DAILY IN FORMAT^ .BUUfflN
NEW WAYS TO TRAIN TECHNICAL TEACHERS
AN INNOVATIVE TEACHING METHOD IS BEING ADOPTED BY THE NEWLY OPENED HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE - THE FIRST FULLY-FLEDGED INSTITUTION FOR TECHNICAL TEACHER TTRAINING IN ' HONG KONG.
+AS IT IS A COMPLETELY NEW ESTABLISHMENT, WE ARE FREE TO TRY OUT OUR IDEAS WITHOUT BEING TIED DOWN BY THE TRADITIONAL SYSTEM*, MR. PETER SMITH, PRINCIPAL OF THE COLLEGE SAID TODAY.
WORKING TOWARDS THE GOAL OF PREPARING NEW ENTRANTS TO THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND RAISING THE STANDARD OF TECHNICAL TEACHING IN HONG KONG, EVERY MODERN EDUCATIONAL DEVICE WILL BE EMPLOYED.
THROUGH GUIDED DISCOVERY TECHNIQUES, STUDENTS GRASP THE ESSENTIALS OF THE COURSES BY READING TEXTBOOKS SUPPLEMENTED BY SLIDES AND TAPE-RECORDED LECTURE MATERIALS.
THESE EDUCATIONAL AIDS CAN BE BORROWED FROM A RESOURCE UNIT WHICH IS SET UP IN THE FORM OF A LIBRARY. IN THIS WAY, TUTORS WILL NO LONGER BE LIMITED TO THE ROLE OF TRANSMITTING KNOWLEDGE, THEY WILL BE AT HAND TO OFFER ADVICE AND SUPERVISION.
IN THIS WAY, STUDENTS CAN APPRECIATE THE EXCITEMENT OF DISCOVERING FOR THEMSELVES, AS OPPOSED TO THE USUAL PRACTICE OF BEING SPOON-FED BY THE LECTURERS. MOREOVER, FEELING FREE TO GO AT THEIR OWN PACE, STUDENTS FIND IT EASIER TO DIGEST THE LESSONS.
+IN OUR COLLEGE, FLEXIBILITY IS THE GUIDING PRINCIPLE, BECAUSE WE DO NOT BELIEVE IN ANY HARD AND FAST RULE BY WHICH STUDENTS CAN BE TRAINED TO TEACH. INSTEAD, THE EMPHASIS IS ON KEEN OBSERVATION OF THE STUDENTS’ PERSONAL FLAIR AND TALENT, AND TUTORS CAN THEN DERIVE A MEANS TO CORRECT AND IMPROVE UPON HIS WORK*, MR. SMITH SAID.
TO FACILITATE OBSERVATION, THE STUDENTS ARE DIVIDED INTO MICRO-CLASSES, AND THEIR PERFORMANCES ARE RECORDED BY CLOSED-CIRCUIT TV, TO BE PLAYED BACK AFTERWARDS AND COMMENTED UPON BY TUTORS AND CLASSMATES.
TURNING TO THE CONTENTS OF EDUCATION OFFERED IN THE COLLEGE. MR. SMITH NOTED THAT TO ATTAIN A WELL-BALANCED CURRICULUM, EMPHASIS HAD BEEN LAID BOTH ON EDUCATIONAL AS WELL AS TECHNICAL ELEMENTS, AND TO THIS END SUBJECTS SUCH AS PSYCHOLOGY, PHILOSOPHY AND ENGLISH ARE TAUGHT.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 19?4 - 2 -
ON THE EXPANSION PROGRAMME OF THE COLLEGE, THE PRINCIPAL REVEALED THAT IT WAS ENVISAGED THAT FULL-TIME STUDENT ENROLMENT COULD INCREASE GRADUALLY FROM THE EXISTING 120 TO 660 IN 1977/78.
EXPANSION AND INCREASED STUDENT ENROLMENT CERTAINLY CALLS FOR MORE FACILITIES AND LARGER ACCOMMODATION. THESE REQUIREMENTS, MR. SMITH ADDED, WOULD BE MET WHEN THE COLLEGE TAKES OVER THE EXISTING BUILDING OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL WHEN NEW PREMISES FOR THE LATTER BECOME AVAILABLE. THE VACATED VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL BUILDING WILL BE ADAPTED AND REFURBISHED SPECIALLY TO SUIT THE REQUIREMENTS OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS.
+WE SHALL THEN BE IN A POSITION TO CATER ALSO FOR THE x NEEDS OF SPECIAL GROUPS OF TECHNICAL TEACHERS SUCH AS THOSE WORKING WITH THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND THOSE IN DETENTION CENTRES*, MR. SMITH OBSERVED.
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE BEGAN ITS FIRST SESSION ON SEPTEMBER 4 THIS YEAR. IT IS AT PRESENT OPERATING IN THE VACATED BUILDING OF THE PREVIOUS MORRISON HILL PRIMARY SCHOOL. THE NEW COLLEGE REPLACES THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHERE TECHNICAL TEACHER TRAINING WAS PREVIOUSLY CONDUCTED.
OFFERING A WIDE RANGE OF COURSES FOR TEACHER TRAINEES, PRACTISING TEACHERS AND INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS ALIKE ON A FULL-TIME, PART-TIME AND EVENING BASIS, THE COLLEGE IS AN IMPORTANT STEP FORWARD IN THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TECHNICAL EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
ITS FACILITIES INCLUDE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WORKSHOPS FOR THE PRACTICE OF MANUAL SKILLS. TWO WELL-EQUIPPED WORKSHOPS - FOR THE STUDY OF THE TECHNOLOGY OF ENGINEERING MATERIALS - ARE BEING FITTED IN A NEWLY-ADDED FLOOR OF THE NEARBY MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE WHOSE FACILITIES THE COLLEGE AT PRESENT LARGELY SHARES.
------0-------
' SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1974.
- 3 -
HEALTH EDUCATION EXHIBITION IN TAI PO EMPHAVSIS ON HOMG CARE AND YGIENE ******
A THREE-DAY HEALTH EDUCATION EXHIBITION WILL BE HELD AT THE TAI PO LIONS YOUTH CENTRE IN TAI PO MARKET EARLY NEXT • MONTH.
IT IS BEING MOUNTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S HEALTH EDUCATION UNIT, NEW TERRITORIES. IT WILL OPEN ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, AND CONTINUE UNTIL THURSDAY, DECEMBER 5. THE HOURS WILL BE FROM 10 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND 2 P.M. TO 4 P.M. DAILY.
THE THEME OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE ON HOME SAFETY AND CARE, AND WILL STRESS PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE.
DISPLAYS WILL BE IN CHINESE, AND ITEMS MAKING UP THE EXHIBITION WILL INCLUDE NUMEROUS ILLUSTRATIONS, DRAWINGS, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS, AND MODELS. ,
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, AND GROUP VISITS BY STUDENTS FROM THE TAI PO AREA ARE ENCOURAGED.
+THE NEED FOR CARE TO ENSURE SAFETY AT HOME IS GENERALLY RECOGNISED,* A SPOKESMAN SAID. +THE EXHIBITION WILL HELP TO PROVIDE A NUMBER OF USEFUL HINTS IN VISUAL FORM.*
NOTE TO ED I TORS« YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EXHIBITION COVERED.
0 -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
J
>
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974
contents page NO.
SEMINAR FOR TEACHERS ON NEW MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRES..................................;............... !
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL TO HOLD SPORTS DAY................ 2
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT : TOTAL STORAGE LESS THAN 80 PER CENT OF FULL CAPACITY ............................ 3
OUTDOOR CAMP ORGANISED FOR SCHOOL DROPOUTS ............ 3
WATERWORKS ENGINEER RETIRING AFTER 2i YEARS OF SERVICE 4
RETIREMENT OF DIVISIONAL FIRE OFFICER ................. 4
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield Houser Hong Kong. Tel: 5*233191
MOWDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974
- 1 -
MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRES
K * * * X X *
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO HOLD A SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO ACQUAINT PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS WITH THE FUNCTIONS OF TWO NEW MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRES.
IT WILL BE OPENED ON DECEMBER 28 BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MHJG, AND MORE THAN 1,000 SCHOOLS HEADS AND TEACHERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE PRESENT AT BOTH THE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION WHICH WILL MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE TWO CENTRES - ONE AT THE TANNER ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, HONG KONG, AND THE OTHER AT THE MA TAU CHUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, KOWLOON.
SINCE THE INCEPTION OF THE FIRST CENTRE IN NOVEMBER 1972 AND THE SECOND ONE A YEAR AGO, ABOUT 1,600 TEACHERS HAVE ATTENDED 96 COURSES OR WORKSHOPS ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION REFLECTS THE CHINESE PROVERB +1 DO AND I UNDERSTAND*, I.E. LEARNING BY DOING.
AT THE ONE-DAY EXHIBITION, 60 STUDENTS FROM THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WILL DEMONSTRATE THE TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED AT TWO CENTRES.
+HOWEVER,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +IT MUST BE EMPHASISED THAT THE OBJECT IS NOT TO SHOW TEACHERS HOW THEY THEMSELVES CAN USE THE EQUIPMENT, BUT RATHER, HOW THEY CAN TEACH THE CHILDREN TO USE THE EQUIPMENT.*
SLIDES AND PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING VARIOUS ACTIVITIES HELD ON PREVIOUS COURSES AT THESE CENTRES FOR MATHEMATICAL STUDIES WILL BE DISPLAYED.
+NOT ONLY WILL TEACHERS BE ABLE TO SEE HOW IT IS POSSIBLE TO CHANGE THE TEACHING ENVIRONMENT OF CLASSROOMS DY THE RE-ARRANGEMENT OF DESKS AND OTHER PIECES OF EQUIPMENT, BUT THEY WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO SEE TEACHERS IN ACTION IN CLASSROOMS RE-ARRANGED IN THIS WAY.*
+IN ADDITION, THEY WILL BE SHOWN OVERSEAS CENTRES AND THE WAY THEY ARE MANAGED. SOME OF THESE HAVE BEEN DEVELOPED TO THE STAGE WHERE THEY FULFIL A VARIETY OF FUNCTIONS SUCH AS WORKSHOPS, RESOURCE CENTRES AND MEETING PLACES FOR TEACHERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
SLIDES WILL ALSO BE SHOWN OF SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG THAT HAVE ADOPTED ACTIVITY AND CHILD CENTRED METHODS.
+TEACHERS SHOULD BE INTERESTED IN SEEING THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF CLASSROOM ORGANISATION USED IN THIS KIND OF WORK,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
/the underlying .....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974
THE UNDERLYING IDEA BEHIND THESE TEACHING METHODS IS TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF A STUDENT’S POWER OF INQUIRY, TO PROVIDE HIM WITH EXPERIENCE IN ANALYSING SITUATIONS AND IN MAKING HIS OWN DECISIONS.
♦THIS POWER OF ENQUIRY IS FAR MORE IMPORTANT TO STUDENTS THAN THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE THAT IS SOON FORGOTTEN AND WHICH, IN ALL PROBABILITY BECOMES RAPIDLY OUTDATED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
0 - -
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL ANNUAL SPORTS DAY
CASTLE PEAK HOSPITAL WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SPORTS DAY AND FETE ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 4).’
ABOUT 2,000 PATIENTS, MEMBERS OF THE STAFF, THEIR FAMILIES, AND VISITORS WILL ATTEND THE WHOLE-DAY AFFAIR, TO BE HELD IN THE SPORTS FIELD OF THE HOSPITAL BEGINNING AT 10 AM. JUSTICES OF THE PEACE WHO VISITED THE HOSPITAL IN THE PAST TWO YEARS AND MEMBERS OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE HAVE BEEN INVITED.
THE MAIN EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE AFTERNOON. MORE THAN 100 PATIENTS, DOCTORS, NURSES, AND OTHER STAFF HAVE ENTERED FOR VARIOUS COMPETITIONS, INCLUDING A TUG-OF-WAR INVOLVING EVENLY-ASSEMBLED GROUPS.
THE BAND OF THE GURKHA REGIMENT STATIONED IN THE AREA OF THE HOSPITAL, THE GURKHA ENGINEER PIPES AND DRUMS, WILL PROVIDE MUSIC AND A COLOURFULL PARADE.
PATIENTS ARE EAGERLY LOOKING FORWARD TO THE DAY, WHICH HAS SOCIAL AND THERAPEUTIC VALUE FROM THE STAFF’S POINT OF VIEW.
DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, WILL DISTRIBUTE PRIZES TO WINNERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OCCASION COVERED.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974
• 3 -
WATER SITUATION REPORT » * # # ir
ML'SEl"8.*8 4T * TODAY
L6SsT°?fS
OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILL MN GALLONS 76,2 PER CENT
=!hSS-™K£„'
- - 0 - _
CAMP FOR SCHOOL DROPOUTS * K * H
A THREE-DAY CAMP WILL BE HELD NEXT WEEK FOR A GROUP OF 25 YOUNG PEOPLE BETWEEN 13 AND 16 YEARS OF AGE WHO ARE NEITHER AT SCHOOL NOR AT WORK.
THE CAMP WILL BE HELD FROM TUESDAY WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH CAMP SITE IN
TO THURSDAY AT THE SOCIAL SHING MUN ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE DEPARTMENT’S WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER IN WESTERN, THE AIM OF THE CAMP IS TO GIVE THESE CHILDREN A CHANCE TO LEARN TO LIVE AND CO-OPERATE WITH OTHERS.
THE PROGRAMME AND ACTIVITIES WILL ALSO HELP THEM BUILD UP THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE, POTENTIAL AND ABILITIES, AS WELL AS SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY.
THOSE WHO ARE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CAMP HAVE BEEN CHOSEN WITH THE HELP OF SCHOOLS AND OTHER WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974.
- 4 -
WATERWORKS OFFICER RETIRING X X X X X
I ‘ ■
AN ASSISTANT ENGINEER OF THE WATERWORKS OFFICE WILL SHORTLY RETIRE AFTER HAVING BEEN WITH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR OVER 21 YEARS.
I ' ' ’ • * I
HE IS MR. HUI CHUEN-KAM, AGED 54.
MR. HUI JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ASSISTANT ENGINEERING SURVEYOR, CLASS II IN OCTOBER.1953. HE WAS PROMOTED TO THE RANK OF ASSISTANT ENGINEERING SURVEYOR, CLASS I IN APRIL I960 AND APPOINTED SENIOR SURVEYING ASSISTANT THREE YEARS LATER. IN 1966 MR. HUI WAS MADE AN ASSISTANT ENGINEER.
• TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILFRED KNIGHT, WILL PRESENT HIM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) WITH A GIFT ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES.
NOTE TO EDITORS: '
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT 4.30 PM TOMORROW (TUESDAY) IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ON THE 21ST FLOOR OF MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
------o-------
RETIREMENT OF FIRE OFFICER X X X X X
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A CEREMONY TO MARK THE RETIREMENT OF DIVISIONAL OFFICER MR. BOEY KIM-LUN FROM THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AFTER 25 YEARS OF SERVICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT NORTH POINT FIRE STATION. 323 JAVA ROAD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 3 PM.
A PRESENTATION WILL BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. HARRY WOOD.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE OCCASION. THEY SHOULD MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER. SHORTLY BEFORE 3 PM.
0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 1974
\ ।
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE HMM*
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 5 OF RICE 1 •
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (8/CATTY)
/
CHINA RICE 9 •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.89
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.74
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.74
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
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
MONDAY, DECEMBER 2, 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 BIG-EYES SQUID HAIR-TAILS LIZARD FISHES CROAKERS CONGER-PIKE-EELS MELON COAT BREAMS
YELLOW BELLY MACKERELS RED GOAT FISH FORK-TAIL HORSE-HEAD MELON SEED POMFRETS GAROUPAS
YELLOW CROAKER
NORMAL GOOD NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL GOOD NORMAL GOOD NORMAL GOOD SCARCE LIMITED NORMAL LIMITED LIMITED SCARCE NORMAL SCARCE
' 5.00
3.00 5.70
2.60
3.10
2.20
3.10
• 2.60
5.50
1.60 4.80
3.00 0.90
5.50
3.20 -10.00 : 8.50
6.20
1.60 1.00
1.60 0.40 0.50 0.90
1.60
3.50
2.20
3.80
1.20 t
1.80 4
1.40 ' 0.40
3.00
0.65
0.60
2.50
1.70
6.00
5.00
5.00
2.80
1.80
0.75 4.20 1.50 0.70 4.80
2.40 8.50 7.00 5.80
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 U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.50 0.50 i.oo < \J 0.25 "V
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.40 0.10
CHINESE LETTUCE WATER SPINACH LIMITED 1.40 0.50 NO SALE i.oo i \
CHINESE KALE NORMAL 1.60 0.60 1.20 . ._/?•’ i
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 i.eo ; , f i
SPRING ONION GOOD 1.00 0.20 0.60 ? J *
SPINACH LIMITED 2.50 0.80 1.50 i . •
WATER CRESS GOOD 1.50 0.20 0.80
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL , 0.50 0.20 ’ 0.30
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 4.00 2.00 3.00
0 -
PRH 7
|gis| I w|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
APPEAL FOR PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF NURSING SERVICE ... SPECIAL RECREATIONAL SCHEME FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS .. WATER INTERRUPTION IN CHAI WAN ......
• • ••••••••••
!!.!". A™ yE. ................
f$m¥co«dItiE“HOLESALE prices and supplies op basic
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974
1
NEW TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME IN CENTRAL DISTRICT IN PREPARATION FOR MTR WORKS
K X H *
A THREE-STAGE SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN CENTRAL DISTRICT IS TO START EARLY NEXT MONTH AS PART OF A CONTINUING PROCESS OF REDUCING CONGESTION, PRIOR TO THE INTRODUCTION OF SUBSEQUENT TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS REQUIRED BY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WORKS THERE.
THE SCHEME FEATURES AN INITIAL PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY THAT BANS VEHICLES FROM STOPPING ALONG A SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AND A LATER PROHIBITION AGAINST PRIVATE CARS - THE LESS ESSENTIAL TYPE OF VEHICLE - FRdM ENTERING THIS CONGESTED ROAD SECTION.
.' I
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE SCHEME, SUPPLEMENTED BY CHANGES IN TRAFFIC.ROUTING AND TURNING MOVEMENT, SHOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE BUSY AREA.
AT THE SAME TIME, IT WILL GIVE USEFUL INDICATION AS TO WHAT EXTENT ALTERNATIVE ROUTES IN CENTRAL ARE ABLE TO CARRY TRAFFIC DISPLACED FROM DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
HE POINTED OUT THAT EVENTUALLY WHEN WORKS ON THE MTR START IN LATE 1975 IN CENTRAL, THERE WOULD HAVE TO BE CHANGES IN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS, PARTICULARLY ALONG DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL WHERE THERE WOULD BE EXTENSIVE CUT AND COVER WORKS.
+THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME COMING INTO OPERATION IN JANUARY ANTICIPATES THIS FUTURE TRAFFIC DEVELOPMENT AND GETS MOTORISTS READY FOR ANY LATER DIVERSIONS,* HE SAID.
UNDER THE FIRST STAGE OF THE SCHEME, SCHEDULED TO START ON JANUARY 5, ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND TRAMS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS AND GOODS ON BOTH CARR I AGEWAYS OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL ALONG THE SECTION BETWEEN JACKSON ROAD AND JUBILEE STREET EVERY DAY DURING THE PEAK HOURS FROM 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND FROM 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTlOf OF ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND DES VOEUX I .CaD CENTRAL WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
THE SECOND STAGE, PLANNED TO START SEVERAL WEEKS LATER, PROHIBITS PRIVATE CARS F.<OM ENTERING THE SAME SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BET N 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M. FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. HOWEVE?, THEY WILL BE ALLOWED TO CROSS THE ROAD AT FIXED INTERSECTIONS.
THE FINAL STAGE, PLANNED TO START IN APRIL, WILL SEE THE URBAN CLEARWAY AND PROHIBITION ON PRIVATE CARS IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL EXTENDED WESTWARDS TO THE JUNCTION WITH MORRISON STREET.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE BAN ON PRIVATE CARS WOULD BE NECESSARY BECAUSE A SURVEY HAD SHOWN THAT THEY CONSTITUTED NEARLY A QUARTER OF ALL VEHICLES ON THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WHICH WAS THE ONE MOST SUBJECT TO CONGESTION.
/+A MAJOR CAUSE ........
TUESDAY, DECEMBER J, 1974
2
+A MAJOR CAUSE OF CONGESTION HERE IS THE INABILITY OF VEHICLES TO GET THROUGH THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY, CAUSED BY INADEQUATE WIDTH OF CARRIAGEWAYS, TRAM ISLANDS AND TOO MANY VEHICLES. THE PRACTICABLE ANSWER WOULD BE TO REDUCE THE VOLUME OF TRAFFIC BY BANNING THE LESS ESSENTIAL CATEGORY OF VEHICLE -THE PRIVATE CAR,+ HE SAID.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE ADDED, PUBLIC TRANSPORT VEHICLES CATERING FOR LARGE NUMBERS OF COMMUTERS MUST CONTINUE TO OPERATE ALONG THIS SECTION OF ROAD, AND GOODS VEHICLES MUST BE ALLOWED TO SERVICE BUSINESS PREMISES AT NON-CLEARWAY TIMES.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT A BAN ON PRIVATE CARS ENTERING A SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS IS UNLIKELY TO CAUSE HARDSHIP SINCE THERE ARE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ON QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
+WHERE CAR PARKING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY ALONG THIS SECTION IS ACCESSIBLE ONLY FROM DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, APPLICANTS MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL PERMITS,* HE ADDED.
NOTE TO EDITORS s COPIES OF A SKETCH MAP SHOWING THE
--------------- THREE STAGES OF THE CENTRAL DISTRICT TRAFFIC
MANAGEMENT SCHEME ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
0 -------
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974.
~ 3 -
APPEAL FOR PUBLIC APPRECIATION OF NURSING SERVICE
YEARS OF HARD WORK, DEDICATION RECALLED AT ROTARY- TALK
* * * * K *
MISS LYDIA CHEUNG, SENIOR NURSING OFFICER, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, TODAY CALLED FOR BETTER UNDERSTANDING AND ENCOURAGEMENT FROM THE PUBLIC TOWARDS THE NURSING SERVICE IN HONG KONG TO ENABLE IT TO ACHIEVE A HIGHER STANDARD OF PATIENT CARE AND IMPROVED RELATIONS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON OF THE KWOLOON EAST ROTARY CLUB, SHE SAID THE PROFESSION AS A WHOLE WANTED A BETTER SERVICE, AND TO THIS END, WELCOMED +CONSTRUCTIVE-COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS.+
SHE RECALLED THAT THE GOVERNMENT NURSING SERVICE STARTED ABOUT 100 YEARS AGO WHEN THE FIRST GOVERNMENT CIVIL HOSPITAL WAS SET UP, AND PATIENTS WERE LOOKED AFTER BY UNTRAINED STAFF IN 1873.
IN 1890, ONE MATRON AND-FIVE NURSING SISTERS WERE RECRUITED FROM ENGLAND. THEIR HARD WORK LAID A SOUND FOUNDATION FOR THE PRESENT NURSING SERVICE. IN THE YEARS THAT FOLLOWED, THE SERVICE WAS STEADILY EXPANDED TO MEET INCREASING NEEDS.
IN 1898, TWO BRITISH NURSES DIED l-ROM BUBONIC PLAGUE AFTER CONTACTING THE DISEASE, AND THERE WAS AN EMOTIONAL REACTION BECAUSE THEY HAD BEEN HELD IN THE GREATEST RESPECT BY THE COMMUNITY FOR THEIR DEVOTION TO DUTY.
THE FIRST HONG KONG GIRL TO RECEIVE NURSING TRAINING UNDERWENT THIS IN 1910. BY 1941, THE FIRST TRAINING SCHOOL HAD ACHIEVED A GOOD REPUTATION, AND WAS TURNING OUT ANNUALLY MANY GOOD NURSES.
MISS CHEUNG PAID A TRIBUTE TO NURSES WHO HAD CARRIED ON DURING THE PACIFIC WAR DESPITE MANY TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS. SHE LOOKED BACK AT HISTORY TO RECALL THAT FIVE NURSES HAD BEEN SERIOUSLY INJURED WHILE WORKING IN THE HEIGHT OF BATTLE. SOME NURSES WENT TO CHINA TO CONTINUE THEIR SERVICE FOLLOWING THE FALL OF HONG KONG.
AS SOON AS THE WAR ENDED, MANY MEDICAL AND NURSING OFFICERS RETURNED, DOING THEIR BEST TO NORMALISE CONDITIONS, AND IN 1946, THE GOVERNMENT NURSING SCHOOL REOPENED, WITH THE SERVICE EXPANDING STEADILY SINCE TO MEET THE GROWING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY. THE NUMBER OF NURSING STAFF AND ALLIED GRADES NOW TOTALLED 5,223.
IN A REFERENCE TO EMERGENCY MISSIONS CARRIED OUT BY POLICE LAUNCHES OR HELICOPTERS WHICH TRANSFER ACUTE PATIENTS FROM REMOTE AREAS TO URBAN HOSPITALS, MISS CHEUNG SAID NURSES AND MIDWIVES INVARIABLY AND INEVITABLY TOOK PART, BUT THE PUBLIC KNEW LITTLE ABOUT THIS, TAKING THE SERVICE FOR GRANTED, AND SELDOM GIVING CREDIT WHERE IT WAS DUE.
/IN ADDITION
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1971*
4
IN ADDITION TO PRESSURE. PHYSICAL HARDSHIP AND THE RISK TO , PERSONAL SAFETY, NURSES ON SUCH MISSIONS HAD TO WEAR A SMILE AND ACQUIT THEMSELVES HONOURABLY AND PROFESSIONALLY IN ALL WEATHERS AND CIRCUMSTANCES.
MISS CHEUNG SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE HEALTH DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT RELIED A GREAT DEAL ON THE WORK OF HEALTH VISITORS WHO WERE QUALIFIED NURSES AND MIDWIVES WITH SPECIAL TRAINING IN PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING.
HEALTH VISITORS, HEALTH AUXILIARIES AND INOCULATORS SHARED RESPONSIBILITY WITH DOCTORS, AND ALL HAD A SPECIFIC AND SIGNIFICANT ROLE TO PLAY IN THE GENERAL IMPROVEMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IN HONG KONG.
+WE ARE PLANNING TO SET UP MORE ADVANCED STUDY COURSES, INCLUDING NURSE TUTOR TRAINING COURSES AND CLINICAL INSTRUCTOR TRAINING COURSES, FOR LOCAL STAFF WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS,+ MISS CHEUNG SAID.
SHE AGREED THAT WHILE THE SERVICE WAS NOW AND THEN CONFRONTED WITH PROBLEMS BECAUSE OF THE SIZE OF THE NURSING STAFF AND THE COMPLEXITIES OF ADMINISTRATION, PEOPLE IN AUTHORITY WERE CONSTANTLY REVIEWING THE SERVICE AND TAKING MEASURES TO BETTER THE CONDITIONS.
SHE HOPED THAT WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC, HONG KONG COULD BECOME A HEALTHIER SOCIETY, WITH THE NURSING SERVICE DOING ITS SHARE IN A CLIMATE OF UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION.
....0....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974
5
SPECIAL RECREATIONAL SCHEME FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS
* M * * * # M
A COMMITTEE COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF WELFARE AGENCIES, FACTORIES AND GOVERNMENT OFFICES IN WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT HAS ESTABLISHED A RECREATIONAL SCHEME SPECIALLY FOR INDUSTRIAL WORKERS,. ONE OF THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG.
THE INDUSTRIAL WORKERS RECREATIONAL SCHEME AS IT IS KNOWN, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN THREE STAGES THROUGH RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, SELECTION OF MODEL WORKERS AND AN OVERSEAS WORKERS EXCHANGE t PROGRAMME.
THE SCHEME WAS INITIATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR WONG TAI SIN, MRS. HENRIETTA CHEN. MRS. CHEN EXPLAINS: +THE IDEA OF ORGANISING RECREATIONAL PROGRAMMES FOR FACTORY WORKERS WAS BASED ON THE FINDINGS OF A STUDY CONDUCTED BY SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ON THEIR. INTERESTS AND NEEDS. THE REPORT BROUGHT OUT THE FACT THAT INDUSTRIAL. WORKERS IN THE AREA DESPERATELY NEEDED HEALTHY RECREATIONAL FACILITIES . AND PROGRAMMES.+
FOLLOWING UP ON THE REPORT, A MEETING WAS HELD AMONG VARIOUS SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FACTORIES IN WONG TAI SIN, RESULTING IN AN EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE BEING SET UP TO WORK ON A PLAN AND DEFINED TARGET AREAS.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE COMMITTEE IS MR. LEUNG CHI-HANG, DIRECTOR AND MANAGER OF STAR INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED,AND ITS CHAIRMAN THE REV. BALDWIN P.W. YEUNG. VICE CHAIRMEN ARE MRS. MABEL 0, WARDEN OF WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE- MR. NG NGOK-SHING OF THE CALVARY CHURCH SOCIAL SERVICE CENTRE AND MR. WONG KWOK CHUNG OF ARVIN H.K. COMPANY LIMITED.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE REPRESENT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, THE TSZ WAN SHAN ZION YOUTH CENTRE, THE Y.M.C.A. WONG TAI SIN CENTRE, THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE, THE SOCIAL SERVICE SOCIETY, SAN MIGUEL BREWERY AND ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY LIMITED.
TOGETHER WITH MRS. CHEN, FOUR OTHER GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES EXPERIENCED IN COMMUNITY AND RECREATION WORK IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE ADVISING ON PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES AND SO ON. THEY ARE MR. I.R. STRACHAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER- MR. A. JOHNSON, URBAN SERVICES OFFICER- MR. DAVID MAK, DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT- AND MR. BENNY NG, POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER.
WHILE THESE PEOPLE WILL PROVIDE THE +BRAINS+ TO RUN THE SCHEME, FINANCING WILL COME FROM SAN MIGUEL BREWERY LIMITED, STAR INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED, ELECTRONIC INDUSTRY LIMITED AND SMART SHIRTS MANUFACTURERES LIMITED.
/ON THE ESTABLISHMENT .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER J, 1974.
ON THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE SCHEME MRS. CHEN COMMENTEDi +IT IS INDEED ENCOURAGING TO.SEE THE SCHEME RECEIVE SUCH ENTHUSIASTIC SUPPORT FROM THE LOCAL FACTORIES. THOUGH INITIATED BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, IT IS ACTUALLY A MANIFESTATION OF THE CO-OPERATIVE SPIRIT OF THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, THE INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WHO ARE ALL WORKING TO HELP IMPROVE CONDITIONS FOR THE WORKERS.
ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 8) THE SCHEME WILL BE LAUNCHED OFFICIALLY WITH A COMBINED OPENING CEREMONY AND SPORTS MEET FOR INDUSTRIAL .WORKERS. THIS WILL BEGIN AT 9 A.M. AT THE PERTH STREET SPORTS GROUND IN HO MAN TIN, KOWLOON.
OPENING REMARKS WILL BE MADE BY MR. HENRY AU, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, FOLLOWED BY A JOINT RIBBON CUTTING BY MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND SPECIAL GUESTS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THIS FUNCTION ON SUNDAY.
I
'WATER CUT
K K # M
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WAN CHAI WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR ABOUT 10 HOURS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) EVENING TO ENABLE A WATER MAINS CONNECTION TO BE MADE IN THE AREA.
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE WILL START FROM 10 P.M. AND NORMAL SUPPLY SHOULD BE RESTORED BY 8 A.M. THE NEXT DAY.
AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES BOUNDED BY NOS. ROAD AND NOS. 300-368 HENNESSY ROAD.
210-238 WAN CHAI
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974
WHERE THE PAST IS KEPT ALIVE * * * K M
MANY PEOPLE MAY REGARD THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE, WHICH PROVIDES A CENTRALISED SERVICE IN THE SELECTION AND PRESERVATION OF GOVERNMENT ARCHIVES OR PERMANENTLY VALUABLE PUBLIC RECORDS, AS MERELY A PAPER MUSEUM OR CEMETERY.
BUT TO MR. IAN DIAMOND, THE ARCHIVIST IN CHARGE, IT IS AN ACTIVE PART OF THE GOVERNMENT MACHINERY - IN FACT, THE ’GOVERNMENT’S MEMORY’.
ALL RELEVANT DOCUMENTS AND FILES FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE FORWARDED TO THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE FOR SORTING AND ASSESSMENT. DOCUMENTS ARE SELECTED FOR PRESERVATION ON THE BASIS OF THEIR VALUE IN RELATION TO THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL BASIS OF THE GOVERNMENT- THE ORIGIN, DEVELOPMENT, POLICIES AND ACTIVITIES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS- PROPERTY RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF PRIVATE CITIZENS OR ORGANISATIONS- AND INSIGHT INTO THE POLITICAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMICAL AFFAIRS OF A COUNTRY.
THE ARCHIVES ARE KEPT FOR OFFICIAL REFERENCE AND, UNDER APPROVED CONDITIONS, FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION AND PRIVATE RESEARCH.
TEACHING STAFF AND STUDENTS OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES OFTEN MAKE-USE OF THE AVAILABLE RECORDS, AND RECORDS FROM GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ARE FREQUENTLY RECALLED FOR REFERENCE.
+SO YOU SEE THE OFFICE IS FAR FROM ’DEAD’+ SAID MR. DIAMOND.
THE PUBLIC RECORDS OFFICE RECENTLY MOVED INTO NEW AND BETTER-EQUIPPED PREMISES ON THE GROUND AND MEZZANINE FLOORS OF THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING.
1
+WE NOW HAVE MORE SPACE FOR STORING PUBLIC RECORDS AND THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN AUXILIARY SERVICES WHICH WERE LACKING IN THE OLD PREMISES ON GARDEN ROAD,+ MR. DIAMOND SAID.
AMONG THE ITEMS STORED IN THE OFFICE IS THE COLONY SEAL WHICH WAS USED IN THE PRE-WAR PERIOD. THERE IS ALSO A COLLECTION OF RECORDS OF THE JAPANESE ADMINISTRATION DURING THE OCCUPATION, INCLUDING PAPERS ON LAND MATTERS, PROPERTY RATING, AND OFFICIAL RECORDS OF THE STANLEY PRISON CAMP AND HOSPITAL.
EARLY RECORDS ON LANDS AND DEEDS OF THE REGISTRAR GENERAL’S DEPARTMENT FROM THE 186O’S UP TO THE LAST YEAR AND RECORDS OF THE AUDIT DEPARTMENT DATING FROM 1844 TO 1860 ARE ALSO KEPT IN THE OFFICE.
MR. DIAMOND-SAID A MAP COLLECTION HAS ALSO BEEN STARTED IN THE NEW OFFICE, INCLUDING A MAP OF HONG KONG PREPARED IN THE LATE 19TH CENTURY DEPICTING THE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES OF HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
/THE OLDEST .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER J, 1974
8 -
THE OLDEST DOCUMENTS KEPT IN THE OFFICE ARE A SET OF CROWN AND VILLAGE RENT ROLLS COVERING THE PERIOD 1843-1956, AND A BATCH OF CORRESPONDENCE BETWEEN THE SECRETARIAT, SUPREME COURT AND VARIOUS MAGISTRATES DATED 1844.
AN ITEM OF INTEREST KEPT IN THE OFFICE BUT WHICH IS NOT A PART OF THE PUBLIC RECORDS, IS A FIL'E OF EARLY NEWSPAPERS, INCLUDING AN 1876 COPY OF THE CHINA MAIL WHICH IS AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC IN THE REFERENCE LIBRARY.
IN GENERAL, PUBLIC RECORDS THAT ARE OVER 30 YEARS OLD ARE OPEN FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION. BUT MR. DIAMOND SAID THERE IS NO HARD AND FAST RULE REGARDING THIS MATTER, AND THERE ARE RECORDS OVER 30 YEARS OLD WHICH ARE CLASSIFIED AND NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.
THESE HISTORICAL RECORDS ARE KEPT IN A SEPARATE STORAGE ROOM LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CAR PARK BUILDING FAR AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE. HOWEVER, ROOM ITSELF IS EQUIPPED WITH SPECIAL DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE THE SAFEKEEP OF THE ARCHIVES.
THE TEMPERATURE IN THE STORAGE AREA IS MAINTAINED CONSTANTLY AT 65 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT AND THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY AT 60 PER CENT.
+IF THE HUMIDITY IS TOO LOW, THE DOCUMENT PAPERS WILL BECOME BRITTLE, AND IF IT IS TOO HIGH, THE PAPERS WILL TURN SOFT AND MOULDY,+ MR. DIAMOND EXPLAINED.
A CONSTANT FLOW OF FRESH AIR IS KEPT CIRCULATING INTO THE ROOM. BUT IT IS PROCESSED THROUGH A FILTER TO ELIMINATE DUST PARTICLES AND INSECTS.
THERE IS ALSO A SAFE VAULT WHERE CONFIDENTIAL RECORDS ARE KEPT. ,
AN EFFECTIVE FIRE CONTROL SYSTEM IS INSTALLED IN THE ROOM. IF THE STORE AREA BECOMES SMOKELOGGED SPECIAL DETECTORS WILL SET OFF CYLINDERS OF CARBON DIOXIDE IN THE ROOM, SUFFOCATING ANY FIRE WHICH MAY HAVE STARTED.
+BEFORE THE CARBON DIOXIDE IS EMITTED, AN ALARM WILL GO OFF TO GIVE THE STAFF WORKING IN THE ROOM TIME TO EVACUATE,* MR. DIAMOND SAID.
PUBLIC RECORDS ARE KEPT IN STANDARD CARTONS LODGED IN MOBILE STORAGE BAYS MOUNTED ON RAILS FOR SPACE ECONOMY AND EASY REFERENCE. STOCK IS CALCULATED BY THE FOOTAGE OF SHELVING OCCUPIED BY THESE CARTONS.
THE MURRAY ROAD OFFICES PROVIDE A TOTAL OF 15,000 FEET OF STORAGE SPACE, THREE TIMES THAT IN THE OLD PREMISES.
+WE HAVE VERY COMPREHENSIVE FINDING AIDS,* MR. DIAMOND SAID, +AND CAN LOCATE ANY DOCUMENT WITHIN 10 MINUTES.*
/ONE ADDITION ......
TUESDAY, DlJCEKSa J, 1974
- 9 -
ONE ADDITION IN THE NEW OFFICE IS THE FUMIGATION ROOM WHERE DOCUMENTS ARE TREATED BEFORE STORAGE. THIS CLOSELY SEALED ROOM IS EQUIPPED WITH A PIPE THAT LETS IN METHYL BROMIDE, A HIGHLY PENETRATING GAS THAT WILL KILL ANY INSECT, EVEN THOSE HIDING IN HEAVY BOUND VOLUMES.
DOCUMENTS ARE TREATED IN THE +GAS CHAMBER* FOR 24 HOURS BEFORE THEY ARE STORED AWAY.
'ANOTHER NEW FEATURE IS THE REPAIR SECTION WITH TRAINED STAFF AND SPECIAL EQUIPMENT TO ENSURE THAT DAMAGED DOCUMENTS ARE PROFESSIONALLY REPAIRED BY SPECIALLY TRAINED STAFF.
OTHER SECTIONS IN THE NEW OFFICE COMPRISE A READING ROOM WITH 12 CUBICLES, A REFERENCE LIBRARY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, A FILM PROCESSING UNIT, A MICROFILM UNIT, GENERAL OFFICES AND RECORD SORTING ROOMS.
THE REFERENCE LIBRARY RETAINS A WIDE RANGE OF HONG KONG OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS AND OF U.K. GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO HONG KONG, AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO MAKE USE OF THIS MATERIAL.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER J, 1974.
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 X • 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 1.75
10-15$ BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.67
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.91
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD I ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - NORMAL
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 1974.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MA.RKET)
AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY . HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 3.00 1.60 2.30
BIG-EYES GOOD 2.50 1.00 1.80
SQUID NORMAL 5.80 1.50 3.60
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.20 0.80 1.50
LIZARD FISHES . GOOD 3.20 0.70 2.10
CROAKERS GOOD 1.80 0.40 1.20
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.80 2.00 2.40
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.40 1.50 2.00
BREAMS SCARCE 5.50 4.00 4.80
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.10 0.60 0.90
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.00 3.00 4.00
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.80 1.00 2.40
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.30 0.60 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 4.00 2.50 3.30
MELON SEED SCARCE 2.80 1.20 2.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 9.00 5.00 7.00
GAROUPAS NORMAL 7.20 6.00 6.80
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 6.80 5.00 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 WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
WHITE CABBAGE LIMITED 0.70 0.20 0.50
CHINESE LETTUCE WATER SPINACH LIMITED 1.40 0.50 NO SALE 1.00
CHINESE KALE STRING BEANS LIMITED 1,60 0.50 NO SALE 1.00
SPRING ONION SCARCE 2.00 0.60 1.40
SPINACH LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.80
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE CHINESE SPINACH LIMITED 0.50 0.15 NO SALE 0.30
TOMATO SCARCE 3.50 1.80 2.50
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CHANGES IN LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION PROPOSED 1
GOVERNOR OPENS LIONS CONVENTION IN CITY HALL ........... 2
INDOOR GAMES HALL TO BE BUILT AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ........ 3
NEW RULES PROPOSED TO IMPROVE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS ON ZEBRA CROSSINGS ..................................... 4
WATER SERVICE PROCEDURES REVISED........................ 5
EXTENSION OF AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING TO BEGIN NEXT
MONTH .............................................. 7
NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE AND THROUGH ROAD FOR TAI PO ....... 8
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN MONGKOK AND ABERDEEN ............. 9
PLAY AREAS FOR MEI TUNG ESTATE ...................... 10
WAGE SETTLEMENT FOR 200 FORMER WORKERS OF GARMENT FACTORY .............................................. H
MINOR CHANGES PROPOSED IN RATING LEGISLATION .'........ 12
PUBLIC WARNED TO GUARD AGAINST TAX IMPERSONATORS .... 13
♦ f I
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974
NOTIFICATIONS OF SUB-LETTINGS
******
LANDLORDS OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES WILL BE IN A MUCH BETTER POSITION TO IDENTIFY THEIR SUB-TENANTS, UNDER NEW DRAFT LEGISLATION PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL MAKES A NUMBER OF AMENDMENTS TO PART I I OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE AND SEEKS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO EMPOWER LANDLORDS TO OBTAIN FULL DETAILS OF ALL SUB-LETTINGS FROM THEIR TENANTS REGARDLESS OF THE DATES OF SUB-LETTINGS.
AT PRESENT, TENANTS ARE REQUIRED TO INFORM THEIR LANDLORDS OF ANY SUB-LETTING MADE AFTER DECEMBER 14, 1973. HOWEVER, TENANTS WILL, IN FUTURE, BE RELIEVED OF THE EXISTING OBLIGATION TO NOTIFY THEIR LANDLORDS OF ANY SUB-LETTING, THOUGH THEY MUST DO SO ON REQUEST FROM THEIR LANDLORDS AS PROVIDED IN’THE AMENDING LEGISLATION.
ALSO EMBODIED IN THE BILL IS A PROVISION REQUIRING THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION TO DEAL WITH A LANDLORD’S APPLICATION FOR CERTIFICATES OF INCREASE IN RENT 21 DAYS AFTER THE APPLICATION IS RECEIVED.
AT PRESENT, THE COMMISSIONER IS REQUIRED TO DEAL WITH SUCH AN APPLICATION EITHER UPON RECEIVING THE TENANTS’S REPRESENTATIONS OR AFTER ONE MONTH FROM THE RECEIPT OF THE APPLICATION.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE AMENDING BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE RENT TRIBUNAL AND THE DISTRICT COURT, ON A REVIEW OR APPEAL, TO FIX THE DATE FROM WHICH ANY RENT INCREASE IS TO TAKE EFFECT.
THIS IS DESIGNED TO REMOVE ANY POSSIBLE DOUBT WHICH MAY HAVE ARISEN UNDER THE EXISTING PROVISION.
COMMENTING ON THE THE BILL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT EXPERIENCE IN ADMINISTERING PART II OF THE ORDINANCE SINCE ITS RE-ENACTMENT ABOUT A YEAR AGO SHOWED THAT SOME MINOR CHANGES WERE DESIRABLE.
THE RE-ENACTMENT WAS CARRIED OUT TO PROVIDE SECURITY OF TENURE AND CONTROL OF RENT INCREASES IN RESPECT OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC BUILDINGS, HE ADDED.
/2......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
- 2 -
GOVERNOR OPENS LIONS CONVENTION
MM K X M X « «
HONG KONG, LIKE OTHER SOUTH-EAST ASIAN TERRITORIES, MUST RELY ON ITS OWN STRENGTH, ENERGY AND COHESION AS A COMMUNITY TO MEET THE DIFFICULTIES RESULTING FROM THE OIL CRISIS AND THE WORLD ECONOMIC SITUATION, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
♦THESE ARE OUR GREATEST ASSETS AND OUR GREATEST SAFEGUARDS IN THE PERIOD THAT LIES AHEAD,+ HE TOLD DELEGATES AT THE OPENING OF THE 13TH ORIENT AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA LIONS CONVENTION IN THE CITY HALL.
THE GOVERNOR DESCRIBED MUTUAL SERVICE AS +THE STRONGEST CEMENT THAT A COMMUNITY CAN HAVE.+ AND NOTED THAT THE LIONS* MOTTO OF *WE SERVE’ WAS PRECISELY THE APPROACH NEEDED IN THE CURRENT SITUATION SINCE +BY CONTINUING TO SERVE EACH OTHER WE WILL BEST SERVE THE COMMUNITY.+
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH t
♦FIRST OF ALL LET ME WELCOME THE LIONS INTERNATIONAL TO HONG KONG. THROUGHOUT THE WORLD YOUR NAME STANDS HIGH AND I ASSURE YOU NOWHERE HIGHER THAN IN HONG KONG. YOU ARE IMMENSELY WELCOME.
♦YOUR CONVENTION IS CONCERNED WITH THE SUBJECT OF SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. IF I MIGHT SAY SO IT IS MOST TIMELY TO FOCUS ON THIS SUBJECT JUST NOW WHEN DIFFICULTY AND DISAPPOINTMENT FACE SO MANY OF THE COUNTRIES AND COMMUNITIES IN THIS REGION.
♦THREE YEARS AGO WISE STATESMANSHIP HAD GREATLY REDUCED THE DIVISIONS WHICH FOR SO LONG BEDEVILLED INTERNATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS IN THE EASTERN PACIFIC. THE WHOLE AREA WAS ABLE TO BREATHE MORE FREELY AND FACE THE FUTURE WITH MORE CONFIDENCE. THOUGH THERE FOLLOWED DIFFICULTIES WHICH SEEMED LARGE ENOUGH AT THE TIME, DIFFICULTIES STEMMING FROM ADJUSTMENT OF EXCHANGE RATES, INFLATION AND COMMODITY SHORTAGES, THEY WERE DIFFICULTIES WHICH THIS REGION AT LEAST SUCCEEDED IN TAKING MORE OR LESS IN ITS STRIDE
♦BUT WITH THE OIL CRISIS AND ALL THAT FOLLOWED THERE HAVE EMERGED INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL PROBLEMS OF A SCALE AND TYPE THAT ARE UNPRECEDENTED. IT HAS BECOME CLEAR THAT BEFORE THEY CAN BE SOLVED, AND WORLD TRADE RESUME ITS EXPANSION, A PERIOD OF ADJUSTMENT IS INEVITABLE.
♦IN THIS PERIOD I BELIEVE THAT THE COUNTRIES AND COMMUNITIES OF THIS REGION WILL FARE BETTER THAN OTHERS. BUT THERE IS, AND IS BOUND TO BE, DISAPPOINTMENT AND SOME DISTRESS.
♦ IT IS ALL THE MORE FRUSTRATING ,FOR US THAT THE PROBLEMS STEM FROM ISSUES COMPLETELY OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL, RESULTING FROM POLICIES AND SITUATIONS MANY THOUSANDS OF MILES AWAY, TOTALLY UNRELATED TO OUR REGION.
/+BOT FOR
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974
- 3 -
♦BUT FOR MANY OF US THIS HAS BROUGHT HOME THE LESSON THAT IT IS ON OUR OWN STRENGTH AND ENERGY AND COHESION AS A COMMUNITY THAT WE MUST RELY, THAT THESE ARE OUR GREATEST ASSETS AND OUR GREATEST SAFEGUARDS IN THE PERIOD THAT LILj AHEAD.
♦HERE IN HONG KONG, AS INDIVIDUALS AND A GOVERNMENT, WE ARE PROUD OF OUR TRADITION OF SERVING OUR COMMUNITY. THOUGH WE HAVE ACHIEVED MUCH IN THE FACE OF GREAT DIFFICULTIES WE ARE ACUTELY CONSCIOUS OF HOW MUCH REMAINS TO BE DONE. WHAT WE DO WILL BE DUE TO OUR UNITED EFFORTS, TO OUR UNITY AS A COMMUNITY.
♦ IN MY HUMBLE OPINION THE STRONGEST CEMENT THAT A COMMUNITY CAN HAVE IS MUTAL SERVICE. THE LIONS’ MOTTO IS +WE SERVE+. IT IS A GOOD MOTTO, A PROUD MOTTO - +ICH DIEN+. +l SERVE*. THE MOTTO OF THE PRINCES OF WALES. IT IS PRECISELY THIS MOTTO, THIS APPROACH, WHICH IS SO MUCH NEEDED IN THIS SITUATION. BY CONTINUING TO SERVE EACH OTHER WE WILL BEST SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
♦ I HOPE THAT YOUR STAY HERE WILL BE A PLEASANT ONE, AND THAT YOU WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE THINGS WHICH HONG KONG HAS TO OFFER. I HOPE TOO THAT YOUR DELIBERATIONS WILL PROSPER, AND THAT YOU WILL RETURN FROM THEM REFRESHED TO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITIES.
♦ I NOW HAVE MUCH PLEASURE IN DECLARING OPEN THE 13TH LIONS CONVENTION OF THE ORIENT AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA.+
------0-------
INDOOR GAMES HALL AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ' ■ I
YOUNG PEOPLE IN KOWLOON WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY MORE INDOOR SPORTS WHEN A NEW INDOOR GAMES HALL IS COMPLETED AT THE CHEUNG SHA WAN PLAYGROUND NEXT YEAR.
IT WILL BE BUILT ON A 18,OQO-SQUARE-FOOT SITE SITUATED AT THE SOUTH WEST CORNER OF CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD BETWEEN HING WAH STREET AND CHEUNG WAH STREET.
THE INDOOR GAMES HALL, SIMILAR TO THE ONE AT KAI TAK EAST PLAYGROUND, WILL CONSIST OF A GAMES HALL WITH STAGE AND SEATING AREAS, CHANGING ROOMS, OFFICES AND A COMMITTEE ROOM, STORE AND TOILET FACILITIES.
IT WILL ALSO HAVE A MULTI-PURPOSE HALL FOR GAMES, GYMNASTICS AND OTHER SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN JANUARY 1975 AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY SEPTEMBER THE SAME YEAR.
_______0 -
A
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
- 4 -
NEW RULES PROPOSED TO INCREASE ROAD SAFETY ' ft ft ft ft ft ft
AMENDING LEGISLATION AIMED AT IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS ON ZEBRA CROSSINGS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
KNOWN AS THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL, IT SEEKS TO INTRODUCE A TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTION FOR THE STOPPING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITHIN A ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREA.
AMENDMENTS WERE MADE LAST MONTH TO THE ROAD TRAFFIC (ROAD . CROSSING) REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREAS INDICATED BY A TRANVERSE BROKEN "GIVE WAY" LINE AND ZIG-ZAG MARKINGS ON ONE OR BOTH SIDES OF A ZEBRA CROSSING, CONTROLLING OVERTAKING OF ALL VEHICLES AND BANNING VEHICLES FROM STOPPING, WITH CERTAIN EXCEPTIONS, WITHIN SUCH AREAS. . ,
THE NEW BILL PROVIDES FOR CONSEQUENTIAL AMENDMENTS TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND SEEKS TO MAKE SUCH STOPPING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITHIN A ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREA A TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTION.
THIS BILL, IF ENACTED, AND THE REGULATIONS ALREADY AMENDED, WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON A DATE TO BE APPOINTED. HOWEVER, THE EXISTING LAW WILL STILL APPLY TO PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS WITHOUT A ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREA UNTIL THEY HAVE ONE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREAS WERE FIRST TRIED OUT IN LONDON AND HAD PROVED SUCCESSFUL IN REDUCING CASUALTIES AT ZEBRA CROSSINGS BY 12.5 PER CENT. LATER, THEY WERE WIDELY INTRODUCED IN BRITAIN.
♦THE NEED TO IMPROVE SAFETY AT PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS IN HONG KONG, WHERE THE VOLUME OF PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS IS VERY HIGH, IS GREATER THAN IN BRITAIN, AND IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO FOLLOW BRITAIN’S SUCCESSFUL EXAMPLE AND TO INTRODUCE ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREAS HERE,* HE SAID.
UNDER THE AMENDING BILL, THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS TO THE STOPPING OF MOTOR VEHICLES WITHIN ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREAS. MOTOR VEHICLES MAY STOP IF THE DRIVER HAS STOPPED FOR THE PURPOSE OF GIVING WAY TO PEDESTRIANS CROSSING ON A ZEBRA CROSSING- IF THE DRIVER IS PREVENTED FROM PROCEEDING BY CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND HIS CONTROL OR IF IT IS NECESSARY FOR HIM TO STOP IN ORDER TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT- OR IF THE MOTOR VEHICLE IS STOPPED FOR THE PURPOSE OF MAKING A LEFT OR RIGHT TURN.
ALSO EXCEPTED ARE EMERGENCY VEHICLES AND MOTOR VEHICLES ENGAGED IN ROAD WORKS, CLEANSING WORKS OR PUBLIC UTILITY. MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORKS. FRANCHISED BUSES MAY ALSO STOP IF THEY ARE WAITING TO ENTER A BUS STOP SITUATED OUTSIDE THE
ZEBRA CONTROLLED AREA.
- - t - 0 ---------
1
5 FRIDAY DECEMBER 6, 1974
WATER SERVICE PROCEDURES REVISED
THE PROCESS OF REVISING, UPDATING AND STREAMLINING WATER SERVICE PROCEDURES WAS TAKEN A STAGE FURTHER TODAY WITH THE PUBLICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE OF NEW WATERWORKS REGULATIONS.
THESE REGULATIONS, ENTITLED THE WATERWORKS REGULATIONS 1974, DERIVE FROM THE NEW WATERWORKS ORDINANCE WHICH WAS APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON JULY 17. IN THE SAME WAY THAT THE NEW ORDINANCE REPLACED AND IMPROVED THE PROVISIONS OF THE PREVIOUS ORDINANCE, WHICH DAtED BACK TO 1938, THE NEW REGULATIONS UPDATE AND MODIFY THE OLD 1938 WATERWORKS REGULATIONS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATERWORKS OFFICE SAID THERE WERE A NUMBER OF GAPS IN THE OLD REGULATIONS AND THE OPPORTUNITY HAD i
BEEN TAKEN TO FILL THESE GAPS AS WELL AS TO UPDATE AND REWORD THE PROVISIONS.
THE REGULATIONS HAVE BEEN RE-ARRANGED IN SEPARATE PARTS SO THAT REFERENCE TO SPECIFIC MATTERS IS SIMPLIFIED.
THEY DEAL WITH SUCH MATTERS AS PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING OR TERMINATING A SUPPLY- RESPONSIBILITY FOR MAINTENANCE AND CLEANLINESS OF PLUMBING SERVICES- THE PREVENTION OF WASTE, THE CONCESSIONAL USE OF MAINS WATER, AND APPLICATIONS WHERE IT IS PROHIBITED- STANDARDS OF PIPES AND FITTINGS TO BE ADOPTED- METERING AND MEASUREMENT OF CONSUMPTION- LICENSING OF PLUMBERS- AND THE ISSUE OF FISHING LICENCES.
APPENDED TO THE REGULATIONS ARE SCHEDULES OF FEES AND CHARGES PAYABLE UNDER THE REGULATIONS AND SCHEDULES RELATING TO THE TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR PIPES, FITTINGS AND APPLIANCES.
THE FIRST SCHEDULE OF THE REGULATIONS DETAILS THE FEES AND CHARGES TO BE IMPOSED FOR THE PROVISION OF A SUPPLY OF WATER AND ALSO THE CHARGES FOR WATER CONSUMED.
APART FROM REVISIONS IN THE CHARGES FOR WATER, FEES HAVE REMAINED UNCHANGED SINCE 1938 AND — WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE CHARGES FOR MAKING A CONNECTION TO THE MAINS — THESE HAVE NOW BEEN REVISED TO ACCORD WITH PRESENT-DAY PRICES. THE CHARGE FOR WATER, HOWEVER, IS UNAFFECTED BY THESE REVISIONS AND REMAINS AT THE PRESENT RATE.
/THE SPOKESMAN
)
6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 19'A.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE COST OF MAKING A i
CONNECTION TO THE MAIN, WHICH IS THE MAJOR COMPONENT OF THE WATERWORKS CHARGES FOR METERED CONNECTIONS, REMAINS UNCHANGED, ALTHOUGH THE INSTALLATION OF ONE METER - WHICH WAS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED IN THE CONNECTION FEE FOR THIS WORK - HAS NOW BEEN EXCLUDED. HOWEVER, THIS IS OFFSET BY THE EXCLUSION OF CHARGES FOR REINSTATEMENT OF THE ROAD AND PAVEMENT SURFACES WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY THE SUBJECT OF A SEPARATE CONSUMER ACCOUNT.
A FIXED STATUTORY CHARGE HAS BEEN INTRODUCED FOR THE PROVISION AND INSTALLATION OF A METER, FOR WHICH THE CONSUMER UNDER THE OLD ORDINANCE WAS BILLED ON THE BASIS OF THE ACTUAL COST TO THE GOVERNMENT.
THE OLD REGULATIONS DID NOT CONTAIN ANY PROVISION FOR THE SUPPLY OF SALT WATER FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES. THIS HAS NOW BEEN RECTIFIED SO THAT THE WATER AUTHORITY MAY REQUIRE THE USE OF SALT WATER FOR THIS PURPOSE AND FORMALLY PRESCRIBE THE MATERIALS TO BE USED AND THE CHARGE FOR SUCH SUPPLIES.
UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS. THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELIGIBILITY TO APPLY FOR A PLUMBER’S LICENCE HAVE BEEN EXTENDED TO INCLUDE HOLDERS OF A CERTIFICATE IN PLUMBING OR ALLIED TRADES FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC OR THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THERE ARE TWO GRADES OF LICENCES, THE FIRST OF WHICH ENTITLED THE HOLDER TO UNDERTAKE ALL TYPES OF PLUMBING WORK ON NEW OR EXISTING SERVICES. THE SECOND IS RESTRICTED TO THE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF EXISTING SERVICES AND ALL WORK CONNECTED WITH THE INSTALLATION, MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR OF WATER APPLIANCES.
THE GRADING WAS INTRODUCED BECAUSE MANY PLUMBERS AND CERTAIN FIRMS ENGAGED IN THE SALE AND INSTALLATION OF WATER APPLIANCES DO NOT ENGAGE IN, AND DO NOT HAVE THE FACILITIES FOR CARRYING OUT, , LARGE-SCALE PLUMBING WORKS. THE GRADING OF ALL NEW APPLICANTS FOR PLUMBERS’ LICENCES WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE APPLICANTS’ FACILITIES AND RESOURCES.
EXISTING LICENCE-HOLDERS WILL BE ADVISED OF THEIR GRADING FOLLOWING A SURVEY TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS. THE FEE FOR THE ISSUE OF A PLUMBER’S LICENCE HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM $10 TO $40 A YEAR- AND, FOR THE RENEWAL OF A PLUMBER’S LICENCE, FROM $5 TO $20 A YEAR.
FISHING LICENCE FEES WILL ALSO BE INCREASED FROM $10 TO $20 A YEAR TO REFLECT THE INCREASE IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS INVOLVED IN ISSUING THESE LICENCES.
- 0 - -
/7
rrtiUAi, ucuti-iDtn o, X7r*f« - 7 -
EXTENSION OF AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING # ii « M # «
AN EXTENSION OF THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING IS TO BE BUILT SHORTLY TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR PASSENGER ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE FACILITIES.
THE EXTENSION, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE STAGE FOUR DEVELOPMENT OF THE KAI TAK TERMINAL BUILDING, CONSISTS OF THREE FLOORS, EACH MEASURING 84,000 SQUARE FEET.
THE GROUND AND FIRST FLOORS WILL BE FOR PASSENGER FACILITIES WHILE THE BASEMENT WILL BE USED AS THE CENTRE OF A BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM.
A FOUR-STOREY OFFICE BLOCK WITH A TOTAL FLOOR AREA OF 52,000 SQUARE FEET WILL ALSO BE BUILT ON TOP OF THE EXTENSION TO THE EAST OF THE EXISTING PASSENGER TERMINAL BUILDING. IT WILL PROVIDE MUCH-NEEDED SPACE FOR AIRLINE COMPANIES AND THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT.
ON COMPLETION, THE AREA OF THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALLS WILL EACH BE INCREASED FROM THE EXISTING 140,000 SQUARE FEET TO 220,000 SQUARE FEET, AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 50 PER CENT.
A NEW SYSTEM FOR HANDLING DEPARTING PASSENGERS BAGGAGE WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE EXTENSION. THE SYSTEM WILL HAVE A HIGH CAPACITY AND WILL REDUCE THE LENGTH OF TIME NEEDED FOR PASSENGER CHECKING. AT THE SAME TIME, THE ARRIVAL BAGGAGE SYSTEM WILL BE DOUBLED IN SIZE AND CAPACITY THEREBY REMOVING THE GREATEST CAUSE OF DELAY FOR ARRIVING PASSENGERS.
TENDERS FOR CONSTRUCTION OF THE STRUCTURAL SHELL OF THE EXTENSION AND THE OFFICE BLOCK WERE INVITED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
COMMENTING ON THE EXTENSION, A CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAIDi +AT THE PRESENT TIME THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING IS HANDLING OVER 1,000 PASSENGERS PER HOUR IN EXCESS OF DESIGNED CAPACITY AT PEAK PERIODS.
♦THE NEW DEVELOPMENT IS DESIGNED TO ALLEVIATE THIS CONGESTION AND ALSO TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL CAPACITY TO CATER FOR ANTICIPATED INCREASES IN PASSENGER NUMBERS AT LEAST UNTIL 1980.
WORK ON THE PROJECT, COSTING ABOUT $33 MILLION, IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH.
THE WORK, INCLUDING DEMOLITION OF TWO APRON WORKSHOPS, PILING WORK AND THE INSTALLATION OF AN AIR CONDITIONING PLANT AND GENERATORS, WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF A MODEL SHOWING THE NEW EXTENSION AND THE EXISTING AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING WILL BE BOXED SEPARATELY FOR COLLECTION THIS EVENING.
-----0 ------- /8..................
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974
NEW RAILWAY BRIDGE AND THROUGHROAD FOR TAI PO -
M X * * * X
WORK WILL BEGIN EARLY NEXT YEAR ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A RAILWAY BRIDGE AND A TWO-LANE UNDERPASS AT 17-1/2 MILESTONE, TAI PO ROAD NEAR TAI PO TAU VILLAGE.
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED .FOR THE PROJECT WHICH AIMS PRIMARILY AT IMPROVING THE FLOW OF VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AT THE EXISTING RAILWAY UNDERPASS.
A FOUR-SPAN PRESTRESSED CONCRETE RAILWAY BRIDGE MEASURING SOME 55 METRES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED. WHEN THE BRIDGE IS BEING BUILT, THE ALIGNMENT OF THE RAILWAY TRACK WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED.
AT THE SAME TIME, ABOUT 400 METRES OF TAI PO ROAD NEAR THE UNDERPASS WILL BE REALIGNED TO FORM A NEW THROUGH ROAD. INCLUDED IN THE ROADWORKS WILL BE IMPROVEMENT OF TWO SHARP BENDS AND WIDENING OF EXISTING CARRIAGEWAY TO A WIDTH OF 7.3 METRES. ’
ON COMPLETION OF THE BRIDGE, A NEW TWO-LANE RAILWAY UNDERPASS ABOUT 90 METRES SOUTH-EAST OF THE EXISTING UNDERPASS WILL BE OPEN TO TRAFFIC.
THE PRESENT UNDERPASS IS NARROW AND HAS A DANGEROUS »S» BEND. TRAFFIC, WHICH IS REGULATED BY TRAFFIC SIGNALS, FLOWS IN ONE DIRECTION AT A TIME. THOUGH THIS ARRANGEMENT HELPS TO REDUCE THE CHANCE OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS, IT SLOWS DOWN TRAFFIC FLOW AND CREATES HEAVY CONGESTION ESPECIALLY ON SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS.
IN THIS RESPECT, THE NEW ROAD, WHICH WILL PROVIDE A SAFE AND CONGESTION-FREE THROUGHWAY, IS EXPECTED TO ELIMINATE THE BOTTLENECK AT THE PRESENT UNDERPASS NEAR TAI PO TAU VILLAGE.
WORK ON THE WHOLE PROJECT IS DUE TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 18 MONTHS.
THE WORK HAS BEEN DESIGNED AND CONSTRUCTION WILL BE SUPERVISED BY THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION OF THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
I
- - 0 - -
' • ‘ ij.V
FaiDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974. - 5 - • .
< ‘ r
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN MONG KOK AND ABERDEEN
ft * * M * *
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC CHANGES WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT WEEK IN KOWLOON'S MONG KOK DISTRICT AND IN ABERDEEN ON THE ISLAND TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREAS.
FROM 12 NOON NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 9) CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS ■ .
WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE NORTHBOUND AND SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAYS OF
TONG Ml ROAD BETWEEN ARGYLE STREET AND MONG KOK ROAD. ALL MOTOR k
VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS OR GOODS BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7 AM AND 7.PM. •'
AT THE SAME TIME. ARGYLE STREET BETWEEN CANTON ROAD AND THE TONG Ml ROAD/CHERRY STREET JUNCTION WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC. THIS WILL PROVIDE A DIRECT LINK FROM ARGYLE STREET TO TONG Ml ROAD AND TO THE TAI KOK TSUI AREA. '
MEANWHILE IN ABERDEEN, THE SECTION OF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BETWEEN WU NAM STREET AND ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE CONVERTED TO A DUAL CARRIAGEWAY TO ALLOW TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AS FROM 10 AM ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 11).
PEAK HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD BETWEEN CHENG TU ROAD AND OLD MAIN STREET. EXCEPT FOR FRANCHISED BUSES, NO VEHICLES WILL BE PERMITTED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS OR GOODS DURING THE HOURS OF 7 AM TO 10 AM AND BETWEEN 4 PM AND 7 PM.
IN ADDITION, VEHICLES COMING DOWN ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.,
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED AT ALL LOCATIONS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
-------o----------
/10......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
- 10 -
PLAY AREAS FOR MEI TUNG ESTATE « « M M « «
WORK IS TO BEGIN SHORTLY TO PROVIDE ROADS, DRAINS, PARKING AREAS AND RECREATION GROUNDS FOR THE NEWLY-COMPLETED MEI TUNG ESTATE IN KOWLOON.
INTAKE OF TENANTS HAS JUST STARTED AND SO FAR 20 FAMILIES HAVE MOVED INTO THEIR NEW HOMES. WHEN FULLY OCCUPIED, THE ESTATE CAN ACCOMMODATE OVER 3,000 PEOPLE IN MORE THAN 500 DOMESTIC FLATS OF VARIOUS SIZES.
COMPRISING ONE BIG BLOCK OF TEN AND ELEVEN STOREYS, THE ESTATE WAG LU I LT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY ON A FIVE-ACRE SITE DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE KOWLOON WALLED Ch'D ’ ’ ALSO HAS ONE RESTAURANT AND 27 SHOPS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL INCLUDE THE BUILDING OF A ROAD, MEASURING ABOUT 300 METRES LONG, WITH A CARRIAGE-WAY 7.30 METRES WIDE AND CONCRETE FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES.
STORMWATER DRAINS TOTALLING 350 METRES, WITH SIZES RANGING FROM 375 MM. TO 225 MM. IN DIAMETER, WILL ALSO BE LAID.
THE PARKING AREAS WILL TAKE UP SOME 1,125 SQUARE METRES WITH PAVEMENT CONSTRUCTION.
THERE WILL BE A PLAYGROUND AND A PAVED RECREATION GROUND OF 1,540 SQUARE METRES RESPECTIVELY. TWO REINFORCED CONCRETE STAIRCASE WIIJ ALSO BE BUILT.
CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN EARLY FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR, TAKING ABOUT 10 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
/11 .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
- 11 -
LABOUR DISPUTE SETTLED
H # * X
A MARATHON CONCILIATION SESSION ARRANGED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ENDED IN THE EARLY HOURS OF THIS HORNING WITH A $450,000 WAGE SETTLEMENT FOR 20Q FORMER WORKERS OF A KWUN TONG GARMENT FACTORY.
THE 12-HOUR MEETING AT THE KWUN TONG LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE ENDED AT 3.15 AM WITH THE AGREEMENT BETWEEN REPRESENTATIVES OF THE REDUNDANT WORKERS AND THE RECEIVERS OF THE DAH LOONG GARMENT FACTORY LTD.
IT WAS THE SIXTH MEETING ARRANGED BY THE DEPARTMENT IN AN EFFORT TO SETTLE THE THREE-WEEK OLD WAGE DISPUTE.
THE MARATHON SESSION, ATTENDED BY 15 WORKERS REPRESENTATIVES AND TWO REPRESENTATIVES OF THE RECEIVERS FROM LOUE, BINGHAM AND MATTHEWS WAS CHAIRED BY LABOUR CONCILIATOR MR. CHOW TUNG-SHAN.
THE COMPANY WAS TAKEN OVER BY ITS DEBENTURE HOLDER, THE HONG ' KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK ON NOVEMBER 13.
SINCE THEN, TALKS HAVE BEEN GOING ON BETWEEN WORKERS AND THE RECEIVERS OVER THE TERMS OF THE WAGE SETTLEMENT.
THE ESTIMATED $450,000 SETTLEMENT COVERS ARREARS OF WAGES OWING FOR FOUR MONTHS UP TO THE DATE OF RECEIVERSHIP.
IT ALSO INCLUDES SEVERANCE PAY AND WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE.
MONTHLY-RATED EMPLOYEES WILL RECEIVE ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S WAGES AS YEAR END-BONUS.
THE MONEY WILL BE PAID TO THE WORKERS AT THE KWUN TONG LABOUR ' RELATIONS OFFICE ON DECEMBER 18.
------0--------
/12
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974
12
RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL PUBLISHED ******
THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS ^ERE MINOR ONES MADE PRINCIPALLY FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC AND FOR ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE.
ONE OF THE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS HAS PARTICULAR APPLICATION TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AND WILL ENSURE THAT RATEPAYERS IN NEW AREAS BROUGHT INTO RATING FOR THE FIRST TIME WILL PAY AT THE SAME GENERAL LEVELS OF VALUATION AS EXISTING RATEPAYERS IN OTHER AREAS. ANOTHER PROVIDES FOR THE STATUTORY EXEMPTION FROM RATING OF CEMETERIES AND CREMATORIA.
THE OTHER AMENDMENTS ARE MAINLY OF A TECHNICAL NATURE AND MERELY SIMPLIFY EXISTING PROCEDURES. THEY INCLUDE ONE WHICH ALLOWS THE COMMISSIONER TO CHANGE A RATEABLE VALUE FOLLOWING NOTICE OF OBJECTION FROM A RATEPAYER.
UNDER ANOTHER AMENDMENT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WILL BE • PERMITTED TO MAKE CHANGES IN THE PERCENTAGE RATE CHARGES BY RESOLUTION RATHER THAN BY HAVING TO AMEND THE LEGISLATION AS IS THE CASE AT PRESENT.
------o'------
/1J....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
1J -
PUBLIC WARNED TO GUARD AGAINST TAX IMPERSONATORS »««««*
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY WARNED AGAINST PERSONS * REPRESENTING THEMSELVES AS INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT OFFICERS AND SOLICITING ADVERTISEMENTS IN NON-EXISTENT PUBLICATIONS.
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. V.A. LADD, SAID THAT THE WARNING APPLIED PARTICULARLY TO BUSINESSMEN.
♦BUSINESSMEN HAVE BEEN APPROACHED BY PERSONS POSING AS OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, AND HAVE BEEN ASKED TO BUY ADVERTISING SPACE IN SOME MYTHICAL PUBLICATION, SUCH AS THE ’CHINESE VERSION OF INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE’ OR THE ’INLAND REVENUE MAGAZINE’,♦ SAID MR. LADD.
♦SUCH DEMANDS ARE USUALLY ASSOCIATED WITH THREATS TO EXAMINE THE BUSINESS AND PERSONAL ACCOUNTS SCRUPULOUSLY, IF A REFUSAL APPEARS TO BE LIKELY.
♦THERE ARE NO SUCH PUBLICATIONS IN EXISTENCE. IN FACT, NONE OF THE MANY PUBLICATIONS ISSUED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT CARRY ANY FORM OF ADVERTISING MATTER WHATSOEVER.+
MR. LADD ADDED THAT THE POLICE SHOULD ALWAYS BE INFORMED OF ANY SUCH CASE, AND POINTED OUT THAT ONE MAN WAS RECENTLY ARRESTED AND SENTENCED TO A YEAR’S IMPRISONMENT FOR SEVERAL OFFENCES OF IMPERSONATION.
♦THERE IS REASON TO BELIEVE THAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE ATTEMPTING ' THE SAME SWINDLE,* HE SAID. +ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC WHO IS ASKED TO BUY ADVERTISING SPACE IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD TELEPHONE THE NEAREST POLICE STATION, OR, DURING OFFICE HOURS, TELEPHONE THE DEPUTY COMMISSION (TELEPHONE NO. 5-95270) OR THE PRINCIPAL TAX INSPECTOR (TELEPHONE NO. 5-248C01, EXTENSION 21) OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.*
EXPLAINING THE PROCEDURE FOR NORMAL RELATIONS WITH THE PUBLIC, MR. LADD SAID THAT’ALL TAX INSPECTORS AND OTHER OFFICERS WHO HAD CONTACT WITH THE PUBLIC OUTSIDE THE OFFICE WERE REQUIRED TO CARRY GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND/OR DEPARTMENTAL WARRANT CARDS.
♦THEY SHOULD BE ASKED TO PRODUCE THESE TO ESTABLISH THEIR IDENTITY,* HE STRESSED. +THE OFFICER IS REQUIRED TO PRODUCE HIS AUTHORITY IMMEDIATELY.
♦NO OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT IS AUTHORISED TO RECEIVE ANY MONEY FROM THE PUBLIC EXCEPT IN THE NORMAL PAYMENT OF TAXES AND FEES AT THE LISTED OFFICIAL REVENUE COLLECTION CENTRES, WHERE AN OFFICIAL MACHINE-PRINTED RECEIPT WILL BE GIVEN FOR THE FULL AMOUNT PAID.+
- - o -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974 i
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 t
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY » WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE I
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.74
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.64
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.65
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.84
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD (
TAIWAN RICE GOOD •—
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
CALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY — GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
C$/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) • 340 CAVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 6, 1974.
SUPPLIES A ND 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 6.00 1.70 4.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.20 0.70 2.20
SQUID LIMITED 5.80 1.60 4.00
HA IR-TA ILS GOOD 2.80 0.60 1.50
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.40 0.70 1.60
CROAKERS GOOD 2.20 0.40 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.40 2.30 3.00
MELON COAT LIMITED 4.00 1.80 3.50
BREAMS LIMITED • 5.30 2.50 3.70
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.70 0.60 1.10
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.80 2.00 4.20
RED GOAT FISH GOOD 4.00 0.50 1.60
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.60 0.60 1.20
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 5.50 4.00 4.80
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.40 1.50 2.60
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 4.70 8.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.00 5.50 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER LIMITED 8.00 2.80 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 • WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.40
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.60 0.20 0.45
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.40 0.50 1.00
WATER SPINACH NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.20 1.00 1.50
STRING BEANS NO SALE
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.50 1.00
SPINACH LIMITED 2.20 0.50 1.50
WATER CRESS LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH «• NO SALE
TOMATO SCARCE 3.50 1.50 2.50
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 1, 1974.
CONTENTS 1 PAGE NO,
INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT FOR THIRD QUARTER THIS YEAR DROPPED BY 3.8 PER CENT ................................. i
ANOTHER HOUSING ESTATE FOR 12,400 TO BE BUILT IN KWAI CHUNG .............................................. 2
SITE FORMATION FOR NEW KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE NOW 1
UNDERWAY................................................ 3
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTIONS IN SHA TIN AND WESTERN DI STR I CT ............................................. 4
ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR FOR 1975 ON SALE ............. 4
NEW SITE FOR FIRE AND AMBULANCE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE 5
/
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191.
SATURDAY/DECEMBER 7, 1974
INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYMENT FOR THIRD QUARTER OF 1974 K » ft
THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN ALL INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGISTERED AND RECORDED WITH THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AT THE END OF THE THIRD QUARTER WAS 576,271.
THIS REPRESENTS A DROP OF SOME 23,062 OR 3.8 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE FIGURE FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT TAKING THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR TO THE END OF SEPTEMBER, THERE HAD BEEN A DECREASE OF 50,959 OR ABOUT 8 PER CENT IN EMPLOYMENT IN REGISTERED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THIS HAD TO BE SEEN AGAINST THE BACKGROUND OF THE INDUSTRIAL SECTOR EMPLOYMENT ATATISTICS AT THE END OF LAST YEAR WHICH WERE AT THEIR HIGHEST LEVEL ON RECORD.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE EMPLOYMENT FIGURES RELATED TO REGISTERED OR RECORDED INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS ONLY, AND THEY WERE NOT NECESSARILY INDICATIVE OF THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION FOR THE ECONOMY AS A WHOLE, AS THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT A NUMBER OF THESE WORKERS HAVE BEEN ABSORBED ELSEWHERE IN THE ECONOMY.
THE LATEST STATISTICS, WHICH ARE- THE RESULT OF A SURVEY CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, SHOW THAT EMPLOYMENT DECLINED IN ALL MAJOR INDUSTRIAL SECTORS. THE MAIN DECREASES WEREi WEARING APPAREL INCLUDING GARMENTS AND KNIT-WEAR (-5,515)- PLASTIC PRODUCTS (-5,296)- ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS (-4,283)“ AND TEXTILES (-4,691).
THE LARGEST FIVE INDUSTRIES IN TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT REMAINED THE MANUFACTURE OF WEARING APPAREL 157,467“ TEXTILES 90,249“ ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPLIANCES AND SUPPLIES 65,218= PLASTIC PRODUCTS 55,699“ AND FABRICATED METAL PRODUCTS 48,057.
EMPLOYMENT IN REGISTERED UNDERTAKINGS WHICH ARE NOT IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR INCREASED BY 359 TO 44,349.
COMMENTING ON THE OVERALL FIGURES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CONTINUING DECLINE IN THE THIRD QUARTER REFLECTED THE SLOWING DOWN OF WORLD TRADE GENERALLY AS A RESULT OF THE OIL CRISIS.
THIS SLOWING DOWN CAN BE SEEN IN THE TRADING FIGURES FOR THE FIRST NINE MONTHS OF THE YEAR WHICH SHOW THAT DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN QUANTITY TERMS ARE DOWN BY ABOUT 1-1/2 PER CENT ON THE LEVEL FOR THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD LAST YEAR.
HOWEVER, TAKING THE YEAR AS A WHOLE, THERE ARE INDICATIONS THAT OUR TRADING FIGURES WILL BE ABOUT THE SAME AS LAST YEAR. THIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WILL BE QUITE AN ACHIEVEMENT TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE RATHER UNCERTAIN TRADING ENVIRONMENT EXISTING AT PRESENT, AND THE FACT THAT 1973 WAS A RECORD YEAR FOR WORLD TRADE AND ONE OF HONG KONG’S BEST TRADING YEARS EVER.
-----0------
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1974
2
ANOTHER HOUSING ESTATE IN KWAI CHUNG ******
SITE FORMATION IS TO START SHORTLY ON ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 12,400 PEOPLE AT THE UPPER SHING ON VALLEY IN KWAI CHUNG.
THE ESTATE, KNOWN AS CHEUNG SHAN ESTATE, WILL BE BUILT ON A 13.6-ACRE SITE TERRACED FROM THE HILLSIDE AND ABOUT HALF OF THE 1,500 FLATS WILL COMMAND AN UNOBSTRUCTED PANORAMIC VIEW OF KWAI CHUNG AND THE SEA.
THE SITE IS AT PRESENT COVERED BY NATURAL VEGETATION AND CONSIDERABLE WORK WILL BE REQUIRED TO FORM A SERIES OF PLATFORMS ON WHICH TO BUILD, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT ARCHITECT SAID.
THE ESTATE WILL CONSIST OF TWO TWIN-TOWER BLOCKS AND ONE SLAB BLOCK, ALL SIMILAR TO THOSE AT 01 MAN. THE SIZE OF THE FLATS WILL VARY FROM 356 SQUARE FEET FOR A FAMILY OF SEVEN TO 641 SQUARE FEET FOR A FAMILY OF TWELVE. THE OVERALL GROSS DENSITY OF THE ESTATE IS LESS THAN 750 PERSONS PER ACRE — THE LOWEST IN ANY EXISTING ESTATE.
THE SHOPPING CENTRE, A STANDARD FEATURE OF HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATES, WILL BE SITED BETWEEN THE TWIN-TOWER BLOCKS WHICH WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ON A PODIUM, OVERLOOKING THE VALLEY BELOW.
THE PODIUM WILL ALSO BEAR THE SLAB BLOCK AND A TWO-STOREY BUILDING WITH SHOPS AND A RESTAURANT.
UNDER THE PODIUM WILL BE SERVICE TRADE SHOPS, MARKET STALLS AND A GARAGE FOR 160 VEHICLES, ALL HOUSED IN A THREE-STOREY BUILDING.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL AS WELL AS THREE BIG OPEN PLAY AREAS DIRECTLY OPPOSITE THE ESTATE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FIRST TENANTS WILL MOVE INTO THEIR NEW HOMES TOWARDS THE LATTER PART OF 1978. THE ENTIRE ESTATE SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1979.
NOTE TO EDITORSi COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF A MODEL OF THE ESTATE ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
-----o------
5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1974
NEW KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE
M M M * M M
WORK HAS ALREADY STARTED ON THE SITE FORMATION FOR HONG KONG’S LARGEST REMAND CENTRE — THE KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE.
THE CENTRE, CAPABLE OF HOUSING SOME 960 PRISONERS MAINLY ON REMAND, WILL BE LOCATED AT LAI CHI KOK ON THE WEST SIDE OF BUTTERFLY ROAD, OPPOSITE THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY’S LINK SUBSTATION.
THE NEW MAXIMUM SECURITY INSTITUTION IS IN LINE WITH THE PRISON EXPANSION PROGRAMME PURSUED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO COPE WITH THE RISING PRISON POPULATION.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE CENTRE WILL GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS RELIEVING THE POSITION OF OVERCROWDING IN THE VICTORIA RECEPTION CENTRE ON THE ISLAND.
THE KOWLOON RECEPTION CENTRE WILL BE PROVIDED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WITH MULTI-STOREY DORMITORY AND CELL ACCOMMODATION, WORKSHOPS, A HOSPITAL WARD, RECREATION AND KITCHEN FACILITIES, AS WELL AS AN ADMINISTRATION BLOCK AND QUARTERS FOR RESIDENTIAL STAFF.
COVERING SOME 150,000 SQUARE FEET, THE SITE FOR THE CENTRE WAS ONCE OCCUPIED BY THE FORMER LAI CHI KOK WOMEN’S PRISON WHICH WAS PULLED DOWN LAST YEAR. PART OF THE ADJACENT HILLSIDE WAS CUT BACK TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL BUILDING LAND.
WORK ON SITE FORMATION IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY JULY NEXT YEAR. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY PILING AND CONSTRUCTION WORK. THE ENTIRE INSTITUTION IS EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION IN 1978.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS WELL ADVANCED ON THE BUILDING OF A MINIMUM SECURITY PRISON AND A MAXIMUM SECURITY TRAINING CENTRE AT PIK UK IN SAI KUNG.
THE PRISON COMPOUND, DESIGNED TO ACCOMMODATE SOME 600 INMATES, IS DUE TO BE COMPLETED NEXT MONTH.
THE TRAINING CENTRE, WHICH WILL PROVIDE ROOM FOR 400 OFFENDERS UNDER THE AGE OF 21 WHO ARE FOUND TO BE UNSUITABLE FOR OPEN CENTRES, IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN MID-1975.
AT THE SAME TIME, PLANS ARE IN HAND TO CONSTRUCT A REFRACTORY BLOCK FOR THE BETTER ENFORCEMENT OF DISCIPLINE WITHIN STANLEY PRISON.
THE BLOCK, WHICH WILL BE A SEGREGATED FOUR-STOREY BUILDING PROVIDED WITH 80 CELLS, IS EXPECTED TO BE OPENED IN MID-1976.
o--------
A....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1974.
WATER INTERRUPTIONS
M M M M
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF AREAS IN SHA TIN WILL BE CUT OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS BEGINNING FROM 10 PM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 9) TO 6 AM ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 10).
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE IS TO ALLOW THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO CARRY OUT MAINS CONNECTION AT TAI PO ROAD, NEAR LEK YUEN SAN TSUEN.
AFFECTED WILL BE ALL PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD, SHA TIN, BETWEEN SHA TIN BUS TERMINUS AND MA LIU SHU I K.C.R. UNIVERSITY STATION, INCLUDING SHUNG CHI COLLEGE, K.C.R. WORKSHOP AND QUARTERS, AND THE JARDINE DYEING AND FINISHING COMPANY.
ALSO ON TUESDAY (DECEMBER 10), A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN WESTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL HAVE THEIR WATER SUPPLY CUT OFF FOR FIVE HOURS BETWEEN 1 AM AND 6 AM TO ENABLE LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
THE AREA INVOLVED IS BOUNDED BY WESTERN STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, HILL ROAD AND PRAYA, QUEEN’S ROAD WEST, WO HOP STREET AND SOUTH LANE.
-----o------
1975 ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR ON SALE
* M M X M *
THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CALENDAR FOR 1975 IS NOW ON SALE AT $7 FOR EACH COPY.
THE CALENDAR CONTAINS IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, TIMES OF SUNRISE, SUNSET, MOON RISE AND MOON SET, TIMES AND HEIGHTS OF HIGH AND LOW TIDE.
ASTRONOMICAL EVENTS SUCH AS ECLIPSES AND PHASES OF THE AND OTHER USEFUL AND INFORMATIVE DIAGRAMS AND ILLUSTRATIONS ALSO CONTAINED IN THE CALENDAR.
MOON, ARE
COPIES OF THE CALENDAR ARE AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG, AND AT ALL LEADING BOOK STORES.
TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
THIS EARLY
- - 0 - -
/5
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7, 1974
- 5 -
FIRE AND AMBULANCE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE MOVING TO NEW SITE
M M M M M
THE FIRE AND AMBULANCE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE FOR HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE NEW RODNEY BLOCK COMPOUND WILL BE MOVING TO ANOTHER NEW SITE ON DECEMBER 17, 1974.
THE NEW SITE IS SITUATED IN HARBOUR ROAD, WAN CHAI, WHERE A FIRE STATION, DESIGNED TO REPLACE THE HARCOURT ROAD FIRE STATION, IS NEARING COMPLETION.
THIS IS THE SECOND TIME IN A YEAR THAT THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE HAS HAD TO MOVE. BEFORE NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, IT WAS LOCATED AT A SITE IN THE OLD ROYAL NAVY DOCKYARD, WHICH WAS EVENTUALLY DEMOLISHED IN CONNECTION WITH THE PROJECT TO RE-ALIGN QUEENSWAY.
- - 0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1974
- T -
PRISON WORKSHOPS TO TURN FURNITURE MANUFACTURER
* * * M M
A WIDER USE OF HONG KONG’S PRISON WORKSHOPS IS BEING MADE WITH A VIEW TO TRANSFORMING THEM INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN SUPPLIER OF FURNITURE.
AND THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS AN EXPANDING UTILISATION OF THE PRISON INDUSTRY HAS JUST BEEN TAKEN.
I
THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY PLACED AN ORDER ON THE PRISON WORKSHOPS .FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF MORE THAN 1,000 ITEMS OF FURNITURE FOR USE IN GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS, OFFICES AND QUARTERS. IT WILL BE THE FIRST TIME THAT THE PRISON INDUSTRIES HAVE UNDERTAKEN THE MANUFACTURE OF MANY OF THE ITEMS INCLUDED IN THIS ORDER.
THE ORDER, WHICH REPRESENTS FURNITURE WORTH APPROXIMATELY $200,000, WAS TODAY DESCRIBED BY THE DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES, MR. FRED YOUNG, AS +A MODEST STEP IN A CONTINUING PROCESS OF ULTIMATELY TURNING THE PRISON INDUSTRY INTO A MAIN MANUFACTURER OF GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES.*
BY TURNING TO THE PRISON WORKSHOPS AS A MANUFACTURER OF FURNITURE, HE SAID, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO BRING ABOUT GREATER ECONOMY THAN WAS THE CASE WHEN ORDERS FOR SUPPLY WERE TAKEN UP BY OUTSIDE CONTRACTORS.
♦PRODUCTION BY PRISON LABOUR WOULD LEAD TO SUBSTANTIAL SAVING IN LABOUR COSTS AND GREATER COST EFFECTIVENESS,* HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, GOVERNMENT FURNITURE IS MANUFACTURED BY A NUMBER OF DIFFERENT CONTRACTORS OPERATING ON A COMPETITIVE TENDER BASIS. THE VALUE OF FURNITURE PRODUCED FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IS ESTIMATED AT $4 MILLION.
AS A LONG-TERM ECONOMY MEASURE, MR. YOUNG HOPED TO SEE THE PRISON WORKSHOPS TAKING OVER THE MANUFACTURING FOR THE GOVERNMENT OF ALL FURNITURE, UNIFORMS AND METAL WORK TOGETHER WITH THE REPAIRING OF TYPEWRITERS IN FUTURE.
+THIS WILL PROVE TO BE A SLOW BUT CONTINUING PROCESS AND WILL TAKE TIME TO MATERIALISE,* HE OBSERVED. +HOWEVER, WE HAVE EVERY CONFIDENCE THAT THE PRISON WORKSHOPS WILL LIVE UP TO OUR EXPECTATIONS IN THE END,* SAID THE DIRECTOR.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SAVINGS TO BE DERIVED FROM SUCH A SUBSTANTIAL UTILISATION OF THE PRISON LABOUR WOULD ADD UP TO SEVERAL MILLION DOLLARS A YEAR.
HE DISCLOSED THAT ORDERS FOR THE PRODUCTION OF FURNITURE PLACED WITH THE PRISON DEPARTMENT +WILL BE STEPPED UP GRADUALLY IN THE'LTGHf :'0F'nTH'Ell-AB0UR:',0APA®»L-4sT¥<i A¥A4LABL-£<J Ki TREsPR I SONS.*
2
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1971*.
COMMENTING ON THE INITIAL ORDER FOR THE SUPPLY OF FURNITURE, MR. WALLACE KNIGHT, SUPERINTENDENT (INDUSTRY) OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY THAT +IT MARKED THE ENCOURAGING START OF AN INCREASING UTILISATION OF PRISON INDUSTRIES FOR GOVERNMENT NEEDS.+
HE WELCOMED THE MOVE IN THAT IT WOULD INJECT A NEW ELEMENT OF SPECIALISATION AND PURPOSE IN THE PRISON WORKSHOPS AS FAR AS WOODWORK AND CARPENTRY WERE CONCERNED.
HOWEVER, TO ENSURE PROPER QUALITY OF OUTPUT AND CONTROL, HE ADDED, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO BUILD UP THE MANAGEMENT, SUPERVISORY AND INSTRUCTING FORCE TO KEEP ABREAST OF ORDERS PLACED AND TO ENSURE INCREASE IN OUTPUT.
REFERRING TO THE PROVISION OF CRAFTSMANSHIP TRAINING IN HONG KONG’S PENAL INSTITUTIONS, MR. KNIGHT SAIDs +THE CARDINAL AIM OF THE PRISON INDUSTRY HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO ENSURE THAT INMATES ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED DURING THEIR TERM OF SENTENCE AND TO ENABLE THEM TO ACQUIRE SKILLS WHICH WILL STAND THEM IN GOOD STEAD IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET UPON THEIR RELEASE. +
HE ADDED THAT SOME 3,500 INMATES WERE CURRENTLY EMPLOYED IN INDUSTRIAL WORK AND OBTAINING SOME TRAINING IN PRISON WORKSHOPS.
AT PRESENT, PRISON INDUSTRIES PRODUCE MOST TRAFFIC SIGNS AND FLAGS AS WELL AS A SIZABLE PROPORTION OF UNIFORMS AND SHOES FOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
LAST YEAR, GOODS VALUED AT $8.5 MILLION AT THE MARKET PRICE WERE TURNED OUT BY THE PRISON WORKSHOPS AT A COST OF ONLY $3 MILLION TO GOVERNMENT.
MEANWHILE, PLANS ARE UNDER CONSIDERATION TO STREAMLINE AND EXPAND THE EXISTING MANUFACTURING AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING FACILITIES IN HONG KONG’S PENAL INSTITUTIONS.
-----o------
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1974
3
TONG Ml ROAD EXTENSION OPENING TO TRAFFIC
A NEW THREE-LANE EXTENSION OF TONG Ml ROAD IN KOWLOON WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY PROVIDING A DIRECT LINK BETWEEN THE JORDAN ROAD-CANTON ROAD JUNCTION IN YAU MA TEI AND THE CHERRY STREET-ARGYLE STREET JUNCTION IN MONG KOK.
THE EXTENSION, STRETCHING FROM SAIGON STREET TO THE NEWLY-OPENED ARGYLE STREET JUNCTION ALONG THE BACK OF THE YAU MA TEI TYPHOON SHELTER, WILL SERVE AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE TO NATHAN ROAD FOR TRAFFIC TRAVELLING FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO LAI CHI KOK AND BEYOND.
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE ROAD EXTENSION. ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS, AND TO LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS DURING THE CLEARWAY HOURS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M.
NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL JOIN THE NEW ROAD FROM JORDAN ROAD AND EXIT AT ARGYLE STREET JUNCTION, WHILE SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL JOIN THE ROAD FROM THE ARGYLE STREET-CHERRY STREET JUNCTION.
CONNECTIONS AT THE JUNCTIONS OF WATERLOO ROAD AND KANSU STREET WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC SHORTLY, t
ALSO FROM TUESDAY, NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN YAU MA TEI.
i
THE EXISTING CANTON ROAD SECTION WEST OF KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK WILL BE CLOSED. VEHICLES USING THIS ROAD SECTION WILL BE ROUTED TO THE NEW RE-ALIGNED CANTON ROAD SECTION TO THE WEST.
THE EXISTING GAP OPENING AT THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF JORDAN ROAD OPPOSITE THE EXISTING CANTON ROAD WILL BE CLOSED. TRAFFIC CROSSING THIS OPENING FOR NORTHBOUND MOVEMENT AT CANTON ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO THE NORTHERN CARRIAGEWAY OF JORDAN ROAD VIA THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND RE-ALIGNED CANTON ROAD. TRAFFIC CROSSING THIS GAP FOR SOUTHBOUND MOVEMENT AT CANTON ROAD WILL BE ROUTED TO THE EASTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF RE-ALIGNED CANTON ROAD VIA THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND RE-ALIGNED CANTON ROAD.
THE EXISTING GAP OPENING AT THE CENTRAL DIVIDER OF FERRY STREET NEAR ITS JUNCTION WITH JORDAN ROAD WILL ALSO BE CLOSED. VEHICLES CROSSING THIS OPENING TO GO TO THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS AND VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE WILL BE ROUTED TO THE ENTRANCES AT THE WESTERN CARRIAGEWAY OF FERRY STREET VIA THE JUNCTION OF JORDAN ROAD AND FERRY STREET.
TRAFFIC ROUTING WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED FOR VEHICLES GOING INTO AND OUT OF THE BUS TERMINUS AND THE VEHICULAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
-------o---------
A
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1974
- 4 -
CERTIFICATES FOR LONDON G.C.E. EXAMINATION ******
CERTIFICATES FOR THE LONDON G.C.E. EXAMINATION HELD IN JUNE THIS YEAR ARE NOW READY FOR COLLECTION BY PRIVATE CANDIDATES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
PRIVATE CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO COLLECT THEIR CERTIFICATES ON THE DATES SPECIFIED IN THEIR INDIVIDUAL NOTICES POSTED TO THEM RECENTLY.
ONLY CANDIDATES WHO HAVE OBTAINED A PASS IN ONE OR MORE SUBJECTS ARE AWARDED CERTIFICATES.
ELIGIBLE CANDIDATES WHO DO NOT RECEIVE NOTICES FOR COLLECTION BY DECEMBER 13, 1974, ARE REQUESTED TO CALL IN PERSON DURING OFFICE HOURS BETWEEN DECEMBER 16 AND DECEMBER 18, AT THE DISTRIBUTION CENTRE AT ARSENAL STREET POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, WAN CHAI. THEY ARE REQUIRED TO BRING WITH THEM THEIR ADMISSION FORMS OR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND RESULTS SLIPS.
IF A CANDIDATE IS UNABLE TO COME IN PERSON, HE MAY AUTHORISE SOMEONE TO COLLECT HIS CERTIFICATE ON HIS BEHALF PROVIDED THAT THE AUTHORISED PERSON COMES WITH HIS OWN IDENTITY CARD, THE AUTHORISATION LETTER AND THE CANDIDATE’S ADMISSION FORM.
CERTIFICATES NOT COLLECTED WILL BE SENT TO EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AT CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, KOWLOON FOR RETURN TO THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON AT A LATER STAGE.
- o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN /• \ . '
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
i
OVER 57 PERCENT OF UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY RECEIVING GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE ............................ 1
TUEN MUN LAND MAY BE SOLD BY TENDER TO ELIMINATE SPECULATION ................,............................. 3
GOVERNOR TOURS SHEUNG WAN DISTRICT ......................... 4
COLONIAL SECRETARY HOLDS DISCUSSION WITH REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES ............................... 5
COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION CLARIFIES t
REQUIREMENTS IN LANDLORD AND TENANT BILL ................... 6
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION t TOTAL STORAGE EXCEEDS LAST YEAR’S BY 563 MILLION GALLONS .............................. 6
HONG KONG MAY JOIN ESCAP MEMBERS IN BID TO REDUCE TARIFF BARRIERS IN WORLD TRADE ............................. 7
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
‘ • • .
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
1
MORE UNIVERSITY StUDENTS GETTING FINANCIAL HELP
M M K M M M
MORE THAN HALF OF HONG KONG’S UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY IS NOW RECEIVING GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL AID AS MORE STUDENTS FROM THE LOWER INCOME CLASS ARE ADMITTED TO THE UNIVERSITIES.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE JOINT UNIVERSITIES COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE, MR. S.F. BAILEY, SAID 3,919 NEEDY UNDERGRADUATES AND POST-GRADUATES, AS WELL AS STUDENTS TAKING A HIGH DEGREE OR DIPLOMA COURSE IN THE TWO UNIVERSITIES WERE RECEIVING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
I
+THIS REPRESENTS OVER 57 PERCENT OF THE TOTAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY AND A CONSIDERABLE INCREASE COMPARED WITH THE SITUATION IN 1969,+ HE SAID.
IN 1969, 1,599 STUDENTS — REPRESENTING 32.7 PER CENT OF THE THEN UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY — WERE AWARDED FINANCIAL AID.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS GIVEN IN THE FORM OF GRANTS AND INTEREST-FREE LOANS. THE SCHEME IS ADMINISTERED BY THE JOINT UNIVERSITIES COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM STUDENTS AND STAFF OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE SECRETARY OF THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE.
+THE BASIC AIMS ARE TO ENSURE THAT NO STUDENT OFFERED A PLACE BY EITHER UNIVERSITY HAS TO TURN IT DOWN FOR LACK OF FINANCIAL RESCOURCES, AND TO ENSURE AS FAR AS POSSIBLE THAT THE ASSISTANCE GIVEN IS ADEQUATE,* MR. BAILEY EXPLAINED.
MR. BAILEY SAID SOME $4.25 MILLION WAS AWARDED TO STUDENTS THIS YEAR AS AGAINST $2.45 MILLION IN 1969. THE ALLOCATION OF LOANS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR IS $13.50 MILLION — FOUR TIMES THE AMOUNT OF $3.06 MILLION IN THE YEAR 1969.
THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF FINANCIAL AID HAS INCREASED CONSIDERABLY SINCE A 1971 RE-EXAMINATION OF STUDENT REQUIREMENTS, HE NOTED.
+FURTHERMORE, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES NOW ENROL NOT PRIMARILY MIDDLE-CLASS STUDENTS, BUT A LARGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS WITH RELATIVELY FEW FAMILY RESCOURCES.+
ALL ASSISTED STUDENTS OBTAINED INTEREST-FREE LOANS ON A SCALE RANGING FROM $600 TO $4,000 PER ANNUM. THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF THIS KIND OF LOAN IS $3,426 FOR EACH STUDENT DURING THIS YEAR.
MOST ASSISTED STUDENTS ALSO RECEIVED GOVERNMENT GRANTS OF UP TO $2,620 — THE AVERAGE GRANT FOR A STUDENT BEING AN ESTIMATED $1,279.
/THE ESSENCE......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
2
THE ESSENCE OF THE GOVERNMENT GRANT IS THAT IT PROVIDES ADEQUATE FUNDS TO NEEDY STUDENTS TO COVER TUITION FEES AND CERTAIN OTHER UNAVOIDABLE EXPENSES SUCH AS BOOKS, STATIONERY AND EQUIPMENT.
THE LOANS, ON THE OTHER HAND, ARE GENERALLY INTENDED TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN MEETING THEIR LIVING EXPENSES. SINCE 1969, A TOTAL OF $43.57 MILLION IN LOANS WAS ALLOCATED TO STUDENTS.
THE LOANS HAVE TO BE REPAID BY 20 QUARTERLY INSTALMENTS WITHIN FIVE YEARS AFTER THE STUDENT HAS LEFT THE UNIVERSITY OR HAS FINISHED AN APPROVED COURSE OF FURTHER EDUCATION.
MR. BAILEY SAID THAT UP TO.NOVEMBER THIS YEAR RECOVERY ACTION HAD BEEN STARTED AGAINST 3,392 STUDENTS FOR THE REPAYMENT OF LOANS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT DEFERMENTS OR SUSPENSIONS OF REPAYMENT WERE ALLOWED WHERE STUDENTS TOOK UP APPROVED COURSES OF FURTHER EDUCATION AFTER LEAVING UNIVERSITY OR WHERE PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS UNEMPLOYMENT, MADE RECOVERY IMPRACTICAL FOR THE TIME BEING.
+THERE HAVE SO FAR BEEN 152 DEFERMENTS AND SUSPENSIONS AND NO LOAN HAS YET BEEN WRITTEN-OFF AS IRRECOVERABLE,* HE SAID.
HOWEVER, MR. BAILEY WARNED THAT FALSIFICATION OF A STATUTORY DECLARATION OF FAMILY RESOURCES WAS A SERIOUS OFFENCE UNDER THE PERJURY ORDINANCE AND HE URGED STUDENT APPLICANTS AND THEIR PARENTS TO BEAR THIS IN MIND.
+SINCE 1972, 33 CASES HAVE BEEN TAKEN TO COURT AND IN EVERY CASE THE PERSON WHO SIGNED THE STATUTORY DECLARATION WAS FINED AND THE MONEY GRANTED IN ASSISTANCE WAS RECOVERED,* HE SAID.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
TUEN MUN LAND MAY BE SOLD BY TENDER
H M * K *
IN ORDER TO ELIMINATE SPECULATION IN INDUSTRIAL REAL ESTATE, IT IS PROPOSED THAT SOME LAND IN TUEN MUN BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG COTTON SPINNERS 'ASSOCIATION.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE EVIDENCE THAT HE HAD THE NECESSARY CAPITAL RESOURCES AND REAL INTENTION TO DEVELOP THE LAND IMMEDIATELY UPON PURCHASE.
+BY THIS MEANS I WOULD HOPE TO ELIMINATE THE SPECULATOR,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES ALSO REVEALED THAT ANOTHER 400,000 SQ. FT. OF LAND IN TUEN MUN WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE NEXT YEAR.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD CHANGED ITS LAND POLICY IN ORDER TO PERMIT THE SALE BY PRIVATE TREATY OF LARGE SITES FOR NEW INDUSTRIES INTRODUCING NEW SKILLS AND TECHNOLOGY TO HONG KONG.
+THIS WAS A RADICAL DEPARTURE FROM A PRINCIPLE WHICH HAD BEEN A CORNERSTONE OF OUR LAND POLICY FOR A HUNDRED YEARS.
+HOWEVER, WE HAVE RESISTED THE ALL-OUT CHANGE FROM OUR POLICY OF LETTING THE MARKET DECIDE THE PRICE AND THE PURPOSE FOR WHICH OUR INDUSTRIAL LAND IS SOLD. I BELIEVE THIS IS WISE BECAUSE THE PRIVATE INDUSTRIALIST KNOWS BEST WHAT IS A VIABLE ENTERPRISE IN OUR CIRCUMSTANCE,* HE ADDED.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID IT HAD BEEN ARGUED THAT THERE WAS A NEED TO MAKE SOME LAND AVAILABLE FOR LESS INTENSIVE USE WITHIN THE PLANNED AREAS OF THE NEW TOWNS — THAT IS, LAND FOR LOW RISE BUILDINGS FOR CAPITAL-INTENSIVE FACTORIES EMPLOYING A RELATIVELY SMALL LABOUR FORCE.
LAND IN THESE INDUSTRIAL ESTATES,HE SAID, WOULD BE LEASED OR SOLD DIRECT TO APPLICANTS AT A PRICE WHICH WOULD PROTECT THE CAPITAL INVESTED IN THE DEVELOPMENT.
IN HONG KONG, HE ADDED, WE WERE NOT TIED TO THE PURSUIT OF PURELY POLITICAL OBJECTIVES WHICH COULD DAMAGE THE ECONOMY.
+WE ARE FREE TO PURSUE SENSIBLE POLICIES WHICH DIRECTLY BENEFIT THE PEOPLE AND WE ARE ABLE TO RESPOND AND CHANGE THOSE POLICES FAIRLY QUICKLY WHEN THERE IS A NEED TO DO SO.*
- - o - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
4
GOVERNOR TOURS SHEUNG WAN DISTRICT K MM O
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY DESCRIBED OWNERS’ INCORPORATIONS IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS AS A MEANS OF COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PEOPLE.
HE VISITED THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATION OF THE NAM PAK HONG BUILDING WHILE HE WAS ON A MORNING TOUR OF THE SHEUNG WAN DISTRICT, AND MET WITH THE CHAIRMAN OF THE INCORPORATION, MR. CHAN FOOK-LAI.
FORMED IN 1972, THE OWNERS’ INCORPORATION OF THIS BUILDING IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDING, INCLUDING WATCHMEN SERVICE, CLEANSING SERVICE IN COMMON AREAS, REFUSE COLLECTION, LIFT SERVICE.AND REPAIR WORKS. WATCHMEN SERVICE IS PROVIDED ON A 24-HOUR BASIS, AND MR. CHAN SAID NO ROBBERIES HAD EVER OCCURRED IN THE BUILDING.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WESTERN), MR. NICHOLAS NG, SIR MURRAY BEGAN HIS TOUR WITH A STROLL DOWN THE SLOPE OF SAI STREET, ALONG WHICH MORE THAN 30 HAWKER STALLS WERE DOING BRISK BUSINESS SELLING FRESH VEGETABLES TO HOUSEWIVES LIVING IN THE AREA.
SOME OF THE STALLS ARE TEMPORARILY RESITED THERE TO HELP FACILITATE THE WORK OF THE URBAN RENEWAL PILOT SCHEME.
THE GOVERNOR TALKED WITH SOME OF THE HAWKERS, MANY OF WHOM HAD BEEN PLYING THEIR TRADE IN THE AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS, AND ASKED THEM HOW THEIR BUSINESS WAS AFFECTED BY THE PILOT SCHEME.
SIR MURRAY NEXT VISITED A TEMPORARY SITTING-OUT AREA AT 362-366 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WHICH IS PROVIDED UNDER THE RENEWAL SCHEME. HE ALSO INSPECTED SEVEN LOTS OF DILAPIDATED BUILDINGS IN LOWER LASCAR ROW ABOUT TO BE RESUMED FOR THE URBAN RENEWAL PROJECT BEFORE HE WALKED DOWN TO BOMHAM STRAND WEST TO SEE THE TRADING ACTIVITIES.
THIS AREA, GENERALLY KNOWN AS THE NAM PAK HONG (SOUTH-AND-NORTH TRADING COMPANIES), HAS SEEN SOME OF THE EARLIEST BUSINESS TRANSACTIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE TRADERS SPECIALIZE MOSTLY IN THE IMPORT AND EXPORT OF CHINESE HERBS AND OTHER PRECIOUS ORGANIC MEDICINE BETWEEN CHINA AND SOUTH-EAST ASIA.
FOR THE LAST PART OF HIS VISIT, SIR MURRAY PROCEEDED ON FOOT TO THE WATERFRONT ALONG CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST WHERE RECLAMATION WORK IS NOW ALREADY IN ITS FIFTH STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT.
/THE NEW ......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
5
THE NEW RECLAMATION WILL ADD 16 MORE ACRES OF MUCH-NEEDED LAND TO HONG KONG ON COMPLETION SOMETIME IN SEPTEMBER NEXT YEAR.
THE ADDED SPACE WILL BE USED FOR WIDENING CONNAUGHT ROAD. AN EXTENSION TO THE MACAU FERRY WHARF AND FOR A NEW SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
I
AT PRESENT, PART OF THE RECLAMATION AT THE WESTERN END HAS BEEN FENCED OFF AND IS USED AS A TEMPORARY CARGO HANDLING AREA.
NOTE TO EDITORSi COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GOVERNOR’S ---------------- VISIT TO SHEUNG WAN DISTRICT WILL BE PUT IN
THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
----------------------------0------- • • • ••••-
REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION MEETS COLONIAL SECRETARY KOO#
THE PRESIDENT OF THE REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG, MR. HENRY FOK, TOGETHER WITH SEVEN VICE-PRESIDENTS AND DIRECTORS OF THE ASSOCIATION TODAY MET THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR. DENYS ROBERTS, AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT STAFF TO DISCUSS THE PROBLEMS FACING PROPERTY DEVELOPERS AND OWNERS.
THE ASSOCIATION REPRESENTATIVES EXPLAINED THE DIFFICULTIES IN THE PROPERTY MARKET AS REFLECTED BY THE LARGE NUMBERS OF FLATS STILL REMAINING UNSOLD EVEN AT REDUCED PRICES.
THE ASSOCIATION WAS PARTICULARLY CONCERNED ABOUT RATES AND STATUTORY CONTROLS. THEY NOTED THAT RATES ARE AT PRESENT PAYABLE IN FULL ON VACANT PREMISES AND THAT THE RATE-FREE PERIOD ON NEWLY COMPLETED PREMISES IS NOW ONLY THREE MONTHS COMPARED WITH SIX MONTHS PREVIOUSLY- THAT THE EXISTING CONTROLS ON LUXURY FLATS WERE UNREASONABLE AND INVOLVED FLAT OWNERS IN SUBSIDISING WELL-OFF TENANTS, INCLUDING GOVERNMENT, COMMERCIAL COMPANIES AND THE ARMED SERVICES- AND THAT DEVELOPERS ARE DETERRED FROM GOING AHEAD WITH NEW PROJECTS BY THE LIKELIHOOD THAT THESE NEW PROJECTS WHEN COMPLETED MIGHT BECOME SUBJECT TO THE LANDLORD AND TENANT CONTROLS WHEN THE PRESENT LEGISLATION EXPIRES IN k DECEMBER 1976.
THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTATIVES UNDERTOOK TO LOOK INTO THESE POINTS AND TO GIVE THEM SYMPATHETIC CONSIDERATION.
THEY STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE WHICH THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO THE PRIVATE SECTOR’S CONTRIBUTION TO NEW BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, TO MEET HONG KONG’S GROWING HOUSING REQUIREMENTS.
I
------o-------
Z6.......
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
- 6
RATING AND VALUATION BILL CLARIFIED M M M M M M
TENANTS OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC BUILDINGS WILL STILL BE REQUIRED TO OBSTAIN WRITTEN CONSENT FROM THEIR LANDLORDS BEFORE SUB-LETTING ANY PART OF THE PREMISES, THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION SAID TODAY.
HE EMPHASISED THAT NO CHANGE TO THIS REQUIREMENT IS PROPOSED IN THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL WHICH WAS GAZETTED LAST FRIDAY.
UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW LEGISLATION, ONCE A TENANT HAS RECEIVED THE LANDLORD’S CONSENT IN WRITING THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR HIM TO SUBMIT FULL DETAILS OF THE SUB-LETTING UNTIL REQUESTED TO DO SO BY THE LANDLORD.
AT PRESENT, A TENANT IS OBLIGED TO INFORM HIS LANDLORD OF ANY SUB-LETTING MADE AFTER DECEMBER 14, 1973, WHETHER OR NOT THE LANDLORD ASKS FOR THE INFORMATION.
------0-------
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT * * * # M
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (DECEMBER 9) STOOD AT 56,064 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 83.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS AND ALSO AN INCREASE OF 563 MILLION GALLONS OVER THE STORAGE AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 55,501 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 40,274 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 43,547 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 79.8 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 2,312.9 MM (91.06 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,148.5 MM (84.59 IN), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7.7 PER CENT.
/?
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974 - 7 -
HONG KONG MAY JOIN ESCAP MEMBERS IN BID TO REDUCE TARIFF BARRIERS IN WORLD TRADE
* M M M M
HONG KONG HOPES TO JOIN A NEW INTERNATIONAL FORUM DESIGNED TO HELP THE DEVELOPING COUNTRIES PROTECT THEIR INTERESTS IN THE COMING ROUND OF NEGOTIATIONS IN GENEVA AIMED AT REDUCING TARIFF AND NON-TARIFF BARRIERS TO THE WORLD TRADE.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY MR. .PETER TSAO,ASS ISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ON HIS RETURN TO HONG KONG FROM A WEEK-LONG MEETING IN BANGKOK OF THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND PAC IFIC,ESCAP.
MR. TSAO SAID THE MEETING DISCUSSED AT LENGTH THE FORTHCOMING ROUND OF MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS AND DECIDED THAT THE DEVELOPING MEMBERS OF ESCAP SHOULD FORM A GROUP TO PREPARE THEMSELVES FOR THE GENEVA TALKS WITH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.
THE ESCAP GROUP PLANS TO MEET IN GENEVA BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER THE MEETING OF THE TRADE NEGOTIATION COMMITTEE OF THE GATT WHICH IS DUE TO TAKE PLACE VERY SOON. THE MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS WILL BEGIN IN EARNEST WHEN THE US CONGRESS PASSES ITS TRADE REFORM BILL WHICH WILL AUTHORISE THE WHITE HOUSE TO ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT ARISING FROM THE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE US DELEGATE TO THE MEETING STATED IN THE FORMAL SESSIONS THAT MOST OF THE OBSTACLES WHICH HAVE DELAYED THE BILL’S PASSAGE THROUGH CONGRESS HAVE NOW BEEN OVERCOME AND IT IS EXPECTED TO BE PASSED BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
-----o--------
MONDAY, DECEMBER 9, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE 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, 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 NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE
10056 WHOLE GOOD 1.73
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.62
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD —
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.84
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
* 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, DECEMBER 9, 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 5.00 2.00 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.50 2.20
SQUID • LIMITED 4.80 3.00 4.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.30 0.35 1.20
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.60 0.80 1.50
CROAKERS GOOD 2.10 0.50 1.30
CONGER-PIKE-EELS GOOD 3.60 1.70 2.20
MELON COAT NORMAL 3.20 1.60 2.50
BREAMS SCARCE 5.50 4.00 5.00
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 2.00 0.65 1.30
MACKERELS GOOD 5.20 2.20 4.00
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.20 0.80 1.60
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.50 0.80 1.20
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.20 2.20 5.00
MELON SEED LIMITED 2.80 1.20 2.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 9.50 3.20 7.00
GAROUPAS . NORMAL 8.50 4.20 6.00
YELLOW CROAKER NORMAL 6.00 2.80 4.20
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 LIMITED 1.60 0.60 . 1.20
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.50 0.10 0.30
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.20 0.50 0.80
WATER SPINACH NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.20 0.80 1.50
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION GOOD 1.20 0.30 0.80
SP1NACH LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.50
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.60 1.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.40 0.10 0.25
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO LIMITED 2.80 1.20 2.20
- 0 ---------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
THREE NEW METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES TO OPEN NEXT WEEK ..................................................... 1
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO SEE TEXTILE FACTORIES AT WORK ...................................... 2
PREVENTIVE SERVICE DEALS ANOTHER HEAVY BLOW TO DRUG TRAFFICKERS ..........................................*. 3
GOVERNOR URGES SCHOOLS AND PARENTS TO SUPPORT SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPANSION PLANS ................................ 4
YOUTH TO DISCUSS THE EFFECT OF DRUG ABUSE ON YOUNG PEOPLE ................................................... 5
HONG KONG BUYS AN EXTRA 2,500 MILLION GALLONS OF FRESH WATER FROM CHINA ......................................... 6
REASSURANCE ON PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM 7
PUBLIC WARNED AGAINST UNAUTHORIZED EXCAVATIONS ON LEASED CROWN LAND .,...................................... 8
TRAFFIC CHANGE IN MONG KOK .................*............. 8
IMMIGRATION RECRUITS GRADUATING ON THURSDAY .............. 9
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED.................................. 9
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
GOVERNMENT OPENS THREE MORE METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES RESPONSE TO HEROIN FAMINE AS THOUSANDS UNABLE TO OBTAIN SUPPLIES It it if )< M
THREE NEW METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES ARE TO BE OPENED DY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT C MONDAY (DECEM. ER 16) (N ADDITION TO THE CENTRE /.LREADY IN C ERATION AT HIG! STREET
THE MEW CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HO MAH TIN HEALTH CENTRE IN PRINCESS MARGARET I.OAD= THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG- AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN.
THEY WILL FUNCTION AS OUT-PATIENT METHADONE MAINTENANCE CLINICS, AND WILL HAVE NO PROVISION FOR IN-PATIENTS, UNLIKE THE TRIAL SCHEME AT THE HIGH STREET CENTRE, WHERE PATIENTS ARE KEPT UNDER OBSERVATION FOR A PERIOD LASTING A FEW DAYS.
HOURS WILL BE BETWEEN 7 AM AND 9.30 PM DAILY. NO NEW PATIENTS WILL BE SEEN ON SATURDAY AFTERNOONS, SUNDAYS, AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, BUT THE CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR MINISTRATION OF THE DAILY DOSAGE IN ORAL FORM AT A COST OF 31 A VISIT.
NEW PATIENTS SHOULD ATTEND BETWEEN 9 AM AND 5 PM, EXCEPT ON HOLIDAYS. THEY ARE ASKED TO BRING ALONG WITH THEM IDENTITY CARDS AND THREE PASSPORT PHOTOGRAPHS. AS WITH HIGH STREET, THE CENTRES WILL TREAT ONLY MALE ADDICTS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT WHEN THEIR OPENING BECOMES WIDELY KNOWN — EXTENSIVE PUBLICITY IS ENVISAGED — EACH WILL BE ABLE TO HANDLE A MAXIMUM OF 1,000 OUT-PATIENTS A DAY.
+THIS IS AN EMERGENCY MEASURE, TAKEN ON HUMANITARIAN GROUNDS,+ DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, SAID TODAY.
• • . . *
+THE REASON IS THAT RECENT SUCCESSFUL POLICE ACTION RESULTING IN THE ARREST OF A NUMBER OF ALLEGED PRINCIPALS IN THE ILLICIT DRUG TRADE IS THOUGHT TO HAVE DESTROYED THE MANAGEMENT AND SOURCE OF FINANCIAL BACKING OF THE SYNDICATES ENGAGED IN THE SMUGGLING OF OPIUM AND CRUDE MORPHINE INTO HONG KONG IN VAST QUANTITIES.
+THE FACT IS THAT THERE IS NOW A HEROIN FAMINE, AND THOUSANDS OF ADDICTS ARE UNABLE TO OBTAIN THEIR USUAL SUPPLIES, IF INDEED ANY SUPPLIES AT ALL.+
THIS, DR. CHOA EXPLAINED, HAD PRODUCED A ’’FAVOURABLE” SITUATION IN WHICH ADDICTS WERE LIKELY TO ’’SEEK TREATMENT TO ALLEVIATE THE SEVERE PAINS AND STRESS OF THE WITHDRAWAL SYNDROME.”
IF TREATMENT WERE NOT AVAILABLE, NUMBERS OF ADDICTS COULD TURN TO CRIME TO GET MONEY TO BUY SUCH HIGHLY-PRICED HEROIN AS COULD BE FOUND — WHICH, IN TURN, WOULD AGGRAVATE AN ALREADY ’’ACUTE OVERCROWDING SITUATION IN THE PR I SONS.+
/DR. CHOA
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1971*
- 2 -
UK. CHOA SAID THAT THE THREE-YEAR HIGH STREET TRIAL SCHEME CENTRE WAS OPENED IN 1972 WITH THE OBJECT OF TREATING 1,550 ADDICTS, AND IT WAS INTENDED THAT OTHER METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES WOULD NOT BE OPENED UNTIL THE RESULTS OF THE STUDY HAD BEEN ASSESSED.
♦EVENTS HAVE OVERTAKEN PREVIOUS POLICY,* HE COMMENTED, +AND IT IS NOW A MATTER OF URGENCY TO OPEN ADDITIONAL CENTRES WITHOUT WAITING FOR A FULL EVALUATION OF THE PILOT STUDY.
+IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES, HkGH STREET WILL CONTINUE TO ACCEPT IN-PATIENT VOLUNTEERS FREE UNTIL THE TARGET FIGURE OF 1,550 PATIENTS IS REACHED. HIGH STREET WILL THEN DISCONTINUE THE IN-PATIENT TREATMENT TO ACCORD WITH THE OUT-PATIENT-ONLY POLICY OF THE THREE NEW CENTRES OPENING ON MONDAY, CHARGING ALSO $1 A VISIT. • . '
+THE CHARGE RELATES TO THE NORMAL FEE FOR SERVICE IN ALL GOVERNMENT CLINICS, AND CAN ALSO BE WAIVED IN CASE OF NEED.*
- - - - 0 ------
DC AND I DIRECTOR TO TOUR TEXTILE FACTORIES
NOTE TO EDITORS x
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE WILL BE VISITING TWO TEXTILES (WEDNESDAY) AFTERNOON.
AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, FACTORIES IN KOWLOON TOMORROW
_ THE VISITS ARE PART OF A CONTINUING SERIES MR. JORDAN HAS BEEN MAKING IN ORDER TO KEEP HIMSELF BETTER INFORMED OF THE DEVELOPMENT Sports andGemployment'ES AND °F THE state of ,ndustrial production
TrvTiTOMORROW’S THREE-HOUR VISIT WILL TAKE HIM FIRST TO CHUNG NAM TEXTILES LIMITED AT NO. 777 LAI CHI KOK ROAD, ARRIVING AT 2 P.M.
ER0M ™ERE WILL G0 T° THE CROCODILE GARMENTS LIMITED AT
NO. 79 HOI YUEN ROAD IN KWUN TONG, ARRIVING AT 3.30 P.M.
ARE ,NV,TED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT. THE D.C. AND l.’S PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER. MR. GERRY XAVIER, WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.
_ _ 0 - -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10; 1974
- 3 -
NO LET UP IN ’WAR’ * M
DRUG RUNNERS WERE DEALT A PREVENTIVE SERVICE KEPT UP ITS
AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKERS * * M *
FURTHER BIG BLOW LAST MONTH AS THE PRESSURE AGAINST THE ILLICIT TRADE.
DURING THE MONTH, PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS SEIZED MORE THAN 29 KILOGRAMS OF DANGEROUS DRUGS, INCLUDING HEROIN, MORPHINE, OPIUM, BARBITONE, HASHISH AND MARIJUANA WITH AN ESTIMATED RETAIL VALUE OF OVER $250,000.
A TOTAL OF 349 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH VARIOUS NARCOTICS OFFENCES. ALTOGETHER 139 RAIDS WERE MADE ON SUSPECT PREMISES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, WITH.128 OF THEM SUCCESSFUL. PARAPHERNALIA SEIZED INCLUDED 116 OPIUM AND FOUR HEROIN SMOKING PIPES.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH INCLUDED THE ARREST OF TWO DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND THE SEIZURE OF 1-1/2 KGS. OF HEROIN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, A RAID IN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY BY 170 OFFICERS RESULTING IN 71 ARRESTS FOR NARCOTICS OFFENCES AND LARGE QUANTITIES OF HEROIN AND OPIUM SEIZED- THE ARREST OF A THAI WOMAN AT HONG KONG AIRPORT FOLLOWING HER ARRIVAL FROM BANGKOK WHEN A FALSE COMPARTMENT IN HER SUITCASE WAS FOUND TO CONTAIN 28 SMALL PIECES OF MORPHINE AND FOUR PACKETS OF MORPHINE POWDER- AND THE ARREST OF TWO MEN CAUGHT IN KOWLOON IN THE PROCESS OF TRAFFICKING IN TWO KGS. OF HASHISH.
MR. R.V.L. HATTON, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, SAID TODAY THESE CONTINUING SUCCESSES BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE AND THE POLICE HAD NOT ONLY LED TO AN UNPRECEDENTED SHORTAGE OF DANGEROUS DRUGS BUT HAD ALSO MADE IT VERY HARD FOR +PUSHERS+ TO SUPPLY THEIR CUSTOMERS.
DRUG TRAFFICKERS, HE SAID, WERE TAKING ELABORATE PRECAUTIONS TO ESCAPE DETECTION. SOME OF THE METHODS USED INCLUDE POSTING NUMEROUS GUARDS AND WATCHMEN AROUND THE RETAILING CENTRES- THE USE OF CODE WORDS BEFORE A SALE OF HEROIN IS MADE- THE MAINTENANCE OF REGISTERS OF REGULAR CUSTOMERS AND EXTENSIVE PRECAUTIONS TO IDENTIFY AND BRING ADDICTS TO RETAIL CENTRES WHICH ARE CONSTANTLY MOVED TO DIFFERENT LOCATIONS.
BUT DESPITE ALL THESE PRECAUTIONS, PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS CONTINUE TO INFILTRATE, HARASS AND BREAK UP THE TRAFFICKING OPERATIONS, AND HAVE ALSO ACHIEVED SUCCESSES IN APPREHENDING DRUG CARRIERS ATTEMPTING TO BRING DRUGS SUPPLIES INTO HONG KONG, HE SAID. +WHILST SYMPATHY MAY BE FELT FOR THE ADD I CT,+ MR. HATTON ADDED, +N0 MERCY WHATSOEVER WILL BE SHOWN TO TRAFFICKERS.+
- - 0 - -
A...
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
- 4 -
SCHOOLS, PARENTS URGED TO SUPPORT SECONDARY EDUCATION EXPANSION K K M M M K K
THE GOVERNMENT’S AIM OF PROVIDING THREE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR EVERY CHILD IN HONG KONG WILL DEPEND ON THE SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENTS, PARENTS AND THE TAXPAYER. THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
+WE CAN ONLY REACH IT THROUGH MUCH EFFORT AND SOME PERSONAL INCONVENIENCE. BUT THIS APPLIES TO EVERYTHING OF REAL VALUE, + HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY, WHO WAS SPEAKING AT THE GOLDEN JUBILEE SPEECH DAY OF WAH YAN COLLEGE, DESCRIBED THE THREE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION AS A +FINE GOAL AND ONE WHI CH .COMMANDS GENERAL SUPPORT.+
HE SAID IT HAD BEEN DEFINED ONLY AFTER LONG ANXIOUS THOUGHT AND CONSULTATION.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH .........
+1 AM MOST HONOURED TO BE INVITED TO THIS SPEECH DAY, PARTICULARLY SINCE IT IS ALSO YOUR GOLDEN JUBILEE.
+IT IS A GREAT OCCASION FOR THIS SCHOOL WHICH HAS COMPLETED FIFTY YEARS OF SERVICE AND A GREAT OCCASION FOR THE BOYS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR SCHOOLING AND GRADUATED. THIS IS AN OCCASION ON WHICH SCHOOL AND PUPILS ALIKE MAY BOTH LOOK BACK WITH GRATITUDE AND FORWARD WITH CONFIDENCE.
+FATHER REID HAS DESCRIBED THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. IT IS A PROUD AND SUCCESSFUL STORY. I AM GLAD THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLAYED A HELPFUL PART IN IT.
+NOW WE HAVE TO THINK OF THE FUTURE. THE SCHOOL MUST THINK OF THE PART IT WILL PLAY IN THE YEARS TO COME AND THE PUPILS AND GRADUATES OF THE SORT OF LIFE THEY WISH TO LEAD. YOUR GOVERNMENT TOO IS FACING THE FUTURE, AND IN PARTICULAR WHAT MUST BE DONE TO GIVE EVERY BOY AND GIRL IN HONG KONG THE OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE AT LEAST THREE YEARS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION. AND TO DO IT AS QUICKLY AS ITS RESERVES ALLOW.
+THE GOVERNMENT CAN ONLY ACHIEVE THIS WITH THE HELP AND CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT OF SCHOOL MANAGEMENTS AND PARENTS, AND, OF COURSE, OF THE TAXPAYER. BUT IT SEEMS TO ME A FINE GOAL AND ONE WHICH COMMANDS GENERAL SUPPORT- DEFINED ONLY AFTER LONG ANXIOUS THOUGHT AND CONSULTATION. WE CAN ONLY REACH IT THROUGH MUCH EFFORT AND SOME PERSONAL INCONVENIENCE. BUT THIS APPLIES TO EVERYTHING OF REAL VALUE. WE ALL OF US, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, CANNOT ACCEPT THAT SOME YOUNG PEOPLE SHOULD HAVE NO SECONDARY EDUCATION, AND WE MUST ALL OF US WORK TO PUT THIS RIGHT. I AM SURE YOUR GOVERNMENT CAN COUNT ON YOUR SUPPORT.
/+PERHAPS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 19?4
+PERHAPS SOME OF TODAY’S GRADUATES WILL BECOME TEACHERS OR ADMINISTRATORS AND PLAY THEIR PART IN THIS GREAT ENTERPRISE. BUT ALL OF THEM MUST BE WONDERING A LITTLE WHAT THEY WILL DO NEXT. AND WHAT LIFE HAS IN STORE FOR THEM. I AM SURE THAT WITH THE EDUCATION YOU HAVE RECEIVED YOU ARE WELL EQUIPPED TO MAKE THE BEST OF IT. BUT I DO ASK YOU NEVER TO UNDER-ESTIMATE YOUR IMPORTANCE AS A MEMBER OF THE COMMUNITY. REMEMBER THAT HOW OUR CITY OF HONG KONG DEVELOPS DEPENDS ON YOUR CONTRIBUTION TO ITS LIFE. YOUR SCHOOL HAS BEEN AND IS DOING EVERYTHING IN ITS POWER TO PREPARE YOU TO MAKE THIS CONTRIBUTION. YOU NEED ONLY LOOK AT THE MANY EX-WAH YAN BOYS WHO ARE NOW LEADING PERSONALITIES TO REALISE THAT THIS IS SO.
+l AM CONFIDENT THAT YOU, THE PUPILS AND RECENT GRADUATES PRESENT THIS EVENING, WILL CARRY ON THIS TRADITION OF COMMUNITY SERVICE AND THAT YOUR PRINCIPAL AND TEACHERS WILL HAVE GOOD REASON TO BE PROUD OF YOU.+
-------o --------
YOUTH FORUM ON ’’DRUG TIDE”
K X X M X
ABOUT 100 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE TAKING PART IN AN OPEN FORUM ON ’YOUTH AND THE DRUG TIDE’ THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14) IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE FORUM, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 2.30 PM, IS BEING ORGANISED AS A COMPLEMENTARY PROGRAMME TO THE 'KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN’ OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
A SOCIAL WORKER FROM SARDA AND AN EX-DRUG ADDICT WILL PRESENT THEIR RESPECTIVE VIEWS AND EXPERIENCES TALKING ABOUT DRUG ADDICTION AND ITS IMPACT ON SOCIETY, WHICH WILL BE FURTHER ILLUSTRATED BY A FILM SHOW ENTITLED ’’SUICIDE ON HIRE PURCHASE”, FOLLOWED BY AN DISCUSSION FROM THE FLOOR.
IN ORGANISING THIS KIND OF EDUCATIONAL YOUTH FORUM, THE WESTERN COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER EXPECTS YOUTH WITHIN THE DISTRICT TO BECOME MORE AWARE OF THE GROWING PROBLEM OF DRUG ADDICTION.
FREE ADMISSION TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (WESTERN) AT 21 HOSPITAL ROAD, HONG KONG (TEL. 5-481044). PARTICIPATION FROM INTERESTED YOUTH IS WELCOME.
-----0------
/6......
, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
•• o —
HONG KONG BUYS MORE WATER FROM CHINA ********
HONG KONG IS TO BUY AN EXTRA 2,500 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER FROM CHINA DURING THE CURRENT 1974-75 SUPPLY YEAR.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. BILL KNIGHT. HE SAID THAT THE AGREEMENT ON THE ADDITIONAL SUPPLY HAD BEEN REACHED AS A RESULT OF LONG-STANDING CONTACTS BETWEEN THE WATERWORKS OFFICE AND THE WATER CONSERVANCY BUREAU OF KWANGTUNG PROVINCE.
THE EXISTING AGREEMENT, NEGOTIATED DURING THE VISIT OF SENIOR HONG KONG WATER ENGINEERS TO KWANGTUNG PROVINCE IN NOVEMBER 1972, IS FOR 18,500 MILLION GALLONS TO BE PURCHASED DURING A SUPPLY YEAR RUNNING FROM OCTOBER 1 TO AUGUST 10.
THE ADDITIONAL 2,500 MILLION GALLONS WILL RAISE THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF WATER TO BE SUPPLIED FROM CHINA IN 1974-75 TO 21,000 MILLION GALLONS.
THE INCREASE WILL BE MADE POSSIBLE, IN PART, BY AN EXTENSION OF THE CURRENT SUPPLY YEAR TO SEPTEMBER 10. THIS MEANS THAT THE GAP BETWEEN THE END OF THIS SUPPLY YEAR AND THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT ONE WILL BE CUT FROM 51 DAYS TO 20 DAYS.
MR. KNIGHT COMMENTED THAT HE WAS VERY PLEASED THAT AGREEMENT HAD BEEN REACHED ON THIS INITIAL LIMITED INCREASE, WHICH WOULD TAKE DELIVERIES UP TO THE MAXIMUM LEVEL ALLOWED BY THE CAPACITY OF THE EXISTING DELIVERY SYSTEMS. '
+AS I HAVE SAID BEFORE+, HE ADDED, +WE ARE ALSO INTERESTED IN ANY FURTHER SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE WHICH COULD BE ACHIEVED BY EXTENDING THE SYSTEMS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE BORDER.
+WE HAVE BEEN, AND ARE, IN TOUCH WITH THE KWANGTUNG WATER AUTHORITY ABOUT THIS.+
-----o-------
/ 7....
7
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
REASSURANCE ON PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM M K M M M
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY ALLAYED FEARS EXPRESSED BY SOME PEOPLE THAT THE TIMING OF THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM WAS IN ANY WAY +UNTIMELY OR BURDENSOME TO INDUSTRY.*
+0N THE CONTRARY,* HE SAID, +NOW IS THE RIGHT TIME. IF PROFITS ARE LOWER THIS YEAR, AS HAS BEEN IMPLIED, THERE WILL BE NO TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT FOR MANY BUSINESSES IN THE CHANGEOVER TO THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM.*
THIS IS BECAUSE, IN THE CHANGEOVER, BUSINESSES WILL BE ABLE TO DROP OUT THE SMALLER OF THE PROFITS FOR 1973-74 OR 1974-75. AS 1973-74 WAS GENERALLY A MORE PROFITABLE YEAR IT WILL BE THE PROFITS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WHICH WILL TEND NOT TO BE USED FOR ASSESSMENT.
REFERRING TO A STATEMENT REPORTEDLY MADE BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE COTTON SPINNERS’ ASSOCIATION, THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IF THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM IS IMPLEMENTED AS FROM APRIL 1, 1975, THE TAX WHICH BUSINESSES WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN RESPECT OF THIS YEAR (1974-75) WOULD STILL BE CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO THE PROFITS MADE IN 1973-74.
+IN OTHER WORDS TAX BILLS NOW PAYABLE OR DUE TO BE PAID WITHIN THE NEXT MONTH OR SO UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM, WILL BE ON EXACTLY THE SAME BASIS AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT IF 1973-74 WAS GENERALLY A MCIRE PROFITABLE YEAR THAN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THEN THE SITUATION WILL REMAIN THE SAME AND THERE WILL BE NO TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT OR ADDITIONAL TAX PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF ACTUAL PROFITS FOR 1974-75.
+IT IS ONLY IN THE CASE OF BUSINESSES WHICH HAVE INCREASED THEIR PROFITS IN 1974-75 COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR THAT THERE WILL BE A TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT AND AN ADDITIONAL AMOUNT OF TAX PAYABLE.*
HOWEVER, THE AMOUNT OF SUCH ADDITIONAL TAX, IF ANY, WILL ONLY BE CALCULATED WHEN THE ACCOUNTS FOR 1974-75 ARE AVAILABLE, SOME TIME NEXT YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THERE IS NO QUESTION OF ANY ADDITIONAL TAX LIABILITY IN RESPECT OF 1974-75 BEING PAID WITHIN THIS PRESENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
- - 0 - -
- 8 -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL EXCAVATIONS M M * * K K
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS AN OFFENCE TO EXCAVATE ON LEASED CROWN LAND WITHOUT PROPER AUTHORIZATION.
UNDER PART 3 SECTION 8 (1) OF THE CROWN LAND ORDINANCE ANY PERSON FOUND GUILTY BY THE COURT OF SUCH AN OFFENCE IS LIABLE TO A FINE OF $5,000 AND TO IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE SPOKESMAN CITED A RECENT CASE HEARD AT THE KWUN TONG MAGISTRACY IN WHICH THE DEFENDANT WAS FINED $500. THE DEFENDANT, CHEUNG HAK-KEUNG, WAS ARRESTED AND CHARGED WITH THE OFFENCE AFTER HE HAD REPEATEDLY IGNORED VERBAL WARNINGS BY A HOUSING ASSISTANCE TO STOP EXCAVATING A SLOPE AT THE RENNIE’S MILL COTTAGE AREA AS THIS WOULD ENDANGER A CONCRETE PATH IMMEDIATELY ABOVE.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO WARNED AGAINST EXCAVATING AT LEASED LAND FOR ERECTING ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AS THIS TOO CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE.
UNDER THE CROWN LAND ORDINANCE ANYONE WHO FAILS TO COMPLY WITH A NOTICE SERVED BY THE RIGHTFUL AUTHORITY TO CEASE OCCUPATION OF AN UNLEASED LAND BEFORE A GIVEN DATE CONSTITUTES AN OFFENCE AND IS LIABLE TO A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A $10,000 FINE AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS.
MONG KOK TRAFFIC CHANGE
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12) TRAFFIC WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT FROM SHANGHAI STREET INTO MONG KOK ROAD HEADING WEST.
THE NEW ARRANGEMENT IS TO IMPROVE VEHICULAR AND PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS AT THIS JUNCTION.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
9 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS K ft K O * «
NOTE TO EDITORS:
TWENTY-THREE ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE TO BE HELD AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND ON THURSDAY (DECEMBER 12).
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. DENIS BRAY, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AND INSPECT THE PARADE. HE WILL ALSO MAKE AN ADDRESS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED. THE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 A.M. AT THE REGIMENT’S PARADE GROUND, SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON JUNE 3, 1974 ON LAU MING-CHIU SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
LAU WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF YEUNG KAU-MUI.
_ _ o - _
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1974
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 :
GRADE OF RICE SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.94
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE 100% WHOLE GOOD ' 1.73
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.60
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.84
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
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 .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 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
• ' •" 1 "
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 4.50 1.70 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.20 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 5.70 3.20 4.40
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.00 0.30 1.10
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.40 0.70 2.10
CROAKERS GOOD 2.50 0.90 1.60
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.00 1.60 2.50
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.50 1.40 1.80
BREAMS LIMITED 4.80 3.80 4.20
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.50 0.85 1.20
MACKERELS GOOD 4.00 2.00 3.10
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 2.80 1.00 1.40
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.20 0.75 1.00
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.80 2.20 4.60
MELON SEED LIMITED 2.50 0.80 2.00
POMFRETS NORMAL 8.50 3.50 6.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 7.80 5.00 6.50
YELLOW CROAKER GOOD 6.50 2.00 3.80 '
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEW IG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.60 0.10 0.35
CHINESE LETTUCE WATER SPINACH NORMAL 1.20 0.50 NO SALE 0.80
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.00 0.70 • 1.40
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00 s
SP1NACH LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.50
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.50 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE CHINESE SPINACH NORMAL 0.40 0.10 NO SALE 0.25
TOMATO LIMITED 2.50 1.20 2.00
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES THE LIFTING OF CONTROLS ON RETAIL PRICE OF RICE......................... 1
PRINTING DEPARTMENT OF MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE
TO HOLD OPEN DAY ........................................... 2
TWO-DAY CAMP ORGANISED FOR KWUN TONG FACTORY WORKERS ....... 3
GOVERNOR TO ATTEND PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION ON FRIDAY .................................................. 4
TWO BUILDINGS IN KOWLOON DECLARED DANGEROUS ................ 4
ESTATE FAMILY WHO LOST TWO CHILDREN IN LAST THURSDAY’S FIRE HAS MOVED TO NEW HOME ................................. 5
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
1
CONTROLS ON RETAIL PR ICE .OF RICE LIFTED
M * * * * K
THE CONTROLS IMPOSED LAST MARCH ON THE RETAIL PRICE OF RICE HAVE BEEN LIFTED, THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THE DEPARTMENT’S DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR. JIMMY MCGREGOR, WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, EXPLAINED THAT THE DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN BECAUSE THE SUPPLY AND PRICE SITUATION OF RICE HAD RETURNED TO NORMAL, AND IT WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY TO RETAIN THE CONTROL MECHANISM.
HE ADDED THAT CURRENT MARKET PRICES WERE BEING DETERMINED BY NORMAL SUPPLY AND DEMAND FACTORS.
MR. MCGREGOR WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT CONTROLS WOULD BE REIMPOSED IF THE SITUATION DEMANDED IT. THE DEPARTMENT WOULD MAINTAIN THE RECORDS NECESSARY FOR RAPID RE INTRODUCTION OF THESE CONTROLS.
THE CONTROLS WERE FIRST INTRODUCED IN MARCH THIS YEAR AT A TIME OF RISING PRICES AND SPECULATIVE ACTIVITY IN THE RICE TRADE.
THE VARIOUS MEASURES WHICH THE DC AND I TOOK TO PROTECT THE CONSUMER, AND TO CONTAIN AND STABILISE THE SITUATION, HAD INCLUDED THE FIXING OF MAXIMUM PRICE CEILINGS FOR IMPORTERS AND RETAILERS. THE CEILINGS WERE CALCULATED ON A THREE-MONTH MOVING AVERAGE PRICE FORMULA.
MR. MCGREGOR ALSO ANNOUNCED THE APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW MEMBERS TO THE RICE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
THE NEW MEMBERS ARE MR. WONG SHAN-JEN, A PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANT, AND MR. STEPHEN CHEONG, A PROMINENT INDUSTRIALIST.
THE ENLARGEMENT OF THE COMMITTEE WAS SUGGESTED BY THE CONSUMER COUNCIL AND ACCEPTED BY THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
2
TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S PRINTING DEPARTMENT TO HOLD OPEN DAY *******
THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S DEPARTMENT OF PRINTING WILL HOLD AN OPEN DAY ON FRIDAY TO MARK ITS OFFICIAL OPENING IN TEMPORARY PREMISES IN CAINE LANE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING BRARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, MR. ALEC S.C. WU AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL, WILL ADDRESS INVITED GUESTS FROM THE PRINTING INDUSTRY AND SUPPLIERS.
THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH STARTED IN SEPTEMBER 1973 WITH TWO COURSES IN LETTERPRESS MACHINE PRINTING AND OFFSET MACHINE PRINTING, WILL MOVE TO KWUN TONG NEXT MAY WHEN IT WILL BECOME PART OF A NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTE NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AS NEW EQUIPMENT WAS INSTALLED THE DEPARTMENT STARTED TWO NEW COURSES - GRAPHIC REPRODUCTION (PROCESS CAMERA WORK, DARKROOM PROCESSING, AND LITHOGRAPHIC PLATE-MAKING) AND LETTER ASSEMBLY (COMPOSING). IT NOW HAS 93 DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS.
MOST OF THE EQUIPMENT INSTALLED IN THE PREMISES AT CAINE LANE WAS DONATED BY SUPPLIERS AND THE PRINTING INDUSTRY.
THE ACTING HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. ROBERT HARPER, WHO IS ORGANISING AND PLANNING THE NEW DEPARTMENT AT THE KWUN TONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, SAID THE NEW DEPARTMENT AT KWUN TONG IS DESIGNED TO TAKE ABOUT 200 DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS. IT IS EXPECTED TO START WITH ABOUT 160 DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS AT THE OPENING TERM NEXT SEPTEMBER AND 100 EVENING STUDENTS ATTENDING SPECIALIST COURSES.
+THE WORKSHOPS AND LABORATORIES THERE ARE SPACIOUS AND WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH THE LATEST UP-TO-DATE EQUIPMENT USED IN THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG AT A COST OF OVER $3 MILLION.
+WE SHALL START WITH COURSES AT KWUN TONG COVERING THE TWO MAIN PRINTING PROCESSES, LETTERPRESS AND LITHOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC REPRODUCTION, PRINT FINISHING (BOOKBINDING), AND LETTER ASSEMBLY (HAND, MECHANICAL AND FILM),+ HE ADDED.
HE HOPED TO RUN AT LEAST FIVE SPECIALIST EVENING CLASSES OF A THEORETICAL NATURE ON VARIOUS SUBJECTS TO CATER FOR ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES AND FOR CRAFTSMEN WHO WISH TO IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE. CHINESE IS USED AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION ON THE CRAFT COURSES.
MR. HARPER SAID THAT WITH MORE AND MORE PEOPLE RECEIVING THE ’ RIGHT TRAINING HONG KONG’S IMAGE AS A PUBLISHING AND PRINTING CENTRE WOULD BE MAINTAINED.
/IN 1973,
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974.
IN 1973, HONG KONG’S EXPORTS OF PRINTED MATTER WERE VALUED AT $137 MILLION COMPARED WITH $52 MILLION IN 1968. DURING THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS YEAR THE VALUE OF EXPORTS OF PRINTED MATTER STOOD AT $92 MILLION.
PRINTING AND PUBLISHING IS NOW THE SIXTH LARGEST MANUFACTURING EMPLOYER IN HONG KONG. THE PRINTING INDUSTRY HAD A WORKFORCE OF 17,745 LAST JUNE COMPARED WITH 16,581 IN JUNE 1969.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPEN DAY ON FRIDAY AT 2.45 P.M. IN THE CAINE LANE PREMISES OF THE INSTITUTE’S DEPARTMENT OF PRINTING. THEY WILL BE SHOWN THE WORKSHOPS AND THE MACHINERY WHICH WILL BE OPERATED BY STUDENTS.
THE DEPARTMENT IS NEXT TO THE OLD PREMISES OF THE INSTITUTE OF PATHOLOGY, VACCINE SECTION, IN CAINE LANE.
------0-------
CAMP FOR FACTORY WORKERS * * * M * *
SOME 50 KWUN TONG FACTORY WORKERS WILL TAKE A BREAK FROM ta?KpoHIS WEEKEND T0 ENJOY THE OUTDOORS AT A TWO-DAY CAMP IN ni___TJJE CAMP, ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE PE^TMENT’S COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND COMMUNITY CENTRE IN AIMS AT G,v,NG INDUSTRIAL WORKERS IN THE DISTRICT A to develop theirTpeHuT™s?USH RECREATI0,“L ‘cnvmes and IN, TA MW I nL&TcAMPFIrI, 'TE
SKILL TRAINING AS WELL AS MAP READING AND OTHER GROUP ACT IVITIES•
at JON FORMS ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE COMMUNITY CENTRE
AT NO. 17 TSUI PING ROAD, KWUN TONG.
- - 0 - -
/4
4 -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION
*****
TU(_ GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE IN STANLEY AT 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13). TRA,N,NG
A,TOTAL OF 10 CONTINGENTS COMPRISING 232 OFFICERS FROM VARIOUS PENAL INSTITUTIONS WILL TAKE PART IN THE PARADE. VARIOUS
•
MURRAY WILL PRESENT MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 41 OFFICERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LONG SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT?
™1,™AMONG THE GUESTS ATTENDING WILL BE LADY MACLEHOSE AND SENIOR
THE CAPENCOLLINSONLBAND?USIC F°R ™E °CCASI0N WILL BE PROVIDED BY
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE ANNUAL INSPECTION WHICH BEGINS AT 5 P.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 13). MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES REQUIRING TRANSPORT FACILITIES SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT QUEEN’S PIER BEFORE 3.30 P.M. ON FRIDAY WHEN A PRISONS DEPARTMENT CAR WILL DEPART FOR THE PARADE GROUND. TWO G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
------0-------
TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS CONDEMNED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NOS. 2 AND 4 UN CHAU STREET, KOWLOON, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NO. 2 UN CHAU STREET THE COMMON REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMEWORK OF THIS PAIR OF FOUR-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS WAS FOUND TO BE IN AN ADVANCED STATE OF DETERIORATION THE REAR COLUMNS IN PARTICULAR GAVE RISE 1'0 THE RISK OF A COLLAPSE.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS WERE POSTED ON THE BUILDINGS THIS MORNING. THE APPLICATION WILL BE HEARD IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JANUARY 9.
-------0----------
Z5......
5
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
LAU FAMILY MOVES TO NEW HOME * * X * M M
THE THE FIRE Estate. 4
LAU FAMILY OF SHEK LEI ESTATE, WHO LOST TWO CHILDREN IN LAST THURSDAY, HAS NOW MOVED TO A NEW FLAT IN THE SAME
THE DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. JOHN WARREN, TODAY PAID A VISIT TO MR. AND MRS. LAU CHI-HUNG AT THEIR NEW HOME AT BLOCK 9. MR. WARREN ALSO HANDED $600 FROM THE SING TAO FAT CHOY FUND TO MR. LAU.
SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE SAID THAT SO FAR MORE THAN $3,500 HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THE LAU FAMILY SINCE THE TRAGEDY INCLUDED BURIAL GRANTS, CASH r~
--- . ... .. — . w « i.vw i i il. innyLvi, THIS
RELIEF AND DECORATION EXPENSES FOR
THEIR NEW FLAT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF THEMSELVES. i
ALL POSSIBLE EFFORTS WERE BEING MADE TO HELP THE LAU’S RE-ESTABLISH
NOTE TO EDITORS:
* COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE LAU FAMILY AND MR. WARREN ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
******
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 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 NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.73
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.62
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD —
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK U/PICUL-LI VE WEIGHT)
GOOD
340
/SUPPLIES AND .......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 1974
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 4.50 2.60 3.80
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.CO 1.20 2.20
SQUID LIMITED . 5.80 4.00 5.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.30 0.65 1.40
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.40 1.00 2.40
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.65 0.40 1.60
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.70 1.90 2.20
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.10 1.60 1.80
BREAMS NORMAL 3.20 1.50 2.70
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 2.00 0.70 1.50
MACKERELS NORMAL 3.40 2.50 3.00
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.80 0.65 2.40
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.60 1.00 1.40
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 6.CO 1.40 4.50
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.80 2.00 2.40
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.00 3.00 6.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.00 6.00 7.30
%/.—• ( i l/rr\ ICi-LlAI l/IWKI\L.n MAOMA 1 I «ViU «*■»»— a rq W • 5.50 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 WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.60 0.10 0.35
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.20 0.50 0.80
WATER SPINACH — - Ma.
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.60 1.20
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.50 1.20
SP1NACH LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.50
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.50 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.50 o.io 0.30
CHINESE SPINACH
TOMATO LIMITED 2.50 1.20 2.00
-------o
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS STRESSES ON THE NEED FOP IMMIGRATION CONTROLS .................................. j
LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THIRD CAREERS EXHIBITION OPENING
NEXT WEEK ............................................... 2
FIFTY-THREE NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN NOVEMBER .. J
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT MOVING TO NEW PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ........................................
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE SOLD BY AUCTION NEXT MONTH................................................. 4
NO DEFERMENT IN HOUSING AUTHORITY PENT INCREASE ......... 4
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
_ n _ THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974
NEED FOR IMMIGRATION CONTROLS UNDERLINED
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS BRAY, TODAY AGAIN WARNED AGAINST THE DANGER OF UNCONTROLLED IMMIGRATION INTO HONG KONG.
THIS, HE SAID, WOULD NOT ONLY UPSET THE GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE LOT OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS, BUT ALSO DEPRIVE MANY RESIDENTS OF EMPLOYMENT.
MR. BRAY WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING OUT PARADE OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND IN HAPPY VALLEY.
HE NOTED THAT POPULATION CONTROL WAS NOT SIMPLY A QUESTION OF FAMILY PLANNING, ALTHOUGH THIS WAS IMPORTANT, AND IMPRESSED ON THE RECRUITS THAT IT WAS THEIR DUTY TO ENSURE THAT +PROPER AND ADEQUATE CONTROL IS EXERCISED OVER THE MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG - THAT ONLY THOSE WHO HAVE PERMISSION TO LIVE AND WORK HERE DO SO.+
HE CAUTIONED THE RECRUITS, HOWEVER, THAT LIKE SO MUCH OTHER WORK CONCERNING THE SECURITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL, DECISIONS WERE NOT ALWAYS CLEAR CUT. +SOMETIMES, THERE ARE FACTORS PRESENT WHICH ARE NOT, AND INDEED CANNOT, BE COVERED BY THE INSTRUCTIONS YOU WORK TO, WHERE POSSIBLY HUMANITARIAN CONSIDERATIONS DICTATE THAT THE RULES SHOULD BE WAIVED,* HE SAID.
MR. BRAY EXPECTED IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO SHOW CONSIDERABLE COMMONSENSE, IMAGINATION AND INITIATIVE IN PERFORMING THEIR DUTIES AND REMINDED THEM OF THE IMPORTANCE TO REMAIN COURTEOUS, PATIENT AND SYMPATHETIC EVEN UNDER THE MOST ADVERSE CONDITIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS* COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. BRAY’S SPEECH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR.
0
/2
2
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974
’’CAREERS ’75” OPENS NEXT FRIDAY
*****
MORE THAN 100 DIFFERENT JOBS IN TRADE, INDUSTRY AND GOVERNMENT WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S THIRD CAREERS EXHIBITION WHICH OPENS AT THE CITY HALL NEXT WEEK.
THE EXHIBITION - CALLED CAREERS ’75 - WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY MR. HILTON'CHEONG LEEN, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, AT 4 PM.NEXT FRIDAY.
MORE THAN 70,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9.30 AM TO 7 PM FROM DECEMBER 21 TO 29.
CAREERS ’75 - WITH 20 DIFFERENT EXHIBITORS - IS AIMED AT STUDENTS, YOUNG PEOPLE, TEACHERS AND PARENTS SEEKING CAREERS INFORMATION.
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE, WHICH RUNS A FULL-TIME AND COMPREHENSIVE GUIDANCE SERVICE ON CAREERS AND OCCUPATIONS IN HONG KONG.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY THE PREVIOUS CAREERS EXHIBITIONS IN 1972 AND 1973 HAD PROVED ENORMOUSLY SUCCESSFUL.
+THIS YEAR’S EXHIBITION WILL AGAIN PROVIDE A VERY WIDE RANGE OF INFORMATION ABOUT CAREERS IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS AS WELL AS CERTAIN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS,+ HE SAID.
+VI SI-TORS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DETAILS OF THE NATURE OF THE TRADE OR BUSINESS OF THE VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS TAKING PART - AND THEY RANGE FROM THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY AND PRINTING INDUSTRY TO BANKING AND GOVERNMENT.
+THE EXHIBITORS WILL PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE TYPES OF JOBS AVAILABLE IN THEIR FIELDS, THE ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS, THE TRAINING FACILITIES, TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT, PROSPECTS, RENUMERATION
+THEY WILL DO THIS THROUGH DISPLAY MODELS, FILMS, SLIDES, PHOTOGRAPHS, CARTOONS, CHARTS, EQUIPMENT, MACHINERY, LITERATURE AND OTHER DISPLAY MATERIALS.*
MR. PRICE SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS TIMELY FOR STUDENTS LEAVING SCHOOL NEXT SUMMER. +AND FOR THOSE STUDENTS WHO WISH TO FURTHER THEIR STUDIES, THE EXHIBITION WILL GIVE THEM AN IDEA AS TO WHAT IS AVAILABLE IN THE EMPLOYMENT MARKET SO THAT THEY CAN PROPERLY PLAN ANY FURTHER STUDIES,* HE SAID.
+THE CHOICE OF CAREER IS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT DECISION A YOUNG PERSON IS LIKELY TO MAKE.
+THIS EXHIBITION WILL BE AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE TO STUDY AT FIRST HAND VARIOUS TYPES OF AVAILABLE JOBS.*
-----o------ /3
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12,' 1974
- 3 -
BUILDING PLANS APPROVED
* * * * *
FIFTY-THREE NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY LAST MONTH.
THESE INCLUDED PLANS FOR A 25-STOREY COMMERCIAL BLOCK IN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, A 23-STOREY APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL BUILDING IN KWAI CHUNG, AND A 16-STOREY FACTORY BLOCK IN KWUN TONG.
TWENTY OF THE PLANS WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, FIVE IN KOWLOON, AND 28 FOR BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
AT THE SAME TIME, 58 NEW BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION, INCLUDING NINE LOW-COST HOUSING BLOCKS AND A 30-ST0REY APARTMENT/COMMERCI AL BLOCK. THE COMBINED DECLARED COST FOR THE 58 BUILDINGS WAS MORE THAN $134 MILLION.
APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR WORK TO START ON 55 BUILDING PROJECTS, AND DEMOLITION CONSENT WAS GIVEN FOR 29 BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THREE WHICH HAD BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS.
-----o------
CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPT. MOVING TO NEW PREMISES ******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE TO NEW AND BIGGER OFFICES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 14).
THE DEPARTMENT, NOW HOUSED IN INTERNATIONAL BUILDING AND ASIAN HOUSE, WILL OCCUPY 11 FLOORS OF KAI TAK COMMERCIAL BUILDING, 317 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, OPPOSITE WESTERN MARKET.
A SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT LARGER OFFICES WERE NEEDED TO ENABLE EXPANSION OF SOME SECTIONS TO COPE WITH THE RISING WORK LOAD ARISING FROM THE RAPID GROWTH IN TRADE AND POPULATION.
ONE OF THE FEATURES OF THE NEW OFFICES WILL BE AN ENQUIRY COUNTER AND A SHOW WINDOW DISPLAYING VARIOUS STATISTICAL PUBLICATIONS AND POSTERS.
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL REMAIN THE SAME.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974
4
CROWN LAND SALE * * * * *
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND - THREE ON THE ISLAND AND ONE IN KOWLOON - WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION EARLY NEXT MONTH.
THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM AT 2.30 P.M. ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975.
TWO OF THE LOTS ARE SITUATED OFF TUNG TAU WAN ROAD, STANLEY, EACH MEASURING 17,00Q SQUARE FEET. BOTH ARE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT. THE OTHER ISLAND LOT IS INTENDED FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN PURPOSES. IT COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 16,230 SQUARE FEET OFF ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD.
• THE KOWLOON LOT IS LOCATED AT 297-299 RECLAMATION STREET. IT HAS AN AREA OF 1,658 SQUARE FEET AND IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
MEANWHILE, ANOTHER LOT LOCATED AT TUNG YUEN STREET IN SAM KA TSUEN IS BEING OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER. THIS LOT MEASURES 24,690 SQUARE FEET AND IS FOR INDUSTRIAL AND/OR GODOWN DEVELOPMENT REQUIRING DIRECT ACCESS TO THE HARBOUR.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR TENDERS IS 12 NOON ON JANUARY 10, 1975.
FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
------o-------
NO DEFERMENT IN HOUSING AUTHORITY RENT INCREASE
******
THE GOVERNOR HAS DECLINED TO INTERVENE IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S DECISION TO INTRODUCE SMALL RENT INCREASE AS FROM DECEMBER 1.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED FOLLOWING THE PRESENTATION. OF A PETITION AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY A GROUP OF TENANTS FROM PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
THE OFFICIAL REPLY TO THE PETITION REMINDED THE WRITERS THAT TENANTS MUST EXPECT TO MAKE A REASONABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE COST OF RUNNING THE ESTATES, AND THAT IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO CONSIDER ANY POSTPONEMENT.
THE REPLY ALSO REMINDED THE PETITIONERS THAT ANY TENANTS FOR WHOM THE RENT INCREASE WILL CAUSE REAL HARDSHIP SHOULD APPLY TO THE ESTATE OFFICE FOR ADVICE ON HOW TO SEEK FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
MEANWHILE, THE MAJORITY OF THE AFFECTED TENANTS ARE PAYING THEIR DECEMBER RENTS AT NEW LEVEL. AS AT MID-DAY TODAY (THURSDAY) ABOUT 70 PER CENT HAD PAID.
------0-------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE M M M *
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 i
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.90
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD ——
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.84
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN RICE GOOD -
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (.^/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
GOOD
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12, 1974.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH
(FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
I
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 4.30 2.00 3.20
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.20 1.20 2.20
SQUID LIMITED 6.00 1.20 3.40
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.10 0.90 1.50
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 2.90 0.90 2.00
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.00 0.70 1.30
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.70 2.00 2.30
MELON COAT LIMITED 2.70 1.20 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.00 4.00 4.50
YELLOW BELLY GOOD ' 1.70 0.70 1.20
MACKERELS NORMAL 3.40 2.20 2.80
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 2.30 0.50 1.40
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.00 0.50 0.70
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.80 2.50 3.70
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.80 1.00 2.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.00 5.00 6.50
GAROUPAS SCARCE 8.00 6.00 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 6.20 5.00 5.60
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.60 0.50 1.20
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD ■ 0.60 0.15 0.40
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.20 0.50 0.80
WATER SPINACH ——
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.60 1.20
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.50 1.80
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.60 1.20
SPINACH LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.60
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.50 0.10 0.30
CHINESE SPINACH ——
TOMATO LIMITED 2.40 1.20 1.80
0 -------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNMENT TO BE GIVEN WIDE-RANGING POWERS TO OVERSEE OPERATIONS OF BUS COMPANIES ............... 1
GOVERNOR SPEAKS ON PRISON EXPANSION PROGRAMME AT PRISONS DEPARTMENT’S ANNUAL INSPECTION ............ 3
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION: SECONDARY CURRICULUM WILL BE RE-ARRANGED................................. 4
CHOICE OF MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN LOWER SECONDARY
FORMS MUST VARY WITH PUPILS* ABILITY, SAYS DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ................................ 6
PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM WILL NOT INVOLVE PAYMENT OF A YEAR’S TAX IN ADVANCE.................... 7
SPECIAL ACQUISITION AREA ON LANTAU ISLAND ............ 9
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR SEPTEMBER SHOW A $226 MILLION DEFICIT..................................... 9
$1 MILLION DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT TO THE MORRISON
HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE'S PRINTING DEPARTMENT ACKNOWLEDGED ........................................ 10
TWO PUMPING STATIONS FOR HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME TO BE. CONSTRUCTED SOON.............................. 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, DECEMBER 13, 1974
- 1 -
GOVERNMENT MOVES TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES *******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE GIVEN WIDE-RANGING POWERS TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS OF BUS COMPANIES UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATION PUBLISHED TODAY. THE OBJECT IS TO IMPROVE THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, KNOWN AS THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES BILL 1975, WOULD EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO ISSUE FRANCHISES TO BUS COMPANIES FOR INITIAL PERIODS OF UP TO TEN YEARS.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT NEW 10-YEAR FRANCHISES WILL BE GRANTED TO KOWLOON MOTOR BUS CO. (1933) LTD. AND CHINA MOTOR BUS CO. LTD. AFTER THE BILL BECOMES LAW. THERE IS ALSO PROVISION IN THE BILL EITHER FOR FRANCHISES TO BE EXTENDED FOR A FIXED PERIOD OF UP TO FIVE YEARS, OR FOR AN ARRANGEMENT WHICH WOULD ALLOW THE COMPANIES TO ROLL FORWARD THEIR 10-YEAR FRANCHISES AT TWO-YEARLY INTERVALS.
THIS ROLLING FRANCHISE CONCEPT WOULD EXTEND THE FRANCHISE PERIOD, ON EACH OCCASION, FOR UP TO TWO YEARS, PROVIDED THE PERFORMANCE OF THE COMPANY CONCERNED HAD BEEN SATISFACTORY.
EXPLAINING THE PURPOSE OF THE ROLLING FRANCHISE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN VIEW OF THE VERY LARGE CAPITAL INVESTMENT THAT CMB AND KMB WILL HAVE TO MAKE IF THEY ARE TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE BUS SERVICES IN THE FUTURE, A ROLLING FRANCHISE WOULD GIVE EACH COMPANY AN ASSURANCE OF CONTINUITY FOR TEN YEARS AHEAD, PROVIDED THEY PERFORMED SATISFACTORILY.
HE ADDED THAT, IF CMB AND KMB WERE GRANTED NEW FRANCHISES UNDER THE BILL AND IF THIS METHOD OF EXTENSION WERE TO BE ADOPTED FOR THESE TWO COMPANIES, CONSIDERATION OF SUCH AN EXTENSION WOULD BE PRECEDED BY A DETAILED BIENNIAL EXAMINATION OF EACH COMPANY'S PERFORMANCE UNDER ITS FRANCHISE AND OF ITS PHYSICAL AND FINANCIAL FORWARD PLANNING.
THE BILL STIPULATES THAT FRANCHISES ARE TO BE GRANTED FOR SCHEDULES OF ROUTES AND NOT, AS PREVIOUSLY, FOR GEOGRAPHICAL AREAS. A DETAILED SCHEDULE OF ROUTES HAS BEEN AGREED WITH BOTH KMB AND CMB FOR 1975/76.
IN ADDITION, CMB’S AND KMB’S PROJECTED VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS UP TO 1980, AND THEIR PROGRAMMES FOR ORDERING NEW BUSES, HAVE BEEN AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL WILL BE EMPOWERED TO DIRECT THE COMPANIES TO ALTER EXISTING ROUTES OR TO PROVIDE SERVICES ON NEW ROUTES, WHILE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE ABLE TO REQUIRE THE COMPANIES TEMPORARILY TO ALTER EXISTING ROUTES OR TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL SERVICES OR NEW ROUTES ON A TEMPORARY BASIS.
/UNDER PROVISIONS .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 197'i
2
UNDER PROVISIONS IN THE BILL, THE GOVERNOR WOULD BE EMPOWERED TO APPOINT UP TO TWO DIRECTORS TO THE BOARDS OF ALL FRANCHISED COMPANIES. THIS WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO PARTICIPATE, AT FIRST HAND, IN THE COMPANIES’ DECISION-MAKING. THE MAJOR RESPONSIBILITY OF GOVERNMENT DIRECTORS WOULD BE TO REPRESENT THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
ON THE QUESTION OF GOVERNMENT SANCTIONS, THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT, UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, THE GOVERNMENT WOULD BE GIVEN THE POWER TO WITHDRAW A SPECIFIC ROUTE ON WHICH A COMPANY HAD FAILED TO PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY SERVICE. AT THE SAME TIME, IT COULD WITHDRAW ADDITIONAL AND MORE LUCRATIVE ROUTES IF THIS WERE NECESSARY TO PORVIDE A VIABLE PACKAGE OF ROUTES TO ANOTHER BUS COMPANY.
HE ADDED THAT THESE SANCTIONS WOULD DISCOURAGE A COMPANY FROM DELIBERATELY NEGLECTING ITS LEAST PROFITABLE ROUTES. MOREOVER, IF IT WERE NECESSARY, THE WHOLE FRANCHISE COULD BE REVOKED.
<
IF AN EMERGENCY EXISTS AND A FRANCHISE IS SUSPENDED, THE BILL WOULD ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE POSSESSION OF A COMPANY’S BUS PROPERTY, WITH COMPENSATION PAYABLE FOR THE DURATION OF THE EMERGENCY. SIMILAR POSSESSION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF A COMPANY’S BUS PROPERTY MAY ALSO TAKE PLACE IF A COMPANY’S WHOLE FRANCHISE IS REVOKED, AGAIN WITH COMPENSATION BEING PAID.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR FINES OF UP TO $10,000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, UP TO $20,000 FOR A SECOND OFFENCE AND UP TO . $50,000 FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES. THE FINES COULD ONLY BE APPLIED ON THE ORDER OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL. THESE FINES ARE INTENDED, IN PRACTICE, TO BE IMPOSED FOR INFRINGEMENTS OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL, OR OF A FRANCHISE, WHERE THE GREATER PENALTY OF THE REVOCATION OF ONE OR MORE ROUTES WOULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED. '
IN VIEW OF THE VARIOUS CONTROLS CONTAINED IN THE BILL, THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED NOT TO SEEK TO ACQUIRE ANY EQUITY IN KMB OR CMB, AS HAD PREVIOUSLY BEEN INTENDED.
+THE GOVERNMENT FEELS THAT NO PURPOSE WOULD NOW BE SERVED BY THE ACQUISITION OF EQUITY IN VIEW OF THESE BUILT IN CONTROLS*, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE BILL WAS DESIGNED TO CONTROL ANY BUS COMPANY, INCLUDING ANY THAT MIGHT BE ESTABLISHED IN LANTAU, THE NEW TOWNS OR ELSEWHERE.
IN CONCLUSION, THE SPOKESMAN SA I Ds +THE OVERALL EFFECT OF THE DILL WILL BE TO PROVIDE POWERS TO ACHIEVE CLOSER GOVERNMENT CONTROL OVER THE BUS OPERATIONS OF FRANCHISED COMPANIES WITH THE AIM OF IMPROVING SERVICES FOR THE PUBLIC. AT THE SAME TIME, PARTICULARLY WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF GOVERNMENT DIRECTORS TO THE BOARDS OF EACH COMPANY, A FRAMEWORK FOR CLOSER CO-OPERATION SHOULD BE CREATED BETWEEN THE COMPANIES AND THE GOVERNMENT WHICH CAN ONLY BE TO THE BENEFIT OF THE PUBLIC AS WELL AS THE COMPANIES THEMSELVES.+
IF THE BILL IS ENACTED, NEW FRANCHISES ARE EXPECTED TO COME INTO OPERATION (ON FEBRUARY 15,; 1975 WHEN THE PRESENT ORDINANCES GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF KMB AND CMB WILL BE REPEALED.
------o-------
I /x \
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974
3
MORE PRISONS PLANNED TO BEAT OVERCROWDING H K * K * *
EVERYTHING POSSIBLE IS BEING DONE TO EASE OVERCROWDING IN HONG KONG’S PENAL INSTITUTIONS WHICH NOW HOLD MORE THAN 8,000 PRISONERS, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
TWO NEW INSTITUTIONS WILL EE COMPLETED AT PIK UK WITHIN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL ACCOMMODATION FOR 1,000 PRISONERS, HE SAID, AND PROJECTS AIMED AT PROVIDING A FURTHER 3,000 PLACES WERE ALftEADY INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
+IN TERMS OF MANPOWER, MORE THAN 500 ADDITIONAL POSTS HAVE BEEN CREATED IN THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT SINCE APRIL 1 THIS YEAR SO AS TO MORE REALISTICALLY MEET THE DEPARTMENT’S REQUIREMENTS,* HE ADDED.
THE GOVERNOR WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE PRISONS DEPARTMENT HELD AT STANLEY. TEN CONTINGENTS, COMPRISING 232 OFFICERS, TOOK PART.
THE COMMUNITY’S EFFORTS TO FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME HAD CONTINUED AND INTENSIFIED DURING THE PAST YEAR, HE SAID. THIS, COUPLED WITH THE LONGER SENTENCES BEING IMPOSED BY THE COURTS ON OFFENDERS, HAD RESULTED IN AN UNPRECEDENTED INCREASE IN THE PRISON POPULATION OVER THIS PERIOD. THE PRESENT PRISON POPULATION, HE NOTED, WAS 25 PER CENT MORE THAN IT WAS A YEAR AGO.
THE GOVERNOR SAID STEPS HAD CONTINUED TO BE TAKEN TO STRENGHTEN THE SENIOR AND MIDDLE MANAGEMENT OF THE DEPARTMENT. THE INSPECTOR OF PRISONS AND HIS TEAM WERE NOW FIRMLY ESTABLISHED, AND PROPOSALS WERE BEING CONSIDERED TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND INDUSTRIAL AND VOCATIONAL TRAINING ACTIVITIES IN PRISONS.
+BUT,+ THE GOVERNOR SAID, + IN THE FINAL ANALYSIS THE SUCCESS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL DEPEND LARGELY ON ITS OFFICERS.*
HE IMPRESSED ON THE OFFICERS THAT THEY HAD A KEY ROLE TO PLAY IN THE COMMUNITY’S FIGHT AGAINST CRIME AND THEIR WORK REQUIRED A HIGH DEGREE OF DISCIPLINE, INITIATIVE AND DEDICATION.
AFTER INSPECTING THE PARADE, THE GOVERNOR PRESENTED MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 41 OFFICERS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR LONG SERVICE.
AMONG THE GUESTS ATTENDING WERE LADY MACLEHOSE AND SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICERS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S ADDRESS ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS AWARDED MEDALS AND CLASPS.
------0------
A......
\
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974'
- 4 -
SECONDARY CURRICULUM TO BE RE-ARRANGED *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS WORKING ON CHANGES IN SECONDARY CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT TO MEET THE NEEDS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE AS THE WHITE PAPER COMES TO FRUITION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TOLD THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE KOWLOON LIONS CLUB TODAY.
HE ADDED, HOWEVER : +IT IS CLEAR THAT CONSTANT REAPPRAISAL AND RENEWAL WILL BE REQUIRED IN THIS AREA TO PROVIDE THE SUBSTANTIAL RE-ARRANGEMENT AND GREATER LIVELINESS WHICH WE SHALL NEED IN OUR FUTURE CURRICULUM.+
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE INFLUENCES OF PARENTS, CHILDREN,
SOCIETY AT LARGE AND TEACHERS +HAVE Tri’GD 'i'C THROW THE
CURRICULUM INTO A PARTICULAR FORM AND HAVE CREATED THE PRESENT DIVISION INTO ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, RECREATION SUBJECTS AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS.+
ACADEMIC SUBJECTS, HE EXPLAINED, WERE INFLUENCED TO SOME EXTENT BY THE STANDARDS SET BY THE UNIVERSITIES.
RECREATIONAL SUBJECTS LIKE MUSIC, ART AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION HAVE BEEN SEEN AS PROVIDING PUPILS WITH THE KIND OF REST THEY NEEDED FROM THEIR LABOURS IN THE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS IN ORDER TO PREVENT THEM FROM GETTING STALE, BORED AND UNHAPPY. PRACTICAL SUBJECTS - METALWORK, WOODWORK AND DOMESTIC SCIENCE - REFLECTED THE INFLUENCES'OF SOCIETY WHICH WANTED THEM ALL TO BE PRACTICAL.
MR. TOPLEY NOTED THAT IN THE PAST SECONDARY EDUCATION WAS FOR THE MINORITY, WITH SECONDARY SCHOOLS ADMITTING ONLY THE TOP HALF OF THE ABILITY RANGE. +IN THE FUTURE OUR SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL ADMIT THE FULL ABILITY AND SOCIAL RANGE AND WE MUST THINK AGAIN THE CLASSICAL DIVISION OF THE CURRICULUM,+ HE SAID.
WHILE HE THOUGHT IT TOO EARLY TO PRODUCE A NEW CLASSIFICATION, HE STRESSED THAT +WE MUST CERTAINLY MAKE MASSIVE CHANGES IN THE CURRICULUM AND THE STYLE OF OUR TEACHING IF WE ARE TO DO WELL BY THE MASS OF NEW ENTRANTS TO OUR SECONDARY EDUCATION.+
THIS MEANT FIRST MAKING THE ACADEMIC SUBJECTS MORE REAL, MORE PRACTICAL THORUGH AN INTRODUCTION OF THE ACTIVITY APPROACH METHOD.
RECREATIONAL SUBJECTS COULD ALSO EE RE-THOUGHT WHILE PRACTICAL SUBJECTS COULD EE BROADENED AND IMPROVED BY MAKING THEM LESS MENIAL AND GIVING THEM MORE OF +A PROBLEM SOLVING SLANT+.
/REFERRING TO
FRIDAY, DEC2HBER 1J, 1974.
5
REFERRING TO THE TENSIONS CREATED BY DIFFERENT GROUPS -PARENTS, CHILDREN, SOCIETY AND TEACHERS - AND THEIR DIFFERENT PURPOSES AND INFLUENCES OF WHAT HAPPENS IN SCHOOLS, MR. TOPLEY SAID s +l BELIEVE THAT WE MUST DO SOMETHING TO RESOLVE THESE TENSIONS SO FAR AS WE ARE ABLE IN THE FUTURE, AND FOR THIS PURPOSE I SEE THAT SCHOOLS MUST BE PART OF THE COMMUNITY IN WHICH IT IS SET.+
MR. TOPLEY LATER ELABORATED ON THE +ACTIVITY APPROACH+ METHOD WHEN HE ADDRESSED THE SPEECH DAY OF ST. STEPHEN’S COLLEGE
BY ALLOWING THE PUPILS TO LEARN BY DOING, HE SAID, THEY WOULD GRADUALLY DEVELOP AN INTEREST AND ENJOYMENT IN THE SUBJECT AND A CRITICAL APPROACH IN OBSERVATION.
+IT IS IMPORTANT TO INVOLVE OUR PUPILS IN CARRYING OUT AS MUCH OF THE PRACTICAL WORK AS POSSIBLE. THEY MUST BE ACTIVE PARTICIPANTS AND NOT PASSIVE LEARNERS.+
HE SAID THE ESSENCE OF ’LEARNING BY DOING AND INQUIRY’ WAS TO DISCOURAGE TEACHERS OR TEXTBOOK-WRITERS FROM DESCRIBING TO THE PUPILS THE RESULTS OF EXPERIMENTS.
THE ’LEARNING BY DOING’ METHOD WAS THE ESSENCE OF THE INTEGRATED SCIENCE COURSE WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT INTRODUCED IN 1973, HE NOTED.
+IN THE’SAME WAY I CONSIDER THAT THIS PRINCIPLE OF ’LEARNING BY DOING’ CAN ALSO EE LARGELY APPLIED TO THE TEACHING OF SUCH SOCIAL SUBJECTS AS GEOGRAPHY, HISTORY AND ECONOMIC AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, AND EQUALLY WELL TO SOCIAL STUDIES IN LOWER SECONDARY FORMS,+ HE SAID.
-------0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974.
- 6 -
MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN LOWER SECONDARY FORMS ******
THE USE OF CHINESE OR ENGLISH AS THE MEDIUM OF INSTRUCTION IN THE LOWER SECONDARY FORMS MUST VARY WITH THE ABILITY OF THE PUPILS, THE SUBJECT TAUGHT AND THE CLASS LEVEL, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. CHARLES LOWE, SAID TODAY.
+1 WOULD EXPECT MORE CHINESE TO BE USED IN FORM I AND POSSIBLY LESS IN FORM III. THERE ARE OTHER PROBLEMS - TEXTBOOKS, WRITTEN WORK, EXAMINATIONS, AND EVEN THE ABILITY OF TEACHERS TO TEACH IN CHINESE.
+THIS INCIDENTALLY DOES NOT MEAN THAT I ADVOCATE THE FULL TRANSLATION METHOD FOR THE TEACHING OF ENGLISH ONLY FOR THE EXPLANATION OF MORE DIFFICULT WORDS, THAT IS THE KEY AS ANY PRACTISING TEACHER WILL KNOW. BASICALLY THE FUNCTION OF A TEACHER IN A CLASSROOM IS TO EXPLAIN SO THAT THE LESSON CAN BE UNDERSTOOD, HE SAID.
MR. LOWE FELT THAT IN JUNIOR CLASSES THE EXPLANATION MUST EE GIVEN IN CHINESE.
+IT WILL ALSO BRING THE ADVANTAGE OF SOME SPONTANEITY. I AM SURE THIS IS THE RIGHT WAY FOR THE VAST MAJORITY OF SCHOOLS,+ HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE SPEECH DAY OF THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL, MR. LOWE SAID THE CULTIVATION OF SPONTANEITY IN THE CLASSROOM, OR EVEN AN OCCASIONAL CHANGE IN THE PLAN OF A LESSON, WAS AN ASPECT OF TEACHING IN HO-NG KONG WHICH HAD ROT BEEN USED TO THE FULL.
THE WHITE PAPER, HE SAID, WOULD CERTAINLY COMPLICATE THE WORK OF THE TEACHERS AND PRINCIPALS IN SCHOOLS BECAUSE IT WAS LIKELY THAT SCHOOLS WOULD HAVE A MUCH WIDER ABILITY RANGE AMONG PUPILS. EUT HE STRESSED THAT THE FUNCTION OF A SECONDARY SCHOOL WAS TO EDUCATE THE BRIGHT, THE AVERAGE AND THE DULL.
+THERE WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERABLE SELECTION PROBLEMS FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS AFTER THE ABOLITION OF THE S.S.E.E. - WHO IS TO BE GIVEN A THREE-YEAR PLACE AND WHO IS TO BE SELECTED FOR A FIVE-YEAR PLACE.
+1 WOULD, HOWEVER, LIKE TO MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IN A 24-CLASS-ROOM SCHOOL THE PULLTHROUGH SHOULD EE MUCH BETTER THAN OVERALL 1OQ PER CENT PLACES IN FORM III TO 40 PER CENT PLACES IN FORM IV, THERE WILL BE 240 PLACES IN FORM III (160 OLD PLUS 80 NEW) GOING INTO 160 FORM IV PLACES - A PULLTHROUGH OF OVER 66 PER CENT.
+FOR THE REMAINING 34 PER CENT THERE WILL BE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, THE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND THE PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS WHICH HAVE A MOST IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE WHITE PAPER EXPANSION POLICY,+ MR. LOWE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS AND GRAMMAR SCHOOLS WERE PART AND PARCEL OF THE SAME INDIVISIBLE PROCESS OF SECONDARY EDUCATION.
+IT WOULD BE DISASTROUS IF SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS WERE TO BE SEPARATED OR HIVED OFF FROM THE GRAMMAR SCHOOLS,* HE SAID.
7
FRIDAY, DECEMEER 13, 1974
PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM
* * K X * *
THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM WILL NOT INVOLVE THE PAYMENT OF A YEAR’S TAX IN ADVANCE AS HAS BEEN FEARED BY SOME PEOPLE.
EXPLAINING THE POSITION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT IF PROFITS ARE RISING, ALTHOUGH PROVISIONAL TAX IS PAYABLE TWO TO THREE MONTHS BEFORE THE .END OF A MARCH ACCOUNTING YEAR, THERE IS EFFECTIVELY LITTLE, IF ANY, ELEMENT OF PAYMENT IN ADVANCE.
THIS IS BECAUSE THE PROVISIONAL TAX PAYMENT DOES NOT REPRESENT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAX PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF THE FULL YEAR’S PROFITS, BUT IS SIMPLY A PAYMENT ON ACCOUNT OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S LIABILITIES. IN EACH CASE, THE FINAL ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT HAVE TO EE PAID FOR ANOTHER NINE OR TEN MONTHS.
THE FOLLOWING TABLES GIVE AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT THE POSITION IS
YEAR ENDED 31ST MARCH ACTUAL PROFIT PROVISIONAL PROVISIONAL BALANCE OF BALANCE OF
TAX TAX PAYABLE FINAL TAX FINAL TAX PAYABLE
1975 $ 80,000 —-
1976 $100,000 $12,000 JAN. 1976 $3,000 JAN. 1977
1977 $140,000 $15,000 JAN. 1977 $6,000 JAN. 1978
1978 $200,000 $21,000 JAN. -1978 $9,000 JAN. 1979
1979 $250,000 $30,000 JAN. 1979 $7,500 JAN. 1980
EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE ACTUAL PROFITS FOR EACH YEAR, THE PROVISIONAL TAX PAYABLE IN JANUARY OF EACH YEAR OF ASSESSMENT AND THE BALANCE OF FINAL TAX PAYABLE IN JANUARY OF THE YEAR FOLLOWING IS s-
ACTUAL PROFIT PROVISIONAL TAX FINAL TAX
1976 $100,000 12 % 3 %
1977 $140,000 10.7% 4.3%
1978 $200,000 10.5% 4.5%
1979 $250,000 12.0% 3.0%
AS ILLUSTRATED BY THESE FIGURES, IN MANY CASES THE PROVISIONAL TAX WILL VARY BETWEEN 10 AND 12 PER CENT. +AND IN EACH CASE THE BALANCE OF THE FINAL TAX, TO BRING IT UP TO THE STANDARD RATE OF 15 PER CENT, IS NOT DUE FOR PAYMENT UNTIL NINE OR 10 MONTHS LATER+, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN WENT ON TO EXPLAIN THAT IN A SITUATION OF FALLING PROFITS, THE PROVISIONAL TAX PAYABLE IN JANUARY EACH YEAR WOULD EXCEED THE FINAL TAX PAYABLE FOR THE WHOLE YEAR.
+H0V/EVE2, THE
K’JDAY, DBCiiMBBR 13, 1971*
8 -
+HOWEVER, THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION MAKES ALLOWANCE FOR THIS AND ENABLES BUSINESSMEN TO ASK THAT PROVISIONAL TAX BE STOOD-OVER WHERE THE ACTUAL PROFITS FOR A YEAR OF ASSESSMENT ARE 80 PER CENT OR LESS THAN 80 PER CENT OF THE PROFITS OF THE PRECEDING YEAR. THIS STAND-OVER ALSO APPLIES IN THE CASE WHERE THE ACTUAL PROFITS ARE LIKELY TO BE LESS THAN 80 PER CENT.+
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE FIRM OR BUSINESSMAN WOULD BE ASKED TO PAY ONLY PROVISIONAL TAX ON WHAT HE HAD EARNED UP TO THE TIME THE PROVISIONAL TAX DEMAND NOTE WAS DUE FOR PAYMENT.
THE TABLE BELOW ILLUSTRATES WHAT THE POSITION IS WHEN PROFITS ARE FALLING EACH YEAR s-
YEAR ENDED ACTUAL PROFIT PROVISIONAL PROVISIONAL BALANCE OF
31ST MARCH TAX TAX PAYABLE FINAL TAX
——————— ——————————— —————————— —————
1975 $250,000 — — —.
1976 $200,000 $37,500 JAN. 1976 - $7,500
1977 $140,000 $30,000 JAN. 1977 - $9,000
1978 $100,000 $21,000 JAN. 1978 — ^6,000
1979 $ 80,000 $15,000 JAN. 1979 - $3,000
IN THIS E-XAMPLE, THE PROFITS FOR THE YEARS 1976, 1977, 1978 AND 1979 ARE RESPECTIVELY 80 PER CENT, 70 PER CENT, 71.4 PER CENT AND 80 PER. CENT OF THOSE FOR THE PRECEDING YEARS AND THE BUSINESSMAN WOULD, THEREFORE, BE ENTITLED TO ASK FOR STAND-OVER OF AN APPROPRIATE PROPORTION OF HIS PROVISIONAL TAX BILLS.
0--------
/9......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974.
9
SPECIAL ACQUISITION AREA ON LANTAU
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS DESIGNATED AN AREA ON LANTAU ISLAND AS A SPECIAL ACQUISITION AREA.
THIS AREA IS SITUATED BETWEEN THE BEACH AND THE ROAD FROM PUI 0 TO TONG FUK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY THAT THIS AREA WAS NOW CLASSIFIED AS A COASTAL PROTECTION AREA IN ORDER TO SAFEGUARD THE EEACHES AND THEIR IMMEDIATE HINTERLAND AND TO PROTECT THE CHARACTER OF THE SHORELINE ALONG SOUTHERN LANTAU.
HE SAID IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ALLOW ANY BUILDINGS OR OTHER DEVELOPMENT WITHIN THIS AREA AND SO IT HAS BEEN DECIDED TO ALLOW THIS LAND TO BE EXCHANGED FOR OTHER LAND ON LANTAU IN AREAS WHERE DEVELOPMENT MAY BE PERMITTED.
SPECIAL ACQUISITION AREAS WERE INTRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN FEBRUARY 1973 WHEN A NEW' LAND EXCHANGE SCHEME WAS APPROVED TO ALLOW FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN CERTAIN AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES NOT COVERED BY OUTLINE ZONING PLANS.
- - o - -
SEPTEMBER ACCOUNTS SHOW $226 MILLION DEFICIT
******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 1Q74 SHOW A DEFICIT OF $1226 MILLION COMPARED WITH A $49 MILLION DEFICIT IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR.
THE RESULT IS AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $816 MILLION FOR THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $349 MILLION WAS $34 MILLION MORE THAN IN SEPTEMBER 1973.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE AMOUNTED TO $575 MILLION, AND INCLUDED AN INCREASE OF SOME $72 MILLION IN PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS ARISING FROM THE SALARIES INCREASES (BACK-DATED TO APRIL 1, 1974) PAID TO MOST CIVIL SERVANTS AS A RESULT OF THE 1974 SALARIES REVISION.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE IN SEPTEMBER 1973 STOOD AT $364 MILLION.
0 - -
/1O
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974
10
51 MILLION DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT ACKNOWLEDGED * * * * *
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, MR. ALEX S.C. WU, AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL, TODAY THANKED EQUIPMENT SUPPLIERS AND THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER FOR THEIR DONATIONS OF EQUIPMENT TO THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE’S DEPARTMENT OF PRINTING.
THEY WERE BOTH SPEAKING AT THE DEPARTMENT’S OPEN DAY TO MARK ITS OFFICIAL OPENING IN TEMPORARY PREMISES IN CAINE LANE.
MR. WU DISCLOSED THAT DONATIONS TO THE TRAINING WORKSHOP AMOUNTED TO ABOUT $1 MILLION.
THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION WHICH MADE THIS TEMPORARY WORKSHOP POSSIBLE WAS STILL CONTINUING THROUGH THE AGENCY OF THE TRAINING BOARD WHICH, FOR EXAMPLE, HAD JUST ASSISTED THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN DRAWING UP THE LIST OF EQUIPMENT NEEDED WHEN THE INSTITUTE’S PRINTING DEPARTMENT MOVES TO ITS FINAL HOME IN A NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN KWUN TONG NEXT YEAR, AS WELL AS DESIGNING THE MACHINERY LAYOUTS.
+THIS TASK,+ MR. WU SAID, +NECESSITATED A REDUCTION IN THE COST OF EQUIPMENT ESTIMATED BY AN OVERSEAS EXPERT AT 56.4 MILLION TO THE GOVERNMENT BUDGETTED FIGURE OF S3 MILLION. WITHOUT SERIOUSLY IMPAIRING THE TRAINING TO EE GIVEN BY THE NEW DEPARTMENT OF PR I NT I NG. +
he assured the government that the training board would CONTINUc TO ENSURE THAT THE PRINTING DEPARTMENT IN KWUN TONG WOULD BE ADEQUATELY EQUIPPED SO AS TO PROVIDE THE TRAINING ^CH™.AnYJ2.,eTlNTAIN THE COMPETITIVENESS OF THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN WORLD MARKET^.
MR. WU SAID THE PRINTING INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAD GROWN AT A RAPID PACE AND KEPT UP WITH TECHNOLOGICAL PROGRESS.
+THIS PROGRESS WILL CONTINUE AND BECAUSE OF THIS I AM CERTAIN THAT THIS INDUSTRY OFFERS AS GOOD CAREERS PROSPECTS AS ANY OTHER, IF NOT BETTER THAN MOST, TO ANY YOUNG PERSON WHO WANTS AN INTERESTING AND CHALLENGING CAREER, AND TO GET ON IN LIFE.+
IN HIS DONATION OF +TYPICAL OF HONG KONG.+
SPEECH, MR. KINGWELL DESCRIBED THE PRINTING INDUSTRY’S EQUIPMENT AS +A SHINING LIGHT+ WHICH WAS, HE SAID, THE SPIRIT OF ENTERPRISE AND SELF-HELP WHICH PERVADES
REFERRING TO THE TWO NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES NOW IN AN ADVANCED STAGE OF CONSTRUCTION AT KWUN TONG AND KWAI CHUNG, HE SAID THEY WERE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF CRAFT APPRENTICES AND TECHNICIANS AT SEVERAL LEVELS.
/HE BELIEVED ......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 1J, 197**
HE BELIEVED THAT THESE INSTITUTES WOULD PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART IN THE EDUCATION SCENE IN HONG KONG.
+IT HAS NOW BEEN RECOGNISED THAT CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS WHO MAKE UP THE BULK OF EMPLOYEES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, HAVE BEEN SADLY NEGLECTED FROM AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING POINT OF VIEW, AND PRINTING, ALTHOUGH MORE OF A SERVICE INDUSTRY THAN A MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, IS NO EXCEPTION,* MR. KINGWELL SAID.
- - o - -
PUMPING STATIONS AT SAI KUNG
******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUMPING STATIONS, PIPELINES AND ACCESS ROADS IN TA I MONG TSAI AND PAK TAM CHUNG IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
THE PUMPING STATIONS ARE THE FIRST OF EIGHT TO BE BUILT IN CONNECTION WITH THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.
THEY WILL ENABLE FLOOD WATER TO BE PUMPED FROM THE CATCHMENTS TO THE NORTH OF TAI MONG TSAI AND TSAK YUE WU VILLAGES INTO THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
AT THE SAME TIME IMPROVEMENT WORKS, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER CHANNELS AND PIPELINES, WILL EE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE IRRIGATION SUPPLY OF THE FIELDS AND THE DOMESTIC NEEDS OF VILLAGERS LIVING IN THE AREAS.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974
HE BELIEVED THAT THESE INSTITUTES WOULD PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT PART IN THE EDUCATION SCENE IN HONG KONG.
+IT HAS NOW BEEN RECOGNISED THAT CRAFTSMEN AND TECHNICIANS WHO MAKE UP THE BULK OF EMPLOYEES IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, HAVE BEEN SADLY NEGLECTED FROM AN EDUCATION AND TRAINING POINT OF VIEW, AND PRINTING, ALTHOUGH MORE OF A SERVICE INDUSTRY THAN A MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY, IS NO EXCEPTION,* MR. KINGWELL SAID.
- - o - -
PUMPING STATIONS AT SAI KUNG
******
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUMPING STATIONS, PIPELINES AND ACCESS ROADS IN TAI MONG TSAI AND PAK TAM CHUNG IN THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
THE PUMPING STATIONS ARE THE FIRST OF EIGHT TO BE BUILT IN CONNECTION WITH THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.
THEY WILL ENABLE FLOOD WATER TO BE PUMPED FROM THE CATCHMENTS TO THE NORTH OF TAI MONG TSAI AND TSAK YUE WU VILLAGES INTO THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR.
WORK ON THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN FEBRUARY NEXT YEAR AND SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN 15 MONTHS.
AT THE SAME TIME IMPROVEMENT WORKS, INCLUDING THE CONSTRUCTION OF WATER CHANNELS AND PIPELINES, WILL EE CARRIED OUT TO IMPROVE THE IRRIGATION SUPPLY OF THE FIELDS AND THE DOMESTIC NEEDS OF VILLAGERS LIVING IN THE areas.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 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 U/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.90
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.73
PO NGAI GOOD ——
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE
10096 WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD —
Al SUPER GOOD 1.35
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.84
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.80
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK ($/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
GOOD
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (&/CATTY)
SPECIES OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL 4.30 2.10 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 0.60 2.40
SQUID LIMITED 5.70 4.20 5.00
HAIR-TAILS GOOD ’ 2.20 0.50 1.20
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.00 1.00 2.20
CROAKERS GOOD 1.80 0.70 1.10
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 2.80 1.80 2.20
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.30 1.20 1.80
BREAMS LIMITED 5.00 4.50 4.80
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.80 0.60 1.00
MACKERELS NORMAL 3.80 2.00 3.00
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.20 0.50 1.20
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.20 0.60 0.90
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.80 2.00 5.50
MELON SEED LIMITED 2.60 1.30 2.00
POMFRETS LIMITED 8.00 3.50 6.00
GAROUPAS L1M1 TED 8.50 5.50 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 7.00 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 CF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.60 0.60 1.20
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.80 0.20 0.50
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 1.40 0.60 1.00
WATER SPINACH NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.40
STRING BEANS SCARCE 2.20 1.60 2.00
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.00 0.50 1.20
SPINACH LIMITED 2.40 0.80 1.80
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.60 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.60 0.15 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH —— NO SALE
TOMATO L1M1 TED 2.40 1.20 1.80
-------o----------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
। SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
FIRST REPORT ON SEWAGE TREATMENT STUDY EXPECTED TO BE READY SOON........................................ 1
APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WARNED AGAINST IMPOSTER ’’SELLING” ESTATE FLATS ............................... 2
FIRST GROUP OF LOCAL AMBULANCEMEN COMPLETED HIGHER AMBULANCE AID CERTIFICATE COURSE .................... . 3
TA IPO ROAD REOPENING TO TRAFFIC....................... 3
LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS URGED TO HELP MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ........................................... 4
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE BUILDING NEXT MONDAY .................................. 4
YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE ORGANISED BY WAN CHAI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE .................. 5
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO BE INTRODUCED IN YAU MA TEI ........................ 6
BETTER FACILITIES FOR SWIMMERS AT STANLEY MAIN BEACH AND BIG WAVE BAY BEACH................................. 6
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974
1
SEWAGE TREATMENT STUDY MAKES HEADWAY
X X X X
GOOD PROGRESS IS BEING MADE ON A COMPREHENSIVE STUDY RELATING TO MODERN TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF SEWAGE NOW BEING CARRIED OUT AT THE SHEK WU HUI PILOT SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT.
INITIAL RESULTS ARE DESCRIBED AS +ENCOURAGING+ AND THE FIRST REPORT ON THE EXPERIMENTS IS EXPECTED TO EE SUBMITTED TO THE AUTHORITY CONCERNED WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS.
THE 1513.5 MILLION PLANT WAS OPENED IN JUNE. APART FROM PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE SEWAGE TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR THE 12,500 PEOPLE IN SHEK WU HUI, IT ALSO SERVES AS AN EXPERIMENTAL AND TRAINING CENTRE FOR MODERN TECHNIQUES IN THE BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT OF SEWAGE. THIS IS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUING EFFORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION.
THE STUDY AND THE TRAINING OF TO BE COMPLETED IN TWO YEARS.
THE REQUIRED STAFF ARE SCHEDULED
UNDER TRAINING AT PRESENT ARE 16 P.W.D. STAFF MEMBERS. THEIR WORK INCLUDES SAMPLING, WORKING UP THE PROCESSES AND CONTROL OF MACHINES.
SINCE THE OPENING OF THE PLANT, EXPERIMENTS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT ON THREE OF THE FOUR BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES INCORPORATED IN THE WORKS. THEY ARE : DIFFUSED AIR AERATION, HIGH RATE BIOLOGICAL FIL I RAT I ON AND OXIDATION PONDS.
EXPERIMENTS ON THE FOURTH ONE, KNOWN AS DIRECT OXYGENATION, WILL EE CARRIED- OUT IN A MONTH OR TWO.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THESE BIOLOGICAL PROCESSES IS TO USE MICRO-ORGANISMS TO ASSIMILATE THE POLLUTANTS IN THE SEWAGE.
BY THIS PROCESS THE REMOVAL OF ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE POLLUTANTS CAN BE ACHIEVED.
+JUDGING FROM THE AFFLUENTS DISCHARGED FROM THE PLANT, THE INITIAL RESULTS ARE ENCOURAGING,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DRAINAGE WORKS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE FOUR BIOLOGICAL TREATMENT PROCESSES WOULD BE EXTENSIVELY STUDIED TO ASSESS THEIR SUITABILITY UNDER CONDITIONS PREVAILING IN HONG KONG.
IF THEY PROVE TO EE ECONOMICALLY VIABLE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM EXPERIMENTS ON THE VARIOUS TREATMENT PROCESSES WILL BE USED IN THE DESIGN AND OPERATION OF FUTURE SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS FOR ABATING POLLUTION AND SO CREATE A BETTER ENVIRONMENT FOR HONG KONG.
0
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974.
WARNING AGAINST IMPOSTOR ’SELLING’ ESTATE FLATS
******
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT TODAY WARNED APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST PEOPLE IMPERSONATING GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DEMANDING MONEY TO GUARANTEE PUBLIC HOUSING ACCOMMODATION.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SAID A FEW SUCH CASES WERE RECORDED THIS YEAR — THE LATEST ONE REPORTED ON DECEMBER 3.
USUALLY THE IMPERSONATOR’PROMISES EARLY PROCESSING OF PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATIONS IN RETURN FOR TEA MONEY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THOSE APPROACHED IN THIS MANNER TO CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT OR THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY AND IN NO CASE SHOULD THEY PAY ANY MONEY.
+THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT DOES NOT CHARGE ANY FEES FOR PROCESSING OF APPLICATIONS. THIS IS CLEARLY PRINTED IN THE INFORMATION LEAFLET ATTACHED TO THE APPLICATION FORM.+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID. .
ACCORDING TO POLICE INFORMATION THE CASES REPORTED RECENTLY APPEARED TO HAVE BEEN COMMITTED BY THE SAME PERSON.
HE IS TALL AND THIN AND HAS APPEARED IN VARIOUS DISGUISES-SOMETIMES HE APPEARS TO BE IN HIJ Tl'.'ENTIES AND SCiiETTMES IN HIS THIRTIES. HE HAS APPEARED WITH AND WITHOUT GLASSES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ALL INVESTIGATION STAFF OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT CARRIED DEPARTMENTAL IDENTITY CARDS.
+ANYONE BEING APPROACHED SHOULD ASK THE PERSON TO PRODUCE HIS CARD BEFORE LETTING HIM IN,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974
5
SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN COMPLETE NEW COURSE
******
THE FIRST GROUP OF LOCAL AMBULANCEMEN TO COMPLETE A HIGHER AMBULANCE AID CERTIFICATE COURSE IN HONG KONG GRADUATED FROM THE MORRISON HILL AMBULANCE DEPOT TODAY.
A TOTAL OF 29 SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN ATTENDED THE FOUR-WEEK COURSE, WHICH IS BASED ON A REPORT PREPARED SIX YEARS AGO IN THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR THE AMBULANCE SERVICE THERE. PERSONNEL ARE TRAINED IN GREATER DEPTH TO DIAGNOSE AND GIVE TREATMENT.
THE CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, MR. BILL DOORE, SAID THE MEN HAD BEEN REQUIRED TO LEARN SUBJECTS WHICH HAD NEVER PREVIOUSLY BEEN TAUGHT TO AMBULANCE CREWS IN HONG KONG, BUT WHICH WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PROPERLY OPERATE THE NEW AND MORE SOPHISTICATED MEDICAL APPARATUS NOW CARRIED ON AMBULANCES.
MR. DOORE TOLD THE GRADUATES THAT THEY WOULD UNDERGO MORE AND MORE SPECIALIST TRAINING TO FURTHER IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE OF DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT. HE ADDED : +YOU WILL NOT GO FAR WRONG IF YOU REMEMBER OUR MOTTO s ’THE MOST IMPORTANT PERSON TO AMBULANCE COMMAND IS THE PATIENT’*.
OF THE 29 GRADUATES, 14 JOINED THE AMBULANCE COMMAND ONLY THREE MONTHS AGO AND, BECAUSE OF THEIR QUALIFICATIONS AND APTITUDE, WERE SELECTED FOR THE CERTIFICATE COURSE AFTER COMPLETING A BASIC AMBULANCEMAN’S COURSE AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL.
i
THE OTHERS WERE RECENTLY PROMOTED TO SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN RANK. ALL WILL NOW BE RESPONSIBLE FOR AN AMBULANCE AND ITS CREW.
-----0------
TA IPO ROAD REOPENED
******
™T0RISTS AR,E ADVISED THAT THE SECTION OF LUK'KENG-ERIDE’S POOL ROAD AT 8-1/2 MILESTONE, TA IPO, HAS BEEN REOPENED TO TRAFFIC.
r.MRr,„IHE R0AD SECT I ON. WAS CLOSED FOR SEVERAL WEEKS TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY REPAIR WORKS TO THE DAMAGED CUTTING SLOPE.
------o--------
/l^ .......
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974.
_ 4 -
CALL TO COMMUNITY LEADERS TO HELP MENTALLY HANDICAPPED ******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY URGED MORE LOCAL COMMUNITY LEADERS TO COME FORWARD TO HELP THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED WHO, HE SAID, +HAVE THE GREATEST NEED FOR ASSISTANCE BUT HAVE BEEN THE LEAST SERVED SO FAR.+
MR. TOPLEY MADE THE APPEAL WHEN HE OPENED THE CHRISTMAS FAIR AT UNION CHURCH IN AID OF THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
HE SAID THAT PERSONAL EFFORT WAS EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IN THIS WORK WHICH HE DESCRIBED AS +VERY TAXI NG.+
HANDICAPPED CHILDREN, HE SAID, REQUIRED TRAINING WHEN THEY LEFT SCHOOL, FOLLOWED BY OPPORTUNITIES FOR EMPLOYMENT. THEY MUST BE ASSISTED TO BECOME INDEPENDENT AND CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, HE STRESSED.
MR. TOPLEY NOTED THAT THE UNION CHURCH HAD TAKEN THE LEAD WAY BACK IN 1964 AND WAS THE FIRST TO ESTABLISH FACILITIES FOR THE MENTALLY HANDICAPPED.
AT THAT TIME MEMBERS OF UNION CHURCH PROVIDED FREE ACCOMMODATION FOR A CLASS FOR ENGLISH-SPEAKING CHILDREN. THESE CLASSES BECAME THE LIONS MORNINGHILL SCHOOL WHERE OVER 100 SLOW-LEARNING CHINESE CHILDREN NOW RECEIVE INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE.
AFTER DECLARING THE CHRISTMAS FAIR OPEN, MR. TOPLEY WAS PRESENTED WITH A CAKE BY A LITTLE GIRL. HE ACCEPTED IT AND OFFERED IT FOR SALE. IT WAS BOUGHT FOR $50.
------0-------
'OPENING OF NEW SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE BUILDING
*****
THE NEW BUILDING COMPLEX OF THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16) BY DR. RAYSON HUANG, VICE-CHANCELLOR OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE COMPLEX IS LOCATED AT CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER’S HILL, KOWLOON. IT COMPRISES EIGHT BLOCKS, INCLUDING A HOSTEL FOR 200 STUDENTS AND QUARTERS FOR WARDEN AND MINOR STAFF.
AMONG THE FACILITIES PROVIDED IN THE NEW PREMISES ARE FIVE CLASSROOMS, 22 TUTORIAL ROOMS, FOUR LECTURE ROOMS, 12 SPECIALIST ROOMS FOR ART, DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND HANDR I CRAFTS, A GYMNASIUM, AN AIR-CONDITIONED LIBRARY AND ANi AUD I TOR I UM.
THE COLLEGE WAS PREVIOUSLY HOUSED IN A PRIMARY SCHOOL IN HOK YUEN STREET, HUNGHOM.
NOTE, TO EDITORS; YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY ---------------- COVERED. IT WILL START AT 3.30 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).
--------------- /5...................
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974
5
1
LEADERSHIP TRAINING FOR STUDENTS
*****
THE WAN CHAI COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE WILL START AN 11-WEEK YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE ON MONDAY FOR A GROUP OF 50 STUDENT LEADERS FROM VARIOUS SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG.
THE COURSE, WHICH WILL BE I IT FOUR STAGES, IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK AND BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF LEADERSHIP AND GROUPS, AS WELL AS TO HELP THEM BETTER APPRECIATE THE COMMUNITY THROUGH DISCUSSIONS AND PRACTICAL PROJECTS.
STAGE ONE - LECTURES AND DISCUSSION - WILL BE HELD FROM DECEMBER 16 TO 23 AT ROOM 202 OF THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE AT 44 01 KWAN ROAD, WAN CHAI.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY WORK,. PROGRAMME PLANNING AND' BE GIVEN LECTURES ON +HUMAN BEHAVIOUR FROM THE PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL POINTS OF VIEW+ AND +GROUP DYNAMICS+. SPEAKERS FROM VARIOUS ORGANISATIONS INVOLVED IN YOUTH WORK, INCLUDING THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, WILL GIVE THE LECTURES.
STAGE TWO WILL TAKE THE FORM OF A SEMINAR CAMP FROM DECEMBER 29 UNTIL JANUARY 1. THIS WILL BE HELD AT THE Y.M.C.A. YOUTH CAMP AT WU KWAI SHA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. TOPICS WILL INCLUDE SOCIAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS ECONOMY, HOUSING, EDUCATION AND DELINQUENCY. SPEAKERS FROM THE VARIOUS FIELDS CONCERNED WILL BE INVITED.
THE FINAL TWO STAGES OF THE COURSE WILL CONSIST OF SOCIAL VISITS TO VARIOUS LOCATIONS WITHIN THE GROUP AND ORGANISATIONS RELATED TO THE SUBJECTS COVERED IN THE COURSE AND THE CARRYING OUT OF PROJECTS AS A PRACTICAL EXERCISE ON WHAT THEY HAVE LEARNED.
THE ENTIRE PROGRAMME IS BEING FINANCED THROUGH THE SIR ROBERT BLACK TRUST FUND.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14, 1974
6
PLB TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN YAU MA TEI ******
A TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW AT SEVERAL ROAD SECTIONS IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON, WILL BE INTRODUCED AT 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (DECEMBER 16).
THE SCHEME WHICH RESTRICTS KERB SIDE STOPPING ACTIVITIES OF PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES, WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ALONG THE SECTION OF KANSU STREET BETWEEN NATHAN.ROAD AND TEMPLE STREET, AND ALONG THE SECTION OF TEMPLE STREET BETWEEN KANSU STREET AND A POINT ABOUT 45 METRES NORTH OF KANSU STREET.
PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS ALONG THESE ROAD SECTIONS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT.
THE NEW MEASURES ARE EXPECTED TO REDUCE OBSTRUCTION TO TRAFFIC AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND KANSU STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE PLB DRIVERS.
MORE BEACH FACILITIES FOR SWIMMERS
******
BETTER FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR SWIMMFRR at mini rv MAIN BEACH AND BIG WAVE BAY BEACH NEXT SUMMER. STANLEY
AT STANLEY MAIN BEACH, A NEW BEACH BUILDING WITH champ imp ROOMS AND TOILETS WILL BE BUILT ON A SITE NOW OCCUPIED BY THREE TEMPORARY BEACH STRUCTURES. THESE WILL BE DEMCLI SHEDI N^Jn^ JANUARY TO MAKE WAY FOR THE NEW BUILDING. DEM0L1',HED IN MID" v_.' T5^nrEW.?EACH BUILDING SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY MAY NEXT a A FREE STANDBV cokmunal -h'oOerNTnT
BIG Um'BA?“EACHANGING R°°MS AN“ SH0,,,6RS "ILL ALS0 BE P»»VIBED AT
„„„ WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN NEXT FEBRUARY AND W11 I rf COMPLETED IN JUNE IN TIME FOR THE SWIMMING SEASON.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT BELIEVES THAT HONG KONG IS CAPABLE OF BUILDING AND OPERATING A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAFELY .............................................
ADMISSION FORMS AVAILABLE FOR G.C.E. EXAMINATION CANDIDATES ................................................. 3
22O-BED GERIATRIC UNIT TO BE OPENED AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL NEXT MAY .......................................... 4
TOLO HARBOUR FERRY-RAIL TOUR TO BE INTRODUCED FROM JANUARY 2 .................................................. 6
TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES DROPPED BY ABOUT FOUR PER CENT AT THE END OF LAST MONTH .......................... 7
LIVING CONDITIONS AT WONG CHUK HANG TRANSIT CENTRE IMPROVED BY HONG KONG UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATES ............ 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
1
HONG KONG CAN BUILD NUCLEAR POWER PLANT SAYS SECRETARY FOR ENVIRONMENT ###«**#
HONG KONG IS CAPABLE OF BUILDING AND OPERATING A NUCLEAR POWER ?LANT SAFELY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. JAMES ROBSON, SAID TODAY.
HOWEVER, IT REMAINED TO BE SEEN WHETHER OR NOT SUCH A PROJECT WOL'i.2 BE FEASIBLE AND ECONOMIC FOR HONG KONG, HE TOLD THE OPENING SE. OF A SYMPOSIUM ON *HONG> KONG AND ITS ENVIRONMENT’ AT THE HILTC;.1 HOTEL.
FROM A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION BY A TEAM OF U.K. SPECIALISTS, HE SAID, IT SEEMED PROBABLE THAT A SUITABLE SITE FOR A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT COULD BE FOUND IN HONG KONG. BUT THE SITES WHICH HAVE BEEN TENTATIVELY SELECTED WOULD STILL HAVE TO BE INVESTIGATED IN DETAIL TO DETERMINE THE GEOLOGICAL, METEOROLOGICAL, HYDROLOGICAL AND SOCIOLOGICAL CONDITIONS.
OTHER MAJOR PROBLEMS TO BE LOOKED INTO WERE THE TRAINING OF THE HIGHLY SPECIALISED STAFF TO RUN THE PLANT, LEGISLATION TO COVER ITS CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION, THE SUPPLY OF FUEL, AND, MORE IMPORTANT, THE DISPOSAL OF THE SPENT FUEL BY RETURN TO THE COUNTRY OF ORIGIN FOR REPROCESSING.
MR. ROBSON SAID THAT WHILE NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS WERE EXTREMELY EXPENSIVE TO BUILD, THEY WERE CHEAP TO OPERATE. +AT PRESENT DAY COSTS IT SEEMS THAT POWER FROM THIS SOURCE IS LESS THAN ONE HALF THE COST OF POWER GENERATED BY OIL BURNING PLANTS.+
HE NOTED THAT MUCH HAD BEEN SAID ABOUT THE DANGERS OF SUCH PLANTS, +BUT IF, AS CLAIMED, THEY ARE SAFE, IF NOT SAFER, TO OPERATE THAN OIL AND COAL FIRED PLANTS, THERE IS MUCH TO BE SAID IN THEIR FAVOUR.+
NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS, HE ADDED, DID NOT POLLUTE THE ATMOSPHERE WITH MASSES OF SMOKE AND SULPHUR DIOXIDE AS DID OIL AND COAL FIRED PLANTS, AND THIS MIGHT HELP REDUCE, IF NOT ELIMINATE, THE CRIPPLING BRONCHIAL AND OTHER LUNG COMPLAINTS COMMON IN SOME INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES.
MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT WITH THE POPULATION CONTINUING TO EXPAND, HONG KONG WOULD FACE INCREASING DEMANDS FOR MORE ELECTRICITY, COOKING FACILITIES, MOTOR CARS, INDUSTRY AND SO ON.
+OUR DEMAND FOR POWER AND WATER IS INSATIABLE, INCREASING AT THE RATE OF 13 PER CENT AND EIGHT PER CENT RESPECTIVELY,* HE SAID, ADDING THAT THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT THIS RATE WOULD DECLINE IN THE LONG TERM. )
+A 13 PER CENT PER ANNUM INCREASE IN DEMAND FOR ELECTRICITY,* HE ADDED, +MEANS THAT THE CAPACITY OF THE POWER PLANTS DOUBLES EVERY SIX YEARS. THE DEMAND FOR WATER DOUBLES EVERY NINE YEARS.
/+SO BY THS ....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1971*
2
+S0 BY THE EARLY 1980S WE WILL REQUIRE TWICE THE GENERATING CAPACITY WHICH WE NOW HAVE AND MANY MORE DESALTING PLANTS....ALL THIS WILL REQUIRE MORE OIL AT A TIME WHEN THE WORLD DEMAND FOR EXTRA POWER ALSO CONTINUES TO GROW.
+WITH THE PRESENT HIGH PRICE OF OIL AND THE STRANGLE HOLD ON SUPPLIES, THE USE OF ALTERNATIVE FUELS HAS TO BE CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.
MR. ROBSON WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE GROWING POPULATION AND GREATER AFFLUENCE WOULD ADD TO AIR, WATER, NOISE AND VISUAL POLLUTION UNLESS SOMETHING COULD BE DONE TO CONTROL THESE FORMS OF POLLUTION.
HE FELT THAT IF CONTROLS WERE TO BE IMPOSED, THEY MUST BE EMBODIED IN LEGISLATION SINCE INDUSTRIALISTS WOULD ONLY BE PREPARED TO SPEND MONEY AND EFFORT TO MEET REASONABLE POLLUTION CONTROL STANDARDS IF THEIR COMPETITORS WERE MADE TO ADOPT THE SAME STANDARDS.
+WE ARE NOW SETTING ABOUT THE TASK OF DECIDING WHAT ARE REASONABLE STANDARDS FOR HONG KONG INDUSTRY AND DRAFTING LEGISLATION TO DEFINE, CONTROL AND ENFORCE THEM,* HE SAID.
THE AIM, HE EXPLAINED, WAS TO MAKE THE LEGISLATION AS COMPREHENSIVE AS POSSIBLE ---- COVERING AIR, WATER AND NOISE
POLLUTION, AND TO SET UP THE NECESSARY MONITORING, CONTROL AND ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES.
AS THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT AT PRESENT HAVE THE EXPERTISE AND RESOURCES FOR THIS TASK, EXPERT CONSULTANTS WERE BEING BROUGHT IN TO HELP. THE FIRM OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LTD. OF LONDON HAD BEEN ENGAGED AND IT WAS HOPED IT WOULD START WORK ALMOST IMMEDIATELY.
MEANWHILE,’MR. ROBSON SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO INTENTION OF DOING NOTHING UNTIL THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORT WAS AVAILABLE. THE VERY ACTIVE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EPCOM) WOULD CONTINUE ITS WORK, AND STANDARDS AND CONTROLS DEVISED BY OTHER CONSULTANTS FOR SPECIFIC INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO EFFECT.
AS FAR AS THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED, MR. ROBSON SAID, THERE WERE THREE MAJOR PROBLEMS ---- REFUSE DISPOSAL, SEWAGE DISPOSAL AND
DISPOSAL OF ANIMAL WASTE.
IN RESlPECT OF REFUSE DISPOSAL, A CONSULTANTS’ REPORT HAD BEEN SUBMITTED AND IS BEING CONSIDERED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
EVERYDAY, HE SAID, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT COLLECTED 3,000 TONS OF REFUSE, AND A FURTHER 1,200 TONS WAS COLLECTED BY PRIVATE OPERATORS. A TOTAL OF 3,000 TONS FROM ALL SOURCES WAS DISPOSED OF BY TIPPING AT GIN DRINKERS BAY, WHICH IS NEARLY FULL, WHILE THE REST WAS BURNT AT THE KENNEDY TOWN AND LAI CHI KOK INCINERATORS.
THE HARBOUR, WHICH HAD PROVEN TO BE ONE OF THE BEST SEWAGE DISPOSAL PLANTS IN THE WORLD, HAD NOW REACHED THE LIMIT OF ITS NATURAL CLEANSING ABILITY, AND MORE SOPHISTICATED SEWAGE DISPOSAL PLANTS WOULD THEREFORE HAVE TO BE EMPLOYED, HE SAID.
/+IN KANx .......
9
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 197^
+ IN MANY AREAS, INCLUDING MOST PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, FULL SEWAGE TREATMENT WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED AS PART OF ANY LARGE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, AND FORTUNATELY, COMPACT PACKAGE PLANTS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS PURPOSE.*
ON A DIFFERENT NOTE, MR. ROBSON REFERRED TO THE RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE WHERE A NUMBER OF COUNTRY PARKS AND NATURE TRAILS ARE BEING CREATED UNDER A FIVE-YEAR DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
HE ISSUED AN OPEN INVITATION TO ALL TO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE TO SEE WHAT WAS BEING CREATED FOR THEM, AND SAID THAT DESPITE THE UNIQUE PROBLEMS THAT HAD TO BE SOLVED AND THE DENSITY OF THE POPULATION +HONG KONG IS, AND CAN REMAIN FOR A LONG TIME, A PLEASANT PLACE TO LIVE IN.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. ROBSON’S SPEECH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR.
G.C.E. EXAMINATION CANDIDATES URGED TO COLLECT ADMISSION FORMS ******
CANDIDATES FOR THE JANUARY 1975 G.C.E. EXAMINATION ARE ADVISED TO COLLECT THEIR ADMISSION FORMS ON THE DATES SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICES SENT TO THEM.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EXTERNAL EXAMINATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ADVISED CANDIDATES WHO HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE NOTICE BY WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18) TO CALL IN PERSON AT ARSENAL STREET POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 1 P.M. OR 2 P.M. AND 6 P.M. ON DECEMBER 19 TO COLLECT THEIR ADMISSION FORMS. THEY SHOULD BRING ALONG THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
ADMISSION FORMS NOT COLLECTED AFTER DECEMBER 20 WILL BE RETURNED TO THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR CANCELLATION AND THE CANDIDATES CONCERNED WILL BE REGARDED AS HAVING WITHDRAWN THEIR ENTRIES.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
4
GERIATRIC UNIT AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL
M * X M X M
WITH THE OPENING OF THE 220-BED GERIATRIC UNIT AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL NEXT MAY, THE AGE OF PATIENTS TO BE ADMITTED WILL BE 65 AND OVER — A LIMITATION GENERALLY RECOGNISED AND ACCEPTED BY MOST GERIATRICIANS.
GERIATRIC MEDICINE IS A BRANCH OF GENERAL MEDICINE CONCERNED WITH THE CLINICAL, PREVENTIVE, .REMEDIAL AND SOCIAL ASPECTS OF ILLNESS AMONG THE ELDERLY.
THE 65-AND-OVER LIMIT MAKES GERIATRICS A CLEARLY AGE-DEFINED SPECIALITY COMPARABLE TO PAEDIATRICS, WHICH RELATES TO MEDICAL CONCERN WITH THE VERY YOUNG, AND ITS INTRODUCTION MEANS THAT, IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT, BOTH AGE GROUPS ARE ACCEPTED AS HAVING MEDICAL PROBLEMS REQUIRING SPECIALISED ATTENTION.
ABOUT TEN GERIATRIC BEDS PER 1,000 OF THE 65-AND-OVER POPULATION IS CONSIDERED IN BRITAIN AS A REASONABLE REQUIREMENT ESTIMATE.
SINCE HONG KONG HAS A POPULATION BELIEVED TO CONSIST OF 230,000 ABOVE THE AGE OF 65, THIS MEANS AN ESTIMATE REQUIREMENT OF 2,300 BEDS.
IN THIS SENSE, THE PROVISION OF THE UNIT’S 220 BEDS FALLS SHORT OF REQUIREMENT ESTIMATES, BUT IT IS HOPED THAT WITH THE EXPANSION OF THE SERVICE IN YEARS TO COME, A MORE IDEAL BED RATIO WILL BE ACHIEVED.
IT IS ESSENTIAL TO HAVE A DEFINITE POLICY FOR ADMISSION OF THESE ELDERLY PATIENTS TO ENSURE THE MOST EFFICIENT USE OF EXISTING HOSPITAL BEDS.
*THIS,+ SAYS A SPOKESMAN FOR THE UNIT, +IS NOT ONLY NECESSARY IN ORDER TO KEEP THE FACTS BEFORE THE PUBLIC, BUT ALSO TO PREVENT THE RAISING TEMPORARILY OF UNREALISABLE HOPES BY CREATING A FALSE IMPRESSION.*
THE CORNERSTONE OF THE UNIT’S POLICY AT THE START IS THAT +UNLESS IT IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY, THE ADMISSION OF ELDERLY PATIENTS INTO HOSPITAL SHOULD NOT BE TREATED LIGHTLY, SINCE HOSPITALISATION IS NOT WITHOUT HAZARD FOR THEM.+
STUDIES MADE BY WORKERS IN THE GERIATRIC FIELD SHOW THAT COMPLICATIONS ARISE AMONG ELDERLY PATIENTS AFTER HOSPITALISATION. HALF OF THESE ARE INCIDENTAL AND NOT RELATED TO THE ORIGINAL ILLNESS, BUT RATHER OCCASIONED BY THE STAY IN HOSPITAL ITSELF, SUCH AS RESPIRATION INFECTION, FALLS, DRUG REACTIONS, PRESSURE SORES, AND SO ON.
+FOR THIS REASON,* THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINS, +A CAREFUL SELECTION OF PATIENTS FOR ADMISSION IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.*
/CASES HAVING MEDICAL ....
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974.
5
CASES HAVING MEDICAL URGENCY AND GOOD PROSPECTS OF EARLY RECOVERY WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY. THEY WILL COMPRISE CASES OF ACUTE INFECTIONS, STROKES, CARD IO-VASCULAR DISEASES, EXACERBATION OF ARTHRITIS, AND DEGENERATIVE DISEASES, AMONG OTHERS.
ONCE HOSPITALISED, PATIENTS WILL UNDERGO A SERIES OF MEDICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION.
♦EVERY EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO HELP REINTEGRATE PATIENTS BACK INTO SOCIETY AS INDEPENDENT MEMBERS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAYS.
IN CONTRAST TO PATIENTS IN THE CATEGORIES JUST LISTED, ELDERLY RESIDENTS SUFFERING FROM IRREMEDIABLE CONDITION SUCH AS TERMINAL CANCER, LONG-STANDING STROKES, MAJOR CONTRACTURE OF THE LIMBS AND SO ON, WILL NOT BE ADMITTED, THE REASON BEING THAT THEY ARE +UNLIKELY TO BENEFIT FROM ACTIVE TREATMENT AND THE FACILITIES OF THE UNIT.*
INSTEAD, THEY WILL CONTINUE TO BE LOOKED AFTER BY DOCTORS IN THE GENERAL WARDS, WITH SUBSEQUENT DISCHARGE TO NON-ACUTE HOSPITALS AS AT PRESENT.
♦SHOULD HOPELESS CASES BE SELECTED,+ THE SPOKESMAN POINTS OUT, ♦BEDS COULD BECOME BLOCKED, AND THE TURNOVER SMALL. WITH LESS FREQUENT DISCHARGE AND A RELATIVELY GREATER LOAD OF PATIENTS HAVING A LESS FAVOURABLE PROGNOSIS, A VERY UNFORTUNATE THERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT CAN ARISE WHERE FAILURE EMERGES AS THE DOMINANT PHENOMENON.
♦THIS COULD RESULT IN A LOWERING OF MORALE AMONG PATIENTS, RELATIVES AND HOSPITAL WARD STAFF, SO GREATLY HINDERING THE UNIT’S EFFICIENCY.+
MENTALLY DISTURBED ELDERLY PATIENTS WILL BE REFERRED FOR CONSULTATION WITH THE PSYCHIATRIST FOR CARE IN PSYCHIATRIC CLINICS OR HOSPITALS WHERE THEY CAN RECEIVE TREATMENT, AND BENEFIT FROM THE SPECIAL SKILLS OF PSYCHIATRISTS AND TRAINED PSYCHIATRIC NURSES.
PATIENTS WILL NOT BE KEPT IN THE HOSPITAL LONGER THAN NECESSARY. THEY WILL BE DISCHARGED AS SOON AS CONSIDERED FIT AND READY BY THE GERIATRIC TEAM.
♦ELDERLY PEOPLE ARE USUALLY HAPPIER IN THEIR OWN HOMES AMONG THEIR RELATIVES AND FRIENDS,+ THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINS.
♦PATIENTS TEND TO BECOME HOSPITAL DEPENDENT AFTER A SHORT TIME, AND IT WILL BE MUCH HARDER TO RETURN THEM TO SOCIETY.
♦THE FUNCTION OF THE UNIT IS PRIMARILY TO GIVE ACUTE HOSPITAL TREATMENT, AND NOT RESIDENTIAL CARE. IF AN OLD PERSON HAS NO SUITABLE HOME TO RETURN TO ONCE HE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY TREATED IN THE GERIATRIC UNIT, ACCOMMODATION WILL BE PROVIDED FOR HIM IN AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME.+
-------0 ---------
/6
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
6
TOUR TOLO HARBOUR BY TRAIN AND FERRY *******
THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED AND THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY WILL JOINTLY INTRODUCE A TOLO HARBOUR FERRY-RAIL TOUR FROM JANUARY 2 (THURSDAY).
THE TOUR HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO PROVIDE AN INTERESTING, PLEASANT, AND REFRESHING DAY OUT TO VIEW SOME OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL ASPECTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THERE WILL BE A RETURN RAIL JOURNEY BETWEEN TSIM SHA TSUI AND TAI PO KAU AND A CRUISE AROUND TOLO HARBOUR. THE TOUR WILL LAST ABOUT FOUR HOURS AND INCLUDE TOO AND A QUARTER HOURS AT SEA. IT WILL OPERATE DAILY EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND HOLIDAYS.
THE FARE IS HKS15.00 PER PERSON. ONLY ONE TICKET IS REQUIRED FOR THE COMPLETE TOUR. THE LAND PORTION OF THE TOUR WILL BE IN A RESERVED FIRST CLASS COACH AND SEA PORTION ON A FERRY. THE TICKET INCLUDES A SNACK AND REFRESHMENT SERVED ON BOARD THE FERRY. ADDITIONALLY REFRESHMENTS CAN BE BOUGHT ON THE TRAIN.
TICKETS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE BOOKING OFFICE OF THE KOWLOON RAILWAY TERMINUS (TELEPHONE NO. K-668327) AT TSIM SHA TSUI, AND AT THE BOOKING OFFICE OF THE HONGKONG AND YAUMATI FERRY CO. (NO. H-24OO81) IN THE CENTRAL HARBOUR SERVICES PIER IN HONG KONG. ADVANCE PURCHASE OF TICKETS WILL BE ALLOWED UP TO SEVEN DAYS AT THESE OFFICES AND PASSENGERS ARE WELCOME TO MAKE TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF SEATS.
RESERVATIONS CAN ONLY BE MADE THROUGH APPROVED AGENTS AND WILL BE ACCEPTED UP TO SEVEN DAYS IN ADVANCE. APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTERING AS AN APPROVED AGENT SHOULD BE MADE TO THE GENERAL MANAGER, KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY. A DEPOSIT WITH THE RAILWAY WILL BE REQUIRED.
ALTHOUGH THIS IS A +SEE-IT-YOURSELF+TOUR, INDICATION BOARDS WILL BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED AT RAILWAY STATIONS TO HELP PASSENGERS TO THE TRAIN. IN ADDITION RAILWAY STAFF AT TAI PO KAU STATION WILL GUIDE PASSENGERS TO THE PIER WHERE THEY WILL BE RECEIVED BY FERRY STAFF.
THE TOUR WILL BE CANCELLED UPON THE HOISTING OF TYPHOON SIGNAL NO.3 OR HIGHER WHEN PASSENGERS WILL BE ALLOWED A FULL REFUND OR BE ENABLED TO MAKE AN ALTERNATIVE BOOKING.
o--------
/?
7
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
FEWER VEHICLES REGISTERED
* X K * M M
HONG KONG’S TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES HAS DROPPED BY ABOUT FOUR PER CENT FROM THE RECORD HIGH OF 202,953 TWELVE MONTHS AGO TO 194,564 AT THE END OF LAST MONTH.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THIS HAD OBVIOUSLY RESULTED FROM A REVERSE TREND IN THE MONTHLY RATIO OF NEW REGISTRATIONS AND CANCELLATIONS WHICH STARTED LAST DECEMBER AND CONTINUED INTO THE PAST 11 MONTHS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT UNTIL LAST DECEMBER, THERE HAD ALWAYS BEEN MORE NEW REGISTRATIONS EACH MONTH THAN CANCELLATIONS, WHICH MEANT MORE REGISTERED VEHICLES ON THE ROAD.
HOWEVER, THE TREND REVERSED IN DECEMBER WHICH SAW MORE CANCELLATIONS AND FEWER NEW REGISTRATIONS INSTEAD. EVER SINCE, THE RATE OF CANCELLATIONS HAS GONE UP EACH MONTH WHILE THAT OF NEW REGISTRATIONS HAS DECLINED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE COULD BE VARIOUS REASONS FOR THIS, BUT THE CURRENT WORLD-WIDE ECONOMIC SITUATION WAS BELIEVED TO HAVE CONTRIBUTED TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MORE PEOPLE GIVING UP THEIR CARS AND FEWER PEOPLE ASPIRING TO OWN ONE.
IN ANY CASE, HE SAID, THE DROP IN REGISTERED VEHICLES IS TO BE SEEN AS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO SMOOTHER FLOW OF TRAFFIC, AS IN HONG KONG,.WITH.ITS LIMITED TOPOGRAPHY, THE GROWTH IN VEHICLES INVARIABLY RESULTS IN MOUNTING ROAD CONGESTION.
IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES REACHED 202,953, WITH 1,822 NEW REGISTRATIONS AND 1,372 CANCELLATIONS. IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH, IT WENT DOWN TO 202,775 WITH 1,056 NEW REGISTRATIONS AND 1,234 CANCELLATIONS, REPRESENTING A NET DECREASE OF 178 REGISTERED VEHICLES. y
DURING THE PAST 11 MONTHS, 19,653 REGISTRATIONS WERE STRUCK OFF THE REGISTER WHILE ONLY 11,442 VEHICLES WERE NEWLY REGISTERED, BRINGING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED VEHICLES DOWN TO 194,564 AT THE END OF LAST MONTH - A DECREASE OF ANOTHER 8,211 REGISTRATION.
A STATISTICAL BREAKDOWN SHOWS THAT SINCE LAST DECEMBER, THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED PRIVATE CARS HAS DROPPED BY 9,377 OR ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT TO 120,274- REGISTERED LORRIES, BY 141 OR 0.4 PER CENT TO 31,298- MOTOR SCOOTERS, BY 1,026 OR 16 PER CENT TO 5,278, WHILE THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED MOTOR CYCLES HAS GONE UP BY 1,152 OR SIX PER CENT TO 18,060.
------0-------
/8......
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15, 1974
STUDENTS BRIGHTEN UP TRANSIT CENTRE
* * M * M M M
A GROUP OF ABOUT 70 UNDERGRADUATES OF THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY HAS GIVEN UP THEIR HOLIDAYS TO HELP IMPROVE LIVING CONDITIONS AT THE WONG CHUK HANG TRANSIT CENTRE.
THE STUDENTS, WHO ARE MEMBERS OF THE SOCIAL SERVICE GROUP. SET UP A WORK CAMP AT THE CENTRE LAST FRIDAY.
4
DURING THE PAST FEW DAYS, THEY HAVE BEEN BUILDING A NEW TOILET AND BATH-HOUSE FOR THE RESIDENTS, AND AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE TRANSIT CENTRE. BENCHES AND FLOWER BEDS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED TO GIVE THE CENTRE A MORE PLEASANT APPEARANCE.
THE PROGRAMME WAS JOINTLY WORKED OUT BY THE STUDENTS AND THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT. THE DEPARTMENT WILL MEET THE EXPENSES AND PROVIDE THE STUDENTS WITH THE NECESSARY MATERIALS.
A SIMPLE HANDING OVER CEREMONY WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (MONDAY) AFTERNOON TO MARK TO COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD AT THE WONG CHUK HANG TRANSIT CENTRE AT 4.30 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 16). MR. G.N. MULLOY, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SQUATTER CONTROL) OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, AND MR. CHAN WAI LEUNG, ASSISTANT CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, WESTERN, WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
» ,
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ORIGINALITY WILL IN FUTURE MARK ALL CHINESE TEXTS OF GOVERNMENT CORRESPONDENCE AND DOCUMENTS .................... 1
WEEKLY WATER SITUATIONi TOTAL STORAGE OVER 55,000 MILLION GALLONS .............,............................ 2
SAI KUNG VILLAGERS AFFECTED &Y HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME TO
MOVE ANCESTRAL TABLETS FROM LAN NAI WAN TO NEW SITE ........ 3
RECONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN SHAU KEI WAN .................... 4
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS FROM SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION INVITED ........................................ 4
NEW LIGHT BEACON TO BE BUILT ON MAGAZINE ISLAND TO ASSIST NAVIGATION IN EAST LAMMA CHANNEL ........................... 5
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974 - 1 -
ORIGINALITY IS OUR AIM, SAYS CHINESE LANGUAGE COMMISSIONER
* M M M * *
ORIGINALITY WILL IN FUTURE MARK ALL CHINESE TEXTS OF GOVERNMENT CORRESPONDENCE AND DOCUMENTS WHEN THEY ARE DRAFTED INDEPENDENT OF THE ENGLISH VERSIONS.
THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT IS TRYING TO ATTAIN THIS GOAL, THOUGH AT PRESENT IT IS STILL LARGELY OCCUPIED WITH TRANSLATION WORK.
THE COMMISSIONER OF THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY, MR. AUGUSTINE CHUI, SAID TODAY THAT IF ORIGINAL DRAFTING WAS ACHIEVED, THE PROBLEMS WHICH MIGHT HAVE ARISEN FROM THE PRESENT METHOD OF DIRECT TRANSLATION COULD BE AVOIDED.
MR. CHUI POINTED OUT THAT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY WAS PREPARING A HANDBOOK ON CHINESE DOCUMENTARY FORMS AND STYLES. IT AIMS AT IMPROVING AND STANDARDISING THE METHOD OF COMMUNICATION IN CHINESE.
WHEN READY, THE HANDBOOK WOULD BE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO SERVE AS GUIDELINES FOR PREPARING DOCUMENTS AND FOR REPLYING to letters from members of the public HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO THE ENGLISH-CHINESE GLOSSARY OF APPLIED LEGAL TERMS, HE DISCLOSED THAT IT WOULD BE PUBLISHED NEXT YEAR.
THE GLOSSARY CONTAINS ALL ESSENTIAL LEGAL TERMS, TECHNICAL TERMS USED BY VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WITH AN APPENDIX COVERING TITLES OF ALL ORDINANCES.
MR. CHUI NOTED THAT THIS TRANSLATION PROJECT, WHICH BEGAN IN NOVEMBER 1972, HAD GONE THROUGH SEVERAL STAGES OF COMPILATION, TRANSLATION,' RESEARCH AND EDITING.
THE MANUSCRIPT WAS FIRST REVIEWED BY A NUMBER OF LANGUAGE SPECIALISTS AND LEGAL EXPERTS AND THE FINAL DRAFT WAS RE-EXAMINED AND PROOF-READ SEVERAL TIMES.
HE ADDED THAT ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS AND ADVICE ON THE COMPILATION OF THE GLOSSARY HAD BEEN CAREFULLY WEIGHED AND ANALYSED BEFORE THE FINAL DRAFT WAS AGREED UPON.
♦EXTRA CARE MUST BE EXERCISED IN COMPILING THE BOOK AS ANY MINOR MISTAKE OR AMBIGUITY CAN GIVE RISE TO LEGAL CONTROVERSY.+
ON THE SUBJECT OF STAFF TRAINING, THE COMMISSIONER INDICATED THAT THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY HAD CONSULTED THE TWO LOCAL UNIVERSITIES ON SUCH MATTERS AS IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND INDUCTION PROGRAMMES.
/Mr. chui
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974
2
_ MR, CHUI SAID THE AUTHORITY HAD SO FAR THIS YFAR wrin tl/a INTENSIVE IN-SERVICE TRAINING SESSIONS FOR ITS STAFF?
THE TRAINING COURSES, EACH LASTING FOR OVER TWO MONTHS COVERED A WIDE RANGE OF SUBJECTS, INCLUDING THE PRINCIPLES ' OF TRANSLATION, THE EVOLUTION OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AND STYLE. CANTONESE ROMANIZATION, SPEECH WRITING AND JOURNALISTIC WRITING.
OVER 100 IN-SERVICE INTERPRETERS/TRANSLATORS, NOW RENAMED CHINESE LANGUAGE OFFICERS, TOOK PART IN THESE COURSES.
THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY IS MADE UP OF THE TRANSLATION SERVICES AND TRANSLATION DEVELOPMENT DIVISIONS.
THE DEVELOPMENT DIVISION IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TRAINING OF INTERPRETERS AND RESEARCH WORK.
THE TRANSLATION SERVICES DIVISION, SUB-DIVIDED INTO EIGHT BRANCHES, HANDLES MOST OF THE TRANSLATION OF GOVERNMENT DOCUMENTS AND CORRESPONDENCE.
AMONG THE WORKS TRANSLATED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE AUTHORITY ARE THE CHINESE VERSION OF THE HONG KONG ANNUAL REPORT AND THE GOVERNOR’S ANNUAL ADDRESS AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THIS YEAR’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
------0-------
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
*****
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 55,777 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 82.9 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS AND ALSO AN INCREASE OF 1,305 MILLION GALLONS OVER THE STORAGE AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 54,472 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 40,338 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 42,692 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 79.9 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. THE TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,319.4 MM. (91.32 IN.).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,152.7 MM. (84.75 IN.), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7.7 PER CENT.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974
3
RESITING CEREMONY OF ANCESTRAL TABLETS TO BE HELD AFTER MID-NIGHT M K * * M M
SAI KUNG VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WILL EARLY TOMORROW MORNING MOVE THEIR ANCESTRAL TABLETS FROM THE CHI TONGS (ANCESTRAL ,SHRINES) IN LAN NAI WAN TO A NEW SITE AWAY FROM THE RESERVOIRS.
THE RESITING CEREMONY WILL BE PERFORMED AT MUK MIN SHAN, SAI KUNG, BY CHINESE MONKS. ITS TIMING (AT 12.30 A.M. TUESDAY) HAS BEEN CAREFULLY CHOSEN BY AN A GEOMANCER OR 'FUNG SHU I’ MAN.
WITH THE REMOVAL OF THE ANCESTRAL TABLETS AND LAST WEEK’S PAYMENT OF $8 MILLION IN COMPENSATION, MOST MATTERS CONCERNING THE RESITING OF THESE VILLAGERS HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, SAI KUNG, SAID TODAY.
♦
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE LAN NAI WAN FAMILIES WOULD MOVE TO THEIR NEW HOMES AND SHOPS BEFORE THE LUNAR NEW YEAR.
THEIR NEW HOMES, SITUATED IN THE HEART OF SAI KUNG TOWN, ARE ALL SELF-CONTAINED FLATS AND ARE NOW READY FOR OCCUPATION. BALLOTING FOR THESE FLATS WILL TAKE PLACE SOME TIME NEXT MONTH.
UNDER THE TERMS OF COMPENSATION, EACH FAMILY IS ENTITLED TO A 1,000-SQUARE FOOT GROUND FLOOR PREMISES OR $190,000 CASH IN LIEU. IN ADDITION, EACH MALE MEMBER OF THE FAMILY IS GIVEN A FLAT OR $80,000 AND EACH FEMALE MEMBER HALF A FLAT OR $40,000.
A FAMILY COMPRISING A COUPLE, TWO SONS AND TWO DAUGHTERS WILL BE COMPENSATED 4-1/2 FLATS AND A GROUND FLOOR PREMISES, OR IF THEY WISHED TO OPT FOR CASH, A TOTAL OF $550,000.
IN ADDITION, EACH FAMILY WILL RECEIVE LAND COMPENSATION AS AWARDED BY THE COMPENSATION BOARD. PIGSTIES, FENCES, FOOTPATHS AND OTHER MISCELLANEOUS STRUCTURES WILL ALSO BE COMPENSATED.
THE VILLAGERS, WHEN THEY BEGIN TO MOVE TO THEIR NEW HOMES, WILL ALSO RECEIVE SUBSIDIES ON SUCH ITEMS AS TRANSPORTATION AND FLAT DECORATIONS AS WELL AS OCCUPATION AND REMOVAL ALLOWANCES.
------o------
/4
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974.
RECONSTRUCTION OF ROADS IN SHAU KEI WAN
******
ABOUT 180 METRES OF ROADS IN SHAU KEI WAN, PARTS OF WHICH NOW BEING USED AS AN OFF-STREET BUS TERMINUS, WILL BE RECONSTRUCTED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THESE ROADS INCLUDE ALDRJCH STREET, PART OF NAM ON LANE AND NAM ON STREET.
THE CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE REBUILT WITH 250 MM. THICK REINFORCED CONCRETE.FOOTPATHS WILL BE PROVIDED ON BOTH SIDES. OTHER ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT AT THE SAME TIME.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THE REPROVISIONING OF THE BUS TERMINUS IN THE COURSE OF THE ROAD WORKS. TEMPORARY TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED ON SITE TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
THE ROAD WORKS WILL TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
. ----o-------
SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND INVITES APPLICATIONS *****
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED FROM VOLUNTARY AND SOCIAL ORGANISATIONS FOR GRANTS FOR THE YEAR 1975-76 FROM THE SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION.
SET UP IN 1970, THE FUND IS DESIGNED TO ASSIST IN PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR A WIDE RANGE OF RECREATIONAL, SPORTS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
PREFERENCE IS GIVEN TO PROJECTS WHICH WILL HELP TO DEVELOP THE INDIVIDUAL AND ENCOURAGE THE PURPOSEFUL USE OF LEISURE BY YOUNG PEOPLE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES.
COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE SENT TO THE SECRETARY, THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR SIR DAVID TRENCH FUND FOR RECREATION AT N0.1A, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JANUARY 18, 1975 AND ALLOCATIONS ARE EXPECTED TO BE ANNOUNCED IN MAY, 1975.
-----o------
/5
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974.
NEW LIGHT BEACON'ON MAGAZINE ISLAND ******
A NEW LIGHT BEACON WILL BE BUILT ON MAGAZINE ISLAND TO ASSIST VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL.
THE EXISTING NAVIGATION LIGHT ON THE ROOF OF A DISUSED EXPLOSIVE MAGAZINE ON A HIGH POINT OF THE ISLAND IS NOW CONSIDERED TO BE UNSAT I FACTORY DUE TO THE INTENSIVE BACKGROUND LIGHTING COMING FROM THE WAH FU ESTATE.
THE PROJECT, PART OF A PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE A SERIES OF NAVIGATIONAL AIDS ALONG THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL, INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A LANDING AND A LIGHT BEACON ON THE WESTERN END OF MAGAZINE ISLAND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BUILD A LANDING LEADING TO THE NEW LIGHT BEACON TO BE CONSTRUCTED ON AP LEI PAI.
THIS BEACON WILL ASSIST BERTHING OPERATIONS OF OIL TANKERS AT THE SHELL COMPANY’S TERMINAL ON AP LEI CHAU IN NIGHT TIME. IT WILL ALSO FACILITATE SMALL CRAFT MAKING THEIR WAY TO THE SOUTHERN ENTRANCE OF ABERDEEN HARBOUR AND VESSELS NAVIGATING IN THE EAST LAMMA CHANNEL.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREAS INVOLVED IN THE TWO PROJECTS IS DESCRIBED IN SEPARATE GAZETTE NOTIFICATIONS WHICH ALSO CALL UPON ALL THOSE HAVING OBJECTIONS OR ANY CLAIM OF PRIVATE RIGHT TO SUBMIT THEIR OBJECTIONS AND CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS.
NOTICES IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARDS NEAR THE TWO SITES.
- o -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
******
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (MONDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING
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 1.84
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.69
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD —
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.72
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.54
Al SUPER EXTRA ' GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.32
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.72
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —
TAIWAN RICE GOOD nr in
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
CALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - NORMAL
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PROK C$/PICUL-L1VE WEIGHT) - 340 AVERAGE
/SUPPLIED AND .....
i.l U1)AY, DiXJ-J16, 197'i.
SUPPLIES AND WHCLEC’.E I RICES CF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA l;..N WHOLESALE FlS.i MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD NORMAL . 5.80 1.80 4.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.CO 0.30 1.80
SQUID LIMITED 6.30 4.00 5.70
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.40 0.70 1.20
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.20 1.00 1.80
CROAKERS GOOD 2.40 0.70 1.50
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.CO 1.80 2.40
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.70 1.60 2.30
EREAMS SCARCE 5.20 3.30 4.50
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.35 0.80 l.CO
MACKERELS NORMAL 4.69 2.00 3.50
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.30 0.50 1.50
FORK-TAIL LIMITED l.CO 0.50 0.70
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 7.CO 2.00 4.CO
MELON SEED NUi.i.AL l.UU 2. CO
POMFRETS SCARCE 6.20 5.CO 5.50
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.30 5.50 6.80
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 6.CO 4. CO 5.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (3/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 1.80 0.60 1.40
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.40 0.10 0.25
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.20 0.50 0.80
WATER SPINACH •
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.CO 0.80 1.50
STRING BEANS —— •—
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.60 0.40 1.00
SP1NACH LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.60
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.80 0.50 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH — —— —--
TOMATO LIMITED 2.40 1.20 1.80
-----0------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ALL OF HONQ KONG COMES UNDER ANTl-POLLUTION REGULATIONS BEGINNING TODAY .............................. 1
SPECIAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME TO SPEED UP PROCESS OF
REPLACING BOOKLET DRIVING LICENCES BY NEW LAMINATED CARDS 2
FRANCHISES OF TWO MAJOR FERRY COMPANIES EXTENDED FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS ....................................... j
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW ..................... 4
MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF EACH NEW METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRE IS TO DISPENSE METHADONE TO 1,000 PATIENTS A DAY 5
NOVEMBER WEATHER DRIER AND CLOUDIER THAN USUAL ........... 6
NEW POSTER FOR FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN .................. 7
COMMODITIES T° UH0LESALE PR1CES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1 _ TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974.
WHOLE OF HONG KONG BECOMES SMOKE CONTROL AREA »«««««
major sections of KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES TODAY OFFICIALLY BECAME CONTROL AREAS-DRI NG I NG ALL OF HONG KONG UNDER ANTI-POLLUTION REGULATIONS.
THE MOVE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS YET TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ITS CONTINUING CAMPAIGN TO COMBAT INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL AIR POLLUTION.
+OUR EFFORTS TO REDUCE AERIAL POLLUTION HAVE MET WITH A MARKED DEGREE OF SUCCESS SO FAR AND THIS WILL HELP US CONTINUE TO WIN THE FIGHT,* THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER, MR. DAVID NEWBURY, SAID TODAY.
+ALL OF HONG KONG HOW COMES UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE CLEAN AIR ORDINANCE, SOMETHING THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN PROGRESSIVELY AIMING AT.+
THE REGULATIONS STRICTLY LIMIT THE VOLUME OF POLLUTION PRODUCING DARK SMOKE WHICH CAN DE EMITTED. AS A RESULT, THE GOVERNMENT CAN NOW STEP UP ITS EFFORTS TO REDUCE AERIAL POLLUTION TO AN ACCEPTABLE LEVEL .
IN THE TWO MONTHS SINCE THE REMAINING AREAS OF HONG KONG WERE GAZETTED AS SMOKE CON'lROL AREAS, STAFF FROM THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT HAD BEEN CONCEUIRATING ON All EDUCATION AMD ADVICE PROGRAMME.
+WE HAVE VISITED ALL THE FACTORIES AND VARIOUS UNDERTAKINGS AND RESTAURANTS WHICH ARE NW AFFECTED BY THE 1>ROVISTCHS,+ MR. NEWDURY SAID.
+WE HAVE DEEN EXPLAINING JUST WHAT IS REQUIRED AND OFFERING OUR HELP AND SUGGESTIONS ON HOW THE REGULATIONS CAN BE MET.*
+OUR ADVICE APPEARS TO HAVE DEEN VERY WELL RECEIVED.*
+WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO POINT OUT TO PEOPLE THAT EXCESSIVE BLACK SMOKE, WHICH CAUSES POLLUTION, IS USUALLY THE RESULT OF INEFFICIENT DURNING.
+WE HAVE DEEN SUGGESTING METHODS OF PROPER BURNING WHICH CAN SAVE THE OPERATORS UP TO 25 PER CENT ON THEIR FUEL BILLS.*
MR. NEWDURY ADDED THAT BREACHES OF THE REGULATIONS CARRIED A FINE OF UP TO $2,000.
------0--------
/2.......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
*• - 2 -
SPECIAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME INTRODUCED TO SPEED UP ISSUE OF LAMINATED DRIVING LICENCES « « O
TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS STARTED A SPECIAL CONVERSION PROGRAMME TO SPEED UP THE PROCESS OF REPLACING BOOKLET DRIVING LICENCES BY THE NEW LAMINATED CARD TYPE.
UNDER THE PROGRAMME, NOTIFICATIONS ARE BEING SENT TO LICENCE-HOLDERS OFFERING THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO CONVERT THEIR DRIVING LICENCES BEFORE THEY ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL.
IT IS INTENDED TO SEND THESE NOTIFICATIONS IN BATCHES OF ABOUT 50,000 PER MONTH, AND THE PROGRAMME IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY ADVISED MOTORISTS, WHO HAD YET TO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION, TO REFRAIN FROM ENQUIRING ABOUT THE MATTER AT THIS STAGE,
DRIVERS WHOSE LICENCES ARE DUE FOR RENEWAL WITHIN THE NEXT FOUR MONTHS OR WHO APPLY FOR INCLUSION OF ADDITIONAL CLASSES IN THEIR LICENCE, WILL DE ISSUED WITH A NEW LAMINATED CARD LICENCE ON RENEWAL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT MOTORISTS WHO RECEIVE A NOTIFICATION SHOULD SEND OR POST THE RETURN SLIP TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THEIR BOOKLET LICENCE, TWO IDENTIFICATION PHOTOGRAPHS AND THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD.
THE DEPARTMENT WILL SUBSEQUENTLY RETURN THE NEW LAMINATED LICENCE, THE INVALIDATED OLD BOOKLET LICENCE AND THE IDENTITY CARD TO THE LICENCE HOLDER, HE SAID.
HE STRESSED THAT ONLY IN THOSE CASES WHERE AN IDENTITY CARD HAD NOT BEEN ISSUED WOULD A PASSPORT OR SOME OTHER ACCEPTABLE IDENTIFICATION DOCUMENT BE CONSIDERED AS A SUBSTITUTE.
THE SIZE OF'THE IDENTIFICATION PHOTOGRAPHS MUST BE RESTRICTED TO 1-1/4” XI” BECAUSE THE LAMINATED LICENCE IS SIMILAR IN SIZE TO A HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD. PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS SIZE, IF NOT READILY AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE, CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE PHOTOVENDING MACHINES INSTALLED IN THE DEPARTMENT’S LICENSING OFFICES.
-------o---------
/5 ......
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
’ - 3 -
FRANCHISES OF FERRY COMPANIES EXTENDED H H U « « « « M
THE GOVERNMENT HAS AGREED TO EXTEND THE FRANCHISES OF THE TWO MAJOR FERRY COMPANIES - HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE STAR FERRY COMPANY - FOR ANOTHER FIVE YEARS.
THE CONCESSION WILL RUN FROM JANUARY 1, 1975 UNTIL DECEMBER 31, 1979.
BOTH COMPANIES HAD PREVIOUSLY REQUESTED AN EXTENSION IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE APPROPRIATE ORDINANCES UNDER WHICH THEY OPERATE. AS NEITHER COMPANY HAD COMMITTED ANY BREACH OF THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THE RESPECTIVE ORDINANCES, APPROVAL WAS GRANTED.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED TODAY THAT BECAUSE THE EXTENSION IS FOR A THIRD AND FINAL TERM OF FIVE YEARS, NEGOTIATIONS DURING THIS PERIOD WILL BE HELD BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMPANIES WITH A VIEW TO CONCLUDING REVISED FRANCHISES FOR EACH COMPANY TO TAKE EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1980.
-----o------
/4.......
4
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW # M * tf «
THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES BILL WHICH GIVES THE GOVERNMENT WIDER POWERS TO CONTROL THE OPERATIONS OF FRANCHISED BUS COMPANIES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THIS IS ONE OF THE SIX BILLS TO BE PRESENTED TO THE COUNCIL FOR THEIR FIRST AND SECOND READINGS. THE OTHER FIVE ARE l-
* THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WHICH PROPOSES TO FURTHER IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW BY THE DELINEATION OF +CONTROLLED AREAS-*
X THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 DEALS WITH THE VALUATION OF TENEMENTS IN A NEWLY SPECIFIED RATING AREA-
* THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WHICH CONCERNS THE EXCHANGE RATE BETWEEN HONG KONG DOLLARS AND POUND STERLING-
* THE MARRIAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WHICH SEEKS TO ENABLE THE REGISTRAR TO DISPENSE WITH THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE GIVING NOTICE OF AN INTENDED MARRA IGE- AND
M THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WHICH SEEKS TO ELIMINATE THE REQUIREMENT OF TENANTS HAVING TO NOTIFY LANDLORDS OF ANY SUBLETTING, UNLESS SO REQUESTED BY THEIR LANDOLRDS.
IN ADDITION, FIVE OTHER BILLS WILL PASS THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING TOMORROW.. THEY ARE THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, THE LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS REPEALS) BILL 1974, THE FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCITlVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974.
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL WILL RAISE 11 QUESTIONS DEALING WITH A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS INCLUDING THE CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO PRIVATE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, SMALL DEBTS COURT, IMPORT OF WILD ANIMALS, PUBLIC ASSISTANCE, CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND SILICOSIS AS AN INDUSTRIAL DISEASE.
0 - -
/5
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
5
CLARIFICATION OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE TREATMENT M H H «
THE MAXIMUM CAPACITY OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S THREE NEW METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES IS TO DISPENSE METHADONE IN ORANGE JUICE TO 1,000 PATIENTS IN EACH CENTRE A DAY.
+IF THE NEED ARISES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY, +EVEN MORE CENTRES WILL BE OPENED.*
HE EXPLAINED THAT A NEW PATIENT COULD NOT BE GIVEN METHADONE WITHOUT A PHYSICAL EXAMINATION AND AN INVESTIGATION INTO THEIR DRUG ADDICTION HISTORY ,WHICH IS A TIME-CONSUMING PROCESS AND TAKES ABOUT HALF AN HOUR FOR EACH CASE.
+BUT ONCE HE IS ACCEPTED FOR TREATMENT, HE WILL BE GIVEN HIS DAILY DOSAGE UNDER SUPERVISION WITH NO DELAY AT ALL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE REFUTED A NEWSPAPER REPORT THAT APPLICANTS FOR METHADONE TREATMENT HAD BEEN +TURNED AWAY* FROM THE CLINICS WHICH OPENED YESTERDAY.
♦THEY WERE NOT TURNED AWAY, OR DENIED TREATMENT. IT WAS EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT THEY HAD TO AWAIT THEIR TURN, THAT THEY HAD TO BRING ALONG WITH THEM THEIR IDENTITY CARDS AND THREE PASSPORT-SIZE PHOTOGRAPHS — WHICH MANY HAD FAILED TO DO — AND THAT IF THEY COULD NOT BE SEEN ON ONE DAY, THEY WOULD BE ATTENDED TO ON THE NEXT.
+THIS IS THE NORMAL PRACTICE AT ANY OUT-PATIENT CLINIC RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN COMMENTED.
HE REPEATED THAT NEW PATIENTS WERE BEING SEEN AT THE NEW TREATMENT CENTRES ON THE AVERAGE OF ABOUT 30 A DAY AT EACH CENTRE BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS, AND BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS.
FOR PATIENTS COMING FOR THEIR DAILY DOSAGE, THE CLINICS WERE BEING KEPT OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 9.30 P.M.
THE CLINICS ARE LOCATED AT THE HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE IN PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG, AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN. THE FEE IS SI A VISIT WHICH CAN BE WAIVED IN CASE OF NEED.
/6\..»..
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
- 6
NOVEMBER WEATHER DRIER K « «
AND CLOUDIER THAN USUAL H U #
THE WEATHER LAST MONTH WAS DRIER, CLOUDIER AND LESS SUNNY THAN USUAL. THE TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED WAS ONLY 24.9 MM, WHICH AMOUNTED TO ONLY ABOUT 58 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE RAINFALL FOR NOVEMBER.
THE MONTH’S MEAN WIND SPEED OF 4.1 KNOTS WAS THE SECOND LOWEST RECORDED IN NOVEMBER SINCE RECORDS BEGAN IN 1884.
THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE MONTH’S WEATHER, ACCORDING TO THE MONTHLY WEATHER REPORT ISSUED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, WAS THE CONTINUING DRY CONDITIONS IN THE LATTER HALF OF THE MONTH. A TOTAL OF 15 RED OR YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WAS ISSUED DURING THE MONTH. »
ALTHOUGH FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE FORMED IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA, ONLY ONE HAD POSED A THREAT TO HONG KONG.
THE STAND BY SIGNAL, NO.l, WAS HOISTED ON NOVEMBER 7 WHEN TYPHOON +GLORIA+ WAS CENTRED ABOUT 400 MILES SOUTH-EAST OF HONG KONG. THE SIGNAL WAS LOWERED TWO DAYS LATER.
+GLORIA+ WAS ONE OF THE FEW TYPHOONS WHICH HAVE THREATENED HONG KONG IN NOVEMBER SINCE 1972.
DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT BECAUSE OF ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS.
THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 29.2 DEGREES CELSIUS FOR THE MONTH WAS RECORDED ON NOVEMBER 5 AND THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 15.5 DECREES CELSIUS ON NOVEMBER 27.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A FULL WEATHER REPORT PREPARED DY THE
ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL DE BOXED FOR COLLECTION.
0
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 1974
1
NEW POSTER FOR FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN
******
A NEW POSTER, DESIGNED CAMPAIGN, IS NOW ON DISPLAY
TO PUBLICISE THE CURRENT FIRE PREVENTION IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG.
IT SHOWS THE AFTERMATH OF A DISASTROUS FIRE, +THIS IS THE ASH FROM ONE CIGARETTE*.
WITH THE WORDSI
A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTHEHT SPOKES>«H SAII
S^KONG^R^CAUSEO BY THE CARELESS HAMLlK OF LIGHTED CIGARETTE EDDS.
♦DURING THE TWO FISCAL YEARS 1972/74,+ HE STATED, +MORE THAN 4,700 FIRES WERE BLAMED ON PEOPLE DISPOSING OF CIGARETTE ENDS WITHOUT FIRST MAKING SURE THEY WERE PROPERLY OUT. AS A RESULT, A TOTAL OF 84 PEOPLE WERE INJURED.*
HE SAID IT WAS BY FAR THE MOST PREVALENT CAUSE OF FIRE. NOT ONLY IN HONG KONG BUT ALL OVER THE WORLD. IN UNITED STATES, FOR EXAMPLE, IN 1973, THERE WERE MORE THAN 100,000 CIGARETTE-END FIRES WHICH HAD CAUSED MILLIONS OF DOLLARS WORTH OF DAMAGE.
ONE OF THE BIGGEST FIRES IN HONG KONG ATTRIBUTED TO A CIGARETTE END BROKE OUT AT A WAN CHAI HOTEL IN DECEMBER,1972, WHICH CLAIMED EIGHT LIVES AND INJURED 21 PEOPLE.
A LARGE NUMBER OF HILL AND FOREST FIRES WHICH OCCUR DURING THE DRY MONTHS IS ALSO CAUSED BY PEOPLE CARELESSLY THROWING AWAY LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED SMOKERS TO USE ASH TRAYS IN THEIR HOMES WHEN DISPOSING OF CIGARETTE ENDS AND NOT TO THROW THEM OUT OF WINDOWS OR BALCONIES.
IN THE STREET, THE SPECIAL RECEPTACLES ATTACHED TO LITTER BINS SHOULD BE USED AND, WHEN IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, CIGARETTE ENDS SHOULD BE GROUND UNDERFOOT AND NOT LEFT TO SMOULDER.
+WE APPEAL TO SMOKERS TO BE CAREFUL AT ALL TIMES, BUT ESPECIALLY NOW WHEN THE HUMIDITY IS MUCH LOWER AND FIRES OCCUR MORE EASILY,* HE SAID.
THE FIRE PREVENTION CAMPAIGN HAS BEEN TIMED FOR THIS MONTH WHEN THE NUMBER OF FIRES CAN BE FROM TOO TO FIVE TIMES AS GREAT AS DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS.
-------0---------
TUESDAY DECEMBER 17, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE t ******
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 1.80
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.69
PO NGAI GOOD ——
CHU CHO GOOD •
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.68
10-15% BROKENS GOOD ——
Al SUPER EXTRA - GOOD 1.52
Al SUPER GOOD 1.33
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.67
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES) AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK - 340 AVERAGE ($/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
/SUPPLIES AND .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 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 2.00 4.20
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.30 0.50 1.80
SQUID LIMITED ’ 6.20 3.00 4.50
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.60 0.30 1.20
LIZARD FISHES LIMITED 2.80 0.90 1.80
CROAKERS GOOD 2.20 0.50 1.20
CONGER-PIKE-EELS LIMITED 3.00 1.70 2.40
MELON COAT GOOD 2.40 1.60 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.20 2.40 3.80
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.50 0.70 1.00
MACKERELS NORMAL 4.50 2.00 3.80
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.30 0.60 1.70
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.00 0.50 0.70
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.00 2.40 4.00
MELON SEED LIMITED 3.00 1.20 2.00
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.50 5.50 7.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 8.00 5.00 6.50
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 7.00 5.80 6.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF ' VEGETABLE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (C/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 1.60 0.60 1.20
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.40 0.10 0.25
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.00 0.40 0.70
WATER SPINACH NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.80 1.40
STRING BEANS NO SALE
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
SPINACH LIMITED 2.00 0.50 1.50
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.60 0.50 1.20
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO LIMITED 2.20 1.20 1.60
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE N0*
NEW REGULATIONS TO REDUCE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE OVERTIME
FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS APPROVED........................ 1
DIRECT*GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION NOT THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE
FREIGHT RATES ISSUE — SAYS DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY .................................................... 4
GOVERNMENT TO HAVE MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER BUS COMPANIES’ OPERATIONS ........................................... 7
ADVANTAGES OF CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO PRIVATE CARS EXPLAINED................................................... 9
SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES EXPLAINS PROCESSING OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS ........................................ 10
PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL PASSED ............. 11
CONSTANT EFFORTS TO IMPROVE STAFF RELATIONS WITHIN GOVERNMENT ..................................................... 12
t
DRAFT LEGISLATION ON SMALL DEBTS COURT UNDERWAY .............. 12
DELINEATION OF +CONTROLLED AREAS* TO ENSURE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY ......................................................... 13
IMPORTATION OF WILD AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS ........ 13
UNNECESSARY DELAYS IN PROCESSING OF RENT INCREASE • \ APPLICATIONS TO BE ELIMINATED .................................. 14
GOVERNMENT STUDYING NEW LAW ON DUMPING OF EXPLOSIVES ......... 15
SPEED READING DEMONSTRATION FOR STUDENTS ..................... 15
MINOR AMENDMENTS IN RATING ORDINANCE PROPOSED ................ 16
RICE IMPORT QUOTA FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1975 .................. 16
ATTORNEY GENERAL MOVED SECOND READING OF MARRIAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL ............................................... 17
ANNUAL REPORT OF HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL 1973/74'
TABLED ....................................................... 18
• i
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House,/&>ng&wuTel: 5'233191
- 2 -
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF TDC 1973/74 TABLED ............... 19
♦
CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS BEING DRAFTED.................. ‘20
SPECIAL COMPENSATION FOR WORKMEN SUFFERING FROM SILICOSIS UNDER CONSIDERATION ........................................... 20
POLICE ACTION AGAINST TAXI DRIVERS SELECTING PASSENGERS .... 21
I
FIVE BILLS BECAME LAW.......................................... 22
FIRST JOINT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS CHRISTMAS PARTY .......... 23
MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW ‘............................... 23
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN .............................. 24
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
1 - '
MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE OVERTIME FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS REDUCED NEW REGULATIONS APPROVED BY LEGCO
ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED NEW REGULATIONS HADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR REDUCING THE NUMBER OF HOURS OF OVERTIME WHICH WOMEN AND YOUNQ PERSONS MAY WORK EACH YEAR.
MOVING THE RESOLUTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE NEW REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TOLD THE COUNCIL THE GOVERNMENT HAD A CLEAR RESPONSIBILITY TO PROTECT WOMEN WORKERS BECAUSE OF THE PRESENT STATE OF TRADE UNIONISM IN HONG KONG.
THE NEW REGULATIONS - THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS - REDUCE PERMISSIBLE OVERTIME FOR WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS F-ROM 300 HOURS TO 250 HOURS A YEAR FROM JANUARY 1, 1975. IN A SECOND STAGE, THEY PROVIDE FOR A FURTHER REDUCTION TO 200 HOURS FROM JANUARY 1, 1976.
IN HIS SPEECH, MR. PRICE REJECTED THE ARGUMENT THAT IT WAS INAPPROPRIATE TO CONTINUE TO REQUIRE SPECIAL PROTECTION FOR WOMEN AT WORK +IN THIS AGE OF MOVEMENT TOWARDS REMOVAL OF DISCRIMINATION BASED ON SEX.+
+IN THE PRESENT STATE OF TRADE UNIONISM IN HONG KONG, I CONSIDER THAT FOR SOME YEARS THE GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE A CLEAR RESPONSIBILITY TO CONTINUE TO PROTECT WOMEN BY LIMITING THE HOURS OF OVERTIME WHICH CAN BE WORKED BY THEM,+ HE SAID.
+IN THE LOCAL CONTEXT IT SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED THAT MANY WORKING WOMEN ALSO NEED TO ATTEND TO DOMESTIC MATTERS AT HOME, AND THIS IS ANOTHER REASON THAT A LIMITATION ON THEIR OVERTIME IS DESIRABLE.
+AND IN THIS CONNECTION I SHOULD ADD THAT ELSEWHERE THE VIEW HAS BEEN TAKEN THAT THE REPEAL OF THIS TYPE OF PROTECTIVE LEGISLATION WOULD PLACE UNDUE PRESSURE ON WORKING WOMEN.+
MR. PRICE SAID THAT A COMPREHENSIVE SURVEY LAST YEAR HAD SHOWN THAT THE ECONOMIC EFFECT OF THE NEW REDUCTIONS WOULD BE ONLY MARGINAL.
AND HE POINTED OUT THAT HE WAS NOT PROPOSING ANY CHANGES TO HIS POWERS UNDER REGULATIONS 11(6) AND 11(7) OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS REGULATIONS TO GIVE SPECIAL PERMISSION, IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES, FOR A GREATER AMOUNT OF OVERTIME TO EE WORKED.
THESE REGULATIONS ALLOWED FOR A HIGH DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY, HE SAID, AND HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT HE WOULD CONSIDER SYMPATHETICALLY AND QUICKLY ANY REQUESTS MADE UNDER THEIR PROVISIONS.
/THE SENIOH UNOFFICIAL ..
[This page is blank in the original document]
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
♦THEREFORE, OVERTIME MUST BE ALLOWED FLEXIBLY AND WITH MINIMUM OF RED TAPE IF MANUFACTURING IS NOT TO BE UNDULY RESTRICTED AND HONG KONG PRODUCTS ARE TO REMAIN COMPETITIVE ON WORLD MARKETS.+
HE CALLED ON THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO FIND OUT WHY BOTH WOMEN AND MEN IN SINGAPORE ARE ALLOWED A MAXIMUM OF 48 HOURS OVERTIME A MONTH DESPITE A STRONG AND WELL-ORGANIZED TRADE UNION MOVEMENT THERE. THE FINDINGS, HE SUGGESTED, SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE LABOUR ADVISORY BOARD.
I
COMMENTING ON THE REGULATIONS, THE HON. MRS. JOYCE SYMONS SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD TAKEN THE RIGHT STEP IN INTRODUCING THE LEGISLATION.
WHILE SHE WAS AWARE OF THE CONTROVERSIAL NATURE OF THIS TYPE OF LIMITATION ON OVERTIME, SHE FELT QUITE STRONGLY THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LEGISLATE IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
♦FREEDOM OF WORK IS ENJOYED IN OUR COMMUNITY BUT FREEDOM MUST NOT LEAD TO EXCESS. 4^
♦THE HEALTH AND WELL-BEING OF WOMEN AND YOUNG PEOPLE MUST ALWAYS BE IN THE FOREFRONT OF GOVERNMENT POLICY AND IN THIS INSTANCE I FEEL GOVERNMENT HAVE TAKEN THE RIGHT STEP,+ SHE STRESSED.
IN REPLY, MR. PRICE POINTED OUT THAT THE DOCUMENT QUOTED BY SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER DR. S.Y. CHUNG IN MAKING SOME CRITICISMS OF NEW REGULATIONS HAD BEEN SUPERSEDED.
MR. PRICE SAID THE MORE UP-TO-DATE CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT, KNOWN AS +EQUALITY FOR WOMEN+ AND ISSUED IN SEPTEMBER, 1974 MADE IT CLEAR THAT PROTECTIVE MEASURES FOR WOMEN CONTAINED IN THE U.K. FACTORIES ACT SHOULD BE RETAINED FOR THE PRESENT AT LEAST.
♦I SHOULD ADD THAT THE CHANGE IN ATTITUDE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM WAS BROUGHT ABOUT BECAUSE OF CONSIDERABLE CRITICISM THAT THE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL TO LIFT PROTECTIVE MEASURES MIGHT PLACE UNDUE PRESSURE ON WORKING WOMEN,+ HE SAID.
♦ALSO, TO PUT THE RECORD STRAIGHT, I SHOULD MAKE IT CLEAR THAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM OVERTIME FOR WOMEN IS LIMITED TO 100 HOURS A YEAR, AND NOT TO 200 HOURS A YEAR AS PROPOSED FOR HONG KONG. IT IS EVIDENT THAT U.K. LEGISLATION HAS NOT BEEN TRANSPLANTED WHOLESALE TO HONG KONG.+
MR. PRICE ADDED THAT HE HAD PUT IN HAND AN EXAMINATION OF THE PROCEDURES FOR DEALING WITH APPLICATIONS FOR SPECIAL PERMISSION TO EXCEED THE NEW OVERTIME LIMITS SO THAT THEY COULD BE FLEXIBLY AND QUICKLY APPLIED.
------0-------
/4.....
r
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
4 -
DIRECT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION NOT THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE
FREIGHT RATES ISSUE K M M * *
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY THAT WHILST DIRECT GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION IN THE ISSUE OF FREIGHT RATE INCREASES DECIDED UPON BY THE CONFERENCE SHIPPING LINES WAS NOT RULED OUT, HE WOULD HOPE THAT IT WOULD NOT PROVE THE ONLY WAY TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM.
HE WAS REPLYING TO THE CALL FOR INTERVENTION BY DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN AND THE HON. TIEN YUAN-HAO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MR. JORDAN EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS AWARE THAT LEGISLATION TO CONTROL SHIPPING CONFERENCES EXISTED ELSEWHERE.
HE SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WOULD STUDY THIS LEGISLATION, THE WAY IT OPERATED AND ITS EFFECTS, BUT ADDED : +WE FEEL THAT THE MOST CAREFUL CONSIDERATION WOULD NEED TO BE GIVEN TO ALL ASPECTS OF THIS MATTER BEFORE WE COULD EMBARK ON SUCH A MAJOR DEPARTURE ERCM OUR BASIC ECONOMIC PHILOSOPHY.*
HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD SAID IN LEGCO ONLY RECENTLY THAT WHEN THE GOVERNMENT INTERVENES IN ANY COMMERCIAL ACTIVITY IT ALTERS THE NORMAL BALANCE OF COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE AND THAT IT SHOULD THEREFORE DO SO ONLY WHEN AN IMBALANCE NEEDS TO BE CORRECTED IN THE INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
+1 WOULD ADD THAT EVEN THEN WE SHOULD NOT INTERVENE UNTIL WE ARE QUITE SATISFIED THAT THE IMBALANCE WILL NOT OTHERWISE BE CORRECTED,* HE SAID.
MR. JORDAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT A BETTER WAY TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT EXPLOITED AND COULD CONTINUE TO EXPORT ITS PRODUCTS AT COMPETITIVE SHIPPING RATES WOULD BE TO MAKE SURE THAT OUR SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL, WHICH HAS BUILT UP CONSIDERABLE EXPERTISE AND HAS THE REPUTATION OF BEING ONE OF THE MOST EFFECTIVE SHIPPERS’ COUNCILS IN THIS PART OF THE WORLD, WAS STRENGTHENED AND GIVEN SUCH ASSISTANCE AS THE GOVERNMENT COULD PROVIDE.
MR. JORDAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT STEPS WERE ALREADY BEING TAKEN, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE COUNCIL, TO OBTAIN MORE INFORMATION ON THE COSTS AND RATE STRUCTURE OF SHIPPING LINES FOR USE IN ANY FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS.
ON THE INCREASE ITSELF, MR. JORDAN SAID 8 +THE INCREASE IN RATES HAS, IN FACT, BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY SCALED DOWN COMPARED WITH THE CONFERENCE’S EARLIER PROPOSALS, AS THE RESULT OF THE EFFORTS OF ALL THE SHIPPERS’ COUNCILS IN THE REGION, IN WHICH THE HONG KONG SHIPPERS’ COUNCIL HAS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE ROLE.
/+TIIIS IN ITSELF
WEDNESDAY, DECIMBER 18, 1974
5
♦THIS IN ITSELF MUST OF COURSE CAST SOME DOUBT ON THE VALIDITY OF THE EARLIER PROPOSALS AND INDEED OF THE PROPOSALS THAT THE CONFERENCE NOW INTENDS TO IMPLEMENT.+
EARLIER ON, BOTH DR. CHUNG AND MR. TIEN POINTED OUT THAT THE 18 PERCENT-INCREASE IN FREIGHT RATES, WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1 NEXT YEAR, WOULD JEOPARDISE HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS TRADE.
IN MAKING THE PLEA, DR. CHUNG SAID THE INCREASE WOULD ADVERSELY AFFECT THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OF SOME OF HONG KONG’S PRODUCTS IN WESTERN EUROPE.
FOR MANY HONG KONG PRODUCTS SUCH AS PLASTIC TOYS, FREIGHT CONTRIBUTED 30 TO 40 PERCENT OF THE CIF PRICES. THE FREIGHT CONTENT FOR PLASTIC HOUSEWARES WAS EVEFl HIGHER, BEING AT TIMES AS HIGH AS 45 TO 55 PERCENT, HE SAID.
DR. CHUNG THEN POINTED TO THE INEQUITIES IN BASIC FREIGHT RATES AND SURCHARGES AS APPLIED TO HONG KONG.
THE BULK OF HONG KONG GOODS, HE SAID, ATTRACTED THE MUCH HIGHER BASIC RATES OF $250-350 PER TON, WITH THE BUNKER SURCHARGE CALCULATED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE BASIC RATE AND NOT AS A FLAT RATE ADDITION.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AS THE BULK OF HONG KONG EXPORTS WERE HIGHER RATES CARGOES, +HONG KONG BEARS A DISPROPORTIONATELY LARGE SLICE OF THE EXTRA COST OF FUEL.+
DR. CHUNG STRESSED THAT THE CONFERENCE HAD A VIRTUAL MONOPOLY OF SEA FREIGHT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND EUROPE AND WAS THUS IN A POSITION TO DICTATE TERMS AND RATES TO HONG KONG SHIPPERS.
HE NOTED THAT THE TOTAL FREIGHT RATES PAID BY LOCAL SHIPPERS FOR GOODS SHIPPED TO THE UNITED KINGDOM AND EUROPE AMOUNTED TO SOME $700 MILLION IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS.
♦WHEN MONOPOLIES EXIST AND AFFECT VITAL INTERESTS, I BELIEVE GOVERNMENT HAS AN OBLIGATION TO TAKE APPROPRIATE ACTION WITHIN ITS POWER TO PROTECT THE PUBLIC INTEREST,* HE SAID, EMPHASISING THAT HONG KONG HAD DEVELOPED AND FLOURISHED MAINLY ON THE PRINCIPLE OF FREE AND FAIR COMPETITION.
CITING JAPAN AND AUSTRALIA AS EXAMPLES WHERE LEGISLATIVE CONTROL IS EXERTED ON SHIPPING CONFERENCES, DR. CHUNG URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONSIDER PROVIDING SOME +APPROPRIATE STATUTORY MUSCLE+ TO PROTECT HONG KONG’S INTERESTS SO THAT +SHIPPING MONOPOLIES SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO THREATEN THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL FABRIC OF OUR COMMON ITY.+
/ECHOING
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
6
ECHOING DR. CHUNG’S CONCERN OVER THE ISSUE, MR. TIEN SAID THE CONFERENCE LINES HAD A DISPROPORTINATE SHARE OF HONG KONG’S OCEAN CARGO AND THEREFORE +HAVE VIRTUAL CONTROL OVER OUR ONLY MEANS OF GETTING OUR GOODS TO OUR MARKETS.*
+THERE IS AN OBVIOUS NEED FOR THE RESTORATION OF SOME DEGREE OF BALANCE BETWEEN CONFERENCE LINES AND SHIPPERS. THE GOVERNMENT CAN, AND SHOULD, TAKE STEPS TO RESTORE THE BALANCE,* HE STRESSED.
MR. TIEN WARNED THAT HONG KONG WAS NOT IN FOR A GOOD TIME. +INDEED, WE ARE BARELY SURVIVING,* HE REMARKED.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE THOUGHT IT JUSTIFIED FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO DEPART FROM ITS HANDS-OFF POLICY THOUGH HE FELT AS A GENERAL RULE, LAISSEZ FA I RE SUITED HONG KONG’S PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES.
HE NOTED THAT HONG KONG WAS ONLY MARGINALLY MORE COMPETITIVE THAN THE DOMESTIC SUPPLIERS IN ITS MAJOR MARKETS, AND THAT IT SURVIVED BECAUSE OF ITS ABILITY TO PRODUCE QUALITY GOODS, AND TO MEET DEMANDS QUICKLY AND TO THE CUSTOMERS’ SATISFACTION.
+OUR COMPETITIVE EDGE, SO PAINSTAKINGLY BUILT OVER THE YEARS, WILL BE BLUNTED BY THE EXTRA AND QUITE UNJUSTIFIED FREIGHT RATES, WHICH, THOUGH NOT VERY SIGNIFICANT BY THEMSELVES IN TERMS OF OUR OVERALL COSTS, COULD WELL BE THE PROVERBIAL STRAW THAT BREAKS THE CAMEL’S BACK,* HE CAUTIONED.
------o - - - -
/7....
• _ 7 WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES BILL 1975
M M M M * *
THE GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO ALLOW BUS COMPANIES TO CONDUCT THEIR AFFAIRS IN SUCH A WAY THAT THEY ARE ABLE TO MEET ADEQUATELY THEIR RECURRENT COMMITMENTS AS WELL AS PROVIDE AND OBTAIN FUNDS FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW BUSES AND EQUIPMENT.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING ^wInLnU?LIC 0MNIBUS SERVICES BILL 1975 WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO ISSUE FRANCHISES TO BUS COMPANIES FOR . INITIAL PERIODS OF UP TO TEN YEARS.
I
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT AIMED TO OBTAIN MORE EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER BUS OPERATIONS UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, IT WAS ALSO CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR THE OPERATIONS OF BUS COMPANIES TO BE COMMERCIALLY VIABLE.
PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE, HE SAID, FOR A LEVY ON PROFITS TO BE IMPOSED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL, BUT THIS WOULD ONLY BE INVOKED IF THERE WERE EXCESS PROFITS AFTER DUE PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE FOR THE PURCHASE OF NEW BUSES AND OTHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURE WHICH WAS NECESSARY TO ENSURE EFFICIENT BUS OPERATIONS.
+THE PROVISION FOR A LEVY ON PROFITS IS, THEREFORE, SEEN ESSENTIALLY AS A FURTHER CONTROL MEASURE.+
MR. HOBLEY TOLD COUNCIL THAT FARES WOULD CONTINUE TO BE CONTROLLED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL.
+THE FREQUENCY OF BUS SERVICES ON EACH ROUTE, AND THE PASSENGER CAPACITY AND TYPE OF BUSES TO BE USED, WILL BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WHO MAY VARY HIS REQUIREMENTS AS NEED ARISES AND WITH DUE REGARD TO THE NUMBER OF BUSES AVAILABLE,+ HE SAID.
MR. HOBLEY ALSO POINTED OUT THAT BUS ROUTES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED FROM TIME TO TIME AND THAT THERE WAS A STEADY DEMAND FOR THE PROVISION OF NEW SERVICES.
UNDER THE BILL, TEMPORARY ROUTE ALTERATIONS AND TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL SERVICES, FOR A TOTAL PERIOD NOT EXCEEDING TWO YEARS, WILL HAVE TO BE PROVIDED BY GRANTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
HOWEVER, PERMANENT CHANGES IN ROUTES AND THE PERMANENT PROVISION OF SERVICES ON ADDITIONAL ROUTES WILL BE IN THE CONTROL OF THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AS THE AUTHORITY BY-WHICH A FRANCHISE WAS FIRST GRANTED.
/I'HE bill also.........
. t V. «
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974.
8 -
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT UP TO TWO DIRECTORS TO THE BOARDS OF ALL FRANCHISED COMPANIES.
+THEIR FUNCTION WILL BE TO REPRESENT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC INTEREST,* MR. HOBLEY EXPLAINED. +IT IS HOPED THAT THE ADDITIONAL DIRECTORS WILL BE ABLE TO PLAY AN EFFECTIVE ROLE IN INFLUENCING COMPANY POLICY WHILST AT THE SAME TIME PROVIDING A READY MEANS WHEREBY THE GOVERNMENT’S TRANSPORT POLICIES AND OTHER MATTERS CAN BE COMMUNICATED TO THE COMPANY.*
THE ULTIMATE SANCTION IS THE RE-INTRODUCTION OF THE POWER TO CANCEL FRANCHISE IN THE EVENT OF FAILURE TO PROVIDE A PROPER AND EFFICIENT BUS SERVICE.
•
+HOWEVER,* MR. HOBLEY SAID, +IT IS CLEAR THAT THIS COURSE COULD AND WOULD ONLY BE TAKEN IN EXTREME CASES, THOUGH THE POSSIBILITY OF ITS USE CANNOT BE ENTIRELY RULED OUT.*
. IN ADDITION, PROVISION IS ALSO MADE FOR A TEMPORARY TAKE-OVER, IN THE EVENT OF THE REVOCATION OF A FRANCHISE, OF ANY OF A BUS COMPANY’S PROPERTY WHICH WAS USED BY IT FOR THE purposed of ITS FRANCHISE.
DC ®^ERAL SA,D THE INTENTION THAT FRANCHISES WOULD
BE GRANTED ON THE BASIS OF ROUTES, HAD, HOWEVER, OPENED THE WAY TO A NEW AND HOPEFULLY EFFECTIVE SANCTION FOR INEFFICIENCY. THE BILL WOULD ALSO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO WITHDRAW A SPECIFIC ROUTE ON WHICH A COMPANY HAS FAILED TO PROVIDE A SATISFACTORY SERIVCE. AND, AT THE SAME TIME, WITHDRAW OTHER MORE LUCRATIVE ROUTES.
MR. HOBLEY HOPED THAT THIS SANCTION WOULD DISCOURAGE THE DELIBERATE NEGLECT OF LESS PROFITABLE ROUTES AND AT THE SAME TIME ROUTES COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO TO OPERATE SERVICES ON THE ROUTES
ENSURE THAT A VIABLE PACKAGE OF AN ALTERNATIVE OPERATOR WILLING IN QUESTION.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR
DCU11T,« nw -------- THE IMPOSITION OF FINANCIAL
PENALTIES BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL IN THE EVENT OF A BUS COMPANY’S FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE BILL. THE PENALTIES MAY BE UP TO $10,000 FOR A FIRST OFFENCE, UP TO $20,000 FOR A SECOND AND UP TO $5°,000 FOR ALL SUBSEQUENT OFFENCES. THESE FINES ARE INTENDED, IN PRACTICE, TO BE IMPOSED FOR INFRINGEMENTS OF THE PROVISIONS £ ™E 0F A FRANCHISE, WHERE THE GREATER PENALTY OF THE
REVOCATION OF ONE OR MORE ROUTES WOULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974.
- 9 -
CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO PRIVATE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC TO FREE CENTRAL OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION
X H M K «
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON TODAY DESCRIBED THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO PRIVATE VEHICULAR TRAFFIC AS +THE ONLY PRACTICAL SOLUTION+ TO AVOID CONGESTION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT.
DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HE SAID, WAS A VITAL ARTERY IN THE CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT AND WAS ALREADY CLOGGED WITH TOO MANY VEHICLES. THE RESULT WAS UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION WHICH +SLOWS EVERYONE DOWN AND ENCOURAGES ACCIDENTS.*
+THE ONLY PRACTICAL SOLUTION IS TO REDUCE THE VOLUME OF VEHICLES BY PRECLUDING, AT CONGESTION-PRONE TIMES, THE LEAST IMPORTANT TRAFFIC AND PARTICULARLY THE PRIVATE CAR, THEREBY FREEING FROM CONGESTION PUBLIC TRANSPORT ON WHICH 90 PER CENT OF OUR POPULATION HAS TO RELY.+
MR. ROBSON WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. T.S. LO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE NEED FOR THE TRAFFIC SCHEME, WHICH WOULD BE ENFORCED IN THREE PHASES FROM JANUARY 5 NEXT YEAR, WAS, PERHAPS, ALREADY APPARENT BUT IT WOULD BE ESSENTIAL ONCE WORK STARTED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
BY INTRODUCING THE SCHEME NOW AND MONITORING ITS EFFECTIVENESS, HE CONTINUED, IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE TO MAKE ANY NECESSARY MINOR ADJUSTMENTS IN TIME TO ENSURE THAT ONCE THE CAPACITY OF THE ROAD WAS REDUCED DURING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION PERIOD, THE ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC WHICH MUST USE DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL COULD DO SO.
MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT THE CLOSURE OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL TO PRIVATE CARS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS SHOULD NOT CAUSE UNDUE HARDSHIP TO THE MOTORISTS AS THERE WERE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES IN CONNAUGHT ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD.
HE NOTED THAT VARIOUS MEASURES WERE TAKEN EARLIER THIS YEAR TO RE-ARRANGE STOPPING PLACES AND ROUTES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND BUSES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT. +THESE MEASURES HAVE MADE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO RELIEVING TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THIS AREA.*
THE SCHEME PROPOSED FOh DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL REPRESENTED +A FURTHER RATIONALISATION OF TRAFFIC IN THIS EXTREMELY CONGESTION-PRONE AREA,* HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974 '
- 10 -
PROCESSING OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS
MOMO
STAFF HANDLING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HAVE STANDING INSTRUCTIONS TO PROVIDE FOR EMERGENCY CASH PAYMENTS WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE THAT FINANCIAL HARDSHIP WOULD OTHERWISE BE SUFFERED.
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. LI FOOK-KOW, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THIS WAS DONE USUALLY ON THE DAY OF APPLICATION, OR WITHIN 48 HOURS. +OVER THE LAST FIVE MONTHS ABOUT 200 SUCH PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE EVERY WEEK.+
MR. LI WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION BY THE HON. MISS KO SIU-WAH ON WHETHER AN ASSURANCE COULD BE GIVEN THAT, IN URGENT CASES, INTERIM CASH GRANTS WOULD BE AWARDED TO’MEET IMMEDIATE NEEDS, OR DISCRETIONARY POWER AS STATED IN THE SCHEME BE EXERCISED WHENEVER POSSIBLE.
AS FOR DISCRETAIONARY POWERS AVAILABLE TO THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID THESE WERE EXERCISED WHENEVER APPROPRIATE.
ACCORDING TO RECENT STATISTICS, 15 PER CENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE HOUSEHOLDS WERE SPECIALLY HELPED ON A REGULAR BASIS WITH SUCH EXPENSES AS SCHOOL FEES AND ESSENTIAL TRAVELLING COSTS- AND ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT RECEIVED EXTRA ASSISTANCE TO HELP WITH MEDICALLY APPROVED DIETS.
HE ADDED THAT LUMP SUM PAYMENTS WERE ALSO MADE TO MEET THE COST OF REMOVALS, AND SUCH EXPENSES AS THOSE CONNECTED WITH OFFICIAL DOCUMENTATION AND MEDICAL TREATMENT WHERE THIS WAS NOT FREE OF CHARGE.
REFERRING TO ANOTHER QUESTION FROM MISS KO, SUGGESTING THAT AN APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE BE PROCESSED TWO WEEKS, MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT THE NORMAL TIME REQUIRED TO DO SO WAS THREE WEEKS, ALTHOUGH THIS COULD VARY DEPENDING ON THE COMPLEXITY OF THE CASE.
HE FELT THAT THIS THREE-WEEK PERIOD WAS REASONABLE, PARTICULARLY WHEN A CASH PAYMENT COULD BE MADE WITHIN TWO DAYS IN RESPECT OF THOSE IN URGENT NEED. +1 DO NOT THEREFORE CONSIDER IT PRACTICABLE TO REDUCE THE PERIOD TO TWO WEEKS.+
THERE WERE, AT THE END OF OCTOBER, ABOUT 37,000 PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND 51,000 DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE CASES. THESE FIGURES STOOD AT ABOUT 39,600 AND 52,700 RESPECTIVELY AT THE END OF LAST MONTH.
SOCIAL WELFARE HAD ALREADY APPLIED
HE SAID THE DIRECTOR OF ----------- it ,ie>11A1 , u
FOR ADDITIONAL STAFF TO COPE WITH THE SITUATION, BUT IT USUALLY TOOK SEVERAL MONTHS TO PROCESS SUCH REQUESTS AND TO RECRUIT THE STAFF. IN THE MEAN TIME, STEPS HAD BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE
NORMAL THREE WEEKS WOULD NOT BE EXCEEDED
+THESE STEPS INCLUDE REDEPLOYMENT OF STAFF FROM OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT AND SIMPLIFYING THE PROCEDURE TEMPORARILY IN DEALING WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE BEEN RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS AND WHOSE PREVIOUS REVIEWS HAVE SHOWN NO SIGNIFICANT CHANGE OF CIRCUMSTANCES.+
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
11
PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974 PASSED
M * M * * M
AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG EXPRESSED UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS’ CONCERN OVER THE USE OF THE POWERS GIVEN BY THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE EARLIER THIS YEAR.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED DEBATE ON THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, HE SAID THE SOLE PURPOSE OF THE ORDINANCE WAS TO PROTECT THE GOVERNMENT FROM LOSS OF REVENUE AND NO OTHER.
+IT WAS NEVER INTENDED THAT IT SHOULD BE USED EITHER FOR PRE-EMPTING THE DECISIONS OF THIS council ON PROPOSED CHANGES IN RATES OF TAX, OR FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE AUTHORITIES ENTRUSTED WITH THE DUTIES OF REVENUE COLLECTION.
HE WAS REFERRING TO THE ORDERS MADE LAST FEBRUARY BY THE GOVERNOR UNDER THE ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO CHANGES IN RATES OF DUTY AS REGARDS LIQUOR AND TOBACCO, AND IN THE RATE OF THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON MOTOR VEHICLES.
HE SA I Ds +THE USE OF THE ORDINANCE FOR INCREASES IN SUCH DUTIES AND TAX WAS, OF COURSE, AMPLY WITHIN THE OBJECT OF THE ORDINANCE.
+BUT DOUBTLESS INSPIRED BY THE HON. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, HIS EXCELLENCY AT THE SAME TIME MADE ORDERS UNDER THE ORDINANCE IN RESPECT OF THE ANNUAL LICENCE FEE OF VEHICLES, THE ANNUAL RATES ON TENEMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE ANNUAL FEES FOR BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATES.+
TAX CHANGES OF THAT KIND, HE SAID, OUGHT NOT TO BE MADE UNTIL PROPOSALS TO CHANGE THEM HAD BEEN DEBATED AND DECIDED UPON IN THIS COUNCIL.
HE SAID THAT UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WOULD NOT FIND IT POSSIBLE TO SUPPORT USE OF THE ORDINANCE IN RELATION TO ANNUAL TAXES OF THIS KIND.
MR. CHEUNG SAID HE WAS ASKED BY THE UNOFFICIALS TO SEEK AN ASSURANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE ORDINANCE WOULD NOT BE USED FOR ANY PURPOSE OTHER THAN FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROTECTING THE REVENUE.
THE BILL WENT THROUGH THE COMMITTEE STAGE AND WAS PASSED.
- 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
12
EFFORTS MADE TO IMPROVE STAFF RELATIONS IN GOVERNMENT
M M * M * *
CONSIDERABLE EFFORTS ARE BEING MADE BY THE CIVIL SERVICE BRANCH AND HEADS OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS TO DEVELOP AND IMPROVE STAFF RELATIONS, BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL.
THE OBJECT IS TO AFFORD INCREASING OPPORTUNITIES FOR JUNIOR AND SENIOR STAFF TO FOSTER MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND COMMUNICATION.
SPEAKING IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, THE HON. DENIS BRAY SAID THE MEANS BY WHICH A JUNIOR OFFICER MIGHT BRING GRIEVANCES TO THE ATTENTION OF SENIOR OFFICERS WERE PRESCRIBED IN THE COLONIAL REGULATIONS AND CIVIL SERVICE REGULATIONS.
ANY OFFICER, HE EXPLAINED, MAY ADDRESS HIS HEAD OF DEPARTMENT THROUGH HIS IMMEDIATE SENIOR OFFICER. IF HE DOES NOT GET SATISFACTION, HE MAY IN ASCENDING ORDER ADDRESS THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE GOVERNOR, THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, AND THE QUEEN, MR. BRAY ADDED.
+JUNIOR OFFICERS, INDEED ALL OFFICERS, ARE ENCOURAGED TO PUT FORWARD TO THEIR SENIOR OFFICERS ANY IDEAS OR SUGGESTIONS THEY MAY HAVE FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF EFFICIENCY AND SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC,+ HE STRESSED.
-----0-------
GOOD PROGRESS MADE ON SMALL DEBTS COURT ******
SATISFACTORY PROGRESS IS BEING MADE IN SETTING UP A SMALL DEBTS COURT IN HONG KONG, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON.
JOHN HOBLEY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+A DRAFT BILL IS UNDER CONSIDERATION BETWEEN MY OFFICE AND THE JUDICIARY. SOME DIFFERENCES OF VIEW HAVE EMERGED BUT I CAN SAY THAT PROGRESS IS SATISFACTORY,* HE SAID.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL MADE THE STATEMENT IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WILSON WANG.
-------0--------
/15 ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
- 13 -
IMPROVEMENT OF PEDESTRIAN’S SAFETY AT ZEBRA CROSSINGS M M M « «
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, SAID TODAY THAT PEDESTRIAN SAFETY HAD TO BE IMPROVED IN HONG KONG WHERE PEDESTRIAN FLOWS ACROSS THE ROADS WERE VOLUMINOUS.
HE WAS MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE BILL SEEKS TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE SO AS TO PERMIT THE DELINEATION OF +CONTROLLED AREAS+ ON BOTH SIDES OF A ZEBRA CROSSING WHERE, WITH FEW EXCEPTIONS, VEHICLES ARE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING OR OVERTAKING.
IT ALSO ENSURES THAT THE EXPRESSION +ZEBRA CROSSING* DESCRIBES PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS DELINEATED UNDER THE ROAD TRAFFIC (ROAD CROSSING) REGULATIONS.
MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT THIS LEGISLATION WAS MODELLED ON THE UNITED KINGDOM LEGISLATION WHICH HAD PROVED SUCCESSFUL IN IMPROVING THE SAFETY OF PEDESTRIANS ON ZEBRA CROSSINGS.
+THE NEED TO IMPROVE PEDESTRIAN SAFETY IN HONG KONG, WHERE PEDESTRIAN FLOWS ACROSS OUR ROADS ARE VOLUMINOUS,* HE EXPLAINED, +IS EVEN GREATER THAN IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IT IS THEREFORE PROPOSED TO FOLLOW THE UNITED KINGDOM’S EXAMPLE AND INTRODUCE CONTROLLED AREAS ON BOTH SIDES OF ZEBRA CROSSINGS IN HONG KONG.+
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
o
IMPORTATION OF WILD AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS * * * * M X
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ISSUE OF PERMITS FOR THE IMPORTATION OF WILD AND POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS ANIMALS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH (ANIMALS AND BIRDS) ORDINANCE.
REPLYING TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON, SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, POINTED OUT THAT AT PRESENT THERE WERE 12 WILD ANIMALS IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING NINE BEARS, ONE JAGUAR, ONE LEOPARD AND ONE ELEPHANT.
------0--------
/14 ......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
14
MINOR CHANGES NEEDED IN LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION
X X X X X X
THE AMENDED PART II OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE WHICH WAS ENACTED LAST DECEMBER HAS WORKED SATISFACTORILY AND THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT HAS DISPOSED OF THE MAIN RUSH OF APPLICATIONS FOR RENT INCREASES.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. IAN LIGHTBODY SAID EVEN SO, A FEW MINOR CHANGES TO THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WERE NEEDED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE BILL, WHICH CONTAINS THE CHANGES, AIMED AT i
M ELIMINATING UNNECESSARY DELAYS IN PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR RENT INCREASES-
* REMOVING AN AREA OF DOUBT BY ALLOWING RENT TRIBUNALS AND DISTRICT COURTS TO DECIDE THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF ANY INCREASE THEY MAY AWARD-
M ENABLING LANDLORDS TO OBTAIN FULL DETAILS OF ALL SUBTENANCIES AND
* EXEMPTING PARTIES ENTERING INTO SHORT-TERM TENANCY AGREEMENTS EXCLUDED UNDER PART II OF THE ORDINANCE TO MAKE SEPARATE APPLICATION FOR EXCLUSION OF THE AGREEMENT UNDER PART V.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
------o-------
/15.....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
- 15
DUMPING OF EXPLOSIVES M M M M M
THE MASTER OF THE S.S. +JASON 11+ WAS ACTING ON THE ADVICE OF THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WHO HAD CONSULTED THE MINES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE WHEN HE DUMPED EXPLOSIVES ON THE HIGH SEAS.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. JAMES ROBSON IN HIS REPLY TO THE HON. T.S. LO’S QUESTIONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
RECOUNTING THE CIRCUMSTANCES LEADING TO THE DUMPING, MR. ROBSON SAID WHEN THE S.S. +JASON 11+ ARRIVED IN HONG KONG, IT HAD A CARGO OF EXPLOSIVES. ON INSPECTION, SOME OF THE CARGO WAS FOUND TO BE DAMAGED BY SEA WATER AND INA DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE OWNERS OF THE CARGO WAS THEREFORE TOLD BY A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN THAT THE DAMAGED PORTION COULD NOT BE LANDED AND STORED IN AN EXPLOSIVE DEPOT. HE WAS ADVISED THAT THE MATERIALS SHOULD EITHER BE RETURNED TO THE PORT OF LOADING OR DUMPED SAFELY ON THE HIGH SEAS, HE SAID.
+1 SHOULD SAY HERE THAT THE HIGH SEAS ARE DEFINED AS BEING OUTSIDE THE TERRITORIAL WATERS OF ANY COUNTRY. PERMISSION TO DUMP IN HONG KONG WATERS WAS REFUSED,* HE EMPHASISED.
MR. ROBSON DISCLOSED THAT THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WAS CURRENTLY STUDYING A LEGISLATION AIMED AT CONTROLLING THE DUMPING AT SEA OF EXPLOSIVE MATERIALS BY GRANTING A LICENCE WHICH SPECIFIED EXACTLY HOW SUCH MATERIALS WERE TO BE DUMPED. A SIMILAR LEGISLATION WAS ENACTED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THIS YEAR, HE ADDED.
______0_______
*’SPEED READING” DEMONSTRATION FOR STUDENTS
* * * M M *
A TALK AND DEMONSTRATION ON”SPEED READING” HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE USING ITS LIBRARY TO HELP THEM IMPROVE THEIR READING.
THIS WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE LIBRARY OF THE CENTRE IN TONG YAM STREET TOMORROW(THURSDAY) AT 8 P.M.
A GUEST SPEAKER FROM A "SPEED READING” TRAINING INSTITUTE WILL GIVE THE TALK AND DEMONSTRATE SOME FAST READING TECHNIQUES. THOSE ATTENDING THE LECTURE WILL ALSO BE GIVEN A SHORT TEST TO CHECK THEIR READING ABILITY.
IT IS DESIGNED FOR STUDENTS STUDYING IN FORM 3 AND ABOVE, AND APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE LIBRARY COUNTER. NOTES AND READING MATERIALS WILL BE SUPPLIED BUT PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BRING THEIR OWN PENS AND A PIECE OF CARDBOARD ON WHICH TO WRITE.
-----0------
/16.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974.
16 -
RATING AMENDMENT BILL 1975
M * * M * *
A BILL DESIGNED TO AMEND CERTAIN CLAUSES IN THE RATING ORDINANCE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, SAID SINCE THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED ON APRIL 1, 1973 EXPERIENCE HAD SHOWN THAT SOME MINOR AMENDMENTS WERE DESIRABLE.
•
AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE BILL SEEKS TO ENSURE THAT RATEABLE VALUES IN NEW RATING AREAS WERE BROADLY IN LINE WITH EXISTING VALUATIONS OF TENEMENTS IN OTHER AREAS.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE AMENDMENT WILL AFFORD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL GREATER FLEXIBILITY IN FIXING URBAN AREA RATES.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION WAS ADJOURNED.
-------0---------
RICE IMPORT QUOTA FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1975 ANNOUNCED
M X X * * *
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE RICE IMPORT QUOTA FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF 1975 HAD BEEN FIXED AT 78,390 METRIC TONS.
COMMENTING ON THIS, MR. PAUL WONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, SAID THAT RICE STOCKS AT PRESENT AMOUNTED TO ABOUT 80,000 METRIC TONS. THE QUOTA LEVEL TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THESE RELATIVELY LARGE STOCKS AND THE IMPROVED SUPPLY POSITION.
HE SAID THAT REPORTS ON REGIONAL RICE CROPS AND THE U.S. CROPS WERE VERY FAVOURABLE. IT WAS THEREFORE POSSIBLE TO AIM AT SLIGHTLY REDUCING HONG KONG’S STOCKS FROM THE VERY HIGH LEVEL THAT HAD CLEARLY BEEN NECESSARY EARLIER IN THE YEAR. HE RECALLED THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S REPORT ON THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME HAD RECOMMENDED THAT THE STOCKS LEVEL SHOULD BE REDUCED.
SINCE JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR, HONG KONG HAS IMPORTED A TOTAL OF 278,583 METRIC TONS OF RICE. OF THIS AMOUNT, CHINA HAS SUPPLIED 144,261 METRIC TONS AND THAILAND 105,594 METRIC TONS. THE BALANCE HAS BEEN IMPORTED FROM THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA AND PAKISTAN.
- o - -
/17.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
17
MARRIAGE BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO
M M M « *
A BILL WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SEEKING TO ENABLE THE REGISTRAR OF MARRIAGES TO DISPENSE WITH THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE GIVING NOTICE OF AN INTENDED MARRIAGE IF IT IS TO BE CONTRACTED IN A REGISTRY.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE MARRIAGE r?) BILL 1975 , THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, EXPLAINED THAT AT PRESENT THE REGISTRAR WOULD, WHEN A NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE WAS GIVEN TO HIM, EXHIBIT ONE COPY OF THE NOTICE AT HIS OFFICE.
IN DUE COURSE, HE WOULD ISSUE A CERTIFICATE TO THE EFFECT THAT NOTICES OF THE MARRIAGE WAS DULY ENTERED IN THE MARRIAGE NOTICE BOOK. THE CERTIFICATE ALSO STATES, WHERE THAT IS THE CASE, THAT ITS ISSUE HAS NOT BEEN FORBIDDEN BY ANYONE AUTHORISED TO DO SO UNDER THE LAW.
IF THE MARRIAGE IS TO BE CELEBRATED ELSEWHERE THAN AT A MARRIAGE REGISTRY, THE CERTIFICATE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE MINISTER WHO IS TO CELEBRATE THE MARRIAGE AND THE OBJECT OF THIS IS PLAIN ENOUGH, MR. HOBLEY SAID.
AT PRESENT, THE REGISTRAR IS ALSO REQUIRED TO ISSUE A CERTIFICATE WHERE THE MARRIAGE IS TO BE CONTRACTED IN A MARRIAGE REGISTRY. THE ATTORNEY GENERAL FELT THAT THERE IS NO POINT IN THIS SINCE ALL THE MATTERS ARE WITHIN THE REGISTRAR’S KNOWLEDGE.
THE BILL WILL THUS MAKE IT UNNECESSARY FOR A CERTIFICATE TO BE ISSUED IN SUCH A CASE.
IT PROVIDES INSTEAD, MR. HOBLEY ADDED, FOR THE ENDORSEMENT ON THE NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE OF A STATEMENT THAT THE ISSUE OF A CERTIFICATE HAD NOT BEEN FORBIDDEN. THAT ENDORSEMENT WILL HAVE EFFECT AS IF A CERTIFICATE HAD BEEN ISSUED.
-------0---------
/18.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
- 18 -
1973/74 — A YEAR OF CHALLENGE FOR INDUSTRY
THE FISCAL YEAR 1973/74 WAS ONE OF CHALLENGE FOR INDUSTRY AND, IN MANY WAYS, FOR THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE, DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG SAID TODAY.
AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WHEN THE STOCK MARKET WAS +AT THE HEIGHT OF ITS FEVER+, HE NOTED, A SETBACK WAS EXPERIENCED BY THE CENTRE IN THE NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS.
♦FORTUNATELY, THE DECLINE WAS TEMPORARY AND THINGS BEGAN TO IMPROVE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF THE FISCAL YEAR.+
DR. CHUNG WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHEN HE TABLED THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1973/74.
HE SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW THE ACTIVITIES OF THE CENTRE CONTINUED TO EXPAND THOUGH IT HAD VIRTUALLY THE SAME STAFF STRENGTH AS THAT OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE CENTRE PROVIDED PRODUCTIVITY TRAINING TO 6,326 PEOPLE AND UNDERTOOK 104 CONSULTANCY AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECTS -- SHOWING AN INCREASE OF 20 PERCENT AND 73 PERCENT RESPECTIVELY OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
IN RESPONSE TO THE OIL CRISIS, DR. CHUNG SAID, THE CENTRE, THROUGH THE AUSPICES OF THE ASIAN PRODUCTIVITY ORGANISATION, ARRANGED FOR OVERSEAS EXPERT ASSISTANCE IN THE PROMOTION OF FUEL EFFICIENCY AND CONDUCTED A SERIES OF WELL-ATTENDED SEMINARS AND TRAINING COURSES ON THE EFFECTIVE AND ECONOMIC USE OF ENERGY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A START WAS MADE DURING THE YEAR TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING TRAINING. AT THE SAME TIME, A FURTHER STEP WAS ALSO TAKEN TO ASSIST SMALL-SCALE INDUSTRY THROUGH THE INTRODUCTION OF A SMALL INDUSTRY MANAGEMENT ADVISORY SERVICE.
FOR A SMALL MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION, THE SERVICE PROVIDES FOR REGULAR VISITS BY THE CENTRE’S CONSULTANTS FOR ON-THE-SPOT ADVICE AND ASSISTANCE, WHICH NORMALLY COVERS THE FULL RANGE OF MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES AND TECHNICAL KNOW-HOWS.
♦THIS SERVICE IS OF SPECIAL VALUE TO OWNER-MANAGERS WHO MAY BE FACED WITH BUSINESS PROBLEMS IN A VARIETY OF FIELDS OUTSIDE THEIR OWN KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE,+ DR. CHUNG SAID.
-------o----------
/19
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
19
TRADE UP BY OVER 33 PER CENT IN 1973/74
M M K M M M
HONG KONG’S OVERALL TRADE PERFORMANCE IN 1973/74 EXCEEDED MOST EXPECTATIONS DESPITE SOME APPREHENSION AT THE BEGINNING.
THE TOTAL TRADE FIGURE AT S55,OOO MILLION, THOUGH INFLATED BY PRICE INCREASES, WAS A NEW RECORD, AS WAS THE GROWTH RATE OF 33.6 PER CENT WHICH WAS UNPRECEDENTED SINCE 1950.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN YUAN-HAO WHEN HE TABLED THE ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR THE YEAR 1973/74 AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN HIS CAPACITY AS VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
HE NOTED THAT IN THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW THE COUNCIL’S FINANCIAL AND STAFF RESOURCES WERE +DEPLOYED TO THEIR LIMIT-*- IN CARRYING OUT AN EXPANDED PROGRAMME OF TRADE AND INDUSTRIAL EVENTS.
FORTY-THREE SPECIFIC PROJECTS WERE MOUNTED DURING THE YEAR — SEVEN MORE THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR. THE MAJOR PROMOTION, HE SAID, WAS THE READY-TO-WEAR FESTIVAL WHICH ATTRACTED 925 OVERSEAS BUYERS REPRESENTING COMPANIES FROM 30 DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
+THE FESTIVAL HAS NOW BECOME AN IMPORTANT EVENT TO BUYERS ON THE INTERNATIONAL CIRCUIT OF LEADING APPAREL TRADE FA I RS. +
IN TERMS OF PRIORITIES, MR. TIEN POINTED OUT THAT EMPHASIS CONTINUED TO BE PLACED ON MAINTAINING THE LEVEL OF HONG KONG’S PROMOTIONAL EFFORTS IN ALL THE MAJOR MARKETS, BUT +DUE CONSIDERATION WAS ALSO GIVEN TO THE EXPLORATION OF NEW MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND THE IDENTIFICATION OF ALTERNATIVE SOURCES OF INDUSTRIAL IMPORTS.*
HE ADDED THAT ONE UNFORESEEN FEATURE OF THE COUNCIL’S ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR WAS THE CO-ORDINATING ROLE IT PLAYED IN THE WORLDWIDE SUPPLY SHORTAGE OF CERTAIN PLASTIC RAW MATERIALS.
+AT RELATIVELY SHORT NOTICE, IT WAS ABLE TO ACT QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY TO KEEP THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT AND INTERESTED ASSOCIATIONS AND BUSINESSMEN ADVISED OF THE INTERNATIONAL SUPPLY POSITION AS IT DEVELOPED,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COUNCIL, THROUGH ITS NETWORK OF OVERSEAS OFFICES, CONTINUED ITS ROLE OF PROMOTION OF FOREIGN PARTICIPATION IN HONG KONG INDUSTRY IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT.
o-------
/20.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
20 -
CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS
*0*0
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT WORK ON THE NEW PROPOSED CODE OF AID FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS WAS PROCEEDING WITH ALL POSSIBLE SPEED.
HE WARNED, HOWEVER, THAT IT WAS LIKELY TO BE SOME TIME BEFORE THE DRAFT CODE COULD BE FINALISED AND SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL FOR APPROVAL.
IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, HE SAID HE COULD NOT STATE A PROVISIONAL DATE FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. MRS. JOYCE SYMONS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
REFERRING TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY MRS. SYMONS, MR. TOPLEY INDICATED THAT HE COULD NOT GIVE ANY +OUTRIGHT ASSURANCE+ AT THIS STAGE AS TO WHETHER THE NEW CODE SHOULD BE INTRODUCED WITH RETROSPECTIVE EFFECT.
+BUT THE QUESTION OF THE EQUITABILITY OF BACKDATING PAY SCALES TO APRIL 1972 WILL BE MOST CAREFULLY CONSIDERED,* HE SAID.
- - 0 - -
SPECIAL COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR WORKMEN SUFFERING FROM SILICOSIS
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY THAT THE CO-OPERATION OF THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG WAS ESSENTIAL IF THE GOVERNMENT WAS TO PROVIDE FOR COMPULSORY WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION INSURANCE FOR SILICOSIS.
HE NOTED THAT ANY SCHEME DEALING WITH COMPENSATION IN RESPECT OF THIS DISEASE - A PROGRESSIVE AND INCURABLE LUNG DISEASE CAUSED BY PROLONGED EXPOSURE TO FREE SILICA DUST - WOULD BE COMPLICATED BY THE DIFFICULTY OF DETERMINING PROPORTIONATE LIABILITY WHERE THE WORKER HAD BEEN EMPLOYED BY A NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES DURING THE PERIOD OF EXPOSURE.
NORMAL WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, HE ADDED, WOULD BE INAPPROPRIATE FOR PROVIDING COMPENSATION FOR SILICOTICS.
MR. PRICE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU WHO HAD ASKED WHEN SILICOSIS WOULD BE INCLUDED AS AN INDUSTRIAL DISEASE UNDER THE WORKMENS COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE GOVERNOR, MR. PRICE POINTED OUT, HAD STATED IN OCTOBER THAT LEGISLATION FOR SPECIAL COMPENSATION SCHEME FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM SILICOSIS WOULD BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
+THIS REMAINS THE POSITION, AND I AM UNABLE TO BE MORE PRECISE, BECAUSE OF POINTS YET TO BE RESOLVED WITH THE ACCIDENT INSURANCE ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG.+ HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
21
FIRM ACTION BEING TAKEN BY POLICE AGAINST TAXI DRIVERS SELECTING PASSENGERS O O * K
ACTION AGAINST TAXI DRIVERS WHO BY PREFERRED DESTINATIONS, THE THE HON. JAMES ROBSON TOLD THE
THE POLICE ARE TAKING FIRM UNREASONABLY SELECT PASSENGERS SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT,
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE, MR. ROBSON STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT THE POLICE COULD ACT ONLY AFTER A COMPLAINT HAD BEEN LODGED. ,
HE INDICATED THAT THE POLICE HAD RECEIVED SO FAR THIS YEAR 59 COMPLAINTS ABOUT TAXI DRIVERS EITHER REFUSING A FARE OR REFUSING TO GO WHERE THE PASSENGER DIRECTED.
THE POLICE HAVE PROSECUTED 26 OF THESE CASES- 12 ARE CURRENTLY UNDER INVESTIGATION WHILE NO FURTHER ACTION HAS BEEN POSSIBLE WITH RESPECT TO THE REMAINING 21 MAINLY BECAUSE COMPLAINANTS WERE EITHER UNABLE OR UNWILLING TO GIVE EVIDENCE IN COURT.
MR. ROBSON REVEALED THAT A SIMPLIFIED REPORTING PROCEDURE, WHICH MERELY REQUIRES THE COMPLETION OF A PRO FORMA, WAS NOW IN OPERATION AT KAI TAK AS MOST COMPLAINTS RELATED TO TAXIS AT THE AIRPORT.
TAXI DRIVERS, HE SAID, COULD USUALLY RECOGNISE TOURISTS AND ASSUME THAT IT WAS UNLIKELY THAT THE TOURISTS WOULD LAY A COMPLAINT. EVEN IF THE TOURISTS DID LAY A COMPLAINT, HE ADDED, THEY WERE UNLIKELY TO BE STILL IN HONG KONG WHEN THEY WERE REQUIRED TO GIVE EVIDENCE AT ANY SUBSEQUENT COURT HEARING.
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS APPARENT FROM THE COMPLAINTS THAT THERE WAS LITTLE UNDERSTANDING, ESPECIALLY BY VISITORS TO HONG KONG, OF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN TAXI AND PUBLIC HIRED CAR OPERATIONS.
IN RESPECT OF PUBLIC HIRED CARS, BOTH THE DESTINATION AND FARE WERE SUBJECT TO MUTUAL AGREEMENT BETWEEN DRIVER AND PASSENGER WHICH MEANT THAT PUBLIC HIRED CAR DRIVERS WERE COMPLETELY FREE TO SELECT CUSTOMERS WHO WERE WILLING TO PAY WHAT WAS DEMANDED, MR. ROBSON EXPLAINED.
BUT WHILE THIS WAS NOT THE CASE WITH TAXI DRIVERS, HE SAID, ♦THERE IS, SOMETIMES, A GOOD REASON FOR A TAXI DRIVER REFUSING TO GO TO A SPECIFIED DESTINATION, IF, FOR EXAMPLE, THE PROSPECTIVE PASSENGER LOOKS LIKE A VILLAIN AND WISHES TO GO TO AN ISOLATED SPOT WHERE ROBBERIES OF TAXI DRIVERS HAVE OCCURRED IN THE PAST.+
------0 - -
/22.......
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
22
BILLS PASSED
* M M X M
FIVE BILLS PASSED THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY AND BECAME LAW.
THEY WERE THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, THE COMPANIES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974, THE LAW REVISION (MISCELLANEOUS REPEALS) BILL 1974, THE FORESTRY (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974 AND THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1974.
ANOTHER SIX BILLS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND READING. THEY WERE THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975. THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE MARRIAGE (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES BILL 1975, THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 AND THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975.
AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, THE GIRL GUIDES ASSOCIATION (HONG KONG BRANCH) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, WAS ALSO INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR FIRST AND SECOND READING.
0
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
FIRST JOINT CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS X’MAS PARTY
M M M K M M
THE FIVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD THEIR FIRST JOINT CHRISTMAS PARTY TOMORROW (DECEMBER 19) AT THE 0 PUI SHAN BOYS HOME IN KAU WA KENG, KOWLOON. IT WILL START AT 1.30 PM.
ALSO ON THE OCCASION, 59 BOYS AND GIRLS OF THESE INSTITUTIONS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THE REQUIRED STANDARD FOR THE BRONZE AWARD IN THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH’S AWARD SCHEME WILL RECEIVE THEIR CERTIFICATES FROM MR. MORGAN, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
THE PARTY WILL START OFF WITH AN INDOOR STAGE SHOW BY SOME OF THE BOYS AND GIRLS, FOLLOWED BY AN OUTDOOR FUN FAIR WITH 12 GAMES STALLS, MOST OF THEM SPONSORED BY PUBLIC-SPIRITED AND CIVIC LEADERS.
BEFORE THE START OF THE ENTERTAINMENT, THERE WILL BE A BRIEF CEREMONY AT WHICH MR. MAK WING-HONG, THE HEAD OF THE PROBATIONS AND CORRECTIONS DIVISION WILL MAKE THE OPENING ADDRESS. MR. MORGAN WILL ALSO MAKE A SPEECH BEFORE HE PRESENTS THE CERTIFICATES.
THERE WILL BE A STALL DECORATION COMPETITION, AND THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE THEIR PRIZES FROM MR. MORGAN’S DAUGHTER, MISS CAROLINE MORGAN.
PARENTS OF THE CHILDREN UNDER CARE IN THESE FIVE INSTITUTIONS TOGETHER WITH MORE THAN 150 GUESTS REPRESENTING VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE JUDICIARY AND INCLUDING SOCIAL WORKERS AND COMMUNITY LEADERS, HAVE ALSO BEEN INVITED.
NOTE TO EDITORS* YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- o - -
MEET THE MEDIA TOMORROW
M M M * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS*
ANOTHER SESSION OF +MEET THE MEDIA+ HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT 3 P.M. IN THE THEATRE OF GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR.
THE SPEAKER WILL BE MR. VICTOR LADD, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE. MR. LADD WILL TRY TO CLARIFY THE CRITICISMS ON THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO.3) BILL 1974.
RADIO AND TELEVISION CREWS WISHING TO ATTEND ARE REQUESTED TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT BEFORE THE START OF THE SESSION TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
24 ’ -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TSUEN WAN M M M M
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, THE SECTION OF YAU MA HOM ROAD, BETWEEN FU UK ROAD AND CHEUNG WING ROAD IN TSUEN WAN, IS CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE EMERGENCY ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT.
KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTE NO. 36 IS TEMPORARILY DIVERTED TO KWOK SHU I ROAD ON BOTH EAST AND WEST BOUND JOURNEYS. THE BUS STOPS AT YAU MA HOM ROAD ARE RESITED TO KWOK SHU I ROAD AND CHEUNG WING STREET RESPECTIVELY.
_----o------
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE
* * M 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 1.80
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.69
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD ' 1.68
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.54
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD — —
Al SUPER GOOD 1.33
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.67
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
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 .....
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 197* y
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 BIG-EYES SQUID hair-tails LIZARD FISHES CROAKERS CONGER-PIKE-EELS MELON COAT BREAMS YELLOW BELLY MACKERELS RED GOAT FISH FROK-TAIL HORSE-HEAD MELON SEED POMFRETS GAROUPAS YELLOW CROAKER . LIMITED GOOD ’ LIMITED GOOD NORMAL GOOD LIMITED NORMAL LIMITED GOOD NORMAL NORMAL LIMITED LIMITED LIMITED SCARCE SCARCE SCARCE 4.80 3.20 5.00 2.60 2.50 2.50 3.00 2.30 5.20 1.20 5.00 2.60 1.00 6.00 2.80 8.30 8.50 6.00 1.50 1.00 3.00 1.00 0.90 1.00 1.80 1.40 4.00 0.50 2.50 0.35 0.55 2.80 1.00 5.00 4.00 4.60 3.50 1.50 4.20 1.50 1.80 1.60 2.40 1.80 4.80 0.80 3.70 1.20 0.80 4.60 1.80 7.50 6.80 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 WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 1.80 0.70 1.40
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.50 0.10 0.30
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 1.20 0.40 0.80
WATER SPINACH ■MM NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.80 1.40
STRING BEANS NO SALE
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.60 0.40 1.00
SPINACH LIMITED 2.20 0.60 1.60
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO ■United 7 2.20 1.20 1.60
- - x - 0 --------
pRrf i
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 197*.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE CLARIFIES CRITICISMS ON PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM............. 1
FESTIVAL OF HONG KONG 1975 POSTPONED................... 3
NEW RATE PARKING METERS FOR HUNGHOM...................... 4
EXTRA FIRE PRECAUTIONS DURING CHRISTMAS STRESSED....... 5
t
NEW CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS FOR WANCHAl AND CENTRAL APPOINTED.............................................. 6
.
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION IN KOWLOON CITY........... 6
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CAMP FOR WONGTAISIN CHILDREN......... 7
•
RJN FAIR FOR KOWLOON CITY CHILDREN...................... 7
1 ।
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 197V
- 1 -
PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX EXPLAINED ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. VICTOR LADD. TODAY CLARIFIED ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM WHICH HAD BEEN THE SUBJECT OF. ADVERSE COMMENT FROM VARIOUS CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE AND OTHER ORGANISATIONS.
MR. LADD SAID THE MAIN COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1974 HAVE BEEN TO THE EFFECT THAT -
(1) BUSINESS WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE TAX-
(II) BUSINESSES WILL HAVE TO PAY TAX A YEAR OR MORE IN ADVANCE"
(III) THE TIMING OF THE BILL IS BAD BECAUSE HONG KONG IS IN THE THROES OF AN ECONOMIC RECESSION WITH BUSINESS PROFITS GENERALLY LOWER IN 1974/75 THAN THEY WERE III 1973/74
♦TAKING THESE THREE POINTS OF CRITICISM IN ORDER -
BUSINESSES WILL HAVE TO PAY MORE - AS A GENERALISATION THIS IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. IT IS CERTAINLY TRUE THAT THE PRESENT SYSTEM CAN OPERATE AGAINST MANY TAXPAYERS WHO CAN AND DO PAY CONSIDERABLY MORE PROFITS TAX THAN THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS WARRANT DURING THE LIFE OF THEIR BUSINESS.
♦THE NEW SYSTEM ON THE OTHER HAND IS PRECISE, EXACT AND CAN BE RELIED ON TO ENSURE THAT THE TAX PAID BY A BUSINESSMAN DURING THE LIFE OF HIS BUSINESS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE PROFITS HE MAKES.
♦BUSINESSES WILL HAVE TO PAY TAX A YEAR OR MORE IN ADVANCE THIS, AGAIN, IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. THE BILL RETAINS THE PRESENT ♦PAY AS YOU GO* PRINCIPLE AND THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION OF PAYING IN ONE YEAR ON ACCOUNT OF THE NEXT.
♦THE EXPRESSION 'PROVISIONAL TAX* HAS, POSSIBLY, CAUSED SOME CONFUSION BUT THERE IS NOTHING SINISTER ABOUT IT -PROVISIONAL TAX IS NO MORE THAN A PAYMENT ON ACCOUNT. OF THE CURRENT YEAR’S TAX LIABILITY WITHIN THE CURRENT YEAR, THE PAYMENT ON ACCOUNT BEING CALCULATED BY REFERENCE TO THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S PROFITS.
♦IN FACT, IN TIMES OF RISING PROFITS THERE WILL BE A BALANCE OF FINAL TAX TO PAY IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR WHEN THE actual results are known, so that there is in fact an element OF PAYMENT IN ARREARS UNDER THE NEW SYSTEM.
/♦THE TIMING OF .....
2
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974.
♦THE TIMING OF THE BILL IS BAD BECAUSE HONG KONG IS IN THE THROES OF AN ECONOMIC RECESSION, WITH BUSINESS PROFITS GENERALLY LOWER IN 1974/75 THAN THEY WERE IN 1973/74. - THIS IS A CRITICISM THAT HAS BEEN WIDELY VOICED AND APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO THE FIRST MENTIONED CRITICISM THAT BUSINESSES ♦WILL PAY MORE+.
♦THE FACT IS, HOWEVER- THAT IF AS IS GENERALLY ASSERTED, BUSINESS PROFITS ARE DOWN IN 1974/75 COMPARED WITH 1973/74, THEN THE TIMING OF THE BILL FROM THE TAXPAYER’S POINT OF VIEW IS GOOD NOT BAD.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE, ALTHOUGH THE BILL PROPOSES A TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT IN THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 (AN ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT FOR 1974/75 IF ACTUAL PROFITS FOR THAT YEAR EXCEED THE ACTUAL PROFITS FOR 1973/74) IF THE MAJORITY OF BUSINESSES HAVE MADE SMALLER PROFITS IN 1974/75 THERE WILL BE, IN GENERAL, NO ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT TO BE MADE AND THE TRANSITION FROM THE OLD SYSTEM TO THE NEW WILL HAVE A COMPLETELY NEUTRAL EFFECT.+
MR
LADD SAID t +THE DISADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM ARE - THAT IT IS COMPLICATED, INEXACT AND CAN OPERATE TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF BOTH THE TAXPAYER AND THE REVENUE. THE advantages of the proposed new system are that it is simple AND EXACT AND THE FINAL TAX PAYABLE IN RESPECT OF A YEAR OF ASSESSMENT REFLECTS PRECISELY THE PROFITS FOR THAT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT. IN SHORT - THE PRESENT SYSTEM IS A POOR ONE AND THE PROPOSED SYSTEM A DISTINCT IMPROVEMENT.♦
-------o---------
/?
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974
- J -
FESTIVAL OF HONG KONG 1975 POSTPONED
MM M * *
THE NEXT FESTIVAL OF HONG KONG, ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 1975, HAS BEEN POSTPONED.
ANNOUNCING THIS DECISION TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE TIMING OF THE NEXT FESTIVAL WILL BE CONSIDERED LATER NEXT YEAR.
I
PROGRAMMES FOR THE 1975 FESTIVAL WERE TO BE PLANNED ON THE BASIS OF GREATER INVOLVEMENT BY LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE ' AND GREATER PARTICIPATION BY THE PUBLIC.
AS A RESULT, MANY MORE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS WOULD BE CONTRIBUTING TOWARDS THE COST OF THE FESTIVAL THAN IN PREVIOUS YEARS. - . . '
IN ADDITION, MANY INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND FINANCIAL ORGANISATIONS WOULD HAVE BEEN SPONSORING THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
+IT, IS THOUGHT THAT, IN THE PRESENT ECONOMIC CLIMATE, IT MAY NOT BE TIMELY TO EXPEND A SIZEABLE AMOUNT OF PUBLIC MONEY AND TO ASK FOR LARGE SCALE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE COMMUNITY.* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
IT WAS ESTIMATED THAT THE FESTIVAL, PLANNED ON A BIGGER SCALE THAN THE PREVIOUS THREE FESTIVALS, WOULD COST ABOUT SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS, WITH GOVERNMENT CONTRIBUTING FIVE MILLION DOLLABS AND THE COMMUNITY THE REMAINDER.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974
4
NEW RATE PARKING METERS FOR HUNG HOM M « M M M
ABOUT 700 NEW RATE PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN HUNG HOM AREA, KOWLOON, FROM SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22) TO PROVIDE A BETTER TURNOVER OF PARKING FACILITIES FOR SHORT-TERM PARKERS.
THE INSTALLATION PROGRAMME, TO BE COMPLETED IN FIVE WORKING DAYS, WILL START IN WHAMPOA STREET AND PROGRESS UP TO CHI KIANG STREET.
MOST OF THE METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN UNMETERED PARKING SPACES, WHILE ABOUT 50 METERS WHICH NOW CHARGE THE OLD RATE IN THE AREA WILL BE CONVERTED INTO THE NEW RATE TYPE.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY ADVISED MOTORISTS THAT, DURING AND AFTER THE INSTALLATION, THEY SHOULD READ CAREFULLY THE INFORMATION PRINTED ON THE METAL PLATE ATTACHED TO THE PARKING METER TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT COINS WERE INSERTED.
HE SAID ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO CANCEL PARKING TICKETS ISSUED TO A MOTORIST WHO MIGHT HAVE PARKED HIS CAR AT AN UNMETERED PARKING SPACE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY METERED.
THE NEW RATE METERS ACCEPT ONLY 50 CENT OR ONE DOLLAR COINS DEPENDING' ON THE TYPE OF METER. 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 WHICH TAKES 50 CENT COINS FOR ONE HOUR. AT THE NEW RATE HALF-HOUR METERS, THE CHARGE IS A FLAT $1.
0 - -
, "THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974.
- 5 -
EXTRA FIRE PRECAUTIONS NEEDED DURING X’MAS M # M M M
A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT EXTRA FIRE PRECAUTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN DURING THE COMING HOLIDAY PERIOD.
HE WARNED : +CHRISTMAS TREES, COLOURED LIGHTS AND DECORATIONS WILL ADD TO FIRE HAZARDS IN THE HOME. SOMETIMES, A COMBINATION OF ACTIVE CHILDREN AND PREOCCUPIED PARENTS ALLOW THE ONE MOMENT OF CARELESSNESS WHICH IS ALL THAT FIRE NEEDS.+
HE ADVISED THE USE OF NON-COMBUST IBLE DECORATING MATERIALS, WHERE POSSIBLE, TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE AND ALSO POINTED OUT THAT USING WAX CANDLES TO DECORATE A CHRISTMAS TREE WAS HIGHLY DANGEROUS.
+CHECK TREE LIGHTING SETS, ELECTRIC CANDLES AND SIMILAR HOLIDAY LIGHTING EQUIPMENT, AS WELL AS EXTENSION CORDS, FOR FRAYED WIRES, LOOSE CONNECTIONS AND BROKEN SOCKETS,* HE URGED. +A FEW PRECAUTIONS TAKEN NOW COULD PREVENT TRAGEDY STRIKING DURING THE HOLIDAY,* HE ADDED.
HE SAID ALL TREE AND OTHER HOLIDAY ILLUMINATIONS SHOULD BE TURNED OFF BEFORE GOING OUT OR TO BED.
♦DON’T ALLOW SMOKING NEAR THE TREE AMIDST DECORATIONS AND WRAPPINGS,* HE STATED. +HAVE PLENTY OF LARGE, SAFE ASHTRAYS AROUND - AND USE THEM.*
SMALL CHILDREN PLAYING NEAR THE TREE SHOULD BE SUPERVISED AND MATCHES, LIGHTERS AND CANDLES KEPT WELL OUT OF THEIR REACH. THEY SHOULD NEVER BE LEFT UNATTENDED AT ANY TIME.
I
+THE BEST FORM OF PROTECTION AGAINST FIRE IS PREVENTION.* HE DECLARED. +NOBODY SHOULD ASSUME THAT FIRE CAN NEVER HAPPEN TO THEM. IT CAN STRIKE ANYWHERE AT ANY TIME, ESPECIALLY DURING HOLIDAYS WHEN PEOPLE ARE LIKELY TO BE CARELESS.*
0 - -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974
- 6 -
APPOINTMENT OF TWO NEW CITY DISTRICT OFFICERS «**###
THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS TODAY ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF STAFF CHANGES WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.
MRS. 0. RAHM IN CHEUNG LOOK-PING, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WANCHAI AND CENTRAL) HAS BEEN APPOINTED ADMINISTRATIVE SECRETARY OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL. SHE WILL REPLACE MR. P.J. WILLIAMSON WHO IN TURN WILL BE POSTED TO THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AS AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR TO REPLACE J4R. T.H. BARMA ON HIS TRANSFER TO THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT IN EARLY JANUARY.
MR. FUNG KWOK-KEUNG HAS BEEN APPOINTED CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (WANCHAI) AND MR. ANGUS MUI WAH-ON CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL).
MR. FUNG GRADUATED FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG AND HAS HAD OVER SEVEN YEARS’ SERVICE IN GOVERNMENT. HE SERVED FOR SOME TIME IN THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT AND IN THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, BEFORE JOINING IN MAY 1973 THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT AS AIRPORT MANAGER, WHICH POST HE HELD UP TO THE PRESENT.
MR. MUI, AN ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, SERVED IN THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT BEFORE HIS TRANSFER TO THE PRESENT POST. HE GRADUATED FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
TEMPORARY WATER CUT' * H M *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TEMPORARILY TURNED OFF FROM 1 A.M. TO 6 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21) TO ALLOW LEAKAGE TESTS TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY NGA TSIN WAI ROAD, NGA TSIN LONG ROAD, CARPENTER ROAD AND KAI TAK ROAD.
-------0---------
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974. - 7 -
CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY CAMP O H H * «
THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE IS TAKING 210 CHILDREN ON A CAMPING TRIP THIS WEEKEND TO GIVE THEM A CHANCE TO GET AWAY FROM THEIR CROWDED LIVING CONDITIONS.
THE CAMP, WHICH WILL BE FOR THREE DAYS AND TWO NIGHTS FROM DECEMBER 21 TO DECEMBER 23, WILL BE HELD AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE.
THERE WILL BE RECREATIONAL, SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES SUCH AS BALL GAMES, EXPEDITIONS, SHORT TALKS AND GROUP DISCUSSIONS. TWO FILMS TITLED +SECRETS OF THE PLANT WORLD* AND +SECRETS OF THE UNDERWATER WORLD* WILL BE SHOWN.
THE CHILDREN ARE FROM 21 MEMBER SCHOOLS OF THE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL COMMITTEE.
ASSISTING IN THE PLANNING AND RUNNING OF THE CAMP WILL BE 28 POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS FROM BAPTIST AND CHU HOI COLLEGES.
FUN FAIR IN KOWLOON CITY
X X X X X X
TWO THOUSAND CHILDREN LIVING IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE ENTERTAINED AT A FUN FAIR THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 21). IT WILL BE HELD AT BLOCK H OF THE LOK MAN HOUSING ESTATE IN TOKWAWAN FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE, KOWLOON CITY, AND THE SALVATION ARMY LOK MAN CORPS, THE FUNCTION IS BEING PLANNED AND WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY VOLUNTEERS OF THESE TOO AGENCIES.
APART FROM THE FUN AND GAMES STALLS, THERE WILL ALSO BE AN ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION. PRIZES WILL BE AWARDED FOR THE BEST DESIGNED STALLS AND GAMES.
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE H ;t i't it it it
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED lODAY (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 RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD l.'SO
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.69
PO NGAI GOOD ——
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.68
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD 1.33
WHOLE GLUTINOUS nnnn 1.67
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE- GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD —•
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY ---------- GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORKER (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) ---------- 340
/SUPPLIES AND
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19,1974.
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
AVAILABILITY OF WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
SPECIES SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD GOOD 4.80 1.70 3.20
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 0.70 1.60
SQUID LIMITED 6.50 2.80 4.50
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.40 0.90 1.80
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 2.60 0.90 1.60
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.40 0.60 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.00 1.90 2.40
MELON COAT GOOD 2.40 1.70 2.00
BREAMS NORMAL 5.50 3.70 4.70
YELLOW BELLY NORMAL 1.70 0.80 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 4.20 2.50 3.80
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 3.10 0.40 1.50
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 0.90 0.50 0.70
HORSE-HEAD NORMAL 6.50 1.80 4.50
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.00 0.90 1.80
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.50 4.20 7.00
GAROUPAS LIMITED 9.00 4.00 6.80
YELLOW CROAKER — —■ • - —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES (V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLES AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.60
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.50 0.15 0.35
CHINESE LETTUCE LIMITED 1.40 0.50 1.00
WATER SPINACH •• NO SALE
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.80 1.40
STRING BEANS —— NO SALE
SPRING ONION LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.00
SPINACH LIMITED 2.20 0.70 1.80
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.50 0.40 1.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.15 0.30
CHINESE SPINACH NO SALE
TOMATO LIMITED 2.50 1.50 2.00
- - 0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CONSULTANTS APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS FOR HONG KONG ................................................ 1
AMENDING LEGISLATION SEEKING TO IMPOSE STIFFER PENALTIES
ON MARINE OFFENCES TO COME INTO OPERATION ON DECEMBER 20 .. 3
SPECIAL REVIEW ON NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES CONTAINED IN
OCTOBER ISSUE OF HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST..................... 4
EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS URGED TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE RIGHT CAREER ................................................. 5
KAU U FONG PLAYSTREET VARIETY SHOW ON SUNDAY .................. 6
PUBLIC ADVISED TO EXERCISE CONTROL WHEN PURCHASING LIQUOR . 7
ILLEGAL SQUATTERS OF CHAKWOLING OFFERED ACCOMMODATION AT TRANSIT CENTRE ................................................ 8
Sl,nGESTION BEING INVITED FROM EDUCATIONAL DODIES AND PUBLIC
OH REPLACEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAM I NA I’I OH ... 9
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
1
CONSULTANTS APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROLS FOR HONG KONG ***###
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY SIGNED A CONTRACT WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LIMITED, A PROMINENT BRITISH FIRM OF CONSULTANTS. TO ASSIST IN PREPARING COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION FOR HONG KONG.
THE CONTRACT, WORTH JUST OVER $1 MILLION, WAS SIGNED BY MR. JOHN SIDWICK, A DIRECTOR OF E.R.L. AND MR. ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT.
MR. SIDWICK ARRIVED IN HONG KONG EARLIER THIS WEEK TO CONCLUDE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE CONTRACT AND TO COLLECT DATA FOR THE STUDY. HE WILL BE FLYING BACK TO BRITAIN TONIGHT AND IS DUE TO RETURN TO HONG KONG TOWARDS THE END OF JANUARY WITH A TEAM OF EXPERTS FOR DETAILED DISCUSSIONS ON THE PROJECT.
DURING THE INTERVENING PERIOD, THE CONSULTANTS WILL EE COLLECTING AND EVALUATING DATA ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WHICH WILL THEN FORM THE BASIS OF THEIR DRAFT CONTROL MEASURES.
MR. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THE CONSULTANTS’ MAIN TASK WILL BE TO ASSIST WITH THE PREPARATION OF A GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ORDINANCE FOR HONG KONG. THIS ORDINANCE WILL COVER ALL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION - LAND, SEA, AIR AND NOISE - AND WILL TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE VIEWS AND ADVICE OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EPCOM).
THE CONSULTANTS WILL ALSO ADVISE ON THE SETTING UP OF A POLLUTION CONTROL AGENCY WHICH WILL BE THE WATCHDOG FOR THE LEGISLATION.
MR. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THAT ONCE THE DRAFT PROPOSALS
HAD BEEN AGREED, THE SECOND PHASE WOULD BEGIN WITH THE PREPARATION OF DETAILED CONTROL MEASURES, INCLUDING DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEGISLATION AND ESTABLISHING CONTROL AUTHORITIES AND CONTROL SYSTEMS.
THE ENTIRE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, BUT THE SECOND PHASE SHOULD BEGIN WITHIN SIX MONTHS OF THE CONSULTANTS BEGINNING WORK. THEIR SUBMISSIONS ON EACH FIELD OF POLLUTION CONTROL SHOULD THEN START COMING FORWARD AT INTERVALS OF THREE MONTHS.
MR. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID THERE WAS A NEED FOR OVERALL ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL EASE COULD BE BROADENED WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT. +FOR THIS REASON CAREFULLY FORMULATED CONTROLS SHOULD BE STIPULATED IN LEGISLATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. TO BE EFFECTIVE, THESE CONTROLS WILL HAVE TO BE PRACTICAL AND WITHIN THE CAPACITY OF INDUSTRY TO INTRODUCE.*
/HE ADDED THAT .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1971*-
HE ADDED THAT ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LIMITED, WHICH WAS ONE OF FOUR INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN FIRMS INVITED TO SUBMIT OUTLINE PROPOSITIONS, IS CURRENTLY ENGAGED ON A DETAILED SURVEY OF ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY IN BRUSSELS.
THEY HAVE ALSO CARRIED OUT AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STUDY FOR THE INDUSTRIAL REGION OF CALABRIA IN ITALY AND ARE WORKING FOR MANY WELL KNOWN p)ULTI-NATIONAL COMPANIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS OF TODAY’S
--------------- SIGNING CEREMONY WILL DE DISTRIBUTED IN THE
G.I.S. PRESS DOXES THIS EVENING.
- - - 0 ----------
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
- 3 -
STIFFER PENALTIES FOR MARINE OFFENCES
AN AMENDING LEGISLATION WHICH SEEKS TO IMPOSE STIFFER PENALTIES ON MARINE OFFENCES WILL COME INTO OPERATION NEXT WEEK.
THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE - WHICH WILL TAKE EFFECT ON DECEMBER 28 THIS YEAR - SEEKS, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO SUBSTANTIALLY INCREASE THE EXISTING PENALTIES IMPOSED ON SOME 100 MARINE OFFENCES. '
COMMENTING ON THE LEGISLATION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE RATE OF PENALTIES FOR OFFENCES UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE WAS +1NCONSI STENT WITH PRESENT MONETARY VALUES.+
+THE INCREASE IS DESIGNED TO MAKE THE PENALTIES CURRENTLY COMMENSURATE WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE OFFENCES WHICH ARE MAINLY CONCERNED WITH PASSENGER SAFETY.*
AS AN EXAMPLE, THE SPOKESMAN INDICATED THAT THE PENALTY FOR CARRYING EXCESS PASSENGERS ON BOARD A VESSEL WOULD BE RAISED FROM A FINE OF $2,000 PLUS $500 FOR EVERY EXCESS PASSENGER TO $10,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT, PLUS $5,000 FOR EVERY EXCESS PASSENGER.
AS FOR THE OFFENCE OF ENDANGERING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE ON THE SEA, THE PENALTY WILL BE INCREASED FROM A FINE OF $4,000 AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT TO $50,000 AND TWO YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
UNDER THE NEW LAW, THE OFFENCE FOR CARRYING PASSENGERS
IN A VESSEL NOT LICENSED TO DO SO WILL BE PUNISHABLE WITH A FINE OF $50,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR TWO YEARS, PLUS A FINE OF $5,000 FOR EACH PASSENGER ON BOARD.
THE AMENDING LEGISLATION ALSO SEEKS TO ENABLE THE DIRECTOR
OF MARINE TO MAKE’ RULES RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY AS MASTERS, FIRST AND SECOND MATES OR ENGINEERS IN THE MERCHANT NAVY.
IT ALSO EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR TO DETERMINE THE STANDARD OF COMPETENCY TO BE ATTAINED, THE PROCEDURES, SUBJECTS AND METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE RELATED EXAMINATIONS AS WELL AS THE APPOINTMENT OF EXAMINERS.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN THE PAST HONG KONG HAD BEEN CLOSELY TIED TO THE RULES MADE BY THE UNITED KINGDOM CONCERNING EXAMINATIONS AND ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES.
/+WE OFTEN
FBIDAY, DECIHBER 20, 1974
- 4 -
+WE OFTEN FIND THE UNITED KINGDOM AUTHORITIES MAKING IMPORTANT AND FAR-REACHING CHANGES TO THE RULES RELATING TO THE ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES SO MUCH SO THAT WE FIND IT DIFFICULT TO KEEP UP WITH THE CHANGES.*
FOR THIS REASON, HE CONTINUED, IT WAS DECIDED THAT HONG KONG SHOULD HAVE ITS OWN SET OF RULES GOVERNING THE EXAMINATIONS AND ISSUE OF CERTIFICATES.
HOWEVER, THESE RULES WILL STILL BE BASED ON THE UNITED KINGDOM PRACTICE,* HE STRESSED.
/' EMBODIED IN THE NEW LAW IS A MINOR AMENDMENT WHICH ENSURES THAT ALL VESSELS PROCEEDING ALONG A FAIRWAY WOULD HAVE THE RIGHT OF WAY OVER OTHER VESSELS CROSSING THE FAIRWAY.
-----0------
SPECIAL REVIEW ON NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES
******
THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS ISSUED TODAY CONTAINS A SPECIAL REVIEW ON THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES INTRODUCED RECENTLY.
THE ARTICLE GIVES AN ACCOUNT OF THE SOURCES OF INFORMATION, THE METHOD OF CONSTRUCTION AS WELL AS THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE NEW INDEXES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS . DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THE DEPARTMENT STARTED PUBLISHING IN OCTOBER THIS YEAR NEW SERIES OF CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES, USING JULY 1973 TO JUNE 1974 AS THE BASE PEROID.
+THE INDEXES WERE BASED ON UP-TO-DATE WEIGHTING SYSTEMS, AND WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE THE 1963/64 BASED GENERAL AND MODIFIED CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES,* HE SAID.
THE SPECIAL REVIEW IS PART OF A SERIES OF REVIEWS ON SPECIAL SUBJECTS OF INTEREST PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT
THE MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS, COSTING $5 A COPY, IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE,STAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
0 - -
/5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO CHOOSE RIGHT CAREER LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR URGED
* * * K K K
MR. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN, LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR, TODAY URGED EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS TO PLAY A MORE PROMINENT ROLE IN CREATING BETTER CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
HE WARNED YOUNG PEOPLE AGAINST MAKING A FALSE START IN LIFE BY TAKING THE FIRST JOB OFFERED TO THEM.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN, WHO IS ALSO DEPUTY CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENING CAREERS ’75 AT THE CITY HALL EXHIBITION HALL.
THE EXHIBITION, SPONSORED BY THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WILL BE OPEN FROM 9.30 AM TO 7 PM EACH DAY UNTIL SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EDUCATORS HAD SPECIAL ROLES IN HELPING YOUNG PEOPLE CHOOSE THE RIGHT CAREER.
EMPLOYERS COULD BEST PLAY THEIR PART BY HAVING GOOD PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES, SOUND TRAINING PROGRAMMES AND A WELL-DESIGNED STAFF CAREER STRUCTURE.
THEY SHOULD ALSO PROVIDE CONDITIONS CONDUCIVE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE POTENTIAL ABILITY OF THEIR EMPLOYEES.
+FURTHERMORE, EMPLOYMENT TERMS SHOULD INCLUDE WELFARE AND RETIREMENT BENEFITS WHICH WOULD INCLUDE LOYALTY AS WELL AS BRING OUT THE BEST EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE INDIVIDUAL EMPLOYEE,+ HE SAID.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID SCHOOLS AND EDUCATORS SHOULD ALSO GIVE MORE EMPHASIS TO THE SUBJECT OF CAREERS GUIDANCE.
THIS WAS PARTICULARLY NECESSARY IN VIEW OF THE FACT THAT HONG KONG WOULD fN THE COMING YEARS SEE A HIGHER STANDARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TOLD THE GUESTS THAT THE SUCCESS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S PAST TWO EXHIBITIONS HAD BEEN DUE TO THE EFFORTS OF THE PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS -AND HE PREDICTED AN EVEN GREATER RESPONSE TO CAREERS ’75.
+1 THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR ENTHUSIASM, YOUR TIME, ENERGY AND HARD WORK IN MAKING THE STANDS LOOK SO ATTRACTIVE,+ HE SAID.
/+TOUR EFFORTS
6
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 197 A
+Y0UR EFFORTS ARE ALL THE MORE LAUDABLE BECAUSE I KNOW MOST OF YOU HAVE NO RECRUITMENT PROBLEMS. YOUR EFFORT IS A COMMUNITY SERVICE AS MUCH AS ANYTHING ELSE, AND DOES YOU GREAT CREDIT.+
MR. PRICE ADDEDi +l DON’T THINK IT’S GOING TOO FAR TO SAY THAT THESE EXHIBITIONS IN RECENT YEARS HAVE BECOME SOMETHING OF A FEATURE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
+YOU MAY RECALL THAT OUR FIRST EXHIBITION WAS HELD IN THIS HALL TWO YEARS AGO - AS A PILOT PROJECT. THE SUCCESS OF THAT INITIAL EXPERIMENT IS EVIDENT FROM THE FACT THAT WE ARE HOPING TO HAVE SOME 70,000 VISITORS AT CAREERS ’75.+
- - 0 - -
KAU U FONG PLAYSTREET VARIETY SHOW
******
SOME 1,000 CHILDREN LIVING IN CENTRAL WILL BE ENTERTAINED AT A VARIETY SHOW THIS SUNDAY (DECEMBER 22) AT KAU U FONG.
THE THREE-HOUR SHOW, ORGANISED BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION FOR CHILDREN IN THE AREA, WILL BEGIN AT 2 P.M.
THE SHOW WILL CONSIST OF FOLK DANCES, DRAMA, CHINESE OPERA AND MAGIC FRICKS. THERE WILL BE A LUCKY DRAW AND SOFT DRINKS WILL BE PROVIDED.
THE CHILDREN WILL ALSO BE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE BY DECORATING THE STREET AND SINGING CHRISTMAS CAROLS.
- _ 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
- 7 -
PUBLIC ADVISED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN PURCHASING LIQUOR *****
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE URGED TO EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN THEY PURCHASE LIQUOR.
THE CALL FOLLOWED CLOSELY THE ARREST IN CAUSEWAY BAY ON WEDNESDAY (DECEMBER 18) OF A MAN WHO WAS FOUND TO HAVE IN HIS POSSESSION 22 QUART BOTTLES OF SUSPECTED ADULTERATED BRANDY.
I
ALSO SEIZED WERE COLOURING SOLUTIONS AND POWDERS, FALSE CAPSULES AND CARTONS. THE ADULTERATED BRANDY BORE THE LABELS OF SEVERAL WELL-KNOWN AND POPULAR BRANDS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE SAIDs +THIS TYPE OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IS LIKELY TO BECOME MORE PREVALENT WITH THE ADVENT OF COOLER WEATHER AND THE APPROACH OF THE FESTIVE SEASONS AND THE SUBSEQUENT RISE IN THE CONSUMPTION OF EUROPEAN LIQUOR.
♦EXPERIENCE HAS SHOWN THAT ADULTERATED LIQUOR CONTAINS A PROPORTION OF GENUINE BRANDED LIQUOR ADULTERATED FOR THE MOST PART WITH CHEAPER AND INFERIOR BRANDS OR WITH WATER AND ALCOHOL COLOURED TO RESEMBLE THE GENUINE ARTICLE.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT ADULTERATED LIQUOR WAS INVARIABLY CONTAINED IN GENUINE BOTTLES OBTAINED FROM VARIOUS SOURCES AND THE LEAD CAPSULES, HAVING BEEN EXPERTLY REMOVED AND REPLACED AFTER THE ADULTERATING OF THE LIQUOR WERE ALSO, FOR THE MOST PART, GENUINE.
IT IS NOT UNCOMMON, HOWEVER, FOR BOTH CAPSULES AND LABELS TO BE COUNTERFEIT. IN SUCH CASES, LABELS AND CAPSULES CLOSELY RESEMBLE THE GENUINE ARTICLES ALTHOUGH CLOSE COMPARISON BETWEEN THE GENUINE AND FALSE BOTTLES WILL DISCLOSE SOME DISCREPANCIES SUCH AS BLURRED LINEAR OUTLINES, UNEVEN CAPSULE STAMPS OR PICTORIAL OR PRINTING ERRORS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT PURCHASERS SHOULD BE ALERTED BY ANY OFFER OF SALE AT REDUCED PRICES AND PURCHASE ONLY FROM GENUINE SOURCES.
ANY SUSPICION THAT LIQUOR MIGHT BE ADULTERATED SHOULD BE REPORTED TO ANY OFFICER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE OR ALTERNATIVELY, IN WRITING TO THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE POST OFFICE BOX, P.O.
BOX 1363, GENERAL POST OFFICE, HONG KONG. ’
- - o - -
/8
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
8
ILLEGAL SQUATTERS OF CHAKWOLING OFFERED ACCOMMODATION AT TRANSIT CENTRE
M * M * M M
ABOUT 100 ILLEGAL SQUATTERS OF THE CHAKWOLING AREA HAVE
BEEN OFFERED ACCOMMODATION AT THE YAN 01 TRANSIT CENTRE.
HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF TODAY (FRIDAY) HELPED SOME 70
OF THEM REMOVE THEIR PERSONAL BELONGINGS AND FURNITURE INTO THE CENTRE.
THESE SQUATTERS MOVED OUT FROM THE SQUATTER AREA IN CHAKWOLING ROAD NEAR YAU TONG ESTATE YESTERDAY WHEN THEIR ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WERE DEMOLISHED.
IN YESTERDAY’S OPERATION , SQUATTER CONTROL STAFF OF
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT DEMOLISHED 24 NEWLY ERECTED ILLEGAL STRUCTURES^
THE ACTION WAS THE LATEST TAKEN BY THE DEPARTMENT TO
CURB THE BUILDING OF ILLEGAL HUTS BY RACKETEERS IN THE AREA.
SEVERAL SIMILAR OPERATIONS HAD ALREADY BEEN CARRIED OUT
BY THE DEPARTMENT IN THE PAST FEW MONTHS WITH MORE THAN 100 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES DEMOLISHED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT EMPHASISED THAT SIMILAR ACTIONS WOULD BE TAKEN IF NEW ERECTIONS WERE FOUND.
HE FURTHER REPEATED THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVICE TO THE PUBLIC NOT TO FALL PREY TO RACKETEERS WHO OFFER ILLEGAL HUTS BUILT ON CROWN LAND FOR SALE.
0
/9......
9 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974.
WORKING PARTY ON REPLACEMENT OF S.S.E.E. K * K * M
COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS ARE INVITED FROM EDUCATIONAL BODIES AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC BY THE WORKING PARTY ON THE REPLACEMENT OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION SET UP BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION.
THE WORKING PARTY WAS FORMED FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHITE PAPER ON SECONDARY SCHOOL EXPANSION. IT CONSISTS OF 26 APPOINTED MEMBERS, INCLUDING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE EDUCATION AND HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENTS AS WELL AS HEADS AND TEACHERS OF GOVERNMENT, AIDED, PRIVATE SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
THE CHAIRMAN IS MR. CHARLES. LOWE, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION) AND THE SECRETARY IS MR. Y.T. LI, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS).
THE WORKING PARTY, AMONG OTHER THINGS, WILL CONS IDER,IN THE LIGHT OF THE WHITE PAPER ON EDUCAT I ON,WAYS AND MEANS OF IMPLEMENTING THOSE PORTIONS OF APPROVED EDUCATION POLICY WHICH CONCERN THE TRANSFER OF PUPILS FROM PRIMARY TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS. IT ALSO HAS THE DUTY TO RECOMMEND TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION THE ALLOCATION ARRANGEMENTS THAT WILL MOST APPROPRIATELY AND ACCEPTABLY REPLACE THE PRESENT S.S.E.E.- BASED ARRANGEMENTS.
ANY MEMBER OF THE PUBLIC OR EDUCATIONAL BODY WHO WISHES TO SEND COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS IS REQUESTED TO DO SO BY WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, WORKING PARTY ON REPLCAEMENT OF THE S.S.E.E., C/0 EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG, BEFORE 31ST MARCH 1975.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE X X * K * M
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 s
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.80
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.69
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ——
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.70
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.59
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD —
Al SUPER GOOD 1.33
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.62
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
A
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK U/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
NORMAL
340 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20, 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 5.20 1.80 3.50
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 1.20 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 6.50 2.50 4.50
HA 1R-TA1LS GOOD 2.60 0.80 1.70
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 3.60 1.00 2.30
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.50 1.00 1.80
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.00 2.40 2.70
MELON COAT GOOD 2.60 1.80 2.20
BREAMS NORMAL 5.20 2.50 4.00
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.80 0.70 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.50 3.00 4.20
RED GOAT FISH NORMAL 2.00 0.60 1.30
FORK-TA1L NORMAL 1.20 0.50 0.80
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.20 2.80 4.50
MELON SEED POMFRETS NORMAL 3.00 2.00 NO SALE 2.50
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.80 5.00 7.00
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 6.80 5.50 6.20
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CH EUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE U/CATTY)
VEGETABLE OF SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
•MB** ** MM MMB MM
“——
FLOWERING CABBAGE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.60
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE LETTUCE L1M1 TED 1.40 0.50 1.00
WATER SPINACH ——
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 2.00 0.80 1.60 •
STRING BEANS —
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.00 0.50 1.20
SPINACH LIMITED 2.20 0.70 1.80
WATER CRESS NORMAL . 1.50 0.40 1.00
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE SPINACH ——
TOMATO LIMITED 2.50 1.50 2.00
----o----
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, ESCEWDER 22, 2974
CONVENTS PAGE N0o
FURTHER EXTENSION OF StIATIN TREATMENT WORKS TO INCREASE TREATING CAPACITY IN READINESS FOR IUCN ISLAND WATER .o 1
PUBLIC WARNED AGAINST PERSONS POSING AS IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ooo*oooaoo<io»oonooooooooooaooo«ooonooooono0«»» 3
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT AWARDS FOR BRAVERY .......... 4
KOWLOON-CANTON railway general manager left for canton OU DUSINESS-CUM-PLEASURE TRIP ...0...0S,.0000000.0» = .<.0. 4
WELFARE AGENCIES TO HOLD CHRISTMAS VARIETY SNOW FOR
CHAI WAN CHILDREN* 0-O0 00 0003a 0 0 0 0 »00»0000«00000*0 00»»«» 5
MACAU PASSENGERS MAY BRING ONE BOTTLE OF DUTY-FREE
PORTUGUESE BRAfJDY INTO HONG KONG L'JRIHG XPMAS HOLIDAY 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tek 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1974
1
FURTHER EXTENSION OF SHATIN TREATMENT WORKS GETTING READY FOR HIGH ISLAND WATER it » « « «
THE SHATIN TREATMENT WORKS IS BEING EXTENDED TO COPE WITH THE RAW WATER WHICH WILL COME IN FROM THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.
I
TO INCREASE THE PLANT’S TREATING CAPACITY, TWO NEW CLARIFIER TANKS WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE SITE. WORK IS NOW GOING ON IN EXCAVATING TWO LARGE CRATERS AT THE SHATIN TREATMENT WORKS TO MAKE WAY FOR THE 'IWO CLARIFIER TANKS.
THE SIZES OF THE TWO NEW TANKS ARE IDENTICAL TO THOSE OF THE EXISTING ONES. EACH HAS A DIAMETER OF 172 FEET AND A DEPTH OF 24 FEET.
ON COMPLETION, THEY WILL BRING TO NINE THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CLARIFIER TANKS IN OPERATION AT THE SHATIN TREATMENT WORKS. THIS, TOGETHER WITH THE UP-RATING OF THE FILTER BEDS WHICH IS CURRENTLY IN HAND, WILL RAISE THE CAPACITY OF THE TREATMENT WORKS FROM THE PRESENT 175 MILLION GALLONS A DAY TO 240 MILLION GALLONS A DAY.
AT PRESENT, THE TREATMENT WORKS HANDLES WATER DRAWN FROM THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR SYSTEM AND CHINA.
WITH ITS INCREASED TREATMENT CAPACITY, THE SHATIN PLANT WILL RANK HIGH AMONG THE WORLD’S LARGEST TREATMENT WORKS.
THE TWO NEW CLARIFIER TANKS AND THE UP-RATED FILTERS ARE SCHEDULED TO BECOME OPERATIONAL BY THE SUMMER OF 1976 WHEN THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR WILL START TO YIELD WATER.
THE ENGINEER AT THE SITE, MR. D.A. HOWARTH, SAID TODAY THAT ABOUT 80 PER CENT OF THE EXCAVATION WORK WHICH BEGAN ON OCTOBER 14 WAS NOW COMPLETED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROGRESS OF THE WORK HAD BEEN EXCELLENT IN SPITE OF THE LOSS OF SEVERAL WORK DAYS DUE TO TYPHOON CARMEN AND TROPICAL STORM ELAINE IN LATE OCTOBER AND TROPICAL STORM IRMA EARLY THIS MONTH.
DURING EXCAVATION, BLASTING WAS EMPLOYED IN ADDITION TO THE USE OF BULLDOZERS BECAUSE OF THE ROCKY STRUCTURE OF THE SITE BENEATH THE GROUND SURFACE.
MR. HOWARTH SAID, +WE HAVE TO USE ELECTRONIC VIBRATION RECORDING INSTRUMENTS TO MONITOR THE EFFECT OF BLASTING TO ENSURE THAT NO DANGER WOULD BE CAUSED TO THE EXISTING CLARIFIERS AND INSTALLATIONS OF THE TREATMENT WORKS, WHICH ARE VERY CLOSE TO THE EXCAVATION SITE.+
/EXCAVATION CORK .....
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1974.
EXCAVATION WORK IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
. *
THE REMAINDER OF THE CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK INCLUDING THE CONCRETING AND PLACING IN POSITION OF THE PREFABRICATED CONCRETE COMPONENT PARTS OF THE CLARIFIER TANKS WILL THEN PROCEED. THIS STAGE OF WORK WILL TAKE ABOUT ELEVEN MONTHS TO COMPLETE AFTER WHICH THE NECESSARY MECHANICAL PLANT WILL BE INSTALLED.
AN ADDITIONAL WASH WATER TANK WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE SITE TO INCREASE THE FILTRATION CAPACITY OF THE PLANT.
CONSTRUCTION COST OF THE TWO CLARIFIER TANKS AND THE WASH WATER RECOVERY TANK IS ABOUT $7.6 MILLION, WHILE THE COST OF MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT FOR THE TWO CLARIFIERS IS $2.3 MILLION AND THE COST OF UP-RATING 20 OF THE EXISTING FILTER BEDS $3.1 MILLION.
NOTE TO ED I TORS 8
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE PARTLY COMPLETED CRATERS FOR THE TWO NEW CLARIFIER TANKS AT THE SHATIN TREATMENT WORKS -WILL BE PLACED IN THE PRESS BOX FOR COLLECTION.
1
------o - - - -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1974
3
WARNING AGAINST IMMIGRATION IMPERSONATORS a « a « n n
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY WARNED AGAINST PERSONS POSING AS IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND OFFERING TO REGULARISE THEIR IMMIGRATION STATUS ON PAYMENT OF A FEE.
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, SAID HE HAD RECEIVED REPORTS RECENTLY THAT PERSONS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN VISITING PEOPLE’S HOMES AND SOLICITING MONEY FOR SERVICES.
NO OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS AUTHORITY TO ACT IN THIS CAPACITY, HE STRESSED.
+UNDER SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES, USUALLY CONNECTED WITH AN INVESTIC \TION INTO CASES OF ILLEGAL ENTRY OR OVERSTAYING, AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER MAY CALL AT THE HOUSE OR PLACE OF WORK OF AN INDIVIDUAL, BUT HE IS NOT AUTHORISED TO COLLECT ANY PAYMENTS ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT,* HE SAID.
MR. ROWLANDS POINTED OUT THAT ALL IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WERE ISSUED WITH A WARRANT CARD BEARING THE OFFICER’S NAME, RANK, PHOTOGRAPH AND WARRANT CARD NUMBER.
ON THE REVERSE SIDE OF THE CARD IS A STATEMENT, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, SIGNED BY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, STATING THAT THE BEARER +IS A MEMBER OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE, HONG KONG, AND IS DULY APPOINTED IN THE RANK STATED AND IS ENTITLED TO EXERCISE THE POWERS VESTED IN HIS OFFICE BY LAW.+
THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION ADVISED THE PUBLIC THAT THEY SHOULD ASK ANY CALLER WHO CLAIMS TO BE AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER TO PRODUCE HIS WARRANT CARD BEFORE PERMITTING HIM INTO THE HOUSE.
+IF YOU ARE NOT SATISFIED THAT THE CALLER IS A BONAFIDE MEMBER OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE, OR IF ANY REQUEST FOR MONEY IS MADE, YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY TELEPHONE THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT TELEPHONE NO..5-456065 EXT. 202, OR THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AT TELEPHONE NO. 5-456065 EXT. 204, FOR ADVICE, HE SAID.
0
/4......
I
1}
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1974
DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PRESENT AWARDS FOR BRAVERY « n n n « «
TWENTY-ONE CREWMEN WILL RECEIVE COMMENDATIONS AND AWARDS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. ALLAN FLETCHER, IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVERY IN HESCUING 19 PERSONS FROM THE SEA DURING THE PAST 18 MONTHS.
THEY INCLUDE 18 CREWMEN OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY LIMITED AND ONE MARINE DEPARTMENT SEAMAN.
•THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 P.M. ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23) AT THE EXAMINATION HALL ON THE 10TH FLOOR OF THE RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY COVERED.
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21,1974
K.C.R. MANAGER LEFT FOR CANTON ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
MR. REGINALD GREGORY, GENERAL MANAGER OF THE KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, LEFT FOR CANTON THIS (SATURDAY) MORNING ON A BUSINESS AND SIGHT-SEEING TOUR.
DURING HIS THREE-DAY STAY THERE, HE IS EXPECTED TO MEET THE CHINESE RAILWAY AUTHORITY FOR TALKS ON VARIOUS MATTERS CONCERNING ' RAILWAY.
HE WILL RETURN TO HONG KONG ON DECEMBER 24.
- - 0 - -
/5
c SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1974. - > -
CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW FOR CHAI WAN CHILDREN « h if « if n
WELFARE-AGENCIES IN CHAI.WAN WILL JOINLY HOLD A TWO-HOUR CHRISTMAS VARIETY SHOW FOR CHILDREN IN THE DISTRICT ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 23).
IT WILL BE HELD AT THE RECENTLY COMPLETED CHAI WAN COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE AGENCIES INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THIS SHOW ARE THE CHAI WAN OFFICES OF THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB ASSOCIATION, THE NEIGHBOURHOOD ADVICE-ACTION COUNCIL, THE H.K. FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, THE CHINESE Y.M.C.A., THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) AND THE • COMMUNITY CENTRE.
THE SHOW WILL CONSIST OF GYMNASTIC AND JUDO DEMONSTRATIONS, A CHILDREN’S DANCE, AND PERFORMANCES OF CANTONESE SONGS AND SHORT PLAYS.
EACH CHILD WILL ALSO RECEIVE A SMALL GIFT.
- - - - 0 ----
DUTY FREE BRANDY FROM MACAU h if « if if if
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT PASSENEGRS ARRIVING FROM MACAU DURING THE TWO DAYS FOLLOWING CHRISTMAS (I.E. DECEMBER 26 AND 27) MAY BRING INTO HONG KONG FREE OF DUTY ONE BOTTLE OF PORTUGUESE BRANDY CONTAINING NOT MORE THAN ONE LITRE.
THIS IS IN LIEU OF THE CUSTOMARY ONE QUART BOTTLE OF GRAPE WINE AT PRESENT ALLOWED.
- - - - 0 ---------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I
SUNDAY1, DECEMBER 22, 1974
SALES OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS UP BY 70 PER CENT « # « « « it it it ft
SALES OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS HAVE GONE UP BY SOME 70 PER CENT IN VALUE BETWEEN APRIL AND OCTOBER THIS YEAR AS COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD IN 1'973.
' UP TO THE END OF OCTOBER 1974, THE TOTAL SALES FOR THIS SEVENMONTH PERIOD AMOUNTED TO $1.8 MILLION, $742,000 MORE THAN LAST YEAR.
THIS WAS ONE OF SEVERAL ACHIEVEMENTS MADE BY THE SALE OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS OFFICE IN RECENT MONTHS. THE OFFICE WAS TAKEN OVER FROM THE GOVERNMENT, PRINTER BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
+OUR AIM IS TO CONDUCT THE SALES OF PUBLICATIONS IN A MORE SYSTEMATIC MANNER, AND SO IMPROVE RELATIONS WITH OUR RETAILERS WHILE BOOSTING SALES AT THE SAME TIME,+ SAID A SPOKESMAN TODAY.
DURING THE PAST MONTHS, 38 NEW RETAIL OUTLETS FOR GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS HAVE BEEN SET UP IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, BRINGING THE TOTAL OF RETAILERS TO OVER 60. THESE NEW OUTLETS INCLUDE LOBBY BOOKSHOPS IN 14 BIG HOTELS ON DOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR, INFORMATION COUNTERS OF MAJOR COMMERCIAL FIRMS AND ESTABLISHMENTS AND DEPARTMENT STORES.
SALES ALSO GET A BOOST FROM DISPLAY BOARDS, CASES AND STANDS MOUNTED IN LEADING HOTELS AND OTHER PUBLIC PLACES. •
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IN ADDITION TO GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS, BOOKS FROM LOCAL PUBLISHERS SUCH AS HONG KONG UNIVERSITY AND CHINESE UNIVERSITY HAD BEEN ACQUIRED FOR SALE AT THE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
♦SINCE AUGUST THIS YEAR, WE HAVE BECOME THE OFFICIAL EXCLUSIVE DISTRIBUTOR FOR O.E.C.D. (ORGANISATION FOR ECONOMIC CO-OPERATION AND DEVELOPMENT) PUBLICATIONS,* HE SAID.
IN ADDITION, POPULAR TITLES FROM HER MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE (H.M.S.O.) -- THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT PUBLISHER AND ONE OF THE LARGEST IN THE WORLD — ARE SOLD AT THE CENTRE.
CATALOGUES OF BOTH THE O.E.C.D. AND H.M.S.O., LISTING HUNDREDS OF OTHER TITLES NOT ON DISPLAY, ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
/♦STAFF AT THE ....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22, 19?i*
♦STAFF AT THE SALES COUNTERS WILL PLACE ORDERS ON BEHALF OF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WISHING TO OBTAIN ANY OF THESE BOOKS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
AS A FURTHER STEP TO ATTRACT MORE VISITORS, THE STAR FERRY PUBLICATIONS CENTRE HAS BEEN RENOVATED, OFFERING A MUCH WIDER RANGE OF READING MATERIAL THAN BEFORE. . •
ITEMS ON SALE INCLUDE REPORTS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, LEGAL PUBLICATIONS, COMMITTEE REPORTS, BOOKLETS, FORMS, MAPS AND TITLES FROM THE TWO UNIVERSITIES IN HONG KONG. SOUVENIR POSTERS, REPRODUCTIONS OF PAINTINGS ARE ALSO OBTAINABLE AT THE CENTRE.
•
COLOUR SETS OF LOCAL MARINE FISH, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS OF DIFFERENT PARTS OF HONG KONG AND MAJOR ENGINEERING PROJECTS ARE EXHIBITED' ON A CONVENIENT INDEX RACK.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE CENTRE PROVIDES A SPECIAL INFORMATION COUNTER FOR THE HONG KONG TOURIST ASSOCIATION TO HANDLE TOURISTS ENQUIRIES. IT ALSO HAS A WIDE RANGE OF THE ASSOCIATION’S POPULAR TITLES ON DISPLAY.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT-APART FROM THE BIG JUMP IN SALES FIGURE, THE NUMBER OF VISITORS TO THE PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE STAR FERRY HAS ALSO INCREASED BY MORE THAN 100 PER CENT IN THE PAST . MONTHS.
------0 - - - -
SIX CLINICS OPEN DURING X’MAd HOLIDAYS
SIX GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ON DECEMBER 25 AND 26.
THE ONES ON HONG KONG ISLAND ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC IN WAN CHAI AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN SHAU KEI WAN.
THE ONES IN KOWLOON ARE THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINICS IN KWUN TONG AND YAU MA TEI, AND THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG. THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TUSEN WAN WILL ALSO REMAIN OPEN DURING THE PERIOD.
ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT CLINICS AND EVENING CLINICS WILL BE CLOSED OVER THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
DAILY l\l( )I<\1 ATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, DECEMBER 83, 197*.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
92 PER CENT OF DRUG ADDICTS UNDER TREATMENT RETURN FOR DAILY DOSAGE ........................................ 1
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION : TOTAL STORAGE REPRESENTING 81.9 PER CENT OF FULL CAPACITY........................... 2
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR 1975 ....... 3
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT CLOSES DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ...................................... 3
FIRE SERVICES URGED PUBLIC TO PREVENT RURAL FIRES DURING HOLIDAYS ......................................... 4
OVER 30,000 PEOPLE VISITED CAREERS EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT .................................... 5
TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND DECLARED DANGEROUS ............................................... 5
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974.
- 1 -
EXCELLENT RESPONSE TO EMERGENCY METHADONE MEASURE 92 PER CENT RETURN DAILY FOR ORAL DOSAGE KOKO
IN THE FIRST WEEK OF EMERGENCY METHADONE MAINTENANCE AT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S THREE NEW CENTRES, 388 DRUG ADDICTS WERE TREATED, OF WHOM 334 OR 92.5 PER CENT ARE RETURNING FOR THEIR DAILY DOSAGE.
ANNOUNCING THESE FIGURES TODAY, DR. GERALD CHOA, DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL ARD HEALTH SERVICES, SAID THEY WERE ♦EXCELLENT AND MOST ENCOURAGIHG+.
OF THE 388 WHO WERE TREATED, 103 WERE ATTENDED TO AT THE HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE IM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, 133 AT THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN, AND 142 AT THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG.
ADDICTS TREATED WERE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 62, OR AN AVERAGE AGE OF 43. THEY WERE ADDICTED EITHER TO OPIUM OR HEROIN, WITH HEROIN ADDICTS NUMBERING 80 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL.
DR. CHOA SAID THAT DURING THE WEEK, ONLY THREE ADDICTS HAD BEEN REGARDED AS UNSUITABLE FOR METHADONE TREATMENT. ALL THREE WERE EXAMINED AT THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE. TWO WERE TOLD THAT METHADONE WOULD HARM, RATHER THAN RELIEVE THEM, BECAUSE OF ADVERSE CONDITIONS OF THE LIVER. THEY WERE REFERRED TO A MEDICAL CLINIC INSTEAD.
THE THIRD HAD ONLY BEEN ON HEROIN FOR SIX MONTHS, AND IT WAS CONSIDERED ADVISABLE, IN HIS OWN INTEREST, NOT TO PUT HIM ON METHADONE.
♦THIS DISPOSES OF THE ALLEGATION THAT ADDICTS APPLYING FOR TREATMENT HAD BEEN TURNED AWAY,+ DR. CHOA COMMENTED. +0F THE SMALL NUMBER OF ADDICTS WHO WERE HOT ATTENDED TO OH THE FIRST OR SECOND DAY BECAUSE THEY HAD EITHER CODE ICO LATE OR DID HOT HAVE PHOTOS AND IDENTITY CARDS, I BELIcVE All. WERE EVENTUALLY TAKEN IH.+
IN HIS VIEW, THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST WEEK FOLLOWED PREDICTED LINES. THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE HAD BEEN THE BUSIEST GF THE THREE, AS EXPECTED, BECAUSE IT LAS LOCATED NEAR THE NOTORIOUS KOWLOON CITY VICE DENS.
A NUMBER OF ADDICTS SEEKING TREATMENT AT THE HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE, INSTEAD OF BEING DENIED ATTENTION, HAD MISSED THE CENTRE BECAUSE OF ITS LOCATION BEHIND THE PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER. STAFF HAD HAD TO RUN AFTER THEM TO BRING THEM IN.
/DR. CHOA THOUGHT .....
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974.
- 2 -
DR. CHOA THOUGHT IT POSSIBLE, IN VIEW OF THE FIRST WEEK’S RESULTS, THAT EVENTUALLY THE 1,OOO-A-DAY MAXIMUM CAPACITY -- THAT IS, ADDICTS RETURNING FOR THEIR DAILY DOSAGE — AT EACH OF THE THREE CENTRES WOULD BE REACHED.
THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE PILOT STUDY IN HIGH STREET WOULD MOST PROBABLY ACHIEVE ITS TARGET OF 1,550 VOLUNTEER PATIENTS IN ANOTHER FEW WEEKS AND WOULD THEN END ITS PRESENT IN-PATIENT SYSTEM OF TREATMENT TO ADOPT THE OUT-PATIENT METHOD OF THE THREE EMERGENCY CENTRES.
+THIS MEANS, IN EFFECT, THAT A FOURTH EMERGENCY CENTRE WOULD THEN BE OPENED,+ DR. CHOA SAID.
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT WOULD REVIEW THE SITUATION AS IT DEVELOPED, AND APPROPRIATE MEASURES WOULD BE TAKEN +IF AND WHEN NECESSARY+.
THE THREE NEW CENTRES WILL OBSERVE THE COMING HOLIDAYS, AND WILL NOT BE OPENED ON DECEMBER 25, 26 AND JANUARY 1 FOR NEW CASES.
* * X K M M
NOTE TO EDITORS: IN VIEW OF GENERAL INTEREST, FURTHER ---------------- PROGRESS REPORTS WILL BE ISSUED AT
REGULAR INTERVALS.
------o-------
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT « X M K
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 55,141 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 81.9 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS AND ALSO AN INCREASE OF 1,762 MILLION GALLONS OVER THE STORAGE AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 53,379 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 40,068 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 41,824 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 79.3 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 A.M. TODAY. THE TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,319.4 MM. (91.32 IN.).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2160.2 MM. (85.05 IN.), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7.4 PER CENT.
- - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
3
STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR 1975
*****
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 1, 1975 IS ONE OF THE SIX STATUTORY HOLIDAYS UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.
THE SIX STATUTORY HOLIDAYS IN 1975 ARE t -
I A) THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY (JANUARY 1)-
B) LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY (FEBRUARY 11)“
C) THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR (FEBRUARY 12)-
D) CHING HING FESTIVAL (APRIL 5)“
E) TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL (JUNE 14)- AND
F) THE SECOND DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN
FESTIVAL (SEPTEMBER 22)
ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS, AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES WHO DO NOT EARN MORE THAN 32,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THESE HOLIDAYS.
AN EMPLOYEE IS QUALIFIED FOR PAY ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY IF HE HAS BEEN EMPLOYED CONTINUOUSLY BY HIS EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS OR MORE IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY. AN EMPLOYEE WHO HAS NOT WORKED FOR THE THREE-MONTH PERIOD IS STILL ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY, AND HIS EMPLOYER MAY AGREE VOLUNTARILY TO PAY HIM.
+IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY,* MR. PRICE SAID.
0 - -
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT CLOSES
DURING HOLIDAYS
******
THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED FOR BUSINESS DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
ANNOUNCING THIS, THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION SAID THAT THE DEPARTMENT WOULD BE CLOSED FROM 1 P.M. TOMORROW (DECEMBER 24) UNTIL 9 A.M. ON FRIDAY (DECEMBER 27).
0
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
- 4 -
PREVENT RURAL FIRES DURING CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS URGED FIRE SERVICES X * * X M * M
FAMILIES PLANNING TO VISIT THE COUNTRYSIDE DURING THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS ARE URGED TO TAKE CARE NOT TO START HILL OR FOREST FIRES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THERE HAD BEEN NO RAIN FOR SERVERAL DAYS NOW AND CONDITIONS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE WERE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY.
+FIRES CAN BE STARTED VERY EASILY,* HE SAID, +AND ALSO SPREAD MORE EASILY. MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE THEREFORE ADVISED TO HEED THE RED AND YELLOW FIRE DANGER WARNINGS.*
HE SAID THAT THOUSANDS OF’TREES WERE DESTROYED AND LARGE AREAS OF COUNTRYSIDE SPOILED BY FIRE EVERY WINTER, MOSTLY THROUGH THE ACTIONS OF CARELESS HIKERS AND PICNICKERS.
+THROWING LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES ON THE GROUND IS A MAJOR CAUSE OF RURAL FIRES,* HE STATED. +SMOKERS SHOULD MAKE SURE THAT CIGARETTE ENDS AND MATCHES ARE PROPERLY EXTINGUISHED BEFORE DISPOSING OF THEM.*
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED PARENTS TO KEEP MATCHES OUT OF THEIR CHILDREN’S REACH BECAUSE MANY FIRES HAD BEEN STARTED BY YOUNGSTERS PLAYING WITH MATCHES.
+ANOTHER MAJOR CAUSE OF COUNTRYSIDE FIRES IS CARELESSNESS WITH BARBECUE FIRES*, HE SAID. +FIRES ARE EITHER LEFT UNATTENDED OR NOT PUT OUT PROPERLY BEFORE PICNICKERS LEAVE THE AREA. ALSO, THEY ARE OFTEN LIT IN UNSUITABLE AREAS WHERE THE RISK OF FIRE SPREADING IS HIGH.*
HE ADVISED PEOPLE TO USE PROPERLY EQUIPPED SITES AND ALSO SUGGESTED THAT SOMEONE BE RESPONSIBLE FOR WATCHING THE FIRE WHEN IT WAS BURNING.
+THE FIRE MUST BE PUT OUT BY USING EARTH AND WATER BEFORE LEAVING THE AREA,* HE SAID.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
- 5 -
VISITORS TO CAREERS'75 MAY TOP 70,000 M M * K # *
MORE THAN 30,000 PEOPLE, MAINLY STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TEACHERS, HAVE ALREADY VISITED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CAREERS EXHIBITION WHICH OPENED AT THE CITY HALL LAST FRIDAY.
INFORMATION ON MORE THAN 100 DIFFERENT JOES IS AVAILABLE AT THE 15 STANDS AT THE EXHIBITION.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY HE WAS DELIGHTED BY THE RESPONSE TO CAREERS ’75.
+IT POINTS TO THE REAL AND URGENT NEED FOR CAREERS ADVICE FOR THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.
+AT THIS STAGE IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THE ATTENDANCE MAY EVEN TOP THE 70,000 WE HAD EXPECTED.
+1 AM GLAD THAT SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE ARE TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.+
THE EXHIBITION WILL REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY DAY FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 7 P.M. UNTIL DECEMBER 29.
_ _ _ - 0 ----
TWO PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS h mu o
THE BUILDINGS AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NOS. 13 AND 15 TUNG LOI LAUE, HONG KONG TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION, AUD NOS. 11, 17, 19 AND 21 TUNG LOI LANE LIABLE TO DECOxE DANGEROUS.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS GROUP OF THREE-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER -OBSERVATION FOR SOME TIME IN VIEW OF THE CELERAL DETERIORATED CONDITION OF THEIR TIMBERWORK AND LOAD BEARING BRICKWORK AND OF THE SIGNIFICANT FRACTURES IN THEIR COMMON PARTY WALLS.
HE SAID: ♦THIS IS PARTICULARLY SERIOUS IN NO. 13 TUNG LOI LANE WHERE THE PARTY WALL WITH HO. 15 TU.JG LOI LANE IS SEVERELY FRACTURED, ARD IN HO. 15 TUNG LOI LAUE WHERE MANY OF THE MAIN ROOF TIMBERS HAVE REACHED THE POINT WHERE COLLAPSE IS IMMINENT.♦
AS ANY DEMOLITION OF NOS. 13 AND 15 TUNG LOI LANE WOULD HAVE AU IMMEDIATE ADVERSE EFFECT OH THE ADJOINING BUILDINGS, HE ADDED, CONSIDERATION OF THE GROUP AS A WHOLE HAD DEEN UNAVOIDABLE.
. . NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN ____
VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. OU JANUARY 21, 1975 WERE POSTED TODAY.
• - 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE M X M H 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, KOWLOON I
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY U/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.82
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.67
PO NGAI GOOD ——
CHU CHO GOOD •
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.66
10-15% BROKENS GOOD 1.50
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD ——
WHOLE GLUTINOUS . GOOD 1.56
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.75
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.70
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD X
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (3/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT)
GOOD
330 (AVERAGE)
MONDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1974
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 NORMAL 1.80 0.60 1.20
WHITE CABBAGE NORMAL 0.60 0.20 0.40
CHINESE LETTUCE NORMAL 1.40 0.50 1.00
WATER SPINACH —— —— —— ——
CHINESE KALE LIMITED 1.80 0.70 1.40
STRING BEANS —— —— —— —
SPRING ONION LIMITED 2.20 0.50 1.40
SPINACH LIMITED 1.80 0.50 1.20
WATER CRESS NORMAL 1.60 0.40 1.00
CHINESE SPINACH — —— —— ——
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE LIMITED 0.60 0.20 0.40
TOMATO LIMITED 2.50 1.50 2.00
-----0------
... DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I " .
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1974.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
/
ADDITIONAL SUBVENTION NOT EXCEEDING $4 MILLION GRANTED TO voluntary welfare agencies for adjustment of staff 1
SALARIES................................................. 1
NEW RECORD OF 393 CALLS ANSWERED IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD BY AMBULANCE COMMAND........................................ 2
DIPLOMAS IN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL AWARDED TO TWO LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS ....................................... 3
PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY FOR “MODERN YOUTH SHIELD” AMATEUR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT ..................................... 4
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5r233T91
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1974
1
ADDITIONAL SUBVENTION FOR VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES FOR ADJUSTMENT IN STAFF SALARIES ***«««
THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE -RECOMMENDATION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE, HAS ALLOWED AN ADDITIONAL SUBVENTION NOT EXCEEDING $4 MILLION FOR AN ADJUSTMENT IN SALARIES OF STAFF OF VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES BACKDATED TO APRIL 1, 1974.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY (TUESDAY) THAT THE ADDITIONAL SUBVENTION WAS TO ASSIST VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES TO INCREASE THE SALARIES OF THEIR STAFF IN LINE WITH THE GENERAL INCREASE AWARDED TO GOVERNMENT STAFF THIS YEAR.
+WHEN GOVERNMENT INCREASE THE SALARIES OF ITS STAFF, MANY OF THE VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES ALSO INCREASE THE SALARIES TO THEIR STAFF FROM THEIR OWN RESOURCES, BUT SOME WERE UNABLE TO DO SO AND THE ADJUSTMENTS NOW BE I,NG AWARDED WILL TAKE THIS INTO ACCOUNT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+IN DECIDING THE INCREASE FOR EACH AGENCY, THE AMOUNT ACTUALLY PAID TO ITS STAFF HAS BEEN TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION AND EACH MEMBER OF THE STAFF HAS BEEN ALLOWED A NOTIONAL INCREASE EQUIVALENT TO THAT WHICH HIS SALARY COUNTERPART IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE RECEIVED.*
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID TO AN AGENCY WILL ALSO DEPEND UPON THE PROPORTION OF THE TOTAL AGENCY SALARY BILL WHICH IS ACTUALLY SUEVENTED BY GOVERNMENT.
+THIS IS THE FIRST TIME THAT A SALARY INCREASE FOR VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES HAS BEEN BACKDATED,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.
COMMENTING ON NEWSPAPER REPORTS THAT GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING +FREEZING+ SUBVENTIONS TO VOLUNTARY WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE NEW FINANCIAL YEAR, THE SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS JUST SPECULATION.
+WE ARE PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTIONS FOR THE NEXT YEAR IN THE NORMAL WAY.* HE SAID.
----0----
2
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1974
AMBULANCE COMMAND ANSWERS RECORD NUMBER OF CALLS
X * H H « if
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS SET A NEW RECORD OF CALLS ANSWERED IN A 24-HOUR PERIOD.
BETWEEN 7 AM ON MONDAY AND 7 AM TODAY (TUESDAY), A TOTAL OF 393 CALLS WERE RECEIVED, <OR JUST OVER 16 PER HOUR.
OF THESE, 263 WERE EMERGENCY CALLS AND 130 WERE NON-EMERGENCY CALLS. KOWLOON HAD 187 CALLS, HONG KONG ISLAND HAD 135 AND THE NEW TERRITORIES 71.
THE BUSIEST PERIOD WAS BETWEEN MIDDAY AND 4 PM YESTERDAY WHEN 119 CALLS WERE RECEIVED.
MR. HARRY KENYON, ASSISTANT CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, SAID IT WAS UNUSUAL. TO RECEIVE SUCH A HIGH NUMBER OF CALLS AT THIS TIME OF THE YEAR.
+WE ANSWERED JUST OVER 300 CALLS DURING THE PREVIOUS FEW DAYS, BUT THE NUMBER JUST SUDDENLY S'HOT UP,+ HE SAID.
THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 391 CALLS WAS SET ON JULY 6 THIS YEAR.
----0----
/3
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1974
- 3 -
TWO ASSISTANT SMOKE INSPECTORS OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT AWARDED DIPLOMAS IN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL
M * * * N M
THE ROYAL SOCIETY OF HEALTH HAS AWARDED DIPLOMAS IN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL TO TWO LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS.
THEY ARE MR. LIN CHAN-MING AND CHAU CHl-MING, BOTH ASSISTANT SMOKE INSPECTORS WITH THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT.
.THE OFFICERS SAT FOR A SPECIAL TWO-DAY ORAL AND WRITTEN EXAMINATION IN SEPTEMBER CONDUCTED BY A PANEL OF EXPERTS.
IT CONSISTED OF DR. G.l. FORBES, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF. THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT (HYGIENE), MR. RON EDGLEY, CHIEF CHEMIST OF THE GOVERNMENT LABORATORY AND MR. EDGAR LAUfIr, OF CHINA LIGHT AND POWER (TECHNICAL MANAGEMENT).
THEIR SUCCESS BRINGS THE TOTAL NUMBER OF OFFICERS WITH THE AIR POLLUTION CONTROL UNIT HOLDING THE INTERNATIONALLY-RECOGNISED DIPLOMA TO SIX - MORE THAN HALF OF THE STAFF.
THE DEPARTMENT’S AIR POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICER, MR. DAVID NEWBURY. SAID TODAY » *THE REMAINING FIVE OFFICERS AT THE MOMENT ARE BEING TRAINED TO SIT FOR THIS DIPLOMA.*
THEY WILL TAKE THE EXAMINATION NEXT YEAR.
♦THE DIPLOMA IS RECOGNISED AS A HALLMARK OF THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL COMPETENCE IN AIR POLLUTION CONTROL.
♦IN CONJUNCTION WITH FIELD TRAINING, WE REGARD THE DIPLOMA AS A SIGNIFICANT STEP IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT OF AIR
POLLUTION CONTROL OFFICERS.*
A
, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 197*.
- 4 -
♦MODERN VoUTH SHIELD* AMATEUR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT * * * # M *
THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY FOR THE ♦MODERN YOUTH SHIELD* YOUTH AMATEUR BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28). ‘
THE TOURNAMENT IS ONE OF THE COMMUNITY YOUTH ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE MODERN YOUTH ALLIANCE ASSOCIATION WHICH IS UNDER THE SPONSORSHIP OF THE NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE COMMUNITY VORK OFFICE.
THE AIM OF. THE TOURNAMENT IS TO PROMOTE THE SKILL OF BASKETBALL PLAYING AND TO ESTABLISH YOUTH RELATIONSHIP.
ALTOGETHER 72 TEAMS, 12 GIRLS AND 60 BOYS. COMPETED IN THE TOURNAMENT WHICH WAS STARTED IN OCTOBER. AFTER TWO-AND-A-HALF MONTHS COMPETITION, THE FINAL WILL BE PLAYED ON THE PRIZE-GIVING DAY AT THE EAST KAI TAK INDOOR BASKETBALL COURT. KOWLOON, IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE PRIZE PRESENTATION AT 8 P.M.
MR. DAVID CHIU YfM-SHUN, THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, KWUN TONG- MR. KWOK NAl-SlK.THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER, KWUN TONG- AND MR. NELSON TSANG WlNG-KAl, THE OFFICER-IN CHARGE OF THE NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY.
/
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24., 1974.
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE * * K O K
THE FOLLOWING PRICES WERE REALISED TODAY (TUESDAY) AT SALE UNDER THE RICE CONTROL SCHEME AND AT THE VEGETABLE MARKETING 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 U/CATTY)
CHINA RICE 7 •’ /
SEE MEW GOOD 1.82
S.C. JIEN GOOD 1.74
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD A ——
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE 10-15% BROKENS GOOD GOOD 1.66
Al SUPER EXTRA fcnnn __ *
Al SUPER GOOD 1.32
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.58
U.S. RICE GOOD 1.77
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.72
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD ——
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
(S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) 330 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND .....
< *1 ITr .
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24, 1974
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF MARINE FISH (FMO CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE FISH MARKET)
SPECIES AVAILABILITY OF WHOLESALE PRICE ($/CA‘
SUPPLY HIGH LOW MODE
GOLDEN THREAD LIMITED 5.30 . 2.40 4.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 2.60 1.60 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 6.20 3.50 4.80
HAIR-TAILS NORMAL 2.60 1.00 1.80
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 2.80 1.00 2.00
CROAKERS GOOD. 2.20 0.60 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.10 2.20 2.60
MELON COAT LIMITED 2.40 1.60 2.00
BREAMS LIMITED 5.20 3.00 4.10
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.20 0.60 0.90
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.00 2.50 4.20
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 2.80 0.70 1.80
FORK-TAIL GOOD 0.80 0.40 0.60
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 6.50 2.50 4.50
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.00 0.80 2.00
POMFRETS LIMITED 8.00 4.00 6.00
GAROUPAS YELLOW CROAKER NORMAL 8.50 4.50 6.50
-----o-----
ATTENTION ALL NEWS EDITORS AND ALL NEWS STAFF:
1974 -- 1975
MERRY. HAPPY
CHRISTMAS NEW YEAR
ftftft +++ftftft+++ ftfift
+ + + + + THE
DIRECTOR
EDITORS AND
ALL THE STAFF OF
GOVERNMENT INFORMATION
SERVICES EXTEND TO ALL READERS
OF THE DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THE WARMEST GREETINGS OF THE SEASON AND EVERY GOOD WISH FOR THE COMING YEAR
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++t+ttTt TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
11111
GGGGGG 111 ssssss
G G III s s
G 111 s
G GGG 11 r ssssss
G G 111 s
G G 111 s s
GGGGGG 111 11111 ssssss
MMMMMMM MMMMMKMMM MMMMMMF.MMMM MMMMMMMMMMMMM
PRH 7 '
DAILY INFORMATm,.§M&>
NEWLY-CREATED RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OFF TO A GOOD START M * * K * M
+QUANTITY, QUALITY AND MASS PARTICIPATION* IS THE
MOTTO OF THE NEWLY-CREATED RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WHICH HAS GOT OFF TO AN IMPRESSIVE START.
RESPONSE TO THE ACTIVITIES MOUNTED BY THE FIRST SIX DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING.
+THIS INDICATES THAT WE CAN DO MUCH TO STIMULATE THE PUBLIC’S INTEREST IN PHYSICAL RECREATION AND SPORTS,* SAID MISS E.S. MAIR, CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER.
MISS MAIR SAID THAT THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, SET UP ON OCTOBER 2, WAS CONCENTRATING ON PROVIDING RECREATION AND SPORTS FOR AS MANY PEOPLE AS POSSIBLE.AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
+THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS NOT ONLY CATER FOR SCHOOL DROP-OUTS AND FACTORY WORKERS BUT ALSO FOR OLDER PEOPLE AND THE HANDICAPPED,* SHE SAID.
TO THIS END, SHE WENT ON, MORE OPPORTUNITIES FOR GAMES AND SPORTS MUST BE PROVIDED. +HOWEVER, THERE IS ALWAYS THE PROBLEM OF LACK OF SPACE AND FACILITIES TO MEET EXISTING NEEDS.*
AS A SOLUTION, THE SERVICE PLANS TO MAKE FULL USE OF ALL EXISTING FACILITIES FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION.
UNDER THE PLAN, GOVERNMENT AND NON-GOVERNMENT SCHOOL PREMISES ARE TO BE MADE AVAILABLE OUTSIDE NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS FOR SPORTS AND GAMES FOR THE PUBLIC.
+THE IDEA BEHIND THIS IS TO OPEN UP EVERY POSSIBLE..
VENUE FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION,* SAID MISS MAIR, ADDING THAT THE PLAN WOULD CERTAINLY HELP MAKE UP FOR THE PRESENT; . INADEQUACY OF SPORTS FACILITIES IN HONG KONG.
SHE NOTED THAT SINCE THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE CAME INTO BEING,THERE WAS A HEAVY DEMAND FOR INDOOR PHYSICAL RECREATIONAL FACILITIES.
I
SHE SAID THAT SOME SPORTS AND GAMES, LIKE GYMNASTICS, DANCING, TABLE TENNIS AND BADMINTON, COULD BEST BE PLAYED IN A COVERED SURROUNDING SUCH AS A SCHOOL HALL.
/+WOMEN MOSTLY
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield Hoqse, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 19?4 '
2
♦WOMEN MOSTLY PREFER TO PLAY IN AN INDOOR VENUE RATHER THAN AN OPEN PLAYGROUND WHERE SPECTATORS AND 'CRITICS’ ARE AROUND.+
HOWEVER, MISS MAIR WAS OF THE OPINION THAT SUCH PROBLEMS AS MAINTENANCE, DAMAGE AND CARETAKING WOULD HAVE TO BE SOLVED FIRST BEFORE SCHOOL FACILITIES WERE OPENED FQR THIS PURPOSE.
♦OBVIOUSLY, THE USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES MUST BE CLOSELY CONTROLLED AND SUPERVISED AND WE ARE PREPARED TO DO EVERYTHING r IN OUR POWER TO MAKE THE PLAN WORKABLE AND VIABLE. IN VIEW OF THIS, A MINIMUM AND REASONABLE FEE SHOULD BE CHARGED FOR THE USE OF THE FACILITIES,+ SHE SAID.
MISS MAIR DESCRIBED SCHOOLS OPENED UP IN THIS MANNER AS 'COMMUNITY CENTRES IN MINIATURE’.
THESE MUCH-NEEDED FACILITIES WOULD PROVE TO BE VERY VALUABLE AND POPULAR WITH PEOPLE FROM ALL AGE GROUPS WHO MAY WISH TO PLAY GAMES AND SPORTS DURING THEIR LEISURE HOURS, SHE ADDED.
INDEED, EVEN MOTHERS WITH VERY YOUNG CHILDREN WOULD WELCOME THE PLAN.
+IF ENOUGH SPACE CAN BE FOUND, MOTHERS CAN TAKE PART IN 'KEEP FIT’ STYLE CLASSES WHILE CHILDREN CAN BE LOOKED AFTER BY SKILLED SUPERVISORS WHO WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH SOME SORT OF MEANINGFUL GAMES. THIS IDEA WOULD PARTICULARLY APPEAL TO MOTHERS IN VARIOUS HOUSING ESTATES,+ SHE SAID.
MISS MAIR REVEALED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD ALREADY TAKEN THE LEAD IN OPENING UP SCHOOL PREMISES FOR PUBLIC USE. .
AT PRESENT, THE VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL’S HALL IS USED OUTSIDE NORMAL SCHOOL HOURS FOR THEORY CLASSES IN THE TRAINING OF WATER POLO COACHES WHILE THE LUNG CHEUNG ROAD GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL ALLOWS ITS HALL TO BE USED FOR BADMINTON TRAINING SESSIONS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN.
♦HOPEFULLY, MORE GOVERNMENT SCHOOLS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE IN THE FUTURE,+ SHE SAID. +HOWEVER, WE DO COUNT ON THE GOODWILL AND CO-OPERATION OF THE NON-GOVERNMENT, SUBSIDISED AND PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO OPEN THEIR DOORS TO THE DISTRICT COMMUNITY IN ORDER TO MAKE THE PLAN A REAL SUCCESS.+
PROVISION OF SPORTS OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE GREATEST NUMBER OF HONG KONG PEOPLE IS NOT THE ONLY IDEAL PURSUED BY THE » RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THE QUALITY OF SPORTS ORGANIZATION AND THE LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION ARE AMONG THE THINGS IT SEEKS TO IMPROVE.
ACCORDING TO MfSS MAIR, THE SERVICE IS CURRENTLY ENGAGED IN A SERIES OF SPORTS COACHES AND REFEREES TRAINING SESSIONS TO ENSURE THAT SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS WILL HAVE PROPER INSTRUCTION AND GUIDANCE.
♦IN SHORT,+ SHE SUMMED UP, +WE AIM AT A THREE-PRONGED STRATEGY IN THE PROMOTION OF PHYSICAL RECREATION AND SPORTS IN HONG KONG -- QUANTITY, QUALITY AND MASS PARTICIPATION.^
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1974.
- 3 -
CO-OPERATION AMONG TENANTS
KEY TO A SOUND BUILDING MANAGEMENT K * M * M K
COOPERATION AND INITIATIVE AMONG TENANTS ARE THE KEY TO A SOUND BUILDING MANAGEMENT WHICH TURNS A TENEMENT BUILDING INTO A NICE AND COMFORTABLE PLACE TO LIVE IN.
• i
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TELLS A TRUE STORY OF THE RISE, FALL AND SUBSEQUENT REVIVAL OF AN OWNERS CORPORATION OF A MULTI-STOREY BUILDING IN SHAUKIWAN WHICH VIVIDLY ILLUSTRATES THIS POINT.
IN JUNE 1971, AN OWNERS CORPORATION WAS SET UP IN THE 19-STOREY BUILDING MADE UP OF 136 UNITS. «
UNDER THE CORPORATION, A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE SUCCEEDED IN LOOKING AFTER THE AFFAIRS OF THE BUILDING FOR ONE YEAR UNTIL FRUSTRATION CROPPED UP AS A RESULT OF MISUNDERSTANDING AND LACK OF COOPERATION OF INDIVIDUAL TENANTS AND LANDLORDS.
SUBSEQUENTLY THE COMMITTEE ENTERED INTO A TWO-YEAR CONTRACT WITH A SERVICE COMPANY. SINCE THEN THE COMMITTEE ' BROKE UP AND THE OWNERS CORPORATION WAS THUS LEFT WITHOUT AN EXECUTIVE ARM AND THE BUILDING WAS RUN BY THE SERVICE COMPANY WITHOUT PROPER SUPERVISION.
THE SITUATION WAS WORSENED WHEN THE CONTRACT EXPIRED IN JUNE THIS YEAR, LEAVING THE BUILDING WITH NO CLEANSING STAFF AND CARETAKING SERVICE. LITTER, WASTE AND PETS’ EXCREMENT FILLED THE CORRIDORS AND STAIRCASES WHILE PART OF THE LIGHTING SYSTEM IN THE COMMUNAL AREAS SIMPLY FAILED TO WORK. INDEED. THE RESIDENTS HAD TO LIVE INA HELL OF DIRT AND FEAR OF BECOMING A VICTIM OF CRIME.
THE CHAOTIC SIUTATION OF THE BUILDING PROMPTED THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (EASTERN) TO ACT. INITIAL EFFORTS BY THE C.D.O. TO CALL AN EXTRA-ORDINARY MEETING OF ALL FLAT-OWNERS TO DISCUSS THE RE-ELECTION OF A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE PROVED ABORTIVE AS THERE WAS SIMPLY NO RESPONSE.
HOWEVER, AFTER REPEATED ATTEMPTS BY THE C.D.O., A MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WAS FINALLY FORMED IN JULY. THIS SHOULD HAVE MARKED THE BEGINNING OF A NEW PHASE HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE INDIFFERENCE OF THE RESIDENTS WHICH CAUSED THE NEWLY-ELECTED CHAIRMAN TO RESIGN.
ONCE AGAIN, CHAOS APPEARED TO BE THE ORDER OF THE DAY. THE THREE LIFTS OF THE BUILDING BROKE DOWN ONE AFTER ANOTHER. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, TWO ELECTRICITY BILLS FOR COMMUNAL LIGHTING AMOUNTING TO $2,000 WERE OUTSTANDING.
/THIS TIME,
x Al &
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 25, 1974 - 4 -
THIS TIME, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF TOOK IMMEDIATE ACTION. AFTER LENGTHY PERSUASION AND ENCOURAGEMENT, THE RESIDENTS AGREED TO ELECT ONE REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH FLOOR, AS A TEMPORARY MEASURE, TO COLLECT MONTHLY MANAGEMENT FEES OF $40 A FLAT TO PAY THE OUTSTANDING ELECTRICITY BILLS AND THE COST OF RESUMING THE LIFT SERVICE.
INSPIRED BY THE SUCCESS, THE C.D.O. STAFF CONTINUED THEIR EFFORTS TO PERSUADE SUITABLE PEOPLE FROM THE OWNERS TO ACT AS THE FUTURE .MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS. AS MALE OWNERS HAD EXPRESSED THEIR DIFFICULTY IN FINDING TIME FOR SUCH DUTIES, THE HOUSEWIVES . WERE ENCOURAGED TO TAKE UP TH-IS RESPONSIBILITY.
THIS PROVED TO BE A SUCCESS. AT A GENERAL MEETING IN ' AUGUST, A CHAIRWOMAN, A SECRETARY AND EIGHT FLAT-OWNERS WERE ELECTED AS OFFICIALS OF THE NEW OWNERS CORPORATION AND A NEW MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE WAS FORMED UNDER IT.
THE MANAGEMENT OF THE BUILDING, WHICH WAS LITERALLY GIVEN A NEW LEASE OF LIFE, HAS BEEN OPERATING SMOOTHLY SINCE.
IN SUMMING UP, THE SPOKESMAN SAID* +EVERYONE WANTS TO LIVE IN A PROPERLY MANAGED BUILDING. IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE THIS. THE RESIDENTS MUST COOPERATE AND TAKE PART IN IMPROVING AS WELL . AS MAINTAINING THE STANDARDS OF BUILDING MANAGEMENT.*
------0--------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE SET UP TO ADVISE MAJOR ASPECTS OF INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION’S WORK .......... 1
SIGNIFICANCE OF AFTER-CARE AND WELFARE IN PRISON INSTITUTIONS UNDERLINED ................................... 2
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT .................. 3
PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX EXPLAINED — NEW SYSTEM MUCH FAIRER TO BUSINESSMEN ................................ 4
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN YAU MA TEI ......................... 5
TEACHERS INVITED TO ATTEND MATHEMATICS EXHIBITION AT
GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION ............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974. - 1 -
SPECIAL COMMITTEE SET UP TO ADVISE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION ON MAJOR POLICY MATTERS H M M H
A SPECIAL COMMITTEE HAS BEEN SET UP TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION ON MAJOR POLICY ASPECTS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGA’I NST CORRUPTION’S WORK IN THE FIELD OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION.
THE INTENTION TO FORM SUCH A COMMITTEE WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, IN HIS OPENING ADDRESS TO THE NEW SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON OCTOBER 16.
THE CORRUPTION PREVENTION ADVISORY COMMITTEE WILL HAVE AS ITS CHAIRMAN, THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION, HR. JACK CATER.
THE 10 MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ARE MR. J.H. BREMRIDGE, MISS PAULINE CHAN, MISS SAN SAN CHING, MR. S.V. GITTINS, MR. I.G. DANIEL, DR. L.K. DING, MR. G,M. MACWHINNIE, MR. WILLIAM K.C. SHUM, MR. M.D.A. CLINTON AND THE DIRECTOR OF CORRUPTION PREVENTION, MR. PERCY WARR.
THE COMMITTEE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR RECEIVING AND CALLING FOR REPORTS FROM THE ICAC ABOUT PRACTICES AND PROCEDURES OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, PUBLIC BODIES AND THE PRIVATE SECTOR WHICH MAY BE CONDUCTIVE TO CORRUPTION, AND TO ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER AGAINST CORRUPTION WHAT AREAS SHOULD BE EXAMINED AND THEIR DEGREE OF PRIORITY.
IT WILL CONSIDER RECOMMENDATIONS ARISING FROM SUCH EXAMINATIONS AND ADVISE THE COMMISSIONER ON FURTHER ACTION TO BE TAKEN AS WELL AS MONITORING THE STEPS TAKEN TO IMPLEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS MADE ON THE COMMITTEE’S ADVICE.
A FURTHER ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO ASSIST IN THE WORK OF THE ICAC, THE CITIZENS ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON COMMUNITY RELATIONS, IS EXPECTED TO EE SET UP EARLY NEXT YEAR AFTER MORE STAFF HAVE BEEN RECRUITED TO THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS BRANCH OF ICAC.
----0-----
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974
AFTER-CARE AND WELFARE IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS M # M * K M
a THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. THOMAS GARNER, HAS EMPHASISED THE SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE OF AFTER-CARE AND WELFARE IN VIEW OF THE GROWING POPULATION IN PENAL INSTITUTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE YOUNGER AGE GROUP. •
IN HIS LATEST DEPARTMENTAL REPORT, HE SAYS THAT BECAUSE OF THE INCREASING DEMAND IN THE FIELD OF AFTER-CARE A CHIEF OFFICER WAS APPOINTED LAST NOVEMBER FOR THE JOB. THE OFFICER IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ORGANISATION, CO-ORDINATION 'AND ADMINISTRATION OF ALL AFTER-CARE AND WELFARE WORK WITHIN THE .DEPARTMENT.
MR. GARNER ALSO MAKES THE POINT THAT AFTER-CARE COMMENCES JALMOST IMMEDIATELY AN INMATE IS ADMITTED TO A TRAINING, DETENTION OR TREATMENT CENTRE WHEN STEPS ARE TAKEN TO BUILD UP A GOOD ■ RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE INMATE, HIS FAMILY AND THE AFTER-CARE OFFICER. +THIS REQUIRES UNDERSTANDING AND INVOLVES COUNSELLING WITH, BOTH THE INMATE, AND HIS FAMILY.+
IN ADDITION TO THESE DUTIES, OFFICERS ARE ALSO EMPLOYED ON CASEWORK IN CONNECTION WITH PRE-SENTENCE REPORTS, INMATE WELFARE. AND SUPERVISION. ASSISTING THE CHIEF OFFICER IN HIS WORK ARE TWO PRINCIPAL OFFICERS, 39 OFFICERS AND FOUR ASSISTANT •OFFICERS.
. THE COMMISSIONER SAYS: +DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE — UNDER STRENGTH BY 29 OFFICERS — AFTER-CARE OFFICERS WERE CONSTANTLY WORKING UNDER PRESSURE. AT THE END OF MARCH THIS YEAR, THE AVERAGE CASELOAD CARRIED BY AN OFFICER WAS 76 AS COMPARED WITH THE OPTIMUM NUMBER OF 40. IN RECOGNITION OF THE NEED TO EXTEND WELFARE SERVICES TO COVER PRISONERS 17 OFFICER POSTS WERE CREATED FOR THIS PURPOSE DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.+
ON PRISON INDUSTRIES, MR. GARNER NOTES THAT THE TOTAL OUTPUT (IN ESTIMATED COMMERCIAL VALUE) BY THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR WAS $8.5 MILLION, SOME $500,000 ABOVE THAT FOR 1972/73.
HE SAYS THAT EVERY PRISONER WAS REQUIRED, BY LAW, TO BE ENGAGED ON USEFUL WORK, UNLESS EXCUSED ON MEDICAL GROUNDS AND PROVIDED THAT HE HAD BEEN CERTIFIED FIT TO UNDERTAKE THE PARTICULAR TYPE OF WORK INVOLVED.
/♦THIS REQUIREMENT
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974.
+THIS REQUIREMENT IS MET LARGELY BY THE EMPLOYMENT OF PRISONERS IN THE INDUSTRIAL SECTION OF INSTITUTIONS, TRADES AVAILABLE BEING TAILORING, CARPENTRY, METAL WORK, SILK-SCREENING, PRINTING, SHOE-MAKING, FIBRE-GLASS MOULDING, RATTAN, BAMBOO WORK AND LAUNDRY,* MR. GARNER STATES.
9 THE OUTPUT, OVER 80 PER CENT OF WHICH CAME FROM STANLEY ‘PRISON, WAS MAINLY TO MEET ORDERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT.
+FOR INMATES DETAINED iti TRAINING CENTRES,* THE COMMISSIONER SAYS VOCATIONAL TRAINING IS GIVEN. TRADES AVAILABLE IN THESE CENTRES INCLUDE CARPENTRY, BRICK-LAYING, METAL WORK, TOOL-HANDLING, GARDENING AND LAUNDRY.*
MR. GARNER SAYSa +IT IS APPARENT THAT, WITH THE INCREASING PENAL POPULATION, THERE IS A NEED FOR BETTER UTILIZATION OF MANPOWER ON GAINFUL AND USEFUL WORK.*
HE STRESSES THAT AS PART OF THE REHABILITATION PROGRAMME, IT IS NECESSARY TO PROVIDE PROPER TRAINING TO THE UNSKILLED TO ENABLE THEM TO BE READILY ABSORBED IN EMPLOYMENT WITHIN THE COMMUNITY AFTER RELEASE.
-----o------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT
* * X * *
’ MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT, WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A M TOMORROW (FRIDAY), RIGHT TURNING MOVEMENT FROM DES VOEUX*
INT0 RUMSEY STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FOR ABOUT inREE WEEKS.
IS T0 ENABLE WORKS ON TRAM TRACK RENEWAL TO BE CARRIED OUT BY THE HONG KONG TRAMWAYS LTD. «
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974.
- 4 -
PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM EXPLAINED M K H * M * M
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL TAX SYSTEM WILL MEAN A MUCH FAIRER TAXATION SYSTEM FOR BUSINESSMEN IN HONG KONG WHEN COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT COMPLICATED AND OFTEN INEQUITABLE METHOD.
THIS WILL BE PARTICULARLY EVIDENT IN CASES WHERE PROFITS ARE FALLING SIGNIFICANTLY - A TIME WHEN THE PRESENT SYSTEM CAN EE PARTICULARLY ONEROUS IN TERMS OF TAX PAYABLE.
THE BUSINESSMAN IN THIS SITUATION IS IN A MUCH WORSE POSITION THAN ONE WHOSE PROFITS ARE RISING BECAUSE THE PRESENT METHOD UNFAIRLY BENEFITS THE LATTER.
THE PROPOSED NEW METHOD OF ASSESSMENT WILL, HOWEVER, PLACE BOTH BUSINESSMEN ON THE SAME FOOTING WITH FINAL TAX PAYABLE IN EACH CASE, ALWAYS BEING CALCULATED AT THE STANDARD RATE ON ACTUAL PROFITS.
t
THE FOLLOWING TABLE ILLUSTRATES THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THE FINAL TAX PAYABLE UNDER THE PRESENT METHOD AND THE PROPOSED NEW METHOD
OLD METHOD NEW METHOD
YEAR ENDEI ACTUAL ) PROFIT FINAL TAX PAYABLE TAX PAYABLE AS PERCENTAGE OF ACTUAL PROFITS FINAL TAX PAYABLE TAX PAYABLE AS PERCENTAGE OF ACTUAL PROFITS
(1) RISING PROFITS
—————— 1975 $ 80,000 — — —
1976 S100,000 $12,000 12.0% $15,000 15%
1977 55140,000 $15,000 10.7% $21,000 15%
1978 $200,000 $21,000 10.5% $30,000 15% 15%
(2) FALLING PROFITS 1979 $250,000 $30,000 12.0% $37,500
—————— 1975 $250,000 — —
1976 $200,000 $37,500 5530,000 18.75% $30,000 15%
1977 $140,000 21.4% $21,000 15%
1978 $100,000 $21,000 21.0% $15,000 15%
1979 $ 80,000 $15,000 18.75% 5512,000 15%
/THE FIGURES .....
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974
i . »
THE FIGURES SHOW THAT IN THE FIRST CASE, THE FINAL TAX PAYABLE, EXPRESSED AS A PERCENTAGE OF THE ACTUAL PROFITS EARNED IN THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT, WILL ALWAYS BE LESS THAN THE STANDARD RATE OF 15 PER CENT. ----
HOWEVER, THE BUSINESS IN A FALLING PROFIT SITUATION WILL BE PENALISED BECAUSE ITS TAX PAYABLE WILL ALWAYS BE AT A PERCENTAGE RATE ABOVE THE STANDARD RATE. •
THE MORE DRAMATIC THE FALL IN PROFITS, THE MORE PENAL THE EFFECTIVE RATE ON ACTUAL PROFITS BECOMES. THIS IS HIGHLIGHTED BY THE FIGURES FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1977 (IN THE SECOND EXAMPLE) WHERE A DROP OF 30 PER CENT IN PROFITS RESULTS IN AN EFFECTIVE RATE OF 21.4 PER CENT - MORE THAN 42 PER CENT ABOVE THE STANDARD RATE OF 15 PER CENT.
HOWEVER, UNDER THE PROPOSED NEW SYSTEM, BOTH BUSINESSES, WITH RISING OR FALLING PROFITS, WILL ONLY BE PAYING THE STANDARD RATE AND ON A CURRENT YEAR BASIS.
WATER CUT
XXX
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN YAU MA TEI WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28) TO ENABLE A LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SHANGHAI STREET, SAIGON STREET, CANTON ROAD AND KANSU STREET.
-------0--------
/6.......
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1974
- 6 -
I NV I TAT I ON TO ALL TEACHERS TO ATTEND MATHEMATICS EXHIBITION
M M M K M M
ALL TEACHERS ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE MATHEMATICS EXHIBITION AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TO EE OPENED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING THIS SATURDAY (DECEMBER 28).
THE EXHIBITION WILL BEGIN AT 10 A.M. AND WILL LAST
UNTIL 4.30 P.M.
MORE THAN 100 DIFFERENT TYPES OF TEACHING APPARATUS WILL BE EXHIBITED ON 200 TABLES.
THE DISPLAY WILL FOLLOW THE OPENING OF A SEMINAR BY MR. HO.
THE EXHIBITION AND SEMINAR, TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF TWO NEW MATHEMATICS CENTRES - ONE AT TANNER ROAD POLICE PRIMARY SCHOOL, HONG KONG, AND THE OTHER AT THE MA TAU CHUNG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, KOWLOON - ARE EXPECTED TO ATTRACT MORE THAN 1,000 SCHOOL HEADS AND TEACHERS. .
THE THEME OF THE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITION REFLECTS THE CHINESE PROVERB +1 DO AND I UNDERSTAND,* I.E. LEARNING BY DOIUNG.
AT THE ONE-DAY EXHIBITION, 90 STUDENTS FROM THE THREE COLLEGES^OF EDUCATION WILL DEMONSTRATE THE TYPES OF EQUIPMENT USED AT THE TWO CENTRES.
AN EDUCATION SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THE OBJECT IS NOT TO SHOW TEACHERS HOW THEY THEMSELVES CAN USE THE EQUIPMENT, BUT RATHER, HOW THEY CAN TEACH THE CHILDREN TO USE THE EQUIPMENT. '
THE UNDERLYING IDEA BEHIND THESE TEACHING METHODS IS TO ENCOURAGE THE GROWTH OF A STUDENT’S POWER OF INQUIRY, TO PROVIDE HIM WITH EXPERIENCE IN ANALYSING SITUATIONS AND IN MAKING HIS OWN DECISIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE SEMINAR AND
---------------- EXHIBITION COVERED AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF
EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON ON DECEMBER 28.
0 .
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
,1
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OVER 34,000 PERSONS REGISTERED TO VOTE AT THE NEXT URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION ............................. 1
EMPLOYEES OF +PUBLIC BODY* CLASSIFIED AS ^PUBLIC SERVANTS* UNDER THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE 2
STANDARD FARE STRUCTURE FOR LANTAO BUSES ............. 3
SWIMMING RACE TO BE HELD AT TSUEN WAN................. 4
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION GIVEN CAREFUL CONSIDERATION BY GOVERNMENT....................................... 5
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE ........ 7
NEW LEGISLATION SEEKING TO WAIVE THE ROYALTY PAYMENTS BY BOTH BUS COMPANIES ....................... 7
CAMPING COMPETITION FOR CAS CADETS.................... 8
TSUEN WAN YOUTH SEMINAR .............................. 8
VARIETY SHOW FOR THE DEAF........................... 9
DEATH OF ASSISTANT POST-MASTER GENERAL ............... 9
FORESHORES AND SEABED AT SHA TIN HOI TO BE LEASED FOR PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ..................... 10
CONSTRUCTION OF PUMPING STATION IN SAI KUNG ........ 10
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMO DITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
URBAN COUNCIL ELECTORATE OVER 34,000 NAMES IN NEW REGISTER ««««««
A TOTAL OF 34,078 PERSONS HAS BEEN REGISTERED TO VOTE AT THE NEXT URBAN COUNCIL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON MARCH 5, 1975.
THE NAMES OF THESE REGISTERED ELECTORS TOGETHER WITH THEIR ELECTORAL NUMBERS AND OTHER DETAILS OF ADDRESS AND IDENTITY, ARE CONTAINED IN THE NEW FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS COMPILED BY THE REGISTRATION OFFICER AND WILL BE PUBLISHED OU DECEMBER 30, 1974.
ANNOUNCING THIS, THE REGISTRATION OFFICER, MR. JOHN MITCHELL POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW REGISTER WAS IN TWO VOLUMES.
VOLUME I, IN FOUR PARTS, CONTAINS THE NAMES OF THOSE ELECTORS WHO ARE REGISTERED TO VOTE AT THE KING’S COLLEGE POLLING STATION, THE CITY HALL POLLING STATION, THE HENNESSY ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION AND THE NORTH POINT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION.
VOLUME II, IN NINE PARTS, CONTAINS THE NAMES OF THOSE ELECTORS REGISTERED TO VOTE AT THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER POLLING STATION. THE QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL POLLING STATION, THE KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL POLLING STATION. THE PERTH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION, THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION, THE KWUN TONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION, THE TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION, THE HEUNG YEE KUK YUEN LONG DISTRICT SECONDARY SCHOOL POLLING STATION AND THE WONG SHIU CHI MIDDLE SCHOOL POLLING STATION (TA! PO).
THE FINAL REGISTER OF ELECTORS WILL EE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT, HO. 4, SUNNING ROAD, 7TH FLOOR, KA CHEONG BUILDING, HONG KONG DURING OFFICE HOURS ON WEEKDAYS BEGINNING FROM DECEMBER 30, 1974. COPIES OF THE REGISTER WILL BE ON SALE, AT $45 PER VOLUME, AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE.
MR. MITCHELL EXPLAINED THAT THE LAST REGISTER, PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 30, 1972, WOULD REMAIN LEGALLY VALID UNTIL JANUARY 14, 1975, AFTER WHICH DATE THE HEW REGISTER, TO BE PUBLISHED ON DECEMBER 30, 1974 WOULD SUPERCEDE THE LAST REGISTER ALD WOULD REMAIN LEGALLY IN FORCE UNTIL JANUARY 14, 1977.
PREPARATION OF THE NEXT PROVISIONAL REGISTER, FROM WHICH THE NEXT FINAL REGISTER IS COMPILED, WILL COMMENCE ON FEBRUARY 15, 1976.
+THIS MEANS THAT ONLY THOSE PERSONS WHOSE NAMES APPEAR IN THE NEW FINAL REGISTER WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO VOTE AT THE FORTHCOMING ELECTION TO BE HELD NEXT MARCH. ANY PERSON WHO MAY BE ELIGIBLE BUT WHO HAS NOT BEEN REGISTERED CANNOT APPLY FOR REGISTRATION AS AN ELECTOR BEFORE FEBRUARY, 1976,+ MR. MITCHELL ADDED.
/THE REGISTRATION .....
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
2
THE REGISTRATION OFFICER ALSO STATED THAT HE WOULD POST TO EVERY ELECTOR A POLL CARD BEARING HIS OR HER ELECTORAL NUMBER.
THESE CARDS ARE DESIGNED TO ASSIST VOTERS ON ELECTION DAY, SINCE THEIR PRODUCTION TO THE POLLING OFFICERS TOGETHER WITH THE ELECTORS’ HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD, OR SOME OTHER FORMS OF IDENTIFICATION, WILL READILY IDENTIFY THE HOLDERS AND ENABLE THEM TO OBTAIN A BALLOT PAPER WITH THE MINIMUM OF DELAY.
THE POLL CARDS WILL BE POSTED BEFORE THE END OF FEBRUARY NEXT AND ELECTORS ARE URGED NOT TO MISLAY THEM.
ELECTORS ARE ALSO REMINDED TO KEEP THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT INFORMED OF ANY CHANGE OF ADDRESS SO THAT POLL CARDS CAN BE POSTED TO THEIR CORRECT ADDRESS.
- - -0 ------
MORE ORGANISATIONS COME UNDER PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE O O
THE NUMBER OF SCHEDULED ORGANISATIONS COMING WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF A +PUBLIC BODY+ TO BRING THEM UNDER THE UMBRELLA OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE HAS BEEN DOUBLED TO 36.
THE NEW SCHEDULE TO THE ORDINANCE WAS GAZETTED TODAY FOLLOWING ITS APPROVAL BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK. IT COMES INTO EFFECT IMMEDIATELY.
THE MAIN EFFECT IS THAT THE ORGANISATIONS LISTED ARE BROUGHT WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF +PUBLIC BODY+. THIS MEANS THAT UNDER THE ORDINANCE THEIR EMPLOYEES ARE CLASSIFIED AS +PUBLIC SERVANTS*.
THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE PROHIBITS BOTH OFFERING AN ADVANTAGE TO, AND SOLICITING AN ADVANTAGE BY A ^PUBLIC SERVANT* IT ALSO PROHIBITS THE OFFERING OF A BRIBE BY A PERSON WHO IS DEALING WITH A +PUBLIC BODY*.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE 36 ORGANISATIONS NOW LISTED ON THE SCHEDULE, ALL HAVE FUNCTIONS OR CHARACTER WHICH ARE OF A PUBLIC NATURE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEDULE WAS NOT STATIC AND THAT AS NEW ORGANISATIONS COME INTO EXISTENCE TO PROVIDE SERVICES OF A PUBLIC NATURE IT IS INTENDED THAT THEY, TOO, SHOULD BE INCLUDED.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE CRITERIA FOR INCLUSION OF ORGANISATIONS IN THE SCHEDULE IS CURRENTLY UNDER REV I EV/.
/3
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
3
STANDARD FARE STRUCTURE FOR LANTAO BUSES nnan# n
BUSES ON LANTAO ISLAND MILL OPERATE Jtl A ATAnnAnn fade STRUCTURE WHICH WILL PROVIDE CONCESSION GATES FOR REGULAR TRAVELLERS AND HALF FARES FOR STUDENTS IN UNIFORM AND CHILDREN. TRAVELLERS
____THE FARE STRUCTURE WILL START ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1) FOLLOWING THE INTRORICTION EARLIER THIS MOUTH OF NEW BUS TIMETABLES £?SE“JSE2.*KE2YE® ™ea-JEocies mid Derren cotUm™
FACILITIES WITH FERRY SERVICES TO THE ISLAND.
THE NEW MEASURE AIMS AT STANDARDISING BUS FARES ON LANTAO ISLAND IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NEW TIMETABLES WHICH NOW PROVIDE A BASIC GUARANTEED LEVEL OF SERVICE.
THE STANDARD FARE STRUCTURE WILL APPLY TO THE ISLAND’S FIVE BUS ROUTES WHICH ARE# (A) BETWEEN MUI WO AND TAI 0 VIA PUl 0. CHEUNG SHA, TONG FUK, SHU I HAU AND KEUfJG SHAN- (D) BETWEEN Mil WO AND- NGONG PING VIA PUl 0, CHEUNG SHA, TONG FUK, SHUl HAU AND PAVILION- (C) BETWEEN MUI WO AND TUNG CHUNG VIA PUl 0, CHEUNG SHA. AND TUNG CHUNG R0AI> (D) BETWEEN MUI WO AUD CHEUNG SHA VIA PUl 0-AND (EJ BETWEEN MUI WO AND TAI LONG VAN VIA SOUTH LANTAO ROAD AND TAI LONG WAN ACCESS ROAD.
UNDER THIS FARE STRUCTURE, PASSENGERS CAN BUY MONTHLY OR SEASON TICKETS WHICH UILL ENABLE THEM TO ENJOY EITHER UNLIMITED JOURNEYS WITHIN A MONTH, OR A REFUND FOR ANY UNUSED TRIPS AT THE END OF A SEASON.
-THE NEW LANTAO BUS COMPANY WILL ISSUE MONTHLY TICKETS AT
30 TIMES THE APPROPRIATE FARES ON ALL ROUTES EXCEPT THE MUI UO-NGONG PING ROUTE FOR WHICH THE RATE UILL BE 20 TIMES ONLY. THESE TICKETS CAN DE USED FOR AS MANY JOURNEYS AS THE HOLDER MAY WISH TO TAKE ON ANY DAY OF THE MONTH.
THERE WILL ALSO BE THE CONCESSION SEASON TICKET WHICH IS CALCULATED ON REDUCED RATES. IT CAN BE VALID FOR 30 TO 60 JOURNEYS DEPENDING ON THE CHOICE OF THE BUYER. HE WILL THEN PAY A LUMP SUM FOR THE NUMBER OF TRIPS DESIRED. HOWEVER, MONEY FOR ANY JOURNEYS UNUSED WILL BE REFUNDED AT THE END OF A THREE-MONTH PERIOD.
STUDENTS IN UNIFORM OR CHILDREN BELOW THE AGE OF 12 YEARS WILL ENJOY HALF FARES CALCULATED TO THE NEAREST 10 CENTS, WHILE THOSE BELOW THE AGE OF FOUR YEARS ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT DUT NOT OCCUPYING A SEAT MAY BE CARRIED FREE.
/THE FUIL-JOURTEY
- 4
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 19?4.
, THE FULL-JOURNEY FARES FOR THE VARIOUS ROUTES FRfM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS (FARES FOR SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IU BRACKETS) ARE* $1 ($2) FOR THE MUI WO-CHEUNG SHA °DUTE«> Si.50 FOR THE MU! WO-TAI LONG WAN ROUTE- S2 (S3) FOR THE MUI JO-TAS 0 AND MUI WO-TUNG CHUNG ROUTES- AND S3 (S4) FOR THE MUI WO-fIGONG PING ROUTE. INTERMEDIATE FARES AT CORRESPONDINGLY LOUER RATES WILL APPLY IN THE CASE OF SHORTER JOURNEYS.
STAFF OF THE HEW LAHTAO EUS COMPANY WILL HAVE COPIES OF THE FARE TABLES AVAILABLE FOR CONSULTATION DY PASSENGERS, AND COPIES WILL ALSO BE DISPLAYED AT ALL BUS TERMINI.
- r - - 0 ----
SWIMMING RACE AT TSUEN WAN BEACH X X X X X X
A LONG DISTANCE SELF-SURVIVAL RACE WILL BE HELD AT APPROACH BEACH, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 3 P.M. ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29).
THE RACE WILL START FROM BETWEEN BATHING HUTS NOS. 44 AND 45, ROUND A MARKER BUOY STATIONED OFF SHORE AND THEN RUN PARALLEL TO THE SHORE IN AN EASTERLY DIRECTION ROUND A FURTHER MARKER BUOY AND FINISH BETWEEN BATHING HUTS NOS. 13 AND 14.
OWNERS AND COXSWAINS OF SMALL CRAFT ARE REQUESTED TO KEEP WELL CLEAR OF THE SWIMMERS AND MARSHALLING BOATS AND EXERCISE CAUTION WHEN UNDERWAY IN THE VICINITY.
-----o------
/5
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
- 5
PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IN HONG KONG ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT HAS CONSIDERED THE QUESTION OF THE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS VERY CAREFULLY AND HAS TAKEN AN OBJECTIVE AND REALISTIC VIEW, THE ACTING. ASSISTANT DIREC'iOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. DANIEL WATERS SAID THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT A SEMINAR OH +AIMS OF PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION+ ORGANISED DY THE SUB-COMMITTEE OH PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE.
MR. WATERS SAID: +THE PRESENT THINKING OF THE GOVERNMENT, IN LINE WITH THE REVISED VIEWS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, IS THAT PREVOCATIONAL TYPE SCHOOLS ARE NOT THE MOST SUITABLE OVERALL SOLUTION FOR OUR PRESENT EDUCATION PROBLEMS.
♦THIS DOES NOT MEAN THAT THEY HAVE NO PART TO PLAY, MERELY THAT PREVOCATIONAL TYPE SCHOOLS WILL NOT BE THE DOMINANT ELEMENT IN THE EXPANSION PLANS FOR THE JUNIOR SECONDARY LEVEL, AS LAID DOWN IN THE 1974 WHITE PAPER.
♦THE GOVERNMENT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO REVIEW OVERALL POLICY AND REACT ACCORDINGLY, AS EXPERIENCE I ND I CATES.+
THE WHITE PAPER DID NOT RULE OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF FUTURE MODIFICATIONS, OR OF REAPPRAISAL.
♦IT IS RECOGNISED THAT A POLICY WITHOUT FLEXIBILITY WOULD< NOT BE WISE,+ THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR EMPHASISED.
HE REITERATED THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WOULD CONTINUE TO EXIST IN THEIR OWN RIGHT AND WITH PARITY OF ESTEEM AND IMPORTANCE WITH OTHER SCHOOLS.
MR. WATERS BELIEVED THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HAD AN INTEGRAL PART TO PLAY IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM ALTHOUGH THE EVENTUAL TOTAL NUMBER OF PREVOCATIONAL PLACES TO BE OFFERED - SOME 10,000 BY 1983 - WAS SMALL.
THESE SCHOOLS ARE FULLY SUBSIDIZED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE TUITION FEE PAID BY PUPILS IS ONLY $200 A YEAR WHICH IS HALF THE FEE CHARGED IN THE STANDARD GRAMMAR AND TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE MAIN FEATURES OF THE WHITE PAPER, BASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, WAS THAT THERE SHOULD BE A SINGLE STREAM OF EDUCATION FOR THE FIRST NINE YEARS, WITH A COMMON CORE OF INSTRUCTION.
BRANCHING INTO GRAMMAR OR TECHNICAL STREAMS WOULD COME AFTER THE PROPOSED HONG KONG JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION TAKEN AT FORM I I I LEVEL.
/Hr. waters......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 197'*.
MR. WATERS SAID THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS FULLY AWARE THAT +SOME PUPILS IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS MAY WISH TO ENTER SENIOR SECONDARY COURSES IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR AND WE ARE GIVING THIS MATTER CAREFUL ATTENTION.
+IN ADDITION, AFTER 1932, WHEN THE NEW JUNIOR CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION IS EXPECTED TO BE HELD, PUPILS FROM PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS SHOULD BE ABLE TO SIT THIS EXAMINATION FOR SELECTION TO FORM IV IN THE AIDED SECTOR.+
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR SAID THAT TECHNICAL EDUCATION WAS A VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT AND THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE A GREAT DEAL DURING RECENT YEARS - THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE POLYTECHNIC- THE SETTING UP OF A TECHNICAL BRANCH, INCLUDING A TECHNICAL INSPECTORATE, IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT- THE ESTABLISHMENT OF TilE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE- THE INTRODUCTION OF ENHANCED FINANCIAL GRANTS FOR STUDENT TECHNICAL TEACHERS- THE ADDITION OF AN EXTRA FLOOR TO THE WORKSHOP WING OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A DEPARTMENT OF PRINTING IN THE INSTITUTE.
TOO MORE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES - ONE AT KWAI CHUNG AND THE OTHER AT KWUN TONG - WILL BE OPENED IN 1975.
ANOTHER ONE AT CHEUNG SHA WAN IS EXPECTED TO OPEN IN 1977/78 AND THE SAN PO KONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR.
PREPARATION WAS IN HAND FOR THREE MORE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AT SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
PLANS WERE GOING AHEAD FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF PRACTICAL/ TECHNICAL SUBJECTS INTO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN LINE WITH THE WHITE PAPER RECOMMENDATIONS.
MR. WATERS SAlfri +SUCH DEVELOPMENTS ARE OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT. WE ALL KNOW THAT THE EXPANSION AND INCREASED SOPHISTICATION OF INDUSTRY AND THE RELATED AREAS OF THE ECONOMY WILL DEPEND TO A VERY LARGE EXTENT ON A SOUND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMME.*
ROTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. WATERS’ SPEECH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES.
-------0
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT CHOI if if if if if it
HUNG INTERCHANGE
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED A NUMBER OF TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO COINCIDE WITH THE OPENING OF A FLYOVER AT THE CHOI HUNG INTERCHANGE TO TRAFFIC FROM KWUN TONG TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD AND CLEARWATER DAY ROAD NEXT WEEK.
THE FLYOVER WILL BE OPENED AT 10 AM ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 30).
AS THERE WILL BE NO RIGHT-TURN FACILITY AT GROUND LEVEL AFTER THE FLYOVER IS OPENED, MOTORISTS FROM KWUN TONG PROCEEDING TO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD OR CLEARWATER BAY ROAD WILL HAVE TO SELECT THE LEFT-HAND LANE OPPOSITE PING SHEK ESTATE INSTEAD OF USING THE RIGHT-HAND LANE AS AT PRESENT.
ON THE OTHER HAND, MOTORISTS FROM KWUN TONG PROCEEDING TOWARDS THE AIRPORT WILL HAVE TO SELECT THE RIGHT-HAND LANE INSTEAD OF THE LEFT-HAND LANE.
ABOUT ONE WEEK AFTER THE FLYOVER IS OPENED, DIRECT ACCESS FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO PING SHEK ESTATE, R.A.F. OFFICERS’ QUARTERS, KAI TAK MANSION AND ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL WILL BE REMOVED FOR SEVERAL MONTHS. AT THE SAME TIME, DIVERSION SIGNS VIA NGAU CHI WAN FIRE STATION WILL BE ERECTED FOR MOTORISTS WISHING TO GAIN ACCESS TO THESE PROPERTIES FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - - - o - - —
ROYALTY PAYMENTS OF KMB AND CMB TO BE WAIVED it if if if if if
TOO BILLS WHICH SEEK TO WAIVE THE ROYALTY PAYMENTS FOR BOTH THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY AND THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SOON.
IF THE BILLS - THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES (KOWLOON AND NEV/ TERRITORIES) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES (HONG KONG ISLAND) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 - ARE PASSED, THE TOO COMPANIES WILL NOT HAVE TO PAY ROYALTIES TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THEIR FINANCIAL YEARS — 1972-3, 1973-4 AND 1974-5.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPANIES ALSO HAD THEIR ROYALTY WAIVED IN 1970-1 AND AGAIN IN 1971-2.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION WAS BEING INTRODUCED TO ENABLE BOTH KMB AND CMB TO UNDERTAKE SUBSTANTIAL CAPITAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES WHICH INCLUDE THE PURCHASE OF ADDITIONAL BUSES AND EQUIPMENT AS PART OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE BUS SERVICES GENERALLY.
-------o---------
/8......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974.
CAMPING COMPETITION FOR CAS CADETS H H « «
A FOUR-DAY CAMPING COMPETITION INVOLVING 450 CADETS OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES HAS STARTED TODAY AT THE DODWELL’S RIDGE CAMP IN FANLING.
THE COMPETITION IS DESIGNED TO PROMOTE COMRADESHIP AMONG MEMBERS OF THE 20 ESTABLISHED CADET UNITS.
♦BY HOLDING THE CAMP, WE HOPE TO OBSERVE THE LEADERSHIP, TEAMWORK AND INITIATIVE OF THE CADETS THROUGH VARIOUS FORMS OF COMPETITIONS SUCH AS FOOTDRILL, COOKING, CAMP FIRE AND PHYSICAL CONTESTS,+ SAID MR. JOHN FORTUNE, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
AN OPEN DAY WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29), BETWEEN iO AM AND 1 PM, TO ENABLE SENIOR OFFICERS OF THE C.A.S. AS WELL AS MEMBERS AND THEIR FAM I LIES .TO VISIT THE CAMP SITE AND WATCH THE COMPETITION.
THE COMPETITION WILL END OM MONDAY WHEN WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CAMPING EVENT AND OPEN DAY ON SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) MORNING.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO VISIT DODWELL'S RIDGE CAMP BY C.A.S. TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT THE C.A.S. KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE, 204 ARGYLE STREET (NEXT TO KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION) BY 9.30 AM.
------o - - - -
TSUEN WAN YOUTH SEMINAR M M « #
A SEMINAR WILL BE HELD BY THE DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE IN TSUEN WAN FOR IN THE DISTRICT THIS WEEKEND.
OFFICE AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING
THE YOUTH SEMINAR, TO BE
HELD FROM TO HAVE A
DECEMBER 29 TO 31, IS BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF
DESIGNED TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE ________
THE SOCIAL SURROUNDING AND THEIR LOCAL COMMUNITY ENVIRONMENT
IT WILL TAKE THE FORM OF A WEEKEND RESIDENTIAL CAMP WHERE PARTICIPANTS WILL SPEND THREE DAYS AND TOO NIGHTS AT MORRISON HALL, HATTON ROAD, ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE SEMINAR IS OPEN TO YOUTH AGED BETWEEN 16 AND 20.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974 ■' '
VARIETY SHOW FOR THE DEAF
» U # tt
SOME 400 DEAF PEOPLE ARE TO BE ENTERTAINED AT A VARIETY SHOW O’! SUNDAY (DECEMBER 29) AT THE CHAI UAH COMMUNITY CENTRE.
ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG SOCIETY FOR THE DEAF, IT WILL LAST TWO HOURS FROM 4 TO 6 P.M. THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE NORTHERN AND SOUTHERN LION DANCES, A CHINESE MARTIAL ARTS DISPLAY At!0 PUPPET AND MAGIC SHOWS,
IN ADDITION, THERE WILL BE DANCES PERFORMED BY MEMBERS OF THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE, THE MA TAU WAI GIRLS* HOME AND H.K.T.V.B. ARTISTES.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE- MR. MORRIS MORGAN AND MRS. MORGAN TOGETHER WITH THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG------
SOCIETY FOR THE LEAF, MR. LI FOOK-HING AUD MRS. LI, l.__ _ B HOTTING THE EYES OF THE LIOU§. ALSO PRESENT UILL BE THE H K.T.V.B. STAR, MISS LYDIA SUM.
ihu ruu vino, uI, WILL OFFICIATE ALSO PRESENT WILL BE THE
FORTY VOLUNTEERS FROM THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (EASTERN) WILL ASSIST IN THE FUNCTION.
NOTE TO EDlTORSi YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
- - - - 0 ----
DEATH OF ASSISTANT POST-MASTER GENERAL M A K * A «
MR RONALD VICTOR TALBOT-JONES, ASSISTANT POSTMASTER GENERAL, .JFIERED A HEART ATTACK YESTERDAY (fhURSDAY) AND DIED SOON AFTER l“!HG ADMITTED INTO QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. HE WAS 64.
AFTER 23 YEARS* SERVICE IN MALAYA AND EAST AFRICA, HR. TALBOT-JONES JOINED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT AS A WIRELESS ENGINEER IN I960.
IN 1962 HE WAS APPOINTED CHIEF CONTROLLER OF TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES AND FOR A SHORT PERO ID IN 1965 ACTED AS POSTMASTER GENERAL. HE RETIRED IN 1970 AND LURING THAT YEAR WAS HONOURED ... iTH THE IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER.
AFTER A PERIOD WORKING FOR UNION IN THE PHILIPPINES HE WAS ASSISTANT postmaster general in
INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS REAPPOINTED IN HONG KONG AS MARCH 1973.
- 0---------
/10......
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974.
- 10 -
LEASE OF FORESHORES AND SEABED AT SHA TIN HOI PROPOSED M K ft K K »
ABOUT 50 ACRES OF FORESHORES AND SEA BED ON THE EASTERN COAST OF SHA TIN HOI (TIDE COVE), NEW TERRITORIES, WILL BE LEASED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
THIS IS PART OF THE PROPOSED RECLAMATION FOR SHA TIN NEW TOWN, STAGE I.
THE LEASE WILL BE SOLD BY PRIVATE TREATY GRANT TO A DEVELOPER WHO WILL BE REQUIRED TO RECLAIM AND FORM A FURTHER 65 ACRES FOR GOVERNMENT HOUSING PROJECTS.
THE DEVELOPER WILL HAVE TO PROVIDE WITHIN THE GRANT AREA, A FULLY COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT INCLUDING SCHOOLS, SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES AND OPEN SPACES.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE AREA WILL ACCOMMODATE A POPULATION OF 32,500.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTIFICATION IN TODAY’S GAZETTE WHICH CALLS UPON ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT TO SUBMIT THEIR OBJECTIONS OR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS.
THE NOTICE, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CAN BE SEEN ON THE NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
------o-------
CONSTRUCTION OF PUMPING STATION IN SAI KUNG «« w « o
TENDERS ARE BEING INVITED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION. CATCHWATER. PIPELINE AND ACCESS ROAD IN SAI KUNG TO SERVE THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.
LOCATED AT KEI LING HA VILLAGE, THE PUMPING STATION WILL BE ONE OF EIGHT TO BE BUILT AS PART OF THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME TO DEVELOP THE LOWLAND CATCHMENTS OF THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
STREAM WATER TO THE SOUTHEAST OF KEI LING HA LO WEI AND WATER COLLECTED BY THE CATCHWATER WILL BE PUMPED THROUGH A PIPELINE AND TUNNEL SYSTEM INTO THE RESERVOIR.
A 600-METRE-L0NG PIPELINE, A 3,800-METRE-LONG CATCHWATER ACCESS ROAD TOGETHER WITH A CATCHWATER WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
DURING THE CONSTRUCTION WORK, IRRIGATION TO THE FARM LAND IN THE AREA WILL DE IMPROVED. IN ADDITION, ACCESS TO THE REMOTE VILLAGE OF YUNG SHUE AU WILL BE IMPROVED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE CATCHWATER ACCESS ROAD.
- _ 0 - -
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1974
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE II » « « « « 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 R]CE
GRADE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE
RICE OF SUPPLY (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW GOOD 1.67
S.C. JIEN GOOD la 58
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.60
10-15% BROKENS GOOD ■MM
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD
Al SUPER GOOD
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.48
U.S. RICE GOOD —-
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD •
' PAKISTAN RICE GOOD •—
TAIWAN RICE GOOD ——
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE (ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
I
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK > ($/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 330 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 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 5.30 1.80 4.00
BIG-EYES GOOD 3.00 0.50 2.20
SQUID LIMITED 6.50 2.70 5.00
HAIR-TAILS NORMAL 2.80 0.70 1.30
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 3.30 0.90 1.60
CROAKERS GOOD 3.00 0.70 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.50 2.20 3.00
MELON COAT LIMITED1 3.00 1.80 2.40
BREAMS SCARCE 5.00 3.50 4.20
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.60 0.60 1.00
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.70 3.00 4.20
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 1.40 0.40 0.70
FORK-TAIL NORMAL 1.50 0.55 0.90
HORSE-HEAD SCARCE 6.20 2.50 4.50
MELON SEED NORMAL 3.30 1.40 2.20
POMFRETS SCARCE 10.00 7.00 8.50
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.50 5.00 6.80
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 7.50 6.00 7.00
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF AVAILABILITY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTYl
vegetable OF SUPPLY' HIGH LOU MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.20 0.30 0.70
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.40 0.05 0.25
CHINESE LETTUCE GOOD 0.80 0.20 0.50
WATER SPINACH **
CHINESE KALE NORMAL 1.20 0.40 0.80
STRING BEANS
SPRING ONION NORMAL 1.20 0.30 0.80
SPINACH NORMAL 1.40 0.30 0.80
WATER CRESS GOOD 1.00 0.20 0.60
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.40 0.10 0.25
CHINESE SPINACH
TOMATO SCARCE 2.40 1.20 1.80
-----o------
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CALL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING CENTRES INTO RESOURCE CENTRES FOR TEACHING METHODS ........................... 1
A PHILATELIC SALES COUNTER TO BE OPENED AT G.P.O. SHORTLY ................................................. 2
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SALES OF TEXTBOOKS.................. 2
HEALTH REPORT FOR NOVEMBER ............................ 3
PARTY FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN ...................... 4
KOWLOON BIRTHS REGISTRY TO MOVE TO SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT
OFFICES ................................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1974
- 1 -
CALL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHING CENTRES INTO RESOURCE CENTRES FOR TEACHING METHODS
M « « M « «
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING TODAY URGED MORE TEACHERS TO VISIT THE TWO MATHEMATICS TEACHING CENTRES WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD LI Ke TO SEE DEVELOPED INTO RESOURCE CENTRES FOR TEACHING METHODS, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT AND PROJECTS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE SEMINAR AND EXHIBITlv<l\ MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE CENTRES, MR. HO SAID I +ULTIMA'.^v, WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THESE CENTRES BECOME A RENDEZVOUS FOR TEACHERS SO THAT THEY CAN FREELY EXCHANGE THEIR EXPERIENCES ANE IDEAS IN A CONGENIAL ATMOSPHERE.
♦WE FIND THAT MANY TEACHERS, AFTER ATTENDING OUR WORKSHOPS, HAVE REALLY TRIED OUT THE IDEAS IN THEIR CLASSES, WITH THE RESULT THAT SOME ELEVEN PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE STARTED USING ACTIVITY METHODS SINCE 1972.♦
PUPILS IN THESE EXPERIMENTAL CLASSES, HE SAID, SHOWED A LIVELY INTEREST IN THE USE OF EQUIPMENT AND AN EAGERNESS TO LEARN.
THERE WAS ALSO A MUCH BUSIER AND HAPPIER ATMOSPHERE IN THE CLASSROOM, AND BETTER UNDERSTANDING, A MORE INQUISITIVE MIND AND GREATER SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY RESULT^
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT WORKSHOPS AND TEACHING CENTRES COULD ONLY SOLVE PART OF THE PROBLEM.
HE STRESSED THAT TEXTBOOKS WOULD HAVE TO BE GEARED TO THESE NEW APPROACHES. REFERENCE BOOKS AND BACKGROUND READING MATERIALS WOULD ALSO BE REQUIRED.
MR. HO ADDED I +WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO SEE MORE MANUFACTURERS INTERESTED IN MAKING USEFUL AND INEXPENSIVE MATHEMATICS EQUIPMENT. ALL IN ALL, CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IS A COMMITMENT WHICH NEEDS THE TOTAL INVOLVEMENT OF THOSE WHO ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION. IT IS ONLY THROUGH SUCH JOINT EFFORTS THAT WE WILL SEE AN IMPROVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION.
HE CALLED ON TEACHERS OF MATHEMATICS TO ENCOURAGE PUPILS TO EXPERIMENT, TO THINK, TO QUESTION AND TO FIND SOLUTIONS. LEARNING WOULD THEN BECOME AN ACTIVE AND CREATIVE PROCESS AS WELL AS AN ENJOYABLE EXPERIENCE.
- 0 - -
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1974.
OPENING OF PHILATELIC SALES COUNTER H ft # ft ft #
A PHILATELIC SALES COUNTER WILL BE OPENED SHORTLY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE ON HONG KONG ISLAND TO SELL STAMPS OF RECENT COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES AND SOUVENIR FOLDERS CONTAINING STAMPS OF CURRENT DEFINITIVE ISSUE.
MR. C. D’ALMADA, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG PHILATELIC SOCIETY AND MR. J.B. SHAW, PRESIDENT OF THE CHINA PHILATELIC ASSOCIATION, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID i+FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR PHILATELIC COVERS TO BE HAND STAMPED, AND A SPECIAL POSTING BOX WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THESE COVERS.♦
THESE SERVICES, HE SAID, WOULD BE OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO TOURISTS INTERESTED IN PHILATELY.
- - - 0-------
SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES CODE OF PRACTICE ft ft 8 ft ft ft
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, WILL BE ISSUING TO ALL SCHOOLS A CODE OF PRACTICE RELATING TO THE SALES OF TEXTBOOKS, EXERCISE BOOKS, SCHOOL UNIFORMS AND OTHER SCHOOL ACCESSORIES IN EARLY JANUARY WHEN SCHOOLS RESUME AFTER THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS.
FULL DETAILS OF THE CODE WILL BE GIVEN TO NEWSPAPERS ON ITS BEING ISSUED TO SCHOOLS.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ON SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND SUPPLIES FOLLOWING THE MEETING ON CHRISTMAS EVE.
ACTION COMMITTEE COMMITTEE’S THIRD
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 1974 - 3 -
HEALTH REPORT FOR NOVEMBER RISE IN REPORTED INCIDENCE OF MEASLES
******
HEALTH RETURNS FOR NOVEMBER ISSUED TODAY BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOW AN INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF MEASLES.
IN OCTOBER, REPORTED CASES OF THE DISEASE DROPPED TO ONE, WITH NO DEATHS, BUT LAST MONTH, NOTIFICATIONS ROSE TO FOUR, AGAIN WITH NO DEATHS.
♦WINTER-SPRING IS USUALLY THE TIME OF YEAR WHEN MEASLES BECOMES A PROBLEM,♦ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID, +AND PARENTS OF SUSCEPTIBLE CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN SIX MONTHS AND FIVE YEARS ARE ADVISED TO MAKE SURE THAT THEY ARE IMMUNISED.♦
THE INCIDENCE OF SCARLET fever TOTALLED FIVE. NO CASES OF THE DISEASE HAD BEEN REPORTED IN THE PREVIOUS TWO MONTHS. SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THIS YEAR, 27 CASES OF SCARLET FEVER HAVE BEEN REPORTED, WITH NO DEATHS.
REPORTS OF BACILLARY DYSENTERY ROSE FROM 26 TO 41, AND CHICKENPOX FROM SEVEN TO 21.
BUT THERE WAS A DROP IN THE INCIDENCE OF ENTERIC FEVER, FROM 32 IN OCTOBER TO 26 LAST MONTH.
ONE CASE OF CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS WAS REPORTED, THREE OF AMOEBIASIS, 33 OF FOOD POISONING, ONE OF OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM, 54 OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, AND FOUR OF TETANUS.
OF THE 68 DEATHS RECORDED DURING NOVEMBER, 61 WERE CAUSED BY TUBERCULOSIS — A DROP OF THREE FROM THE 64 DEATHS FROM THE SAME DISEASE RECORDED IN OCTOBER — ONE BY CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS, FOUR BY VIRAL HEPATITIS, ONE 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-----
A....
4 SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28,1974.
PARTY FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN M K * « M it
THOUGH THERE IS NO SNOW IN HONG KONG, SOME 250 UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN IN TSZ WAN SHAN AREA WILL STILL BE ABLE TO SEE WHAT A SNOWMAN LOOKS LIKE NEXT WEEK.
THE HONGKONG HILTON IS DONATING A FIVE-FOOT SNOWMAN CAKE FOR A PARTY BEING ORGANISED FOR THE CHILDREN BY THREE WELFARE AGENCIES.
THE AGENCIES ARE PROJECT CONCERN, THE TSZ WAN SHAN ZION YOUTH CENTRE AND THE SWD’S ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE.
THE PARTY, WHICH WILL BE FOR EIGHT TO TWELVE-YEAR-OLDS, WILL BE HELD AT THE HALL OF TAK 01 SECONDARY SCHOOL IN TSZ WAN SHAN ROAD ON MONDAY (DECEMBER 30) FROM 2.30 TO 4 P.M.
WHILE THE CAKE WILL BE THE MAIN ATTRACTION THERE WILL ALSO BE GAMES AND A LUCKY DRAW FOR TOYS AND GIFTS DONATED BY VARIOUS COMMERCIAL FIRMS.
NOTE TO EDITORS i- YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT. *
- - - - 0------
KOWLOON BIRTHS REGISTRY AND KOWLOON CITY MARRIAGE REGISTRY ' M * M K « «
THE KOWLOON BIRTHS REGISTRY NOW LOCATED AT NOS.8-12 SUNG WONG TOI ROAD, FIRST FLOOR, KOWLOON WILL MOVE TO SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2, 1975).
THE REGISTRY WILL BE OPENED TO THE PUBLIC DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEEK-DAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON SATURDAYS.
THE KOWLOON CITY MARRIAGE REGISTRY NOW LOCATED AT SUNG WONG TOI ROAD WILL CEASE OPERATION WITH EFFECT FROM TUESDAY (DECENBER 31).
ALL MARRIAGES IN THAT AREA WILL BE PERFORMED AT THE SAN PO KONG MARRIAGE REGISTRY.
o—
PRH 7
I
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1974.
VEGETABLE DISEASE SUCCESSFULLY CONTROLLED M M M M * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT HAS PROVED AFTER A SERIES OF EXPERIMENTS IN THE PAST THREE YEARS THAT CERTAIN KINDS OF VEGETABLES CAN BE EFFECTIVELY PROTECTED FROM A VIRUS DISEASE BY THE USE OF REFLECTIVE MATERIAL.
FOR YEARS, THE MOSAIC TYPE VIRUS HAS BEEN MORE THAN A NUISANCE TO VEGETABLE FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES GROWING COMMON BRASSICA SPECIES SUCH AS CHINESE WHITE CABBAGE, FLOWERING CABBAGE AND CHINESE KALE.
THIS DISEASE IS MOST PREVALENT IN THE MONTHS OF OCTOBER AND FEBRUARY. VEGETABLES SUFFERING FROM THIS DISEASE BECOME STUNTED AND TURN YELLOW. IN THE PAST, FARMERS USED TO BLAME THE WEATHER FOR IT.
TOWARDS THE END OF 1971 THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES ■ DEPARTMENT EMBARKED ON A RESEARCH PROJECT IN ITS SHEUNG SHU I . EXPERIMENTAL FARM. 9
IT WAS LATER DISCOVERED THAT THE DISEASE IS. IN FACT,' CAUSED BY A VIRUS WHICH IS ASSISTED BY A GERM-CARRIER CALLED APHID, AN INSECT THAT CAN BARELY BE SEEN BY THE NAKED EYE.
KNOWING THAT SOME INSECTS TEND TO KEEP AWAY FROM LIGHT-REFLECTING MATERIAL, THE RESEARCH WORKERS LAID TIN-COATED POLYTHENE SHEETS IN THE VEGETABLE FIELD.
THIS METHOD TURNED OUT TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE. A RECENTLY COMPLETED EXPERIMENT SHOWED THAT A CROP PROTECTED THIS WAY SUFFERED ONLY TWO PER CENT OF DISEASE INFECTION WHEREAS ANOTHER CROP WITHOUT SUCH PROTECTION SUFFERED 40 PER CENT INFECTION. I
REASEARCH WORKERS OF THE A.F.D. ARE AT PRESENT TRYING TO IMPROVE THE METHOD FURTHER BEFORE INTRODUCING IT TO LOCAL FARMERS.
ABOUT 45 PER CENT OF THE VEGETABLES CONSUMED LOCALLY ARE SUPPLIED BY NEW TERRITORIES FARMERS WHO LAST YEAR PRODUCED OVER $220 MILLION WORTH OF VEGETABLES.
THE SUCCESS OF THE EXPERIMENT WILL CERTAINLY G(5 A LONG WAY IN BENEFITTING VEGETABLE GROWING WHICH IS HONG KONG’S BIGGEST FARMING INDUSTRY.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-2331'91
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29, 1974.
NEW YEAR HOLIDAY K # # *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED FOR NORMAL BUSINESS ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 1) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO BE MANNED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMMUNICATING WITH SHIPPING IN THE PORT.
-------0 - - - _
1 *-J- ZZ. A/l
PRH 1
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN /
I
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMPLETE INTEGRATION OF FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION CLINICS................................................ 1
CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE TO DISCONTINUE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH............................................... 2
NOVEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES .......................... 3
ATTENDANCE DROPPED DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE AT THREE CENTRES ............................ 4
FISHING VESSELS URGED TO STAY CLEAR OF ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER FAIRWAYS ........................................ 5
THREE HOUSING BLOCKS IN CHAI WAN NAMED................... 5
WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS 1974 TO COME INTO
OPERATION ON JANUARY 1 .................................. 6
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION : STORAGE NOW 81.2 PERCENT OF FULL CAPACITY ........................................... 7
WATER INTERRUPTION IN KOWLOON CITY....................... 8
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLIES OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hbng Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1 _M°NDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974.
COMPLETE INTEGRATION OF F.P.A. CLINICS
COMMUNITY INVITED TO MAKE FULL USE OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE ******
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED ITS PHASED PROGRAMME OF INTEGRATING 31 FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS FORMERLY RUN BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION.
THE CLINICS NOW FIT INTO THE GOVERNMENT’S MATERNAL AND CHILD' HEALTH PROGRAMME AS ONE OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DEPARTMENT’S NEWLY-ESTABLISHED FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE - FORMERLY THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH SERVICE.
THE LAST CLINICS TO BE INTEGRATED WERE THOSE AT SIX GOVERNMENT HEALTH CENTRES AT TUEN MUN, KAM TIN, SHEK WU HUI, TAI PO, SHA TIN, AND SAI KUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE INTEGRATION PROGRAMME BEGAN IN OCTOBER 1973 WITH THE AIM , OF COMPLETION BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
+WE HAVE ACHIEVED OUR OBJECTIVE IN GOOD TIME.* DR. K.L. THONG, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, SAID TODAY, +AND WE ARE HAPPY WITH THE RESULTS.*
APART FROM THE INTEGRATION OF EXISTING CLINICS RUN BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO EXPANDED ITS FAMILY PLANNING PROGRAMME BY OPENING NEW CLINICS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY OF INCLUDING FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES IN ALL NEW MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CLINICS IN THE FUTURE.
SIX NEW GOVERNMENT CLINICS OFFERING FAMILY PLANNING SERVICE ARE NOW IN OPERATION, MAKING A TOTAL OF 37 FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS OPERATED BY THE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT.
DR. THONG DESCRIBED ATTENDANCES AS +VERY ENCOURAGING AND PROMISING.*
HE REMINDED POSSIBLE CLIENTS AT THE 37 CLINICS THAT +ONLY A NOMINAL FEE OF f>l A VISIT IS CHARGED, WHICH INCLUDES THE SUPPLY OF CONTRACEPTIVES AND ALL INCIDENTAL SERVICES, WHILE PURELY ADVISORY SERVICE IS PROVIDED FREE. IN CASE OF NEED, THE FEE CAN BE WAIVED.
+INTEGRATION MEANS THAT THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE IS NOW FULLY OPERATIONAL IN THE MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES WHICH PROVIDE A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF SERVICES INCLUDING ANTE-NATAL MATERNITY, POST-NATAL, INFANT AND TODDLER CARE, FAMILY PLANNING AND HEALTH EDUCATION.
+MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC NEEDING ADVICE ON FAMILY PLANNING WILL FIND AT LEAST ONE FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE CLINIC LOCATED NOT TOO FAR FROM THEIR HOME. THEY SHOULD NOT HESITATE TO UTILISE THE SERVICES AVAILABLE.*
/THE INTEGRATION
MONDAT, DECEMBER JO, 197^
2
THE INTEGRATION OF EXISTING FAMILY PLANNING CLINICS RUN BY THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION HAD BEEN SMOOTH AND SUCCESSFUL DUE LARGELY TO THE WORK OF THE STAFF AND THE COOPERATION OF THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION, DR. THONG SAID.
♦COMPLETION OF THE INTEGRATION PROGRAMME NOW ENABLES THE GOVERNMENT TO GET ON WITH ITS TASK, WITH A VIEW TO CONSOLIDATING THE EXISTING SERVICE AND IMPROVING ITS SCOPE AND QUALITY,* HE EXPLAINED.
♦AT THE SAME TIME. THE FAMILY PLANNING ASSOCIATION WILL CONTINUE TO PLAY A ROLE IN CONCENTRATING ITS CLINICAL, THREE EDUCATION AND RESEARCH EFFORTS IN AREAS AT PRESENT NOT YET COVERED BY THE DEPARTMENT’S FAMILY HEALTH SERVICE.+
-------0 - - - -
DISCONTINUATION OF CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE M X X X X X
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO DISCONTINUE THE PUBLICATION OF THE WHOLESALE PRICES OF SELECTED FOODSTUFFS UNDER THE CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS FELT THE SERVICE WAS NO LONGER NECESSARY NOW THAT THE CONSUMER COUNCIL HAD BECOME FIRMLY ESTABLISHED.
THE CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE WAS FIRST INSTITUTED AT THE END OF NOVEMBER LAST YEAR TO PROVIDE A BASIS ON WHICH CONSUMERS COULD ASSESS WHETHER OR NOT CHANGES IN RETAIL PRICES WERE ’REASONABLE’.
HOWEVER, THE PUBLISHING OF THE DAILY SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES HAD NOT BEEN AS WELL RECEIVED AS WAS HOPED. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY INDICATED DURING THE BUDGET DEBATE THIS YEAR THAT THIS WAS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR ESTABLISHING A CONSUMER COUNCIL.
♦THE PUBLIC APPEARS TO HAVE SHOWN A MARKED PREFERENCE
FOR THE KIND OF PRICE INFORMATION WHICH THE CONSUMER COUNCIL NOW REGULARLY PROVIDES AND IT IS FELT THAT IT WOULD NOW BE APPROPRIATE TO DISCONTINUE THE CONSUMER ADVISORY SERVICE,+ THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THIS. HE SAID, IS STRENGTHENED BY THE FACT THAT THE GENERAL CONSUMER folCE INDEX IS NOW NOT RISING ANYTHING LIKE AS RAPIDLY AS IT WAS EARLIER IN THE YEAR.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN DAILY RECORDS OF SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES SO THAT THE APPROPRIATE DEPARTMENTS COULD, AS IN THE PAST, CONTINUOUSLY REVIEW THE SITUATION.
- - 0 - -
/3
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30. 1974
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR NOVEMBER O * ft
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR NOVEMBER WAS 109, ONE POINT HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THIS INDEX IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 AND $1,499 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
A FRACTIONAL INCREASE .WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH VEGETABLES AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ADVANCED. ON THE OTHER HAND, THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF RICE DECLINED.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR NOVEMBER WAS 108, THE SAME AS THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THIS INDEX IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1,500 AND $2,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY 1973/74.
INCREASES OF ONE POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR
• i»vnunvu.u ui vnu » wini unvii hww witwwv i •• • •••- Hiwwr. r vr»
FOODSTUFFS, THE INDEX FOR HOUSING AND THE INDEX FOR MISCELLANEOUS GOODS. HOWEVER, THE EFFECT OF THESE INCREASES ON THE +ALL-ITEMS* INDEX WAS SMALL.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
PUBLISHED TOGETHER WITH THE NEW INDEXES TODAY WAS THE OLD GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX WHICH PUT THE INDEX FOR THE MONTH AT 196, TWO POINTS ( OR ONE PER CENT ) HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
_ _ 0 - -
MONDAY
DECEMBER 30, 197*
- 4
SECOND WEEK OF METHADONE MAINTENANCE HOLIDAYS PROBABLY ACCOUNT FOR DROP IN ft ft « « tt ft
AT THREE CENTRES OLD AND NEW CASES
VOLUNTEERS AT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S THREE METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES IN TSUEN WAN, HO MAN TIN AND SAN PO KONG DROPPED DURING THE WEEK ENDING ON DECEMBER 29, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY.
FIGURES SHOW THAT 75 VOLUNTEERS ATTENDED AT THE LADY TRENCH POLY-CLINIC IN TSUEN WAN. 71 AT THE HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE IN KO MAN TIN, AND 93 AT THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN SAN PO KONG — A TOTAL OF 239.
IN THE FIRST WEEK OF OPERATION, BETWEEN DECEMBER 16 AND 22, THE TOTAL WAS 388.
PATIENTS RETURNING FOR DAILY TREATMENT DURING THE SECOND WEEK TOTALLED 80 PER CENT, COMPARED WITH 92.5 PER CENT DURING THE FIRST WEEK
A SPOKESMAN SAID THIS COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE VOLUNTEERS DID NOT REALISE ALL THREE CENTRES HAD REMAINED OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY AND BOXING DAY TO SUPPLY THE DAILY DOSAGE TO OLD PATIENTS, ALTHOUGH THEY WERE CLOSED FOR THE PROCESSING OF NEW PATIENTS.
♦WE HAVE TRIED TO MAKE THEM UNDERSTAND THAT THE CENTRES REMAIN OPEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR FOR OLD PATIENTS COMING BACK FOR THEIR DAILY DOSAGE,♦ HE EXPLAINED, +AND WE HOPE THE POSITION WILL NOW BECOME CLEARER TO THEM.+
ONLY THREE VOLUNTEERS WERE DEEMED UNSUITABLE FOR TREATMENT LAST WEEK. TWO WERE AT THE HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE, AND ONE AT THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE.
ONE VOLUNTEER AT THE BE TOO OLD FOR TREATMENT HAD AN ADDICTION HISTORY
HO MAN TIN HEALTH CENTRE WAS FOUND TO AT 77, AND THE OTHER AT THE SAME CENTRE OF LESS THAN A YEAR.
THE VOLUNTEER REJECTED AT THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE WAS »a’KE*°" 4AU"D,CE' HE "*S REFERRED T° *
- - 0 -
/5
5 MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974
MASTERS OF FISHING VESSELS URGED TO KEEP FAIRWAYS CLEAR ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
MASTERS OF FISHING VESSELS WERE TODAY URGED TO KEEP CLEAR OF THE MAIN AND MINOR FAIRWAYS OF THE ABERDEEN TYPHOON SHELTER AT ALL TIMES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT IN TIME OF EMERGENCY, ASSISTANCE RENDERED BY GOVERNMENT EMERGENCY CRAFT AND PERSONNEL WOULD DEPEND ENTIRELY UPON THEIR ABILITY TO MANOEUVRE ' SWIFTLY IN THE TYPHOON SHELTER.
+THE FACT THAT LUNAR NEW YEAR USUALLY BRINGS AN EXCEPTIONALLY HEAVY CONCENTRATION OF FISHING VESSELS INTO THE SHELTER FOR THE CELEBRATIONS MAKES IT MORE IMPORTANT TO HAVE THESE VESSELS BERTHED PROPERLY.+
THE SPOKESMAN NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS THE FLOATING COMMUNITY HAD BEEN MORE CO-OPERATIVE IN THIS RESPECT.
+HOWEVER,+ HE ADDED, +THERE ARE STILL SOME INCONSIDERATE VESSEL MASTERS, WHO, DESPITE WARN IHGS,BERTH THEIR VESSELS TO THEIR OWN CONVENIENCE ONLY, THEREBY CAUSING UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION AND OBSTRUCTION.+
THESE OFFENDERS HAD BEEN PROSECUTED AND HEAVY FINES HAD BEEN IMPOSED, HE SAID.
BUT, THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT AS SUCH OBSTRUCTION WOULD ENDANGER THE SAFETY OF OTHERS, A MUCH MORE SERIOUS CHARGE, INVOLVING HEAVY FINES AND POSSIBLE IMPRISONMENT, MIGHT BE LAID AGAINST FUTURE OFFENDERS.
TO COINCIDE WITH THE GOVERNMENT APPEAL, THE FISHERMEN’S ASSOCIATIONS AND FISHING FEDERATIONS URGED THE FLOATING COMMUNITY TO OBSERVE THE BERTHING REGULATIONS.
0 -
THREE ESTATES BLOCKS NAMED ft ft ft ft ft ft
BL0CKS OF BUILDING IN HING WAH ESTATE IN CHAI WAN HAVE BEEN NAMED FOR EASY IDENTIFICATION.
FROM JANUARY 1,1975, BLOCK 1 OF HING WAH ESTATE WILL BE HING H0USE» BL0CK 2 SHUN HING HOUSE AND dluuix j IX I nib n I Nb nUUbc.
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS INFORMED THE GENERAL POST OFFICE AND ALL PUBLIC UTILITIES OF THE CHANGE AND LETTERS ARE BEING DELIVERED BY HAND TO TENANTS INFORMING THEM OF THE SAME.
INITIAL CONTACTS WITH TENANTS, SHOP OPERATORS. SCHOOLS AND KA I FONGS'SHOWED THAT THE*MOVE WAS' GENERALLY WELCOMED.
- - 0 - -
/6
- 6 -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974
WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS 1974 TO COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1 ft « « « M ft
THE WATERWORKS ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS 1974 WILL COME INTO OPERATION ON JANUARY 1.
IN ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN DREW ATTENTION TO THE STATEMENT RELEASED EARLIER THIS YEAR WHICH POINTED OUT THAT UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE THE REGISTERED CONSUMER WHO IS RESPONSIBLE. FOR THE PAYMENT OF WATER CHARGES MUST EITHER LIVE ON THE PREMISES IN QUESTION OR OWN THEM OR MANAGE THEM.
THE ORDINANCE ALSO INTRODUCED A NEW CATEGORY OF PERSON, KNOWN AS +THE AGENT+, WHO WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CUSTODY OF THE COMMUNAL WATER SERVICES AND ALSO MUST INHABIT OR OWN THE PREMISES OR BE RESPONSIBLE FOR MANAGING ALL OR PART OF THEM.
FROM JANUARY 1, THEREFORE, ALL APPLICANTS FOR NEW OR SEPARATE WATER SUPPLIES WILL HAVE TO SATISFY THE NEW REQUIREMENTS. GUIDANCE WILL BE GIVEN WHEN APPLICATION IS MADE.
EXISTING CONSUMERS WILL BE APPROACHED SEPARATELY BY THE WATERWORKS OFFICE TO ASCERTAIN WHETHER THEY MEET THE NEW REQUIREMENTS. IN CASES WHERE THEY DO NOT MEET THEM, AN ALTERNATIVE CONSUMER, ACCEPTABLE TO THE WATERWORKS OFFICE, WILL NEED TO BE APPOINTED.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT ANYONE WHO IS A CONSUMER UNDER THE REPEALED ORDINANCE WILL REMAIN A CONSUMER UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE AND ANY UNDERTAKING GIVEN OR A DEPOSIT PAID BY A CONSUMER UNDER THE OLD ORDINANCE WILL REMAIN EFFECTIVE UNDER THE NEW ONE. THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW ORDINANCE WILL NOT IMPOSE ANY NEW REQUIREMENT IN THIS RESPECT ON THE GREAT MAJORITY OF CONSUMERS.
UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE, MAPS OF THE GATHERING GROUNDS HAVE BEEN PREPARED AND WILL BE DEPOSITED IN THE APPROPRIATE LAND OFFICES IN HONG KONG AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
A NOTICE IDENTIFYING THE AREAS CONCERNED AND ADVISING THAT THEY HAVE BEEN SO DEPOSITED WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON IN THE GAZETTE. THE MAPS WILL BE AVAILABLE, FOR REFERENCE, TO ANYONE NEEDING INFORMATION ON THE BOUNDARIES OF THE GATHERING GROUNDS.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT NEW PROVISIONS IN THE ORDINANCE INCLUDE i-
ft THE IMPOSITION OF A 10 PER CENT SURCHARGE ON AMOUNTS WHICH REMAIN OUTSTANDING FOR A PERIOD EXCEEDING SIX MONTHS FROM THE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF DEMAND (THE AMOUNT OUTSTANDING ON THE EXPIRY OF SIX MONTHS ALREADY INCLUDES A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE FOR NON-PAYMENT BY THE DUE DATE SPECIFIED IN THE NOTICE OF DEMAND AND THE IMPOSITION OF A FURTHER 10 PER CENT IS IN LINE WITH SIMILAR PROVISIONS FOR THE COLLECTION OF RATES AND TAXES.+)
/• THE USE OF SALT .....
7 -
MONDAY, DECEMBER J1, I97U
H THE USE OF SALT WATER FOR FLUSHING PURPOSES, WHICH :’AY BE RcUUIREd BY THE WATER AUTHORITY.
* THE WAIVING OF WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE WATER AUTHORITY FOR ALTERATIONS TO A FIRE OR INSIDE SERVICE WHICH ARE OF A MINOR NATURE (LICENSED PLUMBERS WILL BE ADVISED INDIVIDUALLY OF THE TYPE OF ALTERATION CONSIDERED TO BE OF A MINOR NATURE).
THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED BY STATING THAT THE MAJORITY OF FORMS AND NOTICES PREPARED UNDER THE REPEALED ORDINANCE WILL CONTINUE IN USE UNTIL STOCKS HAVE BEEN REDUCED.
THESE FORMS AND NOTICES, 'APPROPRIATELY AMENDED, WILL RETAIN THEIR VALIDITY AFTER JANUARY 1, AND NO PROBLEMS ARE ENVISAGED WITH THEIR CONTINUED USE. CONSUMERS ARE ADVISED THAT THEY MAY EXPECT TO RECEIVE SUCH FORMS AND NOTICES FOR A SHORT PERIOD AFTER THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW ORDINANCE.
- - 0 - -
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
* M M K
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54,651 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 81.2 PERCENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. THIS SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 2,399 MILLION GALLONS OVER THE STORAGE AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR.
AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 52,252 MILLION GALLONS tN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 39,926 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 40,902 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 79.1 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TOTAL OF 3 MM OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. THE TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 2,322.9 MM (91.45 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 2,164.1 MM (85.20 IN), REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF 7.3 PER CENT.
_ _ 0 - -
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974
8
WATER CUT
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 3) TO ENABLE A LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT.
THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY ARGYLE STREET, PEACE AVENUE, HO MAN TIN STREET, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, HO MAN TIN HILL ROAD, WATERLOO ROAD, AND SOARES AVENUE.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 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, KOWLOONi
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF WHOLESALE PRICE ($/CATTY) SUPPLY
CHINA RICE •
SEE MEW S.C. JIEN PO NGAI CHU CHO THAI RICE GOOD GOOD GOOD * 1.67 1.58 1.10
100% WHOLE 10-15% BROKENS Al SUPER EXTRA Al SUPER WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD GOOD GOOD GOOD f 1.60 1.52 1.42 1.46
U.S. RICE —— ——
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD 1.62
PAKISTAN RICE — ——
TAIWAN RICE 4
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE
(ALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - NORMAL
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK (S/PICUL-LIVE WEIGHT) - 330 (AVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND
MONDAY, DECEMBER 30, 1974
I *u. &. iff
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 4.70 1.60 3.20
BIG-EYES GOOD 2.80 0.60 1.40
SQUID LIMITED 6.50 4.50 5.50
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.50 0.40 1.20
LIZARD FISHES NORMAL 2.80 1.00 1.80
CROAKERS NORMAL 2.00 1.40 1.60
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.10 1.80 2.50
MELON COAT NORMAL 2.60 1.60 2.00
BREAMS NORMAL 5.80 2.50 4.00
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.20 0.50 0.90
MACKERELS NORMAL 5.50 2.00 4.20
RED GOAT FISH GOOD 2.20 0.15 0.60
FORK-TAIL GOOD 0.75 0.45 0.60
HORSE-HEAD NORMAL 5.50 2.00 4.50
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.70 1.00 2.00
POMFRETS — NO SALE
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.20 3.60 6.20
YELLOW CROAKER SCARCE 7.00 6.00 6.50
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF LOCALLY PRODUCED VEGETABLES
(V.M.O. CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET)
TYPE OF VEGETABLE availability OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY) HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE WHITE CABBAGE CHIf'ESE LETTUCE CHINESE KALE SPRING ONION SPINACH WATER CRESS LEAF EIUSTARD CABBAGE TOMATO NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL NORMAL GOOD NORMAL GOOD NORMAL limited 1.00 0.50 0.70 1.00 1.00 1.30 0.80 0.40 2.20 0.30 0.10 0.20 0.40 0.20 0.40 0.20 0.10 1.00 0.70 0.30 0.50 0.70 0.70 1.00 0.50 0.30 1.50
-------o — - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1974
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REASSURANCE ON THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM ................................................ 1
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS'IN CHUK YUEN AREA ............ 3
UPPER LIMIT ON TAX-FREE INTEREST RATE TO BE LOWERED .. 3
REVISION OF NOTICE TO EXPORTERS DIRECT MAILING SERVICE 4
DAILY GUIDE TO WHOLESALE PRICES AND SUPPLY OF BASIC FOOD COMMODITIES
I
I
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1974.
- 1 -
REASSURANCE ON PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM
THE TRANSITION FROM THE PRESENT METHOD OF CALCULATING PROFITS TAX TO THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL SYSTEM WILL HAVE NO EFFECT ON BUSINESSES MAKING SMALLER PROFITS IN THE TRANSITIONAL YEAR — 1974-75.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE BILL, PROVISION IS MADE FOR A TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT IN 1974-75. THIS WOULD BE IN THE FORM OF AN ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT IF THE ACTUAL PROFITS FOR 1974-75 WERE HIGHER THAN THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR (1973-74).
HOWEVER, FOR THOSE BUSINESSES WHICH ARE SHOWING REDUCED PROFITS FOR 1974-75, NO ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT WILL BE MADE AND THE TRANSITION WILL HAVE A COMPLETELY NEUTRAL EFFECT.
THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLE CLEARLY SHOWS THE POSITIONi
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974 PROFIT $100,000
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1975 PROFIT $ 80,000
TAX PAYABLE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 PRESENT SYSTEM $15,000 1 PAYABLE JAN/FEB 1975
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1975/76 $12,000 JAN/FEB 1976
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 NEVJ SYSTEM $15,000 PAYABLE JAN/FEB 1975
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1975/76 $12,000 JAN/FEB 1976
(PROVISIONAL TAX - CALCULATED
BY REFERENCE TO YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1975)
FROM THIS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, IT IS CLEARLY EVIDENT THAT THE CASH FLOW POSITION IS PRECISELY THE SAME FOR 1974-75 AND 1975-76 UNDER BOTH SYSTEMS, THUS NEGATING THE ARGUMENT THAT VAST SUMS OF MONEY WILL BE TIED UP BY THE PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM.
♦THE TRANSITION FROM THE PRESENT SYSTEM TO THE PROPOSED SYSTEM IS, THEREFORE, NOT DETRIMENTAL TO TAXPAYERS IN A PERIOD OF LOW PROFITS.+
HE ADDED THAT WHEN THE ACTUAL RESULTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31. 1976 ARE KNOWN, THE PROFITS FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR (1974-75) WILL DROP OUT AND THE FINAL TAX FOR 1975-76 WILL BE BASED ON THE MARCH 1976 RESULTS.
/HOiTEVER,
TUESDAY, DECEMBER J1, 1974
- 2 -
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IF PROFITS ARE HIGHER IN 1974-75 THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, A TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT WILL BE NECESSARY AS SHOWN BY THE FOLLOWING EXAMPLEl
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974 PROFIT 880,000
YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1975 PROFIT $100,000
TAX PAYABLE
OLD SYSTEM PAYABLE
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 $12,000 JAN/FEB 1975
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1975/76 $15,000 JAN/FEB 1976
• NEW SYSTEM PAYABLE
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 $12,000 JAN/FEB 1975
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1974/75 $ 3,000 JAN/FEB 1976
(TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT -ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENT)
YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1975/76 $15,000 JAN/FEB 1976
(PROVISIONAL TAX)
THE SPOKESMAN SAID ARGUMENTS HAD BEEN PUT FORWARD THAT THE MAIN DISADVANTAGE WAS THAT A YEAR OF LOW PROFITS (1974-75) WILL DROP OUT DURING A PERIOD OF RECESSION, AND THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER IF THE TRANSITION WERE MADE AT A TIME WHEN PROFITS WERE BUOYANT. THIS WOULD HAVE THE EFFECT OF A YEAR OF HIGH PROFITS DROPPING OUT TO THE GENERAL ADVANTAGE OF THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY.
HOWEVER, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE FALLACY OF THIS ARGUMENT IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE ABOVE EXAMPLE WHICH SHOWS THAT IF 1974-75 WERE A HIGH YEAR THEN IT WOULD BE THE LOWER 1973-74 PROFITS WHICH WOULD DROP OUT. THIS MEANS THAT ADDITIONAL TAX WOULD BE PAYABLE IN VIRTUALLY EVERY CASE.
+IT IS OBVIOUS,+ HE SAID, +THAT THE HIGHER THE PROFITS, THE GREATER THE ADDITIONAL TAX THAT WOULD HAVE TO BE PAID IN THE TRANSITIONAL YEAR.+
HOWEVER, AS 1974-75 APPEARS TO BE A YEAR OF FALLING PROFITS FOR MANY, IF NOT MOST, BUSINESSES, THEN THE EFFECTS OF THE CHANGEOVER FROM THE PRESENT METHOD TO THE PROVISIONAL SYSTEM WILL BE NEUTRAL.
. . - - 0 ------
/3........
J
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1974
L
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CHUK YUEN AREA « ft « » M
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CHUK YUEN AREA, KOWLOON, THIS WEEK IN CONNECTION WITH THE OPENING OF THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD BETWEEN FUNG TAK ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
FROM 12 NOON ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 2), TRAFFIC ON PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD HEADING SOUTH WILL BE ABLE TO PROCEED ONWARD BEYOND ITS JUNCTION WITH FUNG TAK ROAD INTO THE NEW SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY, AND TRAFFIC FROM FUNG TAK ROAD WILL ALSO BE ALLOWED TO TURN RIGHT INTO THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY.
MOTORISTS TRAVELLING ALONG PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WISHING TO TURN INTO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD EASTBOUND MAY DO SO BY WAY OF THE EASTBOUND SLIP ROAD ONLY, WHILE THOSE WISHING TO GO WESTBOUND MAY TURN RIGHT VIA THE WESTBOUND SLIP ROAD.
HOWEVER, EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG LUNG CHEUNG ROAD WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN INTO THE PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WESTBOUND SLIP ROAD, WHILE WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT INTO THE EASTBOUND SLIP ROAD.
THERE WILL BE NO RIGHT TURN FOR TRAFFIC FROM SHATIN PASS ROAD INTO LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
_ _ 0 - -
UPPER LIMIT ON ANNUAL INTEREST RATE ft ftft ftft ft
A RESOLUTION WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
NEXT WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 8) TO REDUCE FROM FIVE PER CENT TO
AND A HALF PER CENT THE UPPER LIMIT ON THE ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WHICH CAN BE PAID BY BANKS FREE OF INTEREST TAX.
THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL APPROVED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MEASURE AT ITS MEETING LAST WEEK.
ASSOCIATION ON DECEMBER 13.
INTEREST PAID ON THESE ACCOUNTS WILL REMAIN FREE OF TAX.
0
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1974 - 4 -
I . ‘
NOTICE TO EXPORTERS!
DIRECT MAILING SERVICE « « ««
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY HAS ANNOUNCED THAT WITH EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1, 1975 CERTAIN CHANGES WOULD BE MADE TO THE NOTICE TO EXPORTERS DIRECT MAILING SERVICE.
I
NOTICE TO EXPORTERS, AT THE MOMENT ISSUED IN 6 SERIES, WOULD' BE REGROUPED INTO 4 SERIES AS FOLLOWS!
SERIES 1 i U.S.A.
SERIES 2 I E.E.C. •
SERIES 3 i EUROPE OTHER THAN E.E.C.
SERIES 4 l CANADA, AUSTRALIA AND MISC.
BECAUSE OF REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF SERIES AND BECAUSE OF RISING COST, THE DC AND I HAS DECIDED TO INCREASE THE SUBSCRIPTION FEE TO 315 PER SERIES PER ANNUM.
TRADE ASSOCIATIONS AND COMPANIES ON THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT’S MAILING LIST FOR NOTICES TO EXPORTERS WILL RECEIVE COPIES OF THE ABOVE NOTICE SHORTLY.
COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE RECEPTION COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT 46 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG.
_ _ 0 -
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 1974
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, KOWLOONl
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF RICE
GRADE OF RICE AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY WHOLESALE PRICE (S/CATTY)
CHINA RICE
SEE MEW GOOD 1.65
S.C.JIEN •' GOOD 1.56
PO NGAI GOOD
CHU CHO GOOD ' —
THAI RICE
100% WHOLE GOOD 1.54
10-15% BROKENS GOOD
Al SUPER EXTRA GOOD ■nan
Al SUPER GOOD 1.23
WHOLE GLUTINOUS GOOD 1.44
U.S. RICE GOOD
AUSTRALIAN RICE GOOD .
PAKISTAN RICE GOOD >
TAIWAN RICE GOOD . — —
SUPPLIES AND WHOLESALE PRICES OF SWINE CALL SOURCES)
AVAILABILITY OF SUPPLY - GOOD
WHOLESALE PRICES OF PORK
C$/P1CUL-L1VE WEIGHT) - 330 CAVERAGE)
/SUPPLIES AND .....
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 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 4.00 1.50 2.80
BIG-EYES GOOD 2.80 1.00 2.00
SQUID LIMITED 6.50 4.00 5.30
HAIR-TAILS GOOD 2.40 1.00 1.80
LIZARD FISHES GOOD 2.90 1.20 2.00
CROAKERS GOOD 2.00 0.80 1.40
CONGER-PIKE-EELS NORMAL 3.10 2.40 2.80
MELON COAT LIMITED 2.40 1.40 2.00
BREAMS SCARCE 5.70 2.80 4.20
YELLOW BELLY GOOD 1.80 0.70 1.20
MACKERELS LIMITED 5.40 3.20 4.30
RED GOAT FISH LIMITED 3.20 1.20 2.20
FORK-TAIL GOOD 1.20 0.60 0.90
HORSE-HEAD LIMITED 5.60 2.20 4.00
MELON SEED NORMAL 2.80 1.50 2.20
POMFRETS SCARCE 8.70 5.00 6.80
GAROUPAS NORMAL 8.50 6.00 7.30
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 (S/CATTY)
HIGH LOW MODE
FLOWERING CABBAGE NORMAL 1.00 0.25 0.60
WHITE CABBAGE GOOD 0.35 0.10 0.20
CHINESE LETTUCE GOOD 0.40 0.10 0.30
WATER SPINACH — ——
CHINESE KALE NORMAL 1.00 0.30 0.60
STRING BEANS ——
SPRING ONION GOOD 1.20 0.20 0.70
SPINACH NORMAL 0.80 0.20 0.60
WATER CRESS GOOD 0.80 0.15 0.50
LEAF MUSTARD CABBAGE NORMAL 0.35 0.10 0.20
CHINESE SPINACH —
TOMATO LIMITED 2.20 1.20 1.50