PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
EMBARGOED NEWS ITEMS:
NOTE TO EDITORS OF NEWSPAPERS, The following announcement
NEWS AGENCIES, BROADCASTING regarding the New Year Honours List is STATIONS: being made simultaneously in London
at 2359 hours G.M.T. on January 1.
Publication is permitted in Hong Kong newspapers tomorrow (Thursday), Jan.2, but no news agency or overseas radio transmission of the announcement may carry the information without the embargo qualification.
The news may be broadcast from 7.00 a.m. onwards over the local radio and television stations on Thursday.
On NO account should any of the recipients of Honours be contacted for interviews or for information relative to their careers or be approached in any way in connection with their awards before these have been publicly announced.
/NEV/ YEAR..........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 2 -
NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST
Knight Bachelor
Mr. Michael Alexander Robert Herries
Mr. Herries served in Hong Kong in Jardine, Matheson & Company for 11 years, the last seven as its Chairman and Managing Director.
During this time, he was a substantive member of the'Legislative Council for two years and served twice as a provisional member of the Executive Council.
He had served on many boards and committees, including the Port Committee, the Social Welfare Advisory Committee, the Trade and Industry Advisory Board and the Hong Kong Management Association.
He became Chai rman of the Universities and Polytechnic Grants Committee in 1965 and his’sound advice has been of immense value in guiding the development of the three institutions of higher learning and in Stimulating world-wide interest in them.
Mr. Herries resigned this position at the end of 1975* He continues to interest himself in Hong Kong affairs and to promote its welfare.
/C.M.G. (Companion .......
Wednesday,,January 1, 1975♦
- 3 -
C.M.G. (Companion of the Order of St, Michael & St. George)
The Honourable £j,.
Mr. Li, Secretary for Social Services, is one of the two most senior Chinese officers in the Government service.
He joined the Government as an Assistant Education Officer in
1954 and was appointed a Cadet Officer in the Adminstrative Service the - r L-W ’ Jix ' • ' ' ' ..... }
following year. Since then, he has served in $ number of posts.
In November 197?.he was appointed Director of Social Welfare
and in September 1973 became the Secretary for Social Services.
He was appointed an Official Member of the Legislative Council 1 :____*-■
in November 197?»
Mr. Li has displayed in an outstanding manner the qualities of reliability, intelligence and adminstrative capability that are necessary in a senior government officer.
/C.B.E. (Commander .....
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
C.B.E. (Commander Order of the British Empire)
Dr. the Honourable Chung Sze-yuen, O.B.E.
Dr. Chung.has served as an Unofficial Member of the Legislative Council since 1968, and of the Executive Council since 1972.
He has a solid record of public service. Currently he is Chairman of the Metrication Committee and the Polytechnic Board of Governors, Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, and a member of the University of Hong Kong Council, the Inland Revenue Board of Review and the Advisory Committee on Telephone Services.
His past public service includes being chairman or member of the Asian Productivity Organisation, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Trade Development Council, the Trade and Industry Advisory. Board, the Radiation Board and the Aviation Advisory Board.
He has also served on a number of Hong Kong industrial and trade delegations abroad.
Dr. Chung was awarded the O.B.E. in 1968.
/C.B.E. (H) (Commander .....
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 5 -
O«B,E(H) (CoEimander Order of the British Empire) (Honorary)
Mr. Arnaldo de Oliveira Sales, O.B.E.,.J.P.
Hr. Sales, who was first appointed to the Urban Council on
April 1, 1957, has been the first un-official Chairman of the Council since April 1, 1973*
His particular interests lie in the fields of culture, sports, recreation and housing in Hong Kong, and he has spared no effort in furthering these fields.
Mr. Sales played a particularly active role in the old Housing Authority and is currently a member of the reconstituted Housing Authority.
He is the President of the Amateur Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong.
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Gordon John Bell, J.P.'
Mr. Bell was first appointed Scientific Officer in 19^9*
He became Director of the Royal Observatory in 19&5-
In this capacity,' \e is responsible for the typhoon warning system. He is also chairman of the Committee for Scientific Co-ordination.
/O.B.E. (Officer ...........
' ' ''' 1. "o Lv
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 6 -
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire) ------------------------------------- < *• r_* Mr. Frank Evelyn Rainbow, J-ZEh___________________________________
Mr. Rainbow has served with distinction' in the "Inland Revenue Department since he joined the Hong Kong Government service in 1952. .
He was appointed Commissioner of Inland Revenue in 1972, and
. . ' -i - ’■
has proved to be an able and energetic Commissioner.
Mr. Rainbow will proceed on retirement leave in January 1975-
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Miss Sheila Mary Sersale, J*P.
Miss Sersale is the Executive Director of the Mong Kong Housing Society.
She took over as manager of the Society in 19&5* Since then she has been responsible for the fast expansion of the Society’s housing programme, which is now self-financing under her skilful and cbBb&tent management.
Miss Sersale has also been concerned with the preparation of plans which have recently been approved in principle by government for the Society to undertake an ambitious urban renewal scheme. The initial - • • . r • ,
• • • stages of the scheme are to be financed by government loans amounting to about HK81OO million over the first four years.
/O.B.E. (Officer »
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 7 -
Q.B.E, (Officer Order of the British Empire)
The Honourable Peter Gordon Williams, J,P.
Mr. Williams is a Director of Dodwell & Co. and of a number of companies concerned with trading* insurance, telephone, power, textile and transport industries.
He was appointed a member of the Legislative Council in July 1972 and has served as a provisional member of the Executive Council on a number of occasions.
His record of public service includes membership of the Container Committee, the Trade and Industry Advisory Board, the Trade Development Council, the Board of Education as well as the Council of the Chinese
. . •. . ’*z .r'
University of Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Polytechnic.
•. ■ i- •
Mr. Williams was appointed Chairman of the Hong Kong General
Chamber of Commerce in 1972 and retired from the post in 197^• t r • * ••
/O.B.E. (Officer •••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 8 -
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr* Weng Toong-yuen, J.P.
Mr. Wong, Managing Director cf~Hong Kong Spinners Limited, . ............................................
is recognized in the textile industry as one of its pioneers in Hong Kong.
He cane to Hong Kong from North China in the late 19^0*s and established a spinning mill which became the largest in the Colony at that time.
With his initiative, experience, and leadership, he helped to set up the nucleus of Hong Kong’s major industry at a time when industrial development was of paramount importance to the economy.
Mr. Wong was Chairman of the Hong Kong Cotton Spinners Association for a number of years and has served with distinction on a number of committees and boards connected with the textile industry.
/O.B.E. (Officer ......
3
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 9 - ____________.. . ...... -
O.B.E. (Officer Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Woo Hsiao-tsing
Mr. Woo is the Managing Director of Atlas Electronics Corporation Limited, the largest manufacturer of transistor radios in Hong Kong and one of the largest in the world.
He came to Hong Kong from Shanghai in 1949 and opened a small ‘ n
radio workshop in Kowloon with assets of less than 310,000. In 1958, Mr. Woo ■ : t;> ' : ; r-. • - '
began assembling transistor radios from imported components and now he.
has 15 separate plants employing over 4,000 workers and producing over 400,000 transistor radios- each month..
Mr. Woo’s exemplary enterprise and competence have characterised the industrial development in Hong Kong over the past two decades and । ■ • • have brought considerable benefits to the economy and'the * community.~
He was appointed to the Trade and Industry ^Advisory Board in 1972. He actively supports several charitable organisations.
/I.S.O. (Imperial •••••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
10 -
I.S.O. (Imperial Service Order)
Mr. Harry Ridsdale
Mr. Ridsdale, a senior maintenance- surveyor- of. the Public. .jl Works Department, has just retired after 27 years’ :o£ service.. _
He first joined the government as a clerk of works class II J.U i
in 19^7* Through his zeal and technical abilities, he rose from a * technical grade to a senior professional level.
He was promoted to maintenance surveyor in 19&7 and is one of the few officers promoted to a full professional position without having acquired the recognized professional qualification — a fact which reflects his exceptional ability.
Mr. Ridsdale has received a number 6f commendations from his superior during his career. ,
I.S.O. (Imperial Service Order)
Mr. Sung Cho-.iu
Mr. Sung, an Auditor, has been with the Hong Kong government since 19^1 and is due to retire in 1975•
He first joined the Audit Department as a clerical officer, and in 19$9 he was exceptionally promoted to the rank of Auditor, *■ * • I * •
a post normally opens only to holders of a University honours degree or professional qualifications.
He is responsible for the audit of all land matters. The work is complex and demanding, yet he has carried it out in an exemplary manner.
/M.B.E. (Member ••••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
M.B.E. (Member Order cf the British Empire)
Mrs, Ellie Lynn Alleyne
Mrs. Alleyne, Senior Assistant Registrar at the University cf
Hong Kong, is the first woman professional administrator at the University. She has been a member of the Court of the University since 1958, and a Fellow of St. John’s College since 1959- She has at various times served on the commettees of the Association of University Women and the Hong Kong Certificate cf Education Board.
In 1971, she represented the University at a series of meetings in Thailand on Academic Interchange, sponsored by the Association of Southeast Asian Institutions of Higher Learning. • • •
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Lee Fei
Mr. Lee contributed greatly to the invaluable work of the Textile Industrial Committee of which he was Chairman from 1968 to 1972.
During this period he was responsible for job classifications and job standards for some 188 jobs of six branches within the textile industry.
As Chairman Mr. Leo has shewn outstanding ability in planning, steering and developing the work of the Committee. • • < ...
/M.B.E. (Member •••.•
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 12 -
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire) ...
_Mr. Li Hin-wing . ,
Mr. Li, a chief engineer of the Public Works Department, is responsible for the design and execution of waterworks projects.
He joined the government in 1948 and became an engineer in 1954 after four years of study leave in London. He was.promoted to Chief Engineer in 1970.
Mr. Li played an active role in promoting welfare and recreational activities both within the Waterworks Office and the Public Works Department.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Li Shek-tong
Mr. Li, Proprietor and Managing Director of Shun On Shipping Corporation, is an ardent patron of ^community-services. •---•••
A committee member of the Po Leung Kuk in 1971/72, he was elected Vice-Chairman in the following year and became Chairman in 1973/74.
Under his leadership, the Kuk further extended and improved its services in providing care and education for children and women.
He is a permanent Director of the Royal Life Saving Society of Hong Kong, Honorary Adviser of the Pok Oi Hospital and Vice-President of the Kowloon Region of the Hong Kong Scouts Association'.
/M.B.E. (Member •••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 15 -
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Eric John Liddell
Mr. Liddell, Assistant Chief Engineer of the Hong Kong Telephone Company, has for many years been deeply involved in the training and employment of the handicapped.
He was a designer of a special switchboard for blind telephone operators. His contribution-to the training Of the blind has been outstanding. • • ■ i
Mr. Liddell served for three years as a member of the Advisory Committee on Industrial Training which played a key role in the establishment of the Polytechnic.
He has represented Hong Kong at numerous international lawn . bowl tournaments and is a co-holder of the World Pairs Championship.
In addition, Mr. Liddell has served for four years on the Amateur Sports Federation and Olympic Committee and has been President of the Lawn.Bowls Federation. He was a Founder Member and President of the Australian Association of Hong Kong.
. - *.'■■■ ■■ ■
/M.B.E. (Member ......
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 14 -t ■ •
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr* Charles Lui Chi-keung
Mr. Lui is Proprietor and General Manager of Hann Tak Trading Company and Lui Keung Aquarium. — --- ■
He has been instrumental in developing the business prospects of cf local aquatic products and projecting Hong Kong as one of the worlds’ leading exporters of aquatic animals and accessories.
He became a Director of the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals in 1970 and was elected Chairman for the year 1973/74.
Under his leadership, the Group made rapid and outstanding improvements in the fields of medical, education, welfare and youth services.
Mr. Lui is also keenly interested in the promotion of sports and the kaifong movement.
M.B.E. (Member Order of the British Empire)
Mr. Brian Desmond Joseph Welch
• 7 1 r Lli.
Mr. Welch is Senior Force Welfare Officer of the Royal Hong Kong
Police Force.
■■ :r'I.
He joined the Police Force in 1962 as a Force Welfare Officer and
•1 «■' ’.< _■ •••_ • .» was appointed to the present post in 1968.
. Through his initiative, dedication, human understanding and positive approach to welfare, Mr. Welch has contributed greatly to the creation of an efficient and comprehensive welfare organisation within the Police Force.
/M.B.E. (Member •.•••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 15 -’
M.B.E.(H) (Member Order of the British Empire)(Honorary)
Mr, Lo Kwok-kuen
Mr. Lo is the first local officer in the Prisons Department to rise to the position of senior superintendent through the ranks.
He joined the prison service as a Warder in 1946. During his
27 years of service, he has taken an exceptionally keen interest in his duties which he has performed in an exemplary way.
In recent years, he has played a key role in the development of the department and has displayed a keen interest in the problem of drug addiction.
He was awarded the Colonial Prison Service Medal in 1964 and the Governor’s Commendation in 1975*
B. E.M.(H) (British Empire Medal)(Honorary) — - :
Mr. Chan Tak-yue
• . • - • t r +.
Mr. Chan is a senior clerk with the Inland Revenue Department.
He joined the department in 1950 as a temporary clerk and was promoted to the present post in 1968.
During his 24 years of service, he has displayed a distinguished service and is well-known in the department for his organising ability, • initiative, and/boundless energy.
/B.E.M. (British ••••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 16 -
B.E.M. (British Empire Hadal)—. ■-------—--------------------. .... •- •• —•
Mr. Chan Yuan-1 in '—~----------'
Mr. Chan is a senior clerical officer in the Crown Lands & Survey Office.
For more than 10 years, he has served as an interpreter to the auctioneer at Crown Land auctions — a responsible job which he has discharged with distinction.
His knowledge of the work and procedures of the Crown Lands & Survey Office has contributed greatly to the operation of the office.
He has served as an officer of the Hong Kong Government Clerical Staff Association and won the respect of his colleagues.
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Au San-chu
Mr. Au, a senior clerical officer of the~Prisons Department, retired from Government service last November.
• “ •' ■ *• i •• •
Throughout his 27 years of service, he had contributed materially to the development of the clerical service within the department. In recent years, he had assumed the responsibility of handling the department’s accounts.
/B.E.M. (British ••••••
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 17 -
B.E.M. .(British Empire Medal)
Mr. Leung Chung
Mr. Leung joined the Police Force as a photographer in 19^7 and since 1959 has been the Senior Police Photographer at the Identification Bureau, Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters.
He has, over this period, distinguished himself by his dedicated service and remarkable ability in what at times has been a very demanding post.
Because of his work, Mr. Leung is, in many ways, a "scene of crime" expert and indeed, he has for many years been accepted as an "expert witness" at trials.
B.E.M. (H)(British Empire Medal)(Honorary)
Mr. Lee Bun-chow
Mr. Lee has been a Welfare Assistant of the Public Assistance Division (formerly Relief Section) of the Social Welfare Department for over 24 years.
In this position, he has been carrying out emergency relief duties with dexterity, dedication and enthusiasm.
/B.E.M. (British ......
Wednesday, January 1, 1975»
- 18 -
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Ohan Kan
Mr. Chan, a Chief Launch Mechanic of the Marine Department., retired last July after 33 years of Government service. ■ - •....—r
He first joined the department in 19^+1 a Stoker and was promoted to his present post in 1971»
Throughout his service, he was twice commended by the Director of Marine for his bravery in rescuing a small boy from drowning and for his performance during an oil spillage from storage tanks at an oil depot
B.E.Mr (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Chan Man^sun
Mr. Chan is a Senior Clerk with the Royal Hong Kong Regiment.
He has been with the Regiment for 33 years and throughout his career has displayed an exemplary service. As Senior Clerk of the Volunteer Force, he looks after its financial and staff matters, and provides the primary civilian staff backing of continuity and knowledge to the seconded regular army officers.
i3.E,M. (British
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 19 - ..
B.E.M. (British Empire Medal)
Mr. Mui Tong
. Mr. Mui, a Field Assistant Class I of the Agriculture and Fisheries Department, has been known as the most experienced and most skilled pig inseminator in Hong Kong.
He joined the government as a Labourer in 19^6 and was promoted to the post of Stockman in 195^ and to the present grade in 1966.
Mr. Mui was trained as the first pig inseminator when the modern ** • • % f
techniques of artifical insemination of pigs was introduced into Hong Kong in the late 1950’s.
His expertise in this area, coupled with his diligence and dedication, has contributed greatly to the pig artificial insimination scheme in Hong Kong.
Badge of Honour
Mr. LAW Chak-tong
Mr. Law, Headmaster Tam Chuk Hang Primary School, has given valuable service for many years as a member of the Fanling Rural Committee, and more recently as its Chairman.
In particular he has contributed a great deal to the Fight Violent Crime Campaign.
Mr. YIP Sung ' '
hr. Yip, Supervisor of Lei Yue Mun Hoi Bun Primary School, founded the School in 19^8. He has also been enthusiastic in raising funds for charity and in supporting various official campaigns for civic improvement,- .
/Mr. HUI Yin-ying
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 20 -
Mr. HUI Yin-ying
Mr. Hui, a businessman, has a long record of distinguished community service and serves on a number of committees, including the Kowloon City Kaifong Association,. of which he is Vice-Chairman.
He has played a prominent part in civic improvement campaigns and in the promotion of youth recreation facilities.
Mr. LEE Yui-chee
Mr. Lee, a oompany director, has played a prominent part in youth work, recreation and government projects for a. number ..of years. .........
He is on the Committee of a number of community organisations, including the Central District Residents Association of which he is Vice-Chairman.
*• ...» • i . •
’ • ».x '..l
Mr. LOO Ching-ho
Mr. Loo, a retired industrialist, is an active local community leader in Kwun Tong where he has devoted a great deal of time and energy to assisting the District Office.
He has played a prominent part in government campaigns and in numerous projects to give benefit to the public, particularly to young people.
Mr. CHAN Foo-1eung
Mr. Chan, a businessman, has been active in community service for the past six years.
He has taken a prominent part in promoting community projects and sporting activities as well as supporting government civic improvement campaigns•
/Q.P.M. (Queenfs .......
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 21 -
Q.P.M. (foeenfs Police Medal)
Mr, James Joseph Edward Morrin
Mr. Morrin, an Acting Assistant Commissioner of Police, is ecurrently District Police Commander (Kowloon).
He joined the Royal Hong Kong Police Force in 1955 and has since served in various formations., both on the staff and in operational roles.
He was the Director of the former Anti-Corruption Office from April 1973 to January 197^•
In this position, he dispayed all the characteristics of a first-rate leader, directing his staff most efficiently through a most trying period.
* /C.P.M.(Colonial •
Wednesday, January 1, 1975
- 22 -
• :
C.P.M. (Colonial Police Medal)
Mr. Harold Vincent Brown, Superintendent of Police
Mr. Chan Bing-wing, Superintendent of Police
Mr. Chan Man, Chief Inspector of Police -------
Mr. Cheung Pi ng-sun, Chief Insp^K6f '<5T*Polrce - •
Mr. Jack Chung Ah-tong (F), Divisional Officer, Auxiliary Fire Service
Mr. Stanislaus Michael Elcock (F), Divisional Officer
Mr. Kwong Kin-on, Chief Inspector of Police (Auxiliary)
Mr. Lam Ying, Chief Inspector of Police
Mr. Lee Chun-tung, Chief Inspector of Police
Mr. Lo Kwok-tung, Chief Inspector of Police
Sgt. Lo Wan-or
Mr. Luke Yan-keung, Chief Inspector of Police (Auxiliary)
Mr. Mok Lim (F), Principal Fireman
Mr. Donald Eric Poole, Superintendent of Police
Mr. Anthony John Sirett, Chief Inspector of Police
Mr. So Kwok-v'ai (F), Principal Fireman
Mr; William Spence, Chief Inspector of Police
Mr. Tam Yuk-tong (F), Principal Ambulanceman
Sgt. Wan Yip-hung, Station Sergeant (Auxiliary)
Mr. Peter John Bagley Wassell, Superintendent of Police
Mr. Wong Yu-wing (F), Principal Fireman
Mr. Yu Pun-chak, Superintendent of Police
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM THE SECRETARY OF STATE ........... !
TEMPORARY WATER STOPPAGE IN KOWLOON CITY ...............
MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS TO BE INTRODUCED ON THE ROAD...................................................... 2
A NEW TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES AT CAPE COLLINSON CHINESE
PERMANENT CEMETERY AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION........3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2
1975
NEW YEAR GREETINGS FROM SECRETARY OF STATE
THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH MR. JAMES CALLAGHAN, HAS SENT HIS NEW YEAR GREETINGS TO GOVERNOR AND PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
AFFAIRS THE
HIS MESSAGE READSt
+AT THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR I SEND TO YOU AND TO THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, MY WARM AND SINCERE GOOD WISHES.
♦1975 WILL BRING FRESH CHALLENGES TO YOU AND TO ALL OF ’ US WHO ARE CONCERNED FOR THE WELFARE AND PROSPERITY OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN THE DEPENDENT TERRITORIES. I TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ASSURE THEM AND YOU THAT I AND MY COLLEAGUES HAVE VERY MUCH IN MIND THE INTERESTS OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.+
0
WATER CUT * * M
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN KOWLOON CITY WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING AT 1 AM ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 4) TO ENABLE A LEAKAGE TEST TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THE AREA.
THE GRAMPIAN ROAD AND
AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY JUNCTION ROAD, DUMBARTON ROAD ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, LA SALLE ROAD. NGA TSIN WAI INVERNESS ROAD. INCLUDING LAI CHI YUEN.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1975
2
. MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS TO BE INTRODUCED ON THE ROAD NEXT WEEK ft M it X X
FIVE MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE INTRODUCED FAIRLY WIDELY ON THE ROAD FROM NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 6).
THESE ARE THE +AHEAD ONLY+, +PASS EITHER SIDE+, +WIDTH LIMIT*. ♦DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ENDS+ AND +DUAL CARRIAGEWAY+ SIGNS.
THE +AHEAD ONLY+ SIGN INDICATES THAT VEHICLES ARE OBLIGED TO PROCEED IN THE DIRECTION INDICATED BY THE ARROW. IT MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC SIGNALS OR MAY BE QUALIFIED FURTHER WHEN USED WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES.
THE +PASS EITHER SIDE+ SIGN PERMITS PASSAGE ON EITHER SIDE OF SOME TEMPORARY OR PERMANENT-OBSTRUCTION IN THE CARRIAGEWAY, AND MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH TRAFFIC BOLLARDS.
BOTH SIGNS ARE CIRCULAR, WITH WHITE BORDER AND WHITE SYMBOL ON BLUE BACKGROUND.
THE +WIDTH LIMIT*- SIGN INDICATES THAT VEHICLES WITH WIDTHS IN EXCESS OF THE NUMERALS ON THE SIGN ARE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING. THE NUMERALS MAY BE ALTERED TO SUIT DIFFERENT RESTRICTIONS. THE SIGN IS CIRCULAR WITH RED BORDER, AND BLACK SYMBOL, NUMBERS AND LETTER ON WHITE BACKGROUND.
THE +DUAL CARRIAGEWAY ENDS+ SIGN, WHICH IS TRIANGULAR WITH RED BORDER AND BLACK SYMBOL ON WHITE BACKGROUND, MAY BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SUPPLEMENTARY PLATES.
THE +DUAL CARRIAGEWAY+ SIGN, RECTANGULAR WITH BLACK BORDER, LETTERS AND CHARACTERS ON WHITE BACKGROUND, IS A SUPPLEMENTARY PLATE FOR USE WITH OTHER SIGNS.
NOTE TO EDITORSi COPIES OF PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE FIVE SYMBOLIC --------------- TRAFFIC SIGNS ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G.I.S.
PRESS BOXES.
- - - - 0 -------
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2, 1975
1
NEW TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION AT CAPE COLLINSON CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY ««««««
A NEW TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES AT THE CAPE COLLINSON CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERY ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION.
THE MOST PROMINENT FEATURE OF THIS NEW TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES IS THAT ITS OWNERSHIP IS NOT RESTRICTED TO A FIXED PERIOD OF TIME BUT INSTEAD CAN BE RENEWED FOR AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF PERIODS.
SINCE AUGUST LAST YEAR, GRAVE SPACES HAVE BEEN MADE AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF 10 YEARS AT A PREMIUM OF $3,500 EACH. WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED FOR ONE FURTHER AND FINAL TERM OF SIX YEARS. AFTER THAT THE HUMAN REMAINS BURIED WILL REQUIRE TO BE DIS INTERRED’AND REMOVED.
THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES HAS NOW DECIDED TO INTRODUCE ANOTHER TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES. THESE GRAVE SPACES WILL BE ALLOCATED FOR AN INITIAL TERM OF 10 YEARS AT A PREMIUM OF $5,000 EACH, WHICH MAY BE EXTENDED FOR AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF TERMS OF UP TO 10 YEARS EACH, AT PREMIUMS WHICH WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD AT THE TIME OF EXPIRY OF EACH TERM.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THIS NEW TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES WILL AFFORD A FAR GREATER DEGREE OF FLEXIBILITY WITH REGARD TO THE PERIOD OF OWNERSHIP AS THEY CAN BE RENEWED FOR AN INDEFINITE NUMBER OF TERMS.
THE EXISTING TYPE OF GRAVE SPACES, WHICH ARE ALLOCATED AT A PREMIUM OF $3,500 EACH AND FOR WHICH THE PERIOD OF OWNERSHIP IS RESTRICTED TO A MAXIMUM PERIOD OF 16 YEARS, ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION.
ENQUIRIES CONCERNING THE ABOVE SHOULD BE MADE TO THE SECRETARY, THE BOARD OF MANAGEMENT OF THE CHINESE PERMANENT CEMETERIES AT INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 9TH FLOOR, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG. (TEL. NO. 5-452758 OR 5-458165).
------0----
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
' FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TOUGHER LAWS TO CONTROL THE USE OF CERTAIN CHEMICALS REQUIRED FOR MANUFACTURING HEROIN ................... 1
PROPOSED CHANGES IN LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION .. 2
PRE-WAR BUILDING IN CLEARWATER BAY ROAD DECLARED DANGEROUS ........................................... 2
PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY SYSTEM TO BE INTRODUCED IN CENTRAL DISTRICT .................................... 3
POSTAL SERVICES TO GIBRALTAR DISRUPTED............... 4
FORTY-TWO LONG-SERVING MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT RECEIVE AWARDS ........................... 4
ON LOK YUEN SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE SETTLED............ 5
WIDOW OF POLICE SERGEANT RECEIVES COMPENSATION AWARD . 5
♦
FULLY SUBSIDY TO 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS STILL BEING DISCUSSED ..................................... 6
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO FILE TRADE DECLARATIONS AND TO PAY AD VALOREM CHARGES 6
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1975 AND 1976 ANNOUNCED......... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975 - 1 -
TOUGH MEASURES TO CURB HEROIN MANUFACTURING IN H.K.
LEGISLATION designed to control the use of certain CHEMICALS, WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL FOR MANUFACTURING HEROIN, WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
//.AM-rlA.E\P£?r.0SfD LEGISLATION — THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES (CONTROL) BILL 1975 — WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR INFORMATION.
THE CHEMICALS CONCERNED ARE ACETIC ANHYDRIDE, ACETYL BROMIDE, AND ACETYL CHLORIDE.
AT PRESENT, IT IS AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT ACETIC ANHYDRIDE WITHOUT A LICENCE. HOWEVER, ONCE THE CHEMICAL HAS BEEN IMPORTED, IT IS NOT AN OFFENCE TO POSSESS IT. NEITHER IS IT AN OFFENCE TO MANUFACTURE IT NOR DEAL IN IT. THE IMPORT OF THE OTHER TOO CHEMICALS IS NOT RESTRICTED.
IF ENACTED, THE NEW LEGISLATION WILL MAKE IT AN OFFENCE TO IMPORT AND EXPORT, DEAL, MANUFACTURE, TRANS-SHIP AND POSSESS, EXCEPT IN DIRECT TRANSIT, THE CHEMICALS WITHOUT A LICENCE OR PERMIT ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
ON CONVICTION, AN OFFENDER MAY BE FINED UP TO $1 MILLION AND IMPRISONED FOR 15 YEARS ON INDICTMENT WHILE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION HE MAY BE FINED UP TO $500,000 AND SENT TO PRISON FOR THREE YEARS.
UNDER NEW REGULATIONS WHICH WILL BE MADE AFTER THE BILL HAS BEEN ENACTED, HOLDERS OF A LICENCE OR PERMIT ARE REQUIRED TO KEEP RECORDS OF THEIR STOCK OF CHEMICALS AND TO STORE THEM SECURELY IN APPROVED PLACES.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW LEGISLATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID: +THE THREE CHEMICALS WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL AS AN ACETYLATING AGENT IN THE MANUFACTURE OF HEROIN, ARE NOT REQUIRED FOR INDUSTRIAL USE IN HONG KONG AND NONE OF THEM IS MADE LOCALLY BY NORMAL INDUSTRIAL PROCESS.
+LOCAL ILLICIT REQUIREMENTS ARE SMUGGLED INTO HONG KONG FROM OVERSEAS OR ARE DIVERTED FROM TRANS-SHIPMENT CARGOES STORED IN HONG KONG.
+ACETIC ANHYDRIDE |S THE CHEMICAL INVARIABLY USED IN THE HEROIN MANUFACTURING PROCESS AS IT IS EASIER TO HANDLE. NEVERTHELESS, THE DANGER OF VIOLENT EXPLOSION FROM HEROIN MANUFACTURE IS HIGH.+
THE SPOKESMAN WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD STRIKE A SUBSTANTIAL BLOW AT HEROIN MANUFACTURERS IN HONG KONG AND WOULD HELP THE POLICE AND PREVENTIVE SERVICE IN THEIR FIGHT AGAINST CLANDESTINE HEROIN MANUFACTURING.
- 0 - -
2 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975.
PROPOSED CHANGES IN LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION M K * * K M
THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1975 WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE BILL IS TO PERMIT LANDLORDS AND PRINCIPAL TENANTS OF PRE-WAR PREMISES, CONTROLLED UNDER PART 1 OF THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) ORDINANCE, TO INCREASE RENT EITHER WHERE RATES BORNE BY THEM ARE INCREASED OR WHERE RATES ARE NEWLY IMPOSED AND BORNE BY THEM.
COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID,+LANDLORDS AND PRINCIPAL TENANTS OF PRE-WAR PREMISES SUBJECT TO THE RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION WILL BE ABLE TO OFFSET ANY INCREASE IN THEIR FUTURE RATES LIABILITY, AFTER APRIL 1, 1975, BY MAKING A CORRESPONDING INCREASE IN RENT.
♦OCCUPIERS OF PRE-WAR PREMISES WILL THUS BE BROUGHT INTO LINE WITH OCCUPIERS OF POST-WAR PREMISES IN RESPECT OF THEIR LIABILITY FOR RATES WHICH, BASICALLY, ARE A CHARGE ON OCCUPIERS.+
HE POINTED OUT HOWEVER THAT TENANTS AND SUB-TENANTS LIABLE FOR SUCH RENT INCREASE HAD TO BE SERVED WITH A NOTICE SPECIFYING THE AMOUNT OF THE INCREASE AND THE DATE FROM WHICH IT BECAME EFFECTIVE.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION WILL MAKE THE NECESSARY FORMS AVAILABLE TO LANDLORDS AND PRINCIPAL TENANTS FREE OF CHARGE.
♦WHERE PREMISES ARE NOT SEPERATELY ASSESSED TO RATES ASSISTANCE WILL BE GIVEN BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION IN DEALING WITH APPORTIONMENTS OF RATES CHARGES AND ANY OTHER PROBLEMS WHICH MAY ARISE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
-----0------
PRE-WAR BUILDING IN N.T. DECLARED DANGEROUS * M » » SU
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED THE STORE OF THE OLD KWONG PUI SCHOOL PREMISES, TAI PO TSAI, CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, HANG HAU, NEW TERRITORIES, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS JW0-ST0REY PRE-WAR BUILDING WITH SINGLE STOREY ADDITIONS HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR SOME TIME IN VIEW OF ITS ADVANCED AGE AND SERIOUSLY DETERIORATED CONDITION.
AS THE BULGED MAIN LOAD BEARING STONE WALLS OF LOOSE CONSTRUCT!ON SHOWED SIGNS OF RECENT MOVEMENT AND OF NEW FRACTURES JT^WAS Now NECESSARY TO CLOSE AND DEMOLISH THE BUILDING ao CROWN LAND AND WHICH UNTIL RECENTLY HAS BEEN IN USE
AS A SCHOOL STORE AND CARETAKERS QUARTER.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN DISTRICT COURT AT 10 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 3, 1975 WAS POSTED
KOWLOON TODAY.
-----0------
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975
- 3 -
PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY SYSTEM FOR CENTRAL DISTRICT ******
THE FIRST STAGE OF A SCHEME TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC IN CENTRAL DISTRICT, FEATURING A PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY SYSTEM FOR A SECTION OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, WILL START ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 5).
STAGE TWO - A PROPOSED BAN ON PRIVATE CARS ALONG THE SAME SECTION OF THE ROAD - WAS ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO START IN MIDFEBRUARY BUT WILL NOW BE INTRODUCED ONLY AFTER MONITORING OF THE WORKING OF STAGE ONE HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT.
WITH EFFECT FROM 4 P.M. ON SUNDAY, CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS BANNING VEHICLES FROM STOPPING WILL BE IMPOSED ALONG THE WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BETWEEN JACKSON ROAD AND JUBILEE STREET, AND THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY BETWEEN PEDDER STREET AND JUBILEE STREET.
ALL VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES AND TRAMS, WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING ALONG THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS, AND TO LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS DURING THE PEAK HOURS OF 7 A.M. TO 10 A.M. AND 4 P.M. TO 7 P.M.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THESE MEASURES, SUPPLEMENTED DY CHANGES IN TRAFFIC ROUTING AND TURNING MOVEMENT, SHOULD HELP IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE BUSY AREA.
HE SAID THE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT HAD BEEN PLANNED AS PART OF A CONTINUING PROCESS TO REDUCE CONGESTION IN CENTRAL DISTRICT, AND TO PREPARE MOTORISTS FOR ANY LATER DIVERSIONS ONCE WORKS ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY START.
HE SAID THAT, AT THE REQUEST OF UMELCO MEMBERS AND FOLLOWING REPRESENTATIONS FROM THE CENTRAL RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION, THE DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED WITH THE SCHEME HAD AGREED TO CARRY OUT MONITORING OF THE EFFECTS OF THE PEAK-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY SYSTEM IN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL BEFORE INTRODUCING THE PROPOSED BAN ON PRIVATE CARS.
FURTHER CONSULTATIONS WILL BE MADE WITH UMELCO, AFTER WHICH A DECISION WILL BE MADE ON A DATE FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF STAGE TWO, HE SAID.
ALSO WITH EFFECT FROM SUNDAY, ICE HOUSE STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE REROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND. THIS WILL PROVIDE AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE FOR MOTORISTS USING WYNDHAM STREET AND PEDDER STREET.
TRAFFIC ON QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT INTO ICE HOUSE STREET.
EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS WHEN THE CHATER ROAD PEDESTRIAN PRECINCT IS OPEN, ALL NORTHBOUND VEHICLES IN ICE HOUSE STREET WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT OR RIGHT INTO DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS. _ - - - 0 ------------------------ /4................
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975.
- 4 -
MAIL SERVICES TO GIBRALTAR M M X X X M
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT DUE TO INDUSTRIAL ACTION WHICH IS DISRUPTING POSTAL SERVICES, NO FURTHER SURFACE PARCEL DESPATCHES WILL BE MADE TO GIBRALTAR UNTIL NORMAL SERVICES ARE RESUMED.
AIR MAILS, AIR PARCELS AND OTHER CLASSES OF SURFACE MAILS WILL CONTINUE TO BE FORWARDED, BUT DELAYS ARE INEVITABLE.
THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO RESTRICT THE POSTING OF ALL CLASSES OF MAIL TO GIBRALTAR UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
0
DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES PRESENTS LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS M X M K M K
A TOTAL OF 42 SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, WITH ALMOST 1,000 YEARS OF SERVICE BETWEEN THEM, WERE TODAY(FRIDAY) PRESENTED WITH COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. HARRY WOOD, AT A CEREMONY HELD AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION.
SEVENTEEN OF THE RECIPIENTS WERE AWARDED LONG SERVICE MEDALS RECOGNISING 18 YEARS OF SERVICE, WHILE THE REMAINING 25 WERE AWARDED FIRST CLASPS TO THEIR LONG SERVICE MEDALS IN RECOGNITION OF 25 YEARS’ SERVICE.
THE RECIPIENTS CONSISTED OF A CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, TWO ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICERS, ONE STATION OFFICER, SEVEN PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, 22 SENIOR FIREMEN, TWO SENIOR AMBULANCEMEN, SIX FIREMEN AND ONE AMBULANCEMAN.
47 MORE MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH LONG SERVICE AWARDS AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT CENTRAL FIRE STATION ON JANUARY 10.
NOTE TO EDITORS i -A PICTURE SHOWING THE CHIEF FIRE OFFICER, NEW TERRITORIES, MR FRED JACKSON RECEIVING A FIRST CLASP TO HIS COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDAL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF THE FIRE SERVICES, MR. HARRY WOOD, WILL BE BOXED THIS EVENING.
0------ /5............
5 FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975.
SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE SETTLED
******
i
THE SEVERANCE PAY NEGOTIATIONS INVOLVING 55 RESTAURANT EMPLOYEES OF ON LOK YUEN COMPANY LIMITED ENDED YESTERDAY.
THREE MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES AND EIGHT REPRESENTATIVES OF THE WORKERS SIGNED AN AGREEMENT IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONCILIATOR, MR. TO SAU-HONG.
THE TERMS OF AGREEMENT WHICH COVER OLD AGE GRATUITY, SPECIAL GRATUITY YEAR-END BONUSES, SEVERANCE PAYMENT AND AN EXTRA MONTH’S PAY WERE REACHED AFTER A FOUR-HOUR MEETING IN THE LABOUR RELATION OFFICE.
I
PAYMENT WILL BE MADE TO ALL WORKERS CONCERNED WITHIN TWO WEEKS.
_ - - - 0--------
PRESENTATION OF COMPENSATION AWARD ******
A CHEQUE FOR $22,650 WAS PRESENTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE ?on|RTrcNLn^rBEHALF THE govERNMENT TODAY TO THE WIDOW OF JgFGLICE SERGEANT WHO WAS KILLED BY AN ARMED ROBBER IN MARCH
WAS AWARDED To MADAM TSE SHUM SHU I MUI AS COMPENSATION UNDER SECTION 95 (1) OF THE INTERPRETATION AND GENERAL CLAUSES ORDINANCE IN A RESOLUTION PASSEDBY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST NOVEMBER.
ta .Uu!ot^S^NDZ SGT TSE YUEN CHUNEG, WAS SHOT WHEN HE WENT ™JvyEST,GATE AN ARMED ROBBERY AT Th£ KOWLOON CITY BRANCH OF THE KA WAH BANK ON MARCH 27, 1973 AND DIED THE SAME DAY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975
6
FULL SUBSIDY TO 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS STILL BEING DISCUSSED
X X X X X X
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE CONVERSION IN STAGES OF 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO FULLY SUBSIDISED STATUS UNDER THE UNIFIED CODE OF AID FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THIS APPROVAL IN PRINCIPLE WAS GIVEN ON DECEMBER 18, 1974. HOWEVER, FUNDS HAVE NOT YET BEEN ALLOCATED BY THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHEME, AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY WHEN ASKED TO COMMENT ON REPORTS IN AN ENGLISH. LANGUAGE AND A CHINESE LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER THAT +THE GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE APPLICATION OF 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS TO BECOME FULLY SUBSIDISED.*
THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT OFFICERS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MET THE PRINCIPALS OF THE 36 SCHOOLS ON DECEMBER 21 WHEN THEY EXPLAINED TO THEM THAT WHILE THE SCHEME HAD BEEN APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE FUNDS FOR ITS IMPLEMENTATION WERE STILL BEING SOUGHT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS NOT CORRECT AS REPORTED THAT THE FIRST STAGE CAME INTO EFFECT ON JANUARY 1, AND THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WOULD INITIALLY PAY 50 PER CENT OF THE TEACHERS’ SALARIES IN THESE SCHOOLS.
HE SAID OFFICIALS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE COLONIAL SECRETARIAT WERE STILL DISCUSSING THE IMPLEMENTATION OFFINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THESE 36 ASSISTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
-----o------
DECLARATION OF IMPORTS AND EXPORTS M M M *
IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS WERE TODAY REMINDED OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT (REGISTRATION) REGULATIONS TO LODGE TRADE DECLARATIONS AND PAY AD VALOREM CHARGES WITHIN 14 DAYS OF TRANSACTING BUSINESS ON ALL IMPORTS AND EXPORTS OTHER THAN THOSE WHICH ARE EXEMPTED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THAT PROSECUTIONS WOULD BE INITIATED AGAINST THOSE WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, FAILED TO LODGE THE NECESSARY TRADE DECLARATIONS.
TRADE DECLARATIONS SUBMITTED OUTSIDE THE PRESCRIBED PERIOD OF 14 DAYS .WILL BE LIABLE, WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE, TO PENALTY CHARGES WHICH RISE AFTER TWO MONTHS TO A MAXIMUM OF $50 PER DECLARATION WHERE THE TOTAL VALUE OF ARTICLES SPECIFIED DOES NOT EXCEED $20,000.
WHERE THE VALUE EXCEEDS $20,000, THE PENALTY CHARGES RISE AFTER TWO MONTHS TO A MAXIMUM OF $100 PER DECLARATION.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 1975
7
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1975 AND 1976 ******
TWO LISTS OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1975 AND 1976 ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS THIS YEAR FALL ON FEBRUARY 11 UNTIL FEBRUARY 13. THE EASTER HOLIDAYS WILL STRETCH FROM MARCH 28 TO MARCH 31.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE LIST OF GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1975 I-
EVERY SUNDAY .....................
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY .... LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR GOOD FRIDAY ' THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY .... EASTER MONDAY CHING MING FESTIVAL THE.BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL ... THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY THE FIRST.MONDAY IN AUGUST THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST, WHICH SHALL BE LIBERATION DAY TH SECOND DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL CHRISTMAS DAY THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY • WEDNESDAY, 1ST JANUARY ' TUESDAY, 11TH FEBRUARY WEDNESDAY, 12TH FEBRUARY THURSDAY, 13TH FEBRUARY FRIDAY, 28TH MARCH SATURDAY, 29TH MARCH MONDAY, 31ST MARCH SATURDAY, 5TH APRIL MONDAY, 21ST APRIL SATURDAY, 14TH JUNE TUESDAY, 1ST JULY MONDAY, 4TH AUGUST MONDAY, 25TH AUGUST MONDAY, 22ND SEPTEMBER MONDAY, 13TH OCTOBER THURSDAY, 25TH DECEMBER FRIDAY, 26TH DECEMBER /GENERAL HOLIDAYS
FRIDAY, JANUARY J, 1975
- 8 -
GENERAL HOLIDAYS FOR 1976
EVERY SUNDAY .....................
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JANUARY ....
LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY .............
THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR ..
THE FOURTH DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR
THE DAY FOLLOWING CHING MING FESTIVAL..........................
GOOD FRIDAY..............
THE DAY FOLLOWING GOOD FRIDAY ....
EASTER MONDAY ....................
THE BIRTHDAY OF HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ............................
TUEN NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY IN JULY .......
THE FIRST MONDAY IN AUGUST .......
THE LAST MONDAY IN AUGUST, WHICH SHALL BE LIBERATION DAY ..........
THE DAY FOLLOWING THE CHINESE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL...............
THE DAY FOLLOWING CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL .........................
CHRISTMAS DAY ....................
THE FIRST WEEK-DAY AFTER CHRISTMAS DAY...............................
THURSDAY, 1ST JANUARY SATURDAY, 31ST JANUARY MONDAY, 2ND FEBRUARY TUESDAY, 3RD FEBRUARY
MONDAY, 5TH APRIL
FRIDAY, 16TH APRIL SATURDAY, 17TH APRIL MONDAY, 19TH A’PRIL
WEDNESDAY, 21ST APRIL
WEDNESDAY, 2ND JUNE THURSDAY, 1ST JULY MONDAY, 2ND AUGUST
MONDAY, 3OTH AUGUST
THURSDAY, 9TH SEPTEMBER
MONDAY, 1ST NOVEMBER SATURDAY, 25TH DECEMBER
MONDAY, 27TH DECEMBER
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I
f
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1974 ............... 1
ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN 1975 ......*........................... 2
TWO SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS TO HOLD TALKS IN LONDON ON TEXTILES................................................ 3
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK ..................... 3
CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIRS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.............. 4
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG NEXT WEEK ................................... 5
NEW PLAYGROUND FOR KENNEDY TOWN ........................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1975.
- 1 - I
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1974 -., ft * ft ft ft ft
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR NOVEMBER 1974 DROPPED BY 3124 MILLION TO $1,811 MILLION, A DECREASE OF 6.4 PER CENT OVER NOVEMBER 1973.
ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, THE VALUE OF IMPORTS FOR THE MONTH WENT DOWN BY 15.5 PER CENT AND THE VALUE OF RE-EXPORTS BY 13.5 PER CENT OVER THE FIGURES FOR NOVEMBER 1973.
FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY-NOVEMBER 1974 SHOW INCREASES BY VALUE OVER THE SAME PERIOD IN 1973 OF 20.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 11.8 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS AND 21.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.
DOMESTIC EXPORTS DURING THE 12-MONTH PERIOD DECEMBER 1973 TO NOVEMBER 1974 WENT UP IN VALUE BY 23.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD, WHILE RE-EXPORTS ROSE BY 14.7 PER CENT AND IMPORTS BY 24 PER CENT.
THE FOLLOWING TABLE GIVES THE BREAKDOWN AND COMPARATIVE
FIGURES: COMPARATIVE FIGURES NOVEMBER 1974 NOVEMBER 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 1,811 (76.2%) 1.935 (74.7%) - 124 - 6.4
IMPORTS 2,574 3,048 - 473 - 15.5
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL I EXPORTS) 567 (23.8%) 656 (25.3%) - 89 - 13.5
SEPT.-NOV. 1974 SEPT.-NOV. 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 5,416 5,755 - 338 - 5.9
IMPORTS 7,707 8,755 -1,048 - 12.0
RE-EXPORTS 1,686 2,140 - 454 - 21.2 1
• JAN.-NOV. 1974 JAN.-NOV. 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
• 1 $ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
/domestic exports
2
v/inu/utl
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 21,180 (76.2%) 17.515 (74.8%) +3,665 + 20.9
IMPORTS 31,578 25,947 +5,631 + 21.7
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 6,598 (23.8%) 5,904 (25.2%) + 694 + 11.8
DEC. 1973 TO NOV. 1974 DEC. 1972 TO NOV. 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
S MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 23,139 18,728 +4,412 + 23.6
IMPORTS 34,636 27,927 +6,709 + 24.0
RE-EXPORTS 7,219 6,295 + 924 + 14.7
----* - 0 ----
ANTI-POLIO CAMPAIGN 1975
FIRST PHASE TO LAST UNTIL END OF JANUARY-* * M M M *
THE FIRST PHASE OF THE 1975 ANTI-POLIOMYELITIS CAMPAIGN ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT BEGAN ON JANUARY 2 AND WILL LAST FOR ONE MONTH.
THE SECOND PHASE WILL LAST THROUGHOUT MARCH.
A SPOKESMAN SAID POLIO IMMUNISATION BECAME AVAILABLE SINCE 1963 AND HAD VIRTUALLY ELIMINATED THE DISEASE IN HONG KONG.
IN 1962, BEFORE INTRODUCTION OF THE VACCINE, 363 CASES WITH 52 DEATHS WERE RECORDED, BUT THERE HAD BEEN NO NOTIFICATIONS SINCE SEPTEMBER 1973.
HE FELT THAT DESPITE THIS GREATLY IMPROVED SITUATION POLIOMYELITIS STILL POSED A THREAT TO THE COMMUNITY AND ANY CHILD WHO HAD NOT YET BEEN VACCINATED SHOULD BE IMMUNISED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
+POLIO VACCINE IS FREE AND AVAILABLE AT ALL GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES, INOCULATION POSTS AND GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINICS,+ HE EMPHASISED.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THREE DOSES OF VACCINE WERE REQUIRED WITH AN EIGHT-WEEK INTERVAL BETWEEN THE FIRST AND SECOND DOSES. A THIRD DOSE SHOULD BE TAKEN A YEAR LATER.
HE ASSURED PARENTS THAT POLIO VACCINE WAS VERY EASY TO ADMINISTER. FOR INFANTS, DROPS OF THE VACCINE WERE PUT INTO THE MOUTH. FOR OLDER CHILDREN, THE VACCINE WAS ADDED TO A LUMP OF SUGAR.
+POLIO VACCINE IS AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT THE YEAR AT ALL GOVERNMENT MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRES,+ HE SAID, +AND THE CAMPAIGNS CARRIED OUT IN EACH YEAR ARE INTENDED TO REMIND MOTHERS OF THE AVAILABILITY OF THE VACCINE, AND TO URGE THEM TO HAVE THEIR CHILDREN IMMUNISED.*
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1975
- 5 -
SENIOR HONG KONG TRADE NEGOTIATORS LEAVE FOR LONDON FOR CONSULTATIONS ON TEXTILES
W H K « « « if «
TWO SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT LEAVE FOR LONDON TONIGHT FOR CONSULTATIONS CONNECTED WITH THE TEXTILE MARKETING NEGOTIATIONS DUE TO BE HELD WITH THE COMMON MARKET COUNTRIES LATER THIS YEAR.
THE HONG KONG TRADE NEGOTIATORS ARE MR. LAWRENCE MILLS, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF C AND I IN-CHARGE OF COMMERCIAL RELATIONS, AND MR, PETER TSAO, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR IN-CHARGE OF RELATIONS WITH THE COMMON MARKET.
IN LONDON, MR. MILLS AND MR. TSAO WILL BE SEEING BRITISH TRADE OFFICIALS AT WHITEHALL AS WELL AS HONG KONG’S TOO REPRESENTATIVES IN BRUSSELS, MR. CLAUDE BURGESS AND MR. PAT DODGE.
THE TWO-WEEK TRIP WILL ALSO TAKE THEM TO BRUSSELS FOR TALKS WITH OFFICIALS OF THE COMMON MARKET COMMISSION AND, PERHAPS, OF SOME MEMBER GOVERNMENTS OF THE E.E.C.
MR. MILLS AND MR. TSAO WILL BE TALKING ABOUT MATTERS CONNECTED WITH EEC TEXTILE NEGOTIATIONS WHICH ARE EXPECTED TO START SOON.
MR. MILLS SAID BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE THAT THE VISIT IS PURELY A FACT-FINDING ONE NEEDED TO HELP HIM PUT HONG KONG’S NEGOTIATING BRIEF INTO FINAL PERSPECTIVE.
-----0-------
EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK
##«****
AN EXHIBITION OF STUDENTS’ CREATIVE WORK WILL BE HELD AT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CULTURAL CRAFTS CENTRE, 4 PAK FUK ROAD, NORTH POINT, LATER THIS MONTH.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON WEEKDAYS AND 9 A.M. TO 12 NOON ON SATURDAY.
THE DISPLAY WILL CONSIST OF SELECTED NEEDLEWORK BY PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS, SELECTED PA I NT 11G3 BY JUNIOR SCHOOL PUPILS AND WORKS OF ART BY FORM 5/MIDDLE 5 STUDENTS.
IT WILL BE OF PARTICULAR INTEREST TO TEACHERS AND STUDENTS PREPARING FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN ART.
HEADS'OF SCHOOLS, TEACHERS AND STUDENTS ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO VISIT THE EXHIBITION.
/4.....
_ _ o - -
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1975
4 -
CHINESE fJEW YEAR FAIRS IN N.T.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS YEARS, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE HOLDING NEW YEAR FAIRS IN TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG AND SHEUNG SHU I.
THE FAIRS WILL TAKE PLACE AT SHA TSUI ROAD PLAYGROUND, TSUEN WAN- ON LING ROAD, YUEN LONG TOWN AND SHEK WU HUI PLAYGROUND, SHEUNG SHU I BETWEEN FEBRUARY 4, 1975 AND FEBRUARY 11, 1975 INCLUSIVE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAIDi +ALL SITES WILL BE ALLOCATED THROUGH OPEN BALLOT TO FLOWER GROWERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND TO SMALL TRADERS SELLING PERMISSIBLE DRY COMMODITIES.+
+TEMPORARY HAWKER LICENCE OF $25.00 EACH WILL BE ISSUED TO SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS WHO WILL, BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ERECTION OF STALL STRUCTURE AND THE CONNECTION OF ELECTRICITY.*
NO SPECIFIC CONTRACTORS HAVE BEEN NOMINATED OR AUTHORISED FOR SUCH BUILDING WORKS.
FROM JANUARY 13, 1975 TO JANUARY 25, 1975, BALLOT TICKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON APPLICATION IN PERSON AND ON PAYMENT OF $5.00 AT THE FOLLOWING OFFICES FROM 9.00 A.M. TO 3.00 P.M. s-
TSUEN WAN FAIR - TSUEN WAN URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE, CHARTER BANK BUILDING, TAI HO ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, TSUEN WAN.
YUEN LONG FAIR - YUEN LONG URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE, ROOM 304 YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE, YUEN LONG.
SHEUNG SHUI FAIR - TAI PO URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE,TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
NO BALLOT TICKETS WILL BE ISSUED AFTER JANUARY 25, 1975.
THOSE WHO HAVE OBTAINED THE TICKETS SHOULD FILL IN THE NECESSARY PARTICULARS AND RETURN THE TICKETS WITH TWO PHOTOGRAPHS TO THE ISSUING OFFICE NO LATER THAN JANUARY 27, 1975 FOR REGISTRATION.
ON BEING REGISTERED, THEY WILL BE INVITED TO THE OPEN BALLOT, WHICH WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 4, 1975 AT 10.30 A.M. AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS s-
TSUEN WAN FAIR - YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, TSUEN WAN.
YUEN LONG FAIR - YUEN LONG STADIUM, YUEN LONG.
SHEUNG SHUI FAIR - TAI PO URBAN SERVICES DISTRICT OFFICE, TING KOK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET.
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/5.......
SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 1975.
- 5 -
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG * * K X X X
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG, NEW TERRITORIES, ON MONDAY (JANUARY 6) TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA.
WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON THAT DAY, TA CHUEN PING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY IN AN ANTI-CLOCKWISE DIRECTION AND LAM TIN STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTWARDS.
THE SECTION OF CHUN PIN STREET BETWEEN LAM TIN STREET AND TA CHUEN PING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHWARDS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
ON TUESDAY (JANUARY 7), STARTING AT 10 A.M., THE SECTION OF TING FU STREET NORTHEAST OF TI.NG ON STREET, THE WHOLE OF TING YIP STREET, AND THE SECTION OF TING ON STREET BETWEEN TING FU STREET AND TING YIP STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY ANTI-CLOCKWISE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE KWUN TONG AREA.
- - - - 0 ----
NEW PLAYGROUND FOR KENNEDY TOWN O O «
RESIDENTS IN THE KENNEDY TOWN AREA WILL HAVE MORE RECREATIONAL SPACE IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR WHEN A PROJECT AIMED AT PROVIDING SUCH FACILITIES IS COMPLETED.
WORK WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH ON THE PROJECT - KENNEDY TOWN SERVICE RESERVOIR PLAYGROUND (PHASE II) - WHICH CONSISTS OF A MINI-FOOTBALL PITCH, TWO LATRINES AND CHANGING ROOMS.
COVERING AN AREA OF ABOUT 90,000 SQUARE FEET, THE PLAYGROUND SITUATED TO THE SOUTH OF KWUN LOONG ESTATE, IS EASILY ACCESSIBLE FROM MOUNT DAVIS ROAD VIA AN EXISTING ACCESS ROAD.
TWO BASKETBALL COURTS WERE BUILT IN PHASE I OF THE PROJECT.
- - 0 - -
DAILY INFORMWi3F®£TIN
NAUTICAL TRAINING SCHOOL MAKING GOOD PROGRESS
*##****##
NOTABLE PROGRESS IS BEING MADE BY THE NAUTICAL TRAINING SCHOOL OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN MAINTAINING THE STANDARD OF FLOATING STAFF WORKING ON GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES.
DURING THE PAST 10 YEARS, THE SCHOOL HAS ALSO BEEN RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAINING IN-SERVICE STAFF TO GET THE APPROPRIATE QUALIFICATIONS FOR PROMOTION.
+AS THE SCHOOL IS A DEPARTMENTAL ESTABLISHMENT, TRAINING OFFICERS CAN EASILY ADJUST THE PROGRAMMES TO SUIT THE NUMBER OF IN-COMING TRAINEES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRAINING SCHOOL SAID.
THE SCHOOL PROVIDES FULL-TIME NAUTICAL TRAINING FOR VARIOUS GRADES FROM SEAMAN TO COXSWAIN CLASS I AND FROM STOKER TO LAUNCH MECHANIC CLASS I.
+DESIGNED TO ACHIEVE A COMPREHENSIVE AND BALANCED TRAINING, COURSES INCLUDE MUCH MORE THAN BARE EXAMINATION SYLLABUS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
♦TRAINEES ARE FIRST TAUGHT THE BASIC TECHNIQUES SUCH AS LIFESAVING, FIRST-AID AND FIRE-FIGHTING. THEY ARE THEN TRAINED ON COASTAL NAVIGATION, SEAMANSHIP, PILOTAGE, SHIP HANDLING, MARINE ENGINEERING AND MORSE SIGNALLING,- HE SAID.
IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE PRACTICAL EFFICIENCY, VERY MODERN TEACHING METHODS ARE EMPLOYED. LECTURES ARE SUPPLEMENTED BY VISUAL AIDS AND VARIOUS KINDS OF WORKING MODELS, SUCH AS SEXTANT, COMPASS AND STATION POINTER. TOURS ON BOARD SHIP WITHIN THE HARBOUR ARE FREQUENTLY ARRANGED, EQUIPPING TRAINEES WITH THE RELEVANT PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.
RECRUITS OF FLOATING STAFF ARE SELECTED BY THE INTERVIEWING BOARD. MOST OF THEM WORK FOR THREE YEARS ON GOVERNMENT LAUNCHES BEFORE THEY ENTER THE NAUTICAL TRAINING SCHOOL.
APART FROM TRAINING MARINE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL, THE SCHOOL OFFERS IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR STAFF FROM THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, THE PORT WORKS DIVISION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, AND OTHER DEPARTMENTS AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.
NAUTICAL SUBJECTS ARE TAUGHT AT THE TWO CLASSROOMS AT THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD, WHILE ENGINEERING COURSES ARE HELD AT THE LECTURE ROOM AND DEMONSTRATION ROOM AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES. DURATION OF THE COURSES RANGES FROM FOUR WEEKS TO THREE MONTHS.
/ON COMPLETION .....
Issued Uy Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
2
SUNDAY, JANUARY 5, 1975.
ON COMPLETION OF THE COURSES, CANDIDATES HAVE TO SIT FOR AMINATIONS SET BY THE DEPARTMENT, STANDARDS OF WHICH ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO THOSE OF COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS.
GRADUATES LEAVE GOVERNMENT ON RETIREMENT OR
CERTIFICATES MAY BE ISSUED TO THEM WITHOUT rUKIncK tXAMiNAilONS.
o. JNIT,ALLY AN EVEN,NG INSTITUTE LOCATED AT THE GOVERNMENT CL IPWAY INYAU MA TEI, THE SCHOOL WAS EXPANDED IN SEPTEMBER 1964 T2 DAY COURSES. IT STARTED TO OPERATE IN THE PRESENT PREMISES IN 1971.
THE SPOKESMAN WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE SCHOOL MANNED BY A MARINE OFF CER, AN ASSISTANT MARINE OFFICER, AND A MECHANICAL INSPECTOR WOULD CONTINUE TO OPERATE SMOOTHLY.
!
NOTE TO EDITORS*
..9°£IES 0F Two photographs showing students attending their TRAINING COURSES ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM.
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PRH 7
6
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
CONTENTS
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975
•PAGE NO
WORKING MOTHERS LEARN MORE ABOUT CHILD CARE IN LADY TRENCH NURSERY
TAX PAYERS URGED TO PAY BILLS BY CHEQUE
4
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
5
NEW WORKSHOP FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN
5
NURSING OFFICERS GRADUATE AS NURSE TUTORS
6
TWO LOTS OF RESIDENTIAL LAND UP FOR SALE
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1
MONDAY JANUARY 6, 1975
WORKING MOTHERS FIND HAPPY TEMPORARY HOME FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN LADY TRENCH DEMONSTRATION NURSERY
a « * n n a n «
CHILDREN BROUGHT UP IN THE LADY TRENCH DEMONSTRATION NURSERY ARE IN GENERAL MORE ACTIVE AND TALKATIVE THAN THOSE IN ORDINARY KINDERGARTENS.
ACCORDING TO THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE NURSERY, MRS. MIRANDA NGA I, THIS MIGHT BE DUE TO THE FREE ENVIRONMENT OF THE NURSERY, WHERE CHILDREN ARE NOT PUSHED TO THEIR LIMITS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT.
+INSTEAD, THEY ARE GUIDED TO DEVELOP THEIR IMAGINATION AND POTENTIALS. THE NURSERY TAKES CARE NOT ONLY OF THE PHYSICAL GROWTH AND THE INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE CHILDREN, BUT ALSO PAYS ATTENTION TO THE CULTIVATION OF THEIR PERSONALITY AND ATTITUDE,* SHE SAID.
THE NURSERY WAS OPENED FOUR YEARS AGO BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN TWO AND FIVE.
BESIDES OFFERING A VALUABLE SERVICE TO WORKING PARENTS, IT ALSO PROVIDES PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR THOSE WHO SEEK PROPER GUIDANCE AND DIRECTION IN BRINGING UP CHILDREN AND IN PRE-SCHOOL EDUCATION.
MRS. NGA I SAID THAT THE CHILDREN, APART FROM LEADING THEIR DAILY LIFE IN AN IDEAL ENVIRONMENT, WERE MADE AWARE OF WHAT WAS HAPPENING AROUND THEM OUTSIDE THE NURSERY SETTING.
+FROM TIME TO TIME, STAFF OF THE NURSERY TAKE THE CHILDREN OUT IN GROUPS OF 15 TO COMMUNITY CENTRES, JUNIOR LIBRARIES, PARKS AND BEACHES. THUS, BY THE TIME THEY LEAVE THE NURSERY, THE CHILDREN ALREADY'HAVE AN IDEA OF THE QUALITIES OF A GOOD CITIZEN, AS WELL AS A GENERAL CONCEPT OF THE OUTSIDE WORLD.*
STAFF OF THE NURSERY MEET REGULARLY TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS THAT ARISE FROM THEIR WORK, AND TO REVIEW AND IMPROVE UPON THE EXISTING ’ PROGRAMMES.
+ONE OF THE INNOVATIONS IS THE FORMING OF A SPECIAL GROUP, WITH A NUMBER OF PARTICULARLY WITHDRAWN OR SPECIALLY AGGRESSIVE CHILDREN BEING GROUPED TOGETHER AND LOOKED AFTER BY ONE NURSERY WORKER,* MRS. NGA I SAID.
+IT IS HOPED THAT WITH MORE INDIVIDUAL ATTENTION, THE TIMID CHILDREN MIGHT GAIN MORE CONFIDENCE WHILE THE AGGRESSIVE ONES COULD LEARN TO DEVELOP A CAPACITY FOR SHARING.*
/CHILDREN CARED
2
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975
CHILDREN CARED FOR IN THE NURSERY ARE DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS ACCORDING TO THEIR AGE AND ABILITY.
IN ADDITION, A FAMILY RGOUP IS FORMED EVERY DAY WITH 12 CHILDREN SELECTED FROM DIFFERENT GROUPS TO MIX TOGETHER. THIS PROVIDES THEM THE OPPORTUNITY TO BUILD UP RELATIONSHIPS WITH OTHER CHILDREN.
OTHER ACTIVITIES OF THE NURSERY INCLUDE A SUMMER PROGRAMME FOR CHILDREN ABOUT TO ENTER KINDERGARTEN TO PREPARE THEM FOR SCHOOL LIFE. THE COURSE, STARTED TOO YEARS AGO, IS HELD FROM MAY TO AUGUST EVERY YEAR, USUALLY WITH TOO OR THREE GROUPS OF TEN CHILDREN EACH.
READING AND WRITING ART WORK AND VARIOUS SKILLS 'ARE TAUGHT DURING THE COURSE, AND STAFF OF THE NURSERY ALSO HELP CHILDREN TO ADJUST TO THE DISCIPLINE REQUIRED IN SCHOOLS, MRS. NGA I SAID.
AT PRESENT THE NURSERY PROVIDES DAY CARE FOR 80 - 100 CHILDREN WITHIN THE TOO TO FIVE AGE LIMIT. +WE DO NOT OFFER NIGHT SERVICE BECAUSE NURSERY CARE SHOULD ONLY SUPPLEMENT AND NOT SUBSTITUTE MATERNAL LOVE. CHILDREN MUST BE GIVEN AMPLE TIME TO ESTABLISH GOOD FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS,+ MRS. NGAI STRESSED.
AT A MONTHLY CHARGE OF S35, THE CHILDREN ARE GIVEN THREE MEALS A DAY COMPRISING BREAKFAST, LUNCH AND SNACKS, THE QUANTITY OF WHICH IS FIXED BY DIETICIANS.
SHE POINTED OUT THAT THE MENUS WERE PLANNED BY NURSERY STAFF WHO TOOK INTO ACCOUNT THE VARYING TASTES OF THE CHILDREN AND, AT THE SAME TIME, ENSURED THAT THE MEALS WERE BOTH NUTRITIOUS AND DELICIOUS.
ON THE QUESTION OF ADMISSION, MRS. NGAI SAID PRIORITY IS BASED ON INDIVIDUAL CIRCUMSTANCES. CHILDREN OF WORKING PARENTS WERE USUALLY GIVEN FIRST CONSIDERATION.
+DURING THE SCREENING PROCESS, HOME INVESTIGATIONS ARE CONDUCTED TO SEE WHAT THE APPLICANTS’ LIVING ENVIRONMENT AND FAMILY RELATIONS ARE LIKE. THROUGH THESE VISITS, PARENTS ALSO GET TO KNOW THE KIND OF CARE PROVIDED AT THE NURSERY AND MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING'IS ACHIEVED.<■
FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN NURSERY WORK, A ONE-YEAR FULL TIME CERTIFICATE COURSE IN WORK WITH PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN IS PROVIDED AT THE LADY TRENCH DAY NURSERY AND TRAINING CENTRE. AMONG THE FIRST BATCH OF GRADUATES OF THIS COURSE, SOME ARE AT PRESENT SERVING AT THE NURSERY.
THE COURSE INCLUDES DETAIL STUDY OF THE DAY NURSERY IN PARTICULAR, ITS FUNCTIONS AND ITS PHYSICAL SET-UP IN RELATION TO MEETING THE NEEDS OF SMALL CHILDREN IN A SAFE ENVIRONMENT.
/♦TRAINEES ARE ALSO......
>1
3
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975.
♦TRAINEES ARE ALSO GIVEN AN INSIGHT INTO THE PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF A NURSERY WORKER IN THE UNDERSTANDING OF THE CHILD AS A WHOLE, THE IMPORTANCE AND VALUE OF WORKING WITH PARENTS, AND THE TECHNIQUES IN PROGRAMME AND CURRICULUM PLANNING
♦ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES SUCH AS RECORD KEEPING, WRITING UP REPORTS, BUDGETING', MEAL PLANNING AND THE USE OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES ARE ALSO PART OF THE CURRICULUM.+ MRS. NGA I SAID.
UP TO LAST MONTH, 44 PEOPLE HAD COMPLETED THIS ONE YEAR CERTIFICATE COURSE. MOST OF THE GRADUATES NOW WORK IN NURSERIES RUN BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HOMES FOR DISABLED CHILDREN, BABIES' HOMES AND KINDERGARTENS.
AN IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSE FOR NURSERY WORKERS IS ALSO HELD TWICE A YEAR. ADMISSION IS LIMITED TO THOSE WITH AT LEAST SIX MONTHS EXPERIENCE WHO ARE RECOMMENDED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
THE COURSE LASTS FOR FIVE WEEKS SPREAD OVER FIVE MONTHS. ON COMPLETION, A CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE IS GIVEN TO EACH CANDIDATE. SO FAR, 557 PEOPLE HAVE COMPLETED THIS COURSE.
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A
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975.
SALARIES TAX REMINDER
TAXPAYERS URGED TO SETTLE BILLS BY CHEQUE ««««««
THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE SAFEST AND MOST CONVENIENT METHOD OF PAYING SALARIES TAX WAS ■' BY SENDING A CHEQUE THROUGH THE POST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT DUE DATES FOR THE PAYMENT OF MOST SALARIES TAX ASSESSMENTS FALL WITHIN THE NEXT FEW WEEKS AND CONSEQUENTLY THIS IS ALWAYS A VERY BUSY TIME AT THE COLLECTION OFFICES.
+IN THE PAST, MANY PEOPLE HAVE CHOSEN TO PAY THEIR TAX IN PERSON, EITHER BY CASH OR CHEQUE, AND THERE HAVE BEEN DAY-LONG QUEUES IN THE COLLECTION OFFICES CAUSING NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS OF DELAY,+ HE SAID.
TO OVERCOME THIS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED, THE SAFEST AND MOST CONVENIENT METHOD OF PAYMENT WAS TO SEND A CHEQUE THROUGH THE POST WITH THE DEMAND NOTE.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE DEPARTMENT HAS MADE ARRANGEMENTS OVER THE NEXT FEW WEEKS THAT THE PUBLIC COUNTER ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE CLUB LUS I TANO BUILDING WILL BE SET ASIDE EXCLUSIVELY FOR PAYING SALARIES TAX. WHILE THIS SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT IS IN OPERATION, PAYMENT OF ALL OTHER TAXES SHOULD BE MADE AT THE COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO REMINDED THE PUBLIC THAT THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE PROVIDES FOR THE ADDITION OF A FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE WHERE TAX IS NOT PAID BY THE DUE DATE, AND THAT THE DEPARTMENT DOES NOT ISSUE REMINDER NOTICES. +TAXPAYERS WHO FAIL TO PAY IN * TIME ARE LIABLE TO BE SURCHARGED WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE,+ HE SAID. /
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT TAXPAYERS WHO FEEL THEY MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY IN SETTLING THEIR DEMAND NOTES BY THE DUE DATE SHOULD CONTACT THE COLLECTOR AT THE CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. THEY SHOULD NOT WAIT UNTIL THE DUE DATE.
INTERVIEWS CAN BE ARRANGED AT ANY TIME WITHIN NORMAL OFFICE HOURS BY TELEPHONING 5-240001 EXT. 3 OR 5-222151 EXT. 42.
APART FROM THE SECOND FLOOR OF THE CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING IN ICE HOUSE STREET ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT HAS COLLECTION OFFICES AT THE +OLD+ HONGKONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR,664, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON, AND IN TSUEN WAN AT THE ON YUE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 132, TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET.
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/5
5 MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975.
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT h « a s
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 A.M. TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 54,037 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 80.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 51,205 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 39,743 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 40,045 MILLION GALLONS OH THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 78.7 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
NO RAINFALL HAS BEEN RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE FIRST WEEK THIS YEAR.
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NEW SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN ««««««
THE PO LEUNG KUK’S NEW SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 4 P.M.
THE WORKSHOP IS SITUATED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE WEST BLOCK OF THE PO LEUNG KUK IN LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG, AND IS NAMED AFTER THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN FOR ITS DONATION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST.
IT WILL CATER FOR 40 MENTALLY RETARDED FEMALES, HALF OF WHOM WILL BE THOSE ALREADY UNDER THE CARE OF THE KUK AND THE OTHER HALF FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING
--------------- CEREMONY COVERED. COPIES OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH
IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH G.I.S. TOMORROW AFTERNOON.
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/6
6
MONDAY, JANUARY 6, 1975
TOO NURSING OFFICERS RETURN AS TUTORS
X -X i'c if if if
TOO MEMBERS OF THE NURSING STAFF OF THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAVE RECENTLY RETURNED TO HONG KONG AFTER OBTAINING EXCELLENT RESULTS IN A ONE-YEAR ADVANCED NURSING COURSE AT THE COLLEGE OF NURSING IN MELBOURNE,
THEY ARE MRS. MARY M.L. LAM YIK AND MISS CATHERINE L.L. TANG. BOTH WERE AWARDED DIPLOMAS IN NURSING EDUCATION, AND ARE NOW NURSE TUTORS IN THE GOVERNMENT’S SCHOOL OF GENERAL NURSING AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
+THEIR INCLUSION IN THE LIST OF NURSE TUTORS IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PLANS TO EXPAND THE TUTORING STAFF IN ORDER TO FULFIL THE AIMS OF ACCELERATED NURSE TRAINING REQUIRED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HOSPITALS AND CLINICS NOW BEING BUILT,+ MISS K.J. VEEVERS, PRINCIPAL NURSING OFFICER, SAID TODAY.
MRS. LAM YIK OBTAINED A DISTINCTION IN TEACHING PRACTICE AND PUBLIC HEALTH, WHILE MISS TANG RECEIVED A HIGH DISTINCTION IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY, AND DISTINCTIONS IN PHYSIOLOGY, TEACHING PRACTICE, AND TRAINING-SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS: MRS. LAM YIK AND MISS TANG ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS. THESE CAN BE ARRANGED THROUGH THE PRINCIPAL INFORMATION OFFICER, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
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RESIDENTIAL LAND FOR SALE « if a « x- J?
i
TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION LATER THIS MONTH.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 2.30 P.M. ON JANUARY 21.
THE FIRST LOT WITH AN AREA OF 29,400 SQ. FT. IS LOCATED IN SILVERSTRAND, CLEARWATER BAY. THE OTHER IS SITUATED IN TA KU LING, CLEARWATER BAY, AND MEASURES 23,400 SO. FT.
PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMIN I STRATI Oil HEADQUARTERS IN TAI PO ROAD, OR FROM ANY OF THE SEVEN DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRIlORIES.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL PLANT SUBMITTED TO GOVERNMENT............................................. 1
PAPER MARKERS AND ORAL ENGLISH’EXAMINERS SOUGHT FOR 1975 CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION ................. 2
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS TO BE INTRODUCED IN KOWLOON
CITY LATER THIS WEEK..................................... 3
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE UNDERLINES IMPORTANCE OF SHELTERED WORK ........................................... 3
OPENING OF FIRST CONTRUCTION SAFETY EXH ID IT ION IN HONG KONG ON THURSDAY .......................................... 4
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED................................. 4
/
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1 -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975
SHELL/DOW REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL PLANT STUDY h n « « « n •:$ «
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECEIVED FROM THE SHELL COMPANY OF HONG KONG LTD. AND DOW CHEMICAL PACIFIC LTD. THE CONCLUSIONS DERIVED FROM THEIR JOINT FEASIBILITY STUDIES FOR A REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX IN.HONG KONG.
THESE STUDIES INDICATE THAT, GIVEN THE RIGHT GLOBAL BUSINESS CONDITIONS, SUCH A COMPLEX IS BOTH ECONOMICALLY AND TECHNICALLY FEASIBLE AND BOTH SHELL AND DOW REMAIN INTERESTED IN DEVELOPING A PROJECT IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, THE GOVERNMENT IS ADVISED BY SHELL AND DOW THAT, IN VIEW OF THE PRESENT UNCERTAINTY REGARDING THE LONG TERM AVAILABILITY OF CRUDE OIL SUPPLIES, AND THE EFFECT HIGHER OIL PRICES AND THE CURRENT RECESSION IN INDUSTRIAL COUNTRIES MIGHT HAVE ON THE FUTURE DEMAND FOR OIL PRODUCTS, THE TWO COMPANIES ARE NOT, FOR THE TIME BEING, IN A POSITION TO PUT FORWARD A PROPOSAL TO DEVELOP THE PROJECT.
' SHELL, WHOSE ORIGINAL PROPOSAL FOR A REFINERY IN HONG KONG WAS SUBMITTED IN 1971, HAVE SINCE MARCH OF LAST YEAR BEEN STUDYING TOGETHER WITH DOW A SCHEME WHEREBY THE REFINERY WOULD PRODUCE FEEDSTOCK FOR A PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX IN ADDITION TO OIL PRODUCTS FOR THE HONG KONG MARKET.
SHELL AND DOW HAVE INDICATED THAT AS A RESULT OF ANTICIPATED SURPLUS REFINING CAPACITY ELSEWHERE ARISING FROM LOWER GROWTH PROSPECTS IN THE DEMAND FOR OIL AND PETROCHEMICAL PRODUCTS, IT DOES NOT APPEAR THAT THE MINIMUM ECONOMIC LOADING FOR THE REFINERY COULD BE ACHIEVED UNTIL SOME TIME WELL INTO THE PERIOD BETWEEN 1980 AND 1985° SUCH A PROJECT, IF DEVELOPED PREMATURELY, WOULD NOT BE VIABLE AND WOULD CONTRIBUTE NO SIGNIFICANT BENEFIT TO THE HONG KONG CONSUMER.
SHELL AND DOW HAVE CARRIED OUT A THOROUGH INVESTIGATION OF POSSIBLE SITES FOR A REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX AS PART OF AN EXTENSIVE WORK PROGRAMME UNDERTAKEN BOTH IN HONG KONG AND ABROAD BY VARIOUS SPECIALIST-GROUPS. THE TWO COMPANIES CONCLUDE THAT THE OPTIMUM SOLUTION WOULD BE FOR A REFINERY AND A PETROCHEMICAL PLANT LOCATED ON TOO DIFFERENT SITES, BOTH ON LAMMA ISLAND, EACH OF APPROXIMATELY 300 ACRES. THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN GIVEN DETAILS OF THE PROPOSED SITES.
THE TWO COMPANIES'CONFIRM THAT SPECIAL ATTENTION WAS PAID DURING THEIR STUDIES TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS OF A REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX, IN THE LIGHT OF THE EARLIER REPORTS SPECIALLY COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT AND OF THE UNDERSTANDABLE PUBLIC CONCERN THAT HAS BEEN EXPRESSED ON THIS ISSUE.
/SHELL ADD DOJ
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975
«• 2 —
। »
SHELL AND DOW HAVE ASSURED THE GOVERNMENT THAT THEY ARE CONFIDENT THAT POLLUTION CONTROL FOR BOTH THE REFINERY AND PETROCHEMICAL PLANT WOULD MEET INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED STANDARDS AND WOULD SATISFY THE MAJOR REQUIREMENTS CF THE RECOMMENDATIONS MADE IN THESE REPORTS.
IN ADDITION TO SITE AND' ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS THE STATEMENT SUBMITTED BY SHELL AND DOW IS BASED OH EXTENSIVE STUDIES OF THE MANY FEATURES OF A POTENTIAL INVESTMENT PROJECT OF SUCH SIZE AND COMPLEXITY. THESE INCLUDED A SURVEY OF CURRENT AND FORECAST LOCAL OIL AND PETROCHEMICAL PRODUCT DEMAND- PLANT DESIGN AIMED ON THE ONE HAND AT ACHIEVING THE OPTIMUM BALANCE BETWEEN REFINERY OUTPUT AND FORECAST HONG KONG OIL PRODUCT DEMAND, AND PETROCHEMICAL FEEDSTOCK REQUIREMENTS IN BOTH HONG KONG AND THE FAR EAST ON THE OTHER- ANALYSIS OF THE UTILITIES, MANPOWER AND OTHER RESOURCES REQUIREMENTS OF THE OVERALL COMPLEX AND AH EXAMINATION OF THE VARIOUS DIFFERENT CORPORATE STRUCTURES THAT MIGHT BE POSSIBLE.
SHELL AND DOW HAVE CONFIRMED THEIR INTENTION TO KEEP THE PROJECT UNDER REVIEW UNTIL SUCH TIME AS ECONOMIC CONDITIONS, BOTH GLOBALLY AND IN THE PACIFIC DAS IN, BECOME SUFFICIENTLY FAVOURABLE TO JUSTIFY CONTINUING PROJECT DEVELOPMENT.
- . _ _ o - - -
PAPER MARKERS AND ORAL ENGLISH EXAMINERS SOUGHT ii ft « •• M €■
THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD IS CALLING FOR APPLICATIONS FROM SERVING TEACHERS AND OTHER QUALIFIED PERSONS TO SERVE AS WRITTEN PAPER MARKERS OR ORAL ENGLISH EXAMINERS FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, 1975.
THE MARKING OF WRITTEN PAPERS WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN MID-MAY AND THE END OF JUNE, 1975 WHILE THE ORAL ENGLISH EXAMINATIONS WILL BE HELD FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. ON EACH WEEKDAY BETWEEN JUNE 9 AND 26.
RATES OF PAYMENT FOR PAPER MARKERS VARY WITH THE LENGTH AND COMPLEXITY OF THE QUESTION PAPERS AS WELL AS THE EXPERIENCE OF o
INDIVIDUAL MARKERS. THE REMUNERATION FOR AH ORAL ENGLISH EXAMINER IS $70 PER AFTERNOON.
APPLICATION FORMS AND FURTHER DETAILS ABOUT THESE TEMPORARY POSTS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE EXAMINATION DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS IS JANUARY 31.
-------o - - -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975.
TRAFFIC CHANGES IN KOWLOON CITY W H « K n ft
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE TEMPORARY FLYOVER AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD SPANNING WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON, WILL BE REDUCED TO ONE LANE FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 9).
THE TEMPORARY ARRANGEMENT IS TO ENABLE REPAIR WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT TO THE SURFACE.
DRIVERS ARE ADVISED TO AVOID THIS AREA AS FAR AS POSSIBLE DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS. MOTORISTS TRAVELLING WESTBOUND MAY USE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES ALONG LANCASHIRE ROAD AND CUMBERLAND ROAD OR JUNCTION ROAD AND CORNWALL STREET.
AT THE SAME TIME, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD BETWEEN KNIGHT STREET AND EARL STREET WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTBOUND. EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED VIA KNIGHT STREET, BOUNDARY STREET AND EARL STREET.
THERE WILL ALSO BE MINOR CHANGES FOR CERTAIN BUS ROUTES. KOWLOON MOTOR BUS ROUTE NOS. 1, 1A AND 13 TRAVELLING EASTBOUND ALONG PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE ROUTED VIA KNIGHT STREET AND , BOUNDARY STREET.
THESE ROUTES WILL SHARE THE BUS STOP IN BOUNDARY STREET NEAR EARL STREET WHICH IS NOW SERVING ROUTE NOS. 12A AND 103, WHILE THE BUS STOP AT PRINCE EDWARD ROAD NEAR ST. MARGARET SCHOOL WILL BE CANCELLED.
------0 - - - -
IMPORTANCE OF SHELTERED WORK EMPHASISED ft K- n H a «
SHELTERED WORK
IS
0NE 0F THE M0ST IMPORTANT PROVISIONS FOR Kri?.,Su?F!?ArPAET,CULARLY TKE MENTALLY RETARDED, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY.
wmruUe n L!ES ,N THE PROVISION OF A CONDITION UNDER
rni£H..T™ D,SABLED ARE HELPED TO BECOME PRODUCTIVE MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY,* MR. LEE SAID WHEN OPENING THE PO LEUNG KUK’S NEW SHELTERED WORKSHOP FOR MENTALLY RETARDED CHILDREN IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
nrriiB?TTAuHLA?P.ED* SHELTERED WORK IS NOT NECESSARILY THE ULTIMATE OCCUPATION .OF ALL THE RETARDED AS THOUGHT BY SOME.
Aun eIu/^T4-.^E, ,^INT!D 0UT' SHELTERED WORK IS ALSO THERAPEUTIC AND SOMS OF THE WORKERS ARE IN NO WAY INFERIOR TO THE ABLE-BODIED WHEN IT COMES TO SKILL WORK HABIT AND SELF-CONFIDENCE.
c..Du>ueEX^IHE!;EBS’+ MR* LEE SAID» +N0 SHELTERED WORKSHOP CAN SURV VE WITHOUT THE SUPPORT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC.* HE APPEALED PARTICULARLY TO INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONTINUE PROVIDING JOB ORDERS TO KEEP THESE WORKSHOPS GOING AND TO MAKE JOBS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO LATER BECOME SUITABLE FOR OPEN EMPLOYMENT.
U°RKSH0P 13 NAMED AFTER THE LIONS CLUB OF TAI PING SHAN WHICH MADE A DONATION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COSTS. IT IS SITUATED IN THE BASEMENT OF THE KUK’S WEST BLOCK AND WILL CATER FOR 40 MENTALLY RETARDED GIRLS.
/4.....
0 - -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 1975
- 4 -
FIRST CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft H
HONG KONG’S FIRST CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION OPENS ON THURSDAY AFTERNOON AT THE SITE OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE PROJECT IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
IT WILL BE OPENED BY MR. SZETO WAI, AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF , THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL WHO HAS TAKEN A KEEN INTEREST IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY FOR MANY YEARS.
THE EXHIBITION IS SPONSORED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND IS BEING SUPPORTED BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LIMITED AND THE SOCIETY OF BUILDERS.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, SAID TODAY THE EXHIBITION WAS AIMED AT THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BECAUSE THERE xARE MORE ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES THAN IN ANY SINGLE INDUSTRY.
♦THIS WAS ONE OF THE REASONS FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON MAY 1 LAST YEAR,* HE SAID.
+THE EXHIBITION HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO SHOW CONTRACTORS AND THEIR EMPLOYEES THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE REGULATIONS CAN BE IMPLEMENTED WITHOUT ANY REAL PROBLEMS.
+THIS WILL BE DEMONSTRATED ON THE INDUSTRY’S ’HOME GROUND’, BECAUSE THE EXHIBITION IS BEING STAGED ON AN ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION SITE.*
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ft 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 JULY 15, 1974 ON LUI KAM-SHING SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO A TERM OF 20 YEARS’ IMPRISONMENT.
LUI WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF TAM KAM-MING.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 197§
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
I
PROPOSED MONORAIL SYSTEM COMPLEMENTARY TO UNDERGROUND RAILWAY .................................... 1
COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS TO DE ISSUED TO MARK ROYAL VISIT 2
HONG KONG TO SEEK BENEFICIARY STATUS UNDER NEW AMERICAN GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES............ 3
MORE FLEXIBLE AND CENTRALISED ARRANGEMENTS ADOPTED FOR ALLOCATION OF ESTATE FLATS ........................ '4
NEW REGULATIONS FOR REPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS APPROVED BY LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL......................... 4
THREE MAJOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN COMBINED EFFORT TO PROMOTE RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES ............ 5
TALKS ON HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER CONTINUING .... 6
NEW LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION PROPOSED ........... 7
MOTION TO REDUCE UPPER LIMIT OH ANNUAL INTEREST RATE APPROVED ........................................... 8
•-■EXCESS SUMS FROM REVENUE REWARD FUND TO DE TRANSFERRED
MONTHLY TO DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND ....................... 9
FIVE BILLS PASSED INTO LAW............................ 9
FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT OH BANKING POLICY .. 10
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE ON TEXTBOOKS AND SCHOOL UNIFORMS SALES ................... 10
LESS FIRE CALLS IN 1974 ............................. 11
RATE PAYERS REMINDED OF PAYMENT FOR FIRST QUARTER OF 1975 ............................-................... 12
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN SHAM SHU I PO.................. 12
PAY DISPUTE SETTLED FOR TRANSPORTATION COMPANY ........ 13
PRESENTATION OF COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES MEDALS ......... 13
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975. - 1 -
MONORAIL AND TUBE COMPLEMENTARY TO EACH OTHER n « n n n r-
THE PROPOSED MONORAIL SYSTEM AND THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY ARE BASICALLY COMPLEMENTARY If! DOTH THE SHORT AND LOHS TERM. THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT;, THE HON. .JAMES RODSOtl, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
REPLYING TO A QUEST I OH.FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG ON WHETHER THE MONORAIL COULD TAKE THE PLACE OF THE TUDE, MR. HODSON NOTED THAT THE MONORAIL IS A RAPID TRANSIT - HOT A MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM - AND IT IS HOT CONSIDERED AS AH ALTERNATIVE TO THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY.
ALTHOUGH THE MONORAIL’S CARRYING CAPACITY 07 AROUND 8,000 PEOPLE AN HOUR IS SMALL IN RELATION TO THE 45,000 HOURLY CAPACITY 07 THE UNDERGROUND SYSTEM’S EAST KOWLOON LINE, HE SAID, IT GOULD BE BUILT QUICKLY — PROBABLY AT LEAST EIGHT TO TEN YEARS DEFORE THE TUDE LINE.
+IT WILL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE AH INVALUABLE SERVICE EVEH IF THE EAST KOWLOON LINE IS COMPLETED. IT ALSO SEEMS PROBABLE THAT THE CARRYING CAPACITY 07 THE MONORAIL COULD DE EXPANDED IF THE DEMAND JUSTIFIED THIS.*
IN ADDITION, MR. DODSON SAID THE MONORAIL PASSENGERS WOULD TEND TO BE TOURISTS - PEOPLE USING THE AIRPORT AND PEOPLE FROM AREAS IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE ROUTE - WHEREAS THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY WOULD CATER MAINLY FOR COMMUTERS.
IT WAS HOPED, HE ADDED, THAT A FEASIBILITY STUDY WOULD CONFIRM PRELIMINARY INDICATIONS THAT THE PROPOSED MONORAIL SYSTEM, KNOWN AS THE ROMAG SYSTEM, WOULD BE CAPABLE OF PROVIDING SERVICES TO AREAS, SUCH AS THE MID-LEVELS, WHICH ARE INACCESSIBLE FROM TRADITIONAL MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM.
REFERRING TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY DR. FANG, MR. ROBSON SAID THE PROPOSAL FOR THE MONORAIL WAS RECENTLY SUBMITTED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND CONSIDERED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
NO STUDY OF THE PROJECT WAS CURRENTLY BEING CARRIED OUT IN THE SECRETARIAT, BUT IT HAD DEEN AGREED THAT THE PROMOTERS COULD DO SO, AND THAT IF THE STUDY WOULD DEMONSTRATE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE SYSTEM THE COMPANY WOULD THEN BE PERMITTED TO DESIGN. CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE THE SYSTEM AS A PRIVATE VENTURE WITHOUT GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
THE SUGGESTED AND TENTATIVE ALIGNMENT FOR THE MONORAIL SYSTEM IS FROM TSIM SHA TSUI TO THE AIRPORT VIA THE NEW HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION WITH POSSIBLE EXTENSIONS TO CHOI HUNG AND KWUN TONG.
/im. RODson poiuted our
EDDIEDDfiY, JAHUART 80 1J75 •
MR. ROBSON POINTED OUT THAT A FEASIBILITY STUDY WAS NECESSARY TO APPRAISE, IN PARTICULAR, WHETHER THE ALIGNMENT OF THE MONORAIL WAS PHYSICALLY COMPATIBLE WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES. ALONG ITS ROUTE" WHETHER THE TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE WOULD BE SATISFACTORY" AND HOW THE SERVICE COULD BEST BE INTEGRATED WITH THAT PROVIDED BY SURFACE BUSES AND THE TUBE.
IN SUBMITTING ITS PROPOSALS, HE SAID, THE COMPANY HAD INDICATED ITS WILLINGNESS TO’HAVE SUCH A FEASIBILITY STUDY CONDUCTED BY CONSULTING ENGINEERS ACCEPTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
BUT THE COMPANY HAD MADE IT CLEAR THAT BEFORE IT WOULD DE PREPARED TO EMBARK UPON THIS COSTLY STUDY, IT WOULD REQUIRE CERTAIN ASSURANCES FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
+1 HAVE WRITTEN CONVEYING THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL’S DECISION TO THE COMPANY AND I NOW AWA if A LETTER FROM THE COMPANY INDICATING WHETHER, ON THE STRENGTH OF THE ASSURANCES WHICH GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO GIVE, IT PROPOSES TO GO AHEAD WITH THE FEASIBILITY STUDY,•> MR. ROBSON SAID.
COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS TO MARK THE QUEEN’S VISIT ihs n n n h
COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS WILL BE ISSUED TO MARK THE QUEEN’S VISIT TO HONG KONG IN MAY.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS. THE HON. DENIS BRAY AT TODAY’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. MRS JOYCE SYMONS.
MR BRAY SAID THE ROYAL VISIT STAMPS WOULD BE DONE IN LONDON BECAUSE OF TIME, AND THE FACT THAT MUCH APPROVED MATERIAL FOR USE IN STAMPS OF THIS NATURE WAS NOT AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG.
HOWEVER, HE STRESSED THAT THE QUEEN’S VISIT STAMPS WOULD BE DESIGNED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GUIDELINES PREPARED HERE.
MR BRAY ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE POST OFFICE WOULD ISSUE THREE MORE SETS OF SPECIAL STAMPS IN 1975.
OF THESE, ONE SET WILL BE ISSUED TO MARK THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, WHILE THE OTHER TOO SPECIAL ISSUES WILL BE ON HONG KONG’S TRADITIONAL FESTIVALS AND BIRDS. - .
THESE THREE ISSUES, MR BRAY SAID, WERE ALL OF LOCAL DESIGN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY LAID DOWN BY THE STAMP ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
3
U.K. TO SEEK BENEFICIARY STATUS
UNDER NEW AMERICAN GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES n n u n
HONG KONG INTENDS TO APPLY FOR BENEFICIARY STATUS TO EXPORT CERTAIN PRODUCTS DUTY FREE TO THE UNITED STATES UNDER A GENERALISED SCHEME OF PREFERENCES WHICH MAY DE SET UP UNDER THE NEW AMERICAN TRADE ACT.
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE. HON. DAVID JORDAN, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HOWEVER, THAT THE EFFECT OF SUCH A SCHEME COULD NOT YET DE ASSESSED AS IT HAD HOT YET DEEN ANNOUNCED WHICH PRODUCTS WOULD DE INCLUDED. HOWEVER, IT WAS KNOWN THAT ALL TEXTILES,AND CLOTHING AND MOST FOOTWEAR WOULD EE EXCLUDED, HE ADDED.
THE GENERALISED PREFERENCES SCHEME MAY DE SET UP UNDER ONE SECTION OF THE TRADE ACT TO PERMIT DUTY FREE ENTRY TO THE UNITED STATES OF CERTAIN PRODUCTS EXPORTED DY COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES ACCORDED BENEFICIARY STATUS.
MR. JORDAN TOLD COUNCIL IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN THAT FULL DETAILS OF THE HEW ACT WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE, BUT HONG KONG’S COUNSELLOR FOR COMMERCIAL AFFAIRS IN WASHINGTON HAD BEEN ASKED TO SEND A COPY OF THE NEW LAW AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
IN VIEW OF THIS, MR. JORDAN COULD HOT SAY AT THIS STAGE WHAT THE PRECISE EFFECTS WERE LIKELY TO DE ON HONG KONG’S TRADE AND INDUSTRY.
COMMENTING GENERALLY, MR. JORDAN SAID THAT ACT AUTHORISES THE U.S. ADMINISTRATION TO NEGOTIATE REDUCTIONS IN TARIFFS AND OTHER OBSTACLES TO TRADE, AND THE GATT MULTILATERAL TRADE NEGOTIATIONS COULD NOW GET UNDER WAY.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE ASM OF GATT TALKS WAS TO ACHIEVE FURTHER EXPANSION AND LIBERALISATION OF WORLD TRADE BY REDUCING TARIFFS AND OTHER TRADE BARRIERS.
+SINCE THE CONCESSIONS MADE IN THESE NEGOTIATIONS WILL BE MADE ON THE »MOST-FAVOURED-NATI ON’ BASIS, THAT IS THEY MUST BE APPLIED TO ALL GATT MEMBERS WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION. HONG KONG WILL BENEFIT FROM THEM TOO, AS WE BEHEFITTED FROM i'HE TRADE EXPANSION GENERATED BY THE TARIFF REDUCTIONS AGREED IN THE KENNEDY ROUND IN 1967,■> MR. JORDAN SAID.
■ WEDNESDAY,, JANUARY 8, 1975.
O 4 *»
MORE FLEXIBILITY IN ALLOCATION OF ESTATE FLATS • « n {$ « li ft
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS ADOPTED MORE FLEXIBLE AND CENTRALISED ARRANGEMENTS FOR ALLOCATING FLATS RESERVED FOR PEOPLE IN VARIOUS ELIGIBILITY CATEGORIES.
THIS IS PART OF'THE DEPARTMENT’S EFFORT TO KEEP THE VACANCIES TO A MINIMUM AND SHOULD HELP IN IDENTIFYING RESERVED FLATS AVAILABLE FOR RE-ALLOCATION, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. IAN LIGHTBODY TOLD LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN WHO WANTED TO KNOW WHAT PLANS THERE WERE TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF THESE VACANT FLATS WHICH ARE A POTENTIAL LOSS IN REVENUE.
MR. LIGHTBODY SAID HE HAD PREVIOUSLY EXPLAINED THAT THE RESERVATONS HAVE TO DE MADE TO MEET VARIOUS REHOUSING COMMITMENTS, AND HE HAD GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT THEY WOULD BE CAREFULLY WATCHED TO ENSURE THAT ANY EMPTY UNITS NOT HEEDED DECAUSE OF CHANGING CIRCUMSTANCES WOULD DE ALLOCATED WITHOUT FURTHER DELAY.
THE NEW SYSTEM IS STILL SETTLING DOWN AND WOULD DEMONSTRATE ITS FULL CAPABILITIES IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS, HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE LESS THAN 8,000 FLATS STANDING VACANT TODAY HAD ALREADY BEEN SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED FROM THE FIGURE OF 11,000 MENTIONED BY MR.* CHEONG-LEEN IN HIS QUESTION.
NEW RULES FOR REPORTING INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS n « n « n n
/ ■ -
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED NEW REGULATIONS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE, TO PROVIDE A STANDARD PROCEDURE FOR THE REPORTING OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
THE NEW REGULATIONS STREAMLINE THE FORMER REPORTING PROCEDURES UNDER WHICH TWO SEPARATE WRITTEN REPORTS OF AN ACCIDENT TO AN INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEE WERE REQUIRED TO BE MADE TO TWO SEPARATE UNITS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT UNDER TOO DIFFERENT ORDINANCES.
UNDER THE NEV/ REGULATIONS - THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1975 -IN THE CASE.OF THE DEATH OF, OR SERIOUS BODILY INJURY TO, AN INDUSTRI AL EMPLOYEE EITHER A WRITTEN OR ORAL REPORT MUST BE MADE WITHIN 24 HOURS TO A FACTORY INSPECTOR.
IF AN ORAL REPORT IS MADE, IT MUST BE FOLLOWED BY A WRITTEN REPORT UNDER SECTION 15 OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT.
FATALITIES, AS PREVIOUSLY, MUST ALSO BE REPORTED TO THE POLICE WITHIN 24 HOURS.
A LEAFLET WILL BE ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TO INFORM FACTORY PROPRIETORS AND OTHER EMPLOYERS OF THEIR OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE NEW REGULATIONS WHICH WILL BECOME EFFECTIVE FROM APRIL 1, 1975.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
5
CONCERTED EFFORT TO PROMOTE RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES « « « « « H
THREE MAJOR GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS — THE HOME AFFAIRS, SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS — ARE WORKING CLOSELY WITH EACH OTHER IN A COMBINED EFFORT 70 PROMOTE RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT DISTRICT LEVEL.
SPEAKING IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS THE HON. DENIS BRAY, SAID THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD SO FAR APPOINTED SIX RECREATION AND*SPORTS OFFICERS TO SIX DISTRICTS TO ORGANISE AND CO-ORDINATE PHYSICAL RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES AT THE DISTRICT LEVEL.
+MORE MAY BE APPOINTED WHEN FUNDS BECOME AVAILABLE,+ HE SAID IN ANSWER TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN.
THE RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS, SAID MR. DRAY. WORK CLOSELY WITH THE CITY DISTRICT* OFFICERS OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE COMMUNITY YOUTH OFFICERS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS NO DUPLICATION OF EFFORTS WITHIN A DISTRICT IN ORGANISING THESE TYPES OF ACTIVITIES.
HE SAID OFFICERS OF THE THREE DEPARTMENTS ALSO MAINTAIN CORDIAL WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH VOLUNTARY SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS OR YOUTH COUNCILS WITHIN THEIR DISTRICT TO ENCOURAGE AS WIDE A LOCAL COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION AS POSSIBLE IN THE WORK OF THESE VOLUNTARY BODIES.
AS TO THE ADVICE ON THE FORMULATION OF POLICIES RELATING TO THE PROMOTION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS, MR. DRAY SAID THIS WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COUNCIL OF RECREATION AND SPORT OF WHICH HE IS CHAIRMAN.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
TALKS
ON H.K. SHIPPING REGISTER CONTINUE if H « if if if
DISCUSSIONS ARE FIND OUT WHETHER THE
CONTINUING WITH THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO
CONDITIONS FOR SHIPPING REGISTRATION CAN BE
MADE MORE FLEXIBLE IN CERTAIN RESPECTS TO REFLECT THE DIFFERENT SITUATION IN HONG KONG AS COMPARED WITH THE U.K., WHILE MAINTAINING THE ESSENTIAL STANDARDS, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU WHO WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT THE PRESENT POSITION REGARDING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A HONG KONG SHIPPING REGISTER.
MR. HADDON-CAVE NOTED THAT HONG KONG, ALREADY MAINTAINS A REGISTER OF SHIPPING AS A BRITISH PORT OF REGISTRY. IT WAS THE AIM OF THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, TO PERSUADE MORE HONG KONG SHIPOWNERS TO REGISTER THEIR SHIPS IN HONG KONG RATHER THAN UNDER FLAGS OF CONVENIENCE.
DISCUSSIONS WERE CONTINUING ON VARIOUS ISSUES WHICH IT WAS NECESSARY TO RESOLVE BEFORE AGREEMENT COULD DE REACHED ON THE NEW CONDITIONS TO BE APPLIED. THERE WERE TWO MAIN ISSUES INVOLVED IN THE DISCUSSIONS.
THE FIRST, HE EXPLAINED, WAS THE POSSIBILITY OF EXAMINATIONS WHICH MIGHT BE INTRODUCED TO TEST SERVING OFFICERS ON HONG KONG OWNED SHIPS WHO WERE HOLDING FOREIGN CERTIFICATES OF COMPETENCY IN ORDER TO QUALIFY THEM TO SERVE ON SHIPS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
THE SECOND ISSUE CONCERNED THE PROCEDURE FOR APPROVAL OF CERTAIN TYPES OF SHIPS EQUIPMENT AND MATERIALS, MAINLY SAFETY EQUIPMENT, ON SHIPS BUILT FOR HONG KONG OWNERS.
0
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 0, 1975
- 7
NEW LANDLORD AND TENANT LEGISLATION PROPOSED n »,:• n n « n
LANDLORDS AND PRINCIPAL TENANTS OF PRE-WAR PREMISES WILL BE ABLE TO RECOUP FROM THEIR TENANTS AND SUB-TENANTS ANY INCREASE IN RATES IMPOSED UNDER THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1975 INTRODUCED HITO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. IAN LIGHTDODY, SAID THE BILL WOULD BRING PRE-WAR PREMISES INTO LINE WITH OTHER RATED PREMISES.
HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT AN INCREASE THIS YEAR WOULD • ARISE ONLY IF THERE WAS AN INCREASE IN THE PERCENTAGE RATE.
HE RECALLED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY GAVE NOTICE IN HIS 1974 BUDGET SPEECH THAT, DECAUSE OF THE DEFERMENT OF THE REVALUATION, HE INTENDED TO PROPOSE AN INCREASE IN THE GENERAL RATE FOR 1975-76.
+RATES BASICALLY ARE A TAX ON OCCUPIERS OF PREMISES AND SO PROVISION WAS MADE IN THE 1973 TENURE AND RENT CONTROLS - WHICH APPLY TO POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES - FOR LANDLORDS TO INCREASE THE RENT BY AN AMOUNT EQUAL TO ANY INCREASE IN RATES,+ MR. LIGIITBODY SAID.
+HOWEVER, IN THE CASE OF PRE-WAR PREMISES NO SUCH PROVISION EXISTS AND, THEREFORE, SHOULD THERE BE AN INCREASE IN RATES FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, THOSE LANDLORDS WHO ACCEPT THE ' RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PAYMENT OF RATES WOULD BE UNABLE TO PASS THE INCREASE ON TO THEIR TENANTS.+
MUCH OF THE BILL, HE POINTED OUT, COVERED THE ADMINISTRATIVE MACHINERY NECESSARY TO GIVE EFFECT TO ANY INCREASES IN RENT OF TENANCIES OR SUB-TENANCIES STEMMING FROM AH INCREASE IN RATES.
PROVISION WAS MADE FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION TO ASSIST BY APPORTIONING OR AGGREGATING RATEABLE VALUES WHERE PREMISES WERE SUB-LET OR IN MORE THAN ONE OCCUPATION.
THE BILL, MR. LIGHTBODY ADDED, ALSO COVERED THE POSITION WHERE RATES WERE IMPOSED FOR THE FIRST TIME, AS, FOR INSTANCE, IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN ADDITION, THE OPPORTUNITY HAD BEEN TAKEN TO EXPAND AND CLARIFY THE EXISTING SIMILAR PROVISIONS' IN PART II OF THE ORDINANCE DEALING WITH POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES.
DEBASE ON THE BILL WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975 . 8 -
UPPER LIMIT ON ANNUAL INTEREST RATE REDUCED ' ft n is ft « n
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION TO REDUCE FROM FIVE PER CENT TO FOUR AND A HALF PER CENT THE UPPER LIMIT ON THE ANNUAL RATE OF INTEREST WHICH CAN BE PAID DY DANKS FREE OF INTEREST TAX.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE. FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THAT THE EXEMPT RATE HAD HISTORICALLY DEEN LINKED WITH THE RATE PAID BY LICENSED BANKS OH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS.
♦THIS IS BECAUSE THE PURPOSES OF THE EXEMPTION ARE TO ENCOURAGE SMALL SAVINGS AND TO AVOID THE ADMINISTRATIVE PRODLEM, AND COST, OF DEALING WITH TAX ON A VERY LARGE NUMBER OF SMALL INTEREST PAYMENTS, THE RECIPIENTS OF WHICH WOULD ALMOST ALL BE ELIGIBLE FOR REFUNDS UNDER THE PROVISIONS FOR*PERSONAL ASSESSMENT.* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE RECALLED THAT THE EXCHANGE DANKS* ASSOCIATION REDUCED THE INTEREST RATE ON SAVINGS ANCOUNTS FROM FIVE PER CENT TO FOUR AND A HALF PER CENT PER ANNUM WITH’EFFECT FROM JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR.
HE SAID: +IT IS DESIRABLE THAT THE EXEMPTION RATE FOR INTEREST TAX SHOULD FOLLOW SUIT, BECAUSE OTHERWISE SOME BANKS MIGHT CONTINUE TO PAY INTEREST ON SAVINGS ACCOUNTS AT FIVE PER CENT, AND THIS WOULD STRENGTHEN ANY TENDENCY FOR SAVINGS ACCOUNTS TO ATTRACT FUNDS FOR WHICH THE EXEMPTION IS NOT INTENDED.*
- - 0 - -
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975.
- 9 -
REVENUE REWARD FUND if « « n
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED A MOTION TO ENABLE A MONTHLY TRANSFER FROM THE REVENUE REWARD FUND OF ANY SUM IN EXCESS OF 3200,000 TO THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND RATHER THAN TO GENERAL REVENUE SO AS TO ENABLE SUCH EXCESS TO DE USED DY THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND AS AND WHEN REQUIRED.,
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON.
PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID AS THE REVENUE REWARD FUND COULD BE REGARDED AS A WINDFALL TO PUBLIC REVENUE AND AS THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND WAS IN NEED OF FUNDS FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, IT WAS BOTH LOGICAL AND CONVENIENT TO TRANSFER EXCESS SUMS TO THE FUND.
THE OPPORTUNITY WAS ALSO TAKEN TO UPDATE AND TO TIDY UP OTHER PROVISIONS IN THE CURRENT RESOLUTION.
♦FIRSTLY, THE WORD ♦CONTRABAND* IS REDEFINED AS ANY GOODS LIABLE TO FORFEITURE UNDER THE IMPORT AND EXPORT ORDINANCE OR THE DUITABLE COMMODITIES ORDINANCE,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
♦SECONDLY, THE LIMITS FOR REWARDS FOR INFORMATION ARE REVISED SO THAT REWARDS PAID IN ANY ONE CASE MAY NOT EXCEED $25,000 WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY AND $50,000 WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL.+
THE PRESENT LIMITS OF $250 AND $10,000 RESPECTIVELY WERE SET 25 YEARS AGO IN 1949.
------- o - - - -
BILLS PASSED « if « if
FIVE BILLS WERE PASSED INTO LAW IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL
, WERE : THE RATING (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975. THE INTERPRFTATION
B?LLG1975ALTMFAF?XFn^prMA?TvN/TD?ccV/.19754 THE MA^R,ASE (AMENDMENT) nil (iRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT)
n )L|L 1Q-7K AND THE LAfJDL0RD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) DILL
Zee_a an unofficial member*s bill, the girl guides association
(HONG KONG BRANCH) (AMENDMENT) DILL 1975, WAS ALSO PASSED.
r-1nrTTf^E.9THER B,LLS WERE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR THE
R L|STi$!! SS?N!>A?(mnlnQ; ™E EXC,,ANGE FUND (AMENDMENT)
LANDL0RD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT)
(NO. 2) BILL .1975 AND THE ACETYLATING SUBSTANCES. (CONTROL) BILL 1975.
- - 0 -
/1O
.V’EDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
10
BANKING POLICY
ft h ft ft
NOTE TO EDITORS#
THE FINANCIAL'SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, MADE A STATEMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY ADOUT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS IN THE RELATED AREAS OF BANK LICENSING POLICY, PROTECTION OF DEPOSITORS AND THE CONTROL OF FINANCE COMPANIES.
BRIEFLY, HE SAID THAT IT WAS PRESSED ON HIM, AND HE RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTED, THAT t-THIS WAS NOT A TIME TO BRING ABOUT RADICAL CHANGE IN HONG KONG.’S FINANCIAL STRUCTURE.+.
HE ANNOUNCED THAT HE DID NOT INTEND TO PROCEED AT PRESENT TO SEEK AUTHORITY FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF A HEW, LIMITED CLASS OF BANKING LICENCE AND IT WAS NOT INTENDED TO GRANT ANY NEW LICENCES AT ALL FOR THE TIME DE I NG.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY DESCRIBED THIS AS AN UNHAPPY OUTCOME OF MONTHS OF THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION, FOR THE GOVERNMENT AND EVEN MORE FOR THOSE WHO HAD HOPED TO BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE MORE FULLY IN HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
i
THE FULL TEXT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S STATEMENT IS BOXED FOR COLLECTION. ,
----0----
PRESS CONFERENCE ON TEXTBOOKS, SCHOOL UNIFORMS SALES ft ft ft ft ft ft
NOTE TO EDITORS s
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO GIVE DETAILS OF A CODE OF PRACTICE RELATING TO PURCHASE DY STUDENTS OF TEXTBOOKS, UNIFORMS AND OTHER ITEMS TO PURSUE THEIR COURSE OF STUDY IN KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND OTHER SCHOOLS. COPIES OF THE CODE ARE BEING SENT TO THE HEADS OF ALL SCHOOLS.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED.
IT WILL BEGIN AT 11 A.M. IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, l-IYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG.
----0----
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
11
FIRES DOWN 16 PER CENT IN 1974 n « a a «
THE NUMBER OF FIRE CALLS RECEIVED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN 1974 WAS 6,971, A DECREASE OF 1,385 CALLS (OR 16.6 PER CENT) COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THESE FIGURES WERE RELEASED DY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TODAY.
DESPITE THE SUBSTANTIAL DROP, WHICH A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED AS *0BVI'0U8LY WELCOME*, MONETARY LOSSES FROM FIRE LAST YEAR, AT ALMOST $50 MILLION, WERE HOT SIGNIFICANTLY DOWN ON THE FIGURE OF $51.8 -MILLLION. FOR 1973. *TIIIS INDICATES,* STATED THE SPOKESMAN, +TIIAT, LIKE EVERYTHING ELSE, THE COST OF HAVING A FIRE IS GOING UP.*
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE MAIN CAUSES OF FIRE WERE CARELESS HANDLING OR DISPOSAL OF CIGARETTE ENDS AND HATCHES (1,685 FIRES) AND ELECTRICAL FAULTS (1,183 FIRES). TOGETHER THESE TWO CAUSES ACCOUNTED FOR 41 PER CENT OF ALL FIRES IN HONG KONG IN 1974. THERE)WERE 377 INDUSTRIAL FIRES, COSTING A TOTAL OF $38 MILLION. THIS MEANS THAT ALTHOUGH ONLY 5.4 PER CENT OF FIRES OCCURRED IN THIS SECTOR, THEY ACCOUNTED FOR 76 PER CENT OF THE LOSSES. TEN FIRES COST MORE THAN $1 MILLION® THE MOST EXPENSIVE FIRE OCCURRED LAST JANUARY IN A TEXTILE MILL AT TSUEN WAN AND COST AN ESTIMATED $11 MILLION.
TWENTY-FIVE PEOPLE DIES AS A RESULT OF FIRE AND 417, INCLUDING 33 FIREMEN, WERE INJURED.
A TOTAL OF 1,565 GRASS FIRES WAS REPORTED DURING THE YEAR AND THERE WERE 34 SHIP FIRES.
THE BUSIEST MONTH FOR FIREMEN WAS JANUARY, WHEN 1,000 CALLS WERE DEALT WITH, FOLLLOWED BY OCTOBER (723 CALLS). OF THE 6,971 FIRE CALLS, 1,475 WERE FALSE ALARM, 5,311 FIRST ALARM, 137 SECOND ALARM, 42 THIRD ALARM AND SIX FOURTH ALARM. THERE WERE NO FIFTH OR DISASTER ALARMS.
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR.. HARRY WOOD, SAID THAT, ALTHOUGH THERE HAD BEEN A 16 PER CENT DROP IN THE NUMBER OF FIRES REPORTED IN 1974, THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY. *THERE IS TOO MUCH OF THIS 'FIRE CAN NEVER HAPPEN TO ME’ FEELING IN HONG KONG,* HE STATED. +FIRE CAN STRIKE ANYWHERE, AT ANY TIME, WHEN IT IS LEAST EXPECTED. AND, IF YOU ARE UNFORTUNATE ENOUGH TO HAVE A FIRE, REMEMBER THAT IT IS BECOMING AN INCREASINGLY COSTLY BUSINESS.*
/12......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975.
- 12 “
REMINDER ON PAYMENT OF RATES it it it it it it
RATE PAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR SHOULD BE PAID BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, PREFERABLY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER THROUGH THE POST.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT RATE PAYERS SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED DEMAND NOTES BY NOW. IF NOT, THEY SHOULD APPLY IMMEDIATELY TO THE TREASURY (REVENUE BRANCH) AT THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), 2ND FLOOR, ICE HOUSE STREET, FOR A COPY OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 4 PM ON JANUARY 31, 1975,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+RATES NOT PAID BY THEN WILL BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE PER.CENT. A FURTHER 10 PER CENT WILL BE ADDED TO AMOUNTS, INCLUDING THE FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE, WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE.+ ’
WHEN MAKING PAYMENT, RATEPAYERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE AMOUNT TO BE PAID IS INDICATED ON THE DEMAND NOTE BY AN ARROW-HEAD IN THE 'TOTAL AMOUNT NOW DUE’ BOX.
RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE RATING ORDINANCE.
HOWEVER, NO REFUNDS WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT BY AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT
RATES CAN BE PAID PERSONALLY AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE, OR AT THE NEW KOWLOON CITY SUB-TREASURY ON THE 1ST FLOOR OF MAN SANG COMMERCIAL BUILDING AT 348-352 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
TO AVOID INCONVENIENCE, RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER THROUGH THE POST.
....0.--------
WATER CUT if if if if
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHUI PO WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS AS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 10) TO FACILITATE TESTS FOR LEAKAGE IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES BOUNDED BY CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NAM CHEONG STREET, LAI CHI KOK ROAD, BOUNDARY STREET, AND POPLAR STREET.
NORMAL SUPPLY TO THIS AREA WILL BE RESTORED AFTER THE TESTS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 8, 1975
- 13
TRANSPORTATION COMPANY SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE SETTLED a n a a a a
THE SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE INVOLVING 46 STEVEDORES OF A TRANSPORTATION COMPANY WAS SETTLED TODAY.
THE HONG KONG STEVEDORING CO. LTD CLOSED DOWN ITS BUSINESS AT THE END OF DECEMBER LAST YEAR. AS A RESULT, 46 STEVEDORES WHO HAD MORE THAN 10 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE COMPANY WERE RENDERED REDUNDANT.
AT THE THIRD MEETING AT’THE SAN PO KONG LABOUR RELATIONS OFFICE TODAY, THREE REPRESENTATIVES OF WORKERS AND TWO MANAGEMENT REPRESENTATIVES FINALLY AGREED ON THE TERMS OF SETTLEMENT.
AN AGREEMENT WAS SIGNED IN THE PRESENCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CONCILIATOR, MR. NG PING-TIM. UNDER THE AGREEMENT, MANAGEMENT WILL PAY THE WORKERS A LUMP SUM OF 393,000 COVERING SEVERANCE PAYMENTS AND WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE. ,
PAYMENT WILL BE MADE IN THE LAST WEEK OF JANUARY IN THE COMPANY OFFICE.
PRESENTATION OF COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES MEDALS a a a a a a a
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. HARRY WOOD, WILL PRESENT COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS TO 46 SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE FORE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT A CEREMONY TO TAKE PLACE AT CENTRAL FIRE STATION, DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, AT 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 10).
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE CEREMONY COVERED. MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE ASKED TO MEET MR. DONALD STRANGE, PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT, AT THE CENTRAL FIRE STATION BY NOT LATER THAN 9.45 A.M.
PRH 7
t
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SALE OF TEXTBOOKS AND UNIFORMS ISSUED TO ALL SCHOOLS.................................. 1
COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION IN YUEN LONG ........... 2
UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE CLARIFIES ITS ROLE IN FOURTH REPORT............................. 3'
OVER 100 BLIND PEOPLE TO TAKE PART IN WALKABOUT IN WONG TAI SIN THIS WEEKEND.............................. 4
OVERNIGHT OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES FOR TAXIS ... 5
CHEUNG MAN-VEE TO TAKE OVER AS PRODUCER/DIRECTOR OF RHK-TV’S "BELOW THE LION ROCK" PROGRAMME .............. 6
TWO-DAY TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTH LEADERS ............... 7
EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR CRITICIZES BUILDING CONTRACTORS FOR NEGLECTING WORKMEN’S SAFETY ....................... 8
I
‘ANOTHER 20 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS,FOR SALE 9
Issued by Government Information Services,Beaconsfield House, Hong KongfTel: 5-2331
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975
1
CODE OF PRACTICE FOR SALE OF TEXTBOOKS « * # K # K
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY ISSUED A CODE OF PRACTICE TO ALL SCHOOL PRINCIPALS CONCERNING THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS, EXERCISE BOOKS, UNIFORMS, STATIONERY, EQUIPMENT AND OTHER ITEMS, IN AN ALL-OUT EFFORT TO STOP PROFITEERING AND MALPRACTICES.
+1 STRONGLY DISAPPROVE OF THESE IRREGULARITIES AND SHARE THE CONSUMER COUNCIL’S VIEWS IN THIS MATTER,* MR. TOPLEY SAID IN A CIRCULAR TO HEADS OF SCHOOLS.
THE CODE OF PRACTICE IS TO ASSIST THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES IN FOLLOWING AGREED STANDARD PROCEDURES WHICH ARE LIKELY TO LEAD TO A GREATER CONTROL OF THE COSTS BORNE BY PARENTS AS WELL AS ENSURING THAT ANY RESULTING PROFITS ARE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PUPILS.
MR. TOPLEY ASKED SCHOOL AUTHORITIES TO ENSURE THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE CODE WERE IMPLEMENTED.
+IT IS IMPORTANT THAT IN ALL MATTERS CONCERNING THE SALE OF TEXTBOOKS, EXERCISE BOOKS, EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS AND SCHOOL ACCESSORIES. THESE PROCEDURES MUST BE OBSERVED IN FULL TO AVOID ANY CAUSE OF COMPLAINT,* THE DIRECTOR STRESSED.
THE CODE RELATES TO THE PURCHASE BY STUDENTS OF THESE ITEMS TO PURSUE THEIR COURSE OF STUDY IN KINDERGARTEN, PRIMARY, SECONDARY AND OTHER SCHOOLS.
IT STATES THAT ALL SCHOOLS MUST KEEP PROPER BOOKS OF ACCOUNTS REFLECTING ALL SALES AND PURCHASES OF SUCH ITEMS.
WHERE AN ARRANGEMENT IS MADE WITH A BOOKSELLER OR OTHER ' SUPPLIER AND A DISCOUNT OR. A BLOCK SUM OF MONEY IS RECEIVED THIS MUST ALSO BE ENTERED INTO THE SCHOOL ACCOUNTS AS AN ITEM OF INCOME.
SCHOOLS INVOLVED IN THE SALE OF ITEMS TO STUDENTS SHOULD OBSERVE THE FOLLOWING POINTS
K NO SALE SHOULD BE COMPULSORY AND PARENTS SHOULD BE INFORMED ACCORDINGLY-
X AN ADEQUATE DESCRIPTION OF THE ITEMS SHOULD BE GIVEN SO THAT PARENTS/STUDENTS CAN EXERCISE THEIR CHOICE OF PURCHASING THESE ITEMS ELSEWHERE. IF ITEMS ARE MADE UP IN PACKAGES, EACH ITEM MUST BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR SALE SEPARATELY AND INDIVIDUAL PRICES CLEARLY SHOWN-
/ITEMS BEARING
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975
2
* ITEMS BEARING SPECIAL INSIGNIA FOR THE EXCLUSIVE USE OF PUPILS IN ONE PARTICULAR SCHOOL SHOULD BE KEPT TO A MINIMUM31
* ITEMS SHOULD BE SOLD AT A MINIMUM FEASIBLE PRICE.
z +SCHOOLS SHOULD ENSURE THAT COMMENSURATE WITH SOUND EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES THE TOTAL COST OF BOOKS, EXERCISE BOOKS, PAPER AND UNIFORMS AND SCHOOL ACCESSORIES ARE KEPT AS LOW AS POSSIBLE,* THE CODE STATES.
NOTE TO EDITORS! COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE CODE AND
--------------- THE DIRECTOR’S CIRCULAR TO SCHOOLS ARE DISTRIBUTED
SEPARATELY IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES.
COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION UK » UK
A COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHIC EXHIBITION WILL BE STAGED AT THE YUEN LONG TOWN HALL IN YUEN LONG BETWEEN JANUARY 10 AND 13.
THE FOUR-DAY PHOTOGRAPHIC SHOW, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT ARTS COMMITTEE, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. A.H. HSU=> THE CHIARMAN OF HEUNG YEE KUK, MR. CHAN YAT-SAN= AND THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR. YUEN KANG-CHUEN AT 3.30 P.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
6 ON DISPLAY WILL BE SOME 200 COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS.
THE SHOW WILL BE OPEN DAILY BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON SATURDAY AFTERNOON THE PRESIDENT OF THE PENTAX PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY MR. FRANCIS WU AND THE VICE PRESIDENT OF THE PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY OF HONG KONG, MR. CHU CHAI-KUEN, WILL EACH GIVE A TALK ON THE TECHNIQUES OF PHOTOGRAPHY.
NOTE TO EDITORS: YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY COVERED.
0
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975
3 -
MISUNDERSTANDINGS ON U.P.G.C. ROLE CLEARED UP n h « n « #
THE UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC GRANTS COMMITTEE HAS SUBMITTED ITS FOURTH REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT COVERING THE PERIOD JULY 1972 TO JUNE 1974. IT INCLUDES A REPORT ON THE GOVERNMENT SCHEME OF STUDENT FINANCE AND STATISTICS ON THE TOO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC.
THE REPORT STATES THAT RECENT PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS HAVE REVEALED +SERIOUS MISUNDERSTAND INGS+ OF THE ROLE OF THE U.P.G.C. IT THEN GOES ON TO DESCRIBE THE U.P.G.C. AS A NON-POLITlCAL INSTITUTION FOR SUPERVISING THE OVERALL PLANNING OF HIGHER EDUCATION AND FOR ADVISING THE GOVERNMENT ON THE MINIMUM NECESSARY COSTS.
THE COMMITTEE SHOULD NOT MERELY REFLECT THE GENERALLY MORE LIMITED VIEWS OF STUDENTS OR STAFF, OR BE SWAYED BY CURRENT ARGUMENTS IN THE INSTITUTIONS OR IN SECTIONS OF THEM. IT HAS TO SERVE THE WIDER INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE, THE REPORT ADDS.
IT SAYS THAT BOTH UNIVERSITIES HAVE BEEN ASKED TO KEEP TUITION FEES UNDER REVIEW AND TO REPORT TO THE U.P.G.C. IN 1976.
• ' v . .
POLYTECHNIC TUITION FEES ARE DESCRIBED AS LOW IN RELATION TO THE UNIVERSITIES, BUT THE POLYTECHNIC BOARD IS CONSIDERING NEW FEES IN CONNECTION WITH A PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME TO THE POLYTECHNIC.
THE REPORT SAYS THAT ALMOST ALL THE STUDENTS AT THE UNIVERSITIES ARE FROM HONG KONG AND THE PROPORTION OF NON-HONG KONG STUDENTS HAS DROPPED FROM 2.9 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL UNIVERSITY STUDENT BODY IN 1967/68 TO 1.5 PER CENT IN 1973/74.
THE NUMBER OF POST-GRADUATE STUDENTS HAS INCREASED SLIGHTLY BUT THE UNIVERSITIES REMAIN PREDOMINANTLY UNDER-GRADUATE TEACHING INSTITUTIONS.
AT THE POLYTECHNIC IN 1973/74 THERE WERE 2,419 FULL-TIME * STUDENTS AND 1,354 PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE STUDENTS. ABOUT 54 PER CENT OF THE STUDENTS WERE ON THREE-YEAR DIPLOMA COURSES. IN ADDITION THERE WERE 12,612 EVENING STUDENTS, OF WHOM 89 PER CENT WERE ON COURSES OF ONE YEAR OR LONGER.
THE REPORT NOTES THAT FEWER GRADUATES FROM THE UNIVERSITIES ARE GOING INTO TEACHING AND THAT A LARGE NUMBER WHO DO SEEM TO BE DISSATISFIED WITH THEIR WORK. IT SUGGESTS THAT TOO GREAT AN EMPHASIS ON SHORT-TERM MONETARY VALUES CAN BE COUNTER-PRODUCTIVE AND STRESSES THAT EDUCATION REQUIRES LONG RANGE OBJECTIVES.
IN THE SEPARATE REPORT ON STUDENT FINANCE IT IS STATED THAT SUCCESSFUL PROSECUTIONS FOR FALSE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS HAVE REDUCED THE NUMBER OF DOUBTFUL CASES.
/THE JOINT
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975
THE JOINT UNIVERSITIES’ COMMITTEE ON STUDENT FINANCE, WHICH CONTROLS THE STUDENT FINANCE SCHEME, REPORTS THAT THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY MOVEMENT OF STUDENTS’ HOME RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES AWAY FROM HONG KONG ISLAND.
IN 1974/75 THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG HAD SLIGHTLY UNDER 25 PER CENT OF ITS STUDENTS WITH HOME ADDRESSES ON THE ISLAND. OF THE REMAINDER 44 PER CENT WERE IN NEW KOWLOON, 18 PER CENT IN KOWLOON AND 13 PER CENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY 41 PER CENT WERE ON THE ISLAND, 33 PER CENT IN NEW KOWLOON, 18 PER CENT IN KOWLOON AND EIGHT PER CENT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE JOINT COMMITTEE BELIEVES THAT IN THE COMING YEARS THERE WILL BE A NEED FOR IMPROVED NON-RESIDENTI AL STUDENT FACILITIES AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND AN URGENT NEED FOR A RELATIVELY DRAMATIC INCREASE IN SUCH FACILlIIES AT THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY.
IN HIS COVERING LETTER TO 'THE COLONIAL SECRETARY THE CHAIRMAN OF THE UPGC DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH OF THE UPGC REPORT. THIS SUGGESTS THAT ALTHOUGH UNIVERSITY AND POLYTECHNIC COSTS ARE HIGH IT MAY IN FUTURE BE NECESSARY TO CONSIDER WHETHER AN EVEN LARGER PROPORTION OF THE GOVERNMENT BUDGET SHOULD BE ALLOCATED TO THE TRAINING AND EDUCATION OF HONG KONG’S PRIMARY RESOURCE, THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG.
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WALK FOR THE BLIND « « « # «
MORE THAN 100 BLIND PEOPLE WILL TAKE PART IN A WALKABOUT IN WONG TAI SIN THIS SATURDAY (JANUARY 11) AS PART OF A PROGRAMME TO BUILD UP THEIR SELF-CONFIDENCE AND GIVE THEM AN OPPORTUNITY FOR SOME HEALTHY EXERCISE.
THE WALK IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT -/OFFICE IN WONG TAI SIN AND THE PENTECOSTAL HOLINESS CHURCH C.N. BOSTIC CENTRE. S
THE ROUTE WILL BE ABOUT TWO MILES, STARTING FROM BOSTIC CENTRE AT BLOCK 2 OF TSE WAN SHAN ESTATE, VIA PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, TSE WAN SHAN ROAD, SHATIN PASS ROAD, SHEUNG STREET, SHUNG WAH STREET, AND BACK TO BOSTIC CENTRE. VOLUNTEERS WILL BE LOOKING AFTER THE PARTICIPANTS DURING THE EVENT WHICH STARTS AT 2.30 P.M.
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE participants AFTER THE WALK BY MR. I.R. STRACHAN, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN, AT 4.30 P.M. AT THE BOSTIC CENTRE.
NOTE TO EDITORS: PRESS REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER
THE EVENT.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975.
S - .5 -
OVERNIGHT PARKING FACILITIES FOR TAXIS
X « K M
TAXI OPERATORS WILL HAVE MORE OVERNIGHT OFF-STREET PARKING FACILITIES UNDER A SCHEME WHICH COMES INTO EFFECT ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 12).
TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO PARK IN ALL GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY AND TEMPORARY OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS BETWEEN 10 P.M. AND 8 A.M.
THIS PARKING PERIOD TOR TAXIS FALLS WITHIN THE FREE-OF-CHARGE PERIOD AT OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS, AND WITHIN THE CHEAP-RATE PERIOD AT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS DURING WHICH THE FEE IS 50 CENTS PER HOUR WITH A MINIMUM CHARGE OF $1.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE SCHEME WOULD BE TRIED OUT FOR THREE MONTHS, AFTER WHICH THE SITUATION WOULD BE REVIEWED.
I
THE SCHEME, WHICH HAS BEEN ENDORSED BY THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY COMMITTEE, IS INTENDED TO HELP TAXI OPERATORS FIND OVERNIGHT PARKING SPACES FOR THEIR VEHICLES, THUS REDUCING THE NUMBERS OF TAXIS PARKED ON THE STREETS.
HOWEVER, TAXI OPERATORS WHO PARK THEIR VEHICLES IN A GOVERNMENT CAR PARK ARE WARNED NOT TO CARRY OUT ANY REPAIR OR CLEAN-OUT WORKS IN THE CAR PARK.
AT PRESENT, PARKING IN GOVERNMENT CAR PARKS IS ALLOWED FOR PRIVATE CARS, PUBLIC CARS, GOODS VEHICLES UNDER TWO-TON UNLADEN WEIGHT, AND PUBLIC AND PRIVATE LIGHT BUSES.
FROM SUNDAY EVENING, TAXI OPERATORS MAY PARK THEIR VEHICLES OVERNIGHT AT ANY OF THE SEVEN GOVERNMENT MULTI-STOREY CAR PARKS ?AT RUMSEY STREET, GARDEN ROAD, CITY HALL, STAR FERRY CONCOURSE AND MURRAY ROAD ON HONG KONG ISLAND, AND MIDDLE ROAD AND YAU MA TEI IN KOWLOON, OR AT ANY OF THE THREE TEMPORARY OPEN-AIR CAR PARKS AT MURRAY BARRACKS AND EX-NAVAL DOCKYARD ON THE ISLAND AND TAI KOK TSUI FERRY CONCOURSE IN KOWLOON.
/6
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975
6 -
NEW WOMAN PBODVCER FOR "BELOW THE LION ROCK"
X X X X X X X
FOR CHEUNG MAN-YEE 1975 PROMISES TO BE AN EXCITING YEAR.
AT THE END OF THE MONTH SHE FACES THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE OF HER CAREER IN TELEVISION WHEN SHE TAKES OVER AS PRODUCER/DIRECTOR OF RADIO HONG KONG TELEVISION’S PROGRAMME ’UNDER THE LION ROCK’ FROM WONG WAH-KAY WHO STARTED THE SERIES TOO AND A HALF YEARS AGO. WITH ITS 2.7 MILLION VIEWERS, ’UNDER THE LION ROCK’ IS ONE OF THE MOST SUCCESSFUL LOCAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES TODAY.
MAN-YEE, WHO CELEBRATED HER BIRTHDAY ON CHRISTMAS DAY, FIRST BECAME INTERESTED IN TELEVISION WHEN SHE WAS A STUDENT AT THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY AND USED TO TRANSLATE SCRIPTS OF POPULAR OVERSEAS SERIES FOR REDIFFUSION.
+1-USED TO GO IN WEEKLY AND COLLECT THE SCRIPTS AND I GOT TO KNOW PEOPLE THERE. SOMEHOW I KNEW THAT I’D END UP WORKING IN TELEVISION,+ SHE SAID.
WHEN SHE GRADUATED THAT CHANCE CAME AND SHE JOINED REDIFFUSION AS COMPERE OF A PROGRAMME CALLED YOUTH TODAY AND PRODUCTION ASSISTANT FOR VARIETY SHOWS. TOO YEARS LATER SHE BECAME A PRODUCER FOR SIX MONTHS.
NEXT CAME A STINT IN ADVERTISING. BUT NOT FOR LONG. TELEVISION STILL HELD ITS OLD ATTRACTION AND 11 MONTHS LATER WHEN HER MOTHER SAW AN ADVERTISEMENT IN A NEWSPAPER FOR A PRODUCTION OFFICER WITH RADIO HONG KONG TELEVISION, MAN-YEE APPLIED.
SHE GOT THE JOB AND JOINED RHKTV IN APRIL 1972. EIGHT MONTHS LATER SHE WAS SENT TO THE BBC FOR THREE MONTHS’ TRAINING AND THREE MONTHS’ ON ATTACHMENT.
BACK IN HONGKONG, MAN-YEE WORKED ON TELEVISION DOCUMENTARIES AND ALSO HANDLED THE FILMING FOR THE SPECTRUM PROGRAMME.
NOW SHE’S GETTING READY TO TAKE OVER THE REINS OF ’UNDER THE LION ROCK.’ COMING FROM A MIDDLE-CLASS BACKGROUND MAN-YEE’S KNOWLEDGE OF LIFE IN THE RESETTLEMENT AREAS, THE SETTING FOR THE SERIES, WOULD SEEM TO BE LIMITED AND TO POSE A PROBLEM IN HER NEW JOB.
BUT SHE QUICKLY DENIES THIS SAYING THAT WHEN SHE FIRST JOINED THE STATION SHE WORKED WITH WONG WAH-KAY, THE MAN SHE’S GOING TO REPLACE, ON A PROGRAMME CALLED ’HOME IS HONGKONG’. UNDER HIS GUIDANCE SHE GAINED A VALUABLE INSIGHT INTO THE LIVES OF HONG KONG’S POORER PEOPLE.
NOT THAT SHE DOESN’T ADMIT HER NEW JOB WON’T HAVE ITS DIFFICULTIES, BUT MAN-YEE’S CONFIDENT SHE WILL SUCCEED.
Al AM DETERMINED
I
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975, - 7 -।
♦I AM DETERMINED I WILL DO IT. I HAVE TO,+ SHE SAYS.
HER PLANS FOR THE SERIES IN THE FUTURE INCLUDE BRINGING THE ORIGINAL FAMILY BACK INTO PROMINENCE.
IT’S GOING TO BE A TIME-CONSUMING TASK FOR MAN-YEE. ONE THAT TAKES UP MOST OF THE WEEK PLUS OVERNIGHT EDITING. THOUGH SHE BUBBLES WITH DELIGHT AS SHE CHATS ABOUT IT, SHE ADMITS GETTING THE JOB HAS AFFECTED HER PERSONAL LIFE.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF MAN-YEE’S PHOTOGRAPHS ARE AVAILABLE
FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
----0----
TRAINING CAMP FOR YOUTH LEADERS
* M * * M
A TWO-DAY CAMP WILL BE HELD THIS WEEKEND FOR A GROUP youthUworkE°PLE underso,ng training AS GROUP LEADERS IN
THE CAMP, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE DIOCESAN YOUTH CAMP IN ABERDEEN, IS THE SECOND PART OF THE COURSE WHICH STARTED THIS MONTH•
THE first part consisted of classroom lectures.the ?cAneneu?NTENT DEALS WITH THE BASIC VALUE AND FUNCTION OF CROUPS PLANING PpARnc}pA»tsCZTU?lKjTl2N?Arf??MITTE£ W0RK AND pr°GRAMAe
exeR« Ja^ 4 FOLL“-UP
- - 0 - -
THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975. - 8 -
BUILDING INDUSTRY CRITICISED OVER SAFETY STANDARDS
******
EXECUTIVE COUNCILLOR MR. SZETO WAI TOLD BUILDING CONTRACTORS TODAY THAT THEIR INDUSTRY HAD THE UNENVIABLE DISTINCTION OF HAVING THE WORST WORK ACCIDENT RECORD IN HONG KONG.
MR. SZETO, HIMSELF A CIVIL ENGINEER, TOLD CONTRACTORS ATTENDING THE OPENING OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION THAT THEY HAD NOT INVESTED ENOUGH MONEY IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAMMES.
+UNTIL RECENTLY, FEW CONTRACTORS PAID MUCH ATTENTION TO SAFETY ON THEIR SITES,* HE SAID WHEN OPENING THE EXHIBITION, THE FIRST TO BE HELD IN HONG KONG, AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE SITE IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE EXHIBITION IS BEING STAGED TO PROMOTE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON MAY 1 LAST YEAR. IT IS BEING OFFICIALLY SUPPORTED BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LIMITED.
IN HIS ADDRESS, MR. SZETO POINTED OUT THAT DURING THE THREE YEARS BETWEEN 1971 AND 1973, THERE HAD BEEN 13,455 ACCIDENTS ON CONSTRUCTION SITES, INCLUDING 169 DEATHS.
+NEARLY ONE OUT OF EVERY SIX WORKERS EMPLOYED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY SUFFERED INJURIES THROUGH ACCIDENTS WITHIN THIS SHORT PERIOD OF THREE YEARS,* HE SAID.
+WHAT IS MORE, ONE THIRD OF ALL FATAL INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY.
+THIS, OF COURSE IS NOT A RECORD TO BE PROUD OF, THOUGH IT MAY BE ARGUED THAT WORKING CONDITIONS IN A CONSTRUCTION SITE ARE LESS CONTROLLABLE THAN THOSE IN AN AVERAGE INDUSTRIAL PLANT.
+IN MY VIEW, HOWEVER, THIS TRAGIC TOLL IS DUE MAINLY TO THE LACK OF ORGANISED EFFORTS ON THE PART OF THE INDUSTRY TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS AND TO PROMOTE SAFETY ON CONSTRUCTION SITES.*
MR. SZETO SAID HE REGRETTED HAVING TO SPEAK SO BLUNTLY IN FRONT OF SUCH A GATHERING OF INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES.
BUT, HE SAID, THE MAJORITY OF CONTRACTORS WERE ONLY TOO WILLING TO LEAVE THEIR FINANCIAL LIABILITIES TO THEIR INSURERS AND THEIR BASIC RESPONSIBILITY FOR EMPLOYEES’ SAFETY TO SUPERVISORS AND MORE JUNIOR STAFF.
+OFTEN, SAFETY HAS BECOME NOBODY’S BUSINESS,* HE SAID.
/*IT MUST BE
v THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 1975.
- 9 -
* I
+IT MUST BE REALISED THAT SAFETY IS NOT FORTUITOUS. WHILE ACCIDENTS CAN BE PREVENTED BY SAFETY MEASURES, THESE MEASURES MUST BE PLANNED AND SUPERVISED BY TOP MANAGEMENT AND OBSERVED BY EVERYONE ON THE SITE.+
MR. SZETO WELCOMED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS, WHICH PROVIDED MEASURES TO SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH AND IMPROVE THE WELFARE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKERS. BUT HE EMPHASISED THAT THE REGULATIONS ONLY STIPULATED MINIMUM STANDARDS.
/
MR. SZETO SAID THE EXHIBITION WAS AN EXCELLENT EXAMPLE OF THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT;
HE ADDEDi +IT SHOWS HOW THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY CAN CO-OPERATE TO PROMOTE SAFETY AT WORK.
+IT IS HOPED THAT SUCH CO-OPERATION WILL CONTINUE SO THAT ACCIDENTS CAN BE REDUCED IN NUMBER AND SEVERITY.+
, - - . _ 0 ----
MORE ’LUCKY’ CAR NUMBERS FOR SALE
X X X M X K
ANOTHER 20 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS WILL BE
PUT UP FOR AUCTION THIS WEEK TO PROMOTE A CHARITABLE CAUSE.
THE AUCTION, THE 21ST ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, WILL TAKE PLACE ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 11) AT 10 A.M. AT A NEW
VENUE - THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM NORTH, 8th FLOOR HIGH BLOCK.
THE REGISTRATION NUMBERS 1975 3915 ARE:- 4500 AA868 AA6633
AB90 AB5OO5 AC19 AF2 AF7711
AG1234 AJ7 AJ55 AT6789 AU2000
AW2828 AX8118 AY6000 AZ8989 XX1000
SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WILL : BE REQUIRED TO PAY IN CASH OR BY
CHEQUE IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BIDDING.
POTENTIAL BIDDERS ARE REMINDED THAT THE VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO A VEHICLE REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO TO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NEW CONTRACT SIGNED FOR FORMES PAUL LEE ENGINEERING COMPANY PROJECT ........................................1
IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES EMPHASISED 2
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR SHOW $980 MILLION DEFICIT .............. 3
FORTY SIX FIREMEN HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE............ 3
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS ARRIVES TOMORROW FOR WEEK-LONG VISIT............................................. 4
UPWARD TREND IN BIRTHS CONTINUES ...................... 5
QUESTIONNAIRE. TO BE ISSUED SHORTLY ON TENEMENTS IN
PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES .... 6
MAJOR RECLAMATION PLANNED IN TOLO HARBOUR TO FORM LAND FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ............................ 7
LABOUR DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES SPECIAL NEWSPAPER ON SITE SAFETY FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS ...................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1 . FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
4
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR FORMER PAUL LEE PROJECT
X » K « W H
A CONTRACT WAS SIGNED TODAY FOR THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON ONE OF THE MAJOR PROJECTS ON WHICH THE PAUL LEE ENGINEERING COMPANY WAS FORMERLY ENGAGED — THE ELEVATED ROAD BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND THE ASSOCIATED LINK TO SAI YEE STREET.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCEDt
K THE AWARD OF A CONTRACT FOR A SECOND PROJECT, FOR SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN CHAI WAN ROAD, WHICH IS TO BE SIGNED EARLY NEXT WEEK®
K THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROVAL OF THE MAIN TERMS OF SIX OTHER CONTRACTS WHICH ARE LIKELY TO BE CONCLUDED SOON- AND
K THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON ANOTHER PROJECT FORMERLY HANDLED BY THE PAUL LEE COMPANY.
THE CONTRACT SIGNED TODAY WAS AWARDED TO GAMMON (HONG KONG) LTD. AND IS VALUED AT $15,368 MILLION. WORK IS EXPECTED TO START SOON AND THE PROJECT SHOULD BE COMPLETED IN NOVEMBER.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID THE WORK WILL INCLUDE THE COMPLETION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE OF THE ELEVATED ROAD® THE COMPLETION OF A 42-1NCH DIAMETER INTERCEPTING SEWER® AND VARIOUS GROUND-LEVEL JOBS.
THE CONTRACT TO BE SIGNED EARLY NEXT WEEK IS FOR SECTION II OF THE WORK ON EXTENDING THE TRUNK SEWER AND STORMWATER CULVERT IN CHAt WAN ROAD.
THIS CONTRACT, FOR WORK VALUED AT $2,904 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO THE FOOK LEE CONSTRUCTION CO., LTD. THE WORK, WHICH WILL ALSO START VERY SOON AND WHICH WILL TAKE 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE, CONSISTS OF EXCAVATION, PILING AND REINFORCED CONCRETE CONSTRUCTION.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT DETAILS OF THE SIX OTHER AGREEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED VERY SHORTLY. THE SIX PROJECTS INVOLVED AREs * THE CHING CHEUNG ROAD EXTENSION® ft THE FUNG MO STREET INTERCHANGE (STRUCTURE) AND SHA TIN PASS ROAD PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS® M THE NAM CHEONG INTERCHANGE® K THE AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS® K THE TAI WOR PING INTERCHANGE® AND M THE MAIN TUNNEL SECTION OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD.
/THE PBOJECT .....
2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
THE PROJECT ON WHICH WORK HAS BEEN COMPLETED BY THE P.W.D. UNDER A MAINTENANCE CONTRACT IS THE GRADE-SEPARATED (OR FLYOVERTYPE) ACCESS ROAD INTO THE AIRPORT. THIS BRIDGE LINK SHOULD BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
THE TOO REMAINING PROJECTS OF THE 11 ON WHICH THE PAUL LEE COMPANY WAS ENGAGED ARE THE PO KONG INTERCHANGE (STAGE I) AND THE ROBINSON ROAD/CASTLE ROAD JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
, THE BALANCE OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE PO KONG INTERCHANGE (STAGE I) IS NOW TO BE INCLUDED IN A NEW CONTRACT FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT.
A RESUMPTION OF WORK ON THE ROBINSON ROAD/CASTLE ROAD FLYOVERS WILL HAVE TO AWAIT THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON AN ADJOINING SITE.
- - - - 0 ----
IMPORTANCE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES UNDERLINED «««»»«»
APART FROM FORMAL EDUCATION EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES ARE ALSO ESSENTIAL IN HELPING STUDENTS DEVELOP PROPERLY, THE DIRECTOR Or SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, STRESSED TODAY (FRIDAY).
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LOK SING TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL’S OPEN DAY AND SCIENCE EXHIBITION.
MR. LEE SAID EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES GAVE STUDENTS AN i OPPORTUNITY TO GO OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL SETTING HELPING THEM TO BROADEN THEIR INSIGHT THUS ADDING TO THEIR EDUCATION AND KNOWLEDGE.
PARTICIPATION IN COMMUNITY PROJECTS SUCH AS THE CLEAN HONG KONG, FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME AND ROAD SAFETY CAMPAIGNS WILL ALSO PROVIDE THEM WITH INVALUABLE EXPERIENCES.
FROM A SOCIAL WORKER’S POINTS OF VIEW, HE POINTED OUT, INVOLVING STUDENTS IN EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES WAS A GOOD METHOD OF HELPING THEM BROADEN THEIR OUTLOOK OF SOCIETY BECAUSE EDUCATION, IN ITS BROAD SENSE, SHOULD NOT BE CONFINED TO SCHOOL ALONE.
HE SAID IT WAS ENCOURAGING THAT IN THIS COMMUNITY WHERE MUCH EMPHASIS WAS LAID ON THE EXAMINATION SYSTEM AND CERTIFICATES, THE LOK SING TONG YU KAN HING SCHOOL HAD PLAYED ITS PART IN PROVIDING THIS EXTRA EMPHASIS ON THE TRAINING OF STUDENTS AS GOOD CITIZENS.
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/3.....
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
5
$980 M. DEFICIT RECORDED SO FAR THIS FINANCIAL YEAR K M ft « « IH
THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF OCTOBER 1974 SHOW A DEFICIT OF $163 MILLION COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $88 MILLION IN OCTOBER 1973.
THE RESULT IS AN ACCUMULATED DEFICIT OF $980 MILLION FOR THE FIRST SEVEN MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $242 MILLION OVER THE SAME PERIOD OF THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEFICIT WAS MAINLY DUE TO INCREASED EXPENDITURE ON PERSONAL EMOLUMENTS AND PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $376 MILLION WAS $29 MILLION MORE THAN IN OCTOBER 1973. TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $539 MILLION --$104 MILLION MORE THAN OCTOBER 1973.
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FIREMEN HONOURED FOR LONG SERVICE * * K # #
nrH.HT0RTt S,X SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT, WITH MORE THAN 1,000 YEARS OF SERVICE JERE TODAY PRESENTED WITH COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES L MEDALS AND CLASPS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES
FIRE SERVICES
: BETWEEN THEM, LONG SERVICE
MR. HARRY WOOD
n,u,o!cLRECIPIENTS WERE ™° DIVISIONAL officers, two assistant DIVISIONAL OFFICERS. A STATION OFFICER, 14 PRINCIPAL FIREMEN, A PRINCIPAL AMBULANCEMAN, 18 SENIOR FIREMEN, A SENIOR AMBULANCEMAN AND SEVEN FIREMEN.
A TOTAL OF 25 MEDALS AND 23 FIRST CLASPS WERE PRESENTED, TWO OF THE RECIPIENTS BEING PRESENTED WITH BOTH DECORATIONS. LAsf WEEK, THE DIRECTOR OF MANPOWER, MR. J.A. HIGGINS, WHO SERVED IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT BEFORE TAKING UP HIS PRESENT APPOINTMENT IN 1972, WAS PRESENTED WITH A LONG SERVICE MEDAL IN MR. WOOD’S OFFICE.
THE LONG SERVICE MEDAL IS AWARDED ON COMPLETION OF 18 YEARS’ SERVICE AND A FIRST CLASP AFTER A FURTHER SEVEN YEARS’ SERVICE, z
THIS IS THE SECOND SUCH CEREMONY CONDUCTED BY MR. WOOD IN THE SPACE OF A WEEK. LAST FRIDAY (JANUARY 3), IN KOWLOON, HE PRESENTED 42 SERVING AND EX-MEMBERS OF THE DEPARTMENT WITH LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS.
o
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975. - A -
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS ARRIVING TOMORROW H *
NOTE TO EDITORS*
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS, PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, AND LADY GORONWY-ROBERTS ARE DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG AT 6.30 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) ON FLIGHT BA 880. *
THEY WILL BE MET AT THE AIRPORT BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE.
A PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED AT KA I TAK AIRPORT BUT THERE WILL BE NO PRESS CONFERENCE ON LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS’ ARRIVAL. HE WILL BE MEETING MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES BEFORE HE LEAVES ON THURSDAY JANUARY 16TH AND DETAILS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE.
T.V. AND PRESS PHOTOGRAPHERS WISH TNG TO COVER LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS’ ARRIVAL SHOULD MEET G.I.S. OFFICERS AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM AT 6 PM TOMORROW (SATURDAY) OR 30 MINUTES BEFORE ARRIVAL TIME IF THE PLANE IS DELAYED.
THIS WILL BE LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS’ FIRST VISIT TO HONG KONG AND THE FIRST BY A MINISTER OF THE PRESENT LABOUR GOVERNMENT. THE PURPOSE OF HIS VISIT IS TO ENABLE HIM TO OBTAIN A GENERAL VIEW OF HONG KONG.
* DURING HIS SEVEN-DAY STAY, HE WILL MEET SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, URBAN COUNCIL MEMBERS, AND OTHER PERSONALITIES.
HE WILL ALSO TOUR THE NEW TERRITORIES BY HELICOPTER AND VISIT A SQUATTER AREA, PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, WELFARE AGENCIES AND FACTORIES.
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS IS DUE TO LEAVE ON JANUARY 17 FOR MANILA ON A FAMILIARISATION TOUR AT THE INVITATION OF THE PHILIPPINE’S GOVERNMENT.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
5
UPWARD TREND IN BIRTHS CONTINUES
MORE BIRTHS AND DEATHS WERE REGISTERED LAST YEAR THAN IN 1973, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR. WALTER HUME.
THE NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED IN 1974 WAS 81,879, WHICH WAS 1,732 OVER THE 1973 FIGURE OF 80,147, WHILE THE NUMBER OF DEATHS REGISTERED INCREASED BY*690 TO 22,050.
ALTHOUGH THE INCREASE IN REGISTERED BIRTHS WAS ONLY ABOUT 2.16 PER CENT, MR. HUME SAID IT WAS SIGNIFICANT IN THAT 1974 WAS THE THIRD SUCCESSIVE YEAR IN WHICH THE TOTAL OF REGISTERED BIRTHS SHOWED AN INCREASE OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR’S FIGURE.
THE GREATEST NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED IN ANY ONE YEAR WAS IN 1963, WHEN 115,263 WERE REGISTERED. THEREAFTER THE NUMBER DECLINED EVERY YEAR UNTIL THE DOWNWARD TREND WAS REVERSED IN 1972.
OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF BIRTHS REGISTERED LAST YEAR, 79,746 WERE CHINESE (40,980 MALE AND 38,766 FEMALE) AND 2,133 NON-CHINESE (1,042 MALE AND 1,091 FEMALE).
A TOTAL OF 20,980 WERE REGISTERED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 50,073 IN KOWLOON AND 10,826 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THESE REPRESENTED INCREASES OF 3.74 PER CENT AND 2.17 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY FOR HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND A DECREASE OF 0.79 'PER CENT FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AS COMPARED WITH THE 1973 FIGURES.
IN ISSUING THESE FIGURES, MR. HUME EMPHASISED THAT THEY WERE IN RESPECT OF REGISTERED BIRTHS ONLY. +THERE ARE ALWAYS A NUMBER OF BIRTHS EVERY YEAR WH’CH ARE NOT REGISTERED BY THE PARENTS AT THE TIME, WITH THE RESULT THAT WHILE THE FIGURES FOR THE REGISTERED BIRTHS SHOW TRENDS, THEY DO NOT GIVE A COMPLETELY ACCURATE PICTURE,* HE SAID.
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEATHS COMPRISED 21,771 CHINESE (12,042 MALE AND 9,722 FEMALE AND SEVEN UNKNOWN SEX) AND 279 NON-CHINESE (178 MALE AND 101 FEMALE).
THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED DEATHS OF INFANTS UNDER ONE YEAR OF AGE WAS 1,421 AS AGAINST 1,345 IN 1973, WHILE THAT OF INFANTS UNDER ONE WEEK OLD WAS 717 COMPARED WITH 724 THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975.
RATING FORMS FOR PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS IN N.T. i « n h « « m
THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT WILL START SENDING FORMS OF REQUISITION FOR PARTICULARS OF TENEMENTS TO OWNERS OF PREMISES IN FIVE PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ABOUT 7,500 COPIES OF THIS INFORMATION-SEEKING FORM, KNOWN AS FORM R. 1A, WILL BE SENT NEXT MONDAY (JANUARY 13) TO OWNERS OF PREMISES IN YUEN LONG, TAI PO, LUEN WO MARKET, ON LOK TSUEN AND SHEK WU HUI. »
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT SAID MORE OF THIS FORM WOULD BE SENT TO OWNERS OF PREMISES IN CLEARWATER BAY ROAD, TUEN MUN, AND SHA TIN OVER THE NEXT MONTH OR TWO.
THE FORM IS AIMED AT OBTAINING INFORMATION ABOUT THE STATE OF OCCUPATION AND RENTAL PARTICULARS OF PREMISES IN THESE PROPOSED NEW RATING AREAS.
RECIPIENTS OF THIS FORM ARE ALSO REQUESTED TO COMPLETE AN ENCLOSED SIMPLE FORM SEEKING INFORMATION ABOUT THE RENTAL PARTICULARS OF THE PREMISES OVER THE PAST SIX YEARS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THE R. 1A FORM, IN MOST CASES, WOULD NOT BE SENT TO OWNERS WHO HAD ALREADY COMPLETED FORM R 1G SENT BY THE DEPARTMENT LAST NOVEMBER AND HAD STATED THAT THE PREMISES WERE OCCUPIED BY THEMSELVES.
HE ADDED THAT THE FORM R 1A WAS A SPECIFIED FORM ISSUED i UNDER THE PROVISIONS OF THE RATING ORDINANCE AND URGED THE RECIPIENTS TO RETURN IT FULLY AND CORRECTLY COMPLETED WITHIN THE TIME LAID DOWN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID +ANYONE IN DOUBT AS HOW TO COMPLETE THE FORM SHOULD CALL AT, OR TELEPHONE THE DEPARTMENT’S OFFICE AT 1, GARDEN ROAD (5-249021) WHERE ASSISTANCE WILL GLADLY BE GIVEN.+
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/7
7
FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR INDUSTRIAL ESTATE ««««««
MORE THAN 273 ACRES OF FORESHORES AND SEABED AT TAI PO HOI, TOLO HARBOUR, ARE TO BE RECLAIMED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR AN INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE AREA INVOLVED IS SITUATED ON THE NORTHERN SIDE OF TOLO HARBOUR AND STRETCHES FROM NAM HANG IN THE WEST TO HA HANG IN THE EAST. »
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEG IN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE YEAR AND WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR YEARS TO COMPLETE.
IN VIEW OF THE DEVELOPMENT, IT WILL BE NECESSARY TO IMPROVE A STRETCH OF THE TING KOK ROAD AND ITS ACCESS WITH TAI PO ROAD.
IN ADDITION, PART OF THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE USED TO BUILD A NEW ROAD WHICH WILL SERVE THE ESTATE AND CONNECT DIRECTLY WITH KWONG FUK ROAD.
FILL FOR THE RECLAMATION WILL BE TAKEN FROM TWO BORROW AREAS WHICH ARE LOCATED NEARBY-AND THIS WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE ABOUT 60 ACRES OF LAND SUITABLE FOR LOW DENSITY RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
COMMENTING ON THE PROJECT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WOULD HELP MEET THE DEMAND FOR INDUSTRIAL LAND WHERE THE GOVERNMENT IS PREPARED TO ACCEPT LOW INTENSITY BUT CAPITAL INTENSIVE DEVELOPMENT.
+THIS AREA COULD BE SUITABLE, THEREFORE, FOR MANY MANUFACTORY PROCESSES THAT REQUIRE A LARGE AREA OF LAND BUT ONLY LOW BUILDINGS,+ HE SAID.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE. ANYONE HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS OR ANY CLAIMS OF PRIVATE RIGHT SHOULD SUBMIT THEM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TOO MONTHS FROM NOW.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 10, 1975
- 8 -
SPECIAL NEWSPAPER FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS h « n « « «
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN PRESENTED WITH ITS OWN NEWSPAPER - BY COURTESY OF THE LABOUT DEPARTMENT.
THE NEWSPAPER - CALLED +SITE SAFETY* - IS BEING DISTRIBUTED TO BUILDING CONTRACTORS AND WORKERS VISITING THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE SITE IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE PAPER IS MAINLY IN CHINESE AND WAS SPECIALLY PRODUCED TO COINCIDE WITH THE EXHIBITION.
IT’S CONTENTS ARE DEVOTED ENTIRELY TO SAFETY, WITH EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISIONS OF THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON MAY 1 LAST YEAR.
THE LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, MR. SANISLAUS TSAO, SAID TODAY +SITE SAFETY* HAS PROVED A GREAT SUCCESS WITH THE VISITORS.
+EVERYTHING IN THE NEWSPAPER IS OF SIGNIFICANCE TO PEOPLE IN THE,INDUSTRY, FROM TOP MANAGEMENT TO THE WORKERS,* HE SAID.
+IT IS THE SORT OF NEWSPAPER THE INDUSTRY CAN KEEP AS A REFERENCE GUIDE, BECAUSE IT GIVES QUITE SIMPLE EXPLANATIONS OF THE REGULATIONS AND A GREAT NUMBER OF STORIES GIVING EXPERT ADVICE ON HOW TO CUT DOWN ACCIDENTS.
+ IT’S THE FIRST NEWSPAPER EVER PRODUCED IN HONG KONG ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, AND PROBABLY IN THE FAR EAST.
+CERTAINLY IT’S THE FIRST PAPER PRODUCED LOCALLY AIMED AT A SAFETY PROBLEM IN A PARTICULAR INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE NEWSPAPER ARE BOXED FOR COLLECTION. EDITORS ARE FREE TO USE ANY OF THE MATERIAL IN IT.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
NICK CARTER — HONG KONG’S ’MR. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY’ —
RETIRES THIS MONTH
SAFETY TIPS FOR HANDLING L.P.G. CYLINDERS AND STOVES ... 3
’LUCKY’ CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS FETCH $82,600 FOR
CHARITY ..................................’............... 4
WELFARE AGENCIES PRESS HOME THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE .. 5
TAXPAYERS URGED TO PAY TAX DEMANDS BY POSTAL CHEQUE .... 5 HONG KONG’S FIRST DESALTING PLANT UNDERGOES INITIAL TESTS 6 SPECIAL COURSE ON MAINTENANCE OF TYPERWRITERS FOR
, TEACHERS.....................................
••••••• 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975
*MR. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY’ RETIRES ««««««
NICK CARTER - HONG KONG’S +MR. INDUSTRIAL SAFETY+ - RETIRES THIS MONTH AFTER 19 YEARS’ IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
MR. CARTER, WHO HAS BEEN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING OFFICER FOR EIGHT YEARS, BEGINS PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE ON JANUARY 28.
HE IS LEAVING HONG KONG CONVINCED THAT ATTITUDES TO INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ARE CHANGING FOR THE BETTER - IF ONLY SLOWLY.
+GIVEN MORE ENCOURAGEMENT FROM MANAGEMENT, I THINK THEY WILL CHANGE EVEN MORE - AND THIS CAN ONLY BE FOR THE GOOD OF EVERYONE,+ HE SAID.
MR. CARTER IS ONE OF THE BEST QUALIFIED MEN IN HONG KONG TO TALK ABOUT ACCIDENT PREVENTION - HE HAS BEEN INTERESTED IN THE SUBJECT FOR NEARLY 40 YEARS AND HAS SPECIALISED IN IT FOR THE PAST 20.
HIS WORK WITH THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS MADE HIM A WELL-KNOWN - AND HIGHLY-RESPECTED - VISITOR TO FACTORIES, WORKSHOPS AND CONSTRUCTION SITES.
A SENIOR COLLEAGUE SAYS, +NICK HAS DONE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT TO ADVANCE THE CAUSE OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY IN HONG KONG -HE HAS NEVER TIRED OF TRYING TO ACHIEVE BETTER RESULTS.
+AND HE HAS A GREAT CAPACITY FOR GETTING THINGS DONE= .
HE KNOWS MANY PEOPLE, AND MANY PEOPLE KNOW HIM.+
MR. CARTER HIMSELF SAYS HE WILL MISS HONG KONG. +BUT,+ HE ADDS, +ONE OF MY REGRETS IS THAT THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS IN INDUSTRY, PARTICULARLY ON BUILDING CONSTRUCTION SITES HAS NOT SHOWN ANY REAL SIGNS OF DECREASING.
+THIS SITUATION SHOULD IMPROVE, AND WITH CURRENT AND NEW LEG I SLATI ON,EDUCAT I ON AND ENFORCEMENT, I’M SURE IT WILL.+
ONE OF HIS LAST DUTIES WAS TO ASSIST WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
MR. CARTER STARTED HIS CAREER WITH VICKERS LTD. AS AN ENGINEERING APPRENTICE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, BUT BEFORE HE CAME TO HONG KONG IN 1956, HE SPENT HIS WORKING LIFE WITH THE ADMIRALTY - NOW THE MINISTRY OF DEFENCE (NAVY).
+FROM THE BEGINNING OF MY WORKING LIFE I WAS MADE TO FEEL CONSCIOUS OF NOT ONLY DOING A JOB WELL, BUT OF DOING IT SAFELY,+ HE SAYS.
/<THE ADMIRALTY
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975
- 2 -
+THE ADMIRALTY WAS ALWAYS VERY CONCERNED WITH ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND FELT WE WEREN’T DOING OUR JOB PROPERLY IF THERE WERE ACCIDENTS.+
IN 1950, MR. CARTER - THEN AN INSPECTOR OF ENGINEERING FITTERS - WENT TO SRI LANKA (FORMERLY CEYLON) FOR THREE YEARS WITH THE ADMIRALTY - AND IT WAS THIS +SMELL OF THE EAST+ THAT PERSUADED HIM TO +HAVE A GO AT HONG KONG+ IN 1956.
OVER THE YEARS, MR. CARTER HAS PICKED UP AN IMPRESSIVE STRING OF QUALIFICATIONS. HE HOLDS A DIPLOMA IN SAFETY MANAGEMENT, IS A MEMBER OF THE INSTITUTION OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICERS AND THE INSTITUTION OF TRAINING OFFICERS, AND A LICENTIATE OF THE INSTITUTION OF FIRE ENGINEERS.
LAST YEAR, HE WAS CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG BRANCH OF THE INSTITUTION OF TRAINING OFFICERS.
ONE OF THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS HE LEAVES IN HONG KONG IS THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING CENTRE AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICE IN CANTON ROAD.
MR. CARTER HAS BEEN LARGELY RESPONSIBLE FOR MAKING THE CENTRE WHAT IT IS TODAY - ONE OF THE BEST EQUIPPED SAFETY TRAINING CENTRES IN THE FAR EAST.
DESPITE THE SUCCESS OF THE CENTRE - IT RAN ITS 500TH COURSE IN 1974 -- MR. CARTER IS STILL DISMAYED BY THE ATTITUDE TO WORK SAFETY IN HONG KONG.
♦WORKERS HERE STILL DO NOT SEEM TO APPRECIATE THE HAZARDS THAT SURROUND THEM EVERY DAY, ALTHOUGH THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS BEGINNING TO SHOW DEFINITE SIGNS OF CHANGE,♦ HE SAYS.
+BUT UNLESS THE CHANGE COMES AT THE TOP - AT BOARD-ROOM LEVEL - WE WON’T BE ABLE TO MAKE A REAL DENT IN THE PROBLEM.+
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF MR. CARTER’S PHOTOGRAPH ARE
--------------- AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS
PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975
3
HOW TO HANDLE L.P.G. CYLINDERS AND STOVES SAFELY K ft H « X- «
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WERE TODAY WARNED TO HANDLE LIOIIFFIPn PETROLEUM GAS CYLINDERS AND STOVES WITH -PROPER CARE-. Q sa in ™irBni^EADeeA ?^PUTY 0F THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU, SAID THAT UNLESS A FEW SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS WFRE TAKEN ACCIDENTS COULD OCCUR CAUSING SERIOUS INJURY OR EVEN DEATH. ACCIDEfJTS
+A STOVE SHOULD NEVER BE PLACED IN A POSITION WHERE IT CAN BE KNOCKED OVER,- HE STRESSED. -IT SHOULD BE OUT
AND AWAY FR0M MATERIALS WHICH MIGHT CATCH FIRE IF OVERHEATED.* ’
AFTER USE
THE STOVE MUST BE
ArrtR USE, THE SI OVE MUST BE TURNED OFF. BOTH AT THE STOVE ITSELF AND AT THE REGULATOR ON THE CYLINDER. THE
TUBE SH0ULD BE CHECKED PERIODICALLY TO ENSURE THAT IT IN_G00D CONDITION AND THAT THE CONNECTING JOINTS ARE GAS l IGH I.
*AEVAYS KEEP THE ST0VE CLEAN AND FREE FROM GREASE,- MR. FENDER SAID. -KEEP THE PLASTIC CAP TIGHTLY FIXED TO THE CYLINDER AT ALL TIMES.- CYLINDERS SHOULD NOT BE STORED OR used IN basements, below ground level, in fully enclosed areas OR CLOSE TO AREAS WITH POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.
• MR. FENDER ALSO EMPHASISED THE FOLLOWING SAFETY points
* MAKE SURE ALL GAS TAPS ARE ’OFF’ BEFORE TURNING THE REGULATOR LEVER TO THE ’ON’ POSITION
# CYLINDERS SHOULD ALWAYS STAND UPRIGHT
# KEEP BURNERS AND AIR INLETS CLEAN
* WHEN USING A MATCH TO LIGHT A STOVE, STRIKE IT FIRST AND PUT IT CLOSE TO THE BURNER BEFORE TURNING ON THE
>• GAS
K LEARN TO IDENTIFY UNEURNT GAS SO THAT ANY LEAK CAN BE DETECTED (A SPECIAL ODORANT HAS BEEN ADDED TO THE GAS FOR EASY DETECTION).
MR. FENDER SAID THAT IF LEAKAGE OF GAS WAS SUSPECTED, THE REGULATOR MUST BE TURNED OFF IMMEDIATELY, ALL NAKED FLAMES EXTINGUISHED, ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES SWITCHED OFF AND ALL WINDOWS AND DOORS MUST BE QUICKLY OPENED.
/❖NEVER UNDER ......
SATURDAY, JAIIUART 11, 1975
TO DISCOVER JO TRY
A LEAK ",ll be It
..._u Mn;. F(Ec^Rt«A1D FAULTY REGULATORS should not be tampered WITH, BLi LEFT TO THE DISTRIBUTOR TO CHANGE IF A LEAK ™-foiNTOTTHE,!OPE!iAI?S SH0UtD “ DETflCHH> 'AnD THE CYLINDER
. • »/ » U.4X I IV 11/ I II Q X/1 IV r\ I I ( •
- - 0 -
+LUCKY+ CAR NUMBERS FETCH $82,600 «»««««
TWENTY SPECIAL VEHICLE REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD BY AUCTION THIS MORNING FOR A TOTAL OF $82,600 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY PURPOSES.
TODAY’S AUCTION, THE FIRST THIS YEAR HELD AT THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM, SAW REGISTRATION NUMBER AA6633 FETCH THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $7,000.
AF2 AND AW2828 WERE SOLD AT THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $6,800 EACH. AND THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $1,000 FOR THE NUMBER AZ8989.
THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES: 4500 FOR $6,500= XX1000 FOR $6,200= AJ7 FOR $6,100= AB90 AND 1975 FOR $6,000 EACH= AJ55 FOR $5,200= AA868 FOR $4,000= AX8118 FOR $3,500= 3915 FOR $3,000= AC19 FOR $2,500= AF7711 FOR $2,400= AY6000 FOR $2.20G= AU2000 FOR $2,100= AT6789 FOR $1,900= AND AB5OO5 AND AG1234 FOR $1,700 EACH.
SPECIAL NUMBERS SOLD AT AN AUCTION WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO . VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WITHIN 1 12 MONTHS OF THE DATE OF AUCTION.
TODAY’S SALE, THE 21ST IN A SERIES ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO $3.5 MILLION.
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/5.......
n
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975
ANTI-DRUG ACTIVITIES « n « « a n
AN EXHIBITION, OBSERVATIONAL VISITS TO TREATMENT CENTRES AND A SEMINAR ARE PLANNED BY A GROUP OF WELFARE AGENCIES IN TSZ WAN SHAN TO CONTINUE DRIVING HOME THE DANGERS OF DRUG ADDICTION.
THE ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED BY TSZ WAN SHAN OFFICES OF THE EVANGEL YOUTH CENTRE, THE FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS, THE ZION YOUTH CENTRE AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE IN SUPPORT OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICES’ KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN.
THE FOUR AGENCIES HAVE FORMED A SPECIAL COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE SUPPORTING PROGRAMMES.
THE EXHIBITION AND THE SEMINAR WILL BE HELD AT THE TSZ WAN SHAN ESTATE WELFARE BUILDING ON JANUARY 29 AND 30 AND ON MARCH 10 RESPECTIVELY. THE OBSERVATIONAL VISITS TO DRUG TREATMENT CENTRES ARRANGED FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN THE ESTATE WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 19, FEBRUARY 3 AND 13. .
LAST MONTH, THE COMMITTEE ALSO ORGANISED A YOUNG PEOPLE’S ESSAY COMPETITION ON THE HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DRUGS.
0 -------
IT’S EASIER TO PAY YOUR TAXES BY POSTAL CHEQUE ' « « if O W
SALARY TAXPAYERS CAN SAVE THEMSELVES MUCH INCONVENIENCE BY PAYING THEIR TAX DEMANDS THROUGH THE MAIL DY CHEQUE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY. N
LAST YEAR, HE SAID, POSTAL CHEQUES ACCOUNTED FOR SOME 50 PER CENT OF ALL SALARIES TAX REMITTANCES RECEIVED BY THE DEPARTMENT AND IT WAS HOPED THAT THIS WOULD RISE TO 70 PER CENT THIS YEAR.’
+BY SENDING. US A CHEQUE THROUGH THE MAIL,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +THE TAXPAYER CAN SAVE HIMSELF THE PROSPECT OF A LONG AND TRYING WAIT IN A QUEUE, PARTICULARLY AT THIS TIME WHEN COLLECTION OFFICES ARE AT THEIR BUSIEST.*
ur ™ERE IS. VERY LITTLE EFFORT INVOLVED IN THE MAILING PROCEDURE HE WENT ON. CHEQUES ARE ENCLOSED WITH THE DEMAND NOTE AND SIMPLY ’ FORWARDED TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, CENTRAL MAIL OFFICES, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, AND WITHIN TWO OR THREE DAYS A RECEIPT IS RETURNED TO THE TAXPAYER.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO SAID THAT PAYMENT BY POSTAL CHEQUE
WAS SAFE AND SECURE, AND THERE WAS NO SURCHARGE IF THE ENVELOPE WAS POSTMARKED NOT LATER THAN THE DUE DATE SHOWN ON THE DEMAND NOTE.
o - ~ -
/6.......
rirti
COMMISSIONING TESTS
WAY
ON PAI ARE NOW UNDER
WATERWORKS OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT INITIAL
THE
HAD
NOW.+
- - o
THIRD
NEXT
IN MARCH
FRESH
ON THE FIRST UNIT OF THE DESALTER AT LOK
AND ARE GOING SATISFACTORILY
A SPOKESMAN FOR
TESTS STARTED IN THE
WHICH IS NOW BEING CARRIED
TRIALS
OF EVERY ITEM OF MECHANICAL AND
GOOD WORKING ORDER
1975
AND TESTED IN 1971
WATER A DAY
THIS COMES UNDER THE
NO WATER HAS YET BEEN DESALTED
WHEN THE EVAPORATOR ITSELF UNDERGOES TRIAL
MONTH
DESALTER BEING TESTED
ft ft ft « ft
BOILER - A SORT OF SEASONING OR CONDITIONING
AND IT WOULD BE
OF COURSE
BUT WE HAVE OBVIOUSLY
THE SECOND STAGE OF THE
IS THE RIGOROUS TESTING
OUT
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
SATURDAY, JANURAY 11
MIDDLE OF LAST MONTH
THESE INCLUDED THE
+BOILING OUT+ OF THE
PROCESS. AS EVIDENCE
VISIBLE AT THE TOP OF ONE OF
OF IT, AT ONE STAGE A PLUME OF SMOKE WAS
THE PLANT’S TWO 400-F00T HIGH
CHIMNEYS
STAGE OF THE TESTS
LIKELY TO START IN THE SECOND HALF OF
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT SO FAR NO MAJOR DIFFICULTIES
BEEN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TESTS AND THE EQUIPMENT WAS IN
+THERE IS STILL SOME WAY TO GO
PREMATURE TO ANTICIPATE THE FINAL RESULTS
GAINED MUCH FROM THE EXPERIMENTAL PLANT WHICH WAS COMMISSIONED
WE ARE REAPING THE BENEFITS OF THAT
THE FIRST UNIT IS EXPECTED TO BE FULLY OPERATIONAL
IT WILL BE CAPABLE OF PRODUCING 6.67 MILLION GALLONS OF
SATURDAY, JANUARY 11, 1975.
- 7 -
'•
TYPEWRITERS MAINTENANCE COURSE
M * K W « K
I • • ■
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE IS RUNNING A SHORT COURSE ON THE MAINTENANCE AND MINOR ADJUSTMENTS OF TYPEWRITERS FOR 30 IN-SERVICE COMMERCIAL TEACHERS.
+IT IS HOPED THAT THE TEACHERS WILL HAVE A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THIS OFFICE MACHINE BY ATTENDING THE COURSE,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COLLEGE SAID THIS MORNING WHEN THE COURSE BEGAN. *
+N0 DOUBT THE PUPILS OF THESE TEACHERS WILL BENEFIT IN DUE COURSE,+ HE SAID. ' /
THE SECOND PART OF THE COURSE WILL TAKE PLACE NEXT SATURDAY MORNING.
TALKS ON THE HISTORY, MAINTENANCE, MINOR REPAIRS' AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TYPEWRITERS WILL, BE GIVEN BY REPRESENTATIVES FROM TWO OFFICE MACHINES COMPANIES.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
FOR YOUR INFORMATION, THE TWO COMPANIES WHICH ARE JOINTLY RUNNING THE COURSE ARE OLYMPIA OFFICE MACHINES (H.K.) LTD. AND THE I.B.M. WORLD TRADE CORPORATION.
PRh 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RECLAMATION PROJECTS TO PROVIDE 175 EXTRA ACRES OF LAND FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT ................................. 1
EXPERIMENTAL 'HOT LINE’ SERVICE FOR SAU MAU PING STUDENTS TO BE SET UP ................................... 2
RECORD NUMBER OF MARRIAGES REGISTERED LAST YEAR ......... 3
INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES COMPLETE SAFETY TRAINING COURSE ORGANISED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT.................... 4
HOUSING DEPARTMENT EXTENDS DOOR-TO-DOOR RENT COLLECTION
SERVICE TO NEWER ESTATES ................................ 5
i
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5 233191
1
SUNDAY, JANUARY'12, 1975
MORE RECLAIMED LAND FOR URBAN DEVELOPMENT
ABOUT 175 ACRES OF MUCH-NEEDED LAND WILL BE ADDED TO THE URBAN FORESHORES OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WHEN SIX RECLAMATION PROJECTS NOW UNDERWAY ARE COMPLETED.
OF THE SIX RECLAMATION SCHEMES, FOUR ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND — AT CHAI WAN. CENTRAL, SHAUKEIWAN AND KENNEDY TOWN — AND TWO IN KOWLOON — AT SHAMSHUIPO AND KOWLOON BAY.
THE TOTAL COST OF THESE PROJECTS IS ABOUT $75 MILLION, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT SAID.
OFFICIAL RECORDS SHOW THAT, IN THE PAST 120 YEARS, SOME 4,000 ACRES OF LAND HAVE BEEN RECLAIMED FROM THE SEA FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING MAJOR ROAD NETWORKS HOUSING AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
+IT IS ESTIMATED THAT AT PRESENT OVER ONE MILLION OF THE POPULATION ARE LIVING ON RECLAIMED LAND IN HONG KONG,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE PROJECT IN CENTRAL — KNOWN AS CENTRAL RECLAMATION STAGE V — WILL PROVIDE SOME 16 ACRES OF LAND TO THE WEST OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF. ABOUT 95 PER CENT OF THE SEAWALLS ON THE SITE ARE NOW COMPLETED. WHEN READY, IT WILL BE USED FOR THE WIDENING OF CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND ALSO FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF. PART OF THE LAND WILL BE RESERVED FOR A SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT, BUILDING DEVELOPMENT AND OPEN SPACES. IN ADDITION, THERE WILL DE A TEMPORARY CARGO HANDLING AREA.
IN SHAMSHUIPO, ANOTHER MAJOR RECLAMATION PROJECT IS IN PROGRESS THE 20-ACRES SITE WILL INITIALLY BE USED AS A TEMPORARY CARGO HANDLING AREA. AT A LATER STAGE, THE RECLAIMED LAND WILL BE DEVELOPED INTO A VEHICULAR AND FERRY PIER AND CONCOURSE, A SEWAGE SCREENING PLANT, A MULTI-STOREY CARPARK AND A CULTURAL COMPLEX. PART OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR ROAD PROJECT WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ON THIS RECLAMATION. EVENTUALLY, A PROMENADE WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ALONG THE SEAFRONT.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE LIMIT TO RECLAMATION IN THE CENTRE OF THE HARBOUR IS NOW MORE OR LESS BEING REACHED, THERE IS STILL SCOPE FOR FURTHER RECLAMATION, ESPECIALLY AT THE WESTERN END OF THE HARDOUR.
*AS A MATTER OF FACT,* HE SAID, *THE PUBLIC HAVE ALREADY BEEN TOLD OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION TO RECLAIM LAND AT THE WESTERN END OF THE HARBOUR, THE SITE OF WHICH WILL DE FROM THE CENTRAL STAGE V RECLAMATION TO BELCHER’S POINT HEAR KENNEDY TOWN.*
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SUMDAY, JANUARY 12, 1975
2
’HOT LINE* SERVICE FOR STUDENTS
AN EXPERIMENTAL ’HOT LINE’ SERVICE WILL BE STARTED LATER THIS YEAR TO HELP FORM I STUDENTS IN SAU MAU PING DISTRICT WHO HAVE PROBLEMS WITH THEIR SCHOOL WORK BUT HAVE NO ONE TO TURN TO OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL.
PLANS ARE NOW BEING MADE TO GET THIS PROJECT OFF THE GROUND. TWO TELEPHONES WILL BE INSTALLED AT A CENTRE WHERE STUDENTS WILL BE ABLE TO CALL AND DISCUSS ANY PROBLEMS IN THE EVENINGS FROM MONDAYS TO SATURDAYS. THE PROJECT WILL BE TRIED OUT FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS FROM MARCH TO JUNE.
THE IDEA FOR A HOT LINE SERVICE CAME FROM A GROUP OF STUDENTS OF FORM 3 LEVEL AND ABOVE, AND IS JUST ONE OF 42 PROJECTS WHICH THEXSOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS SUPPORTING UNDER ITS OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUTH SCHEME ANNOUNCED LAST YEAR.
ANOTHER PROJECT - A YOUNG PEOPLE’S NEWS SHEET - STARTED THIS MONTH IN WESTERN DISTRICT AND IS BEING CIRCULATED TO SOME 1,000 YOUNGSTERS TO HELP DEVELOP COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE OF THEIR OWN AGES. THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL JUNE.
NOT ONLY STUDENTS ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECTS. INDUSTRIAL WORKERS TOO HAVE TAKEN AN INTEREST AND A GROUP WORKING IN WONG TAI SIN WILL BE CARRYING OUT A SERVICE PROJECT. THEY PLAN TO MAKE A STUDY ON YOUTH OF THE AREA COVERING SUCH ASPECTS AS EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND PARTICIPATION, DELINQUENCY AND SO ON. THEY WILL COMPILE A REPORT ON THEIR FINDINGS IN THE STUDY WHICH WILL TAKE FOUR MONTHS.
THE GROUP WILL ALSO BE PHOTOGRAPHING PLACES AND SUBJECTS OF INTEREST RELATED TO THEIR STUDY AND WILL MOUNT A MOBILE EXHIBITION TO HELP THOSE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT BECOME MORE AWARE OF THEIR SURROUNDINGS.
i 1
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, A GROUP OF YOUTHS EXPERIENCED IN LIFE-SAVING AND SIMILAR ACTIVITIES, WILL BE SPONSORING A WATER SAFETY CAMPAIGN IN TUEN MUN. STARTING IN MARCH AND LASTING NINE MONTHS, THIS EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME IS AIMED AT TEACHING OTHER YOUNG SWIMMERS HOW TO ENJOY THIS PAST-TIME WITHOUT ENDANGERING THEMSELVES OR OTHERS. PARTICIPANTS WILL ALSO BE TAUGHT THE BASICS OF LIFE-SAVING.
ACCORDING TO MR. ALFRED CHUI, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT’S GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, A TOTAL OF 93 PROJECTS WERE SUBMITTED AND 42 WERE CHOSEN AS BEING OF BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY. THE PROJECTS SUPPORTED WILL INVOLVE A TOTAL OF 615 YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE PLANNING STAGES AND AN EVEN GREATER NUMBER IN THE IMPLEMENTATION PHASE.
OTHER NOTABLE PROJECTS WILL THE DISABLED AS WELL AS CHILDREN VILLAGES.
INCLUDE SERVICES TO THE ELDERLY, IN RESITE AREAS AND ISOLATED
MR. CHUI EXPLAINED THAT THE SCHEME WAS INTRODUCED TO INVOLVE YOUTH IN PROMOTING THEIR PERSONAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH USEFUL COMMUNITY SERVICES.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 1975 3 -
MARRIAGE STATISTICS FOR 1974 a a a a
THE NUMBER OF MARRIAGES REGISTERED IN 1974 REACHED A NEW RECORD TOTAL OF 37,634, - 7.198 MORE THAN THE PREVIOUS RECORD OF 30,436 IN 1973, THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, MR. WALTER HUME, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
♦THE TOTAL INCLUDED 3,862 MARRIAGES BETWEEN PARTIES ALREADY PREVIOUSLY MARRIED IN OTHER WAYS AS COMPARED WITH 2,838 MARRIAGES OF THIS CATEGORY IN 1973. EXCLUDING THESE ’REMARRIAGES* THE TOTAL NUMBER OF REGISTERED MARRIAGES INCREASED BY 6,174 FROM 27,598 TO 33,772,4 MR. HUME ADDED.
THE NEW RECORD MAY HAVE BEEN PARTLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CURRENT LUNAR YEAR, WHICH BEGAN ON JANUARY 23, 1974, IS A PARTICULARLY AUSPICIOUS YEAR FOR MARRIAGES AMONGST THE CHINESE BECAUSE IT HAS TWO FIRST DAYS OF SPRING (LAP CHUN) WHEREAS THE PRECEDING LUNAR YEAR HAD ONLY QNE FIRST DAY OF SPRING.
HOWEVER, THE MAJOR FACTOR CONTRIBUTING TO THE INCREASE IS BELIEVED TO BE THE STRUCTURE OF THE POPULATION. WHICH HAS A GROWING NUMBER OF PERSONS WITHIN THE MORE POPULAR AGE GROUPS FOR MARRIAGE, I.E. 21 TO 24 FOR WOMEN AND 25 TO 29 FOR MEN.
THERE WAS A SLIGHT DECREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CHURCH MARRIAGES IN 1974, THE TOTAL BEING 2,641 AS COMPARED WITH 2,776 IN 1973. MOST OF THE REGISTERED MARRIAGES WERE, AS USUAL, CELEBRATED AT THE MARRIAGE REGISTRIES, THE TOTAL OF SUCH MARRIAGES REACHING A NEW RECORD OF 34,993, AN INCREASE OF 7,333 OVER THE 1973 FIGURE.
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, REGISTERED MARRIAGES INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY WITH A TOTAL OF 6,042 MARRIAGES CELEBRATED, UP BY 2,327 OR 63 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH 3,715 IN 1973. THERE ARE NOW FOUR FULL-TIME REGISTRIES AND THIRTEEN PART-TIME REGISTRIES OPERATING IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE TWO PRINCIPAL MARRIAGE REGISTRIES AT THE CITY HALL AND * THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES REMAIN THE MOST POPULAR REGISTRIES, WITH 37.1 PER CENT OF ALL REGISTRY MARRIAGES CELEBRATED THERE. ANOTHER POPULAR REGISTRY WAS THE SAN PO KONG REGISTRY, WHERE 3,286 MARRIAGES TOOK PLACE DURING THE YEAR.
THE CITY HALL MARRIAGE REGISTRY CONTINUED TO OPERATE ON SUNDAY MORNINGS DURING THE YEAR AND A TOTAL OF 518 SUNDAY MORNING < MARRIAGES WERE PERFORMED. IN MANY CASES, SUNDAY WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE IT HAPPENED TO BE A LUCKY DAY ACCORDING TO THE CHINESE CALENDAR- IN OTHERS SIMPLY BECAUSE OF CONVENIENCE FOR WORK OR OTHER REASONS.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, l<j75 1
FIVE INDUSTRY REPRESENTATIVES COMPLETE SAFETY TRAINING COURSE *******
__ FIVE .REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY HAVE JUST COMPLETED A SIX-WEEK FULL-TIME INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING COURSE ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. I
THEY INCLUDED MR. TONG NG CHO-YIN, A GRADUATE IN MECHANICAL ‘ ENGINEERING FROM HONG KONG UNIVERSITY, WHO WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED SAFETY PRECAUTIONS LIAISON OFFICER WITH THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION LIMITED.
THE OTHERS AREi MR. LAW CHIU-YUK, A SUPERVISOR WITH HARBOUR ENGINEERING CO. LTD, MR. POON CHUNG-SHING, AN ASSISTANT CHIEF FOREMAN (JOHN LOK AND PARTNERS LTD). MR. IP SAI-MAN, QUANTITY SURVEYOR AND SITE SUPERVISOR (JOHN LOK AND PARTNERS LTD), AND MR. HO WAI-CHUEN (SUNG FOO KEE,CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD).
THEY WERE AMONG A GROUP OF 25 PARTICIPANTS IN THE SECOND COURSE RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE -AND ANOTHER COURSE IS SCHEDULED TO START ON APRIL 28.
THE COURSES, WHICH HAVE INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION, ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE INDUSTRY WITH SUITABLY TRAINED SAFETY OFFICERS TO HELP CUT DOWN ACCIDENTS. '
THE GROUP OF FIVE FROM BCA LTD AND THE OTHER FIRMS WERE THE FIRST FROM THE INDUSTRY SO FAR TO TAKE THE COURSE.
HOWEVER, MANY OTHER CONSTRUCTION FIRMS IN HONG KONG ARE NOW EXPECTED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THE NEXT TRAINING COURSE, WHICH IS FREE. !
'■
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR SAID TODAY HE HOPED THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION, WHICH IS BEING HELD AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE SITE IN CAUSEWAY BAY WOULD ENCOURAGE MANY CONTRACTORS ■;TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S SAFETY COURSES.
THE COURSE IS DESIGNED FOR A CLOSE STUDY OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES.
IT GIVES GRADUATES THE EXPERTISE TO BE ABLE TO SUGGEST, INITIATE, CONTROL AND MAINTAIN A SAFETY POLICY WITHIN A COMPANY TO ENSURE A POSITIVE ACCIDENT PREVENTION ATTITUDE FROM TOP MANAGEMENT TO WORKERS.
AFTER THE COURSE, THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TOOK A RANDOM SAMPLING OF OPINION FROM SOME OF THE PARTICIPANTS AND RECEIVED THESE REACT IONSi
F ' _______________________A------------- - ..
/♦EXCELLENT .....
SUNDAY, JANUARY 12, 1975. - 5 -
♦EXCELLENT. THIS COURSE PROVIDED ME WITH KNOWLEDGE OF APPRECIABLE VALUE WHICH IN MY OPINION HAS BEEN WELL PLANNED AND CONDUCTED. I THINK I HAVE GAINED QUITE A LOT FROM THE COURSE. TO ME, THIS IS A COMPLETELY NEW CONCEPT.♦
♦ I HAVE GAINED A LOT FROM THIS COURSE. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IS CHANGING MYSELF TO A SAFETY-MINDED PERSON.+
♦ IT ENLARGES AND REVISES MY PERSONAL VIEWPOINT TOWARDS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY. A NEW CONCEPT TO SAFETY IS TO ELIMINATE POTENTIAL HAZARDS AT ITS EARLIEST STAGE.+
♦ THIS COURSE MAKES CLEAR THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING SAFETY. IT ALSO DRAWS MY ATTENTION TO SOME POINTS OF SAFETY THAT I USUALLY OVERLOOKED.+
NOTE TO EDITORS!
_i_n_ ।._ r U- ■■uni-T-r—
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TRAINEES ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
CONVENIENT RENT COLLECTION SYSTEM FOR ESTATE TENANTS KOKO
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS TO EXTEND ITS DOOR-TO-DOOR RENT COLLECTION SYSTEM TO ITS NEWER GROUP +B+ PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE 600,000 TENANTS LIVING IN THEM.
THIS SYSTEM HAS LONG BEEN ADOPTED IN ALL GROUP +A+ AND A FEW GROUP +B+ ESTATES AND HAS BEEN PROVED TO BE VERY SUCCESSFUL.
FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, THE SYSTEM WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER ALL 308 MARK 111 TO MARK VII HOUSING BLOCKS, AND TENANTS WILL NO LONGER HAVE TO QUEUE UP AT THE ESTATE RENT COLLECTION OFFICES 'TO PAY THEIR RENT DURING THE FIRST FEW DAYS OF EACH MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT DESCRIBED THE EXTENSION OF THE RENT COLLECTION SYSTEM AS ANOTHER STEP TOWARDS BETTER MANAGEMENT FOR THE GROUP +B+ ESTATES.
♦APART FROM MAKING IT EASIER FOR TENANTS, THE SYSTEM WILL ALSO HELP IMPROVE RELATIONS BETWEEN THE TENANTS AND THE MANAGEMENT AS THE ESTATE FAMILIES WILL AT LEAST BE VISITED ONCE A MONTH BY THE MANAGEMENT STAFF.
♦IN ADDITION, IT WILL ALSO RESULT IN THE SAVING OF MANPOWER AS THE SHROFFS, CLERKS AND MESSENGERS WORKING IN THE RENT OFFICES COULD THEN BE PUT ON OTHER JOBS.+
_ _ o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975
' CONTENTS PAGE NO.
SCHOOLS TOLD TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF PRIMARY EDUCATION ... 1
POPULAR CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION DRAWS TO A CLOSE. 2
COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE RETIRES AFTER 22 YEARS’ SERVICE ........................................
G.P.O. SETS UP NEW FACILITIES FOR STAMP COLLECTORS . 4
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT ...................... 4
TEACHERS TO STUDY ADVANCED TECHNIQUES OF TYPEWRITING TEACHING ........................................
TEMPORARY WATER INTERRUPTION IN MONG KOK AND PEAK DISTRICTS .......................................
LEADERSHIP TRAINING COURSE FOR VILLAGE YOUTH ....... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.1%1: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975
1
SCHOOLS TOLD TO IMPROVE QUALITY OF PRIMARY EDUCATIOU a « m
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION- MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, TODAY STRESSED THE NEED TO IMRPOVE THE QUALITY OF PRIMARY EDUCATION.
ADDRESSING A
LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE HONG KONG
ASSOCIATION, MR. TOPLEY SAID IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR SCHOOLS TO TONE DOWN THE PRESENT EMPHASIS ON THE PURELY INSTRUCTIONAL ASPECT OF SCHOOLING.
ASSOCIATION, MR
HE CALLED FOR THE ADOPTION OF THE ’CHILD-CENTRED EDUCATION’ CONCEPT WHICH, HE SAID, WOULD GO A LONG WAY TOWARDS RE-VITALIZING PRIMARY EDUCATION.
•HIS CONCEPT, MR. TOPLEY SAID, +DRAWS ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO RECOGNISE INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, ALLOWS GREATER FREEDOM IN THE CLASSROOM AND ENCOURAGES MORE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION DY THE PUPILS.*
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD MADE A GOOD START IN INITIATING CURRICULUM AND SUBJECT DEVELOPMENT, EXPERIMENTING WITH THE ’ACTIVITY’ APPROACH, REVISING THE PROGRAMME FOR INITIAL TEACHERTRAINING, ORGANISING COURSES FOR FURTHER THAINING OF SERVING TEACHERS, TRANSMITTING AND REFINING ETV LESSONS, ISSUING GUIDES AND BULLETINS TO SCHOOLS, AND PERIODICALLY MOUNTING CONFERENCES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS, HE SAID.
❖NATURALLY, MORE WORK WILL BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT CHANGE CONFORMS TO SOUND WELL-ESTADLISHED PRINCIPLES APPLIED TO THE NEEDS OF LOCAL CONDITIONS.*
THE DEPARTMENT HAD ALSO MADE A DEFINITE ATTEMPT TO DISCOURAGE FORMAL TEACHING AND MERE ROTE LEARNING. A COMPARISON OF RECENT S.S.E.E. PAPERS WITH THOSE SET SOME YEARS AGO WOULD SHOW THIS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID HIS DEPARTMENT HAD TAKEN STEPS SINCE 1972 TO REDUCE THE DIFFICULTY OF THE EXAMINATION DY EASY STAGES.
*THE SUREST WAY TO SUCCESS IN THIS EXAMINATION IS GOOD COVERAGE OF THE TEACHING SYLLABUSES, COUPLED WITH A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REMEDIAL TEACHING, WHILE ALLOWING THE CHILDREN ADEQUATE TIME FOR FRESH AIR, PHYSICAL EXERCISE AND SLEEP.*
PRIMARY EDUCATION FEATURED PROMINENTLY IN HONG KONG’S EDUCATION SYSTEM. *AFTER ALL, NEARLY 700,000 CHILDREN OUT OF A TOTAL SCHOOL POPULATION OF 1.3 MILLION ARE ATTENDING PRIMARY SCHOOLS WHICH NUMBER 1,190, BIG AND SMALL,* HE SAID.
DRAWING ATTENTION TO ONE ASPECT OF THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CURRICULUM WHICH ALSO MADE FOR QUALITY, MR. TOPLEY SA IDs *1 FEEL THAT KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS IN THEMSELVES ARE NOT ENOUGHS THE PRIMARY SCHOOL CHILD SHOULD HAVE ADEQUATE OPPORTUNITIES TO DEVELOP MORAL AND SPIRITUAL QUALITIES AND TO STRENGTHEN CHARACTER.
/+IT IS ......
2
MONDAY, JANUARY 1J, 1975
♦IT IS THE FUNCTION OF THE SCHOOL TO FOSTER, FOR EXAMPLE, AN UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF RESPONSIBLE CITIZENSHIP-RESPECT FOR THE RIGHTS, BELIEFS AND CUSTOMS OF OTHERS- THE ABILITY TO APPRAISE OLD AND NEW IDEAS AND TO WORK COOPERATIVELY AND CONSTRUCTIVELY WITH OTHERS- PRIDE IN GOOD WORKMANSHIP- RESPECT FOR THE LAW, ORDER AND SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS- WISE USE OF TIME, INCLUDING THE GROWTH OF CONSTRUCTIVE, CREATIVE AND SATISFYING LEISURE PURSUITS.*
CHILDREN, HE SAID, MUST ALSO BE BROUGHT FACE TO FACE WITH REAL SITUATIONS RELEVANT TO RESPONSIBLE LIVING IN THE ADULT WORLD SO THAT THEY MAY DEVELOP THE. ABILITY TO MAKE WISE CHOICES AND ACT UPON THEM.
0
CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION A ’BIG SUCCESS’ a a « « « a
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIAL TONIGHT DESCRIBED THE CONSTRUCTION SAFETY EXHIBITION AT THE WORLD TRADE CENTRE SITE AS A ’BIG SUCCESS’.
ABOUT 9,000 PEOPLE FROM THE BUILDING INDUSTRY HAD VISITED THE EXHIBITION WHEN IT CLOSED TONIGHT.
MR. STANISLAUS TSAO, LABOUR OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS UNIT, SAID, +THE MOST PLEASING ASPECT IS THAT IT WAS A TRADE EXHIBITION WHICH ATTRACTED A • WIDE CROSS-SECTION OF PEOPLE FROM THE INDUSTRY. IT WAS VERY ENCOURAG-z ING TO SEE SUCH A KEEN AND POSITIVE INTEREST.*
THE ATTENDANCE WAS MADE UP MAINLY BY ORGANISED GROUPS OF SITE AGENTS, FOREMEN, SUPERVISORS AND WORKERS FROM INDIVIDUAL FIRMS. THE GROUP VISITS WERE ARRANGED BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS’ ASSOCIATION LIMITED WHICH OFFICIALLY SUPPORTED THE
MR. TSAO SAID HE WAS SURE THE EXHIBITION HAD HELPED MANY PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR SAFETY AT WORK,
+IT WAS DUE TO BE CLOSED AT 6 P.M. EACH EVENING BUT THE BIG RESPONSE RESULTED IN US KEEPING OPEN FOR AN EXTRA HOUR AT LEAST EVERY EVENING,* HE SAID.
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/3.......
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1974
RETIREMENT OF COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE
###«#«
MR. FRANK RAINBOW, COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, WILL PROCEED ON PRE-RETIREMENT LEAVE ON JANUARY 27 AFTER 22 YEARS OF SERVICE IN THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. RAINBOW, WHO IS 56, FIRST JOINED THE CIVIL SERVICE AS AN ASSESSOR (GRADE 1) IN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN JUNE 1952.
HE WAS PROMOTED TO CHIEF ASSESSOR IN I960, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1964 AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER IN 1971. TWO YEARS LATER, HE WAS APPOINTED COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE.
MR. RAINBOW IS A FELLOW OF THE INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS IN ENGLAND AND WALES AND A FELLOW OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
1
HE WAS APPOINTED OBE IN THE QUEEN’S NEW YEAR HONOURS LIST.
DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR. RONALD GIDDY, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, WILL ACT AS COMMISSIONER.
. MR. GIDDY FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT IN 1962. AFTER SUCCESSIVE PROMOTIONS HE BECAME DEPUTY COMMISSIONER IN 1972.
HE IS ALSO AN ASSOCIATE OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND A FELLOW OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
BEFORE STARTING HIS LOCAL LEAVE, MR. RAINBOW WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A RETIREMENT GIFT ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 15).
NOTE TO EDITORSi YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A --------------- REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE
PRESENTATION WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SPORTS RECREATION ROOM, ROOM 601, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, AT 4 PM ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 15).
A...
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975.
NEW FACILITIES FOR STAMP COLLECTORS
A SPECIAL COUNTER WILL BE OPENED IN THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN PEDDER STREET STARTING THIS THURSDAY (JANUARY 16) TO SELL RECENT COMMEMORATIVE STAMP ISSUES AND SOUVENIR FOLDERS CONTAINING STAMPS OF THE CURRENT DEFINITIVE ISSUE.
FACILITIES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR COMMEMORATIVE COVERS TO BE HAND-STAMPED, AND A SPECIAL POSTING BOX WILL BE PROVIDED FOR THE COVERS.
MR. C. D’ALMADA, PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG PHILATELIC SOCIETY AND MR. J. B. SHAW, PRESIDENT OF THE CHINA PHILATELIC ASSOCIATION WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS i
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH STARTS AT 9 A.M.
___.0-----
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
If,
STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY GALLONS. REPRESENTING 79.3
, THE TOTAL WATER
(MONDAY) STOOD AT 53
PER CENT OF THE FULL'CAPACITY OF ^30^61LLI ONGALLcSs '*AT THIS
TIME LAST YEAR THERE MERE 50,190 MILLION BALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 39,498 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 39,221 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 78.2 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
0.4 MM (0.02 IN) OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 6.1 MM (0.24 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 9.00 MM (0.35 IN).
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5
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975
HIGHER TYPEWRITING COURSE FOR TEACHERS
#«####
A COURSE TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF TYPEWRITING TEACHING IN HONG KONG IS BEING RUN BY THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE FOR IN-SERVICE TEACHERS.
THE COURSE LEADS TO A LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY CERTIFICATE IN HIGHER TYPEWRITING. THE FIRST L.C.C.I. EXAMINATION WILL BE HELD IN JUNE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COLLEGE SAID TODAY t ♦THIS COURSE REQUIRES A COMPARATIVELY HIGHER PROFICIENCY AND EXPERTISE THAN THE PITMAN’S CERTIFICATES. IT IS INTENDED TO IMPROVE THE TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS OF IN-SERVICE TEACHERS.♦
THE COURSE BEGAN LAST WEDNESDAY AT THE COLLEGE. TO COMPLETE THE COURSE THE TEACHERS WILL HAVE TO ATTEND ANOTHER 19 WEEKLY WEDNESDAY SESSIONS OF TWO HOURS IN THE EVENINGS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID« +AS THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN OVERWHELMING, A SIMILAR COURSE IS PLANNED FOR NEXT SEPTEMBER WHEN MORE IN-SERVICE TEACHERS WILL BE ABLE TO ATTEND.+ s
------0 - - - -
TEMPORARY WATER CUT « a a «
WATER SUPPLY TO INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE TO ENABLE WATERWORKS AREA.
A NUMBER OF PREMISES HOURS AS FROM 1 A.M. STAFF TO CARRY OUT A
IN MONG KOK WILL BE
ON WEDNESDAY (JANUARY 15)
TEST FOR LEAKAGE IN THE
stReE^fseSa1dt;;^ls?r£e^eam^^hFs1,ade?r?It?u"das street- shansha 1
,,.^„MEANWHILEa A NUMBER OF PREMISES ON THE PEAK WILL rf without TO FACUJTATE^A WATER MAINS CONNECTION “ P-M‘ TOMOnROW (TUESDAY) Arccoirn PfJfN’SES ON GUILDFORD ROAD AND MANSFIELD ROAD WILL rf
S>.AS “os- 40-A2 A"B 52'56 PE« "nX'^%
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MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 1975 ‘
TRAINING VILLAGE YOUTH FOR COMMUNITY SERVICE K * * K ft
THE YOUTH RECREATION CENTRES OF HOLY CROSS PATH AND SHING ON VILLAGES ON THE HILL-SIDE OF SHAU KEI WAN HAVE BEEN RENOVATED TO PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES FOR YOUNG PEOPLE LIVING IN THE TWO VILLAGES.
AND IN ORDER TO ASSIST IN RUNNING ACTIVITIES AT THESE CENTRES, SOME 40 TO 50 VOLUNTEERS WILL UNDERGO A TRAINING COURSE BEGINNING THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.
THE COURSE WILL BE IN TWO PARTS BEGINNING WITH A SERIES OF LECTURES FOLLOWED BY A PRACTICAL CAMP. THE LECTURES WILL BE GIVEN IN THE HALL OF HOLY CROSS CHURCH TODAY AND TOMORROW AND ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY NEXT WEEK.
A FORMAL OPENING CEREMONY, PRESIDED OVER BY OFFICIALS REPRESENTING GOVERNMENT AND WELFARE AGENCIES IN THE AREA WILL BE HELD THIS EVENING.
TNE TRAINING CAMP WILL BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 1 AND 2 AT THE DIOCESAN YOUTH CENTRE IN POKFULAM.
THE PROJECT IS SPONSORED BY THE EASTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND (EAST), WHICH . HAS DONATED $3,000 TOWARDS COSTS, AND IS ORGANISED BY THE » EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I '
• TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG TO PROCEED WITH MODIFIED MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SYSTEM FOLLOWING JAPANESE CONSORTIUM’S WITHDRAWAL FROM NEGOTIATIONS ............................................... 1
DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION CALLS FOR GREATER PUBLIC RECOGNITION OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION ....................... 4
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS INSPECTS CONDITIONS AT SQUATTER AREAS AND HOUSING ESTATES .................................. 5
THREE SENIOR U.K. IMMIGRATION OFFICERS JOIN HONG KONG’S IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT.................................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975
STATEMENT BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY
JAPANESE CONSORTIUM WITHDRAWS FROM NEGOTIATIONS
THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM HAS INFORMED THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROVISIONAL AUTHOR I TV•THAT IT IS UNABLE TO CONTINUE NEGOTIATING A CONTRACT TO BUILD, EQUIP AND FINANCE THE FIRST FOUR STAGES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WITHIN THE CONTEXT OF THE LETTER OF INTENT SIGHED ON 15 FEBRUARY 1974. • • *
THE CONSORTIUM HAS GIVEN, AS ITS REASON FOR DECIDING TO WITHDRAW FROM THE NEGOTIATIONS, THE DIFFICULTIES EXPERIENCED BY THE JAPANESE ECONOMY AS A RESULT OF THE OIL CRISIS IN LATE 1973 AND 1974. THE CONSORTIUM CLAIMS THAT THE MAGNITUDE OF THESE . DIFFICULTIES COULD NOT HAVE BEEN REASONABLY FORESEEN AT THE TIME IT SIGNED THE LETTER OF INTENT AND THAT THEY COULD NOT NOW BE SURMOUNTED. AT A MEETING HELD IN NOVEMBER 1974 THE CONSORTIUM ASKED FOR A REVISION OF THE PRICE CEILING FROM 5 BILLION H.K. DOLLARS TO 6 BILLION H.K. DOLLARS TOGETHER WITH PROVISION FOR PRICE ESCALATION.
THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY COULD NOT ACCEPT THIS REQUEST. IT HOLDS THE VIEW THAT THE CONSORTIUM SHOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO ASSESS THE EFFECTS OF THE OIL CRISIS ON JAPAN’S ECONOMY DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ACCEPTANCE OF ITS
i PRE-EMPTIVE BID (11 DECEMBER 1973) AND THE TIME IT SIGNED A LETTER OF INTENT (15 FEBRUARY 1974). THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY THEREFORE CONSIDERS THAT THE CONSORTIUM HAS COMMITTED A SERIOUS ERROR OF JUDGMENT WHICH WILL RESULT IN HONG KONG SUFFERING AT LEAST A YEAR’S DELAY IN BUILDING THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WITH ALL THE ATTENDANT CONSEQUENCES.
THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY THEREFORE ASKED THE CONSORTIUM FOR COMPENSATION. AT A MEETING HELD ON 9 JANUARY THE CONSORTIUM REFUSED TO PAY COMPENSATION. BUT OFFERED A NOMINAL EX GRATIA PAYMENT OF 300 MILLION YEN (EQUIVALENT TO ABOUT 5 MILLION H.K. DOLLARS), SUBJECT TO CERTAIN CONDITIONS. THE GOVERNMENT CONSIDERED BOTH THE AMOUNTS AND THE CONDITIONS OF THIS OFFER QUITE UNACCEPTABLE AND THEREFORE REJECTED IT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY SAID TODAY THAT, IN RETROSPECT, THREE IMPORTANT POINTS STAND OUT IN THE NEGOTIATION WITH THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM.
FIRST, THE CONSORTIUM’S PRE-EMPTIVE BID WAS ACCEPTED FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS, THE TWO MOST IMPORTANT OF WHICH WERE THAT IT OFFERED A PRICE WITHIN THE GOVERNMENT’S CEILING PRICE OF 5,000 MILLION H.K. DOLLARS WITHOUT SUBSEQUENT COST ESCALATION OF ANY KIND, AND THAT IT ALSO HELD OUT THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EARLY START AND AN EARLY COMPLETION OF THE PROJECT (ASSUMED FOR MID-1979). NEITHER OF THESE ADVANTAGES HAS MATERIALISED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OR THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY.
/SECOND, THE
2 -
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975
SECOND, THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM ARGUED THAT THEIR DIFFICULTIES STEMMED FROM CERTAIN UNFORESEEN DEVELOPMENTS THAT HAD AFFECTED THE JAPANESE ECONOMY AS A RESULT OF THE OIL CRISIS IN LATE 1973 AND EARLY 1974. HOWEVER, THE FACT REMAINS THAT THE EFFECTS OF THE OIL CRISIS MUST HAVE BEEN APPARENT TO THE CONSORTIUM DURING THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONSORTIUM’S PRE-EMPTIVE BID (11 DECEMBER 1973) AND THE SIGNING OF THE LETTER OF INTENT (15 FEBRUARY 1974). THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY HAD NATURALLY ASSUMED THAT THESE DEVELOPMENTS HAD BEEN FULLY TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT DURING THE PERIOD PRECEDING THE SIGNING OF THE LETTER OF INTENT. THE CONSORTIUM COULD HAVE WITHDRAWN OR ASKED FOR MODIFICATIONS IN THE TERMS OF THE LETTER OF INTENT DURING THIS PERIOD.
THIRD, BY THE TERMS OF THE LETTER OF INTENT THE CONSORTIUM EXPLICITLY UNDERTOOK TO PROVIDE DESIGN SOLUTIONS AND PROPOSALS THAT WOULD ADEQUATELY MEET THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY’S DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS. IN SPITE OF CONSTANT REQUESTS FROM THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY IT WAS NOT UNTIL MID-NOVEMBER 1974, NINE MONTHS AFTER THE SIGNING OF THE LETTER OF INTENT, THAT THE CONSORTIUM PRODUCED A PACKAGE OF DESIGN SOLUTIONS. THIS PACKAGE, WHICH THE CONSORTIUM CALLED A +BASIC PLAN+, WAS THOROUGHLY EXAMINED BY THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY’S CONSULTING ENGINEERS, THE MASS TRANSIT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE ENGINEERING OFFICERS DESIGNATE OF THE FUTURE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION. THE DESIGN SOLUTIONS AND PROPOSALS PROVED TO BE INADEQUATE AND INCOMPLETE COMPARED WITH THE PROVISIONAL .AUTHORITY’S SPECIFICATIONS AND, IN SOME CASES, UNSUITED AND EVEN i IRRELEVANT TO HONG KONG’S CONDITIONS.
THE FUTURE
THE GOVERNMENT IS CONVINCED THAT IF HONG KONG’S FUTURE TRANSPORT NEEDS ARE TO BE MET IT MUST HAVE A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY.
THE NEED FOR THE MTR IS ESSENTIALLY BASED ON THE GROWING DEMAND FOR MOVEMENT FROM AN EXPANDING POPULATION WHICH, EVEN GIVEN THE MOST DRACONIAN RESTRAINTS ON OTHER THAN PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WOULD PRODUCE UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION IN THE GREATER PART OF THE URBAN AREA IN THE 80S AND 90S. THE EXPECTATION IS THAT, EVEN IF ALL TRAFFIC OTHER THAN LARGE BUSES ARE BANNED FROM THE MAIN ROUTES IN THE AREAS TO BE SERVED BY THE RAILWAY (WHICH WOULD BE AN IMPRACTICABLE RESTRAINT). THERE WOULD NOT BE ENOUGH SPACE FOR THE BUSES TO PICK UP AND SET DOWN PASSENGERS AND TO MANOEUVRE WITHOUT CREATING UNACCEPTABLE CONGESTION. IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES, ONLY AN UNDERGROUND RAILWAY WOULD PROVIDE A RELIABLE AND SPEEDY MEANS OF TRANSPORTING LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE IN THE AREAS IT WOULD SERVE, AS WELL AS HELPING TO RELIEVE CONGESTION ON THE SURFACE AS HAS BEEN THE EXPERIENCE IN RECENT YEARS IN A GROWING NUMBER OF CITIES.
/THIS CONCLUSION ......
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975
3
THlSTCONCLUSION HAS BEEN ARRIVED AT AFTER THE MOST DETAILED AND CAREFUL STUDY OVER A NUMBER OF YEARS. THE ALTERNATIVES, SUCH AS A SURFACE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM, DOUBLE-DECKING OF THE MAIN ROUTES IN THE URBAN AREA, BUILDING MORE AND WIDER ROADS (WHICH WOULD INVOLVE THE WHOLESALE RESUMPTION AND DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS), ETC., WOULD EITHER NOT DE SUFFICIENT TO MEET THE PROBLEM OR WOULD DE' MORE COSTLY, OR DOTH.
THE ALTERNATIVE OF NOT PROVIDING AN ADEQUATE SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM AND ACCEPTING THE 'RESULTANT CONGESTION WOULD, IN ITS TURN, BRING A HEAVY ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COST IN TERMS OF TIME LOST ON ALL JOURNEYS BY ALL ROAD USERS. SUCH A DEVELOPMENT WOULD BE BOUND TO INCREASE COSTS ALL ROUND IN THE ECONOMY, REDUCE HONG KONG’S COMPETITIVENESS AND LEAD TO LOWER LIVING STANDARDS AND DAMAGE THE QUALITY AND STANDARD OF LIFE.
IN VIEW OF THIS, THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY HAS, OVER THE LAST TWO MONTHS, DEVLOPED A MODIFIED VERSION OF THE INITIAL SYSTEM AND ASSESSED ITS VIABILITY. THE RESULTS OF THIS INTENSIVE EXERCISE HAVE BEEN CONSIDERED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE.
THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM SEEKS A MAXIMUM RETURN ON INVESTMENT BY SELECTING, FROM THE INITIAL SYSTEM, THOSE SECTIONS OF LINE WHICH RUN THROUGH THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED URBAN DISTRICTS AND WHICH ARE, THEREFORE, THE MOST COMMERCIALLY VIABLE. ON THIS BASIS THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM IS A CONTINUOUS S-SHAPED LINE RUNNING FROM KWUN TONG THROUGH NORTH EAST KOWLOON, NATHAN ROAD AND FINALLY UNDER THE HARBOUR TO CENTRAL DISTRICT. BY RUNNING THROUGH THE MOST DENSELY POPULATED URBAN DISTRICTS AND PROVIDING A LINK WITH CENTRAL DISTRICT THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM -
A. SEEKS TO MAXIMIZE USAGE AND, THEREFORE, REVENUE t AND
B. WILL AFFORD THE MAXIMUM RELIEF OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
NOW THAT THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM HAS BEEN APPROVED IN PRINCIPLE THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WILL SHORTLY ANNOUNCE THE TERMS AND CONDITIONS BY WHICH INTERESTED PARTIES MAY TENDER FOR PARTS OF THE PROJECT, THE GOVERNMENT HAVING DECIDED THAT THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY SHOULD NOW PROCEED WITH THE PROJECT ON A MULTI-CONTRACT BASIS. WORK IS NOW PROCEEDING ON THE PREPARATION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS. IT IS HOPED THAT CONTRACTS CAN BE LET WITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS AND THAT CONSTRUCTION CAN START IMMEDIATELY THEREAFTER. THE AIM IS TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM TO HAVE IT FULLY OPERATIONAL BY MID-1980.
t THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY REGRETS ITS INABILITY TO MAKE AN EARLIER STATEMENT ON THE POSITION REGARDING THIS IMPORTANT PROJECT. THIS HAS BEEN PARTLY BECAUSE IT WAS IN THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING A MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AND PARTLY BECAUSE A PREMATURE STATEMENT COULD HAVE PREJUDICED THE NEGOTIATIONS ON COMPENSATION.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975. 4 -
VALUE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION MUST BE RECOGNISED ft ft ft ft ft
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL), MR. ANDREW KINGWELL, TODAY URGED THE PUBLIC TO RECOGNISE THE FACT THAT SINCE HONG KONG HAS AN INDUSTRIALLY BASED ECONOMY, THE TECHNICAL ELEMENT SHOULD HAVE A GROWING SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPORTANCE IN ALL FORMS OF EDUCATION.
THIS RECOGNITION WAS NEEDED +SO THAT WE MAY PRODUCE IN HONG KONG A GENERATION OF YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE HAD THEIR INTELLIGENCE DEVELOPED THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION13 I MEAN TECHNICAL EDUCATION IN THE BROADEST SENSE. TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS THE RIGHT FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF ALL ABILITY RANGES,+ MR. KINGWELL TOLD THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG.
HE ADDED8 ♦TECHNICAL EDUCATION EVEN IN A NARROW SENSE SHOULD NOT BE SOMETHING WHICH IS THOUGHT SUITABLE ONLY FOR CHILDREN OF THE UNDER-PRIVILEGED. I BELIEVE THIS NEW IDEAL HAS BEEN APPRECIATED BY THE AUTHORS OF THE WHITE PAPER WHICH SPECIFIES THAT THERE SHALL BE A COMMON CORE FOR FORMS I TO III CONTAINING 25-30 PER CENT OF TECHNICAL/PRACTICAL EDUCAT ION.+
MR. KINGWELL POINTED OUT THAT MOST FORMS OF ACADEMIC EDUCATION CONTAIN BOTH PRACTICAL AND VOCATIONAL ELEMENTS. HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS A TRUE TECHNICAL ELEMENT IN MOST EDUCATION WHETHER IT WAS AT PRIMARY, SECONDARY OR TERTIARY LEVEL.
♦TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS EDUCATION THROUGH A STUDY OF THE TECHNOLOGIES AND APPLIED SCIENCES. THIS INVOLVES A KNOWLEDGE OF THE THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF THE SUBJECT. THE PRACTICAL ASPECT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS OFTEN BIASED TOWARDS VOCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS. IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, A CONSIDERABLE AMOUNT OF TIME IS DEVOTED TO THE UNDERSTANDING AND ACQUISITION OF SPECIFIC SKILLS. THIS ASPECT OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION IS STRONGLY DEVELOPED IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES AND PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
TECHNICAL EDUCATION IMPLIED SOMETHING MORE THAN TRAINING PEOPLE TO REPAIR CARS OR TELEVISION SETS OR TO OPERATE THE LATEST AUTOMATED MACHINE IN THE LOCAL FACTORY.
THESE THINGS WERE IMPORTANT AND VALUABLE END PRODUCTS OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING. +HOWEVER FOR INDUSTRIAL PROGRESS TO MAINTAIN ITS MOMENTUM WE NEED SOMETHING MORE THAN THE MASTERY OF EXISTING TECHNIQUES. WE NEED THE INSPIRATION OF THE INVENTOR,+ HE SAID.
WHEN PRODUCING THE NEW SYLLABUSES TO IMPLEMENT THE WHITE PAPER, IT WAS NECESSARY TO IDENTIFY THE TECHNICAL ELEMENTS AND TEACH THESE ELEMENTS IN A WAY SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD DEVELOP A SYMPATHY FOR AND AN UNDERSTANDING OF THE TECHNOLOGICAL AGE.
/MR. KINGWELL
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975
- 5 -
MR. KINGWELL THEN WENT ON TO SPEAK ABOUT THE WORK OF THE TECHNICAL EDUCATION BRANCH OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHICH MAINTAINED CLOSE LINKS WITH THE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND SERVICE SECTORS AND WITH VARIOUS ESTABLISHMENTS AND GOVERNMENT UNITS. THESE INCLUDE THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE INDUSTRIAL TRAINING DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
♦IN THIS WAY IT IS POSSIBLE TO GAUGE LOCAL MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS AND TO PLAN FOR THE FORM OF EDUCATION AND TRAINING WHICH DIRECTLY RELATES TO COMMUNITY NEEDS,♦ HE SAID.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR GAVE DETAILS OF THE COURSES AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, THE TWO NEW TECHNICAL INSTITUTES^ BEING BUILT AT KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG, AND FIVE OTHERS IN THE PLANNING STAGE, THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOLS.
♦THERE ARE BOTH AMPLE AND BETTER OPPORTUNITIES TO BE OBTAINED FROM TECHNICAL EDUCATION FOR YOUNG PEOPLE OF ALL INTELLIGENCE LEVELS,+ HE SAID.
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LORD GORONWY -ROBERTS VISITS HOUSING ESTATES «««»««
THE PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STAlE COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS. LORD GORONWY-RODERTS TODAY INTO HONG KONG’S HOUSING SITUATION.
FOR FOREIGN AND GAINED AN INSIGHT
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS, NOW ON A SIX-DAY VISIT TO HONG KONG, TOURED A SQUATTER AREA IN MA TSAI HANG AND THE VAN Ol TRANSIT CENTRE.
HE THEN MOVED ON TO THE TUNG TAU ESTATE TO HAVE A CLOSE LOOK AT THE OLDER TYPE OF GOVERNMENT HOUSING ESTATES.
THE TOUR ENDED WITH A VISIT TO Ol MAH ESTATE - THE AND MORE SPACIOUS TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION PROVIDED BY THE
LATEST GOVERNMENT.
BY THE
DURING THE VISIT, LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS WAS BRIEFED SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. IAN LIGHTDODY- THE DIRECTOR OF • HOUSING, MR. DONALD LIAO AND THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR, MR. JOHN WALDEN ON THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OVER THE PAST YEARS AND ALSO OH THE GOVERNMENT’S LONG TERM POLICY TO PROVIDE BETTER
HOUSING FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HIS TOUR BY THE ASSISTANT UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, MR. P.J.E. MALE0 THE HEAD OF HONG KONG DEPARTMENT IN THE FOREIGN AND COMMONWEAL IH OFF ICE, MJ?. A.C. STUART0 AND THE PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR. A.C. GALSWORTHY
EARLIER IN THE DAY, HE MET MR. JACK CATER, COMMISSIONER OF ICAC AND MR. ROY HENRY, ACTING COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
HE ALSO TOURED THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY WHERE HE HAD LUNCH WITH THE VICE - CHANCELLOR, DR. LI CHO-MING.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 14, 1975.
- 6
THREE SENIOR IMMIGRATION OFFICERS RECRUITED FROM U.K. if if if if if if
THE IMMIGRATE 1 DEPARTMENT HAS RECENTLY RECRUITED THREE EXPERIENCED IMMIGRATION OFFICERS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AS PART OF ITS EFFORTS TO STRENGTHEN ITS DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS.
TWO HAVE ALREADY TAKEN UP THEIR POSTS IN THE DEPARTMENT. THEY ARE MR. PAUL SLEIGHTHOLME WHO ASSUMED DUTIES AS CHIEF IMMIGRATION OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE ALIENS SECTION OF THE DOCUMENTS DIVISION LAST MONTH, AND MR. TOM PETERS WHO TAKES UP THE POST OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER IN THE SAME DIVISION LATER IN THE MOtfTH.
THE THIRD RECRUIT, MR. DOH OWEN WILL BE FLYING TO HONG KONG ON JANUARY 22 TO TAKE UP THE POST OF ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL IMMIGRATION OFFICER IN THE CONTROL DIVISION.
ALL THREE HAVE WIDE IMMIGRATION WORKING EXPERIENCE BEHIND THEM.
MR. SLEIGHTHOLME HAS BEEN WITH THE BRITISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE FOR MORE THAN TEH YEARS BEFORE HE WAS ATTACHED TO BRITISH CONSULAR OFFICES IN BOMBAY, LAHORE, NEW DELHI AND MADRAS. DURING HIS SERVICE WITH THE BRITISH IMMIGRATION SERVICE, HE WAS ENGAGED IN IMMIGRATION CONTROL WORK AT DOVER, AND OTHER SEAPORTS AND AIRFIELDS IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
BEFORE COMING TO HONG KONG, MR. SLEIGHTHOLME WORKED AT LONDON’S HEATHROW AIRPORT WHERE HE WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR BOTH NORMAL IMMIGRATION DUTIES AND TRAINING OF IMMIGRATION STAFF .■ INCLUDING OFFICERS FROM HONG KONG.
MR. PETERS HAS MORE THAN 20 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE U.K. IMMIGRATION, INCLUDING STINTS AT HEATHROW AIRPORT, LYDD AIRPORT AND AT LEITH AND FOLKESTONE IMMIGRATION CONTROL POINTS. HE HAS ALSO BEEN ATTACHED TO THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN PAKISTAN AS AN ENTRY CERTIFICATION OFFICER, AND MORE RECENTLY SERVED AT SCOTLAND’S GLASGOW AIRPORT IN CHARGE OF ALL IMMIGRATION STAFF. HIS LAST APPOINTMENT WAS AS AN INSPECTOR IN CHARGE OF TERMINAL WO AT HEATHROW.
MR. OWEN HAS 22 YEARS WORKING EXPERIENCE BEHIND HIM. HE HAS BEEN ENGAGED IN IMMIGRATION CONTROL WORK AT LIVERPOOL, SOUTHAMPTON, NEWHAVEN AND HEATHROW AIRPORT.
HIS WORK IN BRITAIN WAS FOLLOWED DY ATTACHMENTS TO THE BRITISH HIGH COMMISSION IN NEW DELHI AND HA I ROD I FOR A PERIOD OF SIX YEARS. MORE RECENTLY, MR. OWEN HAS DEEN IN CHARGE OF ALL IMMIGRATION TRAINING IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
BOTH MR. SLEIGHTHOLME AND MR. PETERS ARE MARRIED. MR. OWEN IS SINGLE.
o
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
..I II 11 II —i 1 1
NOTABLE DEGREE OF SUCCESS ACHIEVED BY PREVENTIVE SERVICE
IN 1974 IN ITS FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS AND SMUGGLING ... 1 »
OCTOBER 1974 ISSUE OF ECONOMIC REPORT PUBLISHED ......... 3
SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE CLARIFIES MISUNDERSTANDINGS
OVER POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMAS ............................... 4
DISABLED DEMONSTRATE DIFFICULTIES IN TRAVELLING ON BUSES 5
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S AMBULANCE COMMAND RESPONDED
TO 109,103 CALLS IN 1974 ................................ 6
PRESS CONFERENCE BY LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS TOMORROW ....... 6
SEMINARS TO PROMOTE CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS ................. 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel; 5'233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975
1
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL YEAR
* it « n
FOR PREVENTIVE SERVICE
THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE CONTINUED TO ACHIEVE A NOTABLE DEGREE OF SUCCESS IN 1974 IN ITS CONTINUING FIGHT AGAINST NARCOTICS. SMUGGLING, ADULTERATED LIQUORS AND COPYRIGHT PIRACY.
AND ACCORDING TO MR. ROYSTON HATTON, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE- +FOR THE FIRST TIME IN THE PAST TOO DECADES OR SO, THERE ARE GROUNDS FOR CAREFUL OPTIMISM IN OUR BATTLE AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKERS.+
THIS, HE SAID, WAS MAINLY DUE TO CLOSER CO-OPERATION BETWEEN VARIOUS DRUG FIGHTING AGENCIES’IN HONG KONG AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF BETTER LINKS WITH ANTI-NARCOTIC ORGANISATIONS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
+WORKING TOWARDS THIS GOAL, THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE HAS DEVELOPED CLOSE TIES WITH CUSTOM AGENCIES IN THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN AND OTHER COUNTRIES WITH THE AIM OF PINNING DOWN INTERNATIONAL DRUG PUSHERS,+ HE SAID.
THE SERVICE’S BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS LAST YEAR WERE IN ITS DRUG FIGHTING OPERATIONS.
DURING THE YEAR, PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS ARRESTED A RECORD NUMBER OF 4,148 DRUG SUSPECTS - A 12.5 PER CENT INCREASE OVER THE 1973 FIGURE - AND SEIZED MORE THAN $3.6 MILLION WORTH OF DRUGS IN 1,400 RAIDS. THESE INCLUDED 191 KG OF OPIUM, 23.9 KG OF HEROIN, 8.5 KG OF MORPHINE, 13.2 KG OF BARBITONE AND SIX KG OF HASHISH AND MARIJUANA.
A LARGE QUANTITY OF DRUG PARAPHERNALIA AND 2,020 LITRES OF ACETIC ANHYDRIDE - AN ESSENTIAL CHEMICAL USED IN COVERTING CRUDE MORPHINE TO HEROIN - WERE ALSO SEIZED.
THE HAUL OF ACETIC ANHYDRIDE WAS THE LARGEST EVER MADE BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE. IF IT HAD REACHED ILLEGAL DRUG MANUFACTURERS, IT COULD HAVE BEEN USED TO PRODUCE SOME 2,000 KG OF HEROIN.
OTHER MAJOR SUCCESSES AGAINST THE NARCOTICS TRADE INCLUDED t
ft A CRACK-DOWN ON A DRUG PACKING CENTRE IN SHEUNG SHU I RESULTING IN A $1 MILLION DRUG SEIZURE AND THE ARREST OF A DRUG PUSHER, YEUNG YIN-HING, WHO EVENTUALLY ESCAPED TO TAIWAN-
* A $420,000 MORPHINE HAUL FROM A THAI WOMAN AT THE AIRPORT-
ft A MASSIVE RAID ON DRUG PEDDLERS AND ADDICTS AT THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY-
* AND A MAJOR DRIVE TO CLEAR UP DRUG DIVANS IN THE NOTORIOUS MA SHAN AREA.
/IN THE ......
2
IN THE RAID ON THE WALLED CITY WHICH INVOLVED 170 PLAINCLOTHES AND UNIFORMED PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS, 71 PEOPLE WERE ARRESTED AND SUBSEQUENTLY CHARGED WITH VARIOUS NARCOTIC OFFENCES, AND MORE THAN $100,000 WORTH OF DRUGS WERE SEIZED.
THE SUCCESSES WERE PARTLY DUE TO NEW TACTICS ADOPTED BY THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO HARASS DRUG TRAFFICKERS AND ADDICTS AT ALL LEVELS, MR. HATTON SAID.
AT THE AIRPORT, PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS, BACKED UP BY A DRUG-SNIFFING DOG, CARRIED OUT MORE STRINGENT .CHECKS ON FLIGHTS AND BODILY SEARCHED INCOMING PASSENGERS ON A SELECTIVE BASIS.
DRUG FIGHTERS POSTED TO THE HARBOUR DIVISION OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE ALSO STEPPED UP THEIR SEARCHES ON OCEAN-GOING VESSELS, PARTICULARLY THOSE WHI'CH HAD CALLED AT PORTS LYING IN THE KNOWN DRUG TRAILS ORIGINATING FROM THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE AREA IN INDOCHINA.
TO AVOID DUPLICATION OF EFFORT IN PATROLLING THE OUTER PERIMETER OF HONG KONG WATERS, WHICH IS THE PRIME RESPONSIBILITY OF THE POLICE, THE SIX PREVENTIVE SERVICE LAUNCHES WERE USED TO CARRY OUT + STRIKE AND SEARCH* OPERATIONS IN THE OUTER BLANDS AND REMOTE AREAS, AS WELL AS MAKING PERIODIC SWEEPS OF TYPHOON SHELTERS.
THE SERVICE ALSO ACQUIRED A MOTORISED INFLATABLE DINGHY FOR USE IN SHALLOW WATERS AND FOR FERRYING PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS TO INACCESSIBLE COASTS TO CONDUCT CHECKS ON POSSIBLE DRUG HIDEOUTS.
TWO MORE WILL BE BOUGHT THIS YEAR TO FURTHER STRENGTHEN THE SERVICE’S +STRIKE AND SEARCH* CAPABILITY.
COMMENTING ON THE SELECTIVE SEARCHES AT THE AIRPORT AND IN -THE HARBOUR, MR. HATTON SAID i +WE CAN’T POSSIBLY CONDUCT THOROUGH SEARCHES ON EVERY INCOMING FLIGHT OR OCEAN-GOING VESSEL WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THE VOLUME OF AIR AND SEA TRAFFIC WE HAVE EVERY YEAR.*
+LAST YEAR,* HE SAID, +THERE WERE 27,000 INCOMING FLIGHTS BRINGING IN MORE THAN 40,000 TONS OF CARGO AND 2.7 MILLION PASSENGERS. IN ADDITION, NEARLY 7,500 VESSELS CALLED AT THE PORT DURING THE YEAR. i
+IF WE SEARCHED INDISCRIMINATELY, A LOT OF MAN-POWER AND TIME WOULD BE NEEDED, AND IT WOULD ALSO SERIOUSLY HOLD UP AIR AND SEA TRAFFIC.
♦THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THIS SELECTIVE SEARCH SYSTEM,* HE EXPLAINED +IS TO ENSURE THAT NO LARGE CONSIGNMENTS OF DRUGS GET THROUGH THE AIRPORT OR THE HARBOUR.*
IN OTHER AREAS OF OPERATIONS AGAINST SMUGGLERS, THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE SEIZED NEARLY 30,000 WATCHES, 21,000 KG OF SUGAR, 1,200 KG OF TOBACCO, 3,350 LITRES OF EUROPEAN LIQUOR, 3,500 LITRES OF CHINESE SPIRIT AND 13,000 LITRES OF DIESEL OIL.
THE TOTAL VALUE OF UNMANIFESTED GOODS SEIZED CAME TO NEARLY $4 MILLION.
/MANUFACTURERS ......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975
>
- 5 -
MANUFACTURERS OF ADULTERATED LIQUOR WERE ALSO HARD HIT, WITH PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS SMASHING 29 ILLICIT STILLS AND SEIZING 180 LITRES OF ADULTERATED WHISKY AND BRANDY AND 2,580 LITRES OF INFERIOR CHINESE SPIRIT.
THE COPYRIGHT PIRACY SECTION FORMED EARLIER IN THE YEAR ALSO CHALKED UP GOOD RESULTS.
OFFICERS OF THE SECTION SEIZED MORE THAN 150,000 PIRATED CASSETTE MUSIC TAPES, 15,000 PIRATED GRAMOPHONE RECORDS, AND A VARIETY OF SOPHISTICATED RECORDING EQUIPMENT USED IN PRODUCING PIRATED RECORDS OR TAPES. THE TAPES AND RECORDS COULD HAVE FETCHED MORE THAN SI MILLION ON THE MARKET.
DURING THE YEAR, THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING 224 PEOPLE BEFORE THE'COURTS. PRISON SENTENCES METED OUT AMOUNTED TO A TOTAL OF 218 YEARS AND FINES TOTALLED $849,000.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A PICTURE SHOWING THREE PREVENTIVE SERVICE
--------------- OFFICERS UNCOVERING SOME MORPHINE BLOCKS FROM
A CONCEALED COMPARTMENT ON BOARD AN OCEANGOING VESSEL WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES LATER THIS EVENING.
------0-------
OCTOBER 1974 ISSUE OF ECONOMIC REPORT PUBLISHED «««»««
A DETAILED ACCOUNT OF HONG KONG’S ECONOMIC PERFORMANCE IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1974 IS CARRIED IN THE OCTOBER ISSUE OF ■/THE ECONOMIC REPORT PUBLISHED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE REPORT DEALS WITH VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE ECONOMY, INCLUDING OVERSEAS AND LOCAL TRADE FIGURES, MOVEMENTS IN THE MONEY AND FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKETS AND THE GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX.
IN ADDITION TO A CALENDAR OF EVENTS WHICH LISTS THE MAJOR ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL EVENTS ON THE INTERNATIONAL SCENE, THE REPORT CONTAINS 24 COMPARATIVE TABLES COVERING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, EMPLOYMENT AND WAGES IN THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY AND THE COST AND USABLE FLOOR AREA OF COMPLETED BUILDINGS IN HONG KONG BETWEEN 1972 AND 1974.
THE ECONOMIC REPORT IS PUBLISHED THREE TIMES A YEAR IN APRIL, JULY AND OCTOBER AND IS INTENDED TO COMPLEMENT ’’THE BUDGET: ECONOMIC BACKGROUND” PUBLICATION PREPARED IN JANUARY EACH YEAR.
COPIES OF THE OCTOBER ISSUE ARE NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE, HONG KONG, AT $3.50 EACH.
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/4.......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975.
MISUNDERSTANDINGS OVER POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMAS CLARIFIED «««»«»
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. ALAN SCOTT, TODAY CLARIFIED A reported MISUNDERSTAND I NG OVER THE GOVERNMENT’S ACCEPTANCE OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC’S HIGHER DIPLOMA FOR POSTS IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE.
COMMENTING ON reports THAT THERE HAD BEEN A REDUCTION IN THE VALUE OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AS APPLIED TO GOVERNMENT POSTS, MR. SCOTT SAID THAT THIS WAS +SIMPLY NOT CORRECT*.
IN FACT, HE ADDED, THE POSITION HAS NOT CHANGED. THE LONGSTANDING PRACTICE OF THE GOVERNMENT IS TO ACCEPT THE POLYTECHNIC „ HIGHER DIPLOMA AS THE EQUIVALENT OF ’A’ LEVELS FOR ENTRY TO NON-TECHNICAL POSTS IN THE GOVERNMENT.
MR. SCOTT SAID THIS PRACTICE WAS INTENDED TO GIVE FORMER POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS ACCESS TO GOVERNMENT JOBS OVER AS WIDE A RANGE AS POSSIBLE.
THIS in NO WAY REFERS TO THE ACCEPTABILITY OF THE POLYTECHNIC HIGHER DIPLOMA FOR TECHNICAL POSTS WHICH IS A COMPLETELY
SEPARATE ISSUE AND IS GOVERNED BY THE RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL BODIES, HE SAID.
MR. SCOTT ADDED THAT THE EXTENT OF THIS RECOGNITION IS KEPT UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW BY THE POLYTECHNIC AUTHORITIES WHO ARE IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE PROFESSIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
i HOWEVER HE EMPHASISED THAT APPROPRIATE OFFICERS OF THE SECRETARIAT WOULD CONTINUE TO LIAISE WITH THE POLYTECHNIC CONCERNING ENTRY QUALIFICATIONS FOR GOVERNMENT POSTS AND +THE INTERESTS OF THE STUDENTS WILL NATURALLY BE CAREFULLY KEPT UNDER REVIEW*.
MR. SCOTT SAID A LETTER OUTLINING THE POSITION HAD BEEN SENT TO THE POLYTECHNIC STUDENTS’ UNION AND THE POLYTECHNIC AUTHORITIES. HE EMPHASISED THAT THE RELATIVITY OF POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMAS AND UNIVERSITY DEGREES, WHICH HAD ALSO BEEN THE SUBJECT OF RECENT REPORTS, WAS AN ENT I RELY separate MATTER.
HE UNDERSTOOD THAT THIS LATTER ASPECT WAS THE SUBJECT OF A PETITION WHICH HAD JUST BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE STUDENTS OF THE POLYTECHNIC.
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’ /5......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975
5
MSABLED DEMONSTRATE DIFFICULTIES IN TRAVELLING ON BUSES if ft ft a » ft
MEMBERS OF A GOVERNMENT INTER-DEPARTMENTAL WORKING PARTY YESTERDAY (TUESDAY) SAW FOR THEMSELVES THE DIFFICULTIES HANDICAPPED PEOPLE HAVE IN TRAVELLING ON BUSES, AND DISCUSSED WITH THEM THEIR GENERAL PROBLEMS IN USING PUBLIC TRANSPORT.
THE WORKING PARTY WAS FORMED IN SEPTEMBER LAST YEAR TO RECOMMEND TO THE GOVERNMENT WHAT STEPS MIGHT BE TAKEN TO PROVIDE SURFACE TRANSPORT MORE SUITABLE TO THE NEEDS OF THE DISABLED.
ITS MEMBERS COMPRISE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL WELFARE, MEDICAL AND HEALTH, PUBLIC WORKS AND TRANSPORT DEPARTMENTS. WITH MR. PETER LEEDS, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, AS CHAIRMAN.
YESTERDAY, WITH A DAIMLER ’’FLEETLINE” DOUBLE-DECK BUS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE CHINA MOTOR BUS COMPANY, A FACT-FINDING DEMONSTRATION WAS ORGANISED AT THE POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL, ABERDEEN, WHERE 10 DISABLED PERSONS WERE INVITED TO BOARD AND ALIGHT FROM THE BUS AND TO GO ABOUT ON THE VEHICLE WITH MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY.
THE IDEA WAS TO FIND OUT WHAT PROBLEMS HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ENCOUNTER RELATING TO HEIGHTS OF STEPS, THE PROVISION OF HAND GRIPS AND GUARD RAILS, AND THE WIDTH OF ENTRANCES AND EXITS.
THE PARTY MEMBERS ALSO CONSULTED THE DISABLED AS TO WHAT THEY CONSIDERED FROM THEIR EXPERIENCE SHOULD BE PROVIDED OR MODIFIED IN ORDER TO MAKE THEIR TRAVEL ON BUSES EASIER AND MORE CONVENIENT. PROVIDING ASSISTANCE AT THE DEMONSTRATION WAS MR. E.L. REES, TRAFFIC MANAGER OF CMB.
LATER, THEY HAD A LENGTHY DISCUSSION WITH THE DISABLED ON THEIR GENERAL PROBLEMS IN USING OTHER FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, SUCH AS FERRIES, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TAXIS.
MISS M.A. MACDERMOTT, SECRETARY OF THE WORKING PARTY, TODAY DESCRIBED THE DEMONSTRATION AND DISCUSSION AS MOST USEFUL, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE VALUABLE INFORMATION FOR MEMBERS IN DRAFTING THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT.
SHE SAID THE WORKING PARTY IS EXPECTED TO SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE GOVERNMENT BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
NOTE TO EDITORSl
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING MEMBERS OF THE WORKING PARTY WITH ONE OF THE HANDICAPPED PEOPLE ALIGHTING FROM THE BUS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES. /
0
/6.......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975.
- 6 -
AMBULANCE COMMAND KEPT BUSY IN 1974 jf
THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAD A BUSY TIME LAST YEAR, RESPONDING TO 109,103 CALLS, AN AVERAGE OF JUST UNDER 300 A DAY. THE FIGURE INCLUDES ABOUT 61,000 EMERGENCY CALLS.
i
A TOTAL OF 132,775 PATIENTS WERE CARRIED ON THE COMMAND’S AMBULANCES, INCLUDING 59,336 EMERGENCY CASES.
ALL THE FIGURES SHOW INCREASES OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR. CALLS WERE UP NEARLY SEVEN PER CENT AND PATIENTS CARRIED ROSE BY 11 PER CENT.
KOWLOON HAD THE HIGHEST NUMBER OF CALLS, 50,509, FOLLOWED BY HONG KONG ISLAND WITH 37,271, AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WITH 21,323.
I
AT PRESENT THE AMBULANCE COMMAND HAS TWO DEPOTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, TWO DEPOTS AND THREE STATIONS IN KOWLOON, AND A DEPOT AND A STATION IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. A FURTHER 10 DEPOTS AND STATIONS ARE TO BE BUILT AS PART OF A 10-YEAR FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT DEVELOPMENT PLAN DUE TO BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THE PRESENT DECADE. THE FIRST OF THESE WILL BE A DEPOT AT MT. DAVIS ON HONG KONG ISLAND WHICH IS DUE TO BE OPENED IN APRIL THIS YEAR.
THE PRESENT AMBULANCE FLEET NUMBERS 86 VEHICLES, BUT IT IS TO BE EXPANDED TO APPROXIMATELY 100 BY THE END OF THE 1975/76 FINANCIAL YEAR. AMBULANCES ARE USED IN FIRE STATIONS AS WELL AS IN AMBULANCE DEPOTS SO AS TO GIVE WIDER COVERAGE.
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE NUMBER OF CALLS WILL GROW BY MORE THAN 50 PERCENT BETWEEN NOW AND 1980.
THE PRESENT ESTABLISHMENT OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND IS 590 ALL RANKS, OF WHOM 23 ARE OFFICERS. THERE ARE 38 VACANCIES.
£ DURING THE PAST YEAR, TRAINING METHODS WERE UPDATED AND AMBULANCEMEN ARE NOW ABLE TO DIAGNOSE AND GIVE TREATMENT TO PATIENTS DURING THE JOURNEY TO HOSPITAL. FACILITIES ON AMBULANCES WERE ALSO IMPROVED INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF A NEW PAIN-KILLING GAS, PIPED OXYGEN, AND INCUBATOR CARRYING CAPABILITIES.
- - - - 0 ----
PRESS CONFERENCE BY LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS ««««««
NOTE TO EDITORS:
«tatcLOwh PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF
STATE, ““t1- G,YE A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 5.15 PM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ’N™E G’,«S* PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD
MOUSE o
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE CONFERENCE.
0
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 15, 1975.
- 7 -PROMOTING CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS a h a a a a
A SERIES OF SEMINARS TO PROMOTE CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS WILL BE HELD THIS MONTH IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE +OUR CITY — OUR CONCERN’ PROJECT ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
t
THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON A REGIONAL AND DISTRICT BASIS WITH THE AIM OF FOSTERING GREATER PUBLIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT AND THE JUDICIARY, AND GREATER AWARENESS OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS.
THE THEME OF THE REGIONAL SEMINARS IS +GOVERNMENT AND PEOPLE+ ' AND DISCUSSIONS WILL FOCUS ON THE SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT, THE JUDICIARY IN A CHANGING SOCIETY, AND GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC OPINION.
THREE REGIONAL SEMINARS WILL BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. THIS SATURDAY (JANUARY 18) AT THE CARITAS CENTRE IN CAINE ROAD, THE HO LAP. COLLEGE IN TSEUK LUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, AND AT WAH YAN COLLEGE IN WATERLOO ROAD, KOWLOON.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THE SEMINARS AND TO TAKE PART IN THE DISCUSSION. ADMISSION TICKETS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY OF THE TEN CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE DISTRICT SEMINARS WILL BE HELD ON JANUARY 25 IN THE 10 CITY DISTRICTS — WESTERN, CENTRAL, WAN CHAI, EASTERN, YAU MA TEI, SHAM SHU I PO, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY, MONG KOK AND KWUN TONG.
-THE THEME OF THESE SEMINARS WILL BE +YOUR DISTRICT AND YOU+.
THE RESULTS OF THE SEMINARS WILL BE COMPILED INTO A BOOKLET FOR DISTRIBUTION TO THE PARTICIPANTS, AND WILL ALSO BE FORWARDED TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR CONSOLATION IN POLICY DECISION MAKING.
NOTE TO EDITORS t
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SEMINARS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN t ' •* '
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS VISITS FACTORIES AND COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN................................ 1
HONG KONG PRODUCTS CONTINUING TO GAIN INCREASING RESPECT 2
KAIFONG LEADERS BRIEFED ON THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM....................................... 4
IMPROVEMENT OF THE TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD SYSTEM IN MURRAY
BUILDING •........................................ 5
MORE THAN 40 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH ... 6
DISABLED PEOPLE TO SUPPORT CHARITY WALK ON SUNDAY . 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS VISITS FACTORIES AND WELFARE CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN ft ft ft ft ft ft
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS, PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, SPENT THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON VISITING TWO FACTORIES AND THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE IN TSUEN WAN.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, MR.. DENYS ROBERTS, LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS VISITED THE PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE RUN BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. THEY WERE MET ON ARRIVAL BY MR. MORRIS MORGAN, ACTING DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE® MR. HENRY AU, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION AND MRS. MARGARET AU, THE WARDEN OF THE CENTRE.
THE PARTY FIRST SAW A NUMBER OF CHILDREN AT PLAY IN THE CENTRE’S GROUP ACTIVITIES AND COMMON ROOMS. THEY THEN WENT ON TO THE NON-PROFIT NURSERY RUN BY THE Y.W.C.A. ON THE TOP FLOOR OF THE CENTRE. THIS NURSERY CATERS FOR SOME 200 CHILDREN OF WORKING PARENTS AT A COST OF $30 FOR EACH CHILD.
*1 BEFORE VISITING THE WELFARE CENTRE, LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS, ESCORTED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TOURED TWO FACTORIES IN TSUEN WAN.
fTHE PARTY STARTED WITH A VISIT TO THE SUN CHEONG FOAM RUBBER ACTORY LTD., WHERE THEY WERE MET BY THE FACTORY’S MANAGING TOR, MR. Y.T. CHOW AND THE FACTORY MANAGER, MR. PIE DOW-YEUNG.
• THIS COMPANY, ESTABLISHED IN 1968, MAKES FOAM RUBBER AND FOAMED PLASTICS FOR LOCAL FURNITURE AND GARMENT MANUFACTURERS, AND EMPLOYS 37 iDAILY-RATED WORKERS.
THE SECOND FACTORY VISITED WAS PENINSULA KNITTERS LTD. HERE THE COMPANY CHAIRMAN, MR. H.C. TANG, AND A DIRECTOR, MR. C.L. SUN, LED THE OFFICIAL PARTY ON A TOUR OF THE FACTORY.
LORD GORONWY-ROBERTS WAS TOLD THAT THIS COMPANY EXPORTS ABOUT $20 MILLION WORTH OF FASHIONED KNITWEAR A YEAR, MAINLY TO THE UNITED STATES. THE FACTORY EMPLOYS 200 WORKERS. I
EARLIER IN THE DAY, LADY GORONWY-ROBERTS ALSO SPENT AN HOUR VISITING THE TAI LAM PRISON FOR WOMEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975.
- 2 •
'INCREASING RESPECT FOR HONG KONG PRODUCTS »«««««
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS (THURSDAY) EVENING PRAISED THE TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CREATIVE ABILITY OF HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD FOR HONG KONG DESIGN AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE, HE SAID THOSE PRODUCTS ON VIEW TODAY SHOWED THAT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY HAD COME A LONG WAY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS.
♦THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE ’HONG KONG’ MARK IS CONTINUING TO GAIN INCREASING RESPECT,+ SIR MURRAY SAID.
THE GOVERNOR ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE YEAR WHICH HAD JUST PASSED WAS A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT ONE FOR HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURERS.
LIKE THOSE ELSEWHERE, THEY WERE FACED WITH RISING COSTS AND WEAK MARKETS.
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THESE CONDITIONS, THOUGH WOULD NOT LAST FOREVER, +WOULD REMAIN WITH US FOR SOME TIME YET.+
IN THE MEANTIME, HE SAID, WE MUST DO ALL THAT ENERGY AND IMAGINATION CAN TO CONTRIVE THAT WHEN THE UP-TURN COMES, AS COME IT WILL, HONG KONG WILL BE THE FIRST TO CLIMB OUT OF THE TROUGH AND RESUME ITS FORMER EXPANSION TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL ITS CITIZENS.
THE DESIGN COMPETITION WAS ORGANISED BY THE FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES. THERE WERE 60 ENTRIES.
THE GOVERNOR’S AWARD WAS WON BY ARVIN (HONG KONG) LTD. FOR ITS REMOTE SECRETARY TELEPHONE ANSWERING DEVICE.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHi
♦I APPRECIATE THE OPPORTUNITY THIS ANNUAL PRESENTATION CEREMONY GIVES ME TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE EFFORTS BEING MADE TO IMPROVE THE +HONG KONG PRODUCT+. THOSE PRODUCTS ON VIEW HERE TODAY SHOW THAT OUR INDUSTRY HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THE LAST FEW YEARS. THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE ’HONG KONG’ MARK IS CONTINUING TO GAIN INCREASING RESPECT.
♦THE YEAR WHICH HAS JUST PASSED WAS A PARTICULARLY DIFFICULT ONE FOR OUR MANUFACTURERS. LIKE THOSE ELSEWHERE, THEY WERE FACED WITH RISING COSTS AND WEAK MARKETS. IT IS APPARENT THAT THESE CONDITIONS, AND THE PROBLEMS ARISING FROM THEM, WILL REMAIN WITH US FOR SOME TIME YET. v
/♦DURING THIS PERIOD
- 3 -
/THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975
♦DURING THIS PERIOD MANAGEMENT AND LABOUR NO LESS THAN • POPULATION AND GOVERNMENT WILL ALL HAVE TO SHOW RESTRAINT AND UNDERSTANDING IN THEIR RELATIONS WITH EACH OTHER. IF THE PRESENT AND IMMEDIATE* FUTURE MAY BE DISAPPOINTING WE CAN REST ASSURED IT WILL NOT LAST FOREVER. /
♦MEANWHILE IN FACTORY AND BUSINESS HOUSES, IN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE OFFICES OF OUR REPRESENTATIVES ABROAD, WE MUST DO ALL THAT ENERGY AND IMAGINATION CAN TO CONTRIVE THAT WHEN THE UP-TURN COMES AS COME IT WILL, HONG KONG WILL BE THE FIRST TO CLIMB OUT OF.THE TROUGH AND RESUME ITS FORMER EXPANSION TO THE BENEFIT OF ALL ITS CITIZENS.
♦OBVIOUSLY A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY RESTS ON OUR SALESMEN WHO HAVE TO GO OUT AND CULTIVATE MARKETS WHERE THEY CAN BE FOUND, . RATHER THAN, AS IN EASIER DAYS, WAITING FOR THE BUYERS TO COME TO THEM. THIS IS HAPPENING, AND HERE I WOULD LIKE TO PAY A TRIBUTE TO THE WORK OF THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL.
♦I AM SURE THAT A CHARACTERISTIC OF THE FUTURE WILL BE, AND INDEED MUST BE IF WE ARE TO MAINTAIN OUR GROWTH IN THE FACE OF INCREASING LOW-COST COMPETITION, BETTER QUALITY AND MORE SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS, BRINGING WITH THEM THE PROSPECT OF GROWTH ON THE BASIS OF HIGHER PRODUCTIVITY AND MORE SKILLED AND BETTER PAID EMPLOYMENT. IN THIS OBVIOUSLY DESIGN WILL PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE.
♦IT IS AGAINST THIS BACKGROUND THAT TODAY’S PRIZE WINNING ENTRIES WERE CONCEIVED AND PRODUCED. IT IS CLEAR TO ME THAT OUR MANUFACTURERS HAVE ACCEPTED THE SITUATION WHICH CONFRONTS THEM AS ONE OF CHALLENGE" THE KIND OF SITUATION, IN FACT, WHICH BRINGS OUT THOSE OUTSTANDING QUALITIES OF INITIATIVE, VERSATILITY AND DRIVE WHICH HAVE CHARACTERISED THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF HONG KONG’S MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IN THE PAST.
1
♦I HAVE NO DOUBT THEY WILL CONTINUE TO ENSURE THAT THEIR PRODUCTS MATCH UP TO THE VERY HIGH STANDARDS WHICH, AS YOU HAVE OBSERVED, MR. ANN, CONSUMERS OVERSEAS ARE COMING INCREASINGLY TO DEMAND.
♦TODAY’S AWARD WINNING PRODUCTS AMPLY DEMONSTRATE THE HIGH TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CREATIVE ABILITY WHICH EXIST IN HONG KONG AND I AM DELIGHTED TO HEAR THAT SIR MISHA BLACK CONSIDERS THEY WOULD WIN DESIGN COMPETITIONS ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD.
♦WHAT I THINK IS OF EQUAL SIGNIFICANCE IS THE WIDE RANGE OF INDUSTRIES AND MANUFACTURING PROCESS WHICH THEY REPRESENT. ELECTRONICS, ONE OF OUR NEWER AND MOST MODERN INDUSTRIES, IS AGAIN WELL REPRESENTED BUT THE QUALITY OF DESIGN DISPLAYED IN THE PRODUCTS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES IS EQUALLY HIGH. THIS INDICATES THAT THE INDUSTRIAL DESIGN COUNCIL IS SUCCEEDING IN ITS TASK OF IMPRESSING UPON ALL HONG KONG INDUSTRY THE NEED TO USE TO THE FULL THE DESIGN SKILLS AND ABILITIES WHICH ARE AVAILABLE HERE. NOT ONLY THE COUNCIL, BUT ALSO THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, MUST BE MOST ENCOURAGED BY THIS.
/+I AM INTERESTED......
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975.
+l AM INTERESTED TO HEAR THAT THE JUDGES WITHHELD TWO AWARDS THIS YEAR. THIS CANNOT HAVE BEEN AN EASY DECISION TO TAKE FOR IT MUST HAVE BEEN A GREAT TEMPTATION TO GIVE THE AWARDS TO SOME OF THE OTHER COMPETITORS. IF THIS WOULD HAVE MEANT THAT THE STANDARDS WOULD HAVE DROPPED BELOW THE HIGH LEVELS WHICH WE HAVE SET OURSELVES HOWEVER, I AM SURE THEY MADE THE RIGHT DECISION AND I AM CONFIDENT THAT COMPETITORS WILL ACCEPT IT AS A DEMONSTRATION OF THE VALUE OF THE AWARDS AND AS A CHALLENGE TO THEIR DESIGN CAPABILITY.
+ l THINK I CAN NO LONGER’WITHHOLD FROM YOU THE NAME OF THE WINNER OF THIS YEAR’S GOVERNOR’S AWARD. IT IS ARVIN (HONG KONG) LTD. WHO HAVE WON IT WITH THEIR REMOTE SECRETARY TELEPHONE ANSWERING DEVICE.
+l AM TOLD THAT THE JUDGES WERE IMPRESSED BY THE EFFECTIVE INTEGRATION OF TECHNICAL AND INDUSTRIAL DESIGN DEMONSTRATED BY THIS PRODUCT WHICH IN THEIR VIEW SHOWS A SUBSTANTIAL IMPROVEMENT OVER EXISTING EQUIPMENT OF THIS NATURE.
+l NOW HAVE PLEASURE IN ASKING THE REPRESENTATIVE OF ARVIN LTD. TO COME FORWARD TO RECEIVE THE TROPHY.*
-----o------
BRIEFING ON PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX if if if if if if
ABOUT 60 KA I FONG LEADERS FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ATTENDED A BRIEFING THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON ON THE PROPOSED PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM ORGANISED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL CHAMBER AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
DURING THE BRIEFING, MR. VICTOR LADD, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, EXPLAINED IN DETAILS THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE NEW PROVISIONAL TAX SYSTEM. ASSESSMENT FORMS WERE ALSO DISTRIBUTED TO THE KA I FONG LEADERS AND VARIOUS EXAMPLES WERE USED TO ILLUSTRATE THE METHODS USED IN ASSESSMENT.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THIS BRIEFING SESSION WAS AIMED AT HELPING THE KA I FONG LEADERS TO HAVE A BETTER AND CLEARER IDEA OF THE NEW PROVISIONAL PROFITS TAX SYSTEM. + IT IS HOPED THAT THEY CAN PASS THE INFORMATION THEY HAVE ACQUIRED TO THE PEOPLE IN THEIR RESPECTIVE DISTRICTS,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO DISCLOSED THAT BRIEFING SESSIONS OF THIS NATURE ON SPECIFIC ISSUES WILL CONTINUE TO BE HELD IN FUTURE.
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/5
5 _THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975
NEW TELEPHONE NUMBER
FOR HIGHWAYS AND CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICES ««»««««
I
AS PART OF MEASURES TO IMPROVE THE TELEPHONE SWITCHBOARD SYSTEM IN MURRAY BUILDING - THE MAIN BUILDING OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT - THE USE OF THE PRINCIPAL DEPARTMENTAL NUMBER, 5-251111, WILL FROM TOMORROW (FRIDAY) BE EXTENDED TO REPLACE THE NUMBER 5-243111 IN USE FOR THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND THE CIVIL ENGINEERING -OFFICE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FROM TOMORROW ONWARDS ANYONE WANTING TO TELEPHONE STAFF OF EITHER OF THESE TOO OFFICES HITHERTO LISTED UNDER 5-243111 SHOULD DIAL 5-251111. BUT THE SAME EXTENSIONS AS THOSE GIVEN FOR THE OLD NUMBER WILL STILL APPLY, AND THE WATERWORKS OFFICE WILL RETAIN THE EXISTING SEPARATE MAIN NUMBER 5-225011 FOR ITS MURRAY BUILDING STAFF.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE REPLACEMENT OF THE OLD NUMBER BY 5-251111 WILL MEAN THAT THE SWITCHBOARD OPERATORS CAN BE DEPLOYED MORE FLEXIBLY TO MEET PEAK-HOUR SURGES OF INCOMING CALLS.
+THIS IS ONLY ONE OF THE IMPROVEMENTS NOW PLANNED*, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. +WE ARE ALSO TAKING STEPS TO ELIMINATE THE SITUATION WHERE AN OUTSIDE CALLER CAN HEAR ONE OF THE MURRAY BUILDING NUMBERS RINGING BUT THE INCOMING CALL DOES NOT REGISTER ON THE SWITCHBOARD.
♦FURTHER, AS HAS BEEN STATED BEFORE, WE HOPE EVENTUALLY TO HAVE THE PRESENT SYSTEM REPLACED BY A FULLY AUTOMATIC EXCHANGE -AND WORK ON THIS, IN LIAISON WITH THE POST OFFICE, HAS NOW STARTED.♦
_ _ _ - 0 -------
/6
6
THURSDAY, JANUARY 16, 1975
44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED LAST MONTH «««»»»
BUILDING PLANS FOR A NUMBER OF MULTI-STOREY COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS, INCLUDING ONE OF 32 STOREYS AT THE SITE OF THE FORMER ALEXANDRA HOUSE IN CENTRAL, HAVE BEEN APPROVED BY THE BUILDING AUTHORITY LAST MONTH.
ANOTHER BUILDING, OF 26 STOREYS, IS TO BE BUILT AT THE JUNCTION OF YEE WO STREET AND SUGAR STREET IN THE COMMERCIAL CENTRE OF CAUSEWAY BAY.
IN KOWLOON, AN 18-STOREY PLAZA WILL BE BUILT IN CANTON ROAD.
FOUR PLANS FOR COMBINED COMMERCIAL/APARTMENT BUILDINGS.
WHICH RANGE FROM 22 TO 28 STOREYS, HAVE ALSO BEEN APPROVED. THE NEW BUILDING COMPLEXES ARE AT NELSON STREET, MONGKOK- SAI WAN HO STREET, SHAUKIWAN- SUN CHUN STREET, TAI HANG- AND KING’S ROAD. QUARRY BAY. *
OF THE TOTAL 44 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN DECEMBER, 16 ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 12 IN KOWLOON, AND 16 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
DURING THE SAME MONTH, 55 NEW BUILDINGS. INCLUDING THREE SCHOOLS, WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION. THEIR COMBINED DECLARED COST WAS MORE THAN $134 MILLION.
APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR 56 BUILDING PROJECTS TO START WORK AND FOR 43 OLD BUILDINGS, INCLUDING TEH WHICH HAVE BEEN DECLARED DANGEROUS, TO BE DEMOLISHED.
«■«•••» 0 •=» <» «* c*
DISABLED PEOPLE TO SUPPORT CHARITY WALK
»«»«««
A TOTAL OF 28 PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED PEOPLE CURRENTLY UNDER THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION CENTRE IN ABERDEEN, WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE COMMUNITY CHEST’S *WALK FOR A MILLION* ON SUNDAY (JANUARY TO HELP RAISE FUNDS FOR WELFARE SERVICES.
19)
THE GROUP INCLUDES BOTH MEN AND WOMEN AGED BETWEEN 17 AND 35.
SEVENTEEN OF THEM WHO ARE NOT SUFFERING FROM ANY SEVERE DISABILITY AND CAN GET ABOUT BY THEMSELVES, WILL BE_STARTING OFF FROM CHECKPOINT FOUR AT MT. AUSTIN PLAYGROUND AT 9 A.M. UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF TWO STAFF MEMBERS.
THE OTHERS, EIGHT OF WHOM ARE WHEEL-CHAIR BOUND, WILL JOIN IN THE ^CIRCLE WALK* IN THE STADIUM, ARRIVING THERE AT 10.45 A.M. THREE VOLUNTEERS AND A STAFF MEMBER WILL BE WITH THEM.
ALL THE 28 DISABLED TAKING PART IN THIS +WALK+ HAVE FOUND THEIR OWN SPONSORS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
17
* FRIDAY, JANUARY rf, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
Bl / 1 T -
BUILDING DEVELOPERS CAN PAY LAND PREMIUM BY INSTALMENTS 1
TEMPORARY RE-OPENING OF BAILEY BRIDGE IN TAI PO ........... 2
I
HONG KONG’S SOCIAL POLICY HAS COME A LONG WAY IN THE /LAST QUARTER CENTURY ...................................... 3
ROYAL OBSERVATORY OFFICER TO CHAIR MARINE CLIMATOLOGY
MEETING ................................................... 4
MORE GROUP B PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WILL BE BRIGHTER AT NIGHT .................................................. 5
NEW RULES INTRODUCED TO STOP IRREGULAR USE OF MACAU FERRY WHARF ENTRY PASSES ................................. 6
ANOTHER JUMBO JET PIER PLANNED FOR KAI TAK ................ 7
WITHDRAWAL OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES FROM BOND TO BE REGULATED IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS .......................... 8
■ RHK BEGINS NEW PROGRAMME ON LAW........................... 9
OVER Si.4 MILLION PAID OUT TO VICTIMS OF VIOLENT CRIME 10
ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION AT THE SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND .. 10
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMMUNITY CHEST’S +WALK FOR A MILLION* ................................... 11
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY,“JANUARY 17, 1975.
1 -
NEW MOVE TO ENCOURAGE ft ft ft ft
LAND DEVELOPMENT ft ft
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO EXTEND ITS POLICY OF ACCEPTING PREMIUM FOR SALES AND OTHER LAND TRANSACTIONS BY INSTALMENTS IN A NEW MOVE TO ENCOURAGE INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
PREVIOUSLY THE FACILITY OF PAYING LAND PREMIA BY INSTALMENTS WAS CONFINED TO THE MORE DISTANT INDUSTRIAL AREAS IN WHICH THE GOVERNMENT WISHED TO ENCOURAGE THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW FACTORIES, AND VERY VALUABLE COMMERCIAL SITES IN THE CENTRAL AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.
THE NEW POLICY WILL APPLY TO SALES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND IN ALL PARTS OF HONG KONG, AND TO ALL SALES OR TRANSACTIONS INVOLVING COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL LAND WHERE THE PREMIUM IS ESTIMATED TO EXCEED 810 MILLION.
IN ADDITION INSTALMENTS MAY BE PAID WHERE AN INDUSTRIALIST SEEKS A MODIFICATION OF HIS LEASE TO REMOVE RESTRICTIONS ON ITS DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL PROVIDED THE PREMIUM FOR THE MODIFICATION EXCEEDS 81 MILLION.
FOR SALES OF INDUSTRIAL LAND, PREMIUM WILL BE PAYABLE BY TEN INSTALMENTS WITH INTEREST CALCULATED AT FIVE PER CENT, WHICH TUC DATE HC IMTCOCQT IIOCTl mn I NTH I^TP I AI I AND IIMBFR THE OLD SYSTEM^ IN THE CASE OFGRANTS FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES AND MODIFICATIONS OF INDUSTRIAL LOTS WHERE THE PREMIUM IS SETTLED BY NEGOTIATION AND NOT DY COMPETITIVE MEANS THE INTEREST IS TO BE 10 PER CENT.
FOR RESIDENTIAL SITES THE PREMIUM WILL BE PAYABLE AT 10 PER CENT INTEREST PER ANNUM.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW POLICY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. GRAHAM BARNES, SAID THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONCERNED TO ENSURE THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAND CONTINUED SMOOTHLY. A SYSTEM OF DEFERRED PAYMENTS WAS OF CONSIDERABLE BENEFIT TO DEVELOPERS BECAUSE IT REDUCED THE INITIAL CAPITAL ' INVESTMENT REQUIRED BEFORE DEVELOPMENT COULD BEGIN.
+THE SITES AVAILABLE FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRIES GRANTS AND FOR THE KIND OF MAJOR RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES WHICH ARE BEING CONSIDERED AT THE PRESENT TIME, ARE FREQUENTLY DIFFICULT AND SITE FORMATION COULD TAKE AT LEAST A YEAR DEFORE CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE BUILDINGS COMMENCED.+
MR. BARNES SAID THIS WAS AN EXPENSIVE PERIOD FOR DEVELOPERS, AND IN SOME CASES IT WAS PROBABLE THAT IMPORTANT RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SCHEMES WOULD HOT PROCEED IF FULL PREMIUM WERE REQUIRED AT THE OUTSET. FROM THE GOVERNMENT’S POINT OF VIEW THE SYSTEM OF DEFERRED PREMIUM WOULD PROVIDE FOR A STEADY RETURN ON ITS LAND ASSETS.
/I®. DAISIES........
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1?, 1975. - 2 -
®ARNE£ ABDED THAT THE SCHEME WAS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE u£IU£LJ?Eyj;L0PMENT RATHER THAN SALES OF LAND AND THE GOVERNMENT ENSURE THAT THE SYSTEM DID NOT RESULT IN A STAGNATION OF LAND SOLD. TO THIS END BUILDING COVENANTS WOULD BE ENFORCED MORE STRICTLY.
nf-lfLTn!LC^SE 0F RESIDENTIAL LAND, DEVELOPERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPAY PREMIUM IN FULL, IN RESPECT OF FLATS OR PARTS OF THEIR wV^^^.NTo^.,1?^THEY W,SHED 10 SELL 0FF« ™,S WOULD ACHIEVED ?Z*m£E»!«L.REQUIREMF-NTS T0 BE INCLUDED IN CONDITIONS OF SALE OR GRANT AND IN THE LAND OFFICER’S CONSENTS TO THE SALE OF FLATS.
„ nnM-^IZ?URCHASERS W0ULD MOREOVER BE PROTECTED FROM ANY DANGER A LlABILITY FROM THE PAYMENT OF FUTURE PREMIUM
BY SPECIAL CONDITIONS TO DE INCLUDED IN THE SALE
DOCUMENlS AND IN THE LAND ----------
OFFICER’S CONSENTS FOR THE SALE OF
FLATS,* MR. BARNES SAID
- - - - 0 - - - _
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT AT BAILEY BRIDGE, TA! PO if n if it it if
THE BAILEY BRIDGE NEAR ISLAND HOUSE, TAI PO, WHICH HAS BEEN CLOSED FOR REPAIRS SINCE LAST WEEK, WILL BE TEMPORARILY RF-nppf,|FP TO NORTHRnilMD TRAFFIC ON SUNDAY fJANUARY '*9) F^R THE CONVENIENCE OF HOLIDAY MOTORISTS.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT APPROPRIATE SIGNS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS WILL BE PLACED AT THE APPROACH TO THE BRIDGE, WHICH FORMS THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THIS SECTION OF TAI PO ROAD. HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT UNNECESSARY CONGESTION COULD BE PREVENTED IF MOTORISTS TRAVELLING TO SIIEUNG SHU I OR FAN LING AVOIDED USING TAI PO ROAD.
HE SAID THAT THE BRIDGE WILL REMAIN CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEEKDAYS SO THAT REPAIRS CAN BE CARRIED OUT WITHOUT INTERRUPTION. THE WORK INCLUDES THE REPLACEMENT OF THE TIMBER DECK AND OTHER ESSENTIAL REPAIRS TO THE BRIDGE COMPONENTS.
EXCEPT ON SUNDAYS, THE BRIDGE WILL STAY CLOSED FOR ABOUT THREE WEEKS. THE REPAIRS ARE EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BEFORE THE CHINESE NEW YEAR, WHICH FALLS ON FEBRUARY 11.
WHEN THE BRIDGE IS CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON WEEKDAYS, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC WILL DE PERMITTED.TO USE THE SOUTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ADJACENT SECTION OF tai PO ROAD. TRAFFIC SIGNALS HAVE BEEN PROVIDED THERE TO FACILITATE THIS ARRANGEMENT.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
TREMENDOUS PROGRESS IN SOCIAL SERVICES OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS n « k it « a
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION, MR. DENIS BRAY, TODAY SPOKE ABOUT THE TREMENDOUS PROGRESS HONG KONG HAS MADE IN THE FIELD OF SOCIAL SERVICES OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE LIONS CLUB OF KOWLOON, HE SAID THAT IN EVERY FIELD OF-SOCIAL POLICY THERE HAD BEEN PROGRESS WHICH WOULD HAVE BEEN REGARDED IN THE EARLY 1950’S AS IMPOSSIBLE +NOT ONLY BY THE IMPORTANT AND WISE EXPERIENCED OLD MEN BUT ALSO BY IDEALISTS WHO WANTED TO SEE THINGS CHANGED,+
ON THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, MR. DRAY SAID IT WAS NOT STARTED UNTIL AFTER THE BIG SQUATTER FIRE IN SHEK KIP MEI ON CHRISTMAS NIGHT IN 1953 WHEN TENS OF THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WERE MADE HOMELESS.
I
♦FROM THIS,+ HE ADDED, +FLOWED THE VAST RE-HOUSING PROGRAMME WHICH FIRST CLEARED INTO NEW SIMPLE HOUSING SQUATTERS FROM GREAT AREAS OF LAND THEY OCCUPIED AND TODAY IS DEVOTED TO THE PRODUCTION OF HOUSING ON AN UNPRECEDENTED SCALE,♦
TURNING TO EDUCATION, MR. BRAY SA IDs +AT THAT TIME, EVEN PRIMARY EDUCATION WAS REGARDED AS A PRIZE BEYOND THE REACH OF MOST CHILDREN.
♦ TODAY,+ HE CONTINUED, +WE TAKE FREE PRIMARY EDUCATION FOR GRANTED AND LOOK FORWARD TO SUBSIDISED SECONDARY EDUCATION FOR EVERYBODY BEFORE LONG.+ I
ON MEDICAL SERVICES, MR. BRAY SAID; ♦TODAY OUR HOSPITALS ARE STILL OVERCROWDED IN SPITE OF TREMENDOUS EXPANSION THAT HAS TAKEN PLACE IN HOSPITAL ACCOMMODATION,
♦ BUT, WHAT WE CALL OVERCROWDING TODAY WOULD AT THE TIME HAVE BEEN REGARDED AS SPACI OUS.♦
ON THE SUBJECT OF SOCIAL WELFARE, HE SAID: +ASSI STANCE FOR THE NEEDY IN THE 195O’S WAS PROVIDED IN A VERY CRUDE WAY.
♦ THIS WAS IN THE FORM OF FREE MEALS COOKED AT THE KITCHENS IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON.+
LATER, SOME PEOPLE WERE GIVEN DRIED RATIONS AND FIREWOOD WHICH WAS THE ONLY COMMON FUEL AT THAT TIME,
/YET, HR. BRAY
4
HUDAK, JANUARY 17, 1975
YET, MR. BRAY SAID, NOT MORE THAN 1,000 PEOPLE WERE ASSISTED IN THIS WAY AT ANY ONE TIME.
+TODAY+, MR. BRAY POINTED OUT, +MILL IONS OF PEOPLE ARE LIVING IN PUBLIC HOUSING, EDUCATION AND MEDICAL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE ON A SCALE UNDREAMED OF, AND THE POOREST ARE HELPED DY A SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEME NOW ABSORBING WELL OVER $100 MILLION A YEAR.+
NOTE TO EDITORS: COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. BRAY’S SPEECH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES LATER THIS EVENING.
-------0---------
ROYAL OBSERVATORY OFFICER TO CHAIR MARINE CLIMATOLOGY MEETING ft ft ft ft ft- ft
SCIENTIFIC OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE MARINE METEOROLOGICAL SECTION OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR„ CHU WING-KI WILL LEAVE HONG ^J^0RR0W (SATURDAY) TO CHAIR A MARINE CLIMATOLOGY MEETING IN GENEVA.
____UIRE MEETING, SPONSORED BY THE WORLD METEOROLOGICAL ORGANISATION UP IHE UNITED NATIONS WILL BE HELD BETWEEN JANUARY 20 AND 25.
•N ThFcOLLECT! ON, °VER IIFI CAnO^AND^PUBL I CATfori^FwEATHER^EPORTS
SlMATICPAkASD0FATHE'0CEANS.USE °F ™ESE DA™ PREPAR,M6 A
epniiP^N tSf 0F THE MARINE CLIMATOLOGY WORKING
HELD IB tSkYO IS^CTOBEB ?9?2.™E COt!M,SS,O“ foi> METEOROLOGY
-rur- ,.K?BRS 0F TH,S WORKING GROUP CONSIST OF REPRESENTATIVES FROM
HOLLAND, U’S-S’R” WEST GERMANY’
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
- 5 -
MORE FLOODLIGHTS FOR HOUSING ESTATES it it ft ft ft ft
POWERFUL FLOODLIGHTS ARE TO BE INSTALLED IN GROUP B' ESTATES (FORMER RESETTLEMENT ESTATES) AS PART OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S PROGRAMME OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT.
THESE FLOODLIGHTS WILL BE FIXED AT STRATEGIC POINTS ON THE ROOF OF DOMESTIC BLOCKS TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM ILLUMINATION TO DARK AREAS IN THE ESTATE WHICH ARE FREQUENTLY USED BY TENANTS AT NIGHT.
MR. DONALD P.H. LIAO, DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, LAST NIGHT (THURSDAY) GAVE THE GREENLIGHT TO PROCEED WITH THE PROGRAMME FOLLOWING AN ON-THE-SITE INSPECTION OF THE PILOT SCHEME AT TSZ WAN SHAN. f
THIS SCHEME WAS DEVISED AND INSTALLED BY THE MAINTENANCE SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE EXECUTIVE ARM OF THE AUTHORITY.
IT INVOLVED THE INSTALLATION OF 13 FLOODLIGHTS OF 750 WATTS TO 1,000 WATTS ON THE ROOF OF blocks 40, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46 AND 51.
THE LIGHTS, WHICH ARE CONTROLLED BY A TIME SWITCH, ARE AUTOMATICALLY TURNED ON AT 8.30 EACH NIGHT AND OFF AT THREE IN THE MORNING.
THE SCHEME HAS BEEN ON TRIAL SINCE LAST OCTOBER AND HAS BEEN FAVOURABLY ACCEPTED BY TENANTS.
MR. KWONG CHUNG-MAN, HOUSING MANAGER, TSZ WAN SHAN (III), TOLD MR. LIAO HE HAD PERSONALLY CONTACTED KAIFONGS AND TENANTS TO SOUND OUT THEIR VIEWS.
+THEY HAVE COMMENDED FAVOURABLY ON THE SCHEME AND HOPED THAT IT WILL BE EXTENDED,+ MR. KWONG SAID.
WHILE AT TSZ WAN SHAN, MR. LIAO ALSO VISITED SEVERAL DOMESTIC BLOCKS TO SEE THE IMPROVED LIGHTING IN THE CORRIDORS. THIS SCHEME IS ALSO PART OF THE AUTHORITY’S ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME AND HAS ALREADY BEEN EXTENDED TO A LARGE HUMBER OF GROUP B ESTATES.
0 - --
/6
6 -
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
NEW RULES FOR MACAU FERRY .TERMINAL ENTRY PASSES « « H « « H
THE HOLDER OF A PASS ALLOWING ENTRY TO THE HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL IS REQUIRED, WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT, TO RETURN THE PASS TO THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WITHIN 48 HOURS AFTER RECEIVING NOTICE OF ITS REVOCATION.
UNDER THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (HONG KONG-MACAU FERRY TERMINAL) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS 1975 PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, IT IS AN OFFENCE NOT TO COMPLY WITH SUCH A NOTICE WITHOUT A REASONABLE EXCUSE.
THE OFFENCE CARRIES A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000.
THE MOVE FOLLOWS A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN THE IRREGULAR USE OF REVOKED PASSES AT THE FERRY TERMINAL IN RECENT MONTHS.
COMMENTING ON THE REGULATIONS, A .SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE WAS FORMERLY EMPOWERED TO ISSUE AND REVOKE PASSES TO THE TERMINAL.
HOWEVER. HE ADDED THAT THE DIRECTOR DID NOT HAVE THE POWER TO ENSURE THAT PASSES WHICH HAD BEEN REVOKED WERE RETURNED TO HIM
THEREFORE. THE SPOKESMAN SAID, IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR SOMEONE WHO HAD BEEN ENTITLED TO A PASS TO RETAIN IT AFTER ITS CANCELLATION AS A RESULT OF A CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT, AND TO USE IT TO GAIN UNAUTHORISED ACCESS TO THE TERMINAL AT A LATER DATE. •
THE NEW MEASURE, HE ADDED, WOULD PUT THESE IRREGULARITIES TO AN END.
0 -------
4
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17,
1975
7
NEW PARKING PIER FOR JUMBO JETS AT KAI TAK • « n n n « a
ANOTHER NOSE-IN PIER FOR JUMBO JETS WILL BE ADDED TO KAI TAK AIRPORT TO MEET THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR BERTHING FACILITIES.
THE PIER, WHICH IS PART OF THE AIRPORT EXPANSION PROGRAMME, WILL BRING THE TOTAL NUMBER OF’JUMBO JET PIERS TO SIX.
TOGETHER WITH THE EXISTING PIERS, IT WILL FORM A CONTINUOUS WALKWAY FROM THE CLEARANCE AREA IN THE TERMINAL BUILDING TO THE AIRCRAFT PARKED ON THE APRON.
THE NEW PIER WILL BE A THREE-STOREY STRUCTURE WITH AN ANNEXED APRON DOCK WHICH WILL ENABLE A JUMBO JET TO NOSE IN TO DISCHARGE OR TO PICK UP PASSENGERS THROUGH AN AIRBRIDGE.
THE GROUND LEVEL OF THE PIER IS A BAGGAGE HANDLING AREA. THERE WILL ALSO BE A COVERED PARKING SPACE FOR AIRPORT BUSES COVEY I NG PASSENGERS TO AND FROM AIRLINERS PARKED ON THE OTHER STANDS.
THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE PIER WILL JOIN THE ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE HALLS AT THE TERMINAL BUILDING RESPECTIVELY
AN OUTSTANDING FEATURE OF THE NEW PIER IS A THREE-STOREY HIGH MARSHALLING TOWER WHICH WILL BE BUILT ON TOP OF IT.
THE TOP FLOOR OF THE TOWER WILL BE MANNED BY GROUND CONTROL OFFICERS RESPONSIBLE FOR DIRECTING AIRCRAFT TO THEIR PARKING STANDS.
THE OTHER TOO FLOORS OF THE TOWER WILL BE SHARED BY POLICE, IMMIGRATION AND PREVENTIVE SERVICE OFFICERS WHO ARE CHARGED WITH THE DUTY OF KEEPING A CLOSE WATCH ON THE MOVEMENT ON THE TARMAC.
TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW PIER ARE INVITED IN
TODAY’S GAZETTE AND THE PROJECT IS EXPECTED TO TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
- - 0 - -
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
8
WITHDRAWALS FROM BOND OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES REGULATED » « « ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY’MACLEHOSE, HAS TODAY SIGNED AN ORDER UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION ORDINANCE WHICH TAKES IMMEDIATE EFFECT AND EMPOWERS THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO REGULATE WITHDRAWALS FROM BOND OF DUTIABLE COMMODITIES DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS IF IT SEEMS TO THE DIRECTOR THAT EXCESSIVE DEMANDS FOR WITHDRAWALS ARE BEING MADE. I
THE ORDER ONLY AFFECTS WITHDRAWALS FOR LOCAL USE AND NOT DELIVERIES FOR RE-EXPORT.
THE OBJECT OF THE ORDER IS TO PREVENT DELIVERIES FROM BOND OF ABNORMALLY LARGE QUANTITIES OF LIQUOR AND TOBACCO DURING THE PERIOD PRECEDING THE BUDGET.
THE SIGNING OF THE ORDER DOES MOT IN ITSELF INDICATE THAT DUTIES WILL BE RAISED BUT IT IS A NECESSARY PRECAUTION WHICH MUST BE TAKEN TO PROTECT THE REVENUE, AND TO PREVENT WINDFALL PROFITS BEING MADE AT THE EXPENSE OF THE REVENUE, IN THE EVENT THAT A DECISION TO INCREASE DUTIES IS IN FACT INCLUDED IN THE BUDGET. IT IS LIKELY THAT SIMILAR ORDERS WILL BE MADE AS A MATTER OF ROUTINE IN FUTURE YEARS.
UNDER THE AUTHORITY GIVEN BY THE ORDER, DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY HAS ISSUED INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE REGULATION OF RELEASES OF TOBACCO WHICH HAVE IMMEDIATE EFFECT. FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS AFFECTING OTHER COMMODITIES MAY BE ISSUED AT A LATER DATE.
- - 0 -
/9......
9
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
’THE LAW’ — RHK’S NEW EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMME a « n,n n
RADIO HONG KONG. IN ITS VENTURE INTO THE FIELD OF EDUCATIONAL BROADCASTS, WILL INTRODUCE A NEW CHINESE PROGRAMME NEXT WEEK ON LEGAL MATTERS.
THE PROGRAMME, ENTITLED +THE LAW+, IS DESIGNED FOR THE LAYMAN WHO DOES NOT HAVE ANY PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE ABOUT LAWS IN HONG KONG.
THE PROGRAMME WILL BE BROADCAST ON RHK-1 EVERY WEDNESDAY AT 7.30 P.M.
MR. KENNETH KWOK, A GRADUATE FROM THE LAW DEPARTMENT OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, HAS BEEN INVITED TO GIVE THE TALKS.
FOLLOWING EACH TALK, THERE WILL BE A QUESTIONING SESSION IN WHICH THE LISTENERS CAN TELEPHONE THE STUDIO AND ASK QUESTIONS ON GENERAL LEGAL MATTERS.
+THE LAW+ WILL INCLUDE SUCH TOPICS AS TENANCY LEGISLATION. MARRIAGE AND DIVORCE, SECURITY OF EMPLOYMENT, TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS LEGAL AID, PUBLIC ORDER AND CORRUPTION.
COMMENTING ON THE NEW PROGRAMME, THE PRODUCER, MR. CHU PUI-HING, SAID: +THESE TOPICS WILL BE TREATED IN AN ELEMENTARY MANNER.
+WE BELIEVE THAT THE MAN-IN-THE-STREET NEEDS, AND WILL BE INTERESTED IN, BASIC LEGAL KNOWLEDGE. WE SHALL ALSO TRY OUR BEST TO ANSWER QUESTIONS AND ENQUIRIES FROM LISTENERS.*
/10......
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
-IG-
NORE VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE BENEFITED XX X X X X
NO COMPENSATION CAN FULFIL A GOOD PURPOSE IN ISOLATION OF THE EFFORTS BE I i MADE TO RESTORE A MAN TO HEALTH AND GAINFUL EMPLOYMENT. COMMUNITY AND WELFARE SERVICES MUST BE UTILIZED AS WELL.
MR. STEPHEN CHAU, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER (ACCIDENT COMPENSATION), POINTED THIS OUT TODAY (FRIDAY) WHEN SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF HONG KONG ISLAND WEST ON THE SUBJECT OF COMPENSATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIMES OF VIOLENCE. MR. CHAU IS ALSO THE SECRETARY TO THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARDS.
HE STRESSED THAT INJURY ARISING FROM ACCIDENT DEMANDS AN ATTACK ON THREE FRONTS — PREVENTION, REHABILITATION AND COMPENSATION.
+THE MOST IMPORTANT I Sr OBVIOUSLY PREVENTION WHICH ISA COMBINED COMMUNITY EFFORT. THE OBLIGATION TO REHABILITATE THE INJURED OR THEIR SURVIVORS AND THE DUTY TO COMPENSATE THEM FOR THEIR LOSSES SHOULD BE HANDLED TOGETHER,+ HE SAID.
THE ACCIDENT COMPENSATION SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ADMINISTERS THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION SCHEME AND MR. CHAU NOTED THAT SINCE IT WAS INTRODUCED IN MAY 1973, SOME 800 CLAIMS HAD BEEN RECEIVED AND OVER 31.4 MILLION PAID OUT IN AWARDS.
-------0 -------
ROAD SAFETY DEMONSTRATION
member! mLAKfsTmP!A™ni5s!00 SCH00L n0AD SAFETy PATB0L welfa™asE“™™“ ls 0i,8A“ise» bv manchai kaifong wiii $£pety patrol members taking part in the demonstration 0 L A GPR0PER WAY 0F CR0SS,NG THE R0AD Ar]D THE CONSEQUENCE VIA I unUI\ | | j(3 o
be liob'danc°s™E 0PEnl“13 CEnEM0Ny AT 7 P-M- THERE W«LL
NOTE TO ED I TORSs YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
------o-------
FRIDAY, JANUARY 17, 1975
11
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUNDAY’S +WALK FOR A MILLION*
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 19) ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN CONNECTION WITH THE +WALK FOR A MILLION* EVENT.
THERE WILL BE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DEVERSIONS, CLOSURE OF ROADS, SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS AND RE-ROUTING OF CERTAIN FRANCHISED BUS SERVICES.
MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE ROADS COVERED BY THE EVENT AND THE GENERAL AREA OF GOVERNMENT STADIUM BETWEEN 7 AM AND 7 PM ON SUNDAY UNLESS THEIR JOURNEY IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
TRAFFIC SIGNS INDICATING +CAUTION* AND +WALKERS AHEAD* WILL BE POSTED AT PLACES WHERE VEHICULAR-PEDESTRIAN CONFLICT IS EXPECTED, AND MOTORISTS ARE REQUESTED TO DRIVE WITH EXTREME CARE.
BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 5.30 PM, LINK ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY FROM BROADWOOD ROAD TO CAROLINE HILL ROAD- EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD WILL BE ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND- CAROLINE HILL ROAD WILL BE ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND FROM LEIGHTON ROAD TO GOVERNMENT STADIUM- AND EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM TAI HANG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED INTO BLUE POOL ROAD.
THE SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN BLUE POOL ROAD AND BROADWOOD ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO EASTBOUND TRAFFIC FROM 7.30 AM UNTIL 5 PM. MOUNT AUSTIN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 3.30 PM EXCEPT FOR VEHICLES REQUIRING ACCESS TO PREMISES FRONTING THE ROAD.
ALL PARKING SPACES IN LINK ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 7.30 AM UNTIL 7 PM. ONLY VEHICLES DISPLAYING RED PARKING LABELS MAY PARK AT THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL STADIUM NO. 4 CAR PARK.
VEHICLES WITH YELLOW LABELS MAY PARK IN THE NO. 2 CAR PARK, AND GOODS VEHICLES AND COACHES IN THE NO. 5 CAR PARK.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY PARK THEIR VEHICLES IN THE NO. 1 CAR PARK AND ON THE SLIP ROAD OFF EASTERN HOSPITAL ROAD. HOWEVER, THEY ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
CHINA MOTOR BUS ROUTE NO. 19 WILL TERMINATE AT BROOM ROAD IN HAPPY VALLEY INSTEAD OF AT TAI HANG ROAD BETWEEN 7.30 AM AND 10.30 AM.
CMB ROUTE NO. 11 WILL LEAVE JARDINE’S LOOKOUT VIA PRICE ROAD, MOUNT BUTLER DRIVE, MOUNT BUTLER ROAD, HENDERSON ROAD AND PERKINS ROAD FROM START OF SERVICE UNTIL 5 PM.
THE BUS STOP FOR EASTBOUND JOURNEYS AT LEIGHTON ROAD OPPOSITE PO LEUNG KUK WILL BE TEMPORARILY SUSPENDED BETWEEN 6 AM AND 6 PM.
THE ROADS COVERED BY THE +WALK FOR A MILLION* EVENT ARE CAROLINE HILL ROAD, LINK ROAD, BROADWOOD ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD, WONGNEICHONG GAP ROAD, COOMBE ROAD, BARKER ROAD AND BOWEN ROAD.
......-- ................- L-
Ig sl h«l
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
' SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO. .
SCHEME FOR AMBULANCES TO CARRY INCUBATORS WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT MONTH .............................. 1
HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OPENS THREE MORE ENQUIRY CENTRES
IN KOWLOON ........................................... 2
COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF ROAD
SAFETY ............................................... 3
s
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1975.
- 1 -
AMBULANCES TO CARRY INCUBATORS , if if if if if if
THE SCHEME FOR AMBULANCES TO CARRY INCUBATORS WILL BE INTRODUCED NEXT MONTH.
THE INCUBATORS, WHICH WILL BE USED TO TAKE PREMATURE OR SICK BABIES TO HOSPITALS, BELONG'TO THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT. THEY WILL BE HELD AT TEN DESIGNATED CENTRES — HOSPITALS, CLINICS AND HEALTH CENTRES — THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
WHEN A MATERNITY HOME REQUESTS AN INCUBATOR, IT WILL BE COLLECTED BY AN AMBULANCE CREW FROM ONE OF THE CENTRES. THE CREW WILL THEN PICK UP THE BABY AND TAKE IT TO HOSPITAL, ACCOMPANIED BY A NURSE OR MIDWIFE.
THE SCHEME WAS FIRST ANNOUNCED IN NOVEMBER, SINCE WHEN AMBULANCE COMMAND STAFF HAVE BEEN RECEIVING TRAINING IN THE WORKINGS OF INCUBATORS AND OPERATION OF THE SCHEME.
THE INCUBATORS ARE COMPLETELY SELF-CONTAINED, WITH THEIR OWN OXYGEN AND POWER SUPPLIES. IF NECESSARY THEY CAN BE CONNECTED TO THE PIPED OXYGEN AND POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS OF AMBULANCES.
MR. BILL DOORE, CHIEF AMBULANCE OFFICER, SAID INTRODUCTION OF THE SCHEME WAS PART OF THE AMBULANCE COMMAND’S CONTINUING PROCESS OF WIDENING THE RANGE OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
0 - -
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1975
THREE MORE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES IN KOWLOON M # * # # #
THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HAS SET UP THREE MORE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES IN KOWLOON TO HANDLE QUERIES FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE THREE CENTRES ARE LOCATED AT BLOCK 8, ROOMS 123-126, HOMANTIN ESTATE (TEL« 3-029181)- BLOCK 24, YAU TONG ESTATE, GROUND FLOOR (TELt 3-351135) AND BLOCK 2, LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, GROUND FLOOR, (TELi 3-428195).
THE OFFICIAL OPENING CEREMONY FOR THESE OFFICES, NOW IN OPERATION, WILL BE HELD AT A LATER STAGE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT TWO OTHER PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES HAD ALSO RECENTLY MOVED TO NEW PREMISES WITHIN EASY ACCESS OF RESIDENTS IN THEIR RESPECTIVE AREAS.
THEY ARE THE TAI KOK TSUI CENTRE NOW LOCATED AT TAI CHUNG BUILDING, COSMOPOLITAN ESTATE, 85-87 IVY STREET (TELi 3-933433) AND THE KWUN TONG CENTRE AT THE KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH
■ OFFICES BUILDING, TUNG YAN STREET (TEL 3-423431).
- - 0 - -
SATURDAY, JANUARY 18, 1975.
- 3 -
> IMPORTANCE OF ROAD SAFETY STRESSED
K H « if if if
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. IAN MACPHERSON, THIS (SATURDAY) EVENING STRESSED THE IMPORTANCE OF USING PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES PROVIDED WHEN CROSSING THE ROAD, AND SAID IT WAS BETTER TO TAKE LONGER TIME THAN TO BE KNOCKED DOWN BY A CAR.
HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF A ROAD
SAFETY DEMONSTRATION ORGANISED BY THE WANCHAI KA I FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND, WAN CHA I. EARLIER, HE HAD INSPECTED A PARADE OF 100 SCHOOL ROAD SAFETY PATROL MEMBERS.
THE COMMISSIONER NOTED THAT IT WAS SOMETIMES QUICKER TO JUMP OVER THE RAILINGS INSTEAD OF CROSSING AT THE LIGHTS OR THE ZEBRA. CROSSINGS, AND TO WALK IN THE ROAD RATHER THAN ON THE CROWDED PAVEMENT.
. +BUT A MOMENT’S THOUGHT MUST SURELY MAKE ONE REALISE THAT
IT IS BETTER TO TAKE A MINUTE OR TOO LONGER THAN TO BE KNOCKED DOWN BY A VEHICLE,+ HE SAID.
TO THE MOTORISTS, MR. MACPHERSON POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS IMPORTANT TO SHOW CONSIDERATION FOR OTHERS AND GOOD ROAD DISCIPLINE EVEN IF IT MEANT ADDING A BIT OF TIME TO THEIR JOURNEY.
' IT IS ALSO SIGNIFICANT TO KEEP THEIR VEHICLES IN GOOD
■■ REPAIR SO THAT ITS BRAKES AND STEERING ARE INA CONDITION TO DEAL WITH ANY CRISIS, HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ONE OF THE CAUSES OF TRAFFIC ' ACCIDENTS WAS THE FACT THAT MANY PEOPLE, BEING IN A HURRY TO GO ABOUT IN THIS CROWDED AND BUSY COMMUNITY, TOOK RISKS AND SHORT-CUTS.
THE GOVERNMENT HAS MADE CONTINUOUS EFFORTS THROUGH VARIOUS CAMPAIGNS TO PROMOTE ROAD SAFETY, BUT MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY MUST ALSO CO-OPERATE, HE SAID.
MR. MACPHERSON PRAISED THE WORK OF THE SCHOOL ROAD
SAFETY PATROLS AND NOTED THAT SINCE THE SCHEME WAS STARTED IN 1963, NOT ONE STUDENT HAD BEEN KILLED OR INJURED WHILST CROSSING THE ROAD UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF PATROL MEMBERS.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, MR. MACPHERSON WAS PRESENTED WITH A PENNANT BY MR. CHAN LING-FUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON COUNCIL OF KA I FONG ASSOCIATIONS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
i -SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWO SPECIAL STAMPS TO MARK THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT ....... 1
ENROLMENT OF CANDIDATES FOR NEXT TWO SERIES OF INDOOR DRIVING TRAINING COURSES ................................ 2
i '
FIRST PHASE OF LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHAT IN ALMOST COMPLETED ............................................... 3
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SPEAKS ON THE PROBLEM OF THE AGED............................................... 4
----0----
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
I
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1975
i STAMPS FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR TO MARK +YEAR OF THE RABBIT+ it H « it it
TWO SPECIAL STAMPS TO MARK THE YEAR OF THE RABBIT WILL BE PLACED ON SALE, AT ALL POST OFFICES ON FEBRUARY 5, 1975.
THE TWO STAMPS, OF 10 CENTS AND Si.30 DENOMINATIONS, WILL BE THE NINTH IN THE SERIES OF LUNAR NEW YEAR STAMPS.
THE 10-CENT STAMP DEPICTS A RABBIT IN SILVER AGAINST A RED BACKGROUND AND THE S1.30-STAMP DEPICTS TOO GOLDEN RABBITS AGAINST A GREEN BACKGROUND. BOTH STAMPS ARE IN HORIZONTAL FORMAT.
TO COMMEMORATE THE OCCASION, SPECIAL FIRST DAY COVERS AT 20 CENTS EACH WILL ALSO BE PLACED ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES FROM JANUARY 22.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE ADVISED TO OBTAIN THEIR FIRST DAY COVERS EARLY IN ORDER TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT.
ADVANCE ORDERS FOR SERVICING OF THE COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, PEDDER STREET- KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE, NATHAN ROAD- AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, SALISBURY ROAD.
THE COVERS MUST BE FULLY ADDRESSED AND HANDED IN WITH AN ORDER FORM TOGETHER WITH A REMITTANCE TO COVER THE COST. THE CHARGE FOR EACH WILL BE $1.50 WHICH INCLUDES THE COST OF THE TOO STAMPS AND A 10 CENTS SERVICE FEE. NOT LESS THAN TEN COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED WITH EACH ORDER.
ORDER FORMS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE ABOVE THREE POST OFFICES ON JANUARY 22. ADVANCE ORDERS OF SERVICED COVERS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER 12 NOON ON FEBRUARY 3.
THOSE ORDERING SERVICED COVERS ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL DESTINATION WILL BE ABLE TO COLLECT THEM ON FEBRUARY 5 FROM THE OFFICE WHERE THE ORDER WAS PLACED.
COVERS ADDRESSED OVERSEAS WILL BE SENT FORWARD BY ORDINARY POST, SURFACE MAIL, UNLESS SUFFICIENT STAMPS ARE AFFIXED TO COVER AIRMAIL OR REGISTRATION CHARGES.
A SERVICE WILL BE PROVIDED ON FEBRUARY 5 AT ALL POST OFFICES WHEREBY FIRST DAY COVERS WILL BE ACCEPTED OVER THE COUNTER IMPRESSED WITH THE NORMAL POST OFFICE DATE STAMP, WITHOUT THE TIME TYPE, AND HANDED BACK TO THE PERSON PRESENTING THEM.
/FOR THIS SERVICE .....
2
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1975
FOR THIS SE 7ICE, THE ARTICLES
M MUST BEAR AN INDICATION THAT THEY ARE ’FIRST DAY COVERS<-
* MUST BE ADDRESSED TO A LOCAL DESTINATION0 '
M MUST NOT BEAR ANY OTHER CANCELLATION-
H MUST NOT BE REGISTERED ITEMS.
SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE ON FEBRUARY 5 AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, .THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO HAVE THEIR FIRST DAY COVERS CAREFULLY HAND-POSTMARKED BEFORE DESPATCH TO THE ADDRESS ON THE COVERS.
NOTE TO ED I TORSa COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH OF THE TWO SPECIAL LUNAR -------------- NEW YEAR STAMPS ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE G.I.S. PRESS ROOM.
-----0-------
INDOOR DRIVING TRAINING COURSES ’ ««««««
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT IS NOW ENROLLING CANDIDATES FOR THE NEXT TWO SERIES OF INDOOR DRIVING TRAINING COURSES DUE TO START AT THE END OF THIS MONTH AND SOMETIME AFTER MID-FEBRUARY.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY PEOPLE WISHING TO APPLY MUST ALREADY HAVE PASSED THE PART A WRITTEN TEST FOR PRIVATE CARS.
THEY MAY APPLY AT THE LICENSING OFFICE AT PUI CHING ROAD. KOWLOON, BRINGING ALONG THEIR PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCE, HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD AND TOO COPIES OF THEIR RECENT PHOTOGRAPH.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEXT TWO SERIES WOULD BEGIN ON JANUARY 30 AND FEBRUARY 20 RESPECTIVELY. CLASSES, EACH COMPRISING 15 ONE-HOUR LESSONS, ARE HELD BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 11 P.M. EACH DAY. THE FEE IS S200.
HE SAID THAT AT THE END OF THE COURSE, CANDIDATES WOULD SIT FOR A SIMULATOR TEST. THOSE WHO PASS THE TEST WILL BE PLACED ON A SEPERATE WAITING LIST FOR THE COMBINED ROAD TEST, HE ADDED.
♦THIS MEANS THAT ONCE TMEY HAVE FINISHED WITH THEIR OWN ON-ROAD DRIVING LESSONS, THEY WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO TAKE THE COMBINED ROAD TEST AT A GIVEN DATE EARLIER THAN THE NORMAL WAITING PERIOD FOR SUCH TESTS,+ HE SAID.
OPENED IN JUNE LAST YEAR, THE INDOOR DRIVING INSTRUCTION CENTRE AT PUI CHING ROAD, HAS TRAINED MORE THAN 1,750 CANDIDATES IN FUNDAMENTAL DRIVING TECHNIQUES BEFORE THEY START UNDERGOING THEIR OWN DRIVING LESSONS ON THE ROAD.
THE CENTRE, EQUIPPED WITH 16 DRIVING SIMULATORS, FILMS
AND A COMPUTER-CONTROLLED PANEL, TEACHES CANDIDATES THE USE OF VARIOUS CONTROLS, RECOGNITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND NORMAL REACTIONS TO DIFFERENT TRAFFIC SITUATION.
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I
SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 1975
' . . - -
FIRST PHASE OF LEK YUEN ESTATE NEARING COMPLETION « it it it it it
THE FIRST TOO BLOCKS OF THE LEK YUEN ESTATE, — ONE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S TEN ESTATES TO BE BUILT IN SHA TIN UNDER THE TEN-YEAR HOUSING PHOGHAMME —WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION IN ABOUT THREE MQNTHS.
THESE BLOCKS WILL OFFER SOME 1,150 SELF-CONTAINED UNITS FOR 7,400 PEOPLE.
MEANWHILE, THE APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT IS SCREENING THE WAITING LIST FOR ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS FOR INTAKE IN APRIL.
LEK YUEN ESTATE, WHICH IS WITHIN A STONE’S THROW OF THE SHA TIN RAILWAY STATION AND NOT FAR AWAY FROM THE SHA TIN END OF THE LION ROCK TUNNEL, WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF 23,000 WHEN FULLY COMPLETED IN EARLY 1976.
RENTS FOR THE ESTATE WILL BE CHARGED AT 63 CENTS PER SQUARE FOOT — ABOUT HALF OF THAT CHARGED BY THE PRIVATE SECTOR.
THE MONTHLY RENTAL FOR A FIVE-PERSON FLAT OF 255 SQUARE FEET WILL BE $160, A SEVEN-PERSON FLAT OF 323 SQUARE FEET $200 AND A NlNE-TO-TWELVE-PERSON FLAT OF 403 SQUARE FEET $250.
NOTE TO EDITORS s
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING THE PROGRESS OF CONSTRUCTION WORK AT THE LEK YUEN ESTATE ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN THE G. I.S. PRESS ROOM.
SUNDAY, JANUARY, 19, 1975.
PROBLEM OF THE AGED K M ft H \
RAPID INDUSTRIALISATION AND CHANGE IN SOCIAL MENTALITY HAVE LED TO THE GRADUAL DISAPPEARANCE OF THE LARGE FAMILY SYSTEM IN HONG KONG. «
THIS, COUPLED WITH THE FACT THAT MODERN SCIENCE, MEDICAL ADVANCES AND BETTER EDUCATION HAVE RESULTED IN THE SPAN OF HUMAN LIFE BEING PROLONGED, HAS LED TO ANOTHER PROBLEM ARISING, THAT OF AGED PEOPLE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SAID TODAY (SUNDAY)
MR. THOMAS LEE WAS SPEAKING WHEN HE OPENED THE NEW YUEN YUEN HOME FOR THE AGED IN TSUEN WA[1. AT THE CEREMONY THE FIRST-TERM BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE HOME ALSO FORMALLY TOOK OFFICE.
MR. LEE SAID THE PROBLEM OF THE AGED WAS CAUSING THE PUBLIC GREATER CONCERN AND WAYS HAD TO BE FOUND TO SOLVE IT.'
THE GOVERNMENT’S PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME AND OTHER SERVICES OF SIMILAR NATURE AIMED TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO THE AGED AND INFIRM WHO HAD LOST THEIR POWER OF INDEPENDENCE, TO ENABLE THEM TO LIVE THEIR LAST YEARS IN PEACE.
BUT, HE POINTED OUT, THERE WERE STILL MANY ELDERLY MEN AND WOMEN WHO, BECAUSE OF THEIR HEALTH, ACCOMMODATION PROBLEM AND OTHER REASONS, WERE STILL WAITING TO BE CARED FOR.
THIS NEW HOME, MR. LEE SAID, WAS THEREFORE A PROMISE OF GREAT SIGNIFICANCE TO THIS GROUP OF PEOPLE AND IT WOULD BE MAKING A PRAISEWORTHY CONTRIBUTION TO SOCIETY IN LINE WITH THE WELFARE POLICY PLANNED FOR HONG KONG.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT GIS PRESS ROOM, STH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
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PRH 7
FKlfiiiM eis Mia
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CALLS FOR CLOSER LIAISON WITH TEXTBOOK PUBLISHERS ........................................ i
AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE TO GET EXTRA AMBULANCE .......... 2
SWD’S CREDIT UNION TO HOLD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THIS
WEEK ................................................ 3
NEW RULINGS ISSUED ON WITHDRAWALS OF TOBACCO AND LIQUOR
FROM BOND ................................................. 3
TEMPORARY WATER STOPPAGE IN CENTRAL ....................... 4
PWD OFFICIAL RETIRING AFTER 23 YEARS’ SERVICE ............. 4
ALDRICH BAY FIRE VICTIMS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING ........... 5
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT ............................. 5
' 1 Si
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Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975.
1
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLANS CLOSER LIAISON • PUBLISHERS ^pI’^EppC^T^pNAL MATERIAL
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CONSIDERING VARIOUS MEANS ^.^!^J^20VEMENT CAN BE BR0U6HT ABOUT IN THE PRODUCTION, SELECTION AND USE OF SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIAL.
u*-rr-r^,RTlCULAB ATTENTION IS DE I NG PAID TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF MATERIAL TO SUPPORT NEW APPROACHES TO THE CURRICULUM.
erunA1TR! A»n1 .21 £ECT0R 0F EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF
TAH2?cn?>&«M.R(:-ruRTHUR BR0WN» today INVITED EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS Se^mcatimSeparweJt.0' DI!"iS",s AC0UT CL0SEn LIAIS0N WITH
+ONE OF OUR IMMEDIATE CONCERNS,* SAID MR. BROWN, +IS TO FIND WAYS OF PRODUCING THE SORT OF MATERIAL WHICH WILL ACTIVELY ENCOURAGE IMPROVED TEACHING TECHNIQUES AND AT THE SAME TIME GIVE ADEQUATE SUPPORT TO NEW CONCEPTS IN CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT.
+NEW IDEAS CAN EASILY BE DESTROYED BY OLD HABITS OR ATTITUDES OF MIND, AND A VITALLY IMPORTANT PART OF CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IS THE PRODUCTION OF TEACHING MA I ER I AL WHICH FIRMLY PLACES THE PUPIL AT THE CENTRE OF THINGS, STIMULATING HIS IMAGINATION AND CURIOSITY, AND ENCOURAGING HIM TO LEARN BY DOING - IN FACT, GENERALLY STEERING HIM AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL PASSIVE ROLE OF LEARNING BY ROTE.
♦WE FEEL THAT IT IS NOW PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT TO HAVE CLOSE COLLABORATION BETWEEN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND OUR EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS IN ALL ASPECTS OF TEXTBOOK DEVELOPMENT.*
ANY EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHER WISHING TO DISCUSS THIS MATTER MAY MAKE ARRANGEMENTS BY CONTACTING MR. MAK SIK-HON, INSPECTOR (CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT). EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG (TEL: 5-774001 EXT. 39J.
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975
2
IMPROVEMENT OF MEDICAL FACILITIES IN SAI KUNG
RURAL COMMITTEE DONATES AMBULANCE TO AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE
W 8 « « ft ft
THE RURAL COMMITTEE OF SAI KUNG IS TO DONATE AN AMBULANCE TO THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE LATER THIS MONTH — A GESTURE WHICH WILL CONSIDERABLY IMPROVE MEDICAL FACILITIES IN THE AREA DURING AN EMERGENCY.
THE GIFT WILL NOT REPLACE EXISTING AMBULANCE SERVICES ALREADY PROVIDED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ’BUT WILL AUGMENT PRESENT FACILITIES.
THE AMBULANCE WILL BE MANNED AND USED BY FULLY-TRAINED MEMBERS OF THE AMS. IT WILL BE BASED IN THE COMPOUND OF THE SAI KUNG RURAL COMMITTEE, AND HAS AN OXYGEN APPARATUS, RESUSCITATION EQUIPMENT, FIRST-AID AND CASUALTY ACCESSORIES.
+THE GIFT IS A TRANSIT VAN. CONVERTED TO ACCOMMODATE ONE STRETCHER, FOUR SITTING PATIENTS, PLUS A NORMAL CREW OF TWO AMS MEMBERS AND A DRIVER,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE SAID TODAY.
+IT IS BEING PRESENTED TO US BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE, BECAUSE IT FEELS THAT AN ADDITIONAL AMBULANCE WILL BE OF GREAT VALUE TO THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
+WE ENTIRELY AGREE WITH THIS VIEW, BECAUSE THE POPULATION
I IN THE SAI KUNG AREA IS GROWING, AND THE DISTRICT IS POPULAR WITH URBAN RESIDENTS ON WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.*
THE AMS SUB-UNIT IN SAI KUNG NOW NUMBERS 82. RECRUITMENT OF AN ADDITIONAL 40 TO 50 MEMBERS, BOTH MEN AND WOMEN, IS ENVISAGED.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY. IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3 PM IN THE RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE AT SAI KUNG ON SATURDAY, JANUARY 25. DR. RAYMOND MOK, DEPUTY UNIT CONTROLLER, AMS, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL ACCEPT THE KEY TO THE AMBULANCE ON BEHALF OF DR. GERALD CHOA, CONTROLLER OF THE A.M.S.
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/3
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975.
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SWD’S CREDIT UNION MEETING it M if if W
THE 3RD ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE S.W.D.’S CREDIT UNION WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JANUARY 23) AT 4.45 PM AT THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE, 44, 01 KWAN ROAD, WANCHAI, HONG
MR. THOMAS LEE, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND PRESENT SOUVENIRS TO COLLECTORS' OF THE CREDIT UNION. i
r
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE THE ADOPTION OF REPORTS FROM THE VARIOUS COMMITTEES AND THE ELECTION OF OFFICE-BEARERS FOR THE YEAR 1975.
FOLLOWING THIS, THERE WILL BE A LUCKY DRAW AND ENTERTAINMENT INCLUDING MAGIC SHOWS AND FOLK DANCES PERFORMED BY RESIDENTS OF THE BEGONIA ROAD BOYS’ HOME AND MA TAU WEI GIRLS’ HOME. LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THE MEETING.
NOTE TO EDITORS! MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE EVENT.
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NEW RULINGS ON TOBACCO AND LIQUOR WITHDRAWALS
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INSTRUCTIONS TO REGULATE RELEASES PERIOD PRECEDING THE BUDGET.
SIMILAR INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE LIQUOR FROM BOND HAVE BEEN ISSUED
INDUSTRY LAST FRIDAY ISSUED OF TOBACCO FROM BOND IN THE
REGULATION OF WITHDRAWALS OF TODAY.
THE AUTHORITY OF
ORDINANCE MADE BY
THE INSTRUCTIONS HAVE BEEN ISSUED UNDER AN ORDER UNDER THE PUBLIC REVENUE PROTECTION
GOVERNOR ON JANUARY 17. THE OBJECT OF THE ORDER-?S TO PROTECT THE REVENUE BY PREVENTING DELIVERIES FROM BOND OF ABNORMALLY LARGE QUANTITIES OF DUTIABLE GOODS BEFORE BUDGET DAY
not TAKEN ls precautionary and does
NOT IN ITSELF INDICATE THAT A DECISION TO INCREASE DUTIES HAS BEEN TAKEN. IT IS LIKELY THAT SIMILAR ACTION WILL BE TAKEN AS A MATTER OF ROUTINE IN FUTURE YEARS.
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A...
MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975.
WATER CUT ft « ft
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CENTRAL DISTRICT WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 AM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 24) TO FACILITATE A TEST FOR NIGHT LEAKAGE IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE 1-13B QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 2-10 ICE HOUSE STREET, 1A-3 AND 2A-8 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL CONNAUGHT CENTRE, BLAKE PIER, STAR FERRY PIER, THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB, STAR FERRY MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, THE CITY HALL. CITY HALL MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK, 1-10A CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL, AND PREMISES IN CHATER ROAD AND JACKSON ROAD.
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PWD OFFICIAL RETIRING
* ft ft ft ft
MR. HAROLD SOBEY, ACTING TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT OF THE PWD’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, IS RETIRING THIS MONTH AFTER 23 YEARS’ IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, HE WILL BE PRESENTED WITH A MEMENTO FROM HIS COLLEAGUES THIS FRIDAY. THE PRESENTATION WILL BE MADE BY THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR. JOHN STEAN. •
MR. SOBEY FIRST JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS CLERK OF WORKS II IN 1952. HE WAS PROMOTED TO CLERK OF WORKS I IN 1964 AND HAS BEEN ACTING TECHNICAL SUPERINTENDENT SINCE LAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORSi YOU ARE WELCOME TO HAVE THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT 4 PM ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 24) IN MURRAY BUILDING, 12TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 1975
5
ALDRICH BAY F'RE VICTIMS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HAS OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING TO 344 PEOPLE WHO LOST.THEIR HOMES IN THE FIRE AT ALDRICH BAY IN SHAUKIWAN LAST SATURDAY.
HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF WERE BUSY OVER THE WEEKEND CHECKING THE RECORDS OF THE 504 PEOPLE WHO REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’ SHORTLY AFTER THE OUTBREAK OF THE FIRE.
A SITE-IDENTIFICATION EXERCISE WAS CARRIED OUT AT THE FIRE SITE THIS (MONDAY) MORNING AND 344 PEOPLE WERE ABLE TO SATISFY THE FIELD STAFF THAT THEY WERE GENUINE RESIDENTS OF THE AREA.
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE FIRE ON SATURDAY, HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF ARRANGED FOR THE SHAUKIWAN KA I FONG ASSOCIATION PREMISES TO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THOSE IN NEED OF-TEMPORARY ACCOMODATION, BUT ONLY A FEW STAYED THERE OVERNIGHT. THE OTHERS TOOK UP TEMPORARY RESIDENCE WITH FRIENDS OR RELATIVES.
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WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 52,656 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 78.2 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 49,052 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 39,181 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 38,296 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 77.6 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
A TRACE OF RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 17.2 MM (0.68 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 14.1 MM (0.56 IN).
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS CONCLUDED FOR COMPLETION OF WORK ON SIX FORMER PAUL LEE PROJECTS ...................... j
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO DISCUSS MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY
PROJECT AND PROPOSED INCREASES IN TELEPHONE 'CHARGES .... 2
UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER of TROPICAL CYCLONES AFFECTED HONG KONG IN .1974 ....................................... 3
HEALTH RETURNS FOR DECEMBER SHOW INCREASE IN INCIDENCE OF SCARLET FEVER ....................................... 6
FIRE SERVICES. DEPARTMENT ORDERS THREE 17O-FOOT TURNTABLE LADDERS................................................... 7
REGISTRATION FACILITIES IN TA I PO......................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
NEW CONTRACTS FOR SIX FORMER PAUL LEE PROJECTS
CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS HAVE BEEN CONCLUDED, PENDING THE COMPLETION AND SIG. iNG OF FORMAL CONTRACTS, FOR THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON SIX MORE PROJECTS FORMERLY UNDERTAKEN BY THE PAUL LEE ENGINEERING COMPANY.
i
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY APPROVAL OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD HAD BEEN OBTAINED FOR THESE CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENTS. +THEY ARE IN FACT VALID CONTRACTS ON THEIR OWN RIGHT,* HE ADDED.
THE PROJECTS ARE: THE CHING CHEUNG ROA'D EXTENSION TO BE UNDERTAKEN BY PAUL Y. CONST. CO. LTD. AT A CEILING PRICE OF $28,880,000= THE NAM CHEONG INTERCHANGE BY FOOK LEE CONST. CO. LTD. AT A CEILING PRICE OF $9,070,000= THE FUNG MO STREET INTERCHANGE (STRUCTURE) AND SHA TIN PASS ROAD PEDESTRIAN OVERPASS BY HSIN CHONG CONST. CO. LTD. AT A' CEILING PRICE OF $2,340,000= THE TAI WOH PING INTERCHANGE BY HARBOUR ENGINEERING CO. LTD. AT A CEILING PRICE OF $4,410,000= THE MAIN TUNNEL SECTION OF THE AIRPORT TUNNEL ROAD BY GAMMON (H.K.) LTD. AT A CEILING PRICE OF $56,500,000= AND THE AUSTIN ROAD EXTENSION AND ASSOCIATED WORKS BY PAUL Y. CONST. CO. LTD. AT A CEILING PRICE OF $6,800,000.
TWO CONTRACTS FOR THE COMPLETION OF WORK ON TWO OF THE PROJECTS FORMERLY HANDLED BY THE PAUL LEE COMPANY WERE SIGNED EARLIER THIS MONTH.
THE FIRST, WHICH WAS AWARDED TO GAMMON (HONG KONG) LTD., WAS FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE ELEVATED ROAD BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND THE ASSOCIATED LINK TO SAI YEE STREET, WHILE THE SECOND WAS FOR SEWERAGE AND DRAINAGE WORKS IN CHAI WAN ROAD. IT WAS AWARDED TO FOOK LEE CONSTRUCTION(CO. LTD.
I ONE OF THE THREE REMAINING PROJECTS - THE GRADE-SEPARATED (OR FLYOVER-TYPE) ACCESS ROAD INTO THE AIRPORT - WAS COMPLETED BY THE P.W.D. UNDER A MAINTENANCE CONTRACT AND WAS OPENED TO TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS MONTH.
THE TWO OTHERS ARE THE PO KONG INTERCHANGE (STAGE I) AND THE ROBINSON ROAD/CASTLE ROAD JUNCTION IMPROVEMENT SCHEME.
THE BALANCE OF WORK TO BE DONE ON THE PO KONG INTERCHANGE (STAGE I) IS NOW TO BE INCLUDED IN A NEW CONTRACT FOR THE SECOND STAGE OF THE PROJECT. •
A RESUMPTION OF WORK ON THE ROBINSON ROAD/CASTLE ROAD FLYOVERS WILL HAVE TO AWAIT THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION WORK ON AN ADJOINING SITE.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975.
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LEGCO TO DISCUSS MTR PROJECT AND TELEPHONE CHARGES «««««»«
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SYSTEM AND THE TELEPHONE COMPANY’S PROPOSED INCREASES IN TELEPHONE RENTALS ARE AMONG SOME OF THE MAJOR TOPICS THAT WILL BE RAISED AT TOMORROW’S LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
THE MTR PROJECT WILL COME UP FOR DISCUSSION DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE TOWARDS THE CLOSE OF THE MEETING WHEN THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. THF HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEN, THE HON. WILSON WANG, THE HON. P.G. WILLIAMS, AND THE HON. LO TAK-SHING WILL EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS.
THE TELEPHONE CHARGES ISSUE WILL BE RAISED BY THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG DURING QUESTION TIME. MR. CHEUNG WILL ASK THE GOVERNMENT TO OUTLINE THE INCREASES SOUGHT BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY AND THE REASONS AND FACTS ADVANCED BY THE COMPANY FOR THE APPLICATION.
OTHER QUESTIONS RELATE TO THE PACE OF LOCALISATION IN THE GOVERNMENT SERVICE, TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS AND THE PROPOSED CODE OF AID FOR SUBSIDISED PRIMARY SCHOOLS, AMONG OTHERS.
TWO OTHER MAJOR ITEMS ON THE AGENDA INCLUDE DEBATE ON THE CHILD CARE CENTRES BILL AND THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL WHICH SEEKS TO CHANGE THE BASIS OF ASSESSMENT OF PROFITS TAX FROM A PRECEDING YEAR TO A CURRENT YEAR BASIS — THE SAME AS FOR SALARIES, PROPERTY AND INTEREST TAX.
SPEAKING ON THE PROFITS TAX LEGISLATION WILL BE THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI AND THE HON. J.M. BREMRIDGE. THREE OTHER UNOFFICIALS — THE HON. WILSON WANG, THE HON. JOYCE SYMONS AND THE HON. KO SIU-WAH — WILL COMMENT ON THE CHILD CARE CENTRES DILL.
THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL WITH THE ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG 1973/74 WILL BE TABLED IN COUNCIL TOGETHER WITH A REPORT AND CERTIFICATE ON THE GOVERNMENTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974, AND A DESPATCH TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT FOR THE YEAR 1973/74.
/5
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
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REVIEW OF LAST YEAR’S WEATHER
OCTOBER DOWNPOURS - A WELCOME RELIEF TO THE DROUGHT # ft ft ft ft ft
HONG KONG EXP 1IENCED EXCEPTIONALLY DRY CONDITIONS DURING THE FIRST NINE MON'.HS OF 1974 RESULTING IN A SERIOUS WATER SHORTAGE.
HOWEVER, HEAVY DOWNPOURS IN OCTOBER BROUGHT A WELCOME RELIEF TO THE DROUGHT AND AN END TO WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTIONS IMPOSED IN SEPTEMBER.
v the ACCUMULATED RAINFALL ROSE FROM MORE THAN 30 PER CENT BEL.OW AVERAGE AT THE END OF SEPTEMBER TO SEVEN PER CENT ABOVE NORMAL BY THE END OF THE YEAR.
IN ITS ANNUAL WEATHER REPORT ISSUED TODAY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID THAT OUT OF A.TOTAL OF 34 TROPICAL CYCLONES WHICH FORMED IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND THE SOUTH CHINA SEA DURING THE YEAR, AN UNPRECEDENTED NUMBER OF 11 AFFECTED HONG KONG AND NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS.
IT WAS ALSO THE FIRST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY THAT FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES AFFECTED THE TERRITORY DURING OCTOBER AND ONE PASSED CLOSE ENOUGH TO CAUSE STRONG WINDS IN DECEMBER.
THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THE YEAR WERE MUCH DRIER AND SUNNIER THAN USUAL AND FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE ON 44 DAYS. THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE REPORTED IN THE YEAR, SEVERE TROPICAL STORM ’WANDA’, FORMED TO THE EAST OF THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES ON JANUARY 10. IT MOVED NORTHEASTWARDS AND DISSIPATED OVER THE COLD WATERS EAST OF LUZON ON JANUARY 14.
TWO VERY COLD SPELLS WERE EXPERIENCED DURING FEBRUARY WHEN FROST AND ICE FORMATION WERE REPORTED ON HIGH GROUND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. THE AIR TEMPERATURE FELL TO 4.2 DEGREES CELSIUS AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY EARLY ON FEBRUARY 26, WHICH WAS THE LOWEST TEMPERATURE RECORDED IN THE YEAR. THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE RECORDED IN THE SAME MORNING AT TAI MO SHAN AND TATE’S CAIRN WERE -6.5 DEGREES CELSIUS AND -2.2 DEGREES CELSIUS RESPECTIVELY. ON FEBRUARY 23, WIDESPREAD FOG AND LOW VISIBILITY ASSOCIATED WITH A MOIST AIRSTREAM FROM THE PACIFIC CAUSED 23 AIRCRAFT TO DIVERT FROM THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED THREE TIMES IN FEBRUARY AND ONCE IN MARCH. A TROPICAL STORM NAMED ’AMY’ DEVELOPED NEAR THE CAROLINE ISLANDS ON MARCH 14. IT MOVED WESTWARDS AT FIRST AND THEN RECURVED NORTHEASTWARDS, DISSIPATING OVER THE PACIFIC TO THE SOUTHEAST OF JAPAN"ON MARCH 19.
/VIOLENT
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
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VIOLENT THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH COLD SURGES RESULTED IN 231.1 MM OF RAINFALL IN APRIL, MAKING IT THE FIRST MONTH SINCE SEPTEMBER 1973 WITH ABOVE AVERAGE RAINFALL. HOWEVER, THE HEAVY RAINS WERE CONFINED TO THREE DAYS, AND THE MONTH WAS SUNNIER THAN USUAL. THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON APRIL 1 - 2 WHEN A STRONG NORTHERLY SURGE AFFECTED HONG KONG. TROPICAL STORM ’BABE’ FORMED NEAR THE CAROLINE ISLANDS ON APRIL 26. IT MOVED NORTHWARDS AND BECAME EXTRATROPI CAL SIX DAYS LATER.
DRY CONDITIONS RETURNED IN MAY AND THE RAINFALL FOR THE. MONTH WAS MORE THAN 30 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE. MORE THAN HALF OF THE MONTH’S RAIN FELL ON MAY 2 WHEN AN ACTIVE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG FROM THE NORTH. A SECOND TROUGH ARRIVED ON MAY 30 AND HEAVY THUNDERSTORMS ASSOCIATED WITH IT RESULTED IN THE DEATH OF THREE CAMPERS ON LANTAU ISLAND.
ALTHOUGH THERE WERE ONLY FIVE DAYS IN JUNE WITH NO RAINFALL RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE TOTAL RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH WAS STILL 20 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE. THE MONTH WAS CLOUDY AND A LATE SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON JUNE 5-6 NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL FOR 21 HOURS.
FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE OBSERVED DURING THE MONTH AND TWO AFFECTED HONG KONG. A TROPICAL DEPRESSION WHICH FORMED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 6 CAUSED PERIODS OF STRONG WINDS AT HONG KONG ON JUNE 6 - 7 WHILE TYPHOON ’DINAH’, WHICH DEVELOPED OVER THE PACIFIC ABOUT 50 MILES OF YAP, BROUGHT STRONG TO GALE FORCE EASTERLIES ON JUNE 12. HOWEVER, BOTH TROPICAL CYCLONE WERE RELATIVELY DRY AND WERE ASSOCIATED WITH VERY LITTLE RAIN AT HONG KONG.
JULY WAS WARM AND SUNNY WITH BELOW AVERAGE RAINFALL AND THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 78 PER CENT WAS THE THIRD LOWEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH. FOUR TROPICAL CYCLONES FORMED IN THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING THE MONTH BUT ONLY ONE,’TYPHOON ’IVY’, BROUGHT GALES TO HONG KONG.
AUGUST WAS EVEN LESS HUMID THAN JULY AND THE MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF 76 PER CENT WAS THE LOWEST EVER RECORDED FOR THE MONTH. IT WAS ALSO MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL AND THE MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF THE MONTH, 32.0 DEGREES CELSIUS, WAS THE THIRD HIGHEST ON RECORD. ON AUGUST 20, UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF THE SOUTHWEST MONSOON THE AIR TEMPERATURE ROSE TO 34.3 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE MAXIMUM RECORDED IN THE YEAR. SLIGHTLY COOLER CONDITIONS WERE EXPERIENCED AFTER THE ARRIVAL OF AN EARLY SURGE OF THE WINTER MONSOON ON AUGUST 25 AND FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE ON AUGUST 25 - 27.
ALTHOUGH SEVEN TROPICAL CYCLONES WERE REPORTED DURING THE MONTH, NONE CAME SUFFICIENTLY CLOSE TO AFFECT HONG KONG. THIS WAS THE FlfiST OCCASION SINCE 1969 WHEN NO SIGNALS WERE HOISTED IN THE MONTH OF AUGUST*
%
/DRY AND ......
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
5
DRY AND WARM LEATHER CONTINUED IN SEPTEMBER WITH ONLY 47 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE RAINFALL RECORDED DURING THE MONTH. THE GENERAL DEFICIENCY IN RAIN DURING THE PREVIOUS MONTHS CREATED A SERIOUS PROBLEM OF WATER SHORTAGE AND RESTRICTIONS ON WATER SUPPLY WERE IMPOSED ON SEPTEMBER 25.
OUT OF THE FIVE TROPICAL CYCLONES REPORTED DURING THE MONTH TWO, TROPICAL STORM ’TRIX’ AND SEVERE TROPICAL STORM ’WENDY’, NECESSITATED THE HOISTING OF TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNALS IN HONG KONG.
DRY CONDITIONS CAME TO AN END IN OCTOBER WHEN PROLONGED HEAVY RAIN ASSOCIATED WITH TROPICAL CYCLONES BROUGHT MORE THAN SEVEN TIMES THE AVERAGE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL FOR THE MONTH TO HONG KONG. THE MONTHLY TOTAL AMOUNTED TO 718.4 MM WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST EVER RECORDED IN OCTOBER.
ON OCTOBER 19, ’CARMEN’ PASSED ABOUT 70 MILES SOUTHSOUTHWEST OF HONG KONG AND PRODUCED GALES AND WIDESPREAD HEAVY RAIN. THE RAINFALL RECORDED-AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY ON OCTOBER 18 - 20 AMOUNTED TO 459.9 MM, WHICH MADE ’CARMEN’ THE WETTEST TROPICAL CYCLONE IN OCTOBER AND THE FOURTH WETTEST ON RECORD. TYPHOON ’ELAINE’ ALSO BROUGHT 225.2 MM OF RAINFALL TO HONG KONG BUT THE CONTRIBUTIONS FROM THE OTHER TWO TYPHOONS, ’BESS’ AND ’DELLA’ WERE LESS THAN 0.5 MM. BECAUSE OF THE UNUSUAL NUMBER OF TROPICAL CYCLONES WHICH THREATENED HONG KO^G, SIGNALS WERE HOISTED ON 15 DAYS OF THE MONTH.
THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS HOISTED ON THREE OCCASIONS DURING THE MONTH AND FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN OPERATION ON THREE DAYS.
THE FREQUENCY OF OCCURRENCE OF TROPICAL CYCLONES OVER THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC AND SOUTH CHINA SEA REMAINED HIGH / IN NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER. ALTOGETHER, SIX WERE OBSERVED DURING THESE TWO MONTHS. TYPHOON ’GLORIA’ CAME NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST ABOUT 110 MILES EAST OF HONG KONG ON NOVEMBER 9. CAUSING FRESH WINDS AND PERIODS OF LIGHT RAIN, WHILE TYPHOON ’IRMA’ WAS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE WETTEST DECEMBER ON RECORD. MORE THAN 95 PER CENT OF THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL OF 206.9 MM WAS PRODUCED BY ’IRMA’ ON DECEMBER 1 - 2, AND THE 177.3 MM OF RAIN WHICH FELL ON DECEMBER 2 REPRESENTED THE HIGHEST DAILY AMOUNT EVER RECORDED IN DECEMBER.
WINTER CONDITIONS SET IN AROUND MID-NOVEMBER WHEN TEMPERATURES BEGAN TO FALL STEADILY TO GENERALLY BELOW 20 DEGREES CELSIUS. HOWEVER, THE SIX COLD SURGES WHICH PASSED THROUGH HONG KONG DURING THE LAST TWO MONTHS OF THE YEAR WERE RELATIVELY WEAK AND CAUSED THE AIR TEMPERATURE TO FALL BELOW 11 DEGREES CELSIUS ON ONLY ONE OCCASION. FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE IN FORCE ON 15 DAYS IN NOVEMBER AND 12 DAYS IN DECEMBER, WHILE THE STRONG MONSOON SIGNAL WAS DISPLAYED TWICE IN EACH MONTH.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
DECEMBER HEALTH REPORT RISE IN INCIDENCE OF SCARLET FEVER K K « a ft «
HEALTH RETURNS FOR DECEMBER 1974 ISSUED TODAY BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SHOW AN INCREASE IN THE INCIDENCE OF SCARLET FEVER.
IN NOVEMBER, REPORTED CASES OF THE DISEASE TOTALLED FIVE. BUT LAST MONTH, NOTIFICATIONS ROSE TO 53, BRINGING THE YEAR’(S TOTAL TO 80. NO DEATHS FROM THE DISEASE OCCURED IN 1974.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID SCARLET FEVER NOTIFICATIONS DURING DECEMBER HAD BEEN MARKED DURING THE EARLY PART OF THE MONTH, BUT THE DISEASE WAS SOON BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL, WITH THE RESULT THAT ONLY THREE CASES WERE RECORDED BETWEEN DECEMBER 20 AND 31.
REPORTS OF AMOEBIASIS TOTA.LLED SEVEN, A RISE OF FOUR COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH. THE INCIDENCE OF BACILLARY DYSENTERY DROPPED FROM 41 TO 37, BUT CASES OF CHICKENPOX ROSE FROM 21 TO 47.
THERE WERE NEITHER REPORTS OF, NOR DEATHS FROM, CEREBROSPINAL MENINGITIS, DIPHTHERIA, TETANUS NEONATORUM, AND POLIOMYELITIS DURING THE MONTH.
TWO CASES OF MEASLES WERE REPORTED, 36 OF ENTERIC FEVER, 18 OF FOOD POISONING, 603 OF TUBERCULOSIS, 46 OF VIRAL HEPATITIS, AND FOUR OF TETANUS.
1
OF THE 80 DEATHS RECORDED DURING DECEMBER, 71 WERE CAUSED BY TUBERCULOSIS, THREE BY AMOEBIASIS, TWO BY LEPROSY, THREE BY TETANUS, AND ONE BY VIRAL HEPATITIS.
DURING THE MONTH, HONG KPNG REMAINED FREE FROM CHOLERA AND OTHER QUARANTINABLE DISEASES.
TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975
- 7 -
FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT ORDERS MORE ADVANCED EQUIPMENT ««««««
THE FIRE-FIGHTING AND RESCUE CAPABILITIES OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE FURTHER INCREASED WITH THE ADDITION OF THREE 17O-FT TURNTABLE LADDERS ORDERED FROM A WESt GERMAN COMPANY.
THE ladders, together with vehicle chassis and engines, will COST A TOTAL OF $3.7 MILLION. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO ARRIVE TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
CONSTRUCTED OF STEEL, THEY WILL HAVE SEVEN SECTIONS AND BE HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED. THE MAXIMUM EXTENSION IS 170 FEET BUT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO OPERATE AT LOWER HEIGHTS.
THE LADDERS ALSO INCLUDE AN ELEVATOR CAPABLE OF TRAVELLING ABOUT ONE FOOT PER SECOND CARRYING TWO FIREMEN AND FACILITIES FOR REMOTE CONTROL OPERATION.
\ {
THE MAXIMUM ELEVATION WILL' BE 75 DEGREES AND IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO ROTATE THE LADDERS THROUGH 360 DEGREES.
NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE 170-FT LADDERS HAVE BEEN GOING ON FOR SOME TIME AND INCLUDED A VISIT BY TWO PI RE SERVICES DEPARTMENT OFFICERS TO THE MANUFACTURER’S FACTORY.
THE LONGEST LADDERS AT PRESENT IN SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT EXTEND 100 FEET AND CAN REACH UP TO THE NINTH FLOOR OF A BUILDING.
+WITH THE NEW EQUIPMENT,* A FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID, +WE WILL be ABLE TO EXTEND OUR LADDER OPERATIONS UP TO THE 15TH FLOOR.*
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS LONG LED THE WAY IN BOLSTERING ITS CAPABILITIES WITH MODERN EQUIPMENT. IT WAS THE FIRST TO ORDER THE 100-FT ALL STEEL TURNTABLE LADDER MANUFACTURED IN 1933 BY THE MERRYWEATHER COMPANY OF GREAT BRITAIN.
' ON ORDER AT PRESENT ARE ONE 91-FT AND TWELVE 50-FT SNORKELS (ELEVATED HYDRAULIC PLATFORMS) WHICH ARE RECOGNISED * AS BEING AMONG THE MOST EFFECTIVE FIRE FIGHTING AND RESCUE EQUIPMENT.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 21, 1975.
REGISTRATION FACILITIES IN TAI PO « K « « » M
TAI PO RESIDENTS WHO WISH TO REPLACE DEFACED IDENTITY CARDS OR AMEND THEIR NATIONALITY FROM CHINESE TO BRITISH MAY NOW CONVENIENTLY DO SO IN THEIR OWN DISTRICT. .1
SUCH APPLICATIONS ARE NOW ALSO PROCESSED AT THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TAI PO SUB-OFFICE AT 89-91 WAN TAU STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO MARKET. THE TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 12-666545.
THE OFF ICE‘ALREADY PROVIDES REGISTRATION FACILITIES FOR ADULT AND JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE WELCOME TO CALL AT ANY BRANCH OFFICE OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT FOR ADVICE. BRANCH OFFICES ARE LOCATED IN FAR EAST BANK BUILDING, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TSUEN tyAN, TEL. NO.s12-423587“ IN CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, TEL. hJO. s3-687354- IN SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON, TEL. NO.13-201253“ AND IN CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY, ELECTRIC ROAD, HONG KONG, TEL. NO.85-706659.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
< ••
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FINANCIAL SECRETARY OUTLINES GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS FOR TELEPHONE CHARGES.................................•.......... 1
JAPANESE CONSORTIUM’S HANDLING OF MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY NEGOTIATIONS CRITICISED BY UNOFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS ......... 4
CHILD CARE CENTRES BILL FAVOURED*............................ 8
RESULTS OF ANNUAL CLERICAL ASSISTANTS EXAM HAVE NOT BEEN
ANNOUNCED................................................ 9
ASSURANCE ON CHILD CARE CENTRES LEGISLATION GIVEN BY SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES .............................. 10
PROFITS TAX BILL PASSED IN LEGCO WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS . 11
EFFECT ON URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES 15 MORE SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSTS FILLED BY LOCAL OFFICERS .... 16
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENTS BILL INTRODUCED INTO LEGCO .......... 17
HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS FUNDS AND ASSETS HANDLED BY TEN INSTITUTIONS.............................................. 18
SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR CARGO HANDLING WORKERS APPROVED ... 19
PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS IN BRITAIN.... 20 ,
NO EVIDENCE OF INCREASING TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS ....... 21
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION VISITS SPECIAL CLASSES ............... 22
FOUR BILLS PASSED IN LEGCO.................................. 23
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
- 1 -
TELEPHONE CHARGESI FINANCIAL SECRETARY OUTLINES
GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS n n a a « a „ ,
THE APPLICATION BY THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY FOR INCREASES RANGING FROM 71 TO 76 PER CENT IN RENTAL AND INSTALLATION CHARGES HAS NOT BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
INSTEAD, THE GOVERNMENT IS PROPOSING A +PACKAGE OF IMMEDIATE MEASURES* INCLUDING INCREASES OF JUST UNDER 30 PER CENT IN ANNUAL RENTALS FOR BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL LINES.
ANNOUNCING THE decision IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THAT IF THE PROPOSED INCREASES WERE APPROVED THE NEW RENTALS WOULD BE 8528 FOR BUSINESS LINES, 8360 FOR RESIDENTIAL LINES, 8396 FOR BUSINESS PARTY LINES'AND 8276 FOR RESIDENTIAL PARTY LINES. THESE COMPARED WITH 8700 FOR A BUSINESS LINE AND 8400 FOR A RESIDENTIAL LINE IN THE APPLICATION SUBMITTED BY THE COMPANY.
HE SAID HE INTENDED TO INTRODUCE A RESOLUTION INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON FEBRUARY 5 SEEKING APPROVAL FOR THE INCREASES FROM MARCH 1. . i
' OTHER MEASURES WHICH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS PROPOSED TO THE COMPANY ARE l- .
M THAT THE COMPANY’S BOARD RECOMMEND TO SHAREHOLDERS THAT NO DIVIDEND PAYMENTS BE MADE IN 1975- AND
# THAT A GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR SHOULD BE APPOINTED TO THE BOARD OF THE TELEPHONE COMPANY.
IF THESE ARE AGREED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL WAIVE ROYALTY PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY FOR 1974 AND 1975.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ANNOUNCED THAT THE GOVERNMENT INTENDED TO SET UP A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY TO EXAMINE ALL ASPECTS OF THE COMPANY’S OPERATIONS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE REVISION IN RENTALS WAS NECESSARY NOW AS TO REFUSE ANY INCREASES IN CHARGES AT THIS TIME WOULD PRECIPITATE A CRISIS IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS WHICH WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THESE INCREASES ♦WILL NOT BE ENOUGH TO KEEP THE COMPANY’S HEAD ABOVE WATER AND UNDOUBTEDLY EXTENDED BANK CREDITS WILL BE NECESSARY*.
IN ADDITION TO THE INCREASES, HOWEVER, ♦IT WILL BE NECESSARY FOR THE COMPANY’S BOARD TO RECOMMEND TO SHAREHOLDERS THAT NO DIVIDEND PAYMENTS SHOULD BE MADE IN 1975. APART FROM THE FINANCIAL REASONS FOR THIS *IT IS THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THE SHAREHOLDERS SHOULD BEAR SOME OF THE CONSEQUENCES OF THE COMPANY’S PAST FAILURE IN MANAGEMENT.* __
/MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID ....
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975 - 2 -
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT AS AN INDICATION OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTEREST IN THE AFFAIRS OF AN ESSENTIAL PUBLIC UTILITY COMPANY, THE COMPANY’S CONSENT WAS ALSO BEING SOUGHT TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT IF THE COMPANY ACCEPTS THE GOVERNMENT’S PROPOSALS, A DILL WILL BE INTRODUCED ON FEBRUARY 5 SEEKING TO WAIVE ROYALTY PAYMENTS BY THE COMPANY FOR 1974 AND 1975. THE BILL WILL ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF A GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR.
HE EMPHASISED THAT THE MEASURES TO BE ADOPTED WERE ALL IMMEDIATE MEASURES AND REPRESENT THE GOVERNMENT’S RESPONSE TO THE URGENT AND DIFFICULT SITUATION FACED BY THE COMPANY AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE.* BUT ON THE INFORMATION AVAILABLE THE GOVERNMENT IS NOT IN A POSITION TO SUGGEST LONG TERM SOLUTIONS TO THE COMPANY’S FINANCIAL SITUATION.
TO DEAL WITH THE LONGER TERM, THE GOVERNMENT WILL SET UP A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY *TO GIVE THE PUBLIC SOME ASSURANCE THAT 1 IT WILL NOT BE FACED WITH A RECURRENCE OF THIS SORT OF SITUATION IN FUTURE.*
*THE TERMS OF REFERENCE HAVE YET TO BE WORKED OUT, BUT THEY WOULD INCLUDE AN EXAMINATION OF THE COMPANY’S PRESENT MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE AND FUTURE PLANS, ITS DEBT LIABILITIES AND ITS PROFITABILITY,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
THE COMMISSION, HE SAID, WOULD ALSO BE ASKED TO RECOMMEND WHETHER. AND IF SO WHEN, FURTHER INCREASES IN RENTALS WOULD BE NECESSARY TO SECURE THE *PERMANENT VIABILITY* OF THE COMPANY.
IN ADDITION, IT WOULD BE ABLE TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON AMENDMENTS WHICH MIGHT BE MADE TO THE TELEPHONE ORDINANCE TO ENSURE ADEQUATE PUBLIC CONTROL OVER THE FUTURE OPERATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS A PUBLIC UTILITY.
REFERRING TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON TELEPHONE SERVICES REPORT. THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IT HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED THAT THE COMPANY WAS FACING A *CHRONIC CASH SHORTFALL* DUE TO ITS LARGE CAPITAL EXPANSION PROGRAMME AND INTEREST COSTS ON PAST BORROWINGS. TOGETHER WITH A CONSIDERABLE SLOWING DOWN IN 1974 IN THE DEMAND FOR NEW TELEPHONE LINES.
♦IN OTHER WORDS, THE COMPANY HAS SPENT MORE THAN IT HAS EARNED,* HE SAID.
IN 1974, THE COMPANY’S NET CASH SHORTFALL WAS ABOUT S16O MILLION AND THIS IS ESTIMATED TO RISE TO 8250 MILLION ■ , THIS YEAR IF CHARGES ARE NOT INCREASED.
THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ALSO ESTABLISHED THAT ADDITIONAL LOANS TO MEET SUCH CASH SHORTFALLS COULD NOT BE RAISED, AND IF THE FINANCING HAD TO BE MET BY INCREASED CHARGES, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY FOR ANNUAL BUSINESS AND RESIDENTIAL LINE RENTALS TO BE INCREASED BY 52 PER CENT AND 50 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY AND INCREASES MADE TO MANY OF THE OTHER CHARGES.
/EVEN ON
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975.
EVEN ON THESE CALCULATIONS, THE COMPANY WOULD NOT BE VIABLE AND IT WAS ESTIMATED THERE WOULD STILL DE A NET CASH SHORli-ALL OF ABOUT 8100 MILLION IN 1975.
EXPLAINING WHY A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN TELEPHONE RENTALS WAS BEING PROPOSED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT THE EFFECT OF THIS LEVEL OF INCREASE ON THE COMPANY’S FINANCES, TOGETHER WITH THE WAIVER OF ROYALTY AND NO DIVIDEND PAYMENTS IN 1975, WOULD ROUGHLY EQUATE TO A 50 PER CENT INCREASE IN TELEPHONE RENTALS AS PROPOSED DY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE.
♦WITH THE 50 PER CENT INCREASE THE CASH SHORTFALL IN 1975 WOULD DE ABOUT 8100 MILLION. WITH A 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN RENTALS AND NO DIVIDEND AND ROYALTY PAYMENTS, THE CASH SHORiirALL SHOULD DE NOT VERY DIFFERENT AND, IN FACT, A LITTLE LESS (JUST UNDER 890 MILLION),* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAIDa *THE SITUATION REVEALED DY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE’S REPORT INDICATES A FAILURE OF THE MANAGEMENT AND THE BOARD OF THE COMPANY IN THE PAST TO MONITOR PROPERLY ITS FINANCIAL POSITION AND TO DRAW APPROPRIATE CONCLUSIONS FOR FUTURE PLANNING.*
IT ALSO POINTED TO THE FACT THAT EVEN AN EXAMINATION AS CAREFUL AS THE ONE CARRIED OUT DY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE IN THE TIME AVAILABLE, WAS HOT COMPREHENSIVE ENOUGH TO REVEAL THE WHOLE POSITION OF THE COMPANY AND TO MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE CORRECTIVE ACTION, HE SAID.
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A
I
VJEDCJESDAVp JANUARY 22, 1975
JAPANESE CONSORTIUM’S HANDLING OF MTR NEGOTIATIONS CRITICISED UNOFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS DEMAND *JUST COMPENSATION*
M M M it «
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE ALMOST UNANIMOUS IN THEIR CONDEMNATION CF THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM’S ♦UNILATERAL BREACH* OF THE LETTER CF INTENT TO NEGOTIATE A CONTRACT TO BUILD THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY.'
THE FEELINGS OF THE UNOFFICIALS WERE AIRED DURING AN ADJOURNMENT DEDATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, WITH THREE OF THE FOUR SPEAKERS CRITICISING THE CONSORTIUM’S CONDUCT IN THE MATTER. AND DEMAND IRS JUST AND FAIR COMPENSATION FOR THE CONSIDERABLE LOSS CF TIME AND MONEY THE CONSORTIUM’S ♦SERIOUS ERROR OF JUDGEMENT* WILL COST HONG KONG.
SPEAKING OH DEHALF OF MOST OF HIS COLLEAGUES, THE SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, DR. THE HON. CHUNG SZE-YUEtl DECLARED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS RIGHT IN HOT ACCEPTING THE CONSORTIUM’S ♦UNREASONABLE REQUEST, FIRST, FOR A REVISED PRICE CEILING OF $6,000 MILLION TOGETHER - WITH HEW PROVISION FOR PRICE ESCALATION, AND SECONDLY FOR A DEGRADED STANDARD CF DESIGN SPECIF ICATIONS.*
THE MAJORITY OF THE UNOFFICIALS, HE ADDED, ALSO SUPPORTED THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW THAT THE CONSORTIUM, THROUGH HO FAULT OF KONG KONG, HAD COMMITTED A SERIOUS ERROR OF JUDGEMENT,
HOWEVER, THE HON. LO TAK-SHING CONSIDERED IT ♦INVIDIOUS* TO DEDATE OR TO LAY THE BLAME OF THE ADOPTIVE NEGOTIATIONS ON ANYONE WITHOUT THE OPPORTUNITY OF STUDYING THE RELATED PAPERS, AND HE ASKED FOR ALL THE RELEVANT INFORMATION TO DE MADE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL.
♦WE SHOULD BE FULLY INFORMED AS TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY AGREED IN THE LETTER OF INTENT, WHAT IT WAS THAT THE CONSORTIUM DID NOT DO WHICH IT HAD AGREED TO DO, HOW THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE BROKEN OFF AND WHAT WAS BONE DY THE CONSORTIUM DURING 1974 PURSUANT TO THE LETTER OF INTENT,* HE STRESSED,
MR. LO SAID MEMBERS SHOULD ALSO DE FULLY INFORMED AS REGARDS THE AMOUNT OR THE KIND OF FINANCIAL LOSSES SUFFERED DY THE GOVERNMENT, THE AMOUNT OR THE KIND CF COMPENSATION WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS ASKING FOR OR IS ENTITLED TO, AND ABOUT THE POSS IDLE BENEFITS THAT MIGHT HAVE ACCRUED WHICH PERSUADED THE GOVERNMENT TO TAKE THE RISK OF INCURRING SUCH LOSSES WITHOUT DE I NG COVERED LEGALLY,
IN OPENING THE DEDATE, DR. CHUNG NOTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS HOW DEING CRITICISED FOR ACCEPTING THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM’S PRE-EMPTIVE DID - THE OHLY ONE WHICH OFFERED A FIRM PRICE WITHIN THE 35,000 MILLION CEILING PRICE WITHOUT ANY COST ESCALATION. *D’JT THIS CRITICISM IS MISPLACED,* HE SAID.
/♦THIS is a ......
WEEIESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
+THIS IS A CONSORTIUM OF THE BIGGEST JAPANESE INDUSTRIAL ENTERPRISES, KNOWN TO DE BACKED DY THE JAPANESE GOVERNMENT. FURTHERMORE, THE GOVERNMENT HAD NO ALTERNATIVE DUT TO ACCEPT THIS ATTRACTIVE BID, THE ONLY DID WITHIN THE STIPULATED CEILING PRICE.♦
IN THE LIGHT OF RAPID INFLATION AT THE TIME, HOWEVER, DR.
CHUNG SOUGHT CONFIRMATION THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD SOUGHT AND RECEIVED ASSURANCE FROM THE CONSORTIUM ON QUESTION OF NO COST ESCALATION.
DR. CHUNG TRACED THE VARIOUS STAGES LEADING TO THE SIGNING OF THE LETTER OF INTENT AND POINTED OUT THAT THE SIGNING TOOK PLACE IN THE MIDST OF THE WORST PERIOD OF RISING PRICES AND SHORTAGES OF DAS IC MATERIALS.. *AT THAT TIME, ANY COMPETENT BUSINESSMAN WOULD HAVE TAKEN INTO CONSIDERATION THE MOST LIKELY EVENT OF CONTINUING RAPID INFLATION.*
HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE LETTER OF INTENT WAS SIGNED ON A DATE MORE THAN FOUR MONTHS AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE ARAB OIL EMBARGO AND IN THE MIDST OF THE ’SPRING LABOUR OFFENCE’ IN JAPAN.
DR. CHUNG , ON DEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE $160 MILLION LOSS INCURRED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN ACTUAL SPENDING SINCE THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONSORTIUM’S PRE-EMPTIVE BID IN MID-DECEMBER 1973 UP TO MID-JANUARY 1975.
ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES, HE URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUALLY PRESS THE CONSORTIUM FOR A MI'SH MORE JUST AND FAIR COMPENSATION THAN THE G5 MILLION EX-GRATJA PAYMENT OFFERED DY THE CONSORTIUM. DR. CHUNG SAID HE COULDN’T AGREE MORE WITH THOSE WHO HAD DESCRIDF.D THE CONSORTIUM’S ♦RIDICULOUS* $5 MILLION OFFER AS *ADDING INSULT TO INJURY.*
FURTHERMORE, THERE WAS THE QUESTION OF THE INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION AND PRESTIGE HOT OHLY OF THE PARTICULAR FIRMS CONCERNED DUT OF PRESTIGE OF JAPANESE CONTRACTORS GENERALLY.
♦FROM THAT POINT OF VIEW ALONE, I WOULD HAVE EXPECTED THE CONSORTIUM TO OFFER COMPENSATION OF A SUM MORE IN LINE WITH THE EXTENT OF THE LOSS DIRECTLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE UNILATERAL BREACH OF THE LETTER OF INTENT.*
THE HON. WILSON WANG ENDORSED DR. CHUNG’S REMARKS AND SAID HE KNEW OF NO PRECEDENT WHERE *AHY CONSORTIUM OF INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION HAS EVER BEHAVED SO ABOMINABLY AS IN THE CASE IN TllIS INSTANCE.*
WHILE NOT A LEGAL CONTRACT, A LETTER OF INTENT WAS AN AGREEMENT COMMONLY MADE BETWEEN TWO PARTIES OF HONOURABLE STANDING AND SAVE FOR A BREACH OF GOOD FAITH OR AH ACT OF GOD BEYOND HUMAN CONTROL, *IT IS HOT TO DE DISHONOURED WITHOUT THE MOST SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES,* HE SAID.
/HR. WANG ALSO
WEDNESDAY, JAHUAEZ 22, 1975
- 6
MR. WANG ALSO EXPRESSED DISAPPOINTMENT AND DISAPPROVAL +OF THOSE IN OUR MIDST WHO FOR REASONS DEST KNOWN lO THEMSELVES APPEAR IN THE ROLE OF JUDAS. I REFER TO THOSE FEW PEOPLE WHO AT TIMES, OR ANY MOMENT OF DISTRESS, ARE READV TO RAISE AN ACCUSING FINGER WITHOUT FIRST ASCERTAINING THE RIGtli lARGET.*
HE ADDED THAT WHILE HE HAD HOT ALWAYS SEEN EYE lO EYE WITH THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THERE COULD DE NO DOUBT iHAI IN THIS PARTICULAR CASE THE GOVERNMENT. INCLUDING THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD ACTED IN THE MOST COMMENDABLE GOOD FAITH.
ANOTHER SPEAKER, THE HON. P.G. WILLIAMS, EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM WOULD SERIOUSLY CONSIDER TODAY’S STATEMENTS IN COUNCIL AND THAT THE MATTER COULD DE SETTLED WITHOUT FURTHER DAMAGE TO DOTH SIDES.
*ON THE DAS IS OF THE FACTS PRESENTED AND, AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, THEY HAVE HOT DEEN CHALLENGED DY THE JAPANESE CONSORTIUM, THE SITUATION IS TOTALLY UNACCEPTABLE, AND WE MUST OBTAIN FULL REPAYMENT OF OUR LOSSES,* HE STRESSED.
MR. WILLIAMS EMPHASISED THAT THE MAIN THRUST OF THE UNOFFICIALS’ COMPLAINT WAS THE LATENESS OF THE CONSORTIUM’S WITHDRAWAL.
+A LETTER OF INTENT MAY HOT DE A CONTRACT BUT IT IS AS GOOD AS A HANDSHAKE, AND THAT’S GOOD ENOUGH FOR MOST OF US.*
IF THE CONSORTIUM HAD ADMITTED EARLIER THAT IT COULD HOT MEET ITS OBLIGATIONS, THE MATTER COULD HAVE DEEN SETTLED MORE SATISFACTORILY. *WE ARE HOT UNREASONABLE PEOPLE AND WE ARE PREPARED 70 FACE FACTS,* HE SAID.
*DUT FOR TEH MONTHS WE HAVE VISIBLY DEEN SPENDING LARGE SUMS OF MONEY ON THIS ABORTIVE SCHEME, A GOOD PART OF WHICH IS NOW IRRECOVERABLE. AND THEY COME TO US WITH A DERISORY OFFER OF COMPENSATIONa TO USE A JAPANESE WORD, AN CKUYAHIRVO OR CONDOLENCE PAYMENT WITH, AS FAR AS I KNOW, A MINIMAL EXPRESSION OF REGRET.*
MR. WILLIAMS EMPHASISED THAT GOOD RELATIONS WITH JAPAN ARE
OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE TO DOTH HONG KOHS AND THE JAPANESE. +THIS UNHAPPY EVENT COULD SERIOUSLY DAMAGE THIS RELATIONSHIP ADDING HUGELY TO THE LOSSES ON DOTH SIDES,* HE SAID, STRESSING THE NEED FOR EARLY AND FAIR SETTLEMENT ON THE ISSUE.
mill irMAIMLJE ™ DEBATE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE ? HE FULLV ENDORSED THE REMARKS MADE wiraKurcon CC'1OCI17,UH’8 unilateral
raKRS'MIi® E20T ™s RESPECT
HON DY
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/UC7JEVER, HR........
I
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
- 7
HOWEVER. MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE HAD GRAVE DOUBTS ABOUT THE LIKELY SUCCESS OF PURSUING THE CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION.
❖ON THE OTHER HAND, I CAN ASSURE HONOURABLE MEMBERS THAT THE CONCERN OF THE HONS KONG GOVERNMENT ABOUT THE COURSE OF EVENTS IS WELL KNOWN TO THE RELEVANT JAPANESE AUTHORITIES,* HE ADDED.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO OUTLINED THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS ABOUT THE JAPANESE GROUP’S WITHDRAWAL FROM BUILDING THE RAILWAY.
IN CONCLUSION, HE REITERATED THAT IT REMAINED THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO BUILD THE MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM *FCR WE DEL I EVE IT TO EE A VITAL NECESSITY FOR THE YEARS AHEAD.*
THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY HAD ALREADY INVITED INTERESTED PARTIES TO TENDER FOR CONSTRUCTION, EQUIPMENT, AND FINANCING OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM.
❖WHEN TENDERS HAVE DEEN RECEIVED AND ANALYSED, THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WILL REPORT BACK TO THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL AND I BELIEVE WE SHALL DE ABLE TO CONFIRM THAT THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM IS A FEASIBLE PROPOSITION, IN WHICH EVENT THE FIRST CONTRACTS WILL DE LET IN AUGUST.
❖THE AIM IS TO COMPLETE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM AMD TO HAVE IT FULLY OPERATIONAL BY MID-1930,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
8
CHILD CARE CENTRES DILL
H ft ft ft ft • ,
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY SPOKE IN FAVOUR OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES DILL 1974 WHICH IS DESIGNED TO CONTROL AND REGULATE THE OPERATION OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.
SPEAKING ON THE SECOND READING OF THE DILL AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. MISS KO SIU WAH DESCRIBED THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION AS *NECESSARY AND TIMELY*.
SHE SA IDs *THE DILL -IS A SIGNIFICANT STEP FORWARD IN ESTABLISHING A SYSTEM OF REGISTRATION, CONTROL AND INSPECTION OVER THE OPERATION OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.
+ IN VIEW OF THE HEED FOR PROPERLY-RUN NURSERIES - SOME 1,000 PLACES YEARLY AS STATED IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE YEAR PLAN -PROPER GUIDANCE IN THIS FIELD HAS BECOME MORE IMPORTANT, ESPECIALLY REGARDING CHILDREN’S SAFETY AND CARE.*
MISS KO EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE WOULD EXERCISE HIS AUTHORITY TO WAIVE CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS TEMPORARILY AT THE BEGINNING STAGE IN ORDER TO HELP OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES TO MEET THE REQUIRED STANDARDS OVER SOME YEARS.
*IT IS OBVIOUS,* SHE SAID, +TIJAT GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT THE DIFFICULTIES FACING THOSE WHO WISH TO OPERATE CHILD CARE CENTRES BUT WHO FEAR THEY CANNOT COPE WITH THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OR OTHER PROBLEMS OF SUCH A VENTURE.*
SHE HOPED, HOWEVER, THAT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW LEGISLATION AND THE PHASED IMPLEMENTATION WOULD NOT BE AN UNBEARABLE BURDEN FOR THEM.
MISS KO ALSO CALLED ON THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW AND REVISE, IF NECESSARY FROM TIME TO TIME, THE REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD DE MADE UNDER THE DILL IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE CHANGING NEEDS.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE DILL, THE HON. MRS JOYCE SYMONS SA IDs +WITH THE PARTIAL BREAK-UP OF THE TRADITIONAL PATTERN OF CHINESE FAMILY LIFE, THIS DILL IS SORELY HEEDED AND MUST BE NURSED ALONG WITH IMAGINATION AND CARE.*
*THE FLEXIBILITY AND REALISM OF THE DILL IN ALLOWING THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE DISCRETION IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ITS PROVISIONS,* SHE SAID, *MUST HOT DE ALLOWED TO DEGENERATE INTO MERE PROCRASTINATION DY THE OPERATORS OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.
MRS. SYMONS SAID THAT THE RECRUITMENT, TRAINING OF STAFF MUST ALSO DE ACCELERATED TO MAKE THE DILL WORKABLE.
ANOTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMDER, THE HON, WILSON WANG, COMMENTING ON THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION SPOKE ADOUT THE REGULATIONS WHICH WOULD ACCOMPANY THE DILL.
/EE SAID: .......
WDEII23DAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
HE SA IDs +THE WHOLE PROSPECT OF THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THIS BILL DEPENDS ENTIRELY UPON THE STANDARDS SET DY THESE REGULATIONS WITH WHICH ALL REGISTERED OPERATORS ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLY.*
WHILE STRESSING THAT A MINIMUM STANDARD SHOULD DE SET TO ENSURE THE HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY OF YOUNG CHILDREN, MR. WANG WARNED THAT TOO HIGH A STANDARD MIGHT HOT NECESSARILY EE A GOOD THING.
HE SAID 8 *IF TOO HIGH A STANDARD'MAKES THE COST OF SUCH SERVICE PROHIBITIVE TO THOSE PARENTS WHO ARE IN GENUINE NEED OF CHILD CARE SERVICES, THE RESULT COULD DE AH ABSENCE OF CARE, AND THAT SURELY WOULD HOT BE IN THEIR INTEREST OR CF THEIR INNOCENT CHILDREN.*
STRUCTURE OF CLERICAL CLASS UNDER STUDY a a a n n
THE RESULTS OF THE PROMOTION EXAMINATION FOR CLERICAL ASSISTANTS TAKEN IN JUNE LAST YEAR HAVE HOT VET DEEN ANNOUNCED BECAUSE OF A STUDY BEING CARRIED OUT OH THE STRUCTURE OF THE CLERICAL CLASS.
THIS WAS STATED DY THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DENYS ROBERTS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HOHa WILSON WANG AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MR. ROBERTS SA IDs *FOR SOME TIME IT HAS BEEN THE PRACTICE, TOWARDS THE END OF EACH YEAR TO ANNOUNCE THE LIST OF THOSE CLERICAL ASSISTANTS WHO HAD SUCCEEDED AS A RESULT OF THE ANNUAL EXAMINATION IN GAINING ENTRY TO THE RANK OF CLERICAL OFFICER.*
IN NOVEMBER LAST YEAR, A JOINT COMMITTEE OF OFFICIAL AND STAFF MEMBERS WAS SET UP TO STUDY THE STRUCTURE OF THE CLERICAL CLASS.
*UNTIL THIS COMMITTEE HAS REPORTED AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS REACHED A CONCLUSION OH ITS REPORT, IT WILL HOT DE KNOWN HOW MANY CLERICAL OFFICER VACANCIES ARE AVAILABLE TO DE FILLED,* MR. ROBERTS SAID.
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/1O......
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
10
ASSURANCE GIVEN TO UNOFFICIAL LEGCO MEMBERS ON CHILD CARE CENTRES LEGISLATION
a h n n n n
LEGISLATION GOVERNING CHILD CARE CENTRES WILL COME INTO OPERATION ONLY WHEN SUFFICIENT STAFF ARE AVAILABLE TO GUIDE THE SUPERVISORS OF THESE CENTRES TOWARDS THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS.
THIS WAS THE ASSURANCE GIVEN DY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. LI FOOK-KOW, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY WHEN HE THANKED HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES FOR THEIR SUPPORT GIVEN TO THE CHILD CARE CENTRES DILL 1974.
REFERRING TO THE POINT RAISED DY THE HON. MRS JOYCE SYMONS ON PARENTAL RESPONSIBILITY, HE SAID HE DID HOT WISH TO DICTATE TO PARENTS ON HOW TO DR I NG UP THEIR CHILDREN.
MR. LI SAID HE FULLY UNDERSTOOD THE ECONOMIC PRESSURES TO WHICH THEY WERE SUBJECTED IN IMPROVING THEIR LIFE IN ORDER TO BRING TO THEIR FAMILIES A BETTER STANDARD OF LIVING WITHIN THIS COMPETITIVE SOCIETY.
HOWEVER, HE AGREED THAT IN THE SEARCH FOR MORE PROSPERITY PARENTS SHOULD NOT LIGHTLY REGARD RESIDENTIAL CENTRES AS MERELY A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE HOME ENVIRONMENT.
HE ALSO AGREED THAT PARENTS SHOULD HOT TRY TO ABSOLVE THEMSELVES OF THE RESPONSIBILITY FOR LOOKING AFTER THEIR CHILDREN.
♦SIMILARLY,* MR. LI SAID, *1 AM AWARE OF THE NEED TO ENSURE THAT CHILDREN ARE CARED FOR AND NOT MERELY PARKED IN THESE CENTRES.+
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE DAY TO DAY MAINTENANCE AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES AND THE WORDS OF GUIDANCE IN THE CODE OF PRACTICE WOULD ENSURE THAT THIS CARE IS PRACTISED AND IS EFFECTIVE.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
11
REVISED PROFITS TAX BILL PASSED IN LEGCO BILL SERVES BALANCED INTERESTS OF COMMUNITY - SAY UNOFFICIALS ?! n n » « ?!
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY PASSED, WITH CERTAIN AMENDMENTS, THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (HO. 3) BILL WHICH CHANGES THE METHOD OF COMPUTING PROFITS TAX FROM A PRECEDING YEAR TO A CURRENT YEAR BASIS, IN LINE WITH OTHER TAXES.
THE AMENDMENTS FOLLOW RECOMMENDATIONS FROM THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AFTER A LONG AND INTENSIVE STUDY OF PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS TO THE GOVERNMENT, UMELCO AND IN THE PRESS.
THE MOST IMPORTANT CHANGES AREa
H INITIAL ALLOWANCE WILL DE GRANTED FOR THE HIGHER CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF THE TRANSITIONAL YEARS, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHICHEVER YEAR’S PROFIT IS DROPPED OUTa I.E. WHERE TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT APPLIES AND 1974/75 IS THE YEAR OF HIGHER PROFITS, INITIAL ALLOWANCE WILL DE GRANTED ON THE HIGHER OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN 1974/75 OR 1973/74 WHICH WOULD DE THE DROP-OUT YEAR. WHERE TRANSITIONAL ADJUSTMENT DOES NOT APPLY AND 1974/75 IS THE DROP-OUT YEAR, THE HIGHER OF THE CAPITAL EXPENDITURE IN 1974/75 OR 1975/76 WILL DE TAKEN FOR THE PURPOSES OF INITIAL ALLOWANCE FOR THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT 1975/76.
it A BUSINESS WILL BE ABLE TO APPLY FOR PART OR THE WHOLE PROVISIONAL TAX TO BE HELD-OVER IF ITS CURRENT YEAR PROFITS ARE LESS THAN 90 PER CENT (INSTEAD OF 80 PER CENT AS ORIGINALLY PROPOSED) OF THE PRECEDING YEAR’S PROFITS. THE NEW CRITERION FOR STAND-OVER OF PROVISIONAL TAX WILL ALSO BE EXTENDED TO SALARIES TAXPAYERS.
A CHANGE IN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES TO ENABLE BUSINESSES CLOSING THEIR ACCOUNTS DETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH TO PAY THE PROVISIONAL TAX IN TWO INSTALMENTS — THE FIRST OF 75 PER CENT ON THE NORMAL DUE DATE, AND THE SECOND ABOUT THREE MONTHS LATER. THE SAME FACILITY WILL APPLY TO SALARIES TAXPAYERS.
IN OUTLINING THE CHANGES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, TOLD COUNCIL THAT IF ALL TAXPAYERS TOOK ADVANTAGE OF THIS INSTALMENT FACILITY, THE ONCE-OVER COST TO THE REVENUE IN 1975/76 WOULD BE ABOUT S2C0 MILLION.
HE ADDEDa 4-1 PROPOSE TO FINANCE THIS SHORTFALL BY TEMPORARILY DRAWING DOWN THE RESERVES, AND I STRESS TEMPORARILY.+
HE SAID THERE WOULD BE A RECURRING LOSS OF SOME INTEREST ON HONG KONG’S BALANCES AND A PERMANENT RE-SCHEDULING OF OUR CASH FLOW, BUT THE LATTER EFFECT WAS NOT UNWELCOME.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY MADE IT CLEAR THAT IF THERE WAS ABUSE OF THE MORE GENEROUS CRITERION FOR STAND-OVER OF PROVISIONAL TAX, HE WOULD HOT HESITATE TO CONSIDER INTRODUCING PENALTIES.
/AT TRE REQUEST ......
12
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
AT THE REQUEST OF THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI, MR. HADDON-CAVE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT STAND-OVER OF PROVISIONAL TAX WOULD NOT BE ’UNREASONABLY WITHHELD’ DUT HE POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE HAD CERTAIN OBLIGATIONS TO THE REVENUE AND HENCE TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST. +AMD SO INEVITABLY, HIS ATTITUDE MUST DEPEND IN PART OH HIS ACTUAL EXPERIENCE WITH INDIVIDUAL TAXPAYERS.♦
MR. HADDON-CAVE REPEATED THE GENERAL EFFECT OF THE NEW SYSTEM OF CALCULATING ASSESSABLE PROFITS FOR PROFITS TAX PURPOSES. AS FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT STARTING APRIL 1, 1975, HE SAID, BUSINESSES WILL BE FINALLY TAXED FOR EACH YEAR OF ASSESSMENT ON THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS EARNED FOR THAT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT. SO, IN FUTURE, THEIR TAX LIABILITY WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN EXACT RELATIONSHIP WITH THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS EARNED, DOTH IN THE SHORT TERM AND OVER THE LIFE OF A BUSINESS.
FOR ALL BUSINESSES THE NEW SYSTEM WILL MEAN THAT, FROM THE YEAR OF ASSESSMENT BEGINNING APRIL 1, 1975, THEIR TAX LIABILITY WILL BE NO MORE AND NO LESS THAN THE STANDARD RATE OF TAX APPLIED TO THEIR ACTUAL PROFITS, HE ADDED.
EARLIER, THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI, SPEAKING ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, SAID THEY SUPPORTED THE MAIN PRINCIPLE OF THE DILL.
HE DESCRIBED THE BILL AS A GOOD ONE WHICH GREATLY IMPROVED ON THE OLD SYSTEM BOTH FROM THE REVENUE POINT OF VIEW AND THAT OF THE TAXPAYER’S.
THE UNOFFICIALS’ HAD SPENT A GREAT DEAL OF EFFORT ANALYSING THE BILL’S PROVISIONS AND PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS TO ENSURE THAT iriE LEGISLATION WAS SOUND AND FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED, HE SAID. THEY CONCLUDED THAT GENERALLY IT WAS EXCEPT FOR CERTAIN ASPECTS WHICH COULD BE IMPROVED. REPRESENTATINS ON THESE WERE MADE TO THE GOVERNMENT AND MOST OF THEM WERE ACCEPTED.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE RIGHT FOR APPEAL IN CASES WHERE THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE REFUSED STAND-OVER OF PROVISIONAL TAX, MR. LEE SAID THE UNOFFICIALS DECIDED, AFTER CAREFUL CONSIDERATION, NOT TO PURSUE THE ISSUE. THIS WAS BECAUSE, SO FAR AS THE RIGHT OF APPEAL WAS CONCERNED, IT WAS FELT THAT THERE WOULD EE INADEQUATE TIME FOR THE APPEAL BODY TO CONVENE AND DELIVER ITS DECISION BEFORE THE DUE DATE FOR PAYMENT OF TAX.
♦SINCE A NOTICE OF APPEAL WOULD HAVE TO CARRY WITH IT AN AUTOMATIC DEFERRAL PENDING THE OUTCOME OF THE APPEAL IT WOULD BE POSSIBLE FOR ANY TAXPAYER TO AVOID PAYING ON TIME SIMPLY BY LODGING AN APPEAL, THEREBY FRUSTRATING THE PURPOSE OF THE NEW SYSTEM,+ HE SAID.
/IB. LEE REVIEWED ....
WEKESDAT, JANUARY 22, 1975
- 13 -
MR. LEE REVIEWED IN GREAT DETAIL THE OLD AND NEW SYSTEMS, POINTING OUT THE WEAKNESSES OF THE FORMER AND THE MERITS OF THE LATTER. HE STRESSED THAT THE NEW SYSTEM WOULD NOT WORK TO THE DISADVANTAGE OF THE TAXPAYER BECAUSE THE AMOUNT OF PROVISIONAL TAX WILL STILL RELATE TO THE PRECEDING YEAR’S PROFIT WITH ADJUSTMENTS FOR EXCESS OR SMALL SHORTFALL TO DE MADE IN THE FOLLOWING ASSESSMENT0 AND THE TIME OF PAYMENT WILL STILL DE THE SAME AS UNDER THE EXISTING SYSTEM. ..
+IT DOES NOT SEEK TO IMPOSE ANY ADDITIONAL BURDEN ON THE TAXPAYERS OR TO REQUIRE THEM TO PAY IN ADVANCE.
THE TIMING OF THE BILL, IN THE PRESENT SLACKENED ECONOMY, SHOULD ALSO HAVE NO EFFECT ON THE TAXPAYER DECAUSE, ACCEPTING THAT 1973/74 WAS GENERALLY A BETTER YEAR THAN 1974/75 AND THAT TAX ON THE 1973/74 PROFITS HAS TO DE PAID ANY WAV AT PRESENT DY JANUARY THIS YEAR, THE FIRST PAYMENT OF PROVISIONAL TAX WILL DE IN JANUARY 1976 AND ON THE SMALLER PROFIT.
♦PROVIDED THAT EACH BUSINESS MAKES PROVISION FOR TAX BASED ON THE ACTUAL PROFIT EARNED, AND SETS ASIDE FUNDS AS ANY PRUDENT MANAGER WILL DO, NO HARDSHIP SHOULD EVER EXIST IN MEETING THE TAX PAYMENTS,♦ HE SAID.
THE HON. J.H. BREMRIDGE ALSO SPOKE IN SUPPORT OF THE BILL WHICH, HE SAID, SERVED THE BALANCED INTERESTS OF THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
HIS REASON FOR SUPPORTING THE LEGISLATION WAS THAT THE GOVERNMENT BADLY NEEDED THE MONEY AND <1 CANNOT ACCEPT IN ALL FAIRNESS THAT COMPANY AND INDIVIDUAL TAXATION SHOULD NOT DE PLACED ON THE SAME FOOTING.*
HOWEVER, HE NOTED THAT HE DID NOT FIND ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL ATTRACTIVE. IN PARTICULAR, HE WAS DISAPPOINTED BY THE FACT THAT THE UNOFFICIALS WERE UNABLE TO PERSUADE THE GOVERNMENT TO CHANGE FURTHER ITS APPROACH TO THE TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENT FOR INITIAL ALLOWANCES.
MR. BREMRIDGE SAID THE EFFECT OF THE LEGISLATION WAS THAT IN ONE OF THE TWO FINANCIAL YEARS 1973/74 OR 1974/75, INITIAL ALLOWANCES WILL NOT DE GRANTED AGAINST CAPITAL EXPENDITURE.
FOR INSTANCE, IF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF 810 MILLION DID NOT ATTRACT INITIAL ALLOWANCES FOR YEAR 1974/75, THE EFFECT WOULD BE THAT A COMPANY’S CASH FLOW IN THAT YEAR WOULD COME DOWN DY 8544,000.
♦THIS WILL IN THEORY REPRESENT NO TAX INCREASE BECAUSE THE MONEY WILL DE RECOVERED BY GREATER ANNUAL ALLOWANCES IN SUBSEQUENT YEARS. I SAY IN THEORY BECAUSE IN PRACTICE THIS IS NOT THE CASE. WITH A SIMPLE APPROACH IT WILL TAKE UNTIL 1991 TO RECOVER. WITH A DISCOUNT OF 20 PER CENT TO ALLOW FOR THE PRICE OF MONEY AND ITS CERTAIN DEPRECIATION, IT WILL NEVER COME BACK IN FULL.*
/MR. BREMRIDGE ... /
I
• <
WEDNESDAY9 JANUARY 22, 1975
• 1*> *
MR. BREMRIDGE DESCRIBED THIS AS +ALMOST DISGUISED ADDITIONAL TAXATION* ALTHOUGH HE ACKNOWLEDGED THAT IT WOULD BE HARD TO FIND AH ABSOLUTELY FAIR SOLUTION TO THE TRANSITIONAL PROBLEM OF INITIAL ALLOWANCES. HE ADDED THAT NO COMPANY MERITING INITIAL ALLOWANCES COULD AVOID THIS OUTCOME, AND ALL PREVIOUS PLANS FOR FUTURE INVESTMENT WERE INVOLVED.
*IT IS MOREOVER RETROACTIVE LEGISLATION, WHICH IS ALWAYS TO BE DEPLORED. APART FROM OTHER COMPANIES, MAJOR UTILITIES INCLUDING PERHAPS THE TELEPHONE COMPANY MAY EXPECT TO HAVE AN ANNUAL EXPENDITURE ON CAPTIAL INVESTMENT IN EXCESS OF S1OO MILLION. THIS NEW BILL WILL WORSEN THEIR CASH FLOW IN THE ONE YEAR DY OVER $5 MILLION,* HE SAID.
MR. BREMRIDGE BELIEVED THAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF LOSS OF ONE YEAR’S INITIAL ALLOWANCES WAS OF THE ORDER OF 675 MILLION.
FAILING FURTHER COMPROMISE, HE ADDED, THE COUNCIL WOULD HAVE TO DECIDE WHETHER THIS WAS BETTER LEFT, FOR THE TIME BEING, IN THE HANDS OF THE GOVERNMENT/ BECAUSE IF INDUSTRY THUS ASUFFERED AN ADVERSE CASH FLOW IT MUST DE MIRRORED DY AH EQUIVALENT CREDIT IN THE GOVERNMENT’S HANDS.
HE FELT THAT THIS OUTCOME WOULD EE IN THE COMMUNITY’S INTERESTS, THOUGH HOT IN THE INTERESTS OF INDUSTRIAL COMPANIES WHO HAD LONG BEEN ENCOURAGED DY INITIAL ALLOWANCES TO INVEST IN CAPITAL EQUIPMENT IN ORDER TO PROVIDE MORE WORK FOR THEIR EMPLOYEES.
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/1J>.........
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
15
EFFECT OF URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES ««««««
THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY THAT GOVERNMENT WILL HAVE TO CONSIDER WAYS OF REDUCING THE EFFECT OF THE URBAN IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES ON PRIVATE PROPERTIES IN VIEW OF THE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT IS LIKELY
TO FACE IN THE NEXT YEAR.
WHEN WILLA6OVeSS DEctDEUEITOEn TO MV WI)0 AS«ED
COUNCIL IN SEPTEMBER. WL5TERN) UAo CONFIRMED DY THE EXECUTIVE
DRrtOrnTvf?!y/™SSI,f1ATE 0F THE C0S7 07 ACQUISITION OF PRIVATE PROPERiY AFFECTED DY THESE SCHEMES AND THE NECESSARY FlfiAHPlAi PROVISION WERE APPROVED DY FINANCE S1TTEE “S TiS^O.T
Aim NEGOTIATIONS HAVE DEEtJ PROCEEDING WITH OWMPR^
AND AGREEMENi ON ACQUISITION TERMS HAS DEEN REACHED IN MANY CASES.
♦HOWEVER, IN VIEW OF THE FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS TO WHICH WE ARE LIKELY TO DE SUBJECTED IN THE NEXT YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT IS HAVING TO CONSIDER WAYS OF REDUCING THE EFFECT OF THESE SCHEMES ON PRIVATE PROPERTY IN THESE AREAS,* MR. ROBERTS SAID.
PROPOSALS, HE CONTINUED, WOULD PRODADLY DE SUBMITTED TO THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
I
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/16
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975.
- 16 -
MORE SENIOR GOVERNMENT POSTS FILLED BY LOCAL OFFICERS « n n « •:$ « a
THERE HAS BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF LOCAL OFFICERS APPOINTED TO THE DIRECTORATE AND EQUIVALENT LEVELS IN THE GOVERNMENT, THE COLONIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. WILSON WANG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR. THERE WERE 110 LOCAL OFFICERS AT THIS LEVEL OUT OF A TOTAL OF 471 OFFICERS.
GOVERNMENT POLICY ON LOCALISATION IS TO RECRUIT PEOPLE FROM OVERSEAS ONLY WHEN SUITABLE AND QUALIFIED LOCAL CANDIDATES ARE NOT AVAILABLE. . *
MR. ROBERTS SA IDs ^OVERSEAS OFFICERS ARE NORMALLY RECRUITED ON CONTRACT TERMS AND MAY TRANSFER TO PERMANENT TERMS OHLY IF IT IS APPARENT THAT A LOCAL CANDIDATE IS UNLIKELY TO BECOME AVAILABLE TO REPLACE THE OVERSEAS OFFICERS IN THE REASONABLY FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
*ONLY IN THE ADMINISTRATIVE CLASS AND THE POLICE INSPECTORATE IS THERE A REGULAR INTAKE OF A PROPORTION OF OVERSEAS OFFICERS.*
HE POINTED OUTs «MOST SENIOR POSTS ARE FILLED DY PROMOTION WITHIN THE SERVICE AND ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES ARE CONSIDERED FOR PROMOTION ON EQUAL TERMS.*
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) DILL 1975 n a a -:i a
A DILL TO RESTORE THE RIGHT OF EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES TO CLAIM LIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) DILL 1975, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE SAID THAT A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT COULD NORMALLY DE TERMINATED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE DY GIVING ADVANCE NOTICE OR DY PAYMENT OF WAGES IN LIEU.
❖UNTIL VERY RECENTLY, IT-WAS THOUGHT THAT WHERE A CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT IS WRONGFULLY TERMINATED DY EITHER PARTY, A LIQUIDATED SUM EQUAL TO WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE WAS PAYABLE TO THE OTHER PARTY, ■> HE SA I Do
HOWEVER, THE FULL COURT HAD RECENTLY HELD THAT THIS WAS NOT THE CASE UNDER THE LAW AS WORDED AT PRESENT.
THE FULL COURT HAD RULED THAT THE REMEDY WAS THE ORDINARY COMMON LAW ACTION TO CLAIM UNLIQUIDATED DAMAGES FOR DREACH OF CONTRACT.
HE ADDED THAT UNLIQUIDATED DAMAGES COULD NOT DE PREDETERMINED AND HAD TO BE PROVED IN EACH CASE.
❖THIS WAS NOT THE'INTENTION OF THE LAW,* HE SAID. *HENCE, IT IS PROPOSED, UNDER A HEW SECTION 8A IN CLAUSE 2, TO RESTORE THE LEGAL POSITION TO THAT WHICH IT WAS ALWAYS THOUGHT TO DE.*
THE DEBATE ON THE SECOND READING WAS ADJOURNED.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
- 18 -
HONG KONG’S DEPOSITED WITH n « h
OVERSEAS FUNDS
TEH INSTITUTIONS i'r H
INSTITUTIONS, INCLUDING THREE CENTRAL
HONG KONG NOW EMPLOYS TEN
BANKS, AS DEPOSITORIES AND CUSTODIANS FOR IPS OVERSEAS FUNDS AND ASSETS WHICH AMOUNT AT CURRENT MARKET VALUE TO MORE THAN US$1,000 MILLION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE CROWN AGENTS WITH WHOM ALL HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS FUNDS AND ASSETS WERE DEPOSITED IN DECEMBER 1971, ARE ONLY ONE OF THESE TEN.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION DY THE HON. R.H. LOBO, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE COULD NOT D-ISCLOSE THE AMOUNT Or FUNDS THE CROWN AGENTS WERE CURRENTLY MANAGING FOR HONG KONG DECAUSE TO DO SO WOULD DE <-A BREACH OF CUSTOMARY COMMERCIAL CORF IDENTIAL I TV. •>
HE SAID THAT MR, LODO’S QUESTION MIGHT HAVE DEEN PROMPTED BY DOUBTS ADOUT THE SAFETY OF THE FUNDS DEPOSITED WITH THE CROWN AGENTS.
TO REMOVE THESE DOUBTS, HE QUOTED PART OF A STATEMENT MADE BY THE MISISTER FOR OVERSEAS DEVELOPMENT IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR. I
IN DESCRIDING THE FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS WHICH HAD BEEN MADE TO ASSIST THE CROWN AGENTS, THE MINISTER SA IDs <■ THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL DEMONSTRATE BEYOND ALL DOUBT THAT THE GOVERNMENT STANDS BEHIND THE CROWN AGENTS SO THAT THE POSITION OF ALL DEPOSITORS IS FULLY SAFEGUARDED. <•
MR. HADDON-CAVE SA IDs -t-OF COURSE, TO THE EXTENT THAT THE CROWN AGENTS ACT IN A CUSTODIAL AMD MANAGEMENT ROLE FOR PART OF OUR SECURITIES PORTFOLIO, THEIR OWN FINANCIAL POSITION IS HOT RELEVANT. <■
HE ADDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT HAD NO COMPLAINT ABOUT THE WAY IN WHICH THE CROWN AGENTS HAD, OVER THE YEARS, CARRIED OUT ITS INSTRUCTIONS RELATING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THIS PORTFOLIO.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
*»
SAFETY REGULATIONS FOR CARGO HANDLING WORKERS n n « {•
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY APPROVED REGULATIONS MADE DY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR TO ENSURE GREATER SAFETY OF WORKERS EMPLOYED IN CARGO HANDLING IN DOCKS, QUAYS AND WHARVES.
MOVING THE MOTION FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE REGULATIONS, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE HON. IAN PRICE SAID THE INCREASING USE OF MODERN DEVICES AND SOPHISTICATED TECHNIQUES FOR CARGO HANDLING, INCLUDING CONTAINERISATION, HAD BROUGHT WITH IT NEW SAFETY PROBLEMS THAT REQUIRED SPECIALISED TREAW3NT.
THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING (CARGO HANDLING) REGULATIONS 1975 " COMPLEMENTARY TO THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (LIFTING APPLIANCES AND LIFTING GEAtl) REGULATIONS 1974 - SET OUT SAFETY REQUIREMENTS AND PROVIDE FOR SAFE ACCESS TO, AND EFFICIENT LIGHTING OF, DOCKS, QUAYS AND WHARVES AS WELL AS FACILITIES FOR RESCUE FROM DROWNING.
TO ENSURE THE WORKERS’ SAFETY, THE REGULATIONS ALSO PROVIDE FOR THE PROPER MAINTENANCE. PROTECTION AND USE OF ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT WHICH MUST BE INSPECTED DAILY BY A COMPETENT PERSON* THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF FORK=L!FT TRUCKS* THE'SAFE STACKING OR UNSTACKING OF CARGO OR GOODS* AND THE PROHIBITION OF ANY UNAUTHORISED REMOVAL OF SAFETY APPLIANCES OR FENCING.
❖THE REGULATIONS WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON APRIL 1, 1975 TO ALLOW TIME FOR PROPRIETORS TO COMPLY WITH THE HEW REQUIREMENT,* MR. PRICE SAID.
❖THERE ARE ALSO PROVISIONS FOR FIRST AID FACILITIES SIMILAR TO THOSE CONTAINED IN THE CONSTRUCTION SITES (SAFETY) REGULATIONS 1973 WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON MAY 1, 1974,❖ HE SAID
❖IT IS NECESSARY TO INCLUDE FIRST AID FACILITIES IN THE REGULATIONS BECAUSE, WHILE CARGO HANDLING AT DOCKS, QUAYS AND WHARVES IS AN INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, SUCH ACTIVITIES DO NOT FALL WITHIN THE DEFINITION OF REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES UNDER SECTION 9 OF THE FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAK I NS ORDINANCE,* HE POINTED OUT.
❖THEREFORE THE FIRST AID IN REGISTRABLE WORKPLACES REGULATIONS WILL NOT APPLY.*
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975.
PRACTICAL TRAINING FOR ENGINEERING STUDENTS DIFFICULT TO OBTAIN IN BRITAIN if if if if i$
HONG KONG MUST BE PREPARED TO PROVIDE THE BULK OF PRACTICAL ON-THE-JOB TRAINING FOR ITS ENG I NEER I NS STUDENTS BECAUSE IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO GET SUCH TRAINING IN BRITAIN IF THEY ARE NOT STUDENTS THERE.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. LI FOOK-KOW, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION DY THE HON. JAMES WU IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN BRITAIN, MR. LI SAID, THERE WERE USUALLY MORE STUDENTS WANTING PRACTICAL TRAINING THAN THERE WERE VACANCIES OFFERED BY FIRMS.
■c-MOST LARGE FIRMS GIVE SOME TRAINING TO THEIR OWN EMPLOYEES AND MANY ALLOCATE HIGHER PRIORITY TO REQUESTS FROM THEIR OVERSEAS SUBSIDIARIES, ASSOCIATES AND IMPORTANT CUSTOMERS,* HE SAID.
*A RELUCTANCE ON THEIR PART TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL APPLICATIONS FOR WORK PERMITS IS UNDERSTANDABLE IN THE PRESENT WORLD ECONOMIC CIRCUMSTANCES IS INDEED UNDERSTANDABLE.*
MR. LI SAlDc * I THINK IT WOULD HOT BE UNFAIR TO SAY THAT IT IS PREFERABLE FOR STUDENTS TO RECEIVE THEIR PRACTICAL TRAINING IN HONG KONG, WHERE THEY WILL BE EMPLOYED WHEN QUALIFIED.*
HE SAID HE APPRECIATED THAT THERE MIGHT BE AREAS IN WHICH PRACTICAL TRAINING IS NOT VET AVAILABLE LOCALLY AND HE HAD, THEREFORE, ASKED THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL TO ADVISE THE GOVERNMENT ON THE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THE PRACTICAL TRAINING OF TECHNOLOGISTS LOCALLY.
THE COUNCIL HAS SINCE SET UP AN AD HOC COMMITTEE TO LOOK INTO THE AVAILABILITY OF THIS TYPE OF TRAINING IN HONG KONG.
MR. LI SAID HE LOOKED FORWARD TO THE EARLY RECEIPT OF THEIR ADVICE.
THE SECRETARY MENTIONED THREE MAIN CHANNELS THROUGH WHICH A HONG KONG ENGINEERING STUDENT CAN OBTAIN A TEMPORARY WORK PERMIT IN ORDER TO RECEIVE PRACTICAL TRAINING IN BRITA INO.
BUT, HE STRONGLY ADVISED THOSE WHO WANTED TO SEEK TRAINING IN BRITAIN TO REGISTER WITH THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON THROUGH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT DEFORE LEAVING HONG KONG.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975
NO INCREASE OF TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS n r: n n «
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY
TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT *TIIERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF INCREASING TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS0 NOR IS THERE ANY EVIDENCE OF PLANNED INFILTRATION.*
MR. TOPLEY MADE THIS ASSESSMENT IN CLOSE CONSULTATION WITH THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE.
HE WAS REPLYING TO QUESTIONS RAISED DY THE HON. MISS
KO SIU-WAH WHO ASKEDn
(A) DOES GOVERNMENT AGREE THAT THERE IS AN INCREASINGLY SERIOUS INFLUENCE OF TRIAD SOCIETIES IN SCHOOLS?
(D) IF SO. WHAT INSTRUCTION OR ASSISTANCE WILL GOVERNMENT GIVE TO SCHOOLS TO HELP TACKLE THE PROBLEM.
THE DIRECTOR SA IDs *LAST YEAR ONLY EIGHT REPORTS FROM SCHOOLS COMPLAINING OF SUSPECTED TRIAD ACTIVITIES WERE RECEIVED DY THE POLICE. DESIDES, OF THE TOTAL OF 1.610 PEOPLE UNDER 21 YEARS OF AGE ARRESTED FOR TRIAD OFFENCES IN 1974, ONLY 120 WERE STUDENTS. WHEN COMPARED WITH THE CHE MILLION CHILDREN IN THE 12-21 AGE GROUP, THE PERCENTAGE IS VERY SMALL INDEED.
*AS INDICATED ON AUGUST 14 LAST YEAR DY MY HON. COLLEAGUE THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, IN MOST OF THOSE CASES INVESTIGATED DY THE POLICE IT WAS ESTABLISHED THAT THE STUDENTS HAD JOINED TRIAD SOCIETIES OR GROUPS PROFESSING TO EE TRIADS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD WHERE THEY LIVE AND OUTSIDE SCHOOL HOURS.*
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED SCHOOLS TO DE ON THE ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND TO CONTACT THE POLICE DIRECT IF THEY RECEIVE ANY REPORTS OF TRIAD ACTIVITIES IN THEIR SCHOOLS. SEPARATELY, THE POLICE HAVE ARRANGED AND HELD MEETINGS WITH HEADMASTERS.
IN RESPONSE TO THE *FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME* CAMPAIGN, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PRODUCED A SPECIAL ETV PROGRAMME, ISSUED TEACHING MATERIALS, AND ASSISTED SCHOOLS IN ORGANISING EXHIBITIONS, FORUMS AND TALKS INCLUDING ADVICE ON COMBATING TRIAD ACTIVITIES.
■{•MOREOVER,* MR. TOPLEY SAID, *A ’REACHING OUT’ SCHEME OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK HAS BEEN INITIATED DY THE SOCIAL WELFARE AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS TO HELP SCHOOLS SOLVE THEIR PUPILS’ BEHAVIOUR PROBLEMS.*
HE CONCLUDED:) *IN SHORT, ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO EVIDENCE OF INCREASING TRIAD INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS, THE GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED ADO'JT ANY REPORTED ATTEMPT DY TRIADS 70 INFILTRATE SCHOOLS. THE POLICE FORCE AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ARE KEEPING A VIGILANT EYE ON THIS PROBLEM.*
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975.
- 22 -
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION VISITS SPECIAL CLASSES ft « # « « H
MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, SPENT THREE HOURS THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING VISITING TWO SCHOOLS WHICH PROVIDE SPECIAL TRAINING FOR PARTIALLY HEARING, SLOW LEARNING AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN.
HE WAS ACCOMPANIED DY MISS ELIZABETH ROWE, PRINCIPAL EDUCATION OFFICER (SPECIAL EDUCATION).
AT THE PERTH STREET GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL MR. TOPLEY SAW CHILDREN WITH HEARING AIDS DEING TAUGHT TO MAKE USE OF THEIR RESIDUAL HEARING AND TO SPEECH READ IN ORDER TO ACQUIRE BETTER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE.
LAST YEAR WAS THE FIRST TIME CHILDREN FROM PARTIALLY HEARING CLASSES PARTICIPATED It! THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS ENTRANCE EXAMINATION. TOO OUT OF A CLASS OF EIGHT WERE GIVEN AIDED SECONDARY PLACES AND THREE OTHERS WERE ABLE TO CONTINUE THEIR SECONDARY EDUCATION IN PRIVATE SCHOOLS.
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 160 PLACES FOR PARTIALLY HEARING CHILDREN AND UNDER THE SECOND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE 440 PLACES DY 3.977 IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS.
DURING HIS TOUR OF CLASSES FOR SLOW LEARNERS, MR. TOPLEY SAW GRADED SUPPLEMENTARY AND REMEDIAL TEACHING MATERIALS BEING USED TO TEACH THESE CHILDREN.
AS NO REMEDIAL TEACHING MATERIALS IN THE MEDIUM OF CHINESE ARE AVAILABLE IN HONG KONG, THESE ARE PREPARED BY SPECIAL EDUCATION INSPECTORS, INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS AND BY GROUPS OF TEACHERS.
AFTER A TRIAL PERIOD TEACHING MATERIALS FOUND USEFUL TO ALL SPECIAL TEACHERS ARE PRINTED WITH THE HELP OF THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
THERE ARE 3,140 PLACES FOR SLOW LEARNING CHILDREN AND IT IS THE INTENTION UNDER THE SECOND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE 9,400 PLACES IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SCHOOLS.
. AT THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL, THE DIRECTOR SAW PUPILS BEING ENCOURAGED TO MAKE FULL USE OF THEIR RESIDUAL VISION BY USING MAGNIFIERS AND BOOK STANDS. THE PUPILS USE EXERCISE BOOKS SPECIALLY DESIGNED BY THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION.
FLASH CARDS IN LARGE PRINT ARE PREPARED BY THE TEACHERS AND THEY ARE PRINTED DY THE GOVERNMENT PRINTER.
/AT PRESENT THERE .....
J
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22, 1975.
- 2? -
AT PRESENT THERE ARE 45 PLACES FOR PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN AND UNDER THE SECOND DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IT IS INTENDED TO PROVIDE 420 PLACES FOR SUCH CHILDREN IN GOVERNMENT AND AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
MR. TOPLEY SAID AFTER HIS TOUR THAT HE WAS PLEASED WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS BEING MADE TO PROVIDE MORE CLASSES FOR PARTIALLY HEARING, SLOW LEARNING AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED CHILDREN.
HE COMPLIMENTED THE TEACHERS FOR THEIR DEDICATION AND THE SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO INDIVIDUAL PUPILS.
THE DIRECTOR SAID IT WAS HIS INTENTION TO VISIT MORE SCHOOLS THIS YEAR AS HE FOUND HIS FAMILIARISATION TOURS IN 1974 TO BE VERY USEFUL.
HE BELIEVED THAT HIS EXCHANGES OF VIEWS WITH TEACHERS AND HEADMASTERS DURING THESE VISITS HAD PLAYED A PART TOWARDS IMPROVING RELATIONS BETWEEN MEMBERS OF THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
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BILLS PASSED ft it a
FOUR BILLS COMPLETED THEIR PASSAGE THROUGH THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THEY WERE i THE INLAND REVENUE (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1974, THE EXCHANGE FUND (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975, THE ACETYLATING B,LL I9?5 Ar® THE LANDLORD AND TENANT (CONSOLIDATION) (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) DILL 1975.
™JN0THER B,LL “ THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WAS INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCIL FOR ITS FIRST AND SECOND READINGS.
DEBATE WAS ALSO RESUMED ON THE CHILD CARE CENTRES BILL 1974.
IN ADDITION, FOUR REPORTS WERE TABLED IN COUNCIL.
THEY WERE I THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE ACCOUNTANT GENERAL WITH THE ACCOUNTS OF HONG KONG 1973-74, REPORT AND CERTIFICATE 2*»TdE ACC0UNTS 0F THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974, A DESPATCH TO THE SECRETARY OF STATE ON THE REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974 AND THE FIRST ANNUAL REPORT OF THE CRIMINAL AND LAW ENFORCEMENT INJURIES COMPENSATION BOARDS FOR THE YEAR ENDED MARCH 31, 1974.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CONSUMER PRICE INDICES DROPPED IN DECEMBER ............. 1
MORE PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN KOWLOON ....... 2
E.T.V. PRODUCES EXPERIMENTAL FILM ON THE TEACHING OF MATHEMATICS ............................................ 3
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION SPEAKS ON NEED FOR ADAPTABILITY TO LEARN NEW TECHNIQUES ................................ 4
20 NEW SAFETY OFFICERS COMPLETED INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL SAFETY .......................... 6
♦ASTRONOMICAL TABLES AND STAR CHARTS FOR HONG KONG 1975+ PUBLISHED ....................................... 3
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE AUCTIONED NEXT MONTH _____ 0
SEMINARS TO PROMOTE CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS .............. 9
ANTI-SMALLPOX VACCINATION CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED ON FEBRUARY 1 ............................................. 9
POST OFFICE RECREATION CLUB HOLDS ANNUAL CHILDREN’S PARTY ................................................. 10
VISITING MP’S TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW ....... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
1
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
DECEMBER CONSUMER PRICE INDICES DOWN ft ft ft ft ft ft
FOODSTUFFS COST LESS LAST MONTH, DUT PEOPLE HAD TO PAY MORE FOR KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM, ACCORDING TO THE NEW CONSUMER PRICE INDICES ISSUED TODAY.
THE ’A’ INDEX — WHICH IS BASED ON WEIGHTS DERIVED FROM THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS’SPENDING BETWEEN C4OO AND $1,499 A MONTH IN THE 1973/74 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY — DROPPED TO 106, THREE POINTS LOWER THAN THAT FOR NOVEMBER 1974.
A DROP OF FIVE POINTS WAS RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF RICE, SALT WATER FISH, FRESH FRUITS AND FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED AS A RESULT OF THE FAVOURABLE SUPPLY SITUATION.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ADVANCED BY THREE POINTS, AS A RESULT OF INCREASES IN THE RENTS OF PRIVATE POST-WAR BUILT DWELLINGS AND THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE RENTS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A AND GROUP B ESTATES.
DUE TO HIGHER PRICES FOR KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS, THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ROSE BY ONE POINT.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDICES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE ’B* INDEX FOR DECEMBER 1974 WAS 107, ONE POINT LOWER THAN 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.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS DECLINED BY FOUR POINTS. DECREASES WERE RECORDED IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF RICE, SALT WATER FISH, FRESH FRUITS AND FRESH VEGETABLES.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ADVANCED BY TWO POINTS, AS A RESULT OF INCREASES IN THE RENTS OF PRIVATE POST-WAR BUILT DWELLINGS AND THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE RENTS OF HOUSING AUTHORITY GROUP A AND B ESTATES.
THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT ROSE BY ONE POINT, DUE TO THE UPWARD REVISION IN THE PRICES OF KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS.
THE INCREASE OF ONE POINT IN THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES WAS MAINLY DROUGHT ABOUT DY HIGHER PRICES FOR PETROL AND OIL.
/MOVEMENTS .....
THURSDAY, JANUARY 2J, 1975
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDICES FOR OTHER SECTIONS OF COMMODITY AND SERVICE WERE I IS I GN IF ICA«T.
MEANWHILE* THE GENERAL CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (SEPT. 63/AUG. 64 - 100) FOR DECEMBER 1974 WAS 187, NINE POINTS (OR 4.6 PER CENT) LOWER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
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MORE PARKING METERS IN KOWLOON
####*#
PARKING METERS WILL BE INSTALLED IN TO KWA WAN, KOWLOON, FROM SUNDAY(JANUARY 26) TO PROVIDE A BETTER TURNOVER OF PARKING SPACES FOR SHORT-TERM PARKERS IN THE AREA.
THE INSTALLATION PROGRAMME, INVOLVING 1,200 NEW-RATE METERS FOR PRIVATE CARS AND 340 OLD-RATE METERS FOR GOODS VEHICLES, WILL BE COMPLETED IN SEVEN WORKING DAYS.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY ALL THE METERS WOULD BE INSTALLED IN PARKING SPACES NOW UNMETERED, WHILE A SMALL NUMBER OF OLD-RATE METERS FOR PRIVATE CARS IN TAM KUNG ROAD WOULD BE CONVERTED INTO THE NEW RATE TYPE.
HE ADVISED MOTORISTS TO READ CAREFULLY THE INSTRUCTIONS PRINTED ON THE METAL PLATE ATTACHED TO THE PARKING METERS TO ENSURE THAT THE CORRECT COINS WERE INSERTED.
THE NEW METERS ACCEPT ONLY 50 CENTS AND ONE DOLLAR COINS. UNDER THE NEW RATE SYSTEM, THERE ARE TOO TYPES OF TWO-HOUR METERS -ONE WHICH ACCEPTS 50 CENTS FOR 30 MINUTES, AND THE OTHER TAKES 50 CENT COINS FOR ONE HOUR. THERE ARE ALSO NEW HALF-HOUR METERS FOR WHICH THE CHARGE IS A FLAT 81.
THE OLD-RATE METERS FOR GOODS VEHICLES TAKE 10 CENT COINS, WITH A CHARGE OF 50 CENTS FOR TOO HOURS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO CANCEL PARKING TICKETS ISSUED TO A MOTORISTS WHO MIGHT HAVE PARKED HIS CAR AT AN UNMETERED PARKING SPACE WHICH WAS SUBSEQUENTLY METERED.
CARS ALREADY PARKED AT THE OLD-RATE METERS, WHICH ARE SUBSEQUENTLY CHANGED TO THE NEW TYPE WHILE THE CARS ARE STILL PARKED, WILL BE GIVEN THE FULL TIME ALLOWED BY THE NEW RATES, HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
FILM ON MATHEMATICS « M M 8 it ii
THE MATHEMATICS INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY HOLDING A SERIES OF MINI-SEMINARS IN WHICH AN EXPERIMENTAL FILM +CHALK AND TALK (A NEW APPROACH)* IS SHOWN AND DISCUSSED.
THE 42-MINUTE FILM WAS MADE IN THE STUDIOS OF E.T.V. + IT IS EXPERIMENTAL IN AS MUCH AS IT IS A TRUE RECORD OF AN ENTIRELY SPONTANEOUS MATHEMATICS LESSON,* AN EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE CENTRAL THEME OF THE FILM 1$ THE MUTUAL INVOLVEMENT OF THE TEACHER AND STUDENT.
+IT ALSO IMPLIES THAT DESPITE EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS IT IS THE TEACHER HIMSELF WHO IS THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENT IN THE CLASS SITUATION. VARIOUS WAYS IN WHICH TEACHERS CAN IMPROVE THEIR METHODOLOGY AND APPROACH ARE SHOWN IN THE FILM,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
IT IS TOPICAL SO FAR AS IT INVOLVES A MIXED ABILITY GROUP AND MAY BE OF HELP TO TEACHERS INVOLVED WITH JUNIOR SECONDARY CLASSES. PRINCIPALS WHO WOULD LIKE THEIR MATHEMATICS STAFF TO SEE THIS FILM SHOULD CONTACT THE MATHEMATICS INSPECTORATE=> TELs 5-774001 EXT. 36.
SINCE MID-NOVEMBER 1974, TEACHERS FROM OVER 20 SCHOOLS AND LECTURERS FROM THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION HAVE SEEN THE FILM WHEN THEY ATTENDED THE SEMINARS.
NOTE TO EDITORS#
A SPECIAL SHOWING OF THE FILM HAS BEEN ARRANGED FOR MEMBERS OF THE MASS MEDIA IN THE AUD IC VISUAL THEATRE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, LEE GARDENS, 3RD l-LOOR, AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS), MR. FRANK PARKIN, WILL BE PLEASED TO ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS WHICH PRESS REPRESENTATIVES MAY WISH TO RAISE.
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATKN, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY IS EXPECTED TO BE IN THE AUDIENCE.
/ I
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED.
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A
4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
NEED FOR ADAPTABILITY TO LEARN NEW TECHNIQUES a « « a « a
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, SAID TODAY THAT THERE WAS A NEED FOR PEOPLE TO LEARN TO DE ADAPTABLE SINCE NEW TECHNIQUES WERE DEVELOPING SO RAPIDLY AND NEW PRODUCTS WERE BEING PUT ON THE MARKET EVERY DAY.
MR. TOPLEY WAS SPEAKING AT THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL WHICH HE DECLARED OPEN.
THE SCHOOL, HE SAID, +SETS OUT TO PROVIDE EACH BOY WITH A WIDE RANGE OF BASIC SKILLS SO THAT THE ECONOMIC NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY MAY BE SATISFIED AND SO THAT PUPILS ON LEAVING THE SCHOOL GET SUITABLE JOBS. THIS MAKES GOOD SENSE. ALL OF US, I AM SURE, WANT TO SEE HONG KONG PROSPER.+
THE DIRECTOR URGED PEOPLE TO LEARN NEW JOBS, INCLUDING NEW TECHNIQUES AND SKILLS AND ADJUST THEMSELVES TO NEW SITUATIONS.
+NO ONE TODAY CAN LEARN A CRAFT AND SAY WITH CERTAINTY THAT HE WILL BE FOLLOWING THE SAME TRADE IN 40 OR 50. YEARS FROM NOW.
+SUCH RAPID PROGRESS IS BEING MADE THAT IT IS NECESSARY FOR ALL OF US TO LEARN NEW THINGS, AND TO BE RETRAINED, OFTEN TWO OR THREE TIMES IN OUR LIFE-TIME,* HE SAID.
THE ROTARY PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL GIVES BOYS BASIC TRAINING WHICH WOULD ENABLE THEM TO ADAPT.
THE SCHOOL IS DOING ITS BEST TO PROVIDE BOYS WITH A COMPREHENSIVE UNDERSTANDING INCLUDING BASIC PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY AND WORK METHODS.
+THIS IS DONE IN ORDER TO PREPARE THEM FOR THEIR ENTRY INTO THE WORLD OF WORK AND TO PROVIDE THEM WITH A BROAD BASIS OF KNOWLEDGE FOR TRAINING - POSSIBLY IN A TECHNICAL INSTITUTE - LATER, IN A SPECIFIC OCCUPATION.
+0N THE OTHER HAND THERE IS FAR MORE TO EDUCATION THAN THIS. IN A PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL THE CURRICULUM INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY 45 PER CENT TECHNICAL AND 55 PER CENT GENERAL EDUCATION,* HE SAID.
THE SCHOOL IS PROVIDING TECHNICAL EDUCATION AS WELL AS A WELL-ROUNDED GENERAL EDUCATION. IT ALSO GIVES THE PUPILS SOME DEGREE OF CIVIC AWARENESS.
/♦IN AN OVER-CROWDED .....
1
THURSDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975.
♦ IN AN OVER-CROWDED CITY LIKE HONG KONG THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT,+ MR. TOPLEY EMPHASISED.
HE ADDED# +QUALITIES NEEDED TO KEEP AN AREA CLEAN IN A HOUSING ESTATE, OR TO DO WHAT ONE CAN IN ONE’S OWN WAY TO PREVENT CRIME AND A THOUSAND AND ONE THINGS WHICH WE NORMALLY LIST AS BEING THE REQUIREMENTS OF A GOOD CITIZEN.
♦ THIS SCHOOL IS FOSTERING AND ENCOURAGING THESE QUALITIES AND SEEKING WAYS OF HELPING ITS PUPILS TO CO-OPERATE AND SHOW RESPECT AND CONSIDERATION TO THE FEELINGS AND WELL-BEING OF OTHERS. MORE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL STUDIES ARE AN IMPORTANT PART OF EVERYONE’S EDUCATION.♦
PRACTICAL SUBJECTS FOR THE BOYS AT THE SCHOOL INCLUDE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING AS WELL AS PRINTING.
THE GIRLS DO COMMERCE, TEXTILES AND TAILORING AS WELL AS HOME ECONOMICS.
♦ THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA HAS NEVER BEEN AFRAID TO PLOUGH A NEW FURROW AND IT IS INTERESTING TO SEE THAT GIRLS ALSO STUDY RETAILING AND MERCHANDISING.
♦ ALTHOUGH SUCH COURSES ARE POPULAR IN MANY OVERSEAS COUNTRIES THIS IS AN INTERESTING NEW INITIATIVE FOR HONG KONG. I SHALL BE INTERESTED TO HEAR HOW THE CLASSES PROGRESS,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
A CONSIDERABLE PART OF THE SCHOOL’S CAPITAL COSTS WAS PAID BY THE GOVERNMENT AS IN ALL AIDED SCHOOL PROJECTS. THE SPONSOR’S SHARE IS A JOINT EFFORT BETWEEN THE CHURCH OF CHRIST IN CHINA AND THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON WEST - AFTER WHICH THE SCHOOL IS NAMED.
THE SCHOOL STARTED CLASSES IN BORROWED PREMISES IN SEPTEMBER 1972 AND MOVED TO THE NEW BUILDING IN LUNG CHEUNG ROAD LAST SEPTEMBER. AT PRESENT THE SCHOOL HAS NINE CLASSES FOR GIRLS AND THIRTEEN FOR BOYS. IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR IT WILL HAVE SEVEN MORE, MAKING A TOTAL OF 29 CLASSES FOR 1,160 PUPILS.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
6
SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT URGED
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE, TODAY CALLED UPON NEWLY-TRAINED INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICERS TO HELP CREATE A NEW INDUSTRIAL CLIMATE IN WHICH MANAGEMENT WOULD GAIN A KEEN AWARENESS OF THE OVERWHELMING NEED, DOTH IN ECONOMIC AND HUMAN TERMS, FOR A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
THE 20 NEW SAFETY OFFICERS, WHO CAME FROM A WIDE CROSSSECTION OF INDUSTRY, HAVE JUST SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETED A FULL TIME SIX-WEEK INTENSIVE TRAINING COURSE, AND WERE AWARDED CERTIFICATES AS INDUSTRIAL SAFETY OFFICERS.
THE COURSE WAS THE SOOTH CONDUCTED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE AND CONSISTED OF BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING, COUPLED WITH ACCIDENT CASE STUDIES AND FACTORY VISITS.
IT WAS CONDUCTED BY SAFETY AND HEALTH EXPERTS FROM THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT, WAS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN IN-DEPTH STUDY OF ACCIDENT PREVENTION AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES. GUEST LECTURERS FROM THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT, MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC AND INDUSTRY ALSO TOOK PART.
SPEAKING AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY, MR. PRICE TOLD THE SAFETY OFFICERS TO PUT INTO PRACTICE WHAT THEY HAD LEARNED AND TO CONVINCE THOSE AROUND THEM - THEIR EMPLOYERS, THEIR COLLEAGUES, THE WORKERS - OF THE RIGHTNESS OF THEIR CASE.
+IT IS MANAGEMENT’S RESPONSIBILITY TO ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE HAD THE BENEFIT OF EXPERT TRAINING ARE ALLOWED TO USE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND PASS IT ON TO OTHERS WITH WHOM THEY WORK.+ HE SAID. +IN THIS WAY SAFETY BECOMES AN IN-BUILT FACTOR IN THE WORK PLACE. <■
MR. PRICE SAID IT WAS NO GOOD SIMPLY PAYING LIP SERVICE TO SAFETY. +1 SUSPECT THAT THERE IS OFTEN TOO MUCH TALK ABOUT INDUSTRIAL SAFETY, AND NOT ENOUGH ACTUALLY DONE ABOUT IT.+
LAST YEAR, HE NOTED, 234 PEOPLE HAD BEEN KILLED AND ANOTHER 30,780 INJURED IN WORK ACCIDENTS IN HONG KONG. IN 1973. THE NUMBER KILLED WAS 304 AND INJURIES AMOUNTED TO 30,214.
+AT FIRST GLANCE THE SITUATION WOULD APPEAR TO HAVE IMPROVED SLIGHTLY, AT LEAST IN ONE DIRECTION. THE NUMBER OF DEATHS HAS DECREASED. THIS IS AN ENCOURAGING AND HOPEFUL SIGN. BUT THE INJURY RATE HAS CONTINUED ITS UPWARD CLIMB AND THIS IS DISAPPOINTING.<■
HE ADDED 8 +A MORE COMPREHENSIVE STUDY OF THE ACCIDENT STATISTICS MUST BE MADE BEFORE ANY FINAL CONCLUSION CAN BE REACHED.+
/But he suggested .....
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 2J, 1975. - 7 -
BUT HE SUGGESTED THE SITUATION HAD NOT SHOWN ANY REAL IMPROVEMENT. +IN FACT, IT MAY WELL BE THAT IT HAS BECOME WORSE, PARTICULARLY IN THE LIGHT OF REDUCED INDUSTRIAL ACTIVITY OVER A YEAR IN WHICH THERE HAS BEEN A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF MAN-HOURS WORKED,+ HE SAID.
MR. PRICE ASSURED INDUSTRY THAT THE' LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS ANXIOUS TO CO-OPERATE IN EVERY WAY IN THE FIGHT FOR A SAFER WORKING ENVIRONMENT. HE URGED INDUSTRY TO START MAKING GREATER USE OF THE FREE FACILITIES OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE WHICH SINCE 1967 HAS TRAINED MORE THAN 10,000 PEOPLE FROM GOVERNMENT AND INDSTRY. DURING THE SAME PERIOD, TRAINING OFFICERS HAVE GIVEN LECTURES ON SAFETY TO MORE THAN 25,000 STUDENTS AT PRE-VOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
MR. PRICE COMMENDED OFFICERS OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE, WHO HE SAID, HAD SINCE 1967 BUILT UP A SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE TO ONE OF THE BEST IN THE FAR EAST.
♦THE most STRIKING POINT ABOUT THE CENTRE IS THAT IT HAS PROVED OF PRACTICAL VALUE, IN THAT CONCRETE AND POSITIVE ACTION HAS EMERGED IN AN ATTEMPT TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS -ACCIDENTS WHICH ARE A BLOT ON THE INDUSTRIAL SCENE IN HONG KONG.+
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/8
THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975.
HAND BOOK FOR STAR GAZERS ««««««
HONG KONG RESIDENTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY OF SEEING ANOTHER TOTAL ECLIPSE OF THE MOON ON NOVEMBER 19 THIS YEAR.
DETAILS OF THE PHENOMENON ARE CONTAINED IN AN ASTRONOMICAL MANUAL PUBLISHED BY THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.
THE 48-PAGE MANUAL — ^ASTRONOMICAL TABLES AND STAR CHARTS FOR HONG KONG, 1975+ — IS PUBLISHED IN ENGLISH AND IS NOW ON SALE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE STAR FERRY CONCOURSE AT 84.50 PER COPY.
AMONG OTHER THINGS, IT LISTS THE TIMES OF THE RISE AND SETTING OF THE SUN, THE MOON AND OTHER PLANETS FOR EACH DAY OF THE YEAR.
THE ASTRONOMICAL DATA IS SUPPLEMENTED BY 12 MONTHLY CHARTS SHOWING THE POSITION OF THE STARS OVER HONG KONG’S SKYLINE.
THE MANUAL SHOULD BE INVALUABLE TO PROFESSIONAL NAVIGATORS AND PEOPLE INTERESTED IN STUDYING THE MOVEMENTS OF THE STARS.
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CROWN LAND SALE « n h n «
THREE LOTS OF CROWN LAND FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY AUCTION NEXT MONTH.
TWO OF THEM, MEASURING 21,500 SQ. FT. AND 19,500 SQ. FT., ARE LOCATED IN CHUNG HOM KOK, OFF CAPE DRIVE AND CAPE ROAD. THE OTHER COVERS AN AREA OF 10,600 SQ. FT. OFF CHAI WAN ROAD.
ANOTHER LOT, FOR INDUSTRIAL OR GO-DOWN PURPOSES, WILL ALSO BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION. THIS LOT IS SITUATED BETWEEN CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD IN KOWLOON. IT MEASURES 10,670 SQ. FT.
THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 P.M. ON FEBRUARY 21 IN THE CITY HALL LECTURE ROOM.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING) AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE LOCATED IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES AT 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR.
SALE PLANS MAY ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE TOO PLACES.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975\
SEMINARS TO PROMOTE CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS ft ft ft ft ft ft
A SER IES OF DISTRICT-LEVEL SEMINARS AIMED AT PROMOTING CIVIC CONSCIOUSNESS WILL BE HELD SIMULTANEOUSLY IN TEN CITY DISTRICTS ON SATURDAY (JANUARY 25) BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 5 P.M.
THE SEMINARS ARE ORGANISED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE +OUR CITY — OUR CONCERN-> PROJECT JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG JUNIOR CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
• DURING EACH SEMINAR, GUEST SPEAKERS WILL BE INVITED TO TALK ON SPECIFIC TOPICS OF INTEREST TO THE DISTRICT.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE SEMINARS WILL BE HELD AT THE KING’S COLLEGE IN BONHAM ROAD, THE CARITAS CENTRE IN CAINE ROAD, THE LADY TRENCH TRAINING CENTRE IN 01 KWAN ROAD AND THE CAUSEWAY BAY MAGISTRACY BUILDING.
IN KOWLOON, THE SEMINARS WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE HO LAP COLLEGE IN TSEUK LUK STREET, THE YAUMATI KA I FONG ASSOCIATION PRIMARY SCHOOL IN SHEK PIK ROAD, THE MAN SAN COLLEGE IN DUMBARTON ROAD, THE TAK CHING GIRLS’ SECONDARY SCHOOL IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THE ELIZABETH COLLEGE IN SAI YEE STREET AND THE KWUN TONG MARYKNOLL COLLEGE IN TSUI PING ROAD.
NOTE TO EDITORS
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THESE SEMINARS COVERED ON SATURDAY.
- - 0 - -
ANTI-SMALLPOX VACCINATION CAMPAIGN ft n ft ft « ft
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S 1975 ANT I-SMALLPOX VACCINATION CAMPAIGN BEGINS ON FEBRUARY 1, AND WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH.
DURING THE PERIOD, AN EFFORT WILL BE MADE TO VACCINATE AS MANY RESIDENTS AS POSSIBLE AGAINST THE DISEASE.
+HONG KONG HAS NOT HAD A CASE OF SMALLPOX FOR 23 YEARS. ONE ’IMPORTED’ CASE WAS NOTIFIED IN JUNE 1952, BUT THE RECORD HAS BEEN CLEAN AFTER THAT,+ A SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE HOPED NEXT MONTH’S CAMPAIGN WOULD HELP DRAW THE PUBLIC’S ATTENTION TO IMMUNITY TO PREVENT A RECURRENCE OF THE DISEASE.
FREE VACCINATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT ALL GOVERNMENT CLINICS AND INOCULATION CENTRES.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 23, 1975
10
POST OFFICE CHILDREN’S PARTY ft ft ft ft ft ft
SOME 1,000 CHILDREN OF THE POST OFFICE STAFF WILL BE ENTERTAINED THIS SUNDAY (JANUARY 26) AT THE ANNUAL CHILDREN’S PARTY ORGANISED BY THE POST OFFICE RECREATION CLUB.
THE PROGRAMMES WILL INCLUDE GAMES, SONGS AND A MUSICAL COMEDY STAGED BY ARTISTES FROM THE FOUR RADIO AND TELEVISION STATIONS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A ROAD*SAFETY STALL SET UP BY THE POLICE. THE BAND OF THE CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE WILL PROVIDE MUSIC FOR THE PARTY.
THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL BE A LUCKY DRAW WHEN PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED BY MRS. ADDI, WIFE OF THE POSTMASTER GENERAL. TOYS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE CHILDREN ATTENDING THE PARTY.
NOTE TO EDITORSi YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR ---------------- PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PARTY WHICH WILL BEGIN
AT 1 PM AND LAST UNTIL 5 PM ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 26) AT THE POST OFFICE RECREATION CLUB, CAROLINE HILL ROAD.
0 - -
VISITING MP’S TO MEET REPORTERS TOMORROW ft ft ft ft ft ft
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE TOO VISITING MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, SIR PAUL BRYAN AND MR. CHARLES FLETCHER-COOKE, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3.30 P.M. IN THE PRESS CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIFTH FLOOR.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
(ATTENTION T.V. NEWS CREWS: THE LIFT IN BEACONSFIELD HOUSE WILL BE OUT OF SERVICE FOR MAINTENANCE ON THAT DAY. HEAVY EQUIPMENT CAN BE BROUGHT IN VIA THE BRIDGE LINKING BATTERY PATH WITH BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.)
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG DESIGNERS ARE GRADUALLY ADOPTING A
MORE ORIGINAL APPROACH..................................1
PRISON’S DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE MOVES TO HEI LING CHAU ..................................... 2
NEW LEGISLATION PROPOSED TO CHING RESIGNATION
PROCEDURES FOR GAZETTED POLICE OFFICERS IN LINE WITH THOSE FOR RANK-AND-FILE......«,................ 3
BUS FRANCHISES TO BE EXTENDED UNTIL MAY.............. 3
NEW BILL PAVES WAY FOR EXTRA POSTAL SERVICES ........ 4
GRADUATION PARADE FOR PRISON RECRUITS ................ 4
# •
NEW RULES PROPOSED FOR ADMISSION OF TAPED EVIDENCE 5 *
NEWLY COMPLETED TRAFFIC LANE AT QUEENSWAY OPEN ON SUNDAY ............................................... 6
ANONYMOUS DONOR CONTRIBUTES $10 MILLION FOR BIG SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AT ABERDEEN .................... 6
. Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY » JANUARY 24, 1975.
HONG KONG DESIGNERS BECOMING MORE ORIGINAL «»«««« I
’ r
HONG KONG IS GRADUALLY GETTING AWAY FROM BEING A PLACE THAT JUST MANUFACTURES TO OTHER PEOPLES’ DESIGNS AND SPECIFICATIONS. THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY,MR. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY!
THIS TREND WAS EVIDENT FROM THE WINNING PRODUCTS IN THE RECENT ■►GOVERNOR’S AWARD* COMPETITION, HE TOLD THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE GIFTWARE DESIGN EXHIBITION FROM JAPAN AT THE CITY HALL.'
MR. JORDAN SAID THERE WAS NOW A LARGE AND INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE IN HONG KONG WHO RECOGNISE THE GROWING HEED IN ORIGINAL WORK, AND HE WAS ENCOURAGED DY THE INCREASING ACTIVITIES OF THE DESIGN COUNCIL AND DY THE DEVELOPMENTS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATION.
THE POLYTECHNIC. HE POINTED OUT, WAS OFFERING A THREE-YEAR
FULL TIME HIGHER DIPLOMA COURSE AND A ONE-YEAR FULL TIME ASSOCIATESHIP COURSE IN INDUSTRIAL DESIGN. *DOTH OF OUR UNIVERSITIES.* HE ADDED, *HAVE EXTRA-MURAL COURSES ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN. THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PROVIDES A FULL TIME DESIGN COURSE ON FURNITURE AND THE DESIGN CENTRE ITSELF OFFERS A CERTIFICATE COURSE ON INDUSTRIAL DESIGN.
MR. JORDAN NOTED THAT TODAY’S EXHIBITION AT THE CITY HALL COVERED, DELIBERATELY, ONLY A LIMITED FIELD. BUT IT WAS ONE IN WHICH THERE WAS A GREAT DEAL OF SCOPE FOR HONG KONG, HE SAID.
+1 HOPE THAT STUDENTS, PRACTISING DESIGNERS AND MANUFACTURERS ALIKE WILL GAIN PRACTICAL BENEFIT FROM STUDYING THE PRODUCTS HERE-AND THAT OUR BUDDING DESIGNERS WILL ALSO STAND BACK A LITTLE TO CONSIDER THE OVERALL APPROACH OF THE JAPANESE DESIGNERS WHO PRODUCED THE ITEMS,* HE SAID.
+COLLECTIVELY THEY HAVE SOMETHING WHICH WE HAVE NOT YET MANAGED TO ACHIEVES A UNITY DERIVED FROM A DISTINCT AND READILY RECOGNISED JAPANESE APPROACH TO DESIGN.
*THIS OF COURSE IS APPROPRIATE AND INDEED POSSIBLE ONLY IN SOME FIELDS. BUT THIS IS ONE OF THEM - AND I THINK IT OFFERS AN INTERESTING CHALLENGE TO OUR DESIGNERS TO DEVELOP A RECOGNISABLE HONG KONG STYLE, WHICH COULD DE IN ITSELF A POSSIBLE SELLING POINT,* MR. JORDAN ADDED.
MR. JORDAN EMPHASISED THAT HE WAS TALKING ABOUT DESIGN, AND NOT ABOUT THE ADDITION TO AN EXISTING PRODUCT OF IRRELEVANT *STYLI NG*.
♦THE EXHIBITION AND THE ASSOCIATED SEMINAR SHOULD BE MORE HELPFUL TO THE PRODUCTION OF BETTER DESIGNED - AND AGAIN I USE THIS TERM IN ITS WIDER SENSE - HONG KONG PRODUCTS IN THIS SECTOR.
+THIS IS OF GROWING IMPORTANCE IN THESE DIFFICULT DAYS. AS
I SAID TO OUR EXPORTERS A FEW WEEKS AGO, 1975 IS GOING TO BE A YEAR IN WHICH THEY HAVE TO GO OUT AND SELL AND OUR MANUFACTURERS AND DESIGNERS HAVE TO SEE THAT THEY HAVE WELL-DESIGNED, GOOD QUALITY PRODUCTS TO SELL,* MR. JORDAN SAID.
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2
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1975
PRISON’S DRUG ADDICTION CENTRE MOVES TO HEI LING CHAU Ulf « ft «
A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE IS TO BE LOCATED ON HEI LING CHAU WHEN THE LEPROSY MISSION (HONG KONG) AUXILIARY CLOSES DOWN AT THE END OF 'TIE MONTH,
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL DE REVIEWED AFTER THE CENTRE HAS BEEN OPERATING FOR FOUR YEARS AND IT IS HOPED THAT HEI LING CHAU MAY THEN BE USED FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.,
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT THE DECISION HAD BEEN TAKEN BECAUSE OF THE NEED TO PROVIDE MORE PRISON ACCOMMODATION.
THIS WAS NECESSARY AS EXISTING PRISON DEPARTMENT ACCOMMODATION WAS SUFFERING FROM SERIOUS OVERCROWDING DUE TO THE FACT THAT MORE CONVICTIONS WERE BEING SECURED AND LONGER SENTENCES BEING IMPOSED BY THE COURTS,
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ONE OF THE MEASURES TO OVERCOME THIS PROBLEM WAS THE RECONVERSION OF THE MA PO PING DRUG ADDICTION CENTRE TO A PRISON, FOR WHICH IT WAS ORIGINALLY DESIGNED, AND THE CONSEQUENT MOVE OF THE CENTRE TO HEI LING CHAU.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE BUILDINGS ON THE ISLAND WOULD NEED VERY LITTLE ALTERATION SO THAT THE MOVE WOULD BEGIN AT ONCE.
THE SPOKESMAN RECALLED A STATEMENT MADE BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TWO MONTHS AGO IN WHICH HE SAID THAT ^ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PREFER TO USE THE ISLAND FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES, THE ACUTE SHORTAGE OF PRISON ACCOMMODATION HAS MADE IT ESSENTIAL TO FIND ADDITIONAL FACILITIES FOR THE TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS AT VERY SHORT NOTICE.*
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE NEW CENTRE ON HEI LING CHAU WOULD USE MOST OF THE BUILDINGS ON THE NORTHERN PART OF THE ISLAND. +THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THE SOUTHERN PART SHOULD BE USED FOR RESITING THE GREEN ISLAND EXPLOSIVES DEPOT IS STILL UNDER CONSIDERATION.*
IN THE MEANTIME, THE WHOLE ISLAND WILL f7, MADE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS;’"
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3
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1975
RESIGNATION PROCEDURES FOR GAZETTED POLICE OFFICERS ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
DRAFT LEGISLATION SETTING OUT THE CIRCUMSTANCES IN WHICH A GAZETTED POLICE OFFICER MAY RESIGN FROM THE FORCE, IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THE NEW PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE POLICE (AMENDMENT) BILL ARE SIMILAR TO THOSr WHICH AT PRESENT APPLY IN THE CASE OF INSPECTORS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS AND POLICE CONSTABLES.
THE BILL SPECIFIES THAT A GAZETTED POLICE OFFICER MAY NOT RESIGN UNLESS HE GIVES THREE MONTHS’ NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE COMMISSIONER, OR PAYS — WITH THE PRIOR CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER — ONE MONTH’S SALARY IN LIEU OF NOTICE. THIS BRINGS THE RESIGNATION PROCEDURES FOR GAZETTED OFFICERS IN LINE WITH THOSE OF THE RANK-AND-FILE.
THE BILL IS EXPECTED TO DE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY.
- - 0 - -
BUS FRANCHISES TO BE EXTENDED UNTIL MAY ft ft ft ft ft ft
HONG KONG'S MAJOR BUS COMPANIES - KMB AND CMB - WILL HAVE THEIR EXISTING FRANCHISES EXTENDED FOR A FEW MONTHS UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATION PUBLISHED TODAY.
THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT (EXTENSION OF GRANTS) BILL 1975 SEEKS TO EXTEND THE FRANCHISES UNTIL MAY 31.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED TODAY THAT THE EXISTING FRANCHISES OF THE TWO COMPANIES ARE DUE TO EXPIRE OH FEBRUARY 14. IT HAD BEEN HOPED TO IMPLEMENT PROVISIONS OF THE NEW PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES BILL BEFORE THIS DATE, BUT MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAVE ASKED FOR MORE TIME TO CONSIDER THE BILL.
FOR THIS REASON, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO SEEK AFURTHER EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING FRANCHISES UNTIL NEW ONES ARE APPROVED AND ISSUED UNDER THE TERMS OF THE NEW PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES DILL.
- - o - -
FRIDAY, JANUARY 26, 1975
It
NEW BILL PAVES WAY FOR EXTRA POSTAL SERVICES et n -x n « a
MORE AND BETTE!? POSTAL SERVICES WILL BE PROVIDED UNDER NEW DRAFT LEGISLATION PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE,
THE POST OFFICE BILL 1975, IF PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING POST OFFICE ORDINANCE WHICH HAS REMAINED UNCHANGED APART FROM SOME MINOR AMENDMENTS SINCE IT WAS ENACTED IN 1926,
IT GIVES EXPANDED AND MORE DEFINED AUTHORITY TO THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO OPERATE EXISTING SERVICES AND TO INTRODUCE ADDITIONAL SERVICES WHICH ARE MORE IN LINE WITH PRESENT DAY REQUIREMENTS,
IT ALSO DESCRIBES IN FULL HIS POWERS TO DEAL WITH UNPAID AND UNDERPAID POSTAL PACKETS, AND GIVES LEGAL BACKING TO EXISTING ADMINISTRATIVE ARRANGEMENTS AIMED AT PREVENTING LOSS OF POSTAL REVENUE.
THE BILL ALSO AUTHORISES THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS WITH OTHER POSTAL ADMINISTRATIONS FOR THE CONVEYANCE OF MAIL, AND TO IMPLEMENT THE DECISIONS OF THE UNIVERSAL POSTAL UNION RATIFIED ON BEHALF OF HONG KONG DY THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT AND AUTHORITY TO DISPOSE OF POSTAL PACKETS WHICH CENTRAVENE THE LAW OR WHICH CANNOT BE RETURNED TO THE SENDER OR FORWARDED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID TODAY THAT THE POST OFFICE BILL WAS DRAWN UP AFTER A CRITICAL EXAMINATION OF THE EXISTING LEGISLATION,
+THE NEW BILL WILL, IF ENACTED, UPDATE THE CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH POSTAL SERVICES OPERATE IN HONG KONG, AND PROVIDE LEGISLATION FOR THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW SERVICES AS THE NEED ARISES AND SOME EXISTING SERVICES HOT COVERED IN THE PRESENT ORDINANCE,•> HE SAID.
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PRISON RECRUIT OFFICERS GRADUATE
■X H -X- a H
NOTE TO EDITORS#
MORE THAN 100 PRISON RECRUIT OFFICERS WILL GRADUATE FROM THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STAHLEY TOMORROW (SATURDAY). TO MARK THE OCCASION THEY WILL PARTICIPATE IN A PARADE BEFORE THE HON. PETER WILLIAMS, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE OCCASION. THE PARADE STARTS AT 10 AM.
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/5
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1975
5
NEW RULES FOR ADMISSION OF TAPED EVIDENCE it it it it it it
AMENDING LEGISLATION TO HELP SPEED UP TRIAL PROCEDURES WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL SHORTLY. KNOWN AS THE EVIDENCE (AMENDMENT) DILL 1975, IT PROVIDES FOR A CERTIFIED TRANSCRIPT OF A TAPE RECORDING IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH TO BECOME ADMISSIBLE IN EVIDENCE IN CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PROCEEDINGS.
AT PRESENT., IF A TAPE RECORDING IS ADMITTED IN EVIDENCE IN ANY COURT PROCEEDINGS AND IT IS IN A LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH, IT IS NECESSARY FOR THE PERSON WHO TRANSCRIBED THE RECORDING IN THAT LANGUAGE TO GIVE EVIDENCE AS VO THE TRANSCRIPTION.
THE DILL MAINLY SEEKS TO CHANGE THIS REQUIREMENT DY MAKING A DULY CERTIFIED TRANSCRIPT ADMISSIBLE IN EVIDENCE, SO THAT THE PERSON WHO TRANSCRIBED THE RECORDING HEED NOT BE CALLED AS A WITNESS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY IN EVIDENCE OF CERTIFIED TRANSLATIONS OF A DOCUMENT IN ANY LANGUAGE OTHER THAN ENGLISH. AT PRESENT, THE LEGISLATION OHLY PROVIDES FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY IN EVIDENCE OF A CERTIFIED TRANSLATION IN ENGLISH IN ANY DOCUMENT IN THE CHINESE LANGUAGE WHICH IS ADMITTED IN EVIDENCE.
THE CHIEF JUSTICE WILL ALSO DE EMPOWERED BY THE AMENDED LEGISLATION TO APPOINT PERSONS OTHER THAN PUBLIC OFFICERS TO CARRY OUT TRANSLATIONS AND TO SIGH CERTIFICATES FOR THESE PURPOSES.
THE EXISTING ORDINANCE CARRIES A SECTION WHICH PROVIDES FOR THE ADMISSIBILITY OF PRINTS MADE FROM FILMS IN THE POSSESSION OF THE GOVERNMENT OR AH AUTHORISED PERSON. THE DILL PROPOSES TO TRANSFER THE AUTHORITY FOR DECLARING THE AUTHORISED PERSON FROM THE GOVERNOR TO THE COLONIAL SECRETARY.
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/6
FRIDAY, JANUARY 24, 1975
NEW QUEENSV'Y TRAFFIC LANE OPENS ON SUNDAY h « n n n
THE NEW EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF QUEENSWAY ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE OPENED TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC AS FROM 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (JANUARY 26).
QUEENSWAY, WHICH LINKS WAN CHAI AND CENTREAL DISTRICTS, IS BEING WIDENED AND REALIGNED TO ELIMINATE A SHARP BEND SO AS TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT.
ALSO FROM SUNDAY, THE EXISTING EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC, EXCEPT TRAMS, TO ENABLE WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT OH THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HEW WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY.
WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL CONTINUE TO USE THE EXISTING WESTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY UNTIL THE HEW ONE IS COMPLETED.
THE NEW EASTDOUND CARRIAGEWAY IS TO HAVE THREE LANES. MOTORISTS WILL LATER DE ALLOWED TO USE THE THIRD LANE.
FROM SUNDAY, THERE WILL DE A NEW DUS STOP ON THE HEW CARRIAGEWAY NEAR THE HEW PEDESTRIAN FOOTDRIDGE HOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION. EASTBOUND BUSES NOW OBSERVING THE DUS STOP OUTSIDE THE MURRAY ROAD MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING WILL ALSO USE THE HEW DUS STOP.
- - 0
ANONYMOUS DONOR GIVES CIO MILLION FOR HUGE SWIMMING COMPLEX IN ABERDEEN « n a n it «
A NEW SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, WHICH WILL DE ADLE TO ACCOMMODATE 5,000 SWIMMERS AT ANY ONE TIME, WILL DE DU ILT IN ADERDEEN.
A CONTRIBUTION OF CIO MILLION TOWARDS ITS DU ILDI NG COST HAS BEEN DONATED BY A HONG KONG RESIDENT, WHO WISHES TO REMAIN ANONYMOUS.
THE POOL IS DESIGNED TO THE BEST STANDARD OF THOSE ALREADY EXISTING AND OPERATED DY THE URBAN COUNCIL. IT WILL HAVE TWO 50-METRE POOLS, THREE TEACHING POOLS, PADDLING POOLS AND A DIVING POOL. ONE OF THE 50-METRE POOLS WILL DE HEATED SO THAT SWIMMERS CAN CONTINUE USING IT IN WINTER.
OTHER NORMAL FACILITIES, INCLUDING CHANGING ROOMS, A SPECTATOR’S STAND, A REFRESHMENT KIOSK AND STAFF QUARTERS, WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED.
THE SITE, MEASURING SOME 200,000 SQ. FT., IS LOCATED AT SHAM WAN NEXT TO WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE AND HAM LONG HOSPITAL.
EXTENSIVE SITE FORMATION IS REQUIRED BEFORE CONSTRUCTION OF THE SUPERSTRUCTURE. IT IS EXPECTED THAT SITE FORMATION WORK CAN BE COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF THIS YEAR.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JANUARY.25, 1975
1
- ;
CONTENTS PAQE no.
MOST LABOUR DISPUTES LAST YEAR SETTLED AMICABLY WITH HELP OF LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE ................................ 1
FACTORY WORKERS BECOMING MORE INVOLVED IN COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS.......................................... 2
GOOD PROGRESS BEING MADE ON KOWLOON RESERVOIR PROJECT .... 3
FIRE SERVICES WARN AGAINST DANGER OF CARELESS HANDLING OF KEROSENE AND ELECTRIC HEATERS .............................. 4
MORE PRISON ACCOMMODATION WILL BECOME AVAILABLE THIS YEAR 5
FACTORY MANAGEMENTS ALERTED AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICIALS 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975
1
MW!°?nAHn NEARLY $10 MILLION
N LABOUR DISPUTE SETTLEMENTS
LAST YEAR
ft ft ft ft ft
EMPLOYEES LAST YEAR RECEIVED NEARLY $10 dispute settlements reached with the help MILLI0NE|n’1973B0UR RELATI0NS SERVI*-E. THIS
MILLION AS A RESULT OF THE LABOUR COMPARES WITH $7.5
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE HEAD OF THE LABOUR RFLATintiis 5E878CdIsputfsSof J1 !?7nB?KKdcP CONCILIATORS HAD HANDLED l-.XO IN 1973? S0Lv"%^8V^rAfiED “'TH
IKK
UP OF siy^»rE
HOLIDAY PAY, BONUSES, AND STATUTORY AND EX-GRATIA SEVERANCE PAY.
MR. TSUI SAID LAST YEAR’S SETTLEMENT RATE OF 60.7 PER CENT WJS ABOUT 15 PER CENT BELOW THE 1973 FIGURE. +BUT THIS WAS .E?£!£TED’ + HE SAID« +AS THE RESULT OF THE EXPANSION OF THE
M°NETARY CLAIMS UNDER CONTRACTUAL AND CERTAIN
LEGAL RIGHTS ARE NOW REFERRED TO THE TRIBUNAL FOR A DECISION.*
’ iMTnAnuA-rT^1 ?A’D THAT CONCILIATION HAD BEEN HELPED BY THE AST5?D,U?TI0N 0N AUGUST 23 LAST YEAR OF SEVERANCE PAY LEGISLATION. WHICH LAYS DOWN MINIMUM PAYMENTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE QUALIFIED
.. IN CASES OF REDUNDANCY.
HE ADDED « +THE PROVISIONS OFFER A LEGAL BASIS FOR THE CLAIMS OF SEVERANCE PAY IN THE EVENT OF PROVED RETRENCHMENT ON REDUNDANCY.
+ALTHOUGH, IN THE PAST, THIS BENEFIT WAS OFTEN PAID VOLUNTARILY, THE LEGISLATION HAS ENABLED THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE TO ENSURE THAT EMPLOYEES RECEIVE SEVERANCE PAY WHERE EMPLOYERS WOULD HAVE OTHERWISE DEEN RELUCTANT TO PAY.
+ITS INTRODUCTION HAS GREATLY FACILITATED THE WORK OF THE SERVICE, BECAUSE 50 PER CENT OF THE LABOUR DISPUTES'IN RECENT MONTHS HAVE BEEN CONCERNED, ONE WAY OR ANOTHER, WITH SEVERANCE PAY.*
MANY EMPLOYERS, IN FACT, MADE PAYMENTS ABOVE THE LEGAL MINIMUM DESPITE ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES.
MR. TSUI SAID THAT THE FIVE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE LRS HAD HANDLED 32,227 INQUIRIES AND CONSULTATIONS ADOUT PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT DURING THE YEAR. THE ADVICE GIVEN PREVENTED MANY DISPUTES FROM ARISING OR DETERIORATING.
+THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE HAS AS USUAL CONTINUED TO FUNCTION AS AN INDEPENDENT PARTY TO HELP EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES RESOLVE THEIR DIFFERENCES,* HE ADDED.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975
FACTORY WORKERS SERVE MONGKOK RESIDENTS ft « ft «
A GROUP OF TAI KOK TSUI FACTORY WORKERS WILL ARM THEMSELVES WITH PAINT AND BRUSHES TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO GIVE TOO WORN-OUT BUILDINGS IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD A NEW LOOK. •
+THIS IS ONE OF THE VERY RARE OCCASIONS THAT YOUNG FACTORY WORKERS ARE WILLING TO TAKE PART VOLUNTARILY IN THIS KIND OF COMMUNITY SERVICE,* SAID MR. LAM PING-KUEN, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER OF MONGKOK.
THE MONGKOK CYO INITIATED THE PROJECT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TAI KOK TSUI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE MONGKOK POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICER, AND THE DETACHED WORK UNIT OF THE HONG KONG FEDERATION OF YOUTH GROUPS.
+THEIR PARTICIPATION SHOWS THAT YOUNG FACTORY WORKERS CAN ALSO CONTRIBUTE TO THE COMMUNITY NO LESS THAN ANY OTHER YOUTH,+ HE SAID.
THE TWO EIGHT-STOREY BUILDINGS ARE NOS. 67 AND 69 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. THEY WILL BE BRIGHTENED UP AS A SERVICE TO THE RESIDENTS IN TIME FOR THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. THE GROUP HOPES TO COMPLETE THE JOB ON MONDAY.
THE SAME GROUP LAST MONTH ASSISTED THE MONGKOK COMMUNITY YOUTH OFFICE IN CARRYING OUT A SURVEY ON THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN THE TAI KOK TSUI INDUSTRIAL AREA. THEY ALSO PLAN A VARIETY SHOW FOR FACTORY WORKERS NEXT MONTH. THE EVENT ORGANISED IN RESPONSE TO THE KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN, WILL HIGHLIGHT THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE.
+BY INVOLVING YOUNG FACTORY WORKERS IN SUCH USEFUL COMMUNITY SERVICES,+ SAID MR. LAM, +IT IS HOPED TO BUILD UP THEIR SELF-RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE.
♦COMMUNITY PROJECTS ARE USEFUL MEANS IN DEVELdpING GOOD CITIZENSHIP IN YOUTH AND CONTRIBUTING TO SOCIETY,* HE ADDED.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975
5
KOWLOON RESERVOIR PROJECT PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY ««»««« • •
WORK ON A FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR, WHICH IS PART OF A SCHEME TO EXTEND FRESH WATER SUPPLY TO THE HIGH LEVEL AREAS IN NEW KOWLOON EAST, IS HALF COMPLETE.
THE RESERVOIR, SITUATED ON THE HILLSIDE OFF ANDERSON ROAD, WILL HAVE A STORAGE CAPACITY GF TWO MILLION GALLONS. IT WILL HELP MEET FUTURE WATER NEEDS RESULTING FROM DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
THIS INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE' SHUN LEE TSUEN HOUSING AUTHORITY ESTATE WHICH WILL PROVIDE HOUSING FOR 106,000 PEOPLE IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS. PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA IS ALSO EXPECTED TO BRING IN MORE PEOPLE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE WATERWORKS OFFICE SAID THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WAS PROCEEDING ON SCHEDULE.
♦EXCAVATION WORK FOR THE RESERVOIR HAS RECENTLY BEEN COMPLETED AND FOUNDATION WORK IS NOW IN HAND,* HE SAID.
GOOD PROGRESS HAS ALSO BEEN MADE ON THE RECONSTRUCTION OF A SECTION OF ANDERSON ROAD FROM CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO THE SERVICE RESERVOIR. THIS IS REQUIRED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW IN THE AREA DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE RESERVOIR.
+IF EVERYTHING GOES ACCORDING TO PLAN. THE RESERVOIR SHOULD BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
MEANWHILE, TENDERS WILL SOON DE CALLED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PUMPING STATION AT SHUN LEE TSUEN.
♦THE PUMPING STATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, +W1LL TRANSFER WATER FROM THE EXISTING KWUN TONG HIGH LEVEL FRESH WATER SERVICE RESERVOIR TO THE NEW SERVICE RESERVOIR.*
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A...
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975 A -
HEATERS CAN BE DANGEROUS IF NOT HANDLED PROPERLY ft ft ft ft ft ft ft
PROPER CARE IN USING PORTABLE KEROSENE OR ELECTRIC HEATERS MAY PREVENT THE OUTBREAK OF A FIRE.
THIS MESSAGE WAS SPELT OUT BY A FIRE SERVICE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY TO WARN PEOPLE AGAINST THE DANGERS OF IMPROPER USE OF KEROSENE OR ELECTRIC HEATERS.
HE GAVE THE WARNING AS MORE HOME WARMING APPLICANCES ARE NOW BEING USED TO BEAT THE WINTER COLD.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID SEVERAL HEATER FIRES, SOME SERIOUS, OCCURRED EACH WINTER LARGELY BECAUSE PEOPLE DID NOT HANDLE THEIR HEATERS WITH PROPER CARE.
THE RISK OF FIRE COULD BE EASILY AVOIDED IF HOUSEHOLDS TOOK SIMPLE PRECAUSTIONS, SUCH AS NEVER FILLING KEROSENE HEATERS WHILE THEY ARE STILL ALIGHT3 KEEPING HEATERS IN SUITABLE POSITIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN AND AWAY FROM BEDDING AND CURTAINS OR OTHER INFLAMMABLE MATERIALS3 AND NOT PLUGGING TOO MANY ELECTRIC HEATERS INTO ONE OUTLET.
+AND NEVER SHOULD KEROSENE OR ELECTRIC HEATERS BE USED TO DRY CLOTH I NG,<• HE STRESSED.
HE ALSO URGED HOUSEHOLDERS TO STORE KEROSENE WELL AWAY FROM ANY SOURCE OF HEAT, SUCH AS FIRES OR COOKING STOVES AS A PREVENTIVE MEASURE.
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SATURDAY, JANUARY 25, 1975 - 5 -SOME ELIEF IN PRISON OVERCROWDING IN SIGHT ft ft ft ft ft
MR. PETER WILLIAMS, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, TODAY IMPRESSED ON GRADUATING PRISON RECRUITS THAT THE DISCIPLINE OF THE SERVICE DEPENDED ON THE SELF-DISCIPLINE OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF THEM. (
HE TOLD THE 108 OFFICERS AT THEIR PASSING OUT PARADE AT THE STAFF TRAINING INSTITUTE AT STANLEY THIS MORNING THAT THEY WOULD ENCOUNTER MANY DIFFICULTIES, PARTICULARLY AS THE HIGHER PRISON POPULATION HAD CREATED A SEVERE STRAIN ON EXISTING PRISONER ACCOMMODATION.
+1 KNOW THAT GOVERNMENT AND MY UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ARE KEENLY AWARE OF THESE DIFFICULTIES AND EVERYTHING POSSIBLE WILL BE DONE TO SUPPORT YOU,+ HE SAID.
+SOME RELIEF WILL BE FORTHCOMING THIS YEAR,+ HE ADDED, ♦WHEN THE MINIMUM SECURITY PRISON AT PIK UK FOR 600 PRISONERS BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL NEXT MONTH, AND LATER THE MAXIMUM SECURITY TRAINING CENTRE FOR 400 BECOMES AVAILABLE IN THE SECOND HALF OF THE YEAR.+
MR. WILLIAMS COMMENDED THE GRADUATES FOR CHOOSING A CAREER IN THE PRISONS SERVICE, WHICH HE DESC I BED AS A +CONSIDERABLE CHALLENGE*, AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THEY HAD THE NECESSARY QUALIFICATIONS TO SUCCEED.
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/6.......
SATURDAY, JANUARY 25,
1975
6
FACTORItS WARNED AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICIALS K if if if it if
X • \
•
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. LAO MOU-CHI, TODAY WARNED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO BE ON GUARD AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM FACTORY PROPRIETORS WHO WERE APPROACHED FOR MONEY BY PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED TO-BE OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
+ALL SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE FREE,* MR. LAO STRESSED. +FROM TIME TO TIME, THE DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES PAMPHLETS ON LABOUR LEGISLATION WHICH ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE TO THE PUBLIC.+
HE REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT ALL LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS CARRIED WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND WARRANTS WHICH SHOWED THE PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME OF THE HOLDER.
♦MEMBERS OF THE FACTORY AND LABOUR INSPECTORATES ARE UNDER INSTRUCTION TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR WARRANTS WHEN VISITING FACTORIES,* HE ADDED.
MR. LAO ADVISED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO ASCERTAIN THE IDENTITY OF THE VISITING OFFICER, AND IF IN DOUBT, THEY SHOULD IMMEDIATELY REPORT TO THE POLICE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS KEPT BUSY IN A
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS ATTENDED TO 30,171 CASES IN THE YEAR ENDING OH DECEMBER 31, 1974.
OF THESE, 10,696 PATIENTS WERE SEEN AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL, AND 6,959 AT THE QUEEN MARY HOSPITAL. OTHERS WERE ATTENDED TO AT THE TANG SHIU KIN HOSPITAL, AND OTHER DEPARTMENTAL INSTITUTIONS.
HEADING THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE IS MISS PEGGY CHAN, PRINCIPAL MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER. SHE IS ASSISTED BY A STAFF OF ABOUT 100 AT PRESENT, SEVEN OF WHOM WERE RECRUITED LAST YEAR.
THE SERVICE IS INTENDED TO COMPLEMENT HOSPITAL AND CLINICAL WORK BY PROVIDING ASSISTANCE TO PATIENTS WHO, ON ENTRY INTO OR DISCHARGE FROM GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS OR CLINICS, HAVE PERSONAL OR SOCIAL PROBLEMS WHICH COULD HAVE AN EFFECT ON THEIR UNDERSTANDING AND ACCEPTANCE OF THEIR ILLNESS OR DISABILITY, THEIR USE OF THE MEDICAL CARE OFFERED, OR THEIR SPEEDY AND SUCCESSFUL RECOVERY.
FORMERLY, MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS WERE KNOW AS ALMONERS. THIS TERM CEASED TO BE USED IN 1965 BECAUSE IT WAS FELT THAT MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IS A MORE APPROPRIATE DESCRIPTION OF THEIR ROLE IN THE HOSPITAL OR CLINIC SITUATION.
+THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER IN SUPPLEMENTARY MEDICAL THERAPY IS UNIVERSALLY RECOGNISED,* MISS CHAN SAYS.
*IN HONG KONG, THE SERVICE OF MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS IS GROWING BECAUSE OF THE EXPANSION OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, AND THE INCREASING EMPHASIS BEING PLACED ON MEDICAL AND SOCIAL REHABILITATION.
+MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS ARE PART OF A MEDICAL AND HEALTH TEAM, AND THEIR MAIN CONCERN RELATES TO THE SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS INVOLVED IN ILLNESSES AND DISABILITIES.
+THEIR MAIN CONTRIBUTION IS TO HELP PATIENTS MAKE THE BEST USE OF MEDICAL CARE, AND TO ASSIST THE PATIENT AND HIS FAMILY WITH THE PROBLEMS THAT ARISE FROM AN ILLNESS.
/IIEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS........
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
' I
SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 1975.
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♦MEDICAL SOCIA’ WORKERS ALSO HELP THE HANDICAPPED AND THE CHRONICALLY-ILL TO DJUST TO THEIR CONDITIONS IN SUCH A WAY AS TO ENABLE THEM TO PARTICIPATE POSITIVELY IN THE COMMUNITY. THIS IS DONE BY LIAISON WITH OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.*
MISS CHAN SAYS THERE ARE THREE WAYS OF PROVIDING MEDICAL SOCIAL SERVICE — BY THE CASE WORK METHOD, THE GROUP WORK METHOD, AND THE COMMUNITY WORK METHOD.
THE INDIVIDUAL CASE WORK METHOD — THE MOST POPULAR OF THE THREE — IS USED IN DIFFERENT SITUATIONS, DEPENDING ON THE ABILITY OF THE INDIVIDUAL TO R.ESPOND.
THE GROUP WORK METHOD IS BEING INCREASINGLY USED. SMALL NUMBERS OF PEOPLE WITH SIMILAR PROBLEMS, SUCH AS AMPUTEES, FOR EXAMPLE, ARE GROUPED TOGETHER TO HELP FIND A SOLUTION SUITABLE FOR ALL. THEY SHAhE COMMON PROBLEMS, AND SO ARE ABLE TO HELP EACH OTHER CONSTRUCTIVELY THROUGH INTERACTION WITHIN THEIR CIRCLE.
THE COMMUNITY WORK METHOD IS EMPLOYED IN A PARTICULAR COMMUNITY CONCERNED WITH PARTICULAR PROBLEMS, BUT IS SELDOM USED IN THE MEDICAL SETTING OF HONG KONG.
THE DEPARTMENT’S MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKERS CARRY OUT THEIR DUTIES IN HOSPITALS, CLINICS, CONSULTANTS’ CLINICS, PSYCHIATRIC UNITS, AND MANY OTHER INSTITUTIONS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
ACCORDING TO MISS CHAN,MORE IN-SERVICE TRAINING AND ORIENTATION PROGRAMMES ARE BEING CARRIED OUT NOW THAN PREVIOUSLY.
THE DEPARTMENT RESPONDS TO REQUESTS FROM OTHER NONGOVERNMENT HOSPITALS’ NURSING SCHOOLS, WELFARE ORGANISATIONS, AND THE SOCIAL WRLFARE DEPARTMENT’S TRAINING SECTIONS, TO CONTRIBUTE TOWARDS THEIR STAFF DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES.
IN ADDITION, PRACTICAL WORK PLACEMENTS IN THE DEPARTMENT’S HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, MAINLY THE QUEEN ELIZABETH, THE QUEEN MARY AND THE KOWLOON HOSPITALS, AND OTHER CLINICS, ARE AVAILABLE TO UNIVERSITY STUDENTS UNDERGOING TRAINING IN SOCIAL WORK.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING-A MEDICAL SOCIAL WORKER AT WORK ARE AVAII A.’.LE FOR COLLECT I Of! AFTER 3 P.M. FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6T!l FLOOR.
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SUNDAY, JANUARY 26, 1975.
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PUBLIC REMINDED OF NEED TO REGISTER FOR I.D. CARDS it it it it it it
• /
SOME 150 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED LAST YEAR FOR FAILING TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS, WITH FINES OF $500 IMPOSED IN THE MORE SERIOUS CASES.
DISCLOSING THIS TODAY, THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION, MR. JOHN MITCHELL, REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC OF THE NEED TO REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS.
HE SAID THAT HOLDERS OF BRITISH AND FOREIGN PASSPORTS MUST REGISTER FOR IDENTITY CARDS IF THEY INTENDED TO STAY IN HONG KONG FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS OR LONGER.
FAILING TO REGISTER FOR AN IDENTITY CARD IS AN OFFENCE AND THE OFFENDER MAY DE FINED UP TO $1,000 AND SENT TO PRISON FOR SIX MONTHS.
THE COMMISSIONER ALSO STRESSED THAT PERSONS WHO HAVE MOVED HOUSE, CHANGED JOBS, GOT MARRIED OR RETURNED FROM OVERSEAS RECENTLY, ARE ALSO REQUIRED TO NOTIFY THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT SO THAT RECORDS CAN BE UP-DATED.
ANY CHANGE IN REGISTERED PARTICULARS MAY BE REPORTED BY LETTER AND FOR THE'CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC, A SPECIALLY POSTED FORM (ROP 18) MAY BE OBTAINED FROM ANY POST OFFICE COUNTER, CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OR DISTRICT OFFICE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
IN CASE OF DOUBT, MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SHOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM ANY OF THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT.
REFERRING TO JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS, THE COMMISSIONER SAID IT WAS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER, THEIR CHILDREN WHEN THEY REACHED THE AGE OF 11.
REGISTRATION MUST BE DONE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A CHILD’S 11TH BIRTHDAY AND, IN THE CASE OF A MEW ARRIVAL, WITHIN 30 DAYS AFTER THE CHILD’S ARRIVAL.
AS FOR YOUNG PERSONS, THEY SHOULD REGISTER FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS WITHIN A MONTH OF THEIR 18TH BIRTHDAY.
LAST YEAR, ABOUT 200,000 CHILDREN REGISTERED FOR JUVENILE IDENTITY CARDS WHILE OVER 02,000 PEOPLE REGISTERED FOR ADULT IDENTITY CARDS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
I
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1975
CONTENTS ' PAGE NO.
MR. RONALD GIDDY APPOINTED AS NEW COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE .......................................... 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO PRESENT PROPOSED BUDGET FOR 1975/76 ON FEBRUARY 26 .............................. 2
TOTAL STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS NOW OVER 52,000 MILLION GALLONS ................................................ 2
HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR TRIBUNALS TO COME UNDER ONE ROOF AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH ....................... 3
ANT I-DRUG EXHIBITION OPENS AT WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW....................*................... 4
COMMISSIONER OF MINES VISITS A NUMBER OF QUARRIES AND MINES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ............................ 4
Issued by Government Information Services,Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JANUARY 27. 1975 - 1 -
NEW COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE APPOINTED • ««««««
MR. RONALD GIDDY, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, HAS BEEN PROMOTED TO COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE AS FROM TODAY.
- HE SUCCEEDS MR. FRANK RAINBOW WHO HAS RETIRED.
MR. GIDDY IS AN ASSOCIATE MEMBER OF THE ASSOCIATION OF CERTIFIED ACCOUNTANTS AND A FELLOW OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
HE FIRST JOINED THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN FEBRUARY 1962 AS AN ASSESSOR. HE WAS PROMOTED TO SENIOR ASSESSOR IN APRIL 1963, CHIEF ASSESSOR IN NOVEMBER 1966, ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN APRIL 1968 AND DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE IN MAY 1972.
MR. GIDDY IS 44 YEARS OF AGE AND IS SINGLE.
IT WAS ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT MR. VICTOR LADD HAS BEEN APPOINTED DEPUTY COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE TO FILL THE POST LEFT VACANT BY MR. GIDDY’S PROMOTION.
MR. LADD, WHO IS 47, JOINED THE GOVERNMENT AS AN ASSESSOR OF THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT IN AUGUST 1957.
HE WAS APPOINTED ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER IN 1971 AND HAS ACTED AS DEPUTY COMMISSIONER ON A NUMBER OF OCCASIONS SINCE THEN.
MR. LADD IS A CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT AND A FELLOW OF THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF MR. GIDDY’S PHOTOGRAPH ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE GIS PRESS ROOM, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOQR.
0 - -
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1975
2
BUDGET DAY SET FOR FEBRUARY 26
}’. X X .X
HONG KONG’S PROPOSED BUDGET FOR THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR WILL DE PRESENTED 10 THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, WILL OUTLINE THE MALM FEATURES GF ESTIMATED REVENUE AF'l EXPEND I TURE FOR 1975/76 ON FEBRUARY 26 WHEN HE WILL MOVE THE SECORD READING OF THE APPROPRIATION BILL 1975.
THE COUNCIL WILL THEN ADJOURN UNTIL MARCH 19 WHEN THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS WILL GIVE THEIR VIEWS ON THE BUDGET PROPOSALS. IF NECESSARY, THE DEBATE WILL CONTINUE OH MARCH 20.
THE OFFICIALS WILL REPLY TO THE POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES CM APRIL 2, AND THE FC! LOWING DAY, IF NECESSARY.
COUNCIL WILL THEN ADJOURN AGAIN UNTIL APRIL 23 WHEN THE APPROPRIATION BILL WILL DE CONSIDERED 1(1 COMMITTEE BEFORE ITS THIRD ARD FINAL READING.
BEFORE THE COUNCIL ADJOURNS FOR THE COMING LUNAR NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, A LAST REGULAR F ATING WILL HELD Oil FEBRUARY 5.
WEEKLY WATER SITUATION REPORT
x x x .x x
THE TOTAL WATER STORAGE IN ALL RESERVOIRS AS AT 9 AM TODAY (MONDAY) STOOD AT 52.009 MILLION GALLONS, REPRESENTING 77.3 PER CENT OF THE FULL CAPACITY OF 67,300 MILLION GALLONS. AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR THERE WERE 48,269 MILLION GALLONS IN STORE.
THIS MORNING’S STORAGE AT PLOVER COVE WAS 38,960 MILLION GALLONS, COMPARED WITH 37,618 MILLION GALLONS ON THE SAME DAY LAST YEAR. PLOVER COVE’S PRESENT STORAGE REPRESENTS 77.2 PER CENT OF ITS FULL CAPACITY OF 50,500 MILLION GALLONS.
ABOUT 1.3 MM (0.05 IN) RAINFALL WAS RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY DURING THE PAST 24 HOURS ENDING AT 9 AM TODAY. TOTAL RAINFALL RECORDED SO FAR THIS YEAR IS 21.7 MM (0.85 IN).
THE MEAN AVERAGE RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 STANDS AT 21.7 MM (0.85 IN).
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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1975.
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MERGER OF LABOUR TRIBUNALS ««««««
THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON LABOUR TRIBUNALS WILL MERGE AT THE END OF NEXT MONTH AND COME UNDER ONE ROOF WITHIN THE FORMER WHITFIELD BARRACKS AT THE JUNCTION OF NATHAN ROAD AND AUSTIN ROAD, KOWLOON.
FROM FEBRUARY 28 ALL CLAIMS FOR HEARING BY THE LABOUR TRIBUNAL SHOULD BE FILED AT THE WHITFIELD BARRACK OFFICES. TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES MAY BE MADE BY CALLING 3-691514.
SINCE THE TRIBUNAL WAS FIRST SET UP ON MARCH 1. 1973, IT HAS DEALT WITH 2,816 CLAIMS INVOLVING $6.3 MILLION. IT HAS SUCCEEDED IN PROVIDING A QUICK, INEXPENSIVE AND INFORMAL METHOD OF SETTLING MONETARY DISPUTES BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES AND HAS BECOME POPULAR WITH BOTH MANAGEMENT AND WORKER.
A TOTAL OF 1,908 CLAIMS WERE FILED WITH THE TRIBUNAL LAST YEAR. OF THESE, 1,450 WERE HEARD AND CONCLUDED.
MOST OF THE CASES (1,522) INVOLVED WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE. OTHERS RELATED TO ARREARS OF WAGES (692), STATUTORY HOLIDAY ALLOWANCE (142), DOUBLE PAY (136), SEVERANCE PAY (132), AND OVERTIME ALLOWANCE (28).
THE TOTAL AMOUNT AWARDED LAST Y^AR BY THE TRIBUNAL WAS $1,677,447.69.
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MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 1975
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ANTI-DRUG EXHIBITION IN KOWLOON ««««»«
A TWO-DAY EXHIBITION HIGHLIGHTING THE DANGERS AND EFFECTS OF DRUG ADDICTION OPENS AT THE WONG TAI SIN COMMUNITY CENTRE TOMORROW (TUESDAY). IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC FROM 10 AM TO 10 PM.
THIS FOLLOWS A SIMILAR EXHIBITION HELD RECENTLY IN WAN CHAI AND, LIKE OTHER EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ORGANISED BY THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY CENTRES AND COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, IS IN SUPPORT OF THE KEEP HONG KONG DRUG FREE 'CAMPAIGN.
IN ADDITION TO THE EXHIBITION, THE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WONG TAI SIN IS ALSO ORGANISING POSTER AND BOOKMARK DESIGN COMPETITIONS, A YOUTH SEMINAR, A DRAMA PERFORMANCE AND A VISIT TO TAI LAM ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE AS PART OF THE OVERALL SUPPORTIVE EFFORT TO THE ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN.
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COMMISSIONER INSPECTS MINES « «« X
THE COMMISSIONER OF MINES, MR. IAN PRICE TODAY VISITED A AND MINES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES. HE WAS ACCOMPANIED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF MINES, MR. BORHYEN WANG.
THE VISIT WAS ONE OF A SERIES OF VISITS BEING UNDERTAKEN VAr}oUSC?ndLISTr?fsR T° SEE AT FIRST HAND W0RKING CONDITIONS IN vHniuuo I IWUo I K 11 o • ,
VISIT COVERED TWO STONE QUARRIES. ONE AT TURRET HILL, SHA I IN AND THE OTHER ONE AT LAM Tl CASTLE PEAK° TWO KONGSCHAUMIMA? PO THE SHATIN AREA" AND A graf>HITE PROSPECT AT TAM
ei ST0NE QUARRY AT TURRET HILL - OPERATED BY VI AN INI S P A WA?FDPbruLcRM0V5cR.0CK F0R DAM INSTRUCTION IN THE HIGH ISLAND * WATER SCHEME. THE LAM Tl QUARRY, OPERATED BY ASIA STONE CO LTD iiAoJcoeLAR<?TST THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT AND EMPLOYS SOME 90 *
WORKERS. IT HAS A DAILY PRODUCTION OF 2,000 CU. YARDS OF AGGREGATE
.THE TWO FELDSPAR WORKINGS, THOUGH SMALL IN OPERATION SUPPLY FELDSPAR BOTH FOR LOCAL GRINDING MILLS AND FOR EXPORT TO TAIWAN.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
—— W—fc
01 MAN ESTATE WILL BE FULLY COMPLETED BEFORE THE END OF MAY ................................................ 1
GOVERNMENT GRANTS 81.3 MILLION LOAN TO BAPTIST
COLLEGE TO HELP SOLVE THE COLLEGE’S CURRENT FINANCIAL
PROBLEMS ............................................ 2
FINAL REPORT ON PAUL LEE COMPANY SUBMITTED TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ...».................'............. 2
ARRIVALS FROM MACAU ARE ALLOWED TO BRING IN ONE
BOTTLE OF PORTUGUESE BRANDY FREE OF DUTY DURING LUNAR NEW YEAR ........................................ 3
OFFICIAL OPENING OF NEW TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE .... 3
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY TO VISIT TEXTILE FACTORY TOMORROW ...................................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1975
01 MAN ESTATE NEARING FULL COMPLETION X » K X X X
01 MAN ESTATE IS BECOMING A SMALL COMMUNITY OF ITS OWN WITH - A POPULATION OF MORE THAN 15,000.
THE ESTATE IS THE FIRST THAT WILL BE COMPLETED UNDER THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S TEN-YEAR HOUSING PROGRAMME.
AT PRESENT, FIVE OF ITS TWELVE BLOCKS ARE ALREADY COMPLETE AND OCCUPIED. TWO OF THE REMAINING BLOCKS HAVE JUST BEEN HANDED OVER BY THE CONTRACTOR AND INTAKE IS PROCEEDING.
A HOUSING DEPARTMENT ARCHITECT SAID THE OTHER FIVE BLOCKS SHOULD ALL BE COMPLETED AND READY FOR OCCUPATION BEFORE THE END OF MAY.
WHEN FULLY OCCUPIED, THE ESTATE WILL HAVE A POPULATION OF ABOUT 45,000.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS PROGRESSING ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A THREE-STOREY COMMERCIAL CENTRE WHICH HAS BEEN SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS IN THE HO MAN TIN AREA.
THE CENTRE, IDEALLY LOCATED ADJACENT TO THE BUS TERMINAL WITHIN THE ESTATE, WILL HAVE A LARGE NUMBER OF SHOPS, TWO BANKS, A DEPARTMENT STORE, TOO RESTAURANTS AND A CAFE.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1975
2
GOVERNMENT LOAN TO BAPTIST COLLEGE ««««««
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A LOAN OF $1.3 MILLION FROM THE DEVELOPMENT LOAN FUND TO THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, A PRIVATE NON-PROFIT MAKING INSTITUTION REGISTERED UNDER THE POST SECONDARY COLLEGES ORDINANCE, TO ASSIST THE COLLEGE FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES DURING THE CURRENT ACADEMIC
IN MEETING ITS YEAR.
THIS LOAN IS INTENDED TO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR THE COLLEGE TO PLAN FOR FULL FINANCIAL VIABILITY IN THE FUTURE.
THE LOAN CARRIES A FOUR PER CENT INTEREST RATE AND IS REPAYABLE OVER TEN YEARS. IT HAS BEEN APPROVED AS AN EXCEPTIONAL MEASURE IN VIEW OF THE COLLEGE’S CURRENT FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, AND IN RECOGNITION OF THE COLLEGE’S CONTRIBUTION TO POST SECONDARY EDUCATION IN HONG KONG.
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FURTHER REPORT ON PAUL LEE CO. SUBMITTED if K » « H «
THE INSPECTORS APPOINTED TO INVESTIGATE THE AFFAIRS OF THE PAUL LEE ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD. HAVE COMPLETED THEIR FINDINGS AND SUBMITTED A FURTHER REPORT TO THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE REPORT IS BEING TREATED AS THE FINAL REPORT FROM THE INSPECTORS. IT FOLLOWS THE SUBMISSION OF THEIR FIRST INTERIM REPORT ON NOVEMBER 5 LAST .YEAR.
A COPY OF THE LATEST REPORT HAS BEEN FORWARDED TO THE PAUL LEE ENGINEERING COMPANY LTD., AND A FURTHER COPY HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE COMPANIES REGISTRY WHERE IT IS AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION BY MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE INSPECTORS WERE APPOINTED ON OCTOBER 24 UNDER SECTION 143(C) OF THE COMPANIES ORDINANCE.
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3
TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1975
DUTY-FREE BRANDY FROM MACAU H if H if if if
PASSENGERS ARRIVING FROM MACAU DURING THE CHINESE NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BRING IN FREE OF DUTY ONE BOTTLE OF PORTUGUESE BRANDY CONTAINING UP TO ONE LITRE, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS IS IN LIEU OF THE CUSTOMARY ONE QUART BOTTLE OF GRAPE WINE ALLOWED AT PRESENT.
THE CONCESSION APPLIES ON THE TOO DAYS FOLLOWING LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, FEBRUARY 12 AND 13.
NEW TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE if if if if if
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN THE NEW PREMISES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 PM AT TOP COURT, CASTLE PEAK INLAND LOT NO. 25, TUEN MUN.
A NINE-SEATER VAN (AM 3214) WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE MEMBERS OF THE MEDIA TO AND FROM TUEN MUN. IT WILL LEAVE THE TSIMSHATSUI SUB-POOL BEHIND THE POST OFFICE AT 2.30 PM.
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TUESDAY, JANUARY 28, 1975
MR. DAVID JORDAN TO INSPECT N.T. TEXTILE FACTORY x it Ji Ji if Ji %• . at r •
NOTE TO EDITORS,
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY. MR. DAVID JORDAN, WILL DE VISITING A iEXTILE FACTORY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE VISIT IS PART OF A CONTINUING SERIES MR. JORDAN HAS BEEN MAKING IN ORDER TO KEEP IN CLOSE TOUCH WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIES AND THE STATE OF INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTION, EXPORTS AND EMPLOYMENT.
TOMORROW’S VISIT WILL TAKE HIM TO THE LEA TAI AT NO. 26-38 SHA TSUI ROAD, TSUEN WAN.
TEXTILE CO. LTD.,
MR. JORDAN IS SCHEDULED TO ARRIVE THERE AT 3.30 P.M. DE SHOWN AROUND THE FACTORY DY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR. SHAO-CHOW. *
AND WILL
FANG
THE LEA TAI TEXTILE CO. LTD. WAS ESTABLISHED IN 19*8, AND ITS MAIN FUNCTIONS ARE WEAVING AND SPINNING. IT PRODUCES COTTON FABRIC, TERYI.ENE COTTON .BLENDED FA; . . IC, COTTON YARN AND TERYLENE COTTON BLENDED YARN. ITS BIGGEST MARKETS ARE HONG KONG, THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN AND SOUTH EAST ASIA, IN THAT ORDER.
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
0
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
BROCHURE ON MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY ENGINEERING WORKS NOW AVAILABLE TO PROSPECTIVE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS .. 1
•
HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO PROVIDE
HOMES FOR WORKERS OF NEW FACTORIES IN TUEN MUN ............. 3
GOVERNMENT CLARIFIES POSITION OF CIVIL SERVANTS OVER ACCEPTING ADVANTAGES AS DEFINED IN BRIBERY PREVENTION ORDINANCE.................................................. 4
KOWLOON BAY SHOP OPERATORS SEEK COMPENSATION FOR DEMOLITION
OF SQUATTER SHOPS....................................... 5
HONG KONG STUDENT VINS LONDON SCHOLARSHIP .................. 6
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ................ 7
PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS OFFERED TO SAI TAU TSUEN FIRE VICTIMS 7
KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE TO OPEN SUB-OFFICE IN NGAU TAU KOK................................................... 8
Issued by Government information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975.
- 1 -
BROCHURE ON M.T.R. ENGINEERING WORKS MAXIMUM USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES STRESSED it « it it it *
A BROCHURE DESCRIBING THE ENGINEERING WORKS IN THE FIRST • PHASE OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS NOW AVAILABLE TO PROSPECTIVE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS.
THIS BROCHURE CONTAINS PRELIMINARY INFORMATION OF INTEREST TO TENDERERS. DETAILED SPECIFICATIONS WILL BE ISSUED IN DUE COURSE. *
COPIES CAN BE OBTAINED AT US$10.00 EACH FROM THE OFFICES OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY AND FROM THE LONDON OFFICE OF FREEMAN FOX AND PARTNERS, CONSULTING ENGINEERS TO THE AUTHORITY.
TWENTY-FIVE CIVIL ENGINEERING CONTRACTS ARE TO BE LET. OF THESE, 14 WILL BE OFFERED ONLY TO LOCAL FIRMS. THERE ARE TEN CONTRACTS FOR ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL WORKS, ONE OF WHICH IS OFFERED EXCLUSIVELY TO LOCAL CONTRACTORS.
♦GENERALLY,* THE BROCHURE SAYS, +INTERNATIONAL TENDERS WILL BE CALLED WHERE SPECIALIST TECHNIQUES OR RESOURCES, OR BOTH, ARE NOT AVAILABLE TO LOCALLY ESTABLISHED CONTRACTORS.*
IT SAYS THAT THE PROVISIONAL AUTHORITY WANTS TO ENCOURAGE +THE MAXIMUM USE OF LOCAL RESOURCES* AND WILL ENCOURAGE OVERSEAS CONTRACTORS TO FORM JOINT VENTURES WITH LOCAL FIRMS.
TENDERS ARE EXPECTED TO BE CALLED FOR PROGRESSIVELY FROM APRIL.
WORK ON THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM COMPRISES 15.6 KM.
OF RAIL ROUTE, OF WHICH 12.8 KM ARE UNDERGROUND AND 2.8 KM. ARE OVERHEAD.
THERE WILL BE 12 UNDERGROUND STATIONS AND THREE OVERHEAD STATIONS TOGETHER WITH A MAINTENANCE DEPOT ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION EAST OF THE AIRPORT.
STATIONS WILL HAVE TOO LEVELS. THE UPPER LEVEL WILL BE USED FOR A CONCOURSE, TICKETING FACILITIES AND STAFF AND PLANT ROOMS. THE LOWER LEVEL COMPRISES A SINGLE ISLAND PLATFORM BETWEEN THE UP AND DOWN LINES TOGETHER WITH MORE PLANT ROOMS.
THE SYSTEM WILL BE &ESIGNED IN SUCH A WAY AS TO MAINTAIN A TWO-MINUTE SERVICE. TRAINS WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC CONTROL AND AUTOMATIC OPERATION AND ARE SUITABLE FOR ONE-MAN OPERATION.
AN AUTOMATIC FARE COLLECTION SYSTEM WILL BE INSTALLED. THIS INCLUDES AUTOMATIC ENTRY AND EXIT GATES, CHANGE GIVING MACHINES AND TICKET ISSUING MACHINES.
/REFERRING TO
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
REFERRING TO THE CONDITIONS OF CONTRACT, THE BROCHURE SAYS THAT TENDERERS WILL SUBMIT +BOTH A FIXED PRICE TAKING ACCOUNT OF ALL FUTURE LABOUR AND MATERIAL PRICE VARIATIONS AND A PRICE BASED ON CURRENT LABOUR AND MATERIAL PRICES WITH VARIATIONS IN THESE PRICES BEING PAID.*
THE CORPORATION WILL DECIDE WHICH OFFER TO ACCEPT IN NEGOTIATION WITH THE TENDERERS. ANY VARIATION, IN PRICES WILL BE WORKED OUT FROM FORMULAE BASED ON MOVEMENT OF PUBLISHED PRICE INDICES.
+A PERFORMANCE BOND OF 1'0 PER CENT OF THE CONTRACT VALUE WILL BE REQUIRED,* THE BROCHURE SAYS.
THE BROCHURE SAYS THAT THE PREFERRED CURRENCY OF PAYMENT IS HONG KONG DOLLARS. +HOWEVER, OTHER CURRENCIES MAY BE NOMINATED BY THE TENDERERS,+ IT ADDS.
TENDERS FOR A NUMBER OF CONTRACTS WILL BE INVITED IN GROUPS. CONTRACTORS WILL BE ASKED TO STATE WHAT REDUCTION IN THE TENDER PRICES WILL BE OFFERED IF THEY ARE AWARDED MORE THAN ONE CONTRACT IN THE SAME GROUP.
A TENDER AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME IS ATTACHED TO THE BROCHURE.
+THE COMPLETION OF INDIVIDUAL CONTRACTS BY THE SPECIFIED COMPLETION DATE IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AND CANNOT BE OVEREMPHASIZED,* THE BROCHURE SAYS.
IT GOES ONt +THE PAST RECORD AND ABILITY OF TENDERERS TO COMPLETE THE WORKS ON TIME WILL BE A MAJOR CRITERION IN ASSESSING TENDERS,*
TENDERERS MUST CONSIDER CAREFULLY SUCH THINGS AS RESTRAINTS IMPOSED BY SURFACE TRAFFIC REQUIREMENTS, PEDESTRIAN MOVEMENTS AND UTILITY DIVERSIONS.
COMMENTING ON THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AUTHORITY SAID THAT SUBSTANTIAL SECTIONS OF THE RUNNING LINE BETWEEN THE STATIONS WOULD BE CONSTRUCTED BY BORED TUNNELLING METHODS WHERE THE EFFECT ON SURFACE ACTIVITY AND RESIDENTS WOULD BE SLIGHT.
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
HOUSING AUTHORITY MAY PROVIDE HOMES FOR WORKERS OF NEW FACTORIES IN TUEN MUN mm « ft
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS AGREED IN PRINCIPLE TO ASSIST NEW INDUSTRIALISTS IN TUEN MUN BY PROVIDING ACCOMMODATION FOR THEIR WORKERS DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WHEN HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEW PREMISES OF THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED SCHEME HAD BEEN AGREED ONLY IN PRINCIPLE AND IT WAS NOT POSSIBLE TO GIVE DETAILS AT THIS STAGE.
ON THE OPENING OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID IT MARKED THE GOVERNMENT’S RECOGNITION OF TUEN MUN AS A SEPARATE ENTITY, AND PUT THE DEVELOPMENT FORMALLY ON COURSE TOWARDS THE GOAL OF DEVELOPING A TOWNSHIP OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IN THE YEARS TO COME.
ON THE QUESTION OF LAND SALE IN THE AREA, HE SAID SOME OF THE LAND WOULD BE SOLD BY TENDER AND THE POTENTIAL APPLICANT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO GIVE DETAILS OF HIS INDUSTRIAL PROCESS AND FINANCIAL BACKING SO THAT WORTHWHILE DEVELOPMENT AFTER PURCHASE COULD BE ASSURED.
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THAT OVER ONE MILLION SQUARE FEET OF LAND HAD BEEN SOLD TO INDUSTRIALISTS, AND A NUMBER OF FACTORIES HAD ALREADY BEEN DEVELOPED OR WERE UNDER CONSTRUCTION. IT WAS EXPECTED THAT A FURTHER 350,000 SQ. FT. OF LAND WOULD BE DISPOSED OF THIS YEAR.
i
*THE AIM ALL ALONG HAS BEEN TO DEVELOP TUEN MUN AS A SELF-CONTAINED INDUSTRIAL TOWN,* MR. AKERS-JONES SAID, +AND STEADY PROGRESS IS BEING MADE TOWARDS THIS.*
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1'975
WARNING ON NEW YEAR GIFTS
K X X X
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY CLARIFIED CIVIL SERVANTS OVER ACCEPTING ADVANTAGES AS PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE-
THE POSITION OF DEFINED IN THE
THIS FOLLOWS THE ISSUE OF A GOVERNMENT CIRCULAR RECENTLY WHICH DREW THE ATTENTION OF CIVIL SERVANTS TO THE LAW AND REGULATIONS COVERING THIS PARTICULAR ASPECT.
THE SPOKESMAN CONFIRMED THAT SECTION 4 OF THE ORDINANCE PROHIBITED A CIVIL SERVANT FROM OFFERING, SOLICITING OR ACCEPTING ANY <• AD VANTAGE* AS AN INDUCEMENT OR REWARD IN RELATION TO THE PERFORMANCE OR NON-PERFORMANCE OF HIS DUTIES.
HE EXPLAINED THAT ADVANTAGE IN THIS CONTEXT INCLUDED SUCH THINGS AS GIFTS AND CASH GIFTS, LOANS AND SERVICES.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE LAW APPLIED IN THE SAME WAY TO PEOPLE DEFINED IN THE ORDINANCE AS ^EMPLOYEES OR. MEMBERS* OF ^PUBLIC BODIES*. THESE BODIES ARE LISTED IN THE ORDINANCE AND INCLUDE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS, URBAN COUNCIL, PUBLIC UTILITIES, TRANSPORT COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS PROVIDING PUBLIC SERVICES SUCH AS TELEVISION, RADIO AND HOUSING.
HE CONFIRMED THAT THE NEW LAW APPLIED TO GIVING TIPS OR GIFTS TO PUBLIC SERVANTS ON OCCASIONS SUCH AS THE LUNAR NEW YEAR, AND ADDED THAT ANY PUBLIC SERVANT IN DOUBT ABOUT THE MATTER SHOULD SEEK ADVICE FROM HIS SENIOR OFFICER.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT IT IS ILLEGAL TO OFFER A TIP OR GIFT TO A PUBLIC SERVANT AT LUNAR NEW YEAR AND IT MIGHT AS A RESULT JEOPARDISE HIS EMPLOYMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN AFTER CONSULTATION
ADDED THAT THE WITH THE ICAC.
STATEMENT HAD BEEN MADE
5 _ WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
KOWLOON BAY ’SHOP OPERATORS’ SEEK COMPENSATION
-x-x-x-x-x-x
ABOUT 30 PEOPLE CLAIMING TO BE OPERATORS OF RESITE SHOPS CALLED AT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TODAY (WEDNESDAY) ASKING FOR COMPENSATION FOR THEIR SQUATTER SHOPS WHICH WERE DEMOLISHED IN A CLEARANCE OPERATION AT KOWLOON BAY LAST JUNE.
THEY WERE RECEIVED BY MR.. WILLIAM NORMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION), AND MR. LAM WING-SUN, DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY.
THE GROUP ARGUED THAT THEY WERE GENUINE SHOP OPERATORS AND SHOULD BE COMPENSATED AS WERE SIX OTHER OPERATORS WHO WERE PAID 30,100 EACH AS AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE.
MR. NORMAN TOLD THEM THAT THEIR CASE WOULD BE FURTHER DISCUSSED BY THE OPERATIONS COMMITTEE TOMORROW (THURSDAY), AND THEREFORE HE COULD NOT GIVE A REPLY TO THEM ON BEHALF OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HE SAID THE COMMITTEE’S DECISION WOULD BE MADE KNOWN TO THEM TOMORROW.
IN JUNE 1974, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT CLEARED ABOUT 500 ILLEGAL DOMESTIC STRUCTURES AND 80-0DD RESITE SHOPS AT KOWLOON BAY. THE RESITE SHOP OPERATORS WERE GIVEN PUBLIC HOUSING AND SIX OF THEM WHO COULD MEET THE CRITERIA SET Y THE GOVERNMENT WERE EACH GRANTED AN EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE OF 38,100.
THE CRITERIA ARE8
(I) THE RESITE SHOP STRUCTURE OR THE PREVIOUS STRUCTURE MUST HAVE BEEN IN EXISTENCE AT THE TIME OF THE 1964 GENERAL SQUATTER SURVEY"
(II) BUSINESS MUST HAVE DEEN CARRIED OUT CONTINUOUSLY SINCE THE 1965 SHOP SURVEY" AND
(III) BUSINESS MUST HAVE BEEN CARRIED ON AT THE TIME OF THE SCREENING SURVEY IN MARCH 1972.
NONE OF THE OTHERS COULD MEET THE CONDITIONS. VHEY HAVE SINCE MADE A HUMBER OF REPRESENTATIONS DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY ’ TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING AND HAVE TWICE PETITIONED THE GOVERNOR THEIR DEMAND WAS TURNED DOWN EACH TIME.
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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
6 -
HONG KONG STUDENT WINS LONDON SCHOLARSHIP >$ .h >$ y. j$
A HONG KONG STUDENT, MISS ONYX CHAN SUK-MING, HAS WON A 2,000 POUNDS-STERLING SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED DY THE ASSOCIATED BOARD OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.
MISS CHAN, A FORM V PUPIL OF HEEP YUNN SCHOOL, IS THE 1974 WINNER OF THE SCHOLARSHIP WHICH IS AWARDED ANNUALLY AND JOINTLY TO INDIA AND HONG KONG.
+MISS CHAN’S ACHIEVEMENT MEANS THAT FOR THE 15TH SUCCESSIVE YEAR A SCHOLARSHIP HAS BEEN WON BY A HONG KONG STUDENT,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT MUSIC SECTION SAID TODAY.
EVERY YEAR SEVEN SCHOLARSHIPS ARE PROVIDED BY THE ASSOCIATED BOARD FOR STUDENTS FROM OUTSIDE BRITAIN. EACH SCHOLARSHIP IS TENABLE FOR THREE YEARS AT ONE OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC IN LONDON.
EACH AWARD AMOUNTS IN ALL TO ABOUT 2,000 POUNDS-STERLING AND INCLUDES TUITION FEES, A GRANT GF 300 POUNDS-STERLING A YEAR TOWARDS LIVING EXPENSES AND A CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE COST OF A PASSAGE BACK HOME AT THE END OF THE COURSE.
MISS CHAN WAS AWARDED THE LICENTIATE DIPLOMA IN PIANOFORTE PERFORMING AT THE RECENT EXAMINATIONS AND IT WAS ON THE BASIS OF THIS RESULT THAT SHE WAS SELECTED BY THE VISITING PANEL OF EXAMINERS FROM LONDON FOR SCHOLARSHIP CONSIDERATION BY THE BOARD.
MISS CHAN FIRST TOOK LESSONS AT THE AGE OF TEN AND HER PRESENT TEACHER IS MR. JIMMY CHAN SAI-IIO.
NOTE TO EDITORS
PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WHO//ISH TO INTERVIEW MISS CHAN MAY DO SO BY TELEPHONING HER ON TEL. 3-630500. /
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29,. 1975
7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS y. ft ft ft ft
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT TAI WAN - MA ON SHAN ROAD IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE REOPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC AS FROM SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 1).
THE ROAD HAS BEEN CLOSED TO ALL VEHICLES EXCEPT FOR THOSE WITH WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF TRANSPORT. HOLDERS OF SUCH PERMITS ARE REQUESTED TO RETURN THEM TO THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT FOR CANCELLATION.
MEANWHILE, THE SECTION OF 01 KWAN ROAD BETWEEN WING CHEUNG STREET AND THE UNNAMED STREET NORTH OF THE WAN CHAI KA I FONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION SCHOOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE RE-ROUTED FOR TWO-WAY TRAFFIC AS FROM 10 AM NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
AT THE SAME TIME, WOOD ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
_ _ o - - •• -
TAU
NEW
FIRE VICTIMS GET NEW HOMES ft ft ft ft ft ft
THE 83 FAMILIES WHO WERE MADE HOMELESS IN THE SAI KOWLOON CITY» F,RE LAST WEEK WILL DE MOVING' INTO
HOMES BEFORE HIE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
PUBLIC HOUSING FLATS HAVE BEEN OFFERED TO THE FAMILIES COMPRISING 344 PEOPLE, AT MEI TUNG AND LAM TIN ESTATES. '
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE BY THE CLEARANCE ^'Ma^ICATIONS ACTION 017 TRE HOUSING DEPARTMENT THpfn JnScQ71"1* WILL DE CELEBRATING THE NEW YEAR IN I HEIR HEW HOMES.
PRE-LET i I NG INTERVIEWS FOR THE FIRST GROUP OF PA PAMIL I ANbLM0NDAYL(FEBRUARYE3)!SDAY) AFTERf!00rj AWD CONTINUE TOMORROW PEI lFrAruNnE?n°ur; nLL0tS2, G,VEM $10n ™CM THE EMERGENCY
T° ELP MEE1 1HE COST OF REMOVAL AND DECORATION bArbrjobo.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 29, 1975
8
OPENING OF NGAU TAU KOK SUB-OFFICE n « n n a n
THE NGAU TAU KOK SUB-OFFICE OF THE KWUN TONG CITY DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED ON FRIDAY (JANUARY 31).
MR. ERIC HO, DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, AND FOUR RESIDENTS OF THE DISTRICT WILL PERFORM TI.IE RIBBON CUlTING CEREMONY.
THE SUB-OFFICE IS SITUATED AT ROOM NOS. 17-19, BLOCK 2, LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE, KWUN TONG ROAD, VIRTUALLY IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ESTATE WHICH AT PRESENT HOUSES MORE THAN 200,000 PEOPLE.
ADMINISTRATIVELY, THE NGAU TAU KOK SUD-OFFICE IS PART OF THE KWUN TONG C.D.O. THE OFFICER-IN-CllARGE OF THIS NEW OFFICE IS MR. LYNN SUI-POON, AN EXPERIENCED LIAISON OFFICER WHO HAS ALSO BEEN APPOINTED A COMMISSIONER FOR OATHS.
MR. MICHAEL C.C. SZE, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (KWUN TONG) POINTED OUT THAT RESIDENTS OF NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE CAN IN FUTURE MAKE STATUTORY DECLARATIONS AND OBTAIN THE FULL RANGE OF C.D.O. SERVICES AT THIS SUB-OFFICE.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3.30 P.M. AND WILL BE OFFICIATED BY MR. ERIC HO, MR. LAM IIING-SUEN, MRS. CHOW YUEN-MING, MISS WONG YUK-HEUNG AND MR. LAN CHEONG-CHAU. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
' I
THURSDAY , JANUARY 30 » 1975.
i CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ANOTHER THREE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM NEXT MONDAY...................‘.......................... f
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT TO OPEN NEV SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN KOWLOON CITY................................... 2
TWO MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE TO.
FLY TO THE PHILIPPINES AS PART OF THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME 3
• I
AMBULANCE STAFF RECEIVING SPECIAL TRAINING COURSE OH EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH TREATMENT ............................... A
PRESS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION ................ 5
••
HEW TERRITORIES TEACHERS ATTENDED DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION WORKSHOP ............................................... 5
REGISTRATION OF ENTRIES FOR LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXAMINATION TO BEGIN ON feburary 3 ......................... 6
TEMPORARY WATER CUT IN CHAI WAN >............................. 6
/
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kbng. Tel: 5-233191
4
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975
- 1
MORE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS BEING PUT UP ««««««
ANOTHER THREE SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS, TOO OF WHICH GIVE > PRIORITY TO TRAFFIC FROM ONE DIRECTION TO USE ONE SIDE OF A ROAD SECTION WHERE THERE IS EXCAVATION OR OBSTRUCTION ON THE OTHER SIDE, WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM NEXT MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
THEY ARE THE SIGNS INDICATING ^PRIORITY TO BE GIVEN+, -^PRIORITY GIVEN* AND +CYCLES ONLY*. A FOURTH ONE, THE +PEDESTRIAN PRIORITY ZONE* SIGN, WILL BE INTRODUCED WHEN IT IS APPLICABLE.
THE TOO PRIORITY-GIVING SIGNS, OF DIFFERENT SHAPES AND COLOURS, WILL ALWAYS BE USED TOGETHER.
THE +PRIORITY TO BE GIVEN* SIGN, CIRCULAR IN SHAPE, DENOTES THAT PRIORITY IS TO BE GIVEN 70 VEHICLES APPROACHING FROM THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION, WHILE THE RECTANGLE-SHAPED +PRIORITY GIVEN* SIGN IS PLACED AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE AFFECTED ROAD SECTION TO INFORM MOTORISTS THAT SUCH PRIORITY IS GIVEN TO THEM.
THIS CIRCULAR SIGN, WITH RED BORDER, A SMALL RED ARROW AND A BIG BLACK ARROW ON WHITE BACKGROUND, MAY ONLY BE USED WITH THE PRIOR PERMISSION OF THE AUTHORITY.
IT WILL BE USED ONLY WHEN VEHICLES AT THE OPPOSITE END OF THE AFFECTED ROAD SECTION ARE CLEARLY VISIBLE TO THE DRIVER OF A VEHICLE ON THE SAME SIDE OF THE ROAD AS THE EXCAVATION3 THE ROAD SPACE FOR TRAFFIC OVER THE AFFECTED ROAD SECTION IS LESS THAN 18 FEET WIDE3 AND WHEN THE AFFECTED LENGTH OF ROAD IS LESS THAN 100 FEET.
THE +PRIORITY GIVEN* SIGN HAS A WHITE BORDER, A SMALL RED ARROW WITH WHITE OUTLINE, AND A BIG WHITE ARROW, ON BLUE BACKGROUND.
THE +CYCLES ONLY* SIGN INDICATES THAT THE ROUTE IS TO BE USED SOLELY BY CYCLES. BUT WHERE SUCH A ROUTE IS PROVIDED ALONGSIDE A ROUTE FOR OTHER VEHICULAR TRAFFIC, THE CYCLES MUST USE THE FORMER ROUTE. THIS SIGN fS CIRCULAR IN SHAPE WITH WHITE BORDER AND A WHITE SYMBOL ON BLUE BACKGROUND.
OF A sign denotes ™E winning
CIRCULAR IN SHAPE WITH RED ftJ ArnEJ^LT? PEDESTRIANS.
WHITE BACKGROUND THE SIGN MAYDrf*iiccS ?bA£™AND RED SYMBOLS ON SUPPLEMENTARY ®TeTHfoS|'ND1CATEB™eSEEND,^US"1 M'™ *
I
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
COPIES OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS SHOWING THE FOUR SYMBOLIC TRAFFIC SIGNS ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE GIS PRESS BOXES.
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/2
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975. - 2 -
NEW SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN KOWLOON CITY
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A NEW SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT IN KOWLOON CITY, ITS TWENTY-THIRD, ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 1). IT WILL BE LOCATED ON THE FIRST > FLOOR OF FOOK TAO MANSION AT 8-;12, SUNG WONG TOI ROAD OPPOSITE THE AIRPORT.
‘ I
THIS FIELD UNIT WILL HANDLE APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE UNDER THE SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES OPERATED BY THE DEPARTMENT FROM PEOPLE LIVING IN KOWLOON TONG, KOWLOON CITY INCLUDING THE WALLED CITY, SAI TAU VILLAGE, MODEL VILLAGE AND THE WANG TAU HOM AND LOK FU ESTATES.
WITH THE OPENING OF THIS NEW OFFICE, IT WILL EE
NECESSARY TO ADJUST THE GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES OF RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FIELD' UNITS IN SAN PO KONG, WONG TAI SIN AND NGAU TAU KOK, EXPLAINED MR. LU YU-HUA, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF FIELD UNIT OPERATIONS.
THE SAN PO KONG FIELD UNIT WILL THEREFORE DEAL WITH APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE FROM PEOPLE IN SAN PO KONG, CHOI HUNG AND PING SHEK ESTATES, NGAU CHI WAN, DIAMOMD HILL, THE AREA EAST OF SHA TIN PASS ROAD, NORTH OF CHOI HUNG ROAD AND SOUTH OF FUNG TAK STREET, TAI HOM VILLAGE AND SAI KUNG.
THE WONG TAI SIN FI ELD UN IT WlLL COVER WONG TAI SIN AND TUNG TAU ESTATES, NGA TSIN WAI, YAN 01, YAN YEE AND LION ROCK VILLAGES AS WELL AS MA CHAI HANG AND CHUK YUEN. •
THE NGAU TAU KOK FIELD UNIT’S RESPONSIBILITITY EXTENDS OVER THE AREAS OF NGAU TAU KOK, JORDAN VALLEY, FOOK WAH VILLAGE, KOWLOON BAY, KWUN TONG, TO THE WEST OF HONG NING STREET AND RENNIE’S MILL.
BECAUSE OF THE ADJUSTMENT IN BOUNDARIES OF RESPONSIBILITY, MR. LU POINTED OUT, SOME CASES WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM ONE UNIT TO ANOTHER.
ANYONE CURRENTLY RECEIVING ASSISTANCE THROUGH ANY OF THESE FIELD UNITS WHO IS UNCERTAIN WHICH ONE THEY SHOULD DEAL WITH FROM SATURDAY, SHOULD THEREFORE CONTACT THE UNIT AT WHICH THEY HAD ORIGINALLY MADE THEIR APPLICATIONS.
AT THE END OF DECEMBER 1974 THERE WERE A TOTAL OF 41,267 CASES OF FAMILIES OR INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE IN ADDITION TO 53,862 PEOPLE WHO WERE RECEIVING EITHER THE DISABILITY OR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE. PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO $82,154,145 AND $53,095,218 RESPECTIVELY.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975.
■ 4
R.H.K.A.A.F. AIRMEN ON TRAINING FLIGHT ! । TWO MEMBERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE ARE FLYING TO CLARK AIR FORCE BASE IN THE PHILIPPINES TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AS PART OF THEIR TRAINING PROGRAMME.
THEY ARE FLIGHT LJEUTENANT M. WIGHTMAN AND PILOT OFFICER B.C. FAWCETT.
ALSO ON BOARD WILL BE FLIGHT LIEUTENANT J.R. BROWN WHO HAS BEEN SECONDED TO R.H.K.A.A.F. FROM R.A.F. TO TAKE CHARGE OF THE TRAINING.
THE FLIGHT IS TO ENABLE THE R.H.K.A.A.F. AIRMEN TO OBTAIN NAVIGATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND TO SEE THE AIR-SEA RESCUE CO-ORDINATION CENTRE AT THE BASE.
THIS YEAR ALSO MARKS THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ROYAL q- HONG KONG. AUXILIARY AIR FORCE.
AS PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS TO COMMEMORATE ITS SILVER ANNIVERSARY, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ROYAL AIR FORCE MUSEUM AT HENDON, LONDON IS PRODUCING A COVER.
• . f ;
THE COVER DEPICTS THE SPITFIRE, MARK 24, WHICH WAS IN SERVICE WITH THE SQUADRON IN THE 1950’S AND THE ALOUETTE MARK I I IB HELICOPTER, WHICH IS IN PRESENT SERVICE.
SOME OF THESE COVERS WILL BE FLOWN TO CLARK AIR FORCE BASE WHERE POSTAL STAMPS WILL BE AFFIXED TO AND CANCELLATION MARK STAMPED ON THE COVERS, BEFORE BEING FLOWN BACK TO HONG KONG.
IN.ADDITION, 13,000 COVERS WILL BE FLOWN ON THE FLYING DOCTOR SERVICE ON SATURDAY (FEBRUARY 1). AFTER THAT THE COVERS WILL BE TAKEN TO THE GENERAL POST OFFICE FOR STAMPS AND CANCELLATION MARK TO BE PUT ON THE COVERS.
• ,i 1 DETAILS ABOUT THE SALE OF THESE COVERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED AT A LATER DATE.
/4.......
_ 4 _ THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975
EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH TREATMENT TRAINING COURSE FOR AMBULANCE STAFF «««««« ♦
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS JUST BEGUN A COMPREHENSIVE TRAINING COURSE ON TREATMENT IN CONNECTION WITH EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH FOR AMBULANCE STAFF INSTRUCTORS.
THE AIM IS TO ENABLE THEM TO OBTAIN FURTHER KNOWLEDGE SO THAT THEY WILL BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO HANDLE EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH CASES IN FUTURE.
THE FIRST GROUP OF 15 INSTRUCTORS IS PRESENTLY ATTENDING A ONE-WEEK COURSE, WHICH BEGAN ON MONDAY (JANUARY 27).
SESSIONS ARE BEING CONDUCTED IN THE SCHOOL OF GENERAL NURSING AND MIDWIFERY IN THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL.
THE COURSE, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, INCLUDES LECTURES AND DEMONSTRATIONS ON HOW TO GIVE TREATMENT IN EMERGENCY CHILDBIRTH ON AN AMBULANCE EN ROUTE TO HOSPITAL, ON A STAIRCASE, OR IN THE STREET.
HOWEVER, THESE INSTRUCTIONS ARE NOT DESIGNED TO CONVERT AMBULANCE STAFF INTO MIDWIVES, BECAUSE THE LATTER ARE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO TWO YEARS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING.
PARTICIPANTS ATTENDING THE COURSE WILL LEARN MORE ABOUT THE THEORY, THE ANATOMY AND THE PHYSIOLOGY OF THE HUMAN PREGNANCY SYSTEM- THE PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN CONNECTION WITH PREGNANCYMODERN CONCEPTS OF ANTE-NATAL CARE- THE RESUSCITATION OF THE NEWBORN BABY AND THE MOTHER- OXYGEN THERAPY AND ENTONOX THERAPY.
BESIDES DEMONSTRATIONS, THERE WILL BE FILM SHOWS ON CHILDBIRTH. ESSENTIAL CLINICAL OBSERVATIONS ARE PROVIDED IN THE LABOUR WARD AND NURSERY ROOMS.
A MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THAT SIMILAR COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN FUTURE.
AT PRESENT, THE AMBULANCE COMMAND OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAS ABOUT 90 INSTRUCTORS. ALL OF THEM HA.VE ALREADY RECEIVED FIRST-AID TRAINING CONCERNING CHILDBIRTH. MANY HAVE ACTUALLY BEEN PRESENT AT CRITICAL AND EXCEPTIONAL CHILDBIRTH SITUATIONS, AND HAVE ASSISTED MIDWIVES ON DUTY ON MANY OCCASIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS*.
FURTHER INFORMATION ON THIS TRAINING COURSE CAN BE OBTAINED FROM MISS B. CHAN, SENIOR NURSING TUTOR, AT THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL SCHOOL OF GENERAL NURSING AT TEL. NO. 3-840111 EXT. 428.
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975
PRESS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION ftftftftftftftftftftft
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A TEAM OF EXPERTS FROM TAE CONSULTANT FIRM, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LIMITED, WHICH IS ASSISTING THE GOVERNMENT IN PREPARING COMPREHENSIVE ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION FOR HONG KONG, WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON. ,
THE CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 4 P.M. IN THE G.I.S.
THEATRE ON THE 5TH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
THOSE TAKING PART WILL BE THE MANAGING DIRECTOR OF E.R.L., MRS. FLORENCE FISHER, THE TECHNICAL CO-ORDINATOR OF THE PROJECT, MR. J. SIDWICK, THE ECONOMIC CO-ORDINATOR, DR. R. BIDWELL, AND PROFESSOR J.MCLOUGHLIN, THE LEGAL CO-ORDINATOR.
SIMULTANEOUS INTERPRETATION FACILITIES WILL BE AVAILABLE AND MISS ELAINE HUI, A REPRESENTATIVE OF E.R.L., WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS.
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DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION WORKSHOP FOR N.T. TEACHERS ft ft ft ft ft ft
ABOUT 180 TEACHERS FROM MORE THAN 100 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES RECENTLY ATTENDED A DRUG ABUSE EDUCATION WORKSHOP HELD AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION. THIS IS THE LATEST OF A SERIES OF WORKSHOPS ORGANISED FOR TEACHERS OF PUPILS IN THE 10-15 AGE GROUP.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY, +THE AIM OF THESE WORKSHOPS IS TO ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE SERIOUSNESS OF THE DRUG PROBLEM IN HONG KONG, TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO THEIR OWN DISTRICTS, AND TO EXPLORE THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAYS OF EDUCATING PUPILS AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.+
THE WORKSHOPS, CONDUCTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN COOPERATION WITH THE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, WERE WELL ATlENDED, HE SAID.
DURING THE LAST EIGHT MONTHS, TEACHERS AND HEADS OF NEARLY ALL SCHOOLS IN HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TOOK PART IN THE WORKSHOPS, WHICH FOLLOWED THE SYMPOSIUM ON DRUG ABUSE IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
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THURSDAY, JANUARY 30, 1975
LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXAMINATION n H M J4 « «
REGISTRATION OF ENTRIES FOR EXAMINATIONS TO BE HELD'BETWEEN WILL BEGIN NEXT MONTH.
THE LONDON CHAMBER JUNE 25 AND JULY 2
OF COMMERCE THIS YEAR
EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY) THAT CANDIDATES WHO ARE STUDYING IN SCHOOLS SHOULD REGISTER THEIR ENTRIES THROUGH THEIR SCHOOLS.
FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES, ENTRY FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES. 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON, FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3).
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR COMPLETED FORMS IN PERSON, TOGETHER WITH THEIR IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT AND TWO RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS, TO THE ABOVE ADDRESS BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. FROM FEBRUARY 3 TO FEBRUARY 7.
CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED THAT NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. ENTRY FEES SHOULD BE PAID (IN CASH OR BY CHEQUE) TO THE ACCOUNTS OFFICE, EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TH FLOOR, NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 10.
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WATER CUT n
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE INTERRUPTED FOR FIVE HOURS STARTING FROM 1 A.M. ON SUNDAY (FEBRUARY 1) WHEN A TEST FOR LEAKAGE WILL BE.MADE IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE PREMISES ON CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN AH KUNG NGAM ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD, HONG MAN STREET,.CHEUNG LEE STREET, KUT SHING STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, NING FOO STREET, AND CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA SECTION ’A’.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975.
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS START WORK IN HONG KONG .......... 1
EARLY PUBLIC ASSISTANCE PAYMENTS IN TIME FOR LUNAR NEW YEAR ....................................................... 3
GOVERNMENT TO APPOINT DIRECTOR TO TELEPHONE BOARD .......... 4
YOUTHS TO STAGE FUND-RAISING SHOW FOR OLD PEOPLE ........... 4
DECEMBER TRADE FIGURES ..................................... 5
ARTS FESTIVAL CONCERTS TO BE BROADCAST LIVE ................ 7
FACTORY ESTATE TENANTS PETITION HOUSING DEPARTMENT ......... 8
TENDERS FOR LION ROCK AERIAL ROPEWAY AGAIN INVITED ......... 9
MEI FOO/TSIMSHATSUI EXPRESS COACH SERVICE STARTS .......... 10
CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO ‘BE EXTENDED......................... 11
SEAMEN RECRUITING LEGISLATION STREAMLINED ................. 12
NOVEMBER ACCOUNTS SHOW $174 MILLION SURPLUS ............... 12
PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO BE CLOSED TEMPORARILY . 13
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
- 1 • • •
STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL, POLLUTION AND CONTROL LEG I SLATON * * * M # * ' >
THE STUDY OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND CONTROL LEGISLATION IN HONG KONG RECENTLY LAUNCHED BY THE GOVERNMENT REPRESENTS +ONE OF THE MOST THOUGHTFUL AND FAR-REACHING APPROACHES TO IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF LIFE EVER UNDERTAKEN BY A GOVERNMENT ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD*. .
THIS IS THE VIEW OF MRS. FLORENCE FISHER, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LTD. (ERL), LONDON, THE CONSULTING ORGANISATION RETAINED TO ASSIST THE GOVERNMENT IN CARRYING OUT THE 18-MONTH STUDY.
MRS. FISHER IS PRESENTLY IN HONG KONG WITH ERL MEMBERS REPRESENTING SOME OF THE LEGAL,. TECHNICAL, ECONOMIC AND COMMUNICATIONS DISCIPLINES ON THE PROJECT TEAM.
ACCORDING TO MR. ALAN ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT, DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT! +THIS STUDY IS UNIQUE. ALTHOUGH MANY OTHER COUNTRIES HAVE EXAMINED POLLUTION PROBLEMS AND PRODUCED APPROPRIATE LEGISLATION, NOWHERE ELSE HAS A STUDY BEEN CARRIED OUT CONSIDERING ALL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH A VIEW TO PREPARING COMPREHENSIVE LEGISLATION AND CONTROL MECHANISMS. IT IS PROBABLY THE FIRST TIME THAT ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION ISSUES HAVE BEEN EXAMINED IN THIS TOTAL FASHION.*
THIS CONCEPT. MRS. FISHER BELIEVES, IS AN OUTGROWTH OF THE AWARENESS OF THE GOVERNMENT, WORKING CLOSELY WITH HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION COMMITTEE (EPCOM), OF FIVE FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS!
1. THE NEED TO ESTABLISH MINIMUM BASE-LINE STANDARDS FOR ALL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION — ON LAND AND SEA, IN THE AIR, AND FROM EXCESSIVE NOISE.
2. KNOWLEDGE OF THE INTEGRAL INTER-RELATIONSHIPS AMONG ALL FORMS OF POLLUTION.
3. THE DESIRE OF THE GOVERNMENT TO SECURE WIDE-RANGING ACCEPTANCE OF BASIC STANDARDS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BEFORE THE FACT, THUS LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR GENERAL APPROVAL FOR CONTINUOUS UPGRADING OF LEGISLATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF LAW.
4. RECOGNITION BY THE GOVERNMENT OF THE NEED TO ACHIEVE A PRACTICAL BALANCE BETWEEN ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY AND THE CONTINUED EXPANSION OF INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND TOURISM.
5. HONG KONG’S SMALL SIZE RELATIVE TO OTHER INDUSTRIALISED AREAS, SUCH AS JAPAN, THE EEC, THE UNITED STATES, WHICH MAKES IT FEASIBLE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS TO BE EXAMINED +WHOLE*.
/ERL IS
FRIDAY, JANUARY J1, 1975
- 2 -
ERL IS DEPLOYINC A MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM TO WORK ON THE ASSIGNMENT, IN RECOGNITION OF THE INTRICATE INTER-RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN VARIOUS FACETS OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.
CONSULTANTS NOW IN HONG KONG INCLUDE MR. J.M. SIDWICK, TECHNICAL- DR. ROBIN BIDWELL, RESEARCH AND ECONOMICS- AND PROF. J.M. MCLOUGHLIN, LAW. A COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST, WILLIAM FISHER, FORMER PUBLIC AFFAIRS ADVISOR IN THE ADMINISTRATION CF PRESIDENT KENNEDY, IS ALSO IN HONG KONG WITH THE ERL TEAM. HIS MISSION IS TO WORK WITH THE GOVERNMENT TO KEEP INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND THE COMMUNITY CONTINUOUSLY INFORMED ON THE TEAM’S PROGRESS, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS.
MR. SIDWICK, DR. BIDWELL AND MRS. FISHER ARE DIRECTORS OF ERL. AND PROFESSOR MCLOUGHLIN, AN ERL ASSOCIATE, IS FROM THE LAW FACULTY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER.
MRS. FISHER BELIEVES +IT IS RARE TO FIND GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SO HIGHLY AWARE BOTH OF THE INTER-RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN A HOST OF ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES, AND THE NEED TO SECURE WIDESPREAD ACCEPTANCE THROUGH A PURPOSEFUL PROGRAMME OF CONSULTATION AND COMMUNI CATI ON.+
THE CONSULTANTS’ FIRST TASK WILL BE TO COLLECT AND EVALUATE ALL EXISTING DATA ON POLLUTION IN HONG KONG, INCLUDING EXISTING STATUTES AND REGULATIONS AND ENFORCING AGENCIES AND THEIR WORK. THE ERL TEAM WILL USE THIS DATA, PLUS PROJECTIONS OF INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL, TOURISM AND POPULATION GROWTH IN THE AREA, TO ADVISE ON THE FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES TO BE INCORPORATED INTO A GENERAL DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ORDINANCE COVERING ALL ASPECTS OF POLLUTION.
♦ONCE THESE DRAFT PROPOSALS HAVE BEEN AGREED BY THE GOVERNMENT THE SECOND PHASE WILL BEGIN WITH THE PREPARATION OF DETAILED CONTROL MEASURES INCLUDING DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS FOR LEGISLATION AND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF CONTROL AUTHORITIES AND CONTROL SYSTEMS,+ MR. ARMSTRONG-WRIGHT SAID.
+MUCH OF OUR EXISTING POLLUTION LEGISLATION IS FRAGMENTED AND OLD FASHIONED. IT IS NOT GEARED TO CONDITIONS OF DENSE POPULATION AND TRAFFIC, THE INTENSE INDUSTRIAL AND AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT. IN ORDER TO RECTIFY THIS AND TO BROADEN HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL BASE, WITHOUT DETRIMENT TO THE ENVIRONMENT, CAREFULLY FORMULATED CONTROLS SHOULD BE STIPULATED IN LEGISLATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.+
ERL — ONE OF FOUR INTERNATIONALLY KNOWN FIRMS INVITED TO SUBMIT PROPOSALS FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT — WILL BE IN CONTINUOUS CONSULTATION WITH GOVERNMENT AGENCIES, EPCOM MEMBERS AND ORGANISATIONS REPRESENTING INDUSTRIAL, AGRICULTURAL, TOURISM, FINANCIAL AND SCIENTIFIC INTERESTS.
ITS RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACHIEVING MINIMUM ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY STANDARDS THROUGH LEGISLATION AND ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES WILL TAKE ACCOUNT NOT ONLY OF HONG KOiJG’S SPECIAL SITUATION, BUT ALSO THE MEASURES AND INSTITUTIONS ADOPTED IN. OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD.
/+NO TOO
FRIDAY, JANUARY J1, 1975
3
+N0 TWO ENVIRONMENTS ARE EXACTLY ALIKE+ ACCORDING TO MR. SIDWICK, TECHNICAL CO-ORDINATOR FOR THE PROJECT. +THEREFORE NO TWO SETS OF SOLUTIONS WILL BE ALIKE. WE SHALL STUDY THE MOST EFFECTIVE AND PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS ADOPTED BY OTHER COUNTRIES AND AREAS, BUT IN THE END OUR RECOMMEfjDATIOUS WILL BE PARTICULAR TO HONG KONG AND ITS DEVELOPMENT.+
ADDS MRS. Fl SHER I +HONG KONG ENJOYS A UNIQUE ROLE IN WORLD COMMERCE, INDUSTRY AND FINANCE. WE SEE OUR MISSION AS CENTERING ON THE PRESERVATION OF THIS ROLE, WHILE AT THE SAME TIME CATERING FOR HONG KONG’S FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, AND GENERALLY HELPING THE GOVERNMENT TO ENSURE THAT HONG KONG WILL CONTINUE TO BE AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUITABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE, WORK OR VIS IT.+
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EARLY PAYDAYS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE OVER LUNAR NEW YEAR PERIOD
DISABILITY THE LUNAR
EARLIER
PEOPLE RECEIVING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND/OR THE AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES WHOSE PAYDAYS FALL WITHIN NEW YEAR HOLIDAYS, WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR MONEY ukhu.ur, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY
Mr! DAVID CHOW, DEPUTY SECRETARY (OPERATIONS), SAID AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, ARRANGEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE WITH THE POST OFFICE, NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT OFFICES AND TREASURY OFFICES TO ENABLE RECIPIENTS TO CASH THEIR VOUCHERS EARLIER SO THAT THEY WILL HAVE MONEY FOR THE OCCASION.
THOSE WHOSE PAYDAYS FALL ON FEBRUARY 11. 12 AND 13 WILL BE ABLE TO GET THEIR MONEY ON FEBRUARY 6, 7 AND 8 OR 10 RESPECTIVELY.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
GOVT. REPRESENTATIVE TO BE APPOINTED TO TELEPHONE COMPANY BOARD OF DIRECTORS
* * * * * *
THE APPOINTMENT OF A GOVERNMENT DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TELEPHONE COMPANY IS ONE OF THE TWO PROVISIONS IN A BILL PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
IF PASSED, THE TELEPHONE (AMENDMENT) BILL WILL ENABLE THE GOVERNOR TO APPOINT AN ADDITIONAL DIRECTOR TO THE BOARD WHOSE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY WILL BE TO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC.
THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION ENSURES THAT THE NEW DIRECTOR WILL HAVE ACCESS TO ALL MATERIAL CONCERNING THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY AND WILL BE TREATED AS IF HE HAD BEEN APPOINTED TO THE BOARD AT A GENERAL MEETING OF THE COMPANY. HOWEVER, HE MAY NOT BE REMOVED FROM THE BOARD EXCEPT BY THE GOVERNOR.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES FOR WAIVING OF ANY ROYALTY PAID BY THE COMPANY TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE CALENDAR YEARS 1974 AND 1975. V
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL LAST WEEK THAT APPROVAL WOULD BE SOUGHT FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE MEASURES IF THEY WERE AGREED TO BY THE TELEPHONE COMPANY.
THEY FORMED PART OF AN +IMMEDIATE PACKAGE OF MEASURES* PROPOSED BY THE GOVERNMENT IN RESPONSE TO THE +URGENT AND DIFFICULT SITUATION FACED BY THE COMPANY AND THE PUBLIC ALIKE*. THE PACKAGE INCLUDED A PROPOSED 30 PER CENT INCREASE IN TELEPHONE RENTALS, INSTEAD OF THE 70 PER CENT APPLIED FOR BY THE COMPANY, AND THAT NO DIVIDEND PAYMENTS WOULD BE MADE BY THE COMPANY IN 1975.
IN HIS STATEMENT, IN WHICH HE ALSO ANNOUNCED THE SETTING UP OF A COMMISSION OF ENQUIRY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID +T0 REFUSE ANY INCREASE IN CHARGES AT THIS TIME WOULD PRECIPITATE A CRISIS IN THE COMPANY’S AFFAIRS WHICH WOULD NOT BE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.*
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CHARITY SHOW TO HELP THE AGED
******
FIVE YOUTH GROUPS ATTACHED TO THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE WILL BE STAGING A VARIETY SHOW ON SATURDAY EVENING (FEBRUARY 1) TO RAISE FUNDS FOR A LUNAR NEW YEAR PARTY FOR OLD PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT.
THE SHOW WILL BE HELD AT KING’S COLLEGE IN BONHAM ROAD FROM 7.30 TO 10 P.M., AND WILL INCLUDE FOLK SONGS, A MAGIC SHOW, CHINESE CLASSICAL DANCES AND TWO PLAYS AMONG OTHER ITEMS OF ENTERTAINMENT.
TICKETS AT $3 AND $5 CAN BE OBTAINED AT THE COMMUNITY CENTRE IN WESTERN STREET, HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975. - 5 -
VALUE OF DECEMBER EXPORTS DROP f
THE VALUE OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR AMOUNTED TO $1,733 MILLION, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTED A DECREASE OF $227 MILLION OR 11.6 PER CENT COMPARED WITH DECEMBER 1973.
THE VALUE OF IMPORTS AT $2,542 MILLION WAS 16.9 PER CENT LESS THAN THAT OF DECEMBER 1973, WHILE RE-EXPORTS WERE DOWN BY 15.2 PER CENT TO $527 MILLION.
COMMENTING ON THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT NOTED THAT, IN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF ECONOMIC DIFFICULTIES ELSEWHERE, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS IN THE LAST QUARTER OF 1974 DECLINED BY 13 PER CENT AND IMPORTS BY 17 PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE LAST QUARTER OF 1973.
HE POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT THE VALUE FIGURES FOR 1974 AS A WHOLE SHOWED AN INCREASE OVER THOSE FOR 1973 TO THE EXTENT OF 17.7 PER CENT FOR EXPORTS, 9.2 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS AND 17.6 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS I, THE FOLLOWING TABLE WITH COMPARATIVE FIGURES IS GIVEN FOR YOUR EASY REFERENCEi
DOMESTIC EXPORTS I $1,733 MILLION
- IMPORTS i $2,542 MILLION
. I
RE-EXPORTS i $ 527 MILLION
COMPARATIVE FIGURES DECEMBER DECEMBER INCREASE OR 1974 1973 DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 1,733 1,960 - 227 -11.6
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (76.7%) (75.9%)
IMPORTS 2,542 3,057 - 516 -16.9
RE-EXPORTS 527 621 - 94 -15.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.3%) (24.1%)
/DOMESTIC EXPORTS .....
FRIDAY, JANUARY 51, 1975
- 6 - I
• OCT.-DEC. 1974 OCT.-DEC. 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE .
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 5,168 5,794 - 626 -10.8
IMPORTS 7,570 9,108 -1,539 -16.9
RE-EXPORTS 1,614 2,022 - 408 -20.2
JAN.-DEC. 1974 JAN,-DEC. 1973 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. S MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 22,912 v (fc.3%) 19.474 (74.9%) +3,438 +17.7
IMPORTS 34,120 29,005 +5,115 +17.6
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 7,124 (23.7%) 6,525' (25.1%) + 599 ♦ 9.2
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975.
. 7 -
RHK TO BROADCAST ARTS FESTIVAL CONCERTS ******
i RADIO HONG KONG IS ABOUT TO EMBARK ON THE MOST AMBITIOUS
SERIES OF LIVE MUSIC BROADCASTS IN ITS HISTORY.
।
FOURTEEN OF THE 1975 HONG KONG ARTS FESTIVAL CONCERTS ARE TO BE RELAYED DIRECT FROM THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL TO LISTENERS IN THEIR HOMES.
THE FIRST BROADCAST WILL BE ON MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3) AT-7.25 P.M. (THE OPENING NIGHT OF THE FESTIVAL) WHEN THE ENGLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA CONDUCTED BY RAYMOND LEPPARD WILL BE PLAYING BACH’S BRANDENBURG CONCERTO NO. 1 INF, NO. 3 ING AND NO. 4 IN G AND BACH’S HARPSICHORD CONCERTO NO. 4.
THE LAST OF THESE CONCERTS WILL BE HEARD ON SUNDAY, 2ND MARCH. EIGHT OF THE BROADCASTS WILL BE ON RHK 4 (THE ENGLISH FM RADIO SERVICE) AND SIX ON RHK 2 (THE CHINESE FM RADIO SERVICE).
DETAILS OF THESE BROADCASTS WILL APPEAR IN THE DAILY PRESS (BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH) BUT THEY WILL COVER FOUR CONCERTS BY THE ENGLISH CHAMBER ORCHESTRA, SIX BY THE ORCHESTRE NATIONAL FRANCA IS, AND TWO EACH BY THE SPANISH NATIONAL ORCHESTRA AND HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA.
CLIVE SIMPSON, HEAD OF SERIOUS MUSIC PROGRAMMES AT RADIO HONG KONG, SAIDi +THIS IS BY FAR THE MOST EXTENSIVE SERIES OF LIVE BROADCASTS WE HAVE EVER UNDERTAKEN, AND IT PROMISES TO BE A RICH AND EXCITING PERIOD. THE SERIOUS MUSIC DEPARTMENT OF THE ENGLISH RADIO SERVICE IS VERY BUSY ALL THE YEAR ROUND, PRODUCING AS IT DOES 50 PROGRAMMES A WEEK NON-STOP, BUT FEBRUARY THIS YEAR IS GOING TO BE AN EXTREMELY EXHAUSTING MONTH FOR ALL OF US. IT’S GOING TO TAX OUR MANPOWER RESOURCES TO THE FULL, BOTH ON THE PRODUCTION AND TECHNICAL SIDES.
+THE BROADCASTS WILL BE BY SPECIAL VHF LINK FROM THE ROOF OF THE CITY HALL AND THE CONCERTS WILL BE HEARD ON EITHER RHK 2 OR RHK 4, ALTHOUGH NOT SIMULTANEOUSLY AS IN THE PAST. SIMULTANEOUS BROADCASTS ARE NOT IMPOSSIBLE BUT THEY DO PRESENT CONSIDERABLE DIFFICULTIES, ESPECIALLY AT THE CITY HALL ITSELF WHERE ACCOMMODATION IS SEVERELY RESTRICTED.*
MR. SIMPSON FEELS THAT THESE +LIVE+ BROADCASTS WON’T HAVE A SIGNIFICANT EFFECT UPON TICKET SALES AS RADIO HONG KONG WON’T BE ADVERTISING WHICH CONCERTS ARE GOING TO BE BROADCAST UNTIL QUITE CLOSE TO THE ACTUAL DATE.
HE ADDED THAT HE FELT THE IDEA OF RIVALRY OR CONFLICT IN THIS MATTER WAS LARGELY IN THE MINDS OF CONCERT PROMOTERS AND IMPRESARIOS.
/♦IN THE SERVICE ......
FRIDAY, JANUARY J1, 1975
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+IN THE SERVICE OF MUSIC WE HAVE TO REMEMBER THAT THERE ARE k
QUITE A LOT OF MUSIC LOVERS WHO CANNOT GET TO THE CONCERTS FOR A VARIETY OF REASONS - THE POOR, THE AGED AND THE SICK, FOR EXAMPLE, k. AND MANY YOUNG COUPLES WHO ARE UNABLE TO LEAVE THEIR CHILDREN,* HE SAID.
♦THERE IS ALSO A DEEP INTEREST IN MUSIC AMONG BLIND .I:
PEOPLE IN HONG KONG AND EACH MONTH THE SERIOUS MUSIC PROGRAMME SCHEDULES OF RHK 4 ARE TRANSLATED INTO BRAILLE FOR THEIR ENJOYMENT BY DEDICATED VOLUNTARY WELFARE WORKERS. IT IS MAINLY FOR THESE PEOPLE IN OUR COMMUNITY THAT WE HAVE ARRANGED SUCH AN EXTENSIVE BROADCAST COVERAGE OF THE ARTS FESTIVAL THIS YEAR.+ 5
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FACTORY ESTATE TENANTS PETITION housing department
*******
ABOUT 80 FACTORY ESTATE TENANTS TODAY (FRIDAY) CALLED AT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS TO HAND IN A PETITION URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO GRANT THEM THE SAME TENANCY TERMS AS ENJOYED BY GROUP B SHOP TENANTS.
I *
THE LETTER ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO AMEND AND RECONSIDER A NUMBER OF EXISTING AGREEMENTS CONCERNING THE TRANSFER AND INHERITANCE OF TENANCY IN FACTORY ESTATES.
THE GROUP CLAIMED TO REPRESENT TENANTS OF ALL EIGHT FACTORY ESTATES IN HONG KONG AND KOWLOON AND WERE MET BY MR. WILLIAM NORMAN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (ADMINISTRATION) AND MR. LAM WING-SUN, ' DEPARTMENTAL SECRETARY. ,
MR. NORMAN TOLD THE DELEGATION THAT HE WOULD BRING THE MATTER TO THE ATTENTION OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND PROMISED TO GIVE THEM A REPLY WITHIN TWO WEEKS.
/9......
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
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NEW T .NDERS INVITED FOR LION ROCK ROPEWAY
X # * M * X
THE LION ROCK AERIAL ROPEWAY IS AGAIN OPEN TO TENDER.
A NOTICE CALLING FOR BIDS FOR A FRANCHISE TO OPERATE AN AERIAL ROPEWAY RUNNING FROM SHA TIN PASS ROAD TO A PEAK TO THE EAST OF LION ROCK, IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, TENDERS CLOSE AT 12 NOON ON APRIL 11, 1975.
MEANWHILE, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN DISCLOSED THAT SEVERAL OTHER AERIAL ROPEWAY PROJECTS WERE ALSO BEING CONSIDERED AND NEW SAFETY LEGISLATION IS BEING PREPARED TO COVER ALL AERIAL ROPEWAY OPERATIONS.
THE FRANCHISE FOR THE LION ROCK SYSTEM WAS PREVIOUSLY TENDERED IN MID-1973 BUT NONE OF THE THREE PROPOSALS SUBMITTED THEN WAS ACCEPTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT.
AS IN THE PREVIOUS TENDER, THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER WILL BE GRANTED THE LEASE OF A LOT COMPRISING AN UPPER STATION OF 64,000 SQ.FT. AND A LOWER STATION OF 72,000 SQ.FT. WITH A WAYLEAVE FOR A ROPEWAY BETWEEN THEM.
THE PROPOSED ROUTE AND THE LOCATION OF THE TWO STATIONS REMAIN THE SAME AND THE PREMIUM AND ANNUAL RENTAL OF THE LAND LOT HAVE NOT BEEN REVISED. THE FINANCIAL REQUIREMENTS IN THE NEW TENDER HAVE BEEN RE-STRUCTURED HOWEVER.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE AERIAL ROPEWAY. THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WOULD PROVIDE ANOTHER TOURIST ATTRACTION AS WELL AS FURTHER RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
+EOTH STATIONS WILL HAVE RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS, AND PARKING WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE LOWER STATION TO FACILITATE VISITORS USING CARS, BUSES AND TAXIS.
+CARE HAS BEEN TAKEN IN THE CHOICE OF THE ROUTE AND THE LOCATION OF THE UPPER STATION TO PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE HILLSIDES AND THE FAMOUS LION ROCK ITSELF.
+THE ROPEWAY WILL PROVIDE EXCELLENT PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE HARBOUR AREA OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG AND OVER THE SHA TIN VALLEY AND WILL OPEN UP FINE HILLSIDE WALKS,* HE SAID.
FULL TENDER DOCUMENTS AND CONDITIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH I FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
ENQUIRIES MAY ALSO BE MADE AT THESE TWO OFFICES.
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975.
10 -
INAUGURATION OF.KMB ROUTE 206
******
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, MR. (AN MACPHERSON, THIS (FRIDAY) MORNING CUT THE RIBBON AT A CEREMONY TO MARK THE INAUGURATION OF THE KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S URBAN EXPRESS COACH SERVICES SPECIALLY DESIGNED TO PROVIDE AN ACCEPTABLE ALTERNATIVE TO PRIVATE CARS.
THE NEW SERVICE - ROUTE NO. 206 - WHICH OPERATES BETWEEN MEI FOO SUN CHUEN AND TSIM SHA TSUI IS DUE TO START TOMORROW. IT IS THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF SUCH SERVICES PLANNED MAINLY FOR AREAS WHERE PEOPLE AT PRESENT HAVE TO DEPEND ON THEIR PRIVATE CARS.
SPEAKING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY HELD AT THE LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE BUS TERMINUS, MR. MACPHERSON SAID THAT ROAD CONGESTION, PARTICULARLY AT PEAK HOURS WHEN EVERYONE WAS TRYING TO GET TO WORK OR RETURN HOME FROM WORK., WAS A PROBLEM IN HONG KONG AS IT WAS IN MOST CITIES OF THE WORLD.
♦IT FOLLOWS THAT ANY MEASURES WHICH WILL HELP IN REDUCING THIS CONGESTION ARE TO BE WELCOMED, WHETHER THEY INVOLVE THE STAGGERING OF WORKING TIMES TO SPREAD THE PEAK TRAVELLING LOAD, OR THE PROVISION OF OFF-ROAD FACILITIES SUCH AS FASTER AND MORE FREQUENT FERRIES, OR ARE DESIGNED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF VEHICLES ON THE ROAD BY INTRODUCING BUS SERVICES WHICH OFFER A SUITABLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE PRIVATE CAR,+ HE SAID.
OBVIOUSLY, HE ADDED, THE FEWER THE VEHICLES ON THE ROAD, THE BETTER WILL BE THE JOURNEY TIMES ACHIEVED BY PUBLIC ROAD TRANSPORT IN GENERAL.
AFTER THE CEREMONY MR. MACPHERSON AND A NUMBER OF GUESTS WERE INVITED TO TRAVEL ON ONE OF THE NEW COACHES.
NOTE TO EDITORSi
f
COPIES OF A PHOTOGRAPH SHOWING MR. MACPHERSON OFFICIATING AT THE INAUGURAL CEREMONY ARE DISTRIBUTED IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS EVENING.
/11
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
EXTENSION OF CANAL ROAD FLYOVER * * * * *
THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER IN WAN CHAI, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ROAD CONNECTIONS, WILL BE EXTENDED TO PROVIDE A LINK WITH THE PROPOSED ABERDEEN TUNNEL BY WAY OF A HIGH CAPACITY DUAL TWO-LANE ELEVATED ROAD.
THE FLYOVER WILL BE EXTENDED FROM CANAL ROAD FOLLOWING THE LINE OF LEIGHTON ROAD, MORRISON HILL ROAD, AND WONGNEICHONG ROAD, TO THE PORTAL OF THE PROPOSED ABERDEEN TUNNEL SITUATED WITHIN THE COLONIAL CEMETERY IN HAPPY VALLEY.
ACCESS RAMPS TO THE NEW FLYOVER IN MORRISON HILL ROAD AND WONGNEICHONG ROAD WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED.
AT THE SAME TIME, PEDESTRIAN SUBWAYS WILL BE CONSTRUCTED ACROSS MORRISON HILL ROAD, WONGNEICHONG ROAD AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST FOR COMPLETE SEGREGATION OF PEDESTRIANS AND VEHICLES.
OTHER MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXISTING CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE THE REMOVAL OF THE LOCKHART ROAD RAMPS AND THE WIDENING OF THE TWO EXISTING CARRIAGEWAYS.
WORKS WILL ALSO BE CARRIED OUT ON WIDENING, REALIGNING, AND REGRADING SECTIONS OF LEIGHTON ROAD, MORRISON HILL ROAD, WONGNEICHONG ROAD, AND QUEEN’S ROAD EAST IN THE VICINITY OF THE NEW FLYOVER.
NOTICE OF THE INTENTION TO CARRY OUT THE PROJECT IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE. ANY PERSON OBJECTING TO THE PROJECT SHOULD SEND IN HIS OBJECTIONS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS NOT LATER THAN FEBRUARY 28, 1975. ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD ALSO BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING NOT LATER THAN MARCH 31, 1975.
PLANS OF THE ABOVE WORKS CAN BE INSPECTED AT THE WAN CHAI CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 201, HENNESSY ROAD, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY COUNTER ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, WEST WING, OR AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
12
SER'‘CE RECORD BOOKS FOR HONG KONG SEAMEN
******
EVERY SEAMAN WHO IS RESIDENT IN HONG KONG. WILL BE REQUIRED TO HOLD A SERVICE RECORD BOOK UNDER PROPOSED LEGISLATION PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE.
THIS IS ONE OF THE PROVISIONS CONTAINED IN THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (RECRUITING OF SEAMEN) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1975 WHICH AIMS TO PUT THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE ISSUE AND CONTROL OF SERVICE RECORD BOOKS ON A LEGAL FOOTING ALONG THE LINES OF U.K. LEGISLATION.
AT PRESENT, HONG KONG SEAMEN ARE REQUIRED TO PRODUCE A DISCHARGE BOOK ISSUED BY THE SEAMEN’S RECRUITING OFFICE AT THE TIME OF RECRUITMENT AND FOR ENDORSEMENT OF CERTIFICATES OF DISCHARGE ALTHOUGH THERE IS NO STATUTORY REQUIREMENT TO HOLD SUCH A DOCUMENT.
APART FROM MAKING IT OBLIGATORY FOR A HONG KONG SEAMAN WHOSE NAME APPEARS ON PART I OF THE REGISTER OF SEAMEN KEPT UNDER THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO HOLD A SERVICE RECORD BOOK, THE BILL WILL ALSO ENABLE THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF SERVICE RECORD BOOKS AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS.
ANOTHER PROVISION OF THE BILL WILL MAKE ENTRIES IN OFFICIAL LOG BOOKS OF SHIPS AND CERTIFIED COPIES OF SUCH ENTRIES PR I MA FACIE EVIDENCE OF THE MATTER REFERRED TO.
THIS SAME PROVISION ALSO ENLARGES THE LIST OF PERSONS WHO MAY CERTIFY SUCH COPIES AND SO HELPS TO MINIMIZE THE DIFFICULTY NOW EXPERIENCED BY SHIPMASTERS IN OBTAINING THE CERTIFICATION OF SUCH DOCUMENTS. THIS WILL IN TURN ENABLE THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE TO PURSUE OFFICIAL ENQUIRIES WITH MINIMAL DELAY.
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NOVEMBER ACCOUNTS SHOW $174 M. SURPLUS ******
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER 1974 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $174 MILLION COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $168 MILLION IN NOVEMBER 1973.
THIS HAS REDUCED THE ACCUMULATED DEFICIT TO $806 MILLION FOR THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
TOTAL REVENUE FOR THE MONTH AT $708 MILLION WAS $127 MILLION MORE THAN IN NOVEMBER 1973.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE WAS $534 MILLION — $122 MILLION MORE THAN NOVEMBER 1973. .
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FRIDAY, JANUARY 31, 1975
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TEMPORARY C OSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER M M M * * M
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT THE WHOLE LENGTH OF PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER IN KOWLOON WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 AM ON TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 4) TO ENABLE WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE ARGYLE STREET FLYOVER TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DURING THIS PERIOD, NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD SHOULD TURN LEFT INTO ARGYLE STREET, MAKE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE OFFICES OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER CO. LTD., AND RE-ENTER WATERLOO ROAD VIA A SLIP ROAD.
SOUTHBOUND TRAFFIC SHOULD CONTINUE ALONG WATERLOO ROAD, TURN LEFT INTO ARGYLE STREET. MAKE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF MANDARIN COURT, AND RE-ENTER PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.
•
IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED FROM MONDAY (FEBRUARY 3) TO TUESDAY (FEBRUARY 11) IN YUEN LONG IN CONNECTION WITH THE CHINESE NEW YEAR FAIR TO BE HELD THERE.
ON NING ROAD BETWEEN MA MIU ROAD AND TAI KIU ROAD, AND THE WHOLE LENGTH OF KIK YUEN ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC DURING THAT PERIOD.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, STARTING FROM 10 AM ON FEBRUARY 3, MINOR TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED TO FACILITATE LOCAL TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN NORTH POINT.
HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL FROM TSAT TSE MUI ROAD TO KING’S ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND, AND HEALTHY STREET WEST BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND PAK FUK ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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