港史文本 - HK In Texts: Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1977 - SEP

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

CHANNELS OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATION OPEN ...................... 1

COMMENTS ON HK TIME SOUGHT ................................. 2

85 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY ........................

JUBILEE STAMPS SHOW IN HK .................................. 4

MOPE AWARE OF SALARIES TAX RESPONSIBILITIES ...............

JULY BANKING STATISTICS .................................... 6

HEUNG YEE KUK BY-ELECTION .................................. 7

PRIZES FOR COUNTRY PARKS POSTER DESIGNERS .................. 3

CROWN LAND AUCTION ......................................... 9

CAS SWIMMING GALA ON SATURDAY ............................. 10

SAI KUNG FLATS SALE PRESS CONFERENCE ....................... 10

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

THE SIX CHANNELS OF INTERACTION * * * *

THE PUBLIC HAVE A RIGHT TO EXPRESS THEIR VIEWS ON PUBLIC POLICIES AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS AN OBLIGATION TO LISTEN, MR. PHILIP

HADDON-CAVE, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, SAID TONIGHT.

AND, HE SAID, THERE ARE AT LEAST SIX WAYS IN WHICH THE COMMUNITY, EITHER AS INDIVIDUALS, ORGANISATIONS OR GROUPS, CAN MAKE THEIR VIEWS KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT.

MR. HADDON-CAVE WAS ADDRESSING A DINNER MEETING OF THE GENERAL COMMITTEE OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AT THE MANDARIN HOTEL.

REFERRING TO THE CHANNELS OF INTERACTION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE PUBLIC, HE SAID THE UMELCO OFFICE IN RECENT YEARS HAD DEVELOPED A CONSIDERABLE FACILITY FOR CONSIDERING AND COMING TO A QUITE INDEPENDENT VIEW ON REPRESENTATIONS MADE TO IT. IF UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS SEE MERIT IN THOSE REPRESENTATIONS, THEY FORWARD THEM TO THE GOVERNMENT WITH THEIR ENDORSEMENT.

♦WITH SUCH SUPPORT, THE GOVERNMENT MUST TAKE THE REPRESENTATIONS VERY SERIOUSLY EVEN IF THIS INVOLVES THE GOVERNMENT CHANGING ITS MIND AS REGARDS ESTABLISHED OR PROPOSED POLICIES.+

OTHER WAYS IN WHICH COMMUNITY VIEWPOINTS REACH THE GOVERNMENT, HE CONTINUED, WERE THROUGH:

* A NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES SOME ORGANISED AT DEPARTMENTAL LEVEL AND SOME CROSSING DEPARTMENTAL BOUNDARIES, BUT ALL OF WHICH FORM PART OF A SYSTEM CULMINATING IN THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS’

* INFORMAL 'CONTACTS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AND DEPARTMENTS, WHICH ARE MORE EXTENSIVE AND ON-GOING IN HONG KONG THAN IN MOST PLACES, SUCH AS THROUGH THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES BY WHICH THE GOVERNMENT HAS BEEN ABLE TO CULTIVATE AND MAINTAIN FAIRLY STEADY AND SOMETIMES INTIMATE WORKING RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDIVIDUALS FROM DIFFERENT WALKS OF LIFE AS WELL AS A WIDE RANGE OF REPRESENTATIVE ORGANISATIONS. IN ADDITION THERE ARE THE MEETINGS WITH AREA COMMITTEES AND DISTRICT COMMITTEES, ALL OF WHICH RESULT IN MUCH USEFUL INFORMATION AND HELPFUL CRITICISM BEING OBTAINED AND FED BACK INTO THE ADMINISTRATION-

K DIRECT SUBMISSIONS TO THE APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OR THE SECRETARIAT, AND EVEN PETITIONING THE GOVERNOR, BY ANY INDIVIDUAL, ORGANISATION OR GROUP. SUBMISSIONS ARE TAKEN SERIOUSLY, THOUGH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED DO NOT NECESSARILY MEAN THEY ARE ALWAYS ACCEPTABLE. SUCH SUBMISSIONS ARE ALSO, ON APPROPRIATE OCCASIONS, FED INTO THE ADVISORY SYSTEM AND SO FORM PART OF THE MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO BOARDS AND COMMITTEES WHEN CONSIDERING WHAT ADVICE TO OFFER TO THE GOVERNMENT ON PARTICULAR ISSUES’

/• PUBLIC .....

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

* PUBLIC STATEMENTS WHICH HAVE BECOME AN ACCEPTED CHANNEL OF INTERACTION. THOUGH IT DOES NOT EXACTLY INVOLVE DIRECT COMMUNICATION WITH THE GOVERNMENT, IT CAN, AND OFTEN DOES, PROVOKE PUBLIC DEBATE AND THEREBY DRAWS TO THE GOVERNMENT’S ATTENTION ISSUES OF CONCERN OR DIFFERING POINTS OF VIEW ON PUBLIC POLICY- AND

X THE SETTING UP BY THE GOVERNOR OF INFORMAL COMMITTEES, OR FORMAL COMMISSIONS OF INQUIRY TO INVESTIGATE MATTERS OF PUBLIC CONCERN THROUGH WHICH INDIVIDUALS, AS WELL AS ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS WITHIN THE COMMUNITY, ARE ABLE TO VOICE THEIR OPINIONS ON THE MATTERS BEING INQUIRED INTO.

IN CONCLUSION, HE SAID, +ADEQUATE CHANNELS DO EXIST TO PROVIDE FOR INCREASING INTERACTION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY, AND CERTAINLY, THE GOVERNMENT DOES RECOGNISE THAT, IN THIS COMMUNITY, AS IN ANY OTHER, THERE IS A MULTIPLICITY OF PROBLEMS AND POINTS OF VIEW.+

BUT, HE STRESSED, THESE SIX CHANNELS OF INTERACTION WORK WELL ONLY TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY ARE USED EFFECTIVELY, AND IT IS INCUMBENT ON BOTH THE GOVERNMENT, AND THE MANY ORGANISATIONS AND GROUPS WHICH MAKE UP THE PRIVATE SECTOR, TO SEE THAT THEY ARE.

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HONG KONG TIME SURVEY * * K * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS INVITING PUBLIC VIEWS ON WHAT TIME SYSTEM SHOULD BE ADOPTED AS HONG KONG TIME IN FUTURE.

DURING THE NEXT TWO MONTHS, RESIDENTS CAN WRITE IN TO THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HOME AFFAIRS) G.P.O. BOX 10,000 GIVING THEIR VIEWS ON WHETHER HONG KONG SHOULD:

* RETAIN G.M.T. +8 AS HONG KONG TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR’

* ADOPT G.M.T. +9 AS HONG KONG TIME THROUGHOUT THE YEAR’ OR

* REVERT TO THE PREVIOUS DUAL TIME SYSTEM, CHANGING THE CLOCK IN APRIL AND OCTOBER.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THERE HAD BEEN INTENSIVE DISCUSSIONS ON THE QUESTION OF HONG KONG TIME LAST YEAR, AND PUBLIC PREFERENCES SEEMED TO DIFFER WIDELY.

ACCORDINGLY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS ANNOUNCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN AUGUST LAST YEAR THAT HONG KONG SHOULD TRY STANDARD TIME (G.M.T. +8) THROUGHOUT THE WINTER OF 1976 AND THIS SUMMER.

+THIS WAS TO ENABLE THE PUBLIC TO EXPERIENCE G.M.T. +8 OVER

A FULL YEAR AS AGAINST SUMMER TIME (G.M.T. +9) AND MAKE THEIR OWN CHOICE ON THE BASIS OF ACTUAL EXPERIENCE,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+WITH THE EXPERIENCE THUS GAINED THE PUBLIC SHOULD BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO ASSESS THEIR PREFERENCE ON A MORE REALISTIC BASIS BY COMPARING THEIR EXPERIENCE WITH THE PERIOD IN 1974 WHEN SUMMER TIME WAS ADOPTED OVER MUCH OF THE WINTER,+ HE SAID.

PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THIS ISSUE SHOULD REACH THE PRINCIPAL ASSISTANT SECRETARY (HOME AFFAIRS) NOT LATER THAN OCTOBER 30, 1977. ------------------------------0 ------ /3..........

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MORE BUILDING PLANS APPROVED ******

THE NUMBER OF NEW BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN JULY WAS THE HIGHEST FOR MORE THAN THREE YEARS.

THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT APPROVED A TOTAL OF 85 NEW PLANS IN THE MONTH — THE HIGHEST NUMBER SINCE MAY 1974 WHEN 92 WERE APPROVED.

OF THE 85 PLANS APPROVED, 35 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG, ; 20 FOR KOWLOON AND 30 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR A SCHOOL AT NAM LONG SHAN ROAD, A SCHOOL BUILDING EXTENSION AT TIN KWONG ROAD, A YOUTH CENTRE AT TUNG CHUNG, LANTAU ISLAND, A HOSPITAL EXTENSION AT SANDY BAY ROAD AND A TRANSFORMER ROOM AND TELEPHONE EXCHANGE AT Yl LONG WAN, LANTAU ISLAND.

THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS $213.25 MILLION, COMPARED WITH $163.15 MILLION FOR JULY LAST YEAR.

NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED

THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF ------------

AMOUNTED TO SOME 232,296 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 155,519 SQUARE

METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 76,777 SQUARE METRES OF

DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.

DURING JULY, THE B.O.O. GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 45 NEW BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE HEADQUARTERS OF THE BOY SCOUT MOVEMENT AT 01 KWAN ROAD AND A HOME FOR AGED WOMEN AT SAI KUNG.

FIFTY-EIGHT NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A SCHOOL AT THE JUNCTION OF BRAEMAR HILL ROAD AND CLOUD VIEW ROAD, A WELFARE CENTRE AT CHUNG HOM KOK AND A HOME FOR AGED WOMEN AT FANLING.

THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF 41 BUILDINGS.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

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JUBILEE STAMPS ON DISPLAY *****

THE OMNIBUS SERIES OF SILVER JUBILEE STAMPS ISSUED BY THE 24 COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE FROM NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 5).

THE STAMPS WILL BE

DAILY FROM 9 A.M. TO 4

EXHIBITED ON THE FIRST FLOOR PUBLIC COUNTER P.M. FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD.

EACH POSTAL AUTHORITY PARTICIPATING IN THE SERIES COMMEMORATING THE ACCESSION TO THE THRONE OF THE QUEEN HAD ISSUED STAMPS IN THREE DENOMINATIONS.

ONE SHOWS A ROYAL CONNECTION WITH THE INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY, ANOTHER AN ITEM OF CORONATION REGALIA OR RELATED SUBJECT, WHILE THE THIRD DEPICTS A SCENE FROM THE CORONATION CEREMONY IN A CHRONOLOGICAL SEQUENCE ACCORDING TO THE ALPHABETICAL ORDER OF THE COUNTRY.

+THUS THE ASCENSION ISLAND STAMP WHICH FEATURES FIRST IN THE CORONATION SEQUENCE SHOWS HER MAJESTY LEAVING BUCKINGHAM PALACE IN THE GOLDEN CORONATION COACH, THE BARBADOS STAMP DEPICTS THE QUEEN LEAVING THE COACH AT WESTMINSTER ABBEY,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE EXPLAINED.

+THE LAST IN THE SEQUENCE - THE TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS -SHOWS THE QUEEN AND THE ROYAL FAMILY ON THE BALCONY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE AFTER THEIR RETURN FROM THE ABBEY.

+HONG KONG WAS THIRTEENTH IN THE ALPHABETICAL LIST AND OUR THEME IN THE SEQUENCE OF EVENTS WAS THE PRESENTATION OF THE ORB IN THE CEREMONY WITHIN THE ABBEY,+ HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE UNIQUE POSTAGE STAMP ISSUE WAS VERY POPULAR WITH SALES OF THE HONG KONG SET OF THREE BREAKING ALL PREVIOUS RECORDS.

THE FIRST DAY SALES ON FEBRUARY 7 THIS YEAR TOTALLED OVER 31,295,000, COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS BEST OF $1,248,000 FOR THE DEFINITIVE STAMP ISSUE IN 1973.

OVER 204,000 FIRST-DAY COVERS FOR THE ISSUE WERE SOLD ALMOST 70,000 OF WHICH WERE SENT OVERSEAS TO COLLECTORS AND DEALERS, HE ADDED.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

TAXABLE INCOME EARNERS COME CLEAN

******

SALARY EARNERS ARE BECOMING MORE AWARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REPORT THEIR INCOME, ACCORDING TO A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.

+SINCE THE PUBLICITY DRIVE IN MID-JULY, AN INCREASING NUMBER OF PEOPLE ARE MAKING ENQUIRIES TO THE DEPARTMENT CONCERNING THEIR SALARIES TAX RETURNS,+ SAID THE SPOKESMAN.

DURING THE INTENSIVE SIX-WEEK CAMPAIGN, THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT ALSO MADE A SPECIAL EFFORT TO ENCOURAGE TAXPAYERS TO PURCHASE TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES, WHICH ARE DESIGNED TO HELP THEM BUILD UP A RESERVE FUND FOR TAX PAYMENTS.

ACCORDING TO THE SPOKESMAN, SUBSEQUENT TO THE CAMPAIGN, ACCOUNTS OPENED IN COLLECTION OFFICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES INCREASED BY SOME 15 PER CENT AS A RESULT OF THE DRIVE.

TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES ARE AVAILABLE IN MULTIPLES OF $53, BEARING A THREE PER CENT TAX FREE INTEREST. THEY CAN BE PURCHASED DIRECTLY OR THROUGH A BANKER.

THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED TAXPAYERS THAT TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATE FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED AT MOST BANKS OR FROM THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT AT

GROUND FLOOR, CLUB LUSITANO BUILDING, ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL, HONG KONG-

FIRST FLOOR, REAR PORTION, ’OLD’ HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING, 664, NATHAN ROAD, MONG KOK, KOWLOON- AND

* GROUND FLOOR, ON YUE BUILDING, 132, TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

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BANKING STATISTICS FOR JULY * * * *

BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF JULY 1977 STOOD AT S*8,169 MILLION COMPRISING $11,101 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $18,330 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $18,738 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.

THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF JULY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING SAID THAT DEPOSITS AT 7 DAYS’ NOTICE OR LESS PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED UNDER DEMAND DEPOSITS ARE NOW INCLUDED UNDER TIME DEPOSITS.

THE FOLLOWING TABLES RELEASED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF BANKING TODAY GIVE A DETAILED BREAKDOWN OF BANK LIABILITIES AND ASSETS AND MONEY SUPPLY FOR THE MONTH.

LIABILITIES

$ MILLION

1. DEPOSITS 48,169

2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 33,152

3. OTHER LIABILITIES 9»408

TOTAL LIABILITIES 90,729

ASSETS

1. CASH 796

2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD: (1) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS (II) TIME DEPOSITS 26,290 4,410 30,700

3. LOANS AND ADVANCES: ( 1) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD / 32,968 16,896 49,864

4. INVESTMENTS: (1) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD 3,434 68 3,502

5. OTHER ASSETS: (1) HONG KONG (II) ABROAD 4,136 1,731 5,867

TOTAL ASSETS 90,729

AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH

/ MONEY SUPPLY .....

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

MONEY SUPPLY

ADJUSTED FIGURES

MONTH ENDED FOR MONTH ENDED 31ST JULY, 1977 3OTH JUNE 1977

1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A) (1) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 5,226 (II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 492 5,718 5,140 490 5,630

2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES (B) 796 793

3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - (C) 4,922 4,837

4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D) 11,101 10,900

5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) ♦ (D) - (E) 16,023 15,737

6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F) 18,330 18,582

7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G) 18,738 18,343

8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (6) - (H) 53,091 52,662

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THREE HEUNG YEE KUK SEATS TO BE FILLED *****

THE NEW TERRITORIES HEUNG YEE KUK IS GOING TO THE POLLS LATER THIS YEAR TO ELECT THREE OFFICIALS.

TO FILL VACANCIES OF A SPECIAL

BY-ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD

COUNCILLOR FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT, AN ORDINARY MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN FOR THE SOUTHERN

DISTRICT.

THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL BE THE RETURNING OFFICER.

THE BY-ELECTIONS WILL BE HELD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HEUNG YEE KUK ORDINANCE.

ELECTION OF THE SPECIAL COUNCILLOR FOR THE SOUTHERN DISTRICT WILL TAKE PLACE ON OCTOBER 20, WHILE THAT OF THE OTHER TWO OFFICIALS WILL BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 3.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

PRIZES FOR COUNTRY PARKS POSTER DESIGN WINNERS

******

A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY FOR WINNERS OF THE COUNTRY PARKS POSTER DESIGN COMPETITION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE OCEAN TERMINAL LOBBY.

MRS. HUTCHEON, THE WIFE OF MR. ROBIN HUTCHEON, EDITOR OF THE SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST AND A MEMBER OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD, WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES.

THE COMPETITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WAS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS.

WINNERS IN THE OPEN SECTION WERE LEE TAI, LEUNG HUNG-FAT, YUEN WAI-CHUNG, CHOI KAI-YAN, PATS CHAN AND LO PING-HUNG.

WINNERS IN THE JUNIOR SECTION WERE CHAU YUK-HAN (JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SCHOOL), LEE KIN-MEI (LAI KING SCHOOL), LEE SIU-MEI (KEI YUM P.M. PRIMARY SCHOOL), LI CHI-WAI (SALES IAN SCHOOL), AND YUEN KAI-BUN (JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SCHOOL).

THE WINNING POSTERS AND THE TOP 30 ENTRIES IN EACH SECTION FROM WHICH THE FINAL SELECTIONS WERE MADE WILL BE DISPLAYED IN THE OCEAN TERMINAL FROM TOMORROW AFTERNOON UNTIL SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 4) EVENING.

THE AIM OF THE COMPETITION WAS TO PROMOTE AWARENESS OF THE COUNTRY CODE AND TO ILLUSTRATE THE NEED FOR CONSERVATION OF THE COUNTRYSIDE.

ALTOGETHER SOME 250 ENTRIES WERE SUBMITTED FROM ALL OVER HONG KONG.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED lO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE OCEAN TERMINAL LOBBY.

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/9 ...

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 1977

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CROWN LAND AUCTION KOKO

A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SITE AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND A CROWN LOT AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD WILL BE AUCTIONED BY THE P.W.D. S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT ON SEPTEMBER 20.

THE TSIM SHA TSUI SITE OCCUPIES AN AREA OF ABOUT 3,500 SQUARc. METRES AND THE PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD ONE, 93 SQUARE METRES. BOTH HAVE BEEN ZONED FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USE, AND WILL BE AUCTIONED AT

THE CITY HALL THEATRE.

AT THE SAME AUCTION, A FLAT SITUATED ON THE THIRD FLOOR OF NO. 6 HOI KING STREET, KOWLOON WILL ALSO BE OFFERED FOR SALE. IT HAS AN AREA OF 52.5 SQUARE METRES.

THE SALE OF THIS PROPERTY IS SUBJECT TO EXISTING TENANCIES AND INSPECTION OF THE PREMISES MAY BE MADE ON SEPTEMBER 14, BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND NOON.

MEANWHILE ANOTHER PIECE OF CROWN LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY TENDER.

THIS SITE, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF 9,662 SQUARE METRES AT TAI YIP STREET, KOWLOON BAY, IS FOR GODOWN PURPOSES. I

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS AT SEPTEMBER 16 NOON.

FULL PARTICULARS, FORM OF TENDER, TENDER NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND THE PLAN INSPECTED AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING). GROUND FLOOR, THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICE, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

/1O......

CAS SWIMMING GALA

******

THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD ITS ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA AT THE MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL IN WAN CHAI ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 3).

NEARLY 403 C.A.S. ADULT VOLUNTEERS AND CADETS WILL COMPETE FOR TROPHIES IN 20 HEATS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE FROM 1 P.M. TO

6.45 P.M.

HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WILL BE AN INVITATION RELAY IN WHICH SWIMMING ENTHUSIASTS FROM SEVEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND FIVE YOUTH ORGANISATIONS WILL TAKE PART.

THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL ASSIST IN ORGANISING THE EVENT.

MRS. R.H. LOBO, WIFE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, WILL PRESENTER IZES TO WINNERS OF THE CHAMPION CUPS AND INVITATION RELAYS AT ABOUT 5.30 P.M.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE C.A.S. SWIMMING GALA AND PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY ON SATURDAY BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 6.45 P.M. AT THE MORRISON l!!'_L ---

HILL SWIMMING

POOL, WAN CHAI.

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NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRESS CONFERENCE ON SAI KUNG TOWN FLATS FOR SALE

******

THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION IS TO AUCTION OFF 10 MORE FLATS IN SAI KUNG TOWN LATER THIS MONTH.

OFFICERS FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL GIVE DETAILS OF THE AUCTION, INCLUDING NEW SALE CONDITIONS, AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN ONE OF THE FLATS ON THE THIRD FLOOR, 100 MAN NIN STREET, SAI KUNG, TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 3.15 P.M.

A GOVERNMENT VAN (AM 2133) WILL BE AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI SUB-POOL AT 2.30 P.M. TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CONFERENCE.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977

CONTENTS

P.VD COMMENDED FOR TRAINING APPRENTICES ...................

2 FIRE SERVICES RECRUITING 100 AMBULANCEMEN .................

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CLUB STREET ....................

OKE-WAY TRAFFIC IK THREE SECTIONS OF ROADS IN TUEN MUN ... 3

IMPROVED COMPENSATION RATES FOR TUEN MUN FARMcRS ........... 4

5 EASY TERMS FOR PURCHASING SAI KUNG FLATS ..................

ACTING CS TO TAKE SALUTE AT CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE’S * BIGGEST PASSING-OUT PARADE ...........................

FOOTBRIDGE TO BE BUILT IN CHAI WAN ROAD ...................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977

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PWD PRAISED FOR TRAINING APPRENTICES * * * *

DR. S.Y. CHUNG, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, TODAY COMMENDED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR ITS EFFORTS IN PROVIDING THE YOUNG MEN OF HONG KONG WITH AN OPPORTUNITY IN ACQUIRING CRAFT AND TECHNICAL SKILLS OF A HIGH STANDARD.

SPEAKING AT A GRADUATION CEREMONY FOR GOVERNMENT APPRENTICES AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, DR. CHUNG SAID THAT AS WELL AS MEETING ITS NEED FOR SKILLED CRAFTSMEN, THE P.W.D. TRAINING SCHEME WAS INCREASING THE POOL OF TECHNICAL MANPOWER IN HONG KONG AND INDIRECTLY CONTRIBUTING TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG INDUSTRY.

THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. WILLIAM BELL, SAID THAT THE P.W.D. BELIEVES IT IS IMPORTANT TO DEVELOP A FEELING OF PRIDE IN CRAFTSMANSHIP AMONGST ITS APPRENTICES, AND THAT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY PLAYS A BIG PART IN PROMOTING THIS FEELING.

DR. CHUNG PRESENTED GRADUATION CERTIFICATES TO 54 CRAFT APPRENTICES AND 19 TECHNICAL APPRENTICES DURING THE CEREMONY.

THE +LAISHLEY CUP+, WHICH IS AWARDED TO THE BEST CRAFT APPRENTICE, WAS WON THIS YEAR BY MR. CHUNG KA-CHUEN OF THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D.

THE +BROWN CUP+ FOR THE BEST TECHNICAL APPRENTICES WENT TO TWO GRADUATES FROM THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT, MR. NG CHO-KUEN WHO WAS THE TOP MECHANICAL APPRENTICE, AND MR. NGAN HON-WING, TOP ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE.

IN HIS SPEECH, DR. CHUNG SAID THAT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ORGANISED APPRENTICE TRAINING LAY IN THE PREPARATION OF HIGHLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN CAPABLE OF PLAYING A PART IN UPGRADING PRODUCT DESIGN AND QUALITY, INCREASING PRODUCTIVITY AND REDUCING PRODUCTION COST.

HE SAID HONG KONG WAS DEVOID OF NATURAL MATERIAL RESOURCES AND ARABLE LAND, AND THEREFORE ITS ECONOMIC VIABILITY DEPENDS TO A VERY LARGE EXTENT ON ITS EXPORT-ORIENTATED MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

UNDERLINING THIS POINT, DR. CHUNG RECALLED THAT LAST YEAR, 774,030 PEOPLE, OR 43 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WORKING POPULATION OF HONG KONG WERE EMPLOYED IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR.

HE COMPARED THIS TO WEST GERMANY WHERE THE PROPORTION IS 40 PER CENT, UNITED KINGDOM 35 PER CENT, FRANCE AND JAPAN 27 PER CENT, THE UNITED STATES 24 PER CENT AND CANADA 20 PER CENT.

+T0 ASSURE OUR ECONOMIC WELL BEING, WE MUST ENSURE THAT HONG KONG MANUFACTURED PRODUCTS REMAIN COMPETITIVE IN THE INCREASINGLY COMPETITIVE WORLD MARKET.

' + TO ACHIEVE

- 2

+TO ACHIEVE THIS GOAL, PRODUCT DESIGN AND QUALITY, PRODUCTIVITY AND TO IMPROVE

WE MUST CONTINUE TO UPGRADE OUR

TO INCREASE OUR INDUSTRIAL OUR PRODUCTION COST.+

ALL THESE IMPLY IMPROVING EXISTING MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGY AND ACQUIRING NEW PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES WHICH WOULD NORMALLY BE ASSOCIATED WITH INSTALLATION OF COMPLEX MACHINERY OF MORE ADVANCED DESIGN, GREATER SOPHISTICATED TECHNICAL CONTENT AND MUCH COMPLICATED CONTROL.

THE OPERATION, SERVICING AND MAINTENANCE OF THESE TECHNICALLY-ADVANCED EQUIPMENT WILL, NO DOUBT, REQUIRE HIGHLY TRAINED TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN.

DR. CHUNG SAID, +THIS IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ORGANISED APPRENTICE TRAINING TODAY.+

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100 AMBULANCEMEN WANTED * * * *

FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FROM YOUNG, PHYSICALLY FIT MEN TO JOIN THE RANKS OF THE AMBULANCEMEN.

MORE THAN 100 MEN ARE REQUIRED TO FILL THE PRESENT VACANCIES AND THOSE WHICH WILL ARISE WHEN NEW AMBULANCE DEPOTS ARE COMPLETED IN THE NEAR FUTURE.

THE STARTING SALARY FOR AN AMBULANCEMAN IS SI,210, RISING UP TO A MAXIMUM OF Si,770.

THE RECRUITS WILL BE TRAINED FOR AMBULANCE AND OTHER DUTIES.

APPLICANTS SHOULD BE AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 30, HAVE GOOD PHYSIQUE AND NORMAL EYESIGHT, BE ABLE TO SPEAK FLUENT CANTONESE, AND READ AND WRITE CHINESE. THEY SHOULD HAVE LIVED IN HONG KONG FOR A CONTINUOUS PERIOD OF FIVE YEARS OR MORE AT THE TIME OF APPLICATION.

ANYONE WHO IS INTERESTED SHOULD APPLY IN PERSON BETWEEN 1 P M AND 8 P.M. DAILY FROM MONDAY TO THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 5 TO 8) AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING RECRUITING CENTRES:

M HONG KONG ISLAND - HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION, HARBOUR ROAD

* KOWLOON - TSIM SHA TSUI FIRE STATION, CANTON ROAD- AND

* NEW TERRITORIES - TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, TAI CHUNG ROAD-AND FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, PAT HEUNG.

HE SHOULD BRING ALONG HIS IDENTITY CARD, DOCUMENTS PROVING HIS RESIDENTIAL AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS AND A COMPLETED APPLICATION FORM (G.F. 340) WHICH IS OBTAINABLE FROM ANY CITY DISTRICT OFFICE.

---0

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977 - 3 -

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN

* * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT A NUMBER OF ONEWAY TRAFFIC SYSTEMSWILL COME INTO OPERATION FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 5) IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT:

* A NEW DIVERSION ROAD FROM CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO THE NEW ROUNDABOUT ON PUI TO ROAD WILL OPERATE ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND-

* THE SECTION OF PUI TO ROAD BETWEEN THE NEW ROUNDABOUT AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL OPERATE ONE-WAY EASTBOUND- AND

* THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH PUI TO ROAD AND THE NEW DIVERSION ROAD TO THE SOUTH WILL OPERATE ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND.

TRAFFIC TRAVELLING EASTWARDS ALONG THE ONE-WAY SECTION OF PUI TO ROAD WILL NOW BE PERMITTED TO TURN RIGHT OR LEFT AT THE PUI TO ROAD/CASTLE PEAK ROAD JUNCTION.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.

---0-------

CLUB ST TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT

* * * *

THE JUNCTION OF CLUB STREET WITH CHATER ROAD IN CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM NEXT WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO NOVEMBER 16.

THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY’S CHATER STATION.

UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT, JACKSON ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED NORTHBOUND, BUT PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WILL BE MAINTAINED DURING THE CLOSURE.

A COPY OF THE PLAN MAY BE VIEWED AT THE MASS TRANSIT OFFICE, ROOM 416, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.

M . . . .

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977

- 4 -

IMPROVED COMPENSATION RATES FOR FARMERS

* * * H

A GROUP OF TUEN MUN FARMERS «HO HAVE TO MOVE TO MAKE WAY FOR A BIG GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENT PROJECT ARE TO RECEIVE IMPROVED COMPENSATION TERMS.

THEY WILL BE COVERED BY NEW COMPENSATION, DISTURBANCE AND EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES APPROVED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE IN JULY, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. JOHN TODD SAID TODAY.

MR. TODD HAS OUTLINED THE NEW TERMS IN A LETTER TO VILLAGERS AND FARMERS FROM SAN SHEK WAN, TSENG TAU HAU TSUEN AND THE CHING CHUNG KOON AREA IN REPLY TO THEIR REQUESTS FOR BETTER COMPENSATION TERMS.

THE VILLAGERS ARE TO MOVE LATER THIS MONTH FOR MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS CONNECTED WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

MR. TODD SAID THAT ALL THE GENUINE FARMERS INVOLVED IN THE CLEARANCE WHO COULD FIND SUITABLE AGRICULTURAL LAND OUTSIDE THE TUEN MUN DEVELOPMENT AREA WOULD EE GRANTED PERMITS TO CONTINUE THEIR • LIVELIHOODS AS CULTIVATORS.

+LIKE ALL SUCH FARMERS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, THEY WILL BE ENTITLED TO NEW COMPENSATION RATES APPROVED BY FINANCE COMMITTEE ON JULY 27,+ HE SAID.

+THE FINANCE COMMITTEE DOUBLED THE EX-GRATIA REHABILITATION ALLOWANCE FOR GENUINE FARMERS WHO WISH TO CONTINUE FARMING ELSEWHERE FROM $2,503 TO $5,000.

+ADDITIONALLY, THE DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE HAS BEEN RAISED FROM 40 AND 60 CENTS PER SQUARE FOOT TO $1 PER SQUARE FOOT.

+THERE WILL ALSO BE IMPROVED COMPENSATION RATES FOR PIGBREEDERS, WHO WILL NOW GET $11.50 PER SQUARE FOOT OF PIGSTY INSTEAD OF THE OLD RATE OF $10.+

/ 5 . . . .

- - 0 - -

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977

- 5 -

EASY TERMS FOR BUYING SAI KUNG FLATS

******

BUYERS OF TEN MORE FLATS IN SA I KUNG TOWN TO BE AUCTIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT LATER THIS MONTH WILL BE ABLE TO OPT FOR PAYING HALF OF THE PURCHASE PRICE BY ANNUAL INSTALMENTS.

THE FLATS, EACH OF 692 SQ. FT., ARE IN A ROW OF MODERN FIVE-STOREY BLOCKS WHICH WERE PRIMARILY BUILT TO REHOUSE LOCAL VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.

IT WILL BE THE SECOND AUCTION IN A SERIES PLANNED TO DISPOSE OF ABOUT 80 SIMILAR FLATS, WHICH WERE LEFT OVER BECAUSE SOME VILLAGERS OPTED FOR CASH COMPENSATION.

THE FIRST AUCTION TOOK PLACE IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR WHEN FOUR FLATS WERE SOLD FOR A TOTAL OF $435,000 AND TWO OTHERS WERE WITHDRAWN.

EXPLAINING THE SALE CONDITIONS OF THE NEXT AUCTION, MR. GORDON MOFFOOT, SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAID ALL SUCCESSFUL BIDDERS WOULD BE REQUIRED TO PAY A DEPOSIT OF $10,000 AFTER THE FALL OF THE HAMMER.

+THEN, WITHIN ONE CALENDER MONTH OF THE SALE, THEY CAN PAY EITHER THE FULL PURCHASE PRICE, OR HALF OF THE PRICE PLUS THE FIRST OF TEN EQUAL ANNUAL INSTALMENTS FOR THE REMAINING 50 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.

+IN THE CASE OF PAYING BY INSTALMENTS, INTEREST AT THE RATE OF 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM SHALL BE CHARGED ON THE BALANCE.

+HOWEVER, THE BUYER CAN AT ANY TIME AFTER GIVING SUFFICIENT NOTICE PAY OFF IN ONE LUMP SUM THE WHOLE OF THE OUTSTANDING BALANCE OF THE PURCHASE PRICE AND THE ACCRUED INTEREST,+ HE SAID.

MR. MOFFOOT POINTED OUT THAT BUYERS OPTING FOR INSTALMENT PAYMENTS WOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO ASSIGN, UNDERLET OR ENTER INTO ANY AGREEMENT TO DISPOSE OF THE FLATS UNTIL THEY HAD PAID THE WHOLE AMOUNT OF THE PURCHASE PRICE.

HE SAID ALL THE TEN FLATS ON SALE WERE ON EITHER THE SECOND OR THIRD FLOORS- SEVEN WERE AT MAN NIN STREET, COMMANDING A GOOD SEAVIEW, WHILE THE OTHER THREE WERE AT Yl CHUN STREET.

+THE FLATS ARE ALL VERY WELL LOCATED OPPOSITE THE MARKETS IN SAI KUNG TOWN, AND THERE IS SHOPPING ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF EACH OF THE BLOCKS,+ HE SAID.

/ DEPENDING ON

- 6 -

♦DEPENDING ON THE OUTCOME OF THE AUCTION. IT IS PLANNED TO DISPOSE OF THE REMAINING SURPLUS FLATS AT REGULAR INTERVALS,+ HE ADDED. ’

THE AUCTION WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 21 AT 3 P.M. AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES. 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.

COPIES OF THE SALE CONDITIONS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SAI KUNG, SHA TIN, TAI PO, TSUEN WAN, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN AND ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICES, AS WELL AS AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HEADQUARTERS AT 101, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON. PLANS CAN ALSO BE INSPECTED AT THESE OFFICES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE AUCTION AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 21.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

BIGGEST PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE H H H if H M

MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, WILL TAKE THE SALUTE AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THIS WILL BE THE BIGGEST PASSING-OUT PARADE OF THE SERVICE, WITH 16 INSPECTORS AND 57 CUSTOMS OFFICERS LEAVING THE TRAINING SCHOOL ON COMPLETION OF THEIR INDUCTION TRAINING.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SERVED 14 YEARS AGO AS THE FIRST ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER OF WHAT WAS THEN KNOWN AS THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE. TOMORROW’S EVENT MARKS THE FIRST PASSING-OUT PARADE TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE NAME OF THE SERVICE WAS CHANGED TO CUSTOMS AND EXCISE.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PARADE WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

GOVERNMENT BUSES (AM 5606 AND AM 3565) WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER AT 8.45 A.M. AND 9.15 A.M. TO TAKE YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SCHOOL AND BACK TO KOWLOON AFTER THE PARADE.

/?....

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 2, 1977

- 7 -

GOVERNMENT RESPONDS TO FOOTBRIDGE REQUEST

*****

THE P.W.D. IS CALLING TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A STEEL FOOTBRIDGE ACROSS CHAI WAN ROAD NEAR SALES IAN MIDDLE SCHOOL.

THE ACTING CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS CFFICt (HONG KONG DIVISION) MR. K.Y. HO, SAID THE FOOTBRIDGE WOULD BE BUILT WHERE MOST PEDESTRIANS NO.. CHOSE TO CROSS CHAI WAN ROAD.

THE NORTHERN END OF THE FOOTBRIDGE WILL TERMINATE NEAR A FLIGHT OF STEPS LEADING TO SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, SC PEDESTRIANS WILL HAVE THE ADDITIONAL BENEFIT OF A DIRECT CONNECTION FROM CHAI ..AN ROAD TO SHAU KEI WAN ROAD.

MR. HO SAID THE P.W.D. WAS BUILDING THE FOOTBRIDGE IN

RESPONSE TO REQUESTS FROM THE PUBLIC FOR A PEDESTRIAN CROSSING

FACILITY IN CHAI WAN ROAD BETWEEN A KUNG NGAM ROAD AND SHAU KEI

WAN ROAD.

AS A RESULT OF INVESTIGATIONS CARRIED OUT BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, HE SAID IT WAS DECIDED THAT SEPARATION OF PEDESTRIAN AND VEHICULAR TRAFFIC WAS ESSENTIAL FOR PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AND IMPROVEMENT OF TRAFFIC FLOW.

MR. HO POINTED OUT THAT THE STEEP GRADIENT IN THIS SECTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD MAKES IT DIFFICULT FOR HEAVY VEHICLES TO BRAKE AND RESTART.

+THEREFORE+, HE SAID, +ANY FORM OF CONTROLLED CROSSING OTHER THAN A FOOTBRIDGE OR SUB-WAY WOULD EE UNDESIRABLE.+

CONSTRUCTION OF THE FOOTBRIDGE IS EXPECTED TO START NEXT MONTH, AND BE COMPLETED IN FOUR MONTHS TIME.

nRiiiSO gis| |ofe|

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

MORE LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT ON LANTAU AND CHEUNG CHAU . 1

HK’S DRINKING WATER 99 PER CENT PURE ................ 3

HK’S FREE PORT STATUS MAINTAINED .................... 5

THOUSANDS ENJOYED SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .......... 6

LAST ANTI-RABIES OPERATION FOR KOWLOON .............. 6

FIRING PRACTICE ..................................... 7

CLOSURE OF SECTION OF MONMOUTH PATH ................. 7

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

MORE LAND FOR LANTAU AND CHEUNG CHAU DEVELOPMENT ******

MAJOR RECLAMATION PROJECTS ARE ABOUT TO BEGIN AT MUI WO ON LANTAU AND AT CHEUNG CHAU AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PLAN FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TWO AREAS OVER THE NEXT DECADE.

TENDERS WILL SHORTLY BE CALLED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE RECLAMATION OF SIX HECTARES OF LAND AT CHEUNG CHAU AND THREE HECTARES AT MUI WO.

THE ACTING GOVERNMENT ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, MR. KENNY KWOK SAID TODAY THE RECLAMATION ON CHEUNG CHAU WOULD COMPRISE ABOUT HALF OF THE 12 HECTARES TO BE FORMED THERE FOR PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL SITES, AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES INCLUDING SCHOOLS, MARKETS, SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, INCINERATORS, AN ABATTOIR AND OPEN SPACE.

MR. KWOK SAID THE CONTRACT WOULD BE THE FIRST TO BE LET IN THE PLANNED $140 MILLION DEVELOPMENT OF CHEUNG CHAU OVER THE NEXT TEN YEARS.

THE DEVELOPMENT WOULD PROVIDE ALL THE NECESSARY FACILITIES TO HOUSE, EDUCATE AND CARE FOR THE 15,000 PEOPLE WHO WILL EVENTUALLY LIVE IN THE NEW ESTATES.

A 500-METRE SEAWALL AND A RUBBLE REVETMENT 1,100 METRES IN LENGTH WILL FORM THE BOUNDARY OF THE RECLAMATION.

+F ILL I NG MATERIALS WILL BE TAKEN FROM A BORROW AREA ON THE HILLTOP NEAR THE SERVICE RESERVOIR AND THE AREA DESIGNATED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE EAST OF KWAI TSAI WAN,+ MR. KWOK SAID.

+AFTER COMPLETION OF THE WORKS, THE BORROW AREA WILL ACCOMMODATE A SECONDARY SCHOOL, AND THE HAUL ROAD WILL SERVE AS A PERMANENT PATHWAY FOR THE SCHOOL, PUBLIC HOUSING, AND NEIGHBOURING PAK SHE SUN TSUEN VILLAGE.+

THE PRESENT SCHEME WILL PROVIDE LAND AT CHEUNG CHAU WAN, KWAI TSAI WAN AND TAI KWAI WAN FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 1,200 AS WELL AS PRIVATE VILLAGE TYPE HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL SITES, HE ADDED.

MR. KWOK SAID THAT IT WAS ALSO PROPOSED TO BUILD A CENTRAL SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS AT KWAI TSAI WAN TO SERVE INITIALLY CENTRAL AND NORTHERN CHEUNG CHAU.

NEW TRUNK SEWERS ARE TO BE CONSTRUCTED FROM NAM WAN TO THE PROPOSED TREATMENT WORKS AND CONSTRUCTION IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN NOVEMBER AND EE COMPLETED 20 MONTHS LATER.

AT MUI WO,THE THREE HECTARcS TO BE FORMED WILL PROVIDE LANE FOP SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS, A SAND DEPOT, A GOVERNMENT MAINTENANCE DEPOT AND SITES FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, A HELIPAD AND AN ABATTOIR.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

- 2 -

METRES' LONG WILL CONTAIN THE FILLED WITH MATERIAL FROM A BORROW

SEA AND RUBBLE WALLS 700 RECLAMATION AREA WHICH WILL BE

AREA ON TOP OF BARREN HILL.

THE BORROW AREA WILL FORM REHABILITATED ON COMPLETION OF

PART OF A COUNTRY PARK WHEN IT IS THE EXCAVATIONS.

MR KWOK SAID THAT MUCH WORK WAS ALREADY UNDERWAY AT MUI WO AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SEVEN YEAR, $100 MILLION PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE RURAL TYPE HOUSING, AND THE FULL RANGE OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES THERE.

LAND FOR THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE IS BEING FORMED, WORK HAS STARTED ON A NEW BUS TERMINUS, AND A START WILL BE MADE SOON ON A NEW FERRY PIER.

THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER FOR THIS SECOND STAGE CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE WORK IN NOVEMBER AND COMPLETE THE CONTRACT IN 12 MONTHS.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

- 3 -

HK’S DRINKING WATER IS TOP QUALITY * * * *

HONG KONG ENJOYS AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION FOR THE QUALITY OF ITS DRINKING WATER, THE P.W.D.’S SENIOR WATERWORKS CHEMIST, MR. DEREK MAKER, SAID TODAY.

+DESPITE ITS RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND HIGH POPULATION DENSITY, HONG KONG ENJOYS A REPUTATION FOR HAVING A WATER SUPPLY OF QUALITY WHICH COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THAT OF CITY SUPPLIES IN FULLY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES,+ HE SAID.

MR. MAKER, WHO HEADS THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL UNIT, SAID THAT +OUR ROUTINE MONITORING INDICATES THAT OVER 99 PER CENT OF TAP SAMPLES ARE OF FIRST-CLASS BACTERIOLOGICAL PURITY WHILE THE CHANCES OF DANGEROUS ORGANISMS BEING PRESENT IN SUB-STANDARD TAP SAMPLES ARE INDEED EXTREMELY REMOTE.+

+TO ENSURE THAT TARGET STANDARDS ARE MAINTAINED,* HE ADDED, ♦WATER.QUALITY THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SUPPLY SYSTEM IS CONTINUOUSLY MONITORED BY THE CHEMICAL AND BACTERIOLOGICAL EXAMINATION OF WATER SAMPLES AT INTAKES, STORAGE RESERVOIRS, TREATMENT WORKS, SERVICE RESERVOIRS, TRUNK MAINS AND CONSUMERS TAPS.*

+ABOUT 4,000 SAMPLES ARE LABORATORY TESTED EVERY MONTH BY THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL UNIT, OF WHICH SOME 1,000 ARE TAKEN FROM TAPS,* MR. MAKER SAID.

HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT HONG KONG WAS FORTUNATE IN HAVING TWO IMPORTANT FACTORS IN ITS FAVOUR WHICH CONTRIBUTE TO THE GENERAL QUALITY OF ITS WATER RESOURCES, PRIOR TO PURIFICATION TREATMENT.

♦FIRSTLY THE BULK OF OUR SUPPLY IS DERIVED FROM PROTECTED UPLAND CATCHMENT AREAS WHERE POLLUTION ARISING FROM MAN’S ACTIVITIES IS VERY LOW, AND SECONDLY, SUBSEQUENT STORAGE OF WATER IN RESERVOIRS PERMITS A DEGREE OF NATURAL SELF-PURIFICATION DUE TO THE EFFECTS OF SEDIMENTATION, AERATION AND SUNLIGHT.

♦FURTHERMORE DUE TO LOCAL GEOLOGY, OUR NATURAL WATER RESOURCES ARE BOTH SOFT AND LOW IN MINERAL CONTENT.

♦IN ADDITION, THE SUPPLY WE RECEIVE FROM CHINA, ALTHOUGH UNTREATED, IS OF COMPARABLY GOOD QUALITY, WHILE PRODUCT WATER FROM THE LOK ON PAI DESALTER, BEING DISTILLED WATER, IS EXTREMELY PURE,* HE SAID.

THEREFORE, MR. MAKER SAID THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WAS OFF TO A FLYING START IN ENSURING THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG RECEIVED A PURE WATER SUPPLY.

♦THUS AFTER PURIFICATION TREATMENT AT OUR WATERWORKS WHERE THE RAW WATER IS CLARIFIED, FILTERED, STERILISED AND FLUORIDATED, THE FINAL SUPPLY EASILY CONFORMS TO STRINGENT QUALITY STANDARDS FOR DRINKING WATER RECOMMENDED BY THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION.*

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

BUT UNFORTUNATELY THE WORK OF THE WATER QUALITY CONTROL UNIT CAN BE UNDONE LOCALLY, PARTICULARLY BY THE PLUMBING SYSTEM ON CONSUMERS’ PREMISES.

MR. MAKER SAID THAT CORRODING PIPES IMPART A YELLOWISH-BROWN DISCOLOURATION AND TURBIDITY OFTEN NOTICED ON FIRST TURNING ON A TAP.

+THIS IS DUE TO IRON RUST AND IS EXPERIENCED IN MOST PARTS OF THE WORLD WHERE GALVANISED IRON PLUMBING IS COMMONLY USED BUT IT IS QUITE HARMLESS TO HEALTH.

+ANOTHER PHENOMENON WHICH SOMETIMES GIVES RISE TO CONCERN DURING THE CURRENT RESTRICTIONS IS ’’MILKY” OR ’’WHITE” WATER.

+THIS IS CAUSED MAINLY BY THE SUDDEN RELEASE OF EXCESS DISSOLVED AIR IN THE FORM OF TINY BUBBLES, BUT ON STANDING A MINUTE OR TWO, THE WATER WILL CLEAR,+ MR. MAKER SAID.

TURNING TO THE QUESTION OF BOILING DRINKING WATER, THE SENIOR WATERWORKS CHEMIST SAID THAT WHEN RESTRICTIONS ARE IN FORCE, +ALL DRINKING WATER SHOULD BE BOILED AS A PRECAUTION BECAUSE THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF CONTAMINATION ENTERING DE-WATERED pippe BUT WHEN FULL SUPPLY IS AVAILABE IT IS PERFECTLY SAFECO LONG AS ANY PRIVATE STORAGE TANKS ON PREMISES ARE PROPERLY PROTECTED AGAINST CONTAMINATION.*

ASKED TO DEFINE THE MR. MAKER SAID:

CHARACTERISTIC OF A GOOD WATER SUPPLY,

X THE WATER COMING OUT OF THE TAP SHOULD BE CLEAR AND COLOURLESS, FREE FROM TURBIDITY OR OPALESCENE DUE TO SUSPENDED MATTER-

* PALATABLE WITH NO UNPLEASANT ODOUR OR TASTE-

X REASONABLY +SOFT+ IN ORDER TO PRODUCE A GOOD LATHER WITH SOAP- AND

X FOR INDUSTRIAL USE IT SHOULD HAVE A LOW DISSOLVED MINERAL SALTS CONTENT.

BUT MR. MAKER SAID ABOVE ALL ELSE, THE WATER SHOULD BE SAFE TO DRINK.

+IT SHOULD HAVE NO DISEASE PRODUCING BACTERIA OR OTHER ORGANISMS AND HAVE NO HARMFUL CHEMICAL CONTENT.*

MEASURED BY THESE STANDARDS, HE CONCLUDED, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT PROVIDES THE CONSUMERS OF HONG KONG WITH A GOOD WATER SUPPLY.

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

/5 ....

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977 ,

- 5 -

CHANGE OF TITLE DOES NOT ALTER HK’S FREE PORT STATUS ******

MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, SAID TODAY THAT THE RETITLING OF THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO CUSTOMS AND EXCISE SERVICE IN NO WAY REPRESENTS A CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S FREE PORT STATUS NOR DOES IT HERALD ANY CHANGE IN HONG KONG’S FREE TRADE POLICIES.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE ABSENCE OF A GENERAL CUSTOMS TARIFF AND THE UNRESTRICTED MOVEMENT OF CARGO IN AND OUT OF HONG KONG WOULD CONTINUE, EXCEPT WHERE, FOR ONE SPECIAL REASON OR ANOTHER CONTROL WAS NECESSARY.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WAS AWARE THAT MANY SERVING MEMBERS OF THE SERVICE HAD LONG FELT THAT THE PREVIOUS NAME, THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, WAS OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD OVERSEAS AND NOT TRULY DESCRIPTIVE OF THE FUNCTIONS THEY PERFORM.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF CUSTOMS INSPECTORS AND OFFICERS AT THE SERVICE’S TRAINING SCHOOL AT TAI LAM CHUNG. IT WAS THE FIRST AND THE LARGEST PARADE OF ITS KIND EVER HELD BY THE SERVICE UNDER THE NEW NAME.

MORE THAN 70 OFFICERS - 16 INSPECTORS AND 57 RANK AND FILE -TOOK PART IN THE PARADE MARKING THE COMPLETION OF A TWO-MONTH INDUCTION TRAINING COURSE.

HE REMINDED THE OFFICERS, HOWEVER, THAT THEY SHOULD NOT ASSUME THE COURSE THEY HAD JUST FINISHED TO BE THE END OF THEIR TRAINING.

+0N THE CONTRARY, ONLY THROUGH EXPERIENCE AS SERVING OFFICERS WILL YOU BECOME TRULY KNOWLEDGEABLE AND EFFICIENT IN THE DISCHARGE OF YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS PUBLIC SERVANTS,* HE SAID.

+THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF YOUR SERVICE ARE MANIFOLD*, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.

+TWO ARE WORTHY OF PARTICULAR MENTION. THE PROTECTION OF EXCISE REVENUE STILL REPRESENTS ONE OF YOUR MORE IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITIES. I SAY THIS BECAUSE THE REVENUE FROM DUTIABLE COMMODITIES - WHICH, THIS YEAR, I HAVE ESTIMATED WILL AMOUNT TO OVER $730 MILLION - CONSTITUTES ALMOST 10 PER CENT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S TOTAL REVENUE.

+IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DANGEROUS DRUGS, THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF YOUR SERVICE IN RECENT YEARS HAVE COME TO BE HELD IN HIGH ESTEEM BOTH LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY.

+HOWEVER, THERE IS NO ROOM FOR COMPLACENCY. THIS EVIL OF THE DRUG TRAFFIC IS STILL FAR FROM BEING ERADICATED.

+IN THIS FIELD YOU WILL NEED TO BE EVER VIGILANT AND MORE MINDFUL THAT THOSE WHO CALLOUSLY TRADE IN DRUGS, RUIN MANY LIVES AND CAUSE UNTOLD GRIEF TO THEIR FAMILIES,* MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.

- - - - 0 - - - - /6.....

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

NOTE TO EDITORS

THOUSANDS ENJOYED SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME * * * *

SOME 1,000 YOUNGSTERS LIVING IN EASTERN DISTRICT ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE ENTERTAINED AT A VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW (SUNDAY) TO MARK THE CLOSE OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.

MORE THAN 400 EVENTS HAD BEEN JOINTLY ORGANISED IN THE SUMMER PROGRAMME BY SOME 60 VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS IN THE DISTRICT AND HAD PROVIDED MEANINGFUL RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES TO TENS OF THOUSANDS OF CHILDREN IN THE AREA.

THE VARIETY SHOW TOMORROW, WHICH WILL FEATURE MAGIC SHOWS, A LION DANCE, AND PERFORMANCES BY JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS AND WELL-KNOWN LOCAL SINGERS, WILL BE PRECEDED BY A CLOSING CEREMONY TO BE OFFICIATED BY MISS CHRISTINE CHOW, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (EASTERN).

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW AT THE NORTH POINT KAIFONG ASSOCIATION HALL, JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT.

0 - -

LAST ANTI-RABIES OPERATION FOR KOWLOON * * * * *

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT THE FINAL ROUND OF ITS ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVE FOR KOWLOON AT WONG TAI SIN AND TAI HOM VILLAGE NEXT MONDAY AN& TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 5 AND 6).

THE DOG INOCULATION TEAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAVE CARRIED OUT A TOTAL OF 14 DISTRICT ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION DRIVES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON SINCE MAY THIS YEAR.

STARTING FROM SEPTEMBER 19, STAFF OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE ON TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS TO COMPLETE THE HONG KONG-WIDE ANT I-RABIES OPERATION BY THE END OF OCTOBER.

DURING THE TWO-DAY OPERATION AT WONG TAI SIN AND TAI HOM VILLAGE, THREE TEMPORARY DOG INOCULATION CENTRES WILL BE SET UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

* JUNCTION OF MUK LUN STREET AND CHUN YAN STREET (AT SIDE OF CHUK YUEN BUS TERMINUS)=

* JUNCTION OF SHEUNG FUNG STREET AND KAM FUNG STREET (AT SIDE OF HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI EANK)= AND

* TAI HOM VILLAGE KAI FONG ASSOCIATION, 3A SUN HING ROAD, TAI HOM VILLAGE.

THESE CENTRES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY. DOG OWNERS LIVING IN THESE AREAS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET THEIR PETS IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES.

- - 0 - -

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 1977

FIRING PRACTICE * * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 5) FOR FIVE DAYS.

CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM

DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.

AREA WHEN THE FLAGS ARE

THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:

DATE

HOURS

SEPTEMBER 5 (MONDAY)

SEPTEMBER 6 (TUESDAY)

SEPTEMBER 7 (WEDNESDAY)

SEPTEMBER 8 (THURSDAY)

SEPTEMBER 9 (FRIDAY)

8.30 A.M.

4 A.M.

8.30 A.M.

4 A.M.

- 11 P.M.

- 4 P.M.

- 11 P.M.

- 4 P.M.

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

SECTION OF MONMOUTH PATH TO BE CLOSED * * * *

ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT THOSE WITH WRITTEN AUTHORITY BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF MONMOUTH PATH SOUTH OF STAR STREET IN WAN CHAI FROM 10 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 12.

MOTORISTS WHO WISH TO REACH PREMISES THERE MAY APPLY TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR PERMITS.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

REORGANISATION OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTORATE ........ 1

REWARDING LIFE OF A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER ...................... 2

TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES SALE A RECORD ...................... 4

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1977

EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S DIRECTORATE STRUCTURE REORGANISED ******

THE DIRECTORATE STRUCTURE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS BEEN STREAMLINED BY REGROUPING ADMINISTRATIVE UNITS FOR BETTER OPERATIONAL FUNCTIONING.

THE FIRST STAGE OF THE REORGANISATION CAME INTO FORCE ON SEPTEMBER 1, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, SAID TODAY.

+TW0 NOTEWORTHY FEATURES OF REORGANISATION AT THIS STAGE ARE THE INTRODUCTION OF UNIFIED REGIONAL, AREA AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATION OF KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS UNDER A SCHOOLS DIVISION, AS WELL AS THE COMPLETE DETACHMENT OF THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION FROM THE DEPARTMENT FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHING OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY,* MR. HAYE SAID.

IT WILL BE RECALLED THAT MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 7, 1976 THAT HE WAS CONSIDERING REORGANISATION OF THE DEPARTMENT.

•

FUNDS HAD .BEEN APPROVED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE FOR THE REORGANISATION OF THE DIRECTORATE AND THE CREATION OF TWO MAJOR OPERATIONAL WINGS.

TOP PRIORITY HAS BEEK GIVEN TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A SCHOOLS AND SERVICES BRANCH UNDER A SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR. BASIL BOARD.

KINDERGARTENS, PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE NOW THE RESPONSIBILITY OF AN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR. LAM TAT-LAU, WHILE THE SERVICES DIVISION WHICH INCLUDES SPECIAL EDUCATION, EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION, CAREERS AND STUDENT GUIDANCE, AS WELL AS OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS, ARE UNDER ANOTHER ASSISTANT DIRECTOR, MR. SUN PING-SHU.

PENDING FURTHER STAGES OF THE REORGANISATION WITHIN THE NEXT THREE YEARS THE OTHER DIVISIONS WILL BE ADMINISTERED AS BEFORE.

DURING THIS INTERIM PERIOD THE ASSISTANT DIRECTORS OF TWO DIVISIONS - TECHNICAL EDUCATION, AND PLANNING AND BUILDING -MR. DANIEL WATERS AND MR. ROBERT CAMERON RESPECTIVELY, REPORT DIRECT TO THE DEPUTY HEAD OF THE DEPARTMENT, MR. COLVYN HAYE.

TWO OTHER ASSISTANT DIRECTORS, MR. ARTHUR BROWN AND MR. JOHN WINFIELD, WHO ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE AND FURTHER EDUCATION RESPECTIVELY, REPORT TO MR. HO NGA-MING, DEPUTY DIRECTOR (PROFESSIONAL).

0 - -

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1977

- 2 -

REWARDING LIFE OF A LIGHTHOUSE KEEPER OOH#

EACH WEEK, MR. LI CHIH-TOU, AGED 53, TAKES A TWO HOUR BOAT JOURNEY THROUGH CHOPPY SEAS TO BEGIN AN ASSIGNMENT IN SOLITARY VIGIL ON WAGLAN ISLAND AT THE SOUTH-EASTERN END OF HONG KONG.

MR. LI HAS BEEN DOING THIS FOR OVER 20 YEARS TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF PASSENGERS,CARGOES, AND CREW MEMBERS OF SHIPS THAT SAIL TO AND FROM HONG KONG. FOR MR. LI, WITH A TEAM OF 17 OTHERS, ARE LIGHTHOUSE STAFF OF WAGLAN ISLAND.

THEIR DEDICATION MAY EE LITTLE KNOWN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC, BUT IS NOT UNAPPRECIATED BY THOSE WHO SAIL THE HIGH SEAS.

+MANY SHIPS WHICH CALL REGULARLY AT HONG KONG HAVE BECOME OUR OLD FRIENDS,* SAID MR. LI. +WHENEVER THEY PASS BY, THEY NEVER FAIL TO SEND US A WARM ’HELLO WAGLAN’ SIGNAL OR SEASON’S GREETINGS.*

MR. LI STILL REMEMBERS THE TIME HE FIRST SET FOOT ON THE TINY ISLAND TO MAN THE LIGHTHOUSE.

+THAT WAS IN 1950’3 WHEN THERE WAS NO TELEVISION. RADIC HONG KONG THEN WAS ONLY BROADCASTING A FEW HOURS A DAY.WE HAD ■ NO NEWSPAPERS TO READ AND WE WERE COMPLETELY CUT QFF FROM OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS FOR FOUR WEEKS AT A STRETCH.*

YET, LIVING SO FAR AWAY FROM THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE OF THE CITY HAS ITS REWARDS.

WE ARE FREE TO SPEND OUR LEISURE IN OUR OWN WAY - SOME LIKE TO READ, SOME GO FISHING AND SOME TAKE UP HANDICRAFT AS A HOBBY. THERE IS NO TRAFFIC TO MIND AND NO APPOINTMENTS TO MEET, WHILE THE BRACING AIR IS INVIGORATING AND THE VIEW OF THE VAST EXPANSE OF THE OCEAN FROM HERE IS UNPARALLELED ANYWHERE ELSE,* MR. LI SAID.

THE QUICK PACE OF DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG, HOWEVER, IS CATCHING UP WITH THEM. NOT ONLY CAN THEY NOW WATCH HAPPENINGS BACK IN THE CITY ON THE TELEVISION SCREEN EVERY EVENING AND LISTEN TO A CHOICE OF RADIO PROGRAMMES LATE AT NIGHT, WITH BETTER TRANSPORT FACILITIES THEY CAN NOW RETURN FROM WAGLAN EVERY WEEK FOR TIME OFF.

SEA-BORNE TRAFFIC TOO HAS BECOME BUSIER THAN THOSE DAYS WHEN CONTAINERSHIPS WERE UNHEARD OF, AND SUPER-TANKERS WERE STILL ON THE DRAWING BOARD.

+WE NOW HAVE TO MONITOR ABOUT 40 OCEAN-GOING SHIPS COMING IN OR LEAVING EACH DAY AND ON SOME-DAYS WE MAY HAVE UP’ TO 60 VESSELS,* MR. LI SAID.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER A, 1977

- 3 -

EACH HAS TO BE IDENTIFIED THROUGH AN INTERCHANGE OF SIGNALS. THE PORT COMMUNICATION CENTRE HAS TO EE NOTIFIED SO THAT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE TO SHIPS’ LOCAL AGENTS TO HAVE A BERTHING PLACE READY FOR THEM AND TO NOTIFY THE PILCTS, STEVEDORES AND ALL OTHER PEOPLE EXPECTING THE SHIP TO BE PREPARED TO MEET IT.

THEY HAVE TO WORK OUTDOORS AS OF THE LIGHTHOUSE COMPOUND AND THE TO BRAVE STORMS OR BAD WEATHER.

WELL. THE MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR BEACON VERY OFTEN MEANS HAVING

LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS HAVE TO EE KNOWLEDGEABLE IN SHIPPING MATTERS. THEY MUST BE ADEPT IN THE VARIOUS FORMS OF TELECOMMUNICATION AT SEA, AND ON TOP OF THAT THEY HAVE TO BE A GOOD ELECTRICIAN, MECHANIC, CARPENTER AND A NURSE AS WELL.

+NO ONE IS ABLE TO COME TO OUR AID IMMEDIATELY IF ANYTHING GOES WRONG, UNLESS BY HELICOPTER, AND YET THE LIGHTHOUSE HAS TO RESPOND AT ALL TIMES TO THE STREAM OF PASSING SHIPS WHICH BRING IN ESSENTIAL RAW MATERIALS FOR OUR INDUSTRIES AND GOODS FOR CUR SHOPS AND TAKE OUT PRODUCTS OF OUR LABOUR TO MARKETS IN ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD,+ MR. LI SAID.

MR. LI AND HIS COLLEAGUES THOUGH, HAVE NEVER THOUGHT OF THEMSELVES AS BEING MAROONED ON WAGLAN.

+AFTER THESE TWENTY ODD YEARS I HAVE COME TO EE ATTACHED TO THIS ISLAND AND HAVE COME TO THINK OF BELONGING TO IT.

+EESIDES, THERE ARE SO MANY THINGS TO DO HERE, WITH EACH OF US CARRYING OUT OUR OWN PART OF THE TASK LOOKING AFTER THE LIGHTHOUSE, AND OCCUPIED IN OUR SPARE TIME IN OUR OWN FAVOURITE PASTIME.

+ON BUSY DAYS, IT MAY HAPPEN THAT WE MAY NOT EVEN ONCE HAVE THE CHANCE TO GET TOGETHER DURING OUR WEEK-LONG TOUR CF DUTY DESPITE BEING SO CLOSE TOGETHER.

+EUT I WOULDN’T TRADE THIS FOR ANYTHING IN THE WORLD,+ SAID MR. LI. +THERE MAY NOT BE MUCH HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP, BUT I KNOW THAT OUT THERE I HAVE MANY FRIENDS COMING FROM ALL CORNERS OF THE WORLD AND WHO DEPEND ON ME TO SEE THEM SAFELY THROUGH, AND THAT’S REWARD ENOUGH.+

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

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, 1977

- 4 -

TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES POPULAR ******

THE SALE OF TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES REACHED A RECORD $102.3 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77.

THIS REPRESENTED AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN 60 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS PUBLISHED BY THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT.

COMMENTING ON THE INCREASE IN SALES, THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. R.V. GIDDY, SAID THAT THIS INDICATED A GROWING AWARENESS BY TAXPAYERS OF THE ADVANTAGE OF BUILDING UP A RESERVE FUND FOR THE PAYMENT OF TAX.

+THIS IS INDICATIVE THAT PRUDENT TAXPAYERS ARE MAKING ADEQUATE PROVISION TO MEET THEIR ANNUAL TAX LIABILITIES,* MR. GIDDY NOTED.

DURING THE SAME YEAR, REDEMPTION OF THESE CERTIFICATES AMOUNTED TO $81.6 MILLION AND TAX-FREE INTEREST PAID ON THEM WAS $1.3 MILLION.

FOLLOWING THE TREND IN COMMERCIAL INTEREST RATES, THE RATE OF INTEREST PAYABLE ON TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM 4.2 PER CENT TO 3 PER CENT PER ANNUM FOR CERITFICATES ISSUED ON OR AFTER FEBRUARY 17, THIS YEAR.

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF CERTIFICATES WERE BOUGHT BY BANKS ON BEHALF OF TAXPAYERS WITH STANDING INSTRUCTIONS.

TAX RESERVE CERTIFICATES MAY BE PURCHASED IN UNITS OF 350 THROUGH BANKS OR AT THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT’S MAIN COLLECTION OFFICE IN CLUB LUS ITANO BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 16, ICE HOUSE STREET, CENTRAL, AND AT BRANCH OFFICES IN OLD HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANK BUILDING REAR PORTION, 1ST FLOOR, 664 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON AND IN ON YUE BUILDING, GROUND FLOOR, 132 TSUEN WAN MARKET STREET, TSUEN WAN.

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

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

WORK OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT EXPLAINED .......... 1

SAI KUNG SUITABLE FOR SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENT .............. 3

IMPROVED FACILITIES FOR ARRIVING AIR TRAVELLERS .......... 5

LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS FASHIONS DESIGNER .................. 6

1976 BY-CENSUS PRESS CONFERENCE .......................... e

KOWLOON CITY BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS ................. 7

ADULT EVENING CLASSES OPENING AFTER HOLIDAY .............. 7

ARTS AND CULTURE COMPETITION FOR YOUTHS .................. 3

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

- 1 -

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AIMS DEFINED K * * K *

EXISTING LEGISLATION ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WOULD NEED TO BE STRENGTHENED AND EXTENDED TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF CHANGES THAT HAD OCCURRED IN RECENT TIMES AND LIKELY DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FUTURE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ADVISER, DR. STUART REED, SAID TODAY.

DR. REED WAS EXPLAINING TO MEMBERS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA DURING A LUNCH MEETING THE ACTIVITIES AND OBJECTIVES CF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT WHICH HE IS SETTING UP.

HE SAID THE BASIS FOR THE NEW LEGISLATION WOULD BE FORMED BY THE FINAL REPORT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S CONSULTANTS, ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCES LIMITED, TOGETHER WITH THE COMMENTS BY THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION WHICH WILL BE DISCUSSING THE REPORT AT THE END OF THIS MONTH.

THE NEW LEGISLATION, HE ADDED, WOULD BE SHEPHERDED THROUGH THE NECESSARY STAGES BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT, IN CONSULTATION WITH APPROPRIATE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND INDUSTRY.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THERE WOULD EE NO SWINGEING RESTRICTIONS ON INDUSTRY. THE AIM WAS TO PLACE APPROPRIATE LIMITS ON NEW INDUSTRY WHERE CONTROL PROVISIONS COULD BE INCORPORATED AT THE DESIGN STAGE IN THE MOST -COST-EFFECT IVE MANNER, HE SAID.

HE EXPLAINED THAT THE STARTING POINT FOR DECIDING AT WHAT LEVEL EMISSION LIMITS SHOULD BE SET WOULD BE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY.

+THAT IS, W'E SHALL SEEK TO ESTABLISH THE NATURAL ABSORPTIVE AND PURIFYING CAPACITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN VARIOUS AREAS AND FOR THE SPECIFIC POLLUTANT IN QUESTION AND WORK BACKWARDS FROM THIS TO DETERMINE WHAT TOTAL EMISSION LOAD FROM EXISTING AND PROJECTED INDUSTRY CAN EE ALLOWED BEFORE THE NATURAL PURIFYING AND ABSORPTIVE CAPACITY OF THE ENVIRONMENT IS OVERLOADED AND POLLUTION BUILDS UP TO AN UNACCEPTABLE LEVEL.

+THUS THERE MAY BE DIFFERENT LIMITS IN DIFFERENT AREAS OF HONG KONG, AND IT IS IN THIS SENSE THAT THE CONTROLS WILL BE FLEXIBLE,* HE SAID.

BESIDES LEGISLATION AND OVERALL POLICY DEVELOPMENT, THE ACTIVITIES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT ALSO EMBRACE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION PLANNING AND MONITORING, DR. REED EXPLAINED.

PROTECTION PLANNING, +A POSITIVE TECHNICAL CONTRIBUTION AT THE DESIGN STAGE OF MAJOR PROJECTS,* IS THE APPROACH WHICH wILL PRODUCE THE GREATEST ENVIRONMENTAL GAINS IN THE LONG RUN, DR. REED SAID.

/HE ELABORATED .....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

HE ELABORATED: +WHAT I HAVE IN MIND IS THAT WHEREVER THERE IS A PROPOSAL FOR A SUBSTANTIAL NEW'PROJECT SUCH AS A MAJOR NEW ROAD, OR A NEW POWER STATION OR CHEMICAL COMPLEX, OR A NEW AIRPORT OR INCINERATOR AND SO ON, WE SHOULD HAVE AVAILABLE IN THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT SUFFICIENT EXPERTISE AND MANPOWER TO PROVIDE A POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE CONTRIBUTION, ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS, TO THE OVERALL PLANNING OF THE PROJECT.

BY ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING, DR. REED CONTINUED, +l MEAN OBTAINING DATA ON EXISTING LEVELS OF CONTAMINATION IN THE ENVIRONMENT WITH A VIEW TO ASSESSING THE CURRENT OVERALL POSITION AND ESTABLISHING TRENDS.*

+THE MONITORING IN WHICH THE UNIT WILL NEED TO BE INVOLVED WILL ALLOW US TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXISTING POLICIES AND TO IDENTIFY AT AN EARLY STAGE THE NEED FOR NEW SAFEGUARDS AND NEW POLICIES,* HE ADDED.

HE FELT THAT THE OBJECTIVE OF THE UNIT SHOULD HAVE THE FULL SUPPORT OF INDUSTRY AND COMMERCE IN HONG KONG.

+FIRSTLY BECAUSE IT SHOULD ENSURE THAT WE DO NOT HAVE UNNECESSARY CONTROLS BASED ON AN UNCRITICAL ACCEPTANCE OF WHAT IS DONE IN OTHER COUNTRIES AND, SECONDLY, IT SHOULD LEAD TO AN ORDERLY AND SOUNDLY-EASED DEVELOPMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLICIES, THUS PROVIDING A STABLE HORIZON FOR INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

- 5 -

SAI KUNG DEVELOPED FOR BETTER CLASS RESIDENCES

******

THE GOVERNMENT IS OPENING UP'61 HECTARES OF LAND IN SAI KUNG FOR LOW-DENSITY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. ROBERT UPTON, SAID THIS TONIGHT WHEN HE SPOKE OF THE DISTRICT’S DEVELOPMENTS AT A MEETING OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUB AT THE PENINSULA HOTEL.

THE LAND FOR DEVELOPMENT IS WITHIN A SERIES OF SO-CALLED +MINOR RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS+ WHICH HAVE HELPED TO INTRODUCE A SUBURBAN CHARACTER IN PARTS OF SAI KUNG.

MANY SITES WITHIN THESE LAYOUT AREAS HAVE BEEN GRANTED, AND SIX MORE SITES WILL EE COMING UP EITHER FOR AUCTION OR TENDER aITHIN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS - TWO AT SILVERSTRAND, THREE AT FEI NGO SHAN AND ONE AT PAK SHEK WO.

MR. UPTON EXPLAINED THAT THE MINOR RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS WERE A LAND USE FOR WHICH SAI KUNG WAS PARTICULARLY SUITABLE AND ATTRACTIVE MAINLY BECAUSE OF THE FINE VIEWS AND PEACEFUL SURROUNDINGS IN THE DISTRICT.

+THERE IS AN EVER-GROWING DEMAND FOR HOUSING WHICH IS NOT IN MULTI-STOREY BUILDINGS FROM PEOPLE WHO WISH TO LIVE OUT OF THE CITY BUT TO MAKE THE DAILY JOURNEY TO THE CITY TO WORK,* HE SAID.

BECAUSE OF ITS CLOSENESS TO KOWLOON AND THE LOW DENSITY OF POPULATION IN THE AREA, HE SAID, SAI KUNG IS ALMOST UNIQUELY SUITED TO MEET THE DEMAND FOR THIS TYPE OF DEVELOPMENT.

MR. UPTON LISTED THE AREAS EARMARK'D AS MINOR RESIDENTIAL LAYOUTS WHICH INCLUDE FEI NGC SHAN, PAK SHEK WO, TA KU LING, SILVERSTRAND NORTH AND SOUTH, PAN LONG WAN, KAU SAI SUN TSUEN, SHA HA, TAI MONG TSAI AND TSO WO HANG.

+THESE ARE THE ACTIVE LAYOUTS, AND MANY OF THEM ARE RAPIDLY APPROACHING COMPLETION, FOR EXAMPLE AND IN PARTICULAR, SILVERSTRAND NORTH" OTHERS LIKE TAI MONG TSAI AND TSO WO HANG ARE REALLY ONLY JUST BEGINNING,* HE SAID.

MR. UPTON ALSO OUTLINED SOME OTHER DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR SAI KUNG WHICH INCLUDE:

* RECLAMATION WORKS WELL UNDERWAY IN SAI KUNG TOWN, WITH A NUMBER OF SITES EARMARKED FOR COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AS WELL AS FOR COMMUNITY FACILITIES,

* BUILDING A TEMPORARY SPORTS AREA IN THE TOWN PROBABLY LATER THIS YEAR AS AN INTERIM MEASURE BEFORE A PERMANENT SPORTS STADIUM SIMILAR TO THE ONE AT YUEN LONG IS BUILT,

/• A PROPOSED .....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

M A PROPOSED PUBLIC PIER AND A BUS STATION WHICH SHOULD DO A GREAT DEAL TO ASSIST RECREATIONAL TRAFFIC THROUGH THE DISTRICT,

* DEVELOPING TUI MIN HOI INTO A RURAL TOWNSHIP, WITH A CENTREPIECE OF RURAL PUBLIC HOUSING AND A ROAD TO BE CONSTRUCTED AROUND THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, FOR WHICH SITE FORMATIONS ARE WELL UNDERWAY,

* FORMING LAND IN CHUNG MEI TUK - THE INNERMOST AREA OF SAI KUNG HARBOUR - TO PROVIDE A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 2.3 HECTARES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT WHICH SHOULD MAKE GOOD THE PRESENT DEFICIENCY OF EMPLOYMENT PROSPECTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT,

M THE PREPARATION OF A COMPREHENSIVE LANDSCAPE PLAN FOR TUI MIN HOI DEVELOPMENT IN ORDER TO ENHANCE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE AREA AND TO MAKE IT A MUCH MORE PLEASANT PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE AND WORK,

* RECLAMATION IN TUI MIN HOI, WHICH SHOULD START BY THE END OP THIS YEAR, TO PROVIDE SITES FOR A SMALL ABATTOIR, A SAND DEPOT, A MARINE FUELING STATION AND AN ICE STORAGE PLANT TO MEET THE NEEDS OF SAI KUNG’S LARGE FISHING COMMUNITY, AND

* THE CREATION OF 182 SITES AT TUI MIN HOI FOR NEW TERRITORIES EXEMPTED HOUSES - THOSE NOT MORE THAN 7OO SQUARE FEET AND THREE STOREYS HIGH.

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

/5....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

BETTER FACILITIES FOR ARRIVING * *

AIR PASSENGERS OPENING TOMORROW * *

THE NEW ARRIVING PASSENGER PROCESSING AREA AT THE EXTENDED PASSENGER TERMINAL, KAI TAK AIRPORT, WILL BE OPENED TOMORROW (TUESDAY).

THE OPENING, MARKING ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE AIRPORT’S DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, FOLLOWS THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW DEPARTURE AREA WHICH WAS BROUGHT INTO USE A COUPLE OF WEEKS AGO.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID WITH INCREASED NUMBERS OF IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS STAFF MANNING THs NEW COUNTERS AT THE EXTENSION, IT WOULD HELP IMPROVE SIGNIFICANTLY THE FLOW OF PASSENGER TRAFFIC AT THE AIRPORT.

FORTY-FOUR ADDITIONAL IMMIGRATION DESKS AND 22 MORE CONVEYORISED CUSTOMS BENCHES WILL BE BROUGHT INTO USE TO SrcED UP THE PROCESSING OF ARRIVING PASSENGERS.

ONE OF THE TWO NEW BAGGAGE RECLAIM UNITS WITH AUTOMATIC DISPLAYS TO INDICATE THE LOCATION OF ARRIVING PASSENGcRS aAGGAGE WILL ALSO BE BROUGHT INTO OPERATION.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PASSENGER HANDLING CAPACITY WOULD BE INCREASED TC 4,593 PERSONS AN HOUR .-.HEN THE NEW ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES AREAS BECOME FULLY OPERATIONAL TOWARDS THE END OF THE

YEAR.

HE SA IDs +CONTINUING DEVELOPMENT OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL AND THE AIRPORT IS ESSENTIAL TO KEEP PACE WITH THE ANTICIPATED GROWTH IN AIR PASSENGER TRAFFIC THROUGH HONG KONG.

+THE OBJECTIVES PROVIDED WOULD EE UP FULL SATISFACTION.+

ARE TO ENSURE THAT THE FACILITIES AND SERVICES TO INTERNATIONAL STANDARD AND TO THE CUSTOMERS

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS HIGH FASHIONS DESIGN WORKSHOP

* * * *

LADY MACLEHOSE THIS MORNING VISITED THE WORKSHOP OF THE HOUSE OF MARGUERITE THURSBY, A LOCALLY-OWNED HIGH CLASS LADIES’ FASHION DESIGNER IN HONG KONG.

ORIGINAL DRESS PATTERNS ARE CUT AND SEWN UP IN THE WORKSHOP AND SAMPLES ARE SENT TO SUB-CONTRACTING GARMENT MANUFACTORIES FOR PRODUCTION TO SUPPLY MAINLY OVERSEAS MARKETS.

LADY MACLEHOSE WAS RECEIVED BY MR. GEOFFREY THURSBY AND MRS. MARGUERITE THURSBY, CHAIRMAN, AND DIRECTOR OF THE COMPANY, AND WAS SHOWN THE VARIOUS STAGES OF DRESS-MAKING IN THE WORKSHOP, AS WELL AS MADE-UP DRESSES AND SUITS FROM PREVIOUS COLLECTIONS.

THE SMALL BUT HIGHLY SKILLED AND CLOSELY INTEGRATED WORKFORCE CAN PRODUCE SOME 60 SETS OF PATTERNS IN SIX WEEKS - ABOUT HALF THE TIME NORMALLY REQUIRED.

HONG KONG IS NOW THE WORLD’S LARGEST EXPORTER OF GARMENTS AND OUR GARMENT MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY IS THE MOST IMPORTANT LOCALLY, BOTH IN TERMS OF DOMESTIC EXPORT AND THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED.

A WIDE ARRAY OF ITEMS, RANGING FROM HIGH FASHION WEAR TO ORDINARY DRESSES AND CLOTHING ACCESSORIES, WORTH SOME $14,288 MILLION (44 PER CENT OF TOTAL EXPORT VALUE), WAS PRODUCED LAST YEAR FOR OUR OVERSEAS BUYERS, MAINLY IN THE UNITED STATES, WEST

GERMANY AND BRITAIN.

IN DECEMBER 1976, THE INDUSTRY EMPLOYED 280,060 PEOPLE IN OVER 9,500 FACTORIES, ACCOUNTING FOR 36 PER CENT OF TOTAL EMPLOYMENT IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

PRESS CONFERENCE ON 1976 BY-CENSUS

******

MR. DAVID WHITELEGGE, COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, WILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 7) TO ANNOUNCE DETAILS OF +1976 BY-CENSUS BASIC TABLES+, TO BE PUBLISHED SHORTLY.

ALSO ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MR. JOSEPH M.K. LEE, SENIOR STATISTICIAN, AND MR. TAM SIU-MING, STATISTICIAN.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CONFERENCE. IT WILL BE HELD AT 3 P.M. IN THE G.I.S.

THEATRE, 5TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

COPIES OF A SUMMARY OF SOME OF THE RESULTS AND COMPARISONS OF THE 1976 BY-CENSUS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

------0 ------ /7...................

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

NO. 1 SAI TAU NEW VILLAGE BUILDING DECLARED DANGEROUS * * * *

THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED NO.l, SAI TAU NEW VILLAGE, KOWLOON CITY, TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.

IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THIS TWO STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDING ON CROWN LAND WAS INSPECTED FOLLOWING A COMPLAINT FROM ONE OF THE TENANTS. THE STRUCTURAL TIMBERS AND LOAD BEARING WALLS WERE FOUND TO BE IN SUCH A DECAYED AND DEFECTIVE CONDITION THAT IT WAS CONSIDERED THERE WAS A RISK OF A COLLAPSE.

ACCORDINGLY A NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 13, 1977 WAS POSTED TODAY.

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

ADULT EVENING SCHOOLS OPEN

* * * *

A NUMBER OF EVENING SCHOOLS RUN BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT RESUME CLASSES TODAY WHILE THE GOVERNMENT CHINESE EVENING SCHOOLS AND ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES WILL OPEN ON NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 12 AND 13) RESPECTIVELY.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID ADMISSION EXAMINATIONS FOR VARIOUS SCHOOLS WERE CONDUCTED DURING THE SUMMER VACATION AND ONLY A FEW VACANCIES ARE STILL OPEN IN THE LOWER FORMS OF THE ENGLISH AND CHINESE EVENING SCHOOLS.

ENQUIRIES ON THE VACANCIES AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS CENTRES AND SCHOOLS COULD EE MADE IN PERSON DURING CLASS HOURS (FROM 7 P.M. TO 9 P.M.) OR 3Y CALLING 3-884111, EXT. 280 OR 266.

MEANWHILE APPLICATIONS FOR CERTAIN COURSES ARE STILL OPEN IN SOME ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.

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

/8.....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1977

THIRD HK YOUTH ARTS AND CULTURE COMPETITION M H * M

THE THIRD ANNUAL HONG KONG YOUTH ARTS AND CULTURE COMPETITION SPONSORED BY THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT AND JOINTLY ORGANISED BY VARIOUS COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WILL START SOON.

THE COMPETITION DIVIDED INTO EIGHT-GROUPS, PROVIDES A CHANCE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE TO DISPLAY THEIR TALENTS IN DEBATING, MAKING SPEECHES, TRANSLATION, CHINESE COMPOSITION, CALLIGRAPHY, AND WESTERN AND CHINESE PA I NT I NG.THERE WILL ALSO BE AN INTER-SCHOOL COMPETITION ON CHINESE LITERARY KNOWLEDGE.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT SAID PAST COMPETITIONS RECEIVED GOOD RESPONSE FROM YOUTHS AND IT WAS EXPECTED THAT MORE THAN 3,000 YOUNG PEOPLE WOULD PARTICIPATE THIS YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PRESS CONFERENCE ON THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT 3 P.M. AT THE INDIA ROOM OF THE HONG KONG HILTON HOTEL.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

BETTER FLATS FOR SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE ....................... 1

HOLLYWOOD RD RESIDENTS THANK CDO ........................... 2

OVERSEAS TRAINING FOR STUDENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLERS ... 2

OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG BASKETBALL PITCH ..................... 3

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS AUCTION ..............................

ENTRIES INVITED FOR NEXT GCE EXAMS ......................... 4

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1977

- 1 -

BETTER FLATS FOR SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE

******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY AWARDED A $14 MILLION CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE DOMESTIC HOUSING BLOCKS AT SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE TO HENRY ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.

THE CONTRACT COVERS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THREE 13-STOREY BLOCKS CONSISTING OF 989 ROOMS CAPABLE OF HOUSING SOME 6,300 PEOPLE. THESE ROOMS, PROVIDED WITH LARGE BALCONIES, PROPER KITCHENS AND TOILETS, WILL CATER FOR FAMILIES OF FIVE TO TEN PERSONS.

SPEAKING AFTER THE CONTRACT-SIGNING CEREMONY THIS MORNING, MR. JOSEPH LEI, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND STAGE OF THE SHEK KIP MEI REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME.

WORK WILL BEGIN IN TWO WEEKS AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MR. LEI SAID i +T0 IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE GENERAL AREA, THE DOMESTIC BLOCKS ARE PLANNED TO INCLUDE A LARGE RECREATION GROUND TO CATER FOR PASSIVE AND ACTIVE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.-*-

THIS CONTRACT, HE ADDED, WAS PART OF AN OVERALL REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR SHEK KIP MEI, THE SITE OF ONE OF THE OLDEST HOUSING ESTATES IN HONG KONG.

THE SCHEME, WHEN COMPLETED, WILL HOUSE 33,000 PEOPLE, ALMOST 50 PER CENT LESS THAN THE ORIGINAL POPULATION, THUS PROVIDING MORE SPACES FOR THE TENANTS.

♦THERE WILL BE, AMONG OTHER THINGS, A 700-SQUARE-METRE NURSERY, 145 SHOPS, 400 HAWKER STALLS, TWO BANKS, A SUPERMARKET, A RESTAURANT AND A KINDERGARTEN,* MR. LEI SAID.

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/2....

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1977

HOLLYWOOD RD RESIDENTS THANK CDO

* * * *

RESIDENTS OF HOLLYWOOD ROAD, WHO WERE RECENTLY AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE ORDER, THANKED THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN FOR THE TIMELY ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO THEM.

THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN, MR. RICKY FUNG, WAS GIVEN A BANNER LATE LAST WEEK BY A LANDLORD REPRESENTATIVE OF 127-133 HOLLYWOOD ROAD AS A MARK OF GRATITUDE.

TWO BLOCKS OF BUILDING AT 127-129 AND 131-133 HOLLYWOOD ROAD WERE AFFECTED BY THE CLOSURE ORDER ALONG WITH A NUMBER OF BUILDINGS IN TSUI ON LANE AND'CIRCULAR PATHWAY ON . .AUGUST 22 AFTER A NEARBY RETAINING WALL THREATENED TO COLLAPSE.

LANDLORDS AND TENANTS INVITED MR. FUNG TO ATTEND A MEETING LAST SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 3) TO DISCUSS THE PROCEDURES OF FORMING MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES AFTER THE LIFTING OF THE CLOSURE ORDER EARLIER LAST WEEK.

AT THE MEETING, TWO MACS - ONE FOR 127-129 HOLLYWOOD ROAD AND THE OTHER FOR 131-133 HOLLYWOOD ROAD - WERE FORMED TO BRING THE RESIDENTS CLOSER TOGETHER AND TO DEVELOP A SENSE OF MUTUAL CONCERN.

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

STUDENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS TO ATTEND OVERSEAS TRAINING COURSE M * * O

SIX STUDENT AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICERS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE LEAVING FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM LATER THIS MONTH TO ATTEND A THREE-MONTH BASIC AERODROME AND APPROACH CONTROL COURSE AT THE COLLEGE OF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, BOURNEMOUTH (HURN) AIRPORT.

THE OFFICERS, MR. M.M. HASSAN, MR. S.W. SUM, MR. S.C. LAU, MB. W.M. CHAN, MR. K.T. LO AND MR. K.N. CHENG, ARE TAKING THE COURSE TO ADVANCE THEMSELVES IN THE PROFESSION IN PREPARATION FOR FURTHER SPECIALISED TRAINING IN VARIOUS AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL POSTS AT HONG KONG AIRPORT.

THE COURSE, FROM SEPTEMBER 26 TO DECEMBER 16, WILL PROVIDE BOTH THEORETICAL AND PRACTICAL TRAINING. THE SUBJECTS INCLUDE GENERAL AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL, NAVIGATION, METEOROLOGY, RADIO THEORY AND TELECOMMUNICATIONS.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1977

- 3 -

NOTE TO EDITORS:

OPENING OF KWAI CHUNG BASKETBALL PITCH ******

A NEW BASKETBALL PITCH IN KWAI CHUNG — A JOINT VENTURE OF THE GOVERNMENT, THE ARMY AND LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN — WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) AT 11 A.M.

MR. JAMES HAYES, TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER AND BRIGADIER J.L. CHAPPLE, COMMANDER, GURKHA FIELD FORCE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PITCH OPENING CEREMONY AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND HING HONG STREET.

THE PITCH WAS BUILT BY A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S SCHOOL IN TSUEN WAN WITH ALL THE MATERIALS AND SUPERVISORY EXPERTISE SUPPLIED BY THE 1OTH PRINCESS MARGARET’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES.

IT IS ON AN AREA GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

AFTER THE CEREMONY, A FRIENDLY MATCH WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN TEAMS FROM THE SCHOOL AND THE 1OTH PMO GURKHA RIFLES.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY.

PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN AM 2088 WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10.20 A.M. TOMORROW TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND BACK FROM KWAI CHUNG.

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

AUCTION OF SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PUTTING UP 16 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS FOR AUCTION ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 10).

THE AUCTION, THE 34TH SINCE MAY 1973, WILL BE HELD IN THE LECTURE HALL OF THE CITY HALL STARTING AT 10 A.M.

PROCEEDS OF THE AUCTION WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY. «

THE NUMBERS THAT WILL BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION ARE AS FOLLOWS :

65 HK8000 AR1234 BK 1

2300 AA 11 BB 3 BL1111

2391 AD2828 BB 123 BM 200

HK3939 AJ9000 BE 10 BM 929

_ _ 0 - -

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 1977

- 4 -

ENTRIES INVITED FOR NEXT GCE EXAMS ******

REGISTRATION OF PRIVATE CANDIDATES WISHING TO SIT EITHER THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION (G.C.E.) OR THE ASSOCIATED EXAMINING BOARD G.C.E, THIS WINTER WILL BEGIN NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12).

ENTRY FORMS FOR THE ASSOCIATED EXAMINING BOARD G.C.E. TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER, AS WELL AS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF LONDON G.C.E. IN JANUARY WILL BE AVAILABLE FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES FROM FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 9).

THE TWO EXAMINATIONS ARE ONLY OPEN TO G.C.E. CANDIDATES OF THE JUNE EXAMINATION THIS YEAR AND THE SUBJECTS TO BE OFFERED MUST HAVE PREVIOUSLY BEEN ENTERED IN THAT EXAMINATIONS AT THE SAME LEVEL.

THOSE WHO WISH TO REPEAT AN ’A’ LEVEL SUBJECT REQUIRING A PRACTICAL TEST MUST HAVE OBTAINED GRADE ’O’ OR ABOVE IN THE SAME SUBJECT IN ONE OF THE JUNE EXAMINATIONS.

CANDIDATES MAY ONLY ENTER ONE OF THE TWO EXAMINATIONS. THOSE WHO ATTEMPT TO ENTER BOTH ARE LIABLE TO BE DISQUALIFIED.

COMPLETED FORMS, TOGETHER WITH IDENTITY DOCUMENTS, JUNE 1977 G.C.E. EXAMINATION RESULT SLIPS AND TWO RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN PERSON, ANY TIME BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. NEXT MONDAY TO FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 12 TO 16) TO THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.

THE ADDRESS OF THE AUTHORITY IS AT THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, TENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

THE INITIAL ENTRY FEE IS $55. IN ADDITION, EXAMINATION IN EACH SUBJECT OFFERED AT ORDINARY LEVEL IS CHARGED $50 AND AT ADVANCED LEVEL $90. CANDIDATES OFFERING PRACTICAL TESTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PAY AN ADDITIONAL FEE OF $40 FOR EACH TEST. THESE FEES MUST BE PAID WITHIN SEVEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF REGISTRATION.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO SEK KONG ACCIDENT .................... 1

1976 BY-CENSUS RESULTS PUBLISHED .............................. 2

MULTI-NATIONAL CORP EMPLOYEES NEED TO PAY TAX ................. 3

NEW BASKETBALL PITCH AT KWAI CHUNG ............................ 4

PRESS CONFERENCE ON ETV PROGRAMMES ............................ 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

- 1 -

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO SEK KONG ACCIDENT

*****

THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS APPOINTED A HIGH COURT JUDGE, MR. JUSTICE ZIMMERN, TO CONDUCT AN INDEPENDENT INQUIRY INTO THE ACCIDENT AT SEK KONG AIRSTRIP ON JULY 1 THIS YEAR IN WHICH TWO PEOPLE DIED AND 65 OTHERS WERE INJURED.

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED WHEN A LIGHTING STAND COLLAPSED DURING A MOTORCYCLE SHOW WHICH WAS BEING BROADCAST LIVE AT THE TIME.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE OF THE ONE-MAN COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ARE:

* TO INQUIRE INTO AND REPORT ON THE EVENTS PRECEDING A LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST BY TELEVISION BROADCASTS LTD. ON JULY 1, 1977 FROM MILITARY LAND AT SEK KONG-

* TO INQUIRE INTO AND REPORT ON THE EVENTS DURING THE EVENING OF JULY 1 BOTH PRIOR TO THE BROADCAST AND WHILE IT WAS TAKING PLACE-

* HAVING REGARD TO ITS REPORT THEREON, TO APPORTION RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE EVENTS DURING THE EVENING OF JULY 1-AND

* TO ADVISE ON ANY OTHER MATTER WHICH THE COMMISSION THINKS PROPER.

MR. JUSTICE ZIMMERN IS REQUIRED TO SUBMIT HIS REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR BEFORE NOVEMBER 19 THIS YEAR.

COMMENTING ON THE COMMISSION OF INQUIRY, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY IT WOULD BE ABLE TO COVER A WIDER AREA THAN A NORMAL CORONER’S INQUIRY.

+THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT SOME OF THE QUESTIONS WHICH ARISE FALL OUTSIDE THE SCOPE OF A CORONER’S INQUIRY,+ HE SAID. +IF THEREFORE ONLY A CORONER’S INQUIRY WAS HELD, A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS WOULD NOT BE EXAMINED AT A PUBLIC INQUIRY.+

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE FOLLOWING ARE SOME BRIEF BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MR. JUSTICE ZIMMERN.

MR. JUSTICE ZIMMERN WAS APPOINTED A HIGH COURT JUDGE IN MARCH THIS YEAR. PREVIOUS TO THIS HE WAS A QUEEN’S COUNSEL. HE WAS CALLED TO THE ENGLISH BAR BY THE INNER TEMPLE IN NOVEMBER 1958 AND HAS BEEN PRACTISING IN HONG KONG SINCE 1959.

- - 0

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

- 2 -

RESULTS OF 1976 BY-CENSUS

******

HONG KONG’S BIRTH RATE HAS SIZE IS SMALLER, AND THE MEDIAN

DECLINED, THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD

AGE HAS RISEN.

THESE AND OTHER DETAILS ARE CONTAINED IN A COMPARATIVE SUMMARY WHICH ACCOMPANIED THE FIRST REPORT OF THE 1976 BY-CENSUS PUBLISHED TODAY (WEDNESDAY).

ACCORDING TO THE FINDINGS, THE ANNUAL POPULATION GROWTH RATE BETWEEN 1971-1976 WAS 1.9 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 2.5 PER CENT BETWEEN 1961-1971.

THE AVERAGE HOUSEHOLD SIZE WAS FOUND TO BE 4.2 PERSONS IN 1976 COMPARED WITH 4.5 IN 1971.

LAST YEAR, THE PROPORTION OF POPULATION AGED UNDER 15 WAS 30.1 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 35.8 PER CENT FIVE YEARS AGO. BUT THE PROPORTION OF POPULATION AGED 65 AND OVER WAS 5.5 PER CENT COMPARED WITH 4.5 PER CENT FIVE YEARS AGO. THE MEDIAN AGE OF THE POPULATION HAS RISEN BY 1.9 YEARS, FROM 22.0 IN 1971 TO 23.9 IN 1976.

THE FIRST BY-CENSUS REPORT CONSISTS OF 24 BASIC CROSSTABULATIONS WHICH FULLY CONDENSE THE WHOLE RANGE OF BY-CENSUS INFORMATION. THESE TABLES WITH EXPLANATORY NOTES ON COVERAGE AND DEFINITIONS USED WERE PREPARED BY COMPUTER FROM QUESTIONNAIRES COMPLETED BY CENSUS ENUMERATORS DURING THE 1976 BY-CENSUS WHICH COST S3.5 MILLION. A TOTAL OF 2,650 TEMPORARY STAFF OF TEACHERS AND POST-SECONDARY STUDENTS WERE ENGAGED IN THE FIELD OPERATION.

COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS, MR. D.S. WHITELEGGE, SAID IT WAS DESIGNED TO PRESENT A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF INTERESTING AND USEFUL DETAIL AND AT THE SAME TIME A RECOGNISABLE GENERAL PICTURE.

+DETAILED ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF THE BY-CENSUS RESULTS ARE NOT ATTEMPTED IN THIS REPORT. THIS WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE MAIN REPORT OF THE BY-CENSUS WHICH WILL BE PUBLISHED NEXT YEAR,+ HE EXPLAINED.

A BOOKLET IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH SHOWING THE MAIN RESULTS OF THE CENSUS IN COLOURED DIAGRAMS AND CHARTS WILL ALSO BE PUBLISHED SOON.

THE BY-CENSUS WAS CONDUCTED ON A 10 PER CENT RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE POPULATION OF HONG KONG, AND TOOK PLACE IN JUNE 1976 FOR THE BOAT PEOPLE, AND IN AUGUST FOR THE LAND POPULATION.

-------o

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

SALARIES TAX PAYABLE BY EMPLOYEES OF MULTI-NATIONAL CORPORATIONS *****

THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT TODAY DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE PUBLIC TO THE NEED TO DECLARE THE FULL AMOUNT OF INCOME DERIVED FROM EMPLOYMENT IN HONG KONG IRRESPECTIVE OF WHERE THE EMOLUMENTS ARE PAID OR WHO PAID THEM.

A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT UNDER THE INLAND REVENUE ORDINANCE ALL INCOME FROM SERVICES RENDERED IN HONG KONG IS SUBJECT TO SALARIES TAX.

HE POINTED OUT THAT CASES RECENTLY INVESTIGATED BY THE DEPARTMENT HAD BROUGHT TO LIGHT INSTANCES WHERE EMPLOYEES OF MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS HAD FAILED TO DECLARE SALARIES PAID INTO BANK ACCOUNTS OUTSIDE HONG KONG BY COMPANIES ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR HONG KONG EMPLOYER.

+IN SOME CASES THIS WAS A DELIBERATE ATTEMPT TO EVADE HONG KONG TAX AND COULD RENDER THE EMPLOYEE SUBJECT TO SEVERE PENALTIES OR PROSECUTION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

+IN OTHER CASES THIS MAY HAVE BEEN AN INNOCENT MISTAKE.*

HE URGED THAT ANY PERSONS WHO THINK THAT THEY MIGHT HAVE UNDERSTATED THEIR INCOME TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENT AS SOON AS POSSIBLE EITHER BY WRITING OR CALLING MR. WONG HO-SANG ON TELEPHONE NOS. 5-222151 EXTENSION 75 OR 5-95731 EXTENSION 205.

- - 0 --------

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

4 -

ANOTHER RECREATIONAL FACILITY FOR KWAI CHUNG

* * # K *

YOUNGSTERS IN KWAI CHUNG WILL NOW BE ABLE TO ENJOY THE FACILITIES OF A NEW BASKETBALL PITCH — THANKS TO A JOINT EFFORT BY LOCAL SCHOOL CHILDREN, THE ARMY AND THE GOVERNMENT.

THE PITCH WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED THIS MORNING BY THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, AND BRIGADIER J.L. CHAPPLE, COMMANDER, GURKHA FIELD FORCE.

THROUGH ARRANGEMENTS MADE BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, A GROUP OF STUDENTS FROM ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S SCHOOL IN TSUEN WAN SPENT MONTHS FROM LAST DECEMBER IN BUILDING THE PITCH.

THE 1OTH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES SUPPLIED ALL THE MATERIALS AND THE SUPERVISORY EXPERTISE FOR THE PROJECT.

THE NEW RECREATIONAL FACILITY IS ON AN AREA GRANTED BY THE GOVERNMENT TO THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION AT THE JUNCTION OF KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND HING FONG ROAD. THE ASSOCIATION WILL MANAGE THE PITCH.

FOLLOWING THE OPENING CEREMONY, A FRIENDLY MATCH TOOK PLACE BETWEEN STUDENTS OF ST. FRANCIS XAVIER’S SCHOOL AND SOLDIERS OF THE 1OTH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES.

ADDRESSING THE CEREMONY, MR. HAYES SAID THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT SPORTS ASSOCIATION WAS FIRST FORMED IN 1967 AND NOW COMPRISES 21 SPORTS SOCIETIES IN THE DISTRICT.

+IT IS AN IMPORTANT LOCAL AGENCY AND WE CAN CONFIDENTLY EXPECT THAT IT WILL INCREASE IN NUMBERS AND ACTIVITY ALL THE TIME,+ HE SAID.

MR. HAYES ALSO THANKED THE 1OTH PMO GURKHA RIFLES FOR THE INTEREST THEY HAD SHOWED IN THE TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.

+THIS INTEREST COVERS A WIDE RANGE OF PROJECTS, PARTICULARLY WITH REGARD TO THE PROVISION AND THE ARRANGEMENT OF MANY RECREATIONAL AND SPORTING NEEDS,+ HE SAID.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1977

NOTE TO EDITORSi

ETV PRESS CONFERENCE * * * *

RADIO TELEVISION HONGKONG WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) AT THE TELEVISION PRODUCTION CENTRE, 79 BROADCAST DRIVE, TO INTRODUCE THIS TERM S NEW PROGRAMMES MADE FOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

ATTENDING THE CONFERENCE WILL BE MR. JAMES HAWTHORNE, DIRECTOR OF BROADCAST I NG- MR. D.J.N. KERR, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING (TELEVISION)- MR. SIMON LUN SHIU-MING, CONTROLLER OF TELEVISION SECTION- MR. SUN PING-SHU, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (SERVICES)- MR. POON CHUN-PONG, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION) AND MISS MARIA WAN, HEAD OF EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION PROGRAMMES.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.

- - 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE EXPANDING......................... 1

CONTINUOUS WEATHER BROADCASTS ON EXPERIMENT ................. 3

HIGH COURT JUDGE APPOINTED ................................ 4

MR. JORDAN RETURNS FROM LEAVE .................... ....... 5

WORK TO BEGIN ON LAST PHASE OF TAI HING ESTATE ............. 5

SAI KUNG FLATS AVAILABLE FOR SALES INSPECTION ............... 6

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS....................................... 7

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

- 1 -

DEMAND FOR LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ******

THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE (L.E.S.) OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT PLACED NEARLY 5,800 PEOPLE IN JOBS LAST YEAR AND ANOTHER 5,200 IN THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TOLD A KOWLOON ROTARY CLUB LUNCHEON MEETING TODAY.

DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS THIS YEAR, A TOTAL OF 35,000 PEOPLE WERE REGISTERED FOR JOBS AND 7,000 VACANCIES WERE NOTIFIED TO THE SERVICE.

+THESE ARE GOOD STATISTICS AND THEY SHOW THAT THE L.E.S. HAS AN IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY IN THE LIVELIHOOD OF BOTH JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS,* MR. WILLIAMS SAID.

HOWEVER HE BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS STILL A SMALL NUMBER OF EMPLOYERS WHO WERE OF THE OPINION — AND UNFORTUNATELY THE WRONG ONE — THAT JOB-SEEKERS ON THE BOOKS OF THE L.E.S. WERE OF LOW CALIBRE.

+THE SPECTRUM,* HE SAID, +IS VERY WIDE — WE HAVE CANDIDATES RANGING FROM THOSE WANTING LABOURER OR FACTORYFLOOR JOBS TO THOSE WHO ARE AFTER EXECUTIVE, ENGINEERING, TEACHING, AND MANAGERIAL POSTS.*

+THIS LATTER GROUP,* HE ADDED, +ARE DEALT WITH BY A SUB-UNIT OF THE L.E.S. — THE SPECIAL REGISTER WHICH WAS SET UP IN 1973 ON THE LINES OF THE 'PROFESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE REGISTER’ IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.*

MR. WILLIAMS EXPLAINED THAT THE FUNCTION OF THE SUB-UNIT WAS TO HELP GRADUATES OF LOCAL AND OVERSEAS UNIVERSITIES, AND THOSE WHO HAD COMPLETED POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION.

+THE REGISTER,* HE SAID, +IS STILL IN ITS INFANCY BUT EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO DEVELOP IT WITH THE HELP OF THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER IN LONDON, AND THE APPOINTMENT SERVICES OF LOCAL UNIVERSITIES AND POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTES.*

HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THE L.E.S. +ALL IN ALL THE L.E.S. HAS A WIDE RANGE OF REGISTRANTS WITH VARYING QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE, AND I WOULD SAY THAT IN MOST CASES WE CAN MEET MOST OF THE EMPLOYERS’ REQUIREMENTS..

+BY RECRUITING THROUGH THE L.E.S.,* MR. WILLIAMS ADDED, +EMPLOYERS NOT ONLY SAVE MONEY ON ADVERTISEMENTS, BUT ALSO CONSIDERABLE TIME AND TROUBLE IN SCREENING APPLICATIONS IN THE SELECTION PROCESS.*

THE COMMISSIONER SAID THE L.E.S. AT PRESENT OPERATES FROM EIGHT OFFICES SPREAD OVER HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES AND REGISTERS JOB-SEEKERS LOOKING FOR FIRST OR ALTERNATIVE EMPLOYMENT, IRRESPECTIVE OF WHETHER THEY CAN READ OR WRITE, ARE ABLE-BODIED OR HANDICAPPED, SKILLED OR UNSKILLED.

/AS FROM

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

AS FROM APRIL THIS YEAR IT ALSO TOOK OVER THE PLACEMENT SERVICE FOR THE ABLE-BODIED UNEMPLOYED UNDER THE EXTENDED PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME.

SPEAKING ON THE IMPROVEMENTS BEING MADE TO THE SERVICE, MR. WILLIAMS SAID, STARTING FROM THIS YEAR A SEMI-SELF SERVICE SYSTEM WAS INTRODUCED WHEREBY VACANCIES WERE DISPLAYED PROMINENTLY IN THE WAITING AREA OF EACH OFFICE.

♦JOB-SEEKERS CAN LOOK AT THESE, SEEK THE ADVICE OF THE INTERVIEWING OFFICERS AND TAKE AN ACTIVE PERSONAL PART IN CHOOSING THEIR JOBS,+ HE SAID.

ANOTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE PIPELINE, MR. WILLIAMS CONTINUED, WAS A BETTER SYSTEM OF INTERNAL COMMUNICATION WITHIN THE BRANCH OFFICES OF THE L.E.S.

STARTING NEXT YEAR THE L.E.S. WILL HAVE A FACSIMILE TRANSMITTING NETWORK TO EFFECTIVELY COMMUNICATE VACANCIES BETWEEN THE VARIOUS OFFICES SO THAT JOB-SEEKERS REGISTERING AT ONE OFFICE MAY HAVE AS WIDE A CHOICE AS POSSIBLE OF JOBS.

THIS WILL MEAN THAT A VACANCY RECEIVED BY ONE OFFICE CAN BE TRANSMITTED BY TELE-COPIER TO ALL OTHER OFFICES THE MINUTE IT IS RECEIVED, THUS AFFORDING A BETTER SERVICE TO BOTH JOBSEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS. >

MR. WILLIAMS ALSO SAID THAT IN ORDER TO REACH OUT AS FAR AS POSSIBLE TO l^ CLIENTS THE L.E.S. WILL OPEN FIVE MORE BRANCH OFFICES BT APRIL NEXT YEAR.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

- 3 ~

ROYAL OBSERVATORY STARTS EXPERIMENTAL WEATHER BROADCAST ******

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WILL BE OPERATING AN EXPERIMENTAL WEATHER BROADCAST UNTIL THE END OF OCTOBER THIS YEAR ON THE SAME FREQUENCY AS ITS ROUTINE TIME SIGNAL TRANSMISSIONS.

THE EXPERIMENT STARTED ON THE BEGINNING OF THE MONTH.

THE SIX-PIP TIME SIGNALS ARE BROADCAST EVERY 15 MINUTES ROUND THE CLOCK ON FM 95 MEGAHERTZ FROM THE OBSERVATORY’S TRANSMITTER AT TATE’S CAIRN.

DURING THE EXPERIMENTAL PERIOD WEATHER FORECASTS AND WARNINGS WILL ALSO BE BROADCAST CONTINUOUSLY BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. EVERY DAY BUT WITH A BREAK OF ONE MINUTE STARTING HALF A MINUTE BEFORE THE SIX-PIP SIGNALS.

DURING THE DISPLAY OF A NUMBER 8 OR HIGHER TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL, THE BROADCAST WILL BE SUSPENDED TO ENABLE THE TATE’S CAIRN TRANSMITTER TO BE USED FOR RELAYING TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNINGS IN CHINESE TO RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG AND COMMERCIAL RADIO.

THE EXPERIMENT IS TO TEST THE EXTENT TO WHICH THE BROADCAST MAY BE RECEIVED IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE TERRITORY AND TO SEEK OPINIONS FROM VARIOUS SEGMENTS OF THE COMMUNITY ON THE DISIRABILITY OF ESTABLISHING W SIMILAR BROADCAST ON A PERMANENT BASIS.

DURING ADVERSE WEATHER, AND PARTICULARLY dAiNG PERIODS WHEN TROPICAL CYCLONES ARE THREATENING HONG KONG, PEOPLE URGENTLY NEEDING TO KNOW THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS OFTEN CANNOT GET THROUGH TO THE OBSERVATORY BY TELEPHONE AS ALL THE LINES ARE SATURATED WITH CALLS, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY SAID. -

BY SIMPLY TUNINGEN TO THE BROADCAST THESE PEOPLE AND OTHERS WHO DO NOT HAVE ACCESS TO A TELEPHONE CAN GET THE LATEST INFORMATION IMMEDIATELY, -HE SAID.

HE ENVISAGED THAT A PERMANENT BROADCAST WOULD TRANSMIT WEATHER INFORMATION AND WARNINGS AROUND THE CLOCK AND WOULD NOT BE DISRUPTED BY TIME SIGNALS NOR SUSPENDED DURING A DISPLAY OF NUMBER 8 OR HIGHER SIGNALS.

DURING THE EXPERIMENT, TRANSMISSION TIME IS ^RESTRICTED TO c4GHTi?jiqURS A DAY.->ND 'THE ^CONTENTS W MZL ' IN IT I ALLY BE ‘ "

LIMITED TO BASIC FORECASTS AND WARNINGS.

THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY WELCOMES SUGGESTIONS ON WHAT INFORMATION PEOPLE CONSIDER WOULD BE MOST USEFUL FOR INCLUSION IN SUCH A BROADCAST. INFORMATION AVAILABLE INCLUDES THE LATEST REPORTS,PF WIND AND WEATHER AROUND HONG KONG WATERS, SEA CONDITIONS, THE LOCATION AND’MOVEMENTW’'HEAVY RAIN AREAS AND THUNDERSTORMS, TIDAL INFORMATION, RAINFALL REPORTS AND FORECASTS, AND AIRPORT WEATHER.

/ANTONE WHO .....

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

4 -

ANYONE WHO WOULD LIKE TO MAKE ANY SUGGESTIONS REGARDING THIS EXPERIMENT CAN WRITE TO THE DIRECTOR, ROYAL OBSERVATORY, NATHAN ROAD OR TELEPHONE MR. LIU PING-PUI, 3-677173 EXT. 26 DURING OFFICE HOURS.

REPORTS ON BROADCAST RECEPTION IN THE MORE REMOTE AREAS OF THE TERRITORY WILL BE PARTICULARLY WELCOME AS WELL AS PROPOSALS FOR IMPROVING THE CONTENTS AND FORMAT OF THE BROADCAST.

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

JUDGE O’CONNOR APPOINTED HIGH COURT JUDGE ******

THE QUEEN

__ , ... HAS APPROVED THE APPOINTMENT OF MR. RORY O’CONNOR

TO BE A HIGH COURT JUDGE OF THE SUPREME COURT OF HONG KONG.

MR. JUSTICE O’CONNOR WAS BORN IN BELFAST, IRELAND. ON J?25, HE WAS EDUCATED AT BLACKROCK COLLEGE, DUBLIN AND THE NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF IRELAND. IN 1949 HE WAS CALLED TO THE BAR BY KING’S INNS, DUBLIN, AND PRACTISED AS A BARRISTER ON THE NORTH EASTERN CIRCUIT IN IRELAND FROM 1949 TO 1956. HE CAME TO HONG KONG AS A MAGISTRATE IN 1962 AFTER SERVING AS A RESIDENT MAGISTRATE IN KENYA FROM 1956 TO 1962. KtblDENT

HE WAS APPOINTED A DISTRICT JUDGE IN JUNE, 1970 AND HAS SAT AS A COMMISSIONER ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS SINCE THEN AND CONSTANTLY FOR THE LAST THREE YEARS.

MR. JUSTICE O’CONNOR IS MARRIED AND HAS TWO CHILDREN

- - 0 - -

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

- 5 "

JORDAN BACK FROM LEAVE

* * * *

MR. DAVID JORDAN HAS RETURNED FROM ANNUAL LEAVE AND HAS TAKEN UP HIS DUTIES AS DIRECTOR OF THE RECENTLY ESTABLISHED TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT.

MR. BILL DORWARD WHO ACTED AS DIRECTOR DURING MR. JORDAN’S ABSENCE, WILL NOW BECOME COMMISSIONER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, AN ARM OF THE NEW DEPARTMENT.

BEFORE GOING ON LEAVE IN JULY, MR. JORDAN ACTED AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY FOR NEARLY TWO MONTHS.

-----0 - - - -

WORK SET TO GO ON TAI HING ESTATE’S LAST BLOCK

******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK SOON ON THE FINAL BLOCK OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE TAI HING ESTATE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

MR. JOSEPH LEI, P.W.D.’S CHIEF ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY THAT WORK ON THIS BLOCK, THE LAST OF THREE IN STAGE TWO, WAS EXPECTED TO START IN DECEMBER AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 23 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

ON COMPLETION, THE 3O-STOREY CRUCIFORM BLOCK WOULD PROVIDE 1,388 FLATS FOR ABOUT 7,503 PERSONS.

MR. LEI SAID THAT WORK ON THE FIRST TWO BLOCKS HAD ALREADY BEGUN AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.

+EACH OF THESE BLOCKS CONTAINS ABOUT 1,388 FLATS WITH INDIVIDUAL BALCONY, KITCHEN AND TOILET,+ HE ADDED.

+THE WHOLE OF STAGE TWO IS SCHEDULED TO EE COMPLETED BY LATE 1979 AND WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AS PART OF ITS 10-YEAR HOUSING PROGRAMME.+

LIKE STAGE ONE OF THE ESTATE, MR. LEI SAID, THERE WOULD BE OPEN AND RECREATIONAL SPACE IN THE ESTATE WITH PLAYGROUNDS AND REST GARDENS FOR RESIDENTS.

+COMMERCIAL FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED TO SERVE THE RESIDENTS. THESE INCLUDE SHOPS AND A CENTRALLY LOCATED MARKET CONSISTING OF ABOUT 53 STALLS OF VARIOUS SIZES AND A LARGE RESTAURANT.*

THE RESTAURANT, HE ADDED, MEASURED ABOUT 1,533 SQUARE METRES AND WAS LOCATED AT THE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX WITH PARKING FACILITIES.

+0N COMPLETION, THE $200 MILLION HIGH QUALITY HOUSING ESTATE WOULD HOUSE A TOTAL OF 46,330 PEOPLE IN SOME 8,533 FLATS,* MR. LEI SAID.

------0 ------- /6.........................

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 1977

- 6

POTENTIAL BUYERS TO VIEW SAI KUNG FLATS * * * *

POTENTIAL BUYERS OF 10 GOVERNMENT-BUILT FLATS AT SAI KUNG WHICH ARE TO BE AUCTIONED LATER THIS MONTH CAN INSPECT THE PROPERTY NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12).

A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE WILL BE AT ONE OF THE FLATS, AT 100 MAN NIN STREET, THIRD FLOOR, BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND NOON AND 2.30 P.M. AND 4 P.M. TO SHOW MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC AROUND THE PREMISES.

FURTHER PUBLIC VIEWING MAY BE ARRANGED DEPENDING ON THE DEMAND, MR. GORDON MOFFOOT, SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, SAID TODAY.

THE GOVERNMENT IS TO AUCTION 10 FLATS OF 692 SQUARE FEET WHICH WERE ORIGINALLY BUILT TO HOUSE VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME.

THE FLATS ARE IN NEAR-NEW CONDITION AND HAVE A SEPARATE, FULLY-FITTED BATHROOM AND A SELF-CONTAINED KITCHEN AREA.

+THERE HAS BEEN CONSIDERABLE INTEREST IN THE FLATS SINCE WE ANNOUNCED THEIR SALE LAST WEEK AND THE OPEN DAY WILL GIVE POTENTIAL BUYERS A CHANCE TO SEE THE FLATS FIRST HAND,* MR. MOFFOOT SAID.

+WE EXPECT BIDDING TO BE VERY KEEN AT THE AUCTION, ESPECIALLY FOR THE SEVEN FLATS WHICH HAVE EXTENSIVE SEA VIEWS.*

THE SALE - TO BE HELD AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE ON SEPTEMBER 21 — IS ONE IN A SERIES TO DISPOSE OF ABOUT 80 SURPLUS FLATS BUILT BY THE GOVERNMENT IN SAI KUNG TOWN.

8, 1977

THURSDAY, SJ

JAVA RD AND STAUNTON ST TRAFFIC CHANGES *****

NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO FORCE IN JAVA ROAD, NORTH POINT, AND STAUNTON STREET, CENTRAL, ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12) AND TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13) RESPECTIVELY.

ON MONDAY WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. THE RIGHT TURN FROM JAVA ROAD INTO KING’S ROAD WILL BE BANNED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC FLOW.

EASTBOUND MOTORISTS ON JAVA ROAD WISHING TO TURN RIGHT INTO KING’S ROAD WESTBOUND FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAVELLING TOWARDS CAUSEWAY BAY SHOULD PROCEED VIA HEALTHY STREET AND THEN TURN RIGHT INTO KING’S ROAD.

ON TUESDAY WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. THE SECTION BETWEEN PEEL STREET AND ABERDEEN STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT ONE MONTH TO FACILITATE ROAD AND DRAJNAGE WORKS.

ACCESS TO STAUNTON STREET WEST OF ABERDEEN STREET CAN BE MADE VIA CAINE ROAD AND THEN STAUNTON STREET.

MEANWHILE, GRANDVIEW ROAD AND SOCIAL AVENUE IN SHEUNG.YUEN LENG, DIAMOND HILL, WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO VEHICLES FROM 7 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 12 TO 7 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 19, AND FROM 7 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 17 TO 7 A.M. ON SEPTEMBER 18, RESPECTIVELY.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

8 PER CENT GDP GROWTH RATE PROBABLE ............. 1

MAJOR TENDER CALLED FOR HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM . 3

$179.2 MILLION DEFICIT IN JUNE ACCOUNTS ......... 4

CHANGES PROPOSED TO SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL ....... 5

NEW LABOUR SURVEY LATER THIS MONTH .............. 6

CHEUNG CHING ESTATE TO BE FURTHER DEVELOPED ..... 7

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT COTTON MILL ............. 8

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

HIGHER GROWTH RATE PREDICTED FOR 1977 * * *

MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, THIS EVENING PREDICTED THAT THE TOTAL OUTPUT OF GOODS AND SERVICES (GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT) WOULD BE 8 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS — ONE PERCENTAGE POINT HIGHER THAN HIS ORIGINAL BUDGET FORECAST OF 7 PER CENT.

+BUT THIS YEAR’S GROWTH IS MUCH MORE DEPENDENT ON DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ACTIVITY THAN ON EXPORTS AND THAT WORRIES ME,+ HE SAID.

+THE OPENNESS OF OUR ECONOMY IS INCOMPATIBLE WITH SUCH A SITUATION BEING SUSTAINABLE. IN THE LONG RUN, THE GROWTH RATE OF. THE GDP DEPENDS ON THE GROWTH OF EXPORTS.*

HE WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL FELLOWSHIP DINNER OF THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION ON +THE HONG KONG ECONOMY — THE LATER PHASE OF THE RECOVERY.*

REVIEWING THE PRESENT ECONOMIC POSITION AND IMMEDIATE OUTLOOK, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT DESPITE THE EXCEPTIONALLY LARGE VOLUME OF EXPORTS IN THE SECOND HALF OF 1976, HE EXPECTED THE GROWTH RATE OF 4 PER CENT TO 5 PER CENT COULD BE ACHIEVED FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR.

MR. HADDON-CAVE SAW NO NEED TO CHANGE HIS FORECAST OF GOVERNMENT CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE GROWTH RATE OF 10 PER CENT. BUT ON PRIVATE CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE, HE EXPECTED AN INCREASE OF 12 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS.

REVISING HIS FORECAST ON INVESTMENT, MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPECTED AN INCREASE OF 15 PER CENT IN REAL TERMS IN PLANT AND MACHINERY INVESTMENT AS OPPOSED TO THE 12 PER CENT HE PREDICTED

EARLIER IN THE BUDGET.

+A PART OF THIS INCREASE CAN BE ATTRIBUTED TO LUMPY AND, CONTINUE TO BE FOR A WH KE, .ASSOC I ATE^U -TN^H

OF ACTIVITY IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, RAILWAY PROJECT,* HE SAID.

TOUCHING ON IMPORTS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE VOLUME OF IMPORTS WAS NOW EXPECTED TO GROW BY 9 PER CENT IN 1977, SLIGHTLY LESS THAN THE 10 PER CENT HE FORECAST IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH.

/+ THIS .....

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, '’977 - 2 -

♦THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE LEVEL AND COMPOSITION OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN 1977 INASMUCH AS THE REVISED FORECAST FOR IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS IS FOR A 12 PER CENT RATHER THAN A 10 PER CENT INCREASE- AND FOR RAW MATERIALS, WHICH ACCOUNT FOR 44 PER CENT OF TOTAL IMPORTS, THE REVISED FORECAST IS FOR A 5 PER CENT RATHER THAN A 10 PER CENT INCREASE,* HE SAID.

ON PRICES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THERE WAS AN INCREASE OF 7 PER CENT IN THE. FIRST HALF OF 1977 OVER THE FIRST HALF OF 1976.

+ANY FORECAST FOR THE REST OF 1977 IS VERY DEPENDENT ON FUTURE MOVEMENTS IN THE EXCHANGE VALUE OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR,* HE SAID.

+BUT I CAN SAY I WOULD BE SURPRISED IF THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN 1977 COMPARED WITH 1976 WAS MUCH MORE THAN 7 PER CENT. THE GDP DEFLATOR MAY WELL BE A LITTLE LESS THAN THE BUDGET SPEECH FORECAST OF 7 PER CENT DUE TO THE STABILITY OF EXPORT PRICES SO FAR THIS YEAR.*

AS FOR THE OUTLOOK FOR TRADE THIS YEAR, HE SAID THAT, DESPITE THE SIGNS OF A REVERSAL SEEN IN THE JULY TRADE FIGURES, EXPORT PERFORMANCE FOR A YEAR AS A WHOLE, WOULD ONLY BE AROUND 4 PER CENT HIGHER THAN IN 1976.

+S0, WITH THE LABOUR FORCE STILL REMAINING VIRTUALLY FULLY EMPLOYED, THE ONLY CONSISTENT OUTCOME CAN BE A HIGH GROWTH RATE IN EXPENDITURE BY’THE DOMESTIC SECTOR RELATIVE TO THE GROWTH RATE OF THE GDP, OR A LARGER DEFICIT IN THE CURRENT EXTERNAL ACCOUNT OR BOTH.

+THIS VIEW LENDS SUPPORT TO THE RATHER HIGH GROWTH RATES NOW FORECAST FOR CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE, AND TO THE LARGER VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT IMPLIED IN MY REVISED FORECAST FOR IMPORTS AND EXPORTS,* HE SAID.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

MAJOR WORK TO BEGIN ON HUNG HOM INDOOR STADIUM ******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK EARLY NEXT YEAR ON THE SPECTATOR STAND AND INTERIOR OF THE $88 MILLION MULTIPURPOSE INDOOR STADIUM AT HUNG HOM.

TENDERS FOR THE WORK, WHICH FORMS THE MAIN CONTRACT OF THE PROJECT, WERE INVITED TODAY BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

MR. EDWIN WONG, GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT, SAID THE SPECTATOR STAND COULD SEAT ABOUT 12,500 PEOPLE.

+THREE-QUARTERS OF THE SEATS IN THE UPPER SECTIONS OF THE SPECTATOR STAND WILL BE OF REINFORCED MOULDED SHELL, WHILE THOSE IN THE LOWER TIERS AND ON THE RETRACTABLE STANDS WHICH EXTEND ONTO THE ARENA FLOOR WILL BE UPHOLSTERED,+ HE SAID.

IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE SPECIAL SECTIONS FOR VIP’S AND THE PRESS.

+SEATING ON THE ARENA FLOOR WOULD BE VARIABLE AND DIFFERENT CONFIGURATIONS ARE POSSIBLE, DEPENDING ON THE PARTICULAR EVENT, + MR. WONG SAID.

ALL SEATS ON THE SPECTATOR STAND WOULD BE ARRANGED IN SMOOTH CONTOURS, OFFERING A COMPLETE VIEW OF THE 1,600 SQ. METRE ARENA.

ONE OF THE FEATURES OF THE STADIUM WILL BE A FOUR SIDED VIDEO SCREEN, SUSPENDED ABOVE THE CENTRE OF THE ARENA AND INCORPORATING SCOREBOARD AND CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION FACILITIES.

MR. WONG SAID ; +WITH SUCH EQUIPMENT, LARGER-THAN-LIFE SIZE CLOSE-UPS AND INSTANT REPLAYS, ALL IN COLOUR, ARE POSSIBLE.*

HE ADDED THAT THE STADIUM, WHICH WOULD BE FULLY AIR-CONDITIONED, WOULD HAVE FACILITIES FOR EVERYTHING FROM GYMNASTICS AND BASKETBALL MATCHES TO THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES AND MAJOR EXHIBITIONS.

THE ARENA ITSELF WOULD BE LARGE ENOUGH FOR TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, VOLLEYBALL COURTS OR TENNIS COURTS, OR FOR EIGHT BADMINTON COURTS OR 24 TABLE-TENNIS TABLES AT ONE TIME.

OTHER FACILITIES WOULD INCLUDE CHANGING ROOMS, MEETING ROOMS, GENERAL OFFICES, A LARGE EQUIPMENT STORE, FURNITURE STORE, CONTROL BOOTHS, BOOKING OFFICES AND TOILETS.

MR. WONG SAID THE STADIUM TO BE BUILT ON THE PODIUM ABOVE THE TRACK OF THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY TERMINUS WOULD BE IN THE SHAPE OF AN INVERTED PYRAMID AND WOULD, IN EFFECT, BE BUILT FROM THE ROOF

DOWN.

/+ WORK .....

FBIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

+WORK ON THE 10,000 SQ. METRE ROOF, BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE GROUND, IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY. WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL BE RAISED 26 METRES TO REST ON TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS.+

THE SPECTATOR STAND AND INTERIOR OF THE STADIUM WOULD THEN BE BUILT BENEATH IT.

+ONCE THIS WORK IS COMPLETED, THE ROOF WILL THEN BE LOWERED ONTO THE CONCRETE RIM OF THE SPECTATOR STAND, AND THE TEMPORARY STEEL TOWERS SUPPORTS CUT AWAY,+ MR. WONG SAID.

CONSTRUCTION OF THE SPECTATOR STAND WILL TAKE ABOUT 19 MONTHS AND THE WHOLE STADIUM SHOULD BE READY IN THE SECOND HALF OF I960 TO BE HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN COUNCIL FOR MANAGEMENT.

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JUNE

M H * K

THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE 1977 SHOW A DEFICIT OF $179.2 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $180.7 MILLION IN JUNE LAST YEAR.

THIS HAS REDUCED THE ACCUMULATED SURPLUS TO $24.7 MILLION FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A DEFICIT OF $54.1 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $623.4 MILLION WAS $69 MILLION MORE THAN IN JUNE 1976.

TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $444.2 MILLION WAS $70.5 MILLION MORE THAN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.

-------0

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

- 5 -

SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL

* * *

A BILL, WHICH WILL EMPOWER AN ADJUDICATOR OF SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL TO REVIEW HIS OWN DECISION AND TO SET ASIDE AN AWARD OR ORDER WHERE ONE PARTY DID NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING, HAS BEEN PROPOSED.

THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY WOULD ENABLE AN ADJUDICATOR WHO HAS HEARD A CLAIM TO REVIEW HIS DICISION EITHER ON THE APPLICATION OF THE PARTIES CONCERNED OR OF HIS OWN MOTION.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THIS POWER HAD BEEN FOUND TO BE VERY USEFUL IN THE DISTRICT COURT AND WAS HELPFUL WHERE, FOR EXAMPLE, NEW EVIDENCE MIGHT BE INTRODUCED OR WHERE EVIDENCE WAS OVERLOOKED DURING THE PROCEEDINGS.

THE OTHER AMENDMENT WOULD EMPOWER AN ADJUDICATOR TO SET ASIDE AN AWARD OR ORDER WHERE ONE PARTY DID NOT APPEAR AT THE HEARING, UPON APPLICATION BY THE ABSENT PARTY WITHIN SEVEN DAYS AFTER THE HEARING.

THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT CASES WERE BOUND TO OCCUR WHERE A DEFENDANT IS ABSENT THROUGH NO FAULT OF HIS OWN, AND AS THE LAW STANDS, +MANIFEST INJUSTICES MAY BE DONE.+

IT IS ALSO PROPOSED TO MAKE RULES OF COURT UNDER THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL ORDINANCE TO EFFECT OTHER IMPROVEMENTS. THE PROPOSED CHANGES WILL, AMONG OTHER THINGS:

* CONFER ON AN ADJUDICATOR THE POWER TO STRIKE OUT A PLAINTIFF’S CLAIM IN THE EVENT OF HIS NON-ATTENDANCE AT THE HEARING-

* REQUIRE AN ADJUDICATOR TO INCLUDE IN HIS WRITTEN AWARD OR ORDER HIS REASONS FOR THE DECISION- AND

* PRESCRIBE NEW FORMS IN CONNECTION WITH APPLICATIONS FOR REVIEW.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

FOURTH LABOUR SURVEY * * * * *

THE FOURTH LABOUR SURVEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT LATER THIS MONTH.

IT IS PART OF A SERIES OF SIX-MONTHLY LABOUR SURVEYS AIMED AT COLLECTING UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON THE ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POPULATION.

THE SURVEY, TO BE CONDUCTED DURING THE LAST TWO WEEKS OF THIS MONTH, WILL BE TAKEN ON A SAMPLE BASIS COVERING ABOUT 16,000 HOUSEHOLDS THROUGHOUT ALL DISTRICTS.

BEFORE THE FIELD ENUMERATION BEGINS, AN OFFICIAL LETTER, IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH, WILL BE SENT TO HOUSEHOLDS SELECTED IN THE SAMPLE EXPLAINING THE PURPOSES OF THE SURVEY AND SEEKING THEIR CO-OPERATION IN PARTICIPATING.

A NUMBER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ENUMERATORS WILL VISIT THESE HOUSEHOLDS ON A DAY BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 16 AND 30.

EACH ENUMERATOR WILL BEAR AN OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARD WITH HIS PHOTOGRAPH ON IT FOR IDENTIFICATION PURPOSE.

QUESTIONS TO BE ASKED WILL CONCERN PERSONAL AND HOUSEHOLD DATA SUCH AS AGE, EDUCATIONAL ATTAINMENT, EMPLOYMENT STATUS, OCCUPATION, EARNINGS, HOURS OF WORK AND TENURE AND RENT. INFORMATION WILL ALSO BE SOUGHT ON EXPENDITURE ON DURABLE GOODS AND WHETHER THE PERSONS CONCERNED HAVE BEEN RECIPIENT OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.

ALL INFORMATION COLLECTED WILL BE KEPT IN THE STRICTEST CONFIDENCE.

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

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

- 7 -

PHASE THREE OF CHEUNG CHING DEVELOPMENT K K * *

DEVELOPMENT IS TO BEGIN SHORTLY ON A FURTHER PHASE OF CHEUNG CHING ESTATE - THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE ON TSING Yl ISLAND - TO HOUSE ANOTHER 26,700 PEOPLE BY THE EARLY 1980S.

LAND FORMATION WILL START LATER THIS YEAR TO PROVIDE SITES FOR PHASE THREE OF THE ESTATE WHICH INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF ABOUT 4,400 FLATS.

SITES WILL ALSO BE FORMED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINS FOR CENTRAL TSI NG Yl DEVELOPMENT.

ALL THESE WILL FORM PART OF A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR TSI NG Yl, WHICH INCLUDES LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, TOGETHER WITH ASSOCIATED AMENITIES AND FACILITIES.

THE SITE FORMATION WORK WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CONTRACTORS AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY LATE 1979.

AFTER THAT, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL START THE BUILDING WORK ON PHASE THREE OF CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, WHICH ALSO INCLUDES PLANS FOR THREE PRIMARY SCHOOLS, TWO SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND CAR PARK FACILITIES.

WHEN FULLY DEVELOPED IN THE EARLY 1980S, THE ESTATE WILL HOUSE ABOUT 65,500 PEOPLE. PHASE ONE IS ALREADY PARTLY OCCUPIED, AND CONSTRUCTION WORK ON PHASE TWO IS WELL UNDERWAY.

TO ENABLE SITE FORMATION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT, THE GOVERNMENT IS TO RESUME ABOUT 4.09 HECTARES OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN CENTRAL TSING Yl AND ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE LAND OWNERS WOULD BE OFFERED CASH COMPENSATION OR THE ALTERNATIVE OF A LAND EXCHANGE.

THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PAY EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS AND COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, PINE TREES THE REMOVAL OF GRAVES, BONE POTS, FENCE, WELLS, AND WATER PIPES

HE SAID.

+N0 BUILDING LAND IS INVOLVED, BUT EIGHT TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY 12 FAMILIES, MOSTLY ON CROWN LAND, WILL HAVE TO BE CLEARED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

♦THESE FAMILIES, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN TSUEN WAN OR ON TSING Yl. FAMILIES NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE VICINITY.+

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT, IN ADDITION, 16 OTHER TEMPORARY STRUCTURES INCLUDING FOUR PIGSTIES WOULD ALSO HAVE TO BE CLEARED.

EX-GRATIA DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE WILL BE PAID TO DISPLACED PIGBREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS, HE ADDED.

0 - -

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 1977

_ 8 _

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT TEXTILE FACTORY *****

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL PAY A VISIT TO THE NANYANG COTTON MILL LTD. IN KWUN TONG ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12).

SHE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED ON THE VISIT BY THE ACTING PRINCIPAL TRADE OFFICER, TRADE INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, MR. NICHOLAS YEK.

LADY MACLEHOSE WILL BE MET ON ARRIVAL AT THE FACTORY BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR. Y.C. WANG, THE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER, MR. H.C. YUNG, AND THE DIRECTOR AND MANAGER, MR. LINCOLN YUNG.

NANYANG COTTON MILL EMPLOYS MORE THAN 1,600 WORKERS, AND PRODUCES A WIDE RANGE OF YARNS AND FABRICS OF PURE COTTON, POL^ESTER/COTTON AND POLYESTER/VISCOSE BLENDS. LIGHT AND HEAVY WEIGHT FABRICS SUCH AS SHIRTINGS, RAINCOATS, TROUSERINGS, DENIM AND WORK-WEAR FABRICS ARE SOME OF THE MAIN PRODUCTS.

THE COMPANY’S MAIN MARKETS ARE THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA AND EUROPE.

HONG KONG’S SPINNING AND WEAVING INDUSTRY EMPLOYS MORE THAN 52,000 WORKERS, REPRESENTING ABOUT SEVEN PER CENT OF THE LOCAL MANUFACTURING LABOUR FORCE. THE INDUSTRY’S TOTAL EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO MORE THAN S3,000 MILLION IN 1976, OR ABOUT NINE PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS.

IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, ITS EXPORTS WERE VALUED AT Si,246 MILLION -- 17 PER CENT LESS THAN LAST YEAR.

THE SPINNING SECTOR, COMPRISING 70 FACTORIES WITH A WORK FORCE OF OVER 22,000 IN MARCH 1977, IS EQUIPPED WITH OVER 890,000 SPINDLES. IN 1976, THIS SECTOR PRODUCED OVER 500 MILLION POUNDS OF COTTON, MAN-MADE FIBRE, WOOLLEN, COTTON BLENDED AND WOOLLEN BLENDED YARNS. THE VOLUME OF PRODUCTION IN THE FIRST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR WAS 106 MILLION POUNDS, REPRESENTING A DROP OF 17 PER CENT OVER THE SAME QUARTER LAST YEAR.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE VISIT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12), AT THE NANYANG COTTON MILL LTD., AT NO.57 HUNG TO ROAD, KWUN TONG, KOWLOON. THE VISIT IS EXPECTED TO LAST ONE HOUR.

- 0 - -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

— NEW BRIDGE TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC AT YUEN CHAU TSAI .......... 1

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS FETCHED OVER $280,000 ................ 2

EDUCATION SUNDAY TOMORROW ................................ 2

SAI KUNG RESIDENTIAL SITE FOR AUCTION .................... 3

CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK LEGAL YEAR OPENING ................ 3

IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ON UK ATTACHMENT .................... 4

JOINT SWIMMING GALA FOR TSUEN WAN RESIDENTS AND ARMY .. 4

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN CHAI WAN ........................ 5

FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

•*s

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977 - 1 -

HIGH-CAPACITY BRIDGE TO BE BUILT AT YUEN CHAU TSAI ******

A BRIDGE, FORMING PART OF THE PROPOSED NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM, WILL BE BUILT SHORTLY AT YUEN CHAU TSAI, TAI PO.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, COMPRISING THE CONSTRUCTION OF A PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE BRIDGE AND ITS APPROACH ROADS, ARE BEING INVITED BY THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.

MR. CHEN SHAO-CHI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE HIGHWAYS (NEW TERRITORIES) DIVISION, SAID THAT THE WORK WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN NOVEMBER AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

WHEN COMPLETED, HE SAID, IT WOULD REPLACE THE TWO EXISTING BRIDGES NEAR THE RAILWAY’S LEVEL-CROSSING WHICH HAD TO BE DEMOLISHED TO MAKE WAY FOR A GRADE-SEPARATED INTERCHANGE NEAR ISLAND HOUSE.

+THE NEW BRIDGE, WHICH WILL BE 30 METRES WIDE, HAS BEEN SO DESIGNED THAT IT COULD BE WIDENED IN FUTURE TO PROVIDE SIX TRAFFIC LANES, THREE IN EACH DIRECTION, ONE BICYCLE TRACKED FOOTWAYS ON BOTH SIDES,* MR. CHEN SAID.

IN ADDITION, A CONCRETE-LINED STORMWATER CHANNEL WOULD ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED TO DIRECT THE TAI PO RIVER UNDER THE NEW BRIDGE INTO TOLO HARBOUR.

DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW BRIDGE, TWO-WAY TRAFFIC WOULD BE MAINTAINED ON TAI PO ROAD, HE SAID.

AS TO THE PROPOSED NEW TERRITORIES TRUNK ROAD SYSTEM, WHICH WILL LINK SHA TIN NEW TOWN WITH TAI PO, MR. CHEN SAID IT WOULD BE BUILT IN STAGES.

+THE FIRST STAGE INCLUDES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A COASTAL ROAD LINKING SHA TIN TO ISLAND HOUSE.

+STAGE TWO WILL INVOLVE THE CONSTRUCTION OF ANOTHER SECTION OF THE TRUNK ROAD BETWEEN ISLAND HOUSE AND TAI PO TAU RUNNING ALONG THE HILLSIDE TO BYPASS THE EXISTING TAI PO MARKET TOWN.*

ON COMPLETION IN 1981, MR. CHEN SAID, THE NEW TRUNK ROAD WOULD BE ABLE TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC BETWEEN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND TAI PO.

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

/2......

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977

SPECIAL CAR NUMBERS REALISE OVER $280,000 ******

AT AN AUCTION AT THE CITY HALL THIS MORNING, 16 SPECIAL CAR REGISTRATION NUMBERS FETCHED A TOTAL OF $281,400 WHICH WILL GO INTO THE GOVERNMENT LOTTERIES FUND FOR CHARITY.

THE AUCTION, HELD AT THE CITY HALL LECTURE HALL, SAW THE REGISTRATION NUMBER 65 GO FOR THE HIGHEST PRICE OF $72,000.

ANOTHER NUMBER, AA 11 , WAS SOLD FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST PRICE OF $50,000, WHILE THE LOWEST PRICE WAS $4,000 FOR AR1234.

THE OTHER SPECIAL REGISTRATION NUMBERS WERE SOLD AT THE FOLLOWING PRICES t-

2300 $10,400 AJ9000 $ 5,100 BM 200 $10,200

2391 $ 9,300 BB 3 $34,000 BM 929 $ 5,500

HK3939 $ 8,000 BB 123 $10,900

HK8000 $ 7,500 BE 10 $10,000

AD2828 $10,500 BK 1 $25,000

BL1111 $ 9,000

THE NUMBERS AUCTIONED WILL BE ASSIGNED ONLY TO VEHICLES REGISTERED IN THE NAME OF THE SUCCESSFUL BIDDER WITHIN 12 MONTHS OF THE AUCTION.

THIS MORNING’S SALE, THE 34TH ORGANISED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SINCE MAY 1973, BROUGHT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF MONEY REALISED SO FAR TO ABOUT $6 MILLION.

EDUCATION SUNDAY CHURCH * * * * *

SERVICES TOMORROW *

SPECIAL CHURCH SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL, THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL, ST. TERESA’S CHURCH AND ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH AT 11 A.M. TOMORROW (SEPTEMBER 11), TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR.

ALL TEACHERS AND PUPILS ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND THESE SERVICES WHICH ARE HELD TO ENCOURAGE THEM IN THE TASKS THAT LIE AHEAD IN THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR.

THE SERVICES AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL AND ST. TERESA’S CHURCH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN ENGLISH WHILE THOSE AT THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CATHEDRAL AND THE ALL SAINTS’ CHURCH WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CANTONESE.

MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL ATTEND THE SERVICE AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL.

REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT AT THE OTHER SERVICES.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977

- 5 -

PRIME SAI KUNG SITE FOR AUCTION *****

tup COVFRNMENT IS TO AUCTION A PRIME RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT SITE WITH A SWEEPING SEAVIEW AT SILVERSTRAND NORTH LATER THIS MONTH.

THE SITE ALMOST 3,000 SQ. METRES IN SIZE, IS IDEALLY SUITED FOR EITHER TOWN HOUSE OR APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT, THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. GORDON MOFFOOT SAID TODAY.

+THE SITE IS IN A QUIET AND PEACEFUL LOCATION AND HAS AN EXCELLENT SEAVIEW OVERLOOKING THE OUTLYING ISLANDS,+ HE SAID.

+IT IS IN AN AREA THAT HAS BECOME VERY POPULAR FOR TOWN HOUSE AND APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT - SO POPULAR, IN FACT, THAT A SUPERMARKET IS NOW BEING BUILT TO SERVICE SILVERSTRAND.+

MR. MOFFOOT SAID THE SITE CARRIED A $640,000 BUILDING COVENANT OVER THREE YEARS, EXCLUDING THEXOSTS OF SITE FORMATION, FOUNDATIONS, ACCESS ROADS AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.

LEASE CONDITIONS RESTRICT IT TO TWO-STOREY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE AUCTION WILL TAKE PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 22 (THURSDAY), AT THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, KOWLOON.

- ---0------

LEGAL YEAR CHURCH SERVICE

*****

A CHURCH SERVICE TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE LEGAL YEAR WILL BE HELD AT 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 12) AT ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE SERVICE WILL BE ATTENDED BY JUDGES, MAGISTRATES, MEMBERS OF THE BAR ASSOCIATION AND OF THE LAW SOCIETY AND THOSE WORKING AT THE COURTS.

THE COURTS WILL RECOMMENCE SITTING AT 11 A.M. ON THAT DAY AFTER THE SERVICE IS OVER.

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977

- A -

LOCAL IMMIGRATION OFFICERS TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN BRITAIN * * * * *

TWO LOCAL IMMIGRATION OFFICERS WERE BRIEFED BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, MR. A.J. CARTER, ON THE EVE OF THEIR DEPARTURE TO BRITAIN FOR TWO MONTHS WORKING ATTACHMENTS IN LONDON.

THEY WILL GAIN FIRST HAND EXPERIENCE IN U.K. DEPARTMENTS. RESPONSIBLE FOR IMMIGRATION CONTROL, VISA, PASSPORT, NATURALIZATION AND DEPORTATION WORK.

THE IMMIGRATION OFFICERS ARE MR. MAKEEN YUSUF AND MRS. SHIN YEUNG WAI-CHING.

MR. CARTER COMMENTED THAT ALTHOUGH THE DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN SENDING OFFICERS TO THE U.K. FOR TRAINING FOR MANY YEARS, THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT OFFICERS HAD BEEN SELECTED FOR WORKING ATTACHMENTS WITH THEIR OPPOSITE NUMBERS IN BRITAIN.

THE MOVE WOULD STRENGTHEN FURTHER THE EXISTING CLOSE LINKS BETWEEN THE IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES IN BRITAIN AND HONG KONG, AND WOULD HELP THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL OFFICERS, HE SAID.

TSUEN WAN D.O. TO OFFICIATE AT JOINT SWIMMING GALA ******

NOTE TO EDITORS:

THE TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, MR. JAMES HAYES WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY jOF A SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD AT NOON TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AT GALLIPOLI LINES, FANLING.

THE SWIMMING GALA, WHICH WILL START AT 9 A.M., IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE 10TH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES AND THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, TSUEN WAN.

ELEVEN TEAMS WITH OVER 100 COMPETITORS, REPRESENTING VARIOUS SCHOOLS AND YOUTH AND SOCIAL SERVICES BODIES IN TSUEN WAN AND THE ARMY, WILL TAKE PART IN A SERIES OF EVENTS WHICH WILL INCLUDE AN INVITATION AQUATIC MEET.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OCCASION.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 1977

- 5 -

CHAI WAN TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT

* * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE LEFT TURN FROM HONG MAN STREET INTO CHAI WAN ROAD WILL BE BANNED FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 13).

THE ARRANGEMENT IS MADE FOR THE TRAFFIC LIGHT SIGNALS TO BE INSTALLED AT THE JUNCTION.

MOTORISTS IN HONG MAN STREET WISHING TO TURN LEFT INTO CHAI WAN ROAD MAY PROCEED VIA CHEUNG LEE STREET.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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

FIRING PRACTICE * * * K

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 15 AND 16) NEXT WEEK.

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.

THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE

DATE HOURS

SEPTEMBER 15 (THURSDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 6 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 16 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

JAN - JULY EXTERNAL TRADE STATISTICS ...................... 1

THREE NEW SWIMMING POOLS PLANNED FOR TSUEN WAN ............. 6

SAFEST DELIVERY SERVICE IN HONG KONG ....................... 7

ILLEGAL OCCUPIERS TAKING HEED OF WARNING ................... 9

COUNTRY PARK FACTS AVAILABLE ............................... H

PRINCESS MARGARET RD FLYOVER NIGHT CLOSURE ................ 11

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977 - 1 -

HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL TRADE JANUARY-JULY

******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY RELEASED DETAILED TRADE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO JULY THIS YEAR. DOMESTIC EXPORTS AMOUNTED TO $19,172 MILLION IN THE SEVEN MONTHS, WHICH SHOWED AN INCREASE OF sl,375 MILLION OR 7.7 PER CENT OVER THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF LAST YEAR. IMPORTS WERE VALUED AT $27 678 MILLION, INCREASING BY 13.9 PER CENT OR $3,368 MILLION. ON fHE OTHER HAND, RE-EXPORTS GAINED 8.4 PER CENT OR $418 MILLION ON THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO TEN MAJOR TRADING PARTNERSi

JAN -JULY 1976 (HK3 MN) JAN-JULY 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

U.S.A. 5,993 7,413 +1,421 +23.7%

F.R. OF GERMANY 2,237 1,986 - 250 -11.2%

UNITED KINGDOM 1,867 1,619 - 248 -13.3%

JAPAN 745 728 - 17 - 2.3%

AUSTRALIA 789 710 - 80 -10,1%

CANADA 776 661 - 116 -14.9%

SINGAPORE 426 481 + 55 +13.0%

NETHERLANDS 409 422 + 13 ♦ 3.2%

SWEDEN 370 378 + 8 ♦ 2.2%

SWITZERLAND 404 334 - 70 -17.3%

MAJOR INCREASES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO U.S.A. WERE RECORDED IN MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES ( + $433 MILLION OR 39.3 PER CENT) WHICH WERE MAINLY COMPOSED OF PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (+ $217 MILLION OR + 49.8 PER CENT). ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES INCREASED BY $408 MILLION OR 37.7 PER CENT. THIS INCREASE WAS MAINLY ACCOUNTABLE BY A $120 MILLION INCREASE IN ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS AND ANOTHER $100 MILLION INCREASE IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS. DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING MAINTAINED A FAVOURABLE GROWTH RATE OF 15.4 PER CENT OR AN INCREASE OF $401 MILLION. HOWEVER, TEXTILE PRODUCTS DECLINED AT 9.6 PER CENT.

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO WEST GERMANY AND BRITAIN WERE DECREASING BECAUSE OF A DROP OF 22.2 PER CENT AND 24.7 PER CENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING TO THE TWO COUNTRIES RESPECTIVELY. ON THE CONTRARY, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES, AND MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES TO THESE TWO MARKETS RECORDED SIGNIFICANT INCREASES.

/DOMESTIC .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

DOMESTIC EXPORTS TO MIDDLE EAST COUNTRIES ON THE OTHER HAND, ACHIEVED VERY IMPRESSIVE GROWTH RATES, WITH INCREASES OF EXPORTS TO EGYPT AT 320 PER CENT (+ $47 MILLION) AND IRAN AT 165 PER CENT ( + $61 MILLION).

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SIGNIFICANT CHANGES IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS BY MAJOR COMMODITY DIVISIONS IS PRESENTED BELOW:

JAN-JULY 1976 (HK3 MN) JAN-JULY 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE/DECREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

CLOTHING 8,084 7,697 - 387 - 4.8%

MI'SCELLAN- 2,456 EOUS MANUFACTU- RED ARTICLES (MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS) 3,283 + 824 +33.6%

ELECTRICAL 2,108 MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (MAINLY ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS AND ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS) 2,825 + 718 +34.0%

TEXTILE 1,769 YARN, FABRICS, MADE-UP ARTICLES AND RELATED PRODUCTS 1,469 - 301 • -17.0%

PROFESSION- 772 AL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS 1,046 + 274 +35.4%

/MANUFACTURES .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

MANUFACT- 452 542 + 90 +19.8%

URES OF METAL, N.E.S. (MAINLY

FINISHED

STRUCTURAL

PARTS AND

STRUCTURES

AND TOOLS FOR

USE IN THE

HAND OR IN MACHINE)

DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF CLOTHING AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS FELL BY 4 8 PER CENT AND 17.0 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, SIGNIFICANT INCREASES WERE RECORDED FOR COMMODITIES SUCH AS PLASTIC TOYS AND DOLLS (+ $440 MILLION OR +50.1 PER CENT), AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+ $207 MILLION OR +35.3 PER CENT). ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES GAINED A GROWTH RATE OF 34.0 PER CENT WHICH WAS COMPOSED MAINLY OF A 22.6 PER CENT INCREASE IN ALL TRANSISTORIZED RADIOS AND A 49.7 PER CENT INCREASE IN ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND PARTS FOR COMPUTERS.

THE CHANGES OF IMPORTS FROM TEN MAJOR SOURCES ARE SUMMARIZED BELOW:

JAN-JULY 1976 (HK$ MN) JAN-JULY 1977 (HK$ MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

JAPAN 5,327 6,484 +1, 157 +21.7%

CHINA 4,222 4,329 + 107 + 2.5%

U.S.A. 2,908 3,541 + 633 +21.8%

TAIWAN 1,728 1,930 + 202 +11.7%

SINGAPORE 1,369 1,692 + 323 +23.6%

UNITED KINGDOM 1,060 1,216 + 156 +14.7%

SOUTH KOREA 916 955 + 39 + 4.2%

F.R. OF GERMANY 746 806 + 60 + 8.0%

SWITZERLAND AND LIECHTENSTEIN 652 728 + 76 +11.7%

AUSTRALIA 476 560 + 84 +17.5%

/IMPORTS .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

IMPORTS OF TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT FROM JAPAN INCREASED CONSIDERABLY, REPRESENTING AN INCREASE OF ®276 MILLION OR +155.1 PER CENT. OTHER REMARKABLE INCREASES IN IMPORTS FROM JAPAN WERE RECORDED IN PROFESSICNAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS-PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, WATCHES AND CLOCKS ( + $226 MILLION OR +43.6 PER CENT), MACHINERY, OTHER THAN ELECTRIC (+ $147 MILLION OR +28.1 PER CENT) AND ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+ 3140 MILLION OR +19.3 PER CENT).

IMPORTS FROM CHINA, HONG KONG’S SECOND MAJOR SUPPLIER INCREASED ONLY BY 2.5 PER CENT. AN INCREASE OF 21.8 PER CENT OF IMPORTS FROM U.S.A. WAS LARGELY DUE TO A SUBSTANTIAL RISE IN THE IMPORTS OF TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTE ($386 MILLION OR +292.9 PER CENT). BESIDES, IMPORTS OF ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES WENT UP BY 20.5 PER CENT OR $108 MILLION. A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE WAS ALSO RECORDED IN TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT (+ 79 MILLION OR +387.1 PER CENT).

THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS THE IMPORTANT CHANGES IN IMPORTS BY COMMODITY SECTIONS s

JAN-JULY 1976 (HKS MN) JAN-JULY 1977 (HKS MN) INCREASE (HK$ MN) PERCENTAGE CHANGE

MANUFACTURED GOODS CLASSIFIED CHIEFLY BY MATER 1 AL (MAINLY TEXTILE YARN, FABRICS, AND DIAMONDS) 7,777 8,261 +484 + 6.2%

MACHINERY AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT 4,240 5,345 +1,104 +26.0%

FOOD AND LIVE ANIMALS 3,642 4,076 + 434 +11.9%

MISCELLANEOUS MANUFACTURED ARTICLES (MAINLY WATCHES) 2,710 3,494 + 783 +29.0%

CHEMICALS I 1,994 2,090 + 96 + 4.8%

CRUDE MATERIALS, INEDIBLE, EXCEPT FUEL (MAINLY TEXTILE FIBRES AND THEIR WASTE) 1,926 2,069 + 143 + 7.4%

/THE MORE .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

THE MORE NOTEWORTHY INCREASES WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES ( + $543 MILLION OR +23.7 PER CENT) AND TRANSPORT EQUIPMENT ( + 5382 MILLION OR +89.7 PER CENT). OTHER INCREASES OCCURRED IN PROFESSIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CONTROLLING INSTRUMENTS, PHOTOGRAPHIC AND OPTICAL GOODS, AND WATCHES AND CLOCKS (+ 5372 MILLION OR +28.6%). IMPORTS OF TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD, TEXTILE FABRICS DECLINED BY 5125 MILLION (-9.2 PER CENT) AND $145 MILLION (-6.1 PER CENT) RESPECTIVELY. DYE I NG,TANNING AND COLOURING MATERIAL ALSO RECORDED A DROP OF *68 MILLION OR 15.6 PER CENT.

RE-EXPORTS TO JAPAN AND U.S.A. DROPPED BY 6.4 PER CENT AND 3.4 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY. HOWEVER, RE-EXPORTS TO VARIOUS ASIAN COUNTRIES, SUCH AS SINGAPORE (+14.3 PER CENT), TAIWAN (+6.2 PER CENT), INDONESIA (+20.5 PER CENT), AND SOUTH KOREA (+16.2 PER CENT) WERE INCREASING. MAJOR INCREASES IN RE-EXPORTS WERE RECORDED IN ELECTRICAL MACHINERY, APPARATUS AND APPLIANCES (+591 MILLION), TEXTILE YARN AND THREAD (+569 MILLION), TEXTILE FABRICS (+$55 MILLION), AND MEDICINAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS (+55 MILLION).

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT ALSO ANNOUNCED THE VARIOUS TRADE INDEX NUMBERS (1973 = 100) FOR JUNE AS FOLLOWS :

VALUE INDEX UNIT VALUE INDEX QUANTUM INDEX

DOMESTIC EXPORTS 181 131 138

IMPORTS 165 134 123

THE TERMS OF TRADE INDEX (I.E. EXPORT PRICES OVER IMPORT PRICES) FOR JUNE IS 98.

(NOTE: VALUE FIGURES HAVE BEEN ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST MILLION DOLLAR.)

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

- 6

SWIMMING POOL BOOM FOR TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN

*****

TSUEN '..'AN WILL EXPERIENCE A SWIMMING POOL BUILDING BOOM OVER THE NEXT FEW YEARS, THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, SAID TODAY.

HE REVEALED THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS EXPECTED TO START WORK NEXT YEAR ON A NEW PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AT NORTH KWAI CHUNG, WHILE PRIVATE DEVELOPERS HAD PROPOSED ANOTHER TWO GOVERNMENT-STANDARD POOL PROJECTS AT NORTH TSUEN WAN.

MR. HAYES WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT THE CONCLUSION OF A SWIMMING GALA FOR TSUEN WAN YOUNGSTERS AT GALLIPOLI LINES JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, THE-1OTH PRINCESS MARY’S OWN GURKHA RIFLES .AND THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ALREADY OPERATED A SEVEN-POOL PUBLIC COMPLEX AT KWAI CHUNG ADJOINING GIN DRINKER’S BAY.

+THE GOVERNMENT IS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED FOR RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND AMENITIES TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RAPID POPULATION GROWTH OF TSUEN WAN - THE FASTEST -GROWING AREA IN THE NEW TERRITORIES,* MR. HAYES SAID.

+A SECOND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, PROBABLY COVERED AND HEATED FOR YEAR-ROUND USE, IS TO BE BUILT AT WO YEE HOP ROAD AND WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN THIS TIME NEXT YEAR.

+ADD ITIONALLY, THE GOVERNMENT IS HOLDING DISCUSSIONS WITH HOPEWELL HOLDINGS LIMITED AND SUN HUNG KAI PROPERTIES LIMITED WHICH ARE DEVELOPING LARGE RESIDENTIAL AREAS IN NORTH TSUEN WAN AND W ISH TO PUT IN PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL AREAS IN THE VICINITY.

+ THE IDEA IS THAT THE COMPANIES WOULD CARRY OUT THE PROJECTS TO GOVERNMENT STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS ON LAND SUPPLIED BY THE GOVERNMENT.

+ONCE COMPLETED, THE COMPANIES WOULD HAND OVER THE POOLS TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MAINTENANCE AND MANAGEMENT.

+THESE POOLS WOULD SERVE NOT ONLY THE 43,000 PEOPLE WHO WILL LIVE IN THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, BUT ALSO ANOTHER 100,000 PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN EASY WALKING DISTANCE FROM THE SITES AT CENTRAL AND NORTH TSUEN WAN.

+1 AM CONFIDENT THAT AGREEMENT WILL BE REACHED WITH THE COMPANIES ON THEIR PROPOSALS,* MR. HAYES SAID.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

DELIVERY SERVICE WITH A DIFFERENCE

*****

FOR THE MOST PAINSTAKING AND RELIABLE DELIVERY SERVICE IN HONG KONG, THE MINES DIVISION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HAS NO EQUAL.

ITS SERVICE IS COMPARABLE TO THE MILKMAN’S - DELIVERIES, FRESH FOR CONSUMPTION EACH DAY, ARE MADE WITHOUT FAIL TO THE VERY DOOR STEPS OF CUSTOMERS, _____

BUT IN PLACE OF MILK BOTTLES THE MINES DIVISION’S DELIVERY TEAMS ARE ENTRUSTED WITH A FAR MORE DEMANDING COMMODITY - CARTONS OF EXPLOSIVES AND DETONATORS.

THE ROUND BEGINS EVERY MORNING SIX DAYS A WEEK AT THE GREEN ISLAND EXPLOSIVES DEPOT WHERE EXPLOSIVES ARE LOADED ONTO A SPECIAL DELIVERY LAUNCH.

THIS LAUNCH IS PURPOSE-BUILT FOR ITS IMPORTANT CARGO WITH A SPECIAL HOLD FOR DETONATORS WHICH ARE HANDLED AND STOWED QUITE SEPARATELY FROM THE BLASTING EXPLOSIVES FOR MAXIMUM SAFETY.

THE HOLDS ARE FITTED WITH AUTOMATIC SPRINKLERS AND THE ENGINE-ROOM IS INSTALLED WITH A CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM WHICH CAN BE QUICKLY ACTIVATED IN THE UNLIKELY EVENT OF FIRE.

ON AVERAGE SOME THREE TO TEN TONS OF EXPLOSIVES ALL TO BE CONSUMED ON THE DAY ARE LOADED EACH MORNING FOR DELIVERY. THEY ARE TAKEN TO WATERFRONT DISTRIBUTION POINTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND AS WELL AS ON THE MAINLAND AND LANTAU WHERE INDIVIDUAL CONSIGNMENTS DESTINED FOR PARTICULAR BLASTING SITES ARE OFF-LOADED ONTO DELIVERY TRUCKS.

THESE TRUCKS ARE ALSO PURPOSE-EUILT TO SAFEGUARD AGAINST ACCIDENTS DURING TRANSPORTATION. INDIVIDUAL SPARK-PROOF TIMBER-LINED COMPARTMENTS ARE PROVIDED FOR DETONATORS AND EXPLOSIVES WITH SUFFICIENT SPACE BETWEEN TO PREVENT EXPLOSION FROM SENSITIVE DETONATORS TRANSMITTING TO THE EXPLOSIVE CARGO.

ADDITIONAL SAFETY FEATURES ENSURE THAT THE HOT EXHAUST SYSTEM IS NOT POSITIONED NEAR TO THE BODY OF THE VEHICLE, WHICH IN ADDITION IS SEPARATED FROM THE CAB AND THE FUEL TANK BY A FIRE SCREEN. WHEEL ARCHES ARE ALSO LINED WITH ASBESTOS IN CASE OF A TYRE CATCHING FIRE.

+PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SAFEGUARD OF ALL IS THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE EXPLOSIVES INSPECTORS, EXPLOSIVES SUPERVISORS AND DRIVERS WHO STAFF THIS DELIVERY SYSTEM AND MAKE IT ALL POSSIBLE*, THE CHIEF EXPLOSIVES OFFICER, MR. GEORGE RANSON SAID.

/WHENEVER .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

WHENEVER A TRUCK IS CARRYING EXPLOSIVE CARGO, AN EXPLOSIVES INSPECTOR SITS UP FRONT WITH THE DRIVER, WHILE FOLLOWING UP THE REAR ARE EXPLOSIVES SUPERVISORS IN A PERSONNEL TRUCK. AS THE EXPLOSIVES ARE DELIVERED TO EACH BLASTING SITE A NUMBER OF SUPERVISORS STAY AT THE SITE TO ENSURE THAT THE EXPLOSIVES ARE PROPERLY USED OR DESTROYED AND DO NOT GO ASTRAY.

THE LIST OF EXPLOSIVES CONSUMERS GETS LONGER WEEK BY WEEK AS HONG KONG GOES THROUGH AN ACTIVE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD AND THE QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES CONSUMED INCREASES. ON ONE DAY ALONE RECENTLY OVER 23 TONS OF EXPLOSIVES WERE DELIVERED AND CONSUMED BY SUNDOWN.

MAJOR CONSUMERS ARE THE HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR PROJECT, MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SITES, NEW TOWN PROJECTS, THE TUEN MUN EXPRESSWAY AND THE LARGE STONE QUARRIES WORKING OVERTIME TO SATISFY A CONTINUING AND INCREASING DEMAND FOR STONE PRODUCTS.

THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND THE NEW BEACON HILL RAILWAY TUNNEL WILL ALSO BECOME MAJOR CONSUMERS OF EXPLOSIVES WHEN WORK UNDERGROUND GETS UNDERWAY.

A RECENT ADVANCE IN EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY WHICH WILL PROVE SIGNIFICANT FOR HONG KONG IS THE ADVENT OF WATERGEL, A NEW EXPLOSIVE WHICH IS CONSIDERABLY LESS SENSITIVE THAN DYNAMITE AND CONSEQUENTLY MUCH SAFER.

IT IS SAFER TO STORE, TO TRANSPORT AND TO USE AND YET WHEN INITIATED IS AS POWERFUL AND EFFECTIVE AS DYNAMITE.

+THERE IS NO DOUET THAT WATERGEL, CR SLURRY EXPLOSIVE AS IT IS SOMETIMES CALLED, WILL EVENTUALLY REPLACE DYNAMITE ALTOGETHER,* SAID MR. RANSON AND, HE ADDED, +IN THE INTERESTS OF IMPROVED SAFETY THE SOONER IT DOES SO THE BETTER*.

APART FROM THE IMPROVEMENT TO SAFETY IT PROVIDES, WATERGEL HAS OTHER ADVANTAGES TO OFFER. IT CAN BE HANDLED WITHOUT CAUSING THE NAUSEOUS HEADACHES ASSOCIATED WITH THE NITRO-GLYCERINE DYNAMITES AND GELIGNITES AND, FOR TUNNELLERS, IT HAS MUCH BETTER FUME CHARACTERISTICS ALLOWING WORKERS TO APPROACH THE WORK FACE SOONER AFTER BLASTING.

WATERGEL USED SO FAR IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN IMPORTED MAINLY FROM THE UNITED STATES BUT CONSIGNMENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN OBTAINED FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND JAPAN.

ITS CONSUMPTION PRESENTLY ACCOUNTS FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 PER CENT OF ALL CARTRIDGED EXPLOSIVES USED IN HONG KONG AND WILL PROBABLY INCREASE AS ITS BENEFITS BECOME MORE WIDELY APPRECIATED.

WHATEVER KIND OF EXPLOSIVE IS USED, HOWEVER, THE PRESENT RIGID CONTROL OVER ITS TRANSPORTATION AND USE WILL CONTINUE TC BE EXERCISED IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY AND SECURITY.

-------0 -------- /9............................

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

- 9 -

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL LAND OCCUPIERS

*****

ILLEGAL OCCUPIERS OF CROWN LAND IN TSUEN WAN HAVE BEGUN TO FEEL THE +BITE+ OF A FORCEFUL CAMPAIGN THAT AIMS AT CLEARING UNSIGHTLY AND OBSTRUCTIVE STRUCTURES FROM UNLEASED LAND IN THE DISTRICT.

THE DRIVE HAS MADE MANY OFFENDERS REALISE THAT THE DISTRICT’S CROWN LAND CONTROL UNIT IS NOT A +PAPER TIGER* AS SOME OF THEM OBVIOUSLY THOUGHT IT WAS IN THE PAST, ACCORDING TO A DISTRICT OFFICE SPOKESMAN.

THE UNIT WAS SET UP THREE YEARS AGO THIS MONTH WITHIN THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, CHARGED WITH LAUNCHING A DRIVE TO RID THE NEW TOWN OF STRUCTURES ILLEGALLY OCCUPYING CROWN LAND.

THE MAN IN CHARGE OF THE UNIT, MR. STEVE YUEN, WHO IS TSUEN WAN’S ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER (LAND CONTROL), SAID TODAYi +OUR CAMPAIGN HAS PRODUCED DEFINITE RESULTS.

+ONE RESULT IS THAT WE HAVE CURBED THE GROWTH OF STRUCTURES ILLEGALLY OCCUPYING CROWN LAND IN SIDE LANES, PAVEMENTS AND CTH&R AREAS IN THE TOWN.

+wE HAVE MANAGED TO CONTAIN THE PROBLEM AND WE WILL CONTINUE TC GET RID OF THE EXISTING CASES THAT ARE BROUGHT TO OUR ATTENTION,+ HE SAID.

MR. YUEN SAID ANOTHER RESULT WAS THAT MORE AND MORE ILLEGAL OCCUPIERS OF CROWN LAND HAD COME TC CEASE OPERATION VOLUNTARILY AFTER THEY HAD BEEN SERVED WITH A NOTICE TELLING THEM TO MOVE.

IN RECENT MONTHS, HE SAID, ABOUT 83 PER CENT OF THEM VOLUNTARILY PULLED DOWN THEIR STRUCTURES AND MOVED BEFORE THE NOTICE EXPIRED.

PREVIOUSLY, ONLY ABOUT 33 PER CENT CHOSE TO COMPLY WITH THE NOTICE, HE ADDED.

+THE REASON IS THAT MORE AND MORE OFFENDERS HAVE COME TO REALISE THAT WE WILL TAKE FIRM ACTION IF THEY CHOOSE TC IGNORE THE NOTICE,* HE SAID.

+THEY KNOW THAT THEY WILL FACE PROSECUTION UNDER THE CROWN LAND ORDINANCE WHICH CARRIES A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF A 513,333 Flf.E AND SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT.

/♦THEY ARE .....

SUNDaY, SEPTEMBER 11, 1977

10 -

+THEY ARE ALSO AWARE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL MOVE IN TC DEMOLISH THEIR STRUCTURES AND CHARGE THEM THE COST OF DEMOLITION, AS WELL AS FORFEIT ANY STRUCTURES OR PROPERTY ON THE SITE,* HE SAID.

SINCE THE CROWN LAND CONTROL UNIT WAS SET UP, IT HAS BROUGHT 428 CASES OF ILLEGAL CROWN LAND OCCUPATION TO THE COURTS.

+0F THESE CASES, 378 OFFENDERS WERE CONVICTED" THE MAJORITY WERE FINED SUMS RANGING FROM 320 TC $10,333,+ MR. YUEN SAID.

TWENTY-TWO OFFENDERS WERE JAILED FOR TERMS RANGING FROM ONE DAY"TO SIX MONTHS" WHILE 46 OTHERS WERE GIVEN JAIL SENTENCES SUSPENDED FOR ONE AND A HALF YEARS TO TWO YEARS.

ONLY THIS WEEK IN TSUEN WAN COURT, A MAGISTRATE FINED A MAN FOR A SUM OF $8,030 FOR ILLEGALLY OCCUPYING ABOUT 3,203 SQUARE FEET OF CROWN LAND FOR STORING TIMBER,

IN MAY THIS YEAR, ANOTHER MAN WAS SENT TO JAIL FOR TWO MONTHS AFTER HE WAS FOUND GUILTY OF ILLEGALLY OCCUPYING ABOUT 853 SOUARE FEET OF CROWN LAND BY SETTING UP A WORKSHOP.

IN ADDITION TO PROSECUTIONS, MR. YUEN SAID, THE UNIT HAS ALSO CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS ILLEGAL CROWN LAND OCCUPATION CLEARANCES.

/11......

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 197?

HANDY FACTS ON COUNTRY PARKS * * * *

A FACT SHEET ON HONG KONG’S COUNTRY PARKS HAS BEEN PREPARED 3Y THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES GIVING A HANDY REFERtNCE TO THEIR LOCATIONS AND FACILITIES.

THE AREAS COVERED BY THE FACT SHEET ARE SHING MUN, KAM SHAN, LION ROCK, TAI TAM AND ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARKS, AND A SPECIAL AREA IN TAI ?O KAU RESERVED FOR NATURE STUDIES.

BESIDES DESCRIBING THEIR LOCATIONS, SCENIC SPOTS, TOPOGRAPHICAL FEATURES AND RECREATION FACILITIES, THE FACT SHEET ALSO LISTS SOME OF THE MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS FACED BY THE AUTHORITIES IN KEEPING THESE PARKS CLEAN AND PLEASANT FOR ALL.

THE MAIN PROELEMS ARE FIRE AND LITTER. TwC MILLION VISITORS WERE RECORDED ENTERING THE PARKS LAST YEAR- REGRETTABLY THEY LEFT BEHIND SOME 500,000 KILOGRAMMES OF RUBBISH. AND, DURING THE DRY SEASON WHEN FIRE RISKS ARE HIGH, AS MANY AS THREE TO SIX HILL FIRES MAY OCCUR DAILY.

THE FACT SHEET, PUBLISHED IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH, IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE MARKETING OFFICE CF THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AT LA GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG.

A SPECIAL SERIES OF COLOUR LEAFLETS DESCRIBING THE INDIVIDUAL COUNTRY PARKS IS ALSO BEING PREPARED BY THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE THE PUBLIC WITH MORE DETAILED INFORMATION, ESPECIALLY ON ESTABLISHED COUNTRY WALKS.

SOME OF THESE LEAFLETS ARE NOW AVAILABLE AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE.

- - 0 -

NIGHT CLOSURE OF PRINCESS MARGARET RD FLYOVER * * * *

PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. DAILY FROM WEDNESDAY TO SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 14 TO 17) TO ENABLE MAINTENANCE WORK TO EE CARRIED OUT.

DURING THESE PERIODS NORTH-BOUND TRAFFIC FROM PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD TO WATERLOO ROAD MAY TURN LEFT INTO ARGYLE STREET, MAKE A U-TURN IN FRONT OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, AND ENTER WATERLOO ROAD.

FOR SOUTH-BOUND TRAFFIC, MOTORISTS SHOULD DRIVE ALONG WATERLOO ROAD, CROSS ARGYLE STREET AND ENTER PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

- - 0 -

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO

REPORT ON HK’S ECONOMIC ACTIVITY JAN-JUNE PUBLISHED ... 1

$1 BILLION TO BE SPENT ON NEW TOWNS IN 1979/80

HK CONTRIBUTES $100,000 TO UN DRUG ABUSE CONTROL FUND . 9

AUGUST WEATHER ROUND-UP

LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS NANYANG COTTON MILL

WORK OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED

CHIEF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER RETIRES

SECTION OF BOUNDARY ST TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED

MR JOHN TODD ACTING AS SECRETARY FOR NT

PERSONS REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT TUEN MUN

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

STRONG DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IN 1977

*****

CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT ARE PROVIDING THE MAIN IMPETUS TO GROWTH IN THE HONG KONG ECONOMY SO FAR IN 1977.

THIS STRONG DOMESTIC ECONOMIC ACTIVITY IS SPELT OUT IN DETAIL IN THE GOVERNMENT’S HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT RELEASED TODAY.

THE REPORT, WHICH REVIEWS EVENTS UP TO THE FIRST HALF OF 1977, WILL SHORTLY BE ON SALE.

IT POINTS OUT THAT CONSUMPTION AND INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE, INFLUENCED BY THE RAPID INCREASE IN INCOMES LAST YEAR, HAVE . .

BEEN STRONG BUT HAVE COINCIDED WITH A WEAK EXPORT PERFORMANCE.

THIS HAS PREVENTED THE COST/PRICE STRUCTURE FROM DEFLATING TOO RAPIDLY IN RESPONSE TO SLOWED DOWN EXPORTS, THE REPORT SAYS. AS ILLUSTRATIONS, THE REPORT POINTS TO THE FACT THAT WAGES HAVE CONTINUED TO INCREASE AND UNEMPLOYMENT HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AT THE RATHER LOW LEVEL OF ABOUT 4.5 PER CENT.

THE REPORT, HOWEVER, ADDS THAT A SITUATION OF STRONG DOMESTIC DEMAND COMBINED WITH WEAK PERFORMANCE IN EXPORTS IS NOT SUSTAINABLE BECAUSE +A WEAK PERFORMANCE IN EXPORTS, THE SIZE OF WHICH IS OF THE SAME ORDER OF MAGNITUDE AS THE GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT, WILL CERTAINLY CAUSE THE GROWTH OF INCOMES, AND HENCE OF DOMESTIC DEMAND, TO SLOW DOWN+.

THIS IS CONSISTENT WITH THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY

NR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, THE ACTING CHIEF SECRETARY, IN A SPEECH DELIVERED TO THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION LAST FRIDAY EVENING.

THE WEAK PERFORMANCE IN HONG KONG’S EXPORTS APPEARS TO BE CAUSED BY HIGH STOCK LEVELS, IN PARTICULAR FOR CLOTHING, BEING RUN DOWN IN HONG KONG’S PRINCIPAL MARKETS.

THIS POSSIBILITY IS BORNE OUT BY THE FACT THAT CONSUMER DEMAND IN THESE MARKETS HAS NOT SLOWED DOWN AS MUCH AS HONG KONG’S EXPORT PERFORMANCE IN 1977 WOULD SUGGEST.

FOR CLOTHING AND TEXTILE PRODUCTS, AS HONG KONG IS NOT SO PRICE COMPETITIVE AS SOUTH KOREA, A MOVE TO DEPLETE STOCKS OF TEXTILES AND CLOTHING TENDS TO HIT HONG KONG FIRST, THE REPORT POINTS OUT. AND, THE SITUATION FOR TEXTILE AND CLOTHING IN 1977 HAS BEEN FURTHER COMPLICATED BY THE RE-NEGOTCAT I ON OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT DUE TO EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR.

THE REPORT SHOWS THAT THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR AT HK$ 15,776 MILLION, WAS SOME 7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN EXPORTS IN THE CORRESPONDING HALF IN 1976.

/EXPORT .....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 2

EXPORT PRICES WERE ON AVERAGE 4 PER CENT HIGHER, THE QUANTITY OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS WAS ONLY 3 PER CENT HIGHER, IN MARKED CONTRAST TO THE 30 PER CENT GROWTH IN THE QUANTITY OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR 1976 OVER 1975.

THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR TO FIVE OUT OF HONG KONG’S SIX LARGEST MARKETS WAS LOWER THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE UNITED STATES.

+THE SLOW DOWN IN THE GROWTH OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1977 WAS ALMOST WHOLLY THE RESULT OF LOWER EXPORTS OF CLOTHING AND TEXTILES PRODUCTS, BUT DOMESTIC EXPORTS OTHER THAN CLOTHING AND TEXTILES HAVE ALL RECORDED FAIRLY HIGH GROWTH RATES,+ ACCORDING TO THE REPORT.

PERFORMANCE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS AND WATCHES WAS OUTSTANDING WITH THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR BEING RESPECTIVELY 46 PER CENT AND 34 PER CENT UP ON A YEAR AGO.

DIFFICULTIES WERE BEGINNING TO BE EXPERIENCED BY SECTORS MANUFACTURING AND EXPORTING CONSUMER GOODS BECAUSE OF SATURATION OF MARKETS IN THE CASE OF SEMI-DURABLES AND CHANGES IN CONSUMERS’ TASTES IN RESPECT OF NON-DURABLE GOODS.

THE REPORT EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL BREAK-THROUGHS IN THE CREATION OF NEW WAVES OF DEMAND.

THE VALUE OF IMPORTS IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1977 WAS 14 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THAT IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1976, WITH LARGE INCREASES RECORDED IN IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS.

THE REPORT SAYS THAT THE SLOW DOWN IN IMPORTS OF RAW MATERIALS WAS A REFLECTION OF EXPORT PERFORMANCE AND THE RAPID INCREASE IN IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS AND CAPITAL GOODS WAS A REFLECTION OF STRONG DOMESTIC DEMAND.

THE REPORT INDICATES THAT IMPORT PRICES HAVE REMAINED VIRTUALLY CONSTANT THROUGHOUT THE FIRST HALF OF 1977 AFTER INCREASING STEADILY THROUGHOUT 1976. IT ADDS THAT +THE STABILITY OF IMPORT PRICES WAS ATTRIBUTABLE TO STABLE PRICES FOR FOOD FROM CHINA, AND DECLINING PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS FROM JAPAN AND THE UNITED STATES+. THIS COUNTER-BALANCED INCREASES IN PRICES OF IMPORTS OF CONSUMER GOODS, RAW MATERIALS AND CAPITAL GOODS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM AND IN PRICES OF RAW MATERIALS FROM CHINA.

HOWEVER, IT SAYS THAT AS EXPORT PRICES WERE SLIGHTLY LOWER THAN LAST YEAR, THE TERMS OF TRADE HAVE IN FACT DETERIORATED. ALSO, THE FASTER GROWTH IN IMPORTS RELATIVE TO EXPORTS HAS RESULTED IN A WIDENING OF THE VISIBLE TRADE DEFICIT TO HK$ 3,054 MILLION FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR, NEARLY DOUBLE THE TRADE DEFICIT IN THE FIRST HALF OF LAST YEAR.

/IN THE SECTION

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

IN THE SECTION ON MONEY AND BANKING, THE REPORT INDICATES A CONTINUED INCREASE IN BANK DEPOSITS AND IN THE MONEY SUPPLY. IT ADDS THAT REDUCTIONS IN INTEREST RATES AND THE INCREASING USE OF SAVINGS ACCOUNTS HAVE RESULTED IN A RAPID GROWTH IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS, WHICH AT THE END OF THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR HAD GROWN TO A SIZE LITTLE DIFFERENT FROM THAT OF TIME DEPOSITS.

THE REPORT SHOWS THAT DOMESTIC BANK LENDING HAS ACCELERATED DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AND THE ACCELERATION CAME MAINLY FROM LOANS FOR INDUSTRY, IN PARTICULAR BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION.

THE REPORT ALSO SUMMARIZES MOVEMENTS IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE OVER THE 12 MONTHS UP TO JUNE 1977.

AS REGARDS BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITY, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT, IN 1976, THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MOVED RAPIDLY OUT OF THE RECESSION AND RECORDED AN INCREASE IN OUTPUT IN EXCESS OF 30 PER CENT. IT ADDS THAT THE HIGH LEVEL OF ACTIVITY HAS CONTINUED INTO 1977 BUT CAUTIONS THAT CONSTRUCTION COSTS HAVE BEEN INCREASING RAPIDLY.

THE REPORT INDICATES THAT ALTHOUGH CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS HAVE NOT SHOWN ANY DRASTIC INCREASES, +THE LABOUR AND MATERIALS COST INDEX PREPARED BY THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WENT UP BY 13 PER CENT DURING 1976 AND WAS, DURING THE FIRST FEW MONTHS OF 1977, INCREASING AT ABOUT THE SAME RATE.+

ON TEXTILE PRODUCTION, THE REPORT SHOWS THAT CAPACITY UTILIZATION IN THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY IN 1977 WAS CONSIDERABLY LOWER THAN IN 1976 AND THAT STOCKS WERE BUILDING UP RATHER RAPIDLY IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR. THE INDEX OF PRODUCTION FOR THE SPINNING AND WEAVING SECTORS TAKEN AS A WHOLE WAS IN THE FIRST QUARTER 17 PER CENT BELOW THE PREVIOUS QUARTER AND 19 PER CENT BELOW THE CORRESPONDING QUARTER A YEAR AGO.

THE REPORT NOTES THAT THE ORDERS-ON-HAND POSITION FOR LARGE MANUFACTURING ESTABLISHMENTS DID NOT SHOW ANY IMPROVEMENT DURING THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. IT POINTS OUT THAT THIS WAS IN MARKED CONTRAST TO THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN ORDERS EXPERIENCED AT THE SAME TIME A YEAR AGO.

IN THE SECTION ON THE LABOUR MARKET, THE REPORT ANALYSES HOW THE SIZE OF THE LABOUR FORCE IS DETERMINED AT ANY POINT IN TIME.

IT SAYS THAT THE POPULATION’S DESIRE TO WORK WAS INFLUENCED BY THE LEVEL OF PROSPERITY IN THE ECONOMY.

/IT POINTS

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 4 -

IT POINTS OUT THAT THE RAPID INCREASE IN INCOMES IN 1976 HAS MEANT THAT THERE WAS A DECREASING NEED FOR SO MANY MEMBERS OF A FAMILY, IN PARTICULAR HOUSE-WIVES, TO WORK. INDICATIVE OF SUCH A DEVELOPMENT IS THAT FEMALE LABOUR FORCE PARTICIPATION RATE DROPPED FROM 45.3 PER CENT IN MARCH 1976 TO 42.7 PER CENT IN MARCH 1977, EVEN THOUGH SHORTAGES OF FEMALE LABOUR WERE REPORTED IN THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY.

THE REPORT INDICATES THAT THE SLIGHT DECREASE IN MANUFACTURING EMPLOYMENT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1976 AND MARCH 1977 WAS A REFLECTION OF THE DECREASED BUOYANCY OF MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

HOWEVER, BECAUSE OF THE CHANGING ATTITUDE TOWARDS WORK AND BECAUSE OF INCREASED DEMAND FOR LABOUR IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND THE CONSUMER SERVICES SECTORS, THERE WAS STILL SHORTAGE OF LABOUR IN THE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY.

IN THIS CONNECTION, THE REPORT POINTS OUT THE EMPLOYMENT ON CONSTRUCTION SITES IN MARCH 1977 WAS 32 PER CENT HIGHER THAN A YEAR AGO BUT EMPLOYMENT IN THE WHOLESALE, RETAIL, IMPORT AND EXPORT INDUSTRIES, AFFECTED BY THE SLUGGISHNESS IN EXTERNAL TRADE, WAS 1 PER CENT DOWN.

WAGES FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS HAVE CONTINUED TO INCREASE IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1977 BECAUSE THERE WAS SHORTAGE OF LABOUR, BUT THE REPORT POINTS OUT THAT +SINCE THE SHORTAGE WAS BROUGHT ABOUT BY COMPETING DEMANDS OF OTHER INDUSTRIES FOR LABOUR AND NOT BY ANY SIGNIFICANT INCREASE IN DEMAND IN THE MANUFACTURING SECTOR ITSELF, INCREASES IN WAGES IN MANUFACTURING WERE LESS SIGNIFICANT THAN ELSEWHERE*.

THE REPORT ILLUSTRATES THIS BY COMPARING THE WAGE FOR MANUFACTURING WORKERS, WHICH INCREASED BY 7 PER CENT BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1976 AND MARCH THIS YEAR, WITH THE WAGE FOR CONSTRUCTION WORKERS WHICH INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT DURING THE SAME PERIOD.

ON PRICE MOVEMENTS, THE REPORT SHOWS SOME ACCELERATION IN CONSUMER PRICES WITH THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR THE FIRST HALF OF THE YEAR AVERAGING 6.7 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD A YEAR AGO.

THE REPORT ADDS THAT THIS WAS BECAUSE THE INCREASE IN DOMESTIC INCOMES AND DEMAND HAS CAUSED DOMESTICALLY DETERMINED PRICES TO RISE. ALSO, MOVEMENTS IN THE HONG KONG DOLLAR EXCHANGE RATE WERE NO LONGER PROVIDING THE SAME PROTECTION FROM INCREASES IN WORLD PR ICES.

IN RESPECT OF PRICES FOR RAW MATERIAL, THE REPORT INDICATES THAT THEY HAVE IN GENERAL REMAINED FAIRLY STABLE BECAUSE WORLD DEMAND AND SUPPLY OF INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS APPEARED TO BE LARGELY IN BALANCE.

/COMMENTING ON

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 5

COMMENTING ON THE REPORT, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE HONG KONG ECONOMY IN 1977 IS UNDERGOING THE LATER PHASE OF A VERY RAPID RECOVERY.

HE SAID THAT AS IT USUALLY TAKES SOME TIME FOR DOMESTIC DEMAND TO REACT TO CHANGES IN INCOME, THE PRESENT HIGH RATE OF INCREASE IN CONSUMPTION EXPENDITURE AND INVESTMENT EXPENDITURE, IN PARTICULAR IN BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION, ARE NOT UNEXPECTED.

HE SAID THAT AS THE GROWTH IN EXPORTS IN 1977 WAS SLOW, DOMESTIC ACTIVITY HAS PROVIDED THE MAIN STIMULANT FOR THE ECONOMY SO FAR THIS YEAR.

+HOWEVER, IN THE LONG RUN, ECONOMIC GROWTH IN HONG KONG MUST DEPEND ON THE GROWTH IN EXPORTS*, HE ADDED.

THE HALF-YEARLY ECONOMIC REPORT, VERSION OF THE ECONOMIC BACKGROUND TO WILL SHORTLY BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT CENTRE.

WHICH IS THE UP-TO-DATE THE 1977-78 BUDGET, THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS

0 -------

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

6 -

SI BILLION DEVELOPMENT EARMARKED FOR NEW TOWNS

* * * * *

THE GOVERNMENT IS EXPECTED TO SPEND $1,300 MILLION IN THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1979/80 ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

DISCLOSING THIS AT THE NE.< TERRITORIES ROTARY CLUE THIS EVENING, MR. CHAN NAI-KEONG, P.W.D.’S PROJECT MANAGER (TUEN MUN), SAID THIS SUM DID NOT INCLUDE THE EXPENDITURE OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN THE NEW TOWNS.

MR. CHAN SAID THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN AUGUST 1973, THE ANNUAL CAPITAL EXPENDITURE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT HAD RISEN TO 5300 MILLION IN THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR.

+THE APPROVED ESTIMATE FOR THIS YEAR TOTALS $550 MILLION AND THE RATE OF ANNUAL EXPENDITURE IS EXPECTED TO INCREASE TO $1,033 MILLION IN 1979/83,+ HE SAID.

MR. CHAN SPOKE BRIEFLY ON THE DEVELOPMENT IN EACH OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS — SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.

REFERRING TO SHA TIN, HE SAID, IT WOULD HAVE SOME 553,003 PEOPLE ON COMPLETION OF THE PRESENT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

+HOWEVER, CONSIDERATION IS BEING GIVEN TO FURTHER EXTEND THE NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT AREA TO ACCOMMODATE AN ADDITIONAL 130,333 PEOPLE,+ HE ADDED.

APART FROM MAJOR SITE FORMATIONS IN PROGRESS IN SHA TIN, HE SAID, MAJOR NEW ROADS AND FLYOVERS WERE BEING BUILT SO THAT THEY WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN GOOD TIME TO SERVE SHA TIN’S NEw POPULATION AS WELL AS THE NEW RACE COURSE.

MR. CHAN SAID: +A CITY HALL TO BE LOCATED AT THE TOWN CENTRE IS NOW UNDER ACTIVE PLANNING.

+THIS IS A PURPOSE-DESIGNED FACILITY TO ACCOMMODATE AN AUDITORIUM SUITABLE FOR CONCERTS AND CHINESE OPERAS TOGETHER WITH ANCILLARY FACILITIES SUCH AS RESTAURANT, OFFICES AND MEETING ROOMS.*

IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID, WORK ON TWO LARGE COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SITES WERE PROCEEDING WELL.

WHEN COMPLETED IN ABOUT TWO YEARS, THEY WOULD PROVIDE HOUSING FOR SOME 64,000 PEOPLE TO COMPLEMENT THE PUBLIC HOUSING POPULATION.

/TURNING TO

. ■ MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 7 -

TURNING TO TSUEN WAN, MR. CHAN SAID THAT SINCE THE DECISION IN 1973 TO EXPAND IT TO A NEW TOWN OF 900,000 PEOPLE, A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY PROJECTS HAD BEEN COMPLETED.

THESE INCLUDED THE DIVISIONAL POLICE STATION AND THE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX IN KWAI CHUNG.

HE SAID WORK ON MANY MORE HAD BEGUN. AMONG THEM WERE FIVE SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ONE OF WHICH WAS THE SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT HA KWAI CHUNG.

IN ADDITION, 18 MORE SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND 16 PRIMARY SCHOOLS WERE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND WERE SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN BATCHES BEFORE 1981.

MR. CHAN FELT SURE THAT A MAJOR FACILITY WHICH THE POPULATION OF TSUEN WAN WOULD TAKE PRIDE IN WAS THE MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED NEAR TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY.

HE SAID THAT THE AUDITORIUM WAS SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL ON HONG KONG ISLAND.

WHEN COMPLETED IN LATE 1979, IMPORTANT CONCERTS, OPERAS, PLAYS AND STAGE SHOWS COULD BE HELD LOCALLY IN TSUEN WAN.

ON COMMUNICATION, MR. CHAN SAID THAT IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ROAD SYSTEM BY THE CONSTRUCTION OF FLYOVERS AND PEDESTRIAN GRADE-SEPARATIONS WERE BEING PURSUED ACTIVELY.

AND HE WAS SURE THAT THE DECISION TO EXTEND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN WAS WELCOMED BY THE EXISTING AND FUTURE RESIDENTS OF THE TOWN.

MR. CHAN SAID: +SOMEWHAT LIKE SHA TIN, TUEN MUN IS BEING DEVELOPED MAINLY BY RECLAMATION, OBTAINING THE FILLING MATERIAL FROM THE HILLSIDES.

+IN TERMS OF THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE NOW LIVING IN IT, THE TOWN IS STILL SMALL.+

BUT, HE ADDED THAT MUCH LAND WAS BEING FORMED AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WAS PROGRESSING AT A GRATIFYING SPEED TOWARDS THE TARGET OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE FOR THE NEW TOWN.

ALSO MAKING GOOD PROGRESS IS THE WORK ON SEVERAL MAJOR RECLAMATION CONTRACTS.

MR. CHAN SAID THAT THE FUTURE TOWN CENTRE WOULD BE LOCATED AT THE MAIN BAY IN TUEN MUN WHICH WAS NOW ABOUT HALF FILLED.

IT WOULD CONSIST OF A SERIES OF BUILDINGS, HOUSING A PUBLIC LIBRARY, A STUDY CENTRE, A THEATRE, ART GALLERY AND AN AUDITORIUM. A MAGISTRACY AND A GOVERNMENT OFFICE BLOCK WOULD ALSO BE BUILT THERE.

/ON HOUSING, ......

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 8 -

ON HOUSING, HE SAID PILING WORK WOULD START NEXT MONTH ON THE NEW RECLAMATION FOR TWO LARGE HOUSING ESTATES, WHICH WOULD TOGETHER HOUSE 86,000 PEOPLE.

CONSTRUCTION FOR ANOTHER PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 10 000 PEOPLE IS WELL UNDERWAY ON A SMALL RECLAMATION NEAR SAM SHING HUI.

THESE ARE IN ADDITION TO THE WORKS GOING ON AT TAI HING ESTATE, WHICH CAN HOUSE A TOTAL OF 46,000 PEOPLE, HE SAID.

MR. CHAN WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE NEW MOTORWAY CONNECTING THE NEW TOWNS OF TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN WAS ALMOST FINISHED.

+WHEN OPENED TO TRAFFIC EARLY NEXT YEAR, THIS $300 MILLION TUEN MUN HIGHWAY WILL CUT THE TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN THE TWO TOWNS TO ABOUT 15 MINUTES,* HE SAID.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

HK CONTRIBUTES TO UN DRUG ABUSE CONTROL FUND * * * * *

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT TODAY (MONDAY) CONTRIBUTED, £OR_THE THIRD CONSECUTIVE YEAR, 3100,000 TO THE UNITED NATIONS FUND FOR DRUG ABUSE CONTROL (UNFDAC), DEMONSTRATING FURTHER ITS SUPPORT FOR THE WORLD-WIDE FIGHT AGAINST THE GLOBAL PROBLEM OF DRUG ABUSE.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR NARCOTICS, MR. E.l. LEE, WHO IS NOW IN EUROPE AFTER ATTENDING AN INTERPOL MEETING THERE, PRESENTED A CHEQUE FOR 3100,000 PERSONALLY TO THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF UNFDAC, DR. JACOBUS DE BEUS, AT THE UNITED NATIONS HEADQUARTERS IN GENEVA.

THE PRESENTATION BRINGS THE TOTAL SUM OF MONEY CONTRIBUTED BY HONG KONG TO THE FUND SINCE 1975 TO 3300,000, WHICH IS THE LARGEST OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS FROM DEVELOPING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES AND IS EVEN LARGER THAN A NUMBER OF THOSE FROM DEVELOPED COUNTRIES.

UNFDAC, ESTABLISHED IN 1971, IS PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO A LARGE NUMBER OF ANTI-NARCOTICS PROJECTS AROUND THE WORLD.

AMONG THE MAJOR ONES ARE THE THAILAND/U.N. CROP SUBSTITUTION PROGRAMME WHICH AIMS AT SUBSTITUTING OPIUM POPPIES WITH OTHER CROPS IN THE +GOLDEN TRIANGLE*, AND THE ANNUAL MEETINGS OF OPERATIONAL HEADS OF NARCOTICS LAW ENFORCEMENT BUREAUX IN SOUTHEAST ASIA, BOTH OF WHICH ARE OF PARTICULAR SIGNIFICANCE TO HONG KONG’S ANTI-NARCOTICS WORK.

OTHER UNFDAC ACTIVITIES INCLUDE TRAINING FELLOWSHIPS, DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION ON THE WORLD NARCOTICS SITUATION, AND RESEARCH FOR DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT TECHNIQUES.

A NARCOTICS DIVISION SPOKESMAN SAID HONG KONG’S CONTINUED CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUND INDICATED ITS FIRM SUPPORT FOR, AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN INTERNATIONAL ACTION AGAINST THE SCOURGE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE.

♦REALISING THAT HONG KONG, TOGETHER WITH MANY OTHER COMMUNITIES AND NATIONS, CANNOT SOLVE THE DRUG PROBLEM ALONE, BUT ONLY IN CLOSE CO-OPERATION WITH THOSE SIMILARLY AFFLICTED INTERNATIONALLY, WE ATTACH GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE EFFORTS OF THE UNITED NATIONS,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

THE CONTRIBUTION, HE SAID, WAS ALSO A TANGIBLE RECOGNITION OF THE RESULTS WHICH HAD SO FAR BEEN ACHIEVED BY UNFDAC.

THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT APART FROM CASH CONTRIBUTIONS, HONG KONG HAD ALSO BEEN MAKING A CONSIDERABLE CONTRIBUTION TO THE UNITED NATIONS IN KIND, BY PROVIDING TRAINING FACILITIES FREELY TO ANTI-NARCOTICS OFFICERS FROM OTHER COUNTRIES, WHO WERE SPONSORED BY THE UNITED NATIONS OR ITS AGENCIES.

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

/1O......

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

AUGUST WAS SUNNIER, WARMER AND DRIER THAN USUAL * * * * *

THE MONTH OF AUGUST WAS SUNNIER, WARMER AND MUCH DRIER THAN USUAL, ACCORDING TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY.

THE MONTHLY RAINFALL TOTAL OF 149.7 MM REPRESENTED ONLY 40 PER CENT OF THE AVERAGE AND RANKED AS EIGHTH LOWEST ON RECORD WHILE THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL DURING THE FIRST EIGHT MONTHS OF THE YEAR WAS 1,054.3 MM, WHICH WAS 39 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.

AUGUST SAW THE END OF A PARTICULARLY DRY 12-MONTH PERIOD WITH ONLY 1,325.0 MM OF RAINFALL RECORDED. THIS IS THE SECOND LOWEST ON RECORD FOR THE SAME PERIOD SINCE 1884.

THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 29 DEGREES CELSIUS AND THE MEAN MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 32.1 DEGREES CELSIUS WERE BOTH THE SECOND HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THE MONTH WHILE THE MEAN MINIMUM OF 26.8 DEGREES CELSIUS EQUALLED THE HIGHEST ON RECORD IN AUGUST 1962.

THERE WERE NO TROPICAL CYCLONES WHICH REACHED TYPHOON STRENGTH OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND THE WESTERN NORTH PACIFIC DURING THE MONTH ALTHOUGH TROPICAL CYCLONE WARNING SIGNAL WAS HOISTED FOR ONE OF THE THREE TROPICAL STORMS WHICH HAD SLIGHTLY AFFECTED HONG KONG’S WEATHER CONDITIONS.

DUE TO THE INFLUENCE OF THE REMNANT OF TYPHOON VERA, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG DURING THE FIRST FOUR DAYS OF THE MONTH WAS CLOUDY WITH OCCASIONAL HEAVY SHOWERS AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS.

THE MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 24.6 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED ON THE MORNING OF AUGUST 2 WAS THE LOWEST OF THE MONTH. IN ADDITION, OVER TWO-THIRDS OF THE MONTH’S TOTAL RAINFALL FELL DURING THESE FIRST FOUR DAYS.

THE WEATHER CLEARED DURING THE MORNING OF AUGUST 5 AND APART FROM SOME CLOUDY INTERVALS AND A FEW MORNING SHOWERS, CONDITIONS DURING THE PERIOD FROM AUGUST 5 TO AUGUST 19 WERE FINE AND SUNNY.

EARLY ON AUGUST 16, A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE FROM THE NORTH CROSSED HONG KONG BUT IT DID NOT CAUSE A SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN WEATHER CONDITIONS.

DURING THE THREE DAYS FROM AUGUST 20 TO AUGUST 22, TROPICAL STORM AMY WAS LOCATED NEAR THE SOUTHERN TIP OF TAIWAN OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA AND CAUSED AN INCREASE IN CLOUDINESS AND A FEW LIGHT SHOWERS 1-N MONfi KONG.

/AFTER AMY .....

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

- 11 -

AFTER AMY RECURVED ON AUGUST 23, FINE, SUNNY AND HOT CONDITIONS RETURNED AND PREVAILED UNTIL THE END OF THE MONTH ALTHOUGH SOME CLOUDY INTERVALS AND A FEW ISOLATED SHOWERS ALSO OCCURRED.

THE MAXIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 34.9 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED ON THE AFTERNOON OF AUGUST 24 WAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.

DURING THE MONTH, NO AIRCRAFT WERE DIVERTED FROM HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT DUE TO ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS AND NO FIRE DANGER WARNINGS WERE ISSUED. THUNDERSTORM OR THUNDERSTORM AND HEAVY RAIN WARNINGS WERE ISSUED ON SIX DIFFERENT DAYS.

LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS TEXTILE FACTORY

******

LADY MACLEHOSE TODAY PAID WHAT SHE DESCRIBED AS A +VERY INTERESTING* VISIT TO THE NANYANG COTTON MILL LIMITED AT KWUN TONG WHERE SHE SAW THE LATEST MACHINERY AND TECHNIQUES INVOLVED IN THE PRODUCTION OF YARNS AND FABRICS.

ACCOMPANIED BY THE MANAGING DIRECTOR, MR. Y.C. WANG AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICIALS OF THE COMPANY, LADY MACLEHOSE SPENT OVER AN HOUR TOURING THE MULTI-STOREY FACTORY. LADY MACLEHOSE SAW THE VARIOUS STAGES OF PRODUCTION OF LIGHT AND HEAVY WEIGHT FABRICS SUCH AS SHIRTINGS, RAINCOATS, TROUSERINGS, DENIM AND WORK-WEAR FABRICS.

LIKE SIR MURRAY, THE GOVERNOR, LADY MACLEHOSE MAKES PERIODIC VISITS TO FACTORIES TO SEE FOR HERSELF HOW HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IS DEVELOPING.

THE NANYANG COTTON MILL EMPLOYS MORE THAN 1,600 WORKERS. ITS MAIN MARKETS ARE THE UNITED STATES, BRITAIN, AUSTRALIA AND EUROPE.

- - o -

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12,

1977

- 12 -

WORK OF LABOUR DEPARTMENT OUTLINED

******

THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS NOT A DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, SAID IN A TALK GIVEN TO THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION THIS (MONDAY) EVENING.

MR. WILLIAMS GAVE A BROAD OUTLINE OF THE WORK OF HIS DEPARTMENT AND DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS THE PRINCIPAL ADVISER TO THE GOVERNMENT ON LABOUR MATTERS.

HE SAID THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WAS ONLY INDIRECTLY CONCERNED WITH EMPLOYMENT POLICIES WHICH IN HONG KONG WERE RELATED CLOSELY TO ECONOMIC POLICIES.

MR. WILLIAMS ALSO CORRECTED A PUBLIC MISCONCEPTION THAT THE DEPARTMENT WAS STILL INVOLVED IN COLLECTING STATISTICS.

HE SAID: +ALL LABOUR EMPLOYMENT STATISTICS ARE COLLECTED AND PUBLISHED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TO WHICH SOME YEARS AGO WAS TRANSFERRED THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S STATISTICAL UNIT.

+THIS WAS DONE TO ACHIEVE GREATER EFFICIENCY, AND BECAUSE SOME PEOPLE CONSIDERED THAT SUCH A TASK SHOULD NOT EE CARRIED OUT BY A DEPARTMENT WITH RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ENFORCING LEGISLATION.*

THE COMMISSIONER ALSO DESCRIBED EACH OF THE 14 SERVICES OR UNITS OF HIS DEPARTMENT.

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

/1J

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

13 -

AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CHIEF TO RETIRE

*****

MR. R.J. CHEONG-LEEN, CHIEF AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL RETIRE FROM THE GOVERNMENT SHORTLY AFTER MORE THAN 24 YEARS’ SERVICE.

TO MARK THE OCCASION, MR. R.E. DOWNING, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION. WILL PRESENT A FAREWELL MEMENTO TO MR. CHEONG-LEEN ON BEHALF OF HIS FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES AT THE DEPARTMENT’S HEADQUARTERS ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 14).

STARTING HIS CAREER IN CIVIL AVIATION AS A FLIGHT RADIO OFFICER, MR. CHEONG-LEEN JOINED THE DEPARTMENT IN 1953 AS AN AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL SUPERVISOR, WAS SUBSEQUENTLY PROMOTED TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER II IN 1959, AND TO AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL OFFICER I IN 1965. HE HAS BEEN HOLDING HIS PRESENT POST OF SUPERINTENDENT OF AIR TRAFFIC SERVICES SINCE 1973.

DURING HIS LONG YEARS OF SERVICE, MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAS REPRESENTED THE DEPARTMENT AT OVERSEAS CONFERENCE AND ACTED AS ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL BE HELD IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM AT THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY AT 12.15 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 14).

-------0 - -

/14......

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

SECTION OF BOUNDARY ST. TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED O H * K *

THE SECTION OF BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN TAI HANG TUNG ROAD AND EMBANKMENT ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED BETWEEN 11.55 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 14) AND 5.30 A.M. ON THURSDAY TO FACILITATE THE WORKS ON THE DOUBLE TRACKING OF THE RAILWAY BRIDGE ACROSS BOUNDARY STREET.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE CLOSURE WOULD BE EXTENDED FOR THE SAME PERIOD UNTIL FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 16) IF FURTHER WORKS REQUIRED.

DURING THE ROAD CLOSURE SAI YEE STREET BETWEEN FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND BOUNDARY STREET, AND BOUNDARY STREET BETWEEN SAI YEE STREET AND TAI HANG TUNG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TEMPORARILY TWO-WAY.

AT THE SAME TIME THE FOLLOWING TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL COME INTO FORCEt

* EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ON BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE DIVERTED TO SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD, YUEN NGA I STREET, EMBANKMENT ROAD AND THEN BOUNDARY STREET-

* WESTBOUND TRAFFIC ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD GOING TO TAI HANG TUNG MAY TURN INTO TUNG CHOI STREET FROM PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND THEN TO TAI HANG TUNG ROAD VIA BOUNDARY STREET- AND

* TRAFFIC FROM TAI HANG TUNG ROAD GOING TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD MAY GO WESTBOUND ON BOUNDARY STREET AND THEN TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD VIA SAI YEE STREET, FLOWER MARKET ROAD AND YUEN NGA I STREET.

MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO DRIVE WITH EXTRA CARE WHEN PASSING THROUGH THE AREA AND APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO INDICATE THE TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1977

15 -

TODD ACTING SECRETARY FOR NT * * * * *

MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, HAS GONE ON ANNUAL OVERSEAS LEAVE.

DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR. JOHN TODD, HIS DEPUTY, WILL ACT AS SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.

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

REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TEAM TO VISIT TUEN MUN

******

WILL BE

A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE STATIONED AT THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE FOR SEVEN DAYS

LATER THIS MONTH.

THE TEAM WILL OPERATE AT THE OFFICE BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY FROM SEPTEMBER 19 TO 23 AND AGAIN FROM SEPTEMBER

OArirM^^TENPORARY REGISTRATION FACILITIES WILL BE CONVENIENT TO

BEAS Ai!DtR?/?lA^S^NSJ0F^G^;^,LT?E|Se5?|LT?^RSI

reach 1 ™ ™

-----0-----

FHliwI |EIS| If ia|

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1977

CONTENTS PA6E N0‘

RECORD SALARIES TAX ASSESSED IN 1976-77 ...................... 1

POST OFFICE REJECTS STAPLED MAIL ............................. 2

THREE CONSERVATIVE MPS TO VISIT HK ........................... 2

MRS. LI TO VISIT LEK YUEN HOSTEL ............................. 3

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EASTERN STREET .......................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1977

MORE PEOPLE PAYING TAXES

X K X * K *

THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE SALARIES TAX FILES AT THE END OF LAST FINANCIAL YEAR STOOD AT 274,530, REPRESENTING A NET INCREASE OF 22 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS YEAR.

THE NUMBER OF PERSONS WHO WERE ACTUALLY ASSESSED TO TAX FOR THE CURRENT YEAR OF ASSESSMENT INCREASED BY 24.2 PER CENT FROM 175,761 TO 218,432.

TOTAL SALARIES TAX ASSESSED DURING 1976-77 AMOUNTED TO A RECORD $622.1 MILLION WHICH REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 18 PER CENT COMPARED WITH $526.9 MILLION IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR, ACCORDING TO INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT FIGURES.

AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, THE LARGEST NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS (72.4 PER CENT) FELL WITHIN THE INCOME RANGE OF $1,000 TO $3,000 PER MONTH.

THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, MR. R.V. GIDDY, ATTRIBUTED THE INCREASE TO RISING TREND OF SALARIES IN HONG KONG WHICH BROUGHT MORE PERSONS INTO THE TAXABLE BRACKET.

+ALTHOUGH THE INCREASE IN TOTAL TAX ASSESSED REFLECTS

THE CONTINUED INCREASE IN THE LEVEL OF EMOLUMENTS BEING PAID TO EMPLOYEES, THE AMOUNT OF TAX PER DEMAND NOTE SHOWED A REDUCTION FROM $3,058 TO $2,467.

+THIS IS MAINLY DUE TO THE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF CASES COMING INTO THE TAX NET AT THE LOWER END OF THE INCOME SPECTRUM,+ MR. GIDDY EXPLAINED.

HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT EMPLOYERS PLAYED AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN SALARIES TAX ASSESSING AS THEY WERE REQUIRED BY LAW TO SUBMIT EACH YEAR RETURNS OF EMPLOYEES’ EMOLUMENTS.

THE TOTAL REVENUE COLLECTED FROM ALL SOURCES OF TAXES, DUTIES AND FEES DURING THE YEAR AMOUNTED TO $3,543.9 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 22.3 PER CENT OVER THE PREVIOUS FINANCIAL YEAR.

THE DEPARTMENT’S FIGURES SHOWED THAT $2,698.7 MILLION OF THE TOTAL NET REVENUE COLLECTED WAS DERIVED FROM EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAX — A RISE OF 20.8 PER CENT WHEN COMPARED WITH THE COLLECTION IN THE YEAR 1975-76.

THE REMAINDER CAME FROM ESTATE DUTY, STAMP DUTY, ENTERTAINMENT TAX, BETTING DUTY, BUSINESS REGISTRATION FEES AND HOTEL ACCOMMODATION TAX.

THE COLLECTIONS FROM THESE SOURCES OF REVENUE ALSO SHOWED INCREASES, WITH GROWTH RATES RANGING FROM 11.8 PER CENT FOR STAMP DUTY REVENUE TO 64 PER CENT FOR THAT COLLECTED FROM BETTING DUTY.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1977

POST OFFICE REJECTS STAPLED MAIL *****

THE POST OFFICE TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT IT WOULD NO LONGER ACCEPT FOLDERS, CARDS OR ENVELOPED LETTERS WHICH ARE SEALED BY STAPLES BECAUSE THEY ARE CAUSING A +SERIOUS AND COSTLY* PROBLEM.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THAT ANY STAPLED ITEMS FOUND IN THE POST WOULD BE RETURNED TO THE SENDERS.

THIS DECISION WAS MADE AS THE NUMBER OF STAPLED FOLDERS AND CARDS RECEIVED DAILY FROM VARIOUS SOURCES IN RECENT MONTHS HAVE INCREASED SIGNIFICANTLY CAUSING SERIOUS PROBLEMS TO THE POST OFFICE.

HE POINTED OUT THAT STAPLED ITEMS HAD TO BE SEPARATED FROM THE NORMAL FLOW OF MAIL IN ORDER THAT THEY MAY BE POSTMARKED BY HAND AND DIVERTED FROM ANY SUBSEQUENT MACHINE HANDLING PROCESS.

+AN UNENVELOPED FOLDER IS USUALLY TOO FLIMSY TO PASS UNDAMAGED THROUGH POSTMARKING OR SORTING MACHINE. THE STAPLED ITEMS WOULD CAUSE JAMMING OF POSTAL MACHINERY AND DAMAGE THE ROLLERS AND OTHER PARTS OF THE MACHINES,* HE EXPLAINED.

FURTHERMORE, THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT, ARTICLES OF MAILS WHICH HAVE BEEN SEALED BY STAPLING CAN CAUSE MINOR INJURIES TO THE HANDS OF SORTERS, PARTICULARLY DURING THE COURSE OF SORTING A QUANTITY OF SUCH ITEMS. MOREOVER, THESE ITEMS ARE UNACCEPTABLE FOR TRANSMISSION THROUGH THE POST UNDER INTERNATIONAL POSTAL REGULATIONS.

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

THREE MPS TO VISIT HONG KONG ******

THREE CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLI AMENT ARE DUE TO ARRIVE IN HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 17) FOR A WEEK-LONG OFFICIAL VISIT.

THEY ARE MR. DAVID HOWELL (SURREY, GUILDFORD), MR. PAUL CHANNON (SOUTHEND WEST) AND MR. JOHN NOTT (CORNWALL, ST. IVES).

THE MP’S . WHO WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THEIR WIVE'S, WILL MEET THE GOVERNOR, UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND EXECUTIVE COUNCILS AND URBAN COUNCIL, SENIOR GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS AS WELL AS THE ICAC COMMISSIONER WHILE THEY ARE IN HONG KONG.

APART FROM VISITS TO THE NEW TERRR I TOR IES’ NEW TOWNS, HOUSING ESTATES, FACTORIES AND OTHER ESTABLISHMENTS TO LEARN OF HONG KONG’S PROBLEMS AND DEVELOPMENTS, THE VISITORS WILL ALSO HAVE PLENTY OF FREE TIME TO MEET PEOPLE AND GO TO PLACES THEY WISH TO SEE ON THEIR OWN.

ON SEPTEMBER 26 (MONDAY) THEY WILL ATTEND A PRESS CONFERENCE.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1977

- 3

NOTE TO EDITORSi

MRS. LI TO VISIT LEK YUEN HOSTEL OK*

MRS. EDITH LI, WIFE OF THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI, WILL VISIT THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS’ LEK YUEN HOSTEL FOR THE ELDERLY TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO SEE THE COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDED BY THE GROUP IN SHA TIN.

THE HOSTEL IS SITUATED ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF FOOK HOt HOUSE. LEK YUEN ESTATE. IT PROVIDES MORE THAN 30 ACCOMMODATION UNITS. SITTING ROOMS, RESTING ROOMS, DINNING HALLS AND KITCHEN FOR ABOUT 140 ELDERLY PEOPLE AGED OVER 60 WHO ARE LOOKED AFTER BY THE GENERAL STAFF, PROFESSIONAL WORKERS AND NURSES.

DURING THE VISIT, MRS. LI WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY MR. WILSON CHEUNG, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, MR. WILLIAM MA CHING-WAI, MR. STEPHEN YOW MOK-SHING, AND MR. RAYMOND TANG YEE-BONG, VICE-CHAIRMAN OF THE GROUP.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT WHICH STARTS AT 11.30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY.

-----o-----

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF EASTERN STREET

KM*#

THE SECTION OF EASTERN STREET BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD WEST AND FIRST STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT TWO WEEKS FROM 10 A.M. ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 15) TO FACILITATE GAS MAINS LAYING WORK.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL HANDLING 500 CASES PER MONTH .... 1

EMPLOYMENT IN DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES RISES ................. 2

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS MEET DEMAND FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES ................................................ 3

AIRPORT SHOP TO LET ..................................... 4

TUEN MUN WATER CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN .................... 5

CROWN LAND FOR SALE ..................................... 6

APPLICATION OPEN FOR INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE ................ 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

OVER $5.5 MILLION AWARDED BY SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL KOK*

THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL HAS AWARDED OVER $5.5 MILLION TO CLAIMANTS IN ITS FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS’OPERATION, ACCORDING TO FIGURES RELEASED BY THE JUDICIARY.

SINCE ITS INCEPTION LAST OCTOBER, 5,802 CASES WERE RECEIVED, AND SO FAR 3,250 OF WHICH HAVE BEEN HEARD, SOME WERE WITHDRAWN. OR SETTLED.

+IN ITS EARLY DAYS, THE TRIBUNAL HANDLED SLIGHTLY OVER 100 CASES A MONTH,* A SPOKESMAN OF THE JUDICIARY SAID, +NOW WE ARE HANDLING AN AVERAGE OF 500 CASES PER MONTH.*

CLAIMANTS IN THOSE DAYS WERE MAINLY INDIVIDUALS, BUT AS MORE PEOPLE BECAME AWARE OF THE SIMPLE AND INFORMAL PROCEDURE OF THE TRIBUNAL, THE WORKLOAD HAS INCREASED STEADILY.

+FIRMS AND LARGE COMMERCIAL ORGANISATIONS MAKING USE OF THE FACILITIES ARE BEGINNING TO SET A TREND,* HE SAID.

THE TRIBUNAL HAS THE JURISDICTION OF HANDLING CLAIMS NOT EXCEEDING $3,000. CLAIMS DEALT BY IT VARIED FROM A FEW DOLLARS TO $3,000.

MOST OF THE CLAIMS INVOLVED ARE DISHONOURED CHEQUES, NONPAYMENTS OF GOODS SOLD, HIRE-PURCHASE AGREEMENTS, BUILDING MANAGEMENT FEES, BORROWING NOTE AND NON-PAYMENT OF RATES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE PROBLEMS ENCOUNTERED MOST OFTEN WERE LACK OF RELEVANT INFORMATION OF DEFENDANTS.

+IN MANY CASES CLAIM FORMS AND NOTICE OF HEARING CANNOT BE SERVED ON THE DEFENDANTS BECAUSE OF INSUFFICIENT INFORMATION PROVIDED TO THE REGISTRY BY THE CLAIMANTS,* HE ADDED.

HE SAID THAT RELEVANT AND ESSENTIAL INFORMATION OF DEFENDANTS IS NECESSARY TO ENABLE A QUICK CONCLUSION OF THE CASE.

THE HEARING AT THE TRIBUNAL IS INFORMAL AND IS CONDUCTED IN EITHER CHINESE OR ENGLISH. 'BOTH THE CLAIMANT AND THE DEFENDANT MUST ATTEND THE HEARING AT THE APPOINTED DATE, AND THEY MUST BRING ALONG THEIR WITNESSES OR DOCUMENTS IN SUPPORT OF THEIR CASE.

THOSE WISHING TO MAKE A CLAIM MUST FIRST OBTAIN A CLAIMS FORM FROM EITHER THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT OR THE KOWLOON DISTRICT COURT. OFFICERS FROM THE TRIBUNAL WOULD WILLINGLY OFFER ASSISTANCE TO EITHER PARTIES.

FEES FOR BRINGING THE PROCEEDINGS DEPEND ON THE AMOUNT OF CLAIM, BUT THE MINIMUM IS $5 AND THE MAXIMUM IS $20.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

2 -

EMPLOYMENT IN DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES FOR JUNE UP MO

THE NUMBER OF PEOPLE EMPLOYED IN DISTRIBUTIVE TRADES IN JUNE HAS INCREASED BY 4.8 PER CENT TO 266,810 COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR. COMPARED WITH THE NUMBER ENGAGED IN MARCH THIS YEAR, THE FIGURES SHOW AN INCREASE OF 2.3 PER CENT.

THESE WERE THE FINDINGS OF A RECENT FULL-SCALE EMPLOYMENT SURVEY OF WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, IMPORT-EXPORT BUSINESS AND HOTELS AND RESTAURANTS CONDUCTED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.

ACCORDING TO THE JUNE 1977 SURVEY FIGURES RELEASED TODAY BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE NUMBER-OF PEOPLE ENGAGED IN WHOLESALE TRADE WAS 37,650, 95,380 IN IMPORT-EXPORT, AND 133,780 IN RETAIL TRADE.

IT ALSO SHOWED 97,890 PEOPLE WORKING IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS, AN INCREASE OF 4,430 OR 4.7 PER CENT OVER MARCH 1977-AND 17,020 PEOPLE WORKING IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES, AN INCREASE OF 210 OR 1.2 PER CENT.

COMPARED WITH JUNE 1976, THE EMPLOYMENT IN RESTAURANTS, CAFES AND BARS ROSE SIGNIFICANTLY BY 11,080 OR 12.8 PER CENT, AND IN HOTELS AND BOARDING HOUSES BY 530 OR 3.2 PER CENT.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

- 3 -

VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS MEETING DEMANDS FOR CHILD CARE SERVICES

* * * * *

MORE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE EXPANDING THEIR CHILD CARE SERVICES AND SETTING UP MORE CHILD CARE CENTRES TO MEET INCREASING DEMANDS BY THE COMMUNITY, MR. MAK WING-HONG, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE SAID TODAY WHEN HE OFFICIATED AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LUTHERAN PHILIP HOUSE NURSERY AT ITS NEW PREMISES.

THE NURSERY, SITUATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF MAGNOLIA HOUSE, MA TAU WAI ESTATE, HAS 60 PLACES - TEN MORE THAN AT ITS OLD ADDRESS AT FOK LO CHUEN ROAD, KOWLOON CITY. IT WAS SPONSORED BY A WEST GERMAN ORGANISATION BEFORE IT BEGAN RECEIVING GOVERNMENT SUBSIDIES IN APRIL 1974.

MR. MAK SAID BECAUSE OF ITS CAftGER ACCOMMODATION AND PROXIMITY TO PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, THE NURSERY AT ITS NEW PREMISES COULD PROVIDE BETTER SERVICE TO FAMILIES REQUIRING ITS FACILITIES.

MR. MAK ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THE PURPOSE OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WAS TO GUARANTEE THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF SUCH CENTRES WERE GIVEN A SUFFICIENTLY HIGH STANDARD OF SERVICE TO ENSURE THEIR PHYSICAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL AS WELL AS INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT.

HE STRESSED THAT ALL REGISTERED CENTRES WOULD HAVE TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE SECOND PHASE OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE ORDINANCE ON FLOOR AREA, PLAY AREA, RATIO OF STAFF TO CHILDREN, AND THEIR NURSERY AND FIRST AID TRAINING BEFORE JUNE 1, 1978.

HE SAID THAT SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE ORDINANCE, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS REGISTERED A TOTAL OF 169 CHILD CARE CENTRES.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

it -

AIRPORT SHOP TO LET * * * * *

THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCY OF A LARGE SHOP SPACE OF ABOUT 3,000 SQ. FT. IN THE TRANSIT AREA OF THE PASSENGER TERMINAL, HONG KONG AIRPORT.

THE SHOP, SITUATED AT THE EASTERN END OF THE FIRST FLOOR DEPARTURES LEVEL, IS DESIGNATED FOR THE SALE OF GENERAL MERCHANDISE.

TENANCY WILL BE FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR YEARS, RENEWABLE FOR A FURTHER 12 MONTHS AT A REVISED RENTAL. THE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT WILL BE ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 1, 1978.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE SECRETARY OF THE C.A.D. OR THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER AT HONG KONG AIRPORT.

ALL TENDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE NOON ON OCTOBER 7.

THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 15, 1977

- 5 -

TUEN MUN TO HOLD WATER CARNIVAL FOR CHILDREN ******

ABOUT 4,000 CHILDREN ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND AN AQUATIC CARNIVAL AT TUEN MUN THIS SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 17), FEATURING A SERIES OF NOVELTY EVENTS DESIGNED TO ENTERTAIN THEM.

THE CARNIVAL WILL BE STAGED AT 19-1/2 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK BAY, FOR THREE HOURS, STARTING AT 2 P.M.

CHILDREN LIVING IN THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT IN PARTICULAR WILL HAVE PRIORITY TO TAKE PART IN AND SHARE THE FUN OF THE CARNIVAL. THEY HAVE BEEN GIVEN TICKETS WHICH ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN THE DISTRICT.

THE CARNIVAL HAS BEEN ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE. ITS MEMBERS ARE FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE, RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE POLICE. IT IS AIMED AT PROVIDING MORE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF TUEN MUN DISTRICT.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER TUEN MUN, MR. PETER NG KWON-TAI- THE CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU WONG-FAT- THE NEW TERRITORIES DISTRICT POLICE COMMANDER, MR. M.C. ILLINGWORTH-THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR NEW TERRITORIES, U.S.D., MR. CHAN SUI-JEUNG THE CHIEF RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MISS E.S. MAIR- AND THE VICE-CHAIRMAN OF YAN 01 TONG, MR. CHAN CHUNG-HANG WILL OFFICIATE AT THE FUNCTION. ~

POPULAR TV STARS WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO WINNERS AT THE END OF THE CARNIVAL.

NOTE TO ED ITORSi

YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE THREE-HOUR WATER CARNIVAL WHICH WILL BE FROM 2 P.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 17).

/6.........

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 1977 .

- 6 -

CROWN LAND FOR SALE ****** <

THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT IS OFFERING A PIECE OF CROWN LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER.

THE SITE. MEASURING ABOUT 1,115 SQUARE METRES AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, DIAMOND HILL, KOWLOON, IS FOR A FUNERAL PARLOUR AND PRIVATE MORTUARY.

CLOSING DATE FOR ACCEPTANCE OF TENDERS IS AT NOON ON OCTOBER 20.

TENDER FORMS, NOTICES AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND THE PLAN INSPECTED AT, THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, 19TH FLOOR, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON.

MEANWHILE THE AUCTION OF TWO LOTS OF CROWN LAND AND A FLAT IN KOWLOON SCHEDULED TO BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL NEXT TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 20) HAS BEEN POSTPONED.

IT WILL NOW BE HELD AT THE CITY HALL THEATRE AT 2.30 P.M. ON OCTOBER 14.

THE FLAT AND THE LOTS ARE: KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 10549 AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST, KOWLOON= NEW KOWLOON INLAND LOT NO. 5734 AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, KOWLOON*AND 3RD FLOOR OF HOI KING STREET, KOWLOON.

APPLICATION FOR INDUSTRIAL INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE STILL OPEN

******

A LIMITED NUMBER OF PLACES FOR PART-TIME EVENING INDUSTRIAL INSTRUCTOR’S COURSE ARE STILL AVAILABLE AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.

THE COURSE IS DESIGNED TO HELP INDUSTRIAL INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS TO BE BETTER EQUIPPED IN CARRYING OUT THEIR WORK.

SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED WILL INCLUDE TEACHING METHODS, EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY.

APPLICANTS FOR THE COURSE MUST BE EMPLOYED AS INSTRUCTOR AND FULLY SKILLED IN THEIR TRADE, AS WELL AS HAVING AN ADEQUATE SECONDARY, PREFERABLY TECHNICAL OR PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION.

THE FEE FOR THE COURSE IS $75. COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE AT 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG, BEFORE SEPTEMBER 24.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FOUR DISTRICT COURT JUDGES APPOINTED .................... 1

RTHK TO LAUNCH NEW RADIO PROGRAMME FOR NT ............. 1

LAND FORMATION AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS TO START IN

TUEN MUN ................................................ 2

SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO BE WIDENED ............... 3

MULTI-SERVICE WELFARE CENTRE COMMENDED .................. 4

SWIMMING GALAS FOR KWUN TONG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN .... 5

AQUATIC MEET FOR ISLANDS DISTRICT ....................... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, ,'SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

- 1 -FOUR APPOINTED DISTRICT COURT JUDGES * * * * *

THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED TWO PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSELS OF THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AND TWO ASSISTANT REGISTRARS OF THE JUDICIARY TO BE DISTRICT COURT JUDGES WITH EFFECT FROM SEPTEMBER 12, 1977.

THEY ARE: MR. ROSS PENLINGTON AND MR. OWEN CORCORAN, PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSELS- MR. BRIAN JONES AND MICHAEL WONG KIN-CHOW, ASSISTANT REGISTRARS.

MR. PENLINGTON, 46, IS A BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF NEW ZEALAND. HE JOINED THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS CROWN COUNSEL IN 1964. HE BECAME PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1973.

MR. CORCORAN, 47, WAS A CROWN COUNSEL IN NORTHERN NIGERIA BEFORE HE JOINED THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT AS CROWN COUNSEL IN 1963. HE BECAME PRINCIPAL CROWN COUNSEL IN 1974.

MR. JONES, 47, JOINED THE JUDICIARY IN 1967 AND BECAME ASSISTANT REGISTRAR OF SUPREME COURT IN 1970. HE WAS APPOINTED TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE IN 1974. BEFORE HE CAME TO HONG KONG, MR. JONES WAS A SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF ENGLAND. HE IS ALSO A BARRISTER AND SOLICITOR OF THE SUPREME COURT OF VICTORIA, AUSTRALIA.

MR. WONG, 41, JOINED THE JUDICIARY AS CROWN COUNSEL IN 1966 AND AFTER SEVERAL PROMOTIONS BECAME ASSISTANT REGISTRAR OF SUPREME COURT IN 1975. HE WAS APPOINTED TEMPORARY ADDITIONAL DISTRICT JUDGE IN 1976.

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RTHK TO LAUNCH NEW RADIO PROGRAMME FOR NT *****

A NEW RADIO PROGRAMME CALLED +NEW TERRITORIES WEEKLY+ WILL BE LAUNCHED BY RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG ON ITS CHINESE SERVICE THIS SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 18).

THE 15-MINUTE PROGRAMME WILL GO ON AIR AT 6.15 P.M. IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE NEWS AND WILL FEATURE TOPICAL EVENTS AND DEVELOPMENTS IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES.

APART FROM INTERVIEWS WITH GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS DEALING WITH NEW TERRITORIES EVENTS, OFFICIALS OF THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEES, AND OTHER COMMUNITY LEADERS WILL ALSO TAKE PART IN THE PROGRAMME.

THE PROGRAMME WILL TOUCH ON HAPPENINGS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES SUCH AS CULTURAL PERFORMANCES, SPORTS AND GENERAL COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES.

AN +N.T. LETTER BOX+ HAS ALSO BEEN SET UP TO ANSWER ANY QUERIES OR COMPLAINTS FROM N.T. RESIDENTS WHO, ALTERNATIVELY, MIGHT HAVE SOME CONSTRUCTIVE IDEAS ON CERTAIN PROBLEMS.

THEY ARE WELCOME TO WRITE TO MR. FRANK NG, EDITOR, G.P.O. BOX 200. KOWLOON, FOR CONVEYANCE TO THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION AND REPLIES WILL THEN BE ARRANGED FOR BROADCAST IN THE PROGRAMME.

/2......

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

LAND FORMATION AND FLOOD CONTROL WORKS TO START IN TUEN MUN * * * *

MORE ENGINEERING WORKS WILL START LATER THIS YEAR IN TUEN MUN TO IMPROVE FLOOD DRAINAGE AND TO PROVIDE MORE LAND FOR PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE NEW TOWN.

EARTH FROM LAND FORMATION WORKS IN TSENG TAU HA TSUEN WILL BE USED TO FILL THE NEARBY LOW-LYING AREA ALONG TUEN MUN MAIN RIVER CHANNEL TO REDUCE FLOOD HAZARD.

LAND FORMATION IN TSENG TAU HA TSUEN AND ITS ADJACENT AREA IS EXPECTED TO PRODUCE ABOUT 34 HECTARES OF LAND, OF WHICH 11.5 HECTARES HAVE BEEN EARMARKED FOR OPEN SPACE AND GOVERNMENT FACILITIES WHILE THE REMAINING 22.5 HECTARES WILL BE FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT TO HOUSE ABOUT 15,000 PEOPLE.

THESE ENGINEERING WORKS WILL FORM PART OF AN OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING RIVER TRAINING WHICH RUNS THROUGH THE NEW TOWN AS WELL AS TO PROVIDE PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SITES.

WORKS WILL BEGIN IN NOVEMBER AND TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE. THEY WILL BE CARRIED OUT BY PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CONTRACTORS.

TO ENABLE WORKS TO START, ABOUT 14,100 SQ. METRES OF AGRICULTURAL LAND IN TSENG TAU HA TSUEN WILL BE RESUMED. AND ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.

A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE LAND OWNERS WOULD BE OFFERED CASH COMPENSATION OR AS AN ALTERNATIVE THE LAND EXCHANGE DOCUMENTS.

HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATIONS FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, BEEHIVES, GRAPES,BONE PITS, WELLS, IRRIGATION SUMPS AND FENCES. EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCES WILL ALSO BE PAID TO CULTIVATORS, PIG BREEDERS AND POULTRY FARMERS.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID 194 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, OCCUPIED BY 129 FAMILIES MOSTLY ON CROWN LAND, WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED.

THE CLEARANCE WILL ALSO INVOLVE 702 ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES.

-►ELIGIBLE FAMILIES WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN TUEN MUN, WHILE THOSE NOT ELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA IN THE NEW TOWN,* HE SAID.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

V SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO BE WIDENED *****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT PLANS TO IMPROVE THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND AU TAU WITH THE AIM OF COPING WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN TRAFFIC IN THE AREA.

THE PROPOSALS CALL FOR THE WIDENING OF THE EXISTING TWO-LANE CARRIAGEWAY IN THIS SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO A TWO-LANE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY.

AUTHORITY TO PROCEED WITH THE IMPROVEMENT IS BEING SOUGHT UNDER A NOTICE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THE NOTICE SPECIFIES THAT OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS SHOULD BE SUBMITTED TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS BEFORE OCTOBER 16, 1977 AND ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION SHOULD BE MADE BY NOVEMBER 16, 1977.

MR. CHEN SHAO-CHI, CHIEF ENGINEER OF P.W.D.’S HIGHWAY (N.T.) DIVISION, SAID TODAY THAT THE IMPROVEMENT WORKS WOULD INCLUDE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A 7.3-METRE WIDE TWO-LANE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY OF ABOUT 1,600 METRES LONG.

+THE EXISTING ROAD BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND AU TAU IS INADEQUATE TO CARRY THE TRAFFIC FLOW FROM THE IMPROVED ROAD NETWORK IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE SITUATION WILL GET WORSE WITH THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC GENERATED FROM THE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWNS.♦

IT IS ALSO PLANNED TO BUILD A TWO-METRE WIDE FOOTPATH ON EACH SIDE OF THE NEW CARRIAGEWAY.

HE SAID THAT FIVE BRIDGES AND FOUR SUBWAYS WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED AT CONVENIENT LOCATIONS FOR SAFE CROSSING OF PEDESTRIANS AND CYCLISTS.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

MULTI-SERVICE WELFARE CENTRE COMMENDED X- X- X- X-

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE TODAY HIGHLIGHTED THE MERITS OF MULTI-SERVICE CENTRES AND PRAISED THE ST. JAMES’ SETTLEMENT’S SKILL IN MOBILIZING ITS HUMAN RESOURCES.

SPEAKING AT THE SETTLEMENT’S ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING THIS AFTERNOON, MR. LEE SAID THAT THROUGH THE SHARING OF FACILITIES, RESOURCES AND SUPPORTING SERVICES, A MULTI-SERVICE WELFARE CENTRE COULD ACCOMPLISH TASKS WITH A LOT MORE EASE WHILE THE DIFFERENT NEEDS OF FAMILY MEMBERS COULD BE MET IN THE SAME PLACE UNDER THE GUIDANCE OF THE SAME SOCIAL WORKER.

BECAUSE OF SUCH A SOPHISTICATED, WELL-ORGANISED, INTEGRATED NETWORK OF WELFARE SERVICES, CLIENTS OF THE SETTLEMENT ARE ABLE TO ENJOY THE FRUITS OF MUTUAL AID, SELF-DEVELOPMENT AND OF TRULY LIVING TOGETHER IN A COMMUNITY, HE POINTED OUT.

AS AN ILLUSTRATION, MR. LEE SAID THAT OLD WOMEN, WHO CAME TO THE SETTLEMENT’S CHUNG PAK CLUB SIMPLY TO WHILE AWAY THE HOURS, WERE BECOMING +HAPPILY OCCUPIED WITH HOME-VISITING THE SICK MEMBERS AND CONTRIBUTING TO THE HOME-HELP SERVICE FOR THE HANDICAPPED MEMBERS.*

YOUTH GROUPS TOO FOUND PLEASURE IN HELPING TO MAKE TOYS FOR THE NURSERY, WHILE CHILDREN IN THE NURSERY GAVE PERFORMANCES AT THE OLD FOLK’S BIRTHDAY PARTIES, AND THE MOTHERS’ CLUB MEMBERS BUSY THEMSELVES IN ORGANISING OUTINGS FOR THE OLD PEOPLE, HE ADDED.

MR. LEE NOTED THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN 1950, THE ST.JAMES’ SETTLEMENT HAD GROWN FROM A BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUB HOUSED IN A ROOM BY THE SIDE OF PAK TAI TEMPLE TO A MULTI-PURPOSE AGENCY OCCUPYING THREE SITES IN STONE NULLAH LANE AND KENNEDY ROAD.

IN RESPONSE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY, THE SETTLEMENT NOW OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES WHICH INCLUDE A DENTAL CLINIC, A MOTHERS’ CLUB, A LIBRARY, STUDY ROOMS, A NURSERY, A SHELTERED WORKSHOP, A CHILDREN’S MEAL SERVICE, FAMILY COUNSELLING SERVICES AS WELL AS A HOME-HELP SERVICE.

DESCRIBING THE SETTLEMENT AS A MODEL OF MULTI-WELFARE SERVICE FOR RESIDENTS OF WAN CHAI, HE INDICATED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HOPED TO SEE THE SAME SERVICE EXTENDED TO RESIDENTS OF OTHER DISTRICTS.

TURNING TO THE PLANS FOR SYSTEMATIC DEVELOPMENT OF WELFARE SERVICES, MR. LEE SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE PUBLICATION OF THE REHABILITATION GREEN PAPER, PLANS FOR THE OTHER VULNERABLE GROUPS, IN PARTICULAR THE ELDERLY AND YOUNG PEOPLE, WERE BEING DRAWN.

+THESE PLANS CANNOT MATERIALIZE WITHOUT THE FULL SUPPORT AND CO-OPERATION OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WHICH HAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART TO PLAY TO MAKE THESE PLANS A REALITY,* HE ADDED.

o --------

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

- 5 -

SWIMMING GALAS FOR KWUN TONG, CENTRAL AND WESTERN

* M M * *

TWO SWIMMING COMPETITIONS ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICES AND VARIOUS CIVIC AND SPORTS BODIES WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) IN KWUN TONG AND WESTERN DISTRICTS.

IN KWUN TONG, MORE THAN 300 PARTICIPANTS DIVIDED INTO THREE GROUPS WILL COMPETE IN ABOUT 40 EVENTS WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 4 P.M. AT THE KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL IN TSUI PING ROAD.

THE SWIMMING GALA, WHICH IS OPEN TO THE DISTRICT AREA COMMITTEES AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES, IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG), THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE (KWUN TONG) AND THE KWUN TONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION.

ON THE ISLAND, THE COMPETITION WILL BE HELD FROM 1.30 P.M. TO 6 P.M. AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL IN SMITHFIELD ROAD. IT IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT COMMITTEE AND THE RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN).

THE CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON), MR. MICHAEL C.C. SZE, AND MR. DAVID K.C. MAK, REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (EAST KOWLOON) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KWUN TONG SWIMMING GALA OPENING CEREMONY, WHILE THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (CENTRAL AND WESTERN), MR. RICKY FUNG, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL. THEY WILL ALSO PRESENT PRIZES TO SWIMMERS AFTER THE COMPETITIONS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO HAVE THE TWO SWIMMING EVENTS COVERED TOMORROW (SATURDAY). THE KWUN TONG COMPETITION WILL TAKE PLACE AT KWUN TONG SWIMMING POOL, TSUI PING ROAD STARTING AT 2 P.M. THE COMPETITION ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE HELD AT KENNEDY TOWN SWIMMING POOL, SMITHFIELD ROAD, STARTING AT 1.30 P.M.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 1977

- 6 -

AQUATIC MEET FOR ISLANDS DISTRICT * * * *

MR. JOHN TODD,. ACTING SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE ISLANDS DISTRICT SWIMMING GALA TO BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL IN WONG CHUK HANG AT 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 18). THE EVENT STARTS AT 1 P.M.

MORE THAN 200 YOUNG SWIMMERS FROM THE ISLANDS DISTRICT ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE AQUATIC MEET WHICH WILL. BE HELD FOR THE FIRST TIME OUTSIDE ISLANDS DISTRICT.

THE SWIMMING GALA IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ISLANDS DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND LOCAL RURAL COMMITTEES WITH FUND DONATED BY THE HAPPY VALLEY LIONS CLUB.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE OCCASION.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE N0*

FIRST CORNEA TRANSPLANT UNIT SET UP ......................

NEW BUILDING FOR VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL ................ 2

CENTURIES-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE IN TSUEN WAN REOPENED ........ 3

MORE SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS TAUGHT DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 4

FIRING PRACTICE ..........................................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1977

FIRST CORNEA TRANSPLANT UNIT SET UP ******

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT’S FIRST CORNEA TRANSPLANT UNIT WILL BE READY FOR OPERATION IN A FEW WEEKS’ TIME, PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR RESTORING VISION TO PATIENTS BLINDING FROM CORNEAL DISEASES.

THE UNIT, EQUIPPED WITH MODERN AND SOPHISTICATED SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, IS BEING SET UP AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AT LAI CHI KOK. IT HAS FOUR BEDS FOR TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS.

THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST HAS DONATED $100,000 TO THE DEPARTMENT TOWARDS THE COST OF PURCHASING SPECIAL EQUIPMENT AND INSTRUMENTS REQUIRED FOR CORNEA TRANSPLANT OPERATIONS AND THE ASSESSMENT OF EYE PATIENTS’ CLINICAL CONDITIONS.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE SUCCESS OF THE TRANSPLANTATION DEPENDS NOT ONLY ON SPECIAL TECHNIQUE AND INSTRUMENTS BUT ALSO ON THE RIGHT SELECTION OF RECIPIENTS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF SUITABLE DONORS.

HE SAID SUITABLE RECIPIENTS ARE BEING SELECTED BY A CORNEA CLINIC, WHICH HAS BEEN SET UP IN THE YAU MA TEI OPHTHALMIC CENTRE SINCE MARCH THIS YEAR.

AN ASSESSMENT SESSION IS HELD EVERY TUESDAY AFTERNOON, AND PATIENTS WHO ARE CONSIDERED SUITABLE FOR CORNEA TRANSPLANT OPERATION ARE PUT ON A WAITING LIST. IN ADDITION, ANY PATIENT ATTENDING AN OUTPATIENT EYE CLINIC MAY BE REFERRED TO THE CORNEA ASSESSMENT CLINIC TO DETERMINE HIS SUITABILITY FOR TRANSPLANT OPERATION.

THE SOURCE OF DONORS WILL BE FROM LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO VOLUNTEER TO DONATE THEIR EYES AFTER DEATH.

THE CORNEA TRANSPLANT UNIT WILL ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE OPHTHALMIC SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY.

TO COMMEMORATE THE ROTARY CLUB’S CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE liEDICAL PROJECT, THE NEW UNIT AT PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL WILL BE NAMED +ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON EAST KERATOPLASTY UNIT+.

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/2......

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1977

VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL TO GET NEW BUILDING

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL START WORK SHORTLY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TECHNICAL SCHOOL AT WAN CHAI TO REPLACE THE OLD BUILDING WHICH IS OCCUPIED BY VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

MR. S.C. KWAN, ACTING CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID TODAY THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WOULD BEGIN EARLY IN NOVEMBER AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 16 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

THE NEW SCHOOL BUILDING, HE SAID, WOULD BE BUILT ON A SITE OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 4,300 SQUARE METRES AT MORRISON HILL NEAR 01 KWAN ROAD.

IT WOULD CONSIST OF A MAIN TEACHING BLOCK, WITH 24 CLASSROOMS ON THE UPPER FLOORS AND ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AND CHANGING ROOMS ON THE GROUND FLOOR.

IN ADDITION, THERE WOULD BE AN ASSEMBLY HALL WITH A COVERED PLAY AREA.

MR. KWAN SAID THAT THE PROJECT ALSO CALLED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BLOCK OF SPECIAL ROOMS PROVIDING FACILITIES FOR SCIENCE AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS, A LIBRARY AND WORKSHOPS FOR WOODWORK AND METALWORK.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 1977

- 3 -

CENTURIES-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE REOPENED * * *

CENTURIES-OLD TIN HAU TEMPLE IN FOLLOWING COMPLETION OF REPAIR WORKS

TSUEN WAN WAS REOPENED TODAY ON IT.

THE TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, MR. JAMES HAYES, UNVEILED A COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE TO MARK THE REOPENING OF THE TEMPLE.

THE RENOVATIONS ON THE TEMPLE, FINANCED BY LOCAL CONTRIBUTIONS, WERE CARRIED OUT EARLIER THIS YEAR FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1918 UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE TSUEN WAN RURAL COMMITTEE AFTER PARTS OF THE TEMPLE HAD FALLEN INTO DISREPAIR. PREVIOUSLY, THERE HAD BEEN FOUR RENOVATIONS.

ADDRESSING THE REOPENING CEREMONY, MR. HAYES SAID THE TEMPLE IS OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE TO THE INDIGENOUS POPULATION OF TSUEN WAN.

+IT HAS A RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE AS THE PLACE TO WHICH INDIVIDUALS CAN SEEK COMFORT AND ADVICE IN TIME OF NEED, AND IT HAS BEEN AT THE CENTRE OF COMMUNITY LIFE FOR MANY GENERATIONS,* HE SAID.

+WHEN SO MUCH OF THE OLD HAS ALREADY DISAPPEARED IN TSUEN WAN IT WILL BE A CONSOLATION TO OLD RESIDENTS AT THE GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR THE REDEVELOPMENT OF NORTH TSUEN WAN WHICH INCLUDE THE RETENTION OF THE TEMPLE, ALONG WITH SAM TUNG UK VILLAGE TO ITS FRONT.

+UNDER THE TOWN PLANNING PROPOSALS, AN OPEN SPACE WILL BE PROVIDED BETWEEN THE TWO PLACES AND VISITORS AND LOCAL RESIDENTS ALIKE WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY A GLIMPSE OF OLD TSUEN WAN.

+MOREOVER, THE TEMPLE WILL CONTINUE AS A PLACE OF WORSHIP AND A SYMBOL OF UNITY FOR THE INDIGENOUS INHABITANTS OF THIS PLACE,* HE SAID.

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

A...

- 4 -

MORC SECONDARY SCHOOLS TEACHING DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY * K H * *

MORE THAN 100 TEACHERS IN 42 SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE TEACHING THE NEW SUBJECT OF DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY TO ABOUT 42,000 PUPILS.

THIS SUBJECT, WHICH WAS INTRODUCED INTO 16 SCHOOLS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT TWO YEARS AGO, OPENS A NEW APPROACH TO TEACHING WOODWORK, METALWORK AND PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY.

TO SHOW THE STUDENTS’ PROGRESS AS A RESULT OF THIS NEW APPROACH, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IS HOLDING AN EXHIBITION OF PUPILS’ HANDICRAFTS IN THE SOUTH CONCOURSE OF THE KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION AT HUNG HOM FROM SEPTEMBER 19 TO 27.

THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPENED AT 11 A.M. ON MONDAY BY MR. ERIC HO, SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES.

ON DISPLAY WILL BE A VARIETY OF WORK EMPHASISING THE INTELLECTUAL AND CREATIVE ABILITIES OF YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ABOUT 13 TO 17 YEARS OF AGE FROM A CROSS SECTION OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS.

THE EXHIBITION CONSISTS OF EXPLORATORY STUDIES IN WOOD, METAL AND PLASTICS FROM FORMS 1 TO 3 PUPILS, PROJECT WORK IN FURNITURE DESIGN, ENGINEERING DESIGN, PRACTICAL ELECTRICITY TOGETHER WITH STUDIES IN COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUES AT FORMS 4 TO 5 LEVEL.

AMONG THE EXHIBITS ARE MODELS OF STEAM ENGINES, A HAND SHAPING MACHINE, ELECTRIC LOCKS, POWER JIGSAWS, TELEPHONE STANDS, MAGAZINE RACKS AND KNOCKDOWN FURNITURE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBITION AT 11 A.M. ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) AFTER WHICH IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM SEPTEMBER 20 TO 27 BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 6 P.M.

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

FIRING PRACTICE M * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE FROM MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 19) FOR FIVE DAYS.

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.

THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:

DATE

HOURS

SEPTEMBER 19 (MONDAY) SEPTEMBER 20 (TUESDAY) SEPTEMBER 21 (WEDNESDAY) SEPTEMBER 22 (THURSDAY) SEPTEMBER 23 (FR IDAY)

8.30 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

8 A.M. - 11 P.M.

4 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

8 A.M. - 4.30 P.M.

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“*■*

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

FACTORY BOOM IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ...................... 1

WARNINGS AGAINST ILLEGAL ALTERNATION TO BUILDINGS .... 2

CHEUNG SHA WAN TO GET MUCH NEEDED SPORTS FACILITIES .. 3

GROWING INTEREST IN KITE FLYING .........................

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

FACTORY BOOM IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN

******

AT LEASE 50 TO 60 NEW FACTORIES WILL BE BUILT IN TUEN MUN IN THE NEAR FUTURE, THE NEW TOWN’S DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG, SAID TODAY.

SPEAKING ON THE FIRST EDITION OF RTHK’S NEW MAGAZINE PROGRAMME +NEW TERRITORIES WEEKLY+ ON THE CHINESE SERVICE, MR. NG SAID THAT 20 FACTORIES WERE ALREADY OPERATING IN TUEN MUN.

+MOST OF THESE FACTORIES ARE LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, BUT THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT MANY MORE FACTORIES WILL SPRING UP IN THE TOWN,* HE SAID. +WE EXPECT TO SEE 50 TO 60 NEW FACTORIES OF VARIOUS SIZES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.+

TURNING TO JOB OPPORTUNITIES, MR. NG SAID WITH TUEN MUN BEING DEVELOPED AS A SATELLITE INDUSTRIAL TOWN, NEW ESTATES WILL BE CONSTRUCTED AND DEVELOPERS URGED TO BUILD MORE AND MORE COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS IN ORDER TO COPE WITH INDUSTRIAL NEEDS.

+IN OTHER WORDS, IT WON’T BE TOO DIFFICULT FOR PEOPLE LIVING IN TUEN MUN TO FIND JOBS,+ HE ADDED.

IN FACT, MR. NG SAID THERE WAS ALREADY A GREAT DEMAND FOR WORKERS FROM FACTORIES ALREADY OPERATING IN THE TOWN.

MR. NG SAID PEOPLE WORKING IN THE TOWN WERE TO BE GIVEN PRIORITY ON THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S WAITING LIST.

+ IF THEIR EMPLOYERS ARE WILLING TO CERTIFY THIS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WILL THEN CONSIDER GIVING THEM PRIORITY TO LIVE IN EITHER TAI HING OR SUN FAT ESTATES,* HE SAID.

+A NUMBER OF WORKERS FROM A LARGE JAPANESE FIRM IN TUEN MUN HAVE ALREADY MOVED INTO TAI HING ESTATE UNDER THIS PRIORITY SYSTEM.*

MR. NG SAID THERE WERE ALSO PLANS TO ALLOCATE SOME BIGGER UNITS IN TAI HING ESTATE TO A VOLUNTARY ORGA INSAT I ON TO RUN A NON-PROFIT MAKING HOSTEL FOR SINGLE MALE AND FEMALE WORKERS.

THE POPULATION IN TUEN MUN IS EXPECTED TO GROW FROM THE PRESENT FIGURE OF 50,000 TO 500,000 BY 1985. AN INCREASE OF ABOUT 30,000 PEOPLE IS EXPECTED IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS AS PHASE I OF THE TAI HING ESTATE HAS BEEN COMPLETED AND PEOPLE HAVE ALREADY STARTED TO MOVE IN, MR. NG ADDED.

/a......

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

WARNINGS AGAINST ILLEGAL ALTERATION TO BUILDINGS ******

SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. ROBERT UPTON, TODAY WARNED OWNERS AND OCCUPIERS OF FLATS AND HOUSES IN THE DISTRICT AGAINST MAKING UNAUTHORISED EXTENSIONS OR ALTERATIONS TO THEIR PROPERTIES.

MR. UPTON SAID HE WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY CONCERNED THAT MANY PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT APPARENTLY DID NOT REALISE THAT OFFICIAL APPROVAL WAS REQUIRED FOR ALL ALTERATIONS.

♦MORE AND MORE CASES ARE COMING TO LIGHT WHERE ILLEGAL EXTENSIONS AND MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO BUILDINGS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF SAI KUNG,+ HE SAID.

+IN MANY CASES, THE MODIFICATIONS NOT ONLY BREACH LEASE CONDITIONS, BUT ALSO THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE.+

MR. UPTON EXPLAINED THAT IN SOME RECENT CASES, BALCONIES HAD BEEN EXTENDED, STRUCTURES ADDED AND, IN SOME OF THE WORST CASES, ADDITIONAL STOREYS HAD BEEN BUILT ON TOP OF THE APPROVED BUILDINGS.

+THESE MODIFICATIONS CAN BE STRUCTURALLY DANGEROUS, FIRE HAZARDS OR DETRACT FROM THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENT.

♦DISTRICT OFFICE STAFF ARE CURRENTLY MAKING A SURVEY OF ALL HOUSES AND FLATS ON RURAL BUILDING LOTS WITHIN THE DISTRICT SO THAT WE HAVE ACCURATE RECORDS TO MAKE CHECKS FOR UNAUTHORISED MODIFICATIONS MUCH SIMPLER.

+WE ARE ALREADY MAKING REGULAR CHECKS AND WE EXPECT THAT WITH THE NEW RECORDS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO TIGHTEN UP CONSIDERABLY ON THESE UNAPPROVED WORKS.+

MR. UPTON SAID THAT THE COURSES OF ACTION OPEN TO THE GOVERNMENT INCLUDED DEMOLITION OF THE ILLEGAL WORKS BY GOVERNMENT STAFF OR LEGAL ACTION TO REPOSSESS THE PROPERTY.

AND, HE ADDED, THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT NORMALLY CONSIDER GRANTING RETROSPECTIVE APPROVAL FOR UNAUTHORISED WORKS.

♦EVEN IF WE WANTED TO MODIFY THE LEASE CONDITIONS, ONCE BUILDING WORKS HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT AN ARCHITECT WILL NOT NORMALLY SIGN PLANS AND THEREFORE THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE CANNOT APPROVE THEM,+ MR. UPTON SAID.

♦EACH CASE DISCOVERED IN THE CURRENT SURVEY WILL BE CONSIDERED INDIVIDUALLY, BECAUSE LEASE CONDITIONS VARY FROM CASE TO CASE.

♦BUT WE MUST TAKE FIRM ACTION TO STOP THIS PROBLEM.+

0--------

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

CHEUNG SHA WAN SPORTS GROUND

*******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON A 40,000 SQUARE METRE SPORTS GROUND AT CHEUNG SHA WAN IN KOWLOON.

NAMED CHEUNG SHA WAN SPORTS GROUND, IT IS LOCATED AT A SITE BOUNDED BY LAI CHI KOK ROAD, HING WAH STREET AND CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD.

MR. S.C. KWAN, ACTING CHIEF P.*.D. ARCHITECT, SAID THAT THE SPORTS GROUND WOULD BE BUILT IN TWO STAGES.

+STAGE ONE, COVERING AN AREA OF 20,000 SQ. METRES AT THE SOUTH SIDE OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD, WILL CONSIST OF A MINI-SOCCER PITCH, TWO BASKETBALL COURTS, ONE BASKET-CUM-VOLLEYBALL COURT, A SERVICE BUILDING AND SITTING-OUT AREAS WITH PAVILION AND WOODEN ARBOURS.

+THE SECOND STAGE WILL INCLUDE A FULL-SIZED TURFED FOOTBALL PITCH, A 400-METRE RUNNING TRACK, AND FACILITIES FOR SHOT PUT AND HIGH JUMP. SPECTATORS’ STAND AND CHANGING ROOMS WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED,* MR. KWAN SAID.

TENDERS FOR STAGE ONE OF THE PROJECT ARE BEING INVITED BY THE P.W.D.

WORK ON THIS STAGE WILL BEGIN EARLY IN NOVEMBER AND WILL TAKE ABOUT EIGHT MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

+0N COMPETION, THE PROJECT, FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, WILL PROVIDE THE MUCH-NEEDED SPORTS FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS OF THE DENSELY POPULATED AREA,* MR. KWAN SAID.

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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

GROWING INTEREST IN KITE FLYING * * * * *

KITE-FLYING, AN OUTDOOR GAME WITH A POPULARITY THAT HAS NEVER WANED FOR CENTURIES,IS BEING PROMOTED IN HONG KONG BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

+BY CONDUCTING LESSONS ON THE DIFFERENT TYPES AND CONSTRUCTION OF KITES, AND THE PROPER WAY TO FLY THEM, WE HOPE TO STIMULATE THE VERY POTENTIAL INTEREST IN THIS HEALTHY AS WELL AS INVIGORATING GAME,* SAID MISS EDITH LAU, RECREATION AND SPORT OFFICER (TAI PO).

+IT IS EXCITING TO BE ABLE TO SEND A KITE UP IN THE AIR. THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO WHEN IT SWOOPS FREELY ACROSS THE SKY, SWAYS GENTLY IN A BREEZE OR SPINS OR DIVES UNDER YOUR CONTROL,* SHE EXPLAINED.

+THE SPORT CAN ONLY BE PLAYED PROPERLY AND SAFELY IN LARGE OPEN GROUND AND REQUIRES A LOT OF CO-ORDINATED BODY MOVEMENTS. THE PLAYER NOT ONLY ENJOYS THE FRESH AIR AND SCENIC BEAUTY AROUND HIM BUT AT THE SAME TIME EXERCISES HIS BODY.*

FLYING A KITE IS NOT AS SIMPLE AS IT SEEMS, HOWEVER.

THE PLAYER MUST BE ABLE TO TACKLE HIS KITE IN DIFFERENT WIND SPEEDS AND DIRECTIONS AND KNOW PRECISELY WHEN AND AT WHAT ANGLE TO LAUNCH IT. HE MUST ALSO BE ACQUAINTED WITH THE AREA ABOUT HIM WHILE MOVING AND MANOEUVRING ON THE GROUND.

DURING THE SIX-WEEK KITE-FLYING COURSE, THE YOUNG PARTICIPANTS ARE TAUGHT HOW TO FLY HOBBY KITES AND ARE SHOWN THE SPECIAL TECHNIQUES OF FLYING OTHER TYPES OF KITES, FOR SPORT OR FRIENDLY COMBAT.

ALL THESE KITES HAVE A PLASTIC SPAN AND A WOODEN KEEL. THEY CAN BE IN A VARIETY OF SHAPES, COLOURS, AND SIZES AND CAN BE AS WIDE AS EIGHT FEET.

NYLON LINES ARE COMMONLY USED. THE LENGTH OF THESE LINES ALSO VARIES. FOR A CHILD OF EIGHT TO THIRTEEN, A ROLL OF 120 FEET IS GOOD ENOUGH.

THE LENGTH VARIES WITH THE KITE-FLYER BECAUSE A SMALL CHILD IS ONLY ABLE TC COUNTER AND MANIPULATE THE AMOUNT OF FORCE EXERTED ON HIM BY A KITE AT CERTAIN HEIGHT IN NORMAL WINDSPEED.

AT ALTITUDES, AS HIGH AS 2,300 FEET, THE KITE MAY HURTLE ACROSS THE SKY AT 100 FEET A SECOND.

MEMBERS OF THE KITE-FLYING CLASSES ARE TO USE BODYWEIGHT TO DIRECT THE MOVEMENT OF AIR, TO MAINTAIN ITS ALTITUDE BY MEANS OF A AND TO FORESTALL DIFFICULTIES AND OBSTACLES

ALSO TAUGHT HO* THE KITE IN THE STABILIZER, IN ITS ..AY.

/INSTRUCTIONS

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1977

INSTRUCTIONS ON SAFETY PRECAUTIONS, SUCH AS NOT FLYING KITES WITHIN THREE MILES OF THE AIRPORT, NEAR POWER PYLONS AND RAILWAY LINES AND NOT ON ROOFTOPS OR ON HIGH GROUND WHERE THERE IS AN ABRUPT DROP, ARE ALSO GIVEN.

THE CLASSES ARE AT PRESENT CONDUCTED ON SUNDAYS IN TAI PO. +CHILDREN LIVING IN THE AREA WERE SO ENTHUSIASTIC THAT ON THE FIRST DAY OF CLASS, MANY NEWCOMERS APPLIED TO JOIN THERE AND THEN,+ MISS LAU SAID.

+AS THE CLASSES ARE HELD AS A PILOT PROJECT, ONLY 72 YOUNGSTERS AGED BETWEEN 11 AND 22, INCLUDING FOUR GIRLS WERE ACCEPTED.

+BECAUSE OF THIS OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE IS PLANNING TO OPEN NEW CLASSES ON SUNDAYS IN THE COUNTRY PARKS TO ENABLE VISITORS FROM URBAN AREAS TO SHARE IN THIS FASCINATING GAME,* SHE SAID.

- - 0

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

CONTENTS

CONVERSION OF PUBLIC CARS INTO TAXIS TO BEGIN FROM NOVEMBER ......................................

GOVERNMENT SCHEME TO TRAIN YOUNG MUSICIANS .........

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO MEET PRESENT DAY REQUIREMENTS CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK STRESSED COMMISSION OF INQUIRY STARTS ON SEPTEMBER 27 .......

TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS TO STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT .... ANNUAL CAMP FOR DISABLED CHILDREN ..................

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .............................

FIREMEN TO HOLD SWIMMING GALA ......................

PAGE NO.

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

CONVERSION OF PUBLIC CARS INTO TAXIS TO BEGIN FROM NOVEMBER * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT IT WILL START CONVERTING PUBLIC (HIRE) CARS INTO URBAN TAXIS OR PRIVATE CARS WITH A HIRE CAR PERMIT AS FROM NOVEMBER 1, 1977 WHEN NO PUBLIC CAR LICENCES WILL BE FURTHER RENEWED.

THE CONVERSION WILL BEGIN WITH THOSE PUBLIC CARS WITH LICENCES EXPIRING IN NOVEMBER.

UNDER THE CONVERSION SCHEME ABOUT 200 VEHICLES WILL BE CONVERTED EACH MONTH AND THE PRIORITY FOR CONVERSION WILL BE BASED ON THE EXPIRY DATES OF THE CURRENT PUBLIC CAR LICENCES. IT IS EXPECTED THAT MOST OF THE CONVERSIONS WILL BE COMPLETED IN SIX TO SEVEN MONTHS.

A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WERE 1,329 REGISTERED PUBLIC CARS AT PRESENT, AND PROVIDED THAT THEIR OWNERS PAID A PREMIUM OF $75,000 FOR THE RE-REGISTRATION OF EACH VEHICLE AFTER COMPLETING THE NECESSARY FORMALITIES, THESE WOULD BE CONVERTED INTO URBAN TAXIS.

THE PREMIUM COULD EITHER BE PAID IN ONE LUMP SUM AT THE TIME OF CONVERSION OR IN TWO INSTALMENTS — $50,000 DOWN PAYMENT AT THE TIME OF CONVERSION AND THE BALANCE OF $25,000 IN 12 MONTHS AT THE FIRST ANNUAL RENEWAL OF THE VEHICLE LICENCE. IF THE BALANCE WAS NOT PAID, THE TAXI LICENCE WOULD NOT BE RENEWED.

THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT BECAUSE THE RELEVANT NEW LEGISLATION WOULD NOT COME INTO OPERATION UNTIL NOVEMBER 1, IT WOULD BE NECESSARY TO CONTINUE TO RENEW THOSE PUBLIC CAR LICENCES WHICH EXPIRE AT THE END OF OCTOBER.

THE CONVERSION SCHEME INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING FEATURES:

X ONCE AN OPTION IS EXERCISED FOR CONVERSION OF A VEHICLE INTO EITHER AN URBAN TAXI OR PRIVATE CAR WITH A HIRE CAR PERMIT, THE OPTION WILL BE IRREVOCABLE.

M ALL PUBLIC CARS WILL BE SUBJECT TO A RECLASSIFICATION INSPECTION CONDUCTED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO THE CONVERSION.

/• IF A PUBLIC

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

K IF A PUBLIC CAR IS REPLACED BY A NEW VEHICLE FOR CONVERSION PURPOSE, THE REPLACEMENT VEHICLE WILL REQUIRE ONLY ONE PRE-REGISTRATION INSPECTION. HOWEVER, UNDER THE RELEVANT REGULATION ITS OWNER HAS TO COMPLETE TWO SEPARATE APPLICATIONS FOR REGISTRATION IN RESPECT OF THE VEHICLE AT THE SAME TIME, I.E. FIRST AS A PUBLIC CAR AND THEN AS AN URBAN TAXI. ACCORDINGLY, HE HAS TO PAY THE FIRST REGISTRATION TAX ON THE VEHICLE AT THE RATE FOR A PUBLIC CAR AND DOUBLE REGISTRATION FEES. THIS IS BECAUSE UNDER THE NEW SECTION 4A(1) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC ORDINANCE, CAP. 220 ONLY A REGISTERED PUBLIC CAR MAY BE RE-REGISTERED AS A TAXI ON APPLICATION.

X UPON RE-REGISTRATION OF AN EXISTING PUBLIC CAR AS AN URBAN TAXI, A NEW REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE ASSIGNED TO THE VEHICLE AND A NEW REGISTRATION BOOK ISSUED AGAINST THE SURRENDER OF THE OLD REGISTRATION BOOK AND LICENCE DISC (IF THIS IS VALID) FOR CANCELLATION. AN APPLICATION FOR THE RETENTION OF THE EXISTING VEHICLE REGISTRATION MARK WILL BE PROCESSED IN THE USUAL WAY SUBJECT TO PAYMENT OF THE PRESCRIBED FEES.

* THE OWNERSHIP OF AN URBAN TAXI CONVERTED FROM A PUBLIC CAR UNDER THIS SCHEME MAY BE TRANSFERRED AFTER COMPLETION OF THE USUAL FORMALITIES, BUT RE-LICENSING OF THE TAXI AT THE END OF THE FIRST YEAR IS SUBJECT TO PAYMENT BY THE NEW REGISTERED OWNER AT THAT TIME OF THE OUTSTANDING SECOND PREMIUM INSTALMENT OF $25,000 APART FROM THE NORMAL RE-LICENSING REQUIREMENTS.

WITH THE FORTHCOMING ABOLITION OF PUBLIC CARS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, THERE WOULD STILL BE A NEED FOR SALOON CARS ON A CONTRACT HIRE BASIS IN ORDER TO MEET SERVICES PROVIDED BY HOTELS AND TOURIST AGENTS TO THEIR CLIENTS OR THE PRESENT ILLEGAL ’PAK PAI’ FOR PERSONALISED TRANSPORT BETWEEN HOMES, OFFICES AND SCHOOLS.

FOR THIS TYPE OF SERVICES THE HIRE CAR PERMITS WOULD BE ISSUED INITIALLY ONLY TO OPERATORS OF PUBLIC CARS, WHO OPT TO CONVERT THEIR VEHICLES AS PRIVATE CARS WITH A HIRE CAR PERMIT WHICH COSTS $500 FOR ONE YEAR OR $175 FOR A PERIOD OF FOUR MONTHS.

THE SPOKESMAN WARNED THAT IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL FOR SUCH VEHICLES TO STAND OR PLY FOR HIRE OR REWARD, AND AN OFFENDER WOULD FACE STRINGENT SANCTIONS INVOLVING THE IMPOUNDING OF THE VEHICLE AND SUSPENSION OF ITS LICENCE.

THE SPOKESMAN INDICATED THAT THE OWNERS OF REGISTERED PUBLIC CARS WOULD BE NOTIFIED INDIVIDUALLY BY POST OF THE DETAILS OF THE CONVERSION SCHEME.

■-------o

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

NEW GOVERNMENT SCHEME TO TRAIN AND PROMOTE YOUNG MUSICIANS ******

A NEW OFFICE HAS BEEN SET UP IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATING MUSIC TRAINING FOR YOUNG PERSONS IN HONG KONG.

THE OFFICE WILL BE HEADED BY MR. GORDON SIU, WHO HAS BEEN APPOINTED MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR. +WE HAVE MANY TALENTED YOUNG PERSONS IN HONG KONG+, SAID MR. SIU TODAY. +WITH PROPER TRAINING, THEY WILL BECOME GOOD MUSICIANS AND THEIR MUSIC WILL BRING JOY TO MANY+.

TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED AT DIFFERENT LEVELS - ELEMENTARY, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED. YOUNG PERSONS’ ORCHESTRAS WILL BE FORMED AND THEY WILL GIVE PERFORMANCES IN THE VARIOUS DISTRICTS.

MR. SIU, A SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER, HAS BEEN IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE FOR 11 YEARS. HE HAS WORKED IN A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT. HOLDER OF A MASTER’S DEGREE IN PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION, HE WAS A FORMER LEADER OF THE HONG KONG YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND MEMBER OF THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA. HE IS A LICENTIATE OF THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.

MR. SIU WILL WORK WITH A MUSIC CONSULTANT, MR. DAVID STONE, WHO IS A DISTINGUISHED VIOLINIST AND CONDUCTOR. MR. STONE HAS VISITED HONG KONG ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS AS AN EXAMINER FOR THE ROYAL SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.

WORKING IN CLOSE CONTACT WITH OTHER CULTURAL ORGANISATIONS IN HONG KONG, THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE WILL BE ON THE NINTH FLOOR OF THE ARTS CENTRE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 2.30 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT THE G.I.S. THEATRE, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 5TH FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, DURING WHICH THE MUSIC ADMINISTRATOR WILL GIVE DETAILS OF THE TRAINING SCHEME. HE WILL ALSO BE PLEASED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS FROM PRESS REPRESENTATIVES.

THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. ARTHUR BROWN, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.

- - 0 - -

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM TO MEET PRESENT DAY REQUIREMENTS

K M * * * *

HONG KONG’S EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM IS BEING MOULDED TO MEET PRESENT DAY REQUIREMENTS OF WHICH ECONOMIC NEEDS AND RISING SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ASPIRATIONS ARE PROBABLY THE MOST SIGNIFICANT, • THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. ERIC HO SAID THIS MORNING.

+IT IS THEREFORE MY VIEW THAT IN MOVING TOWARDS A MORE QUALITATIVE FORM OF EDUCATION WE MUST AIM TO PRODUCE THE KIND OF CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE PERSON WHO WILL NOT ONLY BE ABLE TO MEET THE ECONOMIC NEEDS OF SOCIETY BUT WILL, AND THIS SEEMS TO BE THE MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR, BE ABLE TO COPE WITH SUCH AN ACCELERATED PACE OF CHANGE,+ MR. HO SAID AT THE OPENING OF THE IN DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AT

THE

EXHIBITION OF PUPILS’ WORK

KOWLOON RAILWAY STATION AT HUNG HOM.

HONG KONG’S SURVIVAL, ECONOMIC SUCCESS.

HE SAID, VERY MUCH DEPENDED ON ITS

+AND TO BE SUCCESSFUL WE MUST ENSURE THAT WE HAVE AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF INTELLECTUAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL ABILITY IN THE FIELD OF DESIGN, MANUFACTURE, ORGANISATION AND ADMINISTRATION IN ORDER TO COMPETE IN THE MODERN WORLD,+ MR. HO SAID.

HE BELIEVED THAT THE NEW SUBJECT, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY, WHICH THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD BEEN DEVELOPING OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS, WOULD CONTRIBUTE A GREAT DEAL TOWARDS PRODUCING CREATIVE AND IMAGINATIVE PUPILS WHO COULD COPE WITH AN ACCELERATED PACE OF CHANGE.

MR. HO POINTED OUT THAT THE SUBJECT WAS DESIGNED TO MAKE STUDENTS THINK AND PLAN WHILE AT THE SAME TIME GIVING THEM SUFFICIENT MANUAL DEXTERITY TO PRODUCE THE FRUITS OF THEIR PLANNING IN CONCRETE FORM.

+IT EMPHASISES PROBLEM SOLVING, THE NATURE OF MATERIALS AND THE APPROPRIATE TECHNOLOGY TO MEET DIFFERENT SITUATIONS AND MATERIALS.

+SO FAR THIS NEW SUBJECT HAS BEEN INTRODUCED INTO 42 SECONDARY SCHOOLS. WOODWORK AND METAL-WORK OF OLD, WHICH USED TO BE THE STANDARD PRACTICAL SUBJECTS IN OUR SCHOOLS ARE ON THE WAY OUT,+ MR. HO SAID.

MORE THAN 100 TEACHERS HAVE BEEN RE-TRAINED THROUGH IN-SERVICE TRAINING COURSES TO TEACH THE SUBJECT.

LAST YEAR, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY WAS EXAMINED FOR THE FIRST TIME AT THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION LEVEL.

/MR. HO ......

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19. '<977

- 5

MR. HO ADDED: +WE NOW HAVE A STEADY FLOW OF NEWLY TRAINED TEACHERS COMING FROM THE TECHNICAL TEACHERS COLLEGE AS WELL AS A TEAM OF ADVISERS TO ASSIST, MONITOR AND EVALUATE PROGRESS IN THE SCHOOLS ADOPTING THE NEW APPROACH.+

THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL VOTED THE NECESSARY FUNDS IN JULY THIS YEAR FOR INTRODUCING THE NEW FORM 1-3 CURRICULUM IN ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN THE PUBLIC SECTOR, INCLUDING RECURRENT GRANTS FOR ALL SCHOOLS WHERE PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL SUBJECTS ARE TAUGHT, AND CAPITAL GRANTS FOR FURNITURE AND EQUIPMENT AND FOR THOSE SCHOOLS WHERE CONVERION WORK WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE THESE SUBJECTS CAN BE TAUGHT.

MR. HO SAID THAT THE EXHIBITION WAS THEREFORE PARTLY AIMED AT CONVINCING SCHOOLS AND PARENTS AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE THAT A DEVELOPMENT OF THIS KIND WAS WORTH THE EFFORT THAT NEEDED TO BE PUT INTO IT.

+1 AM CONVINCED THAT WE ARE ON THE RIGHT LINES IN WHAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING HERE AND I SINCERELY BELIEVE THAT A MAJOR STEP FORWARD HAS BEEN MADE IN IMPROVING THE QUALITY OF EDUCATION IN HONG KONG,+ HE SAID.

THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WAS ALSO PRESSING FORWARD IN THE DEVELOPMENT AND IMPROVEMENT IN SCHOOLS OF ART AND DESIGN AND HOME ECONOMICS — THE OTHER TWO OF A THREE-SUBJECT SPEARHEAD AIMED AT IMPROVING PRACTICAL AND TECHNICAL STUDIES.

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK STRESSED * K * * *

SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SHOULD BE THE CO-OPERATIVE EFFORT OF DIFFERENT PROFESSIONS, EACH CONTRIBUTING ITS PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE. AND EXPERTISE IN ORDER TO HELP SCHOOL CHILDREN DERIVE THE GREATEST BENEFIT FROM EDUCATION, AND TO PREPARE THEM FOR FUTURE ADULT RESPONSIBILITIES, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION(PROFESSIONAL), MR. HO NGA-MING SAID THIS AFTERNOON.

HE WAS SPEAKING AT A MEETING OF 85 HEADS OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, 17 FULL-TIME SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS ON THE STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF EDUCATION DEPARTMENT STAFF INVOLVED IN THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.

MR. HO SAID THE SERVICE WAS DESIGNED TO PREVENT PUPILS FROM BECOMING ANTI-SOCIAL OR DELINQUENT AND TO HELP SOLVE PROBLEMS RELATING TO THEIR BEHAVIOUR OR FAMILY RELATIONSHIP, THUS IMPROVING THEIR BEHAVIOUR AND PERFORMANCE IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL.

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN NOVEMBER 1974, THE SERVICE HAD EXPANDED STEADILY. IT COVERED 17 PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS. WITH FULL SUPPORT FROM THE GOVERNMENT, THE SCHEME HAS EXPANDED DRAMATICALLY IN THE CURRENT ACADEMIC YEAR TO COVER 85 SCHOOLS - 53 PRIMARY AND 32 SECONDARY -WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF 68,300. OF THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS, 25 ARE ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 45 IN KOWLOON AND 15 IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

+VERY OFTEN IN SCHOOLS WE HAVE CHILDREN WITH VARIOUS PROBLEMS. BROADLY SPEAKING, THESE PROBLEMS ARE EITHER ACADEMIC OR BEHAVIOURAL THOUGH BOTH TYPES OF PROBLEM ARE VERY OFTEN INTERRELATED,+ MR. HO SAID. HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT ACADEMIC PROBLEMS COULD BE CAUSED BY MANY FACTORS SUCH AS LACK OF MOTIVATION TO LEARN AND NO SUPERVISION AT HOME. THEY COULD ALSO BE CAUSED BY UNSUITABLE TEACHING METHODS, TEACHING MATERIAL WHICH WAS INAPPROPRIATE OR TOO DIFFICULT, OR OTHER EXTRANEOUS FACTORS.

BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS COULD BE CAUSED BY POOR PARENTAL HANDLING, A DETRIMENTAL ENVIRONMENT, BAD COMPANIONS, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES, FAVOURITISM AT HOME AND MANY OTHER ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL FACTORS.

MR. HO ADDED: +TEACHERS, BY VIRTUE OF THEIR TRAINING AND DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH PUPILS, ARE EXPECTED TO DEAL WITH ALL PROBLEMS INITIALLY.

+THEY CAN MAKE THEIR TEACHING MATERIAL MORE MEANINGFUL, RELEVANT AND INTERESTING, AND AN UNDERSTANDING AND SYMPATHETIC TEACHER CAN DO MUCH TO IMPROVE THE BEHAVIOUR OF THE PUP ILS.+

BUT IT WAS SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE FOR TEACHERS TO SOLVE SOME OF THE PUPILS’ PROBLEMS, ESPECIALLY THOSE RELATING TO FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.

/IN HEB SPEECH, ......

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

IN HER SPEECH, THE SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, M?S. EVELYN DOE STRESSED THAT WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER COULD BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL AND INTERPRET EACH TO THE OTHER.

MRS. DOE SAID: +THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS WILL VISIT THE PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS WEEKLY TO ESTABLISH CONTACT WITH THE STAFF AND PUPILS.

+THEY USE THEIR KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND RESOURCES TO DEAL WITH THE PUPILS’ PROBLEMS AND ARE PARTICULARLY HELPFUL IN DEALING WITH THOSE RELATING TO FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS WHICH OFTEN NECESSITATE HOME VISIT.+

FOR THE REALLY DIFFICULT PROBLEMS - ACADEMIC, BEHAVIOURAL, PSYCHOLOGICAL OR ORGANIC - THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND TEACHERS COULD ALWAYS RELY ON THE SERVICES OF THE SPECIAL EDUCATION

SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.

COMMISSION OF INQUIRY TO START ON SEPTEMBER 27 *****

THE COMMISSION APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR IN COUNCIL TO INQUIRE INTO EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN THE COURSE OF-A LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST BY TVB LTD. AT SEK KONG ON JULY 1, 1977 IS EXPECTED TO HOLD ITS FIRST HEARING ON SEPTEMBER 27. THE VENUE FOR THE HEARING WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO GIVE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION ARE REQUESTED TO SUBMIT A SUMMARY OF THE EVIDENCE IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMISSION AT ROOM 343, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (EAST WING), LOWER ALBERT ROAD, HONG KONG, ON OR BEFORE SEPTEMBER 24.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

8 -

FURTHER TRAFFIC IMPROVEMENTS TO STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT

* * * *

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK SHORTLY ON FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE JUNCTION OF STUBBS ROAD, TAI HANG ROAD AND WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CONDITIONS AT THE STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT.

THE WORK INVOLVES THE WIDENING OF A SECTION OF TAI HANG ROAD AND THE UPPER SECTIONS OF STUBBS ROAD ADJACENT TO THE ROUNDABOUT SO AS TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL LANES ON THESE TWO SECTIONS OF ROADS.

THE CONTRACT FOR THE PROJECT, COSTING ABOUT $380,000, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO WAN YU AND CO. LTD. AND WAS FORMALLY SIGNED IN THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE TODAY.

MR. HO KWOK-YU, ACTING CHIEF P.W.D. ENGINEER, SAID THAT WORK ON THE PROJECT WOULD BEGIN NEXT WEEK AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT THREE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

+0N COMPLETION, VEHICLES TRAVELLING DOWN STUBBS ROAD FROM THE UPPER SECTION CAN FILTER TO THE LOWER SECTION WITHOUT CAUSING SERIOUS INTERRUPTION TO THE TRAFFIC MOVEMENT AT THE ROUNDABOUT,+ HE SAID.

♦SIMILARLY, THE ADDITIONAL NORTH-BOUND LANE IN TAI HANG ROAD WILL ENABLE VEHICLES TO FILTER FROM TAI HANG ROAD TO WONG NAI CHUNG GAP ROAD.+

ANNUAL CAMP FOR DISABLED CH IL1JREN

******

MORE THAN 400 DISABLED CHILDREN UNDER THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL PARTICIPATE IN A THREE-DAY CAMP AT THE WU KAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

THE CAMP IS AN ANNUAL EVENT ORGANISED BY THE REHABILITATION DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT AND STARTS FROM TOMORROW (TUESDAY). IT PROVIDES THE DISABLED CHILDREN WITH AN OPPORTUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN SPORTS, GAMES AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES AND TO GAIN EXPERIENCE IN OUTDOOR LIFE.

THE RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES PLANNED FOR THE 359 MENTALLY RETARDED, 48 DEAF AND FIVE PHYSICALLY DISABLED CHILDREN INCLUDE TALENT SHOWS, GROUP GAMES, HIKING, SWIMMING, BALL GAMES AND BARBECUE PARTIES.

THE CHILDREN WILL BE LOOKED AFTER BY ABOUT 80 STAFF FROM 13 REHABILITATION INSTITUTIONS AND CENTRES WHO ARE ORGANISING THE CAMP.

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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1977

- 9

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF FLEMING ROAD * * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE WESTERN SECTION OF FLEMING ROAD BETWEEN LOCKHART ROAD AND GLOUCESTER R0aJ WOULD BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 21) FOR TWO DAYS TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS. AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF JAFFE ROAD BETWEEN O’BRIEN ROAD AND FLEMING ROAD WOULD BE RE-ROUTED TWO-WAY.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

FIREMEN TO HOLD SWIMMING GALA

K * HUM *

THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD ITS 22ND ANNUAL SWIMMING GALA AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL, CAUSEWAY BAY, ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 21).

THE GALA WILL HAVE A TOTAL OF 20 EVENTS, INCLUDING A WATERPOLO DISPLAY BY THE EASTERN WATERPOLO TEAM AND THE FIRE SERVICES OWN WATERPOLO TEAM.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE DAY’S PROGRAMME WILL BE A 50-METRE, FREE-STYLE INVITATION RELAY IN WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM MORE THAN TEN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL TAKE PART.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SWIMMING GALA WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 4 P.M. AT THE VICTORIA PARK SWIMMING POOL.

PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS AFTER EACH EVENT

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

DRUG EDUCATION KIT COMPETITION FOR TEACHERS ......... 1

HIGHER POSTAGE FOR PARCELS TO US .................... 2

PUBLIC FACILITIES AT KCR IMPROVED ................... 2

SEMINAR ON SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS ............. 3

WORKERS’ STATUTORY HOLIDAY REMINDER ................. 4

FOLK SONG CONTEST FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT .. 5

LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS TUEN MUN ...................... 5

NEW HOURS OF WATER SUPPLY TO SHA TIN ................ €

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KWAI CHUNG AND CENTRAL ..... 6

Issued by Government Information Services. Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977

1 -

DRUG EDUCATION KIT COMPETITION FOR TEACHERS *****

THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS (ACAN) AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAVE JOINTLY ORGANISED A DRUG EDUCATION KIT COMPETITION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.

A CIRCULAR, GIVING THE COMPETITION’S PARTICULARS, WAS SENT OUT TO ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS YESTERDAY (MONDAY) INVITING TEACHERS TO TAKE PART.

+DRUG EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS IS REGARDED AS IMPORTANT BY MANY WORLD ANTI-NARCOTICS EXPERTS,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID TODAY.

+AND THE CURRENT COMPETITION IS DESIGNED TO BETTER ACQUAINT TEACHERS WITH THE DRUG ABUSE PROBLEM IN HONG KONG SO THAT THEY WILL, IN TURN, EDUCATE THEIR STUDENTS,+ HE SAID.

♦THE ULTIMATE AIM OF THE COMPETITION,+ HE ADDED, +IS TO INVOLVE THE TEACHERS IN DESIGNING AND PRODUCING A SUITABLE DRUG EDUCATION KIT WHICH MAY BE MASS REPRODUCED FOR USE IN EVERY SECONDARY SCHOOL IN HONG KONG.+

THE COMPETITION IS DIVIDED INTO TWO SECTIONS. ONE IS FOR FORM 1 TO FORM 3 AND THE OTHER FOR FORM 4 TO FORM 7.

PARTICIPANTS CAN BE GROUPS MADE UP OF SERVING TEACHERS OR TEACHERS AND STUDENTS COMBINED. THEY SHOULD COMPLETE AN ATTACHED FORM AND RETURN IT TO THE HEALTH EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AT LEE GARDENS, 5TH FLOOR, HONG KONG, NOT LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 30.

FINISHED KITS SHOULD BE HANDED IN TO THE MARKETING OFFICE OF THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT AT 1A, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG, BY NOVEMBER 30.

CASH AWARDS OR TROPHIES WILL BE GIVEN TO THE WINNING ENTRIES, AFTER BEING TOUCHED UP OR MODIFIED AS NECESSARY, MAY BE MASS REPRODUCED FOR USE IN SCHOOLS.

TO HELP PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS IN THEIR RESEARCH WORK, REFERENCE MATERIALS ON DRUGS SUCH AS BOOKS, MAGAZINES, PAMPHLETS AND POSTERS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE NARCOTICS DIVISION.

TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT MONTH, A TEACHERS’ SEMINAR ON

DRUG EDUCATION WILL BE HELD UNDER THE SAME SPONSORSHIP, FOLLOWED BY VISITS TO VARIOUS ANTI-DRUG INSTITUTIONS. PARTICIPATING TEACHERS IN THIS DRUG KIT COMPETITION MAY FIND THIS SEMINAR USEFUL FOR THEIR PROJECT.

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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER.20, 1977

HIGHER POSTAGE FOR PARCELS TO US

******

POSTAL CHARGES FOR SURFACE AND AIR PARCELS TO THE UNITED STATES WILL BE INCREASED STARTING FROM NEXT MONTH.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, THE POST OFFICE SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE INTRODUCTION BY THE U.S. POST OFFICE OF HANDLING AND DELIVERY CHARGES IN RESPECT OF PARCEL MAIL RECEIVED FROM ABROAD.

FOR SURFACE MAIL, THE CHARGE FOR A PARCEL NOT EXCEEDING TWO POUNDS WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT 010.50, WHILE THAT FOR PARCELS OF SEVEN POUNDS, 11 POUNDS AND 22 POUNDS WILL BE INCREASED FROM $15, 521.50 AND $34.50 TO $22, $35.50 AND $66.50 RESPECTIVELY.

FOR AIR MAIL, THE POSTAGE FOR THE FIRST POUND TO THE UNITED STATES WILL BE REDUCED FROM $21 TO $20, BUT THE CHARGE FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POUND WILL BE RAISED FROM $13 TO $15.

- - 0 - -

BETTER PUBLIC FACILITIES AT KCR * * * *

TWO SPECIALLY MODIFIED LAVATORIES HAVE BEEN OPENED AT THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY TERMINUS IN HUNG HOM FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE DISABLED.

AND, TO FURTHER HELP THE DISABLED TO TRAVEL BY TRAINS, RAILWAY STAFF HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED THAT +THEY MUST ASSIST DISABLED PEOPLE TO GAIN ACCESS TO AND ALIGHT FROM TRAINS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR K.C.R. SAID.

+BY GIVING ADVANCE WARNING OF AN INTENTION TO TRAVEL, SUCH ASSISTANCE CAN BE BETTER ORGANISED,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.

AS A NOTE OF ADVICE, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HOWEVER, THAT IT WOULD BE BETTER FOR THOSE HANDICAPPED TO TRAVEL ON TRAINS OUTSIDE PEAK HOURS.

K.C.R. HAS ALSO INTRODUCED ANOTHER NEW FEATURE AT THE TERMINUS — THE DISPLAY OF EXAMPLES OF REPRESENTATIVE TAXI FARES TO VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG.

+THIS HAS PROVED EXTREMELY HELPFUL TO PEOPLE TRAVELLING FROM CHINA AND TOURISTS IN HONG KONG ..HO OTHERWISE WOULD HAVE LITTLE IDEA OF THE FARES THEY SHOULD EE CHARGED,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.

A MAP OF ALL CONNECTING BUS ROUTES AT THE KOWLOON TERMINUS IS ALSO DISPLAYED AT ALL STATIONS TO HELP PEOPLE COMPLETE THEIR JOURNEYS.

0 - -

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977

SEMINAR ON SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS X X X X

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT A ONE-DAY INTER-DEPARTMENTAL SEMINAR ON SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 23) AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PORT CONTROL SECTION IN RUMSEY STREET.

PARTICIPANTS FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, ROYAL NAVY AND AIR FORCE, SECURITY BRANCH AND THE MARINE DEPARTMENT WILL ATTEND.

THE CIVIL FUNCTIONS AND RELATED

TWO DEPARTMENTS

DURING THE SEMINAR, OFFICERS OF THE MARINE AND AVIATION DEPARTMENTS WILL GIVE TALKS ON THE DUTIES, AIMS OF THE PORT CONTROL SECTION- ON COMMUNICATIONS TO SEA SAFETY AND THE RESPECTIVE ROLE PLAYED BY THE llTCOU.T

IN SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS AND CONVENTIONS WILL ALSO BE DISCUSSED.

THE TALKS WILL BE SUPPLEMENTED BY VISITS TO THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE’S SIGNAL TOWER AND THE SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION ROOM. A HARBOUR CRUISE ON BOARD ™E MARINE LAUNCH +TIN HAU+ AND A VISIT TO A CONTAINER TERMINAL AND CONTAINER VESSEL WILL ALSO BE CONDUCTED.

0 -------

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977

EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF WORKERS’ STATUTORY HOLIDAY

* * M *

MR. PETER WILLIAMS, COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT SEPTEMBER 28, THE DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, IS ONE OF THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS APPOINTED UNDER THE EMPLOYMENT ORDINANCE.

HE EMPHASISED THAT THE PROVISIONS OF THE ORDINANCE APPLY NOT ONLY TO EMPLOYEES IN INDUSTRY, BUT ALSO TO THOSE IN THE ENTIRE COMMERCIAL SECTOR, INCLUDING THE SERVICES AND CATERING TRADES.

UNDER THE ORDINANCE, ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES WITHOUT DISTINCTION AND INCLUDING DOMESTIC SERVANTS, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH, ARE ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY. THEY MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF IF THEY HAVE WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR THEIR EMPLOYERS FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

+AN EMPLOYEE WHO IS NOT EMPLOYED ON A CONTINUOUS CONTRACT — FOR EXAMPLE, ONE WHO WORKS FOR LESS THAN SIX HOURS A DAY OR HAS BEEN EMPLOYED BY THE SAME EMPLOYER FOR LESS THAN THREE MONTHS — IS STILL ENTITLED TO THE HOLIDAY, BUT HAS NO LEGAL ENTITLEMENT TO BE PA ID,+ MR. WILLIAMS POINTED OUT.

IF THE EMPLOYER REQUIRES AN EMPLOYEE TO WORK ON A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48,HOURS’ NOTICE, AND HE MUST GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF THE EMPLOYER INTENDS TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST NOTIFY HIS EMPLOYEE 48 HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THAT ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY. AND IF AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY IS TO BE GIVEN AFTER THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY, THE EMPLOYER MUST INFORM HIS EMPLOYEE OF THE ARRANGEMENT AT LEAST 48 HOURS BEFORE THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.

IF THE EMPLOYER AND EMPLOYEE AGREE, ANY DAY WITHIN 30 DAYS OF A STATUTORY HOLIDAY OR ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY MAY BE TAKEN BY THE EMPLOYEE AS A SUBSTITUTED HOLIDAY.

ENQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS REGARDING STATUTORY HOLIDAYS MAY

BE MADE TO THE NEAREST BRANCH OFFICE OF THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE. THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE: FOR KOWLOON EAST - 3-205638-KOWLOON WEST - 3-201652- KWUN TONG - 3-898520- TSUEN WAN - 12-422096 TUEN MUN - 12-818443- AND HONG KONG ISLAND - 5-282523 EXT. 60.

- o -

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977 - 5 -

FOLK SONG CONTEST FOR CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT

*****

THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) AND THE SAI YING PUN AREA COMMITTEE ARE JOINTLY ORGANISING A FOLK SONG CONTEST ON OCTOBER 8 AT THE ST. PAUL BOYS COLLEGE.

THE CONTEST AIMS AT PROMOTING THE INTEREST OF THE DISTRICT YOUTHS IN FOLK SONG SINGING AS WELL AS PROVIDING THEM WITH A CHANCE TO DEMONSTRATE THEIR TALENT.

PEOPLE OVER 16 YEARS OF AGE, WHO ARE EITHER LIVING, WORKING OR STUDYING IN THE WESTERN DISTRICT, ARE WELCOME TO PARTICIPATE.

APPLICATION FORMS FOR THE CONTEST ARE AVAILABLE AT THE CENTRAL AND WESTERN CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, 2O5A, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, AND THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, WESTERN STREET, SAI YING PUN. THE CLOSING DATE WILL BE NEXT MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 26).

THERE WILL BE FIVE PRIZES, INCLUDING TWO CONSOLATION PRIZES.

THE CONTEST IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY SAN MIGUEL AND ROCKSON PIANO COMPANY.

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

NOTE TO EDITORS;

LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT TUEN MUN *****

LADY MACLEHOSE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, WILL BE VISITING TUEN MUN TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TO SEE THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN THERE.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE VISIT COVERED. PRESS TRANSPORT a ILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE ----------------------------- POST OFF ICE AT 9.3'0 A.M.

TOMORROW

TUEN MUN

FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES

TO, AND LATER, EACK FROM

- 0 -

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 1977

NEW WATER SUPPLY HOURS IN SHA TIN *****

NEW HOURS OF WATER SUPPLY WILL EE INTRODUCED IN CERTAIN AREAS OF SHA TIN ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 22-23), TO ALLOW MTER-PIPE CONNECTION WORKS AT LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD, NEAR SHA TIN BY-PASS ROAD.

ON THURSDAY, THE SUPPLY WILL BE FOR 14 HOURS FROM 6 A.M. TO 8 P.M. WHILE ON FRIDAY, IT WILL BE FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON, AND 4 P.M. TO 10 P.M.

THE PREMISES AFFECTED BY THE NEW ARRANGEMENT LIE ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND UNIVERSITY STATION IN SHU I, SHA TIN NEW TOWN, LEK YUEN ESTATE, FO TAN ROAD, WO CHE AP LIU HANG, JARDINE DYEING AND FINISHING CO. LTD ----- •— ------------------3, AND THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY.

MA LIU SHEUNG K.C.R.

WORKSHOP AND QUARTERS

AND THE

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR KWAI CHUNG AND CENTRAL * * * *

A NEW PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED AREA WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KWAI CHUNG TO IMPROVE THE OPERATION OF THE EXISTING SIGNAL-CONTROLLED JUNCTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND WO Yl HOP ROAD, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.

WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 23), THE EASTBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF WO YI HOP ROAD FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH CASTLE PEAK ROAD TO A POINT ABOUT 80 FEET EAST WILL BE DESIGNATED A 24-HOUR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTED ZONE DAILY.

AS A RESULT PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING WITHIN THIS CARRIAGEWAY OF THE ROAD TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS.

MEANWHILE ON THE ISLAND, THE NEW LOK KU ROAD, WILL BE OPENED TO ONE-WAY TRAFFIC FROM HOLLYWOOD ROAD TO QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL FROM 10 A.M. ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25).

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED AT THESE ROADS TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

*4 । ’

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977

CONTENTS

TEN FLATS AT SAI KUNG SOLD FOR NEARLY $1.5 MILLION NEW HK GOVERNMENT BRANCH OFFICE IN MANCHESTER .... CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST UNCHANGED ....... MODERN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT TO BE BUILT AT TA I 0 LADY MACLEHOSE VISITS TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ........... POST OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR HOLIDAY ................. SECTION OF ARRAN STREET CLOSED TO TRAFFIC .........

PAGE NO.

, 4

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

WEDNESDAY, SEPTETS 53$.

GOOD TURNOUT AT SAI KUNG FLATS AUCTION *****

THE GOVERNMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) SOLD 10 FLATS AT SAI KUNG

. FOR NEARLY $1.5 MILLION.

AT A PUBLIC AUCTION ATTENDED BY ABOUT 300 PEOPLE, THE FLATS WERE SOLD IN STEADILY SPIRITED BIDDING AT PRICES RANGING FROM $136,000 TO $153,000.

THE 629-SQ. FT. FLATS ARE IN A ROW OF MODERN FIVE-STOREY BLOCKS BUILT PRIMARILY TO REHOUSE VILLAGERS AFFECTED BY THE HIGH ISLAND SCHEME.

IT WAS THE SECOND SALE IN A SERIES OF AUCTIONS PLANNED BY THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE TO DISPOSE OF THE FLATS.

SEVEN OF THE FLATS SOLD TODAY WERE IN MAN NIN STREET AND OTHERS WERE IN Yl CHUN STREET.

THE TWO FLATS WHICH ATTRACTED THE HIGHEST BIDS WERE ON THE SECOND FLOOR OF MAN NIN STREET. THEY WERE SOLD-~AT $153,000 AND $152,000. -----

OTHER MAN NIN STREET FLATS ON THE THIRD FLOOR ATTRACTED TWO BIDS OF $144,000 EACH, WHILE THE REMAINING THREE.WERE SOLD FOR $142,000 EACH.

THE THREE Yl CHUN STREET FLATS WENT UNDER THE HAMMER AT $142,000, $138,000 AND $136,000.

BIDDERS AT THE AUCTION HAD THE OPTION OF PAYING CASH OR 50 PER CENT DEPOSIT WITH THE BALANCE TO BE PAID IN INSTALMENTS OVER 10 YEARS.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, MR. GORDON MOFFOOT WHO CONDUCTED THE SALE, SAID LATER THAT AT LEAST TWO BUYERS HAD INDICATED THEY WISHED TO PAY FOR THE FLATS UNDER THE INSTALMENT PLAN.

+WE EXPECTED A GOOD TURNOUT FOR THE AUCTION, AND IT DID,+ MR. MOFFOOT SAID.

+BIDDING WAS VERY KEEN AND COMPETITIVE. IN VIEW OF TODAY’S AUCTION WE COULD EXPECT FUTURE SALES OF THE REMAINING FLATS TO ATTRACT A GREAT DEAL OF INTEREST,* HE

DETAILS OF FURTHER AUCTIONS HAVE MR. MOFFOOT SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY A IN NOVEMBER, AND AFTER THAT.AT TWO MONTHS INTERVALS.

SA ID.

YET TO BE FINALISED, BUT FURTHER SALE WOULD BE HELD

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977

GOVERNMENT OPENS MANCHESTER BRANCH OFFICE

* M * * * *

THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON HAS OPENED A NEW BRANCH OFFICE IN MANCHESTER TO EXPAND ITS WORK AMONG THE HONG KONG CHINESE COMMUNITY IN THE NORTH-WEST REGION OF ENGLAND.

THE BRANCH OFFICE WILL HAVE A STAFF OF THREE WHO WILL BE AVAILABLE TO ADVISE AND ASSIST HONG KONG PEOPLE NOW LIVING AND WORKING IN THE REGION. THE STAFF WILL ALSO BE READY TO HELP LOCAL AUTHORITIES IN THEIR DEALINGS WITH CHINESE RESIDENTS.

SPEAKING AT THE OPENING OF THE NEW BRANCH OFFICE, MR. S.T. KIDD, THE HONG KONG COMMISSIONER, SAID: +IT IS MY EXPERIENCE THAT HONG KONG PEOPLE ENJOY AN ENVIABLE REPUTATION FOR HARD WORK AND GOOD BEHAVIOUR WHEREVER THEY MAY SETTLE IN THE U.K. BUT, INEVITABLY THERE CAN BE DIFFICULTIES AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS FOR NON-ENGLISH-SPEAKING PEOPLE CONCERNING LIFE IN A NEW AND VERY COMPLEX WESTERN SOCIETY.*

MR. KIDD ADDED THAT THE STAFF WERE THERE TO DO ALL THEY COULD TO RESOLVE THESE DIFFICULTIES AND MISUNDERSTANDINGS.

+ INDEED, THE MORE THEY ARE CONSULTED THE BETTER PLEASED THEY WILL BE,+ HE SAID.

THE OPENING WAS ATTENDED BY MR. DENIS BRAY, THE

HONG KONG MAYOR OF

COMMISSIONER-DESIGNATE, AND GUESTS INCLUDED THE LORD

MANCHESTER, COUNCILLOR M.R. CRAWFORD, THE CHAIRMAN OF THE GREATER MANCHESTER COUNCIL, COUNCILLOR J.H. BERRY, POLICE AND CIVIL COMMUNITY RELATIONS OFFICERS, AND CHINESE COMMUNITY LEADERS IN

LANCASHIRE AND YORKSHIRE

- 0 - -

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977

NO CHANGE IN CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES FOR AUGUST ******

THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES (A) AND (B) FOR LAST MONTH (AUGUST) BOTH REMAINED UNCHANGED AT 119 AS IN THE PREVIOUS MONTH.

THE C.P.I.(A) IS BASED ON EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $400 - $1,499 A MONTH, AND THE C.P.I.(B) IS BASED ON THE EXPENDITURE OF HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1,500 - $2,999 A MONTH.

THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS 1 POINT HIGHER THAN THE PREVIOUS MONTH IN C.P. I.(A). A RISE IN THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICE OF FRESH VEGETABLES MORE THAN OFFSET FALLS FOR FRESH WATER FISH AND LIVE POULTRY. C.P.I.(B) WAS UNCHANGED WHEN ROUNDED TO THE NEAREST WHOLE POINT.

INCREASES OF 1 POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT AND FOR ALCOHOLIC DRINKS AND TOBACCO IN BOTH C.P. I.(A) AND C.P. I.(B), OWING TO HIGHER PRICES FOR ELECTRICITY CHARGES AND CIGARETTES.

THE INDEXES FOR DURABLE GOODS, MISCELLANEOUS GOODS AND SERVICES ROSE BY 1 POINT EACH IN C.P. I.(A) AS A RESULT OF HIGHER PRICES FOR OPTICAL GOODS, CROCKERY, EARTHENWARE, MEDICINES AND HAIRDRESSING CHARGES.

HIGHER PRICES FOR THE PURCHASE OF AND REPAIR TO MOTOR VEHICLES CAUSED THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES TO RISE BY 1 POINT IN C.P.I.(B). HOWEVER, THE EFFECT OF THESE INCREASES ON THE +ALL-ITEMS+ INDEXES WAS SMALL.

PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INS IGNIFICANT.

- - 0 - -

- 4

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977

MODERN SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT FOR TAI 0

*****

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SHORTLY BEGIN SITE FORMATION WORK ON A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AT TA I 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND.

THE WORK, WHICH INCLUDES THE LAYING OF 1,200 METRES OF SEWERS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TWO PUMPING STATIONS, FORMS PART OF A GOVERNMENT PLAN TO IMPROVE THE LIVING CONDITIONS OF THE PEOPLE IN TAI 0 BY PROVIDING A RURAL TYPE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 3,000 PEOPLE.

CONTRACT FOR THE WORK, WORTH ABOUT $3 MILLION, HAS BEEN AWARDED TO CHING HING CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD. IT WAS FORMALLY SIGNED AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY.

MR. BOSCO KEOWN, P.W.D.’S SENIOR ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), SAID THAT THE SITE TO BE FORMED FOR THE SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT MEASURED ABOUT 950 SQUARE METRES.

WORK WOULD BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

MR. KEOWN SAID: +SITE FORMATION WORK FOR STAGE ONE OF THE SCHEME IS WELL UNDERWAY AND IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FIRST BLOCKS OF THE PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE READY FOR OCCUPATION BY SEPTEMBER 1979.

+AS PART OF THE PROGRAMME FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT, LAND WILL ALSO BE FORMED FOR THE PROVISION OF ESSENTIAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES AS WELL AS COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.+

WATERBORNE SEWERAGE WILL ALSO BE PROVIDED AS PART OF THE PROJECT.

MR. KEOWN SAID THAT ALL SEWAGE ORIGINATING FROM THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREAS AND FROM THE EXISTING TOWNSHIP WOULD BE LAID ACROSS THE TAI 0 CREEK FOR CONNECTION TO A MODERN SEWAGE TREATMENT WORK TO BE LOCATED ON THE NORTH SIDE OF TAI 0.

HE ADDED THAT THE SCHEME, WHEN COMPLETED, WOULD SUBSTANTIALLY IMPROVE THE SANITARY CONDITIONS IN TAI 0.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977 - 5 -

LADY MACLEHOSE SEES DEVELOPMENT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN * * * * *

LADY MACLEHOSE, WIFE OF THE GOVERNOR, TODAY TOURED THE 1 500—YEAR-OLD TSING SHAN BUDDH1ST MONASTERY DURING A MORNING VISIT OF THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.

THE MONASTERY, BUILT IN THE 5TH CENTURY, A.D. WOULD BE PRESERVED UNDER THE NEW TOWN’S DEVELOPMENT PLAN.

THE MONASTERY IS ON THE LOWER SLOPE OF THE CASTLE PEAK, AND LEGEND HAS IT THAT A BUDDHIST SAINT NAMED PUI TO JOURNEYED ACROSS THE SEA ON A MAGICAL BEGGING BOWL TO SETTLE THERE.

LADY MACLEHOSE WAS ACCOMPANIED ON HER VISIT BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. PETER NG.

SHE BEGAN HER VISIT WITH A TOUR TO ONE OF THE NEW TOWN’S FACTORIES, SUBLIPRINT FAR EAST LIMITED, WHICH PRODUCES HEAT TRANSFER PAPERS FOR TEXTILE PRINTING - A TECHNOLOGY REGARDED AS NEW IN HONG KONG.

UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TUEN MUN, A TOTAL OF 317 HECTARES OF LAND ARE TO BE RESERVED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT -ABOUT 177 HECTARES FOR SPECIAL INDUSTRY, 130 HECTARES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRY, AND THE REMAINDER FOR SERVICE INDUSTRIES.

LADY MACLEHOSE THEN WENT UP TO A LOOK-OUT POINT WHERE SHE VIEWED THE DEVELOPMENTS OF THE NEW TOWN, WHICH NOW HAS A POPULATION OF ABOUT 60,000 PEOPLE.

GOVERNMENT PLANS FOR TUEN MUN WILL PROVIDE AN IMPROVED URBAN ENVIRONMENT, WITH ADEQUATE COMMERCIAL, INDUSTRIAL AND COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR ABOUT 528,000 PEOPLE BY MID 1980’S, OF WHICH ABOUT 70 PER CENT WILL BE HOUSED IN PUBLIC HOUSING.

FOLLOWING THE TOUR OF THE TSING SHAN MONASTERY, LADY MACLEHOSE VISITED A NEARBY PLAY CENTRE.

THE CENTRE IS OPERATED BY ST. SIMON’S HOME FOR FISHERMEN AND WORKMEN’S CHILDREN, AN ORGANISATION RUN UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE ANGLICAN CHURCH. IT HAS A CAPACITY FOR 200 CHILDREN AND IS SUBVENTED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.

- - o —

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 21, 1977

NO POSTAL SERVICE ON PUBLIC HOLIDAY

* M * *

THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THERE WOULD BE NO MAIL DELIVERY ON NEXT WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 28), A PUBLIC HOLIDAY. ALL POST OFFICES WOULD ALSO BE CLOSED THAT DAY.

______0----------

TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ARRAN STREET, MONGKOK

* * * *

ARRAN STREET BETWEEN NATHAN ROAD AND LAI CHI KOK ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FROM TOMORROW (THURSDAY) TO OCTOBER 19, 1977 IN ORDER TO FACILITATE EMERGENCY WORKS BY THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

FISHERMEN TO GET LEGAL AID FOR COMPENSATION CLAIMS OVER OIL SPILLAGE ......................................... 1

GOVERNOR TO CONSULT ON MFA IN LONDON ...................... 2

DEVELOPMENT OF HK WATER RESOURCES ........................ 3

SECOND CONTRACT FOR YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENT LET.............. 6

$3.4 MILLION FOR SAI KUNG SITE ............................ 7

HEARING OF COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON SEK KONG INCIDENT .. 7

PRESS CONFERENCE BY MPS ................................... 8

HAYE INAUGURATES NEW SCHOOL BUILDING ...................... 8

HONOURS FOR 182 FIREMEN .................................. 9

FANLING TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING ................................ 9

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT TO HELP FISHERMEN CLAIM COMPENSATION OVER OIL SPILLAGE ******

SOK KWU WAN FISH FARMERS WHO CANNOT AFFORD THEIR OWN LAWYERS TO PRESS COMPENSATION CLAIMS OVER THE OIL SPILLAGE FROM THE DANISH FREIGHTER +ADRIAN MAERSK+ WERE TODAY ADVISED TO APPROACH THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

THE DISTRICT OFFICER, ISLANDS, MR. VICTOR YUNG, TOLD THE FARMERS THAT THE LEGAL AID DEPARTMENT WOULD GIVE THEIR APPLICATIONS TOP PRIORITY.

+THE APPLICATIONS WILL BE PROCESSED AS SOON AS THE NECESSARY INFORMATION HAS BEEN OBTAINED TO ENABLE THE DEPARTMENT TO FORMULATE THEIR CLAIMS,* MR. YUNG SAID.

IN THE MEANTIME, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY BEGAN HELPING THE FISH FARMERS AT SOK KWU WAN TO ASSESS THEIR LOSSES.

A TEAM FROM THE DEPARTMENT WAS AT SOK KWU WAN WEIGHING AND RECORDING FISH APPARENTLY KILLED BY THE SPILLAGE.

+THIS WILL CONTINUE UNTIL A COMPLETE RECORD OF THE AFFECTED STOCK IS OBTAINED,* MR. YUNG SAID.

+THE GOVERNMENT WILL REGISTER ALL CLAIMS MADE BY THE FISHERMEN.*

MR. YUNG SAID THAT A REPRESENTATIVE OF THE MAERSK LINE (HONG KONG) LTD. AT THE INVITATION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WAS PRESENT AT TODAY’S RECORDING AND REGISTRATION EXERCISE.

TEAMS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS WERE AT THE SCENE OF THE SPILLAGE TODAY TO CONTINUE THE MOPPING UP OPERATION TO CLEAR THE AREA OF THE OIL, MR. YUNG ADDED.

+THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS THE SPILLAGE CONTAINED AROUND THE TANKER,* HE SAID. +THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT USED 103 FOAM SHEETS AROUND THE FORESHORES YESTERDAY TO SOAK UP THE SPILLED OIL AND WE HAVE ANOTHER 730 SHEETS TO CONTINUE THE OPERATION.*

+THERE ARE MORE THAN 50 WORKERS FROM THE P.W.D. AND THE DISTRICT OFFICE WORKING FULL TIME ON THE CLEAN-UP AND W'E WILL BE DOUBLING THE SIZE OF THIS TEAM TO GET THE JOB DONE AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.+

MR. YUNG SAID IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE TO GIVE ANY ESTIMATE OF THE DAMAGE CAUSED BY THE SPILLAGE. +IT COULD BE SOME TIME BEFORE ANY PROPER ASSESSMENT CAN EE MADE,* HE SAID.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

GOVERNOR TO CONSULT ON MFA IN LONDON

******

THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ACCOMPANIED BY MR. WILLIAM DORWARD, COMMISSIONER OF INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS, WILL BE LEAVING HONG KONG ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) EVENING FOR CONSULTATIONS IN LONDON ABOUT THE MULTI-FIBRE TEXTILE ARRANGEMENT AND THE BILATERAL AGREEMENT SHORTLY TO BE NEGOTIATED UNDER IT WITH THE EEC.

SIR MURRAY WILL MEET MR. EDMUND DELL, SECRETARY OF STATE FOR TRADE. THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS WILL BE ABSENT IN NEW YORK, BUT SIR MURRAY WILL ALSO MEET FOREIGN OFFICE MINISTERS AND OFFICIALS CONCERNED.

HE IS ANXIOUS TO SEE THE RESPONSIBLE MINISTERS BEFORE FINAL DECISIONS ARE TAKEN IN LONDON OR BRUSSELS.

SIR MURRAY EXPECTS TO RETURN ON THURSDAY OR FRIDAY OF NEXT WEEK.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977'

DEVELOPMENT OF HK WATER RESOURCES

******

THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, TODAY REVEALED GOVERNMENT PLANS TO DEVELOP MORE WATER RESOURCES IN AN EFFORT TO MEET FUTURE DEMANDS.

SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF KOWLOON, HE SAID THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WOULD EMBARK ON A PROGRAMME OF DEVELOPING MINOR CATCHMENTS AND CONSIDER THE PHASING OF POSSIBLE FUTURE DESALTING PLANTS IN THE EARLY 198O’S FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF THE HIGH ISLAND SCHEME.

IN THE COMING YEAR, MR. TUCKER SAID, HE HOPED TO BE ABLE TO INITIATE SOME EXPERIMENTAL WORK ASSOCIATED WITH +REVERSE OSMOSIS AND WATER RECLAMATION* TOGETHER WITH FURTHER STUDIES OF THE REMAINING UNTAPPED CATCHMENTS, TO ESTABLISH WHETHER THERE WERE ANY FURTHER ECONOMICALLY VIABLE SCHEME WHICH WOULD BE SOCIALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY ACCEPTABLE.

+ALL PROPOSED WORKS AND STUDIES,+ HE ADDED, +WILL BE GEARED TOWARDS PROVIDING ADEQUATE RESOURCES TO BE ABLE TO MEET THE DEMAND CURRENTLY ESTIMATED TO BE INCREASING AT SIX PER CENT PER ANNUM.+

TURNING TO THE PRESENT WATER SITUATION, MR. TUCKER SAID THE RESERVOIR STORAGE TODAY WAS 36,293 MILLION GALLONS WHICH WAS SOME 28,000 MILLION GALLONS LESS THAN THE STORAGE AT THIS TIME LAST YEAR.

AS A LITTLE OF THE WET SEASON STILL REMAINED, HE SAID, IT WOULD BE IMPRUDENT TO CONSIDER CHANGING THE LEVEL OF SUPPLY, AT LEAST FOR THE PRESENT.

+EVERYONE IS AGREED THAT THE IMPOSITION OF RESTRICTIONS IS AN INCONVENIENCE WE COULD ALL WELL DO WITHOUT,+ HE SAID.

+HOWEVER, BEFORE ANY SUGGESTION OF RELAXATION CAN BE ENTERTAINED, IT IS NECESSARY TO CONSIDER VERY CAREFULLY THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MAINTAINING PARTICULAR LEVELS OF SUPPLY SO THAT ANY RELAXATION WOULD NOT LEAD TO A SITUATION WHERE THE PROVISION OF BASIC, DAILY SUPPLIES IN THE FUTURE WOULD BE JEOPARDISED BY SUCH A RELAXATION NOW.

+THE AIM IS TO HUSBAND OUR RESOURCES TO MAXIMISE THEIR USAGE WHILST AVOIDING, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, THE NEED FOR VERY SEVERE RESTRICTIONS.+

ON THE PROSPECTS OF MEETING FUTURE DEMANDS, MR. TUCKER SAID THERE WERE TWO POINTS TO BE MADE ON INTERNAL RESOURCES.

/+FIRST, .....

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

+FIRST, THERE ARE A NUMBER OF MINOR CATCHMENT AREAS WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED UNECONOMICAL TO DEVELOP OWING TO THE HIGH UNIT COST OF WATER FROM THEM, IN COMPARISON WITH THE UNIT COST OF DESALTED WATER PREVAILING PRIOR TO THE INCREASE IN FUEL OIL PRICES.

+THESE HAVE NOW BEEN RE-EXAMINED AND A PROGRAMME DEVISED FOR ERINGING THEM INTO COMMISSION OVER THE NEXT THREE OR FOUR YEARS, SUBJECT TO THE PROVISION OF THE NECESSARY FUNDS,+ HE SAID.

SECONDLY, HE SAID, WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THESE MINOR CATCHMENTS THE FUTURE APPEARED TO BE ALIGNED TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF MORE DESALTING PLANTS.

+SUCH PLANTS NEED NOT NECESSARILY BE CONNECTED WITH A DISTILLATION PROCESS AND SOME DEGREE OF SUCCESS HAS BEEN ACHIEVED IN DESALTING SEA WATER IN REVERSE OSMOSIS PILOT PLANTS ELSEWHERE,+ MR. TUCKER SAID.

THE APPLICATIONS OF REVERSE OSMOSIS TO BRACKISH WATER ON A LARGE SCALE, HE SAID, WAS WELL ESTABLISHED.

HE EXPLAINED THAT BASICALLY, THE PROCESS REQUIRED THE APPLICATION OF HIGH PRESSURES TO SEAWATER IN A MEMBRANE CAPSULE, WHEREBY A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE FRESH WATER CONTENT OF THE SEA WATER WAS PASSED THROUGH THE MEMBRANE, WHILE THE MAJOR PART OF THE SALT CONTENT WAS REJECTED TO WASTE.

MR. TUCKER POINTED OUT THAT AT THE PRESENT STATE OF TECHNOLOGY, SUCH PLANTS DID NOT COMPETE ECONOMICALLY WITH DISTILLATION PROCESSES ALTHOUGH THE DEVELOPMENT OF MEMBRANES WAS PROGRESSING IN THE UNITED STATES AND ELSEWHERE.

BUT THE MANUFACTURERS WERE CONFIDENT THAT TECHNOLOGY WOULD IMPROVE WITHIN THE FIVE YEARS OR SO, SO AS TO MAKE SUCH A PROCESS MORE ECONOMICALLY ATTRACTIVE THAN DISTILLATION.

+THE BENEFIT OF THE REVERSE OSMOSIS PROCESS IS THAT IT CONSUMES MUCH LESS ENERGY THAN A DISTILLATION PROCESS AND IS FAR MORE ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTALLY, AS IT DOES NOT PRODUCE THE ATMOSPHERIC AND THERMAL POLLUTION ASSOCIATED WITH DISTILLATION PROCESSES,* HE SAID.

NEVERTHELESS, MR. TUCKER ADDED THAT THE HIGH COST OF DESALTING SEA WATER HAD OF NECESSITY DIRECTED OUR INVESTIGATION INTO OTHER AREAS, PRINCIPALLY TOWARDS INCREASING THE EFFICIENCY OF WATER USAGE.

HE SAID THAT IN SOME COUNTRIES, FRESH WATER wAS RECLAIMED FROM WASTE WATER FOR INDUSTRIAL AND IRRIGATION PURPOSES AND WITH SUITABLE TREATMENT, SUCH WATER COULD EE BROUGHT TO A STANDARD SUITABLE FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION.

/IN FACT,

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

IN FACT, ONE TOWN IN SOUTH AFRICA HAD BEEN SUCCESSFULLY OPERATING SUCH A SYSTEM FOR AT LEAST 10 YEARS WITHOUT ANY APPARENT PHYSICAL HARM TO ITS POPULATION.

MR. TUCKER WAS OF THE OPINION THAT WHILE THE NEED FOR SUCH MEASURES IN HONG KONG WAS NOT IMMEDIATELY APPARENT, THE POTENTIAL OF SUCH RECLAMATION SHOULD NOT BE OVERLOOKED AS THE SUPPLY JAS AVAILABLE FROM LOCAL SOURCES AND COULD PROVIDE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION IK THE FUTURE.

MR. TUCKER ALSO SPOKE ABOUT RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION AND THE RELATION BETWEEN THE RAINFALL AND THE YIELD TO RESERVOIRS.

HE SAID THAT DURING THE PASSAGE OF TROPICAL STORM CARLA, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RECORDED A TOTAL OF 255 MM OF RAIN IN THE 72 HOURS UP TO THE MORNING OF SEPTEMBER 6, BUT THE AVERAGE CATCHMENT RAINFALL OVER THE SAME PERIOD LAS 173.6 MM.

HE FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT WHILE THE FIRST 48 HOURS OF CARLA PROVIDED HONG KONG WITH 61 PER CENT GF THE THREE DAY RAINFALL, THE YIELD IN THIS PERIOD WAS ONLY 45 PER CENT OF THE THREE DAY TOTAL OF 2,837 MILLION GALLONS.

+THIS INDICATES THAT DAILY READINGS OF RAINFALL AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY CANNOT BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO INCREASES IN RESERVOIR STORAGE OVER THE SAME PER I CD,+ MR. TUCKER SAID.

+MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY RA INFALL FIGURES ARE NOT NECESSARILY REPRESENTATIVE OF RAINFALL IN CATCHMENT AREAS.

+WHAT COUNTS IS THE AMOUNT OF WATER WE RECEIVE IN OUR RESERVOIRS.+

IN ORDER TO RESTORE OUR RESERVOIR STORAGE TO A MORE HEALTHY POSITION, MR. TUCKER SAID, HONG KONG, NEEDED CONTINUOUS RAIN OVER THE CATCHMENT AREA.

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

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

YUEN LONG DEVELOPMENT MOVES ANOTHER STEP FORWARD H & ft h ri’

THE 0530 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME TO TRANSFORM YUEN LONG INTO A MARKET TOWN FOR 93,030 PEOPLE MOVED A MAJOR STEP FORWARD TODAY WITH THE SIGNING OF ANOTHER CONTRACT.

THE CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT 33.5 MILLION, WAS THE SECOND TO EE LET EY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG UNDER THE RURAL NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.

IT INVOLVES THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR BUS TERMINUS AT KIK YEUNG ROAD AS WELL AS SEWERS, DRAINS AND ROAD WORKS. LAND NOW EE I NG FORKED IN THE WESTERN PART OF YUEN LONG FOR SUCH WORKS IS FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL, OPEN SPACES, AND GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES USE.

SERVICES SUCH AS WATER AND ELECTRICITY WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE SAME TIME.

THE CONTRACT, AWARDED TO TAI FOO COMPANY, WAS FORMALLY SIGNED AT THE SHA TIN GOVERNMENT OFFICES TODAY.

MR. BOSCO KEOWN, P.W.D.’S SENIOR ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES) SAID WORK WOULD BEGIN LATER THIS MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

HE SAID THAT WORK HAD ALREADY EEGUN ON THE FIRST CONTRACT FOR THE FORMATION OF THREE HECTARES OF LAND IN THE WESTERN PART OF YUEN LONG AS SITES FOR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL, AND THE USE BY GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE INDUSTRIES.

THIS WORK IS EXPECTED TO EE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.

MR. KEOWN SAID THAT DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG FROM ITS PRESENT SIZE WITH A POPULATION OF 38,330 TO A MAJOR MARKET TOWN FOR 95,333 WOULD TAKE PLACE IN A NUMBER OF STAGES.

+THE FIRST STAGE INCLUDES THE WIDENING OF EXISTING ROADS AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ONES, DRAINAGE WORKS, A LARGE BUS TERMINUS, A GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, THE DEVELOPMENT OF OPEN SPACES AND THE FIRST PART OF A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH '..ILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE HOKES FCR 13,333 PEOPLE,+ HE SAID.

+ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FIRST STAGE ARE A NEW POST OFFICE, PROVISION OF FORMED AND SERVICED SITES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.+

IN THE SECOND STAGE, HE SAID, A MARKET AND HAWKER BAZAARS WOULD BE BUILT ALONG WITH A RLE TERMINUS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, A YOUTH CENTRE AND ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE.

PLANS FOR THE FINAL STAGES CALL FOR THE RE-DEVELOP; ENT OF THE TUNG YIK BAZAAR, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA, A DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.

ON COMPLETION OF THE RE-DEVELOPMENT, MR. KEOWN SAID, YUEN-LONG WOULD BE A MODERN AND IMPORTANT MARKET TOWN IN THE NEW TERRITCRIES.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

SAI KUNG SITE SNAPPED UP FOR S3.4 MILLION * * * * *

A PRIME RESIDENTIAL SITE AT SILVER STRAND NORTH IN SAI KUNG WAS SOLD FOR NEARLY 33.4 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION TODAY -- MORE THAN 4,2 MILLION ABOVE THE UPSET PRICE.

THE 3,333 SQUARE METRE SITE, SITUATED AT A QUIET AND PEACEFUL SPOT WITH AN EXCELLENT SEAVIE..', IS FOR TWO-STOREY, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.

THE SENIOR ESTATE SURVEYOR OF THE SAI KUNG DISTRICT OFFICE, [•.R. GORDON MOFFOOT, WHO CONDUCTED THE SALE AT THE DISTRICT OFFICE, INVITED AN OPENING BID OF 31.3 MILLION AND STEADY BIDDING QUICKLY FOLLOWED.

THE HAMMER FELL AT THE HIGHEST BID OF S3.3S MILLION -- ABOUT 3136 PER SQUARE FOOT -- OFFERED BY THE FOOK MOW ENTERPRISES CO. LTD.

MR. MOFFOOT SAID AFTER THE AUCTION THAT THE KEEN BIDDING WAS PROBABLY DUE TO THE SITE BEING IM AX AREA IDEALLY SUITED FOR EITHER TOWNHOUSE OR APARTMENT DEVELOPMENT.

+SUCH DEVELOPMENT HAS BECOME VERY POPULAR -- SO POPULAR IN FACT THAT A SUPERMARKET IS ABOUT TO EE BUILT TO SERVICE SILVER STRAND,+ HE SAID.

THE BUILDING COVENANT OF THE SITE IS 3640,330 OVER THREE YEARS, EXCLUDING THE COST OF SITE FORMATIONS, FOUNDATIONS, ACCESS ROADS AND OTHER ANCILLARY WORKS.

- 0 - -

HEARING OF COMMISSION OF INQUIRY ON SEK KONG INCIDENT AT VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT ******

THE COMMISSION SET UP TC INQUIRE INTO EVENTS WHICH OCCURRED IN THE COURSE OF A LIVE TELEVISION BROADCAST BY TVB LTD.

AT SEK KONG ON JULY 1, 1977 WILL HOLD A PRELIMINARY HEARING AT ROOM 131, VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT BUILDING, FIRST FLOOR, BATTERY PATH, HONG KONG, NEXT TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 27) AT 10 A.M.

IT IS EXPECTED THAT WITNESSES WILL BE CALLED TO GIVE EVIDENCE BEFORE THE COMMISSION EARLY NEXT MONTH (OCTOBER).

THE A/ENUE AND DATES FOR THESE HEARINGS ..ILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

MOTE TO EDITORS:

THREE MPS TO GIVE PRESS CONFERENCE

******

TrtE THREE VISITING CONSERVATIVE MEMBERS OF PARLIAMENT, MR. DAVID HOWELL (SURREY, GUILDFORD), MR. PAUL CHANNON (SOUTHEND WEST) AND MR. JOHN MOTT (CORNWALL, ST. IVES), a ILL GIVE A PRESS CONFERENCE OH SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) AT ID A.,'. IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE, FIFTH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED.

TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLIER SC THAT THEY RAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.

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

DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION INAUGURATES NEW SCHOOL BUILDING

******

THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR._COLVYN HAYE, Tj_aY INAUGURATED THE NE.. PRIMARY AND KINDERGARTEN BUI Lu ING ^F MUNSAMG COLLEGE AT DUMBARTON ROAD, KOwLOO^.

SNEAKING AT THE INAUGURATION CEREMONY, MR.

SAID THAT MUUSANG HAS GROWN WITH HC^ASslsT • AND GENEROUS PRIVATE DONORS AND, CNx OF Trie L-ADING aookh-PRIVATE SCHOOLS, IT IS MOVING Oi:

ULL GOVERNMENT SUBSIDY.

HE SAID IT IS PROVIDES ADDITIONAL

WORTH NOTING THAT THE ^TENSION, WHICH ACCOM! LCDAT ION FOR KINDERGARTEN AND LOUcR BUILT 1TH PRIVATE FUNDS AT A COoT OF

PRIMARY CLASSES, WAS OVER )2 MILLION.

+IT IS MY EARNEST HOPE THAT THE GROW AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE HOF.AL, LIFE OF THE COMMUNITY. THc CHILD DOORS OF MUNSAKG ARE FORTU.-IaTc.. ..OMEN OF HONG KONG HAVc naD TH^IF THIS THEY AMD THE COLLEGE TAK=. GFl.T PF. I

- COLLEGE .'.ILL CONTINUE TO INTELLECTUAL AND SOCIAL EK WHO PASS THROUGH THE

NY DISTINGUISHED MEN AND DUCAT ION HERE AND IN

R. HAYE

--------0 - -

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 1977

- 9 -

OVER 180 FIREMEN TO RECEIVE HONOURS * * *

A TOTAL OF 182 SERVING AND RETIRED MEMBERS OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENTED WITH COLONIAL FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS BY THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. F.M. WATSON, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION ON SATURDAY (SEPTEMBER 24) COMMENCING AT 9 A.M.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT. THEY SHOULD MEET MR. H.F. CHUI, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, AT HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION NOT LATER THAN 8.45 A.M.

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TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN FANLING

*****

' THE SECTION OF LUEN SHING STREET BETWEEN WO TAI STREET AND WO LUNG STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY NORTHWESTERLY WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (SEPTEMBER 26). AT THE SAME TIME, THE SECTION OF WO TAI STREET BETWEEN LUEN SHING STREET AND LUEN HING STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHWESTERLY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE AREA.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL EE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.

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PRH 7

IgisI kfiial

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

AWARDS OF SILVER BEL I LIOS STAR — LOCAL HONOUR FOR BRAVERY .......................................... 1

POLICE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES UNDER REVIEW ........ 3

USEFUL VIEWS EXCHANGED AT SEMINAR ON SEARCH AND RESCUE . 4

TV ADUIENCE BENEFIT FROM ’BATTLE OF THE RATINGS’ . 5

TENDERS FOR A SHOP TENANCY AT AIRPORT INVITED .... 7

EXHIBITION ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES TO BE HELD IN MONGKOK. 8

PWD HOLDS SWIMMING GALA .......................... 9

RTHK TO CELEBRATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WITH HOT-AIR BALLOONS ........................................ 10

NEW LORRY PARK FOR HO MAN TIN ................... 11

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

AWARD OF SILVER BEL IL IOS STAR

******

THE MANAGER AND AN EMPLOYEE OF A SEK KONG RESTAURANT AND A SENIOR LAND EXECUTIVE OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HAVE EACH BEEN AWARDED A SILVER BEL IL IOS STAR, A LOCAL HONOUR FOR BRAVERY.

IN A NOTIFICATION PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE, THE GOVERNOR HAS APPROVED THE AWARDS TO MESSRS. CHUCK WING-HON, CHAN YIU-WING AND ARTHUR HENRY MACKRETH IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR BRAVERY IN RESCUING PASSENGERS FROM A BURNING PUBLIC BUS IN SEK KONG ON FEBRUARY 25 THIS YEAR.

THE FIVE-POINTED STAR IS AWARDED FOR ACTS OF VALOUR IN SAVING LIFE ON LAND.

UNDER THE TERMS OF A TRUST ESTABLISHED IN 1884 BY THE HON. EMMANUEL RAPHAEL BEL IL IOS, A REWARD FUND WAS SET UP FROM WHICH BEL IL IOS STARS AND/OR CASH AWARDS ARE GRANTED TO PERSONS RECOMMENDED FOR ACTS OF HEROISM IN SAVING LIFE.

THE TRUST IS HANDLED BY THE REGISTRAR GENERAL IN HIS CAPACITY AS OFFICIAL TRUSTEE AND ALL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR AWARDS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR.

ONLY FOUR OTHER PERSONS HAVE BEEN AWARDED THE SILVER BEL IL IOS STARS SINCE THE SECOND WORLD WAR.

ON FEBRUARY 25 AT ABOUT 2.20 P.M., A PUBLIC BUS LADEN WITH PASSENGERS CRASHED INTO A SUPERMARKET AND RESTAURANT NEAR THE ROAD JUNCTION OF ROUTE TWISK AND LAM KAM ROAD CAUSING SIX DEATHS, NUMEROUS CASUALTIES AND SEVERE DAMAGE TO PROPERTY BY FIRE AND COLLISION.

THE ACCIDENT OCCURRED CLOSE TO A PETROL FILLING STATION WHERE A BULK FUEL CARRIER WAS DISCHARGING FUEL INTO THE UNDERGROUND TANKS.

MESSRS. CHUCK, CHAN AND MACKRETH WERE SITTING INSIDE THE SEK KONG RESTAURANT WHEN THE BUS CRASHED INTO IT.

WITH GREAT PRESENCE OF MIND AND COMPLETE DISREGARD FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY, THEY IMMEDIATELY RESPONDED AND ENTERED THE BURNING BUS TO HELP THE SHOCKED AND INJURED PASSENGERS MAKE THEIR ESCAPE.

HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THEIR ACTIONS AND COURAGE IN ENTERING THE BURNING VEHICLE TO ASSIST IN THE EVACUATION OF PASSENGERS, THE NUMBER OF CASUALTIES WOULD UNDOUBTEDLY HAVE BEEN MUCH HIGHER.

.:~PT£X3E5

THE THREE w I (.L RECEIVE THEIR AWARDS FROM THE DIRECTOR Or FIRE SERVICES, MR. F.M. WATSON, AT A CEREMONY TO BE nELD AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AT PAT HEUNG ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 29).

AT THE SAME TIME, MR. WATSON WILL ALSO PRESENT THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES’ COMMENDATIONS TO SEVEN OTHER PERSONS WHO WERE INVOLVED IN THE INITIAL RESCUE AND FIRE-FIGHTING OPERATIONS IN THE SAME INCIDENT.

THE RECIPIENTS OF COMMENDATIONS ARE MR. LUK HUNG, DRIVER OF THE PETROL TANK- MESSRS. FUNG KIM-WAI, LAI KWAI-HING AND CHEUNG KAM-WAR — EMPLOYEES OF SEK KONG FILLING STATION-MESSRS. LEE KWOK—Ch I AND LEE YIU-KWAN — EMPLOYEES OF AH .-.ONG GARAGE- AND MR. LIU WING-LEE, EMPLOYEE OF SEK KONG GARAGE.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT 10.30 A.M. ON THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) AT THE FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL, PAT HEUNG.

A BUS HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE SCHOOL LEAVING NORTH POINT FIRE STATION AT 8.30 A.M.

MR. H.F. CHUI, SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER, WILL EE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

POLICE COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES * * * *

THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAS BEEN REVIEWING THE MACHINERY FOR EXAMINING COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE POLICE AND HAS INVITED MEMBERS OF UMELCO TO MEET REGULARLY WITH SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS TO MONITOR POLICE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC.

A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UMELCO ALREADY HAD A STANDING GROUP WHICH CONSIDERED MATTERS RELATING TO THE POLICE AND SECURITY. HITHERTO COMPLAINTS FROM THE PUBLIC HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH BY UMELCO BY CORRESPONDENCE WITH THE POLICE AND THIS HAS NOT BEEN SATISFACTORY, NOR HAS IT GIVEN UMELCO A FULL KNOWLEDGE OF THE RANGE OF COMPLAINTS OR OF HOW THEY WERE BEING HANDLED. IT IS TO MEET THIS SITUATION THAT THE COMMISSIONER HAS SUGGESTED THE NEW ARRANGEMENTS UNDER WHICH THE UMELCO STANDING GROUP WILL BE MORE DIRECTLY ASSOCIATED WITH THE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS BY THE POLICE BY MEANS OF REGULAR MEETINGS SPECIFICALLY TO REVIEW COMPLAINTS AND THE WAY THEY ARE HANDLED.

THE PANEL, WHICH WILL MEET FORTNIGHTLY WILL BE COMPOSED OF SIR SIDNEY GORDON, FIVE OTHER UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS AND TWO SENIOR POLICE OFFICERS. IN ADDITION TO MONITORING AND REVIEWING POLICE HANDLING OF COMPLAINTS, THE PANEL v. ILL KEEP UNDER REVIEW MATTERS LEADING TO COMPLAINTS BY THE PUBLIC, SUCH AS POLICE PROCEDURES AND CONDUCT. IT ..ILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE OR, IF NECESSARY, THE GOVERNOR, AS APPRCPR I ATE.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

USEFUL VIEWS EXCHANGED AT SEMINAR ON SEARCH AND RESCUE

*****

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT TODAY HELD A SEMINAR ON +SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATIONS IN THE SOUTH CHINA SEA+ AT THE DEPARTMENT’S PORT CONTROL OFFICE IN RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK BUILDING.

DURING THE THREE-HOUR SEMINAR IN THE MORNING, USEFUL VIEWS ON PROCEDURES TO CARRY OUT A SEARCH AND RESCUE OPERATION AT SEA WERE EXCHANGED AMONG REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, THE ROYAL NAVY AND AIR FORCE, THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE, AND THE SECURITY BRANCH.

THE TALKS WERE FOLLOWED BY A VISIT TO THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WHERE THE PARTICIPANTS TOOK AN IN-DEPTH LOOK AT HOW WORK IS CARRIED OUT IN THE SIGNAL TOWER.

IN THE AFTERNOON, THE PARTY WENT ON A TOUR OF A CONTAINER SHIP AT THE KWAI CHUNG CONTAINER TERMINAL AND WAS BRIEFED ON BOARD BY THE CAPTAIN ABOUT THE OPERATION OF ITS RADIO EQUIPMENT.

THE PARTICIPANTS HAD THEIR LUNCH ABOARD THE LAUNCH +TIN HAU+ WHICH WAS JOINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PORT ADM INSTRATION) MR. W.D. LEIGHTON AND THE CAPTAIN-IN-CHARGE, CAPT. R.L. GARNONS-W ILL I AMS.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

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TV AUDIENCE BENEFIT FROM +BATTLE OF THE RATINGS* * * * * *

HONG KONG’S TELEVISION INDUSTRY WENT THROUGH ANOTHER ACTIVE PERIOD LAST YEAR WITH THE VIEWING PUBLIC EMERGING AS THE REAL ♦WINNERS* IN THE +BATTLE OF RATINGS* WAGED BY THE THREE TV NETWORKS.

+NEVER BEFORE HAVE LOCAL VIEWERS HAD SUCH A RANGE OF COSTLY, LOCAL PRODUCTIONS AND SUCH A VARIETY OF IMPORTED LIVE AND FILMED MATERIAL AVAILABLE TO THEM — ALMOST ALL IN COLOUR, * THE TELEVISION ADVISORY BOARD SAYS IN ITS LATEST ANNUAL REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY).

THE REPORT SAYS THE INTENSIVE COMPETITION ON THE ALL-IMPORTANT CHINESE SERVICES BETWEEN THE THREE TV LICENSEES WAS THE MOST NOTABLE FEATURE OF THE YEAR WITH NEW PROGRAMME IDEAS AND SOURCES BEING DEVELOPED, PROGRAMME SCHEDULES FREQUENTLY RESTRUCTURED AND NEW DIMENSIONS OF DRAMA ALLIED TO DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF TALENT BEING CONTINUOUSLY EXPLORED IN THE QUEST FOR MASS AUDIENCE ATTRACTION.

BUT THE PRINCIPAL BENEFICIARY OF THIS COMPETITIV ITY WAS THE VIEWING PUBLIC, THE BOARD SAYS.

HOWEVER, THE BOARD STATES, +THE CONSEQUENT BENEFITS TO THE VIEWING AUDIENCE OF THIS COMPETITIV ITY WAS ACHIEVED ONLY AT A PRICE- THAT OF THE OVERALL PROFITABILITY OF THE COMMERCIAL TELEVISION OPERATIONS IN HONG KONG.

+TO SOME EXTENT THIS WAS FORESEEN BY US IN OUR LAST REPORT. WE STATED THEN THAT THERE MIGHT EE AREAS OF PLANNING wHERE THE STATIONS COULD CO-OPERATE WITH ONE ANOTHER TO HELP TO KEEP COSTS DOWN AND THAT WE WOULD VIEW ANY SUCH ACTION AS BEING IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC. WE HAD NOT, HOWEVER, ANTICIPATED THE EXTENT OF THE INCREASE IN THE COMBINED OPERATIONAL COSTS OF THE THREE STATIONS WHICH DEVELOPED DURING 1976 AND WHICH, ACCORDING TO OUR ESTIMATES, HAVE REACHED THE POINT WHERE THEY HAVE OVERTAKEN COMBINED REVENUES BY A SUBSTANTIAL MARGIN.

+WE VIEW THIS SITUATION WITH GRAVE CONCERN AND IT IS WITH MUCH REGRET THAT WE NOTE THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO JOINT RESPONSE FROM THE LICENCEES TC OUR EARLIER SUGGESTION THAT THERE MIGHT BE AREAS WHERE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE THREE COMPETITORS COULD HELP REDUCE COSTS.*

ONE PREDICTABLE PUBLIC RESPONSE TO THIS IMPROVED PROGRAMMING, IT ADDS, wAS A MARKED INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF COLOUR TELEVISION SETS PURCHASED DURING THE YEAR UNDER REVIEW.

+WHILE THE NUMBER OF TELEVISION HOMES REMAINED STABLE AT ABOUT 90 PER CENT OF ALL HOMES (APPROXIMATELY 863,030 TELEVISION HOMES), THE NUMBER OF HOMES WITH COLOUR TELEVISION INCREASED BY ALMOST 12 PER CENT. AND AT THE END Or 1976, THERE WERE AN ESTIMATED 351,033 HOMES <•.I TH COLOUR TELEVISION SETS IN USE.*

DURINCNTH?RY-AeMM'?GiPT^-LcMr.vH-,SH REGL'IREL THE BOARD’S ATTENTION

DURING THt YtAR ..«S A TzNDmCY tY PRODUCERS TO BE MORE -XPLICIT THAN THEY HAD BEEN IN THE PAST It. THE PORTRAYAL l'c SCX 7*' TELEVISION DRAMA. 1 l„

7RIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23,

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+VISUALLY, THE MAJORITY OF SUCH PRODUCTIONS WERE HANDLED IN GOOD TASTE, BUT IN MANY CASES THE STORIES PRESENTED WERE OF A DUBIOUS NATURE AND THIS WAS BORNE OUT BY THE CRITICAL PUBLIC COMMENT RECEIVED BY THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY.-*

THE BOARD CONSIDERED THE SCREENING OF SUCH SERIES AT PRIME TIME UNDESIRABLE AND ADVISED THE AUTHORITY ACCORDINGLY.

+WE WERE PLEASED TO NOTE THAT A FIRM STAND WAS TAKEN ON THE ISSUE AND THAT THE OBJECTIONABLE SERIES WERE MODIFIED OR STOPPED,+ THE BOARD SAYS IN ITS REPORT.

THE BOARD ALSO NOTED THAT IN SOME OF THE MODERN CRIME DRAMAS AND IN A NUMBER OF LIVE, SATIRICAL, DRAMATIC PRESENTATIONS, THERE WAS AN INCREASING TENDENCY TO INSERT +TRIAD+ LANGUAGE IN THE DIALOGUE, OFTEN BEYOND THE NEEDS OF THE STORY.

+WHILE WE RECOGNIZE THAT SUCH LANGUAGE MAY, ON OCCASIONS, HAVE A VALID AND NECESSARY PART IN A SCRIPT, WE BELIEVE THAT PRODUCERS MUST GIVE THE MOST CAREFUL THOUGHT TO THE PUBLIC OBJECTIONS THAT THE INDISCRIMINATE USE OF SUCH LANGUAGE INEVITABLY BRINGS FORTH,+ THE BOARD SAYS.

AS A RESULT OF THE BOARD’S ADVICE, THE TELEVISION AUTHORITY CORRESPONDED AT LENGTH WITH THE STATIONS ON THIS SUBJECT AND, BY THE END OF THE YEAR, IT WAS APPARENT THAT THE LICENSEES WERE CO-OPERATING IN CHECKING THIS PROBLEM.

DURING THE YEAR THE BOARD ALSO HELD SEPARATE MEETINGS WITH KEY PRODUCTION STAFF OF THE THREE STATIONS TO EXCHANGE VIEWS ON PROGRAMME PROBLEMS.

ON SPECIALISED TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THE STATIONS’ TECHNICAL STAFF, THE BOARD SAYS SOME PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE AND A BASIC SYLLABUS HAS BEEN AGREED FOR SUITABLE COURSES OF INSTRUCTION AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.

WELCOMING THE STUDY PROJECT CONDUCTED IN THE LATTER PART OF 1976 BY THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG INTO THE VIEWING HABITS OF YOUNG CHILDREN, THE BOARD SAYS +THIS IS AN IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENT AND REFLECTS THE GROWING CONCERN FOUND ALL OVER THE WORLD ABOUT THE LONG-TERM EFFECTS OF TELEVISION VIEWING ON SOCIETIES.-*-

THE BOARD ADDS, HOWEVER, THAT IT IS UNLIKELY THAT HONG KONG WILL BE ABLE TO AFFORD THE HIGH COSTS OF MAINTAINING ANY LARGE-SCALE STUDY PROGRAMME AND WILL NO DOUBT HAVE TO RELY ON THE RESULTS OF RESEARCH CARRIED OUT ELSEWHERE FOR OUR LOCAL ASSESSMENTS OF THE IMPACT OF THE MEDIUM.

♦WHILE WE ACCEPT THAT MANY OF THESE FINDINGS WILL HAVE UNIVERSAL VALIDITY WE FEEL THAT THERE ARE ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS AND PROBLEMS WHICH ARE PARTICULAR TO HONG KONG, ESPECIALLY IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN, AND WE ARE THUS GRATIFIED THAT A START HAS BEEN MADE IN ATTEMPTING TO ASSESS HOW THIS POWERFUL FORCE IS LIKELY TO AFFECT THESE LIVES.-*

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

INSURANCE CONCESSION AT HONG KONG AIRPORT

******

tuc CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR THE TENANCy'oF A SHOP IN THE TRANSIT AREA OF THE PASSENGER TtRMINAL, HONG KONG AIRPORT, FOR THE SALE OF ALL TYPES OF INSURANCE.

THE TENANCY WILL BE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS COMMENCING ON OR ABOUT JANUARY 1, 1978.

+HONG KONG AIRPORT AT PRESENT CATERS ABOUT 15,000 ARRIVING, DEPARTING AND TRANSIT PASSENGERS A DAY AND THERE SHOULD BE A CONSIDERABLE DEMAND FOR INSURANCE FACILITIES,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID.

THE TYPES OF INSURANCE POLICIES AVAILABLE FOR SALE SHOULD INCLUDE COVER FOR PERSONAL ACCIDENT, TRAVEL ACCIDENT AND GENERAL TRAVEL INSURANCE CONCERNING LOSS OF BAGGAGE AND MEDICAL BEN^FITo IN CASE OF SICKNESS, HE ADDED.

FORMS OF TENDER AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THC SECRETARY OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT OR THE AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER AT HONG KONG AIRPORT.

ALL TENDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY OF THE CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE MOON ON OCTOBER 14, 1977.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

EXHIBITION ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN MONGKOK *****

A TwO-DAY EXHIBITION ON GOVERNMENT SERVICES IN MONGKOK ..ILL EE HELD TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25), AT QUEE'; ELIZABETH SCHOOL, 152, SAI YEE STREET, MONGKOK.

THE EXHIBITION IS AIMED AT GIVING AN OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS IN THE DISTRICT TO GAIN A BETTER UNDERSTANDING ABOUT THE WORK OF THE PART ICI PAT I NG DEPARTMENTS.

THE WORK AND SERVICES OFFERED BY THE VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS WILL BE DEPICTED THROUGH CAPTIONED PHOTOGRAPHS.

THE OPENING HOURS OF THE EXHIBITION WILL BE FROM NOON TO 5 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SUNDAY.

MR. MICHAEL SZE, CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER (KOWLOON), MISS REGINA LAU, CITY DISTRICT OFFICER (MONGKOK) AND A REPRESENTATIVE OF HANG SENG BANK WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY TOMORROW.

THE EXHIBITION IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (MONGKOK) AND 13 OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND THE ARMED SERVICES IN THE DISTRICT.

NOTE TO EDITORS!

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE GOVERNMENT SERVICES EXHIBITION OPENING CEREMONY AT QUEEN ELIZABETH SCHOOL AT 10.45 A.M. TOMORROW.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 197

PWD HOLDS SWIMMING GALA ******

THE NINTH P.W.D. SWIMMING GALA WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25).

SOME 303 STAFF ARE TAKING PART IN THE SWIMMING GALA WHICH WILL EE OFFICIATED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. WILLIAM BELL.

MRS. BELL AND MISS LOLETTA CHU, MISS HONG KONG 1977, WILL CUT THE RIBBON AT THE OPENING CEREMONY.

THE PROGRAMME OF THE DAY CONSISTS OF 21 EVENTS, INCLUDING MEN’S AND WOMEN’S FREESTYLE, BREASTSTROKE, BACKSTROKE AND BUTTERFLY.

SPECIAL EVENTS HAVE ALSO BEEN ORGANISED FOR CHILDREN UNDER 16.

THE HIGHLIGHT OF THE DAY WILL EE THE MEM’S 4 X 50 METRES FREESTYLE INVITATION RELAY IN WHICH REPRESENTATIVES FROM 11 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL TAKE PART.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS WILL INCLUDE A DIVING DEMONSTRATION BY THE SEA DRAGON SKINDIVING CLUE AND A CANOEING DEMONSTRATION EY THE KAM CHING ASSOCIATION.

MISS LOLETTA CHU WILL PRESENT SOUVENIR PENNANTS TO GUEST PERFORMERS WHILE P.W.D. DEPARTMENT DIRECTORS WILL PRESENT TROPHIES AND PRIZES TO WINNERS.

MUSIC WILL EE PROVIDED EY THE BANDS OF NEW METHOD COLLEGE AND ST. BONAVENTURE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOUR REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OCCASION BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 6 P.M. AT THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL ON SUNDAY (SEPTEMBER 25). TRANSPORT WILL LEAVE QUEEN’S PIER AT NOOK. P.W.D. INFORMATION OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

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RTHK TO CELEBRATE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WITH HOT-AIR BALLOONS ******

RTHK IS MAKING TWO GIGANTIC HOT-AIR BALLOONS TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL WITH 120 CHILDREN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).

THE BALLOONS WILL BE SENT ALOFT AT 8 P.M. TOMORROW AT THE' WAN CHAI RECLAMATION PLAYGROUND ON HARBOUR ROAD, NEAR THE WAN CHAI PUBLIC PIER.

IT IS ANOTHER OUTDOOR EVENT IN THE +KIMMY WILL FIX IT+ SERIES OF THE RTHK PROGRAMME +YOUTH CALL+ , FOLLOWING THE

STAGING OF A WIRELESS MODEL CAR GRAND PRIX LAST MONTH.

THE TWO HOT-AIR BALLOONS, EACH MEASURING 16 FEET IN CIRCUMFERENCE AND 15 FEET HIGH, ARE ESPECIALLY BEING MADE FOR THE OCCASION AND WILL BE SEEN BY PEOPLE ALL OVER HONG KONG AND KOWLOON WHEN THEY ARE SENT ALOFT TOMORROW EVENING.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

RTHK WILL BE MAKING THE TWO GIGANTIC HOT-AIR BALLOONS AT

11 A.M. AT BROADCAST HOUSE, BROADCAST DRIVE, TOMORROW. THE BALLOONS WILL BE SENT ALOFT AT 8 P.M. AT THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION PLAYGROUND.

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENTS.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 1977

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NEW LORRY PARK FOR HO MAN TIN *****

A NEW LORRY PARK WILL BE OPENED IN GOOD SHEPHERD STREET, HO MAN TIN WITH EFFECT FROM 3 A.M. NEXT THURSDAY (SEPTEMBER 29) TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ONE AT CARMEL VILLAGE STREET NEARBY.

THE CARMEL VILLAGE STREET LORRY PARK WILL BE CANCELLED WITH EFFECT FROM 8 A.M. NEXT FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY (FRIDAY), A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE NEW LORRY PARK, KNOWN AS GOOD SHEPHERD STREET LORRY PARK, IS BOUNDED ON THE NORTH AND EAST BY GOOD SHEPHERD STREET AND ON THE SOUTH-WEST BY CHUNG HAU STREET. IT IS FOR THE USE OF UNLADEN GOODS VEHICLES.

MEANWHILE, ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE MURRAY BARRACKS CARPARK SITUATED TO THE EAST OF GARDEN ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED FROM 7 P.M. ON OCTOBER 8 TO 7.30 A.M. ON OCTOBER 10.

THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO MAKE THE SITE AVAILABLE TO THE ROTARACT CLUB OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY FOR HOLDING A FUN FAIR.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

LAND SALES FORECAST FOR NEXT SIX MONTHS ................... 1

NEW CREMATORIUM TO BE BUILT AT DIAMOND HILL ............... 2 182 FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN RECEIVE LONG SERVICE MEDALS . 3 TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS TO CONTINUE DURING TYPHOON ...... 4 SECTION OF CLEAR WATER 3AY ROAD TO BE WIDENED ............. 4 SCOUTS DAY AT VICTORIA PARK ............................... 5 MARINE DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS .......... 5 TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................................... 6 FIRING PRACTICE ........................................... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

- 1 -LAND SALES FORECAST * * * *

TWENTY-ONE LOTS OF CROWN LAND WITH A TOTAL AREA OF ABOUT 28,530 SQUARE METRES ARE TO BE PUT UP FOR AUCTION DURING THE NEXT SIX MONTHS BY THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.

ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, MR. D.H.A. MOORE, P.W.D.’S ACTING DIRECTOR OF LANDS AND SURVEY, SAID THE LOTS COMPRISED 11 RESIDENTIAL SITES, FIVE INDUSTRIAL SITES AND FIVE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.

HE SAID THAT THE RESIDENTIAL SITES COMPRISED A TOTAL AREA CF 7,371 SQ. METRES, AND WERE LOCATED AT PO KONG VILLAGE, SAI WAN HO STREET, SHANGHAI STREET, GRANVILLE ROAD, KAM SHING ROAD, PAK TIN AND TAI TAM VILLAGE.

+ IN ADDITION, A TOTAL OF 15,108 SQ. METRES OF NON-1NDUSTRI AL LAND WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE DURING THE SIX MONTHS,* HE SAID.

+THESE LOTS ARE ALL LOCATED AT TSIM SHA TSUI EAST AND THE AREAS VARY FROM ABOUT 1,550 SQ. METRES TO 4,000 SQ. METRES.

+THE FIVE INDUSTRIAL SITES TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE MEASURE A TOTAL OF 6,000 SQ. METRES.

+THEY WILL BE LOCATED AT CHAI WAN, SHEK PAI WAN ROAD AND TAI YIP STREET.*

IN ADDITION, HE SAID, THERE WOULD BE FOUR EXISTING FLATS OFFERED FOR SALE DURING THE SIX MONTHS.

MR. MOORE POINTED OUT THAT THE PROGRAMME WAS ONLY A PROVISIONAL ONE AND COULD EE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

SALES DATES FOR EACH LOT WOULD BE ANNOUNCED IN DUE COURSE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE AND ADVERTISED IN THE NEWSPAPERS, HE SAID.

DETAILED CONDITIONS OF SALE AND SALE PLANS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT THE TIME OF ADVERTISING FROM THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE AND AT THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE IN ICE HOUSE STREET.

PARTICULARS CF THE LAND SALES FORECAST TOGETHER WITH PLANS SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE LOTS TO BE OFFERED FOR SALE MAY BE SEEN AT THE P.W.D.’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, AND AT THE KOWLOON BRANCH OFFICE, 10TH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.

THEY MAY BE INSPECTED AT ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OFFICES AT NORTH KOWLOON MAGISTRACY, AND IN THE TRADE, INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT, CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.

COPIES OF THE SIX-MONTH FORECAST MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM ANY CF THE ABOVE MENTIONED OFFICES CR ON .vRITTEN REQUEST TO THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC .■;ORKS DEPARTMENT.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

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CREMATORIUM TO BE BUILT AT DIAMOND HILL

******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO LET A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR CONTRACT FOR A CREMATORIUM TO BE BUILT AT DIAMOND HILL TO PROVIDE MORE MODERN CREMATING FACILITIES FOR RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.

TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT, FINANCED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, HAVE BEEN INVITED BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE.

MR. S.C. KWAN, CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, SAID WORK ON THE CREMATORIUM WOULD BEGIN IN NOVEMBER AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 17 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

+THE NEW CREMATORIUM, OCCUPYING AN AREA OF ABOUT 2,800 SQUARE METRES, WILL CONSIST OF A CREMATORY FOR THE CREMATORS, TWO SERVICE HALLS, A COLUMBARIUM INITIALLY FOR 3,000 NICHES AND A SMALL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE,* HE SAID.

+T0 GIVE IT A MORE TRADITIONAL APPEAL, THE ROOF WILL EE OF THE CHINESE TYPE.*

MR. KWAN SAID THAT WHEN COMPLETED THE CREMATORIUM WOULD BE CAPABLE OF HANDLING 20 CREMATIONS A DAY COMPARED WITH THE PRESENT CAPACITY OF FOUR.

MEANWHILE, WORK ON THE TSUEN WAN CREMATORIUM IS WELL UNDERWAY AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN LATE 1978.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

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PRESENTATION OF FIRE BRIGADES LONG SERVICE MEDALS ******

A TOTAL OF 182 FIREMEN AND AMBULANCEMEN, SOME OF THEM ALREADY RETIRED, TODAY (SATURDAY) RECEIVED THE COLONIAL FIRE BRIGARES LONG SERVICE MEDALS AND CLASPS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. F.M. WATSON, AT TH* HARBOUR ROAD FIRE STATION.

AT THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY MR. WATSON TOLD THE RECIPIENTS THAT THEY KNEW ONLY TOO WELL JUST WHAT IT HAD TAKEN TO EARN THESE AWARDS.

+IT HAS MEANT LONG HOURS OF DUTY FOR MANY YEARS, LONG HOURS AWAY FROM FAMILIES AND OFTEN WORRYING ABOUT THEM IN TIMES OF CALAMITY, CONSTANT DEMANDS ON COURAGE, STRENGTH AND STAMINA DAY IN AND DAY OUT TO A DEGREE WHICH IS NOT MATCHED IN ANY OTHER OCCUPATION AND WHICH NO ONE OUTSIDE OF THE SERVICE CAN REALLY APPRECIATE,* HE SAID.

BUT HE POINTED OUT THAT +WE IN THE SERVICE DO NOT SEEK APPRECIATION OR THANKS AND WE DID NOT JOIN THE SERVICE FOR THAT REASON.*

+IT IS SUFFICIENTLY REWARDING AND SATISFYING TO BE ABLE TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY IN SUCH A VITAL WAY AND TO ENJOY THE ESPRIT DE CORPS AND COMRADESHIP WHICH CAN ONLY EXIST IN SUCH A FINE SERVICE AS OURS, WHERE FOR A LARGE PART OF OUR LIFE WE LIVE, WORK AND PLA> TOGETHER AND RELY SO MUCH ON EACH OTHER, SOMETIMES FOR OUR LIVES,* MR. WATSON ADDED.

AT TODAY’S PRESENTATION, 124 RECEIVED THE LONG SERVICE MEDALS IN RECOGNITION OF THEIR 18 YEARS OF SERVICE, 18 RECEIVED FIRST CLASPS TO THEIR MEDALS FOR THEIR 25 YEARS OF SERVICE AND 43 HAVING SERVED FOR OVER 33 YEARS RECEIVED THE SECOND CLASPS.

/4......

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

TREATMENT FOR ADDICTS TO CONTINUE DURING TYPHOON *****

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT FIVE CENTRES WOULD BE OPEN TO PEOPLE RECEIVING METHADONE TREATMENT IN THE EVENT OF TYPHOON OR TROPICAL STORM.

UNDER THE CONTINGENCY PLAN, FIVE CENTRES — ONE ON THE ISLAND, THREE IN KOWLOON AND ONE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES — WILL REMAIN OPEN IF THE NO. 8 OR ABOVE STORM WARNING SIGNAL IS HOISTED.

THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL CENTRE IN WAN CHAI FOR ALL THOSE WHO ARE RECEIVING THEIR DAILY DOSES AT THE VARIOUS CENTRES ON THE ISLAND, THE KWUN TONG HEALTH CENTRE AND ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE FOR THOSE IN EAST KOWLOON, THE YAU MA TEI JOCKEY CLUB POLYCLINIC FOR THOSE IN CENTRAL KOWLOON, AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN FOR THOSE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID ANYONE ON EITHER THE METHADONE MAINTENANCE OR THE DETOXIFICATION PROGRAMME COULD GO TO ONE OF THESE CENTRES IN HIS OWN REGION FOR HIS DOSAGE.

ALL OTHER METHADONE MAINTENANCE AND DETOXIFICATION CENTRES WOULD BE CLOSED ONCE THE NO. 8 OR ABOVE SIGNAL WAS UP, HE SAID.

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SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD TO BE WIDENED

******

THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR THE WIDENING OF 380 METRES OF THE SECTION OF CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD ADJOINING THE NGAU CHI WAN ESTATE TO AN OVERALL WIDTH OF ABOUT 16 METRES.

THE PROJECT ALSO INCLUDES THE IMPROVEMENT OF SOME OF THE EXISTING BENDS ALONG THE ROAD, RECONSTRUCTION OF FOOTPATH AND ANCILLARY DRAINAGE WORKS.

DR. NIP KAM-FUN, P.W.D.’S GOVERNMENT HIGHWAY ENGINEER (WORKS), SAID THAT IN ORDER TO COPE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME OF THE NGAU CHI WAN ESTATE, IT WAS NECESSARY TO HAVE THE DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO BE EXTENDED AND CONNECTED INTO THE ESTATE BEFORE ITS COMPLETION.

+WORK ON THE HOUSING ESTATE, WHICH IS CAPABLE OF HOUSING 51,000 PEOPLE, IS BEING CARRIED OUT IN FOUR STAGES. STAGE ONE IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN MARCH NEXT YEAR,+ HE SAID.

DR. NIP SAID THAT THE ROAD WORK WOULD START NEXT MONTH AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT NINE MONTHS TO COMPLETE.

o --------

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

SCOUTS DAY AT VICTORIA PARK * * * *

THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCOUTS DAY AT VICTORIA PARK ON HONG KONG ISLAND AT 1 P.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY).

THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL AND THE EASTERN DISTRICT SCOUT COUNCIL, AND IS AIMED AT PROMOTING SCOUTING ACTIVITIES AS WELL AS TO ENTERTAIN THOUSANDS OF SCHOOL PUPILS AND SCOUTS IN THE DISTRICT.

THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE A SCOUT PARADE, PERFORMANCES BY A SCOUT PIPE AND BRASS BAND, BAMBOO DANCE, SCOUT CRAFT DEMONSTRATIONS, OBSTACLE RACES AND GAMES IN SIX STALLS.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT AT VICTORIA PARK AT 1 P.M. TOMORROW.

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

MARINE DEPARTMENT HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS

******

THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE WAN CHAI

AND YAU MA TEI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL ON WEDNESDAY (SEPTEMBER 28) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.

THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES WILL ALSO BE OPEN FROM 7.30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.

ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED FOR THE DAY.

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1977

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

*****

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A SECTION OF HOSPITAL ROAD BETWEEN SIR ELLIS KADOORIE SCHOOL AND TUNG WAH FUNERAL PARLOUR ON HONG KONG ISLAND WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 1 A.M. TO 3 A.M. NEXT MONDAY, TO FACILITATE ROAD WORKS TO BE CARRIED OUT THERE.

IN KOWLOON, A SECTION OF CHOI HUNG ROAD BETWEEN TAI SHING STREET AND SHATIN PASS ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 1 A.M. TO 6 A.M. NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY TO ALLOW THE ERECTION OF OVERHEAD FOOTBRIDGE TRUSSES ON CHOI HUNG ROAD NEAR THE JUNCTION WITH TAI SHING STREET.

EASTBOUND TRAFFIC ALONG THIS SECTION OF THE ROAD WILL BE ROUTED VIA TAI SHING STREET, TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD AND SHATIN PASS ROAD, TO KWUN TONG.

WESTBOUND TRAFFIC WILL BE ROUTED VIA SHATIN PASS ROAD, AND TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD TO KOWLOON CITY. DURING THESE TWO DAYS BETWEEN 5.30 A.M. AND 6.00 A.M. THIS SECTION OF CHOI HUNG ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO KOWLOON MOTOR BUS COMPANY’S BUSES ONLY.

RIGHT TURN TRAFFIC FROM SHATIN PASS ROAD INTO CHOI HUNG ROAD WILL BE ROUTED VIA TUNG TAU TSUEN ROAD, AND LEFT TURN TRAFFIC FROM SHATIN PASS ROAD INTO CHOI HUNG ROAD WILL NOT BE AFFECTED.

APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.

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FIRING PRACTICE * * * *

FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 27) AND FRIDAY (SEPTEMBER 30).

THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE

THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE:

DATE HOURS

SEPTEMBER 27 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.

SEPTEMBER 30 (FRIDAY)

6 A.M. — 4.30 P.M.

- - o - -

PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

5>2,400 MILLION DEVELOPMENT OF THREE NT TOWNS ............ 1

SIR DENYS TO ACT AS GOVERNOR ............................. 2

THREE RECORDS SHATTERED IN P.W.D. SWIMMING GALA .......... 2

ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL HYGIENE ESSENTIAL IN PREVENTION OF CHOLERA .................................... 3

DRIVE AGAINST ILLEGAL SQUATTERS IN TAI PO ................ 5

EMPLOYMENT SURVEY IN INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS SECTORS .... 6

MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ................. 7

HIGH FIRE RISK IN COUNTRYSIDE ............................ 8

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

$2,400 MILLION TO BE SPENT ON THREE NT TOWNS

* * *

THE GOVERNMENT WILL SPEND NEARLY $2,400 MILLION DEVELOPING THE MARKET TOWNS OF TAI PO, FANLING AND SHEK WUI HUI OVER THE NEXT 10 YEARS, AN ASSISTANT TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. THOMAS TSO, SAID TODAY.

TAI PO IS GETTING THE BIGGEST SLICE OF THE DEVELOPMENT FUND - ABOUT $1,077 MILLION - WHILE $930 MILLION IS EARMARKED FOR SHEK WUI HUI AND $412 MILLION FOR FANLING, HE SAID.

MR. TSO WAS SPEAKING OF THE GENERAL DEVELOPMENT OF TAI PO DISTRICT ON THE SECOND EDITION OF RTHK’S NEWS MAGAZINE PROGRAMME +NEW TERRITORIES WEEKLY+.

HE SAID THAT UNDER THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE POPULATION OF TAI PO WOULD INCREASE ALMOST 10-FOLD, FROM THE PRESENT 28,000 TO 200,030, AND THAT OF FANLING FROM 50,000 TO 170,000.

+T0 ENSURE THAT THE AREAS ARE SUCCESSFULLY DEVELOPED, WE ARE CONCERNED THAT BOTH PRIVATE AND GOVERNMENT DEVELOPMENTS MOVE AT ABOUT THE SAME PACE,+ HE SAID.

THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR TAI PO - TA I YUEN ESTATE -IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION BY 1980. LAND FORMATION IS ALREADY COMPLETED AND PILING WORK IS ABOUT TO START, HE SAID.

FOR FANLING AND SHEUNG SHU I, MR. TSO SAID, IT IS PLANNED THAT THE FIRST PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WILL BE FINISHED BY 1981.

+AT THE SAME TIME, WE HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGING PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT IN TAI PO EITHER THROUGH AUCTIONS OR EXCHANGES OF LAND, AND MANY PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL BLOCKS HAVE BEEN COMPLETED,* HE SAID.

+0F COURSE, THERE ARE ALSO PLANS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR HOSPITALS, PLAYGROUNDS, COMMUNITY CENTRES AND OTHER RECREATIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES,* HE SAID.

MR. TSO SAID THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE RAPID DEVELOPMENT, IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE SMOOTH TRAFFIC BETWEEN URBAN KOWLOON AND TAI PO DISTRICT.

TO THIS END, HE SAID, THE GOVERNMENT HAS EMBARKED ON A MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENT SCHEME WHICH FEATURES A COASTAL ROAD BEING BUILT FROM SHA TIN TO TAI PO, WITH A DISTRIEUTORY ROAD LEADING FROM TAI PC TO FANLING.

ON THE TAI PO INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, MR. TSO SAID THE FIRST PHASE RECLAMATION WAS COMPLETED AND THE SECOND PHASE HAS JUST STARTED.

THE INDUSTRIAL ESTATE, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, IS EXPECTED TO CREATE JOBS FOR 8,330 TO 10,030 PEOPLE ON FULL DEVELOPMENT, HE SAID.

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/2......

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

SIR DENYS TO ACT AS GOVERNOR * * * *

SIR DENYS ROBERTS, CHIEF SECRETARY, RETURNED TO HONG KONG LAST (SATURDAY) NIGHT. FOLLOWING THE GOVERNOR’S DEPARTURE FOR TALKS IN LONDON THIS (SUNDAY) AFTERNOON, SIR DENYS WILL ASSUME DUTY AS ACTING GOVERNOR WITH EFFECT FROM TODAY.

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P.W.D. SWIMMING GALA A SUCCESS * * *

THREE RECORDS WERE BROKEN IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S NINTH SWIMMING GALA HELD AT THE ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL TODAY.

THEY WERE THE LADIES’ 25 METRES FREESTYLE, MEN’S 200 METRES BREASTSTROKE AND THE MEN’S 130 METRES BREASTSTROKE.

YEUNG WAI-KEUNG OF THE WATERWORKS OFFICE STOLE THE BY WINNING THE INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

SHOW

THE ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL OFFICE WON THE TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP BY SCORING 220 POINTS.

SOME 300 SWIMMERS TOOK PART IN OVER 20 EVENTS.

MR. WILLIAM BELL, ACTING DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS-•loS HONG KONG 1977, MISS LOLLETA CHU, AND DIRECTORS OF DEPARTMENTS OF THE P.W.D. PRESENTED TROPHIES TO WINNERS.

MRS. BELLVARIOUS

„ FOR THE FIRST TIME IN HER LIFE, MISS CHU FIRED A GUN [0 oTARI THc MEN’S 4 X 50 METRES DEPARTMENTAL FREESTYLE RELAY INVITATION RACE, WHICH WAS WON BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.

EARLIER, MRS. GALA BY PERFORMING

BELL AND MISS CHU JOINTLY OPENED THE SWIMMING AT A RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY.

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Z3 ...

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

PREVENTION AGAINST CHOLERA * * * *

THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED THAT IN THE PREVENTION OF CHOLERA IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO FOCUS ATTENTION ON ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS AND PERSONAL HYGIENE RATHER THAN TO DEPEND ON JUST THE INOCULATION.

OUTBREAKS OF CHOLERA HAVE RECENTLY BEEN REPORTED IN MANY COUNTRIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA AND IN THE MIDDLE EAST.

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT TODAY EXPLAINED THAT EXPERIENCE IN THE LAST TWO DECADES FROM THE CHOLERA INFECTED COUNTRIES IN SOUTHEAST ASIA SHOWED THAT THE USE OF CHOLERA VACCINE HAD NOT BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE ALTHOUGH THIS, TO AN EXTENT, AFFORDS SOME PERSONAL PROTECTION.

+EXPERIENCE HAS ALSO SHOWN THAT THE MOST RELIABLE AND EFFECTIVE MEASURES ARE TO ENSURE CLEANLINESS IN THE PREPARATION AND CONSUMPTION OF FOOD AND WATER, AND GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE,* HE SAID.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID GOOD PERSONAL HYGIENE MEANT THE WASHING OF HANDS BEFORE MEALS AND AFTER VISITS TO THE TOILET.

+THESE SIMPLE RULES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE ARE VERY ESSENTIAL BECAUSE THE CHOLERA VIBRIO, OR DISEASE GERM, CANNOT ENTER THE HUMAN BODY UNLESS IT IS SWALLOWED.*

FOOD AND DRINK COULD BE CONTAMINATED BY DIRTY HANDS, AND THE DISEASE COULD ALSO BE TRANSMITTED BY A FLY CARRYING THE GERM IF THE INSECT WERE PERMITTED TO SETTLE ON FOOD, HE SAID.

+FOR THIS REASON, THE PUBLIC MUST ENSURE THAT FOOD IS THOROUGHLY COOKED AND WATER BOILED BEFORE CONSUMPTION. THEY SHOULD NOT BE LEFT IN THE OPEN AND SO EXPOSED TO CONTAMINATION.*

THE SPOKESMAN SAID WITH THE OUTBREAKS OF CHOLERA IN MANY NEIGHBOURING COUNTRIES BOTH THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HAVE INTENSIFIED PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES AGAINST THE DISEASE.

FOR INSTANCE, AIRCRAFT AND VESSELS COMING FROM INFECTED AREAS ARE INSPECTED AND PASSENGERS PUT UNDER SURVEILLANCE AT THE DISCRETION OF THE PORT HEALTH OFFICERS. EATABLES ARRIVING FROM INFECTED TERRITORIES, SUCH AS FRUITS, ARE CAREFULLY SCRUTINIZED BY HEALTH INSPECTORS WHILE REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF FOOD STALLS AND RESTAURANTS ARE CARRIED OUT TO ENSURE A HIGH STANDARD OF FOOD HYGIENE.

IN ADDITION, THE TESTING OF NIGHTSOIL AND STOOL CULTURES, AND SAMPLES OF ALL CASES OF DIARRHOEA IS CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR SO THAT ANY SUSPECTED CASE OF CHOLERA WHICH COMES TO LIGHT WOULD BE IMMEDIATELY ISOLATED.

/the spckesma:;

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THERE IS SUFFICIENT STOCK CF ANTI-CHOLERA VACCINE FOR PEOPLE WHO WANT IT, AND ISOLATION FACILITIES ARE ADEQUATE TO DEAL WITH AN EMERGENCY SITUATION.

HOWEVER, HE EMPHASISED THAT ANTI-CHOLERA VACCINE EY ITSELF WOULD ONLY GIVE PARTIAL AND LIMITED PROTECTION INDIVIDUALLY AND INOCULATION AGAINST CHOLERA IS AN ADJUVANT MEASURE TO THE MUCH MORE IMPORTANT ENVIRONMENTAL AND PERSONAL HEALTH MEASURES WHICH ARE EFFECTIVE IN PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF THE DISEASE.

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।

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

CAMPAIGN AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES IN TAI PO

* * * K

THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICE HAS STEPPED UP ITS CAMPAIGN TO RID THE DISTRICT OF ILLEGAL STRUCTURES AND TO DETER FURTHER SQUATTERS.

THE OPERATION IS ALREADY HAVING THE DESIRED EFFECT, THE TAI PO ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MARTIN WHITE, SAID TODAY.

HE POINTED OUT THAT SINCE THE CAMPAIGN STARTED SIX MONTHS AGO, AROUND 300 ILLEGAL STRUCTURES HAD BEEN CLEARED — WITH ALMOST 20 PER CENT OF THEM BEING DEMOLISHED BY THEIR +OWNERS+.

+THE FACT THAT SO MANY MORE PEOPLE ARE NOW DEMOLISHING THEIR OWN STRUCTURES SHOWS THAT IT IS BECOMING BETTER UNDERSTOOD THAT ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WILL NOT BE TOLERATED IN TAI P0,+ HE SAID.

+ANOTHER ENCOURAGING POINT IS THAT THE NUMBER OF NEW ILLEGAL STRUCTURES BEING BUILT IS SLOWING DOWN IN APRIL* WHEN WE STARTED 106 NEW ILLEGAL STRUCTURES WENT UP AND ‘IN THE FOLLOWING MONTH THERE WERE 109.

+BUT IN THE MONTHS AFTER THAT THE FIGURES DIPPED SIGNIFICANTLY AND HAVE LEVELLED OFF TO ABOUT 60 A MONTH.*

MR. WHITE SAID THE STRUCTURES WHICH SO FAR HAD BEEN HARDEST-HIT WERE ILLEGAL INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PREMISES.

+PEOPLE HAVE QUITE ILLEGALLY ESTABLISHED INDUSTRIAL CONCERNS SUCH AS DYEING AND BLEACHING WORKS, TANNERIES, SHOPS AND FACTORIES OF ALL DESCRIPTIONS,* HE SAID.

+SOME OF THESE ARE QUITE SUBSTANTIAL STRUCTURES BUILT OF PRE-STRESSED CONCRETE THAT MUST HAVE COST TENS OF THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS.

+THEIR PRESENCE IS MOST UNFAIR ON LEGITIMATE BUSINESSMEN WHO HAVE GONE THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS AND HAVE ACQUIRED LAND AT MARKET PRICES.

+IN SOME CASES, THESE ILLEGAL STRUCTURES ALSO SPOIL THE ENVIRONMENT, WHICH IS ONE OF THE BAD SIDE EFFECTS THIS TYPE OF BUILDING HAS ON LOCAL PEOPLE.*

FURTHERMORE, MR. WHITE SAID, THE DISTRICT OFFICE WAS NOW EXTENDING ITS DRIVE TO ALL TYPES OF STRUCTURES, AND WAS PREPARING TO BACK UP ITS DRIVE WITH NOT ONLY DEMOLITIONS BUT ALSO PROSECUTIONS.

+WE INTEND TO GO TO COURT WHERE THERE HAS BEEN A FLAGRANT BREACH OF THE LAW AND WHERE PEOPLE HAVE CONTINUOUSLY IGNORED OUR WARNINGS ABOUT BUILDING ILLEGALLY,* HE SAID.

/♦WHILE WE......

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, '977

+WHILE WE ARE TAKING FIRM ACTION AGAINST ILLEGAL STRUCTURES, THE STAFF MAKE EVERY EFFORT TO ADVISE PEOPLE WHO ARE IN BREACH OF THE LAW TO CORRECT THE SITUATION.

+ THIS IS PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL SIDE OF THE CAMPAIGN AND WITH THE FALLING OFF IN THE NUMBER OF NEW STRUCTURES, IT IS CLEARLY HAVING SOME EFFECT.

+WE ARE ALSO PLANNING TO PRODUCE POSTERS AND LEAFLETS AS A FURTHER EDUCATIONAL AND PREVENTIVE MEASURE,* MR. WHITE ADDED.

MR. WHITE WARNED SQUATTERS WHO MIGHT EE TEMPTED TO MOVE TO THc ADJOINING YUEN LONG DISTRICT NOT TC DO SO.

+THOSE WHO HAVE TRIED THIS HAVE DISCOVERED THAT THE SAME FIRM. ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST THEM IN YUEN LONG,* HE ADDED.

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SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT IN INDUSTRY AND BUSINESS SECTORS

*******

THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT IS CONDUCTING A SURVEY OF EMPLOYMENT AND VACANCIES IN MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES, IMPORT/EXPCRT, WHOLESALE AND RETAIL TRADES, BANKING AND INSURANCE, AS WELL AS OTHER SELECTED TRADES AND SERVICES.

THE SURVEY REFERS TO THE EMPLOYMENT SITUATION IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 1977 AND IS DESIGNED TO REVEAL THE LATEST EMPLOYMENT LEVELS AND TRENDS IN PRINCIPAL SECTORS OF THE ECONOMY.

SURVEY CARDS HAVE BEEN MAILED TO SOME 50,000 ESTABLISHMENTS IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, WITH A COMPLETE COVERAGE OF THE LARGE CONCERNS AND A RANDOM SAMPLE OF THE SMALLER ONES.

ON RECEIPT OF SURVEY CARDS, MANAGEMENTS OF INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS ARE ASKED TO COMPLETE THEM WITH FIGURES ON PERSONS ENGAGED AND EXISTING VACANCIES AS AT THE DATE INDICATED ON THE CARDS, AND TO RETURN THEM PROMPTLY TO THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT USING THE POSTAGE-PAID REPLY ENVELOPE ATTACHED.

THE COMMISSIONER FOR CENSUS AND STATISTICS APPEALS TC MANAGEMENTS FOR THEIR ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY. HE EMPHASIZES THAT PROMPT RETURN OF SURVEY CARDS TO THE DEPARTMENT IS ESSENTIAL FOR EARLY RELEASE OF SURVEY RESULTS.

THE INFORMATION SUPPLIED BY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENTS WILL EE TREATED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE USED SOLELY FOR COMPILING STATISTICAL TABLES.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL * * * *

THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (SUNDAY) THAT SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED ON TUESDAY (SEPTEMBER 27) TO FACILITATE PEOPLE TO GO TO THE PEAK AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO CELEBRATE THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL.

ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE METERED PARKING SPACES IMMEDIATELY ADJACENT TO THE C.M.E. BUS STAND AT THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED BETWEEN 2 P.M. ON TUESDAY AND 8 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY.

ALL OTHER PARKING FACILITIES AT THE PEAK CAR PARK WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 6 P.M. ON TUESDAY TO 2 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY AND ONLY FRANCHISED PUBLIC OMNIBUSES, PEAK MAXICABS AND TAXIS WILL BE ALLOWED TO USE THESE SPACES.

ONLY RESIDENT’S VEHICLES WILL BE ALLOWED TO ENTER MOUNT AUSTIN ROAD BETWEEN 6 P.M. ON TUESDAY AND 2 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY.

ALL TRAFFIC PROCEEDING TO AND FROM THE PEAK AREA WILL EE DIVERTED FROM PEAK ROAD INTO THE UPPER PEAK TRAM TERMINUS CAR PARK AS AND WHEN REQUIRED EY POLICE OFFICERS. DIVERSIONS IN PEAK ROAD AND MAGAZINE GAP ROAD MAY ALSO BE IMPOSED AT ANY TIME, AS DIRECTED BY POLICE OFFICERS, WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

ALL MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT PARKING FACILITIES IN THE PEAK AREA WILL BE EXTREMELY LIMITED AND THEY ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED TO MAKE FULL USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT. TRAFFIC POLICE OFFICERS WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE AND TEMPORARY SIGNS WILL BE POSTED. MOTORISTS ARE WARNED THAT ILLEGALLY PARKED VEHICLES WILL BE TOWED BY THE POLICE WITHOUT PRIOR NOTICE.

IN THE NEW TERRITORIES PARKING WILL BE STRICTLY PROHIBITED IN THE PASSING BAYS OF THE BEACH AREA BETWEEN MILESTONE ID AND MILESTONE 12 ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD. MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED TO USE THE CAR PARK AT TING KAU FOR PARKING PURPOSES.

TRAFFIC IS EXPECTED TO BE HEAVY ALONG TAI PO ROAD AND MOTORISTS PROCEEDING TO OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ARE ADVISED TO USE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTES OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND ROUTE TWISK.

A SECTION OF SHING MUN ROAD FROM THE PINE APPLE DAM TO THE JUNCTION OF A SIDE ROAD LEADING TO LO WAI VILLAGE WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL VEHICULAR TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6 P.M. AND MID-NIGHT ON TUESDAY. THE CLOSURE MAY ALSO BE APPLICABLE ON THE FOLLOWING DAY IF THE TRAFFIC SITUATION SO REQUIRES.

IN ADDITION, MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT TSING Yl BRIDGE IS AN URBAN CLEARWAY FOR ALL VEHICLES AND NO STOPPING ON THE BRIDGE IS ALLOWED.

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J /8

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

LACK OF RAIN BRINGS HIGH FIRE RISK

* * * * *

LACK OF RAINFALL THIS YEAR MAY PORTEND MORE THAN THE PROSPECT OF CONTINUED WATER RESTRICTIONS FOR HONG KONG.

FIRE SERVICES AND FORESTRY PERSONNEL, NOW BUSY PREPARING TO COUNTER THE TRADITIONAL FIRE RISKS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE OVER THE WINTER MONTHS, ARE BRACING FOR EVEN MORE HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS AS A RESULT OF THE DROUGHT.

THERE HAVE ALREADY BEEN A NUMBER OF HILL FIRES REPORTED IN RECENT WEEKS, AND WITH THE WEATHER TURNING COOLER AND DRIER, THE INCIDENCE IS LIKELY TO CLIMB RAPIDLY.

THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, WORKING CLOSELY WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, IS PREPARING ITS CONTINGENCY PLAN TO PROVIDE FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES WITHIN PLANTATION AREAS.

THESE SERVICES WILL TAKE EFFECT WHEN THE FIRE SEASON OFFICIALLY COMMENCES AT THE START OF OCTOBER, AND WILL CONTINUE UNTIL APRIL NEXT YEAR.

ADDING TO THE INFLAMMABLE CONDITIONS CAUSED BY LACK OF RAINFALL IS THE HIGHER INCIDENCE OF CAMPERS, PICNICKERS AND OTHER VISITORS GOING TO THE COUNTRYSIDE IN LARGE NUMBERS.

THEIR CARELESSNESS CAN START FIRES WHICH DESTROY THOUSANDS OF TREES AND BLACKEN HUNDREDS OF ACRES OF PLEASANT COUNTRYSIDE.

IN ADDITION TO DEFACING THE LANDSCAPE, THESE FIRES EXPOSE MORE SOIL TO THE RISK OF EROSION, WHICH IS ALREADY A VERY SERIOUS PROBLEM. THE RESULTING DESTRUCTION IS SO COSTLY THAT THE COMMUNITY CANNOT AFFORD TO LET IT CONTINUE UNCHECKED.

A SPOKESMAN OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT TODAY APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC TO EXERCISE EXTRA CAUTION AGAINST FIRE DURING PICNICS AND EXCURSIONS.

HE POINTED OUT THAT IT IS NOW AN OFFENCE TO LIGHT OR USE A FIRE IN OR NEAR A FOREST, PLANTATION, PROHIBITED AREA OR AREA OF OPEN COUNTRYSIDE. IT IS ALSO AN OFFENCE TO EE IN A GROUP OF PEOPLE USING SUCH A FIRE, WHETHER OR NOT IT WAS LIT BY A MEMBER OF THAT GROUP.

HE SAID, DURING THE FIRE SEASON EVERY YEAR, A HANDFUL OF DEDICATED FOREST WATCHERS ARE POSTED AT VARIOUS POINTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO WATCH FOR THE OUTBREAK OF FIRE.

THESE MEN SPEND THE WINTER IN ’FIRE LOOKOUTS’ WHICH ARE LOCATED ON THE TOPS OF HILLS OVERLOOKING LARGE AREAS OF WOODLAND MANAGED BY THE DEPARTMENT. AT TIMES BRAVING ZERO-DEGREE TEMPERATURES, THEY FACE A SPARTAN LIFE.

/THERE kRE .....

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

THERE ARE SEVEN SUCH LOOKCUT CABINS NESTLED ON PEAKS AT LEAST 1,200 FEET HIGH. THEY ARE LOCATED AT GOLDEN HILL, TAI MO SHAN, PAT HEUNG, LAM TEI, TIN FU TSAI, TAI PO KAU AND SHAP LONG.

EACH OF THESE LOOKOUT CABINS IS EQUIPPED WITH A FIELD TELEPHONE LINKING TO A FOREST MANAGEMENT CENTRE, A WALKIE-TALKIE RADIC TRANSCEIVER, A PAIR OF BINOCULARS AND A MAP.

FOUR EXPERIENCED MEN ARE ASSIGNED TO EACH LOOKOUT POST TO CARRY OUT FIRE SPOTTING DUTIES. THEY WORK ON TWO SHIFTS OF 24 HOURS EACH.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID THESE WATCHERS AT THE LOOKOUT POSTS USUALLY HAD AT LEAST 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE IN PLANTATION PROTECTION WORK.

+THEY MUST ALSO KNOW ALL THE VARIOUS PARTS OF THE PLANTATION AREAS LIKE THE BACKS OF THEIR HANDS,* HE SAID.

a I TH THIS KNOWLEDGE, HE EMPHASISED, THE FOREST WATCHERS CAN IMMEDIATELY REPORTA FIRE AND PINPOINT ITS LOCATION WITHOUT HAVING TO RELY ON A MAP. THEREFORE, SPEED AND FAMILIARITY WITH THE LOCAL TOPOGRAPHY ARE OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE IN FIGHTING FOREST OR HILL FIRES.

THE SPOKESMAN SAID WHEN A FIRE WAS SPOTTED, IT WAS IMMEDIATELY REPORTED TO THE FOREST MANAGEMENT CENTRE WITH THE USE OF THE FIELD TELEPHONE.

ONCE THE FIELD ASSISTANT OF THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE RECEIVED THE MESSAGE, HE WOULD REPORT TO THE HEADQUARTERS FIRE CONTROL DUTY OFFICER BASED AT KOWLOON HILL FOREST OFFICE WHICH ACTS AS A FOREST FIRE CONTROL CENTRE. AND THE DUTY OFFICER THERE WILL AGAIN RELAY THE MESSAGE TO THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR INFORMATION.

+THIS IS WHAT WE CALL THE FIRST STRIKE OPERATION,* HE EXPLAINED, +AT THIS POINT, THE FIELD ASSISTANT WILL LEAD A 10—MAN CREW TO THE FIRE SCENE.*

THEiIe ARE 16 MANAGEMENT CENTRES AT WHICH FIRE CREWS ARE BASED. ALL CREWS ARE MOBILE AND ARE EQUIPPED WITH WALKIE-TALKIES, FIRE BEATERS AND HAND-OPERATED PUMPS. THE LARGER CREWS ARE ALSO EQUIPPED WITH MOTOR-DRIVEN HIGH PRESSURE PUMPS AND HOSES.

THE/MANAGEMENT CENTRE MUST REPORT EVERY HILL FIRE TO THE FIRE CONTROL HEADQUARTERS IN KOWLOON HILL FROM WHERE ALL FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS ARE CO-ORD I MATED.

+WHEN THE FIRE FIGHTERS CANNOT COPE WITH THE BLAZE AND REQUIRE REINFORCEMENT, THE REQUEST IS OFTEN MADE TO THE LOCKOUT FROM WHERE THE MESSAGE IS PASSED ON TO THE MANAGEMENT CENTRE,* THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT.

Air tee...

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 1977

+l- THE FIRE HAZARD IS UPGRADED TO THE SECOND STRIKE, WHEN REINFORCEMENT IS REQUIRED, THE HEADQUARTERS CALLS IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT. SOME 40 FIREMEN WILL RUSH TO THE FIRE SCENE AND AN ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER OF THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE POSTED TO FIRE CONTROL HEADQUARTERS AT KOWLOON HILLS FOREST OFFICE.

+HE WILL MAINTAIN CONTACT WITH F.S.D. FIRE CONTROL TOGETHER WITH AN OFFICER FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT (A.F.D.) TO FORM AN ’AFD/FSD’ LIAISON TEAM.+

A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED THAT ONCE THEY WERE CALLED IN TO FIGHT THE FIRE, THE TACTICAL RESERVE UNIT STATIONED AT THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD RUSH TO THE VICINITY TC ASSIST AND THE F.S.D. WOULD TAKE UP THE COMMAND OF FIRE FIGHTING OPERATIONS AT THE FIRE SCENE.

+ THE ASSISTANT DIVISIONAL OFFICER WILL SET UP HIS OWN. COMMAND UNIT AT KOWLOON HILLS FOREST OFFICE OR A STRATEGIC LOCATION TO COMMAND THE FIRE FIGHTING WHILE THE A.F.D. PERSONNEL WILL ASSIST AND ADVISE THE FIRE OPERATION,* HE ADDED.

IF THE HILL FIRE HAZARD IS +EXTREME+ AND MIGHT ENDANGER LIFE OR PROPERTY, THE OPERATION WILL EE UPGRADED TO A THIRD STRIKE. HELP WILL THEN EE PROVIDED FROM SUBSEQUENT MOBILIZATION OF ADDITIONAL RESOURCES, I.E. HM FORCES, THE VOLUNTEERS, RHKAAF AND C.A.S. PERSONNEL.

+SOMETIMES THE HELICOPTERS OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL BE CALLED OUT FCR WATER BOMBING,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED. +THIS INVOLVES UNLOADING LARGE VOLUMES OF WATER OVER THE FIRE AREA.*

IN ADDITION, SOME 60 CAS MEMBERS, TOGETHER WITH CADETS, WILL BE ON FULL ALERT DURING WEEKENDS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN PEAK FIRE SEASON. THESE ARE USUALLY STATIONED AT PAT HEUNG FIRE SERVICES TRAINING SCHOOL AND SAI KUNG FIRE STATION. THEY WILL BE UNDER THE DIRECTION OF F.S.D. WHO WILL ON HAND TO ASSIST WHEN NECESSARY.

THE SPOKESMAN OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT STRESSED THAT PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE, SO THAT MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL IS THE CO-OPERATION OF THE PUBLIC.

HE SAID, PRACTICALLY ALL THESE FIRES WERE CAUSED BY THE CARELESSNESS OF PEOPLE - THROWING AWAY LIGHTED CIGARETTE ENDS, LIGHTING BON-FIRES OR PICNIC FIRES ON WINDY DAYS OR CLOSE TC DRY LEAVES AND GRASS, LEAVING JOSS PAPER OR STICKS BURNING UNATTENDED AT HILLSIDE GRAVES.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

IiONDaY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NG,

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF ELECTRONIC SURVEILLANCE SYSTEM FOR HARBOUR ... 1

RTHK DIRECTOR TO TAKE UP NEW POST WITH BBC ........................... 3

PROVISIONAL TRaDE FIGURES FOR hUGUST ................................. 4

STAMPS FEATURING ORCHIDS AND FIRST DAY COVERS FOR SALE SOON .......... 6

PUPILS URGED TO TaKE ART SERIOUSLY ................................... 8

REGISTRATION TEAi i TO OPERATE IN HA TSUEN ........................... 9

IiaIL CN AGROUND SHIP WILL BE TRANSFERRED ........................... 10

DISABLED TO C.CT.EAhaTE mID-AUTUHN FESTIVAL ......................... 10

TONG SHUT ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT .................................. 11

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

Monday, September 26, 197?

FEASIBILITY STUDY OF 3L3CTRC IC SU7.V3ILLANCL

3YSTJM FOR HARBOUR

******

r A-feasibil.it; into the use of electronic surveillance system

for ong ong Port will soo: be carried out by consultants, a Marine Department .•Spokes, lan announced today. ... •

A Canadian firm of consultants, Adga Systems International Ltd. of Ottawa, has arrived in Hong Kong last week to begin work.

The study, which is expected to take six months to complete at a cost 6:0 over >600,000,* will include :

....... * a survey of a possible electronic surveillance system in the approaches to and within, the port of Hong Kong;

* advice on the possible benefits to be derived from the introduction of an electronic surveillance system;

* ■ -advice*on'the estimated cost of installing and the annual recurrent costs associated with such a system; and

* assessment of the desirability or otherwise of phasing out some or all of the existing Marine Department signal stations in the event that an electronic surveillance system is established.

Commenting on the appointment of consultants for the study, which was approved by the Government last year, a Marine Department spokesman said the Department considered that a safe and efficient flow of traffic within Hong Kong waters demanded an effective surveillance system beyond the limitations of ezi ting visual sightings and radio communications.

/?’The Port........

Monday, September 26, 1977

- 2 -

i-.u port of Jonu. Kong,” >•? said, *is one of the busiest in the rrlf 1th traffic in or' g-j. -t*acily < > ch year.”

It id th; r -risibility of the - ?rine Department to co-ordinate fii; " ' y movernts •. :■ Kony -.at.?rs so that vessels can ent-*r the port,

wcr’. fc’icir cargoes, • nf liar , as rnicrl} and. as safely as possible. To achiiv? this it is necessary to keep under surveillance the position and .move: '.at of all ships under different conditions, 1 he added.

The spokesman pointed out that the equipment currently available from =nufacturers which specialise in harbour traffic control systems corlisted of principally rf.dar, ■ television, VHF radio location, or a combination of 11 three.

A primary radar system cannot identify a vessel which it has located whil^ a television system cannot locate with accuracy a vessel which it lias identified, a VHF r\dio loc: tionjsystem can loc--te .nd identify only those vessels xit^cd with operational VHF equipment, the spokesman explained.

•A combination of .11 f ree' principal systems may prove to be neces... • ' for Kpng Kon . condi-ions,*' he said.

rorts overs, -s * ic * . v: mstalleci some form of electronic suzv ill-;.. ice- system i.-lv. ? c. ur_, ;otterdav., Liverpool, London, Southampton, io;i - r. ncisco anc Wen for’-.

i’otc- to Editors :

A contract for th* feasibility study into the use of electronic surveillance system for l’onc - ong port will be signed tomorrow (Tuesday) at 3*50 bjt.7?er the i’larine Department and the consult nt firm, Adga Systems Inter-n; .ticnal Ltd.

You are cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover t .j signing ceremony which will take place in the director oi marine s :rfice, first floor, Karine Department.

0 -

Monday, September 26, 1977

I-ZW POSTING FOR RTHK DIRECTOR ♦ ♦ ♦ * *

“ The Director of Broadcasting, Mr. Janes Hawthorne, /ill leave Hong Kong towards the end of the year to take up a senior post within the BBC as Controller, Northern Ireland.

Mr. Hawthorne first joined the Hong Rong Government in May 1970 on secondment from the BBC as Controller (Television), and became Director of Broadcasting in November 1972.

A Government spokesman said today Mr. Hawthorne had been a prime force in the development of the Government’s radio and television services and would be greatly missed.

”he was particularly effective in building up the government’s television service from scratch, and its success is clearly evident in the popularity of such series as ’Viewpoint and Angles’ and ’Below the Lion Rock’ which has won many.awards and is firmly established as one of Hong Kong’s most popular programmes,” the spokesman said.

”nr. Hawthorne played a major role in merging Educational Television (ETV) with Radio Television Hong Kong to ennble the best use to be made of the creative talent and production resources of the two units.

”He was also prominent in the Asian-Pacific Brocde sting Union in its negotiations over the shared use of international broadcast facilities,” the spokesman added.

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* ionday, September 26, 1977

PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR AUGUST

.J?• ♦ ♦ ♦ -5

• •• * .».■.•••• W-;. . z7.

The value of domestic exports for last month was >5j316 million, imports were worth $51759 million and re-exports s?84l million, according to the Census and Statistics Department’s provisional figures for Hong Kong’s external merchandise trade during August.

The figures for the period June to August 1977 (latest three months) published today showed increases by value, compared with the same period in .1976 of 9.7 per cent for domestic exports, 10.5 per cent for imports and 15.6 per cent for re-exports.

Compared with the same month in 1976, increases by value of $552 millipn or 11.9 per cent in exports, $250 million or 7*1 per cent in imports and $157 million or 25 per cent in re-exports were recorded.

The short-term changes, August 1977 compared with July 1977। showed

-de crease of .$80.million or„.2tVper cent for domestic exports and $480 million or 11.5 per cent for’ imports and an increase of $26 million or 3.2 per cent{for re-exports. Exports, however, remained at a relatively high level compared with the trend in the first half of the year.

The figures for the 12-month period from September 197$ August 1977 compared with those of the previous 12-month period showed increases

by value of 15.7 per cent for domestic exports, 15-2 per cent for imports and 15.8 per cent for re-exports.

The following tables give the comparative figures:-

f • Latest 5 Months June-August 1977 June-August 1976 Increase or Deerease

•5 . . $ mn. $ mn. $ mn. %

Domestic Exports 9,643 8,791 + 851 + 9.7

Imports 11.989 10,866 +1,124 + 10.3

Re-expor.ta .., 2,462 2,168 + 294 + 13.6

/Same Month ..•••

iionday, September 26, 1977

Same lionth Last Year August 1977 August 1976 Increase or Decrease

ft mn. ft mn. & mn.

Domestic Exports 3,316 2,964 + 552 + 11.v

Co of total exports) (79.8%) (81.3%)

Imports 3,759 3,509 + 250 + 7»1

Re-exports 841 683 + 157 + 23. C

(% of total exports) (20.2%) (18.7%)

■ ' *•' i August July Increase or

Last honth 1977 1977 Decrease

T & mn. ft mn. ft mn. %>

Domestic Exports 3,316 3,396 + 80 - 2.4

C/J of total exports) (79.8%) (80.6%)

Imports 3,759 4,239 - 48e - 11.3

Re-exports 841 815 + 26 + 3-2

(# of total exports) • • 4 (20.2%) (19.4%)

Jan.-August Jan.-August Increase or

Calendar Year To-date 1977 1976 Decrease

ft mn. ft mn. ft mn. %

Domestic Exports 22,488 20,761 +1,727 + 8.3

('% of total exports) . (78.2%) (78.5%)

Imports 31,437 27,820 +3,618 +13.0

Re-exports 6,266 5,690 + 576 +10.1

(# of total exports) (21.8%) (21.5%)

September 1976 to September 1975 to Increase or

Last 12 bion ths August 1977 August 1976 Decrease

ft mn. ft mn. ft mn. %

Domestic Exports 34,356 29,690 +4,667 + 15.7

^Imports 46,910 4°,734 ... +6,176 + 15.2

Re-exports ' 9,503 8,210 +1,294 + 15.8

Monday, September 26, 1977

SALE OF SPECIAL STAMPS AND FIRST DAY COVERS . i .

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Post Office announced today that three special stamps featuring . • J- . i / c

Hong Kong orchids will be issued next month.

.J-:- ■ • . .• ...

The three stamps in 20 cents, #1.30 and $2 denominations will be placed on sale at all post offices on O^ober 12.

.>•£ •• ■ 4Y£-/.,»d '-.s •* . H ? *

The series of new stamps shows three species of orchids — Buttercup, r: • ;’.r" • v.

Lady’s Slipper and Susan — which can be found growing in Hong Kong. • •. ' • Jr

Special first day covers at 20 cents each will be placed on sale at all post offices from tomorrow (Tuesday), and the public should obtain their requirements early to avoid disappointment.

Advance orders for servicing of first day covers will be accepted ... . ..'z. , *, :

at the General Post Office, Connaught Place; Kowloon Central Post Office, Nathan Hoad; and Tsira Sb?. Tsui Post Office, Salisbury Hoad.

For this service, addressed first day covers must be handed in with an order form and a remittance to cover the cost.

The charge will be 83.70 per cover which includes the cost of three stamps together \dth a service fee of 20 cents. The covers must be fully addressed by the applicant, and not less than 10 covers in each order will be accepted.

The ordei' forms will be available at the General Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office tomorrow.

Covers addressed to a local destination may be collected on

October 13 from the post office where the order was placed. Covers addressed overseas will be sunt as ordinary surfao mail, unless sufficient stamps are affixed to cover airmail and/or registration charges. The latest acceptance date for advance orders of serviced cover? will be 5 p.m. on October 8.

/A service .....

Monday, September 26, 1977

A service will be provided on October 12 at all post offices whereby first day covers will be accepted over the counter, impressed with the normal post office date chop and handad back to the person presenting them. No time type will appear in the postmark. The special conditions for this service are :

* Only articles bearing an indication that they are ’’First Day Covers” will be so treated;

* The articles must be addressed to a local address;

•fu t? - ■ . ” '

* The articles must not bear any other cancellations; and

* No registered items will be processed by this method.

Special posting boxes will also be available at the General Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office on ■ 1 .■■■' ■ ■ ■ ■ t :

October 12 for those who wish to have first day covers carefully hand-postmarked before despatch to the address on the covers.

new stamps will be on display on the first floor public counter of the General Post Office Building, Connaught Place, from 9.^0 a.m. to ^.JO p.m., on October 4*

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/8......

•7\ »■ t - , Monday, September 26, 1977

- 8 -

PUPILS URGED TO TAKE ART SERIOUSLY ******

The Assistant Director of Education (Chief Inspector of Schools), Mr. Arthur Brown this afternoon urged more pupils to take art seriously and also take it as an examination subject.

Speaking at the opening of the Joint School Art Society’s Art

• ■ ’ • • • . ; • '■ r .L

Exhibition at Ming Yin College in Tai Haag-Tung, KowJoon, Mr. Brown said that by doing this pupils would take some of the pressure off examinations because of the pleasure this subject could give them.

’ ' J I.V . • • 1 .

"We want to persuade more and more schools to take art as a serious subject in the c'urriculum right up to form five and beyond," he added.

The Assistant Director pointed out that art was not just a selfish

* * • ' — • • L . * i. • j o. Xs •

activity designed to help oneself.

■ J’* • - • •

"It is also extremely useful and gives great pleasure to other

people. Furthermore it develops a sense of design which you will be able to make use of all your life.

"I think it also helps to make you more aware of your surroundings and much more observant of what goes on around you. So we definitely regard art and design as an essential part of the school curriculum."

"The effect of modern art and design," he said, "can be seen all around us, even in our homes. Nowadays good designs surround us, and most new products have been created to give pleasure in their appearances as well as being functional."

Mr. Brown congratuated the pupils for putting together the exhibition on their own initiative. "I think this is a very fine thing. It is an excellent omen for the future of Hong Kong," he said.

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Monday, September 26, 1977

- 9 -

REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE AT HA TSUEN RURAL COMMITTEE

******

The Registration of Persons Office announced today that registrations will be conducted at Ha Tsuen Rural Committee for residents and persons living nearby for five days from next Monday (October 3)»

Registrations will be conducted between 9»J0 a.m. and 4.50 p.m.

daily. *

• r The visit is to enable parents or guardians to register their children or wards between 11 and 17 years of age for juvenile•identity cards and holders of juvenile identity cards to register for adult identity cards on reaching 18 years of age.

All persons living in this area are reminded of their responsibility to register themselves and their children for identity cards and to report changes of employment or residential addresses, marital status, or any other particulars which have changed since registering for their identity cards.

• ■ ' . ■ ■ .•

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* A • • •

/10......

Monday, September 26, 1977

TRANSFER OF MAIL FROM ADRIAN MAERSK

Efforts are being made by the Post Office to off-load letters and parcels on board the cargo vessel ’’Adrian Maersk" which ran aground north of Lamma Island last Monday, a spokesman for the Post Office announced today. . The mail, posted between September 9 and 15, was destined for the - " -I' * • ' ' i ■

U.S.A, and certain countries in Central and South America.

The spokesman said it would be transferred to another vessel in the • ■

next few-days.

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

MOONCAKE PARTY FOR THE DISABLED

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

About 150 trainees from the World Rehabilitation Fund Day Centre will celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival at a ’Mooncake Party’ specially organised for them by the Hong Kong Life Guard Club.

The Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Thomas Lee, will present the children with mooncakes, festival toys and lanterns at th- party which will take place at the Club’s premises at Repulse Bay tomorrow (Tuesday).

Mr. Lee will be met on arrival by Mr. Chan Kang-fout, Chairman of the ’Mooncake Party’ Organising Committee, Mr. Wu Po-ling, Vice-Chairman of the Water Safety C mpaign and Mr. Kwok Hon-ming, Director of the Hong Kong Life Guard Club.

A 30-minute variety show, including a lion dance, will be staged by the Auxiliary Medical Service.

Note to Editors :

You are invited to send a representative to cover the ’Mooncake Party*

for the disabled trainees in the Hong Kong Life Guard Club at Repulse Bay at

2.50 p.m. tomorrow (Tuesday).

- - 0 - -

Monday, September 26, 1977

NORTH POINT TRAFFIC ARRiNGEMLhiT *****

The Transport Department announced today that vehicles would.be permitted to turn left from Tong Shui Road into Jaya Road eastbound with effect from 10 a.m*. on Wednesday, (September 28), following the completion of road works in the section of Java Road between Tong Shui Road and Kam Hong Street.

Appropriate traffic signs will be set up to guide motorists.

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PRH 7

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1977

CONTENTS

PAGE NO.

OVER $260 MILLION /ORTH OF BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN AUGUST ....... 1

TENDERS FOR LAND FORMATION WORKS IN TUSN MUN INVITED............ 2

WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE................... 3

PUBLIC CAR OWNERS INFORMED OF TAXI CONVERSION SCHEME ..........

CLOTHING INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY TO BE HELD NEXT MONTH ........ 4

DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED ........................................ 5

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT ....... 5

PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY FOR RECORDED PLAYS IN CHINESE COMPETITION 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

Tuesday, September 27, 1977

OVER $260 MILLION WORTH OF BUILDINGS COMPLETED IN AUGUST

The total declared cost of new buildings completed in August amounted to $260.59 million, according to figures issued today by the “ Buildings Ordinance Office of the Public Works Department.

This compares with $112.42 million in the-same month last year.

The total usable floor area of the new buildings completed last month amounted to 281,976.8 square metres, comprising 169{44?.9 square metres’of nom-domestio floor area and 111,628.9 square metres of /domestic floor area. : i: ; *

Plans for a-4.1-storey commercial building in Great-.-George Street, a petrol filling station at Chai Wan, a church and youth-centre at Yuen Long, • a student hostel at the Chinese University- and the Cho Yiu Chuon Estate Centre Were amdung71 building plans approved last month by the-Buildings Ordinance Office.

Of these plans approved, 25 were for projects- on Hong Kong Island, 15 for Kowloon and 31 for the New Territories.

During the mohth, the Buildings Ordinance Office gave’consent for work to start c-n 40 new building projects, including a power station at- the junction of Argyle Street and Shamchun Street, a telephone exchange aitPTsing- Yi Island and a stnool extension at Yuen Long.

Forty-nine completed buildings were certified for occupation last month. They included a school of nine storeys at the junction of. Tin Hau Temple Road- and Cloud View Road and a petrol service station at Pokfulam Road. -

The Buildings Ordinance Office also consented to the demolition of 4p buildings. . a

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

/?.

2 -

Tuesday, September 271 1977

PWD TO INVITE TENDERS FOR LAND FORMATION ******

The Public Jorks Department will invite tenders later this week for the formation of more than 28 hectares of land in Tuen Mun New Town.

The works, which form .part of the Tuen Mun Tow stage two development, involve excavating 1.2 million cubic metres of material from an area to the west of the junction of Pui To Road and Pillar Point Road to fill the low-lying areas to the-north of the town.

Mr. Nicky Chan,’P.W.D.’s Project Manager (Tuen Mun), said the land obtained after site formation near the junction of Pui To Road and Pillar Point Road would include about eight hectares for a public housing estate capable of accommodating 20,000 people.

"Of the 21 hectares of land formed in the low-lying areas to the north of Tuen Mun,about 12 hectares will be available for the construction of a new hospital and nine hectares for other government, institutional and community facilities and private residential development.

Other works associated with the project include the construction of three multiple cell stormwater box culverts,- two rectangular channels for surface-water drainage and access roads.

To prevent flooding of the low-lying Lam Tei and Fu Tei areas, Mr. Chan said about 1,600 metres of the river channels would be constructed.

He added that to maintain access across these river channels, four reinforced concrete single span footbridges and one reinforced concrete single span roadbridge would be built to replace the existing bridges.

Work on this project is scheduled to begin in November and will take about 18 months to complete.

-------C---------

/3......

Tuesday, September 27, 1977

- 3 -

Mote To Editors:

WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE

t- ... . ? ^ * * * »

A mammoth community walk to raise funds in aid of the Silver Jubilee Appeal Fund will be held in the New Territories in November.

The "Walk For Sport" is part of a New Territories-wide drive to raise money as the N.T. people’s contribution towards the Appeal Fund which will be used to help finance the Jubilee Sports Centre to be built in Sha Tin.

A press conference, at which details of the walk will be announced, will be held on Thursday (September 29) at 2.45 p.m. in the G.I.S. Theatre on the fifth floor of Beaconsfield House.

You are cordially invited to send your representatives to attend.

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

PUBLIC CAR OWNERS INFORMED OF TAXI CONVERSION SCHEME

*****

A spokesman for the Transport Department announced today (Tuesday) that all registered owners of public cars have been informed in writing of the details of the scheme for converting public cars into urban taxis or private cars with a hire car permit.

The spokesman advised that any registered owners of public cars who have not received the letter yet should call at the Public Vehicle Section of the Transport Department in Murray Road Multi-storey Carpark with their identity cards or certificates of incorporation (in case of limited companies) to obtain a copy of the letter for reference.

The conversion scheme will commence on November 1.

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A.......

Tuesday, September 27, 1977

- 4 -CLOTHING INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY * * * * 4 *

A manpower survey of Hong Kong’s clothing industry will be conducted from October 10 to 31 to collect up-to-date information on training requirements of the industry.

The survey is the fourth in the series to be conducted by the Clothing Industry Training Board of the-' Hong Kong Training Council, with the assistance of the Labour Department and the Census and Statistics Department.

Questionnaires and explanatory letters have been sent to all selected clothing mills. , .

Officers of the Census and Statistics Department will call at each of these mills during the survey period to help complete and to collect the questionnaires.

The information which employers are requested to supply includes the number of workers at present employed or under training, the number of existing vacancies and a forecast of additional workers required in the next 12 months.

Mr. Francis Tien, Chairman of the Clothing Industry Training Board, stressed : ’’The information collected will be handled in strict confidence and will be published only in the form of statistical summaries without reference to any individual mill.

”As the information to be collected from this survey is of vital importance for formulating meaningful training plans for the benefit of the industry, co-operation of those covered in the survey is sincerely solicited.” --------------------------------------0---------

/5......

Tuesday, September 27, 1977

- 5 -

CC MUTATION OF DEATH SENTENCE

*****

The Governor, after taking into consideration the advice of the Executive Council, has decided that the death sentence passed on Ho So-kuen on December 17, 1976, should be commuted to life imprisonment.

Ho was found guilty of the murder of Wong Fat-nip.

------0--------- t

PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION IN CENTRAL AND WESTERN DISTRICT

*****

J- -*,. -• A photographic competition is being jointly organised by the City District Office (Central and Western), Mid-levels (Western) Area Committee and the Asaki-Photographic Supplies.

The theme of tjie competition is ’’Modern and Historical Features • •

of Central and Western District” and the objective is to promote interest in photography among the residents of Central and Western district.

Entries of black and white or coloured prints of sizes ranging from 8" X 10” to 16” X 20”, should reach the following offices not later than October 22:

* City District Office (Central and Western), 205a, Dee Voevx Koid West;

* CDO Enquiry Sub-office, G/F Central Government Offices (West Wing); and

* Pentax Camera Club, 27, Ashley Road, Chiap Lee Building, Kowloon#

There will be 13 prizes including valuable cameras and watches to be given away in addition to cash awards ranging from 4’100 to

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/6.....

Tuesday, September 27, 1977

- 6 -

PRIZE-GIVING TC WINNERS OF RECORDED PLAYS IN CHINESE COMPETITION ♦ ♦ ♦ * ♦

A prize-giving ceremony for the inter-school competition on recorded plays in Chinese for intermediate classes in primary schools will take place on Thursday (September 29) afternoon at the Chinese Language Teaching Centre, Ma Tau Kok Government Offices,

The competition, organized by the Chinese Language Teaching Centre, is aimed at encouraging schools to place greater emphasis on speech training and extra-curricular activities in connection with Chinese language teaching.

About 100 people, including school heads and pupils of the participating schools, are expected to attend the ceremony during which the Deputy Director of Education (Professional), Mr. Ho Nga-ming will distribute the prizes.

The scripts of the plays were limited to stories and materials based on texts for Chinese language ,in Primary 5 and so as to stimulate more interest among school children in learning the language.

According to the Senior Inspector of the Chinese Language Teaching Centre, the standard of all the entries for this competition was very high.

All recorded tapes submitted by participating schools are now kept in the centre for the reference of all primary school teachers. Schools wishing to have the- tapes dubbed are advised to apply direct to the centre.

Note to Editors :

You are invited to send representatives to cover the prize-giving ceremony of inter-school competition on recorded plays in Chinese on Thursday (September 29) at 2,30 p.m. at the Chinese Language Teaching Centre, Ma Tau Kok Government Offices, second floor, No. 1 Ma Tau Kok Dead.

0 - -

PRH

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

WEDNESDAY, SEPTE.1BER 28, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE K

FIRST GIRLS TO QUALIFY FOR POST OFFICE RADIO OFFICER CERTIFICATE ..................................................

LANDS TRIBUNAL MOVES TO NEW OFFICE ............................... 3

TRAFFIC ARRANGEHFNTS IN TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG ................. A

Hi; MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS FOR JULY ON SALE ................ 5

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN ON TSING YI ISLAND ....................... 6

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191

Wednesday, September 28, 1977

FIRST GIRLS TO '^UALIFI FOR POST OFFICE Radio officer certificate * ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Two Hong Kong Polytechnic students have become the first girls in Hong Kong to qualify for the Post Office radio officer certificate.

hiss Juana Fung, 22, cdid bliss Patsy Liu, 21, have recently passed with flying colours this year’s examination of the Maritime Radiocommunication General Certificate held by the Post Office.

”It is simply a matter of interest that I took up this course in nautical studies. I haven’t considered the possible inconveniences I may f ce in future as a girl radio officer,” Miss Liu said.

Unlike Miss Liu, Miss Fung said she would like to experience the life of a seafarer despite her seaman father’s stories of tempest, and tragedies.

But, they do not intend to sign up on any vessel as yet.

Both of them plan to stay in the Polytechnic for further study in marine electronics, concentrating on electronic navigation aids vnd automation technology.

Mr. Chan Kvzck-chueu, Post Office Telecommunication Controller (Examinations), explained that with the fast advancement of nautical science, electronics plays an increasingly important role in navigation. Apart from the radio direction finder and echo-sounder equipment, radar installation is now becoming an internationally mandatory reqv-irenent. Many new ships are now fitted with computer aided anti-collision radar systems. The objective is a betterment in radio communication and promotion of safety of life at sea.

/“A competent .....

Wednesday, September 28, 1977

”A competent radio officer opart from knowing the routine of sending or receiving radio signals, should also be able to handle efficiently the radio traffic concerning safety of life at sea and be able to maintain the equipment in good working order and to carry out repairs within a short time mder stress'. Radio officers re gradually becoming radio and electronic officers on ships,” he said.

For this reason, he said, the students were required in the examination to locate faults in six pieces of radio equipment within 20 minutes each.

”In training radio officers to the necessary high standard, a sophisticated, well designed study programme, which includes new technology, is required,” he said.

He pointed out that the Hong Kong Polytechnic is the only institute in Hong Kong providing a radio officer’s course approved by the Postmaster General. It is also one of only three overseas institutes providing 'a radar maintenance course approved by the Department of Trade in the upited .Kingdom. The other tv.o are in Ireland and Mew Zealand.

•’All these subjects are covered in parts I and II of the examination which is identical to that in Britain,” he added.

The Maritime Radiocommunication General Certificate issued by the Post Office is recognised in the Commonwealth and in accordance with the International Telecommunication Union requirements. Many Hong Kong radio officers are working on foreign ships.

”But seldom a radio officer works on a ship for life. He usually works for several years to save some money for further studies or development in other shore-based careers,” Mr. Chan explained.

kiss Fung, who pirns to work in order to study for a degree in future, has confirmed this observation.

hiss Liu said, however, she prefers to take things in strides because ”the future is too difficult to foresee.”

Wednesday, September 23, 1977

- 3 -

NEW OFFICE FOR LANDS TRIBUNAL

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

The Lands Tribunal will move its present office at 64-66 Wellington Street to 15, Middle Road, Mezzanine Floor, Kowloon., tomorrow (Thursday). Its new telephone number is 3-684174.

The following matters for the attention of the Registrar- of the Lands Tribunal should be forwarded to the new address as- from tomorrow :

♦ All interlocutory applications made under the provisions of the Lands Tribunal Rules;

* All references either by a claimant or by the Crown under the provisions of Mass Transit Railway (land Resumption and Related Provisions) Ordinance, Cap. 276, Public Reclamations and Works Ordinance, Cap. 113, Crown Lands Resumption Ordinance, Cap. 124, Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance, Cap. 127, Streets (Alteration) Ordinance, Cap. 130, and Hong Kong Airport (Control of Obstruction) Ordinance, Cap. 301; and

* All appeals under the provision of the Rating Ordinance, Cap. 116, and the Demolished Buildings (Redevelopment of Sites) Ordinance, Cap. 337

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/4......

Wednesday, September 28, 1977 - 4 -

EXTENSION OF CliEARV-AY AND INTRODUCTION

OF PIS RESTRICTED ZONES

******

The Transport Department is to extend an urban clearway in Tsuen Wan and introduce several PLB restricted zones in Kwai Chung with effect from 10-a.m. on Saturday (October 1) to improve the traffic flow in these two areas.

In Tsuen 'Van, the existing clearway on Tai Wo Hau Road from its junction with Texaco Road to a point about 590 feet to the east will be extended further east up to a point about 700 feet from the junction.

No vehicles, other than franchised buses, may stop to pick up or set down passengers or to load or unload goods along this section of Tai Wo Hau Road between 7 a.-m. and 7 p..m. daily. .

In Kwai Chung, the following sections of roads? will be designated

• PLB restricted zones from 7. a.ri. to midnight daily as from Saturday :

* Hing Fong Road between Kwai Foo Road and Tai Wo Hau Road,

* Kwai On Road between Hing- Fong Road and Tai Lin Pai Road,

* Kwai Foo Road from its junction with Hing Fong Road to a point

• ' r about 150 feet east,

♦ The slip road south of Kwai On Road leading-'from Kwai Chung Road to Kwai On Road, and

* The slip road librth’ of Kwai On Road leading from Kwai On Road to Kwai Chung Road.

Public light buses will be prohibited from stopping on the sections of roads to pick up or set down passengers.

Appropriate traffic signs will be set up to guide motorists.

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Wednesday, September 28, 1977

H.K. MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS FOR JULY ON SALE ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ *

The July issue of the Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics on sale today contains a special article entitled :,A Review of the Public Assistance Scheme and its Recipients.?

The article takes a look at recent experience of the Public Assistance

• • ' -x ‘J C •;

Scheme and presents an analysis of payment and certain characteristics of recipients.

It shows that the caseload, number of persons benefiting and the total expenditure hay;e all increased substantially sjnce June 1, 1972 when the scheme

• r •' '•* - ■ - Q ;

was converted into a full cash assistance basis. ■ ’ • ’ " . - • •• - r " - ■ •

According to the Review, in December 1973, the caseload was 25,009*

The number of people who had applied for public assistance in the 1973-74 financial year was 49,000 and payment was $45.4 million.

During the financial year 1975-76, however, the number of people receiving public assistance reached a record 133,400, with a peak caseload of 55,620 registered in December 1975-

Expenditure to meet this demand for public assistance during 1975-76 financial year was $165*3 million.

But in December last year, the caseload declined to 49,899 the number of people receiving public assistance in the 1976-77 financial year also dropped to 125,200, with a subsequent decline in expenditure to $l4?.6 million, the Review shows.

The article is a series of reviews on special topics of interest to the public published every three months by the Census and Statistics Department.

The Hong Kong Monthly Digest of Statistics is obtainable at $6 per copy from the Government Publications Centre on the Ground Floor of the General Post Office Building.

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/6......

Wednesday, September 28, 1977

NEW POST OFFICE TO OPEN ON TSING YI ISLAND *****

Another service will be available to the residents of Cheung Ching Estate when a new post office opens for business in the estate on Tsing Yi Island on Friday (September 30).

The new post office, the 73rd in Hong Kong, will offer a full rcnge .of postal services apart from the acceptance of insured letters to tenants of this public housing estate and nearby residents..

A 10-cent stamp vending machine has also been installed there.

The hours of business of the new post office are as follrws: Monday to Friday: 9#a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2.15 p.m. to 5 p*m. Saturday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The Chairman of the Tsing Yi Rural Committee, Mr. Tang Yuen-pui, will officiate at the opening ceremony at the new post office before it opens for business at 2.15 p«m. on Friday.

|GI5| |ofe|

DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

THURSDAY, SS“TJ>3ER 29, 1977

* CONTENTS PAGE NO.

................................................................................ U, N.T. WALK TO RAISE FUNDS FOR JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE. 1

BRAVE RESCUj3?S RECEIVE BSLIHOS SILVER STAR AWARDS .

ARRANGEMENTS FOR DEFUNCT BANK CREDITORS TG COLLECT LATE

DIVIDEND PAYMENT................................

TAI PO PUBLIC. LIBRARY OPENED ......................

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN TORTH POINT ................ 5

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

Thursday, September 29, 1977

- 1 -

FUNDS DRIVE FOR NT SPORTS CENTRE ♦ * ♦ ♦ *

A mammoth community walk to help meet the target of J12.5 million for the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Appeel Fund will take place in the Nev; Territories on November 6 (Sunday), it was announced today.

The walk is port of a Nev; Territories-wide drive to raise 32 million as the N.T. people’s contribution towards the appeal fund which will be used to help finance the multi-million dollar Jubilee Sports Centre project in Sha Tin.

The ’’Walk for Sport*’ will be held in Tsuen Wan, along a route similar to that of the Community Chest’-s-annual N.T. walk.

It-is being organised• by-a sub-committee formed last month under the main N.T. Fund-Raising-Committee chaired by the Secretary for the New Territories, Mr. David Akers-Jones.

Announcing det-ails of the walk, the ’’Walk for Sport” Sub-Committee Chairman, hr. Cheung Yan-lung, said today the starting and linishing points would be at Tai Wo Hau Public Playground at Castle Peak Road, next to the Tsuen I.an Police Station.

He said the 14-mile w.ilk would cover a circular route north of Castle Peal: Road along Kwok Shui Road, Yau Ha Hom Road, Shing Mun Road, Catchwater Road, On Yuk Ro^.d and Castle Peale* Road.

”In fact, the main route of the walk will be alorg the very pleasant and picturesque Catchwater Road which leads from the Lower Shing Mun Dam across Route Twisk to Chuen Lung,” Mr. Cheung said.

There will be four checkpoints - Lei Muk Shue Playground, Lower Shing Hun Dam, Route Twisk and 9 milestone, Castle Peak Road.

Mr. Cheung said the walk would start officially at 9 a.m. when the senior unofficial member of the Executive Council, Sir Yuet-keung Kan, cuts the ceremonial ribbon.

/"However, .....

Thursday, September 29, 1977

- 2 -

‘’However, in order to help avoid congestion, walkers who wish to start earlier may do so from 8 a.m.,” he said.

’’Registration of walkers will continue until the starting point

closes at 11 a.m.”

Sponsorship forms for the walk will be available from October 11 at City District Offices, N.T. District Offices, and the Police Cadet School in Fanling.

To help make the walk a success, Mr. Cheung said a special subcommittee had been formed in each of the seven N.T. districts to promote sponsorship among the local communities.

However, he emphasised that the walk was not restricted to N.T. people alone. He appealed to people from Hong Kong and Kowloon to give their support and participate in the event as well.

’’Heads of schools have also been asked to give their full support and to encourage their pupils to take part in this meaningful event,” he said.

He said that among the dignitaries taking part in the walk would be Kir. Q.W. Lee, Chairman of the Silver Jubilee Appeal Fund; Mr. Akers-Jones; Mr. Ted Nichol.:, Director of Agriculture and Fisheries; and Mr. Mike Illingworth, District Police Commander, Nev/ Territories.

The Jubilee Sports Centre will be built on 41 acres of reclaimed land at Sha Tin donated by the Royal Hong Kong Jockey Club. It will be a top-class sporting complex where the most promising and outstanding of Hong Kong sportsmen and vvomen can be trained to international and Olympic standards by coaches of international repute.

In response to the Jockey Club’s original, offer of $25 million in reclaimed land, the government has put up $25 million for initial construction costs.

The proceeds from donations to the Silver Jubilee Appeal Fund will be matched by the Jockey Club on a dollar-for-dollar basis, and the- total will be added to the government contribution.

Thursday, September 29, 1977

BI<AVj R^£D£RL AWARDED BELILIOS SILVER STAR ******

The Director of Tire Services, Mr. Fred Watson, today (Thursday) presented the Bel il ios Silver Stars' and the Director of Fire Services Commendations to ten local residents in recognition of their bravery during a traffic accident in Sek Kong on February 25 this year.

Receiving the Belilios Silver Stars today were Messrs. Chuck Wing-hon and Chan Yiu-wing, Manager and employee of Sek Kong Restaurant, and Mr. A.H. Mackreth, Senior Land Executive of the New Territories Administration; The Director's Commendations went to Messrs. Luk Hung, Fung Kim-wai, Lai Kwai-hing, Cheung Kam-wah, Lee Kwok-chi, Lee Yiu-kwan and Liu .7ing-lee.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony held at the Fire Services Training School at Pat Leung, Mr. Watson said the awards indicated to the recipients th:t 'their unselfish and highly appreciated acts at this incident are acknowledged by the community'.

"I am cure ~ .speak not only for the people on the bus who owe them so much, but for all the citizens of Hong Kong when I say 'you put others before yourself — thank you*.1'

The Director Also commended many other persons and organisations, including the crew of an army ambulance and the police, for having rendered valuable services .at this incident and did much to ease the pain and suffering of casualties.

The incident occurred on February 25 shortly after 2 p.m. when a public bus laden ith passengers crashed into a supermarket and restaurant near the road junction of Route Twisk and Lam Kam Road, causing six deaths and numerous casualties.

/Had it .....

Thursday, September 29, 1977

- 4 -

Had it not been for the actions and courage of the recipients in entering the burning vehicle to assist in the evacuation of passengers and in the initial rescue and fire fighting operations, the number of casualties would undoubtedly have been much higher.

Among the guests present at the presentation were Mr. P. Jacobs, Registrar General; Mr. J.R. Todd, Acting Secretary for the. New Territories; and Mr. M.C. Illingworth,.District Police Commander, New Territories.

. ;.£ -------0---------

SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS FOR LATE DIVIDEND PAYOUT

The Official Receiver’s Office has made special arrangements for creditors of the defunct Canton Trust and Commercial Bank to claim any of the four dividends which they have failed to collect.

A spokesman for the Official Receiver’s Office said today that creditors were invited to complete and send to the liquidator a ’’claim for late dividend payment form” which may be obtained at :

* The Official Receiver’s Office, 6th floor, United Chinese Bank Building, 31-37 Des Voeux Road Central,

* Any City District Offices,

* Princess Alexandra Community Centre, Tai Ho Road, Tsuen Wan,

* Yuen Long Births and Marriage Registry,

* Sheung Shui Births and Marriage Registry, and

* The Tuen Mun, Sheung Shui, Fanling, Tai Po, and Sha Tin Rural Committee Offices.

Completed claims forms should be sent by post to the liquidator at the address printed on the form on or before October 15•

Dividends will be paid only by means of a, cheque made payable to the depositor or his authorised representative. A depositor can choose to accept the cheque by post or to collect it in person.

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/5......

Thursday, September 29, 1977

, • " 5 -

TAT po PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENED ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

A library to serve the 62,000 people of Tai Po.District was opened today (Thursday) by the Acting Director of Urban Services, Mr. Alan Bristow.

Built at a cost of 2^00,000, Tai Po Public Library at Kwong Fuk Hoad, has an initial stock of 24,000 books. Up till now, Tai Po residents have had to travel to.Kowloon to get to the nearest public library.

Mr. Bristow said that the Tai Po Library was part of the Urban Services Department’s library expansion programme in the New Territories. In the next few months new district libraries would be opened at Sha Tin, Sheung Shui and Tuen Mun, he added.

He also paid tribute to the work of the Tai Po Rural Committee in helping to get the Tai Po Library set up.

Three leading members of the committee, Mr. Stephen Wong fuen-cheung, Chairman, and Mr. Ma S.ai-on and Mr. Cheung Wai-lam, Vice-Chairmen, joined Mr. Bristow in inaugurating the library by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN NORTH POINT

*****

* • r / . ..*• •

Nev/ traffic arrangements will be introduced in North Point with effect from 10 a.m. tomorrow (Friday) to improve traffic flow in the area.

In King’s Road, westbound vehicles will not be permitted to turn right into Shu Kuk Street. Motorists wishing to enter Shu Kuk Street will have to turn left into Kam Hong Street and then proceed via Tsat Tsz Mui Road to Shu Kuk Street.

At the same time a PLB Clearway Restriction from 7 a.m. to midnight daily will be imposed on the section of Kam Hong Street between King’s Road and Tsat Tsz Mui Road.

• f * f .

In addition, Clffi route No. 82 between Chai Wan (East) and North Point Ferry Pier will be re-routed via King’s Road, Healthy Street West, Tsat Tsz Mui Road and Shu Kuk Street.

Appropriate traffic signs will be set up to guide motorists.

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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER JO, 1977

CONTENTS PAGE NO.

PROPOSALS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION ........................ 1

BRIDGE TO LINK POK FU LAM AND WESTERN ........................... 3

PICNIC BAY 80 PER CENT CLEARED OF OIL POLLUTION ................. 4

IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL FOR POSTMAN .............................. 5

FLYOVER FOR STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT .............................. 6

VILLAGE RESITE HOUSES ........................................... 6

PRISON OFFICERS GRADUATION PARADE ............................... 7

TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ............................................. 7

FIRING PRACTICE ................................................. 8

Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191

Friday, September 30, 1977

- 1 -

PROPOSALS FOR ENVIR0Nl'lEI4T?iL PROTECTION

*****

Proposals for the protection of the Hong Kong environment were presented today by the Environmental Resources Limited (ERL). ERL has recently completed a 2J4 years study for the Hong Kong Government on the territory’s environmental problems. ’ • ’ • ? -

The proposals have been designed to enable the Government to control pollution and to improve the quality of the environment in Hong Kong.

Included in the consultants’ recommendations are

. ‘ i : . . 7 £'! j.‘ • '

* New Legislation — Five new ordinances have been proposed covering the control of air, noise and water pollution, the disposal of solid waste and the preparation of environmental impact statements. It is hoped that after a trial period, these will be consolidated into a comprehensive Protection of the Environment Ordinance.

* Environmental Research — The consultants have stressed the need for more extensive research and monitoring to enable the authorities to anticipate potential problems and develop the most appropriate measures.

* Pollution Control — A phased introduction of the legislation has been proposed. The intention is that emphasis will first be placed on preventing further deterioration of the environment.

. ’J •

Improvements will be sought by introducing appropriate measures at the design stage both in the normal course of renewal of the urban areas and as new processes are introduced into Hong Kong, and,

/* A New Policy •••••

Friday, September >0, 1977

- 2 -

* A Nev/ Policy Unit — the planning and co-ordination of the environmental protection programme will be the responsibility of a new central Environmental Protection Unit. The unit will also ensure that the Government’s environmental quality objectives are achieved.

Presenting the proposals, Dr. Kobin Bidwell, the Project Director, stressed that throughout the study, ERL has been aware of the need to make sure that the measures to protect the environment should not harm the continued expansion of Hong Kong’s industry and the competitiveness of its products in the export markets.

"At the same time,” he said, ”it will be appreciated that a cleaner environment is in everybody’s interest. The approach proposed by us will ensure a phased improvement and avoid the disruptions that have arisen in other countries because the environment has been ignored until too late.”

The development of the legislative controls has been the responsibility of Mr. James licLoughlin. As part of his study, Mr. McLoughlin has examined environmental controls used in many other parts of the world.

“The legislation we have proposed for Hong Kong has been designed to take .ull cco. .xi/ ui c.ic ^.oceJL conditions and will all,ow the authorities considerable flexibility in dealing with problems as they arise."

The proposals have been developed following detailed discussions witn EPCOM and relevant Government departments. The Government has accepted a proposal for a new policy unit and its director, Dr. Stuart Reed, arrived in Hong Kong in July.

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/3......

Friday, September 30, 1977

- 3 -

FLYOVER TO LINK POK FU LAM-AND WESTERN

*****

brk will begin early next year on a mnlti-million-dollar flyover to provide a fast route between Pok Fu Lam and Central District. The 660-metre flyover will form part of the mid-levels traffic improvement scheme.

The flyover project, designed by the Highways Office of the Public Works Department, .will also involve the re-alignment of a section of Hill Road and modification of the existing drainage works.

Tenders for the work were invited by the P.W.D. today.

Mr. K.Y. Ho, Acting Chief Engineer of P.W.D.’s Highways Office (Hong Kong), said : ’’The two-lane elevated road, which will provide a fast route for east-bound traffic, will start from No. 79B, Pok Fu Lam Road and run along Hill Road to connect with Connaught Road West near its junction with Water Street.

’’The west-bound traffic will be at ground level running from Connaught Road West and Des Voeux Road West via Western Street ant the eastern .section of Pok Fu Lam Road to the intersection of Pok Fu Lam Road and Bonham Road.”

Mr. Ho said that with the rapid development in Aberdeen and Pok Fu Lam areas, there had been a signific nt increase in traffic movements on the existin; road network linkin.- the Central District, Fok Fu Lam and Aberdeen areas.

”To cater for the increase in traffic need, major road widening works are being carried out in Tok Fu Lam Road end chek Pai 'an . oad, he said.

Work on the flyover is expected to begin in January next year and take about 26 months to complete.

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A.......

Friday, September 50, 1977

PICNIC DAY 80 PER CENT CLEARED OF OIL POLI.UTICN

*>»•♦**

About 80 per cent of the oil pollution around I-icnic Boy, Lai--ma Island, caused by the grounding of the Danish freighter ”Adri'*n Maersk” has now been cleared by Government cle-.n-up teams.

The Acting Secretary for the New Territories, Nr. John Todd, said this today after a personal on-the-spot inspection tour of the area.

hr. Todd was accompanied on his visit by the District Officer, Islands, Mr. Victor Yung, senior Government officials involved in the cleanup, and the Chairman of the South Lamma Rural Committee, Mr. Chan Pak-yip.

He also spoke to fish farmers and their representatives who have suffered extensive stock losses from the oil spillage.

liter the inspection toxir, Mr. Todd said the pollution of the sea around Picnic Bay, including the area of the fish farms, had now largely been cleared.

••But there are still problems of the oil polluting the foreshore, beach and ihland areas”, he said.

'Gut trie clean-up teams, numbering more than 100, re wprking full time trying to get these reas cleared as Quickly es possible”.

I'ir. Toad also inspected the recording station set up by the Agriculture and Fisheries Department to weigh and register fish killed by the oil spillage.

”Up to this morning, the centre had registered more than 27,000 catties of dead fish and counted some 400,000 dead fry fingerlings - or immature fish - brought to the station by the local fish farmers”, he said.

“The recording process will go on as long as it is necessary to get a full and accurate record to assist the farmers in pressing compensation claims”.

/I'a pointed • •

Friday, September 30» 1977

- 5 -

He pointed out that staff of the Urban Services Department immediately coated recorded fish with Chloride of lime to prevent any possibility of the stock being re-cycled in local markets.

The Urban Services Department was disposing of the dead fish by incineration and burial at Gin Drinkers Bay every day, he added.

Mr. Todd also said that a representative of one group of Picnic Bay fish farmers had already approached the Legal aid Department.

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QUEEN HONOURS POSTMAN ♦ * ♦ * *

The Queen has awarded the Imperial Service Medal to Mr. Mak Sze-keung, a Postman, in recognition of his 38 years’ of distinguished service with the Post Office.

Mr. Mak, 55 ? the longest-serving Post Office staff, joined the department in 1939 as a labourer. He was- promoted to Postman III in 19^0 and then to Postman. For. the most part of his career, he was engaged in sorting duties-

At a brief ceremony yesterday (Thursday), the Postmaster General, Mr. D. Bamford, handed Mr. Mak a letter from the Governor informing him about the award.

Mr. Bamford noted that the award is not only a great honour for Mr. Mak but also for the Post Office, because it is the first time a staff member of the department has been awarded the Medal.

Commenting on the award, Mr. Mak said that he was thrilled by it. ”1 owe it all to my colleagues who really made this possible.”

Mr. Mak is due to retire early next month and is now on pre-• • • • * retirement leave.

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Friday, September 30, 1977

- 6 -

FLYOVER FOR STUBBS ROAD ROUNDABOUT * # * * *

Plans to build a flyover at the Stubbs Road roundabout are being .•••. ' ' i

prepared by the Public Works Department* O’’. - / ■ • v ■ ’

As the proposed undertaking may affect residents in the area, a notice under the Streets (Alteration) Ordinance was published in the Government Gazette today.

The notice specifies that objections to the proposals should be submitted to the Director of Public Works before October 30, 1977 and any claim for compensation should be made by November 30, 1977.

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

Note To Editors:

VILLAGE RESITE HOUSES

*****

The Government has built 44 village resite houses in North Kwai '■ i. -i • <

• V-

Chung to rehouse families who have vacated their private houses in their area to make way for a $130 million public housing estate.

The families will soon be moving into their three-storey houses which have the basic facilities of a modern home.

A tour has been arranged for the press to inspect these modern village resite houses on Monday (October 3) morning.

You are cordially invited to send representatives to attend the tour.

Press transport will be provided. A Government van AM 2088 will leave from behind the Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office at 9*30 a.m. on Monday to take press representatives to and later back from North Kwai Chung.

Friday, September JO, 1977

- 7 -

Note To Editors: GRADUATION PARADE OF PRISON OFFICERS

♦ ***■*

A passing out porr.de of 98 Prison Officers and Assistant Officers will be held at the Prisons ItepartriteriVs Staff Training Institute in Stanley tomorrow (Saturday) morning.

Dr. C.O. Lee, Medical Training Administrator of the Medical and Health Department, will inspect the parade.

You are .cordially invited to send a reporter and/or photographer to cover the parade which will begin at 11 a.m. A 14-seater van will leave the Prisons Department Headquarters at Guardian House, 32 Oi Kwan Road, at 9.JC a.m. tomorrow to take press representatives to Stanley.

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TRAFFIC ARRANGH-iENT ♦ ♦ * ♦ ♦

Motorists are‘advised that Yan Fung Street from its junction with Chatham Ro£d to the junction with Fat Kwong Street will be closed to traffic from 10a.m. on Monday (October J).

This section of Yan Fung Street ’/ill be reconstructed to form pe rt of the road network for the Wuhu Interchange.

Traffic signs will be set up in the area to guide motorists.

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/8......

lYiday, September 30, 1977

- 8 -

FIIcIIIG PRACTICE

♦ ♦ * * ♦

Firing practice will take place at the Castle Peak Range on seven drys next month.

The public 'are reminded that it is dangerous to enter the area when the flags are flying during•the time of firing practice.

The practice times are

Date Hours

October 3 (Monday) 8.30 a.m. 6 p.m.

October 24 (Monday) 8.30 a.m. 6 p.m.

October 23 (Tuesday) 8.00 a.m. - 10 p.m.

October 26 (Wednesday) 8.00 a.m. 6 p.m.

October 27 (Thursday) 8.00 a.m. - 10 p.m.

October 28 (Friday) 8.00 a.m. - 4.30p.m.

October 31 (Monday) 8.30 a.m. 6 p.m.

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Daily Information Bulletin - 1970s - 1977 - SEP - ENG