DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
82 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MAY ......................... 1
MORE GIRLS TAKING UP TECHNICAL STUDIES .................... 2
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OPENS NEW SCOUTS CENTRE ........ 4
AIRMAIL RESTRICTIONS TO LEBANON FURTHER LIFTED ............ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1977
82 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN MAY * * * * *
A TOTAL OF 82 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED IN MAY BY THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT --THE HIGHEST MONTHLY TOTAL SINCE AUGUST 1974.
THIS BRINGS TO 295 THE NUMBER OF BUILDING PLANS APPROVED DURING THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
OF THE 82 NEW PLANS APPROVED IN MAY, 33 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 18 FOR KOWLOON AND 31 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR TWO 33-STOREY BLOCKS AND ONE 36-STOREY BLOCK OF APARTMENT BUILDINGS AT FORTRESS HILL ROAD, THE 47-STOREY +NEW GLOUCESTER TOWER AND MARINA TOWER+ BUILDINGS IN CENTRAL, AND A 26-STOREY FACTORY BUILDING AT WING YIP STREET, KWAI CHUNG.
PLANS FOR A SCHOOL EXTENSION AT YUEN LONG, A MEMORIAL HALL AT TAI PO AND NURSES QUARTERS FOR HONG KONG SANATORIUM AND HOSPITAL, WERE ALSO APPROVED.
THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING THE MONTH WAS 3123.3 MILLION, COMPARED WITH 369.9 MILLION FOR MAY LAST YEAR.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF NEW BUILDINGS COMPLETED DURING MAY THIS YEAR AMOUNTED TO 130,468.5 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 101,179.2 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR-AREA AND 29,289.3 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
DURING MAY, THE B.0.0. GAVE CONSENT FOR WORK TO START ON 47 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS, INCLUDING A SOCIAL CENTRE AT CLIFF ROAD, AND A SHOP/OFFICE BLOCK AT PARKES STREET.
THIRTY-SIX NEWLY COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION DURING THE MONTH, INCLUDING A COLD STORAGE BUILDING AT ABERDEEN, A CHURCH BUILDING AT THE JUNCTION OF SHEK KU STREET AND SHEUNG SHING STREET, AN OIL STORAGE DEPOT AT SHA TIN AND A FUNERAL PARLOUR AT PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO CONSENTED TO THE DEMOLITION OF 33 BUILDINGS.
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1977
MORE GIRLS MAKE USE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES *****
A YEAR FROM NOW, SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD CHAN YUK-HA WILL BECOME ONE OF THE FEW GIRLS TO BATTLE INTO THE FEW INDUSTRIES WHICH ARE STILL MONOPOLISED BY MEN.
ELECTRONICS DESIGN AND TELEVISION SERVICING ARE TRADITIONALLY MEN’S JOBS, BUT TO YUK-HA THESE ARE THE TYPES OF WORK FOR WHICH SHE IS NOW BEING TRAINED AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
THOUGH BEING THE ONLY GIRL IN THE INSTITUTE’S RADIO MECHANICS CRAFT LEVEL CLASS, YUK-HA HAS HAD NO DIFFICULTIES IN CATCHING UP WITH HER OTHER CLASSMATES.
+1 FIND WHAT I HAVE BEEN LEARNING VERY INTERESTING AND I PLAN TO TAKE UP ANOTHER YEAR OF ADVANCED TRAINING IN TELEVISION MECHANICS IN THE COMING ACADEMIC SESSION,* SHE SAID.
WHEN ASKED WHY SHE CHOSE TO TAKE UP TECHNICAL EDUCATION, YUK-HA SAID: +1 THINK IT IS GOOD TO LEARN A SKILL AND I WOULD LIKE TO BE AN ELECTRONICS DESIGN OR TELEVISION SERVICING TECHNICIAN.*
AND YUK-HA WAS ONE OF THOSE LUCKY ONES WHO HAVE THE SUPPORT OF THEIR FAMILIES WHEN SHE DECIDED TO EMBARK UPON A TECHNICAL CAREER. +MY PARENTS ARE OPEN-MINDED PEOPLE AND THEY SIMPLY LET ME MAKE MY OWN DECISION,* SHE SAID.
DUE TO CHANGING SOCIAL ATTITUDES TO BLUE-COLLAR JOBS AND THE EVER-INCREASING DEMAND FOR MANPOWER AND SKILLED LABOUR IN THE INDUSTRIES, GIRLS ARE NOW MORE WILLING TO MAKE USE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES, THE VICE PRINCIPAL OF THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE, MR. ALICK FONG YAN SAID.
THE INSTITUTE, LIKE THE TWO OTHERS IN KWAI CHUNG AND KWUN TONG, OFFERS TECHNICIAN AND CRAFT LEVEL COURSES COVERING A WIDE RANGE OF TECHNICAL AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS, ON A FULL-TIME, BLOCK-RELEASE, PART-TIME DAY, OR PART-TIME EVENING BASIS.
COURSES BEING OFFERED AT MORRISON HILL INCLUDE MECHANICAL-ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION AND GENERAL STUDIES. THE KWAI CHUNG TECHNICAL INSTITUTE PROVIDES COURSES IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, AND CLOTHING AND TEXTILES' WHILE AT KWUN TONG, COURSES ARE AVAILABLE IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING, AND CLOTHING AND TEXTILES.
COMMENTING ON THE GIRL STUDENT ENROLMENT AT MORRISON HILL, MR. FONG YAN SAID: +APART FROM THE COMMERCIAL STUDIES AND GENERAL STUDIES DEPARTMENTS WHICH NORMALLY CLAIM A HIGH NUMBER OF FEMALE STUDENTS, COURSES IN ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING AND CONSTRUCTION HAVE ALSO ATTRACTED FEMALE STUDENTS IN THE PAST FEW YEARS.*
/♦TEIS Y3AR
FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1977
- 3 -
+THIS YEAR, GIRLS FORM 14 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL STUDENT POPULATION,* HE ADDED.
+IN THE ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT, BESIDES CHAN YUK-HA IN THE CRAFT LEVEL RADIO MECHANICS CLASS, THREE OTHER GIRLS ARE STUDYING AT THE ELECTRONICS TECHNICIAN LEVEL.
+ANOTHER NINE GIRLS HAVE ENROLLED IN THE CONSTRUCTION DEPARTMENT, OF WHOM FIVE ARE STUDYING AT TECHNICIAN YEAR-ONE LEVEL AND FOUR AT TECHNICIAN YEAR-TWO LEVEL,* MR. FONG YAN SAID. % f
TWENTE-YEAR-OLD SO SHUK-CHING, ONE OF THE FOUR GIRLS IN THE TECHNICIAN YEAR-TWO CLASS, SAID SHE TOOK UP CONSTRUCTION STUDIES BECAUSE SHE HAS A KEEN INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT.
+WHEN ONE SEES A BUILDING, ONE USUALLY DOES NOT KNOW HOW IT IS BUILT, :BUT IN THIS TWO-YEAR COURSE WE ARE TAUGHT VARIOUS ASPECTS Of* BUILDING CONSTRUCTION, VARYING FROM BRICK-LAYING, CARPENTRY] TO SURVEYING AND DRAFTSMANSHIP,* SHE SAID.
WHENiSHE FINISHES HER STUDIES, SHUK-CHING HOPES TO WORK AS A QUANTITY SURVEYOR IN A CONSTRUCTION FIRM.
THE VICE PRINCIPAL POINTED OUT THAT GIRLS CAN DO AS WELL AS BOYS AND SOMETIMES EVEN BETTER IN TECHNICAL COURSES.
+ONE DOES NOT NECESSARILY HAVE TO BE PHYSICALLY STRONG TO DO WELL IN A JOB IN ELECTRONICS, CLOTHING AND TEXTILES, OR EVEN PRINTING. GENUINE INTEREST IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE,* MR. FONG YAN SAID.
+AS THERE IS A GREAT DEMAND FOR TECHNICIANS AND CRAFTSMEN IN THE COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL SECTORS, AMPLE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO ALL EDUCATED AND WELL-TRAINED YOUNG MEN AS WELL AS WOMEN,* THE VICE PRINCIPAL REMARKED.
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1
DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE OPENS SCOUT REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS H * K * H K
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID THE OPENING OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION’S EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS WOULD PROVIDE A SPACIOUS TRAINING GROUND WITH MODERN FAC IL ITES FOR ABOUT 5,000 MEMBERS OF THE REGION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS TODAY, MR. LEE THANKED THE DONORS, SCOUTS AND MEMBERS OF THE EAST KOWLOON REGION FOR CONTRIBUTING GREATLY TO THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG.
ESTABLISHED IN JULY LAST YEAR, THE EAST KOWLOON REGION GEOGRAPHICALLY EMBRACES THE CITY DISTRICTS OF KWUN TONG AND WONG TAI SIN. IT HAS SIX SCOUT DISTRICTS WITH A TOTAL MEMBERSHIP OF SOME 5,000 SCOUTS.
THE REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS IS LOCATED ON THE GROUND AND FIFTH FLOORS OF KUI ON HOUSE, WO LOK ESTATE IN KWUN TONG. IT HAS AN AREA OF ABOUT 6,400 SQ. FT. MAINLY USED FOR OFFICES, UNITS FOR TRAINING SESSIONS AND ACTIVITIES, AND ROOMS FOR MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES.
FOLLOWING IS THE TRANSLATION OF THE FULL TEXT OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH AT THE OPENING CEREMONY
+1 AM GREATLY HONOURED TO BE INVITED TO OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS TODAY.
+THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG BECAME A FULL AND INDEPENDENT MEMBER OF THE WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE IN APRIL THIS YEAR. TO CELEBRATE THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE YEAR, IT HAS LAUNCHED A SILVER JUBILEE PROJECT WHICH AIMS TO ACQUIRE ■iORE AND BETTER ACCOMMODATION FOR TRAINING AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE SCOUTS AS WELL AS FOR OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE IN HONG KONG.
+THE EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OPENED TODAY IS PART OF THIS PROJECT. NOT ONLY WILL THE PREMISES PROVIDE A SPACIOUS TRAINING GROUND FOR SOME 5,000 MEMBERS OF THE EAST KOWLOON REGION, BUT ALSO A LOT OF MODERN TRAINING FACILITIES FOR THESE YOUNGSTERS. ' I AM HAPPY TO LEARN THAT ALTHOUGH YOUR REGION WAS ESTABLISHED ONLY LAST YEAR, IT HAS BEEN MAKING STEADY PROGRESS THROUGH THE CAPABLE GUIDANCE OF PRESIDENT NG AND THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF ITS STAFF. MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY, IN SUPPORT OF THE WORK AND ACTIVITIES OF THE REGION, HAVE DONATED GENEROUSLY TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF TRAINING EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES FOR THE HEADQUARTERS. I AM SURE WITH THE OPENING OF THIS HEADQUARTERS, YOUR REGION WILL BE AELE TO MAKE GREATER CONTRIBUTION TO THE SCOUT MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG. I WISH TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO EXTEND MY HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL THE DONORS, SCOUTS AND MEMBERS OF THE REGION.
+F INALLY, I HAVE GREAT PLEASURE’IN DECLARING THE EAST KOWLOON REGIONAL HEADQUARTERS OPEN.+
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FRIDAY, JULY 1, 1977
PARTIAL RESUMPTION OF AIRMAIL SERVICE TO LEBANON
*******
I
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED THAT FROM MONDAY (JULY 4) RESTRICTIONS ON THE AIRMAIL LETTER SERVICE TO LEBANON WOULD BE FURTHER LIFTED.
+FROM JULY 4, LETTERS, POSTCARDS, PRINTED PAPERS, SMALL PACKETS AND LITERATURE FOR THE BLIND MAY BE POSTED BY AIR MAIL BUT FOR THE TIME BEING THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT OF A PACKAGE CONTAINING PRINTED PAPERS MUST NOT EXCEED FOUR POUNDS,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
THE AIR PARCELS AND ALL SEA MAIL SERVICES TO LEBANON ARE STILL SUSPENDED, HE ADDED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE .-£1
ACCESS TO PUBLIC PLACES FOR THE DISABLED ...................
CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN HONG KONG THRIVING ...............
MANPOWER SURVEY ON PLASTICS INDUSTRY .......................
ART AND CRAFT A NATURAL MEANS OF EXPRESSION ................ 3
ANTI-RABIES TEAM MOVES TO CHAI WAN AND STANLEY ............. *
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1977
1
SPECIAL ACCESS FACILITIES FOR THE DISABLED
*****
A SPECIAL COUNTER WILL BE SET UP ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THt NEW GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE FOR THE USE OF DISABLED PEOPLE ON WHEELCHAIRS, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
THE SPECIAL COUNTER WILL BE INDICATED BY ONE OF THE INTERNATIONALLY ACCEPTED SYMBOLS SHOWING A WHEELCHAIR, AND A RAMP WILL BE BUILT AT THE ENTRANCE TO PROVIDE EASY ACCESS, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE POSTMASTER GENERAL HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE THIS FACILITY FOR THE DISABLED FOLLOWING A SURVEY CONDUCTED EARLIER THIS YEAR BY THE ACCESS COMMITTEE FOR THE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY DISABLED.
THE ACCESS COMMITTEE WAS FORMED LAST YEAR BY THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE TO LOOK INTO WAYS OF IMPROVING TRANSPORT AND ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED TO BUILDINGS AND OTHER FACILITIES WITHIN THE COMMUNITY.
ITS MEMBERS INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE SOCIAL SERVICES AND ENVIRONMENT BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
AMONG OTHER PLACES LOOKED AT IN THE SURVEY WERE THE HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION, THE CITY HALL AND THE OCEAN TERMINAL.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED: +THE K.C.R. IS EXAMINING THE FEASIBILITY OF RAMPING PART OF THE KERB OUTSIDE THE MAIN ENTRANCE OF THE HUNG HOM STATION, MODIFYING THE TOILETS THERE TO MAKE THEM ACCESSIBLE TO THE WHEELCHAIR DISABLED AND PUTTING UP SIGNS TO INDICATE DIRECTIONS TO THE LIFTS.
♦IT HAS ALREADY PUT UP SIGNS AT ALL STATIONS INVITING DISABLED PASSENGERS, OR THEIR ATTENDANTS, TO CONTACT THE STATIONMASTER FOR ASSISTANCE IN BOARDING, LEAVING AND FINDING A SEAT ON THE TRAIN.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ACCESS COMMITTEE WILL CONTINUE WITH SUCH SURVEYS IN FUTURE AND, AMONG OTHER PLACES, INTEND TO LOOK AT FACILITIES AT THE POLYTECHNIC, THE NEW ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL AND THE OCEAN PARK.
♦AS FAR AS SWIMMING POOLS ARE CONCERNED, THE POOL COMPLEX AT ABERDEEN HAD BEEN SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED FOR THE HANDICAPPED WITH A WHEELCHAIR SIGN AT THE ENTRANCE. SIMILARLY, THE TAI WAN POOL COMPLEX AT HUNG HOM WHICH IS DUE TO OPEN IN AUGUST THIS YEAR HAS ALSO BEEN BUILT WITH THE DISABLED IN MIND.
♦OTHER WORK WHICH THE ACCESS COMMITTEE IS PROMOTING IS THE ADOPTION OF THE CODE OF PRACTICE AMONG PRIVATE DEVELOPERS TO INCORPORATE DESIGNS OR FACILITIES TO ASSIST THE DISABLED. IN TAKING THE LEAD, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS ALREADY ACCEPTED THE APPLICATION OF THE CODE WHICH WILL BE ADOPTED IN ALL FUTURE GOVERNMENT AND SUBSIDISED BUILDINGS.
♦THE COMMITTEE IS ALSO ENCOURAGING THE USE WHEREVER NECESSARY OF SIGNS INDICATING FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO THE DISABLED,+ HE SAID.
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1977 - 2 -
THRIVING CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG * * * *
THE CO-OPERATIVE MOVEMENT IN HONG KONG IS THRIVING. WELL LED AND NOT LACKING IN IMAGINATION, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. E.H. NICHOLS SAID THIS EVENING.
MR. NICHOLS, WHO IS ALSO THE REGISTRAR OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES, WAS SPEAKING AT A CELEBRATION DINNER HELD TO MARK THE 55TH INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATIVE DAY TODAY.
IN A BRIEF PROGRESS REPORT ON THE LOCAL MOVEMENT, MR. NICHOLS NOTED THAT THE PAST YEAR HAD BEEN A RECORD OF PROGRESS FOR BOTH THE FARMERS’ AND FISHERMEN’S SOCIETIES IN TERMS OF SURPLUSES, INCREASE OF SAVINGS, PRICES OF PRODUCE AND BUSINESS.
THE PRODUCTION OF VEGETABLES INCREASED BY 15.6 PER CENT DURING 1976-77 AMOUNTING TO AN ESTIMATED VALUE OF $281 MILLION, HE SAID. OVER 78 PER CENT OF THE LOCAL VEGETABLES SOLD THROUGH THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION CAME FROM CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES.
+THE LARGEST SOCIETY HAD A TURNOVER OF OVER $9 MILLION. THIS ACHIEVEMENT WAS, TO A GREAT EXTENT, DUE TO THE BETTER MANAGEMENT BOTH ON FARMS AND IN THE INDIVIDUAL SOCIETIES,+ HE ADDED.
MR. NICHOLS POINTED OUT THAT MEMBERS OF PIG RAISING CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES TOO HAD A GOOD YEAR, WITH GENERALLY HIGH PRICES FOR PIGS AND LOWER PRICES FOR FEEDING STUFF.
+A SURVEY IN MARCH, 1977 SHOWED AN INCREASE OF 5 PER CENT OR 21,500 HEAD IN THE LOCAL PIG POPULATION AS AGAINST THE CORRESPONDING PERIOD OF 1976,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THIS PROGRESS REPRESENTED THE DILIGENT WORK OF PIG FARMERS AND GOOD MANAGEMENT OF MANY INDIVIDUAL SOCIETIES THROUGH WHICH MEMBERS WERE ABLE TO OBTAIN BOTH FINANCIAL AND TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE, ALTHOUGH SEVERAL SOCIETIES WERE BEDEVILLED BY INACTIVE MEMBERS.
AS FOR THE FISHING INDUSTRY, MR. NICHOLS NOTED THAT LANDINGS THROUGH THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION INCREASED 3 PER CENT BY WEIGHT AND+ll PER CENT IN VALUE LAST YEAR.
+NEW BOA^S BUILT AND LICENSED NUMBERED 673, 9 PER CENT
FEWER THAN IN THE PREVIOUS YEAR BUT 17 AND 19 PER CENT UP IN TERMS OF CAPACITY AND ENGINE POWER, INDICATING THAT THE TREND FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF LARGER, MORE HIGHLY POWERED CRAFT HAS CONTINUED,* HE SAID.
MR. NICHOLS ALSO RECORDED THAT A TOTAL OF OVER $8 MILLION WAS LOANED TO FARMERS TO MEET CREDIT NEEDS, FROM THE KADOORIE AGRICULTURAL AID LOAN FUND AND THE J.E. JOSEPH TRUST FUND DURING 1976-77, WHILE SOME 9,602 FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION LOANS HAD BEEN ISSUED SINCE 1946 AMOUNTING TO $59.5 MILLION.
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SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1977
- 3 -
PLASTICS INDUSTRY MANPOWER SURVEY
* * X
A SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S PLASTICS INDUSTRY TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE MANPOWER INFORMATION OF THE INDUSTRY WILL START ON MONDAY (JULY 4) AND LAST UNTIL JULY 25.
THE SURVEY, IS THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES BEING CONDUCTED BY THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WERE SENT OUT THREE WEEKS AGO TO ABOUT 450 ESTABLISHMENTS SELECTED BY RANDOM SAMPLING.
OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL VISIT EACH OF THESE ESTABLISHMENTS TO ASSIST EMPLOYERS IN COMPLETING THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE ASKED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED AND THE NUMBER UNDER TRAINING, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL NUMBER OF WORKERS IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
REFERRING TO THE SURVEY, MR. DENNIS TING, CHAIRMAN OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, SAID +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 ESTABLISHMENT.
•+THE INFORMATION REQUIRED IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE FOR FORMULATING TRAINGING PLANS FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE PLASTICS INDUSTRY, THEREFORE CO-OPERATION OF THOSE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED IS SINCERELY SOLICITED TO MAKE THE SURVEY AGAIN A SUCCESSFUL ONE.+
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ART AND CRAFT IN SCHOOL AS A NATURAL MEANS OF EXPRESSION XX X
THE TEACHER SHOULD MOVE GRADUALLY AWAY FROM ART AND CRAFT AS A SUBJECT AND BEGIN TO REGARD IT AS A +NATURAL MEANS OF EXPRESSION, AS COMMUNICATION AND AN INTEGRAL PART OF THE SCHOOL DAY.+
THIS APPEAL CAME FROM THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. AUTHUR BROWN, AT THE CLOSE OF A SEMINAR AT THE HILTON HOTEL ON +APPRECI AT ION AND EVALUATION OF PUPILS’ WORKS IN ART AND CRAFT IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS+ THIS AFTERNOON.
+THE TEACHER NEEDS TO MAKE AVAILABLE A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS, AND HELP CHILDREN DISCOVER WHAT THEY CAN DO WITH VARIOUS MEDIA AND TEACH THEM BASIC TECHNIQUES WHEN SUCH TECHNIQUES ARE REQUIRED,+ MR. BROWN SAID.
HE COMMENDED THE TEACHERS FROM BOTH GOVERNMENT AND AIDED SECTORS FOR THEIR OVERWHELMING RESPONSE TO THE SEMINAR - MORt THAN 850 APPLICATIONS WERE RECEIVED FOR THE 114 PLACES AVAILABLE.
THE SEMINAR WAS ORGANISED BY NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS OF GOVERN MENT SCHOOLS AND WAS ASSISTED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
SATURDAY, JULY 2, 1977
ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION
****##
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT THE FINAL ROUND OF ITS ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION OPERATION FOR HONG KONG ISLAND AT CHAI WAN, SHEK 0 AND STANLEY NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY, JULY 4 AND JULY 5.
SINCE THE CURRENT RABIES AWARENESS CAMPAIGN STARTED IN MAY THIS YEAR, THE DOG INOCULATION TEAMS OF THE DEPARTMENT HAVE CARRIED OUT A TOTAL OF SIX DISTRICT INOCULATION CAMPAIGNS COVERING SHAU KEI WAN, QUARRY BAY, NORTH POINT, TAI HANG, CAUSEWAY BAY, HAPPY VALLEY, WAN CHAI, CENTRAL, MID-LEVELS, SHEUNG WAN, WESTERN, KENNEDY TOWN, ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG.
IN THE LAST TWO MONTHS ENDING JUNE 30, ABOUT 12,000 DOGS HAVE BEEN IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT DISCLOSED TODAY.
HE SAID, +AFTER THE IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME IS COMPLETED ON HONG KONG ISLAND, WE WILL MOVE ON TO KOWLOON,THEN TO THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OUTLYING ISLANDS.+
DURING THE TWO-DAY OPERATION AT CHAI WAN, SHEK 0 AND STANLEY THREE TEMPORARY DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
1. JUNCTION OF CHAI WAN ROAD AND WAN TSUI ROAD (OPPOSITE CHAI WAN BUS TERMINUS)"
2. SHEK 0 BUS TERMINUS"
3. JUNCTION OF STANLEY MARKET ROAD AND STANLEY NEW STREET (NEAR STANLEY BUS TERMINUS).
THESE CENTRES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. DAILY. DOG OWNERS IN THESE AREAS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO GET THEIR PETS INOCULATED AGAINST RABIES.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 3, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
’UNSINKABLE’ BUOY DESIGNED IN HONG KONG .................. 1
GOVERNOR TO TOUR FACTORY ................................. 2
MORE RECREATION AND SPORT FACILITIES UNDERWAY ............ 3
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS TEAM TO VISIT CHOI HUNG .......... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY J, 1977
1
LOCAL MARINE OFFICER DESIGNS ’UNSINKABLE’ BUOY ********
A MARINE OFFICER WORKING IN THE HARBOUR MOORINGS UNIT OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS COME UP WITH A NOVEL IDEA OF MAKING LIGHT BUOYS MORE BUOYANT AND EASILY REPAIRABLE IN CASE OF DAMAGE.
FIVE SUCH LIGHT BUOYS, BUILT LOCALLY ACCORDING TO SPECIFICATIONS AT A COST OF $200,000 EACH, WERE COMMISSIONED EARLIER LAST MONTH.
THEY WERE USED TO MARK THE TRAFFIC SEPARATION LANES IN TATHONG CHANNEL AND EAST LAMMA CHANNEL TO BETTER REGULATE SHIPPING IN THE SEAWARD APPROACHES TO THE HARBOUR.
WITH A DIAMETER OF 10 FEET AND AT A HEIGHT OF 36 FEET, THESE BUOYS ARE THE LARGEST EVER USED IN HONG KONG AND ARE AMONG THE BIGGEST USED BY PORT AUTHORITIES ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD.
MR. TIM FRAWLEY, THE DESIGNER OF THE ’UNSINKABLE’ BUOY, HAD CARRIED OUT NUMEROUS EXPERIMENTS BEFORE COMING UP WITH THE IDEA.
+THE CRUCIAL POINT IS TO FILL THE BUOY WITH FOAM RUBBER BLOCKS INSTEAD OF INJECTING IT WITH LIQUEFIED FOAM RUBBER TO FORM A SINGLE BLOCK,+ HE EXPLAINED.
+THE ADVANTAGE OF USING SEPARATE SMALL BLOCKS IS THAT WHEN THE BUOY IS DAMAGED BY COLLISION WITH AN OCEAN GOING VESSEL, THE BLOCKS CAN STILL KEEP THE BUOY BALANCED AND AFLOAT. MAINTENANCE STAFF ONLY HAVE TO REMOVE THE BLOCKS IN THE DAMAGED PART TO CARRY OUT REPAIRS.
+0N THE OTHER HAND, A CONVENTIONAL BUOY WHEN DAMAGED WOULD REQUIRE THE WHOLE SINGLE BLOCK OF SOLIDIFIED FOAM RUBBER TO BE EXTRACTED AND REPLACED,* MR. FRAWLEY SAID.
THE CAPACITY OF THE NEW BUOYS IS SO LARGE THAT IT TAKES TWO LORRY-LOADS OF FOAM RUBBER TO COMPLETELY FILL UP ONE OF THEM.
+OUR METHOD IS MOST ECONOMICAL AND MANPOWER-SAVING. THIS CONCEPT OF FILLING UP BUOYS MOST POSSIBLY HAS NOT BEEN INTRODUCED ANYWHERE IN THE WORLD*, HE POINTED OUT.
IN AN ATTEMPT TO FURTHER PREVENT THE POSSIBILITY OF WATER LEAKING INTO THE BUOYS THROUGH A MANHOLE FOR USE BY MAINTENANCE STAFF, THE BUOYS HAVE ANOTHER UNIQUE DESIGN WHICH INCORPORATES A DOUBLE MANHOLE THAT IS COMPLETELY WATER-TIGHT WHEN CLOSED.
TO MINIMISE DAMAGE IN THE EVENT OF COLLISION WITH VESSELS, EACH BUOY IS BESIDES FITTED WITH WOODEN FENDERS. THERE ARE ALSO GUARD RAILS ON THE WORKING PLATFORM TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS TO STAFF CARRYING OUT MAINTENANCE OR REPAIR WORK.
IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO KEEP THE LIGHT BUOYS AS MUCH AFLOAT AS POSSIBLE BECAUSE IT IS VERY DIFFICULT IF NOT IMPOSSIBLE TO SALVAGE THEM SHOULD THEY SINK IN THE OPEN SEA, MR. FRAWLEY CONTINUED, BUT WHEN THEY WERE PLACED IN POSITION BOTH MARINE DEPARTMENT AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WERE INVOLVED IN ENSURING THEIR POSITIONS WERE KNOWN TO AN ACCURACY OF LESS THAN A FOOT.
/MANY
SUNDAY, JULY J, 1977
2
MANY FACTORS WORK AGAINST THE INTEGRITY OF THE BUOYS, INCLUDING ROUGH FORCES OF HIGH SEAS AND TROPICAL STORMS, HE ADDED.
FOR PRECAUTION THE NEW BUOYS ARE TIED WITH SECURITY CHAINS, WITH A BREAKING STRENGTH OF 125 TONS, TO 2O-TON CONCRETE MOORING SINKERS. ELSEWHERE IN THE WORLD LIGHT BUOYS OF THIS SIZE ARE ONLY MOORED TO 3-TON CONCRETE BLOCKS.
THE FIVE LIGHT BUOYS NOW USED FOR THE TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME ARE EQUIPPED WITH RADAR REFLECTORS. THEY ARE EACH FITTED WITH AN AGA 300 MM GAS LANTERN WHICH HAS A MINIMUM VISIBILITY RANGE OF FIVE NAUTICAL MILES.
- 0 - -
GOVERNOR TO VISIT BATTERY FACTORY * * M
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL PAY A VISIT TO THE HING WAH BATTERY FACTORY (HONG KONG) LIMITED AT TO KWA WAN TOMORROW (MONDAY).
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD.
SIR MURRAY MAKES VISITS TO HONG KONG FACTORIES PERIODICALLY IN ORDER TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HOW LOCAL INDUSTRIES ARE FARING AND TO LEARN SOMETHING OF THEIR CURRENT PROBLEMS AS WELL AS PROGRESS.
THE FACTORY PRODUCES MAINLY TORCH AND RADIO DRY BATTERIES. ITS DAILY OUTPUT IS 720,000 PIECES.
THERE ARE 14 FACTORIES IN HONG KONG PRODUCING DRY BATTERIES. TOGETHER THESE EMPLOY MORE THAN 2,200 WORKERS, OR ABOUT 0.3 PERCENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORK FORCE.
IN 1976, HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORT OF DRY BATTERIES AND PARTS AMOUNTED TO $64 MILLION, AN INCREASE OF 81 PERCENT OVER 1975.
THE INDUSTRY EXPORTS TO MANY COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD. THE MAJOR OVERSEA MARKETS ARE THE UNITED STATES, JAPAN, WEST GERMANY, BRITAIN AND AUSTRALIA.
SIR MURRAY WILL BE RECEIVED AT THE FACTORY BY THE COMPANY’S DIRECTORS, MR. POON WING-KONG, MANAGING DIRECTOR AND GENERAL MANAGER, MR. VICTOR POON, DIRECTOR AND DEPUTY MANAGER, MR. SAMUEL POON, DIRECTOR AND FACTORY MANAGER, AND OTHER OFFICIALS.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT. THE GOVERNOR WILL ARRIVE AT THE FACTORY AT NOS. 82-84 TO KWA WAN ROAD, KOWLOON AT 2.45 P.M. YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IS URGED TO ARRIVE A FEW MINUTES EARLIER.
- 0 - -
f
SUNDAY, JULY J, 1977
- 3 -
MORE NEW SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES UNDERWAY *******
THE SOCCER PITCH AT THE TSUEN WAN SPORTS GROUND IS TO BE FLOODLIT SO THAT EVENING LEAGUE MATCHES CAN BE PLAYED THERE.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS CALLING FOR TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF FOUR STEEL FRAMED TOWERS, EACH 30 METRES HIGH, TO CARRY THE FLOODLIGHTING SYSTEM FOR THE EXISTING TURFED SOCCER PITCH.
THE SPORTS GROUND, WHICH IS AT THE JUNCTION OF YEUNG UK ROAD AND MA TAU PA ROAD, ALREADY OFFERS FACILITIES FOR BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND ATHLETIC EVENTS.
THE FLOODLIGHTING IS EXPECTED TO BE OPERATING BY THE BEGINNING OF NEXT YEAR.
THE WORK AT TSUEN WAN IS ONLY ONE OF MANY PROJECTS UNDERWAY OR PLANNED BY THE P.W.D. TO IMPROVE FACILITIES AT RECREATIONAL AREAS.
AMONG THE OTHER PROJECTS ARE PROVISION OF A CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT MORSE PARK, KOWLOON, CONSTRUCTION OF AN INDOOR GAMES HALL AND A TOILET AND CHANGING BLOCK AT SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF SQUASH COURTS AND ASSOCIATED FACILITIES AT TSUEN WAN SWIMMING POOL.
THE CHILDREN’S PLAYGROUND AT MORSE PARK WILL BE BUILT ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE EXISTING SWIMMING POOL.
THE NEW PLAYGROUND COVERS AN AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 2,500 SQUARE METRES AND IS SEPARATED FROM THE SWIMMING POOL BY A DECORATIVE SCREEN WALL ALONG THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE BOUNDARY.
WHEN COMPLETED, THE PLAYGROUND WILL CONTAIN A RANGE OF CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT AND PARK BENCHES FOR THEIR PARENTS.
THE PLAYGROUND IS EXPECTED TO BE OPEN WITHIN SIX MONTHS.
THE INDOOR GAMES HALL BEING BUILT AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE IS SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE ONE ALREADY OPEN AT CHEUNG SHA WAN.
THE HALL HAS BEEN DESIGNED FOR MULTI-PURPOSE USE SUCH AS BASKETBALL, GYMNASTICS AND SOCIAL FUNCTIONS.
AS WELL AS THE HALL, ANOTHER BUILDING IS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO HOUSE TOILETS, SHOWERS AND CHANGING ROOMS FOR CAMPERS USING THE FACILITIES OF THE OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN THIS MONTH AND BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER.
/THE COST
SUNDAY, JULY J, 1977
4
THE COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO NEW SQUASH COURTS AT THE TSUEN WAN SWIMMING POOL HAS BEEN DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
IN ADDITION TO THE COURTS, THERE WILL BE GALLERIES FOR SPECTATORS AND MEN’S AND WOMEN’S CHANGING AND TOILET FACILITIES IN THE NEW COMPLEX UNDER THE EXISTING CARPARK WITHIN THE SWIMMING POOL AND PARK COMPOUND.
THE NEW BUILDING WILL BE CALLED THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB PUBLIC SQUASH COURTS.
CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL START THIS MONTH, AND IS DUE FOR COMPLETION IN JANUARY NEXT YEAR.
-------o---------
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE
******
THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN CHOI HUNG ESTATE OFFICE FOR RESIDENTS AND PERSONS LIVING NEARBY FOR FIVE DAYS FROM JULY 11.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARD 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.
THE COMMISSIONER REMINDED ALL PERSONS LIVING IN THIS AREA 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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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
RAINFALL FOURTH LOWEST ON RECORD ............................ 1
PHASE TWO WATER RESTRICTIONS TOMORROW ..................... 4
BUILDING COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN NEW TOWNS .................. 4
SURVEY ON TRADE INSTRUCTORS ................................. 5
FIRING PRACTICE ............................................. 5
BANKING STATISTICS FOR MAY .................................. 6
MEET THE MEDIA SESSION ...................................... 8
IMMIGRATION MOBILE OFFICE CHANGES ADDRESS ................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
ri' j / v . ? ./? vi'1 w V/’ '--u-i •’ V *' '
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
- 1 -
RAINFALL ONE OF LOWEST IN HK HISTORY
*****
HONG KONG’S RAINFALL SINCE THE BEGINNING OF LAST WINTER HAS BEEN 35.6 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE, MAKING IT THE FOURTH LOWEST EVER, ACCORDING TO A ROYAL OBSERVATORY RAINFALL ANALYSIS RELEASED tODAY.
+FROM 1884 UNTIL NOW, THE AVERAGE TOTAL RAINFALL FOR THE PERIOD NOVEMBER TO JUNE HAS BEEN 1045.9 MM (41.2 INCHES),* AN OBSERVATORY SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ THIS YEAR THE RAINFALL FOR THE SAME PERIOD HAS BEEN ONLY 630.4 MM (24.8 INCHES). JUNE’S RAINFALL WAS ITSELF 35 PER CENT BELOW AVERAGE.*
AND FOR THE SECOND MONTH RUNNING, ABNORMAL RAINFALL PATTERNS --SHORT, LOCALISED SHOWERS INSTEAD OF HONG KONG’S USUAL WIDESPREAD AND PROLONGED SUMMER RAINFALLS -- HAVE ROBBED THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR CATCHMENTS OF MILLIONS OF GALLONS OF MUCH-NEEDED WATER.
MUCH OF THE VITAL RAIN SINCE THE BEGINNING OF MAY HAS FALLEN SOUTH OF LION ROCK, HITTING THE URBAN AREAS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND AND MISSING THE TERRITORY’S MAJOR OPERATIONAL RESERVOIR, PLOVER COVE.
AND A LARGE PROPORTION OF THAT RAIN WHICH HAS FALLEN IN SHORT, SHARP SHOWERS ON THE CATCHMENT AREAS HAS SIMPLY BEEN SOAKED UP BY THE PARCHED EARTH, WITH VERY LITTLE OF IT EVER GETTING TO THE RESERVOIRS.
THE WATERWORKS CHIEF ENGINEER IN CHARGE OF SUPPLY, MR. WONG KWOK-LAI, SAID THESE WERE THE REASONS THAT THE TOTAL STORAGE IN THE RESERVOIRS FELL FROM 31,488 MILLION GALLONS ON JUNE 1 TO THE JUNE 30 LEVEL OF 29,957 MILLION GALLONS.
+THE LAST TIMES RESERVOIRS STORAGE ACTUALLY FELL IN JUNE WERE IN 1967 AND 1963 — THE YEARS OF BAD DROUGHTS,* MR. WONG SAID.
+IN A NORMAL YEAR, RESERVOIR STORAGE INCREASES DURING JUNE AS A RESULT OF THE YIELD FROM SUMMER RAINS.*
LAST YEAR, FOR EXAMPLE, STORAGE DURING JUNE ROSE FROM 41,610 MILLION GALLONS TO 52,363 MILLION GALLONS.
IN 1975 IT GREW FROM 61,000 MILLION TO 66,000 MILLION.
EVEN IN 1974 — THE LAST YEAR IN WHICH WATER RESTRICTIONS WERE IMPOSED — STORAGE HAD RISEN FROM 35,036 MILLION GALLONS TO 40,253 MILLION GALLONS AT THE END OF JUNE — 10,000 MILLION GALLONS MORE THAN OUR PRESENT STORAGE.
YET BY WHAT SHOULD HAVE BEEN THE END OF THE RAINY REASON IN OCTOBER 1974, LEVELS WERE BACK DOWN TO 32,551 MILLION GALLONS.
/♦ONLY .....
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
- 2 -
+ONLY TWO FREAK, LATE TYPHOONS SAVED THE DAY,* SAID MR. WONG.
CONSIDERING OUR PRESENT VERY LOW LEVEL OF STORAGE, IT WOULD BE IRRESPONSIBLE OF US TO POSTPONE RESTRICTIONS AND RUN THE VERY REAL RISK OF ENTERING THE NEXT DRY PERIOD WITH DANGEROUSLY-DEPLETED RESERVOIRS.
+ IN VIEW OF THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY’S FORECAST THAT THIS YEAR’S WET SEASON WILL BRING US 10 PER CENT LESS RAIN THAN USUAL, SUCH AN ACTION WOULD BE FOOLHARDY.
+WE’VE CERTAINLY HAD A BAD SUMMER SO FAR.*
MR. WONG STRESSED THAT THIS YEAR HONG KONG WAS NOT ONLY FACED WITH A DRY SUMMER, BUT WHAT RAIN IT WAS GETTING WAS NOT DOING MUCH GOOD.
+ IT’S A PECULIAR SITUATION -- ALMOST THE REVERSE OF NORMAL RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION,* HE SAID.
+BECAUSE OF FICKLE METEOROLOGICAL CONDITIONS, INSTEAD OF WIDESPREAD STORMS WE’VE BEEN GETTING BRIEF, LOCALISED SHOWERS IN WHICH A LOT OF THE WATER HAS BEEN WASTED IN THE URBAN STREETS OR SOAKED UP BY DRY EARTH IN THE CATCHMENT AREAS.
+0N TOP OF THAT, THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL ITSELF HAS BEEN VERY LOW — FOR JUNE IT WAS 141 MM (5.5 INCHES) BELOW THE LONG-TERM AVERAGE.*
THE YIELD FROM THIS RAINFALL -- THAT IS THE ACTUAL AMOUNT WHICH REACHED THE RESERVOIRS INSTEAD OF BEING SOAKED UP BY THE EARTH OR RUNNING TO WASTE OUTSIDE THE CATCHMENT AREAS — WAS ONLY 2,367 MILLION GALLONS.
+WE NEEDED AT LEAST 5,000 MILLION GALLONS BEFORE THE END OF LAST MONTH TO BE ABLE TO POSTPONE THE SECOND PHASE OF THE WATER SUPPLY RESTRICTIONS,* MR. WONG SAID.
THE RECORDS SHOWED THAT RAIN IN THE LAST COUPLE OF MONTHS HAD FALLEN FOR ONLY BRIEF PERIODS AND AT ISOLATED INTERVALS.
+THE RESULT HAS BEEN THAT MUCH OF THAT RAIN WHICH DID FALL IN THE CATCHMENT AREAS WAS SOAKED UP BY THE DRY EARTH AND DIDN’T RESULT IN ANY YIELD TO THE RESERVOIRS,* MR. WONG SAID.
+THEN TO MAKE THINGS WORSE THE SUN CAME OUT AGAIN FOR LONG PERIODS AND DRIED UP THE MOISTURE GAINED BY THE EARTH — SO THAT THE NEXT RAINS WERE AGAIN ABSORBED AND WASTED.
+AT THIS TIME OF YEAR WE SHOULD BE GETTING LONG, WIDESPREAD RAINS WHICH SOAK THE EARTH, SO THAT AFTER RAIN HAS BEEN FALLING FOR SOME TIME WE GET A GOOD YIELD THROUGH SEEPAGE AND RUNOFF TO THE RESERVOIRS.*
/QUOTING .....
• ' t • . . MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
' i ■ * '* » 1 i J >J u i * t ' <'
♦ »
QUOTING AN EXAMPLE, MR. WONG SAID RESERVOIR STORAGE FIGURES SHOWED THAT, FOLLOWING OUR DRIEST WINTER ON RECORD, SOME 75 MM (3 INCHES) OF THE INITIAL RAINS OF MAY ADDED VIRTUALLY NOTHING TO THE RESERVOIRS, BECAUSE THEY WERE SOAKED UP BY THE SOIL.
+THIS SOAKING PROCESS MUST REACH FULL SATURATION LEVEL BEFORE EXCESS WATER WILL FLOW OVER THE CATCHMENTS INTO THE RESERVOIRS,+ HE SAID.
+THE FACTS ARE THAT THE FIRST COUPLE OF INCHES OF RAIN FALLING INTO DRY EARTH GIVE VIRTUALLY NO YIELD AT ALL.
THE NEXT INCH OR TWO WILL ONLY BEGIN TO PRODUCE WATER YIELD TO THE RESERVOIRS IF THE RAIN HAS BEEN UNINTERRUPTED AND QUITE HEAVY.
+ONLY AFTER AT LEAST 152 MM (6 INCHES) OF ALMOST CONTINUOUS RAIN HAS FALLEN ON THE CATCHMENT AREAS DO WE BEGIN TO GET TO A STAGE WHERE MOST OF THE RAIN IS RUNNING DIRECTLY TO THE RESERVOIRS, SUBSTANTIALLY BOOSTING OUR WATER STORAGE.
+AND IN RECENT MONTHS WE SIMPLY HAVEN’T BEEN GETTING MANY STEADY AND PROLONGED DOWNPOURS — AND CERTAINLY NONE IN THE CATCHMENT AREAS WHERE WE NEED THEM.
+WHAT WE BADLY NEED NOW IS A SERIES OF HEAVY AND PROLONGED TERRITORY-WIDE RAINSTORMS, OR EVEN THE OUTER RAIN BAND OF A PASSING TYPHOON.
MR. WONG SAID THAT FOR THE PAST 24 YEARS, HONG KONG’S RAINFALL DISTRIBUTION PATTERN HAS BEEN ANALYSED FROM RECORDS MADE AT ROYAL OBSERVATORY RAIN GAUGES, NOW TOTALLING 140 AND LOCATED THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
THIS NETWORK OF GAUGES IS READ EACH DAY BY OBSERVATORY PERSONNEL, WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT ENGINEERS AND AN ARMY OF POLICEMEN, SCHOOL CHILDREN AND OTHER PUBLIC VOLUNTEERS.
+ALL RECORDS THIS YEAR SHOW THE SAME THING — AN ABNORMAL RAIN PATTERN,* SAID MR. WONG.
+0F THE RAINFALL FOR JUNE, FOR EXAMPLE, ONLY 74 PER CENT FELL OVER THE ENTIRE CATCHMENT AREAS, WITH SOME RESERVOIRS, LIKE SHEK PIK, RECEIVING ONLY 55 PER CENT.*
HONG KONG’S +GROUND WATER LEVEL* -- WHICH INDICATES THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL WHICH WILL STILL BE ABSORBED BY THE SOIL AND THEREFORE WASTED — IS CHECKED AT A NUMBER OF OBSERVATION WELLS ON THE HIGH ISLAND AND OTHER CATCHMENT AREAS, AND FROM REPORTS BY PRIVATE WELL OWNERS ELSEWHERE THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE LEVEL ROSE SLIGHTLY DURING JUNE, BUT MR. WONG WARNED IT WAS STILL VERY LOW FOR THIS TIME OF YEAR, AND THAT ABSORPTION OF RAINFALL BY THE SOIL IS STILL EXPECTED TO BE HIGH.
+UNTIL THE MOISTURE CONTENT IN THE SOIL REACHES ITS NORMAL LEVEL, THE CATCHMENTS WILL STILL NOT GET THE FULL BENEFIT OF RAINS,* HE SAID.
------0 - - - - /4.....
nvnvnx, u UJU1 n , 1^7 f
' . r ' ’ - » 4 •
WATER RESTRICTIONS SECOND PHASE PROM TOMORROW
* * * *
THE SECOND PHASE OF HONG KONG’S WATER RESTRICTIONS WILL COME INTO FORCE TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
THE TEN-HOUR SUPPLY WILL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN A FOUR-HOUR MORNING PERIOD AND A SIX-HOUR EVENING PERIOD.
IN THE MORNING, THE HOURS OF SUPPLY WILL BE FROM 6 A.M. TO 10 A.M. WHILE THE EVENING SUPPLY PERIOD WILL BE FROM 4 P.M. TO 10 P.M.
ANNOUNCING THIS LAST WEEK, THE DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, SAID THAT TO HAVE FURTHER POSTPONED THE PHASE II RESTRICTIONS THE WATER STORAGE WOULD HAVE HAD TO REACH 35,000 MILLION GALLONS.
AT 9 O'CLOCK THIS MORNING, THE RESERVOIRS HELD ONLY 30,192 MILLION GALLONS OR 44.8 PER CENT OF THEIR TOTAL CAPACITY.
AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR, STORAGE WAS 52,328 MILLION GALLONS OR 77.7 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPACITY.
- - - - 0------
BUILD-UP OF COMMUNITY FACILITIES IN NEW TOWN * * * * *
THE BUILDING OF THE THREE NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS REACHED A NEW STAGE - WITH GREATER EMPHASIS NOW BEING PLACED ON PROVIDING COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF NEW TERRITORIES, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY THAT IN THE PAST ALMOST THE ENTIRE DEVELOPMENT EMPHASIS HAD BEEN ON HOMES AND WORK.
+NOW WE CAN SEE SECONDARY SCHOOLS BEING CONSTRUCTED ALONGSIDE THE HOUSING ESTATES, TOGETHER WITH POLICE, FIRE STATIONS, POLYCLINICS AND SO ON,* HE SAID.
+BROADLY SPEAKING, THE AIM IS TO KEEP IN PROPER BALANCE THE PROVISION OF THESE FACILITIES WHICH ARE ESSENTIAL TO THE WELL-BEING AND CONTENTMENT OF THESE COMMUNITIES.
+HOPEFULLY, LACK OF SCHOOLS AND QUEUES AT POLYCLINICS WILL NOT OCCUR IN OUR NEW TOWNS.
+WE MAY NOT GET PROVISION ENTIRELY IN BALANCE BUT IT WI L*L NOT BE BECAUSE WE HAVE NOT TRIED.*
MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE MAIN EMPHASIS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME WAS TAKING PLACE IN THE NEW TERR I TOR IES.
HE SAID HE WAS VERY CONSCIOUS OF THE DISRUPTION AND DISTURBANCE THIS BROUGHT TO EXISTING COMMUNITIES. + THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO WHATEVER IT CAN LEGITIMATELY TO CUSHION THE EFFECTS OF THIS DISTURBANCE,* HE SAID.
+BUT WE MUST NOT FORGET THE ULTIMATE OBJECTIVE, WHICH IS TO PROVIDE A HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS LIFE FOR OUR PEOPLE.*
/5.....
- 0 -
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
5
SURVEY ON NEEDS FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS ******
A SURVEY ON THE MANPOWER NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS IN MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS WILL BE CARRIED OUT LATER THIS MONTH.
THIS IS THE SECOND SURVEY IN THE SERIES TO BE CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. IT AIMS TO UP-DATE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY AND TO ASCERTAIN, AMONG OTHER MATTERS, THE EXISTING NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS REQUIRED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
DURING THE SURVEY, FROM JULY 18 TO 30, AN OFFICER WILL VISIT SELECTED INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE, ANSWER ANY QUERIES AND ASSIST IN FILLING OUT THE QUESTIONNAIRE, IF NECESSARY.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL SAID: ♦EMPLOYERS CAN REST ASSURED THAT 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 ESTABLISHMENTS.+
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING HOPED THAT EMPLOYERS WOULD CO-OPERATE AND PROVIDE THE NECESSARY INFORMATION WHICH IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN HELPING TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS TO MEET THE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S EXPANDING ECONOMY.
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FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE TOMORROW (TUESDAY) FOR FOUR DAYS UNTIL FRIDAY (JULY 8).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE :
DATE HOURS
JULY 5 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 6 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 7 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 8 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 4 P.M. - - - - 0 - - - - /6
6
BANKING STATISTICS FOR MAY * X X * *
BANKING DEPOSITS AT THE END OF MAY 1977 STOOD AT $47,041 MILLION, COMPRISING $11,116 MILLION IN DEMAND DEPOSITS, $18,211 MILLION IN TIME DEPOSITS AND $17,714 MILLION IN SAVINGS DEPOSITS.
THERE WERE 74 LICENSED BANKS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF MAY.
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
$MILLION
LIABILITIES
1. DEPOSITS 47,041
2. AMOUNT DUE TO BANKS ABROAD 32,456
3. OTHER LIABILITIES 8,963
TOTAL LIABILITIES 88,460
ASSETS
1. CASH 922
2. AMOUNT DUE FROM BANKS ABROAD i
(I) DEMAND AND SHORT TERM CLAIMS 25,587
(II) TIME DEPOSITS 4,726 30,313
3. LOANS AND ADVANCES :
( I) HONG KONG 32,565
(II) ABROAD 16,320 48,885
4. INVESTMENTS :
(I) HONGKONG 3,351
(II) ABROAD 64 3,415
/5. OTHER ......
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
7
5. OTHER ASSETS s
( I) HONG KONG
(II) ABROAD
4,117
808
4,925
TOTAL ASSETS
88,460
AVERAGE LIQUIDITY DURING MONTH
MONEY SUPPLY
1. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN CIRCULATION (A)
(I) COMMERCIAL BANK ISSUES 5,093
(II) GOVERNMENT ISSUES 495
2. LICENSED BANKS’ HOLDINGS OF LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES (B)
3. LEGAL TENDER COINS AND NOTES IN HANDS OF NON-BANK PUBLIC (A) - (B) - (C)
4. DEMAND DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (D)
5. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 1) (C) + (D) - (E)
6. TIME DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (F)
7. SAVINGS DEPOSITS WITH LICENSED BANKS (G)
8. MONEY SUPPLY (DEFINITION 2) (E) + (F) + (G) - (H)
------o-------
43.72 PERCENT
MONTH ENDED MAY 31, 1977
$MILL ION
5,588
922
4,666
11,116
15,782
18,211
17,714
51,707
/8 ...
MONDAY, JULY 4, 1977
8
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION * * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE FOR THE COMMISSIONER OF PRISONS, MR. T.G. GARNER, TO MEET THE MEDIA AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JULY 7).
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE. G. I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
- - - - 0 ----------
IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT MOBILE OFFICE CHANGES ADDRESS * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S MOBILE OFFICE WILL NOW OPERATE EVERY FRIDAY STARTING JULY 8, AT THE TAI PO REGISTRATION OF PERSONS SUB-OFFICE NOS. 89'91, WAN TAU STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO.
THE MOBILE OFFICE WILL OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 13 A.M. TO 1 P.M. AND 2 P.M. TO 3.45 P.M.
PREVIOUSLY, THE MOBILE OFFICE OPERATED AT THE TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE.
- - o - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROSECUTIONS FOR BREAKING FIRE SAFETY REGULATIONS ......... 1
LAND SHELTERS FROM TROPICAL STORM ....................... 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SHAM SHUI PO DISTRICT ................... 3
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ...................................... 4
FIXED PITCH HAWKING SITE IN TAM KUNG ROAD ................. 4
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED .................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
1
379 PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR BREAKING FIRE SAFETY LAW ******
A TOTAL OF 379 DOMESTIC DWELLERS, COMMERCIAL AND FACTORY PROPRIETORS WERE PROSECUTED BY THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN MAY FOR BREAKING THE LAW ON FIRE SAFETY.
THE PROSECUTIONS RESULTED IN FINES AMOUNTING TO OVER $145,800.
A FIRE SERVICES SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT MOST OF THE 379 PEOPLE WERE PROSECUTED FOR OBSTRUCTING STAIRCASES AND MEANS OF ESCAPE AND FAILING TO COMPLY WITH FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS.
IN THEIR EFFORT TO REMOVE POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS, FIRE OFFICERS CONDUCTED MORE THAN 21,800 INSPECTIONS, RE-INSPECTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP VISITS DURING THE MONTH TO RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
MORE THAN HALF OF THESE INSPECTIONS WERE PROMPTED BY COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH RELATED TO BLOCKAGE OF MEANS OF ESCAPE.
AS A RESULT OF THE INSPECTIONS, 785 FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES WERE ISSUED, REQUIRING THE HAZARDS TO BE REMOVED WITHIN A STIPULATED PERIOD.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, THERE WERE 1,425 ROUTINE INSPECTIONS OF ESCAPE ROUTES, SOME 3,650 VISITS TO FACTORIES, AND 2,300 VISITS TO SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS, PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY, VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS.
NEARLY 200 INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT ON VEHICLES USED FOR CARRYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, AND 564 INSPECTIONS WERE MADE OF CHILD CARE CENTRES.
A TOTAL OF 844 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED AND 247 DANGEROUS GOODS AND THREE TIMBER YARD STORAGE LICENCES WERE ISSUED OR RENEWED.
IN ADDITION, FIRE OFFICERS LECTURES AND INVESTIGATED THREE
CONDUCTED FOUR FIRE PREVENTION FIRES IN DEPTH.
----0----
/2......
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
- 2 -
LAND SHELTERS AVAILABLE IN CASE OF STORM
******
A TOTAL OF 122 TYPHOON LAND SHELTERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC SEEKING SAFER ACCOMMODATION DURING TROPICAL STORMS, UNDER THE ARRANGEMENT OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT.
THESE SHELTERS, WITH AN OVERALL CAPACITY OF 20,000 AND CONVENIENTLY LOCATED AT EACH DISTRICT, WILL BE OPENED WHEN WARNING SIGNAL NO. 8 IS HOISTED.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES OR REQUIRE SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS CAN CONTACT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN THEIR AREA.
THE ENQUIRY COUNTER (TEL. NO.: 5-456381) AT THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IS ALSO MANNED ROUND-THE-CLOCK ONCE WARNING SIGNAL NO. 1 IS HOISTED TO ANSWER ENQUIRIES ABOUT THE LATEST TROPICAL STORM AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT SITUATIONS.
THE 122 TYPHOON LAND SHELTERS, MADE AVAILABLE THROUGH SCHOOLS, KAI FONG ASSOCIATIONS AND OTHER COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS, ARE DISTRIBUTED AS FOLLOWS:
DISTRICT NO. OF SHELTERS CAPACITY TEL. NOS.
EASTERN 15 2,260 MAIN OFFICE : 5-706960 5-703455 SHAU KI WAN SUB-OFFICE: 5-690121 CHAI WAN SUB-OFFICE : 5-573265-7
WAN CHAI 14 2,730 5-752477, 5-742281
CENTRAL AND 12 1,410 MAIN OFFICE: 5-480127
WESTERN
C.G.O. SUB-OFFICE: 5-220031
SOUTHERN 17 4,545 5-540271
KWUN TONG 24 1,900 MAIN OFFICE : 3-423431
NGAU TAU KOK SUB-OFFICE:
3-420843
SAU MAU PING SUB-OFFICE:
3-462247
YAU TONG SUB-OFFICE :
3-351135
/WONG TAI SIN ..
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
WONG TAI SIN 11
KOWLOON CITY 11
MONG KOK 6
SHAM SHU I PO 4
YAU MA TEI 8
910 3-229701, 3-222261-4
1,466 3-010171-5
1,480 MAIN OFFICE: 3-809731
TAI KOK TSUI SUB-OFFICE:
3-933433
1,340 MAIN OFFICE: 3-704251-5
CHEUNG SHA WAN SUB-OFFICE: 3-704033, 3-704045
1,750 3-686161
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SHAM SHU I PO
*****
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT TOMORROW (JULY 6) AFTERNOON.
HE WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER ON DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS IN THE AREA FROM A LOOK-OUT POSITION ON THE ROOF-TOP OF A HIGH-RISE BUILDING IN YEN CHOW STREET, AND WILL VISIT A FAMILY LIVING IN A CONVERTED FLAT AT LOWER SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE.
SIR MURRAY WILL ALSO MEET AND DISCUSS GENERAL PROBLEMS WITH KAIFONG, AREA COMMITTEE AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE BEFORE CONCLUDING THE AFTERNOON’S VISIT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT. IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ACCOMMODATE PRESS MEMBERS INSIDE THE ESTATE FLAT DUE TO LIMITED SPACE. A POOL PHOTOGRAPH WILL BE ISSUED BY GIS.
TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE. A GOVERNMENT NINE-SEATER VAN, AM 2079, WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR-PARK AT 2 P.M. FOR SHAM SHU I PO.
THOSE WHO TAKE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT CHEONG YUEN BUILDING AT 1-9, YEN CHOW STREET, SHAM SHU I PO, BY 2.45 P.M.
- - 0 - -
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
4
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
* * * *
SECTIONS OF NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND HEUNG YIP ROAD IN WONG CHUK HANG WILL BE CLOSED TO PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MID-NIGHT FROM 10 A.M. THIS FRIDAY (JULY 8).
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESTRICTION WOULD BE IMPOSED ONt
* NAM LONG SHAN ROAD BETWEEN WONG CHUK HANG ROAD AND THE ACCESS ROAD TO WONG CHUK HANG ESTATE, AND
* HEUNG YIP ROAD BETWEEN A POINT ABOUT 270 FEET WEST OF ITS JUNCTION WITH NAM LONG SHAN ROAD AND ITS WESTERN JUNCTION WITH YIP FAT STREET.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE RESTR ICT ION.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF A NEWLY-COMPLETED UNNAMED ROAD IN KWAI CHUNG WAS NOW OPENED TO TWO-WAY TRAFF IC.
THE ROAD RUNS FROM THE JUNCTION OF HING FONG ROAD AND KWAI FUK ROAD IN A SOUTH-EASTERLY DIRECTION FOR ABOUT 787 FEET, AND THEN IN A SOUTH-WESTERLY DIRECTION TO JOIN THE CONTAINER PORT ROAD.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, VEHICLES WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO ENTER TAI WONG STREET EAST FROM QUEEN’S ROAD EAST BETWEEN MID-NIGHT AND 6 A.M. ON THURSDAY (JULY 7).
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT THE TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE WOULD FACILITATE URGENT CABLE REPAIR WORKS IN QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP AT THESE PLACES TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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FIXED PITCH HAWKING SITE IN TAM KUNG ROAD ******
A FIXED PITCH HAWKING SITE HAS BEEN PROPOSED FOR PART OF THE PAVEMENT IN TAM KUNG ROAD, TO KWA WAN FROM SATURDAY (JULY 9).
THIS WILL ENABLE A LICENSED FIXED PITCH HAWKER TO TRADE ON THE PAVEMENT IN FRONT OF HOUSE NOS. 65 AND 67 THERE.
THE DECLARATION OF THE HAWKER PERMITTED AREA IS MADE BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT UNDER A SECTION OF THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE.
TUESDAY, JULY 5, 1977
- 5 -
DEATH SENTENCES COMMUTED MM * * *
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCES PASSED ON JULY 30, 1976 ON DONALD DAVID BASSETT AND GEORGE WILLIAM PUTTOCK SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT IN EACH CASE.
BOTH OF THEM WERE FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF NG FAI.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR SURPLUS TEACHERS .................. i
TSING Yl GUARDED BY NEW FIRE STATION ...................... 3
SUMMARY OF CHINESE PRESS COMMENT FOR SALE ................. 4
TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES BEGIN ON FRIDAY .......... 5
COMMUNITY HALL TO OPEN AT LAI KING ESTATE ................. 6
RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER NOW DUE ........................... 7
PWD CHIEF ARCHITECT RETIRES ............................... 8
FIRE OFFICERS TO INSPECT TSUEN WAN FACTORIES .............. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
1
NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
* * X
THE GOVERNMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED A WHOLE RANGE OF CAREERS OPEN TO SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS, IN EDUCATION AND OTHER PARTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE. THERE ARE MANY NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR PRIMARY TEACHERS WHOSE SCHOOLS NOW HAVE LESS PUPILS BECAUSE OF THE DECLINING BIRTH RATE AND POPULATION MOVEMENT.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW OPENINGS COULD INCLUDE TEACHING IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND SPECIAL CLASSES, WORKING IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, IN LIBRARIES IN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOLS, COLLEGES AND INSTITUTES, IN THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, IN THE DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, CARRYING OUT STUDENT COUNSELLING IN SCHOOLS OR TAKING UP A NEW CAREER IN ANOTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE PROBLEM OF SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS HAD BEEN OF GREAT CONCERN TO THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, FOR SOME TIME.
THE DIRECTOR WAS PLEASED THAT THESE NEW JOB OPPORTUNITIES WOULD BE AVAILABLE FOR THE SURPLUS CERTIFICATED MASTERS OR MISTRESSES.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THESE OPPORTUNITIES COINCIDES WITH AN ORDER BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL THAT THERE WILL BE NO DECENTRALISATION, OR DISESTABLISHMENT, OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
+THIS MEANS THAT THERE WILL BE A PERMANENT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR OF EDUCATION,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THIS DECISION WAS MADE AFTER FURTHER CONSIDERATION OF THE MATTER BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AND CAREFUL STUDY BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTERS IN 1973. THE BOARD ALSO CONSIDERED THE VIEWS ON THE SPECIAL COMMISSION’S REPORT EXPRESSED BY THE STAFF SIDE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE DECISION OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL CARRIED THE RIDER THAT IF THE PUPIL POPULATION OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS CONTINUED TO DECLINE, THE OPERATION OF EMPTY SCHOOLS WITH TEACHERS ON THE PAY ROLL COULD NOT BE JUSTIFIED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE ANNUAL SALARY BILL OF TEACHERS SURPLUS TO OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENT IS CURRENTLY RUNNING AT ABOUT $30 MILLION A YEAR.
AT PRESENT THE NUMBER OF SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IS MORE THAN 650 AND BY SEPTEMBER 1980 IT COULD BE IN THE REGION OF 1,100.
/SINCE THE .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
2
SINCE THE INTRODUCTION IN 1971 OF ™EE PRIMARY EDUCATION, THE NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAS FALLEN FROM 102 TO THE PRESENT FIGURE OF 70. ACCORDING TO PRELIMINARY PROJECTIONS THIS DECLINING TREND IS LIKELY TO CONTINUE.
ENROLMENTS HAVE DROPPED FROM 75,113 IN 1971 TO 35,158 IN SEPTEMBER 1976. LATEST REGISTRATION FIGURES SHOW THAT THERE WILL BE A FURTHER DECLINE OF ANOTHER 5,000 IN SEPTEMBER 1977. THE DROP IN ENROLMENTS RELATES TO THE FALL IN THE NUMBER OF CHILDREN IN THE 6-11 YEAR OLD AGE GROUP, FROM 631,000 IN 1971 TO 499,800 IN 1976.
THEREFORE SOMETHING MUST BE DONE TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC FUNDS BEING EXPENDED ON SALARIES TO SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ARE SPENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST, THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE DIRECTOR IN CONSIDERING THE SCOPE FOR REDEVELOPMENT BELIEVES THAT THE 1,100 SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WOULD BE REQUIRED IN OTHER AREAS WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OR IN OTHER POSTS IN THE CIVIL SERVICE PROVIDED THEY COME FORWARD AND ARE FOUND SUITABLE.
SURPLUS GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WHO ARE NOT ABLE TO BE REDEPLOYED BY AUGUST 31, 1980 WILL BE RETIRED FROM THE PUBLIC SERVICE ON GROUNDS OF ABOLITION OF OFFICE. ANY SURPLUS TEACHER MAY RETIRE ON A VOLUNTARY BASIS. UNDER THE PENSIONS REGULATIONS AN OFFICER WHOSE OFFICE IS ABOLISHED AND WHO RETIRES FROM SERVICE MAY RECEIVE AN ADDITIONAL PENSION.
THE IMPLICATIONS ARE THAT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS WILL BE FACED WITH A NUMBER OF CHOICES - TO CONTINUE TEACHING IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT THEY MAY HAVE TO RETIRE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN 1980, APPLYING FOR RETIREMENT IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST BEFORE THAT DATE, OR APPLYING FOR ANOTHER POST IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OR ELSEWHERE IN THE CIVIL SERVICE RETAINING THEIR PRESENT SALARY SCALE IF IT IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE.
WHATEVER THE CHOICE BY THE INDIVIDUAL OFFICER, IT WILL BE SUBJECT TO THE PUBLIC INTEREST AND SELECTION BASED ON WILLINGNESS TO SERVE AND SUITABILITY.
THE SPOKESMAN EMPHASISED THAT THREE YEARS' NOTICE OF A PROBLEM OF SUCH MAGNITUDE AND COMPLEXITY WAS CONSIDERED FAIR TO THE STAFF CONCERNED.
HE ADDED THAT THE DIRECTOR WAS CONSCIOUS OF THE NEED TO KEEP THE BEST PEOPLE HE COULD FIND TO STAFF WHATEVER THE NUMBER OF REMAINING GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS. THEREFORE THE DIRECTOR WOULD HAVE TO REDEPLOY STAFF ON A SELECTIVE BASIS AND KEEPING THE SERVICES OF BETTER QUALIFIED STAFF.
THE DIRECTOR WILL CONSULT THE STAFF SIDE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AS TO HOW BEST TO IMPLEMENT THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST. THE CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL AND INDIVIDUAL TEACHERS HAVE BEEN INFORMED, AND DISCUSSION WILL CONTINUE.
- 3 -
WEDNESDAX, JULI 6, T9TT
NEW TSING Yi FIRE STATION * * *
THE NEW $1.8 MILLION TSING YI FIRE STATION WHICH COMMENCED OPERATION LAST MONTH WOULD MINIMISE THE THREAT OF POSSIBLE FIRE HAZARDS ON THE ISLAND, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
+THE FIRE FIGHTING FACILITIES ON TSING YI ARE SIMILAR TO THOSE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, AND IT IS PART OF THE DEPARTMENT’S AIM TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES IN EVERY NEW TOWN.* HE SAID.
WITH AN AREA OF SLIGHTLY OVER THREE SQUARE MILES, AND A POPULATION OF ABOUT 1,600, TSING YI IS BEING DEVELOPED INTO AN AREA FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIES - CHEMICAL PLANT, SHIP YARDS, OIL DEPOT AND MACHINE FACTORIES HAD BEEN OR ARE BEING SET ClP ON THE ISLAND.
DEVELOPMENTS THERE ARE IN FULL SWING, AND WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE FIRST PHASE OF THE CHEUNG CHING ESTATE, TSING YI WILL BE A TOWN OF 160,000 PEOPLE WHEN IT IS FULLY DEVELOPED
u.n ™E SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE RAPID DEVELOPMENTS ON THE ISLAND ™>£0SED FIRE HAZARDS TO BOTH THE RESIDENTS AND THE INDUSTRY. THOUGH THE PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TAKEN BY THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS AND THE INHABITANTS COMPLIED WITH THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT’S REQUIREMENTS, IT WAS NECESSARY TO BRING THE FIRE FIGHTING SERVICES ON THE ISLAND UP TO STANDARD.
+THE NEW TSING YI FIRE STATION, COVERING AN AREA OF 10,000 SQ. FEET, IS A THREE-STOREY BUILDING. IT IS A STANDARD FIRE STATION AND SIMILAR TO THOSE IN THE URBAN AND INDUSTRIAL AREAS,+ HE STRESSED.
+WE HAVE FOUR FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES AND TWO LANDROVERS AT THE NEW STATION AND ABOUT 30 FIREMEN ARE ON ALERT ROUND THE CLOCK TO ANSWER CALLS FROM THE ISLAND,* HE ADDED.
THE OLD FIRE STATION WITH POOR FIRE FIGHTING APPLIANCES WAS LOCATED AT THE PREMISES OF THE TSING YI RURAL COMMITTEE.
TO FURTHER IMPROVE THE FIRE FIGHTING EFFICIENCY ON THE ISLAND AND IN THE NEARBY CONTAINER TERMINAL, A SUM OF $6 MILLION HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE BUILDING OF A LARGE FIRE BOAT. IT IS EXPECTED THAT THE FIRE BOAT WILL BE OPERATIONAL IN 1980.
THE NEW FIRE BOAT WILL ALSO BE THE FIRST FIRE FIGHTING BOAT THAT HAS SNORKEL INSTALLATION.
MOREOVER, A PIER SPECIALLY FOR THE USE OF FIRE BOATS WILL BE BUILT ON THE ISLAND.
+FIRE BOATS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN ADDITION TO THE REINFORCEMENT FROM NEARBY FIRE STATIONS SHOULD FIRE BREAK OUT ON THE ISLAND,* HE SAID.
HE ALSO REVEALED THAT A NEW FIRE STATION AND AN AMBULANCE DEPOT, CAPABLE OF ACCOMMODATING A FLEET OF TEN AMBULANCES IS BEING BUILT IN LEI MUK SHUE, ANOTHER DEVELOPING AREA IN KWAI CHUNG. WHEN THIS FIRE STATION STARTS SERVICE NEXT SEPTEMBER, THE AREA WILL BE BETTER PROTECTED FROM FIRES.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
- 4
KEEPING ABREAST OF CHINESE PRESS COMMENT *****
A FURTHER STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR PEOPLE TO KEEP ABREAST OF CHINESE PRESS COMMENT ON PUBLIC AFFAIRS IN HONG KONG.
STARTING TOMORROW (THURSDAY) A WEEKLY REVIEW OF EDITORIAL COMMENT IN THE CHINESE NEWSPAPERS, WHICH TAKE A LIVELY INTEREST IN MATTERS OF CONCERN TO HONG KONG, WILL BE ON SALE FOR DIRECT PURCHASE OR ON A SUBSCRIPTION BASIS.
THE REVIEW, ENTITLED +OPINION+, IS PRODUCED IN ENGLISH BY THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT. IT IS ON SALE AT $5 A COPY FROM THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, NEW POST OFFICE BUILDING, OR ON ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION AT $250 WITH LOCAL POSTAGE INCLUDED.
SUBSCRIPTIONS HAVE ALREADY BEEN TAKEN OUT BY A WIDE CROSSSECTION OF THE COMMUNITY, INCLUDING TRADING HOUSES, PUBLIC UTILITIES, FACTORIES, COMMERCIAL FIRMS, AIRLINES, ADVERTISING AGENCIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND PROFESSIONAL BODIES.
ANOTHER PUBLICATION, +THE GIST+, WHICH PRESENTS IN NEWSPAPER STYLE A DAILY SURVEY IN ENGLISH OF THE MAIN REPORTS APPEARING IN THE CHINESE PAPERS, IS ALREADY ON SALE. IT COSTS $1 PER COPY IF BOUGHT AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AND $250 ON ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION, LOCAL POSTAGE INCLUDED.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING SUBSCRIPTION COPIES OF BOTH +OPINION+ AND +THE GIST+ SHOULD BE MADE TO THE SALE OF GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS SECTION, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, FIRST FLOOR, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL. THE NUMBER FOR TELEPHONE ENQUIRIES IS 5-233191 EXTENSION 274 (MRS. MAGGIE TONG).
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/5
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
5
TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES ALL SET TO GO *****
THE 1977 SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES PROGRAMME IN TUEN MUN WILL SWING INTO TOP GEAR ON FRIDAY (JULY 8) WHEN A CEREMONY TO MARK ITS OFFICIAL OPENING TAKES PLACE AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD.
THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES (GENERAL), MR. MORRIS MORGAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH STARTS AT 3 P.M.
ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE (DYRCC), THE PROGRAMME WILL SPREAD OVER A PERIOD OF MORE THAN TWO MONTHS UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER.
A DIVERSE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES HAS BEEN PLANNED TO ENSURE THAT SOMETHING OF INTEREST IS AVAILABLE FOR EVERYONE DURING THAT PERIOD. THESE INCLUDE GAMES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN, SWIMMING, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, EXCURSIONS, CAMPING AND COOKING.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT MORE THAN 7,000 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAMME.
THE DYRCC COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL CIVIC ORGANISATIONS, VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS OFFICIALS FROM VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
MEANWHILE, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE IS ORGANISING A COMMUNITY SERVICES EXHIBITION WHICH WILL OPEN ON THE SAME DAY AT THE SAME PLACE.
MR. LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, WILL CUT THE RIBBON TO OFFICIALLY OPEN THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION AT THE HALL OF THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE SHORTLY AFTER THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS DECLARED OPEN.
THE EXHIBITION AIMS AT GIVING AN INSIGHT INTO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFERED IN TUEN MUN BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE , THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE PHOTOGRAPHS, MODELS, PLANS AND ILLUSTRATIONS.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 3 P.M. TO 6 P.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 8), AND FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M. ON THE NEXT TWO DAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONIES OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AND THE COMMUNITY SERVICES EXHIBITION ON FRIDAY (JULY 8).
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/6 ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
- 6 -
THIRD COMMUNITY HALL TO BE OPENED *****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL OFF IC I ALLY OPEN ITS THIRD COMMUNITY HALL IN THE LAI KING ESTATE THIS FRIDAY (JULY 8).
MR. J.W. HAYES, TOWN MANAGER AND DISTRICT OFFICER FOR TSUEN WAN, WILL UNVEIL THE COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE AT AN OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT 4 P.M.
THE LAI KING COMMUNITY HALL IS ONE OF THE FIVE COMMUNITY HALLS COMPLETED RECENTLY UNDER A PROJECT AIMED AT PROMOTING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
A COMMUNITY HALL PROVIDES A PLACE IN AN ESTATE WHERE RESIDENTS CAN GATHER TOGETHER AND PARTICIPATE IN VARIOUS CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES. EACH HALL CONSISTS OF FACILITIES INCLUDING A STAGE, CHANGING ROOMS AND A CONFERENCE ROOM TOTALLING ABOUT 4,000 TO 5,000 SQ. FT. IN AREA.
YOUTH GROUPS, RELIGIOUS BODIES AND OTHER CIVIC ORGANISATIONS CAN MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES IN THEIR ESTATES, FREE OF CHARGE, TO HOLD COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES SUCH AS EXHIBITIONS, SOCIAL GATHERINGS AND THEATRICAL PERFORMANCES.
THE COMMUNITY HALL IN LEK YUEN ESTATE WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED IN APRIL AND THE ONE IN LEI MUK SHUE LAST MONTH, WHILE THE OTHER TWO IN HING WAH AND KWAI SHING ESTATES ARE EXPECTED TO BE OPENED SOON.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARF£ CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT THE LAI KING COMMUNITY HALL IN TSUEN WAN AT 4 P.M. ON F-RIDAY (JULY 8)„
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
- 7
PAYMENT OF RATES FOR THIRD QUARTER
* * *
RATEPAYERS WERE TODAY REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE THIRD QUARTER OF THIS YEAR MUST BE SETTLED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY SAID ANY RATEPAYER WHO HAS NOT RECEIVED A DEMAND NOTE SHOULD APPLY IMMEDIATELY FOR A COPY TO THE RATES SECTION OF TREASURY REVENUE BRANCH, ROOM 203 HANG CHONG BUILDING, 5, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTES DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY NOON ON JULY 30, 1977,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+AND UNLESS SO PAID IT MAY BE SUBJECT TO A SURCHARGE OF FIVE . PER CENT IMPOSED UNDER THE RATING ORDINANCE.
+A FURTHER SURCHARGE OF 10 PER CENT MAY BE ADDED TO AMOUNTS, INCLUDING THE NORMAL FIVE PER CENT SURCHARGE, WHICH REMAIN UNPAID SIX MONTHS AFTER THE DUE DATE,* HE ADDED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT +RATES ARE PAYABLE ON VACANT PROPERTIES BUT ARE REFUNDABLE UNDER CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE ORDINANCE.*
HOWEVER, NO REFUND WILL BE PAYABLE IN THE CASE OF A VACANT TENEMENT LAST USED OR INTENDED TO BE USED WHOLLY OR PRIMARILY FOR DOMESTIC PURPOSES, UNLESS IT IS VACANT BY REASON OF AN ORDER OF THE GOVERNMENT.
RATEPAYERS ARE URGED TO PAY BY CHEQUE OR MONEY-ORDER THROUGH THE POST TO AVOID THE POSSIBLE INCONVENIENCE OF QUEUEING. IF THEY ARE PAYING IN PERSON THEY ARE REQUESTED TO DO SO EARLY AT ANY OF THE OFFICES LISTED ON THE BACK OF THE DEMAND NOTE.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, JULY 6, 1977
8
PWD CHIEF ARCHITECT TO RETIRE
* * * *
MR. CEDRIC ASTBURY, CHIEF ARCHITECT IN THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WILL RETIRE THIS MONTH AFTER MORE THAN 18 YEARS IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
MR. ASTBURY, WHO IS 55, FIRST JOINED THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IN JUNE 1959 AFTER SERVICE WITH THE SINGAPORE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
FROM HIS FIRST APPOINTMENT AS ARCHITECT WITH THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE IN 1959, MR. ASTBURY SCALED THE PROMOTION LADDER TO BECOME CHIEF ARCHITECT IN APRIL 1973.
AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY TODAY TO MARK HIS RETIREMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR. J.G. STEAN, SAID MR. ASTBURY HAD GAINED THE RESPECT AND CO-OPERATION OF HIS COLLEAGUES BY HIS PROFESSIONAL APPROACH AND CHEERFUL TEMPERAMENT.
MR. STEAN RECALLED THAT MR. ASTBURY WAS THE ARCHITECT FOR THE GOVERNMENT QUARTERS AT MOUNT NICHOLSON GAP WHICH WERE COMPLETED IN 1963, AND ARE GENERALLY REGARDED AS THE BEST OF THEIR TYPE EVER BUILT BY THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT.
MR. ASTBURY WAS THE FIRST OFFICER FROM THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE TO BE SECONDED TO THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHEN IT WAS FORMED FOUR YEARS AGO.
HE IS ALSO WELL KNOWN IN COMMUNITY AFFAIRS AS A PAST PRESIDENT OF THE ROTARY CLUB, HONG KONG ISLAND EAST AND THE PAST PRESIDENT OF THE HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS.
HE IS A DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG SCHOOL OF THE DEAF, CHOIR MASTER AND A MEMBER OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE OF THE ENGLISH METHODIST CHURCH, AND A MEMBER OF THE BUILDING COMMITTEE OF ST. STEPHEN’S COLLEGE.
MR. ASTBURY WILL LEAVE HONG KONG IN THE MIDDLE OF JULY FOR HIS LONG LEAVE, BUT WILL RETURN TO TAKE UP PRIVATE PRACTICE LATER IN THE YEAR.
- - - - 0 ----
FIRE SERVICES INSPECTION OF TSUEN WAN FACTORIES ******
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL CARRY OUT A LARGE-SCALE INSPECTION ON INDUSTRIAL PREMISES IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (THURSDAY).
THE OPERATION WHICH WILL LAST FOR TWO DAYS IS PART OF THE AREA INSPECTION SCHEME LAUNCHED EARLY THIS YEAR IN A BID TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF THE PUBLIC WITH REGARD TO FIRE SAFETY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND MEMBERS OF YOUR STAFF TO COVER THE EVENT. THEY SHOULD ASSEMBLE AT THE TSUEN WAN FIRE STATION, TAI HO ROAD, NOT LATER THAN 9.30 A.M. TOMORROW.
0 - - - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
CONTENTS PA6E N0-
MORE RAIN FELL YESTERDAY AT CATCHMENT AREAS ............... 1
FINAL DIVIDEND TO CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK CREDITORS ...............................................
WATER RESTRICTION PROBABILITIES CALCULATED BY COMPUTER .. 3
ROOF STRUCTURE LIABLE TO BE DANGEROUS ..................... 5
330 RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH .. 6
HOTEL GUESTS REQUIRED TO REGISTER ......................... 1
LECTURERS WANTED FOR ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES ...........*• 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
1
RAIN FALLS AT RIGHT PLACES FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR * * * *
FOR THE FIRST TIME THIS YEAR, RAIN YESTERDAY FELL IN THE RIGHT PLACES -- ON THE CATCHMENT AREAS.
THE P.W.D.’S CHIEF ENGINEER IN CHARGE OF WATER SUPPLY, MR. K.L. WONG, SAID TODAY THAT ALTHOUGH ONLY 30.7 MM OF RAIN WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY YESTERDAY AND LAST NIGHT, MORE HAD FALLEN IN MOST CATCHMENT AREAS.
PLOVER COVE GOT 49.2 MM AND SHEK PIK, 81.5 MM.
THE RESULT WAS A YIELD OF 931 MILLION GALLONS TO THE RESERVOIRS — EQUIVALENT TO FOUR DAYS’ SUPPLY, AND THE HIGHEST YIELD SINCE LAST WET SEASON.
AND THE FACT THAT YESTERDAY’S RAIN FOLLOWED THE DOWNPOUR ON TUESDAY MEANT THAT THERE HAD ALREADY BEEN AT LEAST SOME GROUND MOISTURE, SO NOT AS MUCH OF YESTERDAY’S RAINFALL WAS WASTED BY SOAKING INTO THE GROUND.
TO HIGHLIGHT THE IMPORTANCE OF RAIN FALLING ON THE CATCHMENT AREAS INSTEAD OF IN THE URBAN AREAS, MR. WONG POINTED OUT THAT IN CONTRAST TO YESTERDAY’S YIELD OF 931 MILLION GALLONS WHEN ONLY 30.7 MM WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, ON MAY 24, WHEN 81 MM OF RAINFALL HAD BEEN RECORDED AT THE OBSERVATORY, THERE HAD BEEN A YIELD OF ONLY 91 MILLION GALLONS TO THE RESERVOIRS — EQUIVALENT TO ONLY SEVERAL HOURS’ CONSUMPTION.
AND ON JUNE 23, WHEN 91.9 MM WERE RECORDED AT THE OBSERVATORY — THE HIGHEST RECORDING THIS YEAR — ONLY 101 MILLION GALLONS WENT INTO THE RESERVOIRS.
+0N TUESDAY, WHEN 35.2 MM WERE RECORDED AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THE YIELD FROM THE CATCHMENT AREAS WAS ONLY 303 MILLION GALLONS,* SAID MR. WONG.
+IF AT THIS STAGE WE NOW GOT GOOD, CONTINUOUS, HEAVY RAIN OVER THE CATCHMENT AREAS, WE WOULD GET VERY GOOD YIELD INDEED,* HE SAID.
+UNFORTUNATELY, THE LATEST THIS MORNING PREDICTS VIRTUALLY FEW DAYS WHICH MEANS THE GROUND
+S0 WE’VE STILL GOT A LONG
FORECAST FROM THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY NO RAINFALL AT ALL FOR THE NEXT WILL DRY OUT AGAIN.
WAY TO GO.* •
MR. WONG SAID THAT AT 9 O’CLOCK THIS MORNING, TOTAL STORAGE IN OUR RESERVOIRS WAS STILL ONLY 31,221 MILLION GALLONS — REPRESENTING 46.4 PER CENT OF TOTAL CAPACITY.
/AT THE .....
I
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
2 -
• *
AT THE SAME TIME LAST YEAR, STORAGE WAS 52,147 M4J4J0N GALLONS, OR 77.4 PER CENT OF CAPACITY.
MR. WONG SAID THAT IN ADDITION TO THE 31,221 MILLION GALLONS, HIGH ISLAND NOW CONTAINED 286 MILLION GALLONS OF USABLE WATER ABOVE THE DRAW-OFFS -- MORE THAN HALF OF WHICH HAD COME FROM YESTERDAY’S RAINFALL ON THE HIGH ISLAND CATCHMENT AREA.
HE POINTED OUT THAT AT THIS STAGE OF ITS DEVELOPMENT, HIGH ISLAND’S TOTAL CAPACITY WOULD BE SOMETHING OF THE ORDER OF 3,000 MILLION GALLONS.
FOURTH AND FINAL DIVIDEND
TO CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK CREDITORS
******
NINE CENTRES, ONE EACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON AND SEVEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE FOURTH AND FINAL DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS OF THE CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK WILL OPEN FROM JULY 26 TO AUGUST 31.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND LIQUIDATOR OF THE BANK, MR. P. JACOBS, SAID A DIVIDEND OF 20.7 PER CENT WILL BE PAID TO ALL CREDITORS. Tb/lS Vft-L BRING THE TOTAL PAYMENT TO 70.7 PER CENT. ,
THE CENTRES ARE AT/ JOCKEY CLUB, HAPPY VALLEY, HONG KONG- WHITFIELD BARRACKS, KOWLOON- PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE, TAI RO ROAD, TSUEN WAN- TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, MEI HANG BUILDING, SAN HUI, TUEN MUN-YUEN LONG TOWN HALL, YUEN LONG- BOK NGA I SHAN FONG, SHEUNG SHU I- FANLING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, 3 LUEN FAT STREET, LUEN WO MARKET, FANLING- TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, HEUNG SZE WAI STREET, TAI PO- AND SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, PAI TAU VILLAGE, SHA TIN.
DETAILS OF THE PAYMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER WHEN ARRANGEMENTS ARE FINALISED.
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/3
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
3
WATER CONSUMPTION REQUIREMENTS WELL-CALCULATED
******
THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT USES COMPUTERS TO DETERMINE IF AND WHEN WATER RESTRICTIONS SHOULD BE IMPOSED, THE DEPARTMENT’S CHIEF ENGINEER (SUPPLY), MR. K.L. WONG SAID TODAY.
MR. WONG SAID THAT IN ANALYSING HONG KONG’S WATER SITUATION, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT IS NOT CONTENT JUST TO SEE THAT THE WATER IN STORAGE IS ADEQUATE TO LAST FOR THREE OR FOUR MONTHS, BUT LOOKS AHEAD FOR AT LEAST NINE TO 12 MONTHS.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCH-TIME MEETING OF THE Y’S MEN CLUB OF H.K., MR. WONG SAID : +USING A COMPUTER, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TAKES THE AMOUNT OF WATER AVAILABLE AT ANY POINT IN TIME, AND POSTULATES DIFFERENT COMBINATIONS OF RESTRICTION PLANS AND STUDIES THE ASSOCIATED CONSEQUENCES OVER THE NEXT NINE TO 12 MONTHS.
+WE COMPUTE THE VARIOUS PROBABILITIES TO SEE WHAT ARE THE CHANCES OF BEING UNABLE TO PROVIDE AT LEAST A SUPPLY OF FOUR HOURS EACH DAY IN THE COMING MONTHS- AND WE CAN ALSO COMPUTE THE PROBABILITIES OF THE RESERVOIRS OVERFLOWING IF IT SHOULD RAIN HEAVILY.+
MR. WONG NOTED THAT PAST RAINFALL AND RUNOFF RECORDS ARE USED IN THIS ANALYSIS, AND BECAUSE OF THE ENORMOUS AMOUNT OF CALCULATIONS INVOLVED, THE AID OF A COMPUTER IS ALMOST ESSENTIAL.
+IN THE WET SEASON,* MR. WONG CONTINUED, +THE SITUATION IS VERY DYNAMIC AND CAN CHANGE DRAMATICALLY WHEN IT RAINS.
+IT IS THEREFORE UNDER CONSTANT REVIEW TO SEE IF THE SITUATION WARRANTS A DIFFERENT COURSE OF ACTION.*
HE SAID THAT IN ORDER TO MANAGE HONG KONG’S WATER RESOURCES EFFICIENTLY, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT MUST HAVE ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE OF THE QUANTITY OF WATER STORED IN EACH INDIVIDUAL RESERVOIR, THE WATER CONSUMPTION BY AREA AND BY TYPE, THE ESTIMATED FUTURE DEMAND, THE CATCHMENT CHARACTERISTICS, AND THE RA INFALL/RUNOFF PATTERN, AND PROBABILITIES.
TO COLLECT THE DATA ON THE RESERVOIR STORAGES, FIELD STAFF GO OUT EACH DAY TO TAKE THE WATER LEVEL IN EACH OF THE 16 IMPOUNDING RESERVOIRS. AT THE SAME TIME THE STAFF ALSO TAKE READINGS OF THE RAIN GAUGES INSTALLED WITHIN CATCHMENT AREAS.
THESE READINGS ARE THEN TRANSMITTED TO THE STATISTICS SECTION OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WHERE CALCULATIONS ARE MADE TO COMPUTE THE RESERVOIR STORAGES, AND IF THERE HAS BEEN RAINFALL, THE QUANTITY OF WATER COLLECTED.
/IN ADDITION
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
4 -
IN ADDITION TO THE RAIN GAUGE AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY, THERE ARE ANOTHER 139 RAIN GAUGES IN HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. MANY OF THESE ARE WITHIN CATCHMENT AREAS SO THAT THE DISTRIBUTION OF RAINFALL OVER THE ENTIRE AREA IS FULLY RECORDED.
NORMALLY ONLY THE RAINFALL READING AT THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IS MADE KNOWN TO THE PUBLIC. BUT, MR. WONG SAID, +IN VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES LIKE THOSE WE EXPERIENCED IN MAY AND JUNE THIS YEAR, WHERE THERE WAS A BIG DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE AMOUNT OF RAINFALL RECORDED IN THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY AND WHAT WAS RECORDED IN OTHER LOCATIONS, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WAS ABLE TO USE THE RECORDINGS MADE ON THE 139 OTHER GAUGES TO EXPLAIN THE DISPARITY TO THE PUBLIC.*
EACH MORNING ABOUT 300 READINGS ARE TAKEN AT SERVICE RESERVOIRS, FILTER STATIONS, AND PUMPING STATIONS SO THAT WATER CONSUMPTION CAN BE CALCULATED.
IN ADDITION TO THE DAILY CONSUMPTION, THE DATA FROM WATER BILLS IS UTILISED TO CALCULATE DOMESTIC, TRADE, BUILDING, SHIPPING, AND OTHER CATEGORIES OF CONSUMPTION.
EACH CATEGORY OF CONSUMPTION IS THEN PROJECTED TO GIVE THE FUTURE ESTIMATED DEMAND.
MR. WONG TOLD HIS AUDIENCE THAT THE CHARACTERISTICS OF EACH CATCHMENT DETERMINE HOW MUCH YIELD THERE IS FROM ANY RAIN WHICH FALLS THERE.
+WHEN RAIN FALLS, THERE ARE TWO WAYS IN WHICH IT CAN DISPERSE. IT CAN EITHER SOAK INTO THE SOIL AND GET LOST INTO THE GROUND — LIKE FALLING WATER ON SAND -- OR FLOW OVER THE LAND INTO THE RESERVOIRS WHEN IT IS WITHIN CATCHMENT AREAS.*
MR. WONG SAID THAT THE PROPORTION OF WATER WHICH IS LOST THROUGH THE GROUND AND THAT WHICH FLOWS INTO THE RESERVOIR DEPENDS ON A NUMBER OF FACTORS.
THESE INCLUDE THE NATURE OF THE GROUND, ITS MOISTURE CONTENT, THE GROUND WATER LEVEL AND SUB-SOIL CONDITIONS, VEGETATION, WHETHER THE LAND IS STEEP OR FLAT, AND THE QUANTITY OF WATER REQUIRED BY VILLAGERS TO IRRIGATE THEIR FIELD. THEIR NEEDS ARE GIVEN PRIORITY.
ANOTHER FACTOR AFFECTING THE AMOUNT OF WATER THAT CAN BE COLLECTED IS THE PATTERN OF RAINFALL ITSELF. +CONSOLIDATED RAINFALL LIKE THAT ASSOCIATED WITH A TYPHOON CAN YIELD MORE WATER TO FLOW DIRECTLY INTO THE RESERVOIRS.
/♦SCATTERED .....
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 197?
5
+SCATTERED SHOWERS LIKE WE EXPERIENCED IN MAY AND JUNE THIS YEAR GIVE TIME FOR THE WATER TO SOAK INTO THE GROUND AND FOR THE GROUND TO GET DRY BEFORE THE NEXT SHOWER ARRIVES AND RESULTS IN LESS WATER RUNNING INTO THE RESERVOIRS,* MR. WONG SAID.
+THUS WHEN THE RAIN FALLS, THERE ARE LOTS OF LOSSES BEFORE THE WATER CAN GET INTO OUR RESERVOIRS.*
MR. WONG SAID THAT THE PRINCIPAL SOURCE OF HONG KONG’S FRESH WATER IS RAINFALL, WHICH SUPPLIES ABOUT 60 PER CENT OF THE AMOUNT OF WATER CONSUMED. THE REST COMES FROM CHINA AND THE DESALTING PLANT.
AT PRESENT, THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT HAS A TOTAL OF 16 IMPOUNDING RESERVOIRS, WHICH ARE FED BY CATCHMENT AREAS COVERING ABOUT 30 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL AREA OF HONG KONG.
108 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST - ROOF STRUCTURES LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS *******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ON THE ROOF OF NO. 108 DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, LIABLE TO BECOME DANGEROUS.
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A CLOSURE ORDER IN VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON JULY 15 WAS POSTED TODAY.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS MORNING THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR, MR. H. MCATEER, SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE RECENT FIRE IN THIS BUILDING WHICH HAS ONLY ONE STAIRCASE, INSPECTION HAD REVEALED THAT UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURES ON THE MAIN ROOF OBSTRUCTED THE MEANS OF ESCAPE REQUIRED TO THE ROOF OF THE BUILDING.
IN ORDER TO REMEDY A DANGEROUS SITUATION IT WAS NECESSARY TO REMOVE THE UNAUTHORISED STRUCTURE, TO RESTORE PROPER MEANS OF ESCAPE TO THE MAIN ROOF. . ;
|«r r
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
- 6 -
RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE JULY PROGRAMME * * *
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAS ORGANISED MORE THAN 330 ACTIVITIES THIS MONTH FROM TRAMPOLINING TO SKIN-DIVING FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES LIVING IN THE URBAN AS WELL AS IN THE RURAL AREAS.
MORE THAN HALF OF THESE ARE NEW PROGRAMMES AND APPLICATIONS TO JOIN ARE WELCOME.
AMONG THE EVENTS SCHEDULED FOR THE MONTH ARE A NUMBER OF SWIMMING CLASSES IN THE PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, SEPARATELY FOR BEGINNERS, YOUNGSTERS, ADULTS, AND GIRLS.
THERE ARE NEW COURSES AS WELL IN THE MID-SUMMER MONTH IN LIFE-SAVING, IN TRAINING OF SWIMMING GALA OFFICIALS, AND IN SNORKEL DIVING AND CANOEING AT THE BEACHES.
A NUMBER OF TAI CHI CLASSES ARE ALSO BEING STARTED FOR RESIDENTS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES AND IN NEW TERRITORIES TOWNS, HELD FOR THEIR CONVENIENCE MOSTLY IN THE MORNING USUALLY FROM 6.30 TO 8 A.M., OR IN THE EVENING AFTER WORK.
FITNESS COURSES FOR HOUSEWIVES ARE BEING CONTINUED IN THE EVENING AT ST. PAUL’S COLLEGE IN BONHAM ROAD AND AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL, AND IN THE MORNING AT NORTH POINT ESTATE. A SPECIAL FITNESS CLASS FOR THE ELDERLY IS HELD THREE MORNINGS A WEEK IN KING GEORGE V MEMORIAL PARK.
THE NEW COURSES THIS MONTH ALSO INCLUDE MANY AT DIFFERENT LEVELS IN TENNIS, TENNIS COACHING, TABLE TENNIS, BADMINTON, ROLLERSKATING, KITE-FLYING, TRAMPOLINING, FOLK-DANCING, BASKETBALL, VOLLEYBALL AND YOUTH SOCCER.
AT THE SAI KUNG OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE, CAMPS HAVE BEEN PLANNED FOR FAMILY GROUPS, FOR DEAF AND DUMB CHILDREN, AND FOR YOUTHS IN SPORTS TRAINING.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WHO WISH TO JOIN ANY OF THESE ACTIVITIES CAN MAKE ENQUIRIES AT THE HEADQUARTERS OR DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE.
THEIR TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE:
HEADQUARTERS
3-030127
(HONG KONG CENTRAL/WESTERN 5-452758
HONG KONG (HONG KONG SOUTHERN 5-534111 EXT. 10
(HONG KONG EASTERN 5-701570
(WAN CHAI 5-738086
KOWLOON WEST
(SHAM SHU I PO (MONGKOK (YAU MA TEI
3-860945
3-681517
3-682585
/KOWLOON EAST .....
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
7
KOWLOON EAST.
(KWUN TONG (WONG TAI SIN (KOWLOON CITY
3-436123
3-269573
3-028500
N.T.
!YUEN LONG TSUEN WAN ISLANDS SHA TIN TAI PO TUEN MUN SAI KUNG
12-760261 EXT. 42
12-404361
5-451213
12-620170
12-664133
3-030111 EXT. 241
3-273177
- - - - o-----------
REGISTRATION OF HOTEL GUESTS * * * *
ANY PERSON OVER THE AGE OF 15 WHO INTENDS TO STAY IN A HOTEL OR A LODGING PLACE SHOULD ON ARRIVAL INFORM THE KEEPER OF THE PREMISES HIS FULL NAME AND NATIONALITY.
IN A NOTICE, THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION ALSO DREW THE ATTENTION OF SUCH PERSON, WHO IS AN ALIEN, THAT HE SHOULD ALSO INFORM THE KEEPER OF THE DATE OF HIS ARRIVAL IN HONG KONG, THE NAME OF THE SHIP OR AIRLINE BY WHICH HE ARRIVED AND HIS OCCUPATION.
IN ADDITION, HE SHOULD INFORM THE KEEPER BEFORE HIS DEPARTURE THE PLACE TO WHICH HE IS GOING AND ALSO THE NAME OF THE SHIP AND AIRLINE BY WHICH HE WILL DEPART.
UNDER THE IMMIGRATION ORDINANCE 1971, THE KEEPER OF THE PREMISES IS REQUIRED, AMONG OTHER THINGS, TO KEEP FOR AT LEAST 12 MONTHS A RECORD IN WRITING OF THE INFORMATION GIVEN TO HIM BY A LODGER AND AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER OR POLICE OFFICER MAY INSPECT AT ANY TIME THE RECORD KEPT BY THE KEEPER OF ANY PREMISES.
- - o -
/8
THURSDAY, JULY 7, 1977
8
LECTURERS REQUIRED FOR ADULT EDUCATION COURSES,^
APPLICATIONS ARE INVITED BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT FOR PART-TIME TEACHING POSTS IN THE EVENING INSTITUTE, THE EVENING SCHOOL OF HIGHER CHINESE STUDIES AND ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES FOR THE 1977/78 SESSION, COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER.
SUBJECTS IN WHICH TEACHING VACANCIES MAY OCCUR INCLUDE GENERAL SCHOOL SUBJECTS SUCH AS CHINESE, ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND THE SCIENCES- AND PRACTICAL SUBJECTS SUCH AS TAILORING AND BOOK-KEEP ING.
LECTURERS ARE ALSO REQUIRED FOR TEACHERS’ COURSES WHICH INCLUDE THE TEACHING OF ACADEMIC SUBJECTS SUCH AS ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AS WELL AS SUBJECTS LIKE MUSIC AND GYMNASTICS.
HOBBY INSTRUCTORS ARE ALSO NEEDED FOR SINGING, FOLK DANCE, PAINTING AND OTHER INTEREST GROUPS.
APPLICANTS FOR POSTS IN ALL FORMAL COURSES SHOULD BE QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH A GENUINE INTEREST IN PART-TIME TEACHING IN THE EVENING: EXPERIENCE IN TEACHING YOUNG ADULTS WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE. APPLICANTS FOR POSTS AS HOBBY INSTRUCTORS IN THE ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES SHOULD HAVE SPECIALISED SKILLS IN THE HOBBY OR SUBJECT CONCERNED FOR THESE POSTS. EXPERIENCE IN ORGANISING RECREATION ACTIVITIES AND INTEREST GROUPS FOR ADULTS WILL BE AN ADVANTAGE.
APPLICATION FORMS CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION AT KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 6TH FLOOR, 405, NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON. ALL COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION BY JULY 22.
APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT CALLED FOR INTERVIEW WITHIN SIX WEEKS OF THE CLOSING DATE MAY ASSUME THAT THEIR APPLICATIONS ARE UNSUCCESSFUL.
. . . . 0-------------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CANADA TAKES UNILATERAL ACTION ON HK TEXTILE PRODUCTS . 1
NORTH POINT AND MUI WO TO HAVE NEW PIERS .............. 3
JUNE WEATHER ROUND UP ................................. 4
SPECIFICATIONS FOR EYE-PROTECTORS ..................... 5
TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES BEGIN ................ 6
SAI KUNG LOTS FOR SALE ................................ 7
CLEAN-UP OF TAI HANG TUNG ............................. 7
TENDER FOR CLEANSING OF AIRPORT AREAS ................. 8
ANOTHER COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENS IN TSUEN WAN ........... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
1
CANADA TAKES UNILATERAL ACTION AGAINST HK TEXTILE PRODUCTS *****
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO TAKE UNILATERAL ACTION TO RESTRICT IMPORTS OF TWO TEXTILE PRODUCTS FROM HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT, SAID TODAY THAT FORMAL NOTIFICATION OF THE RESTRICTIONS HAD BEEN RECEIVED FROM THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT.
THE AFFECTED ITEMS ARE s
* POLYESTER FILAMENT FABRICS, IMPORTS OF WHICH WOULD BE LIMITED TO 335,177 SQUARE YARDS FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING MARCH 16, 1977=
* BED SHEETS OF ALL FIBRES, IMPORTS OF WHICH WOULD BE LIMITED TO 639,043 PIECES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD BEGINNING MARCH 11, 1977.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S ACTION WAS TAKEN UNDER ARTICLE 3.5 OF THE MFA. THIS PROVIDED THAT, IF NO AGREEMENT IS REACHED IN CONSULTATIONS ON A REQUEST FOR EXPORT RESTRAINT, THE IMPORTING MEMBER REQUESTING THE CONSULTATIONS MAY, AFTER 60 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF REQUEST, IMPOSE A LIMIT ON IMPORTS OF THE RELEVANT PRODUCTS FROM THE EXPORTING MEMBER CONCERNED.
THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT REQUESTED THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT, IN MARCH THIS YEAR, TO ENTER INTO CONSULTATIONS WITH A VIEW TO ESTABLISHING EXPORT RESTRAINTS BY HONG KONG ON THESE TWO ITEMS SO AS TO REMOVE MARKET DISRUPTION.
THESE CONSULTATIONS TOOK PLACE IN HONG KONG ON MAY 26 TO 28, 1977, BUT DID NOT RESULT IN AGREEMENT.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD, SAID THAT HE WAS NOT ALTOGETHER SURPRISED BY THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT’S ACTION BECAUSE, DURING THE MAY CONSULTATIONS, THE CANADIAN DELEGATION REPEATEDLY THREATENED TO TAKE UNILATERAL IMPORT ACTION IF AGREEMENT WAS NOT REACHED.
+BUT EVEN NOW THAT THEY HAVE DONE IT, I FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO SEE HOW IT CAN BE JUSTIFIED*, MR. DORWARD SAID.
MR. DORWARD REVEALED THAT, DURING THE MAY CONSULTATIONS, THE HONG KONG DELEGATION REJECTED CANADA’S REQUESTS FOR RESTRAINT BECAUSE HONG KONG DID NOT AGREE THAT A CASE OF MARKET DISRUPTION CAUSED BY IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED FOR EITHER OF THE PRODUCTS IN QUESTION.
THE MFA PROVIDED CLEARLY THAT MARKET DISRUPTION +SHALL BE BASED ON THE EXISTENCE OF SERIOUS DAMAGE TO DOMESTIC PRODUCERS OR ACTUAL THREAT THEREOF* CAUSED BY +A SHARP AND SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE OF IMPORTS OF PARTICULAR PRODUCTS FROM PARTICULAR SOURCES*.
/IN THE .....
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
- 2 -
IN THE CASE OF POLYESTER FILAMENT FABRICS, THE EVIDENCE PRODUCED FOR THE CONSULTATIONS IN MAY ACTUALLY SHOWED THERE HAD BEEN A SUBSTANTIAL DECLINE IN CANADIAN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG IN 1976.
AS REGARDS BED SHEETS, MR. DORWARD SAID, IT WAS TRUE THAT CANADIAN IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG MORE THAN TREBLED IN 1976.
+BUT CANADIAN PRODUCTION ALSO INCREASED THAT YEAR AND IT COULD NOT BE SHOWN THAT CANADIAN INDUSTRY HAD SUFFERED ANY DAMAGE. FURTHERMORE, IMPORTS FROM HONG KONG REPRESENTED LESS THAN 10 PER CENT OF TOTAL CANADIAN IMPORTS OF BED SHEETS FROM ALL SOURCES IN 1976 AND OUR SHARE OF THE CANADIAN MARKET WAS INSIGNIFICANT.
+EVEN IF THE CANADIAN MARKET HAD BEEN DISRUPTED, AND IN OUR VIEW IT HAD NOT, HONG KONG COULD NOT HAVE BEEN RESPONSIBLE*, MR. DORWARD ADDED.
UNDER THE RULES OF THE MFA, THE CANADIAN GOVERNMENT HAS TO NOTIFY THE TEXTILES SURVEILLANCE BODY (TSB) OF ITS DECISION AND THAT BODY IS REQUIRED PROMPTLY TO CONDUCT AN EXAMINATION OF THE MATTER AND TO MAKE APPROPRIATE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
+N0 DATE HAS YET BEEN FIXED FOR THE MEETING BUT WE ARE HOPING THAT THE CASE WILL BE CONSIDERED BEFORE THE END OF THIS MONTH, AND WE WILL BE REPRESENTED*, MR. DORWARD SAID.
IN THE MEANTIME, MR. DORWARD HAS NOTIFIED EXPORTERS OF THE CANADIAN ACTION.
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ISSUE EXPORT LICENCES FREELY BUT EXPORTERS ARE ADVISED THAT SUCH LICENCES WILL NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE GOODS WILL BE ADMITTED BY THE CANADIAN AUTHORITIES, THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT.
-----o------
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
- 3 -
NORTH POINT AND MUI WO TO HAVE NEW FERRY PIERS
*****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BUILD TWO NEW FERRY PIERS — ONE AT NORTH POINT AND THE OTHER AT MUI WO, LANTAU ISLAND.
TENDERS ARE INVITED TODAY (FRIDAY) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A SECOND PASSENGER FERRY PIER AT NORTH POINT, TO BE SITED ABOUT 100 METRES TO THE WEST OF THE EXISTING PASSENGER FERRY PIER.
MR. H.R.A. CHAMBERLAIN, CHIEF ENGINEER OF P.W.D.’S PORT WORKS DIVISION, SAID THAT THE NEW PIER, WHEN COMPLETED IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT YEAR, WOULD SUPPLEMENT THE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE EXISTING TWO-BERTH PIER.
+EVENTUALLY, THE NEW PIER WILL CATER FOR ALL THE FERRY SERVICES AT PRESENT USING THE EXISTING PIER WHICH WILL BE RENDERED INOPERATIVE BY 1980 BECAUSE OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE HONG KONG ISLAND EASTERN CORR IDOR,+ HE SAID.
+IF THERE IS STILL A NEED FOR TWO FERRY PIERS IN 1980,+ MR. CHAMBERLAIN ADDED, +THE EXISTING PIER WILL BE MODIFIED AND EXTENDED.*
THE NEW PIER AT MUI WO, FOR WHICH TENDERS WILL SOON BE INVITED, AIMS TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITORS TO LANTAU ISLAND.
MR. KENNETH KWOK, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), SAID; +FACIL IT IES AT THE EXISTING ONE-BERTH FERRY TERMINAL, WHICH IS THE MAIN GATEWAY TO LANTAU ISLAND, ARE INADEQUATE TO COPE WITH THE PEAK SUMMER TRAFFIC OF 30,000 PASSENGERS A DAY.+
THE NEW PIER HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE LARGEST FERRIES AND WILL BE 78 METRES LONG WITH TWO DECKS AND BERTHS ON BOTH SIDES.
A DOLPHIN AND MOVABLE RAMP WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE PIER TO ALLOW FOR THE BERTHING OF VEHICULAR FERRIES.
WORK ON THE FERRY PIER IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER, AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. KWOK POINTED OUT THAT THE NEW PIER WAS ONE OF THE PROJECTS PLANNED IN THE $30 MILLION DEVELOPMENT OF MUI WO.
WORK WILL BEGIN SOON ON THE FIRST CONTRACT IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME, THE FORMATION OF LAND FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 1,200 PEOPLE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW BUS TERMINUS.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977 - 4 -
JUNE — SUNNIER, DRIER AND MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL * K K * * *
JUNE WAS SUNNIER, DRIER AND MUCH WARMER THAN USUAL.
'THE MEAN TEMPERATURE OF 28.8 DEGREES CELSIUS RECORDED DURING THE MONTH EQUALLED THAT OF JUNE 1938 — THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR JUNE. THE MEAN MINIMUM TEMPERATURE OF 26.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WAS ALSO THE HIGHEST ON RECORD FOR THAT MONTH.
ON THE AFTERNOONS OF JUNE 12 AND 13, TEMPERATURES ROSE TO A MAXIMUM OF 32.9 DEGREES CELSIUS WHICH WAS THE HIGHEST OF THE MONTH.
THE MONTHLY TOTAL RAINFALL OF 258.4 MM WAS ABOUT 36 PER CENT LESS THAN AVERAGE AND THE ACCUMULATED RAINFALL SINCE JANUARY 1 AMOUNTED TO 628.5 MM WHICH WAS ALSO 36 PER CENT BELOW NORMAL.
DURING THE FIRST EIGHT DAYS OF THE MONTH, A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE REMAINED CLOSE TO HONG KONG EITHER ALONG THE SOUTH CHINA COAST OR ACROSS THE NORTHERN PART OF THE SOUTH CHINA SEA. THE SUMMER MONSOON WAS ACTIVE AND THE WEATHER DURING THIS PERIOD WAS MAINLY CLOUDY WITH SCATTERED SHOWERS AND SOME ISOLATED THUNDERSTORMS.
AFTER JUNE 9, A RIDGE OF HIGH PRESSURE GRADUALLY EXTENDED WESTWARDS TO COVER THE SOUTH CHINA COAST AND APART FROM A FEW MORNING SHOWERS, CONDITIONS DURING THE NEXT FIVE DAYS BECAME MAINLY FINE, SUNNY AND HOT.
THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG, HOWEVER, WAS RELATIVELY UNAFFECTED BY THE PASSAGE OF TROPICAL STORM RUTH, THE FIRST TROPICAL CYCLONE OF THE YEAR. THE CONDITIONS DURING THE TIME IT FIRST DEVELOPED OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA ON JUNE 14 REMAINED GENERALLY FINE AND HOT WITH SOME MORNING SHOWERS UNTIL JUNE 19.
ON JUNE 20 A TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE DEVELOPED NEAR THE SOUTH CHINA COAST STRENGTHENING THE MONSOON OVER THE SOUTH CHINA SEA.
DURING THE FOLLOWING SIX DAYS, THE WEATHER IN HONG KONG BECAME CLOUDY OR OVERCAST WITH OCCASIONAL HEAVY SHOWERS AND SCATTERED THUNDERSTORMS. RAIN WAS PARTICULARLY HEAVY ON JUNE 23 WHEN THE TROUGH WAS ABOUT 50 MILES NORTH OF HONG KONG AND A TOTAL RAINFALL OF 91.9 MM WAS RECORDED.
TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH THE TROUGH OF LOW PRESSURE MOVED NORTHWARD AND WEAKENED OVER CENTRAL CHINA. AS A RESULT, CONDITIONS BECAME MAINLY FINE WITH LONG SUNNY PERIODS DURING THE DAY ALTHOUGH THERE WERE STILL A FEW ISOLATED HEAVY SHOWERS.
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 13 DIFFERENT DAYS.
FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
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APPROVED SPECIFICATIONS FOR EYE-PROTECTORS GAZETTED * * * * *
A LIST OF APPROVED SPECIFICATIONS FOR EYE-PROTECTORS, AND SHIELDS WHICH WILL COME INTO EFFECT ON OCTOBER 7 THIS YEAR WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (FRIDAY).
UNDER THE NEW FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (PROTECTION OF EYES) REGULATIONS, EMPLOYERS MUST PROVIDE SUITABLE PROTECTION FOR THE EYES OF WORKERS IN CERTAIN INDUSTRIAL WORKS.
THE APPROVED SPECIFICATIONS LISTED AREs BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 2092 (INDUSTRIAL EYE PROTECTORS FOR GENERAL PURPOSES)- BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 1542 (EQUIPMENT FOR EYE AND NECK PROTECTION AGAINST RADIATION ARISING DURING WELDING AND SIMILAR OPERATIONS)- BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 679 (FILTERS FOR USE DURING WELDING AND SIMILAR INDUSTRIAL OPERATIONS)-BRITISH STANDARD SPECIFICATION BS 1729 (GREEN PROTECTIVE SPECTACLES AND SCREENS FOR STEELWORKS OPERATIVES)- AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SPECIFICATION AS 1337 (INDUSTRIAL EYE PROTECTORS)- AUSTRALIAN STANDARD SPECIFICATION AS 1338 (PROTECTIVE FILTERS AGAINST OPTICAL RADIATION IN WELDING AND APPLIED OPERATIONS)- AND AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD INSTITUTE Z87.1-1968 (AMERICAN NATIONAL STANDARD PRACTICE FOR OCCUPATIONAL AND EDUCATIONAL EYE AND FACE PROTECTION).
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT SAID: +APART FROM THESE SPECIFICATIONS, MANUFACTURERS OR AGENTS ARE WELCOME TO BRING TO THE NOTICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ANY OTHER STANDARDS FOR CONS I DERATION.+
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
- 6 -
TUEN MUN SUMMER YOUTH ACTIVITIES BEGIN TODAY
******
A TWO-MONTH SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WAS LAUNCHED TODAY AT TUEN MUN TO PROVIDE A DIVERSE RANGE OF SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS AND YOUNG WORKERS OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE ANNUAL PROGRAMME, THE FOURTH FOR THE NEW TOWN, WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED BY THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES (GENERAL), MR. MORRIS MORGAN, AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE.
THE OPENING CEREMONY HERALDED A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES THAT WILL GO ON AT VARIOUS PLACES IN TUEN MUN DURING THE LONG SUMMER HOLIDAY UNTIL MID-SEPTEMBER.
MAIN ACTIVITES INCLUDE GAMES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN, SWIMMING, LEADERSHIP TRAINING, EXCURSIONS, CAMPING, PAINTING AND COOKING.
IN HIS ADDRESS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. MORGAN SAID THE MAIN OBJECTIVES OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME WERE TO TRAIN YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR LEISURE TIME, TO ACQUIRE A CIVIC SPIRIT, TO IMPROVE THEIR KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE, AND TO HELP THEM DEVELOP SELF-CONFIDENCE AND A HEALTHY CHARACTER.
MR. MORGAN SAID HE HOPED STUDENTS AND YOUTHS OF TUEN MUN WOULD COME FORWARD AND PARTICIPATE IN THE ACTIVITIES SO THAT THE OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAMME MIGHT BE ACHIEVED.
THE PROGRAMME IS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT YOUTH RECREATION CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE, WHICH COMPRISES REPRESENTATIVES FROM LOCAL CIVIC ASSOCIATIONS, SOCIAL WELFARE AGENCIES AND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
FOLLOWING THE LAUNCHING OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME, MR. LAU WONG-FAT, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, OFFICIALLY OPENED A COMMUNITY SERVICES EXHIBITION STAGED AT THE SCHOOL HALL OF THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE.
THE THREE-DAY EXHIBITION GIVES AN INSIGHT INTO THE COMMUNITY SERVICES OFFERED IN TUEN MUN BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
IT IS ORGANISED BY THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT COMMUNITY BUILDING CO-ORDINATING COMMITTEE AND WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 10 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977
7
PRIME SITES IN SAI KUNG FOR SALE
* * * * *
TWO PRIME DEVELOPMENT SITES IN SAI KUNG TOWN ARE BEING PUT UP FOR TENDER BY HOLDERS OF LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS.
THE LOTS, EACH OF AN AREA OF 901.2 SQUARE METRES (ABOUT 9,700 SQ. FT.) ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES, AND HAVE A BUILDING CONVENANT OF $1.94 MILLION OVER 36 MONTHS.
THEY ARE SITUATED AT THE SAI KUNG RECLAMATION NEAR MAN NIN STREET, AND THE BUILDING HEIGHT ON EACH LOT WILL BE RESTRICTED TO SIX STOREYS.
THE SITES WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SAID TODAY.
APPLICATIONS OF TENDER SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES AND PLACED IN THE APPLICATION BOX AT RECEPTION LOBBY OF THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OFFICE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS BUILDING AT 101, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD, KOWLOON, BEFORE NOON ON JULY 27.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
APPLICATION FORMS, APPLICATION NOTICE AND CONDITIONS MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED, AT THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION OFFICE, OR AT ALL DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE GOVERNMENT DOES NOT BIND ITSELF TO ACCEPT ANY APPLICATIONS.
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CLEANSING OPERATION AT TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, HOUSING DEPARTMENT AND THE TAI HANG TUNG SAI/YAU YAT CHUEN AREA COMMITTEE WILL HOLD A +CLEAN TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE* OPERATION TOMORROW (SATURDAY) FROM 10 A.M. TO NOON.
THE OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT BLOCK BY BLOCK AND IS AIMED AT AROUSING THE RESIDENTS’ AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT SO AS TO PREVENT THE PROLIFERATION OF MOSQUITOES AND FLIES DURING THE HOT SUMMER DAYS.
ABOUT 120 VOLUNTARY WORKERS WILL TAKE PART IN THIS OPERATION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT AT TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE, SHAN SHU I PO.
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FRIDAY, JULY 8, 1977'
TENDER FOR CLEANSING OF KAI TAK AIRPORT EXTERNAL AREAS * * * * *
THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT IS INVITING TENDERS FOR CLEANSING OF THE EXTERNAL AREAS OF THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
THE CONTRACT, COMMENCING FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 1977 FOR A PERIOD OF THREE YEARS, REQUIRES THE SUCCESSFUL TENDERER TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANSING THE ROADS, CARPARKS AND OTHER OUTDOOR AREAS WITHIN THE AIRPORT PRECINCT AND REMOVING OIL AND GREASE FROM THE APRONS AND RUBBISH FROM THE GRASS AREAS.
TENDER FORMS AND FURTHER PARTICULARS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY OR THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT.
ALL TENDERS SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE CHAIRMAN OF THE-CENTRAL TENDER BOARD AND PLACED IN THE TENDER BOX AT THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT BEFORE NOON ON FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977.
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ANOTHER COMMUNITY CENTRE OPENS IN TSUEN WAN
*****
TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN NOW HAS THREE FULLY-OPERATIONAL COMMUNITY HALLS, ANOTHER TWO UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND OTHERS PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE, MR. JAMES HAYES, TSUEN WAN TOWN MANAGER, SAID TODAY WHEN HE OFFICIALLY OPENED THE NEWEST OF THE HALLS AT LAI KING ESTATE.
HE SAID THAT THE HALLS - WHICH ARE MANAGED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT - WERE AN IMPORTANT PART OF THE RANGE OF COMMUNITY SERVICES THE GOVERNMENT WAS PROVIDING TO SERVE THE +NEW CITIZENS* WHO ARE POURING INTO THE NEW TOWN.
+THE HALL PROVIDES A PLACE TO WHICH RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES CAN COME TO MEET EACH OTHER AND JOIN IN A VARIETY CF FUNCTIONS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES ORGANISED BY THE S.W.D. OFFICER IN CHARGE,* HE ADDED.
+IT IS ALSO INTENDED TO BE A PLACE FROM WHICH SOME OF THOSE PERSONS, AND ESPECIALLY THE YOUNGER ONES, CAN TAKE A GREATER INTEREST IN THEIR COMMUNITY BY PLANNING AND CARRYING OUT SERVICES FOR OTHERS IN THE AREA, ESPECIALLY THROUGH THE VOLUNTARY SERVICES GROUP AND THE LAI KING COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER.
+THIS HALL ALSO PROVIDES ACCOMMODATION IN WHICH LOCALLY-EASED ASSOCIATIONS CAN HOLD THEIR MEETINGS AND STAGE THEIR EVENTS ON BEHALF OF THEIR MEMBERS AND OTHERS.*
MR. HAYES DESCRIBED THE HALL AS A +SYMEOL+ OF COMMUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE CF LA I KING.
+ 1 HOPE THEY WILL COME FOR..ARD TO USE IT, BENEFIT FROM IT AND THAT THEY WILL REGARD IT AS THE POINT -ROM aHICH COMMUNITY ACTION CAN BE PLANNED AND EXECUTED,* HE ADDED.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE N0’
« * III ™ ■ ■■ "
GOVERNOR OPENS ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL ....................... 1
HAYE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SMEAR CAMPAIGNS ON EDUCATION ACHIEVEMENTS ................................................
RISING ENROLMENTS IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS .................. *
RESULTS OF TENDER FOR 300 TAXI LICENCES ..................... 5
WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL DISMISSAL OF WORKERS ................ 6
SUMMER COURSES FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS ......................... 6
EXHIBITION ON SUMMER DISEASES ............................... 7
ROLE OF VOLUNTARY ORGANISATION IN SOCIAL WELFARE PLANS .... 8
Q
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT TAI PO .............................
..............................................................9 FIRING PRACTICE ..............................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
1
GOVERNOR OPENS ABERDEEN SWIMMING POOL
X X X X X
■ HONG KONG’S LATEST, MOST SCENIC AND BEST EQUIPPED SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AT ABERDEEN, WAS OPENED TODAY BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WHO PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MAN WHOSE DONATION OF $10 MILLION LARGELY FUNDED THE COMPLEX, MR. Y.K. PAO.
THE NINE-POOL COMPLEX, BUILT FOR THE URBAN COUNCIL BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AT A TOTAL COST OF ABOUT 312 MILLION, OCCUPIES AN IMPRESSIVE SITE BELOW THE DENSELY POPULATED WONG CHUK HANG HOUSING ESTATE AND LOOKS OUT OVER THE BOAT HARBOUR AT SHUM WAN BAY. THE LAND, VALUED AT AN ESTIMATED 3140 MILLION, WAS DONATED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
ITS FEATURES INCLUDE NEW FACILITIES FOR THE HANDICAPPED, WITH CHANGING-ROOMS DESIGNED SPECIALLY FOR THEM AND WITH A RAMP TO ENABLE WHEELCHAIRS TO MOVE EASILY FROM THE TEACHING-POOL LEVEL UP TO THE MAIN 50-METRE OLYMPIC-SIZE POOL.
IN ADDITION TO THE MAIN POOL, WHICH CAN BE HEATED IN WINTER, THERE ARE: A SECONDARY POOL OF THE SAME SI ZE- A DIVING POOL- TWO TEACHING POOLS- A TRAINING POOL- AND THREE PADDLING POOLS FOR CHILDREN.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE COMPLEX STARTED IN AUGUST 1975. EVEN BEFORE THE OFFICIAL OPENING TODAY, ITS FACILITIES HAVE BEEN ENJOYED BY THOUSANDS OF ABERDEEN RESIDENTS SINCE IT WAS OPENED TO THE PUBLIC TWO WEEKS AGO.
AFTER UNVEILING A PLAGUE AT THE ENTRANCE TO THE COMPLEX, SIR MURRAY, SPEAKING AT THE SIDE OF THE MAIN POOL, SAID THAT ABERDEEN WAS LUCKY TO HAVE THIS FINE NEW FACILITY, WHICH WOULD BRING A WELCOME ADDITIONAL SOURCE OF ENJOYMENT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THIS RAPIDLY DEVELOPING PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
HE EXPRESSED WARM PRAISE FOR THE GENEROSITY OF MR. Y.K. PAO AND SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE COMPLEX WOULD BE WELL AND EFFICIENTLY MANAGED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN COUNCIL.
HE ALSO WELCOMED THE PRESENCE AT THE CEREMONY OF SIR PAUL BRYAN, M.P., CHAIRMAN OF THE ANGLO-HONG KONG PARLIAMENTARY GROUP, AND LADY BRYAN, WHO ARE VISITING HONG KONG.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE URBAN COUNCIL, MR. A. DE 0. SALES, WHO INVITED THE GOVERNOR TO OPEN THE COMPLEX, SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY HAPPY THAT THE COMPLEX, THE EIGHTH TO EE COMPLETED IN THE URBAN AREAS OF HONG KONG AND KOWLOON, EMBODIES EXTRA FACILITIES TO SERVE THE HANDICAPPED.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
2
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THIS WAS THE FIRST COMPLEX WHOSE MAIN POOL CAN BE HEATED IN WINTER.
MR. Y.K. PAO, SPEAKING AFTER THE GOVERNOR, SAID THAT IT WAS A CREDIT TO THE GOVERNMENT THAT IN RECENT YEARS GREAT EFFORTS HAD BEEN MADE TO SEE THAT REQUIREMENTS FOR EXERCISE FACILITIES ARE INCREASINGLY MET.
+THE URBAN COUNCIL, WHO HAVE BEEN CHARGED WITH THIS TASK, ARE TO BE CONGRATULATED FOR HAVING CHOSEN ABERDEEN AS THE LOCATION TO BUILD THIS LARGE MULTI-PURPOSE SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX FOR THE DIRECT BENEFIT OF THE EVER-GROWING POPULATION IN THE IMMEDIATE AND ADJACENT AREAS.
+TODAY, AS THE POOL IS OFFICIALLY OPENED, I PERSONALLY FEEL EXTREMELY HAPPY TO HAVE PLAYED A PART IN SEEING THIS PROJECT COME TO FRUITION.*
MR. PAO, WHO DESCRIBED HIMSELF AS AN ENTHUSIASTIC DAILY SWIMMER, SAID THAT THE IDEA OF HIS DONATION ORIGINATED WHEN HE AND THE GOVERNOR WERE BOTH PRESENT AT A CEREMONY AT PLYMOUTH, ENGLAND, IN 1971.
+HIS EXCELLENCY SEEMED TO BE IMPRESSED BY A CASUAL MENTION OF MY GREAT INTEREST IN SWIMMING AND THE SUGGESTION WAS MADE THEN THAT PERHAPS I WOULD CARE TO HELP WITH THE COST OF CONSTRUCTION OF A SWIMMING POOL IN HONG KONG TO FURTHER PROMOTE THE SPORT AMONG OUR HARD-WORKING PEOPLE.
+ IMAGINE MY SATISFACTION AND HAPPINESS TODAY TO SEE A SIX-YEAR-OLD PROPOSITION COME TO REALITY.*
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
HAYE SPEAKS OUT AGAINST SMEAR CAMPAIGNS ON EDUCATIONAL ACHIEVEMENTS ******
THC DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. COLVYN HAYE, TODAY SPOKE OUT AGAINST SMEAR CAMPAIGNS WHICH DISCOUNTED ACHIEVEMENTS .IN EDUCATION.
HE WAS ADDRESSING THE GATHERING AT THE GOLDEN JUBILEE JOINT PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF ST. CLARE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL, ST. CLARE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SHEK PAI WAN ST. PETER’S EVENING SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY HALL OF CARITAS HOUSE.
MR. HAYE SAID : +IT HAS RECENTLY BECOME FASHIONABLE TO SNEER AT THE CONCRETE ACHIEVEMENTS OF RELIGIOUS AND OTHER SPONSORS OF EDUCATION.
+SMEAR CAMPAIGNS ARE LAUNCHED BY THE MALICIOUS TO DISCOUNT POSITIVE ACHIEVEMENTS IN EDUCATION OVER THE LAST FIFTY YEARS. UNFORTUNATELY THERE WILL ALWAYS BE A MARKET FOR THE GULLIBLE. IT IS EASY TO CRITICISE, MUCH LESS EASY TO BE CHARITABLE.+
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO STATE PUBLICLY THAT +TRUTH WILL CONQUER AND THAT MALICIOUS RUMOUR-MONGERS WILL BE EXPOSED.+
HE ADVISED THE AUDIENCE NOT TO LISTEN TO MALICIOUS RUMOURS AND NOT TO SUBSCRIBE TO THEM.
MR. HAYE ADDED : +WHEN ALLEGATIONS ARE MADE, YOU MAY BE SURE THAT THE AUTHORITIES CONCERNED ALWAYS TAKE PROMPT ACTION TO INVESTIGATE. IT IS NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE TO COMMENT PUBLICLY ON THE RESULT OF INVESTIGATIONS UNTIL THEY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED, AND, IF WARRANTED, THE DUE PROCESSES OF THE LAW HAVE TAKEN THEIR PROPER COURSE.
+BUT WHAT OF OTHER PROPER PROCESSES? AND HERE I AM TALKING ABOUT FAIR-MINDEDNESS, CHARITY, TRUTH AND DECENCY. SURELY THESE HAVE A PLACE IN ANY CIVILISED SOCIETY.+
HE SAID THAT THE MANY ACHIEVEMENTS OF ST. CLARE’S GIRLS’ SCHOOL, ST. CLARE’S PRIMARY SCHOOL AND SHEK PAI WAN ST. PETER’S EVENING SCHOOL WERE A MATTER OF PUBLIC RECORD.
THE SCHOOLS’ ANNUAL REPORT URGED THE GRADUATES OF 1977 TO RECALL THE DAYS SPENT IN THE SCHOOLS AS YEARS OF GRACE WHERE THEY COULD GATHER NOT ONLY KNOWLEDGE BUT CHARACTER FORMATION.
+YOU ARE ASKED TO USE THESE WELL IN THE YEARS TO COME AND SHARE WITH LESS FORTUNATE ONES, ALWAYS LIVING UP TO THE MOTTO ’TRUTH CONQUERS’.+
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR PAID TRIBUTE TO THE MISSIONARY SISTERS CF OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS FOR HAVING DONE SO MUCH FOR EDUCATION IN HONG KONG OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS.
HE ASSURED THE SISTERS THAT THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT APPRECIATED ALL THAT THEY HAD DONE AND WOULD CONTINUE TO DO.
DURING THE CEREMONY MRS. HAYE DISTRIBUTED CERTIFICATES AND PR I ZES.
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RISING ENROLMENTS IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS
******
THERE ARE MORE THAN 5,700 PUPILS IN EIGHT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS AT PRESENT. IN SEPTEMBER THE ENROLMENT WILL BE NEARLY 6,200 IN TEN SUCH SCHOOLS.
IN SEPTEMBER 1980 THERE WILL BE 13 PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WITH SOME 9,500 PUPILS. AND THE ENROLMENT BY SEPTEMBER 1982 IS EXPECTED TO RISE TO MORE THAN 10,800 IN THESE 13 SCHOOLS.
THESE STATISTICS WERE QUOTED BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WHEN HE ADDRESSED PUPILS AND GUESTS AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY OF THE HOLY CARPENTER PREVOCAT I ONAL SC.HOOL THIS AFTERNOON. THE CEREMONY WAS HELD AT THE MORRISON HILL TECHNICAL INSTITUTE.
+THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS SEEKING ENTRY INTO PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR IS FIVE TIMES MORE THAN THE NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE. THIS SHOWS THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE FULLY AIDED BY THE GOVERNMENT, ARE HERE TO STAY AND THEIR CONTINUED POPULARITY IS A CLEAR INDICATION THAT THEY ARE FULFILLING A NEED,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE DIRECTOR TOOK THE OPPORTUNITY TO REASSURE SPONSORS OF PREVOCAT IONAL SCHOOLS THAT THEIR SCHOOLS HAD AN INTEGRAL PART TO PLAY IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM.
+ALTHOUGH PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION IS A SMALL PART IN THE SYSTEM IT IS NEVERTHELESS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN THE EDUCATION PLAN.
+1 HOPE THIS STATEMENT WILL REMOVE ANY DOUBTS ABOUT THE ROLE OF PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS WHICH, INCIDENTALLY, ARE NOT IN EXISTENCE TO PROVIDE A FORM OF VOCATIONAL EDUCATION. THESE SCHOOLS DO NOT TURN OUT ’INSTANT CRAFTSMEN’. THEY ARE PART AND PARCEL OF OUR SECONDARY SCHOOL SYSTEM.
+BECAUSE OF THIS, I HAVE TRANSFERRED RESPONSIBILITY FOR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS FROM THE TECHNICAL DIVISION TO THE SECONDARY DIVISION. IN THIS WAY, ALL SECONDARY SCHOOLS ARE HANDLED BY THE SAME DIVISION IN MY DEPARTMENT. THE TECHNICAL DIVISION WILL CONTINUE TO BE CONSULTED WHEN THE SECONDARY DIVISION REQUIRES ADVICE ON THE TECHNICAL ASPECTS,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
DURING THE PAST SEVEN OR EIGHT YEARS,HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY HAS BECOME MORE DIVERSIFIED AND SOPHISTICATED REQUIRING BETTER EDUCATED AND MORE ADAPTABLE EMPLOYEES WITH A WIDER EDUCATIONAL BASE.
+WE ALSO KNOW THAT NINE YEARS OF GENERAL EDUCATION WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR ALL,+ THE DIRECTOR SAID.
HE ADDED : +BECAUSE OF SUCH CHANGES AND BECAUS^CURR ICULUM DEVELOPMENT MUST BE AN ONGOING PROCESS WE ARE LOOK IIW AT THE CURRICULUM AND SYLLABUSES IN ALL OUR PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS. (THE PREVOCATIONALS THEMSELVES ARE INVOLVED IN TH IS*?XERCISE) . I AM SURE YOU WILL AGREE WE MUST GET THEM RIGHT AND MAKE SURE THEY ARE PROVIDING WHAT IS REQUIRED.+
/WHILE THE .....
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
5
WHILE the technical part of the curriculum would remain BETWEEN 40 AND 50 PER CENT, IT WAS VERY IMPORTANT THAT PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS DID NOT TRY TO BECOME MINIATURE TECHNICAL INSTITUTES.
+THE WORKSHOPS, MACHINERY AND WORK DONE MUST BE RELATED TO THE SIZE AND AGE OF THE PUPILS. SAFETY TOO IS OBVIOUSLY OF VITAL IMPORTANCE,* MR. TOPLEY STRESSED.
HE CONTINUED : +SYLLABUSES IN PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOLS HAVE ALWAYS MARRIED UP TO SYLLABUSES IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES. THIS IS IMPORTANT BECAUSE PREVOCATIONAL SCHOOL LEAVERS WHO HAVE STUDIED A CRAFT IN DEPTH ENTER DIRECTLY INTO THE SECOND YEAR OF AN APPRENTICESHIP AND THE SECOND YEAR OF A PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSE.*
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RESULTS OF TENDER FOR 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS COMPLETED PROCESSING THE TENDERS FOR 300 HONG KONG AND KOWLOON TAXI LICENCES.
A TOTAL OF 6,798 INDIVIDUAL TENDERS HAD BEEN RECEIVED WHEN THE OFFER CLOSED ON JUNE 17, 1977. THE HIGHEST TENDER WAS $196,005, AND THE LOWEST $10,000.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY (FRIDAY) THAT 283 OF THE 300 URBAN TAXI LICENCES WILL BE ALLOCATED TO TENDERERS OFFERING A UNIT PREMIUM OF OVER $181,000.
THE REMAINING 17 URBAN TAXI LICENCES WILL BE DETERMINED BY PUBLIC BALLOT TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) AT 2.30 P.M. ON THE FIFTH FLO(JR OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THERE WERE 11 TENDERS EACH OFFERING THE SAME UNIT PREMIUM OF $181,000 FOR A TOTAL OF 50 TAXI LICENCES.
+THE PUBLIC BALLOT IS TO DETERMINE WHICH OF THE 11 TENDERERS WILL GET THE REMAINING 17 URBAN TAXI LICENCES,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT TENDERERS WHO OFFERED A UNIT PREMIUM OF UNDER $181,000 WERE UNSUCCESSFUL BUT THAT THEY COULD TRY AGAIN WHEN URBAN TAXI LICENCES WERE NEXT OFFERED BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PUBLIC BALLOT ON JULY 14, AT 2.30 ?. CX THE FIFTH FLOOR OF THE HUNG HOM MULTI-STOREY CAR PARK.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
6
WARNING AGAINST ILLEGAL DISMISSAL OF WORKERS * * * *
EMPLOYERS MUST NOT DISMISS WORKERS DURING THEIR PERIOD OF SICK LEAVE AS A RESULT OF AN INJURY SUSTAINED AT WORK,.ASS ISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. DAVID LIN, SAID TODAY.
MR. LIN WAS COMMENTING ON A RECENT COURT CASE IN WHICH AN EMPLOYER ENGAGED IN THE CONTAINER BUSINESS WAS FINED $500 PLUS $250 IN COST BY A TSUEN WAN MAGISTRATE FOR DISMISSING A WORKER WHO WAS INJURED WHILE AT WORK AND WAS STILL ON SICK LEAVE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE DISMISSAL CONSTITUTED AN OFFENCE AGAINST SECTION 48 OF THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE.
THE ORDIANCE STIPULATES THAT AN EMPLOYER SHALL NOT, WITHOUT THE CONSENT OF THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, TERMINATE THE CONTRACT OF SERVICE OR APPRENTICESHIP OF A WORKMAN WHO HAS SUFFERED INCAPACITY IN CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH ENTITLE HIM TO WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION, UNTIL EITHER THE WORKMAN HAS BEEN CERTIFIED BY A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER AS FIT TO RESUME WORK, OR COMPENSATION FOR PERMANENT INCAPACITY BECOMES PAYABLE TO THE WORKMAN.
+AN EMPLOYER WHO CONTRAVENES THIS SECTION SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON CONVICTION TO A MAXIMUM FINE OF $2,000,+ MR. LIN ADDED.
SUMMER COURSES FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS X X * X X X
TWO SUMMER COURSES FOR IN-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCIENCE WILL START ON MONDAY (JULY 11) AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, BONHAM ROAD ANNEXE.
THESE COURSES, ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, AIM AT ACQUAINTING THE PARTICIPATING TEACHERS WITH APPROACHES TO AND METHODS OF TEACHING THE SCIENCE SYLLABUS AT FORMS 1-3 LEVEL.
THE FIRST COURSE RUNS FROM JULY 11 TO JULY 21, AND THE SECOND COURSE FROM AUGUST 17 TO AUGUST 26. 380 TEACHERS WILL ATTEND THE COURSES IN VARIOUS COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
THE CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MR. AUTHUR BROWN WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 9.45 A.M. AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, BONHAM ROAD ANNEXE, BONHAM ROAD, HONG KONG.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
7
EXHIBITION ON PREVENTING GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES * * * *
A HEALTH EDUCATION EXHIBITION ON THE PREVENTION OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES WILL BE HELD IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND NEXT WEEK.
THE EVENT IS ORGANISED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AS PART OF ITS ANNUAL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME.
THE EXHIBITION WILL FIRST BE HELD AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUI PING ROAD, KWUN TONG ON MONDAY AND TUESDAY (JULY 11 AND 12). IT WILL THEN MOVE TO THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, WESTERN STREET, HONG KONG ON THURSDAY AND FRIDAY (JULY 14 AND 15).
THE EXHIBITION AT THE TWO PLACES WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 A.M. TO 4 P.M. DAILY. ALTHOUGH IT IS INTENDED FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN, MEMBERS OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC WILL ALSO BE WELCOME.
ITEMS ON DISPLAY WILL INCLUDE PICTURES, DIAGRAMS AND CHARTS ILLUSTRATING THE CAUSES OF SUCH GASTRO-INTESTINAL DISEASES AS TYPHOID FEVER, DYSENTERY, FOOD POISONING, AND HEPATITIS WHICH ARE PREVALENT IN THE WARMER MONTHS, AND WAYS TO PREVENT THEM.
THERE WILL ALSO BE FILM SHOWS ON PERSONAL AND FOOD HYGIENE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THE INCIDENCE OF GASTROINTESTINAL DISEASES HAS REMAINED NORMAL SO FAR THIS YEAR. HOWEVER, HE ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO TAKE ALL PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES TO PREVENT POSSIBLE OUTBREAKS IN THE SUMMER SEASON.
HE REMINDED THAT IT IS STRICTLY NECESSARY TO OBSERVE THE RULES OF PERSONAL HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLEANLINESS, WHICH ARE THE MOST EFFECTIVE METHOD OF PREVENTING SUMMER DISEASES, INCLUDING CHOLERA.
+THIS IS PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT WHEN WE ARE IN THE MIDST OF WATER RESTRICTIONS,* HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ADVISED THAT FOOD MUST BE THOROUGHLY COOKED BEFORE CONSUMPTION, AND WATER SHOULD BE BOILED BEFORE DRINKING.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE
EXHIBITION AT THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, BEGINNING ON MONDAY (JULY 11), AND AT THE WESTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE, BEGINNING
ON THURSDAY (JULY 14). _ ---
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SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
- 8 -
NOTE TO EDITORS:
ROLE OF VOLUNTARY AGENCIES IN GOVT SOCIAL WELFARE PLANS *****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL BE THE GUEST SPEAKER AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUE OF VICTORIA AT THE FURAMA HOTEL ON MONDAY (JULY 11) AT 1 P.M.
THE TITLE OF HIS TALK IS +THE ROLE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS CAN PLAY IN GOVERNMENT’S PLANS FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES.*
COPIES OF MR. LEE’S SPEECH IN CHINESE AND ENGLISH WILL EE AVAILABLE FROM G.I.S. IN THE AFTERNOON THAT DAY.
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SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME AT TAI PO * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIALLY OPEN AN EXTENSIVE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTHS OF TAI PO TOMORROW (SUNDAY).
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL AT JOCKEY CLUE ROAD IN SHEUNG SHU I AT 10 A.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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/9
1
SATURDAY, JULY 9, 1977
9
F IR ING PRACTICE * * * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON FIVE CONSECUTIVE DAYS FROM MONDAY (JULY 11).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE :
DATE HOURS
JULY 11 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 12 (TUESDAY) JULY 13 (WEDNESDAY) JULY 14 (THURSDAY) JULY 15 (FRIDAY)
8 A.M
8 A.M
8 A.M
8 A.M
- 6 P.M
- 6 P.M - 6 P.M - 3 P.M
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES TO BENEFIT 120,000 YOUTHS .......... 1
HK MINERAL RESOURCES IN STEAD SUPPLY ....................... 2
DISTRICT ANTI-MOSQUITOES CAMPAIGN .......................... 3
SALARY TAXPAYERS ASKED TO REPORT INCOME .................... 4
SAFETY OF STUDENTS IN SUMMER JOBS .......................... 5
SNT OPENS TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME .................... 5
SECOND HAND BOOKS FOR SALE ................................. 6
GRADUATION CEREMONIES AT TWO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ......... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
- 1 -
SWD’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMES TO BENEFIT 120,000 YOUTHS ******
ABOUT 120,000 YOUNG PEOPLE WILL BE ABLE TO PARTICIPATE IN ABOUT 800 EVENTS IN THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE.DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR.
THE MAIN OBJECTIVE OF THE PROGRAMME IS TO HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO MAKE CONSTRUCTIVE USE OF THEIR SUMMER VACATION WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT, ENRICHMENT OF LIFE EXPERIENCE AND THE PROVISION OF OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
THE ACTIVITIES ARE ORGANISED BY THE 25 UNITS OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION WHICH INCLUDES THE YOUTH WORK UNIT, COMMUNITY/SOCIAL/YOUTH CENTRES, COMMUNITY HALLS, ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES AND THE LIBRARY AND RURAL MOBILE SERVICES UNIT. THEY WILL BE HELD AT VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE PROGRAMME WILL INCLUDE VARIOUS KINDS OF ACTIVITIES TO MEET DIFFERENT NEEDS AND INTERESTS. THESE ACTIVITIES CAN BE ROUGHLY DIVIDED INTO THREE TYPES: TRAINING COURSES, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
TRAINING COURSES INCLUDE YOUTH LEADERSHIP TRAINING, VOLUNTEER TRAINING CAMPS AND COURSES, SEMINARS AND TALKS.
COMMUNITY SERVICES PROJECTS INCLUDE WORK CAMPS, USED TEXT-BOOK SALE PROJECT, GUIDANCE SCHEMES FOR'SCHOOL LEAVERS AND SERVICES FOR THE AGED, HANDICAPPED AND CHILDREN IN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS.
RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE THE FORM OF HOLIDAY CAMPS, SUMMER CLUBS, OUTINGS AND EXCURSIONS, VARIOUS INTEREST GROUPS AND OBSERVATIONAL VISITS TO TV STATIONS, FACTORIES, FARMS, GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND MILITARY ESTABLISHMENTS.
OTHERS ARE MASS ACTIVITIES SUCH AS VARIETY SHOWS, CARNIVALS AND EXHIBITIONS.
COMMENTING ON THE ARRANGEMENT OF THIS YEAR’S SUMMER PROGRAMME, MR. HENRY AU, HEAD OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, SAID: +WHILE THE EMPHASIS IS STILL ON RECREATION, THE TYPES OF PROGRAMMES ORGANISED HAVE BEEN DESIGNED ALSO TO EE INSTRUCTIVE AND USEFUL.+
HE NOTED THAT YOUNG PEOPLE OF TODAY WERE SHOWING GREATER INTEREST IN-PARTICIPATING AND INVOLVEMENT BY DOING, RATHER THAN HAVING THINGS DONE FOR THEM.
+S0, THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS AN OUTLET FOR THEIR ABILITIES AND A CHANCE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF SELF-CONFIDENCE,* HE ADDED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
- 2 -
HONG KONG’S MINERAL RESOURCES IN STEADY SUPPLY ******
THE PRODUCTION OF FELDSPAR, KAOLIN AND QUARTZ, THE MORE ABUNDANT AND ECONOMICALLY WORKABLE OF HONG KONG’S NATURAL MINERAL RESOURCES AFTER IRON ORE, GENERALLY INCREASED LAST YEAR.
WORKINGS AT FELDSPAR, KAOLIN AND QUARTZ MINES, ALL BY OPENCAST METHOD, YIELDED 2,299, 1,305 AND 982 TONNES RESPECTIVELY, COMPARED WITH 2,059, 1,490 AND 760 TONNES IN 1975.
PRODUCTION OF IRON ORE, WHICH STOPPED IN APRIL WHEN THE EXPORT SALES AGREEMENT EXPIRED AMOUNTED TO 37,058 TONNES, COMPARED WITH 167,200 TONNES FOR THE WHOLE OF 1975.
MOST OF THE FELDSPAR AND KAOLIN PRODUCED FOR MANUFACTURING PORCELAIN AND POTTERY WARE WERE EXPORTED TO JAPAN, TAIWAN AND SOME TO THE PHILIPPINES. THE QUARTZ PRODUCED, FOR MANUFACTURING GLASS WARE AS WELL AS FOR GLAZING, WAS ENTIRELY TAKEN UP BY LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, THREE MINES WERE ENGAGED IN PRODUCING FELDSPAR, SEVEN IN KAOLIN AND FIVE IN QUARTZ. TOGETHER THEY EMPLOYED 84 WORKERS.
LICENCES OR LEASES FOR THEIR OPERATION ARE ISSUED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION. ALL BLASTING OPERATIONS AND QUARRYING IN HONG KONG AS WELL, PARTICULARLY ASPECTS OF THEIR SAFETY TO WORKERS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC, ALSO COME UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE OFFICE.
+STRICT CONTROL IS EXERCISED FROM THE TIME OF DELIVERY OF EXPLOSIVES AT THE GOVERNMENT DEPOTS TO THE TIME THE EXPLOSIVES ARE FIRED AT BLASTING SITES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MINES DIVISION SAID.
+EVERY BLAST IS CLOSELY SUPERVISED, PARTICULARLY THOSE IN OR NEAR URBAN AREAS WHERE SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN TO MINIMISE GROUND VIBRATIONS,+ HE ADDED.
+THE TOTAL QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES USED LAST YEAR WAS 3,232.7 TONNES, DOWN BY 12.8 PER CENT OVER THE 3,708.3 TONNES RECORDED IN 1975. THE AMOUNT USED THAT YEAR, HOWEVER, WAS A HIGH RECORD, COMPARED, FOR EXAMPLE, WITH 2,585 TONNES IN 1974,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
OF THE TOTAL TONNAGE OF EXPLOSIVES USED LAST YEAR, 48 PER CENT WAS THE AMMONIUM NITRATE AND FUEL OIL BLASTING AGENT (ANFO), 24.3 PER CENT TRUCK MIXED SLURRY EXPLOSIVE, 23.5 PER CENT HIGH EXPLOSIVES SUCH AS GELIGNITE AND DYNAMITE, AND 4.2 PER CENT OF CARTRIDGED SLURRY EXPLOSIVE, COMMONLY KNOWN AS WATER GEL.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID WATER GEL WAS A NEW TYPE OF SAFER EXPLOSIVE WHICH WAS F IRST_INTRODUCED l_NTO HONG KONG ABOUT THREE YEARS AGO.
/+BECAUSE
SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
3
+BECAUSE OF ITS HIGH SAFETY CHARACTERISTICS AND EFFECTIVENESS IT IS EXPECTED TO PLAY AN INCREASINGLY IMPORTANT ROLE IN QUARRYING OPERATIONS AND MAJOR PUBLIC WORK PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT DEMAND FOR QUARRY PRODUCTS ROSE STEADILY LAST YEAR AND IN THE LAST MONTH THE SIX PRIVATE QUARRIES RUN UNDER GOVERNMENT CONTRACT WERE PRODUCING SOME 20 PER CENT MORE THAN IN THE SAME PERIOD THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE AMOUNT OF CRUSHED STONES PRODUCED AT THESE QUARRIES, LOCATED AT SHEK 0, ANDERSON ROAD, CHA KWO LING AND LAM TEI IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, INCREASED FROM SOME 2.3 MILLION TONNES IN 1974-75 TO SOME 3 MILLION TONNES IN 1975-76.
TWO OTHER QUARRIES, AT MOUNT BUTLER AND DIAMOND HILL, OPERATED BY THE CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, SUPPLIED IN 1975-76 SOME 212,000 TONNES OF CRUSHED STONES, 155,530 TONNES OF BITUMEN-COATED MATERIALS AND 19,000 TONNES OF READY-MIXED CONCRETE TO THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME AND OTHER HIGHWAYS AND PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS.
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DISTRICT ANTI-MOSQUITOES CAMPAIGN TO BE LAUNCHED TOMORROW
*******
NOTE TO EDITORS:
AN ANTI-MOSQUITOES CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SO KUN PO AND HAPPY VALLEY TOMORROW (MONDAY) AND WILL LAST UP TO JULY 22.
THE CAMPAIGN AIMS AT URGING RESIDENTS IN THE TWO DISTRICTS TO TAKE CARE DURING THE RAINY SEASON TO PREVENT MOSQUITOES BREEDING.
DURING THE OPERATION, OFFICERS FROM THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL DIRECT THEIR EFFORTS AT IDENTIFYING AND CLEANSING POSSIBLE MOSQUITO BREEDING GROUNDS, SUCH AS CONSTRUCTION SITES, BACK ALLEYS, AND POOLS OF STAGNANT WATERS.
THE 12-DAY (tAMPAIGN IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WAN CHAI' AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT. A CEREMONY TO MARK THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE OPERATION WILL BE HELD AT THc. uJsEd. ENVIRONMENTAL HYGIENE SUB-OFFICE AT THE COLONIAL CEMETERY, HAPPY VALLEY AT 13 A.M. ON MONDAY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE EVENT.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977 - 4 -
SALARY TAXPAYERS ASKED TO REPORT INCOME
*****
SALARIES TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE NOT YET LODGED THEIR RETURNS SHOULD DO SO AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
OUT OF 262,000 SALARIES TAX RETURNS FOR 1977/78 ASSESSMENT YEAR SENT OUT ON MAY 1, ABOUT 60,000 OR 23 PER CENT HAD NOT YET COME BACK TO THE DEPARTMENT, HE POINTED OUT.
♦ALL SALARIES TAXPAYERS WHO HAVE RECEIVED TAX RETURN FORMS ARE REQUIRED TO MAKE THEIR RETURNS WITHIN ONE MONTH FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE,+ HE SAID.
+LATE SUBMISSION OF RETURNS MAY BE PENALISED.*
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT SALARIES EARNERS WITH AN INCOME OF SI,050 PER MONTH AS A SINGLE PERSON OR $2,100 WITH DEPENDENTS WERE REQUIRED TO PAY TAX.
THOSE WHO COULD BE LIABLE TO SALARIES TAX AND HAVE NOT YET RECEIVED THE RETURN FORMS, SHOULD WRITE TO THE COMMISSIONER OF INLAND REVENUE, POST OFFICE BOX 132, HONG KONG, OR CALL 5-95731 EXT. 222.
+ IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF SALARIES TAXPAYERS TO SEE THAT THEIR EARNINGS ARE REPORTED TO THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN A FINE,* HE ADDED.
STARTING ON MONDAY (JULY 11), THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH A DRIVE AIMED AT ADVISING PROPRIETORS OF FIRMS OF THE NEED TO REGISTER THEIR BUSINESS.
THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT OWNERS OF SHOPS, FACTORIES AND BUSINESS CONCERNS OF ANY NATURE, SHOULD OBTAIN A BUSINESS REGISTRATION CERTIFICATE WITHIN THE FIRST MONTH OF OPERATION.
HE ALSO ADVISED THOSE WHO HAD NOT YET REGISTERED THEIR BUSINESS SHOULD TAKE THE FIRST OPPORTUNITY TO DO SO. +IF NOT, THEY RISK PROSECUTION WITH A MAXIMUM PENALTY OF $2,000 AND A YEAR IN PRISON,* HE POINTED OUT.
ANYONE IN NEED OF FURTHER INFORMATION CONCERNING BUSINESS REGISTRATION, CAN CALL THE BUSINESS REGISTRATION OFFICE AT 5-245302.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
5
PROPRIETORS URGED TO ENSURE STUDENT-WORKERS SAFETY ******
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT TODAY URGED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO ENSURE THAT STUDENTS WHO MIGHT EE TAKING UP TEMPORARY WORK DURING SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN THEIR ESTABLISHMENTS ARE UNDER CLOSE AND PROPER SUPERVISION.
+STUDENTS, BEING UNTRAINED AND INEXPERIENCED, ARE NOT
AWARE OF INDUSTRIAL HAZARDS AND SHOULD NOT BE ASSIGNED JOBS WHICH ARE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS OR WHICH INVOLVE THE OPERATION OF DANGEROUS MACHINERY,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO URGED STUDENTS TO TAKE EVERY PRECAUTION AGAINST WORK ACCIDENTS IN THEIR OWN INTERESTS WHEN WORKING IN FACTORIES.
+BEWARE OF POWER-DRIVEN MACHINERY,* HE SAID.
+IF HANDLED OR OPERATED WITHOUT CARE, OR IMPROPERLY, THE MACHINERY COULD INJURE, MAIM OR EVEN KILL A PERSON,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
HE THEN REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT AN INJURED STUDENT HAS THE RIGHT TO CLAIM WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE IF HE IS INJURED AT WORK JUST LIKE OTHER INJURED WORKMEN AND THAT THEY SHOULD NOTIFY THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION UNIT OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WITHIN SEVEN DAYS OF THE ACCIDENT.
+ANY EMPLOYER WHO, WITHOUT REASONABLE CAUSE, FAILS TO DO SO, SHALL BE GUILTY OF AN OFFENCE AND SHALL BE LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE OF 51,000,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
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SNT OPENS TAI PO SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY (SUNDAY) OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED AN EXTENSIVE YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR STUDENTS AND YOUTHS OF TAI PC.
ADDRESSING THE OPENING CEREMONY AT THE FUNG KAI SECONDARY SCHOOL IN SHEUNG SHU I, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID HE HOPED YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DISTRICT WOULD MAKE GOOD USE OF THEIR SUMMER VACATION BY PARTICIPATING IN THE HEALTHY RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES.
HE PRAISED THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR EFFORTS IN ORGANISING MORE THAN 30 ITEMS OF ACTIVITIES FOR OVER 15,000 YOUTHS IN TAI PO.
THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME IS BEING ORGANISED BY THE TAI PO SIX DISTRICTS YOUTH RECREATION COORDINATING COMMITTEE.
ACTIVITIES INCLUDE GAMES FOR BOTH ADULTS AND CHILDREN, EXCURSIONS, CAMPING, PAINTING, COOKING AND SWIMMING.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WAS FOLLOWED BY A SERIES OF GAMES COMPETITIONS IN WHICH ABOUT 1,503 CHILDREN PARTICIPATED.
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SUNDAY, JULY 10, 1977
I
- 6 -
STUDENTS TO BENEFIT FROM BOOKSALE *****
SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS LIVING IN KWUN TONG WILL BE ABLE TO PURCHASE THEIR TEXT-BOOKS AT A SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED PRICE THIS SUMMER THROUGH A USED TEXT-BOOK SALES SERVICE.
THE SERVICE, PROVIDED BY THE NGA I CHING SOCIETY OF THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, IS ORGANISED AS PART OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME FOR YOUTHS OF THE DISTRICT.
UNDER THIS SCHEME, ALL USED BOOKS FOR SALE WILL BE SOLD AT A RATE NOT HIGHER THAN 60 PER CENT OF THE ORIGINAL PRICE.
THE FOUR-DAY SALES SERVICE WILL BEGIN ON AUGUST 7 AND COME TO A CLOSE ON AUGUST 10.
STUDENTS WHO INTEND TO SELL THEIR USED TEXT-BOOKS CAN SEND THEM TO THE CENTRE FROM TOMORROW (MONDAY) ONWARDS UNTIL AUGUST 1. ALL UNSOLD BOOKS WILL BE RETURNED TO OWNERS BETWEEN AUGUST 13 AND 15.
YOUTHS WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY CAN CALL 3-890088 OR VISIT THE CENTRE FOR FURTHER INFORMATION. I
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I
GRADUATION CEREMONIES FOR TWO COLLEGES OF EDUCATION
*****
THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WILL HOLD THEIR GRADUATION CEREMONY ON WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY (JULY 13 AND 14) RESPECTIVELY AT THEIR COLLEGE HALL.
MR. F.K. LI, SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS AND INFORMATION WILL OFFICIATE AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION WHILE MRS. LI WILL DISTRIBUTE THE CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES.
MRS. GRACE HO, URBAN COUNCILLOR, WILL ADDRESS THE ASSEMBLY AND PRESENT CERTIFICATES AND PRIZES TO GRADUATES OF THE SIR ROBERT BLACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE BOTH CEREMONIES COVERED AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, 42, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOaLCCN . THE CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT 10.30 A.M.
SIR ROBERT ELACK COLLEGE OF EDUCATION IS AT CALDECOTT ROAD, PIPER HILL, KOWLOON AND ITS CEREMONY TAKES PLACE AT 11 A.M.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
EDUCATION DIRECTOR ON TEACHERS’ IMPORTANT ROLE .............. 1
VOLUNTARY SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES VITAL IN HONG KONG ........ 2
HADDON-CAVE BACK TO WORK .................................... 3
COMMUNITY MUST BE INVOLVED IN HEALTH EDUCATION .............. 4
IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS ..................... 5
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION TO WAN CHAI BUILDING OWNERS EXPLAINED ................................................... 6
ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME FOR TSI NG Yl SQUATTERS TO BE SWITCHED ON ................................................. 8
CEREMONY TO MARK RETIREMENT OF FMO AND VMO STAFF ............ 8
ACCESS FLYOVER TO CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL TO BE RESURFACED .... 9
CHING CHEUNG ROAD TO BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY NIGHT .............. 9
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TOWDAY, JULY 11, 1977 - 1 -
TOPLEY SPEAKS ABOUT TEACHERS’ IMPORTANT ROLE
*****
+A DEDICATED, RESOURCEFUL AND WELL-TRAINED TEACHER CAN KINDLE THE PUPILS’ ENTHUSIASM, FIRE THEIR IMAGINATION AND BRING OUT THEIR INDIVIDUAL POTENTIAL,+ THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY SAID THIS AFTERNOON.
ADDRESSING THE AUDIENCE AT THE SPEECH DAY OF YING WA GIRLS’ SCHOOL, MR. TOPLEY SAID THE TEACHER WAS PROBABLY THE MOST IMPORTANT SINGLE FACTOR IN THE ENTIRE SCHOOL LIFE OF A PUPIL.
+WITH THE PRESENT EDUCATIONAL ARRANGEMENTS, SO MANY ACTIVITIES GOING ON IN SCHOOL TAKE PLACE IN THE CLASSROOM THAT THE PART ASSUMED BY THE TEACHER CAN HARDLY BE OVERSTRESSED',+ HE SAID.
YHE DIRECTOR AL$O REFERRED TO OTHER FACTORS WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR THE SUCCESS OR OTHERWISE OF PUPILS IN SCHOOL. THESE WERE BASIC SKILLS AND THE HOME.
CERTAIN BASIC SKILLS - LISTENING, SPEAKING, READING AND WRITING - WERE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AT BOTH THE PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STAGES OF EDUCATION.
j . , . ► r • Vfiif
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE HOME WAS OF INCALCULABLE VALUE IN CONTRIBUTING TO THE PUPILS’ OVERALL SUCCESS.
. ) , • p ■ i. ■ .?,
+THE CHILD OF PARENTS WHO ARE PREPARED TO MAKE SACRIFICES IN THE INTERESTS OF THEIR CHILDREN WILL HAVE A BETTER CHANCE IN LIFE THAN THE CHILD OF PARENTS WHO ARE UNWILLING TO RESTRICT THEIR FREEDOM. AND PLEASURES IN ORDER TO GIVE THEIR CHILDREN A BACKGROUND OF ORDERED LIVING AND SECURITY,* HE SAID.
THt DIRECTOR NOTED THAT YING WA GIRLS’ SCHOOL HAt) SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING ABOUT ALL-ROUND PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT IN EDUCATING THE GIRLS.
+THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT AS IT IS GENERALLY AGREED THAT IN THE EDUCATION PROCESS THE DIFFERENT FACETS OF THE STUDENT’S PERSONALITY CANNOT BE SEPARATED AND THAT PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, MORAL AND CULTURAL SIDES INTERACT AND PRODUCE THE WHOLE, MR. TOPLEY SAID.
YING WA HAD GROWN IN SIZE AND PRESTIGE OVER THE LAST 77 YEARS IN RESPONSE TO THE CHANGING NEEDS OF HONG KONG.
+ IT IS NOW ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OUR COMMUNITY- IT CAN BE JUSTLY PROUD OF ITS ACHIEVEMENTS AND OF THE MANY GRADUATES WHO HAVE BEEN SO WELL PREPARED FOR ADULT LIFE,* MR. TOPLEY SAID.
o - - - -
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
2
ROLE OF VOLUNTARY SECTOR VITAL IN SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES ******
THE ROLE OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IS VITAL IN THE PROVISION OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN HONG KONG, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID TODAY (MONDAY).
+THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASES IN GOVERNMENT SUBVENTION TO THE VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS YEAR BY YEAR, AND THE CONTINUOUS AND INTENSIVE INVOLVEMENT OF THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR IN THE JOINT PREPARATION AND REVIEWS OF SOCIAL WELFARE PLANS ARE PRACTICAL INDICATIONS OF THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW,* HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, MR. LEE NOTED THAT THERE WERE MANY AREAS WHERE THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CERTAINLY WELCOME VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS TO EXPAND EXISTING SERVICES OR ENTER INTO NEW ENDEAVOURS.
IN THE FIELD OF REHABILITATION, HE CONTINUED, ONE AREA REQUIRING URGENT PROVISION OF SERVICE WOULD BE THE RESIDENTIAL AND DAY CARE OF SEVERELY RETARDED PERSONS AND THE MODERATELY RETARDED WITH OTHER PROBLEMS.
+VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS INTERESTED IN AND CAPABLE OF SETTING UP SUCH SERVICES WILL BE ENCOURAGED AND GIVEN FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO TAKE UP THIS DIFFICULT WORK,* HE STRESSED.
AS REGARDS SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY, MR. LEE SAID: +WHILE IT HAS BEEN ACCEPTED THAT THE ELDERLY SHOULD AS FAR AS POSSIBLE BE CARED FOR IN THE COMMUNITY, WITH FINANCIAL SUPPORT UNDER THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE SCHEMES, THERE IS STILL CONSIDERABLE NEED FOR THOSE WHO CANNOT BE CARED FOR IN THIS WAY TO BE LOOKED AFTER IN AN INSTITUTIONAL SETTING SUCH AS HOMES FOR THE AGED, HOSTELS AND ‘CARE AND ATTENTION’ HOMES.+
THE DIRECTOR ANTICIPATED THAT THERE WOULD BE EXPANSION IN THIS FIELD OF WORK ALONG WITH NEW FACILITIES FOR DAY CARE AND RECREATIONAL SERVICES AND HOME HELP SERVICE FOR THE ELDERLY WHO CONTINUE TO LIVE IN THE COMMUNITY.
+CARE FOR THE ELDERLY HAS BEEN ONE OF THE POPULAR SERVICES AMONG VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND THEY WILL NO DOUBT WELCOME OPPORTUNITIES TO DO MORE FOR OUR SENIOR CITIZENS,* HE ADDED.
TURNING TO PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK FOR YOUTH, MR. LEE SAID: +DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, FUNDS ARE AVAILABLE FOR SOME INITIAL EXPANSION IN PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK FOR YOUTH, FOLLOWING THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE REPORT ON SOCIAL CAUSES OF CRI ME.
+SUCH SERVICES TAKE THE FORM OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK, YOUTH GUIDANCE PROJECTS, LEADERSHIP SCHEMES IN PLAYGROUNDS, FAMILY LIFE EDUCATION AND DETACHED WORK.+
/THE PRIMARY
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
3
THE PRIMARY OBJECT, HE CONTINUED, WOULD BE TO ENABLE SOCIAL WORKERS TO REACH OUT TO THOSE YOUNG PERSONS IN AN EARLY STAGE AND TO OFFER ASSISTANCE IN AN APPROPRIATE WAY, BEFORE THEIR PROBLEMS BECAME SERIOUS.
+THIS IS ANOTHER AREA WHICH IS BEING ACTIVELY LOOKED INTO BY GOVERNMENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR WITH A VIEW TO SETTING OUT A PLAN FOR THE FUTURE. VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ARE ALREADY INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL PROVISION OF SUCH SERVICE FOR YOUNG PERSONS AT R ISK,+ HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT ANOTHER FIELD OF WORK IN WHICH VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS COULD MAKE SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS WOULD BE CHILD CARE IN THE FORM OF NURSERIES.
+SINCE THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE WHICH REQUIRES ALL CENTRES TO BE SET UP WITH CERTAIN MINIMUM STANDARD, A NUMBER OF SUB-STANDARD PRIVATE NURSERIES HAVE CLOSED DOWN. ALTHOUGH NEW NURSERIES ARE BEING SET UP BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS THERE IS NEED FOR MORE CENTRES TO BE OPENED.
+APART FROM ONE NURSERY WHICH IS BEING RUN BY THE DEPARTMENT AS A MODEL FOR THE PURPOSE OF TRAINING CHILD CARE WORKERS, ALL THE NON-PROFIT MAKING NURSERIES IN HONG KONG ARE RUN BY VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, MANY OF WHICH HAVE ACQUIRED VERY VALUABLE EXPERIENCE OVER THE YEARS IN THE PROVISION OF THIS CHILD CARE SERVICE,+ HE SAID.
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY BACK TO WORK
* * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, HAS RETURNED TO WORK TODAY AFTER EIGHT WEEKS LEAVE.
MR. DAVID JORDAN, WHO ACTED AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHILE MR. HADDON-CAVE WAS AWAY, WILL HIMSELF BE GOING ON LEAVE FROM JULY 13 TO SEPTEMBER 7.
IN THE MEANTIME, MR. BILL DORWARD, WILL CONTINUE TO ACT AS DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY WHILE MR. JORDAN IS ON LEAVE.
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
4
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT KEY TO SUCCESSFUL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME *****
HONG KONG’S OUTSTANDING AND SUCCESSFUL HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES ON FAMILY PLANNING AND IMMUNISATION HAVE BEEN DUE TO LARGE-SCALE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT AND NOT JUST TO THE EFFORTS OF PROFESSIONAL GROUPS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, IN HIS ADDRESS TO THE SACRED HEART CANOSSIAN COLLEGE ANNUAL SPEECH DAY THIS AFTERNOON.
HE SAID SUCCESSFUL HEALTH EDUCATION HAS BROUGHT THE BIRTH RATE DOWN TO AN ALL-TIME LOW OF 17 PER 1,000 POPULATION AND THE INFANT MORTALITY RATE DOWN TO 14.3 PER 1,000 LIVE BIRTHS WHICH IS THE ENVY OF MANY COUNTRIES INCLUDING SOME OF THE MOST ADVANCED IN THE WORLD.
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT THE KEY FACTOR TO SUCCESS IN HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMMES IS THE EXTENSIVE INVOLVEMENT OF THE RELEVANT GROUPS IN THE COMMUNITY, WHICH HAS RESULTED NOT ONLY IN THE ABSORPTION OF INFORMATION BUT IN CHANGED ATTITUDES AND ACTUAL PRACTICE OF THE DESIRED HEALTH PRINCIPLES.
HE SAID THERE APPEARED TO BE A GENERAL MISCONCEPTION THAT HEALTH EDUCATION IS A ONE-WAY PROCESS WHEREBY SOMEONE IN POSSESSION OF HEALTH INFORMATION CAN ALWAYS TEACH OR IMPART SUCH KNOWLEDGE JUST BY LECTURING OTHERS.
BECAUSE OF THIS MISCONCEPTION, WHENEVER A NEED IS FELT THAT AN EDUCATION PROGRAMME SHOULD BE CARRIED OUT ON A PARTICULAR SUBJECT THE IMMEDIATE REACTION IS THAT THE WHOLE MATTER SHOULD BE REFERRED TO AN +AUTHORITY+ WHO MUST CARRY OUT ALL HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES FOR SOMEONE OR AN ORGANISATION, HE SAID.
+THIS APPROACH,* SAID DR. THONG, +IS A WRONG APPROACH AND THE HEALTH EDUCATION PROGRAMME IS DOOMED TO FAIL FROM THE VERY BEGINNING.*
+THIS IS BECAUSE IT IS ASSUMED THAT AS LONG AS INFORMATION IS POURED OUT IN LIBERAL DOSES TO A VAGUE TARGET CALLED THE ’GENERAL PUBLIC’, EVERYBODY IS THEN EXPECTED TO ABSORB THE INFORMATION, CHANGE THEIR ATTITUDES AUTOMATICALLY AND FINALLY TAKE ACTION ON SUCH INFORMATION,* HE SAID.
+THE BETTER APPROACH IS THAT DEPENDING ON THE SUBJECT THERE SHOULD BE A DEFINITE TARGET GROUP OF PEOPLE, FOR EXAMPLE, SCHOOL CHILDREN OR MOTHERS IN MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CLINICS TO WHICH THE HEALTH EDUCATION MESSAGE COULD BE DIRECTED.*
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT NO +AUTHORITY+ SHOULD CARRY OUT HEALTH EDUCATION FOR OTHERS BUT TO DO SO WITH THEM, HE SAID.
/+BY THIS .....
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
5
+BY THIS I MEAN THAT INTERESTED GROUPS OF PEOPLE WITHIN THE WHOLE COMMUNITY SHOULD BE INVOLVED ACTIVELY AND EXTENSIVELY IN THE PARTICIPATION OF HEALTH EDUCATION ACTIVITIES CONNECTED WITH THE PROGRAMME.+
THE DIRECTOR SAID EVERY INDIVIDUAL IN THE COMMUNITY IS A POTENTIAL HEALTH EDUCATOR.
THE DOCTORS, NURSES AND OTHER PARAMEDICAL PERSONNEL IN THE HOSPITALS AND CLINICS, THE TEACHERS IN THE CLASSROOMS, EVEN HOUSEWIVES AT HOME ARE AND CAN BE HEALTH EDUCATORS IN THEIR PARTICULAR ENVIRONMENT.
HE STRESSED THAT HEALTH EDUCATION IS NOT THE PRIVATE PRESERVE OF PROFESSIONALS AND TECHNICAL PERSONNEL BUT IS A FIELD OPEN TO ALL THOSE WHO HAPPEN TO BE IN THE BEST POSITION TO CONVEY THE MESSAGE TO THE APPROPRIATE GROUPS OF PEOPLE.
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IN-SERVICE COURSES FOR TEACHERS ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCIENCE * * * * *
+SCIENCE IS A ’DOING’ AS WELL AS A ’THINKING’ SUBJECT.+ MR. AUTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID THIS AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE IN-SERVICE COURSES ON JUNIOR SECONDARY SCIENCE HELD AT NORTHCOTE COLLEGE OF EDUCATION TODAY.
+PUPILS ARE EXPECTED TO PERFORM EXPERIMENTS, OBSERVE AND RECORD RESULTS, USING MEASURING DEVICES, HANDLE SIMPLE APPARATUS, COMMUNICATE WITH OTHERS USING ADEQUATE SCIENTIFIC VOCABULARY. PUPILS HAVE TO THINK BEFORE, DURING AND AFTER ALL THE ABOVE ACTIVITIES,+ HE SAID.
THE ROLE OF THE SCIENCE TEACHER THEREFORE WAS TO +PREPARE THEIR PUPILS BEFORE-HAND, ENCOURAGE ACTIVE THINKING DURING THE PRACTICAL WORK AND HAVE FOLLOW-UP DISCUSSION AFTERWARDS,+ HE ADDED.
THE TWO COURSES ARE FOR IN-SERVICE SCIENCE TEACHERS IN SCHOOLS IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS FOR SCIENCE (FORMS l-lll) RECOMMENDED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND ARE HELD IN VARIOUS SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
THE PROGRAMME OF THE COURSES RANGES FROM TEACHING METHODS TO WORKSHOP PRACTICES, FROM A TALK ON LABORATORY SAFETY TO BOOK AND EQUIPMENT EXHIBITIONS.
THERE ARE 380 TEACHERS PARTICIPATING IN THE COURSES WHICH RUN FOR NINE DAYS IN JULY AND ANOTHER EIGHT DAYS IN AUGUST.
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MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
- 6 -
EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION FOR OWNERS OF WAN CHAI PROPERTY
*******
FORMER OWNERS OF NINE BUILDINGS IN WAN CHAI WHICH ARE REQUIRED TO BE CLEARED FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW CANAL ROAD MARKET AND THE EXTENTION OF THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER HAVE BEEN REMINDED THAT THE CASH PAYMENTS OFFERED TO THEM BY GOVERNMENT IN RESPECT OF THEIR PROPERTIES ARE MADE SOLELY ON EX-GRATIA BASIS AND ARE NOT STATUTORY COMPENSATION.
THE BUILDINGS SITUATED AT NOS. 255-261, WAN CHAI ROAD, NOS. 1 AND 2, CHAN TONG LANE, AND NOS. 21-25, BOWRINGTON ROAD ARE PROPERTIES FORMERLY HELD ON NON-RENEWABLE LEASES WHICH EXPIRED ON DECEMBER 28, 1973 OR JANUARY 15, 1974.
SINCE THE LAND HAS LONG BEEN RESERVED FOR THE MARKET PROJECT, IT WAS DECIDED BEFORE EXPIRY OF THE LEASES THAT NO RE-GRANTS SHOULD BE GIVEN.
UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE EXPIRED LEASES, THE FORMER OWNERS ARE NOT ENTITLED TO ANY COMPENSATION WHEN REQUIRED TO SURRENDER THE PROPERTIES TO GOVERNMENT UPON EXPIRY OF THE LEASES. HOWEVER, IT HAS LONG BEEN GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO MAKE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES.
IF THE LEASES HAD BEEN RE-GRANTED, PREMIUMS AMOUNTING TO THE FULL MARKET VALUE OF THE LAND WOULD HAVE HAD TO BE PAID.
THE AMOUNTS OF EX-GRATIA AWARDS OFFERED TO THE FORMER OWNERS HAVE ALREADY BEEN INCREASED SUBSTANTIALLY FOLLOWING A PETITION SENT TO THE GOVERNOR IN APRIL THIS YEAR. THE TOTAL AWARDS INCREASED TO $254,000 AND RANGE FROM $12,000 TO $102,000 PER BUILDING. IN THE CASE OF NOS. 255-257, WAN CHAI ROAD, WHICH WERE HELD IN UNDIVIDED SHARES, THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF $102 000 IS TO BE DIVIDED BETWEEN FORMER OWNERS AT THE RATE OF $6,000 PER UNIT.
THE FORMER OWNERS WERE INFORMED OF THE INCREASED EX-GRATIA AWARDS IN A REPLY GIVEN TO THEM BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ON JUNE 29, 1977.
IT WAS ALSO POINTED OUT TO THEM THAT IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE TO EXTEND OR RE-GRANT THE EXPIRED LEASES UNDER WHICH THESE PROPERTIES WERE FORMERLY HELD RETROSPECTIVELY, SINCE THIS WOULD DEFEAT THE OBJECT OF GOVERNMENT’S ORIGINAL DECISION NOT TO RENEW THE LEASES UPON EXPIRY.
FURTHERMORE, THE RE-GRANT OF LEASES IN SUCH A WAY INEVITABLY INVOLVES THE FORMER OWNERS IN THE PAYMENT OF PREMIUM, THE REPLY SAID.
ANOTHER PETITION WAS SENT TO THE GOVERNOR BY THE FORMER OWNERS ON JULY 7 AND WAS AGAIN ANSWERED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT ON THE FOLLOW IMG DAY.
/IN HIS......
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
- 7 -
IN HIS SECOND REPLY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE EX-GRATIA AMOUNTS WERE OFFERED TO THE OWNERS FOR EACH BUILDING AS A WHOLE AND NOT FOR EACH UNIT.
+ AS THEY ARE EX-GRATIA AWARDS FOR THE BUILDINGS AND NOT AMOUNTS OF COMPENSATION BASED ON PROPERTY VALUES, IT WOULD NOT BE APPROPRIATE TO DIFFERENTIATE BETWEEN GROUND AND UPPER FLOOR UNITS AS SUGGESTED BY THE OWNERS,* HE ADDED.
THE FORMER OWNERS WERE ALSO TOLD THAT EX-GRATIA AMOUNTS ARE AWARDED TO FORMER OWNERS AND FORMER OCCUPIERS OF LEASE-EXPIRED PROPERTIES FOR ENTIRELY DIFFERENT REASONS AND CALCULATED ON A DIFFERENT BASIS.
+IT IS NOT, THEREFORE, ACCEPTED THAT THE AMOUNTS AWARDED TO FORMER OWNERS SHOULD BE REVISED TO EQUAL OR EXCEED THOSE AWARDED TO FORMER OCCUPIERS. FURTHERMORE, FORMER OWNERS HAVE EITHER HAD THE BENEFIT OF A NUMBER OF YEARS OCCUPATION BEYOND THE END OF THEIR LEASE AND THE OFFER OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS FOR REMOVAL, OR RENTS DERIVED FROM FORMER TENANTS WHO CONTINUED IN OCCUPATION BEYOND THE END OF THE LEASE,* THE REPLY POINTED OUT.
AS TO WHY THE OWNERS OF THE BUILDINGS AT NOS. 21-25, BOWRINGTON ROAD HAVE BEEN OFFERED EX-GRATIA AWARDS LESS THAN THE OTHERS, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT EXPLAINED THAT THE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS AWARDED IN RESPECT OF THESE BUILDINGS ALSO TOOK ACCOUNT OF THE FACT THAT THEY WERE BUILT BEFORE THE WAR.
THE OCCUPIERS OF THE BUILDINGS, WHO, BECAUSE OF THE EXPIRY OF THE LEASES, ARE ALSO INELIGIBLE FOR STATUTORY COMPENSATION, HAVE BEEN OFFERED EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS AT THE RATE OF ABOUT $20 PER SQUARE FOOT OF LIVING SPACE AND $40 PER SQUARE FOOT OF BUSINESS ACCOMMODATION. THIS IS TO ASSIST THEIR REMOVAL. IN THE CASE OF OWNER/OCCUPI ER, BOTH KINDS OF EX-GRATIA PAYMENT WILL BE GIVEN.
IN ADDITION, DOMESTIC OCCUPIERS OF THE BUILDINGS HAVE ALSO BEEN OFFERED ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES IF THEY ARE ELIGIBLE.
A TOTAL OF 96 FAMILIES COMPRISING ABOUT 370 PERSONS HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED THE OFFER AND MOVED TO THEIR NEW HOMES IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE FEW PEOPLE WHO STILL REMAINED IN THE BUILDINGS WERE EXPECTED TO VACATE THE PREMISES VERY SHORTLY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW MARKET TO REPLACE THE EXISTING INADEQUATE FACILITIES AT CANAL ROAD AND THE EXTENSION OF THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER TO LINK UP WITH THE ABERDEEN TUNNEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION WERE IMPORTANT PROJECTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT BOTH OF WAN CHAI AND OTHER PARTS OF THE ISLAND.
THE OCCUPIERS WERE FIRST NOTIFIED TO MOVE OUT BY MARCH THIS YEAR AND ANY FURTHER DELAY IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECTS WOULD BE AGAINST THE INTERESTS OF THE PUBLIC AS A WHOLE, THE SPOKESMAN CONCLUDED.
/8....
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MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
8
NOTE TO EDITORS:
POWER SUPPLY
TO TSI NG Yl SQUATTER AREA * * * *
A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY OF AN ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME BRINGING PROPER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO THE SQUATTER AREA AT TSING Yl LAGOON WILL BE HELD TOMORROW (JULY 12) MORNING.
MR. JAMES BLACK, TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT), AND MR. C. STEELE, COMMERCIAL ENGINEER OF THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE CEREMONY WHICH STARTS AT 10 A.M. NEAR THE TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE ON TSING Yl.
YCU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO HAVE THE SWITCH-ON CEREMONY COVERED. PRESS TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. A GOVERNMENT VAN, AM 2088, WILL LEAVE FROM BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 9 A.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO AND LATER BACK FROM TSING Yl.
0
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESENTATIONS TO RETIRING STAFF OF FISH AND VEGETABLE ORGANISATION ******
TWENTY-ONE STAFF MEMBERS OF THE FISH AND VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE RETIRING THIS YEAR ..'ILL BE PRESENTED WITH SOUVENIRS BY MR. J.M.. RIDDELL-SWAN, DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, AT A CEREMONY TO BE HELD AT CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
THEY HAVE A TOTAL OF 483 YEARS SERVICE WITH THE TWO ORGANISATIONS. EIGHTEEN OF THEM WILL BE RETIRING FRO THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION, AND THREE FROM THE VEGETABLE MARKETING ORGANISATION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF CHEUNG SHA WAN WHOLESALE VEGETABLE MARKET AT 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JULY 14).
MONDAY, JULY 11, 1977
9
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF ACCESS FLYOVER TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE ACCESS FLYOVER LEADING TO THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL FROM THE CANAL ROAD FLYOVER WILL EE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FOR THREE DAYS BETWEEN 1 A.M. AND 6 A.M. BEGINNING ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 13).
THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE ROAD RESURFACING TO BE CARRIED OUT.
DURING THE CLOSURE PERIODS, TRAFFIC PROCEEDING TO THE TUNNEL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA THE CAUSEWAY BAY FLYOVER AND THE SLIP ROAD FLYOVER ON WATERFRONT ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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NIGHT CLOSURE OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT CHING CHEUNG ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC BETWEEN 1.15 A.M. AND 5.45 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 15).
THE CLOSURE IS TO ENABLE WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FOOT-BRIDGE ACROSS THE ROAD.
BOTH WESTBOUND VEHICLES FROM LUNG CHEUNG ROAD OR TAI PC ROAD AND EASTBOUND VEHICLES FROM KWAI CHUNG ROAD OR CASTLE PEAK ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED TC CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD OR LAI CHI KOK ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO-
GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS WANT TO SET UP HONG KONG BASE .... 1
PLB’S MUST FIT INDICATORS BY AUGUST 1 ..................... 2
SSEE RESULTS ON FRIDAY .................................... 3
LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW ........................ 4
TSING Yl SQUATTERS RECEIVE PROPER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ... 5
GOVERNOR TO VISIT WONG TAI SIN ............................ 6
LABOUR COMMISSIONER TO MAKE FACTORY TOUR .................. 6
SWD DIRECTOR TO OFFICIATE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY .......... 7
INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING SEA COLLISIONS 7
SECTION OF JORDAN ROAD TO BE CLEARWAY ..................... 8
MORRISON STREET TO RE-OPEN ................................ 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 197'
1
GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS INTERESTED IN HONG KONG * * * *
GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS ARE VERY INTERESTED IN SETTING UP FACTORIES IN HONG KONG, ACCORDING TO, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. ROY PORTER.
MR. PORTER HAS JUST RETURNED FROM A THREE-WEEK INDUSTRIAL PROMOTION TRIP TO EUROPE, MOST OF WHICH WAS SPENT IN GERMANY.
HE REPORTED THAT NEARLY HALF OF THE 40 FIRMS HE VISITED •••EXPRESSED IMMEDIATE INTEREST IN SETTING UP MANUFACTURING PLANTS HERE.+
A FURTHER 50 PER CENT WERE INTERESTED IN HAVING COMPONENTS MANUFACTURED HERE BY HONG KONG COMPANIES AND SOME OF THE REMAINING 10 PER CENT, WHO WERE NOT READY TO CONSIDER ANY MANUFACTURING IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT, HAD LONG-TERM PLANS WHICH MR. PORTER DESCRIBED AS OF +GREAT INTEREST TO HONG KONG+.
MR. PORTER, WHO VISITED GERMANY EXACTLY ONE YEAR AGO, SAID HE FOUND GERMAN INDUSTRIALISTS MUCH MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT HONG KONG THIS TIME, AND THERE WAS CLEARLY MORE READY INTEREST.
+THEY ARE FINDING OUT,+ HE SAID, +THAT IT IS BECOMING INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT TO COMPETE IN SOME OF THEIR EXPORT MARKETS AND THAT THERE IS A NEED TO SET UP OFF-SHORE PLANTS.+
HE ADDED I +THERE IS A VERY APPARENT NEW INTEREST AMONG EUROPEAN INDUSTRIALISTS IN THE ASIAN MARKET. IN THIS RESPECT, HONG KONG IS AN IDEAL BASE FOR THEM.+
MR. PORTER SAID A LOT OF HARD WORK AND FOLLOW-UP WORK HAD GONE INTO THE LATEST TRIP. IT IS NOW UP TO US TO SUSTAIN THIS INTEREST AND TO BE ABLE TO MAKE THE RIGHT ARRANGEMENTS FOR THEM WHEN THEY COME HERE, HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT MANY OF THE INDUSTRIALISTS ARE SEEKING HONG KONG PARTNERS OR COMPANIES TO MANUFACTURE FOR THEM. HE URGED LOCAL INDUSTRIALISTS TO CONTACT HIM FOR FULL DETAILS OF THE OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR MENTIONED A FEW OF THE PRODUCTS WHICH THESE OVERSEAS INDUSTRIALISTS HAVE INDICATED THEY WOULD LIKE TO PRODUCE HERE. THEY INCLUDE INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT, ELECTRIC TOOLS, ELECTRIC SWITCHES, MEASURING INSTRUMENTS, PRINTING MACHINES, DICTATING MACHINES, INDUSTRIAL VALVES, ELECTRICAL CABLES AND TEXTILE MACHINERY.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
- 2 -
PLB’S TO HAVE DESTINATION INDICATORS FITTED BY AUGUST 1 *****
REGULATIONS REQUIRING ALL PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES TO DISPLAY DESTINATION INDICATORS AND FARE CARDS WILL COME INTO FORCE ON AUGUST 1.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ADVISED PLB OWNERS AND OPERATORS TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS OTHERWISE WHEN THEIR VEHICLES ARE PRESENTED FOR INSPECTION THEY WILL NOT BE RE-LICENSED.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE REGULATIONS, KNOWN AS THE ROAD TRAFFIC (PUBLIC OMNIBUS, PUBLIC LIGHT BUS AND PUBLIC CAR) (AMENDMENT) REGULATIONS, WERE AMENDED IN NOVEMBER 1975, BUT WERE NOT BROUGHT INTO FORCE IMMEDIATELY IN ORDER TO GIVE PLB OPERATORS SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS.
+THEY NOW HAVE HAD MORE THAN SUFFICIENT TIME TO COMPLY WITH THE NEW REQUIREMENTS AND IF THEY PRESENT THEIR VEHICLES FOR INSPECTION WITHOUT THE DESTINATION INDICATORS THEY WILL SIMPLY NOT BE RE-LICENSED,+ THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
HE SAID THAT THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE GREATER SAFETY AND BETTER SAFEGUARD OF SERVICES FOR PEOPLE USING PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND ALSO PROTECT PLB DRIVERS AGAINST PASSENGERS NOT PAYING THE STIPULATED FARE.
THE REGULATIONS LAY DOWN SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DISPLAY AND COLOURS OF DESTINATION INDICATORS AND FARE CARDS ON PLB’S AND FORBID THE CHANGING OF AN INDICATOR DURING A JOURNEY WITH INTENT TO CHARGE EXTRA FARES OR TO CUT SHORT THE ORIGINAL JOURNEY.
ONE PROVISION REQUIRES A PLB DRIVER TO DISPLAY NOT MORE THAN ONE DESTINATION INDICATOR OF AN APPROVED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION ON THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
THE INDICATOR, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHARACTERS, MUST SHOW THE DESTINATION CLEARLY BY REFERENCE TO A ROAD JUNCTION OR SOME OTHER EASILY RECOGNISED PLACE. IT SHOULD BE ILLUMINATED AT NIGHT.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, A SERIES OF STANDARD COLOURS OF DESTINATION INDICATORS WILL BE INTRODUCED FOR DIFFERENT ZONES. ALL INDICATORS WILL HAVE WHITE LETTERS AND CHARACTERS, BUT THE COLOURS OF THE BACKGROUND WILL VARY.
IT WILL BE A DARK BLUE BACKGROUND FOR ANY ROUTE ON HONG KONG ISLAND OTHER THAN A CROSS-HARBOUR ROUTE- A GREEN BACKGROUND FOR ANY ROUTE WHICH OPERATES WHOLLY IN KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON, A YELLOW BACKGROUND FOR ANY ROUTE WHOLLY IN THE NEW TERRITORIES OR BETWEEN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON AND NEW KOWLOON-AND A RED BACKGROUND FOR ANY CROSS-HARBOUR TUNNEL ROUTE.
A PLB DRIVER WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO DISPLAY AT AN APPROVED POSITION ON THE VEHICLE A FARE CARD, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE CHARACTERS, OF AN APPROVED DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION. THE FARE SHOULD BE INDICATED IN RED LETTERS AND CHARACTERS ON A WHITE BACKGROUND.
/THE REGULATIONS .....
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
- 3 -
THE REGULATIONS PROVIDE FOR BETTER SAFEGUARD OF SERVICES FOR PLB PASSENGERS TO ENSURE THAT THEY ARE CARRIED TO THE INDICATED DESTINATION AND ARE NOT CHARGED A HIGHER FARE THAN THEY EXPECTED TO PAY WHEN BOARDING THE VEHICLE.
PLB OPERATORS WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM CHANGING A DESTINATION INDICATOR DURING A JOURNEY WITH INTENT TO INDUCE ANY PASSENGER TO GET OFF FROM THE VEHICLE BEFORE REACHING THE DESTINATION INDICATED AT THE TIME THE PASSENGER BOARDED THE VEHICLE, OR TO PAY A FARE ADDITIONAL TO THE FARE INDICATED AT THE TIME THE PASSENGER BOARDED THE VEHICLE.
IN ADDITION, PLB OPERATORS SHALL NOT BE PERMITTED TO REQUIRE ANY PASSENGER, WITHOUT REASONABLE EXCUSE, TO GET OFF BEFORE REACHING THE DESTINATION INDICATED AT THE TIME HE BOARDED THE VEHICLE.
TO PROTECT PLB OPERATORS, THE REGULATIONS MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR A PERSON TO BOARD A PLB KNOWING HE CANNOT PAY THE FARE OR WITH INTENT TO AVOID PAYING IT.
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SSEE RESULTS AVAILABLE ON JULY 15
*****
THE RESULTS OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION ARE EXPECTED TO BE AVAILABLE TO PARENTS AND CHILDREN AT THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM FRIDAY (JULY 15), MR. HERBERT WOO, THE SECRETARY OF THE EXAMINATION, ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HEADS OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS ARE BEING ADVISED WHEN AND WHERE TO COLLECT THEIR RESULTS IN THE USUAL WAY.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO NEWSPAPERS.
+THIS IS BEING DONE TO SAVE TIME AND PARENTS WILL BE ABLE TO LEARN THEIR CHILDREN’S RESULTS AT LEAST TWO DAYS EARLIER THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE IF THE PRESS LIST HAD TO EE COMPILED AND CHECKED,* THE SECRETARY SAID.
THIS YEAR, CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR FIVE-YEAR PLACES ARE GROUPED INTO FIVE BLOCKS, CALLED XI, X2, X3, X4 AND X5, EACH HAVING ABOUT 5,000 PUPILS- CANDIDATES ELIGIBLE FOR THREE-YEAR PLACES FORM TWO BLOCKS, Y1 AND Y2, EACH HAVING ABOUT 23,000 PUPILS, AND THE REMAINDER WILL BE IN FIVE BLOCKS, Zl, Z2, Z3, Z4 AND Z5, EACH HAVING ABOUT 5,000 PUPILS.
CANDIDATES’ PERFORMANCE IN INDIVIDUAL SUBJECTS, CHINESE, ENGLISH AND MATHEMATICS ARE GRADED AS BEFORE, GRADE 1 BEING THE BESI AND GRADE 9 BEING THE WORST.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
LEGCO MEETING * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TOMORROW TO SPECIFICALLY DRAW THE ATTENTION OF RADIO AND TELEVISION COMMENTATORS ON FOOTBALL MATCHES THAT ANY COMMENT OR STATEMENT INTENDED OR LIKELY TO INCITE DISORDER CONSTITUTES A SERIOUS OFFENCE.
THIS IS ONE OF 20 QUESTIONS TO BE RAISED BY UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS IN THE COUNCIL MEETING -- THE SECOND LAST ONE IN THE CURRENT SESSION.
THE QUESTION ON FOOTBALL COMMENTARY WILL BE FOLLOWED BY OTHERS ON THE PROSECUTION OF SUCH COMMENTATORS WHO ACT IN BREACH OF SECTION 26 OF PUBLIC ORDER ORD I NANCE,AND THE STEPS TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT LAW AND ORDER IS MAINTAINED BOTH DURING AND AFTER THE MATCHES.
THE RECENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF A SURPLUS OF OVER $902 MILLION IN GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77 WILL DRAW A QUERY WHY THE SURPLUS HAS EXCEEDED THE PREDICTION OF $850 MILLION, AND WHETHER THIS WILL HAVE ANY IMPLICATIONS FOR BUDGETARY POLICY IN THE CURRENT FISCAL YEAR.
THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF QUESTIONS ON WELFARE SERVICES FOR THE AGED, TREATMENT OF ADDICTS, PROGRESS IN REVIEWING CHILD CARE CENTRE REGULATIONS, AND THE IMPROVEMENTS TO THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY AND TO LIVING CONDITIONS AND REHOUSING OF RESIDENTS IN LICENSED AREAS.
QUESTIONS ON PUBLIC SAFETY INCLUDE CONTROL OVER TEMPORARY MATSHED AND BAMBOO STANDS USED IN PUBLIC PERFORMANCES, STEPS TO PREVENT RECURRENCE OF ROBBERIES AT KNOWN BLACK-SPOTS, AND THE RIDING AND HIRING OF BICYCLES IN AREAS CLOSED TO VEHICULAR ACCESS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO BE ASKED IF IT WILL PUBLISH THE REPORT ON THE COLLISION BETWEEN A HYDROFOIL AND A PASSENGER FERRY OFF CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND, TO ENSURE PROMPT ANSWERS TO WRITTEN ENQUIRIES BY APPLICANTS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING, TO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF ENCOURAGING FILM PRODUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS TO SHOW MORE WHOLESOME FILMS FOR CHILDREN.
MATTERS OF GOVERNMENT CLERICAL STAFF SALARIES, WATER FOR SHEUNG YUEN LING, DEVELOPMENT OF LAMMA ISLAND, AND THE DISSEMINATION OF SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS IN THE COUNCIL FOR USE IN CHINESE NEWSPAPERS WILL BE RAISED.
/5
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
5
TSING Yl SQUATTERS HAVE SAFE AND PROPER ELECTRICITY *****
PROPER AND SAFE ELECTRICITY SUPPLY WAS BROUGHT TO SOME 3,500 SQUATTERS ON TSING Yl ISLAND TODAY UNDER THE ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME INTRODUCED LAST YEAR FOR SQUATTER AREAS.
A SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WAS HELD THIS MORNING TO MARK THE BEGINNING OF THE NEW ERA FOR RESIDENTS OF THE TSING Yl LAGOON SQUATTER AREA.
THE ELECTRIFICATION PROJECT IS THE SECOND JOINT VENTURE BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY AND IS SIMILAR TO THE FIRST NOW OPERATING IN THE LION ROCK AREA. ITS CAPITAL COST IS BORNE BY THE COMPANY.
SOME 400 CONNECTIONS TO THE COMPANY’S SUPPLY HAVE BEEN MADE IN THE TSING Yl PROJECT, ENABLING LEGAL ELECTRICITY SUPPLY TO BE BROUGHT TO THE RESIDENTS AT THE NORMAL TARIFF.
THIS MORNING’S SWITCH-ON CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICER (DEVELOPMENT), MR. JAMES BLACK, AND THE COMPANY’S COMMERCIAL ENGINEER, MR. COLIN STEELE.
MR. BLACK SAID: +THE PROJECT WILL NO DOUBT CONSIDERABLY RAISE THE LIVING STANDARDS OF THE PEOPLE LIVING IN THE SQUATTER AREA.+
HE NOTED THAT ABOUT 20 FAMILIES WHO COULD NOT AFFORD THE CONNECTION FEE CHARGED BY THE ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR WERE HELPED FINANCIALLY EITHER THROUGH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT OR THE AMERICAN RELIEF AGENCY, C.A.R.E.
COMMENTING ON THE PROJECT, MR. STEELE SAID THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY WAS VERY INTERESTED IN PROJECTS OF THIS SORT.
+1 WAS PLEASED TO NOTICE HOW SMOOTHLY AND HAPPILY ALL PARTIES CONCERNED WORKED TOGETHER IN TSING Yl TO GET THIS SCHEME GOING.
♦AS A RESULT, A LARGE NUMBER OF PEOPLE CAN NOW ENJOY THE FULL BENEFIT OF DOMESTIC ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM OUR MAINS SOURCE,* HE SAID.
GIVING A BRIEF ACCOUNT OF HOW THE PROJECT HAD COME INTO BEING, MR. BLACK SAID: +WE WERE ASKED LATE LAST YEAR BY THE TSING Yl RURAL COMMITTEE WHETHER SUCH A SCHEME WOULD BE POSSIBLE ON TSING YI.+
SINCE THEN, HE SAID, THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE CHINA LIGHT AND POWER COMPANY HAD WORKED CLOSELY TOGETHER TO GET THE SCHEME COMPLETED IN THE SHORTEST POSSIBLE TIME.
HE SAID THIS HAD INVOLVED CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE LOCAL PEOPLE, AND HE ATTRIBUTED THE SUCCESS OF THE PROJECT TO THE COOPERATION AND ASSISTANCE GIVEN BY THE SQUATTER AREA REPRESENTATIVES AND THE RURAL COMMITTEE.
IT IS NOW PLANNED TO FORM A MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE IN THE SQUATTER AREA TO ADMINISTER THE ELECTRICITY SCHEME, HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 197?
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
SIR MURRAY TO TOUR WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT WONG TAI SIN DISTRICT ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) IN THE MORNING TO SEE THE LATEST DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA.
DURING THE VISIT, SIR MURRAY WILL INSPECT THE LION ROCK ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME FOR SQUATTERS THERE.
HE WILL ALSO VISIT THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FU SHAN ESTATE WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION, AND TOUR THE DIAMOND HILL SQUATTER AREA.
FOLLOWING THAT, SIR MURRAY WILL HOLD TALKS WITH COMMUNITY LEADERS OF THE AREA IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER SIR MURRAY’S VISIT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED.
A NINE-SEATER VAN WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CAR PARK AT 8.45 A.M. SHARP ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) ACCOMPANIED BY A GIS OFFICER.
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LABOUR COMMISSIONER TO VISIT FACTORIES
* * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, WILL VISIT KADER INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED AND HAKING WONG INDUSTRIES LIMITED IN NORTH POINT ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) AFTERNOON.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE VISIT.
TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE ON A FIRST COME FIRST SERVED BASIS. A NINE-SEATER VAN WILL LEAVE LABOUR DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS IN LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE AT 1.30 P.M. ON THURSDAY.
THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN WAY SHOULD ARRIVE AT KADER INDUSTRIAL COMPANY LIMITED AT 24, TANNER ROAD, NORTH POINT, BEFORE 2.15 P.M. AND HAKING WONG INDUSTRIES LIMITED AT 981, KING’S ROAD BEFORE 3.45 P.M.
TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
- 7 -
NOTE TO EDITORS i
DSW TO OFFICIATE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY
*****
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE 11TH GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HONG KONG CHINESE WOMEN’S CLUB HIOE TJO YOENG PRIMARY SCHOOL AND EVENING SCHOOL ON THURSDAY (JULY 14) AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE CEREMONY WHICH IS TO TAKE PLACE IN THE AUDITORIUM OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AT THE DUKE OF WINDSOR SOCIAL SERVICE BUILDING, 15 HENNESSY ROAD, WAN CHA I.
MR. LEE’S SPEECH WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION AT G. I.S. THAT AFTERNOON.
0
REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA EFFECTIVE JULY 15, 1977 * * *
THE TERMS SUCH AS +PROPER LOOK-OUT* AND +SAFE SPEED* ARE MORE CLEARLY DEFINED IN THE 1972 REGULATIONS FOR PREVENTING COLLISIONS AT SEA, WHICH WILL COME INTO FORCE AT NOON ON FRIDAY (JULY 15), A MARINE DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN ANNOUNCED TODAY.
ALL SHIPBOARD PERSONNEL AND CANDIDATES FOR THE CERTIFICATE OF COMPETENCY AND NAUTICAL SCHOOL INSTRUCTORS ARE REMINDED THAT THE NEW REGULATIONS WILL REPLACE THE I960 REGULATIONS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE NEW INTERNATIONAL REGULATIONS, WHICH HAVE SO FAR BEEN ACCEPTED BY 36 NATIONS, INCLUDE SEVERAL IMPORTANT AMENDMENTS.
+THE TERM ’PROPER LOOK-OUT’, WHICH IS USED IN BOTH REGULATIONS, IS MORE CLEARLY DEFINED, AND MAKES IT A POSITIVE RATHER THAN AN IMPLIED REQUIREMENT,* HE SAID.
THE NEW REGULATIONS ALSO REQUIRE SHIPS TO MAINTAIN A ’SAFE SPEED’, RATHER THAN ’MODERATE SPEED’ AS STIPULATED IN THE 1960 REGULATIONS, EVEN IN GOOD VISIBILITY, HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE 1972 REGULATIONS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM THE INFORMATION COUNTER OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT, 102 CONNAUGHT ROAD, CENTRAL.
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TUESDAY, JULY 12, 1977
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS IN PARTS OF-JORDAN ROAD * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT PEAK HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS (FRANCHISED BUSES EXEMPTED) WILL BE IMPOSED ON SECTIONS OF JORDAN ROAD IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON WITH EFFECT FROM 4 P.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 15).
THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 10 A.M. AND BETWEEN 4 P.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY ALONG JORDAN ROAD, NORTH SIDE, BETWEEN PILKEM STREET AND CHI WO STREET- AND JORDAN ROAD, SOUTH SIDE, BETWEEN PILKEM STREET AND A POINT 80 FEET EAST OF TAK SHING STREET.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES, EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES, WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP AT THE ABOVE-MENTIONED SECTION OF JORDAN ROAD TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS, AND LOAD OR UNLOAD GOODS.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE TO BE INTRODUCED TO FACILITATE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF JORDAN MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY STATION.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- - 0 -
RE-OPENING OF MORRISON STREET * * * *
THE SECTION OF MORRISON STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE RE-OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 15), FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF ROAD WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
CONSUMER RIGHTS PROTECTED BY NEW LEGISLATION .............. 1
UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT TOUGHER PENALTIES ON DROPPING THINGS
FROM HEIGHT................................................ 3
BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN MID-LEVELS WILL RESUME IN MAY, 1978 ................................................. 4
FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINS BUDGET SURPLUS .............. 6
CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS BEING REVIEWED ............. 7
PROCEDURE FOR PAYING FIXED TRAFFIC PENALTY FINES .......... 8
SALARY INCREASE FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ....................... 10
POLICE NOT COMPLACENT ABOUT FEWER ROBBERIES .............. 11
LAW AND ORDER AT FOOTBALL MATCHES ........................ 12
SWD PLANS TO SET UP REGIONAL OFFICES ..................... 13
MORE FACILITIES FOR FORMER LICENSED AREAS ................ 14
WATER SUPPLY TO SHEUNG YUEN LING RESIDENTS ............... 15
BAMBOO STAND AND MATSHED REGULATIONS ADEQUATE ............ 16
GREEN PAPER ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY TO BE PUBLISHED 16
MORE FILM SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN VIEWING .................. 17
IMPROVEMENTS TO KOWLOON WALLED CITY ENVIRONMENT .......... 17
NO PLANS TO DEVELOP LAMMA ISLAND FOR INDUSTRY ............ 18
MORE HALF-WAY HOUSES WILL BE BUILT........................ 18
WATERWORKS AREAS CLOSED TO CYCLISTS ...................... 19
LION ROCK TUNNEL ACQUIRES NEW BREAKDOWN RECOVERY VEHICLE 19
LOTTERY LICENSING POWERS TRANSFERRED ..................... 20
SEVERAL HUNDRED HOUSING ENQUIRES EACH DAY ................ 20
38 SENIOR CLERKS DRAWING MAXIMUM PAY ..................... 21
LEGCO SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS WILL BE ISSUED ............. 21
GOVERNOR TO JOIN CHEUNG CHAU SPORTS-FOR-ISLANDERS DAY .. 22
BILLS PASSED ............................................. 22
PERSONS REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT TAI HANG TUNG ......... 23
PLB RESTRICTION ON OCEAN PARK ACCESS ROAD ................ 23
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1 I j
v WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
> - ,1 -
CONSUMER PROTECTION BILL WELCOMED ******
THE SALE OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 WILL LIMIT VERY SEVERELY THE UNDESIRABLE PRACTICE OF SOME CAREFULLY WORDED SALE EXCLUSION CLAUSES AND MAKE A VALUABLE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS PROTECTING THE CONSUMER, THE HON. T.S. LO NOTED DURING THE SECOND READING OF THE BILL WHICH WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
THE MOST OBVIOUS EXAMPLES OF THESE CLAUSES, WHICH HAVE OVER THE YEARS WHITTLED AWAY OR DENIED ALMOST ENTIRELY THE CONSUMER RIGHTS, ARE CONTAINED IN THE SO-CALLED +MANUFACTURERS’ GUARANTEES* SUPPLIED WITH GOODS SOLD, MR. LO POINTED OUT.
THERE ARE RIGHTS WHICH EVERY BUYER WOULD WANT TO HAVE AND WHICH EVERY SELLER WOULD WANT TO RESTRICT, MR. LO SAID.
+FOR EXAMPLE, IN SALES BY SAMPLE THE RIGHT THAT THE BULK SHALL CORRESPOND WITH THE SAMPLE IN QUALITY, IN A SALE BY DESCRIPTION THAT THE GOODS SHALL CORRESPOND WITH THE DESCRIPTION AND SHALL GENERALLY BE OF MERCHANTABLE QUALITY, AND IN A CASE WHERE THE BUYER MAKES KNOWN A PARTICULAR PURPOSE FOR WHICH THE GOODS ARE REQUIRED THE RIGHT THAT THE GOODS SUPPLIED SHALL BE REASONABLY FIT FOR THE PURPOSE.+
HE SAID THE NEW CONSUMER PROTECTION WAS PARTICULARLY VALUABLE IN HONG KONG BECAUSE OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL. +IF THE FAULT COMPLAINED OF IN GOODS BOUGHT CAN BE RECTIFIED BY PAYMENT OF AN AMOUNT NOT EXCEEDING $3,000 THE TRIBUNAL WILL HAVE JURISDICTION TO HEAR THE COMPLAINT,+ HE SAID, NOTING THAT IT WAS CLEAR THE TRIBUNAL HAD THE CAPACITY TO ASSIST EVEN THE ILLITERATE TO MAKE CLAIMS.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER URGED THE CONSUMER COUNCIL TO REGARD IT AS ITS RESPONSIBILITY TO PUBLICISE BY EVERY POSSIBLE MEANS THE NEW PROTECTION WHEN IT COMES INTO FORCE, BECAUSE IT WOULD BE VASTLY REDUCED UNLESS THE PROVISIONS OF THE BILL ARE MADE WIDELY KNOWN TO CONSUMERS.
HE ALSO URGED THE COUNCIL TO PUBLICISE THE EXISTENCE OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL AS WELL AS ITS CONVENIENT PROCEDURE. +IF MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC CAN BE EDUCATED TO USE THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL WHENEVER THEY HAVE A CLAIM WHICH COMES WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION THERE WILL, I HAVE NO DOUBT, BE AN INCREASE OF CASES GOING BEFORE THE TRIBUNAL,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT HE SHOULD BE GLAD TO HEAR FROM THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT IS SATISFIED THE TRIBUNAL WILL HAVE ADEQUATE STAFF +BOTH IN QUANTITY AND QUALITY* TO DEAL WITH THESE INCREASED CASES.
DR. THE HON. HENRY HU ALSO SUPPORTED THE BILL NOTING THAT THE AD HOC GROUP CONVENED BY MR. LO WAS GENERALLY SATISFIED THAT IT WOULD PROVIDE BETTER PROTECTION FOR CONSUMERS.
/HE EXPECTED
2
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1977
HE EXPECTED AN ASSURANCE FROM THE GOVERNMENT THAT THE MACHINERY OF THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL WOULD BE IMPROVED AND HOPED THE CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WOULD TAKE HEED OF MR. LO’S PLEA THAT FULL PUBLICITY. BE GIVEN TO THE NEW PROTECTION TO CONSUMERS.
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL, THE HON. G.C. THORNTON, IN REPLY SAID MR. LO’S CALL TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WAS WELL DIRECTED.
+IT MAY WELL BE THAT AS YET MANY HONG KONG PEOPLE ARE NOT AWARE THAT THIS TRIBUNAL DETERMINES IN AN INFORMAL WAY, INEXPENSIVELY AND IN CANTONESE, MONETARY CLAIMS NOT EXCEEDING $3,000,+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE TRIBUNAL, WAS KEEPING HIS EYE ON THE LEVEL OF WORK AND IF IT BECOMES NECESSARY, ARRANGEMENTS CAN BE MADE FOR A THIRD TRIBUNAL TO BE SET UP IN ADDITION TO THE TWO AT PRESENT.
THE SOLICITOR GENERAL SAID HE HAD HAD DISCUSSION WITH THE REGISTRAR ON THE ADEQUACY OF STAFF RAISED BY MR. LO.
+THE TRIBUNAL COMMENCED OPERATIONS ON OCTOBER 1, 1976 AND IS THUS STILL IN ITS INFANCY. INFANCY IS GENERALLY ACCOMPANIED BY TEETHING TROUBLES AND THE SMALL CLAIMS TRIBUNAL HAS NOT BEEN IMMUNE,+ MR. THORNTON SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE NATURE OF THE TRIBUNAL WAS SUCH AS TO IMPOSE PARTICULARLY DEMANDING CHALLENGES ON THE ADJUDICATORS AND THEIR SUPPORTING STAFF AND HE HAD IN MIND THE REQUIREMENT FOR THE STAFF TO REDUCE TO WRITING CLAIMS MADE ORALLY.
ALSO, HE ADDED, ADJUDICATORS WERE GIVEN A POSITIVE DUTY OF CONSIDERING WHAT WAS RELEVANT WHETHER OR NOT RAISED BY ONE OF THE PARTIES.
THESE SOMEWHAT NOVEL DUTIES HAD TO BE PERFORMED WITH PATIENCE AND ENTHUSIASM AS WELL AS SKILL IF THE TRIBUNAL WAS TO ACHIEVE ALL THAT WAS HOPED, HE SAID.
+T0 EXTRACT THE ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS OF A CLAIM FROM PERHAPS A LONG AND TANGLED TALE MAY BE TIME CONSUMING AND FAR FROM EASY BUT THIS TRIBUNAL WILL SUCCEED ONLY IF THE TRIBUNAL STAFF CAN EARN THE RESPECT AND CONFIDENCE OF THE PUBLIC THEY SERVE.
+THE REGISTRAR IS OF COURSE AWARE OF THIS AND IS MONITORING THE PROGRESS OF THE TRIBUNAL. HE HAS HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THE ADJUDICATORS CONCERNING THEIR ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES. IN ADDITION HE IS CONSIDERING WHETHER THE COUNTER STAFF NEEDS STRENGTHENING, PERHAPS BY JUDICIAL CLERKS,+ MR. THORNTON SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
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UNOFFICIALS SUPPORT SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL ******
UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON WELCOMED THE BILL AIMED AT STRENGTHENING THE EXISTING LAW RELATING TO THE THROWING OR DROPPING OF THINGS FROM BUILDINGS TO THE DANGER OF THE PUBLIC.
AMONG OTHER IMPORTANT CHANGES,THE SUMMARY OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977 PROVIDES FOR THE MAXIMUM FINE TO BE INCREASED TO 310,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR SIX MONTHS FOR THE OFFENDER DROPPING THINGS FROM A BUILDING- AND FOR DROPPING OBJECTS FROM A BUILDING UNDER CONSTRUCTION, THE OFFENDER ALONG WITH THE PRINCIPAL CONTRACTOR WILL BE LIABLE TO A FINE OF 350,000 AND IMPRISONMENT FOR ONE YEAR.
THE HON. PETER C. WONG SAID THAT THE AD HOC GROUP SET UP BY THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS +WHOLEHEARTEDLY+ SUPPORTED MOST OF THE CHANGES PROPOSED.
+THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN PENALTY IS NECESSARY AND APPROPRIATE, AND MAY PROVE TO BE A DETERRENT,+ HE SAID.
IT WAS FAIR TO MAKE THE CONTRACTOR LIABLE, BECAUSE, VERY OFTEN, BY TAKING QUITE SIMPLE PRECAUTIONS DANGER TO THE PUBLIC WOULD BE AVOIDED, HE ADDED.
+HOWEVER, THE GROUP IS NOT CONVINCED THAT IT WOULD BE JUSTIFIED TO EXTEND LIABILITY TO THE OCCUPIER OF PREMISES, EVEN CONSIDERING THE EXIGENCIES OF THE MOMENT.
+IT IS MORE POLITIC THAN JUST AND ON BALANCE JUSTICE MUST OVERRIDE EXPEDIENCY,* HE SAID, AND URGED THAT THE OCCUPIERS LIABILITY BE REMOVED FROM THE BILL.
MR. WONG SUGGESTED THAT PERHAPS THE MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE PRONE TO COMMIT THE OFFENCE WAS TO +ENCOURAGE SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR THROUGH WELL-PLANNED CAMPAIGNS COMMENSURATE WITH THE GRAVITY OF THE SITUATION.*
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I
< WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977 - 4 -
BAN ON MID-LEVELS BUILDING DEVELOPMENT TO BE LIFTED MAY 1, 1978 MM*
THE STATUTORY BAN ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN MID-LEVELS WILL BE LIFTED FROM MAY 1, NEXT YEAR.
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, TODAY MOVED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS BE EXTENDED UNTIL APRIL 30, 1978.
THE PRESENT RESTRICTIONS ARE DUE TO EXPIRE ON JULY 31, THIS YEAR.
MR. MCDONALD SAID +ALTHOUGH THE ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON LEASE MODIFICATIONS AND NEW LAND SALES FOR BOTH MID-LEVELS AND POK FU LAM WILL REMAIN IN EFFECT, I CAN CONFIRM THAT NO FURTHER EXTENSIONS OF THE STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT WILL BE REQUIRED AFTER APRIL 30, 1978.+
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT A FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE BAN WAS NECESSARY BECAUSE SEVERAL OF THE ESSENTIAL HIGHWAY WORKS ARE NOT SUFFICIENTLY ADVANCED TO ALLOW FOR COINCIDENTAL COMPLETION WITH NEW PRIVATE DEVELOPMENTS.
MR. MCDONALD RECALLED THAT LAST TIME, HE HAD SAID THAT TO LIFT THE RESTRICTIONS BAN WOULD MEAN UNDER EXISTING LEASE CONDITIONS AND PLANNING CONTROLS BUILDING DEVELOPMENT COULD TAKE PLACE WHICH WOULD RESULT IN AN INCREASE IN POPULATION IN MID-LEVELS TO ABOUT 55,000, OR NEARLY DOUBLE THE 1973 FIGURE.
+REMOVAL OF THE STATUTORY RESTRICTIONS IN POK FU LAM AREA AT THE END OF 1974 COULD BRING THE POPULATION THERE TO AROUND 75,000. A MORE RECENT ASSESSMENT OF THE POK FU LAM DEVELOPMENTAL POTENTIAL UNDER THESE CONDITIONS SHOWS THAT THE POPULATION COULD INCREASE TO MORE THAN 110,000.+
+THE LIFTING OF ADMINISTRATIVE RESTRICTIONS ON LEASE MODIFICATIONS AND NEW LAND SALES WOULD MEAN A POSSIBLE FURTHER INCREASE IN POPULATION OF ABOUT 7,000 IN MID-LEVELS AND NEARLY 92,000 IN POK FU LAM,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT EASING OF THE RESTRICTIONS DEPENDED ON PROGRESS MADE ON ESSENTIAL HIGHWAY WORKS BEING SUFFICIENTLY ADVANCED SO THAT THE COMPLETION AND OCCUPATION OF NEW DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS WOULD COINCIDE APPROXIMATELY WITH THE COMPLETION OF HIGHWAY WORKS.
+ALTHOUGH SEVERAL OF THESE HIGHWAY SCHEMES ARE PROGRESSING WELL, A FEW OF THE MOST CRITICAL PROJECTS ARE STILL INSUFFICIENTLY FAR ADVANCED TO ALLOW FOR COINCIDENTAL COMPLETION WITH PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.*
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT IT WAS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO DEFER THE ACCEPTANCE OF BUILDING PLANS FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT SCHEMES IN MID-LEVELS FOR A FURTHER PERIOD OF NINE MONTHS.
/DH. THE HON........
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1977
- 5 -
DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, ON BEHALF OF HIS UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES, NOTED THAT A FEW OF THEM WERE NOT HAPPY WITH THE NINE MONTHS FURTHER EXTENSION.
+THEY CONSIDER THE TRAFFIC CONGESTION IN THIS AREA, WHICH IS THE MAIN REASON GIVEN FOR THIS BUILDING RESTRICTION, IS NO WORSE THAN IN SOME OTHER AREAS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG OR, FOR THAT MATTER, SOME OTHER BIG CITIES OF THE WORLD.
+ON THE OTHER HAND, THEY RECOGNISE THE URGENCY OF INCREASING THE SUPPLY OF RESIDENTIAL ACCOMMODATION IN THIS PRIME RESIDENTIAL AREA OF HONG KONG IN ORDER TO MEET DEMAND AND STABILISE RENTALS,* DR. CHUNG SAID.
+NONETHELESS,+ HE SAID, +THE MAJORITY OF MY UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES ACCEPT THE CAUTIOUS APPROACH OF GOVERNMENT AS EXPLAINED BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS AND SUPPORT THE MOTION BEFORE COUNCIL ON THE CLEAR UNDERSTANDING THAT THERE WILL BE NO FURTHER EXTENSION OF THE STATUTORY RESTRICTION ON BUILDING DEVELOPMENT IN THE MID-LEVELS AREA BEYOND APRIL 30, 1978.+
THE HON. JAMES WU, WHO ABSTAINED FROM VOTING ON THE RESOLUTION, SAID HE COULD NOT, IN FAIRNESS, SUPPORT IT WITH PRICES AND RENTALS OF FLATS IN THE AREA HAVING DOUBLED DURING THE PAST TWO YEARS, AGGRAVATED NO DOUBT, HE SAID, BY THE EFFECT OF THE MORATORIUM.
HE RECALLED THAT TWO YEARS AGO, HE HAD DRAWN ATTENTION TO WHAT THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG HAD SAID IN JANUARY 1974 ON THE GRAVITY OF IMPOSING A MORATORIUM WHICH WAS A DEROGATION OF THE RIGHTS GRANTED BY THE CROWN LEASE TO BUILD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF THE" LEASE.
HE SAID THE TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT (MID-LEVELS) ORDINANCE WAS FIRST INTRODUCED AND PASSED ON AUGUST 1, 1973 FOR WHAT WAS TO BE A TEMPORARY RESTRICTION OF SIX MONTHS.
+THERE WERE, HOWEVER, THREE SUBSEQUENT EXTENSIONS ESCALATING FROM SIX MONTHS TO TWO YEARS. IN THE PROCESS, FOUR MEMBERS OF THIS COUNCIL EXPRESSED RESERVATIONS ON GOVERNMENT’S ARGUMENT ON THE POINT OF TRAFFIC CONGESTION, AND THEIR RELUCTANCE TO ACCEPT THE ORDINANCE,* HE SAID.
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/6
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
6 -
BUDGET SURPLUS EXPLAINED *****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY. THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, SAID THE PREDICTION OF A SURPLUS OF $850 MILLION WAS BASED ON THE STATE OF THE TREASURY’S CASH BOOK AT FEBRUARY 16, A FORTNIGHT BEFORE BUDGET DAY.
+THIS PREDICTION WAS BASED ON A FORECAST OF EXPENDITURE AT $6,600 MILLION AND OF REVENUE AT $7,450 MILLION,* MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED IN ANSWER TO QUESTIONS FROM THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+ IN THE EVENT, ACTUAL EXPENDITURE FOR 1976-77 TURNED OUT TO BE $6,591 MILLION, THAT IS LOWER THAN MY PREDICTION BY ONLY $9 MILLION, AN ERROR OF 0.1 PER CENT ONLY. ACTUAL REVENUE TURNED OUT TO BE $7,494 MILLION OR $44 MILLION MORE THAN MY PREDICTION OF $7,450 MILLION, AN ERROR OF 0.6 PER CENT ONLY,* HE SAID.
THE ERROR WAS ACCOUNTED FOR BY HIGHER THAN EXPECTED YIELDS FROM BETS AND SWEEPS TAX AND FROM EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAXES, HE SAID.
+1 CANNOT EXPLAIN AWAY HUMAN FRAILTY, BUT I CAN OFFER A PART EXPLANATION FOR THE HIGHER THAN PREDICTED YIELD FROM EARNINGS AND PROFITS TAXES.
+SOME 90,000 SALARIES TAXPAYERS MET THEIR LIABILITIES IN FULL BEFORE MARCH 31, 1977 INSTEAD OF TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE INSTALMENT SYSTEM WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO DEFER ONE QUARTER OF THEIR LIABILITIES,* MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT.
REFERRING TO MISS DUNN’S SECOND QUESTION ABOUT THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE SURPLUS ON THE CURRENT BUDGETARY POLICY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE SLIGHTLY LARGER THAN PREDICTED SURPLUS WOULD HAVE NO IMPLICATIONS.
THE SURPLUS PUTS OUR FISCAL RESERVES AT APRIL 1, 1977 AT $3,713 MILLION INSTEAD OF THE $3,660 MILLION ASSUMED IN THE PREPARATION OF THE 1977-78 BUDGET, MR. HADDON-CAVE ADDED.
+THE DIFFERENCE OF $53 MILLION REPRESENTS ONLY 0.32 PER CENT OF TOTAL ESTIMATED TURNOVER IN 1977-78 OF $16,500 MILLION. PUT ANOTHER WAY OUR FISCAL RESERVES AT THE BEGINNING OF THIS FINANCIAL YEAR, AFTER SETTING ASIDE $2,500 MILLION TO SECURE OUR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, ARE STILL LESS THAN 15 PER CENT OF ESTIMATED EXPENDITURE THIS FINANCIAL YEAR.
+S0 THE ACTUAL OUTTURN FOR 1976-77 HAS NO IMPLICATIONS FOR BUDGETARY POLICY IN 1977-78.+
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE HAS APPOINTED A WORKING GROUP TWO WEEKS AGO TO REVIEW THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1, LAST YEAR.
IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE GAINED DURING THE FIRST YEAR OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATIONS, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, SAID THAT THE TERMS OF REFERENCE INDICATED THAT THE WORKING GROUP SHOULD FOCUS ITS ATTENTION PRIMARILY ON STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS IN RELATIONS TO SPACE, MANNING SCALE AND STAFF QUALIFICATIONS.
HE WAS SPEAKING IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. KO SIU-WAH IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
MR. LEE ADDED THE WORKING GROUP WOULD ALSO CONSIDER WHETHER THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGULATIONS, WHICH WAS TO BE IN THREE STAGES, SHOULD BE SPREAD OVER A LONGER PERIOD OR IN MORE THAN THREE STAGES.
THESE WOULD NO DOUBT SERVE AS GUIDELINES FOR THE WORKING GROUP, WHICH HAD BEEN ASKED TO SUBMIT ITS REPORT TO THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE BY EARLY OCTOBER THIS YEAR, MR. LEE SAID.
THE WORKING GROUP CONSISTS OF THREE MEMBERS OF THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE AND IS TO BE CHAIRED BY ONE OF THEM- OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED INCLUDE THREE FROM VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS ENGAGED IN CHILD CARE WORK, TWO FROM SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT AND ONE EXPERIENCED OPERATOR OF A PRIVATE CHILD CARE CENTRE.
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/8
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
8
FIXED PENALTY PAYMENT PROCEDURE
* * * *
THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 WHICH SOUGHT TO SIMPLIFY, STREAMLINE AND STRENGTHEN THE PROVISIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE, WAS PASSED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON AFTER DEBATE ON POINTS RAISED BY THREE UNOFFICIALS.
DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG OBJECTED TO CLAUSE 10 (B) OF THE BILL ON THE GROUND THAT HE COULD NOT LEND SUPPORT TO AMENDING THE LAW TO +SUIT THE COMPUTER AT THE EXPENSE OF INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.*
DUE TO THE LIMITATION OF THE COMPUTER NOW BEING USED BY GOVERNMENT, A LOGICAL PROCEDURE FOR PAYING FIXED PENALTY FINE AND SURCHARGE COULD NOT BE ADOPTED BUT INSTEAD +IF A DEFENDANT FOR SOME REASON, SUCH AS OVERSIGHT OR ABSENCE FROM HONG KONG, DOES NOT PAY HIS FINE BY THE DUE DATE, HE IS UNABLE TO DO SO UNTIL HE RECEIVES A SUMMONS ISSUED AUTOMATICALLY BY THE COMPUTER,* DR. CHUNG SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE INTENTION AND SPIRIT OF BOTH THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE AND THE AMENDING BILL WAS TO PROVIDE CONVENIENCE TO THE MOTORING PUBLIC.
+THE COMPUTER SHOULD BE THE TOOL OF MANKIND AND ITS APPLICATION AND LIMITATION SHOULD NOT BE USED AS AN EXCUSE TO DICTATE THE WAYS OF LIFE OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
IN SUPPORT OF DR. CHUNG’S REMARKS, DR. THE HON. HENRY HU URGED THE GOVERNMENT TO REVIEW ITS COMPUTER SERVICES IN ORDER TO AVOID ANY WASTE OF PUBLIC FUNDS OR A LOSS IN ADMINISTRATIVE EFFICIENCY.
HE REPEATED A SUGGESTION BY DR. CHUNG THAT THE PUBLIC WOULD BE BETTER SERVED IF A FOOTNOTE COULD BE PRINTED ON THE FIXED PENALTY TICKET, SIMILAR TO THAT APPEARING ON THE DEMAND NOTE FOR RATES, SAYING THAT A SURCHARGE WOULD BE ADDED IF THE FINE WAS NOT PAID ON TIME.
THE HON. T.S. LO, WITH THE SUPPORT OF THE COUNCIL, MOVED AN AMENDMENT TO CLAUSE 16 OF THE BILL WHICH, MR. LO SAID, ALLOWED FAR TOO GREAT A FLEXIBILITY, AS WORDED, TO THE AUTHORITIES TO PUT UP TRAFFIC SIGNS DIFFERENT TO THOSE LAID DOWN IN LEGISLATION.
+ALL TOO FREQUENTLY ONE SEES AMBIGUOUS TRAFFIC SIGNS, SIGNS WHICH FACE A DIRECTION FROM WHICH NO TRAFFIC CAN COME, AS WELL AS TRAFFIC SIGNS PASTED OVER WITH SHEETS OF PAPER WHICH MOTORISTS NEED BINOCULARS TO READ,* HE SAID.
BY WAY OF EXAMPLE, HE LAID ON THE TABLE A PHOTOGRAPH OF A +N0 WAITING* SIGN ON WHICH WAS PASTED AN INSTRUCTION SHEET WHICH, HE SAID, SO FAR AS HE KNEW WAS NOT PROVIDED FOR IN THE ORDINANCE.
+MOTORISTS MAY BE FORGIVEN FOR FEELING AGGRIEVED WHEN PENALISED FOR CONTRAVENING SUCH AN UNAUTHORISED SIGN,* HE ADDED.
/THE SECRETARY .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1977
- 9 -
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, IN REPLY TO DR. CHUNG AND DR. HU, SAID THAT IT WAS QUITE UNTRUE TO SAY THAT WHAT WAS DONE WAS DICTATED BY COMPUTER PROCEDURES.
+THE FACT IS THAT THE PROCEDURES WOULD BE THE SAME WHETHER OR NOT THEY WERE UNDERTAKEN BY THE COMPUTER OR BY AN ARMY OF CLERICAL WORKERS AND THE REASON IS THAT, ONCE A SUMMONS IS ISSUED, THE MATTER THEN BECOMES ONE FOR THE COURT RATHER THAN FOR THE GOVERNMENT,+ HE SAID.
+THESE PROCEDURES HAVE BEEN IN FORCE EVER SINCE 1971 AND THEY WERE AGREED BY THE THEN CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE ATTORNEY GENERAL AS BEING ESSENTIAL FOR THE SYSTEM TO WORK,+ HE ADDED.
MR. JONES EXPLAINED IN DETAIL HOW THE PAYMENT PROCEDURES ACTUALLY WORKED: +FIRST OF ALL, THE MOTORIST WHO COMMITS AN OFFENCE FINDS ON HIS CAR A PARKING TICKET WHICH ALLOWS A PERIOD OF SEVEN DAYS FOR PAYMENT.
+IF THIS IS NOT MET, A DEMAND NOTE FOR THE SAME AMOUNT IS ISSUED WHICH DEMANDS PAYMENT BY THE EXPIRY OF 21 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF ISSUE OF THE PARKING TICKET OR TEN DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THE DEMAND NOTE, WHICHEVER IS THE LATER.
+THE MOTORIST CONSEQUENTLY HAS A REMINDER PLUS A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD IN WHICH TO PAY THE PENALTY, AND THERE SHOULD NORMALLY THEREFORE BE NO LEGITIMATE REASON FOR NON-PAYMENT.*
HE ADDED THAT THERE WAS A FIVE-DAY +PERIOD OF GRACE* AFTER THE LAST OFFICIAL DATE FOR PAYMENT TO THE TREASURY BEFORE THE SUMMONS WAS MADE BY THE COMPUTER, AND DURING THIS INTERVAL ALL LATE PAYMENTS WERE NOTIFIED BY THE TREASURY TO THE DATA PROCESSING DIVISION AND FED INTO THE COMPUTER.
♦PAYMENT IS THEREFORE ACCEPTED BY THE GOVERNMENT AFTER THE DUE DATE. BUT IT CANNOT BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE SUMMONS IS ISSUED, BECAUSE THE AMOUNT IS THEN DUE TO THE COURTS, NOT TO THE TREASURY,* HE SAID.
HE HOPED HE HAD MADE CLEAR THAT OFFENDERS HAD AMPLE TIME TO PAY, THAT ONCE THE SUMMONS WAS ISSUED, DIFFERENT PAYMENT WAS DUE AND THE ORIGINAL PENALTY HAD TO BE REJECTED, AND THAT THE SYSTEM OPERATED AS FAIRLY AS ANY SYSTEM COULD.
+WHILST IT IS TRUE THAT, IF THE PENALTY AND THE COURT COSTS ARE PAID BEFORE THE SUMMONS IS RECEIVED BY THE OFFENDER, THIS HAS TO BE REJECTED BECAUSE THE SUMMONS MUST BE AVAILABLE FOR CANCELLATION, SUCH CASES OF PAYMENT ARE RARE IN THE EXTREME,* HE SAID.
/io......
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
10
SALARY INCREASES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS ********
THE FINANCE COMMITTEE TODAY APPROVED SALARY INCREASES FOR CIVIL SERVANTS. FOR THOSE ON THE MASTER PAY SCALE OR IN THE DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND FOR MINOR STAFF, THE INCREASE WILL BE ABOUT 7-1/2 PER CENT. FOR DIRECTORATE STAFF THE INCREASE WILL BE ABOUT 7 PER CENT.
THE INCREASES WILL TAKE EFFECT FROM APRIL 1 THIS YEAR. THE ESTIMATED ANNUAL COST IS $185 MILLION.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE POLICY THAT CIVIL SERVICE SALARIES SHOULD FOLLOW THOSE IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, THE INCREASES ARE BASED ON EVIDENCE OF PAY MOVEMENTS IN A SAMPLE OF 68 COMPANIES. A PAY INVESTIGATION UNIT SURVEY SHOWED THAT DURING THE 12 MONTHS, APRIL 1976 TO MARCH 1977, SALARIES INCREASED ON AVERAGE BY 7-1/2 PER CENT. IN THE SAME PERIOD, THE COST OF LIVING INCREASED BY 4-3/4 PER CENT.
THE INCREASE FOR DIRECTORATE OFFICERS IS BASED ON A RECOMMENDATION BY THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON DIRECTORATE SALARIES AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE.
AS A RESULT OF THESE CHANGES, FOR EXAMPLE, THE MINIMUM PAY OF AN UNSKILLED LABOURER GOES UP FROM $840 A MONTH, PLUS $15 COST OF LIVING ALLOWANCE (A TOTAL OF $855) TO $905 A MONTH. THE SALARY OF A SENIOR ENGINEER AT THE TOP OF THE MASTER PAY SCALE WILL INCREASE FROM $8,800 A MONTH TO $9,445 A MONTH. THE MINIMUM SALARY OF A POLICE CONSTABLE GOES UP FROM THE PRESENT $1,230 A MONTH TO $1,330 A MONTH. A STATION SERGEANT ON THE MAXIMUM GOES FROM $2,675 A MONTH TO $2,875 A MONTH.
SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS ARE FREE TO APPLY TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ASSISTANCE TOWARDS THE COST OF GIVING THEIR STAFF A PAY RISE. THE APPROPRIATE HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS WILL BE IN TOUCH WITH THESE ORGANISATIONS.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
11
NUMBER OF REPORTED ROBBERIES DECREASING * * * * *
THE POLICE ARE FAR FROM COMPLACENT ABOUT THE PRESENT INCIDENCE OF ROBBERIES, EVEN THOUGH THE REPORTED FIGURES REFLECT A MARKED IMPROVEMENT, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+THE POLICE ALSO SEEM TO BE EARNING INCREASING PUBLIC CONFIDENCE. FOR EXAMPLE, ROBBERY VICTIMS ARE BECOMING LESS RELUCTANT TO REPORT TO THE POLICE, JUDGING FROM THE NUMBER OF MINOR CASES WHICH ARE NOW COMING TO OUR ATTENTION WHICH WERE ONLY RARELY REPORTED HITHERTO,* HE SAID, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU.
THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY DROP IN THE INCIDENCE OF ROBBERIES SINCE DECEMBER 1974. IN THAT MONTH A PEAK OF 1,274 REPORTED INCIDENTS WAS REACHED. THE MONTHLY AVERAGE IN 1975 WAS 926' THIS DROPPED TO 742 IN 1976, MR. DAVIES SAID.
+SO FAR FOR 1977 THE MONTHLY AVERAGE IS DOWN FURTHER TO 551.
I TRUST IT WILL BE LOWERED FURTHER,* HE ADDED.
+THERE ARE STILL KNOWN BLACK SPOTS AND THESE ARE GIVEN SPECIAL POLICE ATTENTION, OTHERS ALSO EMERGE. CID INTELLIGENCE UNITS PLOT VIOLENT CRIME ACCORDING TO PLACE, TIME OF DAY AND MONT’-'. FRESH BLACK SPOTS ARE THUS IDENTIFIED AND ACTION SQUADS ARE DEPLOYED IN TARGETTED AREAS PRIMARILY FOR PREVENTIVE PURPOSES, THOUGH, OF COURSE, THEY ALSO MAKE ARRESTS,* HE SAID.
+THE PRESENT COUNTER MEASURES ARE PROVING EFFECTIVE AND GIVE GROUNDS FOR GUARDED CONFIDENCE.
+MORE POLICE ARE BEING EMPLOYED IN PLAIN CLOTHES AND PERIODICALLY VULNERABLE AREAS ARE SATURATED ON A PREVENTIVE IBAS IS.
+THE BEAT RADIO SCHEME HAS ALREADY PRODUCED GOOD RESULTS BY WAY OF ARRESTS, AND ITS INTRODUCTION HAS HAD A SIGNIFICANT PETERRENT EFFECT WHICH CANNOT BE QUANTIFIED,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977 - 12 -
LAW AND ORDER AT FOOTBALL MATCHES * * * * *
FOLLOWING INCIDENTS AT TWO RECENT FOOTBALL MATCHES, THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAS REVIEWED ARRANGEMENTS IN AN ENDEAVOUR TO ENSURE THAT DISORDER DOES NOT OCCUR, OR THAT IF IT DOES, IT IS CONTAINED EITHER INSIDE THE STADIUM OR WITHIN ITS IMMEDIATE VICINITY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+THE COMMISSIONER HAS DECIDED TO DEPLOY A SECOND COMPANY OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT, 108 MEN, AS A RESERVE TO COVER MATCHES WHEN LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED.
+ IN ADDITION, OFFICERS OF THE CID WILL, AS AT PRESENT, BE DEPLOYED AMONG THE CROWD, BUT IN GREATER NUMBERS THAN IN THE PAST, DEPENDING ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE MATCH,+ MR. DAVIES SAID.
THE SECRETARY SAID THAT AT PRESENT IN ACCORDANCE WITH LONG ESTABLISHED PRACTICE, THE COMMISSIONER, AT THE REQUEST OF THE HONG KONG FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION, SUPPLIES POLICE TO ASSIST WITH CROWD CONTROL DUTIES AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ORDER AT MAJOR FOOTBALL MATCHES.
NORMALLY, FOR IMPORTANT MATCHES THE POLICE DEPLOY ONE COMPANY OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT AND TWO PLATOONS OF AUXILIARY POLICE, COMPRISING A TOTAL OF 143 MEN PLUS SOME 10 CID OFFICERS, WHILE AT LESS IMPORTANT MATCHES A REDUCED STRENGTH IS DEPLOYED, HE SAID.
NUMBERS OF TRAFFIC POLICE ARE ALSO DEPLOYED BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER MATCHES ON THE APPROACH ROADS TO THE STADIUM FOR TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONTROL PURPOSES, AND THEY ARE LATER JOINED BY FOUR MANNED VEHICLES OF THE EMERGENCY UNIT DEPLOYED AT STRATEGIC SPOTS TO MONITOR THE MOVEMENT AND BEHAVIOUR OF THE CROWD AT THE CLOSE OF A MATCH, HE POINTED OUT.
THE RESERVE COMPANY OF THE POLICE TACTICAL UNIT WILL IN THE FUTURE BE USED TO SUPPORT THE CONTROL OF DEPARTING CROWDS, AS WELL AS PROVIDING A RESERVE FOR THE POLICE DEPLOYED WITHIN THE STADIUM.
+THESE REVISED ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE WATCHED TO SEE IF ANY FURTHER ADJUSTMENTS ARE NECESSARY IN THE LIGHT OF EXPERIENCE,* HE ADDED.
IN ANSWER TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY MR. CHEUNG ON WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD SPECIFICALLY DRAW THE ATTENTION OF RADIO AND T. V. COMMENTATORS ON FOOTBALL MATCHES TO THE PROVISIONS OF SECTION 26 OF THE PUBLIC ORDER ORDINANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. F.K. LI, SAID +YES+.
BY THE PROVISIONS OF THIS SECTION THE MAKING OF ANY COMMENT OR STATEMENT INTENDED OR LIKELY TO INCITE PERSONS AT A PUBLIC GATHERING TO DO PHYSICAL INJURY TO ANY PERSON OR DAMAGE ANY PROPERTY WOULD CONSTITUTE A SERIOUS OFFENCE.
THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. JOHN HOBLEY, IN REPLY TO A FURTHER QUESTION EY MR. CHEUNG, SAID THAT WHERE THERE IS EVIDENCE OF AN OFFENCE UNDER THIS SECTION, CONSIDERATION WOULD ALWAYS BE GIVEN IN THE NORMAL WAY TO THE NEED FOR PROSECUTION.
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WED,?ESDAY’ JULY 1977
13
SWD MAY BE REGIONALISED
******
TA qtadt ?^Aa2! nT THE S0c 1AL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS EXPECTED TO BYARY 'N APP'L NEXT YEAR IF THE GOVERNMENT GIVES THE ’GREEN caa^L ™ J e department’b proposal, the deputy director of SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. JIMMY SWEETMAN, SAID TODAY.
nun SueAcl^n £ LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE NORTH KOWLOON LIONS AAM^eTEJA;BrTn^T THE PROPOSED STRUCTURE OF THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIST OF TH£ HEADQUARTERS AND FOUR REGIONS - HONG KONG, KOWLOON EAST, KOWLOON WEST A.ND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
.io neCESSARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES TO BE SPLIT
PLACE + HE°ADDED°NS LATER °N WHEN M°RE NEW T0wN DEVELOPMENTS TAKE
,___ in?.:, S!^E™AN n0TED THAT EACH REGION WOULD BE HEADED BY A caotSc Ak<-A?7?R1?1 NATOR’ who would be the overall administrator FOR THE REGION In SOCIAL WELFARE MATTERS.
TA tucHohb.II;a BE THE SOCIAL welfare representative in the region AMnuc 1,7, ,L IC'» VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, ILL BE THE ’EYES AND EARS’ OF THE DEPARTMENT FOR THAT
rn HE CONTINUED, THE JOB OF THE ’REGIONAL
iw ‘NATOR’ WOULD BE CO-ORDINATION FOR ALL WELFARE SERVICES rnMMHHi?vG,0N T0 SERVE THE PARTICULAR NEEDS OF THE LOCAL
I I zm'cs amT3 1 'M.PL EME NTA ,T 10 N 0F POGOES DRAFTED BY THE HEADQUARTERS, RFFicniA,^ L0CAL VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND LEADERS, AS WELL AS REFLECTION OF CHANGING NEEDS IN HIS AREA.
MAIM noAM^uJbL^EAASSIS'IlED BY A STAFF OFFICER IN EACH OF THE FIVE V0RK : PAMILY AND CASEWORK, PROBATION, GROUP AND COMMUNITY, REHABILITATION AND SOCIAL SECURITY. +
OFFICEP.S IN THE REGIONS WOULD MAKE THE NECESSARY adcoaJ 2NAL DECISIONS AND BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE SMOOTH OPERATION OF THE WORK IN HIS FIELD IN THAT REGION, HE ADDED.
xTu. ™ THE 'REASONS FOR THE CHANGE, MR. SWEETMAN SAID :
SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAS EXPER IENCED A FIVE-FOLD -LNCREASt IEXPENDITURE AND A DOUBLING OF' THE STAFF WITHIN THE PAST F IVE YEARS.
*PL ANS ARE WELL IN HAND FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT IN SOCIAL "fLFARE SERVICES, INCLUDING REHABILITATION FOR THE DISABLED, ihtZ .F S POP THE ELDERLY, AND IN EXPANSION OF' YOUTH SERVICES WITH A'w EMPHASIS ON PREVENTIVE WORK AMONG YOUTH.+
/WITH SUCH
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 197?
- 14 -
WITH SUCH A RAPID DEVELOPMENT AND THE PROSPECT OF STILL MORE TO COME, MR. SWEETMAN FELT THAT THE FIRST PRIORITY FOR THE DEPARTMENT WAS TO OVERHAUL ITS ORGANISATION AND TO DECENTRALISE ITS ACTIVITIES IN ORDER TO PROVIDE THE CLIENTS IN NEED WITH A MORE RATIONALISED AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE UNDER ONE ROOF.
+THE CHANGE WOULD ALSO BRING ABOUT CLOSER AND MORE EFFICIENT LIAISON WITH THE WORK PERFORMED BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES ON THE GROUND, IN FURTHERING THE AIM OF SOCIAL WELFARE, AND TO IMPROVE LOCAL LIAISON BETWEEN STAFF WHO HAVE HITHERTO BEEN WORKING SEPARATELY IN VARIOUS DIVISIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT,+ HE STRESSED.
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FORMER LICENSED AREAS REDEVELOPED WITH MORE FACILITIES H H * K
MOST OF THE OLD LICENSED AREAS HAVE BEEN REDEVELOPED AS TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITH PART-BUILT STRUCTURES, CONCRETE PLATFORMS, PROPER ELECTRICITY, DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY, FLUSH TOILETS, PLAYGROUNDS, SITTING AREAS AND IN SOME CASES, WELFARE SERVICES AND SHOPPING FACILITIES, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+WE CAN NOW CONFIDENTLY SAY THAT THEY ARE SATISFACTORY, AS TEMPORARY HOUSING,* HE SAID, IN REPLY TO DR. THE HON. HENRY HU WHO WANTED TO KNOW THE PROGRESS ON IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONS AND REHOUSING OF LICENSED AREA RESIDENTS FOLLOWING AN ADJOURNMENT DEBATE IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
MR. SCOTT RECALLED THAT HIS PREDECESSOR, IN THE DEBATE REFERRED TO, HAD SAID THE REMAINING MARK 1 - THE OLDEST TYPE -LICENSED AREAS WOULD DISAPPEAR OVER A PERIOD OF SOME 15 MONTHS.
+EXCEPT FOR A SMALL AREA IN TA IPO, THESE AREAS HAVE BEEN DEMOLISHED, AND OVER 10,000 RESIDENTS HAVE BEEN REHOUSED IN ESTATES,* HE SAID.
THERE ARE NOW ALTOGETHER 17 MODERN TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS WITH A CAPACITY FOR OVER 23,000 RESIDENTS, AND 1977/78, IT IS EXPECTED THAT ANOTHER 40,000 PEOPLE WILL BE ACCOMMODATED IN 15 NEW TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS, MR. SCOTT SAID.
+FURTHERMORE, S2 MILLION HAS BEEN SPENT IN THE PAST YEAR IN IMPROVING THE OLDER TEMPORARY HOUSING AREAS TO HIGHER STANDARDS. OF THE 16 AREAS WITHOUT PART-BUILT STRUCTURES STILL IN USE, ALL NOW HAVE A PROPER ELECTRICITY SUPPLY- SEVEN HAVE DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY, AND NINE HAVE BEEN PROVIDED WITH FLUSH TOILETS.
+SINCE APRIL 1 THIS YEAR, 180 FAMILIES OF 840 PERSONS FROM THESE AREAS HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED PUBLIC HOUSING,* HE SAID.
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r’* \
WEDNESDAY, JULY 1J, 1977
- 15 -
ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS ROB SHEUNG YUEN LING RESIDENTS OF WATER SUPPLY ******
THE RESIDENTS OF SHgUNG YUEN LING HAVE BEEN DENIED AN ADEQUATE WATER SUPPLY DURING THE PERIOD OF WATER RESTRICTIONS BECAUSE OF ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS WHICH CUT THE SUPPLY BY ALMOST 20 PER CENT.
IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD, DENIED A SUGGESTION THAT THE RESIDENTS OF SHEUNG YUEN LING HAD BEEN UNABLE TO OBTAIN WATER AS A RESULT OF WATER RESTRICTIONS.
HE SAID ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS, NOT THE RESTRICTIONS ON SUPPLY, WERE THE CAUSE OF POOR PRESSURE.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU, MR. MCDONALD SAID, +AS A RESULT OF A COMPLAINT RECEIVED ON JUNE 23 THAT TWO OF THE TEN PUBLIC STANDPIPES SERVING THE VILLAGE FAILED TO SUPPLY WATER IN SUFFICIENT QUANTITY, AN INSPECTION WAS MADE AND REVEALED ILLEGAL TAPPING OF THE SERVICE MAIN SUPPLYING THE STANDPIPES.
+THE ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS WERE REMOVED AND NORMAL OUTPUT FROM THE STANDPIPES RESUMED ON JUNE 25.+
MR. MCDONALD SAID THERE HAD BEEN NO SUBSEQUENT COMPLAINTS OF LACK OF SUPPLY, BUT A RECENT REQUEST FROM THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE FOR AN ADDITIONAL STANDPIPE HAS BEEN APPROVED AND IT WILL BE INSTALLED WITHIN A WEEK.
MR. WU ALSO ASKED WHETHER NEARBY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION HAD RESULTED IN THE DRYING UP OF WELLS AT SHEUNG YUEN LING.
MR MCDONALD SAID IT WAS NOT CONSIDERED THAT THE M.T.R. WORKS HAVE ANY SIGNIFICANT EFFECT ON THE YIELD FROM THE WELLS.
HE SAID THAT THOUGH THE EXACT NUMBER OF WELLS IN THE AREA WAS UNKNOWN, IT WAS CLAIMED THAT THERE MIGHT BE AS MANY AS 50.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT SIX OF THE LARGER WELLS IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF THE M.T.R. CONSTRUCTION WORKS WERE INSPECTED ON JULY 8.
+THE WELLS ARE ABOUT ONE METRE IN DIAMETER AND RANGE IN DEPTH FROM APPROXIMATELY 8.5 METRES TO 13.2 METRES.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT AT THE TIME OF THE INSPECTION, THE DEPTH OF WATER RANGED FROM TWO METRES IN THE SHALLOWEST WELL TO ABOUT 10 METRES IN THE DEEPEST WELL.
+THE WELLS HAD BEEN RECHARGED AS A RESULT OF FAVOURABLE RAINFALL IN THE PRECEEDING DAYS,+ MR. MCDONALD SAID, +WHICH INDICATES THAT THE PREVIOUS LACK OF WATER WAS ALMOST CERTAINLY DUE TO THE EXCEPTIONALLY DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS.+
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/16......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
16
REGULATIONS ADEQUATE FOR BAMBOO STANDS ******
THE PRESENT REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE CONSTRUCTION OF TEMPORARY MATSHED AND BAMBOO STANDS ARE CONSIDERED ADEQUATE, AND NO FURTHER REVISION IS PROPOSED AT THIS TIME, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. WONG LAM, WHO ASKED WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONSIDER TIGHTENING THE REGULATIONS COVERING THE USE OF TEMPORARY MATSHED AND BAMBOO STANDS CONSTRUCTED FOR PUBLIC PERFORMANCES IN THE INTEREST OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT FOLLOWING THE COLLAPSE IN 1968 OF A STAND ACCOMMODATING MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, TIGHTER CONTROL OVER THE ERECTION OF SUCH STRUCTURES WAS CALLED FOR AND THE PLACES OF PUBLIC ENTERTAINMENT REGULATIONS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY SUITABLY REVISED.
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PLANS ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY
******
A GREEN PAPER ON WIDE RANGING SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD BE PUBLISHED EARLY IN THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING, THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. E.P. HO, REVEALED TODAY.
AFTER TAKING INTO ACCOUNT PUBLIC COMMENTS ON THE GREEN PAPER, A WHITE PAPER WOULD BE PUBLISHED STATING GOVERNMENT’S POLICY ON THE PROVISION OF SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY OVER THE NEXT DECADE, HE SAID IN REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG.
HE ADDED THAT THE PROGRAMME PLAN ON SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY WOULD COVER THE NEEDS OF THE ELDERLY FOR SOCIAL SECURITY, HEALTH SERVICES, SOCIAL WORK SERVICES IN THE COMMUNITY, HOUSING, EMPLOYMENT, TRANSPORT, LEISURE, CARE WITHIN INSTITUTIONS AS WELL AS FUNERALS.
THIS PLAN WAS BEING DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE AND ALL INTERESTED DEPARTMENTS AND BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
17
MORE FILMS FOR SHOWING TO CHILDREN * * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING AT HIS NEXT MEETING WITH FILM PROD'. 3ERS AND DISTRIBUTORS IN AUGUST OR SEPTEMBER WILL RAISE THE POSSIBILITY OF SHOWING MORE FILMS SUITABLE FOR CHILDREN.
THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SAID HE WOULD ASK THE COMMISSIONER, WHO MEETS THE PRODUCERS AND DISTRIBUTORS INFORMALLY ONCE OR TWICE A YEAR TO DISCUSS MATTERS OF MUTUAL INTEREST, TO RAISE THE MATTER.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN HAD ASKED THE GOVERNMENT TO EXAMINE THE POSSIBILITY OF ENCOURAGING THE SHOWING OF MORE SUCH FILMS SO AS TO PROVIDE THE CHILDREN WITH A GREATER WHOLESOME CHOICE.
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KOWLOON WALLED CITY ENVIRONMENT * * * *
WILL CONTINUE TO BE IMPROVED *
THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDES A NUMBER OF SERVICES WITHIN THE KOWLOON WALLED CITY AND WILL CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THESE SERVICES AS FAR AS IS PRACTICABLE, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN TODAY ON GOVERNMENT PLANS TO IMPROVE THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENT OF THE AREA.
SIR DENYS POINTED OUT THAT AMONG THE SERVICES WERE THE COLLECTION AND REMOVAL OF NIGHTSOIL AND REFUSE, THE PROVISION OF LATRINES, INSPECTION OF FOOD PREMISES, PEST CONTROL, CHLORINATION OF WELLS, THE PROVISION OF STAND PIPES, THE CLEARANCE OF DRAINS AND THE MAINTENANCE OF ORDER.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
18
NO PLANS TO DEVELOP LAMMA ISLAND FOR INDUSTRY * * * * *
THERE ARE NO PLANS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAMMA ISLAND FOR INDUSTRY, ALTHOUGH A PLAN WHICH IS IN COURSE OF PREPARATION ZONES CERTAIN SMALL AREAS FOR INDUSTRY TO TAKE ACCOUNT OF EXISTING ACTIVITIES AND LEASES.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, THE HON. DAVID AKERS-JONES, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LAMMA ISLAND BY THE HON. S.L. CHEN IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
+AS FOR RECREATION,+ MR. AKERS-JONES CONTINUED, +THE TWO PRINCIPAL BEACHES ON THE WEST OF THE ISLAND HAVE BEEN GAZETTED AND ARE PROVIDED WITH LIFEGUARDS. BUT, GENERALLY SPEAKING, IT IS ENVISAGED THAT THE OPEN COUNTRY OF THE ISLAND WILL BE PRESERVED AS IT IS FOR ITS GENERAL RECREATIONAL AND AMENITY VALUE.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE PLAN BEING PREPARED WOULD ALSO SHOW IN BROAD TERMS CERTAIN AREAS FOR RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT.
LITTLE OR NO ACTUAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLAND CAN TAKE PLACE UNTIL THE WATER SUPPLY IS IMPROVED, HE ADDED.
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MORE HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR DRUG ADDICTS *****
THE GOVERNMENT HAS PLANS TO BUILD MORE HALF-WAY HOUSES FOR DRUG ADDICTS WHO ARE RELEASED UNDER A SUPERVISION ORDER FROM A DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT CENTRE BUT WHO STILL NEED REASONABLY CLOSE GUIDANCE, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
A PROJECT FOR SUCH A CENTRE TO ACCOMMODATE 120 INMATES WAS INCLUDED IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, HE ADDED IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG.
GIVEN THE PRESENT PRIORITIES MR. DAVIES ANTICIPATED IT TO BE READY BY 1981.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
19
CYCLISTS NOT ALLOWED IN WATERWORKS AREAS
*****
CYCLISTS AS A GENERAL RULE ARE NOT ALLOWED ON ROADS IN WATERWORKS AREAS EXCEPT FOR VILLAGERS WHO HAVE TO USE THE ROADS TO REACH THEIR HOMES.
IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO IN LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES POINTED OUT THAT THESE NARROW ROADS WERE IN REGULAR USE BY HIKERS. +THE PRESENCE OF CYCLISTS COULD CAUSE AN UNNECESSARY HAZARD TO THE MANY WALKERS WHO ENJOY AND VALUE THE RELATIVE FREEDOM FROM WHEELED TRAFFIC WHICH THE AREAS PROVIDE.
+THEY ARE ALSO, IN MANY CASES, STEEP AND TORTUOUS AND DANGEROUS FOR INEXPERIENCED RIDERS TO NEGOTIATE,* HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COUNTRY PARKS AND SPECIAL AREAS REGULATIONS 1977, WHICH WOULD COME INTO FORCE IN SEPTEMBER, WOULD APPLY TO MANY WATERWORKS AREAS NOW UNDER CONSIDERATION FOR INCLUSION IN COUNTRY PARKS.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS, NO ONE WILL BE PERMITTED TO TAKE INTO A COUNTRY PARK OR SPECIAL AREA ANY VEHICLE OR BICYCLE EXCEPT IN CASES WHERE THE USER IS RESIDENT IN THE AREA OR WHERE THE AUTHORITY DESIGNATES ANY PARTICULAR ROAD FOR SELECTED VEHICULAR USE, HE SAID.
HE EXPLAINED THAT AS CYCLISTS WERE NOT GENERALLY ALLOWED ON WATERWORKS ROADS, THERE WAS NO NEED FOR BICYCLE-HIRING SHOPS IN THESE AREAS AND THESE SHOPS WERE NOT ALLOWED TO OPERATE THERE.
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MODERN BREAKDOWN RECOVERY VEHICLE FOR LION ROCK TUNNEL *****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ACQUIRED ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST ADVANCED BREAKDOWN RECOVERY VEHICLES FOR USE IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL.
THE NEW VEHICLE IS A CONSIDERABLE IMPROVEMENT OVER THE NORMAL RECOVERY UNITS WHICH USE DATED MECHANICALLY DRIVEN WINCHES AND TIME CONSUMING CHAIN AND SLING DEVICES.
IT UTILISES THE LATEST HYDRAULICALLY DRIVEN WINCHES AND HYDRAULICALLY OPERATED LIFTING GEAR. IT CAN HANDLE ANYTHING UP TO 36 TONS LIFT AND 60 TONS PULL, ON OR OFF THE ROAD QUICKLY, EFFICIENTLY, AND WITH THE MINIMUM OF DISRUPTION TO OTHER TRAFFIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A DEMONSTRATION OF THE BREAKDOWN RECOVERY VEHICLE WILL BE HELD IN THE LION ROCK TUNNEL AT 3.30 P.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY). TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO COVER THE EVENT. TWO 9-SE:ATER VANS, AM 2097 AND AM 3225, WILL LEAVE THE OLD K.C.R. STATION AT TSIM SHA TSUI STATION AT 2.45 P.M. SHARP. MR. THOMAS HAHN OF THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT WILL BE PRESENT TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
20
TRANSFER OF LICENSING POWERS X X * X *
THE AUTHORITY FOR ISSUING LOTTERY AND TOMBOLA LICENCES, AMUSEMENT WITH PRIZES LICENCES,AND MAHJONG AND TIN KAU LICENCES WILL BE TRANSFERRED FROM THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TELEVISION AND ENTERTAINMENT LICENSING SO THAT THE POLICE FORCE COULD DEVOTE MORE RESOURCES TO FIGHT AGAINST CRIME.
IN MOVING A RESOLUTION TO EFFECT THIS TRANSFER IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, THE HON. F.K. LI, SAID THAT THE RESOLUTION ALSO SEEKS TO AMEND THE GAMBLING ORDINANCE AND REGULATIONS.
MR. LI POINTED OUT THAT THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE HAS HISTORICALLY INHERITED A NUMBER OF LICENSING FUNCTIONS WHICH ARE NON-CONSTABULARY IN NATURE.
+THE PRESENT POLICY IS TO TRANSFER THESE FUNCTIONS TO OTHER DEPARTMENTS SO THAT THE POLICE FORCE CAN DEVOTE MORE RESOURCES TO FIGHT AGAINST CRIME,* HE SAID.
+A NUMBER OF DEPARTMENTS HAVE ALREADY ACCEPTED SOME OF THE LICENSING FUNCTIONS AND THE PROPOSED TRANSFERS UNDER THIS RESOLUTION ARE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE PRESENT POLICY,* HE ADDED.
MR. LI STRESSED THAT THIS WILL NOT RESULT IN ANY CHANGE IN THE EXISTING LICENSING POLICY RELATED TO GAMBLING, WHICH WILL STILL BE CONTROLLED BY THE RELEVANT POLICY BRANCHES IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
+FURTHERMORE, THE POLICE WILL CONTINUE TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE CONDITIONS SPECIFIED IN THE LICENCES
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HUNDREDS ENQUIRE ABOUT HOUSING EACH DAY
*****
THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT RECEIVED EACH DAY BETWEEN 500 AND
700 ENQUIRIES ABOUT APPLICATIONS -- OVER HALF OF THESE WERE IN WRITING, THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. ALAN SCOTT SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WRITTEN ENQUIRIES WERE ANSWERED IN WRITING WITHIN ONE WEEK, OR AT MOST TWO WEEKS, HE ADDED IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING.
MR. SCOTT POINTED OUT THAT APPLICANTS WERE ALSO ENCOURAGED TO VISIT OR TO TELEPHONE THE APPLICATIONS SECTION OF THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, AS +PERSONAL CONTACT IS MORE USEFUL THAN CORRESPONDENCE.*
BECAUSE OF THE CONSIDERABLE VOLUME OF ENQUIRIES, AND THAT CORRESPONDENTS DID NOT ALWAYS GIVE FUL.L OR ACCURATE RETURN ADDRESS, WRITTEN REPLIES MIGHT ON OCCASION BE SOMEWHAT DELAYED, MR. SCOTT SAID.
IT WAS HOWEVER CONSIDERED THAT THE ARRANGEMENTS GENERALLY WORK WELL, HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
21
38 SENIOR CLERKS DRAWING MAXIMUM SALARY * * * *
THIRTY-EIGHT SENIOR CLERICAL OFFICERS, OUT OF A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 154, ARE ON THE MAXIMUM POINT OF THEIR SALARY SCALE, THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. J.C.A. HAMMOND TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLYING TO QUESTIONS BY THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING MR. HAMMOND DISCLOSED THAT THE OFFICERS HAVE BEEN DRAWING MAXIMUM SALARY FOR AN AVERAGE OF 2.7 YEARS.
HE ADDED THAT 357 CLERICAL OFFICERS RANK I, OUT OF A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 837, AND 778 CLERICAL OFFICERS RANK 1 I, OUT OF A TOTAL STRENGTH OF 4,800, ARE ON THE MAXIMUM POINT OF THEIR SALARY SCALE.
MR. HAMMOND ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE CLERICAL OFFICERS RANK I HAVE BEEN DRAWING MAXIMUM SALARY FOR AN AVERAGE OF 3.7 YEARS WHILE THAT OF THE CLERICAL OFFICERS RANK II IS 3.6 YEARS.
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ISSUE OF SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS * * * *
FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE NEXT SESSION, REPORTS OF SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS WOULD BE ISSUED BY GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE, CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. JAMES WU.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
22
NOTE TO EDITORS s
GOVERNOR TO VISIT CHEUNG CHAU ON SPORTS-FOR-ISLANDERS DAY ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT CHEUNG CHAU ON SUNDAY (JULY 17) WHEN THE ISLAND COMMUNITY ENJOYS A DAY OF SPORTS, GAMES AND FUN.
A SPORTS-FOR-1 SLANDERS DAY ON CHEUNG CHAU HAS BEEN PLANNED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS PART OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THERE ARE MANY AQUATIC AS WELL AS LAND-BASED SPORTS AND GAMES FOR CHILDREN AND ADULTS. THEY INCLUDE RAFT, SAMPAN AND SURF BOARD RACES- TREASURE HUNT IN WATER, TABLE TENNIS SQUASH, GYMNASTICS AND CYCLE DISPLAY.
THE GOVERNOR WILL ARRIVE AT CHEUNG CHAU AT 3 P.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT ON SUNDAY (JULY 17). TRANSPORT FOR NEWSMEN IS BEING ARRANGED. SHOULD YOU WISH TO USE THIS FACILITY, PLEASE INFORM G.I.S. DUTY OFFICER AT 5-233191 EXTENSION 250 BY 5 P.M. FRIDAY (JULY 15).
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BILLS PASSED * * *
THREE BILLS PASSED THE SECOND AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY AND BECAME LAW.
THEY WERE THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE BILL 1977, SALES OF GOODS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977 AND THE FIXED PENALTY (TRAFFIC CONTRAVENTIONS) (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977.
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WEDNESDAY, JULY 13, 1977
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE OFFICE xxxxxxxx
THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN TAI HANG TUNG ESTATE OFFICE FOR RESIDENTS AND PERSONS LIVING NEARBY FOR SEVEN DAYS WITH EFFECT FROM JULY 21 TO JULY 22 AND FROM JULY 25 TO JULY 29.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS OR GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARD 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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PLB RESTRICTION ZONE
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTION (7 A.M. TO MIDNIGHT) WILL BE IMPOSED ON THE ACCESS ROAD LEADING TO THE OCEAN PARK CAR PARK ENTRANCE FROM OCEAN PARK ROAD FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 15).
THE PUBLIC LIGHT BUS RESTRICTION W.'LL ALSO COVER THE ROUNDABOUT SITUATED AT THE EASTERN END OF THE ACCESS ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO INDICATE THE RESTR ICT IONS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
75 PER CENT OF SSEE CANDIDATES ALLOCATED PLACES ............. 1
SCHOOLS SOCIAL WORK SCHEME TO EXPAND ........................ 3
GOVERNOR VISITS SQUATTER AREAS IN WONG TAI SIN ............... 4
CONTRACT SIGNED FOR DEVELOPING MUI WO TOWNSHIP ............... 5
LABOUR COMMISSIONER ON TOUR OF FACTORIES ...................
SIR MURRAY TO S£E SHAM SHU I PO DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS ......... 7
30 DISABLED PLACED TO WORK ................................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
IHUKSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
73,693 ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES
******
A TOTAL OF 73,693 CANDIDATES HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACES, BASED ON THE RESULTS OF THE 1977 SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THIS REPRESENTS 75.09 PER CENT OF THE 98,143 CANDIDATES WHO SAT THE EXAMINATION.
COMPARABLE FIGURES FOR RECENT YEARS ARE :-
NO. OF PLACES
NO. OF
YEAR CANDIDATES SAT ALLOCATED PERCENTAGE
1973 87,374 41,483 47.5
1974 93,501 46,762 50.01
1975 96,119 48,554 50.51
1976 97,930 63,266 64.6
1977 98,143 73,693 75.09
THE TOTAL ALLOCATED IN 1977 IS MADE UP AS FOLLOWS •—
NO. OF PLACES ALLOCATED
GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE 5-YEAR GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE 3-YEAR
AIDED 5-YEAR
AIDED 3-YEAR
26,111
296
11,975
35,311
THESE FIGURES COVER ALL CANDIDATES IN BLOCK XI TO X5= Y1 AND Y2 AND ALSO 278 BLOCK Z1 CANDIDATES WHO WERE OFFERED UNFILLED 3-YEAR PLACES IN SCHOOLS NEAR THEIR HOMES. THE ALLOCATIONS TO THE 278 BLOCK Z1 CANDIDATES DO NOT APPEAR IN THE FULL RESULTS LISTS ISSUED TO PRIMARY SCHOOLS= THEIR PARENTS WILL BE INFORMED INDIVIDUALLY IN WRITING.
CANDIDATES MAY ENQUIRE ABOUT THEIR RESULTS AT THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOLS TOMORROW. THEY SHOULD REPORT TO THEIR PRIMARY SCHOOLS AGAIN ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, TAKING WITH THEM THEIR ADMISSION FORMS, IN ORDER THAT THEIR INDIVIDUAL RESULTS SLIP MAY BE ATTACHED TO THE FORMS.
SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED FIVE-YEAR OR THREE-YEAR PLACES IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS OR ASSISTED PLACES (5-YEAR ASSISTANCE) IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD REPORT TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE DATES AND TIMES SPECIFIED. THIS INFORMATION HAS BEEN SUPPLIED TO ALL PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS.
CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED ASSISTED PLACES (3-YEAR ASSISTANCE) IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD REPORT TO THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS TO WHICH THEY HAVE BEEN ALLOCATED DURING THE FIRST THREE-DAY REGISTRATION PERIOD I.E. AUGUST 2, 3 AND 4, IF THEY WISH TO TAKE UP THE PLACES OFFERED.
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
2
THERE WILL BE A SECOND THREE-DAY PERIOD OF REGISTRATION I.E. AUGUST 5, 8 AND 9 DURING WHICH ANY OF THESE CANDIDATES WHO HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO TAKE UP THE PLACES OFFERED WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO FIND PLACES FOR THEMSELVES IN OTHER PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS OFFERING 3-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES WHICH MAY HAVE VACANCIES.
PARENTS OF CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED 3-YEAR ASSISTED PLACES IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SHOULD MAKE CERTAIN THAT THEY READ THE GUIDE TO PARENTS PRINTED ON THE BACK OF THE ALLOCATION SLIPS TO BE ISSUED TOGETHER WITH THE INDIVIDUAL RESULTS SLIPS. THIS GUIDE EXPLAINS THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURES IN DETAIL.
PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT CANDIDATES WHO HAVE BEEN AWARDED THREE-YEAR PLACES IN GOVERNMENT OR AIDED SECONDARY SCHOOLS AND EVENTUALLY FIND PLACES FOR THEMSELVES IN ANY PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOL ARE NOT ENTITLED TO GOVERNMENT FEE ASSISTANCE.
ANY PROBLEMS CONCERNING ALLOCATIONS SHOULD BE REFERRED TO THE PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SECTION OR THE SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS ARE :-
PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS SECTION,
LEE GARDENS, 3/FL.,
HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG.
AREA EDUCATION OFFICERS :
TEL. 5-778311
HO WAN-MAN E. 218
YUNG YICK-CHEUNG E. 219
HSU SHOW-HOO E. 141
CLEMENT WONG E. 141
IEONG IOK-LON E. 213
TONG KAI-HONG E. 158
T.W. MAK E. 159
SECONDARY SCHOOL ENTRANCE EXAMINATION, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, 10/FL., KOWLOON.
SECRETARY, SSEE TEL. 3-688702
ASST. SECRETARIES, SSEE :
MISS CINDY CHEUNG 3-688702
PAUL WONG 3-686862
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/3
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
EXPANSION OF SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK * * * *
SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE WILL BE EXTENDED TO COVER 85 SCHOOLS IN THE 1977/78 SCHOOL YEAR - AN INCREASE OF MORE THAN FOUR TIMES COMPARED WITH THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS PRESENTLY SERVED.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, AT THE GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE HIOE TJO YOENG PRIMARY AND EVENING SCHOOL THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR. LEE SAID THAT SINCE ITS INCEPTION IN NOVEMBER 1974, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE HAD BEEN MAKING STEADY PROGRESS.
+IN THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR, ITS NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS HAD INCREASED FROM FIVE TO TEN WITH A TOTAL ENROLMENT OF 12,000 PUPILS. IN THE 1976/77 SCHOOL YEAR, 17 SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF 19,000 HAVE BEEN ELECTED TO JOIN THE SERVICE.*
THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE SCHEME HAD CONFIRMED THE USEFULNESS OF SUCH A SERVICE WHICH HAD ALSO BEEN PROVED TO BE THE MOST PRACTICAL AND EFFECTIVE FORM OF FAMILY AND YOUTH SERVICE.
+FOR THE 1977/78 SCHOOL YEAR, PLANS HAVE BEEN MADE TO STRENGTHEN THE SERVICE FROM 17 TO 85 SCHOOLS. IN THE VOLUNTARY SECTOR, EIGHT AGENCIES ARE ALREADY PROVIDING SIMILAR SERVICE TO 99 SCHOOLS WITH A TOTAL OF 80,000 PUPILS.
+THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT THE AGENCIES TO EXPAND THEIR SERVICES TO COVER MORE SCHOOLS.+
MR. LEE POINTED OUT THAT THE AIM OF THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SCHEME WAS BOTH ’PREVENTIVE AND REMEDIAL’.
+WITH THE CONCERTED EFFORTS OF TEACHERS AND SOCIAL WORKERS, STUDENTS ARE BEING HELPED TO SOLVE THEIR MANY PERSONAL AND FAMILY PROBLEMS, TO IMPROVE THEIR BEHAVIOUR BOTH IN AND OUT OF SCHOOL AND TO PREVENT THEM FROM BEING INFLUENCED BY OR JOINING CRIMINAL ELEMENTS.*
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK ALSO SERVED AS A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND THE FAMILY.
+IF THE CHILD HAS PROBLEMS AT HOME, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WILL GIVE ADVICE TO HIS PARENTS IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR RELATIONSHIP.
+IF THE CHILD HAS EMOTIONAL PROBLEMS, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER WILL, THROUGH COUNSELLING WITH THE CHILD AND HIS FAMILY, FIND OUT WHAT HAS GONE WRONG AND THEN HELP SOLVE THEM.
+IF THE CHILD’S ACADEMIC RESULTS ARE POOR, THE SOCIAL WORKER WILL ADVISE THE PARENTS TO PAY MORE ATTENTION TO HIM AND MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR HIM TO ATTEND THE FREE TUTORIAL CLASSES ORGANISED BY WELFARE ORGANISATIONS.*
/FINALLY.......
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
FINALLY, MR. LEE URGED STUDENTS WHO HAD PROBLEMS CONCERNING THEMSELVES, THEIR FAMILIES OR SCHOOL WORK- OR TEACHERS WHO HAD STUDENTS WITH EMOTIONAL, BEHAVIOURAL OR SOCIAL PROBLEMS, TO CONSULT THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER FOR ADVICE AND GUIDANCE.
+IF A SCHOOL DOES NOT HAVE A SOCIAL WORKER ASSIGNED TO IT, THEN CASES CAN BE REFERRED TO THE FAMILY SERVICES OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHEN SUCH A SERVICE IS REQUIRED,* HE ADDED.
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GOVERNOR VISITS WONG TAI SIN
*****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS (THURSDAY) MORNING TOURED TWO SQUATTER AREAS, VISITED A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE UNDER CONSTRUCTION AND MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY SITE DURING A TWO-HOUR VISIT TO WONG TAI SIN.
ACCOMPANIED BY HIS PRIVATE SECRETARY, MRS. SHELLEY LAU-THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. GUS CHUI- AND CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, WONG TAI SIN, MR. TONY MILLER, SIR MURRAY TOURED THE UPPER LION ROCK VILLAGE - THE FIRST SQUATTER AREA TO RECEIVE LEGAL SUPPLY OF ELECTRICITY IN JUNE LAST YEAR UNDER THE GOVERNMENT’S ELECTRIFICATION SCHEME FOR SQUATTERS.
THE GOVERNOR WALKED UP THE HILL TO HAVE A PANORAMIC VIEW OF THE VILLAGES ON THE FOOTHILL OF LION ROCK AND INSPECTED THE ELECTRIC WIRING AND INSTALLATIONS THERE. HE ALSO TALKED TO A GROCERY SHOP OPERATOR AND CRATE PACKAGING SHOP OWNER THERE BEFORE HE LEFT FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY’S FU SHAN ESTATE WHICH IS NOW UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN HAMMER HILL.
AT THE ESTATE CONSTRUCTION SITE, SIR MURRAY WAS BRIEFED ON THE PROGRESS OF WORK BY A HOUSING DEPARTMENT ARCHITECT. THE ESTATE, WHICH WILL INCLUDE A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, CAR PARKS AND RECREATIONAL AREAS, WILL HOUSE ABOUT 11,000 PEOPLE IN 1,600 FLATS WHEN IT IS COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
THE GOVERNOR NEXT VISITED THE DIAMOND HILL SQUATTER AREA AND WALKED THROUGH CRISS-CROSS FOOTPATHS TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT SQUATTER FACTORIES AND DOMESTIC HUTS THERE. HE PAUSED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS TO TALK TO SQUATTER FACTORY OPERATORS AND HUT DWELLERS THERE.
SIR MURRAY THEN WENT TO THE MTR CONSTRUCTION SITE AT DIAMOND HILL TO INSPECT THE OPEN-DITCH TUNNELLING WORK.
HE ENDED HIS VISIT WITH A DISCUSSION WITH 14 COMMUNITY LEADERS IN THE AREA AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE/WONG TAI SIN.
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THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
MUI WO DEVELOPMENT CONTRACT SIGNED
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY SIGNED A CONTRACT FOR ALMOST Ml MILLION FOR THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF MUI WO ON LANTAU ISLAND AS A RURAL TOWNSHIP.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF SEAWALL IN SILVER MINE BAY AND THE FORMATION OF ABOUT FIVE HECTARES OF LAND WAS AWARDED TO FOOK LEE CONSTRUCTION CO. LTD.
THE P.W.D.’S ACTING GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES). MR. KENNETH KWOK, SAID THAT THE LAND FORMED IN THE FIRST STAGE WOULD BE USED TO PROVIDE SITES FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE FOR 1,200 PEOPLE, A NEW AND IMPROVED BUS TERMINUS, WATERFRONT COOKED FOOD STALLS AND COMMERCIAL AND LIGHT INDUSTRIAL USE.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE STAGE ONE WORKS ARE THE CONSTRUCTION OF 1.1 KILOMETRES OF TWO-LANE ROAD AND 2.7 KILOMETRES OF FOUL WATER DRAINS.
MR. KWOK SAID THAT ABOUT 3.2 HECTARES WOULD BE RECLAIMED INITIALLY USING FILLING MATERIAL FROM A BORROW AREA ON THE TOP OF A BARREN HILL, SOUTH OF THE WORK SITE.
THE BORROW AREA, ON COMPLETION, WOULD FORM PART OF A COUNTRY PARK AND WILL RECEIVE PROPER AMENITY TREATMENT.
+A NEW ROAD WILL BE BUILT TO THE TOP OF THE HILL,+ MR. KWOK SAID, +WHICH WILL SERVE AS AN ACCESS ROAD TO THE COUNTRY PARK TO BE CREATED THERE.+
HE SAID THAT WORK ON THE CONTRACT WAS EXPECTED TO BEGIN THIS MONTH.
EVENTUALLY A TOTAL OF 46 HECTARES OF THE AREA IS TO BE DEVELOPED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY FACILITIES FOR A TOTAL POPULATION OF ABOUT 8,500 PEOPLE, AND FOR THE MANY THOUSANDS OF VISITORS TO THE ISLAND.
IN THE GOVERNMENT’S RURAL TOWNSHIP PROGRAMME, BETTER HOMES AND FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED FOR A TOTAL OF 350,000 PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS OUTSIDE OF THE NEW TOWNS Or SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
MUI WO IS ONE OF EIGHT AREAS LISTED FOR DEVELOPMENT IN THE PROGRAMME.
MR. KWOK SAID THAT DETAILED PLANS FOR HOUSING AND OTHER FACILITIES AT MUI WO WERE NOW BEING DRAWN UP.
TENDERS WILL BE CALLED SOON FOR A NEW FERRY PIER AT MUI WO, TO COPE WITH THE INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITORS TO LANTAU ISLAND.
MR. KWOK SAID +FACILITIES AT THE EXISTING ONE-BERTH FERRY TERMINAL, WHICH IS THE MAIN GATEWAY TC LANTAU ISLAND, ARE INADEQUATE TO COPE .I TH PEAK SUMMER TRAFFIC OF 33,000 PASSENGERS A DAY.+
/THE NEW
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
THE NEW PIER HAS BEEN DESIGNED TO CATER FOR THE LARGEST FERRIES AND WILL BE 78 METRES LONG WITH TWO DECKS AND BERTHS ON BOTH SIDES.
A DOLPHIN AND MOVABLE RAMP WILL ALSO BE CONSTRUCTED ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE PIER TO ALLOW FOR THE BERTHING OF VEHICULAR FERRIES.
WORK ON THE NEW FERRY PIER IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER, AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IN ADDITION TO THE 3.2 HECTARES OF LAND BEING RECLAIMED IN THE PRESENT STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT, GOVERNMENT INTENDS TO RECLAIM A FURTHER AREA OF APPROXIMATELY 3.06 HECTARES OF FORESHORE AND SEABED.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA INVOLVED WAS DESCRIBED IN A NOTIFICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE LAST MONTH.
THE DEADLINE FOR ANYONE HAVING ANY OBJECTION TO THIS SCHEME OR ANY CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION TO SUBMIT HIS OBJECTION AND/OR CLAIM IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, EXPIRES IN THE MIDDLE OF NEXT MONTH.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN EE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE.
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FAMILIARISATION TOUR BY LABOUR COMMISSIONER * * * *
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, VISITED TWO FACTORIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON AS PART OF HIS FAMILIARISATION TOUR OF INDUSTRY ESTABLISHMENTS.
THE COMMISSIONER, ACCOMPANIED BY MRS. SOO MOK SAU-HA, SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, FIRST WENT TO KADER INDUSTRIAL CO. LTD. IN NORTH POINT.
THE COMMISSIONER TOURED THE FACTORY PREMISES AND SAW A RANGE OF PRODUCTS COMPRISING MAINLY PLASTIC TOYS AND HOUSEHOLD UTENSILS BEING MANUFACTURED.
THE FACTORY EMPLOYS MORE THAN 1,500 WORKERS.
FROM KADER INDUSTRIAL, MR. WILLIAMS WENT TO W. HAKING INDUSTRIES IN QUARRY BAY WHERE HE WAS SHOWN SAMPLES OF THE COMPANY’S VARIOUS PRODUCTS BEFORE BEING TAKEN ON A GUIDED TOUR OF THE FACTORY’S VARIOUS DEPARTMENTS, INCLUDING SOME OF THE HOUSING FACILITIES PROVIDED FOR THE STAFF.
THE FACTORY, WHICH PRODUCES CAMERAS, BINOCULARS, MOVIE CAMERAS, PROJECTORS AND CASSETTE RECORDERS,HAS A WORK FORCE OF MORE THAN 2,500.
MR. WILLIAMS LATER REMARKED THAT THE WELFARE BENEFITS PROVIDED BY THE TWO FACTORIES HE HAD JUST SEEN WERE VERY GOOD AND EXPRESSED THE VIEW THAT THEY SET A GOOD EXAMPLE FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW. TAKING CARE OF EMPLOYEES WAS ESSENTIAL AS THEY WERE ALSO PART OF COMPANY ASSETS.
THURSDAY, JULY 14, 1977
NOTE TO EDITORS
GOVERNOR TO VISIT SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AFTERNOON.
THE VISIT WAS ORIGINALLY SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY LAST WEEK BUT WAS POSTPONED DUE TO BAD WEATHER.
SIR MURRAY WILL VISIT A FAMILY LIVING IN THE REDEVELOPED LOWER SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE AND WILL BE BRIEFED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER ON MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AREA.
HE WILL ALSO MEET AND DISCUSS PROBLEMS WITH REPRESENTATIVES OF LOCAL RESIDENTS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT. TRANSPORT WILL BE AVAILABLE. A NINE-SEATER VAN WILL LEAVE THE CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES CARPARK AT 2 P.M. FOR SHAM SHUI PO, ACCOMPANIED BY A G.I.S. OFFICER.
THOSE WHO WISH TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT SHOULD ARRIVE AT CHEONG YUEN BUILDING AT 1-9, YEN CHOW STREET, SHAM SHUI PO, BY 2.45 P.M.
- - c - -
30 DISABLED PLACED TO WORK IN JUNE
******
THIRTY DISABLED PEOPLE WERE PLACED TO WORK BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S JOB PLACEMENT UNIT LAST MONTH.
AMONG THE DISABLED EMPLOYED, 11 WERE DEAF, TEN CRIPPLED, FOUR BLIND, THREE MENTALLY RETARDED AND TWO EX-MENTAL PATIENTS.
HALF OF THEM WERE EMPLOYED AS ASSEMBLERS IN ELECTRONICS FACTORIES WHILE THE OTHER HALF WERE ENGAGED IN CARPENTRY, PACKING, MACHINE SEWING AND A WIDE RANGE OF OTHER TRADES.
WITH REGARD TO THEIR SALARIES, 21 WERE EMPLOYED ON DAILY RATE RANGING FROM $16 TO $30, ONE WAS PAID ON PIECE-RATE BASIS AND THE OTHERS WERE PAID AT AN AVERAGE OF $600 A MONTH.
0
igisi
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TWO COUNTRY PARKS ON HONG KONG ISLAND ..................... 1
,1133.7 MILLION SURPLUS IN APRIL GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS .... 2
ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK POPULAR WITH HIKERS ................. 3
TOWN PLANS LIST PUBLISHED ................................. 4
GOVERNOR CALLS AT SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE ..................... 5
EXHIBITION TO INTRODUCE TEACHING METHODS .................. 6
LAND TO BE RECLAIMED FOR KOWLOON CULTURAL CENTRE .......... 7
NEW QUARRY AT PICNIC BAY .................................. 8
RIVER FLOODING CONTROL AT TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ............... 9
112 PASS MEDICAL COUNCIL LICENTIATE EXAM.................. 10
PESTICIDES REGULATIONS IN FORCE TODAY .................... 12
NEW PLB STAND IN EDINBURGH PLACE (EAST) .................. 13
Issued by Government Information Services Beaconsfield H
' Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
1
TAI TAM AND ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARKS PROPOSED ******
TWO MORE COUNTRY PARKS, WHICH WILL BE PARTICULARLY ACCESSIBLE FOR ENJOYMENT TO RESIDENTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, ARE PROPOSED AND SET OUT IN A NOTICE IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY.
THEY ARE THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK WHICH IS ON THE URBAN FRINGE IN THE EASTERN HALF OF THE ISLAND, AND THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK WHICH LIES IMMEDIATELY TO THE NORTH OF THE HOUSING ESTATES IN ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG.
THE TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK COVERS AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,315 HECTARES, WITHIN WHICH ARE THE TAI TAM GROUP OF RESERVOIRS AND ITS CATCHMENT AREA AND SCENIC HILL LANDS AND WOODLANDS.
THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK TO ITS WEST IS SMALLER, WITH ABOUT 423 HECTARES, BUT IS ALSO ENDOWED WITH THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF AN ABERDEEN RESERVOIR.
THE COUNTRY PARKS AUTHORITY HAS PREPARED A DRAFT MAP AND EXPLANATORY STATEMENT FOR BOTH PARKS WHICH MAY BE INSPECTED AT THE FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT OFFICES WITHIN THE NEXT 60 DAYS:
*LANDS REGISTRY
INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 9TH FLOOR, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL, HONG KONG
*AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT
393 CANTON ROAD KOWLOON
*NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION HK HOUSING AUTHORITY
HEADQUARTERS BUILDING, PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD KOWLOON
*CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT
MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, HONG KONG
*CITY DISTRICT COMMISSIONER HONG KONG
LEE GARDENS, HYSAN AVENUE, HONG KONG
*CDO (CENTRAL AND WESTERN)
205A DES VOEUX ROAD WEST HONG KONG
*CDO (EASTERN)
28-32 KING’S ROAD HONG KONG
*CDO (SOUTHERN)
22 ABERDEEN MAIN ROAD HONG KONG
*CDO (WAN CHAI)
TUNG WAH MANSION, 201 HENNESSY ROAD, HONG KONG
COPIES OF THE DRAFT MAPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FOR SALE AT $6 A COPY FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
/UNDER THE
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977 - 2 -
UNDER THE COUNTRY PARKS ORDINANCE, NO NEW DEVELOPMENT IS ALLOWED IN THE AREA OF THE PROPOSED COUNTRY PARKS SHOWN IN THE DRAFT MAPS WITHOUT FIRST HAVING APPROVAL FROM THE AUTHORITY.
ANYONE WHO IS AGGRIEVED BY THE MAPS MAY WITHIN THE 60 DAYS SEND A WRITTEN STATEMENT OF HIS OBJECTIONS TO THE AUTHORITY AND TO THE SECRETARY OF THE COUNTRY PARKS BOARD AT THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR APRIL 1977
M M * *
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL 1977 SHOW A SURPLUS OF $133.7 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $105.6 MILLION IN APRIL LAST YEAR.
TOTAL EXPENDITURE AT $441 MILLION WAS $34.5 MILLION MORE THAN IN APRIL 1976.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $574.7 MILLION WAS $62.6 MILLION MORE THAN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
5
ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK * * * *
A FAVOURITE SOJOURN OF THE BLACK-EARED KITE AS WELL AS ONE FOR HIKERS AND MORNING WALKERS HAS BEEN PROPOSED AS A COUNTRY PARK.
THE ABERDEEN COUNTRY PARK WHICH IS GAZETTED TODAY COMPRISES 410 HECTARES (1,012 ACRES) OF NATURAL WOODLAND, FORESTRY PLANTATION, SHRUBLAND, AND 13 HECTARES (33 ACRES) OF WATER.
IT LIES ON THE SOUTHERN SLOPES OF HONG KONG ISLAND BETWEEN THE ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG HOUSING ESTATES TO THE IMMEDIATE SOUTH AND WAN CHAI GAP TO THE NORTH.
IT WILL BE A ’BACK GARDEN’ TO THE TWO BELTS OF URBAN DEVELOPMENT ON THE TWO SIDES OF THE ISLAND.
THE PARK IS READILY ACCESSIBLE FROM MANY DIRECTIONS BECAUSE OF ITS CLOSENESS TO INHABITED AREAS: FROM ABERDEEN, MAGAZINE GAP AND WAN CHAI GAP VIA ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD, FROM WONG NE I CHUNG GAP AND WAN CHAI GAP VIA BLACK’S LINK, AND FROM THE PEAK AREA AND ABERDEEN VIA PEEL RISE.
IT HAS ALREADY BEEN UNDER RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR SOME YEARS AND NOW HAS 13 PICNIC SPOTS WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES. THESE ARE EQUIPPED WITH BARBECUE PITS, TABLES AND BENCHES, RAIN SHELTERS, INFORMATION BOARDS AND CHILDREN’S PLAY EQUIPMENT.
A NEW MANAGEMENT CENTRE HAS OPENED EARLIER THIS YEAR, PROVIDING A BASE FOR FORESTRY AND CONSERVATION WORKERS OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT.
AS IN TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK TO THE EAST, MOST OF THE TREES IN THE AREA SUFFERED RAVAGES DURING THE JAPANESE OCCUPATION WHEN THEY WERE CUT DOWN FOR FUEL.
THE WELL-SHADED WOODS PICNICKERS NOW ENJOY ARE THE RESULT OF REAFFORESTATION AFTER THE WAR AS WELL AS NATURAL REGENERATION OF MANY OF THE BROADLEAVED SPECIES. THE MORE COMMON OF THE TREES SEEN ARE THE CHINA RED PINE, BRISBANE BOX, SCHIMA, GORDON IA, IVY TREE AND ROSE MYRTLE.
THESE WOODS ARE FREQUENTED BY BIRDS SUCH AS THE GREATER CONCAL, HWAMEI, MAGPIE-ROBIN, MAGPIE, CRESTED MYNAH AND KINGFISHER, BESIDES THE BLACK-EARED KITE WHICH ARE OFTEN SEEN FLYING AROUND THE ABERDEEN UPPER AND LOWER RESERVOIRS.
OCCASIONALLY, THE UNOBTRUSIVE VISITOR MAY ALSO CATCH A GLIMPSE OF THE BARKING DEER, FERRET-BADGER, PANGOLIN, OR SQUIRREL, OR EVEN ENCOUNTER A PYTHON.
THE AREA IS PLEASANT FOR WALKING AND HIKING, PARTICULARLY DURING SPRING WHEN THE HILLSIDES ARE FLUSH WITH RED AND BPIGHT GREEN FOLIAGE.
/A WIDE .....
FRIDAY, JULY 1J, 1977
A WIDE VARIETY OF PLANTS AND WILD LIFE AND MANY FINE VIEWS CAN BE SEEN ALONG THE WALKS AROUND THE RESERVOIRS. THE SHORTEST OF THESE WALKS IS ABOUT 1.9 KM (1.2 MILES) AND THE LONGEST 5.3 KM (3.3 MILES).
ACCESS TO THE PARK WILL BE FURTHER IMPROVED TO ENCOURAGE MORL PEOPLE TO GO TO ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE THERE’ AND MORE FACILITIES, INCLUDING A NATURE TRAIL, WILL EE PROVIDED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE INCREASING NUMBER OF VISITORS.
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LIST OF TOWN PLANS PUBLISHED * * * *
A LIST OF PLANS PREPARED BY THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE FOR GENERAL INFORMATION.
THE LIST, IN THREE CATEGORIES, INCLUDE PLANS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL, PLANS REFERRED BACK TO THE TOWN PLANNING BOARD FOR AMENDMENT OR REPLACEMENT, AND DRAFT PLANS EXHIBITED BY THE BOARD FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION.
CERTIFIED COPIES OF THE APPROVED PLANS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION FREE OF CHARGE AT THE LAND OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING).
COPIES OF THE APPROVED AND DRAFT PLANS MAY ALSO BE PURCHASED FROM THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD.
THE LIST OF PLANS IS PUBLISHED TWICE YEARLY IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
'Friday'- july 15, 1977
- 5 -
GOVERNOR VISITS SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE FAMILY
* * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS AFTERNOON PAID A VISIT TO A FAMILY LIVING IN A CONVERTED FLAT AT BLOCK 16 OF THE RE-DEVELOPED LOWER SHEK KIP MEI ESTATE DURING A TOUR OF SHAM SHU I PO DISTRICT.
THE OCCUPANTS OF THE FLAT, MR. LAM AND HIS MOTHER, FORMERLY LIVED IN AN OLD MARK I UNIT NEARBY WHICH IS BEING RE-DEVELOPED. THEIR PRESENT 120 SQ. FT. FLAT, AT A MONTHLY INCLUSIVE RENT OF $75, IS SELF-CONTAINED WITH PRIVATE KITCHEN AND TOILET FACILITIES.
DURING HIS VISIT SIR MURRAY ENQUIRED ABOUT THE WORK AND LIVING CONDITIONS OF MR. LAM, AND THE TIME HE TAKES TO GET TO HIS CARTON FACTORY ON TSI NG Yl ISLAND.
EARLIER WHILE ON HIS WAY TO THE FLAT, SIR MURRAY MET SOME OF THE SHOP KEEPERS ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE BLOCK AND ASKED THEM ABOUT THEIR BUSINESSES.
HE ALSO HAD AN ON-THE-SPOT BRIEFING BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF HOUSING (WEST), MR. D.l. MCINTOSH, ON THE SHEK KIP MEI CONVERSION AND REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME, WHILE THEY STOOD IN THE CORRIDOR OF THE FLAT LOOKING ACROSS TO THE CONSTRUCTION WORKS.
WHEN THE FINAL PHASES OF THE REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME ARE COMPLETED, THERE WILL BE SIX NEW DOMESTIC BLOCKS FOR 12,000 PEOPLE, A LARGE COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, PARKING FOR MORE THAN 500 CARS, A WELFARE HALL, A PRIMARY SCHOOL, A KINDERGARTEN, AND RECREATION AREAS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A NINE STOREY WORKSHOP WITH 390 UNITS FOR THE OPERATION OF SUITABLE TRADES, AND A CITY DISTRICT SUB-OFFICE IN ONE OF THE NEW BLOCKS.
BEFORE VISITING THE ESTATE, THE GOVERNOR WENT UP TO THE ROOFTOP OF CHEONG YUEN BUILDING IN YEN CHOW STREET, IN THE COMPANY OF THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. GUS CHUI, TO SURVEY THE MAJOR DEVELOPMENTS TAKING PLACE OR BEING PLANNED IN THE DISTRICT, AND TO NOTE THEIR PROGRESS AND ANY DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED.
SIR MURRAY WAS BRIEFED BY THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CANICE MAK, ON THE RECLAMATIONS ALONG THE SEA FRONT, BETWEEN PEI HO STREET AND KIU KIANG STREET IN SHAM SHU I PC, AND BETWEEN FAT TSEUNG STREET AND HING WAH STREET, IN CHEUNG SHA WAN.
BOTH PROJECTS ARE DIVIDED INTO TWO STAGES. STAGE ONE OF THE RECLAMATION AT SHAM SHU I PO IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED BY NEXT YEAR AND WILL PROVIDE SITES FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS, A FERRY PIER AND CONCOURSE, A CIVIC CENTRE, A SEWAGE TREATMENT PLANT AND A COMMUNITY CENTRE. THE FERRY PIER AND CONCOURSE ARE ALREADY TAKING SHAPE ON THE RECLAMATION.
AT CHEUNG SHA WAN, SEA BED FOUNDATION WILL BE COMPLETED BY THIS MONTH AND THE NEW LAND TO EE FORMED FOR STAGE I HAS BEEN RESERVED FOR A WHOLESALE MARKET, REFUSE COLLECTION POINT, LORRY PARKING SPACES, COOKED FOOD STALLS, GOVERNMENT OFFICES AND A HOUSING ESTATE WITH RECREATIONAL AREAS ON ITS PODIU''.
/A PROPOSED
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 197'.
6 -
A PROPOSED WEST KOWLOON ROAD CORRIDOR, LINKING KOWLOON AND TSUEN WAN, WILL RUN THROUGH THE RECLAMATIONS.
THE GOVERNOR WAS ALSO EXPLAINED THE PROJECTED USES OF THE SHAM SHU I PO ARMY CAMPS WHICH ARE TO BE REVERTED TO THE GOVERNMENT. THE SEGMENT NORTH OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD IS PLANNED FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, OR POSSIBLY FOR A TIME , MTR WORKS, IN CASE THE TSUEN WAN MTR EXTENSION PROJECT IS APPROVED AND GIVEN PRIORITY. THE AREA TO THE SOUTH OF THE ROAD WILL BE USED FOR TWO NEW SCHOOLS, A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX AND OPEN SPACE AND GAMES AREA.
BEFORE ENDING THE AFTERNOON’S VISIT, SIR MURRAY MET A GROUP OF LOCAL KAIFONG, AREA COMMITTEE AND MUTUAL AID COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE, AND HAD DISCUSSIONS WITH THEM ON PROBLEMS IN THE AREA.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
EXHIBITION ON TEACHING METHODS
******
AN EXHIBITION AIMED AT INTRODUCING THE VARIOUS ASPECTS OF THE APPROACH AND PROCESS OF LEARNING WILL BE HELD FOR THREE DAYS BEGINNING ON MONDAY (JULY 18) AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M. DAILY.
THE EXHIBITION IS ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH THE HELP OF VARIOUS SCHOOLS THAT USE THE +ACTIVITY APPROACH+ IN TEACHING.
MRS. MAGDALEN CHOW, PRINCIPAL OF THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, WILL ADDRESS THE GATHERING AND FORMALLY OPEN THE EXHIBITION, WHICH WILL FEATURE TEACHING MATERIALS AND AIDS, PUPILS’ WORKS AND REFERENCE MATERIALS.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT, WHICH WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 A.M. ON MONDAY.
0 - -
/7
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
RECLAMATION FOR CULTURAL CENTRE AT TSIM SHA TSUI
******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS TO BEGIN WORK EARLY NEXT YEAR TO RECLAIM ONE HECTARE OF LAND AT TSIM SHA TSUI WHICH WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE SITE OF THE KOWLOON CULTURAL CENTRE.
AUTHORITY IS NOW BEING SOUGHT FOR RECLAIMING NEW LAND EAST OF KOWLOON PUBLIC PIER, WHICH WILL TIE IN WITH RECLAMATION TO THE EAST, PROVIDING A CONTINUOUS BELT OF RECLAMATION ALONG THE OLD WATERFRONT UP TO THE NEW DEVELOPMENT NOW BEING CONSTRUCTED AT THE SITE OF THE OLD HOLTS WHARF.
NOTICES TO THIS EFFECT ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GAZETTE, WHICH STIPULATE THAT OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSALS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN TWO MONTHS FROM TODAY.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS ALSO DESCRIBED IN THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE).
ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, 1OTH FLOOR, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, KOWLOON.
WORK ON THE RECLAMATION WILL COMMENCE EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND IT WILL TAKE BETWEEN 12 AND 18 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
THE TSIM SHA TSUI CULTURAL CENTRE, WHICH IS BEING BUILT BY THE P.W.D. ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, WILL COVER A 4.37 HECTARES SITE ON KOWLOON PENINSULA.
WORK ON SOME STAGES OF THE CULTURAL CENTRE HAS ALREADY BEGUN.
THE MAIN BUILDING WORKS FOR THE NEW PLANETARIUM ARE DUE TO BE COMPLETED TOWARDS THE END OF NEXT YEAR.
CHIEF P.W.D. ARCHITECT, MR. JOSEPH LEI, SAID TODAY THAT FOUNDATION WORKS COSTING NEARLY S2 MILLION HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED ON THE 7,600 SQUARE METRE PLANETARIUM SITE WHICH IS ON PART OF THE FORMER KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY TERMINUS.
THE DOMINANT FEATURE OF THE PLANETARIUM BUILDING WILL BE THE LARGE, EGG-SHAPED DOME STRUCTURE HOUSING THE SKY THEATRE, WHERE AUDIENCES OF BETWEEN 350 AND 400 WOULD MAKE IMAGINERY TRIPS INTO SPACE.
I Iff ’
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977 - 8 -
NEW QUARRY AT PICNIC BAY * * * *
TENDERS WILL BE INVITED NEXT YEAR FOR THE OPERATION OF A NEW QUARRY AT PICNIC BAY ON LAMMA ISLAND.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY ITS INTENTION TO BUILD A SEAWALL AT KOK TUNG WAN ON THE NORTHERN SHORE OF THE BAY, AND RECLAIM ABOUT 7.3 HECTARES OF LAND WHICH, INITIALLY, WILL BE USED AS A WORKS SITt FOR THE NEW QUARRY.
THE SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE QUARRIES SECTION OF THE P.W.D.’S CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE, MR. DICK PILLING, SAID TODAY THAT THE MATERIAL USED FOR RECLAMATION WOULD BE THE OVERBURDEN FROM THE SITE AND UNSUITABLE MATERIAL FROM THE QUARRY.
THE CONTRACT FOR THE OPERATION OF THE QUARRY WOULD BE FOR TEN YEARS AND WHEN IT EXPIRES, THE LAND WOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR GOVERNMENT USE.
MR. PILLING EMPHASISED THAT STRICT CONDITIONS WOULD BE LAID DOWN FOR THE OPERATION OF THE QUARRY AND THE REHABILITATION OF THE SITE.
+NO WORK AT ALL WILL EE PERMITTED ON SUNDAYS OR PUBLIC HOLIDAYS,* MR. PILLING SAID, +AND STRINGENT CONTROLS WILL BE PLACED ON BLASTING AND DUST EMISSION FROM THE QUARRY WHEN IT IS OPERATING.*
WHEN THE EXCAVATION IS COMPLETED, THE AREA WILL BE LANDSCAPED, TREES AND OTHER VEGETATION PLANTED, AND ALL SIGNS OF THE INDUSTRY REMOVED.
STONES FROM THE QUARRY WILL BE TRANSPORTED BY BARGE FROM LAMMA ISLAND.
MR. PILLING SAID THAT IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT THE SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR WOULD ALSO DECIDE TO PRODUCE MANUFACTURED SAND AT PICNIC BAY BECAUSE THE GRANITE FOUND THERE WAS SUITABLE FOR THE PURPOSE.
THE EXTENT OF THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEA BED INVOLVED IS DESCRIBED IN A NOTIFICATION IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE WHICH CALLS UPON ALL PERSONS HAVING OBJECTIONS TO THE PROPOSAL OR ANY CLAIM OR PRIVATE RIGHT TO SUBMIT SUCH OBJECTIONS AND/OR CLAIMS IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS WITHIN A PERIOD OF TWO MONTHS, FROM THE DATE OF THE NOTIFICATION.
THE NOTICE (IN BOTH ENGLISH AND CHINESE) WITH ITS RELATED PLAN CAN BE SEEN ON NOTICE BOARDS POSTED NEAR THE SITE. THE PLAN SHOWING THE AREA OF FORESHORE AND SEABED INVOLVED MAY ALSO BE SEEN AT THE PORT WORKS DIVISION, 5TH FLOOR, ’ URRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFF ICE, 19TH FLOOR, MURRAY BUILDING, GARDEN ROAD, OR THE DISTRICT OFFICE, ISLANDS, 4TH FLOOR, INTERNATIONAL BUILDING, 141 DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL.
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977 - 9 -
WORK TO ABATE RIVER FLOODING HAZARDS IN TUEN MUN * * *
WORK ON TRAINING ANOTHER SECTION TOWN TO REDUCE FLOODING HAZARDS IS TO FORMATION WORK THERE TO PROVIDE SITES DEVELOPMENT FOR 7,000 PEOPLE.
OF THE RIVER IN TUEN MUN NEW START SOON ALONG WITH LAND FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL
THESE ENGINEERING WORKS FORM PART OF A SERIES OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS TO IMPROVE THE EXISTING RIVER THAT RUNS THROUGH THE NEW TOWN AND TO PROVIDE DEVELOPMENT SITES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING THAT WILL EVENTUALLY ACCOMMODATE SOME 20,900 PEOPLE BY 1984.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE TWO PROJECTS WOULD BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT TWO YEARS TO COMPLETE.
HE SAID THE RIVER TRAINING WORKS WOULD COVER THAT SECTION OF THE RIVER FROM TUEN MUN SAN HUI TO THE NORTHERN END OF THE NEW TOWN TO PROTECT THE LOW-LYING AREAS ALONG THE RIVER BANKS FROM FLOODING.
THE PROJECTS WILL INVOLVE THE RESUMPTION OF ABOUT 213,694 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND AND 334 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE BUILDING LAND.
A ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION IS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID OWNERS OF PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND WOULD BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS.
THE GOVERNMENT WILL PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, FRUIT TREES, BEEHIVES, FISHPONDS AND WELLS, ALONG WITH EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE TO CULTIVATORS.
EX-GRATIA 'DISTURBANCE ALLOWANCE’ FOR DISPLACED PIGBREEDERS COULD ALSO BE PAID, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID 191 TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES, MOSTLY ON CROWN LAND AND OCCUPIED BY 132 FAMILIES, WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
+THESE FAMILIES, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN TUEN MUN, AND THOSE INELIGIBLE FOR PUBLIC HOUSING WILL EE OFFERED TEMPORARY HOUS ING,+ HE SAID.
THE CLEARANCE WOULD ALSO INVOLVE 646 ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, HE ADDED.
- - 0 -
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
10
112 PASS LICENTIATE EXAM PART III * * X
THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE Or THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 112 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED THE FINAL PART OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION FOR UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS .-.'HILE 33 OTHERS HAVE FAILED.
THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION, HELD BETWEEN JULY 4 AND 8, WAS AN ORAL EXMINATION OF ABILITY TO APPLY PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO ■CLINICAL PROBLEMS. CANDIDATES WERE GIVEN A 30 MINUTE EXAMINATION BY TWO PANELS OF EXAMINERS IN EACH OF THE THREE DISCIPLINES --.MEDICINE, SURGERY AND OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY.
THT^30 CAND IDA TtT WHO FAILED MAY RESTT THE-EXARTNAT ION NEXT YEAR AND ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE EXAMINATION BOARD, THOSE WHO FAILED IN ONE SUBJECT WILL EE REQUIRED TO RESIT ONLY THAT SUBJECT. CANDIDATES FAILING IN TWO SUBJECTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO RESIT THE WHOLE OF THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION.
THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WILL NOW BE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO A PERIOD OF ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING OR EXTERNSHIP IN HOSPITALS APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.
AN EXTERNSHIP WILL NOT NORMALLY EXCEED 18 MONTHS AND WILL BE DIVIDED INTO THREE SIX-MONTHLY PERIODS DEVOTED TO THE VARIOUS MEDICAL SPECIALTIES. EXTERNSHIPS ARE DUE TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR IN HOSPITALS APPROVED BY THE MEDICAL COUNCIL.
AFTER COMPLETING THEIR EXTERNSHIPS TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE LICENTIATE COMMITTEE, CANDIDATES WILL BE GRANTED THE LICENCE OF THE MEDICAL COUNCIL OF HONG KONG WHICH WILL ENTITLE THEM, SUBJ-CT TO THE CONDITIONS OF THE MEDICAL REGISTRATION ORDINANCE, TO APPLY FOR FULL REGISTRATION TO PRACTISE MEDICINE IN HONG KONG.
REGISTRATION WILL CONFER ON THEM THE SAME RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN HONG KONG AS OTHER QUALIFIED DOCTORS HERE BUT WILL NOT CONFER ANY RIGHT TO REGISTER OR SEEK REGISTRATION ELSEWHERE. CANDIDATES WHO PASSED IN THE RECENT EXAMINATION WILL BE ADVISED SHORTLY OF THE PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING, AND DETAILS OF, THEIR EXTERNSHIPS.
THE PASS LIST OF CANDIDATES SUCCE SSFUL IN ALL PARTS OF THE
LICENTIATE EXAMINATION THIS YEAR IS1—
CHAN HING KIN, ANDREW CHAN KIT CHING CHAN KWOK YAN
CHAN SHEK HOI CHAN TSE PUI CHAU PAK YIN
CHEN MING YUN CHEN WING MING CHENG CHAK TAK
CHENG KIM TO CHENG YIN HONG CHEUNG KWAN SING
CHEUNG LOK MAN CHEUNG TZE LAM CHIANG CHAY KUNG
CHING YUEN CHOI CHUN WAH CHOU WHA SAN, VALIANT
CHOW MO PING CHOW YAM CHUNG CHU CHUN HEE
/CHUNG QUIN YUEN ... t f ‘ f d .
CHUNG QUIN YUEN
FANG HUA
HO CHIH KUAN
HUANG CHUNG HSIAN
HUI WEI LEE
KWAN YUEN YING
LAM TIEN FU
LAU TUEN YEE
LEE KAI LAM
LEE TSI NG, DAVID
LEUNG KING YUK
LI WAI LANG
LIM LONG KIAT
LO WOON YIN
LUK SHING ON
MU LIE LIAN
NG TO KA
PANG CHI SHING, FRED
POON WAI CHU
SHIAO KUO CHIANG
TAM KWOK WAH
TSO SIU CHING
WAN TIN YIM
WONG CHI YAN
WONG SC YUEN
WU BUN FAI
YAN KIN WING
YAU PAK WAI
YEH SAW CHING
YONG LIEW YIN
YUNG KA PING
' 1 • V ' ,i I - 11 -
DAI SOTER FANG YUNG DA HO HING LAN HUANG CHUNG MING IO SIO HONG KWOK PING SUM LAU CHO YEE LAW KWONG WAI LEE KWOK MAN LEE YUEN SIN LI CHI KAN LIANG TUNG SIANG LIN SHU KUEI LO YUN YEE MA SZE NG CHIU HUNG NGA I HING LUN R ICK
PUI YAU MING SIU TIN KAN TAN TEE HUAH TSUI CHOR LUEN WOO CHIH HSIANG WONG SHING CHUNG WONG WING KEUNG WU JE IT PAN YAU CHI WANG YAU PU I 3HING YEUNG KA I HE I YUE JANG S.'IE YUNG KI’’ SING -------0--------
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
ESPEGREN, OLAV
HO CHAO HUNG HO K IN CHUNG HUI KAM WAH KING YEE MING LAI LAP TUNG LAU TEH SHAN LEE CHEOW SENG LEE MAY CHU LEONG KWAI FONG LEUNG YAT WAI, JOHN LIEOU PEI TCHENG LO GAU MAN LUK CHEUNG KAN MA, WILSON NG HON CHUN NGAN PANG PHANG SHU SUM SHEUNG KWONG WAH SUEN WAI WAI
TECH CHAN CHING HAAN TSUI MAN SHING WONG BAN CHO WANG SIU CHEN WONG WING YAU YAN BING KUEN YAU KWOK FAI
YAU SHU I CHEONG YEUNG Sri ING HONG yu u.'.c, yi::, SAMUEL
/12 .
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977
12
PESTICIDES ORDINANCE IN FORCE TODAY * * * *
THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES ORDINANCE 1977 WHICH COMES INTO OPERATION TODAY STRENGTHENS CERTAIN CONTROL MEASURES REGARDING THE IMPORT, SALE AND SUPPLY OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES.
UNDER THE NEW ORDINANCE, WHICH IS BASICALLY AN EXTENSION OF THE PHARMACY AND POISONS (AGRICULTURAL POISONS) REGULATIONS, ANY PERSON WHO IMPORTS A PESTICIDE MUST APPLY FOR A LICENCE FROM THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT, AND ALSO APPLY FOR REGISTRATION OF THE PESTICIDE IF IT IS NOT YET REGISTERED, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED.
A REGISTER OF AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES WILL EE MAINTAINED IN TWO PARTS. PART I CONTAINS PESTICIDES OF LOW TOXICITY WHICH MAY BE SOLD FREELY. PART II CONTAINS MORE TOXIC PESTICIDES WHICH >. ILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS. EXTREMELY TOXIC PESTICIDES WILL NOT BE REGISTERED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THAT IN ORDER TO ASSIST WITH ROUTINE IMPORTATION OF PESTICIDES WHICH ARE CONSIDERED RELATIVELY SAFE, THE DEPARTMENT HAD REGISTERED 26 PART I PESTICIDES, WHICH MAY BE IMPORTED FREELY BY LICENSEES.
THE REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTRATION OF PESTICIDES, ISSUE OF LICENCES AND PERMITS AND CONDITIONS FOR STORAGE, LABELLING AND PACKAGING OF PESTICIDES ARE, HOWEVER, LAID DOWN IN THE AGRICULTURAL PESTICIDES REGULATIONS.
UNDER THE REGULATIONS CONTAINERS FOR PESTICIDES MUST EE APPROVED BY THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, AND MAY BE OF METAL, GLASS OR PLASTIC.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +IF THEY ARE MADE OF GLASS OR PLASTIC, THEY MUST BE FLUTED VERTICALLY WITH RIBS OR GROOVES. THIS IS SO THAT, EVEN IN POOR LIGHT, THEY CAN EE IMMEDIATELY DISTINGUISHED FROM CONTAINERS FOR FOOD AND DRINK SUCH AS SOY SAUCE AND BEER. THE LABELS ON PESTICIDES MUST CONTAIN A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF INFORMATION BOTH IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE.
+THE INFORMATION REQUIRED INCLUDES, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE COMMON AND CHEMICAL NAMES OF THE PESTICIDE AND ITS PERCENTAGE COMPOSITION, THE NET WEIGHT OR VOLUME OF THE CONTENTS, THE NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE SELLER, AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS ON THE USE OF THE PESTICIDE, PRECAUTIONS TO BE TAKEN AND ANTIDOTE OR FIRST AID TREATMENT TO BE CARRIED OUT IN CASES OF POISONING.+
THESE REQUIREMENTS WOULD GREATLY IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF LABELLING OF MANY PESTICIDES AND ,,'OULD BE OF CONSIDERABLE BENEFIT TO THE USERS, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
TRADERS IN PESTICIDES WILL EE GIVEN SIX MONTHS FROM TODAY TO APPLY FOR THEIR LICENCES, AND TO PREPARE SUITABLE CONTAINERS AND PROPER LABELS.
ALL ENQUIRIES SHOULD EE ADDRESSED TO THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON, OR BY TELEPHONE TO THE PLANT AND PESTICIDE REGULATORY UNIT AT TEL. 3-635111 EXT. 209.
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/13 .
FRIDAY, JULY 15, 1977 । - 15 -
PLB STAND IN EDINBURGH PLACE (EAST) H #
ANOTHER PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND .'.'ILL BE ESTABLISHED AT EDINBURGH PLACE (EAST) IN ADDITION TO THE EXISTING STAND WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (JULY 18).
THE EXTENT OF THE NEW STAND WILL BE INDICATED BY APPROPRIATE SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
34 FAMILIES AIDED BY NEW CHARITABLE FUND ................. 1
TEXTILE MANPOWER SURVEY NEXT MONTH ....................... 2
ANTI-RABIES MOBILE TEAMS MOVE TO KOWLOON ................. 2
FIRING PRACTICE .......................................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1977
1
TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIM FUND HELPS 34 FAMILIES
* * * *
THIRTY-FOUR FAMILIES HAVE RECEIVED HELP FROM THE TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIM CHARITABLE FUND SINCE IT BEGAN PROVIDING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY IN MAY THIS YEAR.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WHO ACTS AS THE TRUSTEE OF THE FUND SAID TODAY THAT FIFTEEN OF THE BENEFICIARIES APPLIED FOR ASSISTANCE TO THE DEPARTMENT DIRECT, WHILE OTHERS WERE REFERRED BY THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE PO LEUNG KUK, CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT.
+THE NEEDS OF SOME OTHERS WERE MADE KNOWN TO OUR OFFICERS THROUGH REPORTS OF DISTRESS WHICH APPEARED IN THE NEWSPAPERS,* HE ADDED.
PAYMENTS FROM THE FUND, AVERAGING $1,000 A FAMILY, WERE MADE PROMPTLY TO MEET HARDSHIP CAUSED BY CRISES OR UNEXPECTED CHANGES IN FAMILY CIRCUMSTANCES.
THE LARGEST SUM OF $5,000 WAS MADE AVAILABLE AS BURIAL GRANT TO THE MOTHER OF A MAN WHO TOGETHER WITH HIS WIFE AND TWO SONS WERE KILLED IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT.
THE SECOND LARGEST SUM OF $3,000 WAS PAID TO THE MOTHER WHO GAVE ONE OF HER KIDNEYS TO HER SON DURING A TRANSPLANT OPERATION EARLIER THIS YEAR TO COVER PART OF THEIR MEDICAL EXPENSES.
AS FOR THE OTHER PAYMENTS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, MOST WERE FOR FAMILIES TO COPE WITH HARDSHIP ARISING FROM THE DEATH OF THE BREADWINNER, TO COVER BURIAL EXPENSES, TO PAY FOR SPECIAL DIETS DURING CONVALESCENCE, TO MEET REMOVAL EXPENSES TO NEW ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND TO PAY OFF DEBT INCURRED BECAUSE OF CHRONIC ILLNESS.
SIR SHIU KIN TANG AND MR. HO TIM EACH DONATED $1 MILLION TO SET UP THE FUND IN FEBRUARY. WITHIN WEEKS, IT AMOUNTED TO OVER $5 MILLION WITH THE MANY PUBLIC DONATIONS.
APPLICATION FOR ASSISTANCE FROM THE FUND CAN BE MADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, THE PO LEUNG KUK OR ANY DISTRICT OFFICE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
/2
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1977 - 2 -
TEXTILE TRAINING NEEDS TO BE SURVEYED ******
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE INDUSTRY WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT MONTH TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDUSTRY.
THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES, WILL BE CONDUCTED FROM AUGUST 3 TO 24 BY THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
BASED ON THE EVENTUAL SURVEY FINDINGS, THE TRAINING BOARD WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATION ON MANPOWER TRAINING FOR THE INDUSTRY.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS ARE SENT TODAY TO ABOUT 450 TEXTILE MILLS SELECTED TO BE COVERED IN THE SURVEY. INTERVIEWING OFFICERS OF THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WILL CALL AT THESE MILLS DURING THE SURVEY PERIOD TO ASSIST IN COMPLETING AND TO COLLECT THE QUESTIONNAIRES.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES THE NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES AT PRESENT EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER UNDER TRAINING, THE AMOUNT OF EXISTING VACANCIES, AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL EMPLOYEES IN THE NEXT 12 MONTHS.
MR. FEI LEE, CHAIRMAN OF THE TEXTILE INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, STRESSED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED WOULD BE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD 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,* MR. LEE SAID.
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ANTI-RABIES OPERATION MOVES TO KOWLOON
* * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL LAUNCH ITS ANTI-RABIES INOCULATION CAMPAIGN IN KOWLOON IN TSIM SHA TSUI AND YAU MA TEI NEXT MONDAY AND TUESDAY (JULY 18 AND 19).
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT A TOTAL OF EIGHT DISTRICT INOCULATION DRIVES WILL BE CONDUCTED THROUGHOUT KOWLOON IN THE NEXT TWO MONTHS.
DURING THE FIRST OPERATION AT TSIM SHA TSUI AND YAU MA TEI, THREE TEMPORARY DOG INOCULATION AND LICENSING CENTRES WILL BE SET UP AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
* JUNCTION OF CARNAVON ROAD AND SALISBURY AVENUE,
* JUNCTION OF PARKES STREET AND NING PO STREET (AT SIDE OF WASHINGTON THEATRE), AND
* JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PORTLAND STREET.
THESE CENTRES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON THE TWO DAYS. DOG OWNERS LIVING IN THESE AREAS ARE ADVISED TO TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO HAVE THEIR PETS IMMUNISED AGAINST RABIES.
SATURDAY, JULY 16, 1977
- 3 -
FIRING PRACTICE
* M * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON ALL WEEKDAYS FOR THE REST OF THIS MONTH, BEGINNING ON MONDAY (JULY IS).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE t
DATE HOURS
JULY 18 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 8 P.M.
JULY 19 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 8 P.M.
JULY 20 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 8 P.M.
JULY 21 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 8 P.M.
JULY 22 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 26 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 28 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 29 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
o-
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES ATTRACT TEACHERS .............. 1
EXPLOSIVES HELP MAKE MODERN HONG KONG .................. 2
HISTORICAL TRACES AT TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK .............. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
1
KEEN TEACHERS RESPONSE TO NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
******
MORE THAN 300 GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS HAVE APPLIED FOR NEW CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN EXPANDING SECTIONS OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT — TEACHING IN SPECIAL CLASSES, WORKING IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE, AND LIBRARIES IN COLLEGES, INSTITUTES AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
AND A LARGE NUMBER OF ENQUIRIES ARE BEING RECEIVED EACH DAY FROM GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ABOUT NEW OPENINGS DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS BOTH WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AS WELL AS IN OTHER PARTS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
+THE RESPONSE HAS BEEN SO GREAT THAT WE’VE HAD TO SET UP A SPECIAL UNIT WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT TO COPE WITH THE DEMAND,* THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE SAID TODAY.
+THE TEACHERS' RESPONSE HAS BEEN VERY ENCOURAGING AND IS A CLEAR INDICATION OF THEIR RECOGNITION OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO SERVE THE PUBLIC INTEREST WHERE REQUIRED,* HE SAID.
MR. HAYE SAID THE APPLICATIONS WERE NOW BEING PROCESSED AND THE FIRST GROUP OF SUITABLE APPLICANTS SHOULD BE IN THEIR NEW POSTS BY SEPTEMBER.
+THOSE JUDGED SUITABLE BUT FOR WHOM THERE ARE NOT YET POSTS WILL BE PLACED ON A WAITING LIST AND WILL HAVE OTHER OPPORTUNITIES SUBSEQUENTLY AS MORE POSTS BECOME AVAILABLE,* HE SAID.
MR. HAYE EMPHASISED THAT SPECIAL PRIORITY WAS BEING GIVEN TO SUITABLE APPLICANTS TO FILL VACANCIES IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
+AND THOSE ACCEPTED WILL BE ABLE TO RETAIN THEIR PRESENT SALARY SCALE IN OTHER POSTS, IF THIS IS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE,* HE SAID.
AT PRESENT, THERE ARE SOME 650 SURPLUS TEACHERS ON THE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL ESTABLISHMENT AS A RESULT OF THE DWINDLING PRIMARY SCHOOL ENROLMENT.
MR. HAYE SAID THAT MORE AND MORE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY TEACHERS WERE ALSO SHOWING AN INTEREST IN THE ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME REFRESHER COURSE DESIGNED TO FIT THEM FOR TEACHING IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
ONE HUNDRED PLACES WERE AVAILABLE FOR THE COURSE BEGINNING IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR, AND MORE THAN 70 ENQUIRIES HAD BEEN RECEIVED DURING THE PAST FEW DAYS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, HE SAID.
+S0 FAR WE’VE RECEIVED 20 WRITTEN APPLICATIONS BUT THE DEADLINE FOR OTHER APPLICATIONS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF THE MONTH.
+l CAN ASSURE TEACHERS SELECTED AS SUITABLE FOR REFRESHER TRAINING THAT THEY WILL RETAIN THEIR FULL SALARIES DURING TRAINING,* SAID MR. HAYE.
MORE THAN 30 TEACHERS WHO ENROLLED LAST SEPTEMBER HAVE BENEFITTED FROM THE COURSE.
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977 - 2 -
EXPLOSIVES CONTRIBUTE TO MODERN HONG KONG DEVELOPMENT ******
MOVING MOUNTAINS TO MAKE WAY FOR NEW DEVELOPMENTS SEEMS TO HAVE BECOME COMMON PRACTICE IN HONG KONG IN THE RACE TO KEEP PACE WITH THE EVER-INCREASING NEEDS FOR HOUSING, INDUSTRY AND RECREATION.
EVERY YEAR, BUILDERS CUT AND BLAST THEIR WAY THROUGH MILLIONS OF TONS OF SOLID ROCK, CARVING OUT NEW BUILDING SITES OR ROADS IN PREVIOUSLY INACCESSIBLE LOCATIONS IN THE QUEST FOR MORE LIVING AND BREATHING SPACE.
AT SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN NEW TOWNS, FOR EXAMPLE, HILLS ARE BEING FLATTENED OR CUT INTO TERRACES FOR MASSIVE HOUSING SCHEMES, AND ALONG THE CASTLE PEAK RANGE A HIGH-CAPACITY ROUTE IS BEING CARVED TO PROVIDE A FAST LINK BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN.
IN KOWLOON, ENGINEERS HAVE ALREADY BLASTED A SECOND TUNNEL THROUGH LION ROCK AND WORK IS ALSO IN PROGRESS ON ANOTHER TWIN-TUBE ROAD TUNNEL THROUGH THE HEART OF MIDDLE GAP BETWEEN THE 426-METRE PEAKS OF MOUNT CAMERON AND MOUNT NICHOLSON.
WHEN COMPLETED IN 1980, THE TUNNEL WILL PROVIDE A THREE-MINUTE LINK BETWEEN HAPPY VALLEY AND ABERDEEN AND WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE SOME 4,800 VEHICLES PER HOUR.
TUNNELLING AND EXCAVATION OF HILLSIDES IS MAINLY CARRIED OUT BY DRILLING HOLES IN SOLID ROCK USING PNEUMATIC JACK-HAMMERS OR LARGER TRACK MOUNTED CRAWLER DRILLS, THE HOLES THEN BEING CHARGED WITH EXPLOSIVE, STEMMED AND DETONATED.
THE QUANTITY OF EXPLOSIVES USED MAY VARY FROM A FEW POUNDS TO SEVERAL TONS IN ONE BLAST AND SOME SITES MAY FIRE SEVERAL BLASTS IN ONE DAY.
THE MAN IN OVERALL CONTROL OF EXPLOSIVES IN HONG KONG IS MR. GEORGE RANSON, CHIEF EXPLOSIVES OFFICER OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S MINES DIVISION, WHO HAS BEEN DEALING WITH ALL TYPES OF COMMERCIAL EXPLOSIVES FOR SOME 15 YEARS AND IS KEENLY AWARE OF THEIR IMMENSE CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE BUILDING OF MODERN HONG KONG.
MOST PEOPLE, HE SAID, HAD A NATURAL FEAR OF EXPLOSIVES MAINLY BECAUSE OF A LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THEIR PROPERTIES AND FUNCTIONS.
+IN FACT IN THE HANDS OF EXPERIENCED MEN PRACTISED IN ACCEPTABLE OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES, EXPLOSIVES CAN BE USED AND CONTROLLED TO PERFORM SPECIFIC TASKS ACCURATELY AND SAFELY EVEN IN THE HEART OF A CITY.
/♦EXPLOSIVES
i
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
- 3 -
+EXPLOSIVES HAVE LONG BEEN AN IMPORTANT TOOL IN THE BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AND WITHOUT THEM MANY OF OUR LARGE SCALE PROJECTS SUCH AS THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, TUEN MUN ROAD, ABERDEEN TUNNEL AND, MORE RECENTLY, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY WOULD EITHER BE IMPOSSIBLE OR TAKE AN INCREDIBLY LONG TIME TO ACHIEVE,+ HE SAID.
+EACH BLASTING OPERATION IS SUPERVISED AND ONLY EXPERIENCED PEOPLE ARE PERMITTED TO HANDLE EXPLOSIVES,* HE SAID.
VARIOUS BLASTING METHODS ARE USED CALLING FOR A VARIETY OF TECHNIQUES, AND WHEN NECESSARY EXTRA PRECAUTIONS ARE TAKEN TO REDUCE GROUND VIBRATION AND CONTAIN FLYROCK. SPECIAL TYPES OF DETONATORS ARE WIDELY USED WHICH ALLOW EXPLOSIVES CHARGES, EVEN THOUGH CONNECTED INTO ONE CIRCUIT, TO FIRE IN SEQUENCE. INSTRUMENTS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE WHICH CAN ACCURATELY MEASURE AND MONITOR GROUND VIBRATIONS RESULTING FROM A BLAST.
IN HONG KONG, VARIOUS TYPES OF EXPLOSIVES ARE BEING USED IN QUARRYING, MINES AND CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS -- THE MOST COMMON BEING AMMONIUM NITRATE FUEL OIL BLASTING AGENT (ANFO), SLURRY OR WATER-GEL EXPLOSIVES AND OTHER HIGH ENERGY EXPLOSIVES SUCH AS GELIGNITE AND DYNAMITE.
+LAST YEAR WE PROVIDED A TOTAL OF 3,232.7 TONNES OF EXPLOSIVES TO VARIOUS MAJOR CONSTRUCTION SITES AND QUARRIES, COMPARED WITH ABOUT 950 TONNES TEN YEARS AGO,+ HE SAID.
AND WITH THE STEPPED UP GOVERNMENT BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME,COUPLED WITH THE INTENSIFIED ACTIVITIES IN THE PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY, HE EXPECTED THE AMOUNT TO RISE FURTHER.
MR. RANSON SAID THAT OF THE CARTRIDGED EXPLOSIVES IMPORTED AND USED IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT ABOUT 75 PER CENT WAS DYNAMITE, AN EXPLOSIVE CONTAINING NITRO-GLYCERINE.
DYNAMITE HAS BEEN SUCCESSFULLY USED THROUGHOUT THE WORLD SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE CENTURY. IT IS EFFECTIVE AND SAFE IF USED PROPERLY AND IS IN GOOD CONDITION BUT, BECAUSE OF ITS NATURE, ITS HANDLING, STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION AND USE NEED TO BE STRICTLY GOVERNED BY LEGISLATION.
HE SAID THAT AS A RESULT OF ADVANCES IN EXPLOSIVES TECHNOLOGY A NEW TYPE OF HIGH EXPLOSIVE MUCH LESS SENSITIVE THAN DYNAMITE, AND CONSEQUENTLY SAFER, HAD APPEARED IN HONG KONG IN THE LAST THREE YEARS. THIS EXPLOSIVE IS KNOWN AS WATER-GEL OR SLURRY.
ESSENTIALLY, WATER-GEL IS AN EXPLOSIVE WHICH CONTAINS AN OXIDIZER AND FUEL DISPERSED IN AN AQUEOUS MEDIUM, WHICH IS GELLED TO KEEP THE SOLIDS IN SUSPENSION AND WHICH IS SENSITIZED BY A NON-EXPLOSIVE INGREDIENT, THUS MAKING STORAGE, TRANSPORTATION HANDLING AND USE THAT MUCH SAFER THAN THE OLDER TYPE OF HIGH EXPLOSIVE.
AIN FACT, .......
JULY 17, 1977
4 -
+ IN FACT, NO COUNTRY IS BUILDING NEW DYNAM I T^'PLANTS ANYMORE AND THE TREND IS THAT WATER-GEL WILL EVENTUALLY TAKE OVER WHEN THE OLD DYNAMITE FACTORIES ARE PHASED OUT,+ HE SAID.
+SIGN IFICANT FACTORS IN THE MANUFACTURE OF WATER-GEL ARE THE USE OF WATER AS AN INGREDIENT AND THE ABSENCE OF ANY EXPLOSIVE INGREDIENTS, SUCH AS THE HIGHLY SENSITIVE AND VOLATILE NITRO-GLYCERINE IN THE CASE OF DYNAMITE+.
MR. RANSON WAS CAREFUL TO ADD, HOWEVER, THAT WHILE WATER-GEL AND SLURRY EXPLOSIVE WAS MUCH SAFER THAN DYNAMITE, IN THAT ACCIDENTAL DETONATION FROM IMPACT, FRICTION OR FIRE WAS MOST UNLIKELY, IT WAS STILL A POWERFUL EXPLOSIVE DESERVING THE RESPECT AND CARE WHICH SHOULD BE GIVEN TO ALL EXPLOSIVES.
INDICATIONS ARE, SAID MR. RANSON, THAT WATER-GEL EXPLOSIVE CAN EFFECTIVELY REPLACE DYNAMITE FOR ALL PURPOSES IN HONG KONG.
IT HAS BEEN USED SUCCESSFULLY IN DIFFICULT TUNNEL CONDITIONS AND FOR SUB-MARINE BLASTING, AND IS CURRENTLY BEING USED FOR M.T.R. EXCAVATIONS IN NATHAN ROAD, IN VARIOUS QUARRIES INCLUDING THE .GOVERNMENT QUARRIES AT MOUNT BUTLER AND DIAMOND HILL, AND FOR VARIOUS PRIVATE BUILDING PROJECTS.
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
- 5 -
TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK * * * *
TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK, ONE OF THE TWO SUCH PARKS PROPOSED FOR HONG KONG ISLAND, HAS BEEN GAZETTED FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION.
THE PARK IS SITUATED ON THE URBAN FRINGE IN THE EASTERN HALF OF HONG KONG ISLAND, EXTENDING FROM WONG NE I CHUNG GAP IN THE WEST TO TAI TAM ROAD IN THE EAST, AND FROM THE SOUTHERN SLOPES OF MOUNT PARKER IN THE NORTH TO THE STRETCH OF HILLS INCLUDING STANLEY MOUND IN THE SOUTH.
IT HAS A LARGE EXPANSE OF LUSH TREES AND SHRUBS ENCLOSING AN AREA OF ABOUT 1,315 HECTARES (3,250 ACRES) - ROUGHLY ONE-FIFTH OF THE ISLAND ITSELF.
IT ALSO INCLUDES PLACES WHICH ARE PART OF HONG KONG’S HISTORY.
THANKS TO RIGOROUS CONTROL OVER THE WATER CATCHMENT AREAS EXERCISED FOR MANY YEARS BY BOTH THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES AND WATERWORKS DEPARTMENTS, THE COUNTRYSIDE WITH ALL ITS FLORA AND FAUNA HAS BEEN WELL PRESERVED. WITHOUT THIS CONTROL MUCH OF THE NATURAL GROWTH OF HONG KONG ISLAND WOULD HAVE BEEN LOST FOR EVER.
THE PARK DERIVES ITS NAME FROM THREE RESERVOIRS FORMING THE TAI TAM GROUP - WHICH IN THE EARLY DAYS OF HONG KONG FORMED THE MAIN STORAGE AREAS FOR THE ISLAND’S WATER SUPPLY.
THE GROUP COMPRISES THE TAI TAM UPPER AND BYEWASH RESERVOIRS, TAI TAM INTERMEDIATE AND TAI TAM TUK RESERVOIRS, WHICH WERE BUILT IN 1889, 1904, 1907 AND 1917 RESPECTIVELY, AND HAVE A TOTAL CAPACITY OF NINE MILLION CUBIC METRES (1,900 MILLION GALLONS) OR ABOUT SEVEN DAYS SUPPLY AT THE PRESENT RATE OF WATER DEMAND.
ALL THE RESERVOIRS ARE SURROUNDED BY THE EMERALD GREEN HILLS OF JARDINE’S LOOKOUT, MOUNT BUTLER, MOUNT PARKER AND VIOLET HILL. IT IS THE CATCHMENT AREAS OF THESE WHICH PROVIDE THE SCENIC BACKGROUND FOR THIS ATTRACTIVE COUNTRY PARK.
EXCEPT FOR ITS HILLY PARTS WHERE RICH GRASSLAND FLOURISHES, TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK IS ABUNDANT IN SHRUBS. IN EARLY WINTER THE GORDONIA BLOSSOMS IN WHITE SPLENDOUR. IVY TREE, CHINESE NEW YEAR FLOWER, WILD AZALEA, HONG KONG CAMELLIA AND A LARGE VARIETY OF NATIVE ORCHIDS JOIN TOGETHER TO ADD SHADES OF COLOUR TO THE PICTURESQUE SCENERY.
SOIL EROSION AT THE WONG NE I CHUNG END OF THE PARK HOWEVER LIMITS THE NATURAL VEGETATION TO TALL GRASS.
A STROLL ALONG THE WALKS AND PATHS WHICH MEANDER UP AND DOWN FOR SEVERAL KILOMETRES THROUGH THE PARK QUICKLY REVEALS THAT THE UNDERGROWTH HARBOURS A THRIVING NATURAL HABITAT FOR INDIGENOUS FAUNA. FURRY ANIMALS LIKE THE ELUSIVE BARKING DEER AND THE CHINESE LEOPARD CAT ARE BOTH OFTEN HEARD BUT SELDOM SEEN. BIRDS TO BE SPOTTED ARE THE HWA MEI, MAGPIE-ROBIN, CHINESE FRANCOLIN, JAPANESE QUAIL, COMMON KINGFISHER, MAGPIE AND CRESTED MYNAH.
/FROM THE
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
6
FROM THE TRANQUILLITY OF THE COUNTRY PARK TODAY, IT IS HARD TO PICTURE THE NOISE AND SMOKE OF BATTLE DURING THE SECOND WORLD WAR.
IN DECEMBER 1941, THE COUNTRY PARK AND THE AREA AROUND IT WAS THE SCENE OF HEAVY, AND SOMETIMES DESPERATE, FIGHTING BETWEEN THE BRITISH AND JAPANESE FORCES. HAVING LANDED ON HONG KONG ISLAND AT NORTH POINT, QUARRY BAY AND LEI YUE MUN, THE JAPANESE QUICKLY MOVED SOUTHWARDS AND OCCUPIED THE IMPORTANT LINE OF HIGH GROUND FROM JARDINE’S LOOKOUT THROUGH MOUNT BUTLER TO MOUNT PARKER.
COUNTER-ATTACKS WERE LAUNCHED BY THE DEFENDING TROOPS WHICH INCLUDED SEVERAL MEMBERS OF HONG KONG’S OWN VOLUNTEER DEFENCE CORPS (AS IT WAS CALLED AT THAT TIME) TO TRY TO DISPLACE THE JAPANESE WHO WERE IN A POSITION TO CUT THE ISLAND INTO TWO BY CAPTURING THE WONG NE I CHUNG GAP.
THE INVADERS WERE, HOWEVER, TOO STRONG- THE COUNTER-ATTACKS WERE REPULSED WITH HEAVY LOSS OF LIFE, AND THE JAPANESE MOVED WESTWARDS TO SEIZE THE GAP.
AS A RESULT THE FINE WOODLAND WAS SCARRED, MANY TREES UPROOTED AND MUCH OF THE SHRUBLAND DESTROYED.
AFTER THE WAR, INTENSIVE FORESTRY CONSERVATION MEASURES WERE PUT IN HAND. A PLANT NURSERY WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1956 TO CULTIVATE SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTING IN THE MANY PLACES WHERE THE SURFACE HAD BEEN ERODED AND THE VOLCANIC SOIL EXPOSED.
CHINESE RED PINES AND HORSE TAIL TREES WERE FIRST INTRODUCED DURING THE EARLY STAGES OF RE-CONSERVATION BUT THE RESULT WAS NOT ENCOURAGING BECAUSE OF THE PREVAILING STRONG WINDS.
SLASH PINES FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND ACACIA WERE THEN PLANTED OVER THE BARREN LAND AND BECAUSE OF THEIR RESISTANCE TO DRY WEATHER CONDITIONS, THE WOODS GREW AGAIN OUT OF THE ASHES OF WAR.
RELICS OF THE WAR PERIOD - PILL-BOXES AND MAGAZINES - SOME OF WHICH STILL IN FAIRLY GOOD CONDITION, CAN STILL BE FOUND IN THE AREA.
OF SIGNIFICANT HISTORICAL INTEREST IN THE COUNTRY PARK IS THE RUIN OF MATHESON’S BUNGALOW OF JARDINE’S LOOKOUT. ONE OF HONG KONG’S OLDEST REMAINS OF THE EARLY ERA, IT IS MARKED +RUIN+ ON COLLINSON’S MAP OF 1846.
JAMES MATHESON HIMSELF CHOSE THE SITE FROM WHICH HE COULD VIEW BOTH TO THE SOUTH, NO DOUBT TO PICK OUT APPROACHING SHIPS, AND TO THE NORTH, SO THAT THE SHIP’S ACTUAL ARRIVAL COULD BE SIGNALLED TO EAST POINT.
/ALL THAT .....
1
SUNDAY, JULY 17, 1977
- 7 -
ALL THAT NOW REMAINS AT THE SITE ARE JUST THE FOUNDATIONS AND BASE OF THE BUILDING, WHICH WAS CONSTRUCTED OF SUN-BAKED BRICK, AND THE WALLS, SOME 457 MM (18 INCHES) THICK. THE HIGHEST PART OF THE WALLS STILL SURVIVING IS ABOUT THREE METRES (10-FEET) HIGH. TWO OLD WARTIME GUN EMPLACEMENTS ALSO EXIST NEARBY.
ALTHOUGH TAI TAM COUNTRY PARK IS ONLY NOW GAZETTED, THE AREA HAS BEEN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR MANY YEARS. THE AREAS AROUND THE RESERVOIRS HAVE BEEN USED EXTENSIVELY BY HIKERS, RAMBLERS AND MORNING WALKERS. ONLY SINCE 1971 HAS THE AREA BEEN PROPERLY DEVELOPED FOR COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION AS PART OF GOVERNMENT’S COUNTRYSIDE RECREATION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
FOR STROLLERS AND NATURE LOVERS THERE ARE CAREFULLY PREPARED WALKS, STRETCHING FROM THE MONUMENT (SET UP IN MEMORY OF THOSE MEMBERS OF THE ST. JOHN AMBULANCE BRIGADE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES DURING THE WAR) AT TAI TAM RESERVOIR ROAD IN WONG NE I CHUNG GAP, TO TAI TAM ROAD. THEY ARE MARKED BY COLOURED POSTS IN BLUE, RED, GREEN OR WHITE TO SERVE AS DIRECTION GUIDES SO THAT HIKERS SHOULD NOT GET LOST.
THROUGHOUT THE PARK PICNIC SPOTS ARE ALSO BEING LAID OUT WITH BARBECUE PITS, TABLES AND BENCHES. LIGHTING ANY FIRE ANYWHERE THAN IN ONE OF THE DESIGNATED AREAS IS STRICTLY FORBIDDEN.
COMMENTING ON THE COUNTRY PARKS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT PROBLEMS IN GENERAL, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID: +FIRE IS THE PRIMARY CONCERN OF PARK MANAGERS FOR NEARLY HALF THE YEAR, AND IN THE COOL, DRY WINTER MONTHS THE COUNTRY PARKS ARE IN FULL USE BY PEOPLE COMING OUT TO SEEK RELAXATION AND PLEASURE.+
+IN SUMMER MOST PEOPLE GO TO THE BEACHES AND THE NUMBER OF VISITORS IS MUCH LESS. DURING THE DRY SEASON WHEN THE FIRE RISK IS AT ITS GREATEST WE CAN EXPECT TO HAVE TO DEAL WITH ABOUT 500 FOREST FIRES. UNDER THE WORST CONDITIONS THERE CAN BE MORE THAN 1,003 FIRES, WHICH MEANS FROM THREE TO SIX FIRES A DAY+, HE SAID.
LITTER TOO IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM FOR PARK MANAGEMENT. ALONG THE MAIN WALKS AND PATHS ORANGE COLOURED LITTER BINS HAVE BEEN PLACED AT ABOUT 50 FEET INTERVALS FOR THE USE OF HIKERS AND PICNICKERS. ON THE AVERAGE ONE VISITOR CARRIES HALF A POUND OF POTENTIAL LITTER TO A COUNTRY PARK.
- 0 -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977.
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
NEW GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WILL WATCH OVER SLOPES .. 1
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL SOON TAKE OFF .............. 3
ENQUIRIES ON PRE-WAR PREMISES WELL RECEIVED .............. 4
GOVERNOR INSPECTS DEVELOPMENT SITES AT YUEN LONG ......... 5
A FORTNIGHT LEFT TO COMMENT ON VICTORIA BARRACKS PROPOSALS ................................................. 6
FMO SCHOOL CHILDREN JOIN SUMMER YOUTH CAMP ................ 7
EXHIBITION ON SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECTS ..................... 8
INSTRUCTOR MANPOWER REQUIREMENTS BEING SURVEYED ........... 9
NEW ROOFS FOR MA WAN FISHERMEN ............................ 9
TRANSPORT COMMISSIONER WILL MEET THE PRESS ............... 10
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
1
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
STAFF APPROVED FOR PWD GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE .
******
GOVERNMENT HAS APPROVED THE CREATION OF 183 POSTS TO STAFF THE SPECIAL OFFICE IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WHICH WILL ACT AS WATCHDOG OVER ALL SLOPES IN HONG KONG.
THE NEW OFFICE, TO BE KNOWN AS THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE, HAS ALREADY COMPLETED ITS FIRST MAJOR TASK — THE RECOMPACTION OF A NUMBER OF FILL SLOPES IN PUBLIC HOUSING AREAS TO THE RIGOROUS STANDARDS SET BY THE INTERNATIONAL PANEL OF EXPERTS WHICH INVESTIGATED LAST YEAR’S SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE.
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. BRYAN O’RORKE, SAID TODAY THE STABILITY AND SAFETY OF THE SLOPES HAD BEEN ASSSURED AT A COST OF ABOUT $30 MILLION.
MR. O’RORKE SAID INITIAL WORK ON THE FORMATION OF THE NEW OFFICE BEGAN IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE RELEASE OF THE SAU MAU PING REPORT IN FEBRUARY THIS YEAR, PENDING FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL FOR THE LARGE NUMBER OF NEW POSTS INVOLVED.
+THIS APPROVAL HAS NOW BEEN GRANTED, WHICH MEANS WE HAVE THE GO-AHEAD TO GET ALL THE PEOPLE WE WILL NEED TO DO THE JOB.+
MR. O’RORKE SAID ADVERTISEMENTS FOR 56 PROFESSIONAL STAFF WITH SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF ENGINEERING AND GEOLOGY HAD ALREADY BEEN PLACED LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS.
RECRUITMENT OF STAFF TO FILL THE OTHER POSTS WILL GO AHEAD LOCALLY AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
THE FORMATION OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WAS RECOMMENDED BY A SPECIAL INTERDEPARTMENTAL GOVERNMENT WORKING PARTY SET UP LAST YEAR. THE REPORT OF THE PANEL OF INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS WHO INVESTIGATED THE SAU MAU PING LANDSLIDE MADE A SIMILAR RECOMMENDATION.
EARLIER THIS YEAR THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ASSIGNED A TEAM OF SENIOR OFFICERS TO PAVE THE WAY FOR THE CREATION OF THE GEOTECHNICAL OFFICE.
MR. O’RORKE SAIDi +THE PRIME TASK OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WILL BE TO ENSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL EXISTING AND FUTURE SLOPES. ON BOTH PRIVATE AND CROWN LANDS AROUND DEVELOPED AREAS.+
THE NEW OFFICE WOULD EXERCISE CONTROL BYi
* VETTING AND APPROVING ALL PROPOSALS, DESIGN CRITERIA AND PLANS FOR DEVELOPMENT AFFECTING SLOPES BOTH IN THE PRIVATE AND THE PUBLIC SECTORS,
* SUPERVISING PUBLIC AND PRIVATE CONSTRUCTION ON OR ADJACENT TO SLOPES TO ENSURE THAT THE WORKS COMPLY WITH APPROVED DESIGNS AND ARE SAFELY EXECUTED,
* REGULARLY MONITORING ALL EXISTING SLOPES, IN DEVELOPED AREAS,
* MAKING DETAILED FOLLOW UP STUDIES OF ANY SUSPECT AREA, AND
* ARRANGING REMEDIAL WORK, IF THOUGHT NECESSARY.
/♦THE OFFICE’
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
2
+ THE OFFICE’S STAFF WILL COMBINE SPECIALIST KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF ENGINEERING AND GEOLOGY SO THAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO ASSUME A LEADING AND GUIDING ROLE IN ADDITION TO THEIR SUPERVISORY ROLE,+ MR. O’RORKE SAID.
SOME OF THE PROPOSED FUNCTIONS OF THE NEW BODY HAVE BEEN CARRIED OUT IN THE PAST BY SECTIONS OF THE P.W.D. , SUCH AS THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE AND THE SOILS ENGINEERING DIVISION OF THE BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE SET UP ON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE 1972 LANDSLIDE INQUIRY AS WELL AS BY P.W.D. CONSULTING ENGINEERS.
THE NEW GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WILL BE DIVIDED INTO TWO BRANCHES, WITH A TOTAL OF FIVE DIVISIONS.
ONE BRANCH WILL DEAL WITH ALL GEOTECHNICAL SLOPE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ENGINEERING WORK, THE OTHER SIMILAR PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH BUILDINGS.
ONE DIVISION OF THE BUILDING BRANCH IS ALREADY FUNCTIONING IN THE P.W.D.’S BUILDING ORDINANCE OFFICE, SUPERVISING SLOPES IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR. A SECOND DIVISION WILL BE CREATED IN THE B.O.O. TO SUPERVISE THE GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS BY AUTHORITIES SUCH AS THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE OF THE P.W.D. WHERE SLOPES ARE INVOLVED.
THE THREE DIVISIONS OF THE ENGINEERING BRANCH WILL EACH HAVE SEPARATE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY.
ONE WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GEOTECHNICAL ASPECTS OF CIVIL ENGINEERING WORK CARRIED OUT BY SUCH GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AS THE HIGHWAYS OFFICE, CIVIL ENGINEERING OFFICE AND THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D.
THIS DIVISION WILL CHECK THE DESIGN AND SUPERVISION OF SLOPES INCLUDED IN CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS.
i
A SECOND DIVISION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR EXISTING SLOPES INVOLVING THEIR REGULAR INSPECTION, IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL DANGER THROUGH SUSPECTED INSTABILITY, AND ARRANGING FOR REMEDIAL ACTION.
THIS DIVISION WILL ALSO FORM A DATA BANK OF INFORMATION COVERING ALL THE GEOTECHNICAL SURVEYS CARRIED OUT IN HONG KONG.
A THIRD DIVISION OF THE ENGINEERING BRANCH OF THE GEOTECHNICAL CONTROL OFFICE WILL BE FORMED BY AMALGAMATING THE EXISTING P.W.D. QUARRIES SECTION WITH THE MATERIALS TESTING LABORATORIES WHICH WILL PLACE SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON EXPANDING SOIL TESTING TO COPE WITH THE EXPECTED INCREASE IN GEOTECHNICAL ACTIVITY IN HONG KONG.
THE DIVISION WILL ALSO CARRY OUT SITE INVESTIGATIONS INVOLVING BORING AND SAMPLING TO OBTAIN SPECIMENS FOR TESTING IN THE DIVISION’S LABORATORIES.
IN ADDITION, A LAND SURVEY SECTIONS WILL BE FORMED TO CARRY OUT LAND SURVEY WORK FOR ALL DIVISIONS OF THE NEW OFFICE, AND THE READING OF FUTURE SOILS INSTRUMENTATION OF SLOPES.
_ . . . o ---- /3..........................
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
t>
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION WILL SOON TAKE OFF
*****
HONG KONG WILL SOON BE AT THE TAKE-OFF POINT IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. DEREK JONES, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF VICTORIA, MR. JONES SAID AN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION UNIT, RECOMMENDED BY THE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IN THE EARLY STAGES OF THEIR WORK, IS BEING ESTABLISHED WITHIN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
THE NEWLY APPOINTED HEAD OF THE UNIT, DR. STUART REED, HAS RECENTLY ARRIVED IN HONG KONG AND IS SETTING ABOUT RECRUITING THE MEMBERS OF HIS TEAM, HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE REPORT AND RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE CONSULTANTS WILL BE PRESENTED IN THE NEAR FUTURE AND AFTER FULL CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE ADVISORY COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (EPCOM)' LEGISLATION WILL NEED TO BE DRAWN UP IN CONSULTATION WITH THOSE MOST PARTICULARLY AFFECTED, AND THE NECESSARY MONITORING, ADVISORY AND ENFORCEMENT RESOURCES WILL BE DRAWN TOGETHER.
IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, THERE WILL BE NO NEED FOR DRACONIAN MEASURES. WHAT THE CONSULTANTS HAVE PROPOSED AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS ACCEPTED IS A FLEXIBLE SYSTEM OF POLLUTION CONTROLS FOR HONG KONG.
+THESE WOULD AVOID LAYING DOWN RIGID ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS BUT WOULD SEEK TO IMPOSE CONTROLS WHERE THEY ARE MOST NEEDED AND JUSTIFIED, HAVING REGARD TO THE ECONOMIC REALITIES AND SOCIAL NEEDS OF OUR COMMUNITY,* THE SECRETARY SAID.
MR. JONES SAID GENERALLY SPEAKING, THE ENVIRONMENT OF HONG KONG WAS NOT BAD BUT COULD BE BETTER.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAS BEEN FORTUNATE UP TO NOW IN THAT A NUMBER OF NATURAL GEOGRAPHIC FACTORS HAVE COMBINED TO MINIMISE THE EFFECTS OF POLLUTION.
BECAUSE OF THE PATTERN OF PREVAILING WINDS FOR INSTANCE, HE SAID, THERE IS NO +SMOG+ IN HONG KONG. THE NATURAL +FLUSHING+ ACTION OF COASTAL CURRENTS CARRIED AWAY MUCH OF OUR WATER POLLUTION OUT TO SEA AND THE LIGHT INDUSTRY, WH ICH IS RELATIVELY NON-POLLUTING,WE HAVE SO FAR RELIED MAINLY ON HAS NOT LED TO SERIOUS POLLUTION PROBLEMS WITH DANGEROUS OR TOXIC WASTES, HE ADDED.
+WE ARE FAR BEING A DISASTER AREA AND OUR TASK FROM WHILE DOING SOMETHING TO CLEAR UP THE BLACK SPOTS, IS TO THAT. AS OUR INDUSTRY AND POPULATION EXPAND FURTHER, OUR ENVIRONMENT DOES NOT DETERIORATE BEYOND PRESENT LEVELS,*
NOW ON, MAKE SURE
OVERALL
MR. JONES
SAID.
/HE MENTIONED .....
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
4
HE MENTIONED THE VARIOUS POLLUTION PROBLEMS IN HONG KONG AT PRESENT, INCLUDING DOMESTIC AND OTHER SOLID WASTES, INDUSTRIAL EFFLUENTS, AGRICULTURAL WASTES, SEWAGE, VEHICLE EXHAUST FUMES, OTHER AIR POLLUTION AND ALL FORMS OF NOISE, AND DESCRIBED THE MEASURES TAKEN TO TACKLE THEM.
HE NOTED THAT A GREAT DEAL OF HONG KONG’S ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS STEM FROM THE VERY HIGH CONCENTRATION OF OUR POPULATION IN THE URBAN AREAS AND ITS ATTENDANT PROBLEMS OF OVERCROWDING, NOISE, WASTE DISPOSAL AND TRAFFIC CONGESTION.
POSITIVE STEPS ARE BEING TAKEN TO ALLEVIATE THIS. +THEY INCLUDE THE MAJOR PROGRAMMES NOW IN FULL SWING TO DEVELOP THE NEW TOWNS AND MARKET TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO ACCOMMODATE THE FUTURE GROWTH IN THE POPULATION IN A PLANNED AND LESS CROWDED ENVIRONMENT,* HE SAID.
- - - - 0 ---------
GOOD RESPONSE TO PRE-WAR PREMISES SURVEY
******
INFORMATION ON MORE THAN HALF OF THE PRE-WAR PREMISES EXISTING IN HONG KONG HAVE BEEN GATHERED IN A PERIODIC FACT FINDING SURVEY TO EVALUATE THE POTENTIAL OF FUTURE PUBLIC HOUSING NEEDS.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS EXPRESSED APPRECIATION FOR THE CO-OPERATION GIVEN BY RESIDENTS AND OWNERS OF NEARLY 10,000 UNITS AND APPEALED TO OTHERS WHO HAVE NOT YET BEEN INTERVIEWED TO HELP THE DEPARTMENT’S ENUMERATORS IN THEIR SURVEY WHICH WILL BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF THIS MONTH.
IN COLLABORATION WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, STUDENT ENUMERATORS WILL VISIT ALL THE PRE-WAR BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES TO COLLECT INFORMATION ON UP-TO-DATE RENTAL PARTICULARS, CONDITIONS OF THE BUILDINGS, AND HOUSEHOLD SIZE AND INCOME OF OCCUPANTS.
EACH ENUMERATOR WILL CARRY AN OFFICIAL IDENTITY CARD ISSUED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE COMMISSIONER OF CENSUS AND STATISTICS EMPHASISED THAT INFORMATION OBTAINED FROM THE HOUSEHOLDS WILL BE KEPT IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WILL BE USED FOR STATISTICAL PURPOSES ONLY.
-----o------
/5......
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
IF
5
WORK ON YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE MAY START THIS YEAR END *****
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS MORNING VISITED YUEN LONG AND INSPECTED A SITE EARMARKED FOR THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG’S SECOND INDUSTRIAL ESTATE.
THE SITE COVERS AN AREA OF 93.1 HECTARES (230 ACRES) IN WANG CHAU TO THE NORTH OF YUEN LONG TOWN.
SIR MURRAY WAS BRIEFED ON THE PLANNING FOR THE PROPOSED YUEN LONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATE BY THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OF THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL ESTATES CORPORATION, MR. V. MILLER.
ACCORDING TO MR. MILLER, SUBJECT TO APPROVAL OF LOAN FUNDS, THE CORPORATION HOPES TO BE ABLE TO START WORK ON THE SCHEME BY THE END OF THIS YEAR.
TWO MONTHS AGO, THE GOVERNMENT SIGNED A LAND GRANT WITH THE CORPORATION FOR THE FIRST INDUSTRIAL ESTATE IN TAI PO.
DURING THE TOUR, THE GOVERNOR ALSO VISITED THE PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SCHEME IN TAI SANG WAI WHICH WILL PROVIDE GARDEN-TYPE HOUSING FOR 25,000 PEOPLE WITH COMMUNITY AND COMMERCIAL FACILITIES
ACCOMPANYING HIM THROUGHOUT THE VISIT WERE THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, AND THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. MICHAEL CARTLAND.
THE TOUR LATER TOOK THEM TO THE ROOFTOP OF A BUILDING FROM WHERE THEY VIEWED THE RURAL DEVELOPMENT IN SHAP PAT HEUNG AS WELL AS DEVELOPMENT PROGRESS ON YUEN LONG TOWN.
MAJOR PROJECTS THAT ARE UNDERWAY INCLUDE:
* A 34 MILLION GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL FOR 920 STUDENTS. SITE FORMATION IS PROCEEDING AND THE SCHOOL SHOULD BE COMPLETED BY 1979.
* A 34 MILLION CLUB-HOUSE FOR THE YUEN LONG SPORTS ASSOCIATION WITH VARIOUS GAMES FACILITIES INCLUDING A GYMNASIUM. IT WILL OPEN IN NOVEMBER.
* A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA OF WHICH SITE FORMATION IS UNDERWAY.
THE GOVERNOR ALSO HAD A MEETING WITH YUEN LONG RURAL LEADERS IN WHICH THEY DISCUSSED SOME OF THE LOCAL PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE YUEN LONG TOWN.
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MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
6
TWO WEEKS LEFT TO COMMENT ON VICTORIA BARRACKS PLANNING PROPOSALS * * * *
THE PUBLIC WERE REMINDED TODAY (MONDAY) THAT THERE ARE ONLY TWO/MORE WEEKS FOR THEM TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS MADE BY THE VICTORIA BARRACKS PLANNING COMMITTEE FOR THE FUTURE USE OF THE AREA.
THE DETAILED PROPOSALS, ALONG WITH A MAP, WERE PUBLISHED EARLY LAST MONTH AND THE PUBLIC WERE GIVEN TWO MONTHS IN WHICH TO PUT FORWARD THEIR VIEWS ON THEM.
ACCORDING TO THE SECRETARY OF THE VICTORIA BARRACKS PLANNING COMMITTEE, EIGHT COMMENTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED SINCE THE PROPOSALS WERE MADE PUBLIC. THE DEADLINE FOR RECEIVING COMMENTS, HE SAID, WAS AUGUST 2.
ANYONE WANTING TO COMMENT ON THE PROPOSALS SHOULD DO SO IN WRITING TO THE SECRETARY, VICTORIA BARRACKS PLANNING COMMITTEE, ENVIRONMENT BRANCH, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
HE REMINDED MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC THAT THE COMMITTEE’S PROPOSALS WERE STILL AVAILABLE AT A NOMINAL CHARGE OF $1 A COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE IN THE G.P.O. BUILDING. THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICES AND THE N.T. DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE COMMITTEE’S PROPOSALS FALL BROADLY INTO FOUR LAND USE CATEGORIES. THESE ARE THAT:
* 6.4 HECTARES COMPRISING THE WOODED HILLSIDES, THE GROUNDS 6F FLAGSTAFF HOUSE AND THE THREE EXISTING TENNIS COURTS SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC AS OPEN SPACE FOR PASSIVE AND ACTIVE RECREATIONAL PURPOSES. THIS MEANS THAT A VIRTUALLY CONTINUOUS GREEN AREA WITH MATURE TREES EXTENDING FROM THE BOTANICAL GARDENS TO QUEENSWAY WOULD BE PROVIDED-
* AN AREA OF ABOUT 1.9 HECTARES (4.7 ACRES) FRONTING QUEENSWAY AND EXTENDING FROM THE EASTERN ENTRANCE TO THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA NEAR QUEEN’S ROAD EAST WESTWARDS TOWARDS CENTRAL BE USED FOR COMMERCIAL/RESI DENT I AL DEVELOPMENT-
K A MEDIUM DENSITY RESIDENTIAL AREA OF ABOUT 2.9 HECTARES (7.2 ACRES) SHOULD BE DEVELOPED TO THE NORTH OF KENNEDY ROAD AT ITS EASTERN END WITH THE RETENTION OF GREEN STRIPS ALONG THE ROAD FRONTAGES-
* ABOUT 3.5 HECTARES (8.6 ACRES) BE USED FOR GOVERNMENT, INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY USE. THIS WOULD INCLUDE A SCHOOL AND AN EXTENSION OF THE EXISTING CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES. A SITE FRONTING QUEENSWAY FOR A NEW SUPREME COURT BUILDING IS ALSO PROPOSED AS IS THE RETENTION, FOR INSTITUTIONAL OR COMMUNITY USE, OF THE EXISTING SWIMMING POOL AND CLUB PREMISES AT THE EASTERN END OF THE AREA.
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MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
7
FISHERFOLK CHILDREN JOIN SUMMER FUN
******
EIGHT HUNDRED FISHERFOLK CHILDREN ARE TAKING PART IN A SUMMER CAMP AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE ORGANISED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION AS PART OF THE GOVERNMENT’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME.
THE CHILDREN COME FROM THE 13 FMO SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND ARE ENTERTAINED TO A WIDE VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES AND SPORTING EVENTS FOR FIVE DAYS, BEGINNING TODAY (MONDAY).
THERE ARE BALL GAMES, SWIMMING AND CROSS-COUNTRY RACES IN THE MORNING, COMPETITIVE GAMES AND GROUP ACTIVITIES IN THE AFTERNOON, FOLLOWED BY A BARBECUE PARTY, SOCIAL GATHERINGS OR OTHER ENTERTAINMENT IN THE EVENING.
THE PROGRAMME ALSO INCLUDES DEMONSTRATIONS BY CIVIL AID SERVICES CADETS, AND PERFORMANCES BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE BAND ON THE LAST DAY.
THE CAMP, THE NINTH OF ITS KIND ORGANISED BY THE FISH MARKETING ORGANISATION EACH SUMMER FOR FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN, AIMS AT BRINGING THEM TOGETHER TO MEET NEW FRIENDS, TO DEVELOP THEIR GROUP CO-OPERATION AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT, AS WELL AS TO CULTIVATE THEIR INTEREST IN SPORTS.
THE EVENT THIS YEAR IS SPONSORED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE CHINESE YOUNG MEN’S CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION, WHICH MANAGES THE YOUTH VILLAGE, WHILE PART OF THE EXPENSES IS MET BY THE ORGANISATION.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY AT THE CLOSE OF THE CAMP ON FRIDAY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE CLOSE OF THE FMO SCHOOLS CHILDREN SUMMER CAMP AT WU KWAI SHA YOUTH VILLAGE THIS FRIDAY (JULY 22). THE FINALS OF THE COMPETITIVE GAMES WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 9 AND 11 A.M., FOLLOWED BY PRESENTATION OF PRIZES BY THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, MR. J.M. RIDDELL-SWAN AT 11.30 A.M.
TRANSPORT FOR PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE AVAILABLE. A VAN OF THE DEPARTMENT, NO. AM2077, WILL LEAVE THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES COMPOUND ON FRIDAY AT 9.40 A.M. FOR MA LIU SHUI PIER WHERE A SPECIAL LAUNCH WILL DEPART AT 10.30 A.M. FOR WU KWAI SHA.
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MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
- 8 -
JOINT EXHIBITION ON SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECTS ******
A SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION, JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND 15 ’MONITORED’ SCHOOLS, WILL BE HELD IN THE SCHOOL HALL OF HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL FROM WEDNESDAY TO FRIDAY (JULY 20 TO 22).
THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO INTRODUCE THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR’S WORK OF THE SCHOOLS, WHICH ARE TRYING OUT THE PROVISIONAL SYLLABUS FOR SOCIAL STUDIES ON A ’MONITORED’ BASIS, ALONG WITH 28 OTHERS ON A ’VOLUNTARY’ BASIS.
THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WILL CONTRIBUTE TO THE EXHIBITION BY INTRODUCING PART OF THE PROJECTS UNDERTAKEN BY STUDENT TEACHERS FOR THEIR SOCIAL STUDIES TRAINING PROGRAMME.
THE EXHIBITS WILL INCLUDE CHARTS, PICTURES, SLIDES, AND MODELS, AND THERE WILL BE A SHORT FILM ON A DEMONSTRATION LESSON IN ’NEW TOWNS OF HONG KONG’.
SOCIAL STUDIES WAS FIRST IMPLEMENTED IN SEPTEMBER 1975 IN FORM 1 AS A PILOT SCHEME, AND WAS EXTENDED TO FORM 2 IN THE LAST ACADEMIC YEAR.
A COURSE FOR SERVING SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHERS OF ’MONITORED’ AND ’VOLUNTARY’ SCHOOLS WHO WILL TEACH THE SUBJECT IN FORM 3 THIS SEPTEMBER WILL BE HELD IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE EXHIBITION.
MR. A.G. BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 10.30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M. THAT DAY AND FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4 P.M. ON THE OTHER TWO DAYS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL, 1, KA NING PATH, CAUSEWAY BAY, HONG KONG AT 10.30 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 20).
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MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
9
SURVEY ON INSTRUCTOR MANPOWER STARTS
******
THE SURVEY ON THE MANPOWER NEEDS FOR INSTRUCTORS IN MAJOR INDUSTRIES, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS STARTED TODAY.
THE SURVEY IS THE SECOND IN THE SERIES BEING CONDUCTED BY THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT. ITS AIM IS TO UP-DATE THE INFORMATION COLLECTED IN THE PREVIOUS SURVEY AND TO ASCERTAIN, AMONG OTHER MATTERS, THE EXISTING NUMBER OF INSTRUCTORS EMPLOYED, THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTORS REQUIRED IN THE NEXT TWO YEARS.
DURING THE SURVEY, WHICH WILL END ON JULY 30, AN OFFICER WILL VISIT SELECTED INDUSTRIAL ESTABLISHMENTS TO COLLECT THE COMPLETED QUESTIONNAIRE, ANSWER ANY QUERIES AND ASSIST IN THE COMPLETION OF THE QUESTIONNAIRE IF NECESSARY.
A SPOKESMAN OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL SAID; +EMPLOYERS CAN REST ASSURED THAT 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 ESTABLISHMENTS.*
THE COMMITTEE ON INSTRUCTOR TRAINING WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO EMPLOYERS' CO-OPERATION IN THE SURVEY AND HOPED THAT THEY WOULD READILY PROVIDE THE REQUIRED INFORMATION WHICH IS OF VITAL IMPORTANCE IN HELPING TO ENSURE THAT THERE IS AN ADEQUATE SUPPLY OF QUALIFIED INSTRUCTORS TO MEET THE MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF HONG KONG’S EXPANDING ECONOMY, THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
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NOTE TO EDITORS
THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE NORTH AMERICAN AID AGENCY, C.A.R.E., HAS COMPLETED A $100,000-PROJECT TO RE-ROOF A NUMBER OF FISHERMEN’S HOUSES ON MA WAN.
OFFICIALS FROM THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND MR. BILL SALES, DIRECTOR OF C.A.R.E. IN HONG KONG WILL ATTEND AN OPENING CEREMONY AT MA WAN TOMORROW (TUESDAY).
A SPECIAL FERRY WILL LEAVE THE PIER AT 13-MILE-STONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD AT 10.45 A.M. A GOVERNMENT NINE-SEATER VAN AM2088 WILL LEAVE THE CARPARK BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 10 A.M. TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE FERRY PEIR.
OFFICERS OF THE N.T.A. PUBLICITY UNIT WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST.
MA WAN FISHERMEN HAVE NEW ROOFS
* * * *
MONDAY, JULY 18, 1977
- 10 -
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION
NOTE TO EDITORS;
A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD AT 3 P.M. ON THURSDAY (JULY 21) IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
ATTENDING THE MEETING WILL BE MR. P.F. LEEDS, ACTING COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE FUNCTION. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MTR TO BE EXTENDED 10.7 KILOMETRES TO TSUEN WAN . 1
+ACTIVITY APPROACH+ EXHIBITION SUCCESSFUL ....... 2
EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC OPENS NEXT MONDAY ....... 3
MA WAN FISHERMEN HOMES RE-ROOFED ................ 4
GOVERNOR TO VISIT YOUNG ARTISTS AT WORK ......... 5
RTHK HOSTS JUNIOR POLICE CALL ANNIVERSARY PARTY . 5
NEXT TOEFL ON SEPTEMBER 24 ...................... 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
1
EXTENSION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN ******
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL THIS MORNING APPROVED A PROPOSAL BY THE BOARD OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION TO EXTEND THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM (MIS) OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY FROM PRINCE EDWARD STATION, MONGKOK, TO TSUEN WAN. THE LENGTH OF THE EXTENDED RAILWAY WILL THUS BE 26.3 KILOMETRES COMPARED WITH THE LENGTH OF THE MIS OF 15.6 KILOMETRES.
THE PLANNED EXTENSION FROM PRINCE EDWARD STATION WILL RUN THROUGH SHAM SHU I PO, SO UK, CHEUNG SHA WAN, LAI CHI KOK ONWARDS THROUGH KWAI CHUNG TO TSUEN WAN. THE EXTENSION WILL INCLUDE 11 NEW STATIONS AND THUS THE ENLARGED SYSTEM WILL HAVE 26 IN ALL.
THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION PLANS TO CONSTRUCT THE EXTENSION BETWEEN 1978 AND THE END OF 1982 AND THE ESTIMATED COST, INCLUDING AN ESCALATION FACTOR FOR INFLATION, BUT EXCLUDING INTEREST AND FINANCE CHARGES INCURRED DURING THE CONSTRUCTION PERIOD AND CROWN LAND PREMIA, WILL BE $4,100 MILLION. EXCLUDING THE ESCALATION FACTOR, THE EXTENSION IS ESTIMATED TO COST ABOUT $2,900 MILLION AT 1975 PRICES, OR ABOUT TWO-THIRDS OF THE COST OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM.
THE CORPORATION PLANS TO FINANCE THE COST OF THE NEW EXTENSION ENTIRELY FROM LOANS. PUBLIC FUNDS WILL NOT BE INVOLVED AT ALL, ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT WILL TAKE A FURTHER SMALL ADDITIONAL EQUITY INTEREST IN THE CORPORATION IN EXCHANGE FOR CROWN LAND PREMIA- AND, TO ASSIST THE CORPORATION IN THE EARLY YEARS OF OPERATION, EQUITY WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR PAYMENT OF RATES.
THE CORPORATION BELIEVES THAT ITS ESTIMATES OF COST ARE REALISTIC AND ITS FINANCIAL PLANNING PROVIDES FOR ALL LOANS FOR THE EXTENDED SYSTEM TO BE REPAID BY 1992.
IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM PLUS THE EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN COULD CARRY ABOUT 1.8 MILLION PASSENGERS DAILY BY THE MID 198O’S COMPARED WITH PREVIOUS ESTIMATES OF ABOUT 1 MILLION PASSENGERS FOR THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM ALONE.
THE EXTENT ION OF THE M.T.R. TO TSUEN WAN UNDERLINES THE IMPORTANCE THE GOVERNMENT ATTACHES TO MEETING THE GROWING TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE LARGE COMMUNITIES GROWING UP IN THE TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TSING Yl AND TUEN MUN AREAS. THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS CORRIDOR WAS SHOWN IN THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY COMPLETED IN 1976, WHICH SPECIFICALLY ESTABLISHED THE NEED FOR AN EXTENSION OF THE RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION AND, OF COURSE, THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM ITSELF, WILL ENABLE THE RAILWAY TO CARRY LARGE NUMBERS OF PEOPLE RAPIDLY THROUGH SOME OF THE MOST CROWDED PARTS OF HONG KONG, AND THE CONSEQUENT ALLEVIATION OF CONGESTION ON THE ROADS WILL BENEFIT THE ENTIRE POPULATION.
TUESDAY, JV'SY 19, 1977
2
THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM COMPENSATION SCHEME, INCLUDING EX-GRATIA COMPENSATION AND THE SYSTEM OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS, WILL APPLY TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EXTENSION.
THE DECISION TO APPROVE AN EARLY START ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION HAS BEEN TAKEN IN THE LIGHT OF THE SATISFACTORY PROGRESS SO FAR MADE ON THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM. THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM IS NOW OVER 25 PER CENT COMPLETE AND IS STILL WITHIN THE ORIGINAL COST ESTIMATE. THE CORPORATION HAS TOLD THE GOVERNMENT THAT IT CONTINUES TO BE CONFIDENT THAT THE SYSTEM WILL BE COMPLETED WITHIN THE ORIGINAL COST ESTIMATE AND ON TIME. TO DELAY THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EXTENSION UNTIL THE MIS IS COMPLETED AND IN OPERATION WOULD MEAN THAT THE OVERALL COST OF THE SYSTEM WOULD ALMOST CERTAINLY BE GREATER- AND INCREASING TRAFFIC CONGESTION WOULD ALSO MAKE CONSTRUCTION MORE DIFFICULT AND MORE DISRUPTIVE TO THE PUBLIC. ALSO, AT THE PRESENT TIME IT IS BELIEVED THAT LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL FINANCE CAN BE RAISED ON FAVOURABLE TERMS.
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ACTIVITY APPROACH EXHIBITION A BIG HIT ******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S EXHIBITION ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH SCHEME IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAS PROVED A BIG SUCCESS — PARTICULARLY WITH STUDENTS AND PARENTS.
HUNDREDS OF VISITORS VIEWED THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY TODAY AT THE GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION AND MANY TEACHERS AND STUDENTS EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST IN THE SCHEME.
AMONG THE VISITORS TODAY WERE THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. COLVYN HAYE, AND THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (PRIMARY), MR. DAVID LEUNG.
MR. LEUNG SAID THE ACTIVITY APPROACH SCHEME WAS BECOMING INCREASINGLY POPULAR WITH BOTH TEACHERS AND STUDENTS AS IT GENERATED AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES FOR CHILDREN TO BE ACTIVELY INVOLVED AND LEARN BY DOING.
+THIS APPROACH IS BASED ON WELL ESTABLISHED CONCEPTS ABOUT HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT, ESPECIALLY THOSE ABOUT HOW YOUNG CHILDREN GROW AND LEARN.
+THROUGH IT CHILDREN CAN LEARN AT THEIR OWN PACE AND TEACHERS CAN DEVISE DIFFERENT PROGRAMMES TO SUIT DIFFERENT CHILDREN,+ SAID MR. LEUNG.
THE EXHIBITION FEATURES A SERIES OF TEACHING MATERIALS AND AIDS, PUPILS’ WORKS, REFERENCE MATERIALS AS WELL AS GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE ACTIVITY APPROACH AND LEARNING PROCESSES IN VARIOUS SUBJECT ARE'.AS.
IT WILL CLOSE AT 4.30 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC TO OPEN NEXT MONDAY * * * * *
THE NEW EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC AT HAMMER HILL, NGAU CHI WAN, WILL BEGIN OPERATION IN PHASES FROM NEXT MONDAY, PROVIDING FURTHER GENERAL OUT-PATIENT AND SPECIALIST SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THE EAST KOWLOON REGION.
STAGE I OF THE MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR PROJECT, NOW COMPLETED, COMPRISES A CHEST CLINIC AND A GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WHICH WILL ALSO HOUSE A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE AND A FAMILY PLANNING CLINIC.
THE PROJECT, BUILT AT A COST OF SOME $4 MILLION, IS THE FIRST OF SEVEN NEW GENERAL CLINICS PLANNED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT FOR COMPLETION WITHIN THE NEXT FEW YEARS TO MEET THE INCREASING NEEDS FOR OUT-PATIENT SERVICES.
THE EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC WILL PROVIDE MAIN HEALTH SERVICES TO THE INCREASING POPULATION IN KWUN TONG, WONG TAI SIN, SAU MAU PING AND WANG TAU HOM. THE CHEST CLINIC, FOR INSTANCE, WILL PROVIDE FACILITIES FOR OUT-PATIENT CHEMOTHERAPY, THUS ENABLING HOSPITAL BEDS FOR THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS TO BE USED FOR OTHER CONDITIONS, PARTICULARLY HEART DISEASES.
THE NEW CHEST CLINIC WILL RELIEVE MUCH OF THE PRESSURE ON THE EXISTING GOVERNMENT CHEST CLINICS WHERE ATTENDANCES LAST YEAR EXCEEDED 1.5 MILLION.
CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE II OF THE POLYCLINIC WILL BEGIN SOON AND IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN 1979. WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, IT WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR SPECIALIST UNITS — MEDICAL, SURGERY, ORTHOPAEDIC, PAEDIATRIC, OBSTETRIC AND GYNAECOLOGY, OPHTHALMIC AND EAR, NOSE AND THROAT.
THE ROYAL JOCKEY CLUB HAS DONATED $1.3 MILLION TOWARDS THE CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE I OF THE POLYCLINIC.
NOTE TO ED I TORSt
THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC WILL BE OFFICIATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, ON THURSDAY (JULY 21) AT 3.30 P.M. YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER/PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT. DUE TO LIMITED SPACE, TV MEDIA ARE ADVISED TO USE HAND-HELD CAMERAS.
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A
TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
4
FISHERMEN’S HOUSES RE-ROOFED
* * * *
THIRTY FISHERMEN’S FAMILIES ON MA WAN ISLAND NO LONGER HAVE TO PUT UP WITH LEAKING ROOFS - THEIR HOUSES HAVE BEEN RE-ROOFED THROUGH THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE AND A NORTH AMERICAN RELIEF AID AGENCY.
THIS IS THE THIRD TIME THAT THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE COOPERATIVE FOR AMERICAN RELIEF EVERYWHERE (C.A.R.E.) HAVE COOPERATED IN HELPING THE FISHERMEN.
THE HOUSES HAVE BEEN RE-ROOFED TO THE DESIGN PREPARED BY THE WORKS SECTION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WITH FUNDS PROVIDED BY THE C.A.R.E.
A CEREMONY WAS HELD THIS MORNING TO MARK THE COMPLETION OF THE $100,000 PROJECT, WORK ON WHICH STARTED EARLIER THIS YEAR.
TO EXPRESS THEIR THANKS, THE FISHERMEN’S REPRESENTATIVE, l*R. NG CHAU, PRESENTED BANNERS TO OFFICIALS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE DIRECTOR OF C.A.R.E. IN HONG KONG, MR. BILL SALAS.
MR. MICHAEL STONE, ASSISTANT DISTRICT OFFICER, TSUEN WAN, SA IDs +BACK IN 1965, C.A.R.E. PROVIDED THE MONEY TO BUILD 24 OF THE 30 HOMES UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE, WHILE THE FISHERMEN BUILT THE OTHER SIX THEMSELVES.+
IN 1975, MR. STONE ADDED, THE FISHERMEN APPROACHED THE DISTRICT OFFICE FOR HELP BECAUSE THE STAIRWAYS AND BALCONIES OF THE HOUSES HAD FALLEN INTO DISREPAIR.
SUBSEQUENTLY, UNDER THE JOINT EFFORTS OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE C.A.R.E., RENOVATIONS WERE CARRIED OUT AT A COST OF $10,000, ONE QUARTER OF WHICH WAS PROVIDED BY THE DISTRICT OFFICE, HE SAID.
+LATE LAST YEAR, THE FISHERMEN AGAIN APPROACHED THE DISTRICT OFFICE AS THE ROOFS OF THEIR HOUSES HAD FALLEN INTO DISREPAIR AND HAD BEGUN TO LEAK.
+THE DISTRICT OFFICE AND C.A.R.E. AGAIN COMBINED FORCES AND HAVE THE HOUSES RE-ROOFED,+ HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
5
NOTE TO EDITORS!
SIR MURRAY TO VISIT YOUNG CREATORS AT WORK
******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OBSERVE HOW YOUNG CHILDREN ARE ENCOURAGED IN FREE EXPRESSION AND IMAGINATIVE THINKING DURING A VISIT TO THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION’S SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ACTIVITIES ON THURSDAY (JULY 21) AT THE ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION).
ONE OF THE EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE ASSOCIATION IS THE *JOY IN CREATION*, IN WHICH CHILDREN DISPLAY THEIR ARTISTIC AND CREATIVE TALENTS.
ABOUT 150 CHILDREN, DIVIDED INTO SMALL GROUPS OF THREES, WILL DEVELOP A +MASTER-PIECE* AROUND A SPECIFIED THEME BY CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS USING WASTE MATERIAL SUCH AS FOAM RUBBER, TIN AND WALLPAPER.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER SIR MURRAY’S VISIT WHICH WILL START FROM 10 A.M. AT THE OPEN GROUND ANNEX TO ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL (PRIMARY SCHOOL).
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RTHK CELEBRATES THIRD JPC ANNIVERSARY
* * *
RADIO TELEVISION HONG KONG WILL HOLD A CELEBRATION PARTY FOR THE THIRD ANNIVERSARY OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) BETWEEN 2 P.M. AND 5 P.M. AT BROADCASTING HOUSE.
THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE, MR. BRIAN SLEVIN AND THE CHIEF POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER, MR. A.C. RENNIE, WILL ATTEND THE PARTY.
MR. DONALD KERR, ACTING DIRECTOR OF BROADCASTING AND MR. SIMON LUN, CONTROLLER (TELEVISION) WILL BE PRESENT TO WELCOME THE GUESTS.
THE PARTY WILL INCLUDE A LUCKY DRAW, A PO LEUNG KUK RAFFLE DRAW, A COMEDY SHOW BY RTHK ARTISTES, A PET SHOW, A TALENT COMPETITION AND PRESENTATION OF SOUVENIRS TO THE 200,000TH JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBER.
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TUESDAY, JULY 19, 1977
6
TOEFL TO BE HELD IN SEPTEMBER M M M
THE NEXT TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (T.O.E.F.L.) WILL BE HELD ON SEPTEMBER 24.
COPIES OF THE BULLETIN OF INFORMATION AND REGISTRATION FORM MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TENTH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON- OR THE OVERSEAS STUDENTS AND SCHOLARSHIP SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, BONAVENTURE HOUSE, SECOND FLOOR, 91 LEIGHTON ROAD, HONG KONG- OR THE INSTITUTE OF INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION, 408 J. HOTUNG HOUSE, FOURTH FLOOR, 5-15 HANKOW ROAD, KOWLOON.
CANDIDATES ARE ADVISED TO READ THE BULLETIN CAREFULLY FOR INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE.
THEY SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR COMPLETED REGISTRATION FORMS IN PERSON, ALONG WITH THEIR HONG KONG IDENTITY CARD OR PASSPORT, AND TWO RECENT PHOTOGRAPHS (2-1/2” X 2”), TO THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TENTH FLOOR, KOWLOON, BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 4 P.M. FROM JULY 25 TO 29.
NO LATE ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED.
THE TEST FEE OF $95 PER CANDIDATE MUST BE PAID NOT LATER THAN AUGUST 3, 1977 AT THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 11TH FLOOR, 393 CANTON ROAD, KOWLOON.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY/ JULY 20, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONTRACT FOR 1,200-METRE EAST KOWLOON WAY SIGNED ............ 1
DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL TO BE MODIFIED ............. 2
JOINT SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION ..................... 2
GOVERNOR TOURS LABOUR DEPARTMENT .......................... 3
MEANINGFUL SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS PLANNED ........... 4
I
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS NEAR MEI POO SUN TSUEN ................ 5
PRESENTATION TO RETIRING CAS COMMISSIONER ................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1977
1
$41 MILLION CONTRACT FOR EAST KOWLOON WAY *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY LET A CONTRACT FOR $41 MILLION FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF EAST KOWLOON WAY — PART OF THE $300 MILLION ROAD SCHEME DESIGNED TO SPEED UP TRAFFIC BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND URBAN KOWLOON.
EAST KOWLOON WAY CONSISTS OF A 1,200-METRE ELEVATED ROADWAY OVER CHATHAM ROAD AND KOWLOON CITY ROAD TO LINK TWO MAJOR INTERCHANGES AT HUNG HOM AND TO KWA WAN.
MR. T.S. NG, CHIEF ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, CONSULTANTS MANAGEMENT DIVISION, SAID THE CONTRACT FOR $41,199,864 HAD BEEN AWARDED TO THE EXPRESS TRANSPORT AND BUILDING CONTRACTORS LTD.
HE SAID THAT CONSTRUCTION OF THE ROADWAY WOULD START NEXT MONTH AND WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT 27 MONTHS.
MR. NG SAID THAT EAST KOWLOON WAY WOULD HAVE FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, AND WOULD PROVIDE A MORE DIRECT ROUTE BETWEEN KAI TAK AIRPORT AND HUNG HOM.
AS PART OF THE CONTRACT, THE SECTION OF CHATHAM ROAD BETWEEN ITS JUNCTION WITH WO CHUNG STREET AND HOK YUEN STREET WOULD ALSO BE IMPROVED AND WIDENED TO ACCOMMODATE THE ADDITIONAL TRAFFIC LANES OF EAST KOWLOON WAY.
EAST KOWLOON WAY FORMS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ROUTE 3 — A SIX-KILOMETRE HIGH CAPACITY ROUTE BETWEEN KWUN TONG AND HUNG HOM WHICH WILL PARTLY RUN UNDER THE AIRPORT RUNWAY VIA A 1,200-METRE TUNNEL.
THE TUNNEL LINK IS STRUCTURALLY COMPLETE AND WORK IS PROGRESSING SMOOTHLY ON THE TWO INTERCHANGES — SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE AT TO KWA WAN AND WU HU INTERCHANGE IN HUNG HOM ■— WHICH FORM A VITAL PART OF THE WESTERN APPROACHES TO THE AIRPORT TUNNEL.
EAST KOWLOON WAY IS THE LAST LINK IN THE WESTERN APPROACHES.
IN ADDITION’TO THE FOUR LANES OF TRAFFIC, A SERIES OF SAFE PEDESTRIAN CROSSING FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE EAST KOWLOON WAY.
THE WHOLE ROUTE 3 SCHEME IS SCHEDULED FOR COMPLETION IN 1980.
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/2......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1977
2
DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL TO BE MODIFIED *****
TWO MAIN AMENDMENTS WILL BE PROPOSED FOR THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE POLICE AND THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO DETAIN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF SUSPECTS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SERIOUS DRUG OFFENCES, WHEN IT COMES UP FOR THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL NEXT WEDNESDAY (JULY 27).
THE AMENDMENTS WILL BE MOVED AT THE COMMITTEE STAGE BY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL WHO HAS CONSIDERED THE VIEWS OF AN AD HOC GROUP OF UMELCO MEMBERS UNDER THE CHAIRMANSHIP OF MR. OSWALD CHEUNG.
THE ORIGINAL BILL PROVIDES THAT A MAGISTRATE MAY AUTHORISE THE POLICE OR THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE, UPON APPLICATION FROM THEM, TO DETAIN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF A PERSON WHO IS BEING INVESTIGATED FOR AN OFFENCE PUNISHABLE WITH 15 YEARS OR MORE IMPRISONMENT UNDER THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE.
THE DOCUMENTS MAY BE DETAINED INITIALLY FOR UP TO SIX MONTHS, AND IF NECESSARY, A FURTHER THREE MONTHS TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR INVESTIGATION.
ONE OF THE AMENDMENTS SCHEDULED TO BE MADE ON WEDNESDAY WILL PROVIDE THAT A TRAVEL DOCUMENT MAY BE DETAINED FOR THREE MONTHS AND, IF THE MAGISTRATE IS SATISFIED THAT THE INVESTIGATION COULD NOT REASONABLY HAVE BEEN COMPLETED IN THAT TIME, FOR NOT MORE THAN TWO FURTHER PERIODS OF THREE MONTHS.
THE OTHER MAIN AMENDMENT WILL INTRODUCE A NEW PROCEDURE UNDER WHICH A PERSON WHO HAS SURROUNDED HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENT MAY APPLY TO THE POLICE OR THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE FOR ITS RETURN. THE PROCEDURE WILL ENABLE THE APPLICANT TO PUT FORWARD ANY URGENT PERSONAL CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH MAY JUSTIFY HIS LEAVING HONG KONG.
IF HIS APPLICATION IS REFUSED HE MAY APPLY ON THE SAME GROUNDS TO A MAGISTRATE WHOSE DECISION WILL BE FINAL.
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JOINT SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION * * *
SOCIAL STUDIES HELP YOUNG PEOPLE TO BETTER UNDERSTAND OTHER PEOPLE’S LIVES AND PROBLEMS AND SO HAVE MORE SYMPATHY WITH THEM, MR. AUTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS) SAID THIS TODAY IN HIS OPENING REMARKS OF THE JOINT SOCIAL STUDIES PROJECT EXHIBITION HELD IN THE SCHOOL OF HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL, CAUSEWAY BAY.
THE EXHIBITION WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION AND 15 +MONITORED+ SCHOOLS.
♦THE SUBJECT AIMS AT TEACHING THE STUDENTS ABOUT THEIR SOCIAL AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS PREPARING THEM TO MEET THE CHALLENGES OF THE SOCIETY IN WHICH THEY LIVE,* MR. BROWN ADDED.
THE EXHIBITION WILL LAST FOR THREE DAYS UNTIL FRIDAY (JULY 22). OPENING HOURS ARE FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4 P.M.
/3
DAT, JULY 20, 1977
GOVERNOR TOURS LABOUR DEPARTMENT ft ft ft ft
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ACCOMPANIED BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, SPENT THE WHOLE OF THIS (WEDNESDAY) MORNING TOURING THE HONG KONG AND KOWLOON REGIONAL OFFICES OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
DURING THE TOUR, SIR MURRAY WAS INTRODUCED TO LABOUR DEPARTMENT STAFF WHO BRIEFED HIM ON THE WORK OF THE VARIOUS DIVISIONS AND UNITS OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THE GOVERNOR FIRST CALLED AT THE MINES DIVISION IN CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES WHERE HE SAW SAMPLES OF MINERALS FOUND IN HONG KONG.
FROM THE MINES DIVISION, THE GOVERNOR WENT TO THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION UNIT AND INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE UNIT. THERE HE OBSERVED HOW COMPENSATION CLAIMS BY WORKMEN WERE PROCESSED, AND INJURED WORKERS TURNING UP FOR MEDICAL CLEARANCE.
SIR MURRAY ALSO INSPECTED THE INDUSTRIAL HYGIENE UNIT’S LABORATORY WHERE ANALYSIS OF AIR POLLUTANTS WERE CARRIED OUT.
AT THE WOMEN AND YOUNG PERSONS UNIT, THE GOVERNOR MET SOME OF THE STAFF INCLUDING SEVERAL TRAINEE LABOUR INSPECTORS, BEFORE VISITING THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE.
HERE SIR MURRAY INSPECTED DISPLAYS OF GUARDED MACHINERY COMMONLY USED IN FACTORIES. THEY INCLUDED A PLASTIC MOULDING MACHINE, A POWER PRESS AND A GUILLOTINE.
HE THEN SAW INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CLASSES IN SESSION.
LATER SIR MURRAY WENT TO THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S HONG KONG REGIONAL OFFICE AT NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, TO VISIT THE DEPARTMENT’S APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION, THE OVERSEAS AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES, THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE AND THE LABOUR RELATION SERVICE.
AT THE APPRENTICESHIP DIVISION, THE GOVERNOR SAW YOUNG APPLICANTS BEING INTERVIEWED BY INDUSTRIAL TRAINING OFFICERS FOR APPRENTICESHIP, AND APPLICANTS AND EMPLOYERS ENTERING INTO APPRENTICESHIP CONTRACTS.
AT THE OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT AND LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICES DIVISION, HE SAW JOB SEEKERS BEING INTERVIEWED AND INSPECTED A DISPLAY OF JOB CARDS.
THE GOVERNOR THEN WENT TO THE YOUTH EMPLOYMENT ADVISORY SERVICE WHERE HE INSPECTED VISUAL AIDS USED FOR CAREERS ADVISORY WORK AND ATTENDED A SLIDE SHOW ON +HOW TO ATTEND AN INTERVIEW* FOR YOUNG JOB SEEKERS.
FINALLY,AT THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE DIVISION, SIR MURRAY SAW LABOUR OFFICERS HANDLING INDIVIDUAL CLAIMS FOR WAGES AND INSPECTED A SILVER-PLATED SHIELD PRESENTED TO A FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, THE LATE MR. B.C.K. HAWKINS, BY 10 UNIONS IN THE LATE 1940’S.
1 1: i i ’ i -' ; ■
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20, 1977
MEANINGFUL SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR STUDENTS * ft ft * *
A NUMBER OF COMMUNITY WORK OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAVE ORGANISED EVENTS FOR STUDENTS DURING THE COMING WEEKS TO ENABLE THEM TO SPEND A MORE MEANINGFUL VACATION.
THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE AND THE KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL ARE INVITING APPLICANTS TO JOIN THEIR VOLUNTEERS TRAINING CAMP, WHICH AIMS AT PROMOTING YOUNG PEOPLE'S INTEREST IN VOLUNTARY SOCIAL SERVICE, INTRODUCING THEM TO SOME BASIC WORK CONCEPTS, DEVELOPING THEIR LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL AND EVENTUALLY RECRUITING SOME OF THEM FOR FUTURE VOLUNTEER WORK PROJECTS.
THE CAMP ORGANISED BY THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, WHICH HAS PLACES FOR 60 PARTICIPANTS BETWEEN THE AGES OF 15 AND 21, WILL BE HELD FROM SATURDAY TO MONDAY (JULY 23 TO 25) AT THE ADAM SCHALL RESIDENCE, UNITED COLLEGE, CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG.
THE DAY CAMP AT KWAI SHING COMMUNITY HALL, TO BE HELD FROM 9 A.M. TO 5 P.M. ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY (JULY 23 AND 24) WILL HAVE A PROGRAMME OF TALKS, GROUP DISCUSSIONS AND ROLE-PLAYS.
THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, IN ADDITION, IS HOLDING AN EXHIBITION ON THE WORK OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ICAC’S FU YU SUB-OFFICE, ON THREE DAYS BEGINNING AT 2 P.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 22).
ENTITLED ’ICAC AND THE COMMUNITY’, THE EXHIBITION WILL FEATURE FILM SHOWS IN THE EVENINGS AND WILL BE ATTENDED BY AN ICAC REPRESENTATIVE WHO WILL ANSWER QUERIES FROM THE VISITORS.
IT WILL INTRODUCE THE YOUNGSTERS TO THE ORGANISATION OF THE COMMISSION, EXPLAIN THE EVILS OF BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION, AND ENCOURAGE THEM TO JOIN IN THE FIGHT TO ERADICATE THE MALPRACTICES.
LAM TIN ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE (WEST), MEANWHILE, IS ORGANISING A SECOND-HAND BOOKS SERVICE FOR THE STUDENTS.
OLD BOOKS WILL BE COLLECTED AT BUILDING (WEST), FIRST FLOOR, UP TO AND THE BOOKS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR
THE LAM TIN ESTATE WELFARE THE END OF NEXT WEEK (JULY 29) SALE FROM AUGUST 4 TO 14.
PROCEEDS FROM THE SALE WILL BE USED ON COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECTS BY THE ESTATE COMMUNITY WORK OFFICE’S STUDY ROOM SERVICE GROUP.
THE BOOKS SERVICE WILL HELP PARENTS TO SAVE ON TEXT BOOKS FOR THEIR CHILDREN IN THE COMING SCHOOL TERM, AND HELP THE SELLERS TO DISPOSE OF THEIR DISUSED BOOKS WHILE AT THE SAME TIME PARTICIPATING IN MEANINGFUL SERVICE TO THEIR FELLOW STUDENTS.
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/5
WEDNESDAY, JULY 20,1977 - 5 -
CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS NEAR MEI FOO SAN TSUEN
* * * * X
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT 24-HOUR URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON THREE ROADS BELOW LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE NEAR MEI FOO SAN TSUEN FROM 10 A.M. NEXT MONDAY (JULY 25).
THE RESTRICTIONS WILL BE IMPOSED ON
M THE SECTION OF THE UNNAMED ROAD NORTH OF THE LAI CHI KOK BRIDGE BUS TERMINUS FOR EASTBOUND TRAFFIC, FROM THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION AT THE EASTERN END OF THE SLIP ROAD LEADING DOWN FROM LA1 CHI KOK BRIDGE, EXTENDING EASTWARD TO A POINT 16.1 METRES (53 FT.) EAST OF A LAMP POST SITUATED TO THE EAST OF MEI LA! ROAD,
M THE SECTION OF THE UNNAMED ROAD SOUTH OF THE BUS:TERMINUS FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC, FROM THE EXISTING URBAN CLEARWAY RESTRICTION ABOUT 3.35 METRES (11 FT.) WEST OF A LAMP POST, EXTENDING EASTWARD TO A POINT 5.18 METRES (21 FT.) EAST OF THE JUNCTION OF THE UNNAMED ROAD AND BROADWAY, AND
* THE WHOLE LENGTH OF THE SLIP ROAD IMMEDIATELY EAST OF THE BUS TERMINUS FOR NORTHBOUND TRAFFIC GOING TO MEI LAI ROAD.
ALL MOTOR VEHICLES EXCEPT FRANCHISED BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM STOPPING INSIDE THE CLEARWAY ZONES TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS, OR TO LOAD AND UNLOAD GOODS AT ANY TIME.
Tf ’*• 'i
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTIONS.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRESENTATION TO RETIRING CAS COMMISSIONER
* * * *
THE CIVIL AID SERVICES WILL HOLD A FAREWELL DINNER AT THE JADE GARDEN CHINESE RESTAURANT, CONNAUGHT CENTRE, ON FRIDAY (JULY 22) TO MARK THE RETIREMENT OF ITS COMMISSIONER, THE HON. P.C. WOO.
BEFORE THE START OF DINNER,. THE NEW COMMISSIONER OF CIVIL AID SERVICES, THE HON. R.H. LOBO, WILL GIVE A SHORT SPEECH AND PRESENT AN ENGRAVED SILVER TRAY TO MR. WOO. THERE WILL ALSO BE A RAFFLE DRAW.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE RAFFLE DRAW AND PRESENTATION CEREMONY FROM 7.15 P.M. TO 8 P.M. BUT NO PHOTOGRAPHS WILL BE ALLOWED DURING DINNER.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CARE CENTRES FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED .................... 1
SIR MURRAY VISITS YOUNG ARTISTS AT WORK ..................... 2
MORE WILL BE SPENT ON HEALTH SERVICES ....................... 3
TYPHOON SHELTER CHILDREN JOIN SUMMER FUN .................... 4
FINAL PAY-OUT TO DEFUNCT BANK CREDITORS ..................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
1
THREE DAY-RESIDENTIAL CENTRES
FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED PLANNED
* * * *
THE GOVERNMENT IS ASSISTING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO SET UP THREE DAY-CUM-RESIDENTIAL CENTRES TO PROVIDE BASIC CARE AND SIMPLE TRAINING MAINLY FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED ON AN EXPERIMENTAL BASIS, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
SPEAKING AT THE LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE CITY LIONS CLUB, MR. LEE NOTED THAT THERE HAD BEEN A CHANGE IN THE CONCEPT THAT THE SEVERELY RETARDED REQUIRE FULL-TIME MEDICAL CARE SUCH AS THOSE PROVIDED IN THE SIU LAM HOSPITAL.
+THE CURRENT VIEW IS THAT THE MAJORITY OF THOSE IN HOSPITALS DO NOT NEED LONG-TERM MEDICAL CARE. APART FROM A SMALL MINORITY WHO NEED MEDICAL TREATMENT AND NURSING CARE, WHAT THE RETARDED NEED IS CARE, EITHER IN A DAY OR RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENT, AND TRAINING, WHICH WILL HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR POTENTIAL ABILITY.+
HE POINTED OUT THAT IT WAS THEREFORE CONSIDERED NOT ESSENTIAL TO CONSTRUCT HOSPITALS OF THE SIU LAM TYPE, BUT INSTEAD, A NUMBER OF DAY-CUM-RESIDENTIAL TRAINING CENTRES SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED AS NEAR TO CENTRES OF POPULATION AS POSSIBLE.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT TWO OF THESE CENTRES PLANNED WOULD CATER FOR 60 TO 90 MENTALLY RETARDED PERSONS AND ONE FOR A SMALLER NUMBER OF YOUNG ADULTS.
HE STRESSED THAT ADMISSION TO THESE CENTRES WOULD NOT BE RESTRICTED TO THE SEVERELY RETARDED AS SOME MODERATELY RETARDED WITH OTHER PROBLEMS WERE ALSO IN NEED OF SUCH SERVICES.
+THESE CENTRES WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH TEACHING AIDS FOR TRAINING OF THE RETARDED. IN THE CASE OF DAY CENTRES, TRANSPORT FACILITIES MAY BE NEEDED TO CONVEY THEM BETWEEN THE CENTRES AND THEIR HOMES.+
MR. LEE SAID THAT VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS UNDERTAKING TO SET UP THESE CENTRES WOULD BE FULLY SUPPORTED BY THE GOVERNMENT THROUGH GRANTS FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY HAS ALSO AGREED TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY ACCOMMODATION IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES. WHEN SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION HAS BEEN FOUND, THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THESE CENTRES CAN BE COMPLETED IN A SHORT TIME AS ONLY CONVERSION WORK NEED TO BE DONE,+ HE ADDED.
AT PRESENT, MR. LEE SAID THAT SERVICES FOR THE SEVERELY MENTALLY RETARDED WERE CONSIDERED INADEQUATE.
+ALTHOUGH THE EXACT NUMBER IS NOT KNOWN, A JOINT TEAM WITH STAFF OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HAD ASSESSED IN 1975 A TOTAL OF 1,386 SEVERELY MENTALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN. IT IS LIKELY THAT THE ACTUAL NUMBER IS MUCH HIGHER, POSSIBLY REACHING 2,000 -
/THE DIRECTOR .....
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
2
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT AT PRESENT THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT PROVIDED FULL-TIME MEDICAL CARE FOR 200 IN THE SIU LAM HOSPITAL, WHILE SUBVENTED ORGANISATIONS PROVIDED AN ADDITIONAL 93 BEDS.
HOWEVER, HE CONTINUED, THERE WERE ALREADY OVER 200 PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN EXAMINED AND CONSIDERED ELIGIBLE FOR ADMISSION INTO THE SIU LAM HOSPITAL AND MORE THAN 500 PERSONS STILL WAITING TO BE ASSESSED.
+THE TURNOVER RATE OF SIU LAM IS LESS THAN 10 PERSONS A YEAR. IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE, THERE IS THE EXTENSION OF THE CARITAS MEDICAL CENTRE WHICH, WHEN COMPLETED IN 1978, WILL PROVIDE AN ADDITIONAL 300 BEDS,+ HE ADDED.
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GOVERNOR VISITS BUDDING ARTISTS ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY (THURSDAY) SAW AT FIRST HAND HOW WASTE MATERIALS, SUCH AS OLD NEWSPAPER, BOTTLE TOPS, AND PIECES OF TINFOIL WERE TURNED INTO BEAUTIFUL HANDICRAFT THROUGH THE IMAGINATIVE AND CO-OPERATIVE EFFORTS OF CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN EIGHT AND FOURTEEN.
THESE CHILDREN WERE PARTICIPATING IN THE +JOY IN CREATION+ EVENT WHICH FORMED PART OF THE SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE BOYS’ AND GIRLS’ CLUBS ASSOCIATION AT THE ST. PAUL’S CONVENT SCHOOL (PRIMARY SECTION).
ON HIS ARRIVAL AT THE SCHOOL, SIR MURRAY WAS GREETED BY MR. CHEUNG WING-IN, CHAIRMAN OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE ASSOCIATION- MRS. CHAN WONG SHU I, THE ACTING GENERAL SECRETARY AND THREE OTHER MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
SIR MURRAY WAS FIRST SHOWN AROUND THE COVERED PLAYGROUND WHERE ABOUT 150 CHILDREN, DIVIDED INTO TEAMS OF THREE EACH, WERE ENGAGED IN DEVELOPING +MASTERPIECES+ AROUND A SPECIFIED THEME USING WASTE MATERIALS.
HE THEN PROCEEDED TO THE ASSEMBLY HALL TO INSPECT ABOUT 100 PIECES OF HANDICRAFT MADE BY THE CHILDREN, AND DISCUSSED WITH THE TUTORS PAPER CUTTING, FOAM RUBBER ENGRAVING AND GLASS CUTTING.
ONE OF THE PARTICIPANTS, A LITTLE GIRL, LEUNG MING-WAI, PRESENTED A FOAM RUBBER SEAL TO THE GOVERNOR WITH HIS NAME ENGRAVED IN CHINESE.
BEFORE SAYING GOOD-BYE TO THE BUDDING ARTISTS, THE GOVERNOR PASTED A SEASHELL ON AN +EVERYBODY SHARES BOARD+ WHICH IS TO BE COMPLETED AS A SCENE OF THE DEEP BLUE SEA BY EVERY PARTICIPANT OF THE EVENT IN CONTRIBUTING AN IDEA BY USE OF WASTE MATERIALS.
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/3.....
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
2>
GOVERNMENT TO SPEND MORE ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES *****
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, SAID TODAY THAT GOVERNMENT SPENDING ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES WAS CERTAIN TO INCREASE IN THE FUTURE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF AN EXPANDING POPULATION.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE NEW EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC AT NGAU CHI WAN THIS AFTERNOON, HE SAID THAT AS MEDICAL SCIENCE ADVANCES, THE COSTS OF DRUGS, EQUIPMENT AND MEDICAL FACILITIES GENERALLY HAVE INCREASED GREATLY.
IN THE PRESENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE GOVERNMENT EXPECTS TO SPEND OVER $520 MILLION ON MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
+AND THIS FIGURE IS CERTAIN TO INCREASE IN THE FUTURE AS OUR HOSPITAL BUILDING PROGRAMMES GO FORWARD AND AS OUR SECOND MEDICAL SCHOOL PRODUCES MORE DOCTORS TO MEET THE NEEDS OF AN EXPANDING POPULATION,* SIR DENYS SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG OF A NETWORK OF CLINICS WAS OF GREAT IMPORTANCE TO THE MAINTENANCE OF A HIGH STANDARD OF HEALTH IN THE COMMUNITY.
+LARGE NUMBERS OF PATIENTS, WHO WOULD OTHERWISE IMPOSE FURTHER DEMANDS ON OUR CROWDED HOSPITALS, ARE SUCCESSFULLY TREATED IN THEM,* HE SAID.
+BECAUSE THESE CLINICS ARE LOCATED IN CENTRES OF DENSE POPULATION,* SAID SIR DENYS, +THEY BRING MEDICAL FACILITIES CLOSER TO THOSE WHO NEED THEM.*
+AN ANNUAL ATTENDANCE AT THESE CLINICS OF OVER FOUR MILLION SHOWS CLEARLY THAT THE PUBLIC GREATLY VALUES THE SERVICES WHICH THEY OFFER,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, ALSO SPOKE OF MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS DURING THE CEREMONY.
HE SAID THE EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC WAS THE FIRST OF THE MANY PROJECTS TO BE COMPLETED ACCORDING TO THE MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN WHICH HE HAD DISCLOSED RECENTLY AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
IN THE EAST KOWLOON AREA, HE SAID, A NETWORK OF SIX CLINICS ALREADY EXISTED TO CATER FOR THE GROWING DEMANDS OF SUCH SERVICES IN THIS LOCATION.
+THE PRESENT FACILITIES THUS REPRESENT A FURTHER INCREASE IN THE CLINIC SERVICES WHICH I AM SURE WILL BE WELCOMED BY RESIDENTS IN THIS VICINITY,* HE SAID.
/STAGE ONE .....
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
4
$IAGE ?NE 0F THE EAST KOWLOON POLYCLINIC, WHICH INTO OpERATION, CONSISTS OF TWO BUILDINGS — ONE FOR A CHEST GL<!J!IC AND THE 0THER for GENERAL OUT-PATIENT CLINIC WHICH WILL ALSO HOUSE A MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTH CENTRE.
NOW COMES
..... STAGE 0NE IS AB0UT MILLION, OF WHICH $1.3
MILLION HAS BEEN DONATED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
CONSTRUCTION OF STAGE TWO WILL BEGIN SOON AND IS EXPECTED IN 1979’ WHEN FULLY OPERATIONAL, IT WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR SPECIALIST UNITS SUCH AS MEDICAL, SURGERY, ORTHOPAEDIC, AND PAEDIATRIC.
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FUN FOR TYPHOON SHELTER CHILDREN
CHILDREN OF THE +FLOATING PEOPLE+ LIVING IN THE CAUSEWAY BAY TYPHOON SHELTER WILL BE ABLE TO ENJOY THIS SUMMER IN A SERIES OF ACTIVITIES TO BE HELD ON SIX CONSECUTIVE WEEKENDS STARTING FROM THIS SATURDAY (JULY 23).
THE PROGRAMME, SCHEDULED TO BE HELD BETWEEN 2.30 P.M. AND 4.30 P.M. ON SATURDAYS IN THE NORTH PAVILION COMPOUND OF THE VICTORIA PARK, WILL INCLUDE A FUN FAIR, GROUP GAMES, COMPETITIONS, AND A MINI SPORTS MEET.
THE RECREATION PROJECT IS ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S EASTERN DISTRICT COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE AND THE NORTH POINT DISTRICT YOUTH SERVICE GROUPS COUNCIL.
IT IS SPONSORED BY THE OPPORTUNITY FOR YOUTH SCHEME, WHICH SETS OUT TO ENCOURAGE YOUTHS TO PARTICIPATE IN PROJECTS THAT BENEFIT THE COMMUNITY AND AT THE SAME TIME HELP THEM DEVELOP THEIR CHARACTER AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT.
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/5
THURSDAY, JULY 21, 1977
- 5 -
FINAL DIVIDEND PAY-OUT FROM NEXT TUESDAY TO CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK CREDITORS * * * *
THE PROGRAMME FOR PAYING THE FOURTH AND FINAL DIVIDEND TO CREDITORS OF THE CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK WILL BEGIN ON TUESDAY (JULY 26).
DEPOSITORS WHO HELD ACCOUNTS AT THE CASTLE PEAK ROAD, LAI CHI KOK ROAD, TAI KOK TSUI AND MONGKOK BRANCHES OF THE DEFUNCT BANK WILL BE PAID THEIR DIVIDENDS IN THE FIRST PART OF THIS PROGRAMME.
THE DIVIDEND DUE TO THE DEPOSITORS MENTIONED ABOVE WILL BE PAID BY CHEQUES FROM THE WHITFIELD BARRACKS PAYMENT CENTRE AT BUILDING NO. N23, TSIM SHA TSUI, UP TO AUGUST 9.
IF A DEPOSITOR, HOWEVER, IS UNABLE TO ATTEND IN PERSON, HE CAN AUTHORISE PAYMENT TO HIS REPRESENTATIVE BY COMPLETING A FORM OF AUTHORITY FOR PAYMENT OF DIVIDEND. COPIES OF THE FORM ARE AVAILABLE AT THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER’S OFFICE, UNITED CHINESE BANK BUILDING, FIFTH FLOOR, 31-37 DES VOEUX ROAD, CENTRAL, AND THE VARIOUS CITY DISTRICT OFFICES.
THE TIME AND DATE AND METHOD OF COLLECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT HOLDERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED IN NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS ON SUNDAY (JULY 24).
THOSE WHO HAD ACCOUNTS IN OTHER BRANCHES OF THE BANK ARE REQUESTED TO WAIT FOR FURTHER ADVERTISEMENTS TO BE PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 4 AND AUGUST 16.
THE OFFICIAL RECEIVER AND LIQUIDATOR OF THE BANK, MR. P. JACOBS, HAD EARLIER ANNOUNCED THE FINAL DIVIDEND OF 20.7 CENTS IN THE DOLLAR BRINGING THE TOTAL PAYMENT SINCE THE BANK WAS LIQUIDATED 12 YEARS AGO TO 70.7 CENTS IN THE DOLLAR.
NINE CENTRES, ONE EACH ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON AND SEVEN IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPENED FOR PAYING THE BANK’S CREDITORS AND THESE CENTRES WILL ALL BE CLOSED BY AUGUST 31, WHEN FURTHER ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR PAYING THOSE CREDITORS WHO HAVE NOT CLAIMED THEIR DIVIDEND BY THAT DATE.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRI DAY, JULY 22, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ VIEWS GIVEN TOP-LEVEL CONSIDERATION ... 1
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN JUNE ................................... 3
TENDERS FOR TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL ................................. 7
NEW HUNG HOM INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE .......................... 5
ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES ................... 6
NEW NT BRANCH OFFICE FOR LABOUR DEPARTMENT ...................... 6
COURSES FOR WORKSHOP AND TRADE INSTRUCTORS ...................... 7
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE .......................................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
1
NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ VIEWS GIVEN TOP-LEVEL CONSIDERATION * * * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, MR. ERIC HO, TODAY ASSURED GOVERNMENT NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS THAT TOP LEVEL CONSIDERATION HAD BEEN GIVEN TO THEIR VIEWS ON THE FUTURE OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS.
HE GAVE THE ASSURANCE IN A REPLY TO LETTERS FROM THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION ADDRESSED TO THE GOVERNOR, THE CHIEF SECRETARY AND OTHER SENIOR OFFICERS IN WHICH THE UNION REQUESTED NEGOTIATIONS ON THE PROPOSED MEASURES TO REDUCE THE SURPLUS OF GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
MR. HO SAID THE UNION’S VIEWS EXPRESSED IN DECLARATIONS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL HAD BEEN CONSIDERED BY BOTH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL IN THEIR DELIBERATIONS ON THE REPORT OF THE SPECIAL COMMISSION ON CERTIFICATED MASTERS.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD ACTED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST BY TAKING MEASURES TO ELIMINATE THE MOUNTING COST TO PUBLIC FUNDS ARISING FROM THE RETENTION OF SURPLUS TEACHERS. AT THE SAME TIME, THESE MEASURES PAY DUE REGARD TO THE INTERESTS OF THE TEACHERS.
+FIRSTLY, THE RETENTION OF A PERMANENT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR WILL ENABLE SOME GOVERNMENT TEACHERS TO CONTINUE IN THEIR PRESENT WORK WITHOUT THE LOSS OF GOVERNMENT TERMS OF SERVICE, WHEREAS THE COMMISSION’S RECOMMENDATIONS WOULD HAVE MEANT THAT ALL GOVERNMENT PRIMARY TEACHERS WOULD HAVE BEEN TRANSFERRED COMPULSORILY TO THE AIDED SECTOR,+ HE SAID.
+THE CHANCES ARE THEREFORE PARTICULARLY GOOD FOR TEACHERS WITH CERTAIN SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS OR TWO YEARS OF TRAINING WHO WISH TO REMAIN PART OF THE PERMANENT GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR.+
MR. HO NOTED THAT AS THE GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN MORE THAN THREE YEARS’ NOTICE OF ITS DECISION TO INTRODUCE COMPULSORY RETIREMENT IN AUGUST 1980, TEACHERS AFFECTED WOULD HAVE AMPLE TIME TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE MANY OPPORTUNITIES FOR REDEPLOYMENT THAT WOULD BE AVAILABLE IN THE INTERIM PERIOD OR TO TAKE OTHER STEPS TO SAFEGUARD THEIR FUTURE.
+IN ADDITION, MORE THAN 1,100 ALTERNATIVE JOBS THAT HAVE BEEN FORECAST ARE WITHIN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT. THOSE SELECTED FOR THE JOBS THAT WILL BE OFFERED IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS OR IN SPECIAL EDUCATION WILL BE ABLE TO CONTINUE AS GOVERNMENT TEACHERS, WHILE THOSE SELECTED FOR THE REMAINING JOBS - SUCH AS IN THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE AND IN THE STUDENT COUNSELLING SCHEME -- WILL BE ENGAGED ON IMPORTANT WORK RELATED TO EDUCATION.
+FURTHERMORE, SUITABLE GOVERNMENT PRIMARY TEACHERS WILL BE GIVEN PREFERENTIAL CONSIDERATION OVER OTHER CANDIDATES FOR JOES IN OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
/+TEACHERS WHO .....
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
2 -
+TEACHERS WHO ARE ACCEPTED FOR SUCH POSTS WILL RETAIN THEIR PRESENT SALARY WHERE THIS WOULD BE TO THEIR ADVANTAGE,+ HE SAID. IN FACT, HE ADDED, SOME OF THESE POSTS PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR HIGHER EARNINGS AND PROMOTION PROSPECTS THAN THE PRESENT CERTIFICATED MASTER SCALE.
MR. HO POINTED OUT THAT THOSE TEACHERS WHO RETIRE IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST IN 1980 OR EARLIER, WOULD RECEIVE GENEROUS PENSION AND GRATUITY TERMS. AND THIS PENSION WOULD CONTINUE IF RETIRED GOVERNMENT TEACHERS ACCEPTED EMPLOYMENT OUTSIDE THE PUBLIC SERVICE.
MR. HO SAID THAT WHILE THE GOVERNMENT’S DECISION TO RETAIN A GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SECTOR WAS NOT IN QUESTION, THE IMPLICATIONS OF THAT DECISION WERE, OF COURSE, OPEN TO CONSULTATION WITH THE TEACHERS.
+THE APPROPRIATE MACHINERY FOR SUCH CONSULTATION ALREADY EXISTS IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT CONSULTATIVE COUNCIL.
THE COUNCIL’S MEETING ON JULY 6 WAS ADJOURNED AT THE REQUEST OF THE STAFF SIDE TO ALLOW THEM TIME TO CONSIDER THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION’S STATEMENT,+ HE SAID.
+IT WILL RECONVENE SHORTLY AND IT IS HOPED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SCHOOL NON-GRADUATE TEACHERS’ UNION WILL IN THE INTEREST OF THEIR MEMBERS PARTICIPATE IN THE FORTHCOMING DISCUSS IONS.+
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
HIGHER COST OF LIVING IN JUNE
* * * ’
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES A AND B FOR JUNE 1977 ADVANCED BY 3 POINTS AND 2 POINTS RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
BOTH INDEXES FOR JUNE WERE 118.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS WAS 4 POINTS HIGHER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH IN BOTH INDEXES A AND B. RISES IN AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, FRESH WATER FISH, LIVE POULTRY, FRESH VEGETABLES, FRESH FRUITS AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME MORE THAN OFFSET REDUCTIONS IN THOSE OF PORK AND EGGS.
THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ADVANCED BY 2 POINTS EACH IN INDEXES A AND B AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENT OF SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS.
FOLLOWING HIGHER CHARGES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES, THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES ROSE BY 1 POINT IN INDEX A.
INCREASES OF 1 POINT EACH WERE RECORDED IN THE INDEXES FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR, AND MISCELLANEOUS GOODS IN INDEX B OWING TO HIGHER TAILORING CHARGES AND HIGHER PRICES FOR OTHER HOUSEHOLD GOODS.
PRICE MOVEMENTS IN OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
INDEX A IS BASED ON HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $4OO-$l,499 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74 AND INDEX B IS BASED ON HOUSEHOLDS SPENDING BETWEEN $1,500-82,999 A MONTH IN THE HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE SURVEY, 1973/74.
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TENDERS CALLED FOR FIRST STAGE OF TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL * * * *
INVITED TENDERS FOR THE — A 1,500—SEAT AUDITORIUM XHIBITION HALLS AND AN
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TODAY FIRST STAGE OF THE TSUEN WAN TOWN HALL FOR CONCERTS AND DANCE PERFORMANCES, E ENTRANCE FOYER WITH BAR FACILITIES.
MR W T MOK ACTING PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT ARCHITECT OF THE P.'.'.D JS ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT THE TSUEN WAN AUDITORIUM WOULD BE SIMILAR IN DESIGN TO THE CONCERT HALL OF THE CITY HALL.
+RUT FROM EXPERIENCE GAINED IN THE USE OF THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL WE HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MAKE A NUMBER OF MOD IFICAT IONo SS IMPrJvEMENtI TO THE DESIGN WHICH WILL MAKE IT AN EVEN BETTER VENUE FOR CONCERTS AND DR AMAT IC PERFORMANCES,-*• HE SAID.
/THE CULTURAL .....
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
THE CULTURAL COMPLEX HAS BEEN DESIGNED AS THE FOCAL POINT OF CULTURAL ACTIVITIES IN TSUEN WAN, TO CATER FOR THE NEEDS OF SUCH ORGANISATIONS AS THE TSUEN WAN CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES CO-ORDINATING ASSOCIATION FOR ITS MANY CONCERTS, PLAYS, DANCING PERFORMANCES AND EXHIBITIONS, AND OF LOCAL SCHOOLS FOR PRIZE-GIVING DAYS AND SIMILAR EVENTS.
THE TOWN HALL WILL BE LOCATED IN THE CENTRE OF TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN, NEXT TO THE TSUEN WAN MAGISTRACY BUILDING.
EVENTUALLY IT WILL BE LINKED VIA A PEDESTRIAN DECK TO THE PROPOSED GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING ADJACENT TO IT.
MR. MOK SAID THAT THE AUDITORIUM WILL BE ABLE TO ACCOMMODATE AS MANY PEOPLE AS THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL.
THE MAJORITY OF THE 1,500 SEATS WILL BE ON THE MAIN FLOOR OF THE AUDITORIUM AND THE REST ON THE BALCONY.
AS WELL AS THE CONCERT HALL, THERE WILL BE AREAS ON THE FIRST AND SECOND FLOORS OF THE FIRST STAGE OF THE COMPLEX SUITABLE FOR HOLDING EXHIBITIONS AND OTHER FUNCTIONS. EACH WILL HAVE AN AREA OF 371.6 SQUARE METRES.
A BAR WILL BE PROVIDED IN THE GROUND FLOOR FOYER.
AT A LATER STAGE OTHER FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED INCLUDING LECTURE ROOMS, LIBRARY AND A RESTAURANT.
THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB HAS PLEDGED A DONATION OF $10 MILLION TOWARDS THE CAPITAL COST OF THE PROJECT.
MR. MOK SAID THAT THE PEOPLE OF TSUEN WAN, WHICH ALREADY HAS A POPULATION OF HALF A MILLION, ARE TAKING AN INCREASING INTEREST IN THE ARTS, MUSIC, DANCE AND DRAMA.
+COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS WITH THE SPECIFIC AIM OF PROMOTING ACTIVE INVOLVEMENT IN CULTURAL PURSUITS ARE SPONSORING PERFORMANCES BY THE TSUEN WAN GIRLS CHOIR AND THE HONG KONG PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA, AS WELL AS OTHER ACTIVITIES SUCH AS LECTURES, CLASSICAL DANCING CLASSES AND FESTIVAL DANCE AND DRAMA.+
HE SAID THAT AT PRESENT THESE ACTIVITIES HAVE TO BE HELD IN UNSUITABLE PREMISES SUCH AS SCHOOL HALLS WHICH HAVE POOR ACOUSTICS, INADEQUATE REHEARSAL ROOMS, AND WHICH CANNOT ACCOMMODATE LARGE AUDIENCES.
PILING WORK FOR THE FOUNDATION OF THE AUDITORIUM HAS ALREADY COMMENCED AND IS NOW NEARING COMPLETION.
WORK ON THE BUILDING CONTRACT IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN THE MIDDLE OF SEPTEMBER, TO BE COMPLETED IN AUTUMN OF 1979.
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/5
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
5
NEW INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE
*****
ANOTHER STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN TOWARDS THE BUILDING OF HONG KONG’S $44 MILLION NEW INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE ADJACENT TO HUNG HOM RAILWAY STATION.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS CALLED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE TWO-STOREY MAIN BUILDING ON THE HUNG HOM RECLAMATION NEXT TO THE STATION.
MR. PATRICK LEE, SENIOR ARCHITECT OF THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, SAID TODAY THAT WORK WOULD BEGIN IN SEPTEMBER AND WOULD TAKE ABOUT 15 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
MR. LEE SAID THAT PILING WORK FOR THE FOUNDATIONS, WHICH BEGAN LAST YEAR, IS ALREADY COMPLETED.
THE INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE, HE SAID, WOULD OCCUPY AN AREA OF 7,300-SQUARE METRES AND IT WOULD ACCOMMODATE A 6OO-SQUARE METRE MAIL SORTING AREA, LOADING PLATFORMS TO RECEIVE MAIL BY RAIL, SEA AND ROAD AS WELL AS SPECIALISED SECURITY AREAS.
PROVISION HAD BEEN MADE FOR INSURED PARCELS HANDLING ANT STORAGE AREAS, RECEPTION AND DELIVERY OF REGISTERED ARTICLES, AS WELL AS SPECIALISED STORE ROOMS AND A WORKSHOP, MR. LEE SAID.
+SPEC1AL CARE HAS ALSO BEEN TAKEN TO ENSURE THE COMFORT OF THOSE WORKING IN THE NEW INTERNATIONAL MAIL CENTRE,* HE SAID.
+ THE BUILDING WILL BE AIR-CONDITIONED AND THERE WILL BE ALSO A DINING ROOM, A REST ROOM AND RECREATION ROOM FOR THE STAFF.*
THE MOST UP-TO-DATE AUTOMATIC MAIL SORTING EQUIPMENT WILL BE INSTALLED IN THE CENTRE AT A COST OF $20 MILLION TO HANDLE THE MILLIONS OF ARTICLES OF MAIL WHICH WILL PASS THROUGH IT EACH YEAR.
INSTALLATION AND TESTING OF THIS SPECIALISED MACHINERY WILL TAKE ABOUT SIX MONTHS.
IN ADDITION, PLANS HAVE BEEN MADE TO EXTEND THE RAILWAY FROM THE STATION TO THE CENTRE TO HANDLE MAIL FROM CHINA.
FOUR BERTHS WILL ALSO BE BUILT AT THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF THE SITE TO ACCOMMODATE BOATS WITH SEAMAIL TO AND FROM HONG KONG.
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FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
- 6
ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL INSTITUTES
* * * *
ENROLMENT OF STUDENTS FOR VARIOUS COURSES IN THE MORRISON HILL, KWAI CHUNG, KWUN TONG AND HAKI NG WONG TECHNICAL INSTITUTES WILL START ON MONDAY (JULY 25).
DETAILS OF APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION TO FULL-TIME, SANDWICH, BLOCK-RELEASE AND PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE COURSES WILL BE ADVERTISED IN NEWSPAPERS ON MONDAY.
FIELDS OF STUDY INCLUDE CLOTHING INDUSTRIES, COMMERCIAL STUDIES, CONSTRUCTION, ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING, GENERAL STUDIES, HOTEL-KEEPING AND TOURISM, MARINE AND FABRICATION, MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, PRINTING AND TEXTILE INDUSTRIES.
THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS AUGUST 18.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S NEW NT BRANCH OFFICE * * * *
THREE NEW TERRITORIES LEADERS WILL JOINTLY OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE AT TAK CHING COURT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ON TUESDAY (JULY 26) AT 4 P.M.
THEY ARE MR. LEUNG KUEN, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE' MR. LAU CHI-YUEN, CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND MR. LAU NAM-ON, CHAIRMAN OF TUEN MUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, WILL ALSO BE PRESENT TO ADDRESS THE GATHERING.
FOLLOWING THE CEREMONY, LIGHT REFRESHMENTS WILL BE SERVED AT THE NEARBY KAR HEY RESTAURANT.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE EVENT.
TWO 11-SEATER VANS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT 2 P.M. ON TUESDAY AT HANKOW ROAD, NEXT TO THE PENINSULA HOTEL IN TSIM SHA TSUI TO TAKE PRESS REPRESENTATIVES TO THE CEREMONY.
A ROUGH SKETCH SHOWING THE LOCATION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICE WILL BE DISTRIBUTED IN THE G.I.S. PRESS BOXES THIS (FRIDAY) EVENING TO FACILITATE THOSE WHO WISH TO MAKE THEIR OWN •AY TO THE CEREMONY ON TUESDAY.
" — " — 0 — — — — An
FRIDAY, JULY 22, 1977
7
COURSES FOR WORKSHOP AND TRADE INSTRUCTORS * * * *
A NUMBER OF COURSES WILL BE AVAILABLE THIS SEPTEMBER TO INDUSTRIAL INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS TO HELP THEM OBTAIN BETTER TRAINING IN CARRYING OUT THEIR WORK.
THE SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED WILL INCLUDE TEACHING METHODS, EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY.
APPLICANTS FOR THE COURSES MUST BE EMPLOYED AS INSTRUCTOR AND FULLY SKILLED IN THEIR TRADE, AS WELL AS HAVING AN ADEQUATE SECONDARY, PREFERABLY SECONDARY TECHNICAL OR PREVOCATIONAL EDUCATION.
THE COURSES WILL BE CONDUCTED IN CHINESE AND WILL BE HELD ON A BLOCK RELEASE, PART-TIME DAY-RELEASE OR PART-TIME EVENING BASIS AT A FEE OF $60 TO $80.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, HONG KONG AND MUST BE RETURNED BY AUGUST 13.
. - . _ 0 -----------
TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
* * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT THE SLIP ROAD ON PRINCE EDWARD ROAD JOINING SOUTH WALL ROAD TO LUNG KONG ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 7 A.M. ON TUESDAY (JULY 26) TO 7 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 29).
DURING THIS PERIOD, THE SECTIONS OF SOUTH WALL ROAD AND LUNG KONG ROAD BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND NGA TSIN WAI ROAD WILL BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED FROM ONE WAY TO TWO WAY TRAFFIC.
THE ARRANGEMENT IS TO FACILITATE CABLE-LAYING WORKS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG EMBARKS ON STUDY OF SOLAR ENERGY .... 1
MORE LAND ON TSI NG Yl FOR INDUSTRY ........... 5
ANOTHER VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRE ............. 6
STUDY ON NEEDS OF QUARRY BAY RESIDENTS ........ 6
CAD BUILDS NEW LONG-RANGE RADAR ............... 7
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN MONGKOK ............... 8
FIRING PRACTICE ............................... 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1977
HONG KONG’S FIRST SOLAR ENERGY STUDY * * * * *
HONG KONG, LIKE MANY OTHER INDUSTRIALISED AREAS, IS BEGINNING TO REACH FOR THE SUN IN A BID TO CUT DOWN ON ITS ESCALATING ENERGY COSTS.
THE INITIATIVE IS BEING TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT, THROUGH THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS ABOUT TO COMMISSION A CONSULTANT’S STUDY OF SOLAR ENERGY AS ONE POSSIBLE ALTERNATIVE TO THE +FOSSIL FUELS+ OIL AND GAS, THE COSTS OF WHICH HAVE SKYROCKETED SINCE THE OIL CRISIS OF 1974.
AT THE MOMENT IT IS COSTING THE GOVERNMENT ABOUT $51.7 MILLION A YEAR IN FUEL FOR LIGHTING AND POWER FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES, PUBLIC BUILDINGS AND INSTALLATIONS, HOSPITALS, CLINICS, PRISONS AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS AND RECREATION CENTRES. THE P.W.D. AND URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT HOPE TO REDUCE THIS ANNUAL BILL BY AUGMENTING OIL-EASED POWER SYSTEMS WITH SOLAR ENERGY UNITS USING THE SUN’S RAYS TO PROVIDE HEATING AND EVEN AIR-CONDITIONING.
+ A IR-CONDIT ION I NG IS OUR ULTIMATE TARGET,+ SAYS MR. FRANK AU, THE P.W.D.’S GOVERNMENT BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEER, WHO HAS BEEN STEERING THE P.W.D. IN TANDEM WITH THE U.S.D. ON THE SOLAR ENERGY INVESTIGATION.
+A IR-CONDITIONING IS BY FAR THE MAJOR ENERGY CONSUMER, BOTH IN THE GOVERNMENT AND PRIVATE SECTORS. IF WE COULD FIND A WAY OF USING SOLAR ENERGY TO REDUCE THE SYSTEM’S OIL-FUELLED POWER CONSUMPTION THE SAVINGS IN FUEL COSTS COULD BE QUITE SUBSTANTIAL.*
SAVING MONEY BY CONSERVING ENERGY HAS BEEN ONE OF FRANK AU’S PET INTERESTS FOR THE PAST 10 YEARS — ESPECIALLY SINCE THE 1974 ENERGY CRISIS, WHICH WAS TRIGGERED BY A WHACKING 270 PER CENT RISE IN OIL PRICES. FUEL COSTS WENT UP AGAIN BY 16 PER CENT IN 1975, AND BY ANOTHER SIX PER CENT LAST YEAR, AND THE UNITED STATES INSTITUTE OF ENERGY MANAGEMENT HAS FORECAST AN ANNUAL 20 PER CENT INCREASE IN THE COMING YEARS.
+ALMOST EVERY DEVELOPED COUNTRY IN THE WORLD IS LOOKING AROUND FOR WAYS OF CONSERVING ITS ENERGY TO COMBAT RISING OIL PRICES, AND WE MUST CERTAINLY FOLLOW SUIT IF WE WANT TO AVOID INFLATIONARY CRISES IN THE FUTURE,* SAYS MR. AU. +ONE WAY IS TO FIND NEW ENERGY SOURCES — THE OTHER, TO CUT BACK OR ECONOMISE ON PRESENT CONSUMPTION.*
ENERGY CONSERVATION HAS BEEN UNDER STUDY, QUIETLY AND PAINSTAKINGLY, WITHIN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME FOR SOME TIME NOW. TWO YEARS AGO FRANK AU PERSUADED THE P.W.D. THAT WITH OIL PRICES EXPECTED TO CONTINUE RISING THE TIME HAD COME TO SET UP AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE TO STUDY AND IMPLEMENT ENERGY-SAVING MEASURES IN P.W.D. BUILDINGS AND INSTALLATIONS AND THOSE OF OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
/FOR ITS .....
SATURDAY, JULY 2J, 1977
2
FOR ITS PILOT STUDY THE COMMITTEE CHOSE THE P.W.D. HEADQUARTERS, THE 2O-STOREY MURRAY BUILDING IN GARDEN ROAD. THE GROUP’S INTERIM REPORT SHOWS THAT BY SIMPLY TIGHTENING UP ON EXISTING ENERGY USES IN THE MURRAY BUILDING — SOMETHING TOTALLY ASIDE FROM NEW OR ALTERNATIVE ENERGY SOURCES — THE SAVINGS CAN BE QUITE BIG.
+WE’VE SHOWN THAT WE CAN SAVE SOMETHING LIKE $69,000 A YEAR JUST BY OVERHAULING AND MODIFYING THE LIGHTING SYSTEM,* SAYS MR. AU. +OUR FIRST MOVE WAS TO REDUCE THE BUILDING’S ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION BY PARTIALLY SWITCHING OFF LIGHTS TO LIFT LOBBIES AND CORRIDORS AND AT THE SAME TIME IMPROVING THE LIGHT OUTPUT FROM THE FITTINGS BY CLEANING THE DIFFUSERS. WE ESTIMATE THAT THIS STEP ALONE CAN SAVE US $40,000 A YEAR.
+NEXT, WE TOOK A LOOK AT AREAS WHERE LIGHTING HAD TO BE MAINTAINED FOR LONG HOURS — TOILETS, STAIRCASES AND CAR PARKS. WE FOUND THAT BY REARRANGING THE CIRCUITS AND REPLACING THE EXISTING TUNGSTEN LAMPS WITH FLUORESCENT TUBES WE COULD SAVE ANOTHER $29,000 ANNUALLY.
+ALSO, WE PROVED THAT WE COULD BOTH CONSERVE ELECTRICITY AND IMPROVE THE LIGHTING OUTPUT BY ABOUT 25 PER CENT JUST BY REPLACING EXISTING OPAL DIFFUSERS -- WHICH BECOME DIM WITH AGE — WITH CLEAR PRISMATIC DIFFUSERS MADE OF ACRYLIC PERSPEX.+
THE COMMITTEE PLANS TO TACKLE THE MURRAY BUILDING’S BIGGEST ENERGY CONSUMER, THE AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEM, DURING THE NEXT FEW MONTHS WITH PORTABLE ENERGY MEASURING EQUIPMENT DUE TO BE DELIVERED IN AUGUST. IN ITS INTERIM REPORT IT HAS POINTED OUT THAT +SOME DEGREE OF FINE TUNING ON THE PLANT IS POSSIBLE TO EFFECT SAVING IN ENERGY CONSUMPTION.*
FRANK AU’S ULTIMATE AIM — TO BRING IN A CHEAPER SOURCE OF POWER FOR HONG KONG’S VORACIOUS AIR-CONDITIONING SYSTEMS — IS STILL IN THE THEORETICAL STAGE. HE BELIEVES THE AIR-CONDITIONING BILL CAN BE CUT BY USING SOLAR ENERGY INSTEAD OF OIL-FUELLED ELECTRICITY, BUT WARNS THAT HONG KONG WILL NEED TO KNOW A GREAT DEAL MORE ABOUT SOLAR ENERGY THROUGH PRACTICAL APPLICATION TO LOCAL CONDITIONS BEFORE THE IDEA CAN BE REGARDED AS ANYTHING MORE THAN A DREAM.
+WE’RE NOT EVEN SURE IF SOLAR ENERGY CAN BE USED ON A LARGE SCALE IN HONG KONG,* HE SAYS. +AT THIS STAGE WE CAN ONLY REGARD IT AS A POSSIBLE AUXILIARY TO OIL-EASE? ENERGY, EVEN FOR THE PROCESS OF PROVIDING HOT WATER. ]
+BUT AT LEAST WE’RE MAKING A START -- MODEST AS IT MAY BE — BY COMMISSIONING HONG KONG’S FIRST OFFICIAL SOLAR ENERGY STUDY.*
THIS STUDY IS TO BE CARRIED OUT ON A CONSULTANCY BASIS BY PROF. E.A. BRUGES, HEAD OF HONG KONG UNIVERSITY’S MECHANICAL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT. COMMISSIONED BY THE P.W.D. ON BEHALF OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE STUDY WILL EXPLORE WAYS IN WHICH SOLAR ENERGY CAN SUPPLEMENT EXISTING HEATING SYSTEMS FOR HONG KONG’S PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS AND BATHHOUSES.
/MORRISON HILL
SATURDAY, JULY 2?, 1977
3
MORRISON HILL SWIMMING POOL ON HONG KONG ISLAND HAS BEEN EARMARKED FOR THE PILOT SCHEME BECAUSE ITS SOUTH SIDE, WHICH GETS THE BEST EXPOSURE FROM THE SUN, IS NOT SCREENED BY TALL ADJACENT BUILDINGS.
+FOR SOLAR ENERGY TO WORK EFFICIENTLY IN HONG KONG, POTENTIAL LOCATIONS NEED A MINIMUM OF SIX HOURS’ EXPOSURE TO THE SUN EACH DAY DURING MIDWINTER,* SAYS PROF. BRUGES. +ALTHOUGH WE HAVEN’T YET TAKEN A CLOSE TECHNICAL LOOK AT MORRISON HILL. MY OWN OBSERVATIONS OF THE SURROUNDING SKYLINE INDICATE THAT IT RECEIVES FULL BENEFIT OF THE SUN BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 3 P.M. DAILY.*
IN INITIAL REPORTS TO THE P.W.D. AND U.S.D. PROF. BRUGES HAS STATED THAT SAVINGS OF UP TO 80 PER CENT OF CURRENT FUEL COSTS CAN BE ACHIEVED WITH SOLAR ENERGY, PARTICULARLY AT BATHHOUSES. AND THIS, FOR A CAPITAL OUTLAY ON SOLAR ENERGY EQUIPMENT WHICH HE ESTIMATES COULD BE PAID OFF WITHIN FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS.
EXACT COST RATIOS FOR SWIMMING POOLS AND LARGER FACILITIES ARE NOT SO EASY TO PIN DOWN, BUT WITH SOLAR ENERGY WORKING ALONGSIDE THE EXISTING HEATING SYSTEM AT MORRISON HILL, PROF. BRUGES HAS PREDICTED THAT THERE WOULD BE SUBSTANTIAL SAVINGS IN THE LONG RUN.
+SOLAR ENERGY IS NO LONGER A NOVELTY OR A FUTURISTIC BUSINESS,* HE SAYS. +MILL IONS OF SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS ARE NOW WORKING ALL OVER THE WORLD. THE ITALIANS HEAT THEIR HOTELS WITH IT. THE SWISS GIVE TAX INCENTIVES TO DEVELOPERS WHO INCLUDE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEMS IN THEIR BUILDING DESIGNS.
+WHAT WE MUST DO IN HONG KONG IS TO BUILD A SYSTEM, SHOW THAT IT WORKS AND SAVES ENERGY COSTS AND THEN GET THAT MESSAGE THROUGH TO THE COMMUNITY. THEN WE CAN START LOOKING AT WAYS OF APPLYING IT ON A MUCH WIDER SCALE.*
COMPARED WITH THE SMALL INDIVIDUAL SOLAR HEATING UNITS ALREADY ON THE WORLD MARKETS, THE MORRISON HILL PROJECT WILL BE QUITE SPECTACULAR. INITIAL PLANS CALL FOR A MIXTURE OF VERTICAL FLAT-PLATE SOLAR HEATING PANELS AND PARABOLIC COLLECTORS THAT ACTUALLY TRACK, OR FOLLOW, THE SUN’S RAYS THROUGH THE DAY — THE ENTIRE SYSTEM COVERING AN AREA MORE THAN HALF THE SIZE OF THE SURFACE OF THE POOL ITSELF (1,050 SQ. METRES).
THE COMBINED STRUCTURES WILL FACE SOUTH AND BE SET AT AN ANGLE OF 20 DEGREES TO THE HORIZONTAL TO CATCH THE FULL FORCE OF THE SUN’S RAYS, HEATING THE WATER IN THE POOL AS IT FLOWS SLOWLY THROUGH THE SOLAR PANELS.
+THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM WILL NOT ACTUALLY HEAT ALL THE WATER IN THE POOL EACH DAY,* PROF. BRUGES EXPLAINS. +IT WILL SIMPLY MAKE UP THE LOSS OF HEAT — KEEPING THE WATER AT A STEADY COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE.*
THAT’S WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN WINTER, WHEN THE POOL NEEDS HEATING. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE SUMMER MONTHS WHEN, UNLESS THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM IS DISCONNECTED OR SHIELDED, IT WOULD BE PRODUCING THOUSANDS OF GALLONS OF UNWANTED HOT WATER?
/ACCORDING
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1977
4
ACCORDING TO PROF. BRUGES AND FRANK AU, IT IS THAT SEEMINGLY WASTEFUL SUMMERTIME HEATING THAT COULD REVOLUTIONISE HONG KONG’S COSTLY ATTEMPTS TO SEEK RELIEF FROM THE SUN ~ BY PROVIDING FAR CHEAPER AIR-CONDITIONING.
THOUGH A GREAT DEAL OF RESEARCH IS YET TO BE DONE, IT IS
VERY FEASIBLE THAT LARGE-SCALE REFRIGERATION CAN BE ACHIEVED THROUGH THE PRINCIPLE OF HEAT ABSORPTION, IN WHICH HOT WATER FLOWING INTO A SYSTEM WILL REACT WITH A MIXTURE OF WATER AND LITHIUM BROMIDE TO PRODUCE CHILLED WATER IN A MANNER NOT UNLIKE THE OPERATION OF THE OLD-FASHIONED KEROSINE FRIDGES.
+THE SOLAR ENERGY SYSTEM, USING HOT WATER, WOULD BE VERY CHEAP, WOULD REQUIRE NO MOVING PARTS OTHER THAN PERHAPS A CIRCULATING PUMP AND WOULD CUT A HUGE SECTION OF HONG KONG’S ENERGY MARKET FREE OF ITS PRESENT DEPENDENCE ON FUEL 01L,+ SAYS PROF. BRUGES.
IN FACT, HE FORECASTS THE DAY WHEN HONG KONG WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE SWISS MODEL AND INCLUDE SOLAR ENERGY OR ENERGY CONSERVATION CONCEPTS IN ALL NEW PRIVATE AND PUBLIC DEVELOPMENT, PARTICULARLY HIGH-RISE APARTMENT BLOCKS.
AND AT THE OFFICIAL LEVEL, IT IS ALREADY CONCEDED THAT IF THE MORRISON HILL PILOT STUDY IS A SUCCESS, FURTHER STUDIES WILL BE MADE TO APPLY SOLAR ENERGY TO OTHER GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS.
THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF BUILDING DEVELOPMENT, MR. JACK STEAN, HAS PINPOINTED PRISONS AND TRAINING INSTITUTIONS, GOVERNMENT QUARTERS, BARRACKS, CLINICS, HOSPITALS -- PARTICULARLY PRINCESS MARGARET — RECREATION HALLS AND SPORTS CENTRES AS LIKELY SOLAR ENERGY LOCATIONS.
IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, PROF. BRUGES POINTS TO MANY DEVELOPED AREAS IN HONG KONG WHERE THE SUN SHINES STEADILY ON WALLS AND ROOFS ALL DAY AND COULD PROVIDE HEATING IN WINTER AND COOLING IN SUMMER, IF ONLY THE SURFACES WERE DESIGNED FOR SOLAR ENERGY.
+ IDEALLY ANY NEW BUILDING PUT UP HERE SHOULD HAVE AN ENERGY ANALYSIS IN ITS PLANS. ON THE WIDER SCALE, HONG KONG NEEDS TO DEVELOP A TOTAL ENERGY CONCEPT.
+IF ENERGY COSTS INCREASE — AS THEY ARE RISING NOW — SALARIES HAVE TO GO UP TO KEEP PACE WITH THE COST OF LIVING. THAT DOESN’T MEAN MUCH FOR THE INDIVIDUAL WAGE-EARNER -- AS LONG AS THERE’S NOT TOO MUCH OF A LAG HE’S PROTECTED.
+BUT TO THE COMMUNITY IT’S A CRITICAL EXPENSE, AND ONE THAT WE MUST SERIOUSLY BEGIN FINDING WAYS OF REDUCING.*
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SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1977
5
OVER 3 HECTARES TO BE DEVELOPED ON TSI NG Yl FOR INDUSTRY * * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL RESUME-3.41 HECTARES OF LAND ON WESTERN TSI NG Yl TO MAKE WAY FOR THE OBSTRUCTION OF ROADS AND DRAINAGE SYSTEMS TO SERVE THE INDUSTRIAL AREA ALONG THE WEST COAST OF THE ISLAND.
THE RESUMPTION INVOLVES PRIVATE AGRICULTURAL LAND IN THE AREAS OF KAM CHUK KOK AND NAM WAN WHICH ARE RESERVED FOR HEAVY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.
A ONE-MONTH NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE ON FRIDAY (JULY 22).
A NEV/ TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY NO FAMILIES WOULD BE AFFECTED, AND NO STRUCTURES, EXCEPT FOR AN ABANDONED TEMPORARY STRUCTURE ON CROWN LAND, WOULD HAVE TO BE CLEARED.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE GOVERNMENT WOULD PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, BAMBOO, FRUIT TREES AND PINE TREES AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS.
ADDITIONAL COMPENSATION WILL ALSO BE PAID FOR THE REMOVAL OF NINE FORMAL GRAVES AND ONE BONE POT, HE ADDED.
HE SAID THAT DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR TSI NG Yl INCLUDES THE PROVISION OF LAND FOR PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ASSOCIATED GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
DEVELOPMENT ON THE LAND TO BE RESUMED FORMS PART OF THIS COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME, HE SAID.
THE FORMATION OF A LARGE PART OF THE MAIN PUBLIC ROAD ON THE WEST COAST OF TSI NG Yl WILL BE DONE BY ONE OF THE DEVELOPERS OF THE SEAFRONT LOTS ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT.
UPON COMPLETION OF THE FORMATION WORK, THE ROAD WILL BE HANDED OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT, WHICH WILL COMPLETE THE KERBING AND PAVING.
SATURDAY, JULY 23, 1977
6
V* Ar
NEW VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRE
* * * *
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS INVITED TENDERS FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW VEHICLE INSPECTION CENTRE IN KOWLOON BAY, KOWLOON.
THE NEW INSPECTION CENTRE, THE EIGHTH IN HONG KONG, WILL BE BUILT ON A 13,300-SQUARE METRE SITE ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION, AND WILL BE ACCESSIBLE FROM WAI YIP STREET.
WHEN COMPLETED, IT WILL HAVE EIGHT INSPECTION LANES CAPABLE OF HANDLING 200 VEHICLES A DAY.
OTHER FACILITIES IN THE CENTRE WILL CONSIST OF AN OFFICE BLOCK, AN INSPECTION WORKSHOP, A STORE HOUSE, OFFICES FOR STAFF, A PUBLIC WAITING ROOM, LECTURE ROOM AND CONFERENCE ROOM.
THE INSPECTION LANES WILL LEAD FROM THE STREET TO THE WORKSHOP WHICH WILL BE EQUIPPED WITH SERVICE PITS AND VARIOUS TYPES OF TESTING DEVICES, INCLUDING A DYNAMO METER FOR TESTING ENGINE.
IT IS EXPECTED THAT CONSTRUCTION WORK WILL COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED BY THE END OF 1978.
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SURVEY ON SOCIAL NEEDS IN QUARRY BAY
* * * *
A THREE-DAY SURVEY ON THE SOCIAL NEEDS OF RESIDENTS IN THE QUARRY BAY AREA WILL BE CONDUCTED NEXT WEEK STARTING FROM MONDAY (JULY 25).
A TOTAL OF 30 VOLUNTEERS, EACH ISSUED WITH AN IDENTITY CARD, WILL VISIT A SAMPLE OF 250 FAMILIES TO GATHER INFORMATION ON THEIR LIVING ENVIRONMENT, TRAFFIC CONDITION IN THE AREA, MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES NEEDS.
MR. STEPHEN LAM, COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICER FOR EASTERN WHO IS ALSO THE ORGANISER OF THE PROJECT, SAID : +THE DATA COLLECTED WILL BE ANALYSED AND RECOMMENDATIONS WILL BE MADE FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES IN THE AREA.+
ANOTHER OBJECTIVE OF THE PROJECT, MR. LAM SAID, WAS TO PROMOTE THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY AMONG THE RESIDENTS THROUGH THEIR INVOLVEMENT AND PARTICIPATION IN THE SURVEY.
IN ORDER TO EQUIP THE VOLUNTEERS IN THEIR SURVEY, A TWO-DAY TRAINING COURSE WAS HELD FOR THEM. TOPICS IN THE COURSE INCLUDED DATA COLLECTING AND INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES, DATA ANALYSIS METHODS AND THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF A VOLUNTEER.
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/7.....
f' SATURDAY, JULY 2J, 1977
C.A.D. TO HAVE NEW LONG-RANGE RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER *****
A NEW LONG-RANGE RADAR STATION FOR CIVIL AVIATION USE IS BEING BUILT ON MOUNT PARKER.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE STATION IS EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETED IN DECEMBER AND THE INSTALLATION OF THE RADAR EQUIPMENT WILL TAKE ABOUT FOUR MONTHS BEFORE IT COMES INTO OPERATION NEXT APRIL.
THE NEW RADAR WILL GIVE PRECISE POSITIONS OF AIRCRAFT WITHIN 200 NAUTICAL MILES OF HONG KONG AND AT ALTITUDES OF UP TO 18,300 METRES (60,000 FT.)
THE DATA COLLECTED BY THE RADAR WILL BE TRANSMITTED TO THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE AT THE HONG KONG AIRPORT BY A MICRO-WAVE RADIO LINK.
AT PRESENT, THREE OTHER RADARS ARE IN SERVICE. THEY ARE A +H IGH-RESOLUTION APPROACH+ RADAR ON BEACON HILL FOR CONTROLLING AIRCRAFT WITHIN 60 NAUTICAL MILES OF THE AIRPORT, A +PRECISION APPROACH+ RADAR AT THE AIRPORT TO GUIDE AIRCRAFT WITHIN 10 NAUTICAL MILES TO LAND ONTO THE RUNWAY DURING POOR VISIBILITY CONDITIONS, AND A +SECONDARY SURVEILLANCE* RADAR ON MOUNT PARKER PROVIDING IDENTIFICATION AND ALTITUDE INFORMATION OF COMMERCIAL AIRLINERS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT SAID THE NEW RADAR WAS ESSENTIAL FOR CONTROLLING AIRCRAFT FLYING ON AIRWAYS TO AND FROM HONG KONG AT EXTENDED RANGES.
+IT WILL FORM AN INTEGRAL PART OF A RADAR NETWORK TO ENABLE THE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL STAFF TO DIRECT AIRCRAFT APPROACHING AND LEAVING THE AIRPORT,* HE ADDED.
+COMPLEMENTING ONE ANOTHER, THESE RADARS WILL ENSURE A SAFE, EXPEDITIOUS AND ORDERLY FLOW OF AIR TRAFFIC THROUGH HONG KONG.*
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/8
SATURDAY, JULY 2J, 1977
8
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON * * * *
THE'TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL COME INTO EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27) IN THE TAI NAN STREET AND KI LUNG STREET AREA.
THE ARRANGEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
X THE SECTION OF TAI NAN STREET BETWEEN MAPLE STREET AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND*'
* THE SECTION OF KI LUNG STREET BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND PORTLAND STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY NORTHBOUND.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS .
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FIRING PRACTICE
*****
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE FOR FIVE DAYS FROM MONDAY (JULY 25).
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE s
DATE HOURS
JULY 25 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 26 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 27 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. - 11 P.M.
JULY 28 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. - 6 P.M.
JULY 29 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. - 4 P.M.
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PRH 7
|gis| |w|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE N0»
WATER BILLS COMPUTERISED .................................... 1
ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN IN SHAM SHUI PO .......................... 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT ELECTRONICS FACTORY ....................... 3
AIRPORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE ENSURES FLIGHT SAFETY .........
SEMINAR ON PRIMARY SCHOOL CHINESE CURRICULUM ................ 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
1
COMPUTERISED WATER BILLING STARTS ON WEDNESDAY
* * * * *
THE P.W.D.’S WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN ISSUING THE FIRST OF ITS NEW COMPUTERISED WATER ACCOUNTS ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27).
COMPUTER BILLS WILL BE ISSUED FIRST TO TRADE CONSUMERS OF WHICH THERE ARE A TOTAL 74,000 IN HONG KONG, WHO ACCOUNT FOR MORE THAN 40 PER CENT OF THE TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION.
COMPUTERISATION WILL BE EXTENDED TO THE REST OF HONG KONG’S 720,000 REGISTERED CONSUMERS OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.
ABOUT 5,000 BILLS WILL BE SENT OUT ON WEDNESDAY TO LAUNCH THE COMPUTER ACCOUNTING. THEY WILL COVER TRADE CONSUMERS IN WAN CHAI AND THE EASTERN PART OF HONG KONG ISLAND.
+COMPUTERISATION WILL IMPROVE THE ISSUE OF WATER BILLS AND REMINDER BILLS, PROCESS INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNTS AND THE CONTROL LEDGERS AND ALSO PROVIDE A QUICKER RESPONSE TO CUSTOMER QUERIES,* A WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
+COMPUTER BILLS WILL ALSO HAVE A MORE INFORMATIVE FORMAT, PROVIDING SUCH ADDITIONAL DATA AS THE CUSTOMER’S METER NUMBER, DEPOSIT NUMBER AND AMOUNT, PREVIOUS READING DATE AND BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD FROM THE LAST BILL.
+AN IMPORTANT POINT WHICH TRADE ACCOUNT CONSUMERS SHOULD NOTE IS THAT THEIR ACCOUNT NUMBERS HAVE BEEN REPLACED BY NEW ONES COMPRISING 14 DIGITS.*
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE DEPARTMENT’S CONTINUING PROGRAMME TO IMPROVE EFFICIENCY AND CONSUMER SERVICES HAD PROMPTED THE INTRODUCTION OF COMPUTER ACCOUNTING. A RAPID RISE IN THE NUMBER OF REGISTERED CONSUMERS HAD ALSO MADE COMPUTER BILLING INEVITABLE.
+AT PRESENT, NEW ACCOUNTS ARE COMING IN AT THE RATE OF 4,500 A MONTH,* HE SAID.
THE BILLING SCHEDULE FOR BOTH TRADE AND DOMESTIC CONSUMERS WILL NOT BE AFFECTED BY COMPUTERISATION, AND ALL REGISTERED CONSUMERS SHOULD EXPECT TO CONTINUE TO RECEIVE THEIR BILLS AT INTERVALS OF ONCE EVERY FOUR MONTHS.
FOR THE TIME BEING, DOMESTIC AND OTHER CONSUMERS WILL CONTINUE TO BE BILLED UNDER THE PRESENT SYSTEM. THEY WILL BE COMPUTERISED AFTER THE TRADE ACCOUNTS HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED AND ARE OPERATING SMOOTHLY. ,
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/a......
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 197?
2
ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN TO EE HELD IN SHAM SHU I PO IN NOVEMBER M ft * ft
A LARGE SCALE PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WILL BE LAUNCHED IN SHAM SHU I PC IN NOVEMBER TO DRIVE THE ANTI-DRUG MESSAGE HOME TO MORE THAN 503,000 PEOPLE LIVING IN THE DISTRICT.
THE CAMPAIGN IS ONE OF A SERIES OF DRUG ABUSE PREVENTION AND ^CAHON PR0JECTS PLANNED FOR THIS YEAR BY THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS
(ACAN).
A COMMITTEE, COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM 32 GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, SOCIAL WORK AGENCIES, LOCAL KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND AREA COMMITTEES, HAS BEEN FORMED TO CARRY OUT PREPARATORY WORK FOR THE CAMPAIGN.
THE CAMPAIGN WILL BEGIN ON OCTOBER 30 AND LAST FOR ONE MONTH. IT IS MAINLY AIMED AT EDUCATING YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE DANGERS OF DRUG ABUSE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, ENCOURAGING THEM TO DEVELOP A GREATER INTEREST IN HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.
A WIDE RANGE OF ACTIVITIES FOR YOUTHS, INCLUDING EXHIBITIONS, VARIETY SHOWS, SPORTS COMPETITION, FILM SHOWS, MOBILE THEATRE SHOWS, VISITS TO DRUG ADDICTION TREATMENT INSTITUTIONS, A SEMINAR, AND AN OPEN-AIR DRAWING COMPETITION WILL EE ORGANISED DURING THE CAMPA I GN.
INTENSIVE BACK-UP PUBLICITY WILL ALSO PP Mniik-TFn nv uciwr TELEVISION, RADIO, NEWSPAPERS, POSTERS AND BANNERS '"so AS TO rpr-ah THE MESSAGE OF THE CAMPAIGN TO OTHER PARTS OF HOHGKOKG*
COMMENTING ON THE CAMPAIGN, MR. CAN ICE MAK, SHAM SHU I PO CITY DISTRICT OFFICER, SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE CAMPAIGN WOULD EE SUCCESSFUL.
MR. MAK RECALLED THAT A SIMILAR CAMPAIGN HELD IN KOWLOON CITY LAST YEAR ACHIEVED VERY GOOD RESULTS AND HE SAID THAT WITH STRONG SUPPORT AND BACKING FROM ALL KAIFONG ASSOCIATIONS AND AREA COMMITTEES IN SHAM SHU I PO, THIS CAMPAIGN WOULD CERTAINLY BE A SUCCESSFUL ONE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT SAID SHAM SHU I PO '..AS PROBABLY THE MOST CHALLENGING DISTRICT SINCE THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF ACAN BEGAN ORGANISING A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN A DIFFERENT DISTRICT OF HONG KONG EACH YEAR.
IT WOULD TAKE A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO REACH MORE THAN 123,030 HOUSEHOLDS SPREAD OVER AN AREA OF 1,633 ACRES IN THE DISTRICT, HE SAID.
THE SPOKESMAN ALSO POINTED OUT THAT AN IMPORTANT FUNCTION 0F THE CAMPAIGN WAS TO AROUSE PUBLIC SUPPORT IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
A LARGE NUMBER OF VOLUNTEERS FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE WERE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN ORGANISING THE ACTIVITIES CF THE CAMPAIGN, HE SAID.
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SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
GOVERNOR VISITS COMPUTER FACTORY
* * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL PAY A VISIT TO AMPEX FERROTEC LIMITED, MAKERS OF COMPUTER PARTS, AT CHEUNG SHA WAN ON MONDAY (JULY 25).
THIS IS ANOTHER IN THE SERIES OF VISITS THE GOVERNOR MAKES PERIODICALLY TO FACTORIES TO SEE FOR HIMSELF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESS.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD.
AMPEX FERROTEC LIMITED WAS FOUNDED IN HONG KONG IN 1961, AND HAS EXPANDED RAPIDLY TO BECOME ONE OF HONG KONG’S LEADING ELECTRONICS COMPANIES. IT HAS ALSO PLAYED A LEADING ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCAL ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY.
THE COMPANY SPECIALISES IN THE DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE OF COMPUTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND COMPUTER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT INCLUDING MAGNETIC CORE MEMORY PLANES, MAGNETIC CORE MEMORY SYSTEMS AND NUMEROUS OTHER SUB-SYSTEMS.
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IS THE SECOND LARGEST INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG TODAY IN TERMS OF VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, EXCEEDED ONLY BY THE CLOTHING INDUSTRY. IN MARCH 1977, THERE WERE OVER 650 ELECTRONICS FACTORIES EMPLOYING MORE THAN 68,000 WORKERS OR ABOUT 9 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE.
THE INDUSTRY STARTED WITH THE ASSEMBLY OF TRANSISTOR RADIOS IN THE LATE 195O’S. SINCE THEN, IT HAS DIVERSIFIED INTO THE MANUFACTURE AND ASSEMBLY OF A WIDE RANGE OF SOPHISTICATED PRODUCTS AND COMPONENTS.
IN 1976, DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF ELECTRONIC PRODUCTS TOTALLED NEARLY 34,000 MILLION, OR ABOUT 12 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS. IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR, EXPORTS ROSE BY OVER 20 PER CENT COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE VISIT. SIR MURRAY WILL ARRIVE AT THE FACTORY AT 3 P.M. ON MONDAY (JULY 25). THE FACTORY IS SITUATED AT NO. 603 TAI NAM WEST STREET, CHEUNG SHA WAN, KOWLOON.
YOUR REPRESENTATIVE IS KINDLY ASKED TO BE AT THE FACTORY A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE GOVERNOR.
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A
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
- 4
COMMUNICATORS VITAL TO AIRCRAFT SAFETY
*****
WHILE PASSENGERS ARE CHECKING IN AT THE HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, A GROUP OF COMMUNICATORS OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT WILL AT THE SAME TIME 3E MAKING ARRANGEMENTS TO ENSURE THEM A SAFE JOURNEY.
WORKING IN THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AT THE AIRPORT TERMINAL BUILDING, THE COMMUNICATORS COLLECT AERONAUTICAL METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATION AND NOTICES TO AIRMEN (NOTAM) FOR DISSEMINATION TO AIRLINES.
+THE INFORMATION IS MOST VITAL TO AIR CREWS WHEN THEY ARE COMPUTING THEIR FLIGHT PLANS,+ SAID MR. CHU HARK-KEUNG, THE SENIOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS OFFICER.
+AERONAUTICAL INFORMATION AND NOTAMS, COLLECTED THROUGH GROUND-TO-GROUND FIXED RADIO NETWORKS, CONTAIN THE FULLEST DETAILS OF FACILITIES AVAILABLE FROM THE LATEST SITUATION REPORTS AT AIRPORTS LIKE MANILA, SINGAPORE, BANGKOK, TOKYO , OSAKA, AND EVEN AS FAR AS SYDNEY, + HE EXPLAINED.
+FOR EXAMPLE, THE CANCELLATION OF NAVIGATIONAL AIDS, REPAIRS BEING CARRIED OUT ON A PARTICULAR RUNWAY, LIMITATION OF RADAR SERVICE, OR NOTIFICATION OF OTHER SIGNIFICANT EVENTS AFFECTING OPERATIONS OF AIRPORTS ARE LISTED WITH THE SPECIFIC DATE, TIME AND LOCATION.
+AS FOR THE METEOROLOGICAL INFORMATI ON. SUPPL I ED TO AIRLINES’ THIS INCLUDES WIND DIRECTION AND SPEED, VISIBILITY, CLOUD COVERAGES, TEMPERATURES, DE'.. POINT, ALTIMETER SETTING'AND FUTURE WEATHER FORECASTS,* MR. CHU WENT ON.
♦WITH THE INFORMATION FROM THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE, AIR CREWS CAN DECIDE ON THE PREFERRED TIME OF TAKE OFF, THE ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL AT THEIR DESTINATIONS, THE QUANTITY OF FUEL, THE NUMBER OF PASSENGERS TO BE CARRIED, THE BULK OF GOODS THAT CAN EE TRANSPORTED AND THE BEST ROUTES TO TAKE,* HE ADDED.
+THE FLIGHT PLANS ARE FILED IN THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE AFTER THEY HAVE BEEN FINALIZED BY THE AIRLINE STAFF AND FLIGHT CREWS.
THE AIRPORTS LISTED IN THESE FLIGHT PLANS AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES ARE THEN INFORMED OF THE APPROPRIATE DETAILS.*
+THESE FLIGHT PLANS ARE FIRST CONVERTED INTO A FORM SUITABLE FOR THE TRANSMISSION MEDIUM AND THEN DISSEMINATED THROUGH LANDLINE OR RADIO TELEPRINTER CIRCUITS,* MR. CHU CONTINUED.
HOWEVER THE ROLE OF THE COMMUNICATORS IN PROTECTING AIR TRAVELLERS DOES NOT END AT THIS STAGE.
+AFTER AN AIRLINER TAKES OFF FROM KAI TAK IT REMAINS UNDER AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL COMMUNICATION UNTIL IT IS 203 MILES FROM HONG KONG. THEREAFTER THE AIRCRAFT TRANSFERS TO EN ROUTE CHANNELS UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE AEROMOBILE OFFICE OF THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE,* MR. CHU SAID.
/♦AS THE
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
- 5 -
+AS THE FLIGHT PROGRESSES ALONG THE ROUTE (WHICH IS ALSO KNOWN AS AN AIRWAY), IT REPORTS ITS POSITION AND ALTITUDE OVER A SERIES OF MANDATORY REPORTING POINTS AND ALSO ITS ESTIMATED TIME OVER THE NEXT CHECKPOINT’ AFTER RECEIVING A POSITION REPORT, THE COMMUNICATOR WILL DISSEMINATE IT TO THE CONTROL AUTHORITIES AND THE AIRLINE CONCERNED,* HE ADDED.
THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE ALSO ASSISTS BY RELAYING WEATHER INFORMATION RECEIVED FROM AIRCRAFT AT SPECIFIC REPORTING CHECKPOINTS ALONG THEIR FLIGHT PATH, TO THE METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE SO THAT OTHER FLIGHTS MAY BE MADE AWARE OF POSSIBLE ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS IF CONSIDERED NECESSARY.
ANOTHER FACILITY PROVIDED BY THE CENTRE IS THE BROADCAST SERVICE. AT 3O-MINUTE INTERVALS, COMMUNICATORS BROADCAST WEATHER REPORTS AND FORECASTS CONCERNING HONG KONG AND OTHER REGIONAL AIRPORTS. AIRCRAFT FLYING WITHIN 1,000 MILES OF HONG KONG ARE ABLE TO MONITOR THIS WEATHER INFORMATION.
AT PRESENT, THE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE IS MANNED ROUND-THE-CLOCK BY A TOTAL OF 70 QUALIFIED STAFF.
+AS A COMMUNICATOR, ONE HAS TO REMAIN ALERT AT ALL TIMES AND BE QUICK TO RESPOND TO EVENTUALITIES,* MR. CHU STRESSED.
+THIS CHALLENGING JOB NO LONGER REMAINS THE SOLE PROVINCE OF MEN HOWEVER FOR THE FIRST TIME, FOUR YOUNG WOMEN HAVE RECENTLY COMPLETED ThE INITIAL ONE YEAR COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNICATIONS TRAINING COURSE. THEY ARE NOW COMPETENTLY PERFORMING IDENTICAL DUTIES TO THOSE OF THEIR MALE COUNTERPARTS,* HE ADDED.
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/6
SUNDAY, JULY 24, 1977
6
SEMINAR FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS ON CHINESE CURRICULUM
* * * * *
ABOUT 600 PRIMARY SCHOOL HEADMASTERS ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND A SEMINAR ON THE CHINESE CURRICULUM TOMORROW (MONDAY) AT THE HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE CHINESE LANGUAGE SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S ADVISORY INSPECTORATE, WILL BE REPEATED ON TUESDAY AND WEDNESDAY (JULY 26 AND 27).
THE SEMINAR WILL FAMILIARISE THE HEADMASTERS WITH THE CHARACTERISTICS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE NEW CHINESE CURRICULUM AT PRIMARY LEVEL. PLENARY SESSIONS ON THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND TEACHING ASPECTS OF THE CURRICULUM WILL ALSO EE HELD.
SOME OF THE HEADMASTERS AND THE HEADS OF THE DEPARTMENTS OF CHINESE OF THE THREE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WILL GIVE TALKS, FOLLOWED BY DISCUSSIONS.
THE PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (CHINESE), MR. SO FAI-CHO WILL TAKE THE CHAIR AND SUM UP THE DISCUSSIONS.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE WELCOME TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE SEMINAR WHICH WILL LAST FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. ON EACH OF THE THREE DAYS.
HO MAN TIN GOVERNMENT MIDDLE SCHOOL IS AT PERTH STREET, KOWLOON.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NEW HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT TO BECOME EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 1978 ........................................ 1
GOVERNOR TO OPEN SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION ............. 2
REVIEW OF HK TRADE 1976 PUBLISHED ...................... 3
OCEAN PARK PROJECT COMPETITION ......................... 3
SIR MURRAY VISITS COMPUTER COMPONENTS FACTORY .......... 4
LADY MACLEHOSE TO JOIN HANDICAPPED CHILDREN CAMP ....... 5
PEDDER STREET TO BE CLOSED ONE NIGHT FOR MTR WORKS ..... 5
SECTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD TO BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED ...... 6
POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ON AUGUST 1 ........................ 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
1
SIGNING OF HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT HELD UP BY MINOR DRAFTING PROBLEMS ******
FORMAL SIGNING OF THE NEW HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT, NEGOTIATIONS ON WHICH WERE CONCLUDED IN GENEVA TOWARDS THE END OF JUNE, HAS BEEN HELD UP BY +MINOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF DRAFTING+, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD, SAID TODAY.
BUT AN EXCHANGE OF LETTERS HAD BEEN COMPLETED WHEREBY THE CURRENT AGREEMENT, DUE TO EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 30, WAS EXTENDED UNTIL THE END OF THE YEAR, HE SAID.
THIS EXTENSION WILL, IN EFFECT, TURN THE LAST YEAR OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT INTO A CONTINUOUS 15-MONTH RESTRAINT PERIOD. THE QUOTA LEVELS FOR THE CURRENT YEAR WILL BE PROPORTIONATELY INCREASED TO COVER THE EXTRA THREE MONTHS.
MR. DORWARD ADDED: +THE TRADE IS RELIEVED BY THE THREEMONTH EXTENSION WHICH WILL EASE SOME OF THE PRESSURE ON QUOTAS. DESPITE GENERALLY SLACK MARKET CONDITIONS, DEMAND REMAINS STRONG FOR SOME CATEGORIES.+
COMMENTING ON THE DELAY IN SIGNING THE NEW AGREEMENT, WHICH WILL ENTER INTO FORCE ON JANUARY 1, 1978, MR. DORWARD SAID THAT IT WAS UNFORTUNATE.
HE STRESSED, HOWEVER, THAT WHAT REMAINED TO BE RESOLVED WERE MINOR TECHNICAL PROBLEMS OF DRAFTING WHICH DID NOT AFFECT THE BASIC TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT.
+BUT THE EXTENSION SHOULD ENABLE THE TRADE TO GO ON IN THE MEANTIME, AND IN THE KNOWLEDGE THAT A NEW AGREEMENT WILL BE IMPLEMENTED AS FROM JANUARY 1 NEXT.+
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS ISSUED A NOTICE TO EXPORTERS EXPLAINING TO THE TRADE THE MECHANICS OF THE THREE-MONTH EXTENSION. THE DEPARTMENT HAS ALSO OFFERED DDITIONAL QUOTAS TO EXISTING QUOTA-HOLDERS COVERING THE THREEMONTH PERIOD.
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[This page is blank in the original document]
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
HK REVIEW OF TRADE IN 1976 ON SALE
*****
THE TOTAL VALUE OF HONG KONG’S OVERSEAS TRADE INCREASED TREMENDOUSLY IN 1976, AS A RESULT OF THE GENERAL UPTURN IN WORLD TRADE. WITH TOTAL EXPORTS INCLUDING RE-EXPORTS RISING FASTER THAN IMPORTS, THE VISIBLE TRADE BALANCE FURTHER IMPROVED.
THESE DETAILS AND MANY OTHERS ARE FEATURED IN THE +HONG KONG REVIEW OF OVERSEAS TRADE IN 1976+ WHICH IS NOW ON SALE AT $10 PER COPY AT THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE, GENERAL POST OFFICE, CONNAUGHT PLACE.
THE 48-PAGE REVIEW, PREPARED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, CLEARLY OUTLINES HONG KONG’S TRADE PERFORMANCE WITH VARIOUS COUNTRIES ACCOMPANIED BY SIMPLE GRAPHS.
IT STARTS WITH A GENERAL REVIEW OF TRADE IN 1976 COMPARED WITH TWO PREVIOUS YEARS. IT ALSO SEPARATELY FOCUSES ON HONG KONG’S DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS WITH DETAIL STATISTICS OF TRADE WITH MAJOR TRADING PARTNERS.
ONE USEFUL FEATURE OF THE REVIEW IS THAT IT GIVES THE COMPARATIVE TRADE GROWTH OF HONG KONG BY VALUE FROM 1950.
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PROJECT COMPETITION ON OCEAN PARK
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS UNDERTAKEN TO ORGANISE A PROJECT COMPETITION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS ON OCEAN PARK.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID: +THE LAUNCHING OF THE COMPETITION COMES AT AN OPPORTUNE TIME WHEN OCEAN PARK HAS OPENED FOR MORE THAN HALF A YEAR AND TENS OF THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS HAVE MADE VISITS TO THE PLACE.+
THE COMPETITION IS AIMED AT AROUSING STUDENTS’ INTEREST IN STUDYING BIOLOGY AND ECOLOGY, PROMOTING AN UNDERSTANDING OF PLANT AND ANIMAL LIFE, STIMULATE THEIR IMAGINATION AND ENABLE THEM TO CULTIVATE AN APPRECIATION OF THE BEAUTY OF NATURE AND A CARE FOR LIVING THINGS.
MOBIL OIL (H.K.) LIMITED IS THE SPONSOR OF THE COMPETITION AND WILL PROVIDE 13 PRIZES COMPRISING A WINNER, TWO RUNNERS-UP AND 10 MERIT PRIZES.
EACH PROJECT WILL OCCUPY AN AREA OF NOT MORE THAN 100 SQ. FT. (ABOUT 9.20 METRES) AND ALL WINNING PROJECTS WILL BE DISPLAYED AT THE EXHIBITION HALL OF THE CITY HALL NEXT JANUARY. SECONDARY SCHOOLS a ILL BE INFORMED OF THE DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION BY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT IN SEPTEMBER.
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A
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
4
GOVERNOR VISITS ELECTRONICS FACTORY K M * K
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, THIS (MONDAY) AFTERNOON SAW THE OPERATION OF ONE OF HONG KONG’S LEADING ELECTRONICS FACTORIES IN CHEUNG SHA WAN IN ONE OF HIS PERIODICAL FACTORY VISITS TO KEEP HIMSELF INFORMED ON THE LATEST PROGRESS OF LOCAL INDUSTRIES.
ACCOMPANIED BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD, SIR MURRAY SAW THE VARIOUS STAGES OF DESIGNING, ASSEMBLING AND TESTING OF COMPUTER COMPONENTS AT AMPEX FERROTEC LIMITED, A SUBSIDIARY OF AMPEX CORPORATION OF USA.
THE COMPANY SPECIALISES IN THE MANUFACTURE OF COMPUTER SUB-ASSEMBLIES AND COMPUTER PERIPHERAL EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING MAGNETIC CORE MEMORY PLANES, MAGNETIC CORE MEMORY SYSTEMS AND NUMEROUS OTHER SUB-SYSTEMS AND HAD WON A NUMBER OF DESIGN AWARDS.
IT EMPLOYS OVER 2,000 TECHNICIANS AND WORKERS AND EXPORTS ALL ITS PRODUCTS TO THE USA, THE LARGEST MARKET FOR HONG KONG’S ELECTRONIC GOODS.
THE ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY IS THE SECOND MOST PRODUCTIVE LOCAL INDUSTRY AFTER CLOTHING. VALUED AT NEARLY $4,000 MILLION LAST YEAR, IT CONTRIBUTED TO SOME 12 PER CENT OF HONG KONG’S TOTAL DOMESTIC EXPORTS. EXPORTS ROSE BY OVER 20 PER CENT IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS THIS YEAR.
IN MARCH, MORE THAN 68,000 WORKERS OR ABOUT NINE PER CENT OF THE INDUSTRIAL WORKFORCE WERE EMPLOYED IN THIS INDUSTRY IN OVER 650 FACTOR IES.
MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
NOTE TO EDITORS
LADY MACLEHOSE TO VISIT CAMP FOR HANDICAPPED CHILDREN * * * *
LADY MACLEHOSE WILL VISIT A CAMP FOR PHYSICALLY-HANDICAPPED CHILDREN AT SHEK PIK, LANTAU ISLAND ON FRIDAY MORNING (JULY 29).
DURING THE VISIT, LADY MACLEHOSE WILL SEE SOME 35 HANDICAPPED CHILDREN TAKING PART IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES INCLUDING WHEEL-CHAIR FOLK DANCE, MODIFIED SPORTS AND SINGING.
THE CAMP IS ORGANISED EY THE YOUTH AND WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF THE HONG KONG RED CROSS.
TRANSPORT FACILITIES FOR THE PRESS TO COVER THIS EVENT ARE BEING ARRANGED.
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES WHO WISH TO USE THESE FACILITIES ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM G.I.S. DUTY OFFICERS AT TEL: 5-233191 EXT. 24? BEFORE 5 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27). DETAILS OF THESE ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE ANNOUNCED LATER.
— u —
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PEDDER STREET * * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT PEDDER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 P.M. TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AND 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27) TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS. CHATER ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED :
* CMB ROUTE NO.13 ON INWARD JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) WILL EE DIVERTED VIA CHATER ROAD, CLUE STREET AND THEN CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL”
* MAXICAB ROUTE NOS. 1, 2, c AND 7 ON JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL WILL BE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREET AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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MONDAY, JULY 25, 1977
- 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LEIGHTON ROAD * * * *
THE SECTION OF LEIGHTON ROAD BETWEEN MATHESON STREET AND CANAL ROAD EAST WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC BETWEEN 6 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (JULY 27) AND 3 A.M. ON FRIDAY (JULY 29) TO FACILITATE CAELE-LAYING WORKS, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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POST OFFICE HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS
******
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
THIRTY-TWO POST OFFICES, INCLUDING THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE, WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NC.
JUNE PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES DROP ....................... 1
VOLUNTARY INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SET-UP SUGGESTED .............. 3
LEGCO MEETING TOMORROW WILL DISCUSS RAT CONTROL ........... 5
FOOD OPERATORS CAUGHT WASTING WATER ....................... 6
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SETS UP OFFICE IN TUEN MUN .............. 7
OPENING HOURS OF MARINE DEPARTMENT ON AUGUST 1 ............ 8
LION ROCK TUNNEL TO BE CLOSED HALF AN HOUR ON THURSDAY .. 8
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
1 PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR JUNE 1977 * * K * *
THERE WAS A DROP IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS LAST MONTH COMPARED WITH THE PREVIOUS MONTH, ACCORDING TO PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES PUBLISHED TODAY BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR JUNE WAS $2,930 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $3,992 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $806 MILLION. COMPARED WITH MAY, THE FIGURES REPRESENTED DECREASES OF $27 MILLION OR 0.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $184 MILLION OR 4.4 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $16 MILLION OR 1.9 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, THE FIGURES SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $100 MILLION OR 3.5 PER CENT IN DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $339 MILLION OR 9.3 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $69 MILLION OR 9.4 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD APRIL TO JUNE 1977 ALSO SHOWED INCREASES BY VALUE, OF 6.9 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 12.9 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 9.3 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976.
FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM JULY 1976 TO JUNE 1977, THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS, IMPORTS AND RE-EXPORTS INCREASED BY 20.6 PER CENT, 17.5 PER CENT AND 15.7 PER CENT RESPECTIVELY COMPARED WITH THE CORRESPONDING 12 MONTH OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR.
THE FOLLOWING TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES:
COMPARATIVE FIGURES
LATEST 3 MONTHS APRIL-JUNE 1977 APRIL-JUNE 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 8,505 7,957 + 548 + 6.9
IMPORTS 12,298 10,889 + 1 .,409 + 12.9
RE-EXPORTS 2,347 2,147 ♦ 200 + 9.3
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR JUNE 1977 JUNE 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,930 (78.4%) 2,831 (79.3%) ♦ 100 + 3.5
IMPORTS 3,992 3,652 + 339 ♦ 9.3
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 806 (21.6%) 737 (20.7%) ♦ 69 + 9.4
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
2
LAST MONTH JUNE 1977 MAY 1977 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,930 (78.4%) 2,958 (78.3%) - 27 — 0.9
IMPORTS 3,992 4,176 - 184 * 4.4
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 806 (21.6%) 822 (21.7%) - 16 1.9
CALENDAR YEAR TO-DATE JAN.-JUNE 1977 JAN.-JUNE 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 15,776 (77.4%) 14,800 (77.7%) ♦ 976 ♦ 6.6
IMPORTS 23,440 20,606 +2,833 4- 13.7
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 4,610 (22.6%) 4,259 (22.3%) ♦ 351 ♦ 8.2
LAST 12 MONTHS JULY 1976 TO JUNE 1977 JULY 1975 TO JUNE 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$ MN. $ MN. $ MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 33,605 27,856 +5,749 + 20.6
IMPORTS 46,126 39,259 +6,867 ♦ 17.5
RE-EXPORTS 9,279 8,019 +1,260 + 15.7
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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
- 3 -
SETTING UP OF VOLUNTARY INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ORGANISATION SUGGESTED # M * K #
THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, TODAY (TUESDAY) SUGGESTED THAT INDUSTRY COULD DEVELOP A VOLUNTARY SAFETY ORGANISATION TO HELP PREVENT INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS.
MR. WILLIAMS TOLD A FEDERATION OF HONG KONG INDUSTRIES LUNCHEON AUDIENCE THAT THERE WERE STILL GAPS IN ACCIDENT PREVENTION DESPITE THE GOVERNMENT’S LEGISLATION, ENFORCEMENT, AND EDUCATION THROUGH ITS INSPECTION SYSTEM.
EXPLAINING THE ROLE OF A POSSIBLE VOLUNTARY INDUSTRIAL SAFETY ORGANISATION, MR. WILLIAMS SAID, IN GENERAL TERMS IT COULD PRODUCE CODES OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICES- ESTABLISH A FORUM FOR THE INTERCHANGE OF IDEAS- PROVIDE A TECHNICAL INFORMATION SERVICE FOR MATTERS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH- PROVIDE TRAINING COURSES FOR INDUSTRY AND STIMULATE INFORMED INTEREST IN INDUSTRIAL SAFETY AND HEALTH THROUGH PUBLICITY SERVICES.
MR. WILLIAMS SAID THAT THE ANNUAL TOLL OF OCCUPATIONAL INJURIES AND DEATH WAS HUGE AND THAT LAST YEAR ALONE THERE WERE MORE THAN 45,000 OCCUPATIONAL ACCIDENTS AND 249 DEATHS. INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS ACCOUNTED FOR NEARLY 70 PER CENT OF THIS TOTAL.
+THE AMOUNT PAID OUT AS COMPENSATION UNDER THE WORKMEN’S COMPENSATION ORDINANCE FOR ABOUT 35,000 SETTLED CASES WAS $22 MILLION, AND THIS SUM DOES NOT INCLUDE INDIRECT COSTS SUCH AS MEDICAL EXPENSES, INTERFERENCE WITH PRODUCTION, DAMAGE TO PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, SPOILAGE OF MATERIAL OR COMPENSATION PAID AS CIVIL DAMAGES,* HE SAID.
+IT IS RECOGNISED INTERNATIONALLY THAT SUCH INDIRECT COSTS AMOUNT TO FOUR TO FIVE TIMES THE ACTUAL AMOUNT PAID IN COMPENSATION, AND IT CAN THEREFORE BE SAID THAT THE LOSS LAST YEAR WAS IN THE ORDER OF $100 MILLION,* HE ADDED.
+IT IS CLEAR THAT HONG KONG CANNOT BEAR SUCH LOSSES AND THAT INCREASED PRACTICAL PREVENTIVE EFFORT BY MANAGEMENT, LABOUR AND THE GOVERNMENT MUST BE MADE, JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY,* HE STRESSED.
♦IN THE END, ALL OF THESE LOSSES MUST BE BORNE BY THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE. AND THEREFORE IT IS ONLY PROPER THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD TAKE AN ACTIVE PART IN THE EFFORT TO KEEP WORKERS FROM BEING INJURED OR KILLED BY ACCIDENTS,* HE SAID.
HE REFERRED TO THE MANY NEW SETS OF SAFETY REGULATIONS INTRODUCED BY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN RECENT YEARS AND THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE’S INSPECTION OF WORKPLACES TO ENSURE THE MAINTENANCE OF ACCEPTABLE STANDARDS.
/♦BUT REGULATORY......
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
+ BUT REGULATORY ACTION ALONE IS NOT SUFFICIENT,* MR.
WILLIAMS SAID, +AND SO THE INSPECTORATE ALSO ASSUMED THE EVEN MORE IMPORTANT RESPONSIBILITY OF EDUCATING ALL GRADES OF SUPERVISORS AND MANAGERS IN THEIR DUTY OF PREVENTING INJURIES TO THEIR WORKFORCE.*
HE ADDED THAT HE HAD QUICKLY CONCLUDED IN HIS FIRST FEW WEEKS AS COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR THAT EDUCATION PROPERLY BACKED BY ENFORCEMENT WAS THE MOST EFFECTIVE APPROACH.
MR. WILLIAMS RECOUNTED THE EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES AVAILABLE TO INDUSTRY.
FOR THOSE EMPLOYERS WHO WERE NOT LARGE ENOUGH TO ENGAGE FULL-TIME SAFETY PERSONNEL, HE OFFERED THE SERVICES OF THE FACTORY INSPECTORATE FOR ON-THE-SPOT ADVICE.
THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE, HE SAID, OFFERED A VARIETY OF SAFETY TRAINING COURSES FREE OF CHARGE TO INDUSTRIAL EMPLOYEES AT VARIOUS LEVELS.
THE INSPECTORATE ALSO ORGANISED SAFETY EXHIBITIONS TO PUT ACROSS THE SAFETY MESSAGE TO BOTH EMPLOYERS AND EMPLOYEES.
FACTORY INSPECTION, MR. WILLIAMS SAID, HAD DONE MUCH TO MAKE WORKING CONDITIONS IN INDUSTRY SAFER AND HEALTHIER BUT SUCH INSPECTIONS AND ENFORCEMENT WERE ONLY A PART OF THE JOB TO BE DONE.
+MUCH MORE MUST BE DONE TO ENCOURAGE THE VOLUNTARY CO-OPERATION OF EMPLOYERS,* HE CONTINUED.
+THE MANAGEMENT THAT REALISES HOW AND WHY ACCIDENTS COST MONEY WILL TURN ITS ENERGIES MORE AND MORE TO THE JOB OF ELIMINATING THEM, AND WILL IN THIS WAY DO FAR MORE TO SAFEGUARD ITS EMPLOYEES THAN IT COULD BE COMPELLED TO DO BY LAW,* THE COMMISSIONER ADDED.
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/5
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
- 5 -
GOVERNMENT WILL BE ASKED TO DO MORE ON RAT CONTROL IN LEGCO
* * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. T.S. LO WILL MOVE A MOTION ASKING THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS EFFORTS IN RODENT CONTROL WHEN THE COUNCIL MEETS TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
BEFORE THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING, THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN WILL ALSO RAISE THE SUBJECT OF +THE PRESENT OUTLOOK OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND APPAREL INDUSTRIES*.
EIGHTEEN QUESTIONS ARE SCHEDULED TO BE RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS, INCLUDING ONE BY THE HON. T.S. LO ON RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE PROPERTY ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE ON THE LOCATION AND SPACE REQUIREMENTS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG WILL PUT IN A QUESTION ASKING FOR THE PUBLICATION OF AN ENQUIRY REPORT ON THE COLLISION OFF CHEUNG CHAU ISLAND BETWEEN A HYDROFOIL AND A YAUMATI FERRY.
THERE WILL BE OTHER QUESTIONS ON JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEW GRADUATES FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, CONTROL OF SPEED-BOATS NEAR GAZETTED BEACHES, SAFETY REQUIREMENTS FOR WATER SKIERS, PROTECTION OF RAPE VICTIMS, MORE STUDY ROOMS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, CONDITIONS FOR THE ISSUE OF ’JUMBO’ PASSPORTS, WHEELCHAIRS FOR DISABLED PASSENGERS AT KAI TAK, AND IMPROVEMENTS IN WATER SUPPLY TO SAI KUNG DISTRICT.
THERE WILL ALSO BE QUESTIONS ON RELOCATING PIG-BREEDERS NOW IN THE URBAN AREAS TO THE NEW TERRITORIES, MEASURES TO PREVENT ACCIDENTS TO PEDESTRIANS ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR MODERN TERMINALS LIMITED, FEASIBILITY OF A MTR/KCR INTERCHANGE STATION AT KOWLOON TONG, AND MAXIMUM SPEED LIMIT ON MINIBUSES IN CERTAULAREAS.
FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, USE OF LYEMUN BARRACKS FOR PUBLIC RECREATION, MERIT TRIPS FOR LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICERS, AND THE POSSIBILITY OF AMENDING THE LEGISLATION TO REQUIRE CUTS TO FILMS IN HONG KONG TO BE ADVERTISED WitL BE ASKED.
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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977’
- 6 -
FOOD OPERATORS CAUGHT WASTING WATER IN SURPRISE VISITS *****
TEAMS OF WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT STAFF HAVE BEEN PAYING A SERIES OF SURPRISE VISITS TO RESTAURANTS AND COOKED FOOD STALLS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE HARBOUR TO CHECK ON PEOPLE WHO WASTE WATER DURING THE CURRENT WATER RESTRICTIONS.
THE AREAS COVERED SO FAR INCLUDE MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND CENTRAL.
MORE THAN 30 RESTAURANTS AND COOKED FOOD STALLS IN 18 STREETS IN THESE AREAS HAVE BEEN VISITED IN THE PAST FEW DAYS.
MR. WILLIAM TUCKER, DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, SAID LEGAL ACTION WOULD BE TAKEN AGAINST OPERATORS OF NINE RESTAURANTS AND ONE COOKED FOOD STALL WHO WERE FOUND TO HAVE LET THEIR TAPS RUNNING WHILE WASHING VEGETABLES, FISH, MEAT OR COOKING UTENSILS.
SEVERAL OTHERS HAD BEEN WARNED THAT THEY MIGHT FACE LEGAL ACTION IF THEY WERE AGAIN FOUND TO LET WATER DRIPPING FROM THEIR TAPS.
MR. TUCKER SAID THAT THE SURPRISE VISITS PROVED TO BE VERY EFFECTIVE AS A NUMBER OF RESTAURANT AND COOKED FOOD STALL OPERATORS WERE CAUGHT BY SURPRISE.
HOWEVER, HE WAS PLEASED TO NOTE THAT THE OPERATORS OF MOST OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS VISITED SO FAR WERE USING WATER WITH MAXIMUM ECONOMY.
MR. TUCKER APPEALED TO THE PUBLIC FOR THEIR FULL CO-OPERATION IN SAVING WATER.
HE SA ID« +WE HAVE TO BE MORE CAREFUL ABOUT THE USE OF WATER IF THE TARGET SAVING OF 20 PER CENT IS TO BE MAINTAINED.
+T0 ENSURE THAT THE CURRENT WATER RESTRICTIONS ARE PROPERLY ENFORCED, STAFF OF THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT WILL CONTINUE TO PAY RANDOM VISITS FROM TIME TO TIME TO RESTAURANTS AND COOKED FOOD STALLS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.+
TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
LABOUR DEPARTMENT IN STEP WITH NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT IS IMPROVING ITS SERVICES TO THE PUBLIC BY SETTING UP BRANCH OFFICES IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, IN KOWLOON AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. PETER WILLIAMS, AT THE OPENING OF THE DEPARTMENT’S NEW BRANCH OFFICE IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE OFFICE, AT TAK CHING COURT, TUEN MUN, WAS JOINTLY OPENED BY THREE LOCAL LEADERS, MR. LEUNG KUEN, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU CHI-YUEN, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION AND MR. LAU NAM-ON, CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
THE NEW OFFICE WILL REPLACE THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OFFICE LOCATED AT ROOM 109 ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE YUEN LONG DISTRICT BRANCH OFFICE.
MR. WILLIAMS SAID TUEN MUN WAS THE 15TH BRANCH OFFICE AND HAD BEEN ESTABLISHED TO KEEP PACE WITH THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE OFFICE INCLUDES THREE UNITS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT — THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE AND THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS UNIT.
MR. WILLIAMS, SPEAKING IN CHINESE, SAID : +ALTHOUGH THESE SERVICES ARE DIFFERENT IN NATURE, THEY ALL PROVIDE IMPORTANT SERVICES IN A RAPIDLY DEVELOPING INDUSTRIAL TOWN.+
THE COMMISSIONER BRIEFLY DESCRIBED THE WORK OF THE THREE UNITS. THE FIRST, HE SAID, WAS TO HELP FACTORIES AND SHOPS IN THE AREA TO FIND SUITABLE EMPLOYEES AND JOB-SEEKERS IN OBTAINING SUITABLE EMPLOYMENT. THE SECOND WAS TO PROMOTE GOOD EMPLOYER-EMPLOYEE RELATIONSHIP AND TO CONCILIATE LABOUR DISPUTES, AND THE THIRD TO ASSIST INDUSTRIALISTS TO IMPROVE THEIR WORKING ENVIRONMENT, AND SAFEGUARD THE HEALTH AND SAFETY AS WELL AS THE WELFARE OF WORKERS, HE SAID.
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TUESDAY, JULY 26, 1977
8
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT
******
JHE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE WAN CHAI AND THE YAU MA TEI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREAS, AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL EE OPEN AS USUAL ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1) WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
THE VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO 11 A.M. ON THAT DAY WHILE THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT OFFICES WILL EE OPEN FROM 7.30 A.M. TO 1.30 A.M. ON THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ALL OTHER OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAY.
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TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF LION ROCK TUNNEL
*****
THE LION ROCK TUNNEL WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC ON THURSDAY (JULY 28) BETWEEN 10.30 A.M. AND 11 A.M. TO ALLOW THE CHINA LIGHT COMPANY TO ADJUST THE MAINS SUPPLY TO THE TUNNEL.
TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE AT THE VARIOUS ROAD JUNCTIONS LEADING TO THE TUNNEL TO ADVISE MOTORISTS OF THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE.
o - -
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MTR TSUEN WAN EXTENSION ............................... 1
UNOFFICIALS CONCERN OVER TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY .... 6
LATEST ON TEXTILE AGREEMENTS .......................... 9
PROSPECTS FOR TEACHER GRADUATES GOOD .................. 11
6 PER CENT INCREASE IN PENSIONS ....................... 11
FURTHER EFFORTS TO CONTROL RATS SUPPORTED .......'..... 12
NEW LAW TO PREVENT IDENTIFYING RAPE VICTIMS ........... 14
LYEMUN FOR RECREATION TO 3E STUDIED ................... 15
KOWLOON TONG MTR-KCR INTERCHANGE PROBABLE ............. 16
LONG TERM PLANS FOR GOVERNMENT OFFICES ................ 17
SAFE CROSSING ON KWAI CHUNG ROAD ...................... 18
MARINE COURT TO INVESTIGATE COLLISION ................. 18
CODE OF PRACTICE ON FILM CUTS ......................... 19
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR WORLD WAR II PRISONERS ..... 19
IMPROVEMENTS TO SAI KUNG WATER SUPPLY IN HAND ......... 20
30 GOVERNMENT OFFICERS GO ON MERIT TRIP EACH YEAR ..... 20
URBAN PIG-KEEPERS HELPED TO MOVE OUT .................. 21
LEGISLATION ON SPEED-BOAT AND WATER SKIER SAFETY ...... 21
CRITERION FOR ISSUE OF ’JUMBO’ PASSPORT ............... 22
PLB SPEED LIMIT TO BE EXAMINED ........................ 22
MORE STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENTS ......................... 23
/ REHABILITATION ...
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
REHABILITATION SERVICES POLICY DEBATE NEXT SESSION ........ 23
GOOD PROSPECTS FOR CONSTRUCTION BOOM ...................... 24
SUPPLMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED ........................ 25
CAD DIRECTOR RETURNS ...................................... 26
BILLS PASSED .............................................. 26
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WEDNESDAY, /ULY 27, 1977
NEED FOR MTR TSUEN WAN EXTENSION FIRMLY
ESTABLISHED * * * *
THE NEED FOR A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN HAS BEEN FIRMLY ESTABLISHED BY TRANSPORT STUDIES UNDERTAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON WHEN MOVING A MOTION TO WELCOME THE DECISION ON THE EXTENSION.
IT SHOULD HELP TO MEET THE GROWING TRANSPORT NEEDS OF THE LARGE COMMUNITIES NOW TAKING SHAPE IN TSUEN WAN, KWAI CHUNG, TSI NG Yl AND TUEN MUN, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
+THE REPORT ON THE COMPREHENSIVE TRANSPORT STUDY ESTIMATES THAT ABOUT 75 PER CENT OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT JOURNEYS ORIGINATING IN TSUEN WAN WILL HAVE DESTINATIONS IN THE AREAS SERVED BY THE COMBINED MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM/TSUEN WAN EXTENSION SYSTEM.
+SO THE OPERATION OF THE RAILWAY TO TSUEN WAN WILL UNDOUBTEDLY EASE THE LOT OF A GREAT NUMBER OF PEOPLE LIVING IN THESE AREAS AS THEIR USUAL TRAVELLING TIME FROM, FOR EXAMPLE, TSUEN WAN TO CENTRAL WILL, IN MANY INSTANCES, BE CUT BY AS MUCH AS 50 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE REPORT HAD CONCLUDED THAT THE EXTENSION WOULD GENERATE REVENUES SIGNIFICANTLY IN EXCESS OF ITS RELATIVE SHARE OF THE TOTAL COST OF THE SYSTEM.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MTR CORPORATION HAD ELECTED TO PROCEED WITH THE EXTENSION NOW BECAUSE
* THE PRESSURES ON THE WEST KOWLOON OR TSUEN WAN CORRIDOR WOULD BE MUCH MORE APPARENT BY THE END OF 1982
SO THAT AN UNDERGROUND RAILWAY TO BE BUILT IN TIME TO RELIEVE THE CONGESTION WOULD HAVE TO START WORK AS SOCK AS POSSIBLE,
* IT SEEMS HIGHLY LIKELY THAT VERY COMPETITIVE BIDS WILL BE RECEIVED FROM CONTRACTORS ALREADY EMPLOYED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM SINCE THE NECESSARY HEAVY EQUIPMENT IS ALREADY HERE,
* THE CORPORATION WOULD BE ABLE TO CONTINUE TO UTILIZE THE KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE OF THE 700 OR SO TECHNICAL A.». ENGINEERING STAFF WHICH IT HAS BUILT UP TO SUPERVISE TH-CONSTRUCTION OF THE INITIAL SYSTEM,
* TO DELAY EXTENDING THE INITIAL SYSTEM WHEN THE CORPORATION HAS THE OVERALL CAPACITY TO DO SO WOULD ONLY MEAN INFLATION WOULD SWELL THE TOTAL COST OF THE RAILWAY, AND
* THE CORPORATION BELIEVES THAT IT IS NOW A FAVOURABLE TIME TO NEGOTIATE LOANS TO FINANCE THE COST OF THE EXTENSION.
/ TH2 hnaijoia:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 197"
2
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE MTR CORPORATION PREDICTED THAT BY 1986, THE MODIFIED SYSTEM AND THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION WOULD TOGETHER CARRY SOME 1.8 MILL I ON' PASSENGERS A DAY, WHICH ESTIMATE HAD BEEN CONFIRMED BY AN INDEPENDENT GOVERNMENT CHECK.
+ THE FARE STRUCTURES ASSUMED FOR THE COMBINED SYSTEM WILL BE HIGHER THAN CURRENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES BUT THE SPEED, REGULARITY, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF THE RAILWAY SHOULD AMPLY COMPENSATE FOR THE FARE DIFFERENTIAL,* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT’S MAIN ROLE NOW WOULD BE TO FACILITATE THE EFFORTS OF THE CORPORATION IN CONSTRUCTING THE EXTENSION.
+TO THIS END, FOR INSTANCE, QUICK ACTION WILL NEED TO BE TAKEN TO ACQUIRE AND CLEAR WORKS AND STORAGE SITES FOR THE CORPORATION* TO ACQUIRE EASEMENTS FOR THE RAILWAY STRUCTURESAND TO PROTECT THE ROUTE OF THE RAILWAY.
+TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL HAVE TO BE PLANNED, AS WELL AS THE DIVERSION OF UTILITIES BELONGING TO THE GOVERNMENT AND THE UTILITY COMPANIES. SPECIAL CARE WILL HAVE TO BE TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT THE WORKS WILL NOT IMPEDE THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC TO AND FROM THE CONTAINER TERMINAL.
+STATIONS AND THEIR ENTRANCES WILL HAVE TO BE LOCATED AND DESIGNED IN CONJUNCTION WITH SURFACE PUBLIC TRANSPORT INTERCHANGE FACILITIES AND BOTH COMPLEMENTARY AND SUPPLEMENTARY SURFACE TRANSPORT SERVICES WILL HAVE TO BE PLANNED.
+SOME PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS WILL HAVE TO BE PROGRAMMED TO FIT IN WITH THE CORPORATION’S CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME AND EXISTING LEGISLATION WILL HAVE TO BE AMENDED TO MAKE IT APPLY TO THE EXTENSION.
♦ADDITIONAL STAFF, MAINLY IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, WILL BE NEEDED TO ACCOMPLISH ALL THIS ON TIME,* HE SAID.
AS SOON AS THE EXTENSION TO TSUEN WAN BECOMES OPERATIONAL, HE CONTINUED, SURFACE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FEEDER SERVICES WILL BE INTRODUCED TO LINK THE MTR STATIONS AS NEARLY AS POSSIBLE TO PASSENGERS’ ORIGINS AND DESTINATIONS.
♦THIS WILL BE ACHIEVED,* HE SAID, +BY USING SOME OF THE BUSES AND PLB’S OPERATING IN MTR CORRIDORS BEFORE THE RAILWAY BECOMES OPERATIONAL AND THUS THE FULL BENEFITS OF THE UNDERGROUND RAILWAY WILL BE SECURED FOR THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC.
+TRAFFIC STUDIES ARE IN HAND TO WORK OUT HOW BUSES AND PLB’S MAY COMPLEMENT AND SUPPLEMENT THE MTR TO MAKE THE BEST USE OF ROAD AND KERBSIDE SPACE,* HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT THE COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS WORKED OUT FOR THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM WOULD APPLY TO THOSE AFFECTED BY THE EXTENSION.
'WEDNESDAY, JIT” 27
+THt PRESENT SYSTEM OF ADVANCE PAYMENTS DEVISED TO MITIGATE ANY HARDSHIP CAUSED BY BUSINESS LOSSES ARISING FROM STREET CLOSURES WILL ALSO APPLY,+ HE SAID.
+IN THOSE CASES WHERE STATUTORY CLAIMS FOR BUSINESS LOSSES SUSTAINED CANNOT BE ENTERTAINED BECAUSE OF LEGAL TECHNICALITIES, EX GRATIA COMPENSATION WILL BE CONSIDERED,+ HE ADDED.
+IN OTHER WORDS, THE CORPORATION AND THE GOVERNMENT WILL DO EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO MINIMISE THE INEVITABLE INCONVENIENCE AND ANNOYANCE THAT WILL BE CAUSED TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC BY THE BUILDING OF THIS EXTENSION,+ HE ASSURED.
BUT UNOFFICIAL MEMBER, THE HON. S.L. CHEN, QUERIED SOME OF THE ASSUMPTIONS UNDERLYING THE MTR CORPORATION’S PROPOSALS TO EXTEND THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM.
THE FIRST ASSUMPTION ON WHICH MR. CHEN HAD RESERVATIONS WAS THE CORPORATION’S PREDICTION THAT THE INITIAL SYSTEM AND THE TSUEN WAN EXTENSION WILL CARRY 1.8 MILLION PASSENGERS A DAY BY 1986.
HE NOTED THAT THE TOTAL WORKFORCE AND NUMBER OF STUDENTS BY 1986 WOULD BE 2.76 MILLION, BASED ON 1976 FIGURES AND THE AVERAGE 2 PER CENT POPULATION GROWTH RATE.
ALL OF THEM WILL HAVE TO TRAVEL TO THEIR PLACE OF WORK OR STUDY BUT NOT ALL WOULD NECESSARILY REQUIRE THE SERVICE OF THE MTR ESPECIALLY THE MAJORITY OF THOSE WHO LIVE AND WORK ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HE SAID.
GENERALLY SPEAKING, HE SAID, NO ONE WOULD DESIRE TO TRAVEL A GREAT DISTANCE EVERY DAY TO WORK OR TO STUDY AND SOONER OR LATER ONE WOULD EITHER FI ND A JOB CLOSE TO WHERE ONE LIVES OR FIND A HOME NEAR WHERE ONE WORKS, PARTICULARLY IN THE FACE OF RAPIDLY INCREASING TRANSPORTATION COSTS.
HE ALSO POINTED OUT THAT THE DEVELOPMENT OF NEW TOWNS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WOULD EVENTUALLY ABSORB SOMETHING LIKE 2 MILLION OF THE TOTAL POPULATION OF 5.4 MILLION PROJECTED FOR 1986 AND MOST OF THEM WOULD BE EXPECTED TO LIVE AND WORK IN THESE TOWNS.
+FROM THESE OBSERVATIONS, I CANNOT HELP FEELING THAT THE CORPORATION’S PASSENGER PREDICTION IS RATHER OPTIMISTIC,* HE SAID.
THE UNOFFICIAL MEMBER ALSO QUESTIONED THE OPTIMISM OF THE CORPORATION, THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN MTR AND OTHER LAND TRANSPORT FARES WAS REASONABLE AND JUSTIFIABLE BECAUSE OF SAVINGS IN MTR TRAVEL TIME AND RELIABILITY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE AVERAGE FARE FOR PUBLIC BUS SERVICES IN 1975 IN THE URBAN AREA WAS ABOUT 30 CENTS WHILE THE FARE STRUCTURE FOR THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM/TSUEN WAN EXTENSION WOULD RANGE FROM Si TO $2.53 AT 1975 PRICES.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 197?
4 -
♦THEREFORE, THE RATIO BETWEEN MTR FARE AND PUBLIC BUS FARE RANGES FROM 3.3 TO 8.3,+ HE SAID, AND MAY BE EVEN HIGHER BY 1986, BASED ON THE HISTORICALLY LOWER FREQUENCY OF INCREASES IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE EXPLAINED, SINCE 1946 PUBLIC BUS FARES HAD BEEN CHANGED THREE OR FOUR TIMES WHEREAS TRAMWAY FARES HAD ONLY BEEN CHANGED TWICE SO THAT BETWEEN 1946 AND 1975, THE AVERAGE RATE OF INCREASE IN PUBLIC BUS AND TRAM FARES WAS ABOUT 1.5 TO 2 PER CENT PER ANNUM, SUBSTANTIALLY BELOW THE 7 PER CENT ASSUMED BY THE CORPORATION.
IT MUST BE APPRECIATED THEREFORE, THAT IF THE FARE STRUCTURE PROPOSED BY THE CORPORATION WERE ACCEPTED, +THEN ARE WE IN EFFECT UNNECESSARILY FORCING THE PACE OF INCREASE IN PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES?* MR. CHEN ASKED, AND IF THE 7 PER CENT ANNUAL INCREASE IN THE MTR FARE STRUCTURE WAS ACCEPTED, +ARE WE NOT SETTING A PRECEDENT FOR OTHER PUBLIC UTILITIES TO FOLLOW IN FUTURE?*
HE DOUBTED VERY MUCH WHETHER THE MTR WOULD BE COMPETITIVE ENOUGH TO ATTRACT 1.8 MILLION PASSENGERS PER DAY IF THE FARE RATIO BETWEEN IT AND FRANCHISED BUSES WERE MAINTAINED.
MR. CHEN SAID HE WAS MOST CONCERNED ABOUT ANOTHER ASSUMPTION MADE BY THE CORPORATION THAT SOME +RESHAPING OF BUS AND PLB SERVICES* WOULD BE NECESSARY TO FIT IN WITH THE EXTENDED MTR SYSTEM.
FURTHERMORE, HE ADDED, THERE IS ALREADY ANTICIPATION, ON THE PART OF THE CORPORATION, OF A REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF BUSES AND PLB’S OPERATING OVER MTR ROUTES.
+ALL THESE POINT TO THE ULTIMATE CREATION OF A MONOPOLY FOR THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY. UNLESS I RECEIVE AN ASSURANCE FROM GOVERNMENT THAT THIS IS NOT THE INTENTION BEHIND THE ASSUMPTION +RESHAPING OF BUS AND PLB SERVICES*, I SHALL OPPOSE THE MOTION BEFORE COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
MR. CHEN SAID HE DID NOT DISAGREE WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF THE NEED FOR THE PROPOSED TSUEN WAN EXTENSION. +BUT I AM OF THE OPINION THAT IT SHOULD ONLY BE CONTEMPLATED AFTER THE CORPORATION HAS PROVED THE EXPECTED BENEFITS OF THE MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM, WHEREBY THE VARIOUS ASSUMPTIONS MADE IN JUSTIFYING ITS VIABILITY CAN BE FULLY VERIFIED OR OTHERWISE,* HE SAID.
THE HON. JAMES WU ALSO SPOKE ON THE PROPOSED FARE STRUCTURE OF THE MTR AND THE +RESHAPING+ OF OTHER FORMS OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE EFFECTS OF WHICH, HE SAID, ON THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AS FAR AS TIME AND COST WERE CONCERNED, WERE KOT CLEAR.
/ FOR INS'
WEDNESDAY, JUL" L*\ ic—
- 5 -
FOR INSTANCE, MR. WU SAID, ONE CAN STILL TRAVEL EY PUBLIC BUS FROM PEDDER STREET TO THE PROPOSED MTR TERMINUS IN KWUN TONG IN ABOUT 35 MINUTES FOR $1, AND THIS TIME CAN ONLY BE IMPROVED BY 1933 IF THE THEN COMPLETED AND OPERATIONAL MODIFIED INITIAL SYSTEM IS TO SERVE ITS DESIGNED PURPOSE TO ALLEVIATE ROAD CONGESTION, WHILE IT IS NOT ANTICIPATED THERE WOULD BE ANY INCREASE IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE IN THIS CROSS HARBOUR BUS ROUTE, WHICH IS IDENTICAL TO THE MTR ROUTE CHARGING S2.5O AT 1975 PRICES.
THAT THE DIFFERENTIAL BETWEEN CURRENT PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES AND MTR FARES SHOULD BE AMPLY COMPENSATED FOR BY THE SPEED, REGULARITY, COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF THE RAILWAY IS A MATTER OF JUDGMENT, MR. WU SAID, BUT HE AGREED WITH THE IMPLIED PRINCIPLE OF FAIR COMPETITION BY THE VARIOUS PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES THAT WOULD THEN BE AVAILABLE TO THE PUBLIC.
+HOWEVER, WHAT I CANNOT AGREE TO WOULD BE ANY ADMINISTRATIVE DECISION WHEREBY SURFACE PUBLIC TRANSPORT FARES ROUTES AND SERVICES ARE REVISED SOLELY TO MAKE THE MTR VIABLE.
+CONSIDER ING THAT A LARGE PORTION OF OUR WORKING PEOPLE AND STUDENTS USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT, THE INFLATIONARY EFFECT OF SUCH MEASURES WOULD EE UNACCEPTABLE, AND I SUGGEST THAT THE COMMUNITY’S INTEREST MUST OVERRIDE THAT OF THE MTR.+ HE SAID.
DEBATE ON THE MOTION MOVED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS ADJOURNED.
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/S
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
6
UNOFFICIALS CONCERNED OVER TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY
******
THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN TODAY EXPRESSED CONCERN OVER THE PRESENT OUTLOOK OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY AND HIGHLIGHTED SOME OF THE DIFFICULTIES NOW FACING THE INDUSTRY.
QUOTING TRADE STATISTICS RELEASED BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT, MR. TIEN POINTED OUT THAT THERE WAS A DECLINE IN VALUE TERMS OF NEARLY 9 PER CENT IN THE EXPORT OF TEXTILES AND GARMENTS IN THE FIRST FIVE MONTHS THIS YEAR COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR, FROM S6.69O MILLION TO $6,100 MILLION.
IN QUANTITY TERMS, MR. TIEN SAID, THE DECLINE WAS EVEN MORE MARKED. + IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF 1977, WE WERE ABLE TO SHIP, IN OVERALL TERMS, ONLY 44 PER CENT OF OUR ANNUAL QUOTA FOR THE UNITED STATES AND 30 PER CENT FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC COMMUNITY.*
AND COMPARING THE VOLUME OF SHIPMENT OF RESTRAINED ITEMS IN THE FIRST HALF OF THIS YEAR WITH LAST YEAR, +THERE HAS BEEN A MARGINAL INCREASE OF 4.5 PER CENT FOR THE US MARKET, BUT SHARP DECLINES OF 31 PER CENT FOR GERMANY, 25 PER CENT FOR THE UK AND 25 PER CENT FOR THE EEC AS A WHOLE,* HE SAID.
HE NOTED THAT THE SPINNING SECTOR HAD, FOR THE PAST SEVERAL MONTHS, BEEN OPERATING AT LESS THAN 70 PER CENT OF INSTALLED CAPACITY, THE WEAVING SECTOR AT ABOUT 50 PER CENT CAPACITY AND WHILE INFORMATION WAS NOT READILY AVAILABLE, SOME GARMENT MANUFACTURERS WERE ALSO EXPERIENCING DIFFICULTIES.
ON THE BASIS OF THESE FACTS AND FIGURES THE PROGNOSIS FOR 1977 DID NOT LOOK TOO BRIGHT AND THE FUTURE WAS BY NO MEANS ROSY WHEN ASSESSED IN RELATION TO CERTAIN RECENT DEVELOPMENTS, HE SAID.
+REGRETTABLY, SOME OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS, IN AN ATTEMPT TO PROTECT THEIR OWN DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES, HAVE CHOSEN TO TAKE UNILATERAL MEASURES WHICH ARE INCONSISTENT WITH BOTH THE LETTER AND SPIRIT OF THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT, AN INTERNATIONALLY AGREED FRAMEWORK FOR THE REGULATION OF TRADE IN TEXTILES,* MR. TIEN SAID, GIVING AS EXAMPLES MEASURES TAKEN BY AUSTRALIA AND CANADA AND RECENTLY FRANCE AND THE EEC WHICH WERE AS YET UNCLEAR.
+THESE, ONE MAY SAY, ARE MERELY ISOLATED INSTANCES BUT TAKEN TOGETHER, THESE IMPOSITIONS HAVE CERTAINLY CAUSED GREAT ANXIETY IN THE TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY PARTICULARLY WHEN SUCH DEVELOPMENTS HAVE TAKEN PLACE AT A TIME WHEN THE VERY FUTURE OF THE MFA ITSELF, WHICH EXPIRES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, WAS BEING DEBATED INTERNATIONALLY,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO EFFORTS BY SOME IMPORTING COUNTRIES, IN PARTICULAR THE EEC, FOR MORE STRINGENT RESTRICTIONS, MR. TIEN SAID +IT SEEMS TO ME THAT WHAT THE EEC REALLY WANTS IS TO BE ABLE TO RESTRICT IMPORTS FROM SO-CALLED ’LOW COST SUPPLIERS’ AS A GROUP, REGARDLESS OF WHETHER EACH OF THEM INDIVIDUALLY IS CAUSING OR THREATENING MARKET DISRUPTION.*
WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1?77
7
IT ALSO WANTS, HE CONTINUED, +TO LIMIT THE GROWTH OF IMPORTS OF SO-CALLED ’HIGH IMPORT PENETRATION’ CATEGORIES TO FIGURES WELL BELOW THE INTERNATIONALLY AGREED MINIMUM OF SIX PER CENT PROVIDED FOR IN THE MFA, AND, INDEED TO CUT BACK IMPORTS FROM SO-CALLED 'DOMINANT SUPPLIERS’ OF WHOM HONG KONG IS ONE IN RESPECT OF MANY SUCH CATEGORIES.*
HE WARNED THAT THESE FAR-REACHING PROPOSALS, IF ACCEPTED, WOULD HAVE SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS, +PARTICULARLY SO BECAUSE FROM PAST EXPERIENCE, WHATEVER GUIDELINES ARE ESTABLISHED IN THE MFA AS THE MINIMA, VERY SOON IT WILL EE REGARDED AS THE MAXIMA BY THE DEVELOPED IMPORTING COUNTRIES.*
MR. TIEN RECALLED THAT THE DELEGATION OF ALL THE CHAIRMEN OF THE 13 TEXTILE AND GARMENT MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATIONS LED EY HIM TO LONDON TOWARDS THE END OF LAST MONTH TO EXPRESS CONCERN AT THE POLICIES REPORTEDLY BEING PURSUED BY THE EEC, AND EY THE UK AS ONE OF ITS MEMBER STATES, WAS COURTEOUSLY RECEIVED AND PATIENTLY HEARD AT A HIGH LEVEL.
HE SAID HE WAS AWARE OF THE STRENUOUS EFFORTS WHICH THE GOVERNMENT, PARTICULARLY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, HAD MADE TO REPRESENT THE INTERESTS OF THE INDUSTRY TO THE UK GOVERNMENT.
+1 CANNOT BUT FEEL A LITTLE DISAPPOINTED THAT ALL THESE EFFORTS HAVE NOT YET SUCCEEDED IN BRINGING ABOUT ANY SIGNIFICANT CHANGE IN THE ATTITUDE OF THE EEC ON ITS POLICY ON TEXTILES NCR ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA,+ HE SAID.
AS TO THE FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S BILATERAL AGREEMENTS, MR. Tl HOPED THAT IN THE COURSE OF NEGOTIATIONS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH THE EEC WHICH WILL EXPIRE AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, +THE EEC WILL NOT SEEK TO INTENSIFY WHAT ARE ALREADY VERY SEVERE RESTRICTIONS ON OUR EXPORTS TO ITS MARKETS.*
MR. TIEN WELCOMED THE NEW FIVE-YEAR BILATERAL AGREEMENT WITH THE UNITED STATES WHICH PROVIDES +A FRAMEWORK WITHIN WHICH THE INDUSTRY CAN PLAN ITS PRODUCTION AND SALES IN RESPECT OF OUR LARGEST SINGLE MARKET UP TO THE END OF 1982.+
HE REGRETTED HOWEVER THAT THE TERMS HAD SO FAR NOT BEEN DISCLOSED AND THIS WAS MAKING IT VERY DIFFICULT FOR THE INDUSTRY TO MAKE COMMERCIAL DECISIONS ON WHETHER OR NOT TO ACCEPT ORDERS FOR GOODS TO BE SHIPPED NEXT YEAR, HE SAID.
THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN ALSO SPOKE ON THE
FUTURE OF HONG KONG’S TEXTILE AND GARMENT INDUSTRY DURING THE ADJOURNMENT DEBATE, AND POINTED OUT THAT THE SHORT AND LONG-TER7 OUTLOOK WAS A CONTINUOUS CAUSE FOR CONCERN.
THE LOW WAGE STRUCTURE AND IMPROVED PRODUCTIVITY OF OTHER TEXTILE EXPORTING COUNTRIES IN ASIA /.ERE MAKING DEEP INROADS IN OUR MAJOR TRADITIONAL MARKETS, AND THE SEVERELY PROTECTIONIST ATTITUDE OF A NUMBER OF EEC COUNTRIES ..AS A SERIOUS THREAT AND SOURCE OF UNCERTAINTY FOR HONG*KONG’S TEXTILE TRADE, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JUL'.' .'7. 1?77
8 -
HE SAID THERE HAD TO EE UNITY Or APPROACH AND EFFORT BY ALL, AND IN THE MEANTIME IT WAS PRUDENT FOR THE GOVERNMENT TO ACCELERATE ITS PLANS FOR INDUSTRIAL DIVERSIFICATION.
+FIRST OF ALL, THE INCREASED PERSONNEL REQUIRED FOR THE NE.. INDUSTRY AND CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT IS A MATTER OF TOP PRIORITY. WE CANNOT EXPECT MIRACLES OVERNIGHT BUT IF THE RIGHT CALIBRE OF PERSONS ARE APPOINTED AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, THERE WILL BE STEADY PROGRESS IN OUR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION EFFORTS,+ MR. CHEONG-LEEN SAID.
SECONDLY, HE CONTINUED, THERE WAS A NEED TO REVIEW WHETHER ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES, SUCH AS THOSE DEVELOPED AND REFINED BY THE SINGAPORE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT BOARD, SHOULD BE DEVISED AS A MATTER OF URGENCY TO ATTRACT NEW INDUSTRIES.
IT IS OBVIOUS, HE SAID, THAT HONG KONG’S LOW TAX STRUCTURE AND FREE PORT STATUS NO LONGER COMMAND THE OVERWHELMING ATTRACTION TO POTENTIAL OVERSEAS INVESTORS AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS.
MR. CHEONG-LEEN ALSO SUGGESTED THE IMMEDIATE ESTABLISHMENT OF A TOP LEVEL AND HIGH-POWERED WORKING PARTY, PREFERABLY WITH THE INCLUSION OF UNOFFICIALS, TO EXAMINE WHETHER AND WHAT ADDITIONAL INCENTIVES ARE REQUIRED.
SUCH A WORKING PARTY, IF SET UP, MIGHT ALSO LOOK INTO THE PROPOSAL TO FORM AN INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL FOR THE PURPOSE OF STRENGTHENING AND CO-ORDINATING ON A BROADER FRONT HONG KONG’S INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS, HE SAID.
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/9
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
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LEGCO GIVEN INDICATION OF WHAT’S IN STORE IN HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT ******
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. EILL DORWARD, TODAY GAVE AN INDICATION OF WHAT IS IN STORE IN THE HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT WHICH IS TO EE SIGNED SHORTLY.
MR. DORWARD, WHO WAS SPEAKING IN THE LEG I SLAT IVE COUNCIL, DISCLOSED THAT THE NEW AGREEMENT WOULD BE MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THE CURRENT ONE, BUT POINTED OUT THAT IT CONTAINED SOME FEATURES WHICH COUNTERBALANCED THE NEGATIVE ONES.
HE ALSO SAID THAT THE NEW AGREEMENT WOULD RUN FOR FIVE YEARS.
OVERALL GROWTH RATES IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT WOULD BE LOW BUT WOULD INCREASE SUBSTANTIALLY IN LATER YEARS, SAID MR. DORWARD.
FOR SOME SENSITIVE CATEGORIES THE SPECIFIC GROWTH RATES WOULD BE LOW THROUGHOUT- BUT MR. DORWARD HINTED THAT, ALMOST WITHOUT EXCEPTION, THEY WERE HIGHER THAN 2.5 PERCENT.
MR. DORWARD APOLOGISED THAT HE COULD NOT BE MORE SPECIFIC AT THIS STAGE. HE SAID HE WAS +ACUTELY CONSCIOUS* OF THE FRUSTRATION IN BUSINESS CIRCLES AT THE DELAY IN ANNOUNCING THE TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT. HE EXPLAINED THAT THIS WAS DUE TO MINOR TECHNICAL DIFFICULTIES FACED BY THE U.S. AUTHORITIES WHICH HAVE SO FAR DELAYED THE FORMAL SIGNING.
+1 NOW EXPECT THIS TO TAKE PLACE VERY SOON,+ HE ADDED.
REFERRING TO HIS ANNOUNCEMENT LAST MONDAY ON A BRIDGING ARRANGEMENT TO COVER THE PERIOD BETWEEN THE EXPIRY OF THE PRESENT HK-US AGREEMENT ON SEPTEMBER 30 AND THE START OF THE NEW ONE ON JANUARY 1, 1978, MR. DORWARD SAID +THIS HAS REMOVED SOME OF THE IMMEDIATE PROBLEMS FACED BY THE TRADE DUE TO UNCERTAINTIES*.
MR. DORWARD MADE SEVERAL POINTS IN RELATION TO THE CURRENT STATE OF THE DOMESTIC TEXTILES INDUSTRY.
HE SA IDs +FIRST, AND MOST IMPORTANT, AT A TIME WHEN PROTECTIONIST VOICES ARE BEING LOUDLY HEARD AROUND THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES, IT IS SALUTORY TO REMIND ALL CONCERNED THAT STRUCTURAL AND EMPLOYMENT PROBLEMS ARE NOT PECULIAR TO THOSE COUNTRIES-AND THAT, FURTHERMORE, THE SOCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF THOSE PROBLEMS ARE MUCH MORE ACUTELY FELT BY THE RELATIVELY POOR THAN BY THE RELATIVELY RICH.
+SECONDLY, I WOULD NOTE THAT WHILE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAS UNDOUBTEDLY SUFFERED AS A RESULT OF PROTECTIONIST ACTIONS, THE MAIN PROBLEMS THIS YEAR HAVE BEEN THE CONSEQUENCES OF SLAC* DEMAND IN SUCH MAJOR MARKETS AS THE UNITED STATES, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY. IT IS ONLY IN A VERY FEW ITEMS IN STRONG DEMAND THAT THE QUOTA LIMITS HAVE BEEN OF ANY SIGNIFICANCE AT ALL AND INDICATIONS ARE THAT THIS WILL REMAIN THE CASE FOR THE REST OP THIS YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27. 197"
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♦THIRDLY, AND FOLLOWING ON MY SECOND POINT, THE PATTERN OF OUR CURRENT TRADE GIVES THE LIE TO THOSE PROTECTIONIST CLAIMS THAT IMPORTERS’ PROBLEMS WOULD DISSOLVE IF HONG KONG AND OTHER MAJOR SUPPLIERS WOULD ACCEPT A REDUCTION IN OUR NEGOTIATED MARKET ACCESS RIGHTS. THEY CONFUSE, EITHER ACCIDENTALLY OR DELIBERATELY, THE EXISTENCE OF ACCESS RIGHTS, OR QUOTAS AS THEY ARE MORE COMMONLY CALLED, WITH THE ACTUAL TRADE DONE.*
MR. DORWARD POINTED OUT THAT THE MERE EXISTENCE OF QUOTAS, OR GROWTH RATES ON THEM, DOES NOT CAUSE DAMAGE TO DOMESTIC INDUSTRIES. +BUT TO THOSE WHO MIGHT BE TEMPTED TO ARGUE THAT UNDER-UTILISATION OF QUOTAS CONSTITUTED A CASE FOR REDUCING THEIR LIMITS, I WOULD ANSWER,’NO, IT CONSTITUTES A CASE FOR REMOVING THEM’+, HE SAID.
ON OUR AGREEMENT WITH THE EEC WHICH RUNS OUT AT THE END OF THIS YEAR, MR. DORWARD SAID HE EXPECTED THAT NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE COMMUNITY TO DETERMINE FUTURE ARRANGEMENTS WOULD COMMENCE IN LATE SEPTEMBER. HE PREDICTED THAT THESE WOULD NOT EE EASY, PARTICULARLY AS REGARDS THE QUESTION OF GROWTH.
THE EEC HAS ALREADY INDICATED PUBLICLY THAT THERE ARE SEVEN CATEGORIES OF TEXTILES WHICH ARE PARTICULARLY SENSITIVE AND WHERE THEY WILL BE SEEKING GROWTH RATES LOWER THAN SIX PER CENT PROVIDED FOR IN THE PRESENT MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT.
MR. DORWARD POINTED OUT +UNDER THE PRESENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN HONG KONG AND THE EEC, ANNUAL GROWTH ON UK QUOTA LIMITS FOR ALL OF THESE ITEMS BAR ONE IS ONE HALF OF ONE PERCENT” AND FOR THE OTHER ITEM IT IS ABOUT THREE AND A HALF PER CENT. FOR GERMANY, THE FIGURES FOR THE ONLY FIVE CATEGORIES WHERE THERE IS ANY SIGNIFICANT TRADE RANGE BETWEEN 0.5 AND 2.3 PER CENT. AND FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE THE ANNUAL GROWTH RANGES FROM 2.5 PER CENT FOR FIVE OF THE ITEMS TO 7 PER CENT FOR THE OTHER TWO+.
HE CONCLUDED THAT +THERE IS LITTLE SCOPE FOR REDUCTION THERE.+
ON THE FUTURE OF THE MFA, MR. DORWARD SAID THAT, BECAUSE OF THE CONFIDENTIAL NATURE OF THE TEXTILE COMMITTEE’S DISCUSSION, HE COULD NOT RECOUNT +THE MANY SHIFTS AND TURNS WHICH THE NEGOTIATIONS, BOTH FORMAL AND INFORMAL, HAVE RECENLY TAKEN IN GENEVA.+
BUT HE INDICATED THAT A GROUP OF PARTICIPANTS INCLUDING HONG KONG, WHC BETWEEN THEM REPRESENT 85 PERCENT OF WORLD TRADE IN TEXTILES, REACHED A CONSENSUS LAST SUNDAY, ALTHOUGH IT aAS NOT POSSIBLE FOR THE TEXTILES COMMITTEE AS A WHOLE TO AGREE.
♦THE PARTIAL CONSENSUS WAS ON A COMPLEX FORM OF WORDS AGREEING AMONGST OTHER TH INGS’ A FLEXIBLE APPROACH TO FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS a I TH IN THE FRAMEWORK AND IN ACCORDANCE a I TH THE PROVISIONS OF A RENEWED AND UNCHANGED MFA+, MR. DORWARD SAID.
♦I SHALL BE PUTTING THE TERMS AS AGREED BETWEEN THE NEGOTIATORS BEFORE THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD LATER THIS aEEK SO THAT, ON T-E BASIS OF THEIR ADVICE, I CAN MAKE A RECOMMENDATION AS TO WHETHER THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SHOULD STAND READY TC SIGN A PROTOCOL, INCORPORATING THESE TERMS, WHICH WILL BE OPENED .LATER IN THE YEAR TO PROVIDE FOR THE EXTENSION OF THE MFA+, MR. DORaARD ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 19/7
GOOD PROSPECTS FOR COLLEGE OF EDUCATION GRADUATES
*****
THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. COLVYN HAYE SAID TODAY THERE WERE GOOD PROSPECTS DURING THE NEXT FIVE YEARS FOR GRADUATES FROM FULL-TIME COURSES FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION.
REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HAYE SAID SECONDARY EDUCATION WAS EXPANDING RAPIDLY AND IT WAS CLEAR THAT GRADUATES FROM THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WOULD HAVE TO LOOK MAINLY TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS RATHER THAN PRIMARY SCHOOLS FOR JOBS IN THE FUTURE.
+WE ARE RAPIDLY EXPANDING SECONDARY EDUCATION WITH A VIGOROUS SCHOOL BUILDING PROGRAMME AND WE ARE PLANNING TO MEET AMBITIOUS REHABILITATION TARGETS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION, WHICH SHOULD PROVIDE FURTHER JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR COLLEGE GRADUATES,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE INTAKE OF THE COLLEGES OF EDUCATION WOULD BE REGULATED SO AS TO MATCH SUPPLY WITH DEMAND AS FAR AS POSSIBLE.
- 0 - -
SIX PER CENT INCREASE FOR PENSIONERS * * * *
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL HAS APPROVED A SIX PER CENT INCREASE FOR ALL PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON JULY 1, 1977 WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1 BECAUSE OF HIGHER COST OF LIVING.
THE COST OF THE INCREASE IS ESTIMATED AT 33.65 MILLION FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR AND 37.3 MILLION IN A FULL YEAR.
MOVING A RESOLUTION IN COUNCIL TODAY, THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. JOSEPH HAMMOND, SAID IN DECEMBER 1975 NEW RULES WERE ADOPTED BY GOVERNMENT FOR REVIEWING CIVIL SERVICE PENSIONS, INCLUDING WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSIONS.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF THESE RULES, HE SAID, WAS TO MAINTAIN THE ORIGINAL PURCHASING POWER IN HONG KONG OF RETIRED CIVIL SERVANTS' PENSIONS BY REGULAR REVIEWS AND EY REFERENCE TO MOVEMENTS IN THE COST OF LIVING DURING THE REVIEW PERIOD.
LAST YEAR THESE RULES WERE APPLIED FOR THE FIRST TIME AND, FOLLOWING A REVIEW COVERING THE PERIOD APRIL 1, 1974 TO JUNE 30, 1976, PENSIONS IN PAYMENT ON JULY 1, 1976 WERE INCREASED BY 11 PER CENT WITH EFFECT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1976, BY RESOLUTIONS AMENDING THE RESPECTIVE SCHEDULES IN THE PENSIONS (INCREASE) ORDINANCE AND THE WIDOWS AND ORPHANS PENSION (INCREASE) ORDINANCE, MR. HA?MOND SAID.
+ANOTHER REVIEW OF PENSIONS HAS BEEN CONDUCTED RECENTLY COVERING THE PERIOD JULY 1, 1976 TO JUNE 30, 1977, DURING «HICH THE MOVING ANNUAL AVERAGE OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX*A*ROSE BY SIX POINTS OR 5.5 PER CENT,+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
LEGCO ADOPTS MOTION TO INCREASE CONTROL ON RATS * * * * *
UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE HON. T.S. LO, TODAY SUCCESSFULLY MOVED A MOTION URGING THE GOVERNMENT TO INCREASE ITS EFFORTS IN RODENT CONTROL.
THE MOTION WAS SUPPORTED BY DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG, THE HON. LYDIA DUNN, AND THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES.
MR. LO HAD QUESTIONED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL WHETHER THE GOVERNMENT HAD DONE ITS BEST AND HAD BEEN USING THE MOST UP-TO-DATE METHODS TO CONTROL THE BREEDING OF RATS.
HE SAID HE HAD REASON TO BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS USING A POISON TO WHICH RATS HAVE ACQUIRED AN IMMUNITY AND WHICH GETS WASHED AWAY BY RAIN. +1 ALSO HAVE REASON TO BELIEVE THAT BETTER POISONS EXIST WHICH ARE RAIN RESISTANT AND AGAINST WHICH RATS HAVE NOT ACQUIRED AN IMMUNITY.*
HE SAID THAT WHEN MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE DISSATISFIED WITH SOME ASPECT OF GOVERNMENT’S WORK AND SAY SC ALL TOO OFTEN, ^GOVERNMENT REPLIES THAT THE MATTER IS ESSENTIALLY UP TO THE PUBLIC.*
+ACCORDINGLY, I AM NOT PARTICULARLY SURPRISED THAT THIS IS PRECISELY WHAT GOVERNMENT SAYS WHEN CRITICISED ABOUT RATS.
+IT SEEMS ALMOST SECOND NATURE TO GOVERNMENT TO SAY THAT ITS DIRECT ACTION AGAINST RATS WILL ALWAYS EE INADEQUATE AND THAT IT IS UP TO THE PEOPLE TO IMPROVE THE STRUCTURE OF THEIR BUILDINGS, KEEP FOOD IN RAT-PROOF STORAGE AND KEEP GARBAGE COVERED EFFECTIVELY,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE +1 NFAMOUS* KWAI SHING WAI AREA *AS FORMERLY A LICENSED AREA WITH 1,603 PEOPLE. +WHEN THE RESIDENTS MOVED OUT GOVERNMENT FAILED TO DEMOLISH THE STRUCTURES AND FAILED TO STOP SQUATTERS FROM MOVING IN. THE SQUATTER POPULATION ULTIMATELY GREW TO 4,100. IT IS HARDLY SURPRISING THAT RATS FOUND PLENTY OF FOOD AND HARBOURAGE IN THE AREA.*
HE SAID IT MUST HAVE BEEN WELL-KNOWN TO THE GOVERNMENT AS EARLY AS 1973 THAT THE AREA WOULD VERY SOON BECOME RAT INFESTED.
DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG SAID THAT UNSANITARY CONDITIONS EXIST IN SLUM AREAS LIKE KWAI SHING WAI, EVEN IF NOT ON THE SAME SCALE AS THE PLAGUE OF 1394. *1' I.S A VERY POOR RECORD OF PROGRESS l'» THIS MODERN DAY AND AGE,* HE SAID.
+ACCORDING TO THE ANNUAL REPORTS OF THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, UP TO 1974-75 TESTS WERE DONE ON SAMPLE RATS FOR PLAGUE AND OTHER ORGANISMS. ARE THESE STILL BEING CARRIED OUT REGULARLY?* HE ASKED.
/ he eno?:
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27,
- 13 -
HE QUOTED RELIABLE AUTHORITIES AS SAYING THAT JUST ONE PAIR CF RATS OF OPPOSITE SEXES 'a'ILL BREED AT LEAST 10,000 RATS BY THE END OF A YEAR AND OVER ONE X ILL ION BY THE END OF THE SECOND YEAR.
+EVEN IF THEY DO NOT ALL SURVIVE AND ALLOWING FOR SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN BREEDING, THESE FIGURES ARE STAGGERING. THE FIGURES PUBLISHED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT SHOW AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 300,000 RATS BEING CAUGHT ANNUALLY IN RECENT YEARS,* DR. FANG SAID.
HE SUGGESTED THAT THE GOVERNMENT, IF IT LACKED MANPOWER AND FACILITIES, CONSIDER RE-INTRODUCING A MONETARY REWARD SYSTEM, ADOPTED IN 1900, TO ENLIST THE HELP OF THE PUBLIC.
HE SAID THERE WAS ROOM FOR IMPOVING THE EFFICENCY OF EXISTING CONTROL MEASURES ADOPTED BY THE USD, BY VARYING THE POISONS AND DOSAGES, AND BY IMPROVING THE DESIGN OF TRAPS.
+FURTHERMORE, THERE SHOULD BE AN OVERALL CO-ORDINATED APPROACH WHICH TAKES ACCOUNT OF THE WIDER ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECT OF RAT CONTROL. THESE INCLUDE BUILDING DESIGN, GENERAL CLEANSING, DISTRICT HYGIENE AND HEALTH EDUCATION ESPECIALLY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR NEW TOWNS,+ HE SAID.
THE HON. LYDIA DUNN SAID EXPERIENCE THROUGHOUT THE WORLD
AMPLY DEMONSTRATED THAT THE CONTROL OF RATS AND OTHER PESTS REQUIRES A CONTINUING EFFORT AND COMPLETE ERADICATION IS VERY DIFFICULT TO ACHIEVE, WHILE THE SPEED WITH WHICH THEY CAN MULTIPLY IS SUCH THAT ANY RELAXATION, LET ALONE INADEQUACY, OF CONTROL MEASURES CAN HAVE DISASTROUS EFFECTS.
+IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, I FIND IT IMPOSSIBLE TO UNDERSTAND HOW ANY GOVERNMENT CAN EVER REALLY BE SATISFIED THAT ITS PEST CONTROL MEASURES ARE ADEQUATE, AT ANY RATE IN THE ABSENCE OF QUITE POSITIVE EVIDENCE THAT THIS IS SO,* SHE SAID.
THE OFFICIAL ATTITUDE, SHE SAID, SUGGESTS THAT THE GOVERNMENT IS SOMEWHAT INDIFFERENT TO THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THOSE +LITTLE HERALDED, BUT VERY VITAL* BASIC PUBLIC SERVICES, MAY EE DUE TO A PRE-OCCUPATI ON WITH OTHER LARGER SUBJECTS.
+BE THAT AS IT MAY, I REALLY DO BELIEVE THAT THE GOVERNMENT UNDER-ESTIMATES THE DAMAGE TO ITS IMAGE AMONG ORDINARY PEOPLE wHO SUFFER DISCOMFORT AND, IN SOME CASES, EVEN FEAR, AS A RESULT OF THE INEFFICIENT, AND EVEN INADEQUATE, PROVISION OF BASIC SERVICES,* SHE SAID.
SPEAKING IN SUPPORT OF THE MOTION, MR. JONES ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN USING THE BEST METHODS AVAILABLE, AND MORE ..OULD BE DONE, TO ERADICATE TmE RAT PROBLEM.
, J’.“ ’J
HE REVEALED THAT CONSIDERATION WILL BE GIVEN TO STEP UP A PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN INFORMING THE PUBLIC HOW THEY COULD HELP TC WIPE OUT RATS AND OTHER VERMIN.
MR. JONES AGAIN EMPHASISED THAT IT IS LARGELY UP TO THE PUBLIC TC ENSURE THE SUCCESS IN ELIMINATING THE PROBLEM OF RATS.
COMMENTING ON THE EFFICIENCY CF THE METHODS USED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, MR. JONES SAID THE PEST CONTROL UNIT OF THE DEPARTMENT WAS IN CONTINUOUS CONTACT WITH WORLDWIDE AUTHORITIES IN THIS FIELD, AND IT ADHERED TO THE ADVICE OF THE aCRLD HEALTH ORGANISATION ON THE BEST METHODS OF CONTROLLING VERKIN.
CONCERNING THE TYPE OF POISON WHICH IS USED, MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT IT HAD BEEN EFFECTIVELY USED IN HONG KONG FOR ABOUT 15 YEARS AND THERE HAD BEEN NO EVIDENCE SO FAR OF RATS ACQUIRING IMMUNITY TO IT.
BOTH THE GOVERNMENT AND THE URBAN COUNCIL WERE ALIVE TO THE IMPORTANCE OF KEEPING DOWN RODENTS AND THAT EFFORTS TO THIS END ARE SPREAD OVER A BROAD FRONT, MR. JONES ADDED.
HE MENTIONED THAT ADVICE WAS GIVEN TO ARCHITECTS ON THE NECESSARY DESIGN FEATURES IN BUILDINGS WHICH WOULD DETER THE HARBOURAGE C-VARIOUS TYPES OF VERMINS- AND THAT IN SUCH AREAS AS GENERAL CLEANSING ACTIVITIES, DISTRICT HYGIENE MEASURES, HEALTH EDUCATION AND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR RESTAURANT LICENSING, THE NEED TO CONTROL VERMIN WAS TAKEN FULLY INTO ACCOUNT.
REFERRING TO REWARDS FOR EVERY RAT KILLED OR CAPTURED AND BROUGHT IN, MR. JONES SAID THIS SCHEME WAS DROPPED BCTH BECAUSE IT TENDED TO ENCOURAGE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC TO EMPLOY UNSAFE METHODS HARMFUL TC CHILDREN AND ALSO BECAUSE AN INCENTIVE OF THIS KIND COULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO BREED RATS FOR REWARD.
AS FOR THE BEST WAY TO GET RID OF THE RATS AT KWAI SHING WAI, MR. JONES SAID THAT THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WOULD CLEAR TrE WHOLE RAT-INFESTED AREA BY AUGUST 11.
0 - -
LAW AGAINST DISCLOSURE OF NAMES IN RAPE CASES * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT WILL ENACT LEGISLATION TO PREVENT THE DISCLOSURE OF THE NAMES AND PAST SEXUAL BEHAVIOUR OF PERSONS WHO HAD BEEN RAPED, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. OSWALD CHEUNG, MR. THOR TOs SAID, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL INTENDS TO SUBMIT DRAFT LEGISLATION TO THE GOVERNOR-1N-CCUNC IL SHORTLY AND, IF APPROVED, IT ..CULD BE INTRODUCED TO THE COUNCIL EARLY IN THE NEXT SESSION.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
15
RECREATIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF LYEMUN TO BE STUDIED
******
CONSULTANTS MAY BE ENGAGED TO WORK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR 130 ACRES OF RUGGED LAND PREVIOUSLY OCCUPIED BY THE LYEMUN BARRACKS.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE AREA WAS FORMALLY RELEASED TO THE GOVERNMENT IN JANUARY THIS YEAR FOR DEVELOPMENT BY THE URBAN COUNCIL.
HE SAID THE AREA WAS MOSTLY VERY STEEP HILLSIDE AND WAS NOT EASY TO DEVELOP.
+THE PRECISE NATURE OF THE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED ON THE LAND IS NOW BEING CONSIDERED BY THE URBAN COUNCIL, BUT, IN VIEW OF THE SIZE OF THE AREA, I AM INFORMED THAT IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO ENGAGE CONSULTANTS TO WORK OUT A COMPREHENSIVE DEVELOPMENT SCHEME,* HE SAID IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. JOHN BREMRIDGE.
NEGOTIATIONS WERE ALSO IN PROGRESS WITH THE SERVICES FOR THE RELEASE OF ADDITIONAL FLAT LAND TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO THIS AREA AND TO PERMIT THE MORE RAPID DEVELOPMENT OF AMENITY AREAS, MR. JONES SAID.
IN THE SHORT TERM IT WAS ORIGINALLY INTENDED THAT, AS A FIRST STEP, THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NORTHERNMOST PORTION OF THE AREA, COMPRISING ABOUT 25 ACRES, SHOULD BE PLANNED WITH BARBECUE PITS AND SITTING OUT AREAS.
BUT, MR. JONES SA ID,THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THESE PLANS HAD SINCE BEEN HELD UP PENDING THE OUTCOME OF DISCUSSIONS ON THE PROVISION OF IMPROVED ACCESS TO THE AREA.
THE ONLY ACCESS AT PRESENT IS A NARROW CAGED FOOTBRIDGE FROM A REMOTE CORNER OF AH KUNG NGAM WHICH WOULD NOT BE CONVENIENT FOR THE PUBLIC, HE ADDED.
/16......
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
WORK ON MTR-KCR INTERCHANGE AWAITING GREEN SIGNAL ******
WORK ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY -KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY INTERCHANGE STATION AT KOWLOON TONG WOULD GO AHEAD IF ELECTRIFICATION OF THE K.C.R. IS PROPOSED AND ACCEPTED, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON.
S.Y. CHUNG ON THE RESULT OF GOVERNMENT’S INVESTIGATION INTO THE FEASIBILITY OF A M.T.R. - K.C.R. INTERCHANGE STATION AT KOWLOON TONG.
MR. JONES SAID WHEN DR. CHUNG ASKED A SIMILAR QUESTION IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL JUST OVER A YEAR AGO, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS HAD ADVISED THAT THE FEASIBILITY OF A K.C.R. - M.T.R. INTERCHANGE STATION AT KOWLOON TONG WAS DEPENDENT UPON OTHER INVESTIGATIONS WHICH WERE IN HAND, PARTICULARLY CONCERNING THE MODERNISATION OF THE K.C.R.
•
MR. JONES POINTED OUT THAT BECAUSE OF OPERATIONAL PROBLEMS CONNECTED WITH THE STEEPNESS OF THE GRADIENT TO THE BEACON HILL TUNNEL, A STATION AT KOWLOON TONG AND A CONSEQUENT INTERCHANGE FACILITY WITH THE M.T.R. WILL ONLY BE FEASIBLE WITH ELECTRIFIED TRAINS.
HE SAID THAT A CONSULTANCY TO STUDY THE MODERNISATION AND POSSIBLE EXTENSION OF THE K.C.R. HAS BEEN COMMISSIONED AND THE CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN AT WORK SINCE JANUARY THIS YEAR. THEY ARE EXPECTED TO REPORT IN THE AUTUMN AND THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS WILL INCLUDE ADVICE ON WHETHER, AND BY WHAT MEANS, THE K.C.R. SHOULD BE ELECTRIFIED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION IS PROCEEDING WITH THE CONSTRUCTION OF ITS STATION AT KOWLOON TONG AND IT HAS MODIFIED THE DESIGN TO INCLUDE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CONNECTION WITH A K.C.R. STATION. THE GOVERNMENT HAS ALSO ALMOST COMPLETED ARRANGEMENTS FOR A FURTHER CONSULTANCY TO BE COMMISSIONED ON THE DESIGN OF THE K.C.R. STATION AND OF THE INTERCHANGE WITH THE M.T.R. ALONG WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SPACE OVER THE STATION.
MR. JONES SAID ALTHOUGH WE MUST AWAIT THE CONSULTANTS’ REPORTS ON THESE POSSIBILITIES AND THEIR EVALUATION, HE BELIEVED THAT GIVEN THE EXPECTED GROWTH IN POPULATION IN SHA TIN NEW TOWN AND FURTHER UP THE LINE, THE ELECTRIFICATION OF A DOUBLE-TRACKED RAILWAY WILL PROVE TO BE WELL WORTH WHILE.
+IF SO, THE BUILDING OF THIS INTERCHANGE BETWEEN THE TWO RAILWAYS WILL BE A VERY IMPORTANT ADDITION TO OUR TRANSPORT SYSTEM, LINKING AS IT WILL THE NEW TOWN OF SHA TIN WITH WESTERN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND IN ONE DIRECTION AND KWUN TONG IN THE OTHER.+ HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
17
RECOMMENDATIONS ON LONG TERM NEEDS OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES
******
THE PROPERTY ORGANISATION AND MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE HAS CONCLUDED THAT GOVERNMENT SHOULD BUILD ITS OWN OFFICES TO MEET LONG TERM REQUIREMENTS.
THIS WAS REVEALED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. JOSEPH HAMMOND, IN A WRITTEN REPLY TO THE HON. T.S. LO’S QUESTION TABLED AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
BUT IN THE SHORTER TERM, IT IS CHEAPER TO LEASE THEM IN VIEw OF THE LARGE AMOUNT OF OFFICE ACCOMMODATION AT PRESENT AVAILABLE FOR RENTING AT REASONABLE PRICES, MR. HAMMOND ADDED.
HE SAID THAT THE COMMITTEE IN ITS STUDY OF THE LONG-TERM REQUIREMENTS OF PERMANENT OFFICE ACCOMMODATION IN THE CENTRAL AREA INCLUDING THAT OF THE FUTURE EXPANSION OF THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT HAS RECOMMENDED THE CONSTRUCTION OF A FURTHER LARGE BLOCK OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
+IT IS HOPED THAT A SUITABLE SITE WILL BECOME AVAILABLE IN THE VICTORIA BARRACKS AREA,+ MR. HAMMOND SAID.
THE COMMITTEE HAS ALSO MADE SEVERAL RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT TH- RE-LOCATION OF CERTAIN DEPARTMENTS WHICH NEED TO BE CENTRALISED, REPLACED OR UNECONOMIC TO MAINTAIN. THESE INCLUDE :
* THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE RE-LOCATED IN LEASED ACCOMMODATION IN KOWLOON LATER THIS YEAR.
* THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE RE-LOCATED IN A NEw GOVERNMENT-OWNED OFFICE BUILDING TO BE CONSTRUCTED AND COMPLETED IN 1981 ON A SITE NEAR THE GOVERNMENT PIERS AT RUMSEY STREET.
* THE INLAND REVENUE DEPARTMENT SHOULD BE CENTRALISED UNDER ONE ROOF IN LEASED ACCOMMODATION BY 1979 IN CAUSEWAY BAY.
* THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION SHOULD
BE ACCOMMODATED IN TWO ADJACENT BUILDINGS -- HUTCH I SO': HOUSE AND THE MURRAY ROAD CARPARK BUILDING -- BEFORE THE END OF THIS YEAR.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
MEASURES TO MINIMISE ACCIDENTS IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD
******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS ADOPTED SEVERAL MEASURES TO MINIMISE THE RISK OF FURTHER ACCIDENTS TO PEDESTRIANS IN KWAI CHUNG ROAD NEAR THE CONTAINER TERMINAL FLYOVER SINCE THE RECENT TRAGIC ACCIDENT THERE, THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES
SA ID.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. S.L. CHEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. JONES SAID THESE MEASURES COMPRISED INTENSIFIED POLICE ACTION AGAINST JAY-WALKERS- THE SETTING UP OF AN ANTI-DAZZLE FENCE ALONG THE CENTRAL DIVIDE OF THE ROADREMOVAL OF A RAILING AT THE EASTERN END OF THE FLYOVER TO ENABLE RESIDENTS OF LAI KING ESTATE TO GAIN ACCESS TO THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ON THE FLYOVER BY MEANS OF A FLIGHT OF STEPS- AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW FOOTPATH TO LINK THE PEDESTRIAN FOOTBRIDGE ON THE FLYOVER WITH ANOTHER FLIGHT OF STEPS FROM LAI KING ESTATE.
HE SAID THE ANTI-DAZZLE FENCE, APART FROM ACTING AS A BARRIER AND THUS A FURTHER DETERRENT TO JAY-WALKERS, WOULD IMPROVE MOTORING SAFETY BY REDUCING HEADLIGHT GLARE. THE WORK WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT SIX WEEKS.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE NEW FOOTPATH WOULD BE COMPLETED IN ABOUT FOUR WEEKS.
MR. JONES SAID THE EFFECT OF THE MEASURES TO REMOVE THE RAILING AND TO BUILD THE NEW FOOTPATH WOULD BE TO MAKE IT MUCH EASIER FOR RESIDENTS OF LAI KING ESTATE TO CROSS THAT BUSY ROAD BY MEANS OF THE FOOTBRIDGE.
MARINE COURT TO INVESTIGATE HYDROFOIL-FERRY COLLISION * * * *
A MARINE COURT WILL SHORTLY BE CONVENED TO INVESTIGATE FULLY THE COLLISION BETWEEN A HYDROFOIL AND A FERRY WHICH OCCURRED CN MARCH 2 THIS YEAR, THE ACTING ATTORNEY GENERAL, THE HON. GARTH THORNTON, TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, MR. THORNTON SAID LEGAL ADVICE ORIGINALLY TENDERED ON THE COLLISION BETWEEN THE HYDROFOIL, FLYING ALBATROSS, AND THE FERRY, MAN TAK, WAS THAT A MARINE COURT WAS NOT WARRANTED BECAUSE A COMPREHENSIVE PRELIMINARY INQUIRY HAD ALREADY BEEN CONDUCTED BY THE MARINE DEPARTMENT.
♦HOWEVER, FOLLOWING THE TABLING OF DR. CHUNG’S QUESTIONS AT THE LAST SITTING OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, MR. HOBLEY, HAS PERSONALLY CONSIDERED THE PAPERS, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, AND HAS ADVISED THAT A MARINE COURT IS LIKELY TO PRODUCE GREATER CERTAINTY AS TO SOME OF THE FACTS,+ MR. THORNTON EXPLAINED.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAD ACCEPTED THAT ADVICE AND A MARINE COURT WOULD BE SET UP.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
- 19 -
CODE Or PRACTICE FOR CINEMA OPERATORS PREFERABLE
* * * * *
A CODE OF PRACTICE MIGHT BE PREFERABLE TO LEGISLATION REQUIRING FILM DISTRIBUTORS AND CINEMA PROPRIETORS TO STATE IN ALL ADVERTISEMENTS FOR FILMS WHETHER THEY HAVE BEEN SHORTENED, THE SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES, THE HON. DAVID JEAFFRESON SUGGESTED
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. ROGER LOBO IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. JEAFFRESON SAID THERE MIGHT WELL BE PRACTICAL DIFFICULTIES IN LEGISLATING THESE REQUIREMENTS.
HE SAID FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF +CONSUMER PROTECTION* AND IN PRINCIPLE, CINEMA PROPRIETORS OUGHT TO TELL CONSUMERS THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY HAVE VOLUNTARILY SHORTENED THE FILMS THEY ARE SHOwING.
HE PROPOSED TO REFER THE ISSUE TO THE CONSUMER COUNCIL WHICH IS THE APPROPRIATE BODY TO TALK WITH DISTRIBUTORS AND CINEMA
PROPR IETORS.
0 -
FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT FOR HK WAR VICTIMS ******
THE GOVERNMENT HAS DECIDED TO PROVIDE FREE MEDICAL TREATMENT TO PRISONERS OF WAR WHO FOUGHT IN THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG IN 1941 AND CIVILIAN RESIDENTS WHO WERE IMPRISONED, OTHER THAN FOR COMMON CRIMINAL OFFENCES, AND TORTURED DURING THE OCCUPATION PERIOD. THE SPOUSE OF ANY ELIGIBLE PERSON WILL ALSO QUALIFY.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
SIR DENYS SAID FULL DETAILS OF THIS SCHEME WILL BE NOTIFIED FOR GENERAL INFORMATION IN THE NEXT ISSUE OF THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
HE NOTED THAT THE DECISION LAS TAKEN AFTER THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES HAD EXPRESSED THE VIEa THAT MORE THAN THREE YEARS OF CAPTIVITY, IN CONDITIONS IN WHICH THE VICTIM SUFFERED MALNUTRITION, ACUTE DISCOMFORT AND PHYSICAL AND MENTAL MALTREATMENT, ARE LIKELY TO HAVE DELETERIOUS EFFECT ON HEALTH, ESPECIALLY AS THE VICTIM GROWS OLDER.
SIR DENYS SAID: +1 BELIEVE THAT MEMBERS WILL WELCOME THE PROVISION OF THIS ASSISTANCE TO THOSE ..HO SUFFERED IN THE DEFENCE OF HONG KONG OR DURING ITS OCCUPATION. I HOPE THAT IT WILL SHO. THAT THEIR COURAGE AND THEIR SACRIFICES HAVE NOT BEEN FORGOTTEN.+
/20 .....
IMPROVEMENTS TO SAI KUNG WATER SUPPLY * * * *
THE WATER SUPPLY DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM ON SAI KUNG PENINSULA a IlL BE EXPANDED IN THREE STAGES, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
HE WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HENRY HU WHO ASKED WHAT IMPROVEMENTS HAD BEEN MADE TO THE SUPPLY SYSTEM TO SAI KUNG SINCE THE UMELCO VISIT-IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT APPROVAL WAS GIVEN IN THE FIRST PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE’S REVIEW THIS YEAR FOR A WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM FOR THE AREA BETWEEN FEI NGO SHAN AND RAZOR HILL.
THIS SCHEME, WHICH INCLUDES CONSTRUCTION OF A SERVICE RESERVOIR, INSTALLATION OF PUMPING PLANT AND LAYING OF MAINS, SHOULD PROVIDE SUPPLY TO THE AREA INCLUDING TSENG LAN SHUE BY THE LATTER HALF OF 1979.
MR. MCDONALD SAID APPROVAL WAS ALSO BEING SOUGHT FOR AN INTERIM SCHEME TO COPE WITH THE INCREASED DEMAND GENERATED BY VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENTS IN SAI KUNG UP TO SHA KOK MEI AND THE COMPREHENSIVE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT IN TUI MIN HOI.
THIS SCHEME FOR THE DUPLICATION OF TRUNK MAINS AND AN EXTENSION OF THE SYSTEM HAS BEEN RECOMMENDED FOR INCLUSION IN CATEGORY A OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME.
A LONGER TERM SHCEME WHICH WILL NECESSITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW TREATMENT WORKS ON THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA IS PLANNED FOR COMPLETION IN 1981.
THIS SCHEME WILL PROVIDE A MORE COMPREHENSIVE DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM TO CATER FOR FUTURE DISTRICT DEMAND, AND FOR VILLAGES SUCH AS TSO WO HANG AND TAI MONG TSAI WHICH ARE LOCATED BEYOND THE ECONOMIC EXPANSION LIMIT OF THE INTERIM IMPROVEMENT SCHEMES FOR SAI KUNG.
MERIT TRIPS -OR GOVERNMENT STAFF X * * H
THE SECRETARY FOR CIVIL SERVICE, THE HON. JOSEPH HAMMOND SAID A TOTAL OF 102 LOCAL CIVIL SERVANTS HAVE BENEFITED FROM THE MER-T TRIP SCHEME DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. LEUNG TAT-SHING, HE Sa ID MOST OF THESE OFFICERS SELECTED FOR THE MERIT TRIPS HAVE COME --0M THE MIDDLE AND LOWER LEVELS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE.
HE ALSO NOTED THAT THE MERIT TRIP SCHEME -vAS LAST ENLARGES IN 1974 TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF TRIPS AWARDEE EACH YEAR FROM 12 TO 33 AND THERE ARE NO PLANS AT THE MOMENT TO ENLARGE THE SCHEME .Y FURTHER.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
- 21 -
HELP OFFER TO URBAN PIG-KEEPERS
* * * *
THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT OFFERS AND WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER ASSISTANCE SHOULD PIG-KEEPERS OPT FOR RELOCATION FROM THE URBAN AREA, BUT UP TO DATE NO REQUESTS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED, THE DIRECTOR OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES, THE HON. EDWARD NICHOLS SAID TODAY.
IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. NICHOLS SAID THOUGH PROPOSALS TO RELOCATE PIG-KEEPERS IN THE URBAN AREA IN ALTERNATIVE SITES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES HAVE BEEN PERIODICALLY DISCUSSED OVER A CONSIDERABLE PERIOD OF YEARS, THERE ARE BASICALLY TWO OBSTACLES TO THE FORMULATION OF ANY LONG TERM PLAN.
THEY ARE THE PROBLEM OF FINDING SUITABLE SITES IN TERRITORIES AND A MARKED RELUCTANCE ON THE PART OF THE PIG-KEEPERS TO REMOVE FROM THE URBAN AREA.
+IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT IK THE MAJORITY OF = IG-KEEPI NG IS NOT THE SOLE FORM OF FAMILY INCOME, AND
SUCH PERSONS ADDITIONALLY HAVE STRONG FAMILY AND SOCIAL TIES WHICH THEY DO NOT WISH TO SEVER.
+IN ALL CASES, THEREFORE, THE PREFERENCE HAS BEEN TO ACCEPT COMPENSATION, CLOSE DOWN PIG-KEEPING ACTIVITIES AND REMAIN IN THE VICINITY,+ SAID MR. NICHOLS.
THE NEW
CASES, THAT
- - 0 -----------
LAW TO CONTROL SPEED-BOATS NEAR BEACHES
* * * * *
LEGISLATION IS BEING DRAFTED TO MAKE IT AN OFFENCE FOR ANY VESSEL TO TRAVEL AT MORE THAN 5 'KNOTS, WITHIN 150 FT. OF THE BUOYS WHICH MARK THE BOUNDARIES OF SWIMMING AREAS AT GAZETTED BEACHES.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM THE HON. PETER C. WONG ABOUT THE PROTECTION TO SWIMMERS FROM SPEEDBOATS.
SIR DENYS ALSO REVEALED, IN RESPONSE TO ANOTHER QUESTION BY MR. WONG, THAT THE GOVERNMENT WAS CONSIDERING A RECOMMENDATION MAKING IT COMPULSORY FOR WATER-SKIERS TO WEAR LIFE JACKETS IN THE INTERESTS OF SAFETY.
THE COMMITTEE ON BOATS AND YACHTS - A COMMITTEE WHICH INCLUDES UNOFFICIALS AND ADVISES THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE — HAD RECENTLY RECOMMENDED THIS MEASURE, SIR DENYS SAID.
------o-------
/Z2 ...
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
22 • •
’JUMBO’ PASSPORTS ISSUED TO FREQUENT TRAVELLERS * * * *
APPLICANTS FOR A 94 PAGE (JUMBO) PASSPORT MUST SATISFY THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION THAT THEY NEED TO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY AND WOULD FILL THE 30 PAGES OF A STANDARD PASSPORT SUFFICIENTLY QUICKLY, THE SECRETARY FOR SECURITY, THE HON. LEWIS DAVIES, SAID TODAY.
HE WAS ANSWERING A QUESTION BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON WHETHER SUCH PASSPORTS ARE ISSUED TO APPLICANTS WHO HAVE WITHIN THE PRECEDING TWO YEARS USED UP ALL PAGES OF AN EXISTING PASSPORT.
MR. DAVIES SAID THIS WAS NOT THE CASE AND IT WAS POSSIBLE THAT AN INDIVIDUAL APPLICANT MIGHT HAVE GAINED A MISLEADING IMPRESSION FROM AN ENQUIRY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT 1,325 OF THE ’JUMBO’ PASSPORTS HAD BEEN ISSUED AND IT WAS INTENDED TO INCLUDE REFERENCE TO THEIR AVAILABILITY WHEN APPLICATION FORMS ARE NEXT REPRINTED.
+THEY WILL NORMALLY BE AVAILABLE ON DEMAND FOR THOSE WHO TRAVEL FREQUENTLY,+ HE SAID.
STUDY ON PLB SPEED LIMIT
X A X X X
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY HE AGREED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD LOOK INTO THE QUESTION OF WHETHER THERE SHOULD BE A SPEED LIMIT FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES.
HE SAID HE HAS ASKED THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT TO EXAMINE THE QUESTION. AFTER HE HAS CONSIDERED THE COMMISSIONER’S ADVICE, AND IN CONSULTATION .. I TH THE TRANSPORT ADVISORY CCM'-ITTEE, THE OUTCOME OF THE STUDY ,.OULD BE MADE KNOv.N.
MR. JONES WAS REPLYING TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. S.L. CHEN ON THE IMPOSITION OF A SPEED LIMIT ON PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES OPERATING IN AREAS WHERE THERE IS NO SPEED LIMIT FOR VEHICLES OTHER THAN PUBLIC OMNIBUSES AND GOODS VE.- ICLES IN EXCESS OF TWO TONS.
/. 3
WEDNESDAY, JJLY 27, 1977
-3
MORE PERMANENT STUDY ROOMS FOR STUDENTS * * * *
THE GOVERNMENT Vv ILL TRY TO MAKE AVAILABLE MORE PERMANENT STUDY ROOM PLACES FOR STUDENTS IF SUCH A NEED IS ESTABLISHED.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION BY THE HON. HILTON CHEONG-LEEN IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE ABOUT 12,000 PERMANENT STUDY ROOM PLACES AVAILABLE IN THE URBAN AREAS.
+AS AN EXPERIMENT, A FURTHER 2,600 PLACES WERE PROVIDED IN GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOLS FROM MARCH TO JULY,+ HE SAID.
THE EXPERIMENT, SIR DENYS ADDED, WOULD BE EVALUATED NEXT MONTH, IN AN EFFORT TO ASSESS THE DEMAND FOR PERMANENT PLACES.
+IF A NEED FOR MORE PERMANENT PLACES IS ESTABLISHED, THE GOVERNMENT WILL TRY TO MEET IT,+ HE SAID.
SIR DENYS ALSO NOTED THAT SINCE THESE ROOKS CATER FOR A WIDE RANGE C" STUDENTS, OF VARYING STANDARDS AND AGES AND FROM DIFFERENT SCHOOLS, A TUTORIAL SERVICE FOR THEM WOULD BE IMPRACTICABLE.
WHITE PAPER ON REHABILITATION SERVICES
* * * *
THE SECRETARY FOR SOCIAL SERVICES, THE HON. ERIC HO, ASSURED THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE POLICY STATEMENT ON REHABILITATION SERVICES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DEBATE EARLY IN THE NEXT SESSION OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING.
MR. HO, IN REPLY TO A QUESTION FROM DR. THE HON. HARRY FANG REGARDING THE WHITE PAPER OK THE FURTHER DEVELOPMENT OF REHABILITATION SERVICES IN HONG KONG, EXPRESSED REGRET THAT IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO PUBLISH THE WHITE PAPER DURING THE CURRENT SESSION.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
211
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY IN HEALTHY STATE * * * *
HONG KONG’S SU ILDING INDUSTRY IS IN A VERY HEALTHY STATE, ..I TH PROSPECTS OF A CONSTRUCTION BOOM, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID TONIGHT.
+THERE IS VIRTUALLY FULL EMPLOYMENT, AND THE AMOUNT OF CONSTRUCTION WORK wHICH IS PLANNED TO BE CARRIED CUT OVER ThE NEXT FEW YEARS IN BOTH THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS HOLDS OUT THE PROSPECT OF A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR CONTRACTORS,* HE SAID.
INDEED THE VOLUME OF WORK PLANNED WAS SUCH THAT IT • WOULD POSE A CHALLENGE TO CONTRACTORS TO HANDLE IT ALL.
BUT HE SAID HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT CONTRACTORS COULD MEET THE CHALLENGE.
MR. MCDONALD WAS SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER HELD BY THE BUILDING CONTRACTORS ASSOCIATION TO MARK THE BIRTHDAY OF LU PAN, THE PATRON SAINT OF THE BUILDING TRADE.
HE SAID THAT A POSSIBLE PROBLEM NOW FACING THE INDUSTRY WAS GETTING SUFFICIENT LABOUR TO MEET GROWING DEMANDS.
HOWEVER HE SAID HE BELIEVED THAT UNSKILLED WORKERS WHO HAD MOVED OUT OF THE INDUSTRY INTO THE FACTORIES WHEN TIMES WERE HARD FOR BUILDERS A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO ..ERE NOW BEING ATTRACTED BACK BY PROSPECTS OF A CONSTRUCTION BOOM.
HE ADDED THAT A METHOD OF COPING WITH THE POSSIBLE PROBLEM OF A LABOUR SHORTAGE WAS THE USE OF MORE SOPHISTICATED CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT.
HE POINTED OUT THAT LU PAN WAS WELL KNOWN AS AN INNOVATOR, AND HAD BEEN THE FIRST TO WELCOME NEW METHODS.
+ I.N HONG KONG TODAY WE HAVE THE GREATEST COLLECTION OF MECHANICAL PLANT WHICH HAS EVER BEEN SEEN HERE,* HE SAID.
+SOME IS, OF COURSE, THE VERY SPECIALISED EQUIPMENT NEEDED COR THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, BUT MUCH OTHER EQUIPMENT IS IN THE HANDS OF FAR-SIGHTED CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE FORESEEN THE VOLUME OF CONSTRUCTION WORK WHICH IS LIKELY TO BE AVAILABLE IN THE COMING YEARS — AND HAVE ANTICIPATED THE NEED FOR A GREATER DEGREE OF MECHANISATION IF CONSTRUCTION TARGETS ARE TO BE MET.*
MR. MCDONALD POINTED OUT THAT THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW METHODS DID NOT LESSEN THE NEED FOR CRAFTSMEN TRAINED IN THE TRADITIONAL SKILLS, AND HE WARMLY WELCOMED THE RECENT COMPLETION OF THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY TRAINING CENTRE, ..HIGH WILL SHORTLY ENROL ITS FIRST INTAKE OF TRAINEES.
+EACH YEAR SOME 660 SCHOOL LEAVERS >ILL BE GIVEN ONE YEAR’S BASIC TRAINING IN A PARTICULAR TRADE AND WILL THEN EE DLACED IN EMPLOYMENT WITH CONTRACTORS,* HE SAIS.
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27. '9""
25 -
NOTING THAT THE SCHEME IS FINANCED BY CONTRACTORS BY wAY Or A LEVY ON THE VALUE OF CONSTRUCTION WORKS, MR. MCDONALD SA D IT REFLECTED CREDIT ON CONTRACTORS THAT THtRE HAo B&EN VERY LliTut EVASION OF THE LEVY.
+3ERHADS YOU HAVE RECALLED THAT WHEN LU PAN, WHO *AS ALSO A TFACHER ONCE SECRETLY GAVE INSPIRATION TO A YOUNG APPRENTICE, Se DE^NDED A REWARS NOT FROM THE APPRENTICE BUT FROM HIS MASTER WHO, AFTER ALL, WAS THE ONE WHO BzN=.FITTED MOST FRO. । THE APPRENTICE’S NEW SKILL.-*-
MR. MCDONALD CONCLUDED HIS SPEECH TO THE CONTRACTORS BY WISHING THEM A YEAR +IN WHICH GOOD WORKMANSHIP BRINGS ITS JJS1 AND PROPER REWARD.+
-----0------
SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED
******
THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY (WEDNESDAY) APPROVED SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION AMOUNTING TO $292.4 MILLION FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77.
IN MOVING THE MOTION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT THAT THE SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION COVERED BY THE SCHEDULE HAD BROUGHT THE TOTAL SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION APPROVED FOR THE YEAR TO 5522.3 MILLION.
+0F THIS SUM, 3313.9 MILLION HAS EEEN OFFSET BY SAVINGS UNj&R OTHER SUBHEADS OF EXPENDITURE, OR BY THE FREEZING OF FUNDS UNDzh HEAD 50 MISCELLANEOUS SERVICES SUBHEAD 103 ADDITIONAL CvW.I ii’h.-Tj. THUS THE NET INCREASE IN EXPENDITURE APPROVED FOR THE Y_AR IS 3236.4 MILL I ON,+ HE SA ID.
MR HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THE FINANCE COMMITTEE HAD ALREADY APPROVED ALL ITEMS IN THE SCHEDULE.
/26 .....
WEDNESDAY, JULY 27, 1977
?6
DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION EACK FROM LEAVE * fc * *
MR. R.E. DOWNING, DIRECTOR OF CIVIL AVIATION, HAD RESUMED HIS OFFICE ON RETURNING TO HONG KONG AFTER A TWO-MONTH ABSENC-.
BEFORE TAKING LEAVE IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, MR. DOWNING ATTENDED THE FIVE-DAY AOC I INTERNATIONAL AIRPORTS CONFERENCE IN ROME, VISITED A NUMBER OF EUROPEAN AIRPORTS AND ATTENDED THc PARIS AIR SHOW.
MR. B.D. KEEP, WHO HAS BEEN ACTING AS DIRECTOR PROCEEDED ON LEAVE ON MR. DOWNING’S RETURN.
MR. J.A. HALLAM, CONTINUES TO ACT AS DEPUTY DIRECTOR DURING MR. KEEP’S ABSENCE.
0 - -
BILLS PASSED * * * *
THREE BILLS PASSED THEIR COMMITTEE STAGE AND THIRD READING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
BILL 1977, THE SUMMARY
THEY ARE THE DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT)
OFFENCES (AMENDMENT) (NO. 3) BILL 1977, AND AN UNOFFICIAL MEMBER’S BILL, THE ZETLAND HALL TRUSTEES INCORPORATION (AMENDMENT) BILL
1977.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
CONTENTS
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1977
PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR PRAISES INITIATIVE OF STUDENTS AT SCIENCE EXHIBITION ................................................... 1
0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME HOLDS SUMMER ACTIVITIES ................ 2
MAC PATROL TEAMS TO LEARN FROM CDO AND POLICE ................ 2
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ON WYNDHAM STREET ........................ 3
SAN HUI MAIN STREET WILL OPEN TO TWO-WAY TRAFFIC ............. 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, JULY 28,
1977
SCIENCE EXHIBITION SHOWS INITIATIVE OF STUDENTS * * * * *
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID THAT THE 13TH JOINT SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION +SHOWS REAL INITIATIVE ON THE PART OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE PART ICI PAT I NG, AND IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY -OR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS STUDY IN THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD AND HOW WORTHWHILE THESE STUDIES ARE.+
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING AT THE OPENING TODAY OF THE EXHIBITION HELD IN THE EXHIBITION HALL OF CITY HALL.
HE NOTED THAT IT IS THE TENTH IN THE SERIES OF SCHOOLS SCIENCE EXHIBITIONS, WITH YEARLY CONTRIBUTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT AND ADVICE FROM THE EDUCTION DEPARTMENT.
THIS YEAR 20 SCHOOLS HAVE PARTICIPATED IN THE EXHIBITION BY CONTRIBUTING ABOUT 27 PROJECTS GROUPED UNDER SEVEN HEADINGS: +M.YSTERIES OF LIVING ORGANISMS*, +INDUSTRIAL SCIENCE*, +PHOTOMETRY+, +FUN WITH MATHEMATICS*, +MAN AND THE SEA+, +ELECTRONICS* AND +MORE ABOUT SCIENCE*.
THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 9.30 A.M.
TO 4 P.M. EACH DAY FROM. TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TO AUGUST 8.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE TEXT OF A SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR:
+IT GIVES ME VERY GREAT PLEASURE TO BE PRESENT HERE TODAY. THE 20 PARTICIPATING SCHOOLS AND THE ENTHUSIASTIC ORGANISING COMMITTEE, WHICH CONSISTS ENTIRELY OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PUPILS, HAVE WORKED VERY HARD TO MAKE THIS EXHIBITION A SUCCESS.
+IT IS THE TENTH IN THE SERIES OF SCHOOLS SCIENCE EXHIBITIONS. THE EXHIBITION SHOWS REAL INITIATIVE ON THE PART OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE PARTICIPATING, AND IT PROVIDES AN OPPORTUNITY FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO SEE WHAT OUR STUDENTS STUDY IN THE SCIENTIFIC FIELD AND HOW WORTHWHILE THESE STUD IES ARE.
+THE EXHIBITION HAS WIDE SUPPORT. THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT MAKES AN ANNUAL CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS THE EXHIBITION, AND THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT GIVES ADVICE. THE UNIVERSITIES ARE ALSO INVOLVED, AND MANY OTHER ORGANISATIONS HAVE PLAYED THEIR PART IN MAKING THIS EXHIBITION POSSIBLE.
+LAST YEAR THE BRITISH COUNCIL INVITED HONG KONG TO BE REPRESENTED IN THE EXHIBITIONS ON DISPLAY IN ENGLAND AT THE ANNUAL CONFERENCE OF THE ASSOCIATION FOE SCIENCE EDUCATION. A NUMBER OF PROJECTS FROM LAST YEAR’S JOINT SCHOOL SCIENCE EXHIBITION WERE SENT TO THE CONFERENCE AND WERE AMONG THE BEST THERE.
+ 1 AM SURE THAT THE PROJECTS ON DISPLAY TODAY a ILL EQUAL, lc NOT BETTER, THE STANDARDS ACHIEVED It. PREVIOUS YEARS.
+1 CONGRATULATE ALL THE STUDENTS AND THEIR ADVISERS ON
THEIR COMBINED EFFORTS TO CRS^'.ISE THIS 10TH JOINT SCHOOL SOIE CE EXHIBITION AND I .• ISH THE' - E'Y SUCCcSi.*
THURSDAY, JULY 26, 1977
SUMMER ACTIVITIES FOR 0 PUI SHAN BOYS
*****
THE YOUNGSTERS UNDER THE CARE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPART' ENT’3 0 PUI SHAN BOYS’ HOME WILL HAVE A CHANCE TO rNJOY HEALTHY INDOOR AND OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES THIS SUMMER LIKE MANY OTHER CHILDREN ELSEWHERE IN HONG KONG.
THE OROGRAMME LINED UP FOR THE BOYS INCLUDE CULTURAL AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITIES, VISITS, OUTINGS, CAMPINGS AND SPORTS.
TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE SUMMER PROGRAMME AND THE CLOSING OF THE 1976/77 SCHOOL YEAR, A SPEECH DAY WAS HELD AT THE HOME THIS (THURSDAY) AFTERNOON.
MR. MAK WING-HONG, HEAD OF THE S.W.D. PROBATION AND CORRECTIONS DIV ISI ON,WILL PRESENT PRIZES TO THE BOYS WHO HAD OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES IN CONDUCT, STUDIES AND SERVICES DURING THE PAST SCHOOL YEAR.
SITUATED IN KAU WA KENG, LAI CHI KOK, THE BOYS’ HOME IS ONE OF FIVE CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS OPERATED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. IT PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL TRAINING FOR 140 YOUNG OFFENDERS WHO ARE UNDER 14 YEARS OF AGE ON ADMISSION.
- - 0 -
TRAINING COURSE FOR MAC PATROL TEAMS * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS :
A THREE-DAY TRAINING COURSE FOR MEMBERS OF THE PATROL TEAMS OF THE MUTUAL AID COMMITTEES IN KWUN TONG ESTATE WILL BE HELD AT THE CONFERENCE ROOM OF THE KWUN TONG COMMUNITY CENTRE, TSUI PING ROAD, TOMORROW (JULY 29), AND AGAIN ON AUGUST 2 AND AUGUST 6.
THE COURSE AIMS AT PROMOTING A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF THE ROLES OF MAC PATROL TEAMS AMONG THE MEMBERS.
LECTURES ON THE ORGANISATION, MANAGEMENT AND DUTIES OF THE PATROL TEAMS AND LAW AND ORDER IN KWUN TONG ESTATE WILL BE GIVEN BY STAFF OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (KWUN TONG) AND THE KWUN TONG POLICE STATION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE START OF THE COURSE AT 3 P.M. TOMORROW (JULY 29).
- 0 -
THURSDAY, JULY 28, 1977
- 5 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN CENTRAL DISTRICT * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT TO FACILITATE CABLE LAYING WORKS, VEHICLES PROCEEDING NORTHBOUND ON WYNDHAM STREET WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED TO TURN INTO REDDER STREET AT THE JUNCTION OF QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, WYNDHAM STREET, AND PtDDER STREET BETWEEN 8 P.M. ON SATURDAY (JULY 30) AND 7 A.M. ON SUNDAY (JULY 31).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0---------
SAN HUI MAIN STREET TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED THAT IN CONNECTION WITH THE CLOSURE OF PART OF SAN HUI MAIN STREET, THE EXISTING ONE-WAY ROUTING ON THE REMAINING SECTIONS OF THE ROAD WILL BE CHANGED TO TWO WAY WITH EFFECT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY, (JULY 30).
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
MAIN TERMS OF HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT ANNOUNCED ............... 1
FIRST ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST THIS DECEMBER .................... 2
TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS IN NATHAN ROAD MONGKOK SECTION ........... 2
NE.-, 50 CENT COIN TO BE INTRODUCED ON AUGUST 15 .............. A
TWO DOLLARS INCREASE IN HKCE EXAM FEES ........................ 5
SIP DENYS GOES ON ANNUAL LEAVE ................................ 5
ANOTHER PHASE OF DEVELOPING YUEN LONG MARKET TOWN ............. 6
SHEK PAI TAU SITE PREPARED FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ......... 7
LOOP ROAD NEAR CHATHAM ROAL TO BE OPENED ...................... 7
FIFING PRACTICE .............................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
1
NEW HK—US TEXTILE AGREEMENT
* * * K
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT HAS REVEALED THE MAIN TERMS OF THE NEW HK-US TEXTILE AGREEMENT WHICH IS EXPECTED TO BE FORMALLY SIGNED SOON.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT WHILE SOME MINOR POINTS OF WORDING HAD STILL TO BE RESOLVED BEFORE THE AGREEMENT COULD BE FORMALLY SIGNED, THE SUBSTANCE OF THE AGREEMENT WAS NOT GOING TO BE CHANGED.
+ IN THE INTEREST OF THE TRADE WHICH HAS TO PLAN ITS PRODUCTION AND SALES SEVERAL MONTHS AHEAD, THE DEPARTMENT FEELS THAT IT IS NOW NECESSARY TO LET PEOPLE KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
COMMENTING ON THE AGREEMENT, THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. BILL DORWARD, SAIDi *WE ARE NEVER HAPPY TO. ENTER INTO AGREEMENTS TO RESTRAIN OUR TEXTILE EXPORTS. THIS ONE IS NO EXCEPTION.*
MR. DORWARD NOTED THAT MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN THOSE
THE TERMS OF THE NEW AGREEMENT WERE IN THE CURRENT ONE.
THIS IS ESPECIALLY SO IN REGARD TO GROWTH, WHERE ANNUAL INCREASES IN QUOTAS ARE CURRENTLY 6.25 PER CENT.
FOR THE FIRST YEAR OF THE NEW AGREEMENT THE AGGREGATE LIMIT WILL BE 958 MILLION SQUARE YARDS, ONLY 1.5 PER CENT HIGHER THAN THE LIMIT FOR THE LAST YEAR OF THE CURRENT AGREEMENT.
FOR THE LAST FOUR YEARS OF THE FIVE-YEAR AGREEMENT, THE OVERALL ANNUAL GROWTH RATE WILL BE 6 PER CENT.
+IT MUST BE REMEMBERED, OF COURSE, THAT THESE ARE COMPOUND GROWTH RATES AND ON A BASE ALREADY APPROACHING ONE BILLION SQUARE YARDS A YEAR*, MR. DORWARD SAID.
+BUT THE BITE COMES IN SOME OF THE CATEGORIES IN GREATEST DEMAND, WHERE THE ANNUAL GROWTH WILL BE ONLY 3 PER CENT, OR EVEN LESS IN THE CASE OF WOOLLEN ITEMS.*
THE 3 PER CENT GROWTH RATE WILL APPLY TO SUCH CATEGORIES AS T-SHIRTS, OTHER KNIT SHIRTS, WOVEN SHIRTS AND BLOUSES, LADIES’ WOVEN TROUSERS AND NIGHTWEAR.
THERE ARE, HOWEVER, SOME IMPROVEMENTS. IN PARTICULAR, THE EXTENT TO WHICH HONG KONG MAY CARRY FORWARD QUOTAS (I.E. BORROW IN ONE YEAR FROM THE FOLLOWING YEAR’S QUOTA WHEN DEMAND IS STRONG) HAS BEEN INCREASED FROM 6 TO 7.15 PER CENT.
+AND THERE ARE OTHER TECHNICAL ADJUSTMENTS HERE AND THERE, SUCH AS THE MERGING OF CERTAIN CATEGORIES, WHICH WILL ADD UP IN TERMS OF DOLLARS AND CENTS*, MR. DORWARD SAID.
+WE HAVE ACCEPTED THESE TERMS BECAUSE WE WERE FACED WITH AN INFLEXIBLE US POSITION AND THERE WAS A REAL NEED TO REMOVE UNCERTAINTIES AND PROVIDE THE T^.-DE WITH A STABLE BASIS ON WHICH TO PLAN FORWARD*, MR. DORWARD ADDED.
/♦THE NEGOTIA'
2
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
+THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE TOUGH AND OUR INDUSTRIAL ADVISERS AGREED WITH RELUCTANCE THAT WE SHOULD ACCEPT THESE TERMS. THAT IS ALL I AM PREPARED TO SAY ABOUT THE MANNER IN WHICH THE NEGOTIATIONS WERE CONDUCTED*.
COMMENTING ON THE PRECEDENT SET BY THIS AGREEMENT, PARTICULARLY IN REGARD TO FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS WITH THE EEC, MR. DORWARD SAID THAT THE SITUATIONS WERE NOT REALLY COMPARABLE.
+IN PUBLIC STATEMENTS EEC SPOKESMEN AND REPRESENTATIVES OF SOME MEMBER STATES HAVE CALLED FOR A REDUCTION IN GROWTH RATES FOR SENSITIVE CATEGORIES IMPORTED FROM MAJOR SUPPLIERS. IT IS, HOWEVER, A FACT THAT IN OUR TWO MAIN EEC MARKETS, THE UNITED KINGDOM AND GERMANY, ANNUAL GROWTH RATES ARE ALREADY AS LITTLE AS HALF OF ONE PER CENT FOR MANY OF THE SENSITIVE ITEMS AND YOU CAN’T GET MUCH LOWER THAN THAT+.
MEANWHILE, THE CURRENT AGREEMENT, DUE TO EXPIRE ON SEPTEMBER 30, HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THE END OF THIS YEAR, WITH PROPORTIONATE INCREASES IN QUOTA LEVELS.
SPECIAL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN AGREED TO ALLOW EXTRA SHIPMENTS IN THE LAST QUARTER OF THIS YEAR, AGAINST 1978 QUOTAS, IN CERTAIN APPAREL CATEGORIES FOR WHICH THERE IS A SEASONAL DEMAND.
THE TRADE IS RELIEVED BY THE THREE-MONTH EXTENSION WHICH WILL EASE SOME OF THE PRESSURE ON QUOTAS. DESPITE GENERALLY SLACK MARKET CONDITIONS, THE DEMAND REMAIN STRONG FOR SOME CATEGORIES.
------0 - - - -
FIRST ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST X * * X X
THE FIRST ACADEMIC APTITUDE TEST FOR THE ALLOCATION OF PRIMARY 6 PUPILS TO SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN 1978 WILL TAKE PLACE ON DECEMBER 6, 1977, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
+THE TEST COMPRISES TWO PAPERS, ONE ON VERBAL REASONING AND THE OTHER ON NUMERICAL REASONING. THE DURATION ALLOWED FOR EACH PAPER IS 45 MINUTES,+ SAID MR. KENNETH LEE, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (SECONDARY SCHOOL PLACE ALLOCATION).
IN ORDER TO ENSURE THAT THE TEST DEVISED IS VALID AND RELIABLE, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAD RUN TWO PRE-TESTS, ONE IN MAY AND THE OTHER IN JUNE THIS YEAR, THE RESULTS OF WHICH HAVE BEEN ANALYSED AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF TEST PAPERS FOR THIS FIRST APTITUTDE TEST IN DECEMBER WILL BE BASED ON THESE ANALYSES.
MR. LEE ADDED: +PARTICIPATING PRIMARY SCHOOLS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A SHORT PAPER OF PRACTICE ITEMS IN NOVEMBER WHEN PRIMARY 6 PUPILS WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRACTICE ANSWERING THE QUESTIONS IN THE PAPER.
♦SUCH PRACTICE ALONE IS ADEQUATE AND FURTHER PRACTICE MAY NOT BE AN ADVANTAGE. THE BEST PREPARATION THAT SCHOOLS MAY MAKE FOR THEIR PUPILS IS TO PURSUE STEADFASTLY THEIR EDUCATIONAL GOALS AND THE BEST PREPARATION THAT PUPILS MAY MAKE IS TO CONCENTRATE ON THEIR STUDIES.+
0 -
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FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
NORTH NATHAN ROAD TO BE REDUCED TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC
* * * *
SEVERAL SECTIONS OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND DUNDAS STREET IN THE MONG KOK AREA WILL BE REDUCED FROM THREE-LANE TRAFFIC TO TWO-LANE TRAFFIC SOUTHBOUND FROM 10 A.M. ON AUGUST 15.
THIS IS TO ALLOW CONSTRUCTION WORK TO BE CARRIED OUT ON BOTH SIDES OF NATHAN ROAD NEAR THE PRINCE EDWARD AND ARGYLE M.T.R. STATIONS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY.
IN ADDITION, CERTAIN CLASSES OF VEHICLES WILL HAVE TO BE DIVERTED AWAY FROM NATHAN ROAD SO THAT ESSENTIAL TRAFFIC ON NATHAN ROAD CAN STILL RUN AT A REASONABLE SPEED AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT CAN BE MAINTAINED FOR THE MAJORITY OF COMMUTERS.
PRIVATE CARS, TAXIS AND PUBLIC HIRE CARS WILL BE EXCLUDED FROM CERTAIN PARTS OF NATHAN ROAD BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY BECAUSE OF THEIR FLEXIBILITY IN ROUTE PLANNING AND BECAUSE OF THE SMALL NUMBER OF PASSENGERS CARRIED BY THESE VEHICLES.
IT IS CONSIDERED THAT THIS EXCLUSION WILL NOT GREATLY AFFECT CARS AND TAXIS AS THEY ARE ALREADY NOT ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS ALONG NATHAN ROAD DURING THE CLEARWAY HOURS OF 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. DAILY. TWO NEW TAXI STANDS WILL BE PROVIDED IN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET, SOUTH OF NULLAH ROAD AND SOUTH OF MONG KOK ROAD.
THE SECTIONS OF ROADS TO BE PROHIBITED TO CARS, TAXIS AND HIRE CARS ARE:
M NATHAN ROAD, BETWEEN BOUNDARY STREET AND PLAYING FIELD ROAD-
* NATHAN ROAD, BETWEEN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD AND DUNDAS STREET-
* NULLAH ROAD, BETWEEN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND NATHAN ROAD-
K ARRAN STREET, BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND NATHAN ROAD-
X LAI CHI KOK ROAD (SOUTHBOUND), BETWEEN PORTLAND STREET AND NATHAN ROAD-
M SHAN TUNG STREET, BETWEEN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND PORTLAND STREET- AND
* SOY STREET, BETWEEN SAI YEUNG CHOI STREET AND PORTLAND STREET.
TRAFFIC SIGNS INDICATING THE DIVERSIONARY ROUTINGS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
0 - - - -
A ..
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
4
NEW 50 CENT COIN IN USE FROM AUGUST 15 ******
THE PRESENT CUPRO-NICKEL 50 CENT COIN WILL BEGIN TO DISAPPEAR FROM USE AS FROM AUGUST 15 (MONDAY) WHEN THE NEW SMALLER AND LIGHTER COIN WILL BE ISSUED TO REPLACE IT.
THE DESIGN AND DIMENSIONS OF THE NEW -ROUND COIN, MINTED IN NICKEL-BRASS LIKE THE 20 CENT COIN, WERE ADOPTED ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE 1973 COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE FOLLOWING THE ADVICE OF THE ROYAL MINT IN LONDON -- ONE OF THE WORLD’S FOREMOST AUTHORITIES ON THE DESIGN OF COINAGE SYSTEMS.
COMPARATIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW AND EXISTING
50 CENT COINS ARE: NEW EXISTING
DIAMETER ' 22.5 MM 23.6 MM
THICKNESS 1.72 MM 1.78 MM
WEIGHT 4.92 GRMS 5.83 GRMS
EDGE MILLED MILLED
ALLOY NICKEL-BRASS CUPRO-NICKEL
THE EFFIGY OF THE QUEEN ON THE OBVERSE OF THE COIN, IDENTICAL TO THAT ON THE NEW $5, $2 AND 20 CENT COINS INTRODUCED IN 1975 AND 1976, IS DISTINCTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE ONE APPEARING ON THE 10 CENT AND 5 CENT NICKEL-BRASS COINS AT PRESENT IN CIRCULATION.IT WILL HELP IN IDENTIFYING THE DIFFERENT COINS.
NEXT YEAR A NEW $1 COIN WILL BE ISSUED. IT WlULBE CIRCULAR, SMALLER AND LIGHTER THAN THE COIN AT PRESENT IN CIRCULATION AND WILL BEAR THE NEW EFFIGY OF THE QUSEN BUT OTHERWISE WILL BE SIMILAR IN APPEARANCE TO TH^PRESENT COIN.
REDESIGN AND REPLACEMENT OF THE PRESENT 10 CENT COIN IS CURRENTLY UNDER ACTIVE CONSIDERATION BUT NO DATE HAS YET BEEN SET FOR ITS INTRODUCTION.
THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1973
TO EXAMINE HONG KONG’S COINAGE, NOT ONLY BECAUSE OF INCREASING DEMAND FOR COINS AND RISING MINTING AND STORAGE COSTS BUT ALSO BECAUSE OF MOUNTING CRITICISM THAT COINS IN USE WERE TOO HEAVY AND CUMBERSOME.
THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NEW 50 CENT COIN IS PART OF THE general restructuring of hong kong’S coinage recommended by THE COINAGE REVIEW COMMITTEE. THE FULL BENEFITS OF RESTRUCTURING, THAT IS A RANGE OF ATTRACTIVE, DISTINCTIVE BUT GENERALLY SMALLER AND LIGHTER COINS, WILL NOT REALLY BE FELT UNTIL THE WHOLE EXERCISE IS COMPLETED.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
5
CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION FEES FOR 1978
******
THE INITIAL ENTRY FEES FOR THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION 1978 WILL BE RAISED FROM $28 TO $30.
THE SUBJECT ENTRY FEES WILL REMAIN UNCHANGED AT $5 PER SUBJECT FOR SCHOOL CANDIDATES AND $10 PER SUBJECT FOR PRIVATE CANDIDATES.
■•■THIS ADJUSTMENT OF INITIAL ENTRY FEES IS NECESSITATED BY THE RISING DIRECT COST OF OPERATING THE EXAMINATION,* A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT CANDIDATES WOULD BE PAYING ABOUT HALF THE TOTAL COST OF THE EXAMINATION AS WAS THE CASE BEFORE THE REVIS ION OF FEES.
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CHIEF SECRETARY ON ANNUAL LEAVE
*****
THc CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS, HAS GONE ON SIX-WEEK ANNUAL LEAVE AND DURING HIS ABSENCE, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE IS ACTING AS CHIEF SECRETARY.
THE POST OF FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAS BEEN TAKEN OVER BY MR. DAVID JEAFFRESON WHOSE POST OF SECRETARY FOR ECONOMIC SERVICES IS BEING FILLED BY MR. DAVID T.K. WONG.
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/6
' .*■
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
- 6 -
YUEN LONG MARKET TOWN ONE STEP CLOSER
******
ANOTHER IMPORTANT STEP HAS BEEN TAKEN IN THE $500 MILLION DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG AS A MARKET TOWN FOR 90,000 PEOPLE.
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS CALLED TENDERS FOR SEWERS, DRAINS AND ROAD WORKS ON LAND NOW BEING FORMED IN THE WESTERN PART OF YUEN LONG FOR A SECONDARY SCHOOL, OPEN SPACES, AND GOVERNMENT AND SERVICE INDUSTRY USE.
THE CONTRACT IS ALSO FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A MAJOR BUS TERMINUS AT KIK YEUNG ROAD.
WORK IS EXPECTED TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER AND BE COMPLETED 12 MONTHS LATER.
SERVICES SUCH AS WATER AND ELECTRICITY WILL BE INSTALLED AT THE SAME TIME.
THE P.W.D.’S ACTING GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES), MR. KENNETH KWOK SAID $34 MILLION HAS ALREADY BEEN EARMARKED TO COMPLETE THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL AREA OF YUEN LONG TO FORM LAND FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE, AS WELL AS ABOUT 4 HECTARES FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.
MR. KWOK SAID THAT WORK HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON THE CONTRACT FOR THE FORMATION OF 3 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 BE COMPLETED EARLY NEXT YEAR.
DEVELOPMENT OF YUEN LONG FROM ITS PRESENT SIZE WITH A POPULATION OF 30,000 TO A MAJOR MARKET TOWN FOR 90,000 WILL TAKE PLACE IN A NUMBER OF STAGES, MR. KWOK SAID.
IN THE FIRST STAGE EXISTING ROADS WILL BE WIDENED, NEW ONES CONSTRUCTED, DRAINAGE WORKS, A LARGE BUS TERMINUS, A GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND OPEN SPACES BUILT, AND A START MADE ON A PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY PROVIDE HOMES FOR 10,000 PEOPLE.
ALSO INCLUDED IN THE FIRST STAGE ARE A NEW POST OFFICE, PROVISION OF FORMED AND SERVICED SITES FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT.
IN LATER STAGES A MARKET AND A HAWKER BAZAAR WILL BE BUILT ALONG WITH A PUBLIC LIGHT BUS TERMINUS, REFUSE COLLECTION POINTS, A YOUTH CENTRE AND ADDITIONAL OPEN SPACE.
THE PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT WILL ALSO INVOLVE THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE TUNG YIK BAZAAR, THE DEVELOPMENT OF A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AREA, A DISTRICT HOSPITAL AND A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX.
MR. KWOK SAID THAT WHEN THE REDEVELOPMENT IS COMPLETED, YUEN LONG WILL BE A MODERN AND IMPORTANT MARKET TOWN IN THE NE* TERR ITORIES.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
PAVING THE WAY FOR INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AT SHEK PAI TAU
******
THE GOVERNMENT IS TO START WORK SHORTLY ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ROADS AND DRAINS AT SHEK PAI TAU'IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO PAVE THE WAY FOR FUTURE INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT IN THAT AREA.
APART FROM INTERNAL ROADS, THERE WILL BE A FOUR-LANE DUAL CARRIAGEWAY WHICH WILL SERVE AS A DISTRIBUTORY ROAD LINK BETWEEN THE AREA AND OTHER PARTS OF THE NEW TOWN.
CONSTRUCTION WORK ON THE ROADS AND DRAINS IS SCHEDULED TO START IN EARLY SEPTEMBER AND WILL TAKE 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
IT FORMS PART OF A $21 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR SH=K PAI TAU AND ITS ADJACENT AREA TO THE NORTH WHERE SITES ARE BEING FORMED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND HOUSING DEVELOPMENT.
TO MAKE WAY FOR THE ROADS AND DRAINS PROJECTS, ABOUT 2,476 SQUARE METRES OF PRIVATE BUILDING LAND WILL HAVE TO BE RESUMED, AND ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY OWNERS OF THE LAND WOULD BE OFFERED THE ALTERNATIVE OF CASH COMPENSATION OR LAND EXCHANGE ENTITLEMENT DOCUMENTS.
THE PROJECTS WOULD ALSO INVOLVE THE CLEARANCE OF SIX TEMPORARY DOMESTIC STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY SIX FAMILIES ON CROWN LAND, AS WELL AS 26 ANCILLARY TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, ALSO SITUATED ON CROWN LAND, HE SAID.
+THE FAMILIES, IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, WILL BE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING, AND THOSE INELIGIBLE WILL BE OFFERED SPACE IN A TEMPORARY HOUSING AREA.
+THE GOVERNMENT WILL ALSO PAY COMPENSATION FOR TREES AND FENCES, TOGETHER WITH EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE HE SAID.
CROPS, FRUIT TO CULTIVATORS,*
OPENING OF NEW LOOP ROAD UNDER HONG CHONG ROAD BRIDGE * * *
THE NEW LOOP ROAD RUNNING UNDER THE HONG CHONG ROAD BRIDGE NEAR CHATHAM ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1).
TRAFFIC FROM THE CROSS HARBOUR TUNNEL AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TO THE RAILWAY TERMINUS COMPLEX AND THE EASTERN PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI MAY TAKE THIS NEW ROUTE THROUGH HONG CHONG ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS AND ROAD MARKINGS WILL BE SET UP TO GU IDE MOTOR ISTS.
FRIDAY, JULY 29, 1977
8
FIRING PRACTICE
* * * *
FIRING PRACTICE WILL TAKE PLACE AT CASTLE PEAK RANGE ON 21 DAYS NEXT MONTH.
THE PUBLIC ARE REMINDED THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO ENTER THE AREA WHEN THE RED FLAGS ARE FLYING DURING THE TIME OF FIRING PRACTICE.
THE PRACTICE TIMES ARE s
DATE HOURS
AUGUST 2 (TUESDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 6 P.M.
AUGUST 3 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. 11 P.M.
AUGUST 4 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 5 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 8 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 11 P.M.
AUGUST 9 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. 11 P.M.
AUGUST 11 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 11 P.M.
AUGUST 12 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 15 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 6 P.M.
AUGUST 16 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 17 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 18 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 19 (FRIDAY) 8 A.M. 6 P.M.
AUGUST 22 (MONDAY) 8.30 A.M. - 8 P.M.
AUGUST 23 (TUESDAY) 8 A.M. 8 P.M.
AUGUST 24 (WEDNESDAY) 8 A.M. 8 P.M. /
AUGUST 25 (THURSDAY) 8 A.M. 11 P.M.
AUGUST 26 (FRIDAY) 4 A.M. 4 P.M.
AUGUST 30 (TUESDAY) 8.39 A.M. - 11 P.M.
AUGUST 31 (WEDNESDAY) 4 A.M. 4 P.M.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
WATER SUPPLY FROM KWANGTUNG EXTENDED TWO WEEKS ............. 1
PHASE II PAY-OUT TO DEFUNCT SANK CREDITORS ................. 2
GOVERNOR TO VISIT TAI PO ON TUESDAY ........................ 3
WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE MODERNISED ............................... 4
PEDDER ST TO BE CLOSED ON SUNDAY NIGHT ..................... 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5'233191
SATURDAY, JULY 39, 1977
1
WATER SUPPLY FROM CHINA EXTENDED TWO WEEKS
*****
AGREEMENT HAS DEPARTMENT AND THE KWANGTUNG PROVINCE NEXT FORTNIGHT.
BEEN REACHED BETWEEN THE PWD'S WATER SUPPLIES BUREAU OF WATER SUPPLY AND CONSERVANCY IN FOR A CONTINUATION OF WATER SUPPLY FOR THE
THIS WILL MEAN THE ADDITION OF ABOUT 1,209 MILLION GALLONS TO OUR WATER STORAGES DURING THE FIRST HALF OF AUGUST.
UNDER THE EXISTING AGREEMENT WITH THE KWANGTUNG PROVINCE AUTHORITIES, HONG KONG RECEIVES 24,300 MILLION GALLONS OF WATER A YEAR.
NORMALLY THE SUPPLY STOPS AT THE END OF JULY TO ALLOW MAINTENANCE WORK TO EE CARRIED OUT DURING THE MONTHS OF AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER BEFORE SUPPLIES ARE RESUMED AT THE BEGINNING OF OCTOBER.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT HONG KONG IS GRATEFUL TO THE CHINESE AUTHORITIES FOR THEIR DECISION TO CONTINUE THE SUPPLY, AND FOR THEIR REASSURANCE OF CONTINUING CO-OPERATION.
/2......
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1577
- 2
SECOND PHASE OF FINAL DIVIDEND PAY-OUT TO CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK CREDITORS ******
CREDITORS OF THE DEFUNCT CANTON TRUST AND COMMERCIAL BANK, WHO HELD ACCOUNTS IN THE BANK’S NEW TERRITORIES BRANCHES AND A NUMBER OF KOWLOON BRANCHES, WILL BE ABLE TO RECEIVE THEIR FINAL DIVIDEND FROM AUGUST 10 (WEDNESDAY).
DETAILS OF THE TIME AND METHOD OF COLLECTION FOR INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT HOLDERS IN THIS SECOND PART OF THE PAYMENT PROGRAMME WILL BE ADVERTISED ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 4).
THOSE WHO HAD ACCOUNTS IN OTHER BRANCHES OF THE BANK ARE REQUESTED TO WAIT FOR A FURTHER ADVERTISEMENT TO BE PUBLISHED ON AUGUST 16.
THE DATE AND PLACE OF PAYMENT FOR DEPOSITORS WHO HELD ACCOUNTS AT THE FOLLOWING BRANCHES ARE
BRANCH DATE
SHAM SHUI PO AUGUST 10 - 15 ) )
TSIM SHA TSUI AUGUST 10 - 11, ) )
SAN PO KONG AUGUST 15 - 16 j )
KOWLOON CITY AUGUST 17 - 22 ) )
MA TAU WE 1 ) AUGUST 17 - 22 ) ) )
KWUN TONG AUGUST 15 - 16 ) . )
HUNG HOM ) AUGUST 16 - 23 ) ) )
YAU MA TEI AUGUST 10 - 12 )
TUEN MUN SHA TIN AUGUST 10 - 11 AUGUST 15
PLACE
WHITFIELD BARRACKS, BLDG. NC. N23, TSIM SHA TSUI
TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, MEI HANG BLDG., G/FL., SAN HJI
SHA TIN RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, PAI TAU VILLAGE
/FAN LING
SATURDAY, JULY JO, 1977
FAN LING
TSUEN WAN
TAI PO
SHEUNG SHU I
YEUN LONG
AUGUST 10 - 12
AUGUST 12 - 15
AUGUST 19 - 23
AUGUST 15 - 18
AUGUST 16 - 23
FAN LING RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, 3, LUEN FAT ST., LUEN WO MARKET
PRINCESS ALEXANDRA CENTRE, TAI HO ROAD
TAI PO RURAL COMMITTEE OFFICE, HEUNG SZE WUI ST.
BOK NGAR SHAN FONG
YUEN LONG TOWN HALL
THE FINAL DIVIDEND OF 20.7 CENTS IN THE DOLLAR WILL BE PAID BY CHEQUES. THE CENTRES BEING OPENED FOR PAYING THE BANK’S DEPOSITORS WILL ALL BE CLOSED BY AUGUST 31, WHEN FURTHER ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR THOSE WHO HAVE NOT CLAIMED THEIR DIVIDEND BY THAT DATE.
AfITH THIS FINAL DIVIDEND, THE TOTAL PAYMENT TO CREDITORS SINCE THE BANK WAS LIQUIDATED 12 YEARS AGO WILL AMOUNT TO 70.7 CENTS IN THE DOLLAR.
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NOTE TO EDITORS:
GOVERNOR TO SEE DEVELOPMENTS IN TAI PC
******
THE GOVERNOR. SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL VISIT TAI PC ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2) AFTERNOON TO SEE THE PROGRESS OF DEVELOPMENTS IN THE DISTRICT.
SIR MURRAY’S TOUR WILL BEGIN WITH A VISIT TO A JUVENILE LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAMP AT THE 'HONG KONG SCOUT TRAINING CENTRE AT TUNG TSE OFF TING KOK ROAD.
HE WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES AND THE TAI PO DISTRICT OFFICER, MR. CLIVE OXLEY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE TO COVER THE GOVERNOR’S VISIT ON TUESDAY. TRANSPORT WILL EE AVAILABLE AND WILL LEAVE THE KOWLOON SUB-POOL BEHIND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE AT 12.45 P.M.
/4
SATURDAY, JULY 30, 1977
4 -
HONG KONG’S LARGEST LIGHTHOUSE MODERNISED ******
WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE, THE LARGEST MANNED LIGHTHOUSE IN HONG KONG, HAS BEEN MODERNISED TO COPE WITH THE EVER INCREASING OCEAN TRAFFIC TO HONG KONG.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE .,1.2 MI.LION SHIPPING TRAFFIC SEPARATION SCHEME AND THE LAYING OF IMMERSED TUBES FOR THE M.T.R. ACROSS THE HARBOUR HAS RESULTED IN MORE VESSELS ENTERING OR LEAVING HONG KONG HARBOUR VIA THE WESTERN INSTEAD OF THE EASTERN APPROACHES.
DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, 7,540 INWARD BOUND AND 7,300 OUTWARD BOUND OCEAN-GOING VESSELS WERE REPORTED BY THE WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE.
MR. JIMMY DEAKIN, THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S SUPER INTENDENT OF LIGHTS SAID THAT THE P.W.D. .vOULD SOON ENLARGE THE SIGNAL TOwER, WHICH WILL ALLOW THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS THERE TO OBTAIN BETTER VISIBILITY ON THE WESTERN APPROACHES.
+ THE MARINE DEPARTMENT ALSO INTENDS TO EUILD A HELIPAD ON THE BARREN ISLAND WHICH IS ABOUT 12.5 NAUTICAL MILES FROM THE GOVERNMENT DOCKYARD FOR EMERGENCY PURPOSES. AN INVESTIGATION OF A POSSIBLE LANDING SITE HAS BEEN CARRIED OUT,+ HE SAID.
+AT PRESENT, THE PIER ON WAGLAN IS BEING USED AS HELIPAD AND A LOT OF INCONVENIENCE IS CAUSED TO BOTH THE LIGHTHOUSE STAFF AND THE HELICOPTER PILOTS,* MR. DEAKIN NOTED.
A NUMBER OF MAJOR RENOVATION WORKS RECENTLY CARRIED CUT
ON THE ISLAND INCLUDED THE RE-INSTALLATION OF WINDOWS IN THE SIGNAL TOWER AND ENLARGING AND WATERPROOF I NG WINDOW-FRAMES. THE IMPROVEMENTS ENABLED THE LIGHTHOUSE KEEPERS TO HAVE AN UNOBSTRUCTED AND A WIDER RANGE OF VISIBILITY AND A BETTER WORKING ENVIRONMENT.
THE WINDOW-PANES WERE ALSO FITTED WITH THE LATEST aINDSHIELD a I PER, WHICH HAS A SPEED OF UP TO 1,400 ROTATIONS PER MINUTE.
+ THE WIPERS wILL BE VERY USEFUL IX HEAVY RAINS DURING THE RAINY SEASON,* MR. DEAKIN POINTED OUT.
THE LIGHT BEACON, WHICH IS THE MAIN FEATURE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE, ALSO UNDERWENT RENOVATION DURING THE YEAR.
WEIGHING ABOUT HALF A TON, THE LENS OF THE LIGHT BEACON
WAS ORIGINALLY DRIVEN BY A:. ELECTRIC MOTOR. BUT NOW. A SOPH I ST I DATED ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT a I TH A 12 VOLT, RECHARGEABLE CAR BATTERY IS DRIVING THE MASSIVE LENS.
IN FOGGY CONDITIONS IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF EACH YEAR DIAPHONE SIGNALS WOULD SUPPLEMENT THE LIGHT BEACON TO ASSIST SHIP MASTERS NAVIGATING THE EASY AND SA-E APPROACH TC OUR PORT, Tr-US AVOIDING POSSIBLE DISASTERS, MR. DEh.C SAID.
♦AN ADV AH
SATURDAY, JULY JO, 1977
5
♦AN ADVANCED AIR COMPRESSOR TO AID THE DIAPHONE SIGNALS WAS ALSO INSTALLED AND PUT INTO OPERATION LAST YEAR,+ HE EXPLAINED.
OTHER ELECTRONIC GADGETS IN THE WAGLAN ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE
INCLUDE A HIGH FREQUENCY RADIO-TELEPHONE wHICH IS PART OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT’S INTERNATIONAL MARITIME V.H.F. BAND NETWORK AND CAN EE USED TO COMMUNICATE WITH VESSELS APPROACHING OR LEAVING HONG KONG WATERS AS WELL AS TO KEEP CONTACT I TH THE PORT CONTROL COMMUNICATION CENTRE ON HONG .KONG ISLAND..
THE FUNCTION OF WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE, HOWEVER, IS NOT ONLY TO GUIDE OCEAN-GOING VESSELS EUT ALSO INCOMING AND OUTGOING AIRCRAFT AS WELL, BESIDES SERVING THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY IN MONITORING AND COLLECTING WEATHER INFORMATION.
A RADCON (RADAR TRANSPONDER BEACON), WHICH IS AUTOMATICALLY ACTIVATED BY PULSE TRANSMISSION FROM ANY X-RAY BAND ON A VESSEL, IS INSTALLED FOR POSITIVE IDENTIFICATION OF WAGLAN, AND TO FACILITATE THE GUIDANCE OF AIRCRAFTS, TwO MEDIUM FREQUENCY RADIO BEACONS ARE INSTALLED ON THE ISLAND.
THE LIGHTHOUSE IS IDEALLY LOCATED FOR GATHERING VITAL WEATHER INFORMATION, WHICH IS PASSED ON TO THE ROYAL OBSERVATORY FOR ITS WEATHER ANALYSIS AND FORECAST, AND TO KAI TAK AIRPORT AT SUITABLE INTERVALS.
MR. DEAKIN SAID: +DURI NG THE TYPHOON SEASON, ESPECIALLY WHEN A TROPICAL CYCLONE IS APPROACHING OR AFFECTING HONG KONG, WAGLAN LIGHTHOUSE PLAYS A MAJOR ROLE IN FURNISHING THESE INFORMATION TO THE OBSERVATORY.+
+A LOT OF PEOPLE MAY NOT IMMEDIATELY APPRECIATE THE IMPORTANCE OF THE LIGHTHOUSE’ IT IS INDEED PERFORMING A GREAT SERVICE TO MAN -THE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION OF SHIPPING,+ HE ADDED.
NIGHT CLOSURE OF PEDDER STREET IN CENTRAL ******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT IN ORDER TO FACILITATE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONSTRUCTION WORKS, PEDDER STREET BETWEEN DES VOEUX ROAD CENTRAL AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL WILL BE CLOSED BETWEEN 9 P.M. TOMORROW (SUNDAY) AND 6 A.M. ON MONDAY (AUGUST 1). CHATER ROAD WILL BE OPENED TO ALL TRAFFIC.
THE FOLLOWING PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL, HOWEVER, EE IMPLEMENTED :-
■0MB ROUTE NO. 13 ON INWARD JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL (STAR FERRY) WILL BE DIVERTED VIA CHATER ROAD, CLUB STREET AND THEN CONNAUGHT RCAD CENTRAL, WHILE MAXICAE ROUTE NCS. 1, a, c AND 7 ON JOURNEYS TO CENTRAL wILL EE DIVERTED VIA QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, QUEEN VICTORIA STREE" AND CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS ..ILL SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FACTORIES IN NON-1NDUSTRI AL BUILDINGS FURTHER DETERRED .. 1
JOBS FOUND FOR ALL REDUNDANT AIDED SCHOOL TEACHERS ........ 3
HONG KONG OFFICIAL TO ATTEND ANTI-DRUG WORKSHOP ........... 4
PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES HANDLED RECORD NUMBER OF CASES ... 5
KAI CHIU ROAD TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS ........................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1977
1
STEPPING UP DRIVE AGAINST FACTORIES IN RESIDENTIAL PREMISES K * M
THE GOVERNMENT IS STEPPING UP ITS DRIVE TO EVICT FACTORIES FROM NON-INDUSTRI AL BUILDINGS IN THE RAPIDLY-EXPANDING NEW TOWN OF TSUEN WAN.
THE +ENVIRONMENTAL LEASE ENFORCEMENT* CAMPAIGN LAUNCHED THREE YEARS AGO THIS MONTH BY THE TSUEN WAN DISTRICT OFFICE HAS PRODUCED GOOD RESULTS SO FAR, BUT FROM NOW ON IT IS TO BE GIVEN AN EVEN SHARPER CUTTING EDGE.
IN THE PAST, SOME PROPRIETORS ILLEGALLY OPERATING FACTORIES IN NON-INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS HAVE BEEN GIVEN PERIODS OF +GRACE+ BY PAYING A ^FORBEARANCE* FEE TO THE DISTRICT OFFICE.
+FROM NOW ON, HOWEVER, WE WILL ALLOW SUCH OFFENDERS TO PAY THE FORBEARANCE LEVY ONLY UNDER VERY EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES,* SAID MR. CANNING LO, SENIOR LAND EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF THE DISTRICT OFFICE LEASE ENFORCEMENT UNIT.
♦ OUR CAMPAIGN OVER THE LAST THREE YEARS HAS BEEN ONE OF EDUCATION AS WELL AS DIRECT ACTION AND IT IS FELT THAT THE TIME HAS COME TO GIVE IT EVEN MORE BITE.*
SINCE THE UNIT SWUNG INTO ACTION IN JULY, 1974, IT HAS s
K INVESTIGATED 106 NEW NON-1NDUSTRI AL (DOMESTIC AND COMMERCIAL) BUILDINGS,
M FOUND 492 OWNERS IN BREACH OF LEASE CONDITIONS,
* CLEARED 354 FACTORIES FROM SUCH PREMISES, AND
X RE-ENTERED SIX PREMISES.
MR. LO EXPLAINED THAT THE CAMPAIGN APPLIED TO + NEW BUILDINGS* IN TSUEN WAN - THOSE GIVEN AN OCCUPATION PERMIT AFTER OCTOBER 30, 1972.
+WHEN WE RECEIVE A COMPLAINT OR DETECT A CASE OF ILLEGAL USE WE INVESTIGATE IMMEDIATELY,* EXPLAINED MR. LO.
+IF WE FIND THAT THERE IS A BREACH OF THE LEASE TERMS AND CONDITIONS, WE SERVE A NOTICE ON- THE LESSEE REQUIRING HIM TO PURGE THE BREACH. WE MAY THEN SEE THE LESSEE PERSONALLY, EXPLAIN THE LEASE TERMS AND CONDITIONS TO HIM AND HOW HE HAS CONTRAVENED THEM.
+WE USUALLY ALLOW THE OFFENDER A FURTHER 14 DAYS BEFORE MAKING ANOTHER INSPECTION AND IF THE BREACH HAS NOT BEEN PURGED AFTER THAT, WE ISSUE A WARNING LETTER GIVING 28 DAYS TO PURGE THE BREACH, FAILING WHICH WE WILL THEN PROCEED TO RE-ENTER THE PREMISES UNDER THE PROVISION OF THE CROWN RIGHTS (RE-ENTRY AND VESTING REMEDIES) ORDINANCE.
+CUR EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT IN MOST CASES THE LESSEES ARE PREPARED TO PURGE THE BREACH SOON AFTER THIS BECAUSE THEY KNOW WE WILL TAKE THE STRONGEST POSSIBLE ACTION.
/♦IN SOME .....
SUNDAY, JULY J1, 1977
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+ IN SOME CASES, WE HAVE PERMITTED THE PAYMENT OF THE FORBEARANCE LEVY WHICH IS 75 CENTS PER SQUARE FOOT OF THE PREMISES FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS AND ONE PER CENT PER MONTH OF THE CAPITAL VALUE OF THE PREMISES FOR THE SECOND THREE-MONTH PERIOD OF . FORBEARANCE.
+IN OTHER WORDS, A PERSON ILLEGALLY USING PREMISES WORTH $100,000 WOULD HAVE TO PAY 51,000 FORBEARANCE FEE A MONTH FOR THE SECOND THREE-MONTH—PERIOD OF FORBEARANCE.
+THE FORBEARANCE LEVY IS NOT USED AS A MEANS OF REVENUE FOR THE GOVERNMENT, BUT AS A FINANCIAL DETERRENT AGAINST BREACHING LEASE CONDITIONS.
+IT IS ALSO A PERIOD THAT WILL ENABLE THE OWNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING TO ACQUIRE ACCOMMODATION IN AN INDUSTRIAL BUILDING THAT IS MORE SUITABLE FOR HIS TRADE.
+IT IS NOT A LICENCE OR MODIFICATION OF THE LEASE CONDITIONS TO PERMIT THE INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKING, AND FORBEARANCE WOULD NOT BE CONSIDERED UNLESS WE ARE CONVINCED THAT EVERY EFFORT IS BEING MADE TO PURGE THE BREACH AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
+ IN THE PAST OUR WARNING LETTER HAS GIVEN THE OPTION OF A FORBEARANCE LEVY AUTOMATICALLY, BUT FROM NOW ON THIS OPTION WILL NOT BE OFFERED. THE LESSEE WILL, IN FUTURE, NEED TO PROVIDE PROOF THAT HE IS TAKING ALL REASONABLE AND ADEQUATE STEPS TO REMEDY THE SITUATION AND, IF HE ASKS FOR MORE TIME, FORBEARANCE MAY BE CONSIDERED.+
AS PART OF THE EDUCATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE LEASE ENFORCEMENT CAMPAIGN, OFFICERS OF THE UNIT PLACE LARGE BI-LINGUAL NOTICES ON ALL NEWLY-COMPLETED NON-1NDUSTRI AL BUILDINGS IN THE NEW TOWN.
THE NOTICE GIVES A CLEAR WARNING ABOUT BREACHES OF LEASE CONDITIONS IMPOSED ON THE NEW BUILDING.
IN ADDITION, INDIVIDUAL LETTERS ON SIMILAR LINES ARE DISTRIBUTED TO ALL OCCUPIERS OF THE NEW BUILDINGS.
+WE DESCRIBE OUR WORK AS ENVIRONMENTAL LEASE ENFORCEMENT BECAUSE THE AIM IS TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT OF THE TOWN,* SAID MR. LO.
■INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS THAT START UP IN THESE PREMISES CREATE NOISE, SMOKE AND FUMES AND IN MANY CASES ARE A FIRE HAZARD.
THE OCCUPIERS ALSO CAUSE OBSTRUCTION BY STORING MATERIALS OUTSIDE THE PREMISES. THEY LOWER THE LIVING STANDARDS OF OTHER RESIDENTS AND MUST BE STOPPED IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST.
+THERE SHOULD BE NO REAL EXCUSE FOR SUCH BREACHES OF THE LEASE TERMS AND CONDITION.
+CERTAINLY, IT IS NOW POSSIBLE TO OBTAIN INDUSTRIAL FLOOR SPACE IN TSUEN WAN AND ELSEWHERE,* MR. LO SAID.
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1977
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ALL REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY TEACHERS FOUND JOBS *****
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S PLACEMENT SERVICE HAS FOUND ALTERNATIVE TEACHING POSTS FOR ALL REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS.
OF THE 444 TEACHERS WHO REGISTERED IN MAY, 400 WERE PLACED, 34 WERE SUBSEQUENTLY ABSORBED BY VACANCIES IN THEIR OWN SCHOOLS, TWO FOUND JOBS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THREE DECLINED ASSISTANCE FOR PLACEMENT AND FIVE DECLARED THAT THEY WERE GOING OVERSEAS.
MR. TANG YAN, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER IN CHARGE CF THE SERVICE, SAID TODAY HE WAS DELIGHTED THAT NOT A SINGLE REDUNDANT AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHER WAS OUT OF A JOB.
HE THANKED THE SCHOOL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED FOR THEIR COOPERATION IN MAKING THE PLACEMENT SERVICE SUCH A GREAT SUCCESS.
SINCE 1975, WHEN THE PLACEMENT SERVICE WAS FIRST ESTABLISHED, ALL REDUNDANT TEACHERS IN AIDED PRIMARY SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN PLACED IN ALTERNATIVE POSTS. IN 1975, 187 TEACHERS WERE PLACED, AND ANOTHER 165 WERE FOUND ALTERNATIVE POSTS LAST YEAR.
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SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1977
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HONG KONG ANTI-DRUG OFFICIAL ATTENDS PAKISTAN WORKSHOP AS CONSULTANT
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A GOVERNMENT ANT I-DRUG OFFICIAL WILL FLY TO RAWALPINDI ON THURSDAY (AUGUST 4) TO ATTEND THE 2ND PAKISTAN NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON DRUG ASUSE PREVENTION EDUCATION AS A CONSULTANT.
THE OFFICER IS MR. EDDIE SO, ACTING SENIOR INFORMATION OFFICER OF THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT. HE WILL WORK TOGETHER WITH OTHER CONSULTANTS FROM WESTERN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES AND PAKISTAN’S ANTI-DRUG OFFICIALS TO FORMULATE A COMPREHENSIVE EDUCATION AND °UBLICITY PROGRAMME FOR THE COUNTRY AGAINST DRUG ABUSE.
MR. SO, WHO IS SECONDED FROM THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES TO THE NARCOTICS DIVISION, IS AT PRESENT RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSISTING THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUB-COMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IN PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING ANT I-DRUG EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY PROGRAMMES IN HONG KONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE NARCOTICS DIVISION SAID THIS IS THE FIRST TIME A GOVERNMENT ANT I-‘RUG OFFICIAL IS INVITED TO A NATIONAL WORKSHOP OF THIS KIND AS A CONSULTANT.
HE SAID THAT COUNTRIES ALL OVER THE WORLD HAVE CONCENTRATED THEIR ANTI-DRUG EFFORTS ON LAW ENFORCEMENT AND TREATMENT OF DRUG ADDICTS FOR A LONG TIME. IT IS NOW, HOWEVER, INCREASINGLY RECOGNISE WORLDWIDE THAT THESE EFFORTS ARE NOT BY THEMSELVES ENOUGH, AND THAT ULTIMATELY THE DRUG PROBLEM CAN ONLY BE CONTAINED BY REINFORCING THESE EFFORTS WITH PREVENTION AND EDUCATION MEASURES.
HE SAID HONG KONG HAS A DRUG PROBLEM COUNTRIES AND HAS THEREFORE ACCUMULATED A DRUG EXPERIENCE WHICH OTHER COUNTRIES MAY
LONGER THAN MANY OTHER GREAT DEAL OF ANTI-BE INTERESTED TO LEARN.
+ BY SHARING OUR EXPERIENCE WITH OUR OVERSEAS COUNTERPARTS AT THE WORKSHOP,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID, + >.E ARE ONCE AGAIN DEMONSTRAT ING HONG KONG’S FIRM COMMITMENT "0 INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION AGAINST THE GLOBAL SCOURGE OF DRUG TRAFFICKING AND DRUG ABUSE.*
+HONG KONG ALREADY HAS A WELL-ESTABLISHED REPUTATION FOR THE EFFICIENT CO-OPERATION OF THE POLICE NARCOTICS BUREAU AND THE CUSTOMS AND EXCISE .»I TH OVERSEAS LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES, AND FOR PROVIDING TRAINING FACILITIES FOR ANTI-DRUG PERSONNEL FROM ASIAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN COUNTRIES,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
THE WORKSHOP, JOINTLY HELD BY THE PAKISTAN NARCOTICS CONTROL BOARD AND THE COLOMBO PLAN BUREAU, BEGINS ON AUGUST 6 AND LASTS FOR SIX DAYS. OTHER CONSULTANTS AND EXPERTS ATTENDING WILL INCLUDE REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL THE DRUG ENFORCEMENT ADMINISTRATION AND THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON DRUG ABUSE OF U.S.A., THE DANGEROUS DRUGS BOARD OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE MALAYSIAN 'INISTRY OF WELFARE.
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 1977
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PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES INCREASINGLY POPULAR * * * *
MORE MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE MAKING USE OF THE 22 PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES IN THE VARIOUS CITY DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT TO SOLVE THEIR PROBLEMS AND ANSWER QUERIES ON GOVERNMENT PROCEDURES.
OVER THE PAST SIX MONTHS, 1,182,299 ENQUIRIES AND CASES, THE HIGHEST EVER HALF-YEARLY RECORD, WERE HANDLED BY THE ENQUIRY CENTRES.
OF THIS TOTAL, ABOUT HALF CONCERNED ENQUIRIES WHILE THE OTHER HALF INVOLVED THE DISTRIBUTION OF FORMS AND BOOKLETS.
THE ENQUIRIES ANSWERED WERE MOSTLY ON APPLICATION FOR PUBLIC HOUSING (25,409), GOVERNMENT JOBS AND VACANCIES (24,572), RATES (23,170), TECHNICAL EDUCATION (17,653) AND LOCATION OF GOVERNMENT OFFICES (16,909).
AS FOR FORMS AND BOOKLETS DISTRIBUTED, THOSE IN DEMAND MOST WERE GOVERNMENT JOB APPLICATION FORMS (105,220). POLYTECHNIC AND TECHNICAL INSTITUTES APPLICATION FORMS (101,827), WALK FOR A MILLION SPONSORS FORMS (61,964), PUBLIC HOUSING APPLICATION FORMS (38,342) AND LEAFLETS ON THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (17,480).
THESE HIGH FIGURES REFLECT THE GROWING IMPORTANCE AND POPULARITY OF THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY CENTRES WITH THE PUBLIC.
THE STAFF ARE WELL-VERSED IN-AND WELL EQUIPPED WJ TH THE MOST UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION MATERIALS PREPARED FOR THEM EY THE INFORMATION SECTION OF THE HOME AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS, SO THAT THEY CAN PROVIDE ACCURATE INFORMATION AND DETAILED EXPLANATION QUICKLY TO MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KAI CHIU ROAD * X * X
MOTORISTS ARE ADVISED THAT GOODS VEHICLES OF OVER TWO TONS IN UNLADEN WEIGHT WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF KAI CHIU ROAD BETWEEN YUN PING ROAD AND JARDINE’S BAZAAR FROM 13 A.M. ON TUESDAY (AUGUST 2).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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