ITS PATTERN INCREASINGLY COMPLICATED THAT PEOPLE OFTEN REQUIRED CONSTANT ADAPTATION AND ADJUSTMENT TO FIT INTO THEIR SURROUNDINGS.
+THIS PROCESS MAY PERHAPS BE COMPARATIVELY EASY FOR A FEW, BUT FOR THE MAJORITY, IT CAN EE STRENUOUS OR EVEN DIFFICULT RESULTING IN VARIOUS PROBLEMS.+
HE SAID TO HELP THE PEOPLE WITH THESE PROBLEMS THE COUNCIL PROVIDED SERVICES RANGING FROM INFORMATION AND ADVICE, RESEARCH AND SURVEY, TO ITS MORE RECENT DEVELOPMENT ON GRASSROOT COMMUNITY WORK BY INVOLVING THE RESIDENTS IN PLANNING AND PROGRAMMING FOR THEMSELVES.
+THE COUNCIL’S EFFORTS IN RECRUITING ON-THE-SPOT VOLUNTEERS AND TRAINING THEM TO SOLVE THEIR OWN PROBLEMS SHOULD HAVE FAR REACHING EFFECT ASIDE FROM FOSTERING MUTUAL AND SELF-HELP IN THE COMMUNITY BECAUSE NO-ONE KNOWS A DISTRICT BETTER THAN THOSE WHO ARE ACTUALLY LIVING THERE.+
THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL’S CENTRE FOR SHAM SHUI PO WAS FORMERLY LOCATED IN SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE, BUT FOLLOWING DECANTATION OF SOME OF THE RESIDENTS TO PAK TIN ESTATE, IT WAS DECIDED TO MOVE THERE AS WELL.
- - 0 -
READING ROOM FOR VILLAGE CHILDREN
******
A GROUP OF 25 YOUTHS WILL BE SPENDING TOMORROW (SUNDAY) IN VOLUNTEER SERVICE TO HELP CLEAN AND SET UP A READING ROOM FOR STUDENTS IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF YUEN KONG VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE GROUP COMPRISES MEMBERS OF THE KAM TIN PAK KAN tNGLISH SCHOOL SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP AND VOLUNTEERS FROM YUEN KONG VILLAGE.
THIS PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICE UNIT WHICH, APART FROM BRINGING LOOKS TO VILLAGE CHILDREN UNABLE TO MAKE USE OF LIBRARIES, ALSO PLANS AND CARRIES OUT SERVICE PROJECTS FOR VILLAGES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE IDEA OF SETTING UP A READING ROOM IN YUEN KONG VILLAGE AROSE FROM A RECREATION DAY ORGANISED BY THE UNIT LAST MONTH AND HAS THE SUPPORT OF THE VILLAGE ELDER, MR. LAM TIM.
- - 0
DAILY INFORMATJQOJUa'N
GERIATRIC UNIT AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL PLANS FOR REHABILITATION, REINTEGRATION OF ELDERLY INTO COMMUNITY * # * # #
A GERIATRIC UNIT OF 220 BEDS, DUE FOR OPENING IN STAGES IN MAY NEXT YEAR, IS ONE OF THE UNIQUE FEATURES OF THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL IN LAI CHI KOK.
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ARE AT WORK ON A COMMITTEE LOOKING AT ASPECTS OF THE UNIT’S ORGANISATION OF THE SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED.
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS INVOLVED BECAUSE THE UNIT ENVISAGES A TWO-WAY FLOW OF SUITABLE PATIENTS BETWEEN THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES SUBVENTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE ROLE OF THE FIRE SERVICES IS TO PROVIDE AMBULANCE OR OTHER TRANSPORT FOR THE ELDERLY WHO ARE NOT HOSPITALISED, BUT WHO WILL GO FOR DAY CARE, INCLUDING OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND PHYSIOTHERAPY, AT THE SOUTH KWAI CHUNG POLYCLINIC.
IN BRIEF, THE UNIT’S WORK WILL BE TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, REHABILITATE AND REINTEGRATE INTO THE COMMUNITY SUITABLE SICK OLD PEOPLE OF 65 OR OVER.
THE CONCEPT OF SUCH A UNIT WITHIN A GENERAL HOSPITAL, THOUGH NOT UNUSUAL IN SOME PARTS OF THE WORLD, IS NEW IN HONG KONG.
BUT THE WHITE PAPER ON THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HERE LOOKS FORWARD TO EXTENSION OF THE CONCEPT TO HOSPITALS AND CLINICS TO BE BUILT IN THE FUTURE.
THE UNIT WILL STRESS ACTIVE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION, BASED ON A POLICY OF EARLY DISCHARGE SO AS TO REINTEGRATE THE PATIENTS INTO THE COMMUNITY AS INDEPENDENT INDIVIDUALS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN ADDITION, CARE WILL BE TAKEN TO SEE THAT BOTH PATIENTS AND PUBLIC UNDERSTAND THAT HOSPITALISATION DOES NOT MEAN A PERMANENT STAY, BUT BASED ON A REGIME OF QUICK DISCHARGE FOLLOWING ACTIVE TREATMENT.
FOR PATIENTS WHO REQUIRE LONG-TERM HOSPITAL CARE, TRANSFER WILL BE MADE TO +CONTINUING-CARE BEDS+ IN OTHER HOSPITALS.
DURING A PATIENT’S STAY IN HOSPITAL, IF HE OR SHE REQUIRES CARE IN OTHER SPECIALITIES SUCH AS MEDICAL, SURGICAL, ORTHOPAEDIC, OR PSYCHIATRIC, CONSULTATION WILL BE HELD WITH THE APPROPRIATE SPECIALIST UNITS WITHIN THE HOSPITAL FOR ADVICE AND TREATMENT.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191 /FOB A PATIENT ....................................................................
- 2 -
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 197^.
FOR A PATIENT ABOUT TO BE DISCHARGED BACK TO HIS OR HER OWN HOME. A HOSTEL, OR AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME, ATTENDANCE AT THE UNIT’S ♦DAY HOSPITAL+ WILL BE NECESSARY FOR SOME TIME. THIS IS ALSO A NEW CONCEPT. IN THE UNIT’S OVERALL STRATEGY, THE +DAY HOSPITAL+ WILL SERVE AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AND THE COMMUNITY.
SINCE THERE ARE NO GUIDELINES FOR A PIONEER PROJECT OF THIS KIND, THE COMMITTEE IS AGREED THAT, IN ADDITION TO THE AGE MINIMUM OF 65 YEARS, ADMISSION WILL BE SUBJECT TO THESE OTHER CRITERIA*
* PATIENTS MUST BE SUFFERING FROM CONDITIONS WHICH, IN THE OPINION OF THE CHIEF OF THE GERIATRIC UNIT, WOULD BENEFIT FROM ACTIVE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.
THEY MUST NEED +HOSPITAL+ CARE AS OPPOSED TO +RESIDENTIAL+ CARE IN AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME.
THEY MUST NOT BE MENIALLY DISTURBED, SINCE IN THAT CASE, THEY WOULD BE REFERRED TO PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITALS OR CLINICS.
THEIR ADMISSIONS MUST DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF VACANT BEDS.
PATIENTS WILL BE REFERRED FOR CONSULTATION TO THE SPECIALIST GERIATRIC CLINIC IN SOUTH KWAI CHUNG OR, ON SPECIAL REQUEST FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT UNITS, BEDSIDE CONSULTATION WILL BE ARRANGED.
SUITABLE PATIENTS WILL THEN BE SELECTED FOR ADMISSION AND TREATMENT IN THE UNIT, BUT ADMISSION WILL NOT BE DIRECTLY FROM THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL’S CASUALTY DEPARTMENT.
PRE-SELECTION IS INTENDED AS A MEANS OF MAKING EFFECTIVE USE OF AVAILABLE GERIATRIC BEDS, AND THE UNIT’S FACILITIES.
♦INAPPROPRIATE ADMISSION WITHOUT PRELIMINARY GERIATRIC CONSULTATIONS A SPOKESMAN EXPLAINS, +COULD LEAD TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES RESULTING FROM THE MISPLACEMENT OF PATIENTS AND MISUSE OF ACUTE GERIATRIC BEDS.
♦THIS WOULD RESULT IN AN UNNECESSARY BLOCKAGE OF BEDS, A LOW TURNOVER RATE, AND THE CREATION OF AN UNACCEPTABLE WAITING LIST.+
THE SPOKESMAN SAYS THE EXPERIENCE OF GERIATRIC UNITS IN OTHER COUNTRIES IS THAT UNLESS A PRE-SELECTION SYSTEM IS APPLIED, THE UNIT WILL QUICKLY DEGENERATE INTO A +DUMPING GROUND+ FOR ELDERLY PATIENTS UNLIKELY TO RESPOND TO TREATMENT.
THE ULTIMATE AIM OF A QUICK TURNOVER OF SUITABLE PATIENTS — WHOSE REINTEGRATION WOULD BENEFIT BOTH THE COMMUNITY AND THEM ■— WILL THEN BE DEFEATED.
/?.....
SUMDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1974 - 3 -
FILTRATION SYSTEM FOR ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL n a a n ii
TENDERS WILL SOON DE CALLED FOR THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF THREE FILTRATION PLANTS FOR THE PARTIALLY-HEATED SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN ABERDEEN,
SITUATED AT SHUM WAN ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG, THE COMPLEX WILL CONSIST OF A MAIN POOL OF 50 METRES DY Hl METRES, A SECONDARY POOL THREE TEACHING POOLS, A DIVING POOL, A CHILDREN’S POOLS AND PLAY AREA,
THE WORK OF THE TENDER COMPRISES THE SUPPLY AND INSTALLATION OF SEA-'WATER FILTRATION PLANTS, INCLUDING HEATING EQUIPMENT FOR THE LAIN POOL AND PLANTS FOR THE OTHER PO J 8, CAPABLE GF MAINTAINING TRE SWIMMING POOL WATER IN A CLEAR AND STERILE STATE.
EACH FILTRATION PLANT MUST CONSIST OF PRESSURE SAND FILTERS, WATER CIRCULATING PUMPS, CHEMICAL DOSING EQUIPMENT, CHLOR I HA IORS AND WATER DISTRIBUTION PIPE WORK AND FITTINGS.
THE TOTAL CAPACITY OF THE INSTALLATION IS 4,200,000 LITRES OF WATER TO DE RECIRCULATED THROUGH THE FILTRATION SYSTEM ONCE EVERY FOUR TO SIX HOURS,
SITE FORMATION AND CONSTRUCTION OF THE POOL COMPLEX WILL DEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR, SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION DURING THE LATTER PART OF 1976,
WITH A STAND FOR COO SPECTATORS, THE COMPLEX WILL DE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE 5,000 AT ONE TIME.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
e.
i
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE N0-
, I •
GOVERNOR REITERATES THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC CO-OPERATION IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME ...................................... 1
POST OFFICE GETS READY FOR CHRISTMAS MAIL RUSH............... 3
PRIVATE SCHOOLS PROVIDE ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF SECONDARY
PLACES IN HONG KONG ......................................... 4
A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN OPENED .......... 6
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT WAH FU ESTATE....................... 7
WATER SITUATION REPORT ...................................... 8
MARGINAL INCREASE IN TRAVEL FIGURES ......................... 8
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES •
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1974. 1 -
PUBLIC CO-OPERATION VITAL IN FIGHT AGAINST CRIME SAYS GOVERNOR
k Jr it i: it »;
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY REITERATED THAT CLOSE CO-CPERATIOIJ BETWEEN THE PULL IC AND TLE POLICE WAS ESSENTIAL IN THE FlCNT AGAINST CRIME.
SIR MURRAY UNDERLINED THIS IMPORTANT FACTOR AT A MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CHOI RUNG ESTATE’S I.UiUAL AID COMMITTEES AND AREA COMMITTEES LURING A VISIT TO LONG TAI Sill TO SEE FOR HIMSELF CONDITIONS IN THE DISTRICT.
HE DESCRIBED THE TWO TYPES OF COMMITTEES AS IMPORTANT INSTITUTIONS ARD SAID THAT UHIl’PULLIC CC OPERATION ^CRIMES WILL SOONER OR LATER DE MASTERED*. AT PRESENT, TLLRE ARE 12 I .AC’S ARD A POLICE LEIGIIDOURllOOD UNIT OPERATING I U THE ESTATE WHICH HOUSES ADOUT 49,O'JO PEOPLE.
ACCOMPANIED BY MR. TONY NEON, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON) AND MR. IAN STRACHAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WONG TAI SIH), SIR MURRAY BEGAN HIS TOUR WITH A VISIT TO THE SITE FOR THE PROPOSED LION ROCK AERIAL ROPEWAY STATION HEAR THE SHATIN PASS ESTATE.
HE WAS BRIEFED DY MR. STRACHAN OH THE PROGRESS OF CLEARING THE SITE. TWO PLOTS OF FARMLAND IN THE AREA HAVE ALREADY BEEN CLEARED. STILL PENDING CLEARANCE ARE A TAOIST PLEASURE GARDEN, A MONASTERY AND A BuDDHIST NUNNERY.
THE GOVERNOR THEN PROCEEDED TO BLOCK 48, TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE WHERE HE MET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE BLOCK’S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE AS WELL AS THE TSZ WAN SHAN AREA COMMIT I EE. SIR MURRAY EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE OPERATION OF THE WATCHMEN PATROL SCHEME UNDERTAKEN DY THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE.
SIR MURRAY THEN INSPECTED THE PO KONG INTERCHANGE WHILE ON HIS WAY TO CHOI HUNG ESTATE. WORK ON STAGE I OF THE INTERCHANGE, LINKING UP THE PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WITH SHATIN PASS ROAD AND TH LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EXTENDlOiJ, WAS COMPLETED LAST LOUTH. THE SECOND STAGE IS DUE TO START AT THE EE) OF THE YEAR.
AFTER HIS MEETING WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF CHOI HUNG ESTATE^S MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, SIR MURRAY CALLED AT THE WONG TAI SIN CllY DISTRICT OFFICE WHERE HE MET MEMBERS OF THE DISTRICT’S COMlitJUNITY DEVELOPMENT CO-ORDINATION COMMITTEE. HE SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN THE WORK OF THE COMMITTEE.
SET UP IN MAY THIS YEAR, THE COMMITTEE AIMS AT CO-ORDINATING GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS’ EFFORTS IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AT DISTRICT LEVEL AND TO POOL DISTRICT SERVICES TOGETHER WHEREVER POSSIBLE.
/CHAIRED BY .....
2
TUESDAY, NOVEMBEK 19, V)?1*
CHAIRED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, THE COMMITTEE IS MADE UP OF THE DISTRICT POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, URBAN SERVICES OFFICER, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER AS WELL AS DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES FRO.1 THE EDUCATION, HOUSING AND LABOUR DEPARTMENTS.
FOR THE PAST SIX MONTHS, IT HAS BEEN ACTIVELY INVOLVED IN PROVIDING SERVICES FOR THE NOH-SCHOOL AND HON-UORK CHILDREN IN THE 12-13 AGE CROUP IN UONG TAI SIH.
/3
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
- 5 -
POST OFFICE SET FOR CHRISTMAS MAIL RUSH r* a u ;t u n
WITH CHRISTMAS JUST ROUND THE CORNER, THE POST OFFICE IS GEARING ITSELF FOR THE LAST MINUTE RUSH.
TO ENSURE THAT ALL MAIL IS DELIVERED IN TIME, SPECIAL STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO CLEAR THE FLOOD OF POSTAL ITEMS EXPECTED IN THE REMAIN I NG WEEKS BEFORE CHRISTMAS.
THESE INCLUDE EMPLOYING EXTRA TEMPORARY LABOURERS TO BACK UP PRESENT STAFF, AH ADDITIONAL FLEET OF LORRIES TO HELP COLLECT AND CONVEY LETTERS FROM POST BOXES TO POST OFFICES, AND MOBILISING ALL EXISTING STAFF COUPLED WITH CANCELLATION OF ALL LEAVE FROM EARLY DECEMBER UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
A POST OFFICE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT WHILE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WAS BEING DONE TO COPE WITH THE HEAVY LOAD OF CHRISTMAS MAIL, SENDERS COULD MAKE A GREAT CONTRIBUTION BY POSTING AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
♦THERE IS NOTHING TO LOSE BUT EVERYTHING TO GAIN BY POSTING EARLY,+ HE STRESSED ADDING THAT THIS WOULD HOT OHLY HELP EASE THE PRESSURE ON THE POST OFFICE BUT ALSO AVOID THE RISK OF LATE DELIVERY AS A RESULT OF POSTING TOO LATE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED THE PUBLIC TO ENSURE THAT THEIR LETTERS WERE PROPERLY AND CORRECTLY ADDRESSED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EACH YEAR AH AVERAGE OF SOME THREE MILLION ’DEAD LETTERS’ COULD NOT BE DELIVERED BECAUSE THEY WERE INCORRECTLY ADDRESSED.
EVERY YEAR THE LATEST POSTING DATES FOR OVERSEAS CHRISTMAS MAIL ARE PUBLICISED WELL IN ADVANCE IN THE PRESS AND OVER THE RADIO TO KEEP THE PUBLIC INFORMED OF THE DATES FOR POSTING.
THE ’CLIMAX’ COMES IN DECEMBER WITH A DRAMATIC UPSURGE IN POSTAL ITEMS AS PEOPLE TRY TO CATCH THE LAST MAIL.
LAST DECEMBER ALONE THE POST OFFICE HANDLED ABOUT 23
MILLION OUTGOING AND INLAND LETTERS IN ALL. THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF EIGHT MILLION OVER THE AVERAGE MONTHLY RATE.
AT THE SAME TIME INCOMING LETTERS WENT UP TO 8.7 MILLION, 4.2 MILLION OVER THE AVERAGE MONTHLY FIGURE.
AIR PARCELS POSTED , INCREASED FROM A MONTHLY AVERAGE OF 57,000 WITH AN OVERALL WEIGHT OF 65,'000 KILOGRAMMES TO 72,000 ITEMS WEIGHING CO,OGO KILOGRAMMES- WHILE INCOMING AIR PARCELS WENT UP FROM AN AVERAGE OF 17,000 TO 24,000 ITEilS, REGISTERING A NET INCREASE OF 10,000 KILOGRAMMES IN TERMS OF WEIGHT.
AT THE SAME TIME INCOMING SURFACE MAIL PARCELS MORE THAN DOUBLED FROM A MEAN OF 25,000 TO 51,000 ITEMS IN DECEMBER, WHILE OUTGOING MAIL PARCELS AMOUNTED TO 245,000 IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR — TWICE THE AVERAGE MONTHLY FIGURE.
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/4.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
- 4 -
PRIVATE SCHOOLS FILL VITAL GAP IN EDUCATION SYSTEM
II it it II it it
PRIVATE SCHOOLS PROVIDE ABOUT 50 PER CENT OF SECONDARY PLACES IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID THIS AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE PRIZE GIVING CEREMONY OF NEW METHOD COLLEGE, MR. TOPLEY SAIDs +IF PRIVATE SCHOOLS ARE A LUXURY IN OTHER COUNTRIES, THEY FILL A VITAL GAP IN THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-AIDED SCHOOLS IN HONG KOHG.+
HE EXPRESSED'HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE WORK DONE BY SCHOOL S SUCH AS NEW METHOD COLLEGE.
THE DIRECTOR SAIDs +IT IS CLEAR THAT NEW METHOD COLLEGE HAS PLAYED, AND NO DOUBT, WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY, A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN EDUCATION IN HONG KONG. IT HAS CO-OPERATED TO THE FULL WITH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN ITS WORK, AND ITS EXPANSION RUNS PARALLEL TO THE EXPANSION OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS, WHICH REFLECTS THE KEEN INTEREST MR. WILSON WANG TAKES IN THE EDUCATIONAL NEEDS OF HONG KONG.
+1 WOULD LIKE TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO PAY TRIBUTE TO MR. WANG’S EFFORT AND TO CONGRATULATE HIM ON THE SUCCESS HIS SCHOOL HAS HAD IN ALL THESE YEARS.♦
THE COLLEGE STARTED AS AN ii-ROOii SCHOOL HOUSED IN DOMESTIC PREMISES WITH AN ENROLMENT OF 358 IN 1951. AT PRESENT THERE ARE ' 48 CLASSES IN THE MATRICULATION SECTION, 227 CLASSES IN THE SECONDARY SECTION AND 73 IN THE PRIMARY ARD KINDERGARTEN, HOUSED IN SEVERAL PROPERLY BUILT SCHOOL BUILDINGS IN DOTH HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
+THE ENROLMENT TOO, I NOTICE, HAS INCREASED MORE THAN 40-FOLD SINCE THE SCHOOL’S MODEST START 23 YEARS AGO,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
ADDRESSING THE PUPILS, THE DIRECTOR SPOKE ABOUT THE NEED FOR ’’THINKING IN SCHOOL.’’
HE SAIDi +AS PUPILS, YOU HAVE NO DOUBT BEEN TOLD BY YOUR TEACHERS TO THINK FOR YOURSELVES, BUT MOST PUPILS DO NOT QUITE GRASP WHAT THIS MEANS, OR HAVE NOT GIVEN ENOUGH THOUGHT TO WHAT IT CAN MEAN OR, IN A FEW CASES, ARE PERHAPS TOO LAZY TO THINK. WHY THINK, YOU MAY ASK, WHEN YOU CAN SO CONVENIENTLY LEARN THE FACTS YOU HAVE TO LEARN? THIS IS THE QUESTION I SHOULD LIKE TO DWELL ON TODAY.
+THE FUNCTION OF EDUCATION USED TO BE TO TRAIN THE YOUNG IN THE TRADITIONS AND CUSTOM OF SOCIETY. THIS WAS TRUE IN THE PAST WHEN THE AVERAGE MAN WAS EXPECTED TO CONFORM TO THE PATTERN OF A SOCIETY WHICH WAS MORE OR LESS STATIC.
/+BUT TODAY,
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
- 5 -
+BUT TODAY, WHO WOULD DARt TO, AND WHO CAN POSSIBLY, PREDICT THE PATTERN OF SOCIAL LIFE IN HONG KONG OR ANYWHERE ELSE FOR THAT MATTER IN, SAY, ANOTHER 20 YEARS’ TIME?
+IF YOU ARE UNCERTAIN OF THE SHAPE OF THE FUTURE YOU SHOULD REALIZE THAT EDUCATION IS AN ON-GOING PROCESS OF ADJUSTMENT AND THAT LEARNING SHOULD GO ON FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.*
URGING STUDENTS TO DEVELOP THE HABIT OF THINKING FOR THEMSELVES, MR. TOPLEY TOLD THEM TO BE INTERESTED AND ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND KEEP THE NEED FOR CLEAR THINKING IN MIND.
SPEAKING TO THE TEACHERS, MR. TOPLEY REMINDED THEM THAT THEY PLAYED A VERY IMPORTANT PART IN THIS ROLE.
+0F COURSE YOU WILL FIND IT EASY TO TAKE A LESSON FROM A TEXTBOOK AND REQUIRE THE PUPILS TO MEMORIZE ALL THE FACTS, BUT THE RESULT OF THIS IS HO MORE THAN TO PRODUCE A PUPIL WHO HAS OHLY KNOWLEDGE OF THE PAST BUT IS UNABLE TO HANDLE PROBLEMS OF AN EVER-CHANGING SOCIETY LIKE THE ONE WE LIVE IN. TO TRAIN CHILDREN TO THINK IS MORE DIFFICULT AND TIME-CONSUMING THAN TO TEACH ACCORDING TO A STANDARD PATTERN.*
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT.THAT TO DEVELOP A QUESTIONING AND DISCOVERING HABIT IN PUPILS, TEACHERS MUST BE CONFIDENT AND BE READY TO VENTURE OH THE ROAD OF EDUCATIONAL ENQUIRY EVEN AT THE RISK OF EXPOSING SOME LACK OF A READY ANSWER.
+VOU HAVE TO BE READY TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT A TEACHER
IS AS FALLIBLE AS ANY OTHER HUMAN BEING. FURTHERMORE YOU HAVE TO IMPRESS THIS UPON YOUR PUPILS. ABOVE ALL, WE MUST HAVE THINKING TEACHERS BEFORE WE CAN HAVE THINKING PUPILS.*
0 ------
/6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
LADY MACLEHOSE OPENS SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN n a ft it «
THE LIONS MORNINGHILL SCHOOL, A SPECIAL SCHOOL FOR SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN, WAS OPENED .THIS MORNING BY LADY MACLEHOSE, PATRON OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS.
THE lO-CLASSROOM CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOL ACCOMMODATES 200 PUPILS FROM SIX TO SIXTEEN YEARS OF AGE.
AS IN ORDINARY SCHOOLS, THE SUBJECTS TAUGHT ARE CHINESE, MATHEMATICS. SOCIAL STUDIES, HOME ECONOMICS, ART AND CRAFT, MUSIC AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION. THE CURRICULUM ALSO INCLUDES TRAINING IN SELF-HELP AND PRACTICAL SKILLS.
THE TEACHERS ARE ALL QUALIFIED TEACHERS AND SIX OF THEM HAVE COMPLETED ADDITIONAL TRAINING AS TEACHERS OF SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN. r
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID: +TIIE AIM OF A MODERN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS TO DEVELOP EACH CHILD TO HIS FULL POTENTIAL AND TO BECOME SELF-SUPPORTING AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF SOCIETY.*
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AND YOUNG PERSONS, ONE OF THE PIONEERS OF EDUCATION FOR SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN, WOULD BE WILLING TO SPONSOR MORE SCHOOLS FOR SLOW LEARNERS AS MORE OF THIS TYPE WERE NEEDED.
AT PRESENT THE ASSOCIATION OPERATES TWO SCHOOLS FOR THESE CHILDREN.
MORNINGHILL SCHOOL WAS STARTED IN 1964 BY A GROUP OF PARENTS AND IT CAME UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION IN 1965. IT BECAME A SUBSIDIZED SCHOOL IN 1968 AND IN OCTOBER OF THE SAME YEAR WAS RENAMED LIONS MORNINGHILL SCHOOL TO COMMEMORATE A DONATION OF $200,000 FROM THE LIONS CLUB TOWARDS THE COST OF A NEW SCHOOL BUILDING.
MR. TOPLEY GAVE THE ASSOCIATION AN ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND WISHED IT EVERY SUCCESS BOTH NOW AND IN ITS FUTURE DEVELOPMENT.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THE PAST 20 YEARS HAD WITNESSED GREAT CHANGES IN COMMUNITY ATTITUDES TO THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
/+IN TIE
Monday, November 18, 197^
7
♦IN THE PAST IT WAS THOUGHT THAT THE MAJORITY OF THE HANDICAPPED WERE UNABLE TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES AND HAD TO BE LOOKED AFTER BY OTHERS FOR MOST OF THEIR LIVES. TODAY, THE ATTITUDE IS DIFFERENT. WE NOW KNOW THAT THE VAST MAJORITY OF HANDICAPPED PEOPLE CAN BE TAUGHT TO DE SELF-SUPPORTING AND TO BE CONTRIBUTORS TO SOCIETY RATHER THAN A BURDEN UPON IT.
♦TODAY THE EMPHASIS IS ON TEACHING AND TRAINING FOR THE HANDICAPPED AND NO LONGER ON CUSTODIAL CARE. WE REGARD THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILD AS A DEVELOPING PERSON WHO CAN LEARN AND DEVELOP EVEN THOUGH HE WILL LEARN MORE SLOWLY THAN OTHERS. WE ARE MORE CONCERNED WITH HIS CAPABILITY THAN HIS DISABILITY, WITH THE WAY IN WHICH HE IS LIKE OTHER CHILDREN THAN THE WAY IN WHICH HE DIFFERS.+ .
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LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT WAH FU ESTATE »«««««
NOTE TO EDITORS*
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL TOUR W£H FU ESTATE IN ABERDEEN ON MRDN^ANALIGHTBODY°N ACC0MPAN,ED'BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING,
SHE WILL START NEWLY FORMED WAH FU
HER TOUR BY OFFICIATING AT THE OPENING OF THE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION PREMISES ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF WAH CHING HOUSE.
Ace *rAJEP LADY MACLEHOSE WILL DROP IN AT THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUBS ASSOCIATION CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND STROLL THROUGH THE ESTATE’S KWONG^HOUSE AND MARKET* SHE W,LL ALS0 VISIT A FAMILY WAH
REPRESENTATIVES OF NEWS MEDIA ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE . LADY MACLEHOSE WILL ARRIVE AT WAH CHING HOUSE AT ABOUT
VISIT
3 P.M
/8........
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
- 8 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT ano#
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54,477 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.9 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 58,553 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,730 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,653 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.7 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
TRACES OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
, THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,125 MM (83.66 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.6 PER CENT.
_ _ 0 - -
TRAVEL FIGURES UP SLIGHTLY
M * * M M
A TOTAL OF 8,167,398 TRAVELLERS ENTERED OR LEFT HONG KONG IN THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.
THIS WAS AN INCREASE OF ONLY 1.52 PER CENT OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WHEN THE NUMBER WAS 8,045,052.
THE FIGURES INCLUDE TRAVELLERS BY AIR, LAND AND SEA BUT EXCLUDE TRANSIENTS AND PERSONS REFUSED PERMISSION TO LAND.
0 - -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
K M M M M M
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (MONDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOONi
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD > 1.78
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD - 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD ’ 1.66
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ••
TAIWAN RICE GOOD —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 5.50 1.60 3.50
BIG-EYES NORMAL 3.50 1.60 2.10
SQUID NORMAL 6.20 2.60 4.50
HAIR-TAILS LIMITED 2.80 0.50 1.60
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.80 1.20 2.20
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.40 1.00 1.70
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.50 2.10 3.00
MELON COAT GOOD 2.60 1.40 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.70 1.10 4.00
YELLOW BELLY LIMITED 1.50 1.00 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.80 2.50 5.00
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 1.70 1.80 1.10
FORK-TAIL —— NO SALE
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 5.80 2.50 4.80 •
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.00 1.40 2.00
POMFRETS LIMITED 13.00 3.50 7.50
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.50 7.00 7.80
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 6.00 2.00 5.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
v^htable A»UTY WKSUElS5,ce (^rT¥)
»^eERMDAGE » J-* 3-00 Saht“rssep^atJhuce CHINESE KALE ls®L : WATERCRESS MHITED Reo I'oS s’oO c“^ssTR^RBAGE SCRCE
T0MAT0 SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.20
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
INDUSTRIALISTS URGED COMMITTEES TO PROMOTE
TO SET UP ACCIDENT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY
PREVENTION
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KENNEDY TOWN ................
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CORRUPTION FORMED .................
SUCCESS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPANSION DEPENDS ON ALL-ROUND CO-OPERATION ....................*...............
MAIL SERVICES TO FRANCE ...................................
MORE WOMEN JOIN TRADE UNION MOVEMENT ......................
WATER SITUATION REPORT ....................................
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SAI KUNG ................................
1
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
COMMODITIES T° WH0LESALE PR,CES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974
ACCIDENT PREVENTION COMMITTEES ADVOCATED TO HELP CUT DOWN INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS
if it if
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY CALLED ON TRADE AND EMPLOYER ORGANISATIONS TO SET UP SPECIAL COMMITTEES TO EXAMINE IN DETAIL WAYS 0.- IMPROVING UO.RK SAFETY' IN THEIR FIELDS.
OFFICIALLY OPENING THE SECOND CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINAR, liR. PRICE CRITICISED EMPLOYERS ARD MANAGERS WHO ATTEMPTED TO Pl ACE RESPONSIBILITY FOR INDUSTRIAL SAFElY SOLELY ON THE GOVERNMENT - AND DID LITTLE ABOUT IT THEMSELVES.
AND HE SAID IT WAS ALSO A RESPONSIBILITY OF TRADE UNIONS - A RESPONSIBILITY RARELY DISCHARGED IN HONG KONG -TO DO ALL THEY COULD TO STOP WORKERS BECOMING ACCIDENT VICTIMS.
+ 1 WOULD LIKE TO SEE TH IS.POINT RECOGNISED IN HONG KONG BY TRADE UNIONS SPONSORING ACCIDENT PREVENTION SEMINARS,* HE SAID.
+IN ALL TOO MANY CASES, ACCIDENTS OCCUR BECAUSE WORKERS MAY NOT APPRECIATE THE DANGER OF WHAT THEY ARE DOING, PARTICULARLY WHEN THEY TIE BACK OR RENDER INOPERATIVE GUARDS DESIGNED TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS OCCURRING.*
THE COMMISSIONER WARNED DELEGATES TO THE CMA SAFETY SEMINAR AGAINST <MERELY TALKING ABOUT ACCIDENT PREVENTION*.
HE TOLD THEM THEY SHOULD PRODUCE PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS AND SUGGESTIONS TO REDUCE THE +COUTINUING, APPALLING* WORK ACCIDENT TOLL IN HONG KONG.
HE STRESSED MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO PROVIDE A SAFE AND HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT AND URGED MANUFACTURING AND EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO INSTITUTE THEIR OWN ACCIDENT PREVENTION POLICIES AND BRING THEM TO THEIR MEMBERS’ ATTENTION.
MR. PRICE PRAISED THE CMA FOR TAKING THE LEAD AMONG EMPLOYER GROUPS IN PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL SAFETY., HE SAID THE ASSOCIATION HAD INITIATED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SEMINARS, SET UP AN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY COMMITTEE AND EMPLOYED ITS OWN SAFETY OFFICER- OLE OF THE FIRST GRADUATES I-ROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICER COURSES.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, ITS SAFETY OFFICER’S RESPONSIBILITIES HAD SO FAR BEEN CONFINED TO SUCH THINGS AS THE ORGANISATION OF SAFETY SEMINARS.
+IT SHOULD, I SUGGEST, BE PART OF HER TASKS TO VISIT INDIVIDUAL FACTORIES WHICH ARE MEMBERS OF THE CMA AND OFFER PRACTICAL ADVICE ON POSSIBLE DANGER POINTS,* HE SAID. +IN THIS WAY, SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO FEED BACK INFORMATION TO THE CMA’S OWN SAFETY COMMITTEE.*
/AND HE UP.GBD
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1.9, 1974.
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AND HE URGED THE ASSOCIATION’S SAFETY COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE NOT ONLY ACCIDENTS IN THE MOST DANGEROUS TRADES. EUT THE MAJOR CAUSES OF THESE ACCIDENTS - AND THEN INTRODUCE PREVENTION POLICIES.
MR. PRICE REVEALED THAT FOLLOWING ANOTHER INCREASE IN ACCIDENT FIGURES IN 1973 - TO 304 KILLED AND 30.214 INJURED - THERE HAD BEEN A MARKED REDUCTION TO 195 DEATHS IN THE FIRST 10 MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
♦THIS IS ENCOURAGING,+ HE SAID. +DUT, Oil THE OTHER
HAND, TH NUMBER OF LON-FATAL ACCIDENTS DURING THE
SAME PERIOD WAS 26,016, DESPITE THE DECLINE IN THE LABOUR FORCE EMPLOYED.
♦WHILE I AM SPEAKING, TWO ACCIDENTS WILL OCCUR. AND, DURING ONE AVERAGE WORKING DAY - THERE WILL DE LORE THAN 80 ACCIDENTS AT WORK.
♦PROBABLY, AT LEAST ONE WIL'L BE FATAL. +
MR. PRICE SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD HOW SET UP A NEW UNIT TO COLLECT AND ANALYSE ACCIDENT STATISTICS, AND THESE FIGURES WERE FREELY AVAILABLE TO EMPLOYERS’ ASSOCIATIONS TO HELP THEM TAKE POSITIVE STEPS. TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS.
HE LISTED AS THE MOST DANGEROUS TRADES IN HONG KONG THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY- TEXTILE MANUFACTURING- THE MANUFACTURE OF FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS- WORK IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND EATING PLACES- AND THE CLOTHING MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.
AND HE SAID THE SIX MAJOR CAUSES OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS WERE POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY- STEPPING Oil OR STRIKING AGAINST OBJECTS- HANDLING WITHOUT MACHINERY- PERSONS FALLING- THE USE OF HARD TOOLS- AND OBJECTS FALLING ON TO PEOPLE.
THIS INFORMATION ALONE, MR. PRICE SUGGESTED, WOULD PROVIDE AMPLE WORK FOR THE CMA’S SAFETY COMMITTEE FOR INVESTIGATION.
HE OFFERED THE COMMITTEE THE SERVICES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAIN I KG OFFICER, HR. A.H. CARTER, IN AH ADVISORY CAPACITY.
HE ALSO URGED THE ASSOCIATION TO EXAMINE THE NECESSITY TO APPOINT INDIVIDUAL COMMITTEES FOR INDUSTRIES WHICH HAD HIGH ACCIDENT RATES.
HE SAID HE COULD ALSO SEE A NEED FOR ACCIDENT PREVENTION COMMITTEES - INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS - IN LARGE INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
/IW. PRICE ADDED: ......
TUESDAY, W0VEI3ER 19, 1974
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MR. PRICE ADDED! +ALL MAJOR ASSOCIATIONS CONNECTED WITH INDUSTRY SHOULD HAVE WITHIN THEM A NUCLEUS OF PROPERLY-TRAINED AND QUALIFIED SAFETY OFFICERS WHO ARE ABLE TO CARRY OUT ACCIDENT PREVENTION FUNCTIONS AMONG THEIR MEMBER FIRMS. |
+INDEED, IN SOME LARGER COMPANIES, THE EMPLOYMENT OF A FULL-TIME SAFETY OFFICER IN THAT ONE CONCERN WOULD WELL DE JUSTIFIED.*
NOTE TO EDITORS! COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. PRICE’S --------------- SPEECH WILL BE BOXED FOR COLLECTION LATER TODAY
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT BELCHER’S STREET # « u « »
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE SECTION OF BELCHER’S STREET BETWEEN DAVIS STREET AND CADOGAN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL EASTDOURD TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT 10 DAYS AS FROM 11 AM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 21) TO FACILITATE TRAM TRACK RENEWAL WORKS.
ALL EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM VICTORIA ROAD, INCLUDING BUS SERVICES ROUTE ROS. 5, 5A, 5B ARD 101 WILL TURN LEFT INTO CADOGAN STREET ARD CONTINUE EASTWARDS VIA CATCHICK STREET. WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG BELCHER’S STREET WILL ROT DE AFFECTED.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974.
ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON w n it it
CORRUPTION FORMED
A COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP TO ADVISE THE GOVERNOR AND THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION ON MAJOR POLICY ASPECTS OF THE WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THE SEVEN-MEMBER COMMITTEE, KNOWN AS THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON CORRUPTION, WILL HAVE AS ITS CHAIRMAN, MR. JACK CATER, THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION.
THE MEMBERS ARE SIR YUET-KEUES KAN, DR. RAYSON HUANG, MRS. JOYCE SYMONS, MR PATRICK S..S. YU, MR. MICHAEL CLINTON AND MR. JOHN PRENDERGAST (THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION).
THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. CLINTON IS IN HIS PERSONAL
CAPACITY AND NOT AS DEPUTY COLONIAL SECRETARY. ALL APPOINTMENTS ARE FOR ONE YEAR.
IT WILL BE THE DUTY OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION OU ANY ASPECT OF THE PROBLEM OF CORRUPTION IN HONG KONG, WHETHER WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
WITH THIS IN VIEW, THE COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE
FOR KEEPING THE POLICIES OF THE ICAC UNDER REVIEW- FOR CONSIDERING THE ANNUAL ESTIMATES OF EXPENDITURE OF HIE ICAC- AND FOR SCRUTINISING THE ICAC’S ANNUAL REPORT DEFORE ITS SUBMISSION TO THE GOVERNOR.
IT WILL ALSO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR DRAWING THE GOVERNOR’S ATTENTION. AS IT CONSIDERS NECESSARY, TO ANY ASPECT OF THE WORK OF THE ICAC OR ANY OTHER PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED BY IT.
THE SETTING UP OF SUCH A COMMITTEE WAS FIRST MENTIONED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL OH 16TH OCTOBER. AT THE SAME TIME, SIR MURRAY ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT TWO FURTHER ADVISORY COMMITTEES, ONE DEALING WITH CORRUPTION PREVENTION AND THE OTHER WITH COMMUNITY RELATIONS, WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WHEN THE STAFF OF THESE TWO DEPARTMENTS WITHIN THE ICAC HAD BEEN RECRUITED AND THEY HAD BEGUN OPERATIONS.
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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974
MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES u « « «
THE ULTIMATE AIM OF ENSURING MAXIMUM POSSIBLE EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR ALL YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG FULLY JUSTIFIES THE PROPOSED MEASURES SET OUT III THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER. THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID TH'lS EVENING.
SPEAKING AT THE SILVER JUBILEE SPEECH DAY OF ST. MARK’S SCHOOL IN SHAU KEI WAN, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT PERHAPS THE MAJOR FEATURE OF THE WHITE PAPER WAS THE DECISION TO ACHIEVE THE MASSIVE SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPANSION TARGETS IN THE MINIMUM TIME POSSIBLE AND NOT TO ALLOW THE EXPANSION TO DEPEND ON THE BUILDING PROGRAMME ALONE.
AND SO THE IDEA OF EXTENDED DAY TIME-TABLES AND THE FLOATING OF CLASSES WAS BROUGHT INTO OPERATION.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE PLANNED EXPANSION WAS THEREFORE GOING TO DEPEND ON THE ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF ALL.
+HIGH LEVELS OF TOLERANCE AMONG BOTH TEACHING STAFF AND STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED. MUCH ADAPTABILITY AND WILLINGNESS TO EXPERIMENT WILL BE REQUIRED.
+IN SHORT, THE NEXT FEW YEARS ARE NOT GOING TO BE EASY. THERE WILL BE MANY DIFFICULTIES, MANY FRUSTRATIONS,* THE DIRECTOR PREDICTED.
THE OLDER, LONGER ESTABLISHED SCHOOLS, WHICH MR. TOPLEY DESCRIBED AS THE +KEYSTONES IN THIS EXPANSION*, WOULD PROVIDE THE SECURE BASE ON WHICH THE EXPANSION WAS FOUNDED.
+JT WILL NOT BE EASY TO MAINTAIN STANDARDS IN THE FACE OF THE RAPID PHYSICAL GROWTH WHICH IS EXPECTED. BUT THESE STANDARDS MUST BE SECURED, IF NOT IMPROVED.
IN THIS, ST. MARK’S, AS ONE OF HONG KONG’S MATURE, SETTLED SCHOOLS, WOULD HAVE ITS CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE.
. +1 AM CONFIDENT THAT WITH ITS SENSE OF COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY IT WILL DO SO WITH ALL THE EXPERTISE AND DETERMINATION IT HAS SHOWN OVER THE PAST 25 YEARS,* THE DIRECTOR SAID.
HE COMPLIMENTED THE SCHOOL FOR THE IMPORTANCE IT PLACED ON CREATING AND MAINTAINING A STRONG CORPORATE LIFE WITHIN THE SCHOOL.
MR. TOPLEY ALSO REFERRED TO THE ENCOURAGEMENT BEING GIVEN TO STUDENTS TO PLAY AS ACTIVE A ROLE AS POSSIBLE WITHIN THAT LIFE.
/+THEY ARE ENCOURAGED .....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 19?4
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♦THEY ARE ENCOURAGED TO DO SO IN THE BELIEF THAT SUCH PARTICIPATION PREPARES THEM FOR THE TIME WHEN THEY WILL TAKE THEIR PLACE AS ADULTS IN THE COMMUNITY OUTSIDE. THEY WILL BE READY TO BECOME INVOLVED AND TO CONTRIBUTE AND NOT BE MERELY PASSIVE MEMBERS. <
♦ANOTHER FEATURE OF THE SCHOOL, ONE CLOSELY RELATED TO THE ONE JUST DESCRIBED, IS THE RECOGNITION GIVEN TO THE VALUE OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND TO THE NEED FOR THE STUDENTS TO BE ABLE TO SEE BEYOND PERSONAL MATERIAL ADVANCEMENT. AND IN THIS AREA THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RUNNING OF THE SCHOOL AND THE SHAPING OF ITS POLICY HAVE BEEN ADMIRABLY REALISTIC,+ HE SAID.
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MAIL SERVICES TO FRANCE a « m
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION BY POSTAL WORKERS IN FRANCE, THE FRENCH POSTAL AUTHORITIES HAVE ADVISED THAT THEY ARE UNABLE TO GUARANTEE THE DELIVERY OF MAIL.
e 1 ' 1
ALTHOUGH MAIL WILL CONTINUE TO BE FORWARDED FROM HONG KONG TO FRANCE, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED, IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS, TO RESTRICT THE POSTING OF ALL CLASSES OF MAIL TO FRANCE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
'AC. SPAY, I.’JVIIEEa 19, 1974. - 7 -
HORE WOMEN JOIN TRADE UNIGMS it jj n « ■::•
HONG KONG’S WOMEN WORKERS ARE BECOMING MORE ACTIVE IN THE TRADE UNION MOVEMENT. •
AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, 51,625 WG.'.EN UFRE MEMBERS OF EMPLOYEES’ UNIONS, AH INCREASE OF 13,874 CVS. I THE 1972 FIGURE, WHILE 367 WERE IN EMPLOYERS* UNIONS AL) 1,C39 IN MIXED ORGANIZATIONS
IN 1962, LESS THAN 18,GOO WOMEN WERE INVOLVED IN TRADE UNIONS.
ACCORDING TO THE REGISTRAR OF TRADE rillGI’S, HR. TSANG
TAT-SIRO, MOST WOMEN TRADE UNIONISTS C:.i.7 FuC.I THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, ESPECIALLY THE TEXTILE Ai .3 ILA. KAS APPAREL INDUSTRIES, . THE COMMUNITY ALD SOCIAL SERVICES CRUL. S, Ai.) TEE ACRICLLTuRAL AND BUSINESS SERVICES.
ON THE WHOLE, TRADE UNIONS HAVE EEFH STEADILY EXPANDING, WITH THE OVERALL DECLARED MEMBERSHIP AT TEE H ) (.•" LAST YEAR AMOUNTING TO 305,721 — 44,792 OVER THE 1972 FIC i.A, ’iAE CCXLSPCADIL3 FIGURE FOR 1971 WAS 233,113.
AT THE END OF 1973, THERE WERE B'.D mi STEREO TRADE UNIONS, INCLUDING 234 EiiPLOYEES* UNIONS HI id AH OVERALL KEiiUERuHIP OF 295,735-* 44 EMPLOYERS’ ASCUSIATIC..3 CO. >2 IS I KG 4,939 Ma.DERS- AND 12 MIXED EHPLOYER-'EL.-LO.uE O.iGAIJIZATIORS WITH 6,047 MEMBERS.
COMMENTING ON LIAISON BETWEEN TRADE UNION’S AND THE REGISTRY OF TRADE UNIONS, HR. TSANG NOTED Ti.AT THERE HAD BEEN A GOOD TWO-WAY.FLOW.
EFFORTS WERE BEING HADE BY THE DEPARTMENT, HE SAID, TO KEEP IN CONSTANT TOUCH WITH VARIOUS TRADE UNIONS.
APART FROM INTERVIEWS CONDUCTED WITH TRADE UNIONS OFFICIALS OU UNION MATTERS, STAFF OF HIS DEPARTMENT CARRY OUT PERIODIC VISITS TO VARIOUS TRADE UNION PREMISES AMD THEIR BRANCHES AS A ROUTINE EXERCISE TO INSPECT UNION ACCOUNT BOOKS AI.D REGISTERS OF MENDERS.
THESE INSPECTIONS ARE MAINLY TO ENSURE, IN THE INTEREST OF THE ORDINARY MEMBERS, THAT UNION FUlbS ARE FULLY AND ACCURATELY ACCOUNTED FUR AI.D, MORE II.P(h<TAUTLY, TO FOSTER BETTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING.
+WHERE NECESSARY, WE OFFER ON-THE-SPOT PRACTICAL
ADVICE TO UNION OFFICIALS AND MEMBERS ALIKE TO REMEDY ANY ACCOUNTING OR ADMINISTRATIVE DEFECTS DETECTED. AT THE SAME VKTIME, WE MAKE USE OF THE VISITS TO ACHIEVE A BETTER CCi JUHI CAT I ON WITH THE UNIONS AND KNOW TLEIR ADMINISTRATIVE ALD CONSTITUTIONAL PROBLEMS, IF ANY,+ HE SAID.
/♦THE VISITS ......
Tu. , KJVL...3I 19, 197*. - 8 -
♦THE VISITS THUS ARE MORE OF A GOODWILL THAN INSPECTING NATURE.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT ACTING IN A QUASI-ADVISORY CAPACITY, HIS STAFF WERE ALWAYS WELCOME AT UNION PREMISES.
LAST YEAR, THE DEPARTMENT CARRIED OUT 82 SUCH VISITS, AND CONDUCTED SOME 600 INTERVIEWS WITH TRADE UNION OFFICIALS.
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WATER SITUATION REPORT H « N «
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (TUESDAY) STOOD AT 54,425 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.9 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 58,415 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,707 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,531 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.6 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,126.5 MM (83.72 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.7 PER CENT.
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/9
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974.
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SAI KUNG W H if >|
note to EDITORSi
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL CARRY OUT TWO PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 21).
AT 2.45 PM HE WILL ATTEND THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF THE SUNG TSUN MIDDLE SCHOOL — THE ONLY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SAI KUNG — WHERE HE WILL DELIVER A SPEECH AND PRESENT PRIZES TO STUDENTS.
LATER HE WILL CALL ON MEMBERS OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL > COMMITTEE AND HOLD BRIEF DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM.
ON HIS WAY BACK, THE GOVERNOR WILL PAY BRIEF VISITS TO THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME REHOUSING BLOCKS AND THE RESERVOIR ITSELF.
A NINE-SEATER VAN (AM 2133) WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA WHO WISH TO GO TO SAI KUNG WITH THE GOVERNOR. IT WILL LEAVE THE TSIMSHATSUI SUBPOOL AT 1.45 PM AND WILL RETURN AT ABOUT 4.35 PM.
_ _ 0 _ _
CCuSUMJl Ai)VIL;’.;Y ;..iCu
if it if if it it
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME ALY) AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AED THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON 1
SUPPLIES AMD UHCLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE HEU GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.70
PO H3AI GOOD —•
CHU CHO GOOD ••
THAI RICE •
100# WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15# BROKENS GOOD 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.44
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD —
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) GOOD
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES Ain).....
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 5.80 2.50 3.80
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.50 1.50 2.50
SQUID NORMAL 6.00 2.20 4.20
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 3.20 1.40 2.30
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.70 1.40 2.60
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.50 1.20 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.70 2.20 3.00
MELON COAT LIMITED 2.40 1.20 1.80
BREAMS SCARCE 5.00 4.00 4.50
YELLOW DELLY GOOD 1.40 0.80 1.10
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.50 • 3.00 4.30
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED l.CO 1.00 1.40
FORK-TAIL LIMITED 1.00 0.70 0.80
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE • 6.00 4.00 5.00
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.50 1.00 2.30
POMFRETS SCARCE 9.50 4.50 7.00
GAROUPAS SCARCE 9a 00 6.00 7.50
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 5.00 2.20 4.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE : AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE r LIMITED 3.40 1.20 2.80
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.80
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.80 0.30 • 0.50
CHINESE KALE SCARCE 3.40 1.20 2.80
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.40 1.60 2.00
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.40 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE 4.00 1.50 3.00
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 , 3.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.20 0.60 1.40
CHINESE SPINACH N( ) SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.20
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED FOR BETTER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ......................................... 1
RESIDENTS* ASSOCIATIONS CAN IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN
TENANTS AND LANDLORDS................................ 2
EDUCATION SYSTEM MUST BE GEARED TO SOCIAL NEEDS OF
PUPILS, SAYS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ................... 3
CHEUNG SHA WAN SQUATTERS OFFERED LICENSED AREA SITES ' 5
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION IN MONG KOK ............. 5
WATER SITUATION s TOTAL STORAGE NOW 80.8 PER CENT OF FULL CAPACITY.......................................... 6
SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD TO BE CLOSED FOR A FEW WEEKS 6
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974
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NEED FOR BETTER RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, UNDERLINED THE IMPORTANCE OF PROVIDING BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR RECREATION TODAY WHEN HE OPENED THE NEW BRADBURY WING OF THE YMCA IN TSIM SHA TSUI.
HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS AN UPSURGE OF INTEREST IN THIS SUBJECT AND A REALISATION OF ITS SOCIAL IMPORTANCE, AND NOTED THAT MANY WERE WORKING TO IMPROVE THINGS IN SMALL AND BIG WAYS.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS »-
+l AM VERY PLEASED TO HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO PERFORM THIS OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW BRADBURY WING TODAY. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE LAST GOVERNOR TO HAVE THE HONOUR OF OPENING A NEW YMCA BUILDING IN HONG KONG WAS SIR WILLIAM PEEL WHO LAID THE FOUNDATION STONE OF THE WEST WING IN 1933.
+IN THIS DENSELY POPULATED CITY IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THAT THERE ARE BETTER OPPORTUNITlES FOR RECREATION. I BELIEVE THERE IS AN UPSURGE OF INTEREST IN THIS SUBJECT AND A REALISATION OF ITS SOCIAL IMPORTANCE. MANY ARE NOW WORKING TO IMPROVE THINGS WHETHER IN SMALL WAYS, OR LIKE YOU IN LARGE ONES.
+THE NEW BRADBURY WING WILL HELP TO PROVIDE FOR THE RECREATIONAL NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE IN ALL THIS AREA, AND I CONGRATULATE YOUR ASSOCIATION ON ALL THE HARD WORK AND PRUDENT PLANNING THAT HAS LED TO THE COMPLETION OF THIS NEW BUILDING.
+1 HAVE PLEASURE IN DECLARING THIS BRADBURY WING OPEN.+
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 1974.
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GOOD COMMUNICATION VITAL IN TENANT-LANDLORD »
RELATIONSHIP * * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE SAID TODAY CONFLICT OF INTERESTS BETWEEN LANDLORDS AND TENANTS COULD ONLY BE SOLVED THROUGH GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THEM.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE WAH FU RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION PREMISES, THE GOVERNOR’S WIFE SAID ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS MUST PERFORM +IS TO OBTAIN TRULY REPRESENTATIVE VIEWS FROM ALL TENANTS AND THUS BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE THESE VIEWS KNOWN TO THE LANDLORD IN ORDER THAT A SPEEDY, EFFECTIVE AND SMOOTH INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS MAY BE MADE.+
SHE NOTED THAT THE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS HAD PROVED OF GREAT VALUE IN PROMOTING BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AS LANDLORD AND THE TENANTS, AND EXPRESSED GREAT SATISFACTION THAT THE WAH FU RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION ALSO INTENDED TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE RESIDENTS AS WELL AS IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS AND ASSIST IN SOLVING PROBLEMS.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF LADY MACLEHOSE’S SPEECH t
+MR. LAM, MEMBERS OF THE WAH FU RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION COMMITTEE AND FELLOW GUESTS. IT IS WITH GREAT PLEASURE THAT I HAVE ACCEPTED YOUR INVITATION TO BE HERE TODAY AND TAKE PART IN THE OPENING OF THE WAH FU RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION PREMISES. THIS IS, I UNDERSTAND, THE FOURTH SUCH RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION TO BE FORMED WITHIN THE GROUP (A) ESTATES. THESE ASSOCIATIONS HAVE PROVED TO BE OF GREAT VALUE IN PROMOTING BETTER UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AS LANDLORD AND THE TENANTS AND I FEEL SURE THAT THE WAH FU RESIDENTS’ ASSOCATION WILL BE OF EQUAL VALUE.
+IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THERE MUST AT TIMES BE A CONFLICT OF INTERESTS BETWEEN ANY LANDLORD, HOWEVER BENEVOLENT, AND HIS TENANTS. IT IS ONLY BY GOOD COMMUNICATION THAT SUCH PROBLEMS CAN BE SOLVED. AS I SEE IT ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT FUNCTIONS THAT THE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATIONS MUST PERFORM IS TO OBTAIN TRULY REPRESENTATIVE VIEWS FROM ALL TENANTS AND THUS BE IN A POSITION TO MAKE THESE VIEWS KNOWN TO THE LANDLORD IN ORDER' THAT A SPEEDY, EFFECTIVE AND SMOOTH INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS MAY BE MADE.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ALWAYS ENDEAVOURED TO ENSURE THAT HOUSING MANAGERS POSTED ON AN ESTATE TAKE GREAT INTEREST IN THE OPINIONS AND FEELINGS OF THE TENANTS- DO ALL THEY CAN TO ACCOMMODATE THESE OPINIONS AND FEELINGS- AND MANAGE THESE ESTATES SMOOTHLY. I NOTE WITH GREAT INTEREST AND SATISFACTION THAT THE RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION ALSO INTENDS TO FOSTER BETTER RELATIONSHIPS AMONG THE RESIDENTS, TO IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS AND ASSIST IN SOLVING ANY PROBLEMS. THESE ARE VERY WORTHY IDEALS AND I CONGRATULATE YOU UPON THEM AND WISH YOU AS CHAIRMAN AND EVERY MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION EVERY SUCCESS.+
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/3.....
V
,, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974.
- 3 -
EDUCATION SYSTEM TO BE MORE SOCIALLY DIRECTED <
* * K # K * * •
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SPOKE ABOUT THE CHANGING FUNCTION OF HONG KONG'S EDUCATION SYSTEM IN ITS RELATIONSHIP TO SOCIETY IN HIS LUNCHEON ADDRESS TO THE LIONS CLUB OF BAYVIEW THIS AFTERNOON.
THE EFFECT OF THE NEW SYSTEM MEANS THAT IN FUTURE ALL CHILDREN IN THE 12 TO 14 AGE GROUP WILL BE PROVIDED-WITH SUBSIDIZED EDUCATION IN FORMS 1 TO 3. > > ‘A . • • \
AT PRESENT SOMETHING LIKE HALF THE CHILDREN IN THIS AGE GROUP ARE GETTING SUBSIDIZED EDUCATION.
.HE SAID THE EMPHASIS IN SCHOOLS UP TO NOW HAS BEEN ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF ACADEMIC STANDARDS. SINCE HONG KONG WAS GOING INTO MASS SECONDARY EDUCATION, PRIORITIES AND THE WHOLE APPROACH TO EDUCATION WERE GOING TO CHANGE.
IN MR. TOPLEY’S VIEW THIS MEANS THAT THE EDUCATION SYSTEM WILL HAVE TO BE MORE SOCIALLY DIRECTED AND THE FUNCTION OF THE SECONDARY TEACHER WILL HAVE TO BE MODIFIED.
MUCH MORE ATTENTION WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID TO THE NEEDS OF PUPbLS. IN THEIR SOCIAL SETTING.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHAT WAS TO BE DONE TO CHANGE SOME OF THE EMPHASIS IN SCHOOLS FROM PURE ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT TO A MORE SOCIAL TYPE OF EDUCATION, THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT IN HIS VIEW THERE WERE THREE THINGS TO DO.
FIRSTLY, THE SYLLABUSES, I.E. WHAT IS ACTUALLY TAUGHT IN THE CLASSROOM, MUST BE MADE RELEVANT AND APPROPRIATE TO THE LEVELS OF ABILITY AND INTEREST OF THE CHILDREN TAKING THE LESSON.
SECONDLY, +WE NEED MORE CAREER GUIDANCE AND TRAINING IN DECISION-MAKING FOR THE CHILDREN IN OUR SCHOOLS.+
THE PUPILS MUST BE ABLE TO TAKE A REALISTIC VIEW OF THEIR CAPABILITIES AND OF THE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE TO THEM ON LEAVING SCHOOL.
LASTLY, MR. TOPLEY SPOKE ABOUT THE NEED OF SOCIAL WORKERS TO BE ATTACHED TO SCHOOLS OR GROUPS OF SCHOOLS WHO WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSISTING PUPILS WHO HAVE ADJUSTMENT PROBLEMS IN SCHOOLS OR HOME AND FAMILY PROBLEMS WHICH CLEARLY REQUIRED HELP AND ADVICE.
/THE DIBECTOH SAID .....
I 9 WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 197*. - 4 -
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT MAD BEEN ABLE TO PLAN AND WAS NOW BEGINNING TO IMPLEMENT A PILOT SCHEME.
IN SAYING THAT THE SCHEME WOULD RECEIVE HIS FULLEST COOPERATION AND ENCOURAGEMENT, MR. TOPLEY SAID THAT A PROMISING START HAD BEEN MADE IN THE INTER-DEPARTMENTAL PLANNING NECESSARY TO LAUNCH THE SCHEME.
HE SAID THE PRINCIPAL OFFICERS OF THE THREE DISTRICTS OF TNI FAMILY SERVICES DIVISION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE APPROACHED INFORMALLY A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS IN THEIR AREAS TO EXPLORE THE POSSIBILITY OF PROVIDING +SUPPORT+ SOCIAL WORK FACILITIES IN THE SCHOOL SETTING.
+THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN MOST ENCOURAGING,* THE DIRECTOR SAID*
THE PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS HAVE AGREED TO LOOK AFTER FIVE SCHOOLS ON A PART-TIME BASIS.
ALTHOUGH THE SCHEME WAS MODEST AND EXPERIMENTAL IT WAS A WELCOME ADDITION TO THE COUNSELLING SERVICES ALREADY PROVIDED IN CERTAIN SCHOOLS BY SEVEN VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES.
POINTING OUT THAT +WE HAVE CLEARLY VERY FAR TO GO IN THIS LABOUfi+|NTENS?VEEY STRESSED THAT COUNSELLING WAS COSTLY AND VERY
+MOREOVER, IN TURNING OUR ATTENTION TO THE SOCIAL ASPECTS OF EDUCATION WE MUST KEEP A SENSE OF PROPORTION AND NOT THROW OUT THE BABY WITH THE BATH WATER. ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AND THE PUPIL THAT IS BRIGHT AND OF GOOD POTENTIAL ACADEMICALLY HAVE A SOUND CLAIM FOR OUR SUPPORT AND CLOSE ATTENTION,* HE SAID.
IN THE SEARCH FOR GREATER EQUALITY AND MORE SOCIAL EMPHASIS. MR. TOPLEY EMPHASISED THAT THE NEEDS AND ASPIRATIONS OF THE GIFTED PUPIL MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN.
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/5.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974
- 5 -
CHEUNG SHA WAN SQUATTERS OFFERED LICENSED AREA SITES
* * K K *
ABOUT 40 PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE SQUATTERS OF THE CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD/FAT TSEUNG STREET AREA CALLED AT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT’S SQUATTER CONTROL OFFICE IN MIDDLE ROAD TODAY FOR CLARIFICATION OF . THEIR INDIVIDUAL CASES.
THE SQUATTER AREA HAS BEEN SCHEDULED FOR CLEARANCE TO MAKE WAY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MASS TRANSIT STATION.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS REGISTERED A TOTAL OF 540 PEOPLE IN THE AREA AND AFTER INITIAL INVESTIGATION HAS OFFERED SITES AT SHEK YAM LICENSED AREA TO 70 FAMILIES COMPRISING 249 PEOPLE. THE OTHER CASES ARE STILL BEING INVESTIGATED.
MR. LEE KING-WAN, SENIOR HOUSING MANAGER (SQUATTER CONTROL), WHO INTERVIEWED THE GROUP REASSURED THEM THAT THEIR CASES WOULD BE INVESTIGATED THOROUGHLY AND NONE OF THEM WOULD BE LEFT OUT IF THEY WERE FOUND TO BE GENUINE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.
HE ALSO TOLD THEM THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE THEM AMPLE TIME TO BUILD THEIR NEW HUTS AT SHEK YAM BEFORE CLEARING THE AREA. •
+ALL GENUINE SQUATTERS IN THE AREA WILL BE GIVEN 20 DAYS TO PREPARE FOR THEIR REMOVAL AND TEMPORARY TRANSIT ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED TO ANY GENUINE SQUATTER WHO CANNOT MOVE IN TIME,* MR. LEE SAID.
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TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN MONG KOK * KKMft
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN MONG KOK WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR A FEW HOURS AS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 23) TO FACILITATE A LEAKAGE TEST IN THE DISTRICT.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NATHAN ROAD, DUNDAS STREET, SHANGHAI STREET AND SHAN TUNG STREET.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974
WATER SITUATION REPORT ******
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (WEDNESDAY) STOOD AT 54,384 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.8 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 58,266 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,707 MILLION GALLONS. COMPARED WITH 45,509 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.6 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
, THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,128.0 MM (83.78 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.7 PER CENT.
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WATERLOO ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
******
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE SECTION OF WATERLOO ROAD BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC FOR A FEW WEEKS FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 22).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SOUTHBOUND ELEVATED ROAD ON WATERLOO ROAD.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC ON WATERLOO ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED ALONG BOUNDARY STREET, EARL STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO REJOIN WATERLOO ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
* M M *
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (WEDNESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON i
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE *
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.78
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GQOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD
. SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY1 GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK ($/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)i $340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 1974.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET) AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 5.80 1.50 4.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.55 1.40 2.40
SQUID NORMAL 5.50 3.80 4.50
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.60 0.70 1.40
LIZARD FISHES GOOD * 3.85 1.30 2.00
‘CROAKERS NORMAL 2.50 1.20 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.95 1.60 2.60
MELON COAT NORMAL 3.00 1.40 2.00
BREAMS SCARCE 5.30 3.20 4.50
YELLOW BELLY LIMITED 1.70 0.70 1.10
MACKERELS SCARCE 5.80 3.00 4.50
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 4.65 0.80 1.50
FORK-TAIL LIMITED 1.00 0.70 0.80
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.00 3.50 4.80
MELON SEED SCARCE 3.00 1.50 2.20
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 5.50 7.50
GAROUPAS LIMITED 11.00 5.00 8.00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 6.50 2.20 5.00 •
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/GATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE ■
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 3.20 1.00 ' 2.60
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.80
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.80 0.30 0.50
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 3.20 1.20 2.60
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.40 1.60 2.00
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.40 1.20
SP1NACH SCARCE 4.50 1.50 3.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.50 2.00 2.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.20 0.80 1.60
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.20 2.50 3.50
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR STRESSES NEED FOR COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL AREAS ............................... 1
GREATER UNITY IN EDUCATION SERVICES URGED ................ 2
FIRE DANGER EXTREMELY HIGH — PUBLIC URGED TO BE ON ALERT .................................................... 4
WARNING AGAINST BATHING IN UNVENTILATED BATHROOMS WITH
GAS WATER HEATERS ........................................ 5
l».
UNITED'FRONT AGAINST DRUGS VltAL SAYS DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE ....................................... 6
HONG KONG REPRESENTATIVE TO ATTEND CONFERENCE ON TALL BUILDINGS IN CAIRO ..................................... '
EMERGENCY REPAIR OF DEFECTIVE LIFTS IN TUNG TAU HOUSING BLOCK .......................................... 8
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN CAUSEWAY BAY ....................... 9
DR. GERALD CHOA TO SPEAK ON DRUGS AT PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION DINNER.......................*............ V
WATER SITUATION I TOTAL STORAGE NOW 80.7 PER CENT OF FULL CAPACITY ......................................... 1U
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
uitil
COMMUNITY MUST SHARE EFFORT TO RAISE LIVING STANDARDS, SAYS GOVERNOR « ft it ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY URGED NEW TERRITORIES RESIDENTS TO PLAY THEIR PART IN THE DEVELOPMENT • OF THEIR DISTRICTS +AND NOT LEAVE EVERYTHING TO THE GOVERNMENT.*
♦VERY OFTEN,* HE SAID, +LOCAL INVOLVEMENT IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS IS THE BEST WAY OF GETTING THINGS DONE.*
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING TO RURAL COMMITTEE LEADERS OF SAI KUNG DISTRICT DURING A VISIT TO THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S NEW PREMISES, AS PART OF A TOUR OF SAI KUNG PENINSULA. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY.
THE GOVERNOR INDICATED THAT SAI KUNG, WHICH NOW HAS ONLY ONE SECONDARY SCHOOL, COULD LOOK FORWARD TO A SECOND ONE. THE RURAL COMMITTEE’S INVOLVEMENT ’IN THE PLANNING OF THE NEW SCHOOL, HE SAID, HAD ENCOURAGED THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO GIVE STRONG SUPPORT TO THE PROJECT.
SIR MURRAY ALSO TOURED SAI KUNG TOWN AND HAD A FIRST-HAND LOOK AT THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME REHOUSING ELOCK. HE EXPRESSED HIS APPRECIATION FOR THE CO-OPERATION OF THE VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PROJECT, AND SAID HE WAS SURE THEY REALISED THAT THE SCHEME WAS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
EARLIER, THE GOVERNOR ATTENDED THE GOLDEN JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS OF THE SUNG TSUN MIDDLE SCHOOL WHERE HE EMPHASISED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO PROVIDE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THREE YEARS OF SUBSIDISED SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR ALL CHILDREN IN HONG KONG.
THE EFFORT, HE SAID, WOULD BE VERY GREAT, INVOLVING NEW CURRICULA, NEW ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL TIME, MANY MORE TEACHERS, NEW PRESSURE ON SCHOOL BOARDS AND HEADMASTERS, +BUT IT IS AN OBJECTIVE WHICH IS INFINITELY WORTHWHILE AND ONE WHICH WE CAN ACHIEVE PROVIDED OUR EFFORTS ARE UNITED.*
+++++
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S TWO SPEECHES ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
- 2 -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
GREATER CO-OPERATION IN EDUCATION SERVICES' NEEDED it Jc 5? ;»• J; ir
A CALL FOR GREATER UNITY OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND GREATER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN ALL PARTIES IN THE EDUCATION SERVICE WAS MADE BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. CHARLES LOWE, AT THE SPEECH DAY OF LA • SALLE COLLEGE THIS EVENING.
MR. LOWE WAS ECHOING THE CALL IN AH ARTICLE IN EN ENGLISH EDUCATIONAL JOURNAL BY A FAMOUS EDUCATIONIST, LORD ALEXANDER.
+THIS IS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN HONG KONG IF WE ARE TO MEET THE CHALLENGE OF THE WHITE PAPER. IT WILL MAKE A TREMENDOUS change IN OUR SCHOOLS BUT WE MUST HOT LET THE FAINT HEARTS ANXIOUS FOR ANY EXCUSE TO DUCK THE ISSUE, CONFUSE THE BASIC DECISION TO ACHIEVE THE AIMS OR OPT OUT BY CONCENTRATING THEIR FIRE ON THE OTHER ISSUES RAISED IN THE WHITE PAPER,+ MR. LOWE SAID.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SA ID‘THAT IN HIS VIEW THE OBJECTIVES OF THE WHITE PAPER MUST BE PURSUED WITH VIGOUR AND DETERMINATION BY THE SCHOOLS AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
HE EMPHASISED 8 +IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE, IF NOT CRIMINAL, TO BE TURNED AWAY BY CRITICISM OF PARTS OF THE WHITE PAPER FROM THE MAJOR AIM OF PROVIDING PUBLIC SECTOR PLACES FOR 100 PER CENT OF THE 12-14 AGE GROUP IN FORMS 1 TO 3 AND FOR 40 PER CENT OF THE 15-16 AGE GROUP IN FORMS 4 AND 5 IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME SCALE, THAT IS BY 1979.
+IT IS IN A SENSE AN EMERGENCY AND MUST BE GIVEN EMERGENCY IMPLEMENTATION. IN THE 197O’S WE CANNOT AFFORD TO SAY THAT THE BIRTHRIGHT OF EVERY CHILD IS LIMITED TO SIX YEARS OF BASIC EDUCATION AND THAT OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS MUST BE RESERVED FOR THE ABLE OR THE WEALTHY.*
MR. LOWE ADMITTED THAT THE PLAN HAD ITS DIFFICULTIES - THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION, THE REPLACEMENT OF S.S.E.E. AND THE INTRODUCTION OF THE JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION.
BUT, HE POINTED OUT, THE WHITE PAPER INTENDED TO BE A DETAILED BLUE PRINT.
WAS NOT AND NEVER WAS
+IT IS A STATEMENT OF AIMS WITH CLEAR INDICATIONS OF THE LINES ALONG WHICH THEY SHOULD BE IMPLEMENTED. OBVIOUSLY BETWEEN NOW AND 1982, NEEDS AND PROBLEMS WILL HAVE CHANGED, THE WHITE PAPER WILL BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW. THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE NOR DO I FEEL THE STRIDENT CRIES OF OUR LIBERAL EDUCATIONISTS FOR COMPULSION CARRY WEIGHT. COMPULSION IS NOT THE HONG KONG WAY. IT IS NOT THE EDUCATION WAY EITHER,* MR. LOWE SAID.
AS REGARDS THE LANGUAGE OF INSTRUCTION, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR SAID HE AGREED THAT THIS WAS MOST DIFFICULT BUT IT WAS NOT REALLY A QUESTION OF EITHER OR.
/+IT GOES DEEPER. .....
suuu;?ay, hovkii’ch 21, 1974.
- 3 -
+ IT GOES DEEPER. STREAMS WITHIN A SCHOOL WILL HAVE DIFFERENT NEEDS. SHOULD AS MUCH ENGLISH BE USED IN FORM 1 AS IN FORM 3? I DO NOT THINK SO. CERTAIN SUBJECTS CAN BE BETTER TAUGHT IN ENGLISH THAN OTHERS, SCIENCE RATHER THAN ARTS SUBJECTS, FOR EXAMPLE.+
ON THE ABOLITION OF THE S.S.E.E., MR. LOWE SAID : +1 AGREE THAT WE ARE THROWING AWAY A SELECTION SYSTEM WHICH IS FAIR AND MAKING SELECTION MORE DIFFICULT AND OPEN TO QUESTION. NEVERTHELESS, ABOLITION IS A POLITICAL NECESSITY AND WE HAVE OUTGROWN S.S.E.E.
+1 NCI DENTALLY A WORKING PARTY IS BEING SET UP OF OFFICIALS IN THE DEPARTMENT, TEACHERS AND HEADS, AND HOPEFULLY WITH LAY REPRESENTATION, TO WORK OUT THE BEST WAY OF PROCEEDING. I THINK THAT ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURES, PROBABLY ZONAL, CAN BE DEVISED TO REPLACE S.S.E.E. WE HAVE THREE YEARS TO DO IT.
+WE HAVE SIX YEARS TO WORK OUT DETAILS OF THE FORM 3 SELECTION. IN EIGHT YEARS WE MAY HAVE GOT A HIGHER PULLTHROUGH RATE INTO FORM 4 WHICH WILL TAKE OUT MUCH OF THE HEAT. I ENTIRELY AGREE THAT THIS EXAMINATION MUST NOT BE A MINI CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION.*
OFFERING TWO PIECES OF ADVICE TO THE PUPILS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR TOLD THEM NEVER TO FORGET THE STANDARDS OF CONDUCT AFTER THEY HAD LEFT SCHOOL AND MORALITY GIVEN THEM BY THEIR SCHOOL, LA SALLE.
+NEVER SIT DOWN AND GRUMBLE IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG. WHY DON’T THEY (USUALLY THE GOVERNMENT) DO THIS OR THAT? THINK FOR AN HOUR ABOUT THE BEST MEANS TO ADOPT THEN SET ABOUT PUTTING IT RIGHT YOURSELVES.
h
+MANY PEOPLE LIKE TO KEEP* AWAY FROM GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS. THIS IS WRONG. SEE THE OFFICIAL ACROSS THE DESK AND POLITELY ARGUE THE CASE. THIS IS WORTH 20 LETTERS TO THE DEPARTMENT AND 20 MORE TO THE NEWSPAPER.*
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A
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
DRY WEATHER INCREASES FIRE DANGER PUBLIC URGED TO EXERCISE EXTREME CARE H H ii M k X
THE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY WEATHER HAS SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASED THE DANGER OF FIRE, AND THE COMMUNITY IS WARNED TO BE EXTREMELY CAREFUL WITH ANYTHING THAT MAY CAUSE FIRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID THAT WHEN THE HUMIDITY DROPS BELOW 60 PER CENT EVERYTHING WHICH WILL BURN, BOTH INDOORS AND OUTDOORS, BECOMES TINDER DRY. +AS A RESULT, FIRES ARE STARTED MORE EASILY AND SPREAD FASTER.+
DURING DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS THE FIRE SERVICES RECEIVE TWICE TO FIVE TIMES AS MANY CALLS AS DURING WET PERIODS.
STRESSING THE: IMPORTANCE OF HEEDING FIRE WARNINGS, THE SPOKESMAN LISTED A FEW SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS WHICH COULD HELP AVOID A DISASTER.
* TAKE CARE IN HANDLING AND DISPOSING OF LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS, MATCHES, CANDLES AND JOSS STICKS.
* DON’T OVERLOAD ELECTRICITY CIRCUITS BY PLUGGING TOO MANY APPLIANCES INTO ONE SOCKET. THIS COULD CAUSE THE WIRING TO OVERHEAT.
K TAKE CARE WHEN USING KEROSENE FOR COOKING, HEATING OR LIGHTING.
* AT WORK, MAKE SURE THAT MACHINES ARE KEPT CLEAN AND ARE NOT ALLOWED TO OVERHEAT.
M BE EXTRA CAREFUL WITH LIGHTED MATERIALS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. •
THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE YELLOW WARNING MEANT THE DANGER OF FIRE WAS HIGH WHILE THE RED WARNING SPELT EXTREME DANGER.
+IF EVERYONE, IN HIS OWN AND HIS NEIGHBOUR’S INTEREST, RESPONDS TO THESE WARNINGS BY TAKING PRECAUTIONS AND BE ON THEIR GUARD, LIFE AND PROPERTY WILL BE SAVED.+
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
- 5
BEWARE OF UNVEtlTILATED HEATED if if if it if H
bathrooms
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS ADEQUATE VENTILATION IN BATHROOMS WHERE GAS WATER HEATERS ARE USED. •
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WARNED IT WAS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS TO BATHE IN UNVENTILATED BATHROOMS HEATED BY GAS. AND POINTED OUT THAT THREE PEOPLE HAD DIED AND TEH OTHERS INJURED EARLIER THIS YEAR AS A RESULT OF BATHING IN POORLY OR UNVENTILATED BATHROOMS.
+WHETHER THE CASUALTIES WERE OVERCOME BY GAS LEAKING FROM A DEFECTIVE APPLIANCE OR THROUGH LACK GF OXYGEN, THE DEATHS AND . INJURIES WOULD MOST PROBABLY HOT HAVE OCCURRED HAD THERE BEEN PROPER VENTILATION,* HE SAID.
WITH THE ADVENT OF COOLER WEATHER, THE PUBLIC WOULD BE WELL ADVISED TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION, HE STRESSED.
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT SIMILAR WARNINGS HAD BEEN ISSUED IN THE PAST BUT DEATHS AND INJURIES STILL OCCURRED, OFTEN IN CUBLICLES WHERE HOT WATER INSTALLATIONS HAD BEEN INSTALLED. IN SOME CASES, HE added, no PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE FOR VENTILATION SUCH AS DOOR LOUVERS OR OPEN AIR VENTILATION WHEN THE HEATERS WERE INSTALLED.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO AVOID USING SUCH PLACES AS THEY WERE RISKY. +PEOPLE OBVIOUSLY HEED PRIVACY WHILE BATHING, BUT VENTILATION WHICH IN HO WAY AFFECTS PRIVACY CAN EASILY BE PROVIDED,* HE SAID.
_______0 ________
/6
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
CALL FOR EVERYONE TO JOIN FIGHT AGAINST DRUGS ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TODAY (THURSDAY) CALLED ON EVERYONE TO JOIN HANDS WITH THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT IN EFFORTS TO COMBAT DRUG-ADDICTION.
HE SAID IF WE ALL DID THIS IT SHOULD NOT BE IMPOSSIBLE ’ TO REALLY MAKE HONG KONG DRUG FREE.
MR. LEE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY OF THE SALES I AN SCHOOL AND CALLED THE ATTENTION OF THE STUDENTS TO THE DANGERS OF DRUG-ADDICTION. HE POINTED OUT THAT ONCE A PERSON BECOMES ADDICTED HE WILL DETERIORATE PHYSICALLY, ECONOMICALLY AND SOCIALLY ENDING UP AS A BURDEN ON AND CAUSING SUFFERING TO HIS FAMILY AND OTHERS AROUND HIM.
NOT ONLY THAT, MR. LEE SAID, DRUG-ADDICTION ALSO HAS ITS EFFECTS ON SOCIETY. IT IS VERY COSTLY TO ALLOW PEOPLE TO BE UNPRODUCTIVE AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION PROGRAMMES AND RUN PRISONS. » •
HE SAID THERE ARE ALREADY MANY THEORIES ATTEMPTING TO EXPLAIN THE CAUSES OF DRUG-ADDICTION AND PEOPLE ARE STILL SEARCHING FOR MORE.
THE PERSONALITY THEORY SUGGESTS THAT PEOPLE WITH WEAK PERSONALITIES ARE MORE SUSCEPTIBLE TO DRUG-ADDICTION AS A FORM OF ESCAPE WHILE SOCIOLOGIST WOULD CONSIDER DRUG-ADDICTION AS A FORM OF SUB-CULTURE. ON THE OTHER HAND, SOCIAL WORKERS MAY LOOK AT THIS PROBLEM AS A SYMPTOM OF SOCIETAL ILLNESS AND THE MAN-IN-THE STREET USUALLY REGARDS +UNDESIRABLE INFLUENCES+ AS A MAJOR CAUSE OF THIS VICE.
WHICHEVER'THE CASE, HE POINTED OUT, AS SOON AS A MAN BECOMES ADDICTED TO DANGEROUS DRUGS, HIS PERSONAL BUSINESS ON GETTING ADDICTED WILL BECOME OTHER PEOPLE’S BUSINESS, BECAUSE HIS HABITS AND THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS ON HIS HEALTH OBLIGE HIM TO RELY ON OTHERS, INITIALLY HIS FAMILY, THEN HIS RELATIVES, COLLEAGUES, FRIENDS, AND LATER ON ANYBODY WHOM HE CAN ASK FOR HELP.
MR. LEE SAID BECAUSE OF THE CONCERN OVER THE DRUG-ADDICTION PROBLEM THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TOGETHER WITH THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE ORGANISED A KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN.
THIS CAMPAIGN, HE SAID, WAS AN APPEAL TO TEACHERS, PARENTS, EMPLOYERS AND STUDENTS ALIKE, TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO ALL THAT THEY COME INTO CONTACT WITH ABOUT THE TREMENDOUS HARM THAT DRUGS CAN DO AND TO SPREAD THE MESSAGE AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE.
♦WE MUST ALL REALISE THAT DRUG-ADDICTION IS NOT JUST THE DRUG ADDICTS’ OWN BUSINESS BUT IT IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS. IT IS NOT THEREFORE OUR DUTY TO TRY OUR VERY BEST TO PREVENT THIS VICE FROM PERMEATING FURTHER INTO OUR SOCIETY BY EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS? WE SHALL BE FAILING IN OUR DUTY AS CITIZENS OF HONG KONG IF WE ALLOW OUR FRIENDS, THROUGH IGNORANCE, TO BE VICTIMIZED BY THIS DREADFUL DISEASE.+
MRS. LEE PRESENTED PRIZES AND CERTIFICATES TO THE STUDENTS.
------o'------
/7
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
-7 -
HONG KONG DELEGATE TO CONFERENCE ON TALL BUILDINGS X # # ii ii- >$
HONG KONG WILL BE REPRESENTED AT Ail INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE . ON HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS TO DE HELD IN CAIRO IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
THE CONFERENCE IS BEING ORGANIZED BY THE JOINT COMMITTEE' ON TALL BUILDINGS — AN INTERNATIONAL BODY SPONSORED BY ENGINEERING, ARCHITECTURAL AND PLANNING PROFESSIONALS. ITS FUNCTION IS TO STUDY AND REPORT ON ALL THE PLANNING, DESIGN AND OPERATION OF HIGH-RISE BUILDINGS.
REPRESENTING HONG KONG AT THE FIVE-DAY MEETING WILL BE MR. EDWARD KENNARD, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR.
COMMENTING Oil THE FORTHCOMING CONFERENCE, MR. KENNARD SAID TODAY THAT EVER SINCE THE JOINT COMMITTEE WAS SET UP IN 1969, HONG KONG HAD PLAYED AN ACTIVE ROLE IN ITS FUNCTIONS.
+IT IS ONLY NATURAL,* HE SAID, +THAT HONG KONG, WHICH HAS BEEN FORCED TO BUILD HIGH BUILDINGS IN THE URBAN AREAS BECAUSE OF ITS SHORTAGE OF LAND STEMMING FROM THE URBAN EXPLOSION, SHOULD ASSOCIATE ITSELF ENERGETICALLY WITH THIS INTERNATIONAL EFFORT.
+OUR EXPERIENCE OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING DEVELOPMENT OVER THE PAST 10 YEARS MEANS THAT WE HAVE A REAL CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE IN THE EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION. AND OF COURSE WE DERIVE CONSIDERABLE BENEFIT OURSELVES FROM THESE EXCHANGES, BY TAPPING THE EXPERIENCES AND EXPERTISE OF OUR COLLEAGUES ROUND THE WORLD.*
THE JOINT COMMITTEE DRAWS ITS MEMBERS FROM MORE THAN 60 COUNTRIES, 300 CITIES, 600 ORGANISATIONS AND AT LEAST 15 PROFESSIONS.
ONE OF ITS MAIN OBJECTIVES IS Ti.E COMPILATION OF A.MONOGRAPH, OR PROFESSIONAL ENCYCLOPAEDIA, OF KNOWLEDGE OH TALL BUILDINGS, AND THE DATA FOR THIS IS GATHERED THROUGH THE STUDIES AND MEETINGS OF MORE THAN 50 SPECIALIST COMMITTEES AND THROUGH FREQUENT REGIONAL CONFERENCES.
MR. KENNARD, WHO IS A FELLOW OF THE ROYAL INSTITUTION OF CHARTERED SURVEYORS, IS CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE ON OPERATION, MAINTENANCE AND OWNERSHIP ASPECTS OF TALL D'J ILDI LG DEVELOPMENT. THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD FROM JANUARY 6 TO JANUARY 11.
0
/8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
- 8 -
LIFTS NOT OPERATING
* * * *
ALL SIX LIFTS IN BLOCK 23 OF TUNG TAU ESTATE WERE OUT OF ACTION THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING DUE TO THE UNSATISFACTORY ’ SERVICE OF THE MAINTENANCE CONTRACTOR.
AS AN EMERGENCY MEASURE, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SOUGHT AND OBTAINED IMMEDIATE SERVICE FROM THE SUB-CONTRACTOR WHO MANAGED TO BRING FOUR OF THE LIFTS BACK INTO SERVICE SHORTLY AFTER NOON.
THE OTHER TWO WILL BE REPAIRED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. '
•
COMMENTING ON THE BREAKDOWN , A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS WAS DUE TO POOR SUPPLY OF SPARE PARTS AND THE UNSATISFACTORY SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE MAIN CONTRACTOR. IN FACT, ONE OF THE LIFTS HAD BEEN OUT OF SERVICE FOR SEVERAL WEEKS BECAUSE THE NECESSARY SPARE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE.
+THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAD INSTRUCTED THE MAIN CONTRACTOR TO AIRFREIGHT THE NECESSARY SPARE PARTS FROM ITALY AS FAR BACK AS JULY FOR THE REPAIR OF THIS PARTICULAR LIFT.
+SUBSEQUENTLY IT WAS ALSO DECIDED THAT SPARE PARTS FOR THE GENERAL MAINTENANCE OF THE OTHER LIFTS BE FLOWN OUT AS WELL WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY, BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE LIFT COMPANY CONCERNED HAS not BEEN ABLE TO FULFIL ITS OBLIGATIONS* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE MAINTENANCE OF THESE SIX LIFTS IN THE PAST WEEK OR TWO APPEARS TO HAVE DECLINED FURTHER DUE TO A LABOUR DISPUTE BETWEEN THE MAIN CONTRACTOR AND HIS SUB-CONTRACTOR.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT,TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE TO TENANTS, HAS AGREED TO PAY THE SUB-CONTRACTOR DIRECT FOR THE REPAIR OF THESE LIFTS.
AT PRESENT, THE DEPARTMENT IS NOT ABLE TO EMPLOY A DIFFERENT CONTRACTOR BECAUSE THE LIFTS NEED SPARE PARTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE ONLY FROM THE MAIN CONTRACTOR WHO IS ALSO THE SOLE SUPPLIER.
+THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN THINKING OF REPLACING THESE LIFTS A COUPLE OF MONTHS AGO BUT WHEN THE CONTRACTOR ASSURED IT WOULD IMPROVE ITS SERVICE, IT WAS DECIDED TO GIVE THEM ANOTHER CHANCE,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, THE STAFF OF TUNG TAU ESTATE ARE GIVING EVERY POSSIBLE ASSISTANCE TO TENANTS WHO, UNFORTUNATELY, ARE AFFECTED BY THIS BREAKDOWN.
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/9
I
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
- 9 -
CAUSEWAY BAY TRAFFIC CHANGES
*******
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT OWING TO PREVAILING TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD IN CAUSEWAY DAY, IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO INTRODUCE WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT TEMPORARY CHANGES IN ROUTING FOR TURNING MOVEMENTS AT THIS JUNCTION.
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, THE SHORT CENTRE LANE BETWEEN THE IWO TRAFFIC ISLANDS AT THIE JUNCTION, WHICH WAS HITHERTO USED BY TRAFFIC COMING DOWN TAI HANG ROAD, HAS NOW BEEN RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY IN THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION.
THIS CENTRE LANE WILL NOW SERVE EAOTBOUND TRAFFIC ON TUNG LO WAN ROAD TURNING RIGHT INTO TAI HANG ROAD.
IN ADDITION, MOTORISTS TRAVELLING DOWN TAI HANG ROAD WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO TUNG LO WAN ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
PHARMACEUTICAL ASSOCIATION DINNER * * * * x *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
..... GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, W LL SPEAK ON THE DRUG SITUATION IN HONG KONG DURING THE ANNUAL
0F,THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) IN THE PENINSULA HOTEL.
THE FULL TEXT OF DR. CHOA’S SPEECH WILL REPORTERS AT THE HOTEL BEFORE DINNER BEGINS.
BE AVAILABLE TO
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/1O......
‘ - 10 -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
WATER SITUATION REPORT « * M # W
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (THURSDAY) STOOD AT 54,340 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.7 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 58,121 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,691 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,428 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.6 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR tS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,129.5 MM (83.84 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.8 PER CENT.
------o - . - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE it it it it it it
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON :
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGA I GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD •
THAI RICE •
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.68
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD . 1.88
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD GOOD ■■
TAIWAN RICE —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
CALL SOURCES}
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - qoOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
C$/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT} - 340 CAVERAGE}
/SUPPLIES AND .....
THURSDAY, K0VEE2R 21, 1971*
Aft
SUPPLIES AUD WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
JI BJ r_ ~l — -■ -‘V— « i«n<z >
(FHO CHEUNG SHA UAH WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (fl/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MO EE
GOLEEN THREAD GOOD 6.00 1 2.00 4.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.30 1.60 2.40
SQUID LIMITED 4.C0 2.50 3.70
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.40 1.00 1.70
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.60 1.20 2.40
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.70 0.90 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.60 1.50 2.50
MELON COAT CCOD 2.60 1.00 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.80 4.00 5.00
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.80 1.60 1.20
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.80 3.00 4.40
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 2.50 1.20 1.80
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.00 0.60 0.80
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 7.00 3.50 5.20
MELON SEED NORMAL • 3.00 1.40 2.20
POMFRETS SCARCE 11.00 5.50 8.20
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.00 6.00 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 6.50 5.50 6.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE‘ AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY «, — = r WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 3.20 1.00 2.50
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.80
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.60
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.60 0.40 0.50
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 3.20 1.00 2.50
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.40 1.80 2.00
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.50 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE 4.00 1.50 3.00
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.20 1.80 2.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.20 0.60 1.40
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.20 2.50 3.50
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
* FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
CONTENTS PAGE N°-
METHADONE MAINTENANCE +HERE TO STAY+ SAYS DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH ................................... 1
NEW LAW TO PROTECT COUNTRYSIDE FROM THE THREAT OF HILL
FIRES ..............................................
WATER SITUATION REPORT ..............................
AUGUST ACCOUNTS SHOW A DEFICIT OF OVER $200 MILLION .. 5
FEES FOR PARTICULAR SERVICES RENDERED BY TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT REVISED ................................... 6
YOUTH WORK AGENCIES PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT .......................................... 7
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES............ 7
PUMPING STATION FOR HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR ............ 8
YOUNG VOLUNTEERS TO ENTERTAIN THE ELDERLY IN ABERDEEN .... 8
SYMPOSIUM FOR SCHOOL HEADS AND SOCIAL WORKERS ......
MAJOR RECLAMATION PROJECT IN TLSN MUN................ 10
MARINE DEPARTMENT FUN FAIR FOR STAFF ...............
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974
1
METHADONE MAINTENANCE +HERE TO STAY* SAYS DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH ft ft ft- ft ft ft
DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, SAID TONIGHT HE WAS PERSONALLY CONVINCED THAT METHADONE MAINTENANCE +HAS COME TO STAY+, AND VERY GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN THE TWO TRIAL SCHEMES NOW GOING ON.
HE TOLD THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY THAT'HE HAD NO DOUBT THE PRESENT METHOD OF CONTROLLED DAILY DOSAGE BY MOUTH WOULD BE USED ON A WIDER SCALE IN THE FUTURE IN OTHER CENTRES, BUT THE SCALE WOULD DEPEND ON THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS AND STAFF.
WITH THE EXPERIENCE GAINED SO FAR, HE FELT IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO MODIFY CERTAIN DETAILS OF THE REGIMES NOW USED IN THE TRIALS. FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE COMPULSORY PERIOD OF HOSPITALISATION DURING WHICH THE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS WERE OBSERVED, AND THE DOSAGE OF METHADONE DETERMINED, MIGHT HAVE TO BE DISPENSED WITH.
DR. CHOA SAID HE WAS RELIEVED THAT SO FAR +THERE HAS BEEN NO EVIDENCE OF METHADONE BEING TRADED IN THE BLACK MARKET. DUE LARGELY TO THE EXTREME CARE WITH WHICH THE DRUG IS ADMINISTERED TO THE ADDICTS WHO ARE NEVER GIVEN A SUPPLY TO TAKE AWAY.+
HE MADE THE POINT THAT IT WAS UNIVERSALLY ACCEPTED THAT THE SUCCESS OF A METHADONE MAINTENANCE PROGRAMME DID NOT LIE ON THE PERCENTAGE OF ’CURES’ ACHIEVED.
+IN FACT,* HE SAID, +THE WORD ’CURE’ WHENEVER IT IS USED SHOULD BE IN INVERTED COMMAS BECAUSE IF IT MEANS COMPLETE ABSTINENCE FROM THE USE OF ADDICTIVE-DRUGS, THEN THIS MAY BE ACHIEVED IN ONLY A SMALL NUMBER OR PERCENTAGE OF THE SAMPLE.
+THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE IS TO KEEP A LARGE NUMBER OF ADDICTS ON THE PROGRAMME SO THAT THEY CAN GET COUNSELLING AND AFTER-CARE, AND BE REHABILITATED INTO SOCIETY AS WORKING AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS.*
IN A REFERENCE TO THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE IN THE TREATMENT OF DRUG *58:589,, DR. CHOA SAID SOME WORK HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT, BUT HAVING STUDIED PRELIMINARY REPORTS, HE WAS OF THE OPINION THAT MORE HAD YET TO BE DONE TO ESTABLISH WHETHER ACUPUNCTURE WAS SUITABLE FOR ALL ADDICTS — +BEARING IN MIND THAT METHADONE MAINTENANCE, FOR INSTANCE, SHOULD NOT BE USED FOR THE YOUNG AND NEWLY-INITIATED, AND PHYSICAL REHABILITATION IS NOT FOR THE OLD AND INFIRMED.+
HE TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) HAD ASKED THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR FURTHER RESEARCH IN THE USE OF ACUPUNCTURE FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTION, AND THE DEPARTMENT HAD ACCEPTED THE CHALLENGE BY SETTING UP A NARCOTICS AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION DIVISION.
THE DIVISION’S FUNCTION WAS TO CO-ORDINATE ALL TREATMENT PROGRAMMES NOW BEING CARRIED OUT BY THE GOVERNMENT AND VARIOUS ASSOCIATIONS, AND IT WAS +ABUNDANTLY CLEAR THAT SUCH TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION FACILITIES AS ARE AVAILABLE NOW WILL HAVE TO BE EXPANDED TO ACCOMMODATE A SIGNIFICANTLY LARGER NUMBER OF ADDICTS.*
/ON THE CONTROL
FRIDAY, I’OVHiBER 22, 197^'
2
ON THE CONTROL OF SYNTHETIC OR FACTORY-MADE DRUGS, DR. CHOA SAID MUCH PREPARATORY WORK HAD BEEN DONE ON A LEGAL BILL, AND IT HAD BECOME CLEAR THAT EITHER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE WOULD HAVE TO BE AMENDED, OR A SEPARATE ORDINANCE ENACTED.
IT WAS ALONG THESE LINES THAT DISCUSSIONS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT, AND +HOPEFULLY, THE MATTER WILL SOON BE SETTLED.*
IN HIS VIEW, COMPARED WITH OPIUM OR HEROIN ADDICTION, IT WAS FORTUNATE THAT ABUSE OF SO-CALLED +SOFT+ DRUGS, AND MULTIPLE DRUG ABUSE — SUCH AS PEOPLE IN THE UNITED STATES TAKING AS MANY AS FIVE DRUGS, ALCOHOL, BARBITURATES, AMPHETAMINE, HEROIN, AND MARIJUANA -- WERE NOT, AS YET, COMMON IN HONG KONG.
BUT THERE WAS OBVIOUSLY A RISK THAT MALPRACTICES COULD SPREAD, PARTICULARLY AS THE SUPPLY OF OPIUM PRODUCTS WAS BEING REDUCED.
+THE GOVERNMENT IS AWARE THAT'STEPS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO CONTROL FACTORY-MADE DRUGS,* DR, CHOA SAID, +AND THE QUESTION HAS BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE PHARMACY AND POISONS BOARD AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES. WE ARE IN UNANIMOUS AGREEMENT THAT LEGISLATION MUST BE INTRODUCED.*
HE DISCLOSED THAT THE NEW PHARMACY AND POISONS REGULATIONS, A SEPARATE ISSUE, WERE BEING PROCESSED, AND WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL +AS SOON AFTER JANUARY 1, 1975 AS POSSIBLE.*
DR. CHOA DIGRESSED AT ONE POINT IN HIS TALK TO FOLLOW THE +ROMANTIC+ JOURNEY OF CONFISCATED OPIUM AND MORPHINE TO HONG KONG, THEN AWAY FROM HONG KONG, AND FINALLY BACK AGAIN, DURING WHICH THEY UNDERWENT THE TRANSFORMATION FROM ILLICIT TO LICIT. ■ b
UNDER THE DANGEROUS GOODS'©RDI NANCE, THE CONFISCATED PRODUCTS WERE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY ACCORDING TO PROCEDURES WHICH WERE PERFECTLY LEGAL.
THROUGH DIPLOMATIC CHANNELS, HONG KONG HAD BEEN SELLING OPIUM AND MORPHINE FOR THE LAST 15 YEARS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, WEST GERMANY, JAPAN, DENMARK, NORWAY AND OTHER COUNTRIES.
THE PRODUCTS ENTERED A MODERN PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORY WHERE THEY WERE CONVERTED FROM +A CURSE TO A COMFORT AND RELIEF TO MANKIND.*
SUMMING UP, DR. CHOA SAID HE HOPED HONG KONG HAD +AT LAST, COME TO GRIPS WITH THE DRUG ADDICTION PROBLEM.* HE COMMENDED THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE FOR ITS ENCOURAGING SUCCESSFUL BIG HAULS MADE THIS YEAR.
WITH THE RADICAL ELIMINATION OF THE SOURCE OF SUPPLY, ILLICIT OPIUM AND MORPHINE WOULD BECOME SCARCER AND MORE DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN, AND THEN MORE ADDICTS WOULD COME FORWARD TO BE TREATED.
+WE ARE ALL CONFIDENT THAT WE NOW HAVE A NEW MACHINERY IN THE RECONSTITUTED ACAN WHICH WILL FUNCTION EFFECTIVELY, PERFORM USEFUL WORK, AND PRODUCE GOOD RESULTS,* HE CONCLUDED.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
- 3 -
GREATER PROTECTION FOR COUNTRYSIDE FROM HILL FIRES * * K K * M
AMENDING LEGISLATION WILL SOON BE INTRODUCED TO GIVE GREATER PROTECTION TO HONG KONG’S COUNTRYSIDE FROM THE THREAT OF HILL FIRES CAUSED BY CARELESS PEOPLE.
WHEN ENACTED, THE FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974 WILL MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO LIGHT OR USE A FIRE IN OR NEAR A FOREST, PLANTATION, PROHIBITED AREA OR AREA OF OPEN COUNTRYSIDE, OR TO BE IN A GROUP OF PEOPLE USING SUCH A FIRE, WHETHER'OR NOT IT WAS LIT BY A MEMBER OF THE GROUP.
HOWEVER, IT WILL BE A DEFENCE FOR AN ALLEGED OFFENDER TO SHOW THAT THE LIGHTING OF THE FIRE IN THE PLACE WHERE IT WAS LIT WAS REASONABLE IN THE CIRCUMSTANCE, AND THAT ALL REASONABLE STEPS WERE TAKEN TO PREVENT THE FIRE FROM DAMAGING OR ENDANGERING ANYTHING GROWING IN THESE AREAS. AND THE ONUS OF PROOF RESTS WITH THE OFFENDER.
THE JUSTIFICATION FOR THE APPROACH, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, WAS THAT EVERY INDIVIDUAL USING A FIRE HAD A CLEAR MORAL RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THE FIRE WAS KEPT UNDER PROPER CONTROL AND THAT IT WOULD NOT ENDANGER THE SURROUNDING VEGETATION.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE LEGISLATION WAS, IN NO WAY, DESIGNED TO DISCOURAGE OR PREVENT THE PUBLIC FROM ENJOYING THEMSELVES IN NATURAL RECREATIONAL AREAS SO LONG AS THEY WOULD EXERCISE THE GREATEST CARE TO ELIMINATE ANY POSSIBLE OUTBREAK OF HILL FIRES THERE.
IN THIS CONNECTION, HE ADDED, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAD BUILT 300 BARBECUE PITS AND NEARLY 500 PICNIC TABLES AND BENCHES AT MORE THAN 100 SCENIC AND POPULAR SPOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES FOR PICNICKERS.
MORE SUCH FACILITIES ARE BEING PROVIDED, AND NEW PICNIC AND BARBECUE PLACES ARE BEING SET UP AT A RATE OF APPROXIMATELY ONE PER WEEK.
BARBECUE FIRES OFTEN PROVE TO BE A FIRE HAZARD. +BY PROVIDING PROPER BARBECUE FACILITIES, IT IS HOPED THAT THE RISK OF HILL FIRE CAN BE REDUCED.+
THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION FOLLOWED SERIOUS FIRE THREAT POSED TO VEGETATION DUE TO THE CARELESSNESS OF THOSE VISITING OR LIVING IN THE COUNTRYSIDE. +WITH MORE AND MORE PEOPLE VISITING THE COUNTRYSIDE, THIS HAZARD BEGINS TO TAKE ON ALARMING PROPORTIONS.+
THE AVERAGE INCIDENCE OF HILL FIRES OVER THE LAST TEN YEARS HAD BEEN IN EXCESS OF 5C0 PER DRY SEASON, WITH UPWARDS OF 100 OUTBREAKS BEING REPORTED IN A SINGLE DAY AS AN EXTREME.
THE 1973/74 FIRE SEASON WAS ONE OF THE WORST ON RECORD, WITH ABOUT 1,200 OUTBREAKS REPORTED. THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO 700 OF THEM WHICH AFFECTED ABOUT 4,000 ACRES OF WOODLAND AREAS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT.
/THE REMAINDER .......
■! FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 19?4
- 4 -
ANOTHER 3,500 ACRES OF PLANTATIONS. DURING THE
THE REMAINDER OF THE FIRES AFFECTED LAND IN OPEN COUNTRYSIDE NEAR GOVERNMENT -----
SAME YEAR, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALSO DEALT WITH 1,420 CALLS FOR ASSISTANCE WITH GRASS AND ROADSIDE FIRES.
+FIRE IS THE GREATEST SINGLE DANGER TO THE COUNTRYSIDE SINCE IT SERIOUSLY HARMS THE ENVIRONMENT. EVERY DRY SEASON, OUTBREAKS OF FIRE OCCUR THROUGHOUT TIE COUNTRYSIDE DESTROYING THE VEGETATION COVER RENDERING IT USELESS AS A HABITAT FOR WILD LIFE AND DIMINISHING ITS VALUE AS A RECREATIONAL AND WATER-GATHERING RESOURCE.
+REPEATED BURNING LEAVES THE LAND VULNERABLE TO EROSION RESULTING IN THE SILTING-UP OF RESERVOIRS AND WATER COURSES AND CREATING A DRY BARREN LANDSCAPE.+ HE SAID.
- 0 - -
b
; FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974 - 5 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT M M «
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. ’ '
TODAY (FRIDAY) STOOD AT 54,259 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.6 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 57,960 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,651 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,348 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.5 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,131.0 MM (83.90 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 0.9 PER CENT.
AUGUST ACCOUNTS SHOW $202 M. DEFICIT if « if if % if
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST 1974 SHOW A DEFICIT OF $202 MILLION COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $106 MILLION IN AUGUST LAST YEAR. • b
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $590 MILLION FOR THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $302 MILLION WAS $26 MILLION MORE THAN IN AUGUST 1973.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO $504 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF $123 MILLION OVER THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR. ■ THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED SPENDING ON PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS, PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS AND EDUCATION SUBVENTIONS.
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FRIDAY, HOVEMucR 22, 1974
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NEW FEES FOR PARTICULAR SERVICES'AND DOCUMENTS
FEW MOTORISTS TO EE AFFECTED
■x « h >:• •:<
FEES FOR CERTAIN PARTICULAR SERVICES AND DOCUMENTS, WHICH . ARE REQUIRED FROM THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT BY A SMALL NUMBER OF • MOTORISTS ONLY, ARE REVISED AS FROM TODAY,
THESE FEES HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED FOR AT LEAST 13 YEARS,' AND THE REVISION IS TO REFLECT THE CONSIDERABLE ADMINISTRATIVE COST INVOLVED IN THE SERVICE OR IN THE ISSUE OF THE DOCUMENT.
UNDER THE NEW RATES, CHARGES FOR NINE CATEGORIES OF SPECIFIC SERVICES AND DOCUMENTS ARE RAISED TO £15. THESE ARE THE INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE FOR MOTOR VEHICLES, INTERNATIONAL FISCAL PERMIT, INTERNATIONAL CERTIFICATE OF MAXIMUM LOAD, INTERNATIONAL DRIVING PERMIT, CERTIFICATE OF PARTICULARS OF MOTOR VEHICLE, TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP, AND DUPLICATES OF VEHICLE REGISTRATION BOOK, VEHICLE LICENCE DISC AND TRADE LICENCE.
IN CASES WHERE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT IS SATISFIED THAT THE PARTICULARS OF THE LICENCE DISC HAVE BECOME ILLEGIBLE THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE REGISTERED OWNER, THE NEW SPECIAL FEE FOR A DUPLICATE VEHICLE LICENCE DISC OR A DUPLICATE TRADE LICENCE IS $3.
AS REGARDS OTHER PARTICULAR DOCUMENTS AND SERVICES, THE NEW CHARGES ARE « $5 FOR A DUPLICATE CAR CLEANER’S PERMIT-$50 FOR A DUPLICATE INSTRUCTOR’S LICENCE OR A DUPLICATE DRIVING LICENCE- AND $300 FOR THE TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION MARK.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY POINTED OUT THAT TRANSFER OF REGISTRATION MARK, FOR WHICH THE FEE IS NOW $200, INVOLVES CONSIDERABLE WORK, NOT ONLY AT THE TIME THE TRANSFER IS MADE, BUT ALSO IN ANY SUBSEQUENT SEARCHING OF RECORDS.
i
HE EXPLAINED THAT WHEN A VEHICLE HAS ITS REGISTRATION NUMBER Changed, it is necessary to incorporate in the records INFORMATION THAT WILL ALLOW THE HISTORY OF THE VEHICLE TO BE TRACED, NOTWITHSTANDING THAT IT MAY HAVE HAD MORE THAN ONE REGISTRATION NUMBER.
SIMILARLY, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE FEE FOR A DUPLICATE DRIVING OR INSTRUCTOR’S LICENCE WILL EE INCREASED FROM $10 TO $50 BECAUSE DUPLICATE LICENCES ARE A POTENTIAL SOURCE OF MALPRACTICE AND THEREFORE ENQUIRIES HAVE TO BE MADE ABOUT HOW THE ORIGINAL LICENCE WAS LOST.
+THIS AGAIN INVOLVES, BOTH FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE, MUCH TIME AND EFFORT, WHICH THE REVISED CHARGE WILL REFLECT MORE ADEQUATELY,+ HE ADDED.
HE STRESSED THAT THE FEE REVISION WOULD NOT AFFECT MANY MOTORISTS SINCE THE DOCUMENTS OR SERVICES WERE ONLY INFREQUENTLY REQUIRED FOR PARTICULAR PURPOSES BY A SMALL SECTION OF THE MOTORING PUBLIC.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
- 7 -. 'X CHILD DEVELOPMENT ft ft ft ft- ft-
YOUTH WORK AGENCIES PLAY JUST AS IMPORTANT A PART IN CHILD DEVELOPMENT AS SCHOOLS, MR. ALFRED CHUI, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION SAID TODAY.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION HOMANTIN CHILDREN’S CENTRE AND LIBRARY IN BLOCK 4 OF THE HOMANTIN ESTATE IN KOWLOON.
HE NOTED THAT THE UP-BRINGING OF A CHILD NORMALLY RESTED WITH THE PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL. BUT WHERE AS SCHOOL EDUCATION WAS INHERENTLY MORE ORGANISED IN FORM, CHILDREN OR YOUTH WORK OFFERED OPPORTUNITIES FOR GREATER FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT AND EXPRESSION.
♦WHERE THE FORMAL CURRICULUM STRESSES ON IMPARTING KNOWLEDGE, CHILDREN ACTIVITIES PROMOTE FREE PLAY AND EXPERIMENT. WHERE CLASS WORK TENDS TO EMPHASIZE INDIVIDUAL ATTAINMENT, CHILDREN PROGRAMMES ACCENTUATE MUTUAL HELP AND CO-OPERATION.+
IN OTHER WORDS, MR. CHUI SAID, A CHILDREN OR YOUTH WORK AGENCY PROVIDES THE SOCIALISATION PROCESS FOR A CHILD BRINGING IT BEYOND THE SMALL CIRCLES OF THE FAMILY AND THE SCHOOL.
NOTE TO EDITORSi COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. CHUI’S SPEECH ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
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5 ■ - .
MAJOR ROAD PROJECT'IN NEW ft ft ft ft ft ft
TERRITORIES
NETWORK OF ROADS TO LINK
WORK IS TO START NEXT MONTH ON A
SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND THE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA IN FO TAN.
ABOUT 9.500 SQUARE METRES OF PAVED ROADWAY WILL BE CONSTRUCTED PROVIDING DIRECT ACCESS TO (FO TAN) WHICH WILL PROVIDE SIX HECTARES OF LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
ASSOCIATED WITH THE ROAD PROJECT WILL BE THE PROVISION OF SUCH ANCILLARY FACILITIES AS KERBING, FOOTPATHS AND DRAINAGE.
AT THE SAME TIME, A TRUNK SEWER MEASURING 600 MILLIMETRES IN DIAMETER AND 700 METRES IN LENGTH WILL ALSO BE LAID. THE SEWER WILL BE CONNECTD TO THE HALF-COMPLETED TEMPORARY SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS IN SHA TIN.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY NEXT SEPTEMBER.
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/8.......
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
- 8 - z
PUMPING STATION FOR HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR ft ft ft H * *
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING ' STATION, ACCESS ROAD AND PIPELINE NEAR HOI HA IN TAI PO.
THIS WILL BE THE FIRST OF EIGHT PUMPING STATIONS TO BE BUILT AS PART OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME TO DEVELOP THE LOWLAND CATCHMENTS IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
FLOOD WATER FROM THE CATCHMENT TO-THE SOUTH OF HOI HA VILLAGE WILL BE ABSTRACTED FROM THE STREAM. IT WILL THEN BE PUMPED, THROUGH A 6OO-MM DIAMETER PIPELINE OF 1.9 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH, TO A POINT FROM WHERE IT WILL FLOW THROUGH THE TUNNEL SYSTEM TO THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR BOTH OF WHICH ARE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
AN ACCESS ROAD MEASURING 3.1 KILOMETRES IN LENGTH AND SIX METRES WIDE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED TO THE PUMPING STATION AND HOI HA VILLAGE AS PART OF THE CONTRACT.
LOCAL WATER SUPPLIES FOR DOMESTIC AND AGRICULTURAL PURPOSES WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING AND AFTER THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE PUMPING STATION.
IMPROVEMENT WORKS INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER CHANNELS AND PIPELINES WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE IRRIGATION SUPPLY OF THE FIELDS AND THE DOMESTIC NEEDS OF VILLAGERS LIVING IN THE AREA AFFECTED BY THE WATER SCHEME.
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BEFRIENDING THE ELDERLY ft ft ft ft ft ft
A GROUP OF YOUNG VOLUNTEERS FROM EASTERN DISTRICT WILL MAKE A GOODWILL SPEND AN AFTERNOON WITH THE OLD FOLK
FIVE YOUTH AGENCIES IN VISIT TOMORROW TO
IN ST. MARY’S HOME FOR THE
AGED IN ABERDEEN.
THE YOUTHS ARE FROM THE SALVATION ARMY SHAUKIWAN CENTRE, ST. JUDE’S CHURCH, ZION YOUTH CENTRE, THE SHAUKIWAN SECONDARY SCHOOL’S YOUTH SERVICE GROUP AND THE SHAUKIWAN YOUTH COUNCIL.
DURING THE VISIT, THEY WILL ENTERTAIN THE RESIDENTS OF THE HOME WITH SONGS AND DANCES AS WELL AS PRESENT THEM WITH SMALL GIFTS.
THE VISIT WAS ARRANGED THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
THE AIM WAS TO PROVIDE MEMBERS OF THE YOUTH SERVICE GROUPS TO MEET WITH ONE AND OTHER FOR A COMMON CAUSE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO GET A BETTER KNOWLEDGE OF EXISTING SOCIAL SERVICES AVAILABLE TO THE ELDERLY.
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FRIDAY, f’OVEMBER 22, 1974.
SYMPOSIUM FOR SCHOOL HEADS AMD. SOCIAL WORKERS K M « k #
A SYMPOSIUM FOR HEADS OF PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND SOCIAL WORKERS IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE HELD TOMORROW MORNING AT THE LEE KAU YAN MEMORIAL SCHOOL IN SAN PO KONG.
THEY WILL DISCUSS EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES OF SCHOOLS AND THE EXTENT OF THE ALLEGED INFILTATION OF BAD ELEMENTS INTO SCHOOLS.
ABOUT 130 HEADMASTERS/ HEADMISTRESSES, PREFECTS, TEACHERS, AND SOCIAL WORKERS WILL ATTEND THE SYMPOSIUM WHICH LASTS FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M.
THERE WILL BE THREE MAIN SPEAKERS FOLLOWED BY GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND A REPORT-BACK SESSION.
MR. M.C. CASWELL, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL TALK ON HIS DEPARTMENT’S NEWLY CREATED RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE AND HOW IT WILL AFFECT SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS.
THE SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION WILL TALK ON HOW TO LINK EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES OF SCHOOLS WITH SOCIAL WORK OF WELFARE AGENCIES.
MR. TANG SIK-FAI, OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE TRIAD SOCIETY SECTION WILL SPEAK ON HOW TO PREVENT AND HANDLE PROBLEMS OF INFILTRATION OF BAD ELEMENT OR CRIMINAL ACTIVITIES AT SCHOOLS IN A PRACTICAL WAY.
THE SYMPOSIUM IS ORGANISED BY TEE WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT > YOUTH DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CHAIRED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR THE DISTRICT, MRS. HENRIETTA CHEN.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
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_ 10 - FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
MAJOR RECLAMATION PROJECT IN TUEN MUN
« « K # iS
WORK WILL SOON BEGIN ON THE RECLAMATION OF SOME 305 ACRES OF LAND IN CASTLE PEAK BAY TO HOUSE HALF A MILLION PEOPLE.
FORMING PART OF-THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION IS LOCATED ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT THE SECTION BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK BEACH AND WONG KA WAI.
THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A SOPHISTICATED MODERN TOWNSHIP, WHICH WILL HAVE AN ESTIMATED POPULATION OF 500,000 BY 1983.
SOME 75 ACRES WILL BE USED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHILE ANOTHER 40 ACRES WILL BE FOR INDUSTRIAL PURPOSES.
• k SELF-CONTAINED TOWN CENTRE COVERING SOME 40 ACRES WILL BE DEVELOPED IN THE PORTION OF THE RECLAMATION FRONTING WONG KA WAI. IT WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH ALL THE FACILITIES THAT GO WITH A MODERN TOWNSHIP, AND IS DESIGNED TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF NEW TOWN’S EVENTUAL POPULATION.
AT THE SAME TIME, LAND WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR WATERFRONT AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, UTILITY SERVICES AND OPEN SPACES AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
IT IS PLANNED THAT A 100-F00T WIDE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE BUILT ON THE RECLAIMED LAND TO PROVI BETTER VEHICULAR ACCESS TO THE NEW TOWN. IN ADDITION, A PRIMARY DISTRIBUTOR ROAD WILL ALSO BE FORMED ACROSS THE LAND TO PROVIDE A SOUTHERN ACCESS TO THE INDUSTRIAL AREA WEST OF THE SAN HUI RIVER CHANNEL AND TO FACILITATE THE LAYING OF A TRUNK SEWER.
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MARINE DEPARTMENT FUN FAIR FOR STAFF
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S RELIEF AND WELFARE COMMITTEE HAS ORGANISED A FUN FAIR FOR ITS STAFF, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS AT KOWLOON PARK ON SUNDAY (NOVEMBER 24) FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE FAIR WILL BE A RAFFLE DRAW. OTHER ATTRACTIONS INCLUDE 13 GAMES STALLS, A MERRY-GO-ROUND AND A NUMBER OF STALLS SELLING SOFT DRINKS AND HOT DOGS.
THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. ALAN FLETCHER, WILL PERFORM THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 1.45 P.M.
ABOUT 500 TO 600 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE FAIR.
NOTE TO EDITORS: MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER
THE EVENT.
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FR-IDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974.
/•
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE if « if if if if
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE
„„_ __________ REALISED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT ,
SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AUD AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON »
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
KI GE * OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE X *
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE •
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.39
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ?
TAIWAN RICE GOOD • •
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESAL PRICES OF SWINE
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK — GOOD
(S/P1CUL-L1VE WEIGHT) •» 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 1974 /.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
SPECIES (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE ,
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 5.20 1.70 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.90 0.50 2.20
SQUID LIMITED 5.80 3.00 4.20
HAIR-TAILS GOOD . 2.00 0.30 1.00
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.30 1.00 1.80
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.20 1.20 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.10 2.60 2.80
MELON COAT GOOD 3.00 1.50 2.40
BREAMS • NORMAL 5.50 4.20 4.80
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 2.00 0.90 1.10
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.50 2.60 4.20
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 4.40 0.50 1.50
FORK-TAIL GOOD . . 1.50 0.55 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.70 3.00 4.80
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.80 2.00 2.30
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 4.00 8.50'
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.50 5.50 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 6.30 5.00 5.80
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES
OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY . OF SUPPLY t 9 WHOLESALE HIGH PRICE LOW U/CATTY) , MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED . 3.20 1.00 2.50
WHITE CABBAGE'" LIMITED 2.00 0.70 1.60
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 2.00 0.70 1.50
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.60 0.30 0.40
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 3.20 1.20 2.60
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.50 1.80 2.20
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE 4.00 1.50 - 3.00
WATERCRESS LIMITED 3.20 1.80 2.60
CHINESE SPINACH •M-
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE SCARCE 2.00 0.80 1.40
TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.50 3.50
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, J974.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT TO HOLD TALKS WITH
SOUTH KOREAN OFFICIALS ON NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION ....... 1
HONG KONG EXPERIENCES THE WETTEST OCTOBER ON RECORD .... 2
CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING EXHIBITION IN WONG TAI SIN............................................... 2
POSITIVE START TO BETTER PLANNING FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION 3
TORE NEW-RATE PARKING METERS FOR YAU MA TEI .............. 4
WATER SITUATION REPORT.................................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1974
HOBSON LEAVES FOR SOUTH KOALA
FOR TALKS OU NUCLEAR PCWEP; GENERATION
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. JAMES ROBSON, LEFT HONG KONG THIS liORNIHG FOR SOUTH KOREA WHERE HE WILL HAVE DISCUSSIONS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS CH NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION.
•
MR. ROBSON'S FOUR-DAY VISIT IS AT THE INVITATION OF THE KOREA ELECTRIC COMPANY WHICH IS IN THE PROCESS OF INSTALLING TWO NUCLEAR PLANTS FOR THE GENERATION OF ELECTRICITY AND PLANS TO HAVE A THIRD.
THE FIRST STAGE OF THE TRIP WILL EE TAKEN UP WITH AN INSPECTION OF THE KOREAN ELECTRIC COMPANY SITE AT KORI WHERE THE NUCLEAR PLANTS ARE BEING CONSTRUCTED.
MR. ROBSON WILL RETURN TO SEOUL OH SUNDAY NIGHT AND HOPES TO SPEND THE NEXT TWO DAYS DISCUSSING WITH KOREAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS THE PLANNING AND LEGISLATION WHICH WAS NEEDED FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NUCLEAR POWER. £
BEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG, MR. ROBSON SAID THE VISIT WOULD BE EXTREMELY USEFUL AS SOUTH KOREA WAS IN MUCH THE SAME POSITION AS HONG KONG. BOTH ARE DEVELOPING REGIONS WITH NO +MASSIVE TECHNICAL BACK UP+ AND BOTH WOULD ENCOUNTER THE SAME PROBLEMS OF INTRODUCING, MANNING AND OPERATING A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT.
AT PRESENT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF SITING A NUCLEAR POWER STATION IN HONG KONG PROVIDED IT IS ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE.
ALSO MAKING THE TRIP WITH MR. ROBSON ARE THE DIRECTOR OF BRITAIN’S GENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY, MR. HARRY JACKSON, AND THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF GEC HONG KONG, MR. JOHN WEEDON. GEC IS SUPPLYING THE MAJOR PORTION OF THE PLANT AND EQUIPMENT FOR ONE STATION AND HOPES TO DO THE SAME FOR THE THIRD.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1974.
WETTEST OCTOBER ON RECORD H « a H K- H
HONG KONG EXPERIENCED THE WETTEST OCTOBER LAST MONTH DUE TO THE PASSAGE OF TOO TROPICAL CYCLONES WHICH BROUGHT 718.4 MM OF RAIN — MORE THAN SEVEN TIMES THE AVERAGE AMOUNT FOR THE MORTH.
THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WAS 31 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL ON OCTOBER 1 BUT WAS HEAR NORMAL BY THE END OF THE MONTH WHICH WAS ALSO CLOUDIER AND LESS SUNNY THAN USUAL. THE MEAN PRESSURE FOR THE MONTH WAS THE LOWEST FOR OCTOBER.
ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY LEATHER REPORT ISSUED DY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE MAIN FEATURE OF TOE MOUTH’S WFATHER WAS THE SERIES OF TYPHOONS WHICH FORMED IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND MOVED INTO THE SOUTH CHINA SEA IN SUCCESSION.
DUE TO THE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS, A TOTAL OF 23 AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DURING THE MONTH.
THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE FOR THE MOUTH OF 32.7 DEGREES WAS RECORDED ON OCTOBER 4, AND THE MINIMUM OF 17.9 DEGREES CELSIUS ON OCTOBER 31.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A FULL WEATHER REPORT PREPARED BY THE ROYAL
OBSERVATORY WILL EE EOXED FOR COLLECTION THIS AFTERNOON.
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CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING EXHIBITION
¥< # H -X it
AN EXHIBITION ON CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE NtXT WEEK.
MRS. MABEL 0, THE CENTRE’S WARDEN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 8 PM ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING GROUP OF THE CENTRE, WILL BE OPENED FROM 7 PM TO 10 PM DAILY.
ON WEDNESDAY, MEMBERS OF THE GROUP WILL DEMONSTRATE THEIR SKILL AT THE EXHIBITION.
THE CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY AND PAINTING GROUP WAS FORMED IN 1971 WITH THE AIM OF DEVELOPING SKILL IN ART THROUGH LESSONS TAUGHT BY EXPERIENCED ARTISTS. THE GROUP RUNS TOO CLASSES A WEEK —PAINTING ON MONDAYS AND CHINESE CALLIGRAPHY ON WEDNESDAY
PEOPLE OVER 15 YEARS OF AGE ARE WELCOMED TO JOIN. APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTRE AND AT THE EXHIBITION.
THE EXHIBITION IS THE FOURTH OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE GROUP SINCE ITS FORMATION.
/J.....
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POSITIVE START TO BETTER PLANNING FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION
* M M
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COMMITTEE OF GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS^ MR. PETER R. HALLIWELL, SAID TODAY THE MAJORITY OF THE COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS HAD BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE RECOMMENDATION THAT ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD HAVE PRACTICAL COURSES HAD BEEN EMBODIED IN THE WHITE PAPER ON +SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG DURING THE NEXT DECADE.+
HE SAIDi +ALTHOUGH SOME DIFFICULTIES HAD BEEN ENCOUNTERED BECAUSE OF FINANCE, SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS HAD BEEN MADE AND I LOOK FORWARD TO FUTURE DEVELOPMENTS WITH CONFIDENCE.+
MR. HALLIWELL FELT THAT THE TECHNICAL BRANCH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD MADE A POSITIVE START TO BETTER PLANNING FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE FUTURE.
♦A NEW POLICY HAS BEEN DEVISED BY THE TECHNICAL BRANCH FOR COMMERCIAL EDUCATION BASED ON OUR RECOMMENDATIONS,+ HE SAID.
COMMENTING ON A RECENT ARTICLE |N AN ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER WHICH DESCRIBED CONDITIONS AS +APPALLING+ AND'HEADLINEDj ♦TECHNICAL SCHOOLS UNDER FIRE,+ MR. HALLIWELL SAID THAT ONE OF THE MORE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS TO IMPROVE TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG WAS THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE.
THIS WILL ENABLE THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TO RE-TRAIN TECHNICAL TEACHERS IN NEW METHODS AND FOR THE NEW CURRICULUM. ♦THIS IS WHAT THE WHITE PAPER IS ALL ABOUT,+ SAID MR. HALLIWELL.
MR. HALLIWELL, HIMSELF THE PRINCIPAL OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL - THE LARGEST GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL - POINTED OUT THAT PLANS WERE UNDER WAY TO TRANSFORM WOODWORK AND METALWORK AND INCORPORATE THEM INTO THE NEW THREE-DIMENSIONAL SYLLABUSES NOW BEING PREPARED. THIS WILL LEAD TO DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AT HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION LEVEL.
WITH REGARD TO EXISTING GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL BUILDINGS MR. HALLIWELL STATED THAT THOUGH SOME OF THE OLDER ONES WERE NOT UP TO STANDARD, THIS WOULD BE REMEDIED IN NEW BUILDINGS.
♦TECHNICAL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS ARE WELL REPRESENTED IN THE NEW CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE AND THIS AUGURS WELL FOR THE FUTURE OF TECHNICAL SCHOOLS,+ HE SAID.
IN FACT MR. HALLIWELL EMPHASISED .THAT THE BULK OF HIS COMMITTEE’S RECOMMENDATIONS +HAVE BEEN IMPLEMENTED OR ARE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING IMPLEMENTED.+
HE CONCLUDED: +MY COMMITTEE’S WORK HAS PRODUCED A LOT OF ACTION AND I KNOW I HAVE GOT THE BACKING OF MY COLLEAGUES.+
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A
I
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1974.
MORE NEW-RATE PARKING METERS FOR YAU MA TEI ******
ABOUT 650 OLD’-RATE PARKING METERS IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, WILL BE REPLACED BY THE NEW-RATE TYPE STARTING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25).
AN ADDITIONAL 240 NEW-RATE.METERS WILL ALSO BE INSTALLED AT PARKING SPACES WHICH ARE AT PRESENT NOT METERED IN THE AREA. THE PROGRAMME WILL TAKE FIVE DAYS TO COMPLETE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THIS PROGRAMME WAS PART OF A SERIES TO GRADUALLY REPLACE ALL PARKING METERS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WITH THE NEW TYPE. METERS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND PART OF YAU MA TEI IN KOWLOON HAVE BEEN CONVERTED.
HE SAID LEGISLATION AUTHORISING THE NEW PARKING METER RATES WAS PASSED IN JUNE 1972. THE OBJECT IS TO ACHIEVE BETTER TURNOVER OF METERED PARKING SPACES FOR SHORT-TERM PARKERS.
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO RtAD CAREFULLY THE INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE METAL PLATE ATTACHED TO THE NEW PARKING METER TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT COINS ARE INSERTED.
♦CARS ALREADY PARKED AT THE OLD-RATE METERS WHICH ARE SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED TO NEW-RATE ONES WHILE THE CARS ARE STILL PARKED WILL BE GIVEN THE FULL TIME ALLOWED BY THE NEW RATES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN MADE, HE ADDED, TO CANCEL ANY PARKING TICKET ISSUED TO A MOTORIST WHO MAY HAVE PARKED HIS CAR AT A 10-H0UR OR FOUR-HOUR METER WHEN IT WAS REPLACED BY A TWO-HOUR NEW METER.
THE NEW METERS ACCEPT ONLY 50 CENT OR ONE DOLLAR COINS. UNDER THE NEW RATE SYSTEM, THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF TWO-HOUR METERS - ONE WHICH ACCEPTS 50 CENT COINS FOR 30 MINUTES, AND THE OTHER TAKES 50 CENT COINS FOR ONE HOUR. THERE ARE ALSO NEW HALF-HOUR METERS FOR WHICH THE CHARGE IS A FLAT $1.
------o-------
/5.....
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23, 1974.
- 5 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT « ft ft ft ft
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (SATURDAY) STOOD AT 54,217 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.6 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 57,794 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 33.651 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,252 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.5 PER CENT GF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TOD.'.'. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM'(83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,132.3 MM (83.95 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL Cr 0.9 PER CENT.
----o----
f
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1974 .
FIRST CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION IN ASIA TO BE STAGED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS TO HOLD THE FIRST EXHIBITION AT HONG KONG’S WORLD TRADE CENTRE - SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT IS COMPLETED.
THE DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN PERMISSION TO USE THE CAUSEWAY EAY SITE TO STAGE HONG KONG’S FIRST CONSTRUCT I OH SAFETY EXHIBITION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, M2. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY THE EXHIBITION WOULD BE HELD FROM’JANUARY 9 TO 13, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED AND THE SOCIETY OF BUILDERS. +AS FAR AS I CAN ASCERTAIN, IT WILL EE THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN ASIA,+ HE SAID.
+IT WILL BE AIMED DIRECTLY AT EVERYONE ENGAGED IN THE LOCAL CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY - FROM BOARD LEVEL TO WORKERS.
+AND THERE COULD BE NO BETTER PLACE TO STAGE SUCH AH EXHIBITION THAN OH A CONSTRUCTION SITE.
+1 AM PARTICULARLY PLEASED THAT IT IS POSSIBLE TO HOLD THE EXHIBITION ON THE SITE OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE, WHICH WILL BECOME ONE OF THE LANDMARKS OF HONG KONG.+.'
MR. PRICE POINTED OUT THERE HAD BEEN A HORRIFYING GROWTH OVER THE YEARS IN THE ACCIDENT RATE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY -INJURIES ALONE HAD RISEN BY 400 PER CENT IN THE LAST 15 YEARS.
+IN 1959 THERE WERE 1,222 INJURIES - COMPARED TO 4,976 LAST YEAR,+ HE SAID. +DEATHS ROSE FROM 32 TO 61. +
MR. PRICE SAID THE MAJOR AIM OF THE EXHIBITION WOULD BE TO BRING HOME TO THE INDUSTRY THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON MAY 1 THIS YEAR.
A WIDE RANGE OF EXHIBITS WOULD DEMONSTRATE THE MOST IMPORTANT FEATURES OF THE REGULATIONS.
+THE INTENTION IS TO GET THE MESSAGE TO AS MANY MANAGEMENT PEOPLE - WHO BEAR THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR WORK SAFETY - SITE STAFF, FOREMEN, GANG LEADERS AND CONSTRUCTION WORKERS AS WE POSSIBLY CAN,+ HE SAID.
+1 HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LTD. IN THIS AND THEY HAVE PROMISED TO ARRANGE FOR ORGANISED GROUPS TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.+
/EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY ..........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 1974.
- 2 -
EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY AT THE FIVE-DAY EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE PROPERLY-ERECTED TUBULAR AND BAMBOO SCAFFOLDING- A SERIES OF SCALE MODELS DEMONSTRATING THE CORRECT METHODS OF USING BUILDING SITE EQUIPMENT- POWER TOOLS- AND ILLUSTRATIONS OF CORRECT GUARDING AND STACKING PRACTICES.
OTHER ASPECTS OF WORK SAFETY WILL BE ILLUSTRATED THROUGH FILMS, SLIDES, PHOTOGRAPHS AND GRAPHS.
+THE WHOLE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION WILL EE TO BRING HOME TO THE INDUSTRY THE NEED TO ELIMINATE THE TRAGEDY IN TERMS OF HUMAN SUFFERING AND SHEER ECONOMIC WASTE OF SUCH A POOR SAFETY RECORD,* MR. PRICE SAID.
MR. PRICE SAID THE EXHIBITION COULD NOT HAVE BEEN HELD ON THE SITE WITHOUT +THE GENEROUS CO-OPERATION AND COMMUNITY CONSCIOUSNESS* OF HONG KONG LAND CO. LTD.- THE CONTRACTOR, HSIN CHONG CONSTRUCTION COMPANY LIMITED- AND THE ARCHITECTS, ERIC CUMINE AND ASSOCIATES.
+l MUST PAY THEM A SPECIAL TRIBUTE FOR THEIR WILLINGNESS TO HELP IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT COMMUNITY PROJECT,* HE SAID.
------0-------
APPLICATIONS FOR DRIVING AND VEHICLE LICENCES
******* >
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT THEY WERE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARDS WHILE APPLYING FOR DRIVING OR VEHICLE LICENCES.
IF THEY APPLY IN PERSON AT A LICENSING OFFICE, THEY MUST BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS TO A OID THE NEED FOR ANOTHER TRIP.
SHOULD THEY APPLY BY POST, THE IDENTITY CARD MUST ALSO BE ENCLOSED. WHEN PROCESSING IS FINISHED, IT WILL BE POSTED BACK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT DRIVING LICENCE RECORDS AND THE VEHICLE REGISTER INCLUDE AN ITEM ON IDENTITY, AND PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS THEREFORE REQUIRES IDENTITY PROOF, FOR WHICH THE HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD IS NORMALLY USED.
HE STRESSED THAT ONLY IN CASES WHERE AN IDENTITY CARD IS NOT HELD WOULD A PASSPORT OR OTHER ACCEPTABLE IDENTITY DOCUMENTS BE ACCEPTED.
PEOPLE WHO ARE EXEMPTED FROM REGISTRATION UNDER THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS ORDINANCE ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE THEIR NORMAL MEANS OF IDENTITY, HE ADDED.
APPLICANTS ARE ADVISED TO READ CAREFULLY THE GUIDANCE NOTES PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE APPLICATION FORM BEFORE THEY FILL IN THE FORM.
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
f
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG DOLLAR TO FLOAT AGAINST US CURRENCY ........ 1
NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX SHOWS TWO-POINT INCREASE IN OCTOBER ......................................... 2
RHKAAF’S ’FLYING AMBULANCES’ KEPT BUSY THIS YEAR .. 3
TRAFFIC REARRANGEMENTS IN LAICHIKOK .................. 4
OCTOBER HEALTH REPORT: FURTHER DROP IN MEASLES RECORDED.............................................. 5
WATER SITUATION: TOTAL STORAGE NOW 80.3 PER CENT OF
TOTAL CAPACITY ..................................... 6
EXPORTERS RECEIVE FURTHER DETAILS OF FOOTWEAR EXPORTS TO E.E.C.....................................■ 6
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
KCK'-.IY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974.
- 1 -
HC S KONG DOLLAR TO FLOAT
X X X X
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED THIS EVENING THAT, IN VIEW OF THE UNCERTAIN TRADING CONDITIONS NOW BEING EXPERIENCED ON THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET, THE HONG KONG DOLLAR WOULD NOT EE MAINTAINED, FOR THE TIME BEING, BETWEEN THE PERMITTED MARGINS OF ;iK$4.97O6 AND HKS5.1994 TO USS1.
THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED THAT THE PRESENT CENTRAL RATE OF HK$5.O85 TO US$1 WAS SET IN FEBRUARY 1973 AND THE RATE HAD BEEN MAINTAINED WITHIN 2-1/4% ON EITHER SIDE OF THIS CENTRAL RATE FOR THE PAST 21 MONTHS. HE SAID THAT THE US DOLLAR HAD BEEN STEADILY WEAKENING AGAINST THE HONG KONG DOLLAR FOR SOME TIME, BUT THE RATE HAD NOT APPROACHED THE UPPER LIMIT OF HK$4.97O6 UNTIL RECENTLY. THE GOVERNMENT HAD THEN BEEN FORCED TO INTERVENE ON A SUBSTANTIAL SCALE IN ORDER TO MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE RULES OF THE INTERNATIONAL MONETARY FUND. HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, IN VIEW OF THE SELLING OF US DOLLARS THAT HAD DEVELOPED IN THE LAST FEW DAYS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD DECIDED NOT TO COMMIT STILL FURTHER RESOURCES IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN THE RATE BELOW THE UPPER LIMIT.
COMMENTING ON THIS DECISION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. haddon-cave, 3AID THAT» As A F,XED RATE FCR the hong KONG DOLLAR WAS MORE CONVENIENT FOR EXPORTERS AND INDUSTRIALISTS. ™E GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER RE-ESTABLISHING A CENTRAL RATE WITH THE NORMAL OBLIGATION TO MAINTAIN MARKET RATES WITHIN 2-1/4% ON EITHER SIDE AS SOON AS CONDITIONS PERMITTED. WHILE RECOGNISING THAT A STRONGER HONG KONG DOLLAR WOULD AFFECT THE COMPETITIVENESS °F HONG KONG EXPORTS, PARTICULARLY IN iHE U.S. MARKET, MR. HADDON-3A,D THAT AN OFFSETTING BENEFIT WOULD EE A REDUCTION IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR COST OF IMPORTS. HOWEVER, HE ADDED, +ONCE THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET HAS SETTLED DOWN AND MORE NORMAL TRADING CONDITIONS PREVAIL, I DO NOT THINK WE SHALL SEE A RATE FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR ESTABLISHED WHICH WILL MATERIALLY ALTER OUR OVERALL TRADING PROSPECTS+.
/2.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
2.
NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES ' .
SHOW TWO-POINT INCREASE IN OCTOBER
O * U *
THE FIRST OF THE REVISED CONSUMER PRICE INDEX, WHICH AIMS TO PROVIDE AN UP-TO-DATE REFLECTlON .OF THE MOVEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S COST OF LIVING, WAS ISSUED TODAY.
THE NEW INDEX IS IN TWO PARTS -- NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) WHICH IS EASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 AND $1,499 A MONTH ACCORDING TO THE HOUSEHOLD SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT BETWEEN JULY 1973 AND JUNE 1974= AND NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) WHICH IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS WITH A MONTHLY SPENDING OF BETWEEN $1,500 AND $2,999.
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR OCTOBER WAS 108, TWO POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS ADVANCED BY THREE POINTS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER AND FRESH WATER FISH AS WELL AS FRESH VEGETABLES INCREASED. THIS WAS MAINLY DUE TO THE TYPHOONS WHICH AFFECTED HONG KONG IN OCTOBER. PRICES OF MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME WERE ALSO RAISED.
AS FOR SERVICES, THE INDEX ROSE BY FIVE POINTS. IN FACT, ACCORDING TO A SURVEY RECENTLY CONDUCTED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THERE-WAS AN UPWARD REVISION IN SCHOOL FEES AND PRICES OF TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE (B) FOR THE SAME MONTH ALSO STOOD AT 108, TWO POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFF ROSE BY TWO POINTS WHILE INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER AND FRESH WATER FISH AS WELL AS FOR FRESH VEGETABLES AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME.
THE INDEX FOR SERVICES ADVANCED BY SIX POINTS MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE UPWARD REVISION IN SCHOOL FEES AND PRICES OF TEXTBOOKS AND STATIONERY.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS DECLINED SLIGHTLY BY ONE POINT WHILE MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
PUBLISHED CONCURRENTLY WITH THE NEW SET OF INDEXES TODAY WAS THE OLD GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH PUT THE INDEX FOR THE MONTH AT 194, SEVEN POINTS (OR 3.7 PER CENT) HIGHER THAN THAT FOR SEPTEMBER.
THE OLD INDEX WILL CONTINUE TO BE PUBLISHED SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE NEW ONES FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF FIVE MONTHS TO GIVE USERS TIME TO CHANGE OVER.
------0 - - - -
/3.......
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1'
’FLYING AMBULANCES’ W r F'SY YEAR A A A A it
HONG KONG’S OWN AIR CORPS — THE Ri. .AL HONG KONG AUXi-IA.
AIR FORCE — HAS HAD A BUSY TIME THIS YEAR, AIRLIFTING MORE TH..N 100 PEOPLE REQUIRING URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION FROM REMOTE AREAS TO HOSPITALS IN THE CITY.
WITH THREE HELICOPTERS AND A GROUP OF +ALWAYS-READY AND WILLING* VOLUNTEERS, THE FORCE HAS CARRIED OUT SUCH MERCY MISSIONS MOSTLY FOR INJURED OR SERIOUSLY ILL PEOPLE FOR YEARS.
ON MARCH 3 ALONE, THE RHKAAF RESPONDED TO FOUR CALLS FOP ASSISTANCE, THE HIGHEST IN A DAY THIS YEAR.
MANNING THE +FLYING AMBULANCES* OF THIS MINIATURE AIR FORCE
IS A CC. .01 NAT I OK OF VOLUNTEER AND FULL-TIME AIRCREW WHO OFTEN FOREGO TiniR EVEiiliiG ENTERTAINMENT IN ORDER TO BE ON ’STANDBY’ AT HOME.
FOR, AS ALWAYS, THEY ARE READY FOR DUTY AT ANY HOUR OF THE DAY AND i.lGiiT, .'.HD GET THEMSELVES AIRBORNE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER A CALL.
INDEED. ANSWERING AN ELEVENTH-HOUR PLEA ON A COLD MISTY
EVENING WITH AN OVERCAST SKY IS BY NO MEANS UNUSUAL TO THE AIRCREW CF T;ii£ RHKAAF.
+CHALLERGING AS IT OFTEN IS, AN EMERGENCY FLIGHT IS PARTICULARLY HAZARDOUS DURING ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS,* COMMENTED WING COMMANDER SIMON ELLIS, COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE. * *
Gil ONE OCCASION, HE SAID, A HELICOPTER OF THE FORCE ENGAGED IN A MERCY ERRAND HAD TO MAKE A LANDING ON THE BEACH AT A REMOTE OUTLYING ISLAND BECAUSE OF POOR WEATHER AND LOW VISIBILITY TO WAIT FOR AN IMPROVEMENT BEFORE IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CONTINUE TAKING THE PATIENT TO HOSPITAL.
+l!i FACT,* WING COMMANDER ELLIS ENT ON, +IN THE DARK AND MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS OF HONG KONG, NIGHT-FLYING ITSELF CAN BE DIFFICULT FOR EVEN THE BEST OF PILOTS. HOWEVER, ARMED WITH Ei PERl -i'CS, AiiD IK THE KNOWLEDGE THAT LIFE MAY BE AT STAKE, OUR CREWS WILLINGLY FACE THE HAZARDS INVOLVED.*
THE RHKAAF MAINTAINS THE EMERGENCY SERVICE DURING WORKING HOURS, SEVEN DAYS A WEEK.
BUT TO EXTEND THE COVERAGE TO TWENTY-FOUR HOURS, THE OVERNIGHT DUTY IS SHARED WITH NO. 28 SQUADRON, ROYAL AIR FORCE, EACH UNIT STANDING BY IN ALTERNATE MONTHS. THUS A HELICOPTER IS ON CALL FOR THIS SERVICE ALL THE TIME.
+1T IS CLEAR THAT THE TIME ELEMENT IS CRUCIAL IN SAVING THE LIFE OF ONE SUFFERING FROM ACUTE ILLNESS OR ACCIDENTAL INJURY IN A PLACE FAR AWAY FROM HOSPITAL, AND THIS IS WHERE OUR SERVICE Ct .ES IN,* WING COMMANDER ELLIS SAID.
/HE ADDED THAT .....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974.
- 4 -
HE ADDED THAT WHERE NECESSARY DOCTORS WOULD BE FLOWN ON BOARD, BUT USUALLY FIRST-AID TREATMENT WOULD BE RENDERED BY THE CREW IF REQUIRED.
CASUALTY EVACUATION IS NOT THE ONLY FUNCTION OF THE FLEET OF HELICOPTERS. OCCASIONALLY, THEY HELP IN SEARCHES FOR LOST HIKERS AND CLIMBERS AS WELL AS ESCAPED PRISONERS. OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAKE FREQUENT USE OF THEIR SERVICE.
THE POLICE, FOR INSTANCE, ENGAGE THE HELICOPTERS AND FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT FOR A WIDE RANGE OF ROUTINE DUTIES INCLUDING AIR LIFTING OF PATROLS IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IS, TRAFFIC SURVEY AND SURVEILLANCE OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS NARCOTIC SMUGGLING.
ACCORDING TO WING COMMANDER ELLIS, VOLUNTEER MEMBERS OF THE RHKAAF NORMALLY TRAIN AT WEEKENDS AND ONE EVENING DURING THE WEEK. THEY ARE READY TO TAKE ON FULL-TIME DUTIES IN AN EMERGENCY, AND RECEIVE MUCH COOPERATION FROM ’THEIR EMPLOYERS.
WHEN ALL ITS MEMBERS ARE IN ATTENDANCE, THE FORCE CAN OPERATE ALL ITS HELICOPTERS AND FIXED-WING AIRCRAFT ROUND-THE-CLOCK FOR A SUSTAINED PERIOD.
FORMED IN 1949, THE RHKAAF AT PRESENT OPERATES A FLEET OF FIVE AIRCRAFT -- THREE HELICOPTERS, A TWIN-ENGINED AIRCRAFT AND ONE LIGHT AIRCRAFT.
IT HAS A STRENGTH OF SOME 130 PEOPLE, OF WHOM 110 ARE VOLUNTEERS, BOTH EUROPEAN AND CHINESE, WHO HAVE A PENCHANT FOR FLYING AS WELL AS FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE. > - - - - 0 --------------------------------
LA I CH I KOK TRAFFIC CHANGES * * * -X # #
__ iMTnInRISTS ARE ADV,SED THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL EE INTRODUCED IN LA I CH I KOK ON WEDNESDAY (NOVEMBER 27) TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC FLOW TO AND FROM THE LAICHIKOK TRAINING CENTRE.
DA._ 10 A‘M- THAT DAY THE LOOP ROAD, BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK
?9AP AW£ THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE LAI CHI KOK TRAINING CENTRE IN KOWLOON, WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY CLOCKWISE= WHILE THE ACCESS ROAD TO ™E LAI CHI KOK TRAINING CENTRE WILL BE ROUTED FOR TWO-WAY in Ar r IC.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. -----------------------------o--------
/5
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
5 -
HEALTH REPORT FOR OCTOBER FURTHER DROP IN INCIDENCE OF MEASLES H K K K * *
HEALTH RETURNS FOR OCTOBER ISSUED TODAY BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOW THAT THERE WAS ANOTHER FALL IN THE INCIDENCE OF MEASLES.
IN SEPTEMBER, THERE WERE TWO NOTIFICATIONS OF THE DISEASE, AND NO DEATHS. LAST MONTH, REPORTED CASES DROPPED TO ONE, AGAIN WITH NO DEATHS.
+THIS IS THE LOWEST MONTHLY FIGURE SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, +AND IT IS VERY GRATIFYING.*
ANOTHER YEAR’S LOW OCCURRED DURING THE MONTH IN THE INCIDENCE OF CHICKENPOX. REPORTED CASES DROPPED FROM NINE IN SEPTEMBER TO SEVEN.
REPORTS OF BACILLARY DYSENTERY DROPPED FROM 34 TO 26, AND ENTERIC FEVER FROM 55 TO 32.
TOO CASES OF CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS WERE REPORTED IN OCTOBER, BRINGING THE TOTAL TO 11 SINCE JANUARY 1, 1974.
FOUR CASES OF AMOEBIASIS WERE NOTIFIED, 42 OF FOOD POISONING, ONE OF OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM, FOUR OF SCRUB TYPHUS, 50 OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, FIVE OF TETANUS, AND ONE OF TETANUS NEONATORUM.
OF THE 72 DEATHS RECORDED DURING OCTODER, 64 WERE CAUSED BY TUBERCULOSIS — AN INCREASE FROM THE 56 DEATHS FROM THE SAME DISEASE RECORDED IN SEPTEMBER -- ONE BY LEPROSY, THREE. BY VIRAL HEPATITIS, THREE BY TETANUS, AND ONE BY TETANUS NEONATORUM.
NO CASES OF DIPHTHERIA WERE NOTIFIED. THE RECORD FOR POLIOMYELITIS ALSO REMAINED CLEAN. THE INCIDENCE OF OTHER COMMUNICABLE DISEASES SHOWED NO APPRECIABLE VARIATION.
DURING THE MONTH, HONG KONG REMAINED FREE FROM CHOLERA AND OTHER QUARANTINABLE DISEASES.
0------
/6
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
- 6 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT * * * * *
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. ' TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54,067 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 57,476 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORN-ING’S STORAGE AT PLOVEf? COVE WAS 38,596 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 45,059 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 76.4 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 A.M. TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,112.3 MM (83.16 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,134.9 MM (84.05 IN), REPRESENTING A SHORTFALL OF 1.06 PER CENT.
- - 0 - -
HONG KONG FOOTWEAR EXPORTS TO E.E.C
******
FURTHER DETAILS OF THE RECENT E.E.C. DECISION TO INCLUDE CERTAIN ITEMS OF HONG KONG FOOTWEAR IN ITS GENERALISED PREFERENCES SCHEME HAVE BEEN CONVEYED TO LOCAL EXPORTERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT A CIRCULAR CONTAINING INFORMATION ON THE ITEMS ELIGIBLE FOR PREFERENCE WAS ISSUED DURING THE WEEKEND.
THESE INCLUDE TWO OF HONG KONG’S MAIN FOOTWEAR ITEMS : RUBBER AND PLASTIC FOOTWEAR. EXPORTS OF THESE ITEMS TO EEC COUNTRIES IN 1973 AMOUNTED TO $149 MILLION. LEATHER FOOTWEAR WILL HOWEVER NOT BE ACCORDED PREFERENTIAL TREATMENT. LEATHER FOOTWEAR ONLY ACCOUNTED FOR 1.5 PER CENT OF HK’S FOOTWEAR EXPORT TO THE EEC LAST YEAR.
THE D.C. AND I. SPOKESMAN ADVISED EXPORTERS, NEEDING FURTHER INFORMATION, TO CONTACT ASSISTANT TRADE OFFICER, MR. RONALD WONG, AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 5-252858.
- - o - -
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
*««###
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (MONDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON s *
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RIC®*
GRADE OF RICE
AVAILABILITY’ WHOLESALE PRICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW S.C. JIEN PO NGAI CHU CHO THAI RICE GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD 1.89 1.73 ••
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.62
Al SUPER GOOD 1.37
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD > . 1.84
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD «■
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND ....
MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD , 4.60 1.10 3.20
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 0.70 1.80
SQUID NORMAL 5.80 3.00 4.70
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.20 0.60 1.20
LIZARD FISHES GOOD '3.70 1.00 2.50
CROAKERS NORMAL 1.80 1.00 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.90 2.00 2.70
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.20 1.30 1.80
BREAMS LIMITED 5.80 3.50 4.20
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL . 2.20 1.00 1.50
MACKERELS SCARCE 5.40 2.00 4.00
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 3.40 0.70 1.40
FORK-TAIL LIMITED 1.20 0.60 0.90
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.20 2.50 4.00
MELON SEED SCARCE 2.60 1.20 1.80
POMFRETS LIMITED 9.00 3.70 7.00
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.30 5.50 7.20
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 5.80 3.80 5.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE ' AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE HIGH PRICE LOW (S/CATTY) MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.CO 1.00 2.20
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 1.60 0.40 1.00
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED l.EO 0.60 1.20
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.80 1.00 2.20
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.30 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.40 1.20
SPINACH SCARCE 3.20 1.20 2.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 3.00 1.50 2.40
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 1.40 0.50 1.00
CHINESE SPINACH ■MB oa»«w
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 197'+ .
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PREVENTIVE SERVICE MAKES HEADWAY IN WAR AGAINST NARCOTICS ................................................ 1
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW ..................... 3
REVISED ARRANGEMENTS FOR CONTROL OF TEXTILE EXPORTS TO
EEC....................................................
TSING YI BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FOR A FEW HOURS ON THURSDAY ................................................. *
20 LUCKY CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE............................. 5
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN CENTRAL............................ 5
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 197'»
1
PREVENTIVE SERVICE MAKES HEADWAY IN WAR AGAINST NARCOTICS YEUNG YIN-HING DESCRIBED AS CLOSE CONFIDANTE OF DRUG MAFIA ******
HONG KONG IS MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN THE WAR AGAINST NARCOTICS AND IN THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE HAS SCORED SOME IMPRESSIVE VICTORIES AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKERS, ACCORDING TO THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, MR. JIMMY .CGREGOR.
ADDRESSING A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST TODAY, MR. MCGREGOR SAID: +UP TO A FEW YEARS AGO WE WERE LOSING THIS WAR. WE HAVE NOW REVERSED THE PROCESS AND ALTHOUGH IT IS GOING TO BE A LONG AND DIFFICULT STRUGGLE, WE HAVE ALREADY WON A SERIES OF BATTLES.
+l HAVE NO DOUBT WE SHALL WIN MORE.*
MR. MCGREGOR REFERRED TO THE CASE OF YEUNG YIN-HING WHOSE ARREST BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, HE SAID, HAD CONTRIBUTED TO THE COLLAPSE OF A POWERFUL SYNDICATE WHICH OPERATED IN THE SHEUNG SHU I AREA OF THE NEW TERRITORIES. YEUNG HAS SINCE FLED HONG KONG AND IS REPORTED TO BE ON TRIAL IN TAIWAN.
IN HIS OPINION, YEUNG WAS NOT A ’’DRUG QUEEN” NEITHER WAS SHE A LOWLY HEROIN PACKER. +SHE WAS, FROM OUR OBSERVATIONS AND INTELLIGENCE, CLOSELY ASSOCIATED WITH IMPORTANT MEMBERS OF THE SYNDICATE WHICH HAD BEEN OPERATI?>iG ACTI SLY IN THE SHEUNG SHUI AREA FOR MORE THAN TWO YEARS ...... YEUN - WAS A WELL TRUSTED AND
INFLUENTIAL MEMBER OF THE DRUG MAFIA IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCGREGOR, WHO WAS SPEAKING ABOUT THE ROLE OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE IN THE FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS, POINTED OUT THAT THE SERVICE WAS ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR BREAKING THE BACK OF THE STRONG SYNDICATE WHICH OPERATED FOR ALMOST TWO DECADES IN THE NOTORIOUS MA SHAN AREA. HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE WORKED LARGELY INDEPENDENTLY OF THE POLICE AND, TO SOME EXT NT, IN COMPETITION WITH THEM.
+INTER-SERVICE REVALRY, IN MY VIEW, IS A VERY HEALTHY WAY OF KEEPING PEOPLE ON THEIR TOES AND OF INCREASING EFFICIENCY. IT ALSO PROVIDES MEMBERS OF THE PU. !C WITH ALTERNATIVE POINTS OF CONTACT IN GIVING INFORMATION ON DRUGS,* HE SAID.
BESIDES THE ’’YEUNG YIN-HING” AND ”MA SHAN” CASES, THE SERVICE HAD DURING THE PAST THREE YEARS TAKEN LEGAL ACTION IN 2,600 CASES, RESULTING IN 9,800 ARRESTS AND SEIZURE OF DRUGS TOTALLING 10,000 LES, OR 4.5 TONS, VALUED AT ABOUT *60 MILLION.
/THESE ARRESTS .....
CAY, NOVEMBER 26, 19?4
- 2 -
THESE ARRESTS 1 SULTED IN 8,860 CONVICTIONS, TOTAL FINES ' AMOUNTED TO OVER $1.5 MILLION AND TOTAL IMPRISONMENT TO 340 YEARS.
VIRTUALLY EVERY PlAJOR SEIZURE MADE BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE IN RECENT YEARS HAD BEEN BROUGHT ABOUT BY INFORMATION FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, MR. MCGREGOR SAID, +ADDING INFORMATION IS THE LIFEBLOOD OF OUR INVESTIGATIONAL EFFORTS.+
HE PRAISED THE PUBLIC FOR REPORTING INFORMATION ON SUSPECTED DRUG ACTIVITIES TO THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND ASSURED THEM OF COMPLETE CONFIDENTIALITY. +WE PROTECT COMPLETELY THE IDENTITY OF THE PERSON GIVING INFORMATION, FOR EVERY OBVIOUS REASONS. AND .,E ACTIVELY SEEK TO WIDEN THE NET OF INFORMATION SOURCES. +
THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE ALSO MAINTAINS CLOSE TOUCH WITH THEIR COUNTERPARTS IN MANY COUNTRIES CONCERNED WITH DRUG TRAFFICKING. THESE CONTACTS, MR. MCGREGOR SAID, WERE STEADILY EXPANDING AND WERE PROVING BENEFICIAL NOT ONLY TO HONG KONG’S ANTI-DRUGS ACTIVITIES BUT TO SIMILAR EFFORTS IN OTHER COUNTRIES.
HE HOPED THAT WITHIN A YEAR, THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE WOULD HOST A SEMINAR ON CUSTOMS PROBLEMS IN ASIA, INCLUDING SMUGGLING TO BE ATTENDED EY SENIOR MEMBERS OF OVERSEAS CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES.
AT PRESENT, THE SERVICE HAS ABOUT 1,100 OFFICERS WHO ARE ALSO RESPONSIBLE FOR OTHER PROTECTIVE FUNCTIONS INCLUDING THE PROTECTION OF THE GOVERNMENT REVENUE FROM EXCISE AND OTHER DUTIES.
MR. MCGREGOR NOTED THAT THERE WAS A TENDENCY TO CONFUSE THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE WITH THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE. IN FACT IT HAD ALSO BEEN SUGGESTED THAT THE SERVICE WAS SOMEHOW INVOLVED WITH FAMILY PLANNING.
+BUT THE FACT IS THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, WHO IS CONCURRENTLY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, HAS AN EQUAL RESPONSIBILITY WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE UNDER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE TO TAKE LEGAL ACTION AGAINST THE IMPORT, EXPORT, MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION, SALE AND POSSESSION OF DANGEROUS DRUGS,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCGREGOR NOTED THAT THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE HAD GONE FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH IN RECENT YEARS AND DESPITE THE GREAT PERSONAL RISKS INVOLVED, PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS, TOGETHER WITH THE POLICE, WERE DETERMINED TO CONTINUE HARASSING AND PROSECUTING DRUG TRAFFICKERS WHEREVER THEY WERE FOUND.
+WE SHALL TAKE THE WIDEST POSSIBLE ACTION AGAINST DIVANS AND STREET PEDDLING OF NARCOTICS ..... WE MUST MAKE IT UNPROFITABLE
AND VERY RISKY FOR THOSE WHO PROFIT FROM THE TRADE, + HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. MCGREGOR’S
SPEECH ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1974
- 5 -
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW
M * K * * K
THE FUTURE OF HEI LING CHAU AND THE RETIREMENT AGE OF CIVIL SERVANTS WILL AGAIN BE BROUGHT UP IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW.
THE SUBJECTS ARE AMONG TWELVE QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AT TOMORROW’S SITTING.
THEY WILL ALSO ASK WHETHER. THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO TAKE STEPS TO STABILIZE THE PRICE OF SUGAR SUCH AS BY ENTERING INTO LONG TERM CONTRACTS WITH PRODUCING COUNTRIES AT PRODUCERS’ PRICES, AND WHAT STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO REGISTER AND INSPECT SO-CALLED WINE SHOPS OR +TSAU LIM+.
OTHER QUESTIONS RELATE TO ACCOMMODATION OF CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS AND COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS IN ONE COMMON OFFICE, IMPROVEMENT OF FERRY PIERS, COMPULSORY WARNING NOTICES ON WATER HEATERS, TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, REGISTRATION OF MARTIAL ARTS BODIES, OPERATION OF HOVERCRAFTS IN HONG KONG, VACANT ROOFTOP SPACES, AND THE STABILITY OF THE TOWER OF ST. TERESA’S CHURCH.
SIX NEW BILLS WILL BE TABLED IN COUNCIL. THESE ARE: THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL, THE FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL, THE LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS REPEALS) BILL, THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL, AND THE CHILD CARE CENTRES BILL.
DEBATE WILL RESUME ON A NUMBER OF BILLS INCLUDING THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO.4) BILL AND THE CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL.
- - 0 -
A .
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1974 - A -
REVISED ARRANGEMENTS ~ CONTROL OF TEXTILE EXPLAlv 70 cEC X * * * X
VOLUNTARY RESTRAINT ARRANGEMENTS CONCERNING HONG KONG’S TEXTILE EXPORTS TO THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY, DUE TO EXPIRE ON 31 DECEMBER 1974, ARE TO BE EXTENDED UNTIL 31 MARCH 1975, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE BEING BROUGHT INTO EFFECT ON THE ADVICE OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD PENDING THE POSSIBLE NEGOTIATION OF BILATERAL AGREEMENT UNDER THE NEW ARRANGEMENT REGARDING INTERNATIONAL TRADE IN TEXTILES.
MR. JORDAN EXPLAINED THAT IT WAS ‘NECESSARY TO MAINTAIN EXISTING RESTRAINTS ON TEXTILE .EXPORTS TO THE EEC SO THAT TRADE COULD CONTINUE ON A KNOWN AND STABLE BASIS UNTIL THE POSSIBLE NEGOTIATION OF A BILATERAL AGREEMENT.
THE EXTENDED MEASURES AFFECT TEXTILE EXPORTS TO THE UNITED KINGDOM, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE BENELUX COUNTRIES, ITALY, FRANCE AND DENMARK.
FULL DETAILS OF THE REVISED ARRANGEMENTS ARE CONTAINED IN NOTICES TO EXPORTERS ISSUED TODAY BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
------0-------
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF TSI NG Yl BRIDGE ******
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT TSI NG Yl BRIDGE IN TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE CLOSED FOR A FEW HOURS ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 28) TO ENABLE LEVELLING SURVEYS TO BE CARRIED OUT THERE.
THE BRIDGE WILL BE CLOSED FROM 2 A.M. TO 6 A.M. AND FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. ON THAT DAY.
MEANWHILE, TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON FRIDAY AT THE JUNCTION OF TUNG LO WAN ROAD AND TAI HANG ROAD IN CAUSEWAY BAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO FACILITATE ROAD WORK.
FROM 9.30 A.M. ON FRIDAY UNTIL 6 P.M. THE NEXT DAY, WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON TUNG LO WAN ROAD WILL NOT EE ALLOWED TO TURN LEFT INTO TAI HANG ROAD, AND TRAFFIC COMING DOWN TAI HANG ROAD WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO TUNG LO WAN ROAD.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE ROAD WORK, THE NORMAL TRAFFIC ROUTING AT THIS JUNCTION WILL BE RESU?'1ED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LEFT TURN FROM TUNG LO WAN ROAD TO TAI HANG ROAD.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
o------
/5
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1574.
- 5 -
’LUCKY’ CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE
*****
ANOTHER 20 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION FOR AUCTION THIS WEEK TO PROMOTE A CHARI
NUMBERS WILL BE PUT UP TABLE CAUSE.
THE AUCTION, ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT. WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30) IN THE CITY HALL THEATRE.
THE NUMBERS ARE:
AA 23 AB 6600 AB 7117 AB 9669 AD 3838
AE 9009 AF 21 AF 88 AG 555 AH 5678
AK 252 1090 5115 8228 HK 8000
AV 181 AZ 123 BD 3 BD 3333 BD 1000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY
CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
MAO1Z .P1?.T.ENIIAL EIDDERS ARE reminded THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION
MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME
OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
OF aboSZmM'milli'on^ AUCTI0NS HAVE been held- fetching a total
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN CENTRAL
******
IMT[-n^AIER 3^PPLY T0 A NUMEER 0F PREMIES IN CENTRAL WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS AS FROM 1 AM ON THURSDAY (NOVEMBER 28) WHcN A TEST FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE WILL BE CONDUCTED.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NOS. 20-62 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, 1-21D AND 2-44 STANLEY STREET, 1-49 AND 2-76 WELLINGTON STREET, D’AGUI LAR STREET, WO ON LANE, LAN KWAI FONG, 1-31B AND 2-16 WYNDHAM STREET, ON HING STREET, AND ON LAN STREET.
-----0------
Tuesday, November 26, 197-*
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
******
•
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON »
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGA I GOOD ••
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD 1.57
Al SUPER GOOD 1.37
WHOLE GLUTINOUS . GOOD 1,72
U.S. RICE GOOD . 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.84
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
GOOD
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 197A
SUPPL’ES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 4.80 2.00 3.40
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.00 2.00
SQUID HA 1R-TA1LS NORMAL GOOD 5.80 2.50 4.20 1.00
1.70 0.50
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.60 1.00 2.50
CROAKERS GOOD . 1.60 0.60 1.00
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.90 1.50 2.20
MELON COAT LIMITED 1.80 1.40 1.60
BREAMS SCARCE 5.20 3.20 4.20
YELLOW BELLY MACKERELS NORMAL LIMITED 1.60 4.50 0.80 2.00 1.20 3.20
RED GOAT FISH SCARCE 2.40 0.80 1.60
FORK-TAIL LIMITED 1.50 0.40 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.00 2.80 4.00
MELON SEED POMFRETS NORMAL SCARCE 2.90 11.00 1.30 5.50 2.10 8.20
GAROUPAS NORMAL 9.00 5.00 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 6.30 4.50 5.40
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY * OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.60 0.80 2.00
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 1.20 0.30 0.80
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.60 0.60 1.00
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.60 1.00 2.00
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.40 1.80
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
SP1NACH SCARCE 3.50 1.00 2.50
WATER CRESS NORMAL 2.80 1.00 2.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 1.40 0.50 1.00
CHINESE SPINACH —— —— ■
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
- 0 - -
PRH 7
WL ....
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NEW PROF I To TAX Bl Lu TABLED IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL..... ’1
FULL SCALE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN' BEGINS NEXT MONTH...................................................... 4
CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS PERMITTED TO COMPLY WITH NEW
REQUIREMENTS IN STAGES ................................... 6
/
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED INTO LAW................ S
UNOFFICIALS WELCOME LIFTING OF TEMPORARY RESTRICTIONS ON
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN POK FU LAM........................ 11
TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO BEGIN CLASSES NEXT SEPTEMBER. 12
COMPENSATION FOR FAMILY OF POLICE SERGEANT SHOT DEAD BY BANK ROBBER .............................................. 13
TOUGHER LAWS BEING CONSIDERED TO CONTROL VICE DENS ....... 14
COMMON OFFICES FOR CDO’S AND CYO’S ....................... 14
EXECUTIVE COUNCIL TO CONSIDER DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR HEI LING CHAU SOON........................................... 15
NO DECISION YET ON RETIREMENT AGE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS .... 15
MARTIAL ARTS BODIES NOT OBLIGED TO REGISTER WITH POLICE AT PRESENT .... . . - ...................... 16
GOVERNMENT WILL NOT INTERVENE IN SUGAR MARKET ........... 16
PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS ON POSSIBILITY OF YAUMATI FERRY BUILDING NEW PIERS AT ITS OWN EXPENSE ................... 17
FORMER ESTATE ROOF-TOP SCHOOLS BEING CONVERTED FOR OTHER LISES .........................*......................... 17
/2.....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
,, GOVERNMENT IN FAVOUR OF HOVERCRAFT PRODUCTION INDUSTRY .. 18 TOwuuRN OVER STABILITY OF ST. TERESA’S CHURCH TOWER ....... IS
LECISLATION ON TRADE DESCRIPTIONS BEING DRAFTED ......... 19
TEN Bills COMPLETE PASSAGE THROUGH LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL •• PUP?ls°empha~?s^DD S0CIAL AND SPI*»™AL CEVEI wfcNT Or THREE MORE BOX JUNCTIONS ON HONG KO“a ISLAND............ 21
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN MONG KQK ......................... 21
♦SUPERMEN* RAISE FUNDS rCR SAU MAU PING CLUB FOR THE
JAPANESE MISSION HERE TO DISCUSS TUBE PROPOSALS ......... 22
cOMMOuW1?! To WHOLESALE PRICES teu SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 197*
- 1 -
NEW PROFITS TAX BILL TABLED IN LEGCO M K X K M
THE PROPOSED CHANGE IN THE BASIS OF PROFITS TAX ASSESSMENT FROM A PRECEDING YEAR TO A CURRENT YEAR BASIS WILL ENSURE THAT THE TAX LIABILITY OF PROFIT TAXPAYERS WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN EXACT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS EARNED, BOTH IN THE S^ORT TERM AND OVER THE LIFE OF A BUSINESS.
THIS WAS STATED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL. THE BILL BRINGS PROFITS TAX IN LINE WITH ALL OTHER TAXES ON EARNINGS AND PROFITS, AND IS SCHEDULED TO COME INTO OPERATION ON APRIL 1 NEXT YEAR.
THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF ASSESSING PROFITS TAX ON THE PREVIOUS YEAR'S PROFITS, HE SAID, WAS AN ARTIFICIAL METHOD AND AT SOME EARLIER STAGE THE PROFITS OF ONE YEAR WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE USED TWICE, SUCH AS FOR EXAMPLE IN THE CASE OF A BUSINESS WHICH TRADES SUCCESSFULLY FOR A FEW YEARS AND THEN CEASES TRADING.
♦THE DOUBLE USE OF A YEAR’S PROFITS AT COMMENCEMENT AND THE DROPPING OUT OF A YEAR’S PROFITS ON CESSATION MEANS THAT THERE IS AN INEXACT RELATIONSHIP OVER THE LIFE OF THE BUSINESS BETWEEN TOTAL PROFITS EARNED AND TOTAL TAX PAfD,+ HE EXPLAINED.
♦THIS FREQUENTLY MEANS THAT TOTAL ASSESSABLE PROFITS ARE LESS THAN. TOTAL PROFITS EARNED AND A CESSATION CAN EASILY BE TIMED TO PRODUCE THIS EFFECT.♦
FOR ALL BUSINESS, HE ADDED, THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD MEAN THAT, FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT STARTING ON APRIL 1, 1975, THEIR TAX LIABILITY WILL BE NO MORE AND NO LESS THAN THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX APPLIED TO THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS. *THE ERRATIC EFFECTS OF THE PRESENT COMMENCEMENT AND CESSATION PROVISIONS WILL NO LONGER BE THERE.♦
MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT AS THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM INCORPORATES THE LONGSTANDING PAY-AS-YOU-GO PRINCIPLE AND KEEPS TAX PAYMENTS ABREAST OF THE PROFITS LIABLE TO TAX, THE TAXPAYER WILL HAVE LESS OPPORTUNITY TO AVOID PAYMENT.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD ENABLE BUSINESSES TO ACCURATELY CALCULATE THE TAX RESERVES TO BE SET ASIDE FROM PROFITS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY GAVE A LONG AND DETAILED OUTLINE OF THE MAIN FEATURES AND EFFECTS OF THE BILL, AND STRESSED TNA'i THE PROVISIONAL PROFIT TAX PAYMENT PROPOSED WAS NOT AN ADVANCE PAYMENT FOR THE NEXT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT.
♦IT IS PAYMENT ON ACCOUNT FOR THE CURRENT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, THAT IS TO SAY, ON ASSESSABLE PROFITS OF THE CURRENT YEAR WHICH, IN MANY CASES, WILL HAVE BEEN EARNED OR LARGELY EARNED.*
/IN TIE ’IHiT
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2?, 1971*
- 2 -
IN THE FIRST YEAR UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM (1975/76), THE PROVISIONAL TAX FOR 1975/76 PAYABLE TOWARDS THE END OF THAT YEAR WILL BE CALCULATED ON ACTUAL PROFITS EARNED IN 1974/75, WITH THE FINAL TAX FOR 1975/76 BEING ASCERTAINED IN 1976/77 WHEN THE ACTUAL PROFITS ARE KNOWN.
+THE MAIN EFFECT OF THE NEW TAX SYSTEM,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +WILL BE THAT, IN A SITUATION OF RISING PROFITS, THERE WILL BE A QUICKER FLOW OF REVENUE.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, A SITUATION OF DECLINING PROFITS WILL EE REFLECTED MORE QUICKLY BY A SMALLER YEARLY DEMAND ON BUSINESSES AND, WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT PROFITS IN A CURRENT YEAR ARE LIKELY TO BE LESS THAN 80 PER CENT OF PROFITS ON WHICH PROVISIONAL TAX HAS BEEN CALCULATED, PROVISIONAL TAX CAN BE ADJUSTED BY THE COMMISSIONER TO REFLECT THE DECLINE IN PROFITS.+
HE NOTED THAT UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, AN ACTUAL LOSS HAD TO BE ESTABLISHED FOR THE PURPOSE OF AN OFFSET OF TAX BEFORE THE COMMISSIONER WOULD BE IN A POSITION TO RECOGNISE THAT A CASH FLOW PROBLEM HAD ARISEN-AS A RESULT OF-A DECLINE IN PROFITS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE ADJUSTMENTS TO PROVISIONAL TAX WOULD BE GREATER WHERE THERE ARE LARGE FLUCTUATIONS OF PROFITS, BUT FOR A CONTINUING BUSINESS WITH A STEADY PROFIT RECORD THERE WOULD BE ONLY RELATIVELY MINOR ADJUSTMENTS.
COMMENTING ON THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT THE APPROACH WOULD BE SIMILAR TO THAT ADOPTED WHEN THE METHOD OF CALCULATING SALARIES ASSESSABLE TO TAX WAS CHANGED TO A CURRENT YEAR BASE IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
IN THE TRANSITIONAL YEAR 1974/75, THE FINAL TAX LIABILITY FOR THAT YEAR WILL BE CALCULATED ON THE BASIS OF EITHER THE ACTUAL PROFITS OF 1974/75 OR THE PROFITS OF 1973/74 WHICHEVER ARE THE GREATER. HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT AS 1973/74 PROFITS WAS GENERALLY A MORE PROFITABLE YEAR THAN 1974/75, IT WOULD EE THE 1973/74 PROFITS JHAT WOULD BE USED AS A BASE.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT SINCE, UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, TAX FOR THE TRANSITIONAL YEAR 1974/75 WOULD ALREADY HAVE BEEN ASSESSED AND PAID BY REFERENCE TO THE LARGER 1973/74 PROFITS, THERE WOULD BE NO TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT FOR MANY BUSINESSES.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MADE IT CLEAR, THAT THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS WOULD NOT APPLY IN THE CASE OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE. CAPITAL EXPENDITURE INCURRED IN THE DROPPED OUT YEAR, HE SAID, WOULD NOT QUALIFY FOR AN INITIAL ALLOWANCE BUT WOULD QUALIFY FOR ANNUAL ALLOWANCE.
/HE STRESSED ......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 3 -
STRESSED THAT THERE WAS NO CHANGE I THE PRINCIPLE that CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON INDUSTRIAL BUILDING AND PL ANTA nd ™AT MACHiNERY, LESS ANY MONIES RECOVERED ON DI SPOSAL^tSHALLOWED AS A DEDUCTION OVER A PERIOD OF TIME OR OVER THE WORKING m?f OF A PLANT, AS THE CASE MAY EE. +THE TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT WILL NOT AFFECT THE TOTAL ALLOWANCES OVER The LIFE DE th^aJIft HE SAID. +FAILURE TO QUALIFY FOR AN I Nl Tl ALALLOWANCE^ H fSSET’ •■'£AN HIGHER AMOUNTS OF ANNUAL ALLOWANCE.+ ALLOWANCE WILL
HADDON-CAVE ALSO NOTED THAT PROVISIONS FOR STAND-OVFR HAD BEEN MADE WHICH SEEK TO RECOGNISE POSSIBLE CASH FLOW ;ubsequentNcreditsY To AV0ID temporary overpayments and WDQLyULlI I UntLH I
!
THESE PROVISIONS RELATE TO THE FOLLOWING; SITUATIONS :
* K
*
WHERE THERE OF BUSINESS
IS A REDUCTION OF PROFITS BECAUSE OF CESSATION
WHERE WHICH
WHERE
THERE WOULD
THERE
I ARE CLAIMS FOR PERSONAL ’ASSESSMENT SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCE LIABILITY TO TAX
IS AN OMISSION OF ERROR Ity the AMOUNT OF ANY
FfiDWAon rno cc-r-nec ’ ,nc ur ANY
LOSS BROUGHT FORWARD FOR SET-OFF
K
WHERE THE PRECEDING YEAR’S ASSESSMENT UNDER OBJECTION.
TO PROFITS TAX IS
A
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 4 -
FULL SCALE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN NEXT MONTH
* * # # *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL LAUNCH A FULL SCALE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN FROM DECEMBER 1, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WHILE THE CAMPAIGN WILL COVER ALL ASPECTS OF FIRE PREVENTION, HE SAID DUE EMPHASIS WOULD BE GIVEN TO THE DANGERS OF HILL FIRES AND TO THE NEED TO TAKE PROPER PRECAUTIONS IN DISCARDING CIGARETTE ENDS OR IN LIGHTING FIRES IN THE COUNTRYSIDE.
' MR. ROBSON WAS SPEAKING ON THE SECOND READING OF THE FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974 WHICH SEEKS TO WIDEN THE SCOPE OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE SO AS TO +BRI NG WITHIN ITS PROTECTIVE UMBRELLA, OPEN COUNTRYSIDE WHERE MOST OF THE HILL FIRES ARE STARTED.*
UNDER THE BILL, THE LIGHTING OR-USE OF FIRES WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE OR CARE BY EITHER AN INDIVIDUAL OR A MEMBER OF A GROUP WOULD BE MADE AN OFFENCE, HE SAID.
+IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT TO IMPOSE GROUP RESPONSIBILITY IN THIS MANNER WOULD BE AN EROSION OF THE LIBERTY OF THE INDIVIDUAL- HOWEVER, IT IS A MATTER OF FACT THAT PEOPLE WHO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE OFTEN DO SO IN LARGE GROUPS.
+IT WOULD, THEREFORE, BE LOGICAL FOR THEM TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY AS A GROUP FOR ANY ACTION ON THEIR PART WHICH RESULTS IN A FIRE THAT IN TURN CAUSES DAMAGE TO THE COUNTRYSIDE.*
MR. ROBSON SAID HE WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC ON HOW TO USE THE COUNTRYSIDE WITHOUT ENDANGERING IT.
IN THIS RESPECT, HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES HAD EMBARKED ON AN IMAGINATIVE FIVE-YEAR PROGRAMME FOR THE PROVISION OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES FOR PICNICKING AND BARBECUES IN SUITABLE LOCATIONS.
+IN CONJUNCTION WITH THIS PROGRAMME HE IS PRODUCING A RANGE OF PAMPHLETS DESCRIBING NATURE TRIALS AND WHAT MAY BE SEEN ON THEM IN THE WAY OF PLANT AND WILD LIFE. THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IS ALSO PRODUCING A SERIES OF COUNTRYSIDE MAPS SHOWING FOOTPATHS, FORESTED AREAS AND PICNIC SPOTS, AND INCORPORATING A COUNTRY CODE WHICH LAYS DOWN GUIDELINES FOR THE PROPER USE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.*
HOWEVER, MR. ROBSON STRESSED THAT ALL THIS WOULD HAVE LITTLE VALUE UNLESS PRIVATE ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS SCHOOLS AND FIRMS WHICH TAKE LARGE PARTIES TO THE COUNTRYSIDE WOULD ENSURE THAT THEIR MEMBERS ARE AWARE OF THE NEED TO PREVENT HILL FIRES.
WEDiVSSDAY, NCVilMB
27,. 1974
- 5 -
FURTHERMORE, HE SAID THE OBJECT OF THE BILL WAS NOT TO RESTRICT THE USE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE BUT TO HELP SAFEGUARD IT FROM THE THOUGHTLESS OR CARELESS ACTIONS OF THE FEW SO THAT IT MIGHT BE PRESERVED AND ENJOYED BY THE MANY.
MEANWHILE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF FACILITIES IN AREAS MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT, NAMELY APPROVED BARBECUE PLACES AND PICNIC PLACES WHERE BARBECUES ARE PROHIBITED.
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEG I SLA’TI ON, IT WOULD BE AN OFFENCE TO SET UP ANY FIRE IN ANY PLACE, EXCEPT AT THE PITS PROVIDED AT APPROVED BARBECUE PLACES. THE MAXIMUM PENALTY IS A $2,000 FINE AND ONE YEAR IMPRISONMENT.
SIGNS CLEARLY IDENTIFYING THE TWO DIFFERENT KINDS OF PICNIC AREAS ARE ALREADY POSTED IN THESE PLACES.
THE SPOKESMAN CONTINUED THAT THERE ARE NO OFFICIAL BARBECUE FACILITIES IN AREAS NOT MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT. HE URGED PICNICKERS ALSO TO REFRAIN FROM LIGHTING ANY FIRE THERE, AND HE ADVISED THAT WHEN THE FIRE DANGER RATING IS HIGH VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE SHOULD BRING A COLD PICNIC AND SHOULD NOT HAVE BARBECUE PICNIC BECAUSE OF THE DANGER OF FIRE SPREADING.
+IF PEOPLE MUST HAVE A FIRE FOR BARBECUE IN SUCH AREAS THEY SHOULD DO SO AT LOCATIONS FAR AWAY FROM ANY VEGETATION OR WOODS, FOR INSTANCE ON A BEACH OR A FOCKY RIVER BANK. BUT EVEN SO, THEY SHOULD NOT LIGHT ANY FIRE ON THE BEACH OR RIVER BANK WHEN THE FIRE DANGER RATING IS RED OR YELLOW.+
HE ADDED THAT IT WAS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE FOR PICNICKERS TO COMPLETELY PUT OUT ANY FIRE AFTER USE.
IN THE EVENT OF AN OUTBREAK OF A HILL FIRE, PICNICKERS OR ANY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN AND SHOULD HELP PUT IT OUT BY STAMPING ON IT OR BY BEATING IT WITH BRANCHES. IF THE FIRE GOT CUT OF HAND, THE AUTHORITIES SHOULD BE INFORMED IMMEDIATELY.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED PICNICKERS TO TAKE ADVICE RENDERED BY PATROLLING FOREST GUARDS WHOSE DUTIES ARE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO PROTECT THE VEGETATION.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES GIVEN ENOUGH TIME TO COMPLY WITH PROPOSED REQUIREMENTS * M * * *
OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL BE ALLOWED TO COMPLY WITH THE PROPOSED REQUIREMENTS .FOR SUCH CENTRES IN STAGES SPREAD OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS.
THIS PHASED IMPLEMENTATION, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICE, THE HON. F.K. LI TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON- +WILL NOT BE AN UNBEARABLE BURDEN FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO OPERATE CHILD CARE CENTRES FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE , COMMUNITY.
♦WE ARE NOW IN THE MIDDLE OF A PROGRAMME TO EXPAND THE NUMBER OF SUBVENTED PLACES IN CHILD CARE CENTRES BY 1,000 A YEAR,+ HE SAID. +HOWEVER, THERE IS A DANGER THAT THE BENEFICIAL EFFECT OF THIS INCREASE WOULD BE LOST IF, AT THE SAME TIME, THE NUMBER OF PLACES IN THE PROFIT-MAKING CENTRES WERE TO DECLINE AS A RESULT OF LEGISLATIVE PROVISIONS BEING SO -RESTRICTIVE AS TO FORCE MANY OPERATORS OUT OF BUSI NESS.+
THEREFORE, MR. LI SAID, ALTHOUGH CERTAIN MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS WERE STIPULATED AND OFFENCES PROVIDED TO ELIMINATE THE WORST ABUSES, A CLAUSE OF THE BILL ALLOWED THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE DISCRETION IN ENFORCING THIS LEGISLATION BY WAIVING THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY REGULATIONS IN ANY PARTICULAR CASE.
♦ IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WEFLFARE WILL NORMALLY EXERCISE HIS AUTHORITY UNDER THIS SUBCLAUSE BY WAIVING CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS TEMPORARILY,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION, MR. LI SAID THE FIRST STAGE WOULD TAKE PLACE WITHIN ONE YEAR OF ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION.
♦THIS WILL INVOLVE COMPLIANCE WITH ALL STRUCTURAL, FIRE SAFETY AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS. DURING THE YEAR, SOME PROGRESS MUST ALSO BE MADE TOWARDS ADEQUATE TRAINING AND STAFFING OF THE CENTRES, AND A SATISFACTORY DIETARY SCALE AND PROGRAMME OF ACTIVITIES MUST BE INTRODUCED,+ MR. LI EXPLAINED.
♦ A YEAR LATER, THE RATIO OF STAFF TO CHILDREN AND THE FLOOR AREA ALLOTTED TO EACH CHILD MUST BE UP TO THE STANDARD PRESCRIBED AND FURTHER PROGRESS MUST BE MADE TOWARDS ACHIEVING THE TARGET OF TRAINED STAFF.
/♦WITHIN THREE YEARS.......
- 7 -
UEDNESjAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974.
♦WITHIN THREE YEARS, ALL STAFF MUST HAVE OBTAINED THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACADEMIC QUALIFICATIONS AND, IN THE FINAL STAGE, THEY MUST ALL HAVE HAD RELEVANT TRAINING IN CHILD CARE WORK BEFORE THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LEGISLATION ARE FULLY APPLIED AT THE END OF THE FOURTH YEAR,+ HE ADDED.
IN VIEW OF SOME DOUBTS EXPRESSED ON THE CLARITY OF THE DEFINITION OF CHILD CARE CENTRES, MR. LI RE-DEFINED IT TO MEAN ANY PREMISES AT WHICH MORE THAN FIVE CHILDREN WHO ARE UNDER SIX ARE HABITUALLY RECEIVED FOR THE PURPOSE OF CARE AND SUPERVISION DURING PART OF THE DAY OR FOR LONGER PERIODS.
PREMISES IN WHICH THE ONLY CHILDREN ARE MEMBERS OF FAMILIES ORDINARILY LIVING THERE ARE EXCLUDED.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 86 SUBVENTED CENTRES WHICH ARE GENERALLY OF AN ACCEPTABLE STANDARD, AND ABOUT 200 COMMERCIALLY OPERATED CENTRES WHICH VARY CONSIDERABLY IN THEIR OPERATION.
♦ IT IS HOPED THAT THE MEASURES HOW PROPOSED WILL ELIMINATE THE POOR CONDITIONS PREVAILING IN THOSE BADLY-RUN ESTABLISHMENTS OPERATED ON A PURELY COMMERCIAL BASIS,+ MR. LI SAID.
DEBATE ON THE BILL HAS BEEN ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED
******
THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, AIMED AT GIVING BETTER PROTECTION TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, WAS PASSED INTO LAW TODAY WITH SOME AMENDMENTS.
THE AMENDMENTS WERE PROPOSED BY AN AD HOC GROUP FORMED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS TO STUDY THE PROPOSALS IN THE BILL IN VIEW OF THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DRAFT LEGISLATION.
ONE OF THE CHANGES CONCERNED THE COMMENCEMENT DATE OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
ORIGINALLY THE BILL PROPOSED TO GIVE SIX MONTHS NOTICE FROM ITS PUBLICATION TO APPLY TO ACCOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING ON OR AFTER DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR. BUT THE AD HOC GROUP PROPOSED THAT THE COMMENCEMENT DATE BE AMENDED TO OCTOBER 1, 1975 SO AS TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR COMPANIES TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
+THAT IS, THE NEW REQUIREMENTS SHOULD BEGIN TO APPLY IN RESPECT OF ACCOUNTS COVERING FINANCIAL YEARS ENDING ON OR AFTER SEPTEMBER 30, 1975,+ THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI EXPLAINED.
ANOTHER AMENDMENT CONCERNED THE PERIOD WITHIN WHICH ANNUAL REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS SHOULD BE SENT TO MEMBERS AND OTHER PERSONS ENTITLED TO RECEIVE THEM.
MR. LEE NOTED THE BILL PROPOSED THAT THE REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS BE SENT TO MEMBERS NOT LESS THAN SEVEN DAYS BEFORE AN ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WHILE THE EQUIVALENT STATUTORY PERIOD IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS 21 DAYS.
HE FELT, HOWEVER, THAT A PERIOD OF 14 DAYS AS RECOMMENDED BY THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE WOULD SEEM TO BE THE MORE LOGICAL PERIOD BECAUSE +A PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS IS BY ANY MEASUREMENT A BIT SHORT FOR SHAREHOLDERS AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES TO STUDY THE REPORTS AND ACCOUNTS.+
MR. LEE THEN COMMENTED ON THE PROPOSED LEG ISLATION'WHI CH GIVES BANKING COMPANIES, INSURANCE COMPANIES AND SHIPPING COMPANIES CERTAIN EXEMPTIONS FROM THE FULL ACCOUTING REQUIREMENTS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT +IF ANY SUCH EXEMPTIONS ARE AVAILED OF, THE AUDITORS ARE ONLY REQUIRED TO REPORT WHETHER THE COMPANY’S ACCOUNTS AND GROUP ACCOUNTS WHERE APPLICABLE HAVE BEEN PROPERLY PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.*
+AS NOTHING NEED BE SAID ABOUT THE ’TRUE AND FAIR VIEW’ OF THE STATE OF AFFAIRS AND THE PROFIT OR LOSS SHOWN BY THE ACCOUNTS, THE ABSENCE OF THOSE WORDS MAY BE TAKEN TO IMPLY, TO THE LAY PUBLIC IF NOT TO THE INFORMED FEW, THAT SUCH A VIEW IS NOT PRESENTED.*
/THKliEFOKE,
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 9 -
THEREFORE, HE SAID, IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT, IN ALL SUCH CASES, AUDITORS EE REQUIRED TO REPORT IN POSITIVE TERMS WHETHER THE ACCOUNTS GAVE A TRUE AND FAIR VIEW ON THE BASIS THAT THE ACCOUNTS HAD BEEN PREPARED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RELEVANT PROVISIONS OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
COMMENTING ON ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL UNDER WHICH CERTAIN PRIVATE COMPANIES MAY BE EXEMPTED FROM MOST OF THE NEW REQUIREMENTS, MR. LEE SAID IT SEEMED IRONICAL THAT CERTAIN PRIVATE COMPANIES WERE GIVEN EXEMPTIONS WHILE THE PRIME OBJECT OF THE BILL WAS TO RAISE THE GENERAL STANDARD OF ACCOUNTING.
HE SAID • +AS ALL COMPANIES, WHETHER PUBLIC OR PRIVATE, ENJOY LIMITED LIABILITIES, IT IS NOT UNREASONABLE THAT, IN RETURN FOR SUCH PRIVILEGE, THEY SHOULD COMPLY WITH THE UNIFORMED REQUIREMENTS SUCH AS NOW PROVIDED IN THE BILL.*
BUT HE ADDED THAT IT HAD ^EEN SUGGESTED THAT CONSIDERATION SHOULD AT THE SAME TIME BE GIVEN TO THE FACT THAT THERE WERE MANY PRIVATE COMPANIES IN HONG KONG WITH ONLY SMALL FAMILY TYPE BUSINESS.
+THE APPLICATION TO THEM OF FULL REQUIREMENTS WOULD SERVE NO USEFUL PURPOSE BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF THEIR ORGANIZATION AND BUSINESS,* MR. LEE POINTED OUT.
FURTHERMORE, PRIVATE COMPANIES ARE NOT REQUIRED TO FILE ACCOUNTS WITH THE REGISTRAR OF COMPANIES’ CONSEQUENTLY THEIR ACCOUNTS ARE NOT ACCESSIBLE TO THE PUBLIC.
HOWEVER, IN ORDER NOT TO INFRINGE ON THE INTEREST OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, MR. LEE SAID, FOR +THOSE PRIVATE COMPANIES WHOSE NATURE OF BUSINESS IS SUCH THAT LIABILITIES ARE NECESSARILY INCURRED FROM THE PUBLIC, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THEY SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO AVAIL THEMSELVES OF THE ADVANTAGE OF EXEMPTION.*
THEREFORE, IT WAS PROPOSED THAT BANKING COMPANIES, DEPOSIT-TAKING COMPANIES, INSURANCE COMPANIES, INTERNATIONAL CARGO-CARRYING COMPANIES AND STOCKBROKING COMPANIES SHOULD BE DENIED THE EXEMPTION, AS SHOULD A PRIVATE COMPANY WITH A SUBSIDIARY OR A COMPANY WHICH IS THE SUBSIDIARY OF ANOTHER BODY CORPORATE.
THE HON. LI FOOK-WO ALSO SPOKE ON THE BILL AND COMMENTED ON TWO ISSUES WHICH HE FELT WERE WORTHY OF CONSIDERATION.
THESE WERE +OWNERSHIP INFORMATION* AND +THE PLACE WHERE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT ARE KEPT.*
ON THE FIRST ISSUE, HE POINTED OUT THAT IN THE MODERN FINANCIAL WORLD +IT IS NOW GENERALLY RECOGNISED THAT SECRECY AND PUBLIC OWNERSHIP OF COMPANIES CANNOT EXIST TOGETHER.*
MR. LI SAID : +INFORMATION ABOUT MAJOR SHAREHOLDINGS IS ESSENTIAL INVESTMENT INFORMATION AT LEAST AS IMPORTANT ABOUT THE COMPANY’S HISTORICAL PROFITS. WITHOUT IT, THE INVESTOR OR POTENTIAL INVESTOR CANNOT ASSESS THE TRUE SIZE AND NATURE OF THE MARKET IN THE SHARES OR THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE COMPANY’S POLICIES MIGHT EE INFLUENCED BY PRESSURE GROUPS.*
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
10 -
Hr. FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE CCMFANIL3 LAW REVISION
COMMITTEE’S REPORT, THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF WHICH- THE BILL WAS' DESIGNED TO GIVE EFFECT TO, WAS WRITTEN IN CIRCUMSTANCES VERY DIFFERENT FROM THOSE PREVAILING TODAY AND THERE WAS REFERENCE TO +PRE3ENT BOOM CONDITIONS*, +A GREAT DEAL OF OVERSEAS MONEY WHICH IS ALREADY HERE* AND +LARGE NUMBERS OF SMALL INVESTORS*.
+TODAY THERE ARE NO LONGER BOOM CONDITIONS, MUCH OVERSEAS MONEY HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN AND VIRTUALLY THE ONLY SMALL INVESTORS REMAINING ARE THOSE WHO HAVE BEEN ’LOCKED IN’ TO A FALLING MARKET,* MR. LI SAID.
HE DID NOT BELIEVE THAT INVESTORS WOULD RETURN EITHER FROM OVERSEAS OR WITHIN THE COLONY UNTIL THEY COULD DO SO ON SOUND INVESTMENT ADVICE BASED ON FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELEVANT FACTS= ONE SUCH FACT WAS THE OWNERSHIP CF SUBSTANTIAL HOLDINGS OF SHARES IN PUBLIC COMPANIES.
HE CONSIDERED THEREFORE THAT IT WAS OF THE GREATEST IMPORTANCE TO THE HONG KONG STOCK MARKETS AS A WHOLE, AND TO THE VERY PEOPLE WHOSE SECRECY WAS AT PRESENT PROTECTED, THAT THE BENE IF I Cl AL OWNERSHIP OF SUBSTANTIAL HOLDINGS IN PUBLIC COMPANIES SHOULD BE DISCLOSED.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE PLACE WHERE LOOKS OF ACCOUNTS ARE KEPT, MR. LI SAID : +THE U.K. COMPANIES ACT 1948 DIRECTS THAT THE BOOKS CF ACCOUNT SHALL BE KEPT AT THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY CR AT SUCH OTHER PLACE AS THE DIRECTORS THINK FIT.*
+IT THEN PROVIDES FOR APPROPRIATE RETURNS TO BE MADE IN CASES WHERE THE BOOKS OF ACCOUNT ARE KEPT AT PLACE OUTS I Li GREAT BRITAIN.*
THIS WAS REPEATED VIRTUALLY VERBATIM IN A SECTION OF THE NEW BILL.
HOWEVER, MR. LI SAID : THE POSITION IN HONG KONG IS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF THE UNITED KINGDOM, IN THAT HONG KONG OFFERS CONSIDERABLE ATTRACTIONS TO COMPANIES TO BECOME REGISTERED HERE EVEN THOUGH THEY ARE NOT GOING TO DO MUCH OR EVEN ANY BUSINESS IN THE COLONY.*
HE REJECTED THE ARGUMENT THAT +HCNG KONG GAINS A BENEFIT FROM THIS IN THE SHAPE OF THE PROVISION OF EMPLOYMENT AND INFLOW CF FUNDS THAT RESULT*.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION EE AMENDED AT A LATER STAGE TO DIRECT THAT +THE BOOKS SHALL BE KEPT AT THE REGISTERED OFFICE OF THE COMPANY OR AT SUCH OTHER PLACE WITHIN THE COLONY OF HONG KONG AS THE DIRECTORS THINK FIT.*
HR. LI EMPHASISED : +THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT IN VIEW OF THE RECENT EVENTS WHEN IT WAS FOUND NECESSARY TO INVESTIGATE INTO THE AFFAIRS OF CERTAIN PUBLIC COMPANIES.*
REPLYING TO TriE POINTS RAISED BY MR. LI, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS ALIVE TO THE NEED TO HAVE COMPANY LEGISLATION CONTINUALLY UPDATED TO REFLECT PREVAILING OPINION. +1 UNDERTAKE THEREFORE TO HAVE THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE COMPANIES LAW REVISION COMMITTEE RE-EXAM I NED.+
0 -------
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
11
LIFTING OF POKFULAM BUILDING +FREEZE+ WELCOMED BY UNOFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS
KOK#
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WELCOMED THE LIFTING OF THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN POK FU LAM.
SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AT THE RESUMED DEBATE OF THE TEMPORARY RESTR I’CTI ON OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT
(POK FU LAM AND MID-LEVELS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1974, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG SAID THEY WERE GLAD ALSO TO SEE THAT MEASURES TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC WERE IN HAND.
REFERRING TO THE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME, HE SAID THE WIDENING OF TWO FURTHER SECTIONS OF POK FU LAM ROAD SHOULD BEGIN IN THE NEXT FINANCIAL YEAR, ONE OF WHICH SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 1976 AND THE OTHER IN 1977.
+THEY HAVE BEEN ACCORDED A GRADING AND PRIORITY OF Al IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AT A COST ESTIMATED AT NEARLY $15 MILLION. THESE TWO SECTIONS COVER THE ROAD FROM POKFIELD ROAD BUS TERMINUS TO POK FU LAM VILLAGE,+ MR. CHEUNG SAID. +THIS LEAVES ONLY THE SECTION BETWEEN THE UNIVERSITY AND POKFIELD ROAD TO BE WIDENED.+
+THE PUBLIC WORKS SUBCOMMITTEE WILL SHORTLY RECOMMEND TO FINANCE COMMITTEE THE CREATION CF TWC NEW ITEMS IN CATEGORY A OF THE PROGRAMME" ONE IS THE SITE INVESTIGATION, DESIGN AND LAND ACQUISITIONS IN CONNECTION WITH THE POKFULAM ROAD/CONNAUGHT ROAD LINK THROUGH WATER STREET, AT A COST OF $27.5 MILLION. THE ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION OF IT IS A CATEGORY B ITEM.*
THE SECOND ITEM HE SAID, WAS TO ENGAGE CONSULTANTS TO UNDERTAKE THE SITE INVESTIGATION AND DESIGN OF THE ELEVATED ROAD, FROM HARCOURT ROAD TO WATER STREET. THE CONSULTANTS’ WORK SHOULD BE COMPLETED WITHIN TWO YEARS.
LASTLY, WORK ON THE PILOT TUNNEL FOR THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH, AND THE TUNNEL ITSELF COMPLETED WITHIN FIVE YEARS.
MR. CHEUNG ADDED t +THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE MID-LEVELS HAVE STILL TO EE SOLVED, BUT I HOPE THAT THESE MEASURES IN RELATION TO POK FU LAM WILL LARGELY RESTORE GENERAL CONFIDENCE.*
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/12.......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
12 -
TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES TO BEGIN CLASSES NEXT SEPTEMBER ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS DOING EVERYTHING IT CAN TO SEE THAT THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AT KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG, CHEUNG SHA WAN AND SAN PO KONG WILL OPEN THEIR DOORS ON DATES +AS NEAR AS POSSIBLE TO THOSE ORIGINALLY PLANNED.+
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, GAVE THIS ASSURANCE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN WHO ASKED FOR INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROGRESS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
DR. CHUNG ALSO ASKED WHETHER THE FOUR INSTITUTES WOULD BE IN OPERATION ON THE DATES AS PLANNED, THAT IS TWO IN 1975, ONE IN 1976 AND ONE IN 1977.
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE PROVISION OF- THE FOUR TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WAS A VERY IMPORTANT AND INTEGRAL PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR THE EXPANSION OF SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLING FOLLOWING THE PROPOSALS OF THE RECENTLY PUBLISHED WHITE PAPER.
HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT BOTH THE KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, WHICH WERE IN AN ADVANCED STAGE TOWARDS COMPLETION, WOULD START OPERATING CLASSES IN SEPTEMBER 1975 AS PLANNED.
BOTH THESE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL RUN COURSES IN MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, TEXTILES AND GARMENT MAKING. IN ADDITION THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WILL ALSO OPERATE COURSES IN PRINTING AND THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN COMMERCE.
MR. TOPLEY SAID i +FOR BOTH THESE INSTITUTES IT IS EXPECTED • THAT EVENING COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN APRIL 1975 AND FULL AND PART-TIME DAY COURSES IN JULY 1975.+
THE CHEUNG SHA WAN TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, WHICH IS IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WITH PRIORITY Al, IS EXPECTED TO BE READY BY MID-1977 IF THE CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT CAN BE SIGNED EARLY IN THE 1975/76 FINANCIAL YEAR AND WORK COMMENCE ON ITS CONSTRUCTION.
THE SAN PO KONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IS AT PRESENT IN CATEGORY B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WITH PRIORITY B2..
+IT COULD NOT BE INCLUDED IN THE LIST OF ITEMS RECOMMENDED FOR UPGRADING TO CATEGORY A AT THE LAST REVIEW BECAUSE OF ITS LARGE TOTAL ESTIMATED COST OF $36 MILLION,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
/HE POINTED OUT .....
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 197^
13
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INCLUSION OF THIS SUM IN THE BUILDING PROGRAMME WOULD HAVE LED TO THE ANNUAL ALLOCATION OF FUNDS EARMARKED FOR THIS PURPOSE IN THE FIVE YEAR FORECAST OF EXPENDITURE BEING EXCEEDED.
IN ORDER TO KEEP ITS COST WITHIN THE FINANCIAL RESOURCES, THE INSTITUTE’S BUILDING PLANS WERE BEING RECONSIDERED TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS POSSIBLE TO BUILD THE INSTITUTE IN TWO PHASES.
MR. TOPLEY SAID s +IF THIS PHASING CAN BE ACHIEVED AND NO SPECIAL DIFFICULTIES ARE MET I hf RELATION TO THE SITE, THEN THE INSTITUTE COULD BE READY IN 1978.+
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SERGEANT’S WIDOW AWARDED $22,650
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION TO AWARD $22,650 FROM GENERAL REVENUE TO THE FAMILY OF A POLICE SERGEANT, THE LATE MR. TSE YUEN-CHEUNG WHO WAS SHOT DEAD BY A BANK ROBBER IN KOWLOON EARLY LAST YEAR.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOELEY, SAID SERGEANT TSE’S DEATH OCCURRED BEFORE THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME.
+ IT IS ACCORD INLY PROPOSED THAT AN EX-GRATIA AWARD BE MADE TO HIS WIDOW UNDER SECTION 95 OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE. THE AMOUNT OF THE AWARD HAS BEEN DETERMINED AS IF THE CASE FELL WITHIN THE SCHEME.
+THERE HAS BEEN SOME DELAY IN BRINGING THE MATTER BEFORE THIS COUNCIL ON ACCOUNT OF UNCERTAINTY AS TO THE BASIS ON WHICH THE AMOUNT OF THE AWARD SHOULD BE ASSESSED.+
NOTING THAT THIS HAD NOT CAUSED ANY HARDSHIP, MR. HOBLEY SAID THE SPEED WITH WHICH COMPENSATION WAS PAID WAS ONE OF THE STRONGEST FEATURES OF THE COMPENSATION SCHEME UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG.
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/1L
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974.
- 14 -
TOUGHER LAWS PLANNED ON VICE DENS
it * M * X
NEW LEGISLATION IS BEING CONSIDERED TO ENABLE THE POLICE TO EXERT MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER VICE ESTABLISHMENTS, ESPECIALLY IN RELATION TO THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN AND JUVENILES, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, DISCLOSED TODAY. » /
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEAN WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT STEPS WERE BEING TAKEN TO REGISTER AND INSPECT SO-CALLED +WINE-SHOPS+ OR +TSAU LIM+
MR. DAVIES SAID THE WINE SHOPS WERE OFTEN +VICE ESTABLISHMENTS MASQUERADING UNDER AN APPARENTLY INNOCUOUS NAME.+
HE NOTED THAT REGISTRATION WOULD NOT BE AN APPROPRIATE METHOD OF CONTROL, BUT IT WAS HOPED THE NEW LEGISLATION PRESENTLY CONSIDERED WOULD LEAD TO MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL.
COMMON OFFICES FOR CDO’S AND CYO’S
IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO GROUP UNDER ONE ROOF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS AND RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS WHEREVER POSSIBLE TO REDUCE COSTS AND TO ENSURE BETTER CO-ORDINATION OF EFFORTS.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. DENIS BRAY, NOTED THAT THE FIVE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS WERE ALL ACCOMMODATED IN THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
UNFORTUNATELY, HE SAID, OWING TO LACK OF SPACE, ONLY TWO OF THE TEN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICERS COULD NOW BE ACCOMMODATED IN CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
+WE SHOULD VERY MUCH LIKE TO HAVE COMBINED OFFICES — WITH • A DECENT AMOUNT OF SPACE FOR EVERYONE -- BUT THIS WILL TAKE TIME,+ MR. BRAY SAID, STRESSING THAT IT WAS PURELY A QUESTION OF SPACE AS MANY OF THE CDO’S WERE ALREADY OVERCROWDED.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974.
- 15 -
EXCO TO CONSIDER HEI LING CHAUj&EVELOPMENT PLANS SHORTLY X Xs^Px X X *
PROPOSALS FOR THE FUTURE^SE OF HEI LING CHAU WILL SOON BE PUT TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR CONSIDERATION.
THIS WAS REVEALED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LI.FOOK-WO. »
MR. ROBSON SAID THE PROPOSALS WOULD INCLUDE A SCHEME FOR CONVERTING MOST OF THE BUILDINGS OF THE PRESENT LEPROSY MISSION ON THE ISLAND FOR USE AS A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE;
♦ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PREFER TO USE THE ISLAND FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES,+ HE ADDED, +THE ACUTE SHORTAGE OF PRISON ACCOMMODATION HAS MADE IT ESSENTIAL TO FIND ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS AT VERY SHORT NOTICE.*
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NO DECISION YET ON RETIREMENT AGE ISSUE
'/ X * X * X *
EXISTING REGULATIONS FOR EXTENDING THE SERVICES OF PUBLIC SERVANTS BEYOND THE RETIREMENT AGE OF 55 WILL BE MORE EXTENSIVELY^AND POSITIVELY USED, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DENYS ROBERTS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE ALREADY ABOUT 850 OFF ICERS.OVER 55 EMPLOYED IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
ON THE QUESTION OF WHAT CHANGES SHOULD BE MADE TO THE PRESENT RETIREMENT ARRANGEMENTS, MR. ROBERTS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO REACH ANY AGREEMENT WITH THE STAFF ASSOCIATIONS. /
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WEDNESDAY,. NOVEMBER 27, 1974.
- 16 -
MARTIAL ARTS IMMENSELY POPULAR ******
THERE ARE NO POWERS TO ENABLE ANYONE TO OBLIGE MARTIAL ARTS BODIES TO REGISTER WITH THE POLICE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS THE HON. DENIS BRAY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, MR. BRAY SAID HE BELIEVED SUCH POWERS SHOULD NOT BE SOUGHT ♦WITHOUT VERY CAREFUL THOUGHT.+
HE NOTED THAT MARTIAL ARTS WERE IMMENSELY POPULAR AND THAT MOST OF THOSE PARTICIPATING REGARD MARTIAL ARTS AS A +V1GOROUS AND EXCITING FORM OF RECREATION.+
♦THEY SPEND THEIR OWN TIME AND MONEY AND ANYONE WHO WATCHES THE CONCENTRATION OF ENERGY AND SKILL INVOLVED MUST RECOGNISE HERE AN ACTIVITY OF GREAT POTENTIAL FOR YOUTH.
• +ONE WOULD LIKE TO SEE SUCH POPULAR ACTIVITY AMONG YOUNG PEOPLE ENCOURAGED,+ HE STRESSED.
HOWEVER, MR. BRAY POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A LESS DESIRABLE SIDE TO SOME ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH SOME MARTIAL ARTS BODIES AND HE FELT THAT THIS SHOULD BE ELIMINATED.
*
♦THE PROBLEM LIES IN HOW TO APPLY ENCOURAGEMENT TO-THE HEALTHY AND IDEALISTIC ASPECTS OF MARTIAL ARTS WITHOUT LENDING ANY SUPPORT TO THOSE WHO USE THESE BODIES TO SUBVERT THE ENTHUSIASMS. OF YOUTH FOR THEIR UNDESIRABLE ENDS,+ HE SAID.
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NO GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN SUGAR MARKET * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF INTERVENING IN THE SUGAR MARKET, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY.
HE MADE THE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAKE STEPS TO STABILISE THE PRICE OF SUGAR BY ENTERING INTO LONG TERM CONTRACTS WITH SUGAR PRODUCING COUNTRIES AT PRODUCERS ' PRICES.
MR. JORDAN REPLIED THAT THE GOVERNMENT COULD STABILISE THE DOMESTIC PRICE OF SUGAR, OR OF ANY OTHER COMMODITY, ONLY BY DIRECT INTERVENTION IN THE MARKET, SUBSIDISING SUPPLIES WHEN THE WORLD PRICE IS HIGH - AND OF COURSE TAXING THEM WHEN THE PRICE IS LOW - OR, AS SUGGESTED BY DR. CHUNG BY ENTERING INTO LONG TERM CONTRACTS AT FIXED PRICES.
♦ANY SUCH INTERVENTION WOULD OF COURSE ALSO INVOLVE THE GOVERNMENT IN CONTROLLING IMPORT AND EXPORT AND THE SMUGGLING THaT WOULD FOLLOW THE IMPOSITION OF CONTROL.
♦THE GOVERNMENT HAS NO INTENTION OF SETTING FOOT ON THIS SLIPPERY PATH, WITH ALL ITS ATTENDANT RISKS,+ MR. JORDAN SAID.
0 - - - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 17
A SECOND FERRY PIER FOR NORTH POINT ?
*****
PRELIMINARY DISCUSSIONS HAVE ALREADY STARTED BETWEEN THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF THE COMPANY BUILDING SOME OF THE NEW PIERS AT ITS OWN EXPENSE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON SAID TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. ROBSON STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT THE DISCUSSIONS WERE AT A VERY EARLY STAGE.
MR. LOBO HAD ASKED WOULD GOVERNMENT GIVE APPROVAL WITHOUT DELAY FOR FERRY COMPANIES TO CONSTRUCT NEW PIERS OR IMPROVE EXISTING PIERS AT THEIR OWN EXPENSE, IN CASES WHERE THE NEED FOR SUCH PIERS WAS ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE AN URGENT NECESSITY FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT FACILITIES.
MR. ROBSON SAID : +THERE ARE NOW FOUR ITEMS CONCERNED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OR EXTENSIO N OF FERRY PIERS IN CATEGORY All AND FOUR OTHERS IN CATEGORY B OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME. •
HE POINTED OUT THAT BEFORE THE COMPANY COULD COMMIT ITSELF, IT HAD TO ASCERTAIN THE VIABILITY OF EMBARKING ON SUCH EXPENSIVE PROJECTS, PAYING PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE TYPE OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH IT COULD ASSOCIATE WITH THE PIERS CONCERNED.
HE SAID : +THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY IS, AT PRESENT, LOOKING INTO THE POSSIBILITY OF CONSTRUCTING A SECOND NORTH POINT FERRY PIER.+
MR. ROBSON GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT ONCE FIRM PROPOSALS HAD BEEN FORMULATED AND PRESENTED TO THE GOVERNMENT REGARDING THIS OR ANY OTHER FERRY PIERS, THEY WOULD BE PROMPTLY DEALT WITH.
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CONVERSION OF FORMER ESTATE ROOF-TOP SCHOOLS
******
ABOUT 70 FORMER ROOF-TOP SCHOOLS IN THE OLD TYPE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WHICH HAVE BEEN VACATED ARE BEING CONVERTED FOR OTHER USES.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. IAN LIGHTBODY, TODAY WHEN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. KO SIU WAH IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
SOME OF THESE SCHOOLS WILL BE DEMOLISHED IN THE ESTATE REDEVELOPMENT PROCESS, HE SAID, AND SOME HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
PLANS ARE ALSO BEING DRAWN UP FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S CONSIDERATION TO COVERT THE REMAINDER INTO SELF-CONTAINED DOMESTIC FLATS, TO HELP RELIEVE OVERCROWDING IN THE ESTATES, MR. LIGHTBODY ADDED.
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/18
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974.
- 18 -
GOVERNMENT IN FAVOUR OF HOVERCRAFT PRODUCTION INDUSTRY- * *****
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD WISH TO ENCOURAGE THE PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG OF HOVERCRAFT — AN INDUSTRY INVOLVING A HIGH DEGREE OF TECHNOLOGY.
AND AN APPLICATION FOR LAND FOR THESE PURPOSES HAS BEEN RECEIVED. IN THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON,SA ID THAT PROVIDED THE APPLICATION WAS GENUINE, +WE WILL CERTAINLY DO OUR BEST TO MAKE AVAILABLE A SUITABLE SITE.+
HE NOTED THAT THERE WAS NO SPECIFIC LEGISLATION COVERING HOVERCRAFT OF THE SEALAND TYPES RECENTLY BROUGHT TO HONG KONG. IF THEY WERE TO BE USED OPERATIONALLY IN HONG KONG WATERS, AS OPPOSED TO BEING USED FOR DEMONSTRATION PURPOSES, HE ADDED, SUCH LEGISLATION WOULD BE NECESSARY.
HOWEVER, MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOW POSSIBLE FOR THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PERMIT THE OPERATION OF A SPECIFIC HOVERCRAFT PROVIDED IT WAS APPROPRIATELY CERTIFICATED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
BUT HE WARNED THAT IT WAS BY NO MEANS CERTAIN THAT ' HOVERCRAFT WOULD PROVE SUITABLE FOR EXTENSIVE OPERATIONAL USE IN HONG KONG AS THEY WERE I, FOR INSTANCE, KNOWN TO BE EXTREMELY NOISY AND MIGHT PROVE UNSUITABLE FOR USE IN EITHER RECREATIONAL AND HARBOUR WATERS.
- - - - 0 ----
STABILITY OF ST. TERESA’S CHURCH TOWER *****
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. WILLIAM BELL TODAY ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT HE AS THE BUILDING AUTHORITY HAS THE QUESTION OF PUBLIC SAFETY +VERY MUCH IN MIND* IN CONNECTION WITH THE TOWER AT ST. TERESA’S CHURCH.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ROGER LOBO, HE SAID THAT THE CONDITION OF THE TOWER WAS BEING MONITORED AND IF ANY ACTION BECAME NECESSARY TO ENSURE THE PUBLIC SAFETY, IT WOULD BE TAKEN.
HE ADDED THAT SUCH ACTION HAD ALREADY BEEN TAKEN IN MAY THIS YEAR BUT NO FURTHER ACTION WAS NECESSARY AT THE PRESENT TIME.
/19.....
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974*.
- 19 -
WARNING NOTICES FOR WATER HEATERS LEGISLATION BEING CONSIDERED
* K * * K M
k
WARNING NOTICES MAY HAVE TO EE ATTACHED TO ALL WATER HEATERS SOLD LOCALLY IN FUTURE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. MRS. JOYCE SYMONS AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID: +LEGISLATION IS NOW BEING DRAFTED ON TRADE DESCRIPTIONS.*
HE ANTICIPATED THAT A PROVISION BEING INCLUDED WOULD ALLOW ORDERS TO BE MADE REQUIRING SPECIFIED INFORMATION TO BE MARKED ON GOODS SOLD.
SUCH AN ORDER, HE ADDED, COULD THEN BE MADE IN RESPECT OF WATER HEATERS.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WOULD SEE THAT THAT WAS CONSIDERED.
MRS. SYMONS HAD ASKED WHETHER THE'GOVERNMENT WILL INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO PRESCRIBE THAT WARNING NOTICES MUST BE ATTACHED TO ALL WATER HEATERS WHICH ARE SOLD LOCALLY, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THE FUEL USED IS TOWN GAS OR LIQUID PETROLEUM GAS.
------0-------
BILLS PASSED K H « i TEN BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE
COUNCIL TODAY.;-
THEY WERE: COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1974, CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, FIRE AND MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES DEPOSIT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, LIFE INSURANCE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, SUPPLEMENTARY APPROPRIATION (1973-74) BILL 1974, MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, CHARITIES (LAND ACQUISITION) (REPEAL) BILL 1974, CLEAN AIR (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, LION ROCK TUNNEL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, AND TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (POK FU LAM AND MID-LEVELS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1974.
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, THE HELENA MAY INSTITUTE FOR WOMEN (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, WAS ALSO PASSED.
ANOTHER SIX BILLS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READING. THEY WERE: INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1974, PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS REPEALS) BILL 1974, FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, AND CHILD CARE CENTRES BILL 1974.
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/20......
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 20 -
NEED FOR ALL-ROUND SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF PUPILS ******
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SECONDARY), MR. ROBERT CAMERON, THIS AFTERNOON STRESSED THE NEED TO ENSURE NOT ONLY INTELLECTUAL TRAINING BUT ALSO THE ALL-ROUND SOCIAL AND SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT OF PUPILS.
SPEAKING AT THE TENTH SPEECH DAY OF THE CONFUCIAN TAI SHING SCHOOLS, MR. CAMERON NOTED THAT THEY CONTINUED TO THRIVE NOT ONLY IN ACADEMIC ATTAINMENTS BUT ALSO IN THE WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES PROVIDED FOR THE STUDENTS, PARTICULARLY THOSE ACTIVITIES WHICH INVOLVE SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.
♦THE SCHOOLS ARE CLEARLY CONTINUING TO PREPARE THEIR STUDENTS AS FULLY AS POSSIBLE FOR THE TIME WHEN THEY WILL MAKE THEIR OWN WAYS IN ADULT SOCIETY,* HE SAID.
+AND THEY ARE DOING SO NOT MERELY BY TELLING THEM WHAT THEY SHOULD DO AND HOW THEY SHOULD ACT BUT, MORE IMPORTANT, BY GIVING • THEM THE OPPORTUNITIES, THROUGH MANY SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES, TO PARTICIPATE, TO TAKE AN ACTIVE PART.*
REFERRING TO COMPLAINTS ABOUT HOW MUCH SOCIETY WAS CHANGING AND ABOUT THE DETERIORATION IN STANDARDS, MR. CAMERON SAID IT WAS RATHER A WASTE OF TIME TO COMPLAIN ABOUT CHANGE.
+IT IS INEVITABLE. WE SHOULD, HOWEVER, BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE SPEED OF CHANGE AND ABOUT THE QUALITY OF OUR LIVES. I THINK ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS FACING US TODAY IS NOT CHANGE ITSELF, BUT THE GREAT SPEED AT WHICH IT IS HAPPENING. THIS IS MOST EVIDENT IN THE MATERIAL WORLD AROUND US,+ HE SAID.
SPEAKING ABOUT THE DANGERS OF RAPID CHANGES AND THE FEELING OF IMPERMANENCE, MR. CAMERON SA IDs + AS IN ALL OTHER ASPECTS OF OUR LIVES CHANGE IS ALSO INEVITABLE. BUT SUCH CHANGES CAN BE DANGEROUS IF THEY ARE MADE TOO RAPIDLY AND WITHOUT SUFFICIENT THOUGHT.
♦SUCH CHANGES WILL AFFECT THOSE STANDARDS OF BEHAVIOUR, THE MORAL CODE UPON WHICH OUR SOCIETY AND ALL OUR HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS ARE FOUNDED.
♦IN A RAPIDLY CHANGING MATERIAL WORLD, THEREFORE, IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT, I THINK, THAT FOR THE MENTAL WELFARE OF SOCIETY AS A WHOLE AND OF THE INDIVIDUALS I TH IN IT, SOME SENSE OF PERMANENCE, OF CONTINUING VALUES IN OUR CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL LIVES IS MAINTAINED.*
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 21 -
THREE MORE BOX JUNCTIONS ******
BOX JUNCTIONS WILL BE INTRODUCED ON FRIDAY (NOVEMBER 29) AT THREE BUSY ROAD JUNCTIONS ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW, PARTICULARLY DURING PEAK HOURS.
THESE ARE THE JUNCTIONS OF GARDEN ROAD AND QUEENSWAY IN CENTRAL, HENNESSY ROAD AND PERCIVAL STREET IN WAN CHAI, AND DES VOEUX ROAD WEST AND WESTERN STREET IN WESTERN DISTRICT.
BOX JUNCTIONS ARE EASILY IDENTIFIABLE BY YELLOW CRISS-CROSS MARKINGS PAINTED ON THE- ROAD SURFACE AND BY WARNING SIGNS.
^"A'tRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN REMINDED MOTORISTS THAT Wri'EN A BOX JUNCTION' IS CREATED, IT IS AN OFFENCE FOR A MOTORIST TO DRIVE INTO THE MARKED AREA UNLESS HE CAN IMMEDIATELY CLEAR THE ENTIRE JUNCTION'.
IF HIS EXIT FROM THE JUNCTION IS BLOCKED, THEN THE MOTORIST MUST WAIT'EVEN IF THE GREEN TRAFFIC SIGNAL IS SHOWING.
THE OBJECT, THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED, IS TO PREVENT ROAD JUNCTIONS BEING BLOCKED IN ALL DIRECTIONS BY VEHICLES WHICH CANNOT GET OUT OF THE JUNCTIONS DURING A GREEN PHASE OF THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS WHICH CONTROL TRAFFIC APPROACHING THE JUNCTIONS.
HE SAID A NUMBER OF BOX JUNCTIONS WERE ALREADY IN OPERATION ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG AND HAD PROVED SUCCESSFUL. MORE WILL BE INTRODUCED WHEREVER THEY ARE CONSIDERED NECESSARY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW, HE ADDED.
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TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN MONG KOK
******
KOK WILL BE
FACILITATE A TEST FOR LEAKAGE IN THE AREA.
AFFFCTED WILL BE PREMISES BOUNDED BY YIM PO FONG STREET, WATERLOO ROAD, DUNDAS STREET, NATHAN ROAD AND SOY STRtET.
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 1974
- 22 -
’SUPERMEN’ TO HELP SAU MAU PING CLUB FOR THE AGED M * * * M M
A FUND RAISING MOVIE IS BEING SCREENED THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) MORNING IN AID OF AN OLD PEOPLE’S CLUB IN SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) ESTATE.
THE FILM IS +THE THREE FANTASTIC SUPERMEN* STARRING TONY KENDALL, BRED HARRYMAN AND NICK JORDON. IT WILL BE SHOWN AT THE WASHINGTON THEATRE, IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, AT 10.30 A.M.
•THE FUNCTION IS ORGANISED BY THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE REPRESENT SEVEN WELFARE AGENCIES USING THE BUILDING.
TICKETS AT S3, $4 AND $5 EACH ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE PING NGON YOUTH SERVICE CENTRE (TEL. 3-466791) AND THE SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE (TEL. 3-466550) DURING OFFICE HOURS.
MONEY RAISED WILL BE USED FOR RUNNING THE OLD PEOPLE’S CLUB WHICH WAS FORMED BY THE COMMITTEE IN JUNE THIS YEAR. THE CLUB HAS A MEMBERSHIP OF 120, MOSTLY WOMEN AGED 60 OR ABOVE. THEY MEET EVERY THURSDAY AFTERNOON IN THE HALL OF THE SAU MAU PING (CENTRAL) ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING WHERE GROUP ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED FOR THEM BY STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE.
JAPANESE MISSION HERE TO DISCUSS TUBE PROPOSALS M M * * M *
ENGINEERING STAFF AND CONSULTANTS OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY ARE NOW EXAMINING TECHNICAL PROPOSALS RECEIVED FROM THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM FOR THE INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE TUBE PROJECT.
THE CONSORTIUM HAS, WITH A VIEW TO DISCUSSING THESE PROPOSALS AND TO REACHING AGREEMENT ON DESIGN SOLUTIONS TO MEET THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY’S REQUIREMENTS, DESPATCHED AN ENGINEERING MISSION TO HONG KONG.
ARRIVING ON MONDAY (NOVEMBER 25), THE MISSION WAS LED BY MESSRS. M. ISHIKAWA AND K. SHIBUYA AND IT INCLUDES FOUR CONSULTING ENGINEERS AND TWO ENGINEERING OFFICERS.
THE MISSION IS EXPECTED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR ENGINEERING TALKS ON A CONTINUING BASIS.
I
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2?f 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
M * K * * *
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY
MRKET™|RoJGA^SATlONTHStetALEHMAS“TALJHTHE HSH MARKETING aGAMSATlON WHOLESALE WKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON ,
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY • WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE T „
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGA I GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.37
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.84
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ■M
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
•J (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (^/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 343 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
NOVEMBER 19ft
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
—r----- ~ ■ l ■ l -Ti—wn7»«fi I mill .!■ ■ 1 . r ——,r, ,wi„ ,
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 4.50 1.10 3.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.70 1.20 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 5.20 2.00 3.40
HAIR-TAILS GOOD* 1.70 0.60 1.10
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.S0 0.70 2.00
CROAKERS CONGER-PIKE-EELS GOOD NORMAL 2.40 3.00 0.40 1.50 1.20 2.40
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.30 i.io 1.60
BREAMS NORMAL 6.50 3.00 4.50
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.80 0.80 1.40
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.00 2.00 3.80
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 4.00 0.60 1.50
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.40 0.45 0.90
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.50 2.80 4.00
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.60 1.00 1.80
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 5.00 7.50
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.50 5.00 6.50
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 7.00 4.00 5.50
i
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY) MODE
HIGH LOW
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 1.00 p.30 0.70
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 1.60 0.60 1.20
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.50 0.20 0.30
CHINESEKALE L1M1 TED 2.20 1.00 1.80
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.30 1.60 > 2.00
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.50 0.30 1.00
SPINACH SCARCE 3.20 1.00 2.20
WATER CRESS NORMAL 2.40 1.00 1.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 1.00 0.40 0.70
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
• 0 - - •• —
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
/ •
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS DECISION TO FLOAT HONG KONG DOLLAR ................................. 1
OCTOBER EXPORTS DROP BY NEARLY 15 PER CENT....... 3
HONG KONG SUCCEEDS IN REDUCING THE NATURAL GROWTH OF POPULATION..................................... 5
DISCUSSIONS ON NUCLEAR PLANTS +MOST HELPFUL* SAYS MR. ROBSON........................................ 7
CONTRIBUTION TO INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT BY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ........................................ 9
CHILDREN’S CHESS COMPETITION .................... 10
FIVE MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS TO BE INTRODUCED NEXT WEEK ....................................... 11
RETIREMENT OF THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION ....... 12
TWELVE-WEEK EXTENSION FOR PROPERTY TAX PAYERS ... 13
TSUEN WAN STUDENTS FORM A COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM .... 14
SPEED LIMIT IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD.................. 14
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS ........... 15
LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SEMINAR TO BE HELD IN TUEN MUN ... 15
MR. CLAUDE BURGESS IS IN HONG KONG ON A TWO-WEEK STUDY VISIT...................................... 16
WATER INTERRUPTION IN HUNG HOM ................ 16
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1
THURSDAY, NOVQffiER 28, 1974.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS DECISION TO FLOAT H.K. DOLLAR
##*#***
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TODAY SAID HE SAW NO REASON WHY THE TEMPORARY FLOAT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AGAINST THE U.S. CURRENCY SHOULD UNDERMINE HONG PERFORMANCE IN THE AMERICAN MARKET.
KONG’S TRADING
IN OPTING FOR THE FLOAT, HE EXPLAINED AT A ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON HE HAD FOLLOWED THE VIEW TAKEN BY ONE AUTHORITY AFTER ANOTHER • AROUND THE WORLD THAT IF THE RATE WAS GOING TO GO EVENTUALLY.
♦THEN THE SOONER THE BETTER.+
+l TOOK THIS VIEW ALSO, BELIEVING THAT WITH THE SPECULATION OUT OF THE WAY THE RATE WOULD SOON MOVE BACK TO A POINT .NOT VERY FAR FROM WHERE IT STARTED,+ HE SAID, ADDING +AND I AM OF THE VIEW THAT THIS BELIEF WILL BE JUSTIFIED.+
•
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT SOME HAD ACCUSED THE GOVERNMENT OF BAD FAITH IN NOT FULFILLING — AT LEAST FOR A LONGER PERIOD THAN IT DID — ITS STATED OBLIGATION TO MAINTAIN THE RATE WITHIN THE FIXED MARGINS. THE FACT WAS, HE SAID, THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NOT WAITED FOR THE RATE TO REACH THE UPPER LIMIT AND HAD BEEN BUYING U.S. DOLLARS LAST WEEK IN AN ATTEMPT TO TURN THE MARKET ROUND. THIS HAD APPEARED SUCCESSFUL AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS LAST FRIDAY.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MADE IT CLEAR THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD NEVER FORMALLY UNDERTAKEN TO MAINTAIN THIS COMMITMENT INDEFINITELY, WHATEVER THE CIRCUMSTANCES. .
THE CIRCUMSTANCES THE GOVERNMENT FOUND ITSELF IN LAST MONDAY WERE THAT SPECULATIVE PRESSURE SEEMED TO BE BUILDING UP QUITE FAST, AND NO MONETARY AUTHORITY CAN THESE DAYS WITHSTAND FOR EVER THE SHEER WEIGHT OF FUNDS THAT CAN BE BROUGHT TO BEAR ON A CURRENCY, HE SAID.
•HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE SPECULATION WAS, IN EFFECT, AGAINST THE U.S. DOLLAR, WHICH HAD WEAKENED SHARPLY DURING THE PREVIOUS WEEK IN WORLD MARKETS, RATHER THAN IN FAVOUR OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR.
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG DOLLAR CONTINUED TO BE FIRM. BUT WHILE ITS APPRECIATION AGAINST THE U^S. DOLLAR SINCE THE SMITHSONIAN SETTLEMENT IN DECEMBER 1971 HAD BEEN NEARLY 12 PER CENT IN TERMS OF A TRADE WEIGHTED INDEX, THE APPRECIATION WAS ACTUALLY ONLY SEVEN PER CENT.
♦AND SO, DESPITE THE SHARP FALL IN THE U.S. DOLLAR RATE RECENTLY THE EFFECTIVE APPRECIATION OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR IS NO HIGHER TODAY THAN IT WAS ELEVEN MONTHS AGO.+
EARLIER, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY REVIEWED THE CURRENT ECONOMIC SITUATION IN RELATION TO THE PAST THREE YEARS.
ALTHOUGH DOMESTIC EXPORTS HAD DROPPED, IN QUANTITY TERMS, BY ABOUT ONE-AND-A-HALF PER CENT IN THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, THE ENCOURAGING THING ABOUT THE LATEST TRADE FIGURES, HE SAID, WAS THAT +THEY CONFIRM THAT THE TERMS OF TRADE ARE NOW MOVING IN OUR FAVOUR AGAIN, WITH DOMESTIC EXPORT PRICES REMAINING FIRM, AND WITH IMPORT PRICES FOR RAW MATERIALS AND SEMI-MANUFACTURES LEVELLING-OFF FOR THE FIRST TIME IN NEARLY THREE YEARS.*
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
2
THE FACT WAS, HE SAID, THAT 1973 WAS A RECORD YEAR FOR WORLD TRADE AND ONE OF OUR BEST TRADING YEARS AS WELL. +IT COULD BE ARGUED, THEREFORE, THAT IT WOULD BE NO MEAN ACHIEVEMENT — GIVEN THE TRAUMAS OF THE PAST THREE YEARS OR SO AND AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT HIGHLY UNCERTAIN TRADING ENVIRONMENT — IF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IN QUANTITY TERMS FOR 1974 AS A WHOLE WERE TO BE ONLY A LITTLE HIGHER, OR EVEN A LITTLE LOWER THAN LAST YEAR’S.*
IMPORT PRICES FOR FOODSTUFFS AND CONSUMER GOODS HAVE ALSO BEEN LEVELLING OFF AND THIS HAS CONTRIBUTED TO THE EASING OF CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IN RECENT MONTHS, HE SAID. IN FACT, CONSUMER PRICE INFLATION IN HONG KONG WAS NOW LOWER THAN IN NEARLY ALL OTHER MAJOR ASIAN CITIES AND COMPARED FAVOURABLY WITH THE SITUATION IN MOST OF THE INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD.
SUMMING UP THE ECONOMIC CLIMATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE SITUATION GENERALLY IS OVERCAST, BUT WITH BRIGHTER SPOTS HERE AND THERE.
♦THE OUTLOOK IS UNCERTAIN,* HE SAID, +AND IS LIKELY TO REMAIN SO FOR A WHILE YET.
HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR DISMAY AS THE SITUATION COULD AND WOULD HAVE BEEN A LOT WORSE IF IT HAD NOT BEEN FOR THE FLEXIBILITY, BOTH UPWARDS AND DOWNWARDS, OF HONG KONG’S INTERNAL COST/PRICE STRUCTURE. 1
THE LESSON, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, WAS CLEAR. +JUST AS WE WERE ABLE, THROUGH-CUR ADJUSTMENT PROCESS, TO PREVENT THE EROSION OF OUR EXTERNAL COMPETITIVENESS IN 1971 AND HENCE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF RENEWED EXPANSION OF WORLD TRADE IN 1972 AND 1973, SO WE MUST BE ABLE TO DO SO NOW. >
♦AND WE ARE DOING SO, WHICH IS WHY, IN SPITE OF PRESENT DIFFICULTIES, WE CAN VIEW THE FUTURE WITH CONFIDENCE.*
♦+++++++++++
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECrf ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
/3
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
3
OCTOBER EXPORTS DOWN BY * * * fc
NEARLY 15 PER CENT * %
THE VALUE OF HONC KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS LAST MONTH DROPPED BY $275 MILLION TO $1,625 MILLION, A.DECREASE OF 14.5 FER CENT Cv’R OCTOBER 1973.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE VALU- Cr IMPORTS ALSO V.tiJT DOWN BY .$548 MILLION OR 18.3 PER CENT TO $2,455 MILLION ..HILE RE-EXPORTS DECREASED BY $225 MILLION OR 30.2 PER CENT TO $521 MILLION OVER THE FIGURES FOR OCTOEER LAST YEAR. •
HOWEVER, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES ISSUED EY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY, FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD FROM JANUARY TO OCTOBER THIS YEAR SHOW INCREASES BY VALUE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1973 90F 24.3 PER CENT FCR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 26.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 14.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM NOVEMBER 1973 TO OCTOBER 1974 SHOWS AN INCREASE BY VALUE OVER THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD OF 28.3 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 31 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 20.7 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING TAELE GIVES
A LIST OF COMPARATIVE FIGURES :
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
OCTOBER 1974 OCTOBER 1973 L CREASE JR DECREASE
$ MN S M N $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 1,625 (75.7%) 1,900 (71.8%) - 275 - 14.5
impor'ts 2,455 3,003 548 - lb. 3
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 521 (24.3%) 746 (28.2%) - 225 - 30.2
AUG-OCT 1974 AUG-OCT 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN S MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 5,797 5,766 + 31 - 0.5
IMPORTS 8,099 8,192 93 - 1.1
RE-EXPORTS 1,743 2,171 429 - 19.7
/DOMESTIC EXPORT.,
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 19?4
4
JAN-OCT 1974 JAN-OCT 1973 ■NCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN 3 MN $ MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 19,369 (76.3%) 15,580 (74.8%) + 3,739 4 24.3
IMPORTS 29,305 22,899 + 6,106 4- 26.7
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 6,031 (23.7%) 5,249 (25.2%) + 783 4* 14.9
N0V1973 TO 0CT1974 N0V1972 ■ TO 0CT1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
- $ MN S MN S MN %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 23,263 18,136 + 5,127 •4 28.3
IMPORTS 35,111 26,798 ♦ 8,313 4 31.3
RE-EXPORT 7,308 6,055 + 1,252 4 20.7
* Mi - - 0
/5
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1974
-■ 5 -
H.K. SUCCEEDS IN REDUCING NATURAL
******
GROWTH OF POPULATION
THE GOVERNMENT IS ;.ELL AWARE OF THE IMPORTANCE OF FAMILY PLANNING, AND ITS VALUE DOTH IN THE WIDER CONTEXT OF POPULATION GROWTH AND AS A COMMUNITY MEASURE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY EY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS ERAY WHILE ADDRESSING THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING.
HE NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT DECIDED IC MONTHS AGO TO PARTICIPATE DIRECTLY BY THE PROVISION OF FAMILY PLANNING FAC IL i -I IN ITS OWN CLINICS, THEREBY ENABLING THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION TO DIVERT AND EXPAND INTO AREAS HOT COVERED BY GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
HE SAID HE BELIEVED HONG KONG HAD BEEN SUCCESSFUL IK REBUS INL THE NATURAL GROWTH OF POPULATION.
LATER MARRIAGES, MORE WORKING WOMEN AND IMPROVED EDUCATION PARTLY EXPLAINED THIS' ACHIEVEMENT, HE SAID. BUT SUCCESS ALSO OWED GREATLY TO THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION AND MORE RECENTLY TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, HE ADDED.
HOWEVER, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS CAUTIONED THAT THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY.
+HONG KONG IS A CITY OF YOUNG PEOPLE, MANY OF WHOM TEND TO FAVOUR LARGER FAMILIES. THE NUMBER OF YOUNG WOMEN OF AN AGE WHEN THEY HAVE BABIES IF INCREASING, HE SAID.
+THE GREAT SUCCESS THAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN REDUCING THE NUMBERS OF BABIES THAT YOUNG WOMEN HAVE IS NOW THREATENED BY AN INCRcASE IN THE NUMBERS OF YOUNG WOMEN THEMSELVES,+ HE WARNED.
MR. ERAY FELT THAT EFFORTS TO REDUCE THE NATURAL RATE OF GROWTH IN HONG KONG WERE ALSO ENDANGERED BY THE CONCENTRATION OF POPULATION THAT WAS TAKING PLACE.
THIS PROBLEM, HE SAID, WAS FURTHER COMPOUNDED BY THE INFLUX OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM THE RURAL AREAS OF CHINA.
♦THE FLOOD OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS TODAY IS NOT A FLOOD OF PEOPLE FLEEING FROM OPPRESSION BUT OF PEOPLE WHO BELIEVE THE STREETS OF HONG KONG ARE PAVED WITH GOLD,+ MR. BRAY POINTED OUT.
+THE WORLD-WIDE TENDENCY OF PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS TO MOVE TO THE CITIES IS REINFORCED IN OUR CASE EY A BELIEF THAT EVERYONE IK IN HONG KONG IS WELL OFF. THE TALES OF THE DISILLUSIONED WHO COME AND CANNOT GET JOBS HAVE NOT YET COUNTERACTED THE ALMOST FAIRY TALE REPUTATION OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
/HE SAID .....
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 197 A
6 -
-------
HE SAID THAT THIS WAS NOT A PROBLEM THAT THE ASSOCIATION OR EVEN THE GOVERNMENT ALONE COULD TACKLE BUT +IT IS A PROBLEM THAT AUTHORITIES ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER APPRECIATE AND ONE WHICH MUST BE SOLVED BEFORE THE PRESSURE GN'RESOURCES BECOMES INTOLERABLE.+
HE WARNED THAT THE HOUSING, EDUCATIONAL, WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES WOULD BE TOTALLY INADEQUATE +IF WE FAIL TO LIMIT POPULATION GROWTH.+
MR. -BRAY FELT THAT THE PRIMARY AIM OF THE FAMILY PLANNING . ASSOCIATION OF ASSISTING PARENTS TO HAKE A DELIBERATE DECISION ON FAMILY SIZE WAS AN EXCELLENT FOUNDATION ON WHICH TO BUILD A POPULATION POLICY.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG KAS FACED WITH TwO ASSOCIATED POPULATION PROBLEMS — POPULATION GROWTH ARISING FROM PEOPLE HAVING MORE BABIES AND POPULATION CONCENTRATION RESULTING BASICALLY‘FROM A MOVE FROM THE COUNTRY TO THE CITY.
THE STEPS TAKEN BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION WHICH ENABLE PARENTS TO TAKE A DELIBERATE DECISION ON HAVING BABIES WERE DESCRIBED BY MR. BRAY AS BY FAR +THE MOST HUMANE FORK OF POPULATION CONTROL.+
I
HE NOTED THAT ANOTHER WAY OF POPULATION CONTRAL WAS TO CONVINCE PEOPLE THAT IF EVERYBODY DECIDED TO HAVE LARGE FAMILIES THEN THE DEMANDS ON RESOURCES - BOTH FAMILY AND COMMUNITY — WOULD MEAN AN EROSION OF THE STANDARD OF LIVING.
------0------- /7.................
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
7
HELPFUL DISCUSSIONS ON NUCLEAR PLANTS
******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. JAMES ROBSON, SAID TODAY THAT HIS RECENT TRIP TO SOUTH KOREA WHERE HE HAD DISCUSSIONS ON THE SETTING UP OF NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS HAD BEEN +MCST HELPFUL+.
THE FOUR-DAY VISIT WAS AT THE INVITATION OF THE KOREA tLtCTRIC COMPANY. DURING THE FIRST TWO DAYS, MR. ROBSON wAS SHOWN AROUND THE KOREA ELECTRIC COMPANY SITE AT KORI WHERE THE SOUTH KOREANS ARE CONSTRUCTING THE COUNTRY’S FIRST NUCLEAR POWER PLANT.
A AT KORI
CONTRACT FOR A SECOND PLANT, WHICH WILL ALSO BE EUI LT , IS IN THE PROCESS OF BEING COMPLETED.
MR. ROBSON SAID HE HAD RECEIVED VALUABLE INFORMATION FROM THE KOREAN TECHNICAL EXPERTS ON THE SITE WHERE THE FIRST REACTOR HAS ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED AND WHERE THE GENERATORS AND TURBINES ARE NOW BEING INSTALLED.
HE ADDED THAT HE WAS GREATLY IMPRESSED WITH THE COMPETENCE AND ABILITY OF THE PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF THE KORI SITE, AS WELL AS THE STANDARD OF WORKMANSHIP. THE SITE WORK IS UNDER THE CONTROL OF SOUTH KOREAN ENGINEERS.
t
AFTER THE INSPECTION, MR. ROBSON RETURNED TO SEOUL FOR DISCUSSIONS WITH SENIOR KOREAN GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS ON THE LEGISLATION WHICH HAD TO BE INTRODUCED BEFORE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS COULD BE ESTABLISHED.
AMONG THE OFFICIALS HE SAW WAS THE MINISTER FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, MR. CHOI HYUNG-SUB, THE DIRECTOR OF THE ATMOIC ENERGY BUREAU, DR. LEE BYINGr'wHEE, AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE KOREA ATMOIC ENERGY RESEARCH INSTITUTE, DR. YOON YONG-KOO.
MR. ROBSON SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF THESE DISCUSSIONS HE HAD LEARNT THAT THREE BASIC TYPES OF LEGISLATION HAD BEEN OR WERE IN THE PROCESS OF BEING APPROVED FOR THE OPERATION OF ATMOIC POWER FOR GENERATING ELECTRICITY.
THESE WERE THE KOREAN ATMOIC ENERGY LAW, SETTING OUT THE LICENSING REGULATIONS AND REGULATORY PATTERNS WHICH WERE BASED ON THOSE IN THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN- THE NUCLEAR DAMAGE COMPENSATION LAW, WHICH ENSURES ADEQUATE FINANCIAL PROTECTION FOR’THIRD PARTIES IN THE EVENT OF NUCLEAR ACCIDENTS- AND THE NUCLEAR INDEMNITY LAW WHICH IS ABOUT TO EE ENACTED.
MR. ROBSON SAID HE HAD MADE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ENGLISH TRANSLATIONS OF THE APPROPRIATE KOREAN LEGISLATION TO BE SENT TO HIM SOON.
/ON THE QUESTION .....
8
THURSDAY, NOVEMBEH 28, 1974.
ON THE QUESTION OF SAFETY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SAID THAT THE KOREANS HAD ADOPTED THE MERI CAN cJ?ptyPAN£SE STANDARDS» WRiCH PROVIDED VERY HIGH LEVELS^ oAr 11 Y •
FROM on THE fEAS,SILI" 0F ‘ “
__ _ AT PRESENT, THE GOVERNMENT IS LOOKING INTO THE FCONC^ir^ PLANT IN CONSULTATION WITH THE POWER COMPANIES ' IF THIS PROVES FAVOURABLE THE NEXT STEP WILL BE TO EMPLOY * CONSULTANTS TO CARRY OUT A PROPER FEASIBILITY STUDY ON PROVING di IEt ^RE THOUGHT TO BE SUITABLE FOR A NUCLEAR POWER FORNTHENSITEEANDRPLANTINS W'TH ™E DETA|L£D DESIGN AND LAYOUT
--..J®* ROBSON SAID IT WOULD BE A LONG TIME BEFORE A DECISION WAS TAKEN. +THIS IS ONLY NATURAL* HF SA?D +umcn WE ARE TALKING ABOUT A PROJECT WHICH COULD COST EVEN*MOR? THAN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY AND ONE IN WHICH WE ARE NOT ’>UR" YET WOULD BE ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE TO HONG KONG.+
- - 0 - -
/9
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
9
CONTRIBUTION TO • I hiDUSTfi I AL DEVELOPMENT BY TECHNICAL INSTITUTE ******
THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE HAS MANY ACHIEVEMENTS AND HAS MADE COMMENDABLE BASIC CONTRIBUTION TO HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, MR. SZETO WAI, A MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, SAID THIS AFTERNOON.
ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE INSTITUTE'S SPEECH DAY, MR. SZETO SAID s +T.HIS IS EVIDENCED EY ITS LARGE STUDENT ENROLMENT, ITS COMPREHENSIVE CURRICULUM OF TECHNICAL, VOCATIONAL AND COMMERCIAL COURSES, THE WIDE GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION OF ITS EVENING COURSES AND ITS CLOSE LINK w I TH INDUSTRY TO ASCERTai . THE LATTER’S CHANGING NEEDS THROUGH LIAISON WITH THE APPRENTIC-:■ 11 UNIT CF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.+
MR. SZETO WAS ESPECIALLY IMPRESSED EY THE REGIONAL APPROACH WHICH THE INSTITUTE HANDLED ITS EVENING COURSES.
+ IT-IS HEARTENING,* HE SAID, +THAT SUCH A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS CHOOSE TO BETTER THEMSELVES BY ATTENDING EVENING STUDI..-RATHER THAN OPTING FOR RECREATION. THIS REGIONAL APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM IS AN EFFECTIVE SOLUTION VIS-A-VIS HONG KONG'S CONDITIONS AND THE GOOD RESPONSE IT RECEIVES IS IN ITSELF AN ENCOURAGING SIGN OF THE CHANGING SOCIAL ATTITUDE TO INDUSTRIAL TRAINlNG.+
SINCE 1969, THE YEAR WHEN THE INSTITUTE WAS OPENED, HONG KU? INDUSTRIES HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES WITH ATTENDANT EXPANSION IN EXTERNAL TRADE, THEREBY GAINING FOR HONG KONG AN INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION IN MANUFACTURE AND COMMERCE.
DURING THIS SAME PERIOD, MR. SZETO SAID, +GREAT PROGRESS HAo BEEN MADE IN THE EXPANSION AND ADVANCEMENT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG CULMINATING IN THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC, WHICH IN 1972 TOOK OVER THE aORK OF THE FORMER HONG KONG TcuHNICaL COLLEGE AND CONTINUED TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND THE TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS AND HIGH-LEVEL TECHNICIANS TO MEET THc NLuUS, BOTH QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE, OF OUR EXPANDING INDUSTRIE.*
MR. SZETO SAID THAT IN HIS VIEW EDUCATION +IS THE MOST IMPORTANT OF OUR SOCIAL SERVICES Al THE PRESENT JUNCTURE OF HFt. A NEW ORIENTATION IS NEEDED IN ITS MAKE-UP WHICH MUST ^ «cARr.v_.v MEET THE DEMANDS OF A CHANGING TECHNOLOGICAL WORLD BRuUGhT AEvUi BY WORLD-WIDE INFLATION, SHORTAGE OF RAW MATERIALS AND ECOU'u.-.l v CHAOS. THE CHALLENGE MUST BE MET IF WE WERE TO SURVIVE Ao AN INDUSTRIAL NATION AND TO MAINTAIN OUR ECONOMIC STABILITY.*
IN HIS SPEECH, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR ANDREW KINGWELL SPOKE ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN THE NEW STRUCTURE FOR TECHNICAL EDUCATION WHICH THx TECHNICAL BRANCH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS PLANNING a ND
IMPLEMENTING.
/HE SAID: + IN THIS .....
/
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974.
10 -
sHE SAID J MN THIS NEW STRUCTURE, EACH PART HAS ITS PLACE AND ITS OWN PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE AND EACH HELPS AND SERVES THE OTHERi THE TECHNICAL BRANCH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR ALL TECHNICAL EDUCATl-ON IN HONG KONG OUTSIDE OF THE UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.*
MR. KINGWELL STATED THAT THE IMPORTANCE OF THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES IN THIS -TRUCTURE COULD NOT BE OVER EMPHASISED.
+THEY WILL BE VERY LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF THE CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS WHO WILL SERVE HONG KONG DURING THE LATE 1970’S AND THROUGHOUT THE 1980’S.+
THE PRINCIPAL OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, ' MR. LINCOLN LIEU, REFERRED TO HIS INSTITUTE’S IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROVIDING PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE TRAINING FOR BOTH CRAFT AND TECHNICIAN APPRENTICES.
THIS. WAS THE RESULT OF THE EFFORTS AND CO-OPERATION OF THE APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE ENCOURAGING RESPONSE AND INTEREST SHOWN BY INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE.
MR. LIEU DISCLOSED THAT DURING THE 1973/74 SESSION, THE INSTITUTE ENROLLED OVER 1,300 REGISTEREE APPRENTICES SPONSORED BY INDUSTRY, A REMARKABLE 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN STUDENT INTAKE OVER 1973.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE LAST SESSION, A TOTAL OF 98 COURSES WERE PROVIDED FOR MORE THAN 13,700 CRAFT AND POSTSECONDARY STUDENTS INVOLVING 85 FULL-TIME AND 544 PART-TIME TEACHING STAFF IN 19 CENTRES.
---„ —. - - - 0 -- -
- ..LL..EN’S CHESS COMPETITION
, # M H M M M
CHILDREN LIVING JN THE SHEK LEI HOUSING ESTATE WILL GET A CHANCE TO SHOW JUST HOW GOOD THEY ARE IN CHESS ON SATURDAY
(NOVEMBER 30) IN A COMPETITION TO BE HELD AT THE ESTATE COMMUNITY
WORK OFFICE.
THE TOURNAMENT, BEGINNING AT 2 PM UNTIL 5 PM, IS • DIVIDED INTO A JUNIOR GROUP FOR THOSE IN PRIMARY THREE OR BELOW AND A SENIOR GROUP FOR PRIMARY FOUR AND ABOVE.
SOME 200 CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO PARTICIPATE. EACH WILL HAVE TO PLAY THREE DIFFERENT GAMES STARTING WITH MARBLE CHESS THEN ANIMAL CHESS AND FINALLY CHINESE CHESS.
PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE FOUR BEST PLAYERS IN EACH GROUP WHILE THOSE WHO REACH THE SEMI-FINALS WILL ALSO BE GIVEN CONSOLATION PRIZES.
-------o-------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974.
11
FIVE MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS NEXT WEEK *******
ANOTHER FIVE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS, INCLUDING ONE WHICH PROHIBITS THE OVERTAKING OF MOTOR VEHICLES, WILL BE INTRODUCED FAIRLY WIDELY NEXT WEEK.
THE ”NO OVERTAKING” SIGN, CIRCULAR WITH RED BORDER AND DIAGONAL AND BLACK SYMBOL ON WHITE BACKGROUND, MAY BE USED WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES.
THE OTHER FOUR SIGNS INDICATE EITHER A TRAFFIC MERGE AHEAD, ONE-WAY ROUTING OR THE DISTANCE TO A HAZARD.
OF THESE FOUR SIGNS, TWO CONCERN TRAFFIC MERGE. ONE IS THE ’’TRAFFIC MERGES” SIGN WHICH INDICATES TO MOTORISTS THAT ALTHOUGH THEY ARE PROCEEDING ALONG A MAJOR ROUTE, THEY ARE APPROACHING A POINT WHERE TRAFFIC WILL BE MERGING FROM RIGHT OR LEFT ONTO THEIR ROUTE.
THE OTHER IS THE ’’MERGING INTO TRAFFIC” SIGN WHICH INDICATES TO MOTORISTS THAT THEY ARE APPROACHING A MAJOR ROUTE AND WILL BE EXPECTED TO MERGE WITH MOVING TRAFFIC ON THE MAJOR ROUTE.
THE SYMBOL ON BOTH SIGNS MAY BE REVERSED TO INDICATE ON WHICH SIDE OF THE ROAD AHEAD THE MERGE WILL TAKE PLACE. BOTH SIGNS ARE TRIANGULAR IN SHAPE WITH RED BORDER AND BLACK SYMBOL ON WHITE BLACKGROUND, AND MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES.
THE ’’ONE MILE” SIGN IS FOR USE WITH OTHER SIGNS TO INDICATE THE DISTRANCE TO A HAZARD. THE NUMERALS MAY BE VARIED OR QUOTED IN IMPERIAL UNITS. THE ’’ONE WAY” SIGN IS ALSO FOR USE WITH OTHER SIGNS. BOTH ARE RECTANGULAR IN SHAPE WITH BLACK BORDER, LETTERS AND CHARACTERS ON WHITE BLACKGROUND.
NOTE TO EDITORS*
COPIES OF-A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE FIVE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION THIS EVENING.
-------0---------
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974.
- 12 -
RETIREMENT OF DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. BILL COLLARD, IS TO PROCEED ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 1) AFTER 25 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. COLLARD, WHO IS 55, JOINED THE COLONIAL SERVICE AS AN EXECUTIVE OFFICER IN HONG KONG IN DECEMBER 1949.
HE WAS APPOINTED SECRETARY, HOUSING AUTHORITY (THEN IN ITS INFANCY) IN AUGUST 1955.
AFTER SUCCESSIVE PROMOTIONS HE BECAME THE FIRST ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION IN 1961.
MR. COLLARD ACTED AS DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION FROM DECEMBER 1962. SHORTLY AFTER HE HAD ASSUMED THIS APPOINTMENT THE +GREAT EXODUS+ FROM CHINA TOOK PLACE.
IN 1965 HE WAS PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION. SINCE THEN HE HAS REPRESENTED HONG KONG AT A NUMBER OF OVERSEAS CONFERENCES, INCLUDING THOSE OF THE PACIFIC AREA TRAVEL ASSOCIATION (PATA). He IS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG PATA CHAPTER COMMITTEE.
BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG, MR. COLLARD SERVED IN THE ROYAL NAVY IN WORLD WAR TWO, INITIALLY IN DESTROYERS, LATER IN CRUISERS, ON STAFF OF VARIOUS FLAG OFFICERS, PRINCIPALLY ON CONVOY DUTY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN, AND ATLANTIC AND INDIAN OCEANS.
HE TOOK PART IN THE INVASIONS OF NORTH AFRICA, SICILY, AND ITALY AND THROUGHOUT THE,OPERATIONS CULMINATING IN THE SINKING OF THE GERMAN E.TTLESHIP +BISMARCK+.
TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, MEMBERS OF THE STAFF HAVE ORGANISED A FAREWELL DINNER IN HIS HONOUR AT PEARL CITY RESTAURANT, PATeRSON STREET, TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
,AT THE DINNER, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. D.C. READMAN, WILL PRESENT HIM WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT AT ABOUT 9 P.M.
ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30), A FAREWELL PARADE WILL BE HELD AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY POLICE HEADQUARTERS, QUEENSWAY, AT NOON.
MR. COLLARD WILL INSPECT THE PARADE COMPRISING SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICER RANK AND BELOW FROM ALL SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT. .
THE PARADE WILL BE UNDER THE COMMAND OF MR. GORDON CHU WING-SHING, CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER (TRAINING).
+++++++++++++++
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE BOTH EVENTS COVERED.
- - - - 0 ----
/15
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
- 13 -
TWELVE-WEEK EXTENSION FOR PROPERTY TAX PAYERS
******
PROPERTY OWNERS IN TSUEN WAN AND TSI NG Yl HAVE BEEN GIVEN AN EXTENSION OF THE TIME LIMIT - TILL DECEMBER 23, 1974 - TO PAY THEIR PROPERTY TAX. THEY WERE ORIGINALLY ASKED TO PAY B.Y THE END OF SEPTEMBER.
THE 12-WEEK EXTENSION WAS CONTAINED IN THE REPLY TO THE PREPOERTY OWNERS’ PETITION TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE ON OCTOBER 15.
THE REPLY, SIGNED BY THE DEPUTY COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR. MICHAEL CLINTON, SAID IN PART :
+IN VIEW OF THE CONCERN FELT BY YOUR COMMITTEE AND THE TIME TAKEN'TO CONSIDER AND REPLY TO YOUR PETITION, AN EXTENSION OF THE TIME LIMIT BY WHICH PROPERTY TAX FOR 1974-75 SHOULD EE PAID IN RESPECT OF PROPERTIES IN TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN GRANTED.
+1 MUST HOWEVER MAKE IT QUITE CLEAR THAT THIS WILL APPLY TO THE CURRENT YEAR ONLY AND THAT ANY TAX NOT PAID WITHIN THIS PERIOD WILL HAVE A 5-1/2 PER CENT SURCHARGE ADDED AND OTHER ACTION PRESCRIBED BY LAW WILL FOLLOW IF NECESSARY.+
REFERRING TO THE PETITION’S MENTION OF INFLATIONARY EFFECTS OF THE EXTENSION OF RATES AND PROPERTY TAX TO TSUEN WAN AND TSI NG Yl, PARTICULARLY IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE LETTER SAID i
I +OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF PROPERTIES IN THE MAIN URBAN AREAS
HAVE BEEN PAYING THESE TAXES AT THE'FULL RATE FOR MANY YEARS, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT THAT THE BURDEN OF PAYING FOR THE SERVICES, SOCIAL PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE SPREAD AND BE SHARED AS WIDELY AS POSSIBLE, INDEED THIS IS MORE PARTICULARLY THE CASE WHEN WE ALL ARE HAVING TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS.+
THE LETTER ALSO REMINDED PROPERTY OWNERS THAT PROPERTY TAX (WHICH IS A TAX IN INCOME FROM PROPERTY AND IS NOT RELATED
■’ TO THE PROVISION OF SERVICES) IS NOT PAYABLE ON OWNER-OCCUPIER
' PREMISES.
A PROPERTY OWNER WHO IS NOT AN OWNER-OCCUPIER EUT WHO IS MARRIED AND WHOSE TOTAL TAXABLE INCOME DOES NOT EXCEED $20,000 A YEAR WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY THIS TAX IF HE OPTS FOR PERSONAL
. J ASSESSMENT.
1 MOREOVER, IT ADDED, OWNERS OF BUSINESS CONCERNS MAY HAVE
i THEIR PROFITS TAX REDUCED BY THE AMOUNT OF PROPERTY TAX THEY
HAVE PAID IN RESPECT OF PREMISES USED FOE BUSINESS PURPOSES.
_ o--------
/14.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
- 14 -
STUDENTS FORM COMMUNITY SERVICE TEAM ****** •
A GROUP OF 60 STUDENTS IN TSUEN WAN HAVE FORMED A SERVICE ’ TEAM TO CARRY OUT COMMUNITY PROJECTS IN THE DISTRICT. -
THE STUDENTS, ALL OF WHOM HAD PARTICIPATED AS VOLUNTEERS IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES, DECIDED TO ORGANISE THEMSELVES INTO A TEAM TO CONTINUE AN ACTIVE ROLE IN HELPING PEOPLE OF THEIR OWN AGE. .
ONE OF THE FIRST PROJECTS THEY WI LL .UNDERTAKE IS TO +ADOPT+ A HOUSING ESTATE IN TSUEN WAN. IN SO DOING, THEY WILL CONCENTRA INITIALLY ON HELPING PRIMARY 6 GRADUATES LIVING IN THE ESTATE TO ADJUST TO SECONDARY SCHOOL LIFE BY COACHING THEM IN THE MORE DIFFICULT SUBJECTS SUCH AS SCIENCE, GEOGRAPHY, ETC.
THE TEAM WILL BE WORKING UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN AND HAS THE BACKING OF MANY LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS.
COMMENTING ON THEIR MOVE, THE C.Y.O., MR. ALEXANDER FUNG, SAID IT WOULD BE A GOOD CHANCE TO HAVE THEM BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR COMMUNITY’S SOCIAL PROBLEMS. ADULTS TOO WOULD BE INVOLVED AS ADVISORS OR SPONSORS TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN YOUNG PEOPLE AND GROWN-UPS.
ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1), THE TEAM WILL BE FORMALLY INAUGURATED AT A CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE AT THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY-.; CENTRE IN TAI HO ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
OFFICIATING WILL BE MR. J.S. WARREN, DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN- MR. CHAN PO-FONG, A JUSTICE OF THE PEACE AND MR. FUNG TOGETHER WITH OTHER ADVISORS TO THE TEAM.
. .. ------0----- -
SPEED LIMIT IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD
******
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT, WITH EFFECT-FROM 10 AM ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30), A SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD. NEAR SHAM TSENG, NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE A RESTRICTED ROAD AND NO VEHICLES SHOULD BE DRIVEN ON IT AT A SPEED EXCEEDING 30 MILES PER HOUR.
THIS SECTION OF ROAD, ABOUT ONE MILE LONG. STRETCHES FROM A POINT ABOUT 460 YARDS TO THE WEST OF 12-MILESTONE TO A POINT ABOUT 365 YARDS WEST OF THE ANGLER’S BEACH PIER.
o - -
/15.......
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974.
' - 15 -
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS ' ******
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. LAO MOU-CHI, TODAY WARNED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO BE ON THEIR GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE POSING AS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND SEEKING MONEY FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN A PURPORTED DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATION CALLED A GUIDE TO WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION LEGISLATION.
MR. LAO SAID THE DEPARTMENT HADRECENTLY RECEIVED SEVERAL SUCH COMPLAINTS.
+NO LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICER IS AUTHORISED TO SOLICIT MONEY FOR ANY PURPOSE WHATSOEVER,* HE STRESSED.
MR. LAO ADVISED THAT ANY PROPRIETOR WHO WAS APPROACHED FOR MONEY BY ANYONE PURPORTING TO BE A MEMBER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT THE MATTER EITHER TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR TO THE SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER (INDUSTRY) AT TELEPHONE NUMBER 3-688842.
THE GUIDE TO WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION LEGISLATION, LIKE ALL OTHER PUBLICATIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT, IS AVAILABLE FREE AT THE OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR. LAO ADDED.
-----0 ------
' ■ .' ■ ■ ■ '
LIBRARY MANAGEMENT SEMINAR
******
A TWO-DAY JIMINAR ON HOW TO OPERATE AND MANAGE A LIBRARY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AND SATURDAY FOR STUDENTS OF THE HO FUK TONG SCHOOL IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IT HAS BEEN ORGANISED FOR THEM BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICE UNIT AND WILL BE HELD IN THEIR SCHOOL IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SEMINAR WILL INCLUDE TALKS BY MR. CHAN CHE-SANG OF THE UNIT ON THE QUALIFICATIONS AND DUTIES OF LIBRARIANS.
AFTER COMPLETING THE SEMINAR IT IS EXPECTED THE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE OVER THE OPERATION OF THEIR SCHOOL. LIBRARY.
ANY OTHER .SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHICH ARE INTERESTED IN HAVING SUCH A SEMINAR ORGANISED FOR THEIR STUDENTS SHOULD CONTACT THE UNIT AT THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE (TEL. 3-809825, 3-954476).
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
> - 16 -
MR. CLAUDE BURGESS HERE ON STUDY VISIT M M * * *
MR. CLAUDE BURGESS, WHO WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED MINISTER FOR HONG KONG COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS IN BRUSSELS, IS CURRENTLY IN HONG KONG ON A TWO-WEEK STUDY VISIT.
HE WILL MEET REPRESENTATIVES OF THE VARIOUS COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL ORGANISATIONS, CONSULS-GENERAL OF THE EEC MEMBER STATES IN HONG KONG, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS •— IN PARTICULAR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT — AND LOCAL BUSINESSMEN.
AS PART OF HIS FAMILIARISATION TOUR, HE WILL ALSO VISIT A NUMBER OF FACTORIES.
MR. BURGESS HAD SERVED IN HONG KONG FOR 30 YEARS, AND WAS COLONIAL SECRETARY BEFORE HE RETIRED IN 1963.
HIS PRESENT POST WAS CREATED BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING IMPORTANCE OF THE COMMON MARKET FOR HONG KONG, THE EEC BEING NOW HONG KONG’S SECOND LARGEST BUYER TAKING MORE THAN 30 PER CENT OF OUR DOMESTIC EXPORTS.
THE NEW POST IS ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONDUCT OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS COMMERCIAL RELATIONS.
SINCE 1968 HONG KONG HAS BEEN REPRESENTED IN BRUSSELS AT COUNSELLOR LEVEL BY MR. PAT DODGE.
BUT DEVELOPMENTS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY IN THE PAST TWO YEARS, ESPECIALLY THE INCREASED COMPLEXITY AND VOLUME OF WORK WHICH HAVE ARICTN AS A RESULT OF lTS ENLARGEMENT, HAVE LED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TO RE-EXAMINE THE QUESTION OF OUR REPRESENTATION.
THE CONCLUSION IS THAT IT IS NO LONGER POSSIBLE FOR MR. DODGE ALONE TO COVER THE MANY ASPECTS THAT REQUIRE ATTENTION.
- - 0 - - -
> ? WATER CUT
* * * * *
,
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN HUNG HOM WILL TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING AT 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (NOVEMBER 30).
BE
cw.SWffi abTeaWAGE ,S to enable a i-eakage test to be
THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY CHATHAM ROAD. WINSLOW WHAMPOA STREET AND BULKELEY STREET. ’
STREET,
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
******
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (THURSDAY) AT UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE ”,RKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION ' urv 7 " *-< SHA WAN, KOWLOON :
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRI (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
■0 NGAI GOOD
:hu cho GOOD 1 ' ' ' '
HAI RICE
- V w - 1 1 ■ Wl !■ IW
'00% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
0-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
SUPER EXTRA GOOD —
1 SUPER GOOD 1.37
HOLE GLUTINOUS 1 GOOD 1.72
>.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
J3TRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.84
AKI STAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN’ RICE L JuL —
■ SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
..ABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
..LLESALE PRICES OF PORK
($/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
THURSDAYt NCVEMH3R 28f
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET) AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 4,80 1.40 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.00 1.80
SQUID NORMAL 5.80 1.40 4.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 1.60 0.70 1.10
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.80 1.20 2.40
CROAKERS GOOD 1.80 0.55 1.30
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.80 2.00 2.50
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.50 1.30 1.80
BREAMS NORMAL 6.00 4.00 5*00
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 2.00 0.60 1.40
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.50 2.30 4.20
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 4.00 0.45 0.90
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.20 0.60 0.90
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.50 2.80 4.00
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.00 1.00 2.40
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.00 4.50 6.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 9.00 4.50 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 5.80 2.30 4.20
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
IP (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.80
WHITE SABBAGE NORMAL 0.80 0.30 0.50
CHINESE LETTUCE L1M1 TED 1.50 0.60 1.00
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.50 0.20 0.30
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.40 1.00 1.80
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.60 1.80
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.50 0.30 1.00
SPINACH SCARCE 3.00 1.00 2.20
WATER CRESS LIMITED 2.40 1.00 . 1.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE L1M1 TED 0.80 0.40 0.60
CHINESE SPINACH- —— NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
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PRH 7
F-K IM gis m
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW LANDS TRIBUNAL COMES INTO EFFECT FROM DECEMBER 1 1
LAND REGISTRATION FEES REVISED .*.................... 2
TWO NEW MEMBERS APPOINTED TO URBAN COUNCIL ............ 3
IMPROVEMENTS TO BUS SERVICES ON LANTAO ISLAND ....... 4
NEW HOMES FOR 27,000 BEING BUILT AT KWAI CHUNG ........ 5
TENDERS CALLED FOR ANOTHER SECTION OF GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER ............................................... 6
MANY ESTATES TENANTS PAY NEW DECEMBER RENTS IN ADVANCE 7
NEW C.A.S. RECRUITS COMPLETE TRAINING COURSE.......... .7
ANOTHER PART OF SECURITIES ORDINANCE BROUGHT INTO FORCE.................................................. 8
HONG KONG TO TAKE PART IN U.N. SPONSORED TRADE TALKS IN BANGKOK ............................................ 8
GOVERNOR OPENS INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY.... 9
KCR STAFF TO GET NEW QUARTERS AT HUNG HOM.............. 9
CONTROLLED REFUSE TIP TO BE BUILT AT NGAU CHI WAN ... 10
PRE-WAR BUILDING IN NEW KOWLOON DECLARED DANGEROUS .. 10
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
- 1 -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974'
NEW LANDS TRIBUNAL SET UP
A COMPLETELY NEW LANDS TRIBUNAL WILL BE SET UP ON DECEMBER 1 WITH POWER TO ADJUDICATE CLAIMS AGAINST GOVERNMENT FOR COMPENSATION FOR THE EFFECTS ON PRIVATE INTERESTS OF PROCESSES LIKE LAND RESUMPTION, RECLAMATION AND STREET ALTERATIONS WHICH CANNOT BE SETTLED BY NEGOTIATION.
THIS MEANS THAT SUCH CLAIMS SHOULD BE DEALT WITH MORE QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY THAN IN THE PAST, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE SETTING UP OF THE TRIBUNAL COMES WITH THE ANNOUNCEMENT IN TODAY’S GAZETTE THAT THE LANDS TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE 1974 ENACTED EARLIER IN THE YEAR WILL COME INTO FORCE THIS SUNDAY. THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE A PERMANENT JUDICIAL DODY REPLACING THE MANY SEPARATE BOARDS AND TRIBUNALS SET UP IN THE PAST UNDER DIFFERENT LAWS FOR INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS OR UNDERTAKINGS.
NOT ONLY SHOULD THE TRIBUNAL SPEED THE SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS BUT BECAUSE OF ITS CONTINUITY IT SHOULD BE ADLE TO GAIN EXPERTISE IN LAND VALUATION MATTERS AND PRODUCE A GREATER DEGREE OF CONSISTENCY BETWEEN ITS DECISIONS THAN HAS DEEN POSSIBLE IN THE PAST UNDER THE DIVERSE ARRANGEMENTS EXISTING, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE TRIBUNAL WILL BE ABLE TO ADJUDICATE ON LAND AND PROPERTY VALUES UNDER THE FOLLOWING ORDINANCES t
THE CROWN LANDS RESUMPTION ORDINANCE, THE STREET (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE, THE FORESHORES AND SEABED ORDINANCE, THE PUBLIC RECLAMATION AND WORKS ORDINANCE, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (LAND ACQUISITION AND RELATED PROVISIONS) ORDINANCE, THE HONG KONG AIRPORT (CONTROL OF OBSTRUCTIONS) ORDINANCE, THE RATING ORDINANCE, THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE, AND THE DEMOLISHED BUILDINGS (REDEVELOPMENT OF SITES) ORDINANCE.
IT WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE TO PERFORM SIMILAR FUNCTIONS UNDER OTHER LAWS SHOULD THIS BECOME NECESSARY IN FUTURE.
THE TRIBUNAL WILL INITIALLY CONSIST OF A FULL-TIME PRESIDENT, TOO PERMANENT MEMBERS WHO MAY BE CHARTERED SURVEYORS AND A PANEL OF ABOUT TWENTY-TWO ADDITIONAL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WHOSE ASSISTANCE THE PRESIDENT WILL DE ADLE TO CALL UPON IN THE VARIOUS DELIBERATIONS OF THE TRIBUNAL. HALF OF THE ADDITIONAL MEMBERS WILL BE SURVEYORS OR VALUERS AND HALF SOLICITORS OR BARRISTERS- THEY WILL NOT BE CIVIL SERVANTS. THE NAMES OF THE FIRST GROUP OF PANEL MEMBERS APPOINTED ALSO APPEAR IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
DETAILED RULES GOVERNING THE WAY THE TRIBUNAL WILL WORK ARE BEING FORMULATED AND THE FIRST SET OF SUCH RULES WILL BE PUBLiSHED IN THE GAZETTE VERY SOON.
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2
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
LAND REGISTRATION FEES REVISED « K « O
FEES FOR CERTAIN SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LAND OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT WILL BE REVISED AS FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE FEES INVOLVED ARE THOSE COLLECTED BY THE LAND OFFICE IN CONNECTION WITH THE REGISTRATION OF DEEDS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS UNDER THE LAND REGISTRATION ORDINANCE AND SEARCHES MADE OF LAND OFFICE RECORDS.
HOWEVER, THE FEES FOR SUPPLYING A MANUSCRIPT COPY OR A PHOTOSTATIC COPY OF ANY INSTRUMENT REMAIN UNCHANGED.
DETAILS OF THE REVISION WERE CONTAINED IN THE LAND REGISTRATION FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1974 AND THE LAND REGISTRATION (NEW TERRITORIES) FEES (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1974 PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
COMMENTING ON THE REVISION A SPOKESMAN FOR THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT SAID THE FEE REVISION WAS NECESSARY TO MEET THE INCREASED ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS.
SEARcS^E^+%f 1aT?S?°N WERE LAST REVISED ,N 1958 AND F°R
__D tuc0oLToL£!ES AFFECTED BY THE NEW REGULATIONS ARE THOSE F?R THE REGISTRATION OF DEEDS AND OTHER INSTRUMENTS. THESE RANGE FROM $5 TO 3240 ACCORDING TO THE VALUE OF THE PROPERTY OR SHARE INVOLVED. THE EXISTING FEES RANGE FROM 31 TO 3120.
O.le-THE FEES F0R SEARCHES MADE OF LAND OFFICE RECORDS WILL BE RA'SE? TO $5 FR0M F0R EACH RECORD PRODUCED WHILE THE CHARGE F?R PROBATES AND LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
WILL NOW BE $30 INSTEAD OF 315.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
TWO NEW URBCO MEMBERS APPOINTED
MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG AND MRS. GRACE HO HAVE BEEN APPOINTED MEMBERS OF THE URBAN COUNCIL BY THE GOVERNOR.
THEY REPLACE MR. LO TAK SING, AND MISS KO SIU WAH, WHO HAVE RESIGNED FROM THE COUNCIL.
MR. SHUM’S TERM OF OFFICE WILL LAST FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR TO MARCH 31, 1978 WHILE THAT OF MRS. HO FROM DECEMBER 1 THIS YEAR TO MARCH 31, 1976.
MR. SHUM, M.B.E., J.P., IS MANAGING EDITOR OF WAH KIU YAT PO. AT PRESENT, HE SITS ON A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT ADVISORY COMMITTEES, INCLUDING THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD, RADIATION BOARD AND SCHOOL MEDICAL SERVICE BOARD. HE WAS PREVIOUSLY CHAIRMAN OF THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE AND A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE. HE IS ALSO CURRENTLY A MEMBER OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL.
MR. SHUM HAS ALWAYS BEEN ACTIVE IN THE PROMOTION OF THE KA I FONG MOVEMENT. HE IS NOW CHAIRMAN OF THE CAUSEWAY BAY KA I FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AND THE FEDERATION OF MULTI-STOREY BUILDING ORGANISATION, EASTERN DISTRICT, HONG KONG. HE WAS ALSO FORMERLY CHAIRMAN OF THE KA IFONG ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
HE COMPLETED HIS EDUCATION AT NEW YORK UNIVERSITY WHERE HE OBTAINED A MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN ECONOMICS.
MRS. HO, J.P., IS CURRENTLY DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATEI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED.
SHE IS A MEMBER OF THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION BOARD OF MANAGEMENT. UNTIL RECENTLY, SHE SAT ON THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD.
MRS. HO WAS EDUCATED AT THE DIOCESAN GIRLS* SCHOOL AND THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG WHERE SHE OBTAINED HER BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE. SHE LATER WENT TO ENGLAND AND WAS CALLED TO THE ENGLISH BAR AT GRAY’S INN WHERE SHE WAS ADMITTED AS A BARRISTER-AT-LAW. SHE HAS THREE CHILDREN.
- - - - 0 ---------
- 4
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
BETTER BUS SERVICES ON LANTAO ISLAND « * M ft XU
BUSES ON LANTAO ISLAND WILL RUN AS FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) ON NEW TIMETABLES WHICH WILL PROVIDE IMPROVED FREQUENCIES AND BETTER CONNECTING FACILITIES WITH FERRY SERVICES TO THE ISLAND.
AGREEMENT ON THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS HAS BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY FOLLOWING DISCUSSIONS ON WAYS TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES ON THE ISLAND.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY BUSES ON THE ISLAND WOULD OPERATE ON FIVE ROUTES DESIGNED TO MEET MORE ADEQUATELY THE TRANSPORT REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS HOLIDAY-MAKERS VISITING THE ISLAND ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
APART FROM INCREASED FREQUENCIES ON WEEKDAYS, THE NEW TIMETABLES WILL PROVIDE EVEN BETTER FREQUENCIES ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS TO CATER FOR THE LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE FLOCKING TO THE POPULAR HOLIDAY RESORT, HE SAID.
♦THESE NEW ARRANGEMENTS ARE IN LINE WITH OUR CONTINUOUS EFFORTS TO ENSURE THAT THE BUS OPERATION ON LANTAO ISLAND MEET THE NEEDS OF THE COMMUTERS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE FIVE ROUTES WILL BE: (1) BETWEEN MUI WO AND TAI 0 VIA PUI 0, CHEUNG SHA, TONG FUK, SHUI HAU AND KEUNG SHAN- (2) BETWEEN MUI WO AND NGONG PING VIA PUI 0, CHEUNG SHA, TONG FUK, SHUI HAU AND PAVILION- (3) BETWEEN MUI WO AND TUNG CHUNG VIA PUI 0, CHEUNG SHA, AND TUNG CHUNG ROAD- (4) BETWEEN MUI WO AND CHEUNG SHA VIA PUI 0- AND (5) BETWEEN TAI LONG WAN AND MUI WO VIA TAI LONG WAN ACCESS ROAD AND SOUTH LANTAO ROAD.
F0R THE MUI WO-TAI 0 ROUTE, THE MORNING JOURNEY STARTS AT 5.15 A.M. FROM TAI 0, AND THE LAST JOURNEY AT 9.55 P.M. FROM MUI WO. ON SATURDAYS, THERE WILL BE AN EXTRA JOURNEY LEAVING MUI WO AT QUARTER PAST MID-NIGHT AFTER MEETING THE LAST FERRY FROM HONG KONG.
FOR THE MUI WO-NGONG PING ROUTE, THE FIRST JOURNEY LEAVES AT 8.20 A.M. FROM NGONG PING, AND THE LAST JOURNEY, AT 6 P.M.
THE MUI WO-TUNG CHUNG SERVICE STARTS AT 6.20 A.M. FROM TUNG CHUNG WITH THE LAST JOURNEY DEPARTING AT 7.05 P.M. FROM MUI WO.
THE MUI WO-CHEUNG SHA SERVICE STARTS AT 9.35 A.M. FROM MUI WO WITH THE LAST JOURNEY LEAVING AT 7.05 P.M. FROM MUI WO, EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN THE FIRST JOURNEY WILL LEAVE MUI WO AT 9.00 A.M.
FOR THE TAI LONG WAN-MUI WO ROUTE, THERE WILL BE ONE JOURNEY LEAVING TAI LONG WAN AT 6.15 A.M. ARRIVING AT MUI WO AT 6.48 A.M. WITH A RETURN JOURNEY FROM MUI WO AT 4.35 P.M.
COPIES OF THE FULL TIMETABLES WILL BE DISPLAYED AT ALL BUS TERMINI FOR THE INFORMATION OF COMMUTERS.
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/5
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
NEW ESTATE TO HOUSE 27,000 MOMO
ANOTHER NEW PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IN THE KWAI CHUNG AREA OF I WAN IS TAKING SHAPE UNDER THE TEN-YEAR HOUSING PROGRAMME.
TSUEN
THE FIRST TWO 15-STOREY BLOCKS OF THE ESTATE, LAI KING, NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, WILL BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SEVEN MONTHS.
TOGETHER WITH TWO OTHER BLOCKS - ONE 15 STOREYS AND THE OTHER 13 STOREYS WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED LATER - THEY WILL PROVtDE HOMES FOR ABOUT 15,000 PEOPLE.
A BUS TERMINAL AND FIVE CAR PARKS WILL SHORTLY BE CONSTRUCTED WITHIN THE ESTATE TOGETHER WITH 390 METRES OF INTERNAL ROADS.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADS AND ANCILLARY DRAINS ARE BEING INVITED. THE WORKS, DESIGNED BY JHE HIGHWAY (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, ARE EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT JANUARY AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 14 MONTHS TIME.
LAI KING ESTATE WHICH WILL BE FULLY DEVELOPED IN 1976 WILL BE ABLE TO HOUSE ABOUT 27,000 PEOPLE.
THE WHOLE ESTATE WILL COMPRISE TWO 22-STOREY AND FIVE 15-STOREY BLOCKS. PROVISION HAS ALSO BEEN MADE FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, KINDGERGARTEN. SHOPPING CENTRE AND RESTAURANTS AS WELL AS RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO BUILD AN UNDERGROUND STATION IN THE CENTRE OF THE ESTATE WHEN THE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM IS COMPLETED.
_ _ o - -
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
6
GASCOIGNE ROAD FLYOVER »*«»»»
ROAD WORKS IN KOWLOON TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BOTH WITHIN THE CITY AREA AND ROAD LINKS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY.
i
AMONG THE MANY PROJECTS IN HAND IS THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SCHEME WHICH, ON COMPLETION. WILL PROVIDE A MAJOR DISTRIBUTION ROUTE IN WESTERN KOWLOON AND A DIRECT LINK FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO KWAI CHUNG AND TSUEN WAN.
TENDERS ARE NOW BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUNDATIONS FOR THE WESTERN SECTION OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE ELEVATED ROAD FROM GASCOIGNE ROAD TO TONG Ml ROAD. THE ELEVATED ROAD FORMS PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR SCHEME.
CONSTRUCTION IS AT AN ADVANCED STAGE FOR THE EASTERN SECTION OF STAGE I WHICH CONSISTS OF A 600-METRE LONG ELEVATED ROAD STARTING IN GASCOIGNE ROAD NEAR WYLIE ROAD AND TERMINATING AT THE YAU MA TEI MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
THE WESTERN SECTION WILL CONTINUE THE ELEVATED ROAD ALONGSIDE KANSU STREET FOR ANOTHER 600 METRES TO LINK UP WITH THE RECENTLY CONSTRUCTED TONG Ml ROAD EXTENSION ADJACENT TO THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WORK ON THE FOUNDATIONS FOR THE WESTERN SECTION OF STAGE I WILL BEGIN NEXT JANUARY AND TAKE SOME NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A FURTHER CONTRACT FOR THE REMAINING PART OF STAGE I, THAT IS THE SUPERSTRUCTURE FOR THE WESTERN SECTION, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT YEAR.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
7
ESTATE TENANTS PAY NEW RENTS
******
MORE THAN 10,000 FAMILIES LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES HAVE PAID THEIR RENTS FOR THE MONTH OF DECEMBER IN ADVANCE.
THE RENTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, EXCEPT THE FORMER HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, HAVE BEEN RECENTLY REVISED AND WILL COME INTO FORCE ON DECEMBER 1. FOR MOST TENANTS, IT WILL BE THEIR FIRST INCREASE IN 10 YEARS.
MOST OF THE FAMILIES AFFECTED ARE HAVING TO PAY ONLY A FEW DOLLARS MORE A MONTH.
THE NUMBER OF FAMILIES APPLYING FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAS BEEN SMALL. UP TO NOW, THE ESTATE STAFF HAVE ASSISTED ONLY 130 FAMILIES IN MAKING APPLICATIONS TO THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THOSE ALREADY ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE WILL HAVE THEIRS AUTOMATICALLY ADJUSTED.
+TWO OTHER CASES OF HARDSHIP, IN WHICH THE APPLICANTS WERE NOT ENTITLED TO PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, WERE BROUGHT TO THE
, ATTENTION OF THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT ASSISTANCE COMMITTEE, BUT NO CASE WAS REPORTED IN THE OTHER SEVEN DISTRICT ASSISTANCE COMMITTEES,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMMENTING ON A NEWSPAPER REPORT TODAY THAT MORE THAN HALF OF THE 23 FORMER RESETTLEMENT ESTATES HAVE BANDED TOGETHER TO PROTEST AGAINST THE RENT INCREASE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE REPORT WAS HIGHLY EXAGGERATED.
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SECRETARY FOR SECURITY TO INSPECT C.A.S. PASSING-OUT PARADE *******
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS 9TH RECRUIT PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT (THE VOLUNTEERS) PARADE GROUND, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY, ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1).
THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, MR. LEWIS DAVIES, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE WHICH COMPRISE 200 MALE AND FEMALE RECRUITS. THEY HAVE COMPLETED ONE YEAR’S BASIC TRAINING COURSES IN FIRST AID, LIGHT RESCUE, WARDEN DUTIES AND GENERAL TRAINING.
MR. DAVIES WILL BE MET ON ARRIVAL BY THE COMMISSIONER, THE HON. P.C. WOO, AND THE CHIEF STAFF OFFICER, CAS, MR. J.A. FORTUNE.
HE WILL AWARD SPECIAL CERTIFICATES TO THE THREE MOST OUTSTANDING RECRUITS AND PRESENT CIVIL DEFENCE LONG SERVICE MEDALS TO 20 RECIPIENTS AND THE F.E. D’ALMADA REMEDIOS CUP TO THE WINNER OF THE ANNUAL FOOTDRILL COMPETITION.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED. MR. DAVIES WILL ARRIVE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND AT 10 A.M.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974. *
ANOTHER PART OF SECURITIES LAW BROUGHT INTO FORCE SECURITIES DEALERS REMINDED OF REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS M * M * * K
A NEW PART OF THE SECURITIES ORDINANCE DEALING WITH TRADING IN SECURITIES HAS BEEN BROUGHT INTO OPERATION WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT.
IT IS PART VIII OF THE ORDINANCE WHICH COVERS SUCH SUBJECTS AS OFFERS AND CALLS BY DEALERS TOGETHER WITH MORE DETAILED REQUIREMENTS OF CONCERN TO THE PRACTISING DEALER IN SECURITIES.
\ ■ ■ v
NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT OF BRINGING INTO OPERATION THIS PART OF THE ORDINANCE IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY'S GAZETTE.
' WITH THE ENACTMENT OF PART VIII, ALL SECTIONS OF THE LEGISLATION ARE NOW IN OPERATION WITH THE EXCEPTION OF PART IX, RELATING TO THE AUDIT OF DEALERS' ACCOUNTS, AND SECTION 140 OF PART XII WHICH DEALS WITH INSIDER TRADING.
IT IS HOPED THAT PART IX WILL BE IMPLEMENTED SOON.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR SECURITIES, MR. JAMES SELWYN, ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC TODAY THAT DEALERS IN SECURITIES HAD UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER TO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART VI OF THE ORDINANCE. 1 '
♦ALL APPLICATIONS MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE SUCCESSFUL,* HE SAID, +S0 IN THE MEANTIME, ANY PERSON BUYING SECUR ITlES OTHER ' THAN THROUGH A STOCK EXCHANGE SHOULD BE CAREFUL TO ASCERTAIN THAT HE DEALS WITH A PERSON OR FIRM OF GOOD STANDING AND REPUTE.*
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H.K. OFFICIAL TO ATTEND TRADE TALKS IN BANGKOK ; * * * * * * '
MR. P.K.Y. TSAO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, WILL BE LEAVING FOR BANGKOK ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 1) TO ATTEND THE 18TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC COMMITTEE ON TRADE.
MR. TSAO WILL LATER BE JOINED BY MRS. SUSAN YUEN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL.
THE COMMITTEE WILL REVIEW DEVELOPMENTS IN TRADE AND TRADE POLICIES IN 1974 IN THE ESCAP REGION, AND DISCUSS TRADE PROMOTION, SHIPPING AND OTHER COMMERCIAL ACTIVITIES.
/9
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 19^4
- 9 -
GOVERNOR OPENS PHOTO EXHIBITION M # « # K *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY OPENED THE 29TH HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY ORGANISED BY THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG IN THE CITY HALL.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH i
+1 AM GRATEFUL FOR YOUR INVITATION TO OPEN THIS INTERNATIONAL SALON, AND FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO RENEW MY ACQUAINTANCE OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG.
+OF THE SOCIETY’S PROWESS AND INTERNATIONAL STANDING I AM WELL AWARE. PERHAPS THIS HAS DEEN HELPED BY THE FACT THAT YOU LIVE IN ONE OF THE MOST PHOTOGENIC CITIES OF THE WORLD. IT IS, NEVERTHELESS A JUST TRIBUTE TO THE SOCIETY THAT IT SHOULD BE ABLE TO MOUNT A MAJOR INTERNATIONAL SALON ANNUALLY AND TO PUT UP SO MANY EXHIBITS OF SUCH HIGH QUALITY.
+1 AM GLAD THAT THE SALON’S STANDING HAS SUCH HIGH INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION. THIS IS EVIDENCE BY THE NUMBER OF OVERSEAS PARTICIPANTS AND BY THE GREAT CONTRIBUTION THEY MAKE TO THE SUCCESS OF THE EXHIBITION. TO THEM I SHOULD LIKE TO SAY A SPECIAL WORD OF THANKS AND GREETING.
i
♦NOW, I HAVE MUCH PEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE 29TH HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL SALON OF PHOTOGRAPHY.+
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NEW QUARTERS FOR KCR STAFF
CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW RAILWAY STAFF QUARTERS LOCATED NEAR CHATHAM ROAD AND THE CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL APPROACH ROAD WILL BEGIN SHORTLY.
THE NEW STAFF QUARTERS FORM PART OF THE HUNG HOM DEVELOPMENT SCHEME WHICH CALLS FOR THE REMOVAL OF THE EXISTING STATION AT TSIM SHA TSUI TO HUNG HOM. THEY WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING ONES SITUATED AT SALISBURY AND CHATHAM ROADS.
COMPRISING ONE SIX-STOREY AND ONE 14-STOREY BUILDINGS, THE NEW QUARTERS WILL BE SO NEAR TO THE NEW TERMINAL BUILDING THAT STAFF REQUIRED FOR NIGHT WORK AND IRREGULAR SHIFTS WILL NOT’HAVE TO RELY ON PUBLIC TRANSPORT TO GET TO THEIR PLACES OF WORK.
THERE WILL BE A TOTAL OF 102 QUARTERS TO ACCOMMODATE STAFF OF THE ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC DEPARTMENT OF THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY AND STAFF OF THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
WORK ON THE PROJECT WILL BEGIN IN JANUARY AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 14 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE EXISTING RAILWAY STAFF QUARTERS WILL BE EVENTUALLY BE DEMOLISHED IN ORDER TO MAKE ROOM FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974.
- 10 -
CONTROLLED REFUSE TIP FOR NGAU CHI WAN ****** ,
A 10-HECTARE SITE PROVIDING SPACE FOR RECREATIONAL, COMMUNITY AND EDUCATIONAL USE WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE IN NGAU CHI WAN ON COMPLETION OF A CONTROLLED REFUSE TIP IN 1978.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR FORMATION OF THE SITE TO BE USED FOR THE SYSTEMATIC DISPOSAL OF REFUSE BY INOFFENSIVE AND SANITARY METHODS.
THE WORKS CONSIST, AMONG'OTHERS, OF THE EXCAVATION OF SOME 150,000 CUBIC METERS OF EARTH FROM A HILLSIDE OFF CLEARWATER BAY ROAD TO MAKE WAY FOR THE TIP AS WELL AS DRAINAGE AND SLOPE PROTECTION WORKS.
I
INCLUDED IN THE PROJECT IS THE SITE PREPARATION OF AN AREA TO ALLOW THE COMMENCEMENT OF CONTROLLED TIPPING OF REFUSE TOWARDS THE END OF 1975.
AT THE SAME TIME, A 750-METRE-LONG SECONDARY ROAD PROVIDING DIRECT ACCESS TO THE TIPPING SITE FROM CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WILL ALSO BE BUILT. THE ROADWORKS WILL FORM THE FIRST STAGE OF A SECONDARY ROUTE FINALLY LINKING CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WITH PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD. ?
WORK ON THE WHOLE PROJECT IS TO BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE DEVELOPMENT AND AIRPORT DIVISION OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
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DANGEROUS BUILDING
*****
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO. 29G TA TIT STREET, NEW KOWLOON TO BE INA DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THIS SMALL SINGLE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING FORMS PART OF A GROUP OF SIMILAR STRUCTURES, ONE OF WHICH HAD ALREADY BEEN CLOSED. RECENTLY FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE OF PART OF ITS TIMBER ROOF.
THE PR INCIAPL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THIS MORNING THAT AS DEMOLITION OF THE CLOSED BUILDING WOULD MOST LIKELY AFFECT NO. 29G, IT IS NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THIS BUILDING AS WELL. PORTIONS OF THE LOAD BEARING WALLS OF NO. 29G WERE BULGED AND THE ROOF TIMBERS HAD SAGGED.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON DECEMBER 30 WAS POSTED TODAY.
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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE * * ft ft H ft
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (FRIDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AND THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION WHOLESALE MARKET AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON i
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO . GOOD ■»
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.77
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35 -
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.69
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.84
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ••
I
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
GOOD
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND .......
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE («/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 5.30 1.80 4.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.00 1.80
SQUID NORMAL 5.50 1.80 4.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 1.80 0.40 1.20
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL • 3.55 1.10 2.40
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.20 0.40 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.90 2.00 2.60
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.50 1.50 1.80
BREAMS LIMITED 5.00 3.00 4.50
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.70 0.60 1.10
MACKERELS NORMAL 4.80 2.60 3.50
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.90 0.50 1.40
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 0.90 0.55 0.70
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.00 2.50 5.00
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.00 1.60 2.40
POMFRETS SCARCE 9.00 3.00 7.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.50 5.00 6.70
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 5.80 5.00 5.30
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (8/CATTY) HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.60
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.80 0.20 0.50
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.50 0.50 1.00
WATER SPINACH SCARCE 0.50 0.20 0.30
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.20 1.00 1.60
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.20 0.30 0.80
SPINACH WATER CRESS SCARCE NORMAL 3.00 2.20 1.00 1.00 ’ 2.20 1.60
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.80 0.30 0.50
CHINESE SPINACH
TOMATO SCARCE 4.50 2.50 3.50
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PRH 7
PAGE NO
CONTENTS
1
2
PRELIMINARY
2
NEW TRAFFIC
3
’LUCKY’ CAR
3
4
ESTATE
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1974
TEACHERS DISCUSS DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM
SURVEY ON RENTAL MOVEMENTS
ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON
NUMBERS RAISE $111,600 FOR CHARITY
H.K.C.E
CERTIFICATES FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES READY
CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION IN TSZ WAN SHAN
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1974
1
DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS « « « {': 8
SOME 40 TEACHERS FROM ANGLO-CHINESE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ATTENDED A DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION SEMINAR THIS MORNING AT THE GOVERNMENT TRAINING DIVISION IN LEE GARDENS.
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE DRUG ABUSE SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION OF THE PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
IN HIS INTRODUCTORY TALK, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. ARTHUR BROWN. EXPLAINED THAT THE SEMINAR WAS HELD IN ENGLISH TO COMPLEMENT THE SERIES OF SEMINARS BEING HELD IN CHINESE.
HE NOTED THAT THOSE CONCERNED WITH THE ORGANISATION OF THE SEMINARS HAD FELT THAT BILINGUAL SEMINARS SOMETIMES TENDED TO WASTE TIME AND CLOUD THE ISSUES AND SO IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT SEPARATE SEMINARS IN THE TOO LANGUAGES HAD BEEN ARRANGED. HE DID, HOWEVER, EMPHASISE THAT A LOT WAS ALSO LOST WHEN GROUPS PREFERRING DIFFERENT LANGUAGES WERE SEPARATED AND THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT THAT DISCUSSIONS BETWEEN TEACHERS IN THE SCHOOLS CONCERNED SHOULD FOLLOW SEMINARS OF THIS NATURE. %
MR. BROWN THEN TOOK THE SAME LINE HE HAD TAKEN AT A PREVIOUS SEMINAR HELD FOR THE ENGLISH-SPEAKING SCHOOLS, NAMELY THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO GET THE DRUG PROBLEM IN SCHOOLS IN PERSPECTIVE, THAT IT MUST BE TAKEN SERIOUSLY BUT THAT EVEN IF A DRUG PROBLEM ACTUALLY EXISTED IN A SCHOOL THERE WAS NO CAUSE FOR PANIC AND IF EFFECTIVE ACTION WAS TAKEN THE PROBLEM NEED NOT GET TOO SERIOUS.
HE THEN OUTLINED THE THREE HAIN PROBLEMS TEACHERS HAD TO FACEI FIRSTLY, DRUG EDUCATION - HOW MUCH SHOULD WE TEACH ABOUT DRUGS IN ORDER TO GIVE PROTECTIVE INFORMATION WITHOUT EXCITING TOO MUCH UNHEALTHY INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT WHICH MIGHT LEAD TO EXPERIMENT. SECONDLY, HOW TO RECOGNISE DRUG TAKERS, AND THIRDLY, AND MOST IMPORTANT ONCE YOU HAVE A PROBLEM - WHAT TO DO ABOUT CASES OF SUSPECTED DRUG ABUSE, HOW DO YOU RELATE THE RESPECTIVE ROLES OF THE STUDENT CONCERNED, THE SCHOOL, THE PARENTS, THE POLICE AND THE STUDENTS MEDICAL ADVISER.
MR. BROWN DID NOT ATTEMPT TO ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS EXCEPT TO POINT OUT THAT HE HIMSELF FELT THAT DRUG EDUCATION MUST BE TACKLED PRACTICALLY AND UNEMOTIONALLY IF ATTEMPTED AND ONLY BY THE RIGHT SORT OF TEACHER. IN DEALING WITH A SUSPECTED DRUG ABUSER HE FELT THAT PARENTS WERE THE KEY TO THE PROBLEM AND THEIR CO-OPERATION WAS ESSENTIAL.
MR. BROWN POINTED OUT THAT THE HEAD OF EACH SCHOOL WAS ON HIS OWN IN THIS MATTER AND HAD TO MAKE UP HIS OWN MIND WHAT TO DO BUT THE ESSENTIAL THING WAS NOT TO WAIT UNTIL A PROBLEM OCCURS BUT TO DECIDE ON A COURSE OF ACTION BEFORE ANYTHING ACTUALLY OCCURRED ON THE BASIS THAT IN THIS WAY THE PROBLEM WAS LEAST LIKELY TO OCCUR AND THAT IF IT DID HE WOULD ALREADY BE PREPARED TO DEAL WITH IT.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1974
2
SURVEY ON RENTS
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE CONDUCTING A SAMPLE SURVEY NEXT WEEK TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON RENTAL MOVEMENTS FOR ITS ANNUAL PROPERTY REVIEW.
A QUESTIONNAIRE WILL BE SENT TO A SELECTED GROUP OF TENANTS NEXT WEEK ON THE RENTS OF THEIR PREMISES. THE QUESTIONNAIRE LISTS FIVE SIMPLE QUESTIONS AND MAY BE ANSWERED IN EITHER ENGLISH OR CHINESE. THE COMPLETED FORM MAY BE RETURNED TO THE DEPARTMENT IN THE ENCLOSED PRE-ADDRESSED ENVELOPE WHICH REQUIRES NO POSTAGE.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION, MR. RAYMOND FRY. SAID TODAY THE COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS OF SUCH INFORMATION WAS OF CONSIDERABLE IMPORTANCE TO THE GOVERNMENT, AND HE HOPED THAT TENANTS RECEIVING THE QUESTIONNAIRE WOULD CO-OPERATE BY COMPLETING ALL QUESTIONS FULLY AND ACCURATELY AND RETURNING THEM AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
•
HE STRESSED THAT THE QUESTIONNAIRE WAS NOT A STATUTORY FORM, AND ONCE THE STATISTICAL INFORMATION HAD BEEN RECORDED THE FORMS WOULD BE DESTROYED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE REASON FOR SENDING THE QUESTIONNAIRE THIS YEAR WAS TO SAVE TIME AND EFFORT IN COLLECTING THE INFORMATION BY PERSONAL CALLS AND TO AVOID BOTHERING TENANTS WITH MUCH CALLS.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS * » a a a
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT AS FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY, THE U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY OFFICE fN ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, WILL BE CLOSED FOR ABOUT SIX WEEKS TO ENABLE ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
ALSO FROM MONDAY, THE NEW ROAD JOINING LAI WAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK BEACH ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC.
MEANWHILE, IN KWUN TONG, THE SECTION OF SAU MAU PING ROAD BWTWEEN SAU MING ROAD AND SAU MAU PATH IS NOW RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FOLLOWING REPAIR WORKS ON THE ADJOINING CUTTING THERE.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1974
+LUCKY+ CAR NUMBERS FETCH $111,600
TWENTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION TODAY FOR A TOTAL OF $111,600 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
TODAY’S AUCTION, THE 20TH IN A SERIES ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, DROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $3.42 MILLION.
THE SALE, HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AND CONDUCTED BY THE NEW COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, f'R. IAN MACPHERSON, SAW NUMBER 8228 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $14,500.
NUMBER 5115 WAS SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $12,000, WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,500 FOR THE NUMBERS AB-7117, AB-9669 AND AE-9009.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICESi HK-8000 FOR $11,000“ AF-88 FOR $9,500-BD-3333 FOR $9,000- BD-3 FOR $8,000“ AA-23 FOR $6,500“ AG-555 AND AD-3838 FOR $6,000 EACH- AH-5678 FOR $4,000“ AF-21 FOR $3,600-1090 FOR $3,500- BD-1000 FOR $3,500“ AZ-123 AND AK-252 FOR $3,000 EACH- AND AV-181 AND AB-6600 FOR $2,000 EACH.
SPECIAL NUMBERS SOLD AT AN AUCTION WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
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H.K.C.E. CERTIFICATES
*******
PRIVATE CANDIDATES WHO SAT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION THIS YEAR WILL BE RECEIVING THEIR CERTIFICATES NEXT WEEK.
THE CERTIFICATES WILL BE DISTRIBUTED FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY (DECEMBER 2-6) AT THE OFFICES OF THE H.K.C.E. BOARD, CENTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
CANDIDATES SHOULD CALL IN PERSON BRINGING WITH THEM THEIR ADMISSION FORM, OR THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND THEIR INDIVIDUAL RESULTS NOTICE, TOGETHER WITH THE LETTER OF NOTIFICATION THEY RECEIVED FROM THE BOARD.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 1974
4
X’MAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION ft ft ft ft ft ft
YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN KOWLOON’S TSZ WAN SHAN HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE GIVEN A CHANCE TO SHOW THEIR CREATIVE TALENTS IN A CHRISTMAS CARD DESIGN COMPETITION ORGANISED BY FOUR WELFARE . AGENCIES IN THE ESTATE.
THE COMPETITION WILL BE IN TWO GRADES - JUNIOR FOR CHILDREN UP TO 14 YEARS OF AGE AND SENIOR FOR THOSE OVER 14.
ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM AND ENQUIRIES MADE AT EITHER OF THE FOUR SPONSORING AGENCIES. THESE ARE THE TSZ WAN • SHAN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE TSZ WAN SHAN ZION YOUTH CENTRE, THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION TSZ WAN SHAN LIBRARY AND THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS TSZ WAN SHAN YOUTH CENTRE. ALL ARE LOCATED IN THE ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING WITHIN THE ESTATE.
THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES LS THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12. PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED TO THE BEST THREE IN EACH GRADE TOGETHER WITH A NUMBER OF CONSOLATION PRIZES. JUDGING WILL BE BASED ON QUALITY, CREATIVITY, DESIGN AND SO ON.
THE OUTSTANDING ENTRIES WILL BE CHOSEN FOR A DISPLAY TO BE MOUNTED IN THE HALL OF THE ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING FROM DECEMBER 17-19.
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