DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
41-ACRE SPORTS CENTRE AT SHA TIN RACECOURSE SITE TO BOOST
HONG KONG’S ATHLETIC STANDARDS .............................. 1
FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S PROPOSED RATE RELIEF SCHEME PUT INTO EFFECT ............................................... 3
HONG KONG SPORTS FESTIVAL CANOE RACE WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY .................................................... 3
I,and TO BE FORMED IN SHA TIN TO*PROVIDE SITES FOR FUTURE COMMUNITY PROJECTS ......................................... 4
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS LAST JANUARY SHOW $525 MILLION SURPLUS .............................................*«••• 5
FivE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL CADETS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES ... 5
450 SCIENCE TEACHERS TO ATTEND SEMINAR ON +NEW SCIENCE SYLLABUSES (FORMS 4-5)+ ..................................... 6
APPLICATIONS INVITED FOR INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS* COURSE AT HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE ............. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
1
$25 MILLION SPORTS CENTRE FOR SHA TIN
******
HONG KONG IS TO HAVE A MASSIVE AND NOVEL SPORTS FACILITY WHICH WILL RAISE THE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS IN MANY FORMS OF ATHLETICS AND TEAM GAMES.
THIS NEW CONCEPT IN THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF SPORT IN HONG KONG HAS BEEN PLANNED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHO ARE PROVIDING LAND AND FUNDS FOR A SPORTS CENTRE AT THE SITE OF THEIR NEW RACECOURSE IN SHA TIN.
THE PROJECT HAS BEEN APPROVED AND ENCOURAGED BY THE GOVERNMENT WHO WILL MATCH THE JOCKEY CLUB’S FIRST CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ON THE LAND WITH A $25 MILLION CONTRIBUTION TO THE BUILDING OF THE CENTRE. THE JOCKEY CLUB WILL THEN TAKE OVER FULL RESPONSE IL ITY FOR THE COST OF RUNNING THE CENTRE AND CONTRIBUTE CAPITAL FOR FURTHER DEVELOPMENT.
ANNOUNCING THE NEW PROJECT TODAY THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS BRAY, SAID THAT THE AIM OF THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE WAS TO RAISE THE STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE IN SPORTS AND TO ENCOURAGE PARTICIPATION IN SPORT GENERALLY.
WITH AN AREA OF 41 ACRES THE PROJECT IS THE BIGGEST STEP FORWARD EVER TAKEN IN HONG KONG IN THE PROVISION OF MUCH NEEDED SPORTING FACILITIES.
MR. P.G. WILLIAMS, CHAIRMAN OF THE STEWARDS OF THE JOCKEY CLUB, SAID TODAY THAT THE CONCEPT WAS SOMETHING ENTIRELY NEW TO HONG KONG. +IT IS NOT SIMPLY ANOTHER STADIUM FOR BIG MATCHES AND SPECTATOR SPORTS, NOR IS IT SIMPLY ANOTHER PARK FOR GENERAL RECREATION.
+WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED,* SAID MR. WILLIAMS, +IS A SPORTING ORGANISATION WITH FACILITIES AND EXPERT STAFF TO DEVELOP THE POTENTIAL OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG IN SPORTS AND ATHLETICS.
+IT WILL NOT BE A HOT-HOUSE FOR REARING CHAMPIONS BUT IT WILL GIVE THE YOUNG PEOPLE OF HONG KONG THE CHANCE TO RAISE THEIR STANDARDS OF PERFORMANCE. IN SOME CASES THIS WILL CERTAINLY MEAN RAISING THEIR STANDARDS TO INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVE LEVELS.*
THE GOVERNMENT HAS RECOGNISED THE SPECIAL NATURE OF THIS PROPOSAL WHICH WAS PUT FORWARD BY THE JOCKEY CLUB IN 1976 AND HAS AGREED THAT IT SHOULD BE OPERATED AS A JOINT VENTURE BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE CLUB.
THE CENTRE WILL BE UNDER THE CONTROL OF A BOARD OF MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED BY ORDINANCE. IT WILL COMPRISE NINE MEMBERS. THEY WILL INCLUDE PEOPLE WITH EXPERIENCE IN SPORT AND WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. FOUR OF THE MEMBERS WILL BE APPOINTED IN CONSULTATION WITH THE JOCKEY CLUB.
/MR. BRAY ......
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
2
MR. BRAY ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT TO ENABLE ACTION TO BEGIN AT ONCE A PROVISIONAL BOARD WILL BE SET UP TO APPOINT A CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND PROCEED WITH DETAILED PLANNING OF THE CENTRE.
THE BOARD WILL ALSO BE CONSIDERING A SUITABLE NAME FOR THE CENTRE.
I
THE CONCEPT OF THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE GREW OUT OF THE JOCKEY CLUB’S DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW RACECOURSE AT SHA TIN. THERE WERE ALREADY PLANS FOR A +PASSIVE+ LANDSCAPED RECREATION AREA IN THE CENTRE OF THE RACECOURSE, AN ATTRACTIVE AREA FOR RELAXATION.
I HOWEVER, THE STEWARDS RECOGNISED THAT THE ROAD AND RAIL
ACCESS ALREADY PROVIDED FOR THE RACECOURSE WERE ALSO A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO GIVE ACCESS TO A CENTRE FOR ACTIVE SPORTS ON AN UNPRECEDENTED SCALE AND IN A TQTALLY NEW WAY.
ALTHOUGH AT THE TIME THE CLUB WAS STILL INVOLVED IN THE COMPLETION OF OCEAN PARK AND HAD HEAVY CAPITAL COMMITMENTS IN COMPUTERISATION OF BETTING SYSTEMS AND IN THE CONSTRUCTION OF SHA TIN ITSELF THE STEWARDS DECIDED THAT THIS OPPORTUNITY SHOULD NOT BE MISSED AND THAT FUNDS OUGHT TO BE FOUND FOR IT.
THE SPACE FOR THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE, ABOUT THE SAME SIZE AS HAPPY VALLEY WAS MADE AVAILABLE BY THE REARRANGEMENT OF BUILDINGS ON THE RACECOURSE COMPLEX.
THE FACILITIES AT THE NEW SPORTS CENTRE WILL BE AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18. PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE TO MEET CERTAIN STANDARDS OF PROFICIENCY IN THEIR CHOSEN SPORTS AND SELECTION WILL EE EASED ON RECOMMENDATIONS FROM SCHOOLS, DISTRICT RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICERS AND CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS.
THE CENTRE WILL ALSO BE OPEN TO INDIVIDUAL +ASSOCIATE+ MEMBERS WHO WILL EE SELECTED BY THE MANAGEMENT ON ATHLETIC MERIT AND WHO WILL BE EXPECTED TO PAY A SMALL ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION.
IN ADDITION TO THE APPOINTMENT OF A CHIEF EXECUTIVE WITH A SPORTS BACKGROUND THE CENTRE WILL EMPLOY TOP-CLASS COACHES, INCLUDING COACHES FROM OVERSEAS WHO ARE SPECIALISTS IN VARIOUS ACTIVITIES.
/J
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
RATE RELIEF SCHEME ***** —-
THE GOVERNOR HAS SIGNED AN ORDER GIHe EFFECT TO THE SCHEME OF RATE -RELIEFS PROPOSED BY THE F.WfcC I AL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH. THIS WILL ENABLE RELIEFS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT FOR THE ISSUE OF THE R/ME DEMAND NOTES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR. -J>V
RATEPAYERS SHOULD CAREFULLY CHECK THEIR RATE DEMAND NOTES FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF THIS YEAR AGAINST THOSE FOR THE PREVIOUS QUARTER.
IF THE AMOUNT NOW DEMANDED EXCEEDS BY MORE THAN 33.33 PER CENT THE AMOUNT LAST DEMANDED, RATEPAYERS SHOULD TAKE BOTH THE FIRST AND SECOND QUARTERS’ RATE DEMAND NOTES TO THE RATING AND VALUATION DEPARTMENT, WHO WILL ADVISE THEM ON WHAT TO DO.
THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION HAS ISSUED A BRIEF PAMPHLET EXPLAINING HOW THE RELIEF SCHEME WILL WORK AND COPIES (IN BOTH CHINESE AND ENGLISH) MAY BE OBTAINED FREE OF CHARGE FROM CITY DISTRICT OFFICES, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE OFFICES OF THE DEPARTMENT AT NEW MERCURY HOUSE, WAN CHAI OR 1, GARDEN ROAD.
THE COMMISSIONER EMPHASISED THAT, IN RESPECT OF RENT-CONTROLLED PREMISES, WHERE THE LANDLORD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PAYING THE RATES DIRECT, ONLY THE INCREASE IN RATES ACTUALLY PAYABLE CAN BE PASSED ON TO A TENANT AS INCREASED RENT. IN OTHER WORDS, IN ARRIVING AT THE INCREASED AMOUNT PAYABLE - IF ANY - THE AMOUNT OF THE 1977-78 RATES MUST EE REDUCED WHERE APPLICABLE BY THE AMOUNT OF RELIEF ALLOWED.
HE ADDED THAT ANY TENANT IN DOUBT AS TO THE INCREASED AMOUNT THEY ARE ASKED TO PAY SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH THE RENT CONTROL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT AT NEW MERCURY HOUSE.
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H.K. SPORTS FESTIVAL CANOE RACE
*****
OWNERS, COXSWAINS AND PEOPLE IN CHARGE OF LOCAL CRAFT ARE REQUESTED TO EXERCISE DUE CAUTION WHILE NAVIGATING OFF APPROACH EAY NEAR 10-1/2 MILESTONE CASTLE PEAK ROAD ON SUNDAY (APRIL 3) WHEN THE HONG KONG SPORTS FESTIVAL .-.ILL HOLD ITS CANOE RACE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MARINE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT THEY SHOULD ALSO AVOID PASSING CLOSE TO COMPETING CRAFT.
THE RACE WILL BE HELD BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 5 P.M. ON THAT DAY.
FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
A -
MORE COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLANNED FOR SHA TIN
******
THE GOVERNMENT WILL SHORTLY START FORMING LAND IN SIU TAN, SHA TIN, IN ORDER TO PROVIDE SITES FOR FUTURE COMMUNITY PROJECTS WHICH INCLUDE A 1,200-BED REGIONAL HOSPITAL TO SERVE THE EASTERN NEW TERR I TOR IES.
OTHER PROJECTS PLANNED FOR THE AREA, AFTER THE LAND IS FORMED, WILL BE A POLYCLINIC, A POLICE STATION AND OTHER COMMUNITY FACILITIES.
LAND FORMATION WORK IS SCHEDULED TO BEGIN NEXT MONTH AND WILL TAKE ABOUT 27 MONTHS TO COMPLETE. «
IT INVOLES THE RESUMPTION OF 175,432 SQUARE METERS OF AGRICULTURAL LAND, AND ONE MONTH’S NOTICE OF THE RESUMPTION WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY THE RESUMPTION OF LAND IN SIU TAN WAS NECESSARY TO ENABLE THE GOVERNMENT TO CONTINUE ITS MASSIVE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME IN THE FAST-GROWING NEW TOWN OF SHA TIN.
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT HAD PLANS FOR VARIOUS PROJECTS IN THE AREA AND THIS WOULD MEAN BETTER COMMUNITY SERVICES FOR THE GROWING POPULATION IN SHA TIN.
+ IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE POPULATION IN THE NEW TOWN WOULD RISE FROM THE PRESENT 60,000 TO 231,000 EY 1981,+ HE SAID.
APART FROM THE POLYCLINIC, HE SAID, THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL WOULD PROVIDE INCREASED MEDICAL SERVICES NOT ONLY TO PEOPLE OF SHA TIN BUT ALSO TO THOSE LIVING IN OTHER PARTS OF THE EASTERN NEW TERRITORIES.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE RESUMPTION WOULD INVOLVE 11 TEMPORARY STRUCTURES, ONLY ONE OF WHICH WAS DOMESTIC STRUCTURE OCCUPIED BY ONE FAMILY.
+IF FOUND ELIGIBLE, THIS FAMILY WILL EE OFFERED PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE LEK YUEN ESTATE' IF NOT, IT WILL EE OFFERED SPACE IN A LICENSED AREA/+ HE SAID.
THE GOVERNMENT WOULD ALSO PAY COMPENSATION FOR CROPS, TREES, GRAVES, PIPES, FENCES AND WELLS, AS WELL AS EX-GRATIA ALLOWANCE FOR CULTIVATORS, HE SAID.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
5
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR JANUARY
******
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF l^NUARY SHOW A SURPLUS OF $525 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $461 MILLION IN JANUARY LAST YEAR.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $586 MILLION FOR THE FIRST TEN MONTHS OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF 3424 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD LAST YEAR.
GROSS EXPENDITURE AT $573 MILLION WAS $42 MILLION MORE THAN IN JANUARY 1976.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $1,097 MILLION WAS $105 MILLION MORE THAN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR, DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED RECEIPTS FROM DUTIES, INTERNAL REVENUE, VEHICLE TAXES AND LAND SALES.
H.K. SEA SCHOOL CADETS RECEIVE CERTIFICATES
******
THE DIRECTOR OF FIRE SERVICES, MR. FRED WATSON, TODAY PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO FIVE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL CADETS WHO HAVE COMPLETED THEIR TRAINING.
SPEAKING AT THE PASSING-OUT PARADE HELD AT THE SCHOOL PLAYGROUND, THE DIRECTOR TOLD THE CADETS THAT ALL THE SPLENDID TRAINING THEY RECEIVED, THE DISCIPLINE AND SENSE OF DUTY WHICH WERE INSTILLED TOGETHER WITH PRIDE OF APPEARANCE AND GOOD ATTITUDES TO OTHERS, WERE DESIGNED TO PREPARE THEM IN THE FINEST WAY FOR TAKING A RESPONSIBLE PLACE IN THE ADULT WORLD.
TO THOSE WHO ARE LEAVING THE SCHOOL TO SET OUT ON A CAREER WITH THE MERCHANT NAVY, MR. WATSON SAID THEY SHOULD NEVER FORGET THEIR LIFE AND TRAINING AT STANLEY AND ALWAYS ENDEAVOUR TO LIVE BY THE CODES THEY HAD BEEN TAUGHT.
TWO OLD BOYS OF THE SCHOOL WHO ARE NOW WORKING IN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT WERE AMONG THE GUESTS AT TODAY’S PARADE.
AFTER THE CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR AND THE OTHER VISITORS WERE TAKEN ON A TOUR OF THE SCHOOL AND SAW THE BOYS IN VARIOUS TRAINING SESSIONS.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 1, 1977
6
SEMINAR FOR SCIENCE TEACHERS
*****
ABOUT 450 SCIENCE TEACHERS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON +NEW SCIENCE SYLLABUSES (FORMS 4-5)+ AT DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AND AGAIN AT THIS SCHOOL AND WAH YING COLLEGE ON APRIL 16.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO FAMILIARISE TEACHERS WITH THE PHYSICS, CHEMISTRY AND BIOLOGY SYLLABUSES (FORMS 4-5) AS RECOMMENDED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE.
THERE WILL BE TALKS ON SPECIFIC TOPICS BY EXPERIENCED LECTURERS AND TEACHERS. PRACTICAL SESSIONS WILL ALSO BE HELD. TEACHERS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), MR. ARTHUR BROWN, WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE SEMINAR ON +NEW SCIENCE SYLLABUSES (FORMS 4-5)+ COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD AT DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL AT ARGYLE STREET, KOWLOON, TOMORROW (SATURDAY) BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 12.45 P.M.
BLOCK RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE
*****
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS INVITING APPLICATIONS FOR ADMISSION TO A TWO-WEEK FULL-TIME BLOCK RELEASE INDUSTRIAL TRADE INSTRUCTORS’ COURSE.
THE COURSE, COMMENCING ON MAY 9, CFFERS AN OPPORTUNITY FOR TRADE INSTRUCTORS AND WORKSHOP SUPERVISORS TO OBTAIN THE NECESSARY TRAINING COR CARRYING OUT THEIR DAY TO DAY TEACHING DUTIES.
AMONG THE THINGS TAUGHT .'.ILL BE METHODS OF TEACHING, EDUCATION THEORY AND EDUCATION PSYCHOLOGY.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373 QUEEN’S ROAD EAST.
COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS SHOULD EE RETURNED TO THE " HONG KONG TEACHERS’ COLLEGE EY APRIL 23.
- - 0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
77 MORE HECTARES OF LAND TO BE FORMED FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN .................................................. 1
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHING MING FESTIVAL ............. 3
AIR SERVICES CURTAILED BY TRAFFIC RIGHTS RESTRICTION .... 4
SPEEDPOST TO THE NETHERLANDS NOW TO COVER MERCHANDISE ... 5
FIRE FIGHTING EXERCISE IN LYEMUN .......................... 6
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT ................ 6
REGISTRATION TEAM TO VISIT TIN WAN ........................ 7
WATER INTERRUPTION IN CHAI WAN ............................ 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
1
$70M. ENGINEERING PROJECT IN TUEN MUN ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT IS ABOUT TO BEGIN WORK ON THE BIGGEST SINGLE ENGINEERING PROJECT SO FAR IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
THE $70 MILLION PROJECT, WHICH INVOLVES RECLAMATION AND LAND FORMATION OF MORE THAN 77 HECTARES OF LAND, IS THE FIRST OF A SERIES OF MAJOR WORKS TO BE UNDERTAKEN UNDER THE SECOND HALF OF THE NEW TOWN’S MASSIVE $3,500 MILLION DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
TENDERS FOR THE PROJECT ARE NOW BEING INVITED BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR BUILDING HONG KONG’S THREE NEW TOWNS AT TUEN MUN, TSUEN WAN AND SHA TIN.
DETAILS OF HOW TUEN MUN IS BEING TRANSFORMED INTO A MODERN METROPOLIS FOR SOME 500,000 PEOPLE WILL BE PUT ON PUBLIC SHOW FOR THE FIRST TIME AT A MAJOR EXHIBITION TO BE OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6).
THE EXHIBITION, STAGED AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN, WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. EACH DAY FROM APRIL 7 TO 16.
MR. NICKY CHAN, THE P.W.D.’S PROJECT MANAGER OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, SAID TODAY THE RECLAMATION AND LAND FORMATION SCHEME WOULD PROVIDE ADDITIONAL HOUSING AND INDUSTRIAL SITES FOR SOME 110,000 PEOPLE — NEARLY ONE-QUARTER OF THE NEW TOWN’S EVENTUAL POPULATION.
+ IT WILL INVOLVE RECLAIMING 42.6 HECTARES OF LAND FROM THE SEA EAST OF PAK KOK AND IN THE SOUTH-WESTERN PART OF CASTLE PEAK BAY, AS WELL AS FORMATION OF 34.7 HECTARES IN VARIOUS HILL AREAS IN THE NEW TOWN, TOGETHER WITH ROADS AND DRAINAGE,* HE SAID.
+NEARLY 20 HECTARES OF THE LAND TO BE RECLAIMED WILL BE FOR MAJOR PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEMES CATERING FOR 50,000 PEOPLE, WHILE ANOTHER 20 HECTARES OR SO WILL BE FOR INDUSTRY.
+THE REST OF THE RECLAIMED AREA WILL BE RESERVED FOR OPEN SPACES, RECREATIONAL AND OTHER USES,* HE SAID.
GIVING AN IDEA OF THE SCOPE OF THE PROJECT, MR. CHAN SAID THAT SOME FIVE MILLION CUBIC METRES OF FILL MATERIAL WOULD BE REQUIRED FOR THE RECLAMATION.
/NEARLY .....
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
2
NEARLY ONE MILLION CUBIC METRES OF MARINE SAND FOR THE PROJECT WOULD BE DREDGED FROM TUNG CHUNG BAY NORTH OF LANTAU, AND ANOTHER ONE MILLION CUBIC METRES OF LANDFILL WOULD COME FROM BURROW AREAS AT SO KWUN WAT.
OTHER FILL MATERIAL WOULD BE EXCAVATED FROM VARIOUS DEVELOPMENT AREAS IN THE NEW TOWN WHERE TERRACED SITES WOULD BE FORMED FOR HOUSING AND INDUSTRY.
ONE OF THE TERRACED SITES WOULD PROVIDE A FURTHER 22.6 HECTARES OF LAND FOR A PUBLIC HOUSING SCHEME FOR 56,000 PEOPLE, SAID MR. CHAN. ANOTHER WOULD PROVIDE 3.8 HECTARES FOR PRIVATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT, WHILE SOME 8.3 HECTARES OF INDUSTRIAL SITES WOULD BE FORMED IN TWO OTHER AREAS.
TO PROTECT THE RECLAIMED LAND, THE P.W.D. IS TO BUILT TWO EXTENSIVE SEAWALLS ON THE SOUTH AND EASTERN SIDES OF THE RECLAMATION.
+ALONG THE SEAWALLS WILL BE ACCOMMODATED SLIPWAY AREAS FOR BOATYARDS, TIMBER YARDS AND CARGO HANDLING FACILITIES,* SAID MR. CHAN.
MEANWHILE, WORK IS RACING AHEAD ON A SERIES OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECTS IN THE NEW TOWN.
+ALREADY 93 HECTARES OF LAND HAVE BEEN FORMED AND SERVICED FOR VARIOUS DEVELOPMENTS AND WORK IS PROGRESSING WELL ON RECLAIMING ANOTHER 72 HECTARES IN THE CENTRAL PART OF CASTLE PEAK BAY,* MR. CHAN SAID.
AN IMPORTANT FEATURE OF THE RECLAMATION WOULD BE A LARGE TOWN CENTRE PROVIDING A FOCUS FOR THE NEW TOWN’S BUSINESS, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES.
+THIS WILL CONSIST OF COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS WITH SHOPS, BANKS, RESTAURANTS AND OFFICES FRONTING A CENTRAL PEDESTRIAN PODIUM, AND A SERIES OF PUBLIC BUILDINGS HOUSING AN AUDITORIUM, CONCERT HALL, THEATRE, ART GALLERY AND STUDIO, AN EXHIBITION HALL AND MAGISTRACY,* HE SAID.
PROMINENT AMONG THE MANY OTHER PROJECTS UNDERWAY, HE SAID, WAS THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE $300 MILLION TUEN MUN ROAD WHICH WOULD CUT TRAVELLING TIME BETWEEN TUEN MUN AND TSUEN WAN TO 15 MINUTES WHEN IT OPENS EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND THE FIRST PHASE OF TAI HING ESTATE -- ONE OF THE +NEW GENERATION* ESTATES BEING BUILT BY THE P.W.D.’S ARCHITECTURAL OFF ICE.
MR. CHAN SAID PHASE ONE OF THE ESTATE SHOULD BE COMPLETED VERY SOON AND THE FIRST OF ITS 24,000 TENANTS WERE EXPECTED TO MOVE IN BY JULY THIS YEAR.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977 ,
3
CHING MING TRAFFIC CHANGES )€*»***
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN KOWLOON AND ON HONG KONG ISLAND IN CONNECTION WITH CHING MING ON TUESDAY (APRIL 5).
IN KOWLOON, THE OPENING IN THE CENTRAL DIVIDER IN GILLIES AVENUE AT ITS JUNCTION WITH BAKER STREET WILL BE BLOCKED FROM 7 A.M. TO 7 P.M. ON APRIL 5. MOTORISTS GOING NORTH IN BAKER STREET ON REACHING GILLIES AVENUE WILL HAVE TO TURN LEFT SINCE THEY WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TURN RIGHT OR PROCEED AHEAD.
BETWEEN 8 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 2) AND 7 P.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 5) THE CARPARKS ON BOTH SIDES OF CHING CHEUNG ROAD NEAR THE ROMAN CATHOLIC CEMETERY WILL BE TEMPORARILY CLOSED.
VEHICLES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO STOP TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS ON CHING CHEUNG ROAD NEAR THE CEMETERY.
MOTORISTS GOING TO THE CEMETERY SHOULD TAKE THE ALTERNATIVE ROUTE VIA CASTLE PEAK ROAD, YEE KUK STREET AND KING LAM STREET BUT THEY ARE ADVISED TO USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT AS PARKING FACILITIES IN THE AREA ARE VERY LIMITED.
MOTORISTS GOING TO HAMMER HILL CEMETERY SHOULD TRAVEL VIA LUNG CHEUNG ROAD, PO KONG VILLAGE INTERCHANGE AND PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD AS TRAFFIC CONGESTION IS LIKELY TO OCCUR AT THE ROAD JUNCTION OF HAMMER HILL ROAD AND LUNG CHEUNG ROAD.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE FOLLOWING ROAD CLOSURES AND DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED s-
FROM 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 5) PEEL RISE FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC.
FROM 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. ON THE SAME DAY CONSORT RISE WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY SOUTHWARDS FROM VICTORIA ROAD TO BISNEY ROAD AND CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY WESTWARDS FROM LIN SHING ROAD TO SHEK 0 ROAD.
AND FROM 8 A.M. ON APRIL 5 TO 6 P.M. THE NEXT DAY, LIN SHING ROAD WILL BE ROUTED ONE-WAY EASTWARDS FROM WAN TSUI ROAD TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD.
DURING THESE TIMES, HOWEVER, IT MAY BE NECESSARY TO CLOSE CAPE COLLINSON ROAD WITHOUT PRIOR NOTIFICATION, DEPENDING ON TRAFFIC CONDITIONS, A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN WARNED.
/SPECIAL ....
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
4
SPECIAL BUS SERVICES WILL BE OPERATED BETWEEN 7 A.M.
AND 6 P.M. ON APRIL 5 AS FOLLOWS :
ROUTE 21A (FROM CENTRAL TO CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY) WILL OPERATE AT A FREQUENCY OF EVERY SEVEN TO EIGHT MINUTES AND ROUTE 89 (FROM SHAU KEI WAN TO CAPE COLLINSON ROAD) WILL ALSO OPERATE AT THE SAME FREQUENCY.
BUSES WILL NOT, HOWEVER, STOP AT THE BUS STOP OPPOSITE THE CHINESE CHRISTIAN CEMETERY ON JOURNEYS TO WAH FU, ABERDEEN AND WONG CHUK HANG.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS BUT THEY ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO AVOID THE AREAS MENTIONED UNLESS THEIR JOURNEY IS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY.
MOTORISTS ARE ALSO ADVISED. THAT VEHICLES PARKED ILLEGALLY IN ANY OF THE ABOVE-MENTIONED AREAS WILL BE TOWED AWAY BY THE POLICE.
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AIR TRAFFIC RIGHTS
*****
THE THAI GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN UNILATERAL ACTION TO RESTRICT THE TRAFFIC RIGHTS OF CATHAY PACIFIC AIRWAYS, WHICH ARE CLEARLY AVAILABLE TO THEM UNDER EXISTING HK/THAILAND BILATERAL AGREEMENTS.
THEIR ACTION CONCERNS WITHDRAWING APPROVAL FROM APRIL 1 FOR CPA TO OPERATE SERVICES BEYOND BANGKOK TO BAHRAIN, WHICH CPA HAVE BEEN OPERATING FOR SOME MONTHS. ADDITIONALLY, PERMISSION HAS BEEN REFUSED FOR CPA TO OPERATE NEW SERVICES TO PENANG VIA BANGKOK FOR WHICH DUE NOTICE HAD BEEN GIVEN.
THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAS TAKEN A VERY SERIOUS VIEW OF THIS MATTER AND, TO RESTORE A BALANCED AGREEMENT, HAS BEEN OBLIGED TO RESTRICT THE SERVICES OF THAI INTERNATIONAL TO THE NUMBER OF SERVICES AND ROUTE POINTS BEING OPERATED BY CPA. THESE CPA SERVICES ARE FIVE WEEKLY RETURN FLIGHTS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND BANGKOK AND SEVEN WEEKLY RETURN FLIGHTS ON THE ROUTE HONG KONG-BANGKOK-SINGAPORE. FROM APRIL 1, THAI INTERNATIONAL WILL THEREFORE ONLY BE ALLOWED TO OPERATE FIVE WEEKLY RETURN FLIGHTS BETWEEN BANGKOK AND HONG KONG AND SEVEN WEEKLY RETURN FLIGHTS ON THE ROUTE BANGKOK-HONG KONG-OSAKA.
RECENT TALKS BETWEEN THE TWO GOVERNMENTS RESULTED IN NO AGREEMENT BEING REACHED AND BOTH SIDES HAVE EXPRESSED THEIR WILLINGNESS TO MEET AGAIN IN AN ATTEMPT TO RESOLVE THE CURRENT DIFFICULTIES.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
5
NETHERLANDS SPEEDPOST SERVICE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE MERCHANDISE
******
THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCES THAT THE SPEEDPOST SERVICE TO THE NETHERLANDS WHICH HAS BEEN RESTRICTED TO THE TRANSMISSION OF BUSINESS AND COMMERCIAL PAPERS, WILL BE EXTENDED TO INCLUDE SAMPLES AND MERCHANDISE WITH EFFECT FROM MONDAY (APRIL 4). THE SERVICE IS AVAILABLE ON A CONTRACT BASIS OR +ON DEMAND+.
THE DUTCH CUSTOMS AUTHORITIES WILL GIVE PRIORITY IN THE DELIVERY OF SPEEDPOST ITEMS PROVIDED THAT THE VALUE OF THE MERCHANDISE DOES NOT EXCEED AN AMOUNT OF 225 GUILDERS. FOR MERCHANDISE OF A HIGHER VALUE THAN 225 GUILDERS AN IMPORT LICENCE WILL BE REQUIRED BY THE’ADDRESSEE.
FOR A CONTRACT SPEEDPOST SERVICE, SENDERS SIGN A CONTRACT FOR A MINIMUM PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS, WITH A MINIMUM OF ONE REGULAR PREDETERMINED POSTING PER MONTH. THE COST OF THE SERVICE IS A BASIC CHARGE OF HK$80 FOR THE FIRST POUND PLUS HK$15 FOR EACH ADDITIONAL POUND OR PART THEREOF. THIS INCLUDES PICKUP AT THE CUSTOMER’S PREMISES AT A TIME AGREED BY THE CUSTOMER, AND DELIVERY TO THE ADDRESSEE.
THE +ON DEMAND* SERVICE IS PROVIDED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF CASUAL USERS OF SPEEDPOST OR TO SUPPLEMENT A CUSTOMER’S CONTRACT SERVICE. +ON DEMAND* ITEMS MAY BE HANDED IN AT THE SPECIALLY DESIGNATED COUNTERS AT GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE WITHOUT THE NEED TO MAKE PRIOR ARRANGEMENTS WITH THE POST OFFICE. FOR +ON DEMAND* ITEMS A FEE OF $20 IS PAYABLE IN ADDITION TO THE BASIC CHARGES.
CUSTOMERS WISHING TO HAVE MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE SERVICE ARE ASKED TO CONTACT THE POST OFFICE REPRESENTATIVE ON 5-2671105.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
6
FIRE FIGHTING EXERCISE IN LYEMUN ******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT IS TO CARRY OUT ANOTHER FULL-SCALE FIRE FIGHTING EXERCISE IN THE SQUATTER AREA IN LYEMUN ON MONDAY (APRIL 4).
THERE ARE ABOUT 100 TEMPORARY WOODEN HUTS BUILT ALONG THE SEA-WALL OF LYEMUN TYPHOON SHELTER. MOST OF THESE STRUCTURES ARE POSITIONED ABOVE THE WATER AND ARE SUPPORTED BY WOODEN PILES.
A SIMILAR EXERCISE TOOK PLACE IN THE SQUATTER AREA ALONG SHUNG SHUN STREET IN SAM KAR CHUEN ABOUT TWO MONTHS AGO.
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT ALL THESE STRUCTURES WERE SERIOUS FIRE RISKS.
THE MOCK FIRE FIGHTING OPERATION, CODE NAMED +EXERCISE LYEMUN+. IS AIMED AT EDUCATING THE SQUATTERS ON THE DANGER OF FIRE OUTBREAKS. IT WILL ALSO GIVE FIREMEN A CHANCE TO GET FAMILIARISED WITH FIGHTING FIRES WHICH BREAK OUT AT SQUATTER HUTS PARTLY BUILT OVER WATER.
TEN APPLIANCES, INCLUDING A FIRE BOAT AND TWO AMBULANCES, WILL TAKE PART IN THE EXERCISE.
FIRE PREVENTION PAMPHLETS AND POSTERS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED TO THE PUBLIC.
NOTE TO EDITORS: PRESS, TELEVISION AND RADIO REPRESENTATIVES ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EXERCISE WHICH WILL START AT 10.30 A.M. ON MONDAY. THEY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE MOBILE COMMAND UNIT AT THE JUNCTION OF CHA KWO LING ROAD AND SHUNG SHUN STREET AT 10.15 A.M. ON THAT DAY.
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HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT ******
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT ITS WAN CHAI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA, YAUMATI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL ON TUESDAY, A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
HOWEVER, OFFICES OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT WILL ONLY BE OPEN FROM 7.30 A.M. ON TUESDAY TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOLLOWING DAY.
ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY.
SATURDAY, APRIL 2, 1977
7
REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN TIN WAN ESTATE
*****
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN TIN WAN ESTATE FOR RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING NEAREY FOR TWO DAYS FROM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6).
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS OF 11 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.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED- BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30 P.M. DURING THESE TWO DAYS.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS ((REA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS. THEY SHOULD REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
- 0 -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 4).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO REPLACE A SLUICE VALVE AT CHAI WAN ROAD AND LOK MAN ROAD.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE NUMBERS 40 AND 42 CHAI WAN ROAD CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA, HONG KONG GOVERNMENT LAUNDRY tn ’ LOK MAN ROAD, CHAI WAN POLICE STATION IN LOK MAN ROAD, AND HOI SHING SCHOOL IN CHAI WAN ROAD.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1977
ACAN TO LAUNCH ANOTHER ANTI-DRUG CAMPAIGN *****
THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS IS PLANNING TO LAUNCH ANOTHER LARGE SCALE ANTI-DRUG DISTRICT PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR IN VIEW OF THE OUTSTANDING SUCCESS OF ITS CAMPAIGN HELD IN KOWLOON CITY THREE MONTHS AGO.
ACCORDING TO AN EVALUATION SURVEY WHICH HAS JUST BEEN COMPLETED, THE MONTH-LONG CAMPAIGN IN KOWLOON CITY HAS ACHIEVED REMARKABLE RESULTS. MORE THAN 200,000 PEOPLE, REPRESENTING THREE-QUARTERS OF THE POPULATION IN THE 15 - 60 AGE GROUP IN KOWLOON CITY, WERE FOUND TO HAVE BEEN WELL AWARE OF THE CAMPAIGN, AND SOME 30,000 OF THEM ACTUALLY PARTICIPATED IN THE ACTIVITIES.
THE SURVEY ALSO INDICATES THAT THE CAMPAIGN HAS EFFECTIVELY CREATED A GREATER AWARENESS AMONG THE RESIDENTS OF THE NEED TO EDUCATE YOUNG PEOPLE OF THE DANGER OF DRUG ABUSE AND, AT THE SAME TIME, TO ENCOURAGE THEM TO DIVERT THEIR ENERGY TO MEANINGFUL AND HEALTHY ACTIVITIES.
THE SURVEY, CARRIED OUT BY THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF ABOUT 60 STUDENTS FROM THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, WAS BASED ON INTERVIEWS WITH 1,800 KOWLOON CITY RESIDENTS WHO WERE SELECTED AS A REPRESENTATIVE SAMPLE. APART FROM GAUGING THE IMPACT OF THE CAMPAIGN, IT WAS DESIGNED TO COLLECT INFORMATION WHICH WOULD HELP TO IMPROVE SIMILAR CAMPAIGNS IN THE FUTURE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE PREVENTIVE EDUCATION AND PUBLICITY SUBCOMMITTEE OF THE ACTION COMMITTEE AGAINST NARCOTICS, REV. KARL STUMPF, SAID THE FINDINGS OF THE SURVEY WERE VERY ENCOURAGING AND REASSUR ING.
HE SAID THE KOWLOON CITY CAMPAIGN COST ONLY ABOUT 360,000 BUT IT WAS THE MOST SUCCESSFUL ONE SINCE 1973 WHEN THE FIRST ANNUAL ANTI-DRUG DISTRICT CAMPAIGN WAS HELD IN TSUEN WAN.
ONE IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENT OF THE CAMPAIGN, HE POINTED OUT, WAS THE PARTICIPATION OF MORE THAN 30 LOCAL VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE OF KOWLOON CITY. THESE ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTED A HUGE AMOUNT OF EFFORT TO THE PREPARATION OF THE CAMPAIGN ACTIVITIES, RANGING FROM ANTI-DRUG LECTURES AND COMPETITIONS FOR SCHOOL CHILDREN TO RECREATIONAL AND ATHLETIC EVENTS FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House,
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1977
- 2 -
+THEIR PARTICIPATION IN THE CAMPAIGN IS A CLEAR DEMONSTRATION OF ACTIVE COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT, WHICH IS VITAL TO THE SUCCESS OF CONTAINING THE DRUG PROBLEM THROUGH THE PREVENTION OF THE SPREAD OF DRUG ABUSE,+ REV. STUMPF SAID.
ON ANTI-DRUG PUBLICITY IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, REV. STUMPF SAID PLANNING HAS JUST BEEN STARTED ON ANOTHER CAMPAIGN OF THIS KIND TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER AS PART OF THE ANTI-DRUG PUBLICITY AND EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN 1977/78. HE SAID ALTHOUGH DETAILS HAVE NOT YET BEEN WORKED OUT, IT WAS THE INTENTION OF HIS SUB-COMMITTEE TO ORGANISE THIS YEAR’S DISTRICT CAMPAIGN ON A SCALE LARGER THAN BEFORE.
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YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP
M'K * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, TOGETHER WITH THE BRITISH FORCES, WILL AGAIN ORGANISE A LEADERSHIP CAMP THIS SUMMER FOR YOUTHS.
THE CAMP, THE SEVENTH IN AS MANY YEARS, AIMS TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER, SELF-RELIANCE AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF SELECTED PARTICIPANTS SO THAT THEY MAY BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
TWO RESIDENTIAL CAMPS, EACH TAKING 120 YOUTHS, WILL BE HELD AT THE ERSKINE CAMP IN SAI KUNG FROM JULY 4 TO 24 AND FROM AUGUST 1 TO 21.
THE PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHOSEN FROM BOTH MALE AND FEMALE APPLICANTS AGED BETWEEN 18 AND 25. EACH APPLICANT IS REQUIRED TO PAY $60 FOR THE COURSE AND $35 FOR A PAIR OF BOOTS.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH WORK UNIT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TOP FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD, YAU MA TEI, OR AT THE VARIOUS COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICES. THE DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS IS MAY 2.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE INTERVIEWED AND CHOSEN BY A PANEL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE BRITISH FORCES, VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
SELECTIONS WILL BE BASED ON THE APPLICANT’S EXPERIENCE IN YOUTH WORK, KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL AFFAIRS AND PHYSICAL FITNESS. A MEDICAL EXAMINATION AND TESTS IN SWIMMING AND PHYSICAL FITNESS WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED.
CAMP ACTIVITIES WILL COVER, AMONG OTHER THINGS, EXPEDITION, CANOEING, ROCK-CLIMBING AND SWIMMING.
THE BRITISH FORCES ARE MAINLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATIVE AND INSTRUCTIONAL SIDES OF THE COURSE WHILE THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT HANDLES THE RECRUITMENT, LIAISON WITH PARTICIPANTS AND FOLLOW-UP ACTION SUCH AS RESEARCH AND ASSESSMENT. THE CAMP IS FINANCED BY THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB FUND.
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/3.....
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1977
ISSUE OF DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES DELAYED
*****
THE ISSUE OF DEMAND NOTES FOR RATES DUE FOR SETTLEMENT BY APRIL 30 WILL BE DELAYED BY ABOUT ONE WEEK.
RATEPAYERS ARE THEREFORE REQUESTED NOT TO APPROACH THE TREASURY UNLESS THEY HAVE FAILED TO RECEIVE THEIR DEMAND NOTES BY APRIL 15.
+DUE TO THE INTRODUCTION OF THE 'RATE RELIEF SCHEME’, FOR LEGAL AND TECHNICAL REASONS IT HAS BEEN NECESSARY TO DELAY THE ISSUE OF THESE DEMAND NOTES,+ A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TREASURY EXPLAINED TODAY.
HE ADDED THAT BECAUSE OF THIS DELAY AND BECAUSE OF THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS IN APRIL, THE BUSINESS HOURS OF ALL TREASURY COLLECTION CENTRES — CENTRAL, CAUSEWAY BAY, KOWLOON CITY AND YAU MA TEI — WOULD BE EXTENDED.
+THEY WILL BE OPEN BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 5 P.M. FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY AND BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. ON SATURDAY.*
HE ALSO REMINDED RATEPAYERS THAT THEY COULD AVOID QUEUING UP AT THE COLLECTION CENTRESBY SENDING THEIR REMITTANCES (CHEQUES ONLY) THROUGH THE POST.
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HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS ******
ALL POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED ON TUESDAY (APRIL 5), A GENERAL HOLIDAY, BUT FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE PUBLIC THERE WILL BE ONE DELIVERY OF MAIL, THE POST OFFICE ANNOUNCED TODAY.
HOWEVER, ON GOOD FRIDAY (APRIL 8) AND ON THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY (APRIL 21) THERE WILL BE NO MAIL DELIVERY NOR WILL ANY POST OFFICES BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS.
ON SATURDAY (APRIL 9) AND EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 11), THERE WILL BE ONE MAIL DELIVERY AND 32 POST OFFICES IN VARIOUS PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE OPEN FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON.
THESE INCLUDE THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, THE KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND THE TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
ALL OTHER POST OFFICES WILL BE CLOSED.
SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1977
EMPLOYERS REMINDED OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS
*****
THE ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. LAO MOU-CHI TODAY REMINDED EMPLOYERS THAT WITH THE COMING INTO FORCE OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) ORDINANCE 1976 ON JANUARY 1 THIS YEAR, THE NUMBER OF STATUTORY HOLIDAYS FOR WORKERS HAD BEEN INCREASED FROM SIX TO TEN.
ALL MANUAL EMPLOYEES
THE TEN STATUTORY HOLIDAYS TO WHICH IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR EARNINGS AND ALL NON-MANUAL EMPLOYEES EARNING NOT MORE THAN $2,000 A MONTH ARE ENTITLED ARE : THE FIRST DAY OF JANUARY, LUNAR NEW YEAR’S DAY, THE SECOND DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE THIRD DAY OF LUNAR NEW YEAR, THE CHING MING FESTIVAL, THE TUs.N NG (DRAGON BOAT) FESTIVAL, THE'DAY FOLLOWING THE MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL, THE CHUNG YEUNG FESTIVAL, THE CHINESE WINTER SOLSTICE FESTIVAL OR CHRISTMAS DAY- AND A FLOATING HOLIDAY DESIGNATED BY THE EMPLOYER.
MR. LAO POINTED OUT THAT IF AN EMPLOYER WAS UNABLE TO GIVE HIS EMPLOYEE A DAY OFF ON ANY STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST GIVE HIM AT LEAST 48 HOURS’ NOTICE AND MUST GIVE HIM AN ALTERNATIVE HOLIDAY WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE HAD WORKED CONTINUOUSLY FOR HIS EMPLOYER FOR THREE MONTHS IMMEDIATELY PRECEDING A STATUTORY HOLIDAY, HE MUST ALSO BE PAID FOR THE DAY OFF.
ON STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY, HE EXPLAINED THAT THE DAILY RATE OF HOLIDAY PAY SHOULD BE A SUM EQUIVALENT TO THE NORMAL WAGES, OTHER THAN OVERTIME PAY, FOR THAT DAY.
IF AN EMPLOYEE IS EMPLOYED ON PIECE RATES OR WHERE THE DAILY WAGES OF AN EMPLOYEE VARY FROM DAY TO DAY, THE HOLIDAY PAY SHALL BE A SUM EQUIVALENT TO THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGES EARNED BY HIM ON THE DAYS ON WHICH HE HAD WORKED DURING THE PERIOD OF 28 DAYS PRECEDING THE STATUTORY HOLIDAY.
MR. LAO WARNED THAT IT WOULD BE AN OFFENCE AGAINST THE LAW FOR AN EMPLOYER TO INDUCE HIS EMPLOYEE TO ACCEPT A SUM LESSER THAN THE AVERAGE DAILY WAGES AS STATUTORY HOLIDAY PAY.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 3, 1977
- 5 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DURING RE-SURFACING WORKS ON WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER *****
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN CUMBERLAND ROAD AND AT THE JUNCTION OF WATERLOO ROAD AND PRINCE EDWARD ROAD FROM 10 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6) IN ORDER TO FACITITATE ROAD RE-SURFACING WORKS ON THE WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER.
UNDER THE ARRANGEMENTS, WHICH WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TEN DAYS, THE DOWN RAMP FROM WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER SOUTHBOUND ON TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD. WILL BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC- THE SECTION OF CUMBERLAND ROAD FROM LINCOLN ROAD TO BOUNDARY STREET WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND- AND ALL TRAFFIC WILL BE
-------- BOUNDARY STREET INTO CUMBERLAND
PROHIBITED FROM TURNING LEFT FROM ROAD.
DURING THE PERIOD OF CLOSURE OF THE RAMP, TRAFFIC PROCEEDING SOUTH ALONG WATERLOO ROAD WISHING TO GET ON TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD CAN TURN INTO ESSEX CRESCENT AND THEN INTO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD VIA CUMBERLAND ROAD AND KNIGHT STREET.
ALTERNATIVELY, MOTORISTS CAN USE THE U-TURN UNDER PRINCESS MARGARET ROAD FLYOVER TO GET ON TO WATERLOO ROAD NORTHBOUND AND LEFT TURN INTO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD.
KMB ROUTE 3C BUSES ON THE TRIP TO JORDAN ROAD FERRY WILL PROCEED VIA WATERLOO ROAD FLYOVER AND TURN INTO ARGYLE STREET AND THEN ON TO NATHAN ROAD.
ROUTE 2D BUSES OF KMB FROM CHUK YUEN TO PAK TIN WILL BE DIVERTED FROM NGA TSIN WAI ROAD TO PRINCE EDWARD ROAD BY WAY OF JUNCTION ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC AND DIRECTIONAL SIGNS WILL BE POSTED FOR THE GUIDANCE OF MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
»
MONDAY, APRIL h, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION OPENS ON WEDNESDAY .......... 1
CONSUMER COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS REAPPOINTED .... 2
GROWING DEMAND FOR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS .................. 3
t SIX GOVERNMENT CLINICS REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS 3 t
‘ +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION ................................. A
SPECIAL ARTICLE ON CONSUMER PRICES IN 1976 .............. A
NEW STAMPS TO BE ISSUED THIS YEAR ........................ 5
PRESENTATldN OF RETIREMENT GIFT TO DIRECTOR OF MARINE 6 CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE CHANGES ADDRESS .................................................. 7
MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY BEGINS TODAY .................................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAI, APRIL 4, 1977
1
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION OPENS ON WEDNESDAY ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL THl« WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6) OFFICIALLY OPEN THE FIRST PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON THE $3,500 MILLION TUEN MUN NEW TOWN PROJECT — ONE OF THREE SATELLITE TOWNS BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO HOUSE SOME 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE BY THE MID-EIGHTIES.
THE EXHIBITION IS BEING STAGED AT THE HOH FUK TONG
COLLEGE AT CASTLE PEAK ROAD IN TUEN MUN BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND CO-ORDINATING THE NEW TOWNS SCHEME.
IT WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M. EACH DAY FROM THURSDAY TO APRIL 16.
THE AIM OF THE EXHIBITION IS TO GIVE THE PUBLIC A CLEAR VIEW OF THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN WHICH WILL PROVIDE NEW HOMES AND GOOD LOCAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR SOME 500,000 PEOPLE BY 1985.
THE EXHIBITION WILL TRACE THE EVOLUTION OF THE NEW TOWN — FROM ITS PLANNING STAGE, THROUGH THE VARIOUS CONSTRUCTION STAGES UP TO ITS COMPLETION.
IT WILL FEATURE A SERIES OF MODELS, SKETCH PLANS, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMS AND MAPS OUTLINING THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF THE AREA, ITS GENERAL LAND USE, PROPOSED LEISURE AREAS, ROAD NETWORKS AND THE SETTING FOR A MODERN TOWN CENTRE WHICH WILL BE THE FOCUS OF THE TOWNS SOCIAL, ECONOMIC AND CIVIC ACTIVITIES.
VISITORS WILL ALSO SEE THE PROVISIONS BEING MADE FOR CONSERVATION AND RECREATION, WITHIN THE NEW TOWN.
AS PART OF THE MAIN EXHIBITION, THE TUEN MUN DISTRICT OFFICE AND THE P.W.D.’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WILL PRESENT AN ART SHOW DEPICTING THE +TUEN MUN OF TOMORROW* AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF ITS FUTURE CITIZENS -- THE CHILDREN.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A SELECTION OF 120 COLOUR DRAWINGS BY STUDENTS OF VARIOUS AGE GROUPS FROM SCHOOLS IN TUEN MUN.
AT WEDNESDAY’S OPENING CEREMONY, THE GOVERNOR WILL DOT THE EYES OF A DRAGON AND INVITE TUEN MUN CIVIC LEADERS TO JOIN HIM IN CUTTING A RIBBON TO FORMALLY OPEN THE EXHIBITION.
NOTE TO EDITORS!
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY, TO BE HELD AT 3.30 P.M. ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6) AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.
/A BUS
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
A BUS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO TUEN MUN NEW TOWN AND BACK. THOSE WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THIS FACILITY ARE REQUESTED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE P.W.D. MURRAY BUILDING CARPARK, GARDEN ROAD NOT LATER THAN 1.20 P.M. THE^ BUS WILL LEAVE AT 1.30 P.M. SHARP AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO WAIT FOR LATE COMERS.
COPIES OF SIR MURRAY’S SPEECH AND AN INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS BY THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE SITE OF THE EXHIBITION TOGETHER WITH A FACT SHEET ON TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
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REAPPOINTMENT OF CONSUMER COUNCIL CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS ******
MR. K.S. LO, CHAIRMAN OF THE CONSUMER COUNCIL, WHOSE TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRES ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7), HAS BEEN REAPPOINTED. IT WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE TWELVE MEMBERS OF THE COUNCIL, WHOSE TERM OF OFFICE EXPIRES ON THE SAME DAY, HAVE ALSO BEEN RE-APPOINTED.
THEY ARE MR. SHUM CHOI-SANG, MR. HO SAl-CHU, MR. WU KWOK-CHEUNG, MRS. LEE LO YUK-SIM, MR. GALLANT Y.T. HO, MR. CHAM YAU-SUM. MRS. SIEH LO LAU-SIM, MR. MARVIN K.T. CHEUNG, MR. LEUNG CHI-KIN, MRS. MAN LOK HANG-CHOI, MR. KAM MING-AH AND MR. PATRICK C.L. POON.
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
GROWING DEMAND FOR RADIO COMMUNICATIONS ******
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR. KYLE BAMFORD TODAY CALLED ON THE RADIO ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG TO ASSIST IN CONTROLLING AND PREVENTING RADIO INTERFERENCE CAUSED BY THE ILLEGAL USE OF THE CITIZEN BAND EQUIPMENT IN HONG KONG.
SPEAKING AT THE ANNUAL DINNER OF THE ASSOCIATION, MR. BAMFORD SAID OVER RECENT MONTHS THERE HAD BEEN SEVERAL CASES WHERE THE USE OF SUCH EQUIPMENT WAS OBSERVED AND ACTION HAD BEEN TAKEN AGAINST OFFENDERS.
HOWEVER, HE SAID IT WAS APPRECIATED THAT MUCH OF THE EQUIPMENT USED HAD BEEN OBTAINED FROM OVERSEAS.
MR. BAMFORD ALSO ASKED THE ASSOCIATION TO GIVE TECHNICAL ADVICE ON TV AERIAL INSTALLATION IN VIEW OF +THE LARGE NUMBER OF TELEVISION VIEWERS IN HONG KONG AND THE PROBLEMS INVOLVED IN ENSURING THAT OPTIMUM RECEPTION CONDITIONS ARE OBTAINED+.
OVER THE PAST MONTHS, HE ADDED, HE HAD REPORTS OF LOCAL INTERFERENCE WHICH HAD BEEN TRACED TO TV BOOSTERS.
♦EXCEPT UNDER CRITICAL CONDITIONS, PROPER AERIAL SELECTION AND INSTALLATION SHOULD OBVIATE THE NEED FOR SUCH UN ITS,+ MR. BAMFORD POINTED OUT.
THE POSTMASTER SAID THAT THE PROLIFERATION OF NEW RADIO PRODUCTS, AT A PRICE WITHIN THE RANGE OF A WIDER SECTOR OF THE COMMUNITY', PLACED ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES ON BOTH THE INDUSTRY SUPPLYING AND SERVICING THEM, AND ON THE'POST OFFICE IN UNDERTAKING ITS REGULATORY FUNCTION.
♦MY OBJECTIVE IS TO ENSURE THAT PROVISION IS MADE FOR THE ENCOURAGEMENT OF NEW TECHNOLOGIES AND THEIR APPLICATION TO A MORE SOPHISTICATED SOCIETY BUT IN SUCH A WAY THAT THIS IS RATIONAL AND ORDERLY AND WITH PROPER SAFEGUARDS AGAINST ABUSE,* HE SAID.
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SIX GOVT. CLINICS REMAIN OPEN DURING EASTER HOLIDAYS
******
SIX GOVERNMENT CLINICS WILL REMAIN OPEN BETWEEN 9 A.M. AND 1 P.M. THROUGHOUT THE EASTER HOLIDAYS FROM APRIL 8 TO 11, THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY.
THEY ARE THE VIOLET PEEL POLYCLINIC AND THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC IN SHAU KEI WAN ON HONG KONG ISLAND- THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB CLINICS IN KWUN TONG AND YAU MA TEI AND THE ROBERT BLACK HEALTH CENTRE IN KOWLOON- AND THE LADY TRENCH POLYCLINIC IN TSUEN WAN, NEW TERRITORIES.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT ALL OTHER GOVERNMENT OUT-PATIENT AND EVENING CLINICS WOULD BE CLOSED DURING THE HOLIDAYS.
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MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
4 -
+MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION M * M * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS!
A +MEET THE MEDIA+ SESSION WILL BE HELD IN THE G. I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7), STARTING AT 3 P.M.
ATTENDING THIS MEETING WILL BE THE GENERAL MANAGER OF KOWLOON-CANTON RAILWAY, MR. R.E. GREGORY.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE MEETING. TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SO THAT THEY HAVE AMPLE TIME TO SET UP THEIR EQUIPMENT.
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SPECIAL ARTICLE ON CONSUMER PRICES IN 1976 ******
A SPECIAL REVIEW ARTICLE ON ’CONSUMER PRICES IN 1976’ APPEARS IN THE JANUARY ISSUE OF THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS NOW ON SALE IN THE GOVERNMENT PUBLICATIONS CENTRE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE BUILDING AT $6 A COPY.
THIS ARTICLE BEGINS WITH AN OUTLINE OF THE METHODS ADOPTED TO CONSTRUCT THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX. A DETAILED ANALYSIS, SUPPLEMENTED BY TABLES AND A GRAPH, IS MADE OF THE MOVEMENTS OF THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX IN 1976 BY VARIOUS SECTIONS OF COMMODITIES AND SERVICES. SOME OF THE MAJOR FACTORS WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR FLUCTUATIONS IN LAST YEAR’S CONSUMER PRICES ARE DISCUSSED.
AS FROM THIS TEAS THE CONTENT OF THIS PERIODICAL HAS FURTHER BEEN ENRICHED BY THE ADDITION OF THREE NEW STATISTICAL TABLES ON TRADE INDEX NUMBERS TO SECTION 5 AND THE SDR (SPECIAL DRAWING RIGHT) VALUE AND THE EFFECTIVE EXCHANGE RATE INDEX FOR THE HONG KONG DOLLAR TO THE EXCHANGE RATES TABLES IN SECTION 9.
/5.....
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MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
5
NEW STAMPS TO BE ISSUED THIS YEAR ******
THREE DEFINITIVE STAMPS WITH DENOMINATIONS Of 60-CENT, 70-CENT AND 80-CENT AND TWO SETS OF COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS — ONE ON THE THEME OF TOURISM AND THE OTHER ♦HONG KONG ORCHIDS* — WILL BE ISSUED BY THE POST OFFICE THIS YEAR.
THIS WAS DISCLOSED TODAY BY THE POSTMASTER GENERAL, MR.
-.KILE BAMFORD, WHEN HE OPENED THE TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT KAIFONG STAMP EXHIBITION MARKING THE 12TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI PHILATELIC CENTRE.
MR. BAMFORD SAID THE THREE DEFINITIVE STAMPS WOULD BE ISSUED ON MAY 4, WHEN THE EXISTING 15-CENT, 25-CENT AND 65-CENT DENOMINATIONS WOULD BE WITHDRAWN.
♦THESE CHANGES HAVE COME ABOUT BECAUSE THERE ARE NO LONGER FIVE-CENT STEPS IN OUR PASTAGE RATE STRUCTURE,+ HE EXPLAINED.
AS FOR THE COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES, MR. BAMFORD SAID THE FIRST SET — FOCUSSING ON TOURISM — WOULD BE PUT ON SALE ON JUNE 30.
THIS SERIES, HE CONTINUED, CONSISTED OF FOUR STAMPS WHICH WERE DESIGNED BY MR. TAO HO, A DESIGN ARCHITECT IN HONG KONG.
MR. HO HAD ALSO DESIGNED SEVERAL OF THE POST OFFICE’S COMMEMORATIVE ISSUES, INCLUDING THAT OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE RELEASED LAST AUGUST.
MR. BAMFORD SAID THE SECOND SERIES — ON +HONG KONG ORCHIDS* — WOULD PROBABLY BE PUT ON SALE IN OCTOBER.
♦THERE WILL BE THREE STAMPS IN THIS ISSUE DEPICTING ORCHIDS THAT GROW WILD IN HONG KONG,+ HE NOTED.
THE BLOOMS SHOWN ON THE STAMPS WERE THOSE OF THE SUSAN, LADY’S SLIPPER AND BUTTERCUP ORCHIDS, HE ADDED.
THE STAMPS HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY MRS. BERYL WALDEN, WIFE OF THE DIRECTOR OF HOME AFFAIRS, MR. JOHN WALDEN.
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL TOLD THE GATHERING THAT THE POST OFFICE +AGAIN BROKE WITH TRADITION* LAST MONTH WHEN IT ISSUED A NEW AEROGRAMME WITH A SPECIAL FLYING DRAGON STAMP IMPRESSION INSTEAD OF THE CUSTOMARY REPRODUCTION OF A DEFINITIVE POSTAGE STAMP.
/♦THE FLUNG
MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
6
+THE FLYING DRAGON DESIGN WAS PRODUCED BY THE GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES AND, SO FAR AS I HAVE BEEN ABLE TO JUDGE, IT SEEMS TO HAVE BEEN WELL RECEIVED BY THE PUBLIC,* HE SAID.
MR. BAMFORD OBSERVED THAT IN STAMP DESIGN, *YOU CAN PLEASE SOME OF THE PEOPLE SOME OF THE TIME BUT YOU CANNOT PLEASE ALL THE PEOPLE ALL THE TIME.*
HOWEVER, HE FELT THAT THE RECENTLY ISSUED SILVER JUBILEE STAMPS WAS +A COMMEMORATIVE ISSUE OF CONSIDERABLE DISTINCTION.*
THE STAMP EXHIBITION IS BEING HELD AT THE TSIM SHA TSUI DISTRICT KAIFONG ASSOCIATION — ORGANISER OF THE TSIM SHA TSUI PHILATELIC CENTRE.
AMONG THE STAMPS ON DISPLAY ARE THE PROOFS OF THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS AND PROOFS OF THE COMMEMORATIVE STAMPS ON TOURISM.
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PRESENTATION OF RETIREMENT GIFT M # K # M
NOTE TO EDITORS!
MR. A. FLETCHER, DIRECTOR OF MARINE, WILL PROCEED ON PRE-RETIR'EMENT LEAVE ON APRIL 22 AFTER 25 YEARS’ SERVICE WITH THE DEPARTMENT.
TO MARK THE OCCASION, MR. M.J. ALEXANDER, DIRECTOR OF MARINE DESIGNATE, WILL BE MAKING A PRESENTATION TO MR. FLETCHER ON BEHALF OF HIS COLLEAGUES AT 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7).
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE AT 102 CONNAUGHT ROAD CENTRAL.
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MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1977
7
CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE ******
THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT ADDRESS IN HOSPITAL ROAD TO 692, PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NORTH WING, 5TH FLOOR, SAN PO KONG, ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 6).
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE INSPECTORATE WILL BE 3-274040, 3-273372, 3-271212, 3-270808 AND 3-274477.
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MANPOWER SURVEY OF BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY ******
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF HONG‘KONG’S BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY STARTED TODAY (MONDAY).
THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH OF ITS KIND, IS BEING CONDUCTED BY THE BUILDING AND CIVIL ENGINEERING INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR, CENSUS AND STATISTICS AND PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENTS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRAINING BOARD CALLED ON EMPLOYERS TO SUPPLY THE INFORMATION CONCERNING THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT EMPLOYED UNDER THEIR ESTABLISHMENT, THE NUMBER OF WORKERS AT PRESENT UNDER TRAINING AND THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANC IES.
THE SPOKESMAN WOULD HELP THEM IN MANPOWER NEEDS AND COLLECTED WOULD BE
EXPLAINED THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED DRAWING UP PLANS TO MEET THE INDUSTRY’S ASSURED EMPLOYERS THAT THE INFORMATION HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE.
PRH 7
l-K p® GISI ITO
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1977
5O-ACRE CAMP SITE FOR C.A.S. CADET CORPS
*****
WHEN THE GOVERNOR OPENS THE 50-ACRE CAMP SITE FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (C.A.S.) CADET CORPS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON APRIL 11, HE WILL BE OPENING NOT MERELY THE GATE TO A LONG-CHERISHED CAMP AREA FOR THE 2,000 CADETS, BUT ALSO A NEW ERA IN THE HISTORY OF THE CORPS.
FOR ONE THING, THE'•OPEN I NG OF THE SITE BRINGS TO FRUITION A LONG-TIME DREAM OF THE C.A.S. CADETS FOR AN IDEAL PERMANENT CAMPING BASE, AWAY FROM THE ’CONCRETE JUNGLES’ IN WHICH THEY LIVE.
FOR ANOTHER, IT MARKS A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE IN THE GROWTH OF THE CADET CORPS, ESTABLISHED* IN 1968.
THE CAMP SITE, LOCATED OW A PLATEAU NEAR A DESERTED VILLAGE IN YUEN TUN SOME 750 FEET ABOVE TSI NG LUNG TAU, OVERLOOKS THE SCENIC LANDSCAPE OF NORTH LANTAU, MA WAN AND TSING Yl ISLAND.
IT COMES INTO BEING LARGELY OUT OF AN EXUBERANT SELF-HELP SPIRIT, WITH CADETS AND ADULT MEMBERS OF THE C.A.S. CARRYING OUT SUCH DO-IT-YOURSELF WORK AS SITE CLEARANCE, HOUSE RENOVATION, GRASS CUTTING AND TREE PLANTING SINCE 1974. f
+THE IDEA BEHIND THIS SELF-HELP DRIVE IS TO INSTIL INTO THE MINDS OF THE CADETS A SENSE OF BELONGING AND PRIDE AND WE WILL SEEK TO KEEP THIS SELF-HELP PROCESS AN ONGOING ONE AT THE SITE,* SAID MR. JOHN FORTUNE, CHIEF STAFF OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AID SERVICES.
IN CONSONANCE WITH THE SELF-HELP PRINCIPLE, THE CAMP SITE IS PROVIDED WITH ONLY SKELETON FACILITIES, WITHOUT ANY CONCRETE-COVERED ACCOMMODATION FOR THE CADETS. THIS MEANS THAT CADETS WILL HAVE TO STAY IN TENTS IN THE OPEN AIR.
PROVIDED IN THE VAST EXPANSE OF THE SITE ARE A SMALL ADMINISTRATION CENTRE, A SWIMMING POOL, A BASKETBALL COURT, AN INCINERATOR AND TOILET FACILITIES AS WELL AS A LECTURE CENTRE CONVERTED FROM A RENOVATED HOUSE IN THE DESERTED VILLAGE.
THE ADMINISTRATION CENTRE, WHICH WILL SERVE AS PLACES OF INDOOR INSTRUCTION, WAS BUILT WITH A $250,300 DONATION FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB WHILE A PRIVATE DONOR GAVE $150,000 TO COVER THE ENTIRE EXPENSE OF THE SWIMMING POOL.
/ACCORDING TO .....
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1977
2 -
ACCORDING TO MR. FORTUNE, THE ACCENT OF TRAINING IN THE CAMP WILL BE ON RAMBLING, ORIENTEERING, AND FOREST CONSERVATION.
♦OUR INTENTION IS TO GIVE THE CADETS A CHALLENGING BUT INTERESTING OUTDOOR LIFE AT THE CAMP,+ HE SAID.
MR. FORTUNE SAID THE C.A.S. WAS THINKING OF TURNING A FORMER PADDY FIELD IN THE SITE INTO A SOCCER PITCH TO ENABLE MORE SPORTS ACTIVITIES TO BE PROVIDED FOR THE CADETS SPENDING THEIR WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS THERE.
TO COMPLEMENT THE LAND-BASED CAMP IN YUEN TUN, HE CONTINUED, A SEA-ORIENTED ACTIVITY CAMP SITE WILL BE OPENED IN THE TAI TAN AREA OF SAI KUNG IN THE FORESEEABLE FUTURE.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES HAS ALREADY ALLOCATED A SIX-ACRE SITE AT TAI TAN TO THE C.A.S. FOR SUCH PURPOSES.
WATER SPORT ACTIVITIES WILL FEATURE PROMINENTLY IN THIS CAMP. THESE WILL INCLUDE CANOEING, SAJLFISH SAILING, LIFE-SAVING, SKIN-DIVING AND WATER SKI ING.
MEANWHILE, THE CADET CORPS WILL EXPAND INTO THE NEW TERRITORIES TO TAKE IN TUEN MUN AND YUEN LONG. A CADET UNIT IS TO BE SET UP IN TUEN MUN NEXT MONTH, FOLLOWED BY YUEN LONG IN SEPTEMBER.
THE CADET CORPS IS AT PRESENT MADE UP OF SOME 2,000 BOYS AGED BETWEEN 14 AND 18. THEY ARE DIVIDED INTO 20 UNITS, WITH 100 CADETS EACH.
THE AIM OF THE CORPS IS TO HELP BOYS DEVELOP, TO MAKE THEM AWARE OF THEIR CIVIC RESPONSIBILITIES, TO PREPARE THEM FOR ENROLMENT INTO ANY OF THE GOVERNMENT ADULT AUXILIARY SERVICES OR REGULAR DISCIPLINED SERVICES AND TO PROVIDE ORGANISED CAMPS, SPORTS AND EXPEDITIONS SO THAT THEIR LEISURELY HOURS ARE GAINFULLY EMPLOYED.
CADETS ARE TAUGHT SUCH BASIC SKILLS AS TREKKING, FOREST CONSERVATION, CYCLING, CAMPING, LIFE SAVING, MOUNTAINEERING AS WELL AS MOUNTAIN SEARCH AND RESCUE TECHNIQUES.
FOR THE 17 TO 18 AGE GROUP, MORE ADVANCED COURSES ARE HELD IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, FIBREGLASS CANOE MAKING AND OTHER ALLIED SUBJECTS.
THE EXISTING RECRUITMENT POLICY OF THE CORPS IS TO TAKE IN BOYS FROM VARIOUS PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, CROWDED TENEMENT BLOCKS AND SQUATTER AREAS IN THE URBAN DISTRICTS WHERE +THE NEED FOR A PROPER AND HEALTHY CHANNEL WITH WHICH TO RELEASE THE BOYS’ EXCESSIVE ENERGY IS KEENLY FELT+, MR. FORTUNE SAID.
CADETS PLAY AN ACTIVE ROLE IN COMMUNITY SERVICE. THEY CARRY OUT SUCH DUTIES AS CROWD CONTROL AND FORESTRY PATROLLING. IN ADDITION, THEY ALSO HELP IN SUCH CIVIC PROJECTS AS THE ’CLEAN HONG KONG CAMPAIGN’, ’KEEP OUR BEACHES CLEAN CAMPAIGN’, THE ’ANTINARCOTICS DRIVE’ AND THE 'WALK FOR A MILLION’, AMONG OTHERS.
TUESDAY., APRIL 5, 1977
3
CANCER AWARENESS ’77 EXHIBITION OPENED * X K * X
THE FULLEST UNDERSTANDING BY THE PUBLIC OF THE PRESENT STATE OF MEDICAL KNOWLEDGE ON THE CAUSE AND MEANS OF TREATING CANCER WILL GREATLY ASSIST IN THE PREVENTION AND THE SUCCESSFUL TREATMENT OF THE DISEASE IN ITS EARLY STATE.
THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICE, DR. K. CRAIG, SAID THIS WHEN HE OPENED THE CANCER AWARENESS ’77 EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL THIS MORNING.
HE SAID HE’CONSIDERED THE EXHIBITION TO BE A MOST IMPORTANT HEALTH EDUCATION PROJECT, SINCE CANCER IN ITS VARIOUS FORMS NOW ACCOUNTS FOR MOST OF THE DEATHS IN HONG KONG EACH YEAR.
DR. CRAIG SAID THE ELIMINATION FROM FOOD AND ENVIRONMENT OF CARCINOGENIC SUBSTANCES WAS UNDER CONSTANT SURVEILLANCE BY THE GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS CONCERNED.
+HOWEVER, IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EVERYONE OF US TO ENSURE THAT, INDIVIDUALLY, WE TAKE ACTION TO AVOID KNOWN CANCER ASSOCIATED HABITS, SUCH AS CIGARETTE SMOKING, AND LEARN TO DETECT AND REPORT TO A DOCTOR THE SUSPECTED ONSET OF THE DISEASE IN OUR OWN BODIES SO THAT IT CAN BE DIAGNOSED AND TREATED AT THE EARLIEST POSSIBLE MOMENT,
HE SAID
+THIS IS WHAT CANCER AWARENESS 1977 IS ALL ABOUT AND I EARNESTLY ENTREAT YOU TO TAKE EVERY ADVANTAGE OF THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN ABOUT CANCER AND TO ENSURE THAT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY AND YOUR FRIENDS ARE BETTER ARMED TO COMBAT THE DISEASE,* HE ADDED.
DR. CRAIG PAID TRIBUTE TO THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH TEAM OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, WHO JOINTLY ORGANISED THE SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS WHICH WILL BE HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS OF HONG KONG THROUGHOUT APRIL AND MAY.
THE EXHIBITIONS ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND WARNING AND SYMPTOMS OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF CANCER. THERE ARE FILM SHOWS, SLIDES, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS AND ILLUSTRATION TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHAT CANCER IS ALL ABOUT.
THE EXHIBITION AT CITY HALL WILL LAST TWO DAYS. IT WILL THEN MOVE ON TO OTHER AREAS: CAUSEWAY BAY BETWEEN APRIL 13-15, TSIM SHA TSUI APRIL 20-23, YUEN LONG APRIL 27-30, TSUEN WAN MAY 4-7 AND KWUN TONG MAY 18-21. A SIMILAR EXHIBITION WILL ALSO BE HELD IN MACAU BETWEEN APRIL 8-10.
0 - -
NEW ADDRESS FOR TSUEN WAN SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT
*****
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S TSUEN WAN SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT WILL MOVE FROM ITS PRESENT ADDRESS IN SHEK LEI ESTATE TO 101-106, BLOCK 1, GROUND FLOOR, LEI MUK SHUE ESTATE ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7).
THE TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE FIELD UNIT ARE 12-235842 AND 12-203994.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1977
- 4 -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN THE PEAK AREA AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 7).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED IN THE PEAK AREA ARE BOUNDED BY ROSMEAD ROAD, WATFORD ROAD, GUILDFORD ROAD, COOMBE ROAD, MIDDLE GAP ROAD, MT. CAMERON ROAD, HOUSE NOS. 21, 22, 26, 27, 29, 30, 33 TO 36, 38, 40, 44, 46, AND 50 MAGAZINE GAP ROAD, HOUSE NOS. 52, 54, AND 56 PEAK ROAD AND NOS. 1-3 BARKER ROAD.
THE AREA AFFECTED IN TSUEN WAN IS BOUNDED BY SHA TSUI ROAD, TAI HO ROAD, YEUNG UK ROAD AND HAM TIN STREET, INCLUDING SAI LAU STREET, SAN TSUEN STREET, HQ PUI STREET, WO TIK STREET, TAI UK STREET, CHUEN LUNG STREET AND CHUNG ON STREET.
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REGISTRATION TEAM TO OPERATE IN AP LEI CHAU
* * *
A TEAM FROM THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL CONDUCT REGISTRATIONS IN AP LEI CHAU KAIFONG WELFARE ASSOCIATION FOR RESIDENTS AND PEOPLE LIVING NEARBY FOR TWO DAYS FROM APRIL 13.
THE VISIT IS TO ENABLE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS TO REGISTER THEIR CHILDREN OR WARDS OF 11 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.
REGISTRATIONS WILL BE CONDUCTED BETWEEN 9.30 A.M. AND 4.30
P.M. DAILY.
ALL PEOPLE LIVING IN THIS AREA ARE REMINDED OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY TO REGISTER THEMSELVES AND THEIR CHILDREN FOR IDENTITY CARDS. THEY SHOULD REPORT CHANGES OF EMPLOYMENT OR RESIDENTIAL ADDRESSES, MARITAL STATUS, OR ANY OTHER PARTICULARS WHICH HAVE CHANGED SINCE REGISTERING FOR THEIR IDENTITY CARDS.
TUESDAY, APRIL 5, 1977
5
HUNDREDS OF YOUTHS TO CLEAN UP UNGAZETTED BEACHES *****
MORE THAN 300 YOUTHS WILL INVADE SIX UNGAZETIED BEACHES WITH BROOMS AND SHOVELS ON FRIDAY (APRIL 8) TO START A CLEAN-UP DRIVE OVER THE EASTER HOLIDAYS AND ON CERTAIN WEEKENDS.
TAKING PART IN THE OPERATION, WHICH IS ORGANISED BY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, WILL BE 140 REPRESENTATIVES FROM THE JUNIOR POLICE CALL (JPC), 110 FROM THE CLEAN YOUR CITY (CYC) GROUPS AND 100 FROM THE CIVIL AID SERVICES (CAS).
,V
5 THE CLEAN-UP OPERATION WILL COVER TUNG WAN BEACH IN MA WAN, TfeUEN WAN- TAI LONG SAI WAN IN SAI KUNG- NAI CHUNG AND LAI CHI WO IN TAI PO- TUNG WAN IN CHEUNG CHAU AND LO SO SHING AT LAMMA ISLAND.
THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT WILL BE PROVIDING THE EQUIPMENT FOR THE CLEANING UP EXERCISES AND HAS ALSO UNDERTAKEN TO SUPERVISE THE WORK OF THE YOUTHS.
ON EACH OUTING, A FIRST AID TEAM OF THE AUXILIARY MEDICAL SERVICE WILL BE ON HAND IN CASE OF INJURY AND THE YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY HAS AGREED TO PROVIDE FREE TRANSPORT TO THE CLEANING PARTIES ON OUTINGS TO SOME OUTLYING AREAS SERVED BY ITS FERRIES.
GOVERNMENT PAID BARBEQUE LUNCHES AND, IN CERTAIN CASES, DINNERS WILL' BE SERVED AS SOME OF THE GROUPS WOULD REQUIRE TO CAMP OVERNIGHT.
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NEW PLB TERMINUS IN NORTH POINT
*****
THE EXISTING PUBLIC LIGHT BUS STAND AT THE NORTH POINT HARBOUR PARADE WILL BE CANCELLED FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 7) AND A NEW PLB TERMINUS WILL BE SET UP IN THE OFF-STREET CAR PARK IMMEDIATELY EAST OF TIN CHIU STREET.
AS A RESULT, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PICK UP OR SET DOWN PASSENGERS ON A SECTION OF JAVA ROAD NEAR TIN CHIU STREET AND THE SECTION OF TIN CHIU STREET BETWEEN KING’S ROAD AND JAVA ROAD BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND MIDNIGHT DAILY.
ALSO, PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM ENTERING THE SECTION OF SHU KUK STREET NORTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH JAVA ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO INDICATE THE RESTRICTIONS AND PROHIBITION.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
GOVERNOR OPENS TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION j
CARRYING OVER 2,000 TONS Or +PERSISTENT OIL+ NEED uc.n I lr ILA I tS ........................................... ,
......................................... 4
ANNiJe^ARYA 1SES ACTIVITY CENTRE ON ITS TENTH .............................................................. 2
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YAU MA TEI ...................... 6
TEACHERS URGED TO IMPROVE PUPILS’ BEHAVIOUR ................. 7
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY 8
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT OFFICES ........... 9
WATER CUT IN SHAU KEI WAN AND CHAI WAN AREAS ................. 9
Issi^d by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tek5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
GOVERNOR OPENS TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION ******
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, TODAY DESCRIBED THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN SCHEME AS A +GIGANTIC PROJECT DEVELOPING WITH EXTRAORDINARY SPEED.*
AND HE PRAISED THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION IN THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AS A MAJOR REASON FOR THE SUCCESSFUL LAUNCHING OF THE NEW TOWN PROJECT.
+ IT MUST BE OUR ENDEAVOUR TO ENSURE THIS HARMONY IS MAINTAINED IN THE NEW TOWN TO COME, AND THAT THE GOVERNMENT SPARES NO EFFORT TO FULFILL THE PROMISE OF A BETTER LIFE WHICH IS THE NEW TOWN’S OBJECT*, HE SAID.
SIR MURRAY WAS OFFICIALLY OPENING THE P.W.D.’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN. THE EXHIBITION — THE FIRST PUBLIC DISPLAY OF THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTIONS FOR THE NEW TOWN — IS BEING STAGED BY THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE P.W.D., AND WILL BE OPEN FROM 10 A.M. TO 7 P.M. EVERY DAY UNTIL APRIL 16.
REFERRING TO THE BENEFITS TO BE REAPED FROM THE SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY CO-OPERATION, SIR MURRAY SAID: +WHAT THIS MEANS IS SHOWN IN THIS TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION, WHICH I COMMEND TO THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN AND TO THE REST OF HONG KONG, AND ALSO TO THE INDUSTRIALISTS AND DEVELOPERS WITHOUT WHOSE SUPPORT THE GROWTH OF THIS AND OTHER NEW TOWNS WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE.+
HE SAID: +THIS EXHIBITION RECORDS WHAT HAS BEEN ACHIEVED AND WHAT WILL BE ACHIEVED IN THIS GIGANTIC PROJECT.
+AND IT IS BEING OPENED AT A TIME WHEN THE NEW TOWN IS DEVELOPING WITH EXTRAORDINARY SPEED.*
HE SAID THE SHORELINE WAS CHANGING AS RECLAMATION MARCHED INTO CASTLE PEAK BAY.
THE TAI HING ESTATE, BEING BUILT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE FOR THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, HAD ALREADY CHANGED THE NEW TOWN SKYLINE.
AND BIG NEW FACTORIES TO PROVIDE JOBS FOR THE NEW RESIDENTS SEEMED TO BE +SPRINGING UP OVERNIGHT.*
+0F PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN THE NEW TOWN,* SAID THE GOVERNOR, +IS THE BUILDING OF PUBLIC HOUSING AS PART OF THE OVERALL HOUSING PROGRAMME.
/-SOME .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
2
♦SOME 70 PER CENT OF THE FINAL POPULATION OF HALF A MILLION PEOPLE IN TUEN MUN WILL LIVE IN PUBLIC HOUSING.
+THE FIRST ESTATE, SAN FAT, IS OCCUPIED AND THERE ARE NINE OTHERS TO COME -- EIGHT TO BE BUILT BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AND ONE BY THE HOUSING SOCIETY.
+THE FIRST PHASE OF TAI HING WILL PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR 24,000 MORE PEOPLE THIS SUMMER, AND A FURTHER 22,000 BY 1979.
+0N THE LAND NOW BEING FORMED BY RECLAMATION OF CASTLE PEAK BAY, YAU 01 AND ON TING ESTATES WILL ACCOMMODATE SOME 93,000 MORE PEOPLE. . WORK ON THE FIRST PHASE WILL START IN OCTOBER AND SHOULD HOUSE 30,000 PEOPLE BY FEBRUARY 1980.+
SIR MURRAY SAID THAT INDUSTRIAL GROWTH IN THE NEW TOWN HAD ALREADY REACHED MARKED PROPORTIONS.
+THERE ARE ALREADY 12 FACTORIES,* HE SAID, +AND A FURTHER 21 ARE BEING BUILT AND WILL BE WORKING LATER THIS YEAR OR EARLY NEXT YEAR.
♦INDUSTRIAL LAND WILL BE PRODUCED STEADILY SO AS TO KEEP STEP WITH THE GROWING POPULATION’S NEED FOR EMPLOYMENT.*
SIR MURRAY SAID RECLAMATION WAS ALSO MOVING AHEAD AT GREAT SPEED TO PROVIDE LAND FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
IN ALL, A TOTAL OF 93 HECTARES HAD ALREADY BEEN FORMED FOR VARIOUS PURPOSES, AND WAS NOW BEING DEVELOPED.
+ A FURTHER 72 HECTARES ARE BEING RECLAIMED AND WILL BECOME AVAILABLE OVER THE NEXT 18 MONTHS,* HE SAID.
+THE RECLAMATION OF SOME 70 HECTARES OF LAND ON THE WESTERN SIDE OF CASTLE PEAK BAY WILL START IN JUNE.*
THE GOVERNOR STRESSED THAT GOOD COMMUNICATIONS WITH THE OLD URBAN AREAS AND THE HARBOUR WERE ALSO VITAL TO THE PROSPERITY OF THE NEW TOWN.
WITH THIS IN MIND, THE FIRST THREE LANES OF THE TUEN MUN MOTORWAY WOULD BE OPEN EARLY NEXT YEAR, AND SHOULD PROVIDE A 15-MINUTE LINK TO TSUEN WAN, WHERE A CLEARWAY WAS BEING CONSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE RAPID PASSAGE TO KOWLOON.
+THE SECOND THREE LANES WILL BE COMPLETED IN 1980,+ HE SAID.
A HOVERFERRY SERVICE WAS ALSO BEING CONSIDERED, WHICH WOULD TAKE PASSENGERS TO CENTRAL HONG KONG IN HALF AN HOUR.
/SIR MURRAY
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
3
SIR MURRAY CONTINUED: +BUT A COMMUNITY CANNOT BE BUILT ON HOUSING AND WORK ALONE. THE PLANNERS HAVE THEREFORE SO ARRANGED THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN THAT COMMUNITY FACILITIES OF ALL SORTS WILL BE BUILT, STAGE BY STAGE, AS THE ESTATES AND FACTORIES DEVELOP.
+1 REALISE THAT A PROJECT OF THESE DIMENSIONS IMPOSED ON WHAT WAS ONCE A QUIET FISHING VILLAGE, HAS INVOLVED DISRUPTION OF THE LIVES OF THE ORIGINAL RESIDENTS, ALTHOUGH THEY AND THEIR CHILDREN WILL GAIN ENORMOUSLY FROM THE FACILITIES OF THE NEW TOWN.
+THE FACT THAT IT HAS BEEN POSSIBLE TO LAUNCH THIS PROJECT SUCCESSFULLY IS A GREAT TESTIMONIAL TO THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION WHICH PREVAILS IN THIS COMMUNITY AND THE WISE LEADERSHIP SHOWN BY THE RURAL COMMITTEE AND ITS CHAIRMAN AND BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK.+
IN HIS INTRODUCTORY SPEECH AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, MR. DAVID MCDONALD, SAID IT WAS APPROPRIATE THAT THE EXHIBITION COVERING TUEN MUN’S FUTURE SHOULD BE STAGED IN A SCHOOL, WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE WERE BEING TRAINED TO FILL THEIR ROLE IN THE FUTURE.
HE PRAISED THE ENTHUSIASM SHOWN BY THE CHILDREN
OF TUEN MUN TOWARDS A SPECIAL ART EXHIBITION ON THE THEME +THE TUEN MUN OF TOMORROW ... AS SEEN THROUGH THE EYES OF ITS CHILDREN+ WHICH IS BEING STAGED IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION.
+THEIR RESPONSE IS ENCOURAGING EVIDENCE OF THE INTEREST AND ENTHUSIASM OF THE YOUNG PEOPLE WHO WILL GUIDE THE FUTURE DESTINY OF TUEN'MUN,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD JOINED THE GOVERNOR IN PRAISING THE SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION WHICH WAS LEADING TO SUCCESSFUL PROGRESS IN THE NEW TOWN PROJECT.
HE SAID: +IT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE FOR THE P.W.D. ’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT TO SUCCESSFULLY CARRY OUT ITS TASK OF BUILDING THE NEW TOWNS WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE AND CO-OPERATION OF MANY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION, MANY PRIVATE AGENCIES, INDUSTRIALISTS AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPERS. AND LAST — BUT FAR FROM LEAST — THE LOCAL COMMUNITY.
+1 WISH TO THANK THEM ALL FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION, WHICH HAS BEEN READILY GIVEN IN THE PAST, AND WHICH I AM SURE WILL BE JUST AS READILY GIVEN IN THE FUTURE.*
0 - -
EDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
SHIPS CARRYING OVER 2,309 TONS OF"PERS I STENT OIL"NEED CERT IFICATES ******
A SHIP CARRYING MORE THAN 2,900 TONS OF"PERS I STENT OIL" IN EULK AS CARGO SHOULD NOT ENTER OR LEAVE HONG KONG UNLESS IT HAS A CERTIFICATE CONFIRMING THAT INSURANCE OR OTHER FINANCIAL SECURITY IS IN EFFECT IN RESPECT OF THE SHIP.
ACCORDING TO A NOTICE ISSUED BY THE DIRECTOR OF MARINE, THIS ALSO APPLIES TO A PORT IN ANY OTHER COUNTRY OR A TERMINAL IN THE TERRITORIAL SEA OF ANY OTHER COUNTRY IF THE SHIP IS REGISTERED IN HONG KONG.
THE DIRECTOR DREW THE ATTENTION OF SHIP OWNERS, AGENTS, CHARTERERS AND MASTERS TO THESE PROVISIONS IN THE MERCHANT SHIPPING (OIL POLLUTION) (HONG KONG) ORDER 1975.
HE POINTED OUT THAT FOR AM OIL TANKER CALLING AT HONG KONG A CERTIFICATE OR NOTIFICATION CONFIRMING THAT AN INSURANCE OR OTHER FINANCIAL SECURITY IS IN FORCE MUST DE PRODUCED FOR INSPECTION.
IN ORDER TO AVOID POSSIBLE DELAY, HE ADVISED SHIP OWNERS, AGENTS OR SHIP CHARTERERS TO NOTIFY THE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN WRITING AT LEAST 4£ HOURS IN ADVANCE OF THE TANKER’S ESTIMATED TIME OF ARRIVAL, BERTH, QUANTITY AND BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE OIL CARGC.
+THEY SHOULD ALSO GIVE US THE NUMBER, THE DATE CF EXPIRY AND ISSUING AUTHORITY OF THE CERTIFICATE CF INSURANCE OR OTHER FINANCIAL SECURITY IN RESPECT OF CIVIL LIABILITY FOR OIL POLLUTION DAMAGE, IF APPLICABLE,* HE SAID.
HE WARNED THAT CONTRAVENTION OF THE ORDER a ILL RENDER THE MASTER OR OWNER LIABLE ON CONVICTION ON INDICTMENT, OR CN SUMMARY CONVICTION, TO A FINE UP TO $400,009.
+ADDITIONALLY, IF THE VESSEL FAILS TC CARRY, OR THE MASTER OF THE VESSEL FAILS TO PRODUCE A CERTIFICATE, THE MASTER SHALL BE LIABLE ON SUMMARY CONVICTION TO A FINE UP TO A MAXIMUM 0-$5,909.
+A SHIP MAY BE DETAINED IF IT ATTEMPTS TO LEAVE A PORT IN HONG KONG IN CONTRAVENTION OF SECTION 10 CF SCHEDULE I TC THE ORDER,* HE ADDED.
COPIES OF THE NOTICE ARE OBTAINABLE FREE OF CHARGE AT THE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE OF THE MARINE DEPARTMENT IN ROOM 103c, 19TH FLOOR, RUMSEY STREET MULTI-STOREY CAP. PARK.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
GOVERNOR PRAISES HK PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ON ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY *******
ALTHOUGH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IS IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEAGUE FROM THAT OF TEN YEARS AGO, ITS AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR TECHNOLOGICAL AND MANAGERIAL IMPROVEMENT +IS AS ACUTE TODAY AS IT EVER WAS+, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
+PERHAPS IN THIS LIES ITS SUCCESS.+
SIR MURRAY WAS SPEAKING AT A LUNCHEON MARKING THE 1OTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE.
THE GOVERNOR SAID THE NEED +IS AS GREAT AS EVER+ FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND WELL-ORGANISED PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WHICH HAD MATURED WITH THE INDUSTRY IT SERVED.
+THE DOUBTS WHICH WERE EXPRESSED IN THE EARLY DAYS AS TO WHETHER HONG KONG INDUSTRY WOULD MAKE USE OF TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES HAVE LONG SINCE BEEN DISPELLED AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL FACILITIES WHICH THE CENTRE OFFERS TO INDUSTRY ARE GENERATING A GROWING DEMAND SO THAT THE CENTRE NOW EARNS 40 PER CENT OF ITS REVENUE,+ HE SAID.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECHl-
+MR. CHEN, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
+THE MERIT OF ANNIVERSARIES IS THAT THEY PROMPT US’ TO STOP FOR A MOMENT AND THINK. THINKING ABOUT THE HONG KONG PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE IS HIGHLY SATISFACTORY.
+THE WORKING PARTY WHICH LED TO ITS ESTABLISHMENT IN 1963 REFLECTED RECOGNITION THAT HONG KONG INDUSTRY HAD TO MAKE EFFECTIVE USE OF ITS ONLY MAJOR RESOURCE, THE SKILLS AND ADAPTABILITY OF ITS WORKFORCE, IN SUCH A WAY THAT REAL WAGES AND LIVING STANDARDS COULD RISE WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF ITS PRODUCTS.
+IN THE EARLY SIXTIES HONG KONG BECAME CONSCIOUS OF THE GROWING MATURITY OF ITS INDUSTRY. THE INFANT ELECTRONICS INDUSTRY WAS TAKING ITS FIRST TENTATIVE STEPS’ ALREADY THS CALL TO DIVERSIFY OUT OF TEXTILES WAS BEING HEARD, AND THE FIRST PLANNED INDUSTRIAL AREA AT KWUN TONG WAS RISING FROM WHAT HAD BEEN A FEW YEARS EARLIER A SQUATTER VILLAGE AND A RUBBISH DUMP. ITS NEW FACTORY BUILDINGS WERE EVIDENCE OF THE DRIVE TO BROADEN THE TECHNOLOGICAL BASE, IMPROVE PRODUCTION AND KEEP UP WITH INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION.
+WHEN THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE OPENED ITS DOOR IN 1967 THE WORKFORCE WAS 417,000. TODAY IT IS OVER 700,000. EXPORTS OF OUR OWN MANUFACTURES IN 1966 STOOD AT 55,730 MILLION. IN 1976 THEY REACHED $32,629 MILLION.
ABUT THO
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
♦BUT THOUGH HONG KONG’S INDUSTRY IS IN A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT LEAGUE TO THAT OF TEN YEARS AGO ITS AWARENESS OF THE NEED FOR TECHNOLOGICAL AND MANAGERIAL IMPROVEMENT IS AS ACUTE TODAY AS IT EVER WAS. PERHAPS IN THIS LIES ITS SUCCESS.
+SO THE NEED IS AS GREAT AS EVER FOR AN EFFECTIVE AND WELL-ORGANISED PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE WHICH HAS MATURED WITH THE INDUSTRY IT SERVES. THE DOUBTS WHICH WERE EXPRESSED IN THE EARLY DAYS AS TO WHETHER HONG KONG INDUSTRY WOULD MAKE USE OF TRAINING AND CONSULTANCY SERVICES HAVE LONG SINCE BEEN DISPELLED AND THE TECHNOLOGICAL FACILITIES WHICH THE CENTRE OFFERS TO INDUSTRY ARE GENERATING A GROWING DEMAND SO THAT THE CENTRE NOW EARNS 40% OF ITS REVENUE.
+BUT THE CENTRE IS NOT RESTING ON ITS LAURELS AND IS CONSTANTLY LOOKING FOR MORE AND BETTER WAYS TO SERVE INDUSTRY. I HAVE NOTED WITH INTEREST ITS RECENT SHIFT IN EMPHASIS AWAY FROM GENERAL MANAGEMENT TRAINING TO MORE TECHNOLOGICALLY BASED TRAINING AND INDUSTRIAL CONSULTANCY.
+BEFORE I CLOSE I MUST MENTION ONE NAME WHICH, IN HONG KONG IS ALMOST SYNONYMOUS WITH PRODUCTIVITY. DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG WAS APPOINTED TO THE WORKING PARTY ON PRODUCTIVITY WHEN IT WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1963, AND BECAME CHAIRMAN OF THE WORKING PARTY’S PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE SUB-COMMITTEE. HE WAS SUBSEQUENTLY APPOINTED TO THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL ON ITS FORMATION AND SUCCEEDED SIR SIK-NIN CHAU AS CHAIRMAN IN JANUARY 1974. DR. CHUNG WAS ALSO THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE COUNCIL’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, A POST HE HELD UNTIL HE RESIGNED FROM THE COUNCIL IN DECEMBER LAST YEAR, HIS INFLUENCE ON THE PRODUCTIVITY COUNCIL AND CENTRE HAS BEEN PROFOUND, AND THEIR PRESENT HIGH STANDING OWES MUCH TO HIM. BUT I AM CONFIDENT THAT HE HAS AN ABLE SUCCESSOR IN MR. S.L. CHEN AND THAT MR. CHEN WILL PURSUE THE INTERESTS OF THE CENTRE WITH EQUAL VIGOUR AND DETERMINATION.
+1 HAVE THE GREATEST OF PLEASURE IN CONGRATULATING THE PRODUCTIVITY CENTRE ON ITS FIRST TEN YEARS. I GIVE REASSURANCE, IF IT IS NEEDED, OF GOVERNMENT’S CONTINUED SUPPORT, AND AM CONFIDENT THAT THE CENTRE WILL CONTINUE TO MAKE A CONTRIBUTION TO THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF HONG KONG OF THE HIGHEST VALUE.+
-----0--------
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN YAU MA TEI * * * * *
THE TRANS°ORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT CHEONG LOK STREET, BETWEEN CHI WO STREET AND NATHAN ROAD IN YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON WOULD BE RE-ROUTED ONE wAY EASTBOUND, FROM 10 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 8).
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS .-.ILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
--.-0--------
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
- 7 -
TEACHERS URGED TO IMPROVE PUPILS’ BEHAVIOUR * * * *
AN UNDERSTANDING AND SYMPATHETIC TEACHER CAN DO MUCH TO IMPROVE THE BEHAVIOUR OF HIS PUPILS, THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (PROFESSIONAL) MR. HO NGA-MING SAID TODAY.
+HOWEVER, IT IS SOMETIMES IMPOSSIBLE FOR TEACHERS TO SOLVE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS OF THEIR PUPILS, ESPECIALLY PROBLEMS RELATING TO FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS, FINANCIAL DIFFICULTIES AND OTHER SOCIAL PROBLEMS.
+HERE ARE AREAS WHERE THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS COME IN. WITH THE CO-OPERATION OF TEACHERS, THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKER CAN BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL AND INTERPRET EACH TO THE OTHER,+ MR. HO EMPHASISED.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR WAS ADDRESSING ABOUT 230 SCHOOL HEADS, TEACHERS AND OFFICIALS OF THE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENTS WHO ATTENDED THE SECOND SEMINAR ON SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE AT CLEMENTI MIDDLE SCHOOL.
MR. HO, WHO OPENED THE SEMINAR, SAID THAT BROADLY SPEAKING SCHOOL CHILDREN HAD EITHER ACADEMIC OR BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS AND BOTH TYPES WERE VERY OFTEN INTER-RELATED.
HE ADDED: +TEACHERS, BY VIRTUE OF THEIR TRAINING AND DAY-TO-DAY CONTACT WITH PUPILS, CAN DEAL WITH MANY OF THESE PROBLEMS.+
AN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGIST IN THE SPECIAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, MRS. GRACE YUNG SAID THAT CASES REFERRED TO HER SECTION MAINLY CONCERNED ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
THEREFORE, SHE SAID, +IT IS CONSIDERED THAT TEACHERS AND SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS SHOULD GIVE MORE EMPHASIS TO INCIDENCES OF UNSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR ENCOUNTERED.+
MRS. YUNG SAID SCHOOL TEACHERS WOULD RATE ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF DISHONESTY, DISOBEDIENCE, LACK OF DISCIPLINE AND INATTENTIVENESS AS THE MOST SERIOUS BEHAVIOUR PROBLEM IN CHILDREN.
SHE SAID THAT MORE CHILDREN WERE SUFFERING FROM THREATS OF EMOTIONAL ANXIETY AS WELL AS INSECURITY, EXPRESSING THEIR DIFFICULTY IN BEHAVIOURAL PROBLEMS.
+IT IS THUS ADVISABLE THAT SCHOOLS SHOULD VIEW THE MANIFESTED PROBLEMS IN THEIR RIGHT PERSPECTIVE AND APPROACH THEM WITH ACCEPTANCE AND UNDERSTANDING WITHOUT CONSIDERING SUCH OCCURRENCES A DISGRACE TO THE SCHOOL,+ MRS. YUNG STRESSED.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1?77
8
IF EARLY SIGNS OF EMOTIONAL DISTRUBANCE IN CHILDREN WERE RECOGNISED AT THE ONSET, INTERVENTION AT THIS STAGE COUPLED WITH SUITABLE HANDLING COULD HELP TO PREVENT THE PROBLEM FROM BECOMING MORE SERIOUS.
+SUCH A SERVICE CAN BEST BE PROVIDED IF TEACHERS, SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS SUCH AS PSYCHOLOGISTS ALL WORK TOGETHER CO-OPERATING CLOSELY WITH ONE ANOTHER,+ MRS. YUNG SAID.
ALSO PRESENT AT THE SEMINAR WAS MRS. EVELYN DOE, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, WHO CHAIRED A DISCUSSION ON FURTHER IMPROVEMENT IN THE EXISTING SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE.
THE SEMINAR WAS CLOSED BY THE ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE (SOCIAL WORK), MRS. ANNIE CHAN.
SHE ALSO CALLED FOR CO-OPERATION AMONG ALL THOSE CONCERNED IN SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK.
MRS. CHAN REITERATED THAT THE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORK SERVICE WOULD BE STRENGTHENED IN THE NEXT SCHOOL YEAR BY INVOLVING MORE SCHOOL SOCIAL WORKERS IN THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THUS INCREASING THE NUMBER OF SCHOOLS TO BE SERVED.
------0-------
PRESS CONFERENCE ON EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY
*****
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY WILL HOLD A PRESS CONFERENCE AT 10.30 A.M. TOMORROW (THURSDAY) ON THE PROPOSED SETTING UP OF AN EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY.
ALSO PRESENT WILL EE THE ACTING DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (ADMINISTRATION), MR. BASIL BOARD, AND THE ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (EXAMINATIONS), MR. HERBERT WOO, AND THE SECRETARY OF THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION BOARD, MR. CHEUNG KANG-CHING.
THE CONFERENCE WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT’S CONFERENCE ROOM, LEE GARDENS, 3RD FLOOR, HYSAN AVENUE, CAUSEWAY BAY.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE PRESS CONFERENCE COVERED.
------o-------
'9
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 6, 1977
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT
******
PUBLIC
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT ITS WAN CHAI CARGO WORKING AREA, YAUMATI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WILL BE OPEN AS USUAL THROUGHOUT TH_ EASTER HOLIDAY PERIOD FROM APRIL 8 TO 11.
HOWFVER OFFICES OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT WILL ONLY OPERA?" FROM’7?30 a!m. TO 1.30 A.M. THE FOIL-™ MV THROUGH
FOLLOWING DAY THROUGHOUT
THIS PER IOD.
FROM 9 TO 11 A.M
tup VICTORIA SMALL CRAFT LICENSING OFFICE WILL BE OPcN
T E ON SATURDAY (APR IL 9) AND MONDAY (APRIL 11),
WHILE'THE ENTRY AND CLEARANCE OFFICE WILL BE OPlN FROM xO A.M.
TO NOON ON SUNDAY (APRIL 10).
ALL OTHER SECTIONS । THE HOLIDAY PERIOD.
OF THE DEPARTMENT WILL BE CLOSED THROUGHOUT
--------o--------
WATER CUT * * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI aAN AND CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR SIX HOURS BEGINNING AT MIDNIGHT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT LEAKAGE TESTS IN THE AREAS.
THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE NOS. 2-6 A KUNG NGAM ROAD, NOS. 27-69 (ODD NUMBERS) AND 43 AND 42 CHAI ..AN ROAD, AND THOSE IN HING WAH ROAD, LOK MAN ROAD, HONG MAN STREET, KUT SHING STREET, CHEUNG LEE STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET AND NING FOO STREET.
ALSO AFFECTED WILL BE CHAI WAN POLICE STATION, MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CHAI WAN LAUNDRY= LYEMUN EARRACK AND CHAI WAN HILL RESITE AREA.
PR 33
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUPPLEMENT
Wednesday, April 6, 1977
GOVERNOR OPENS TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION
Full Text Of Governor’s Speech
« * * * * * «
The Governor, Sir Murray MacLehose, today opened the Tuen Nun New Town Exhibition at Hoh Fuk Tong College at Castle Peak Road.
The following is the full text of the Governor’s speech delivered at the opening ceremony:
’’Ladies and Gentlemen:
, ”1 very much welcome this opportunity to open the Tuen hum New Town Exhibition. This records what has been achieved and what will be achieved in this gigantic project.
’’The exhibition is being opened at a time when the New Town is developing with extraordinary speed. The shoreline is changing as reclamation marches into Castle Peak bay; the Tai Hing estate has changed the skyline; and big nev/ factories to provide jobs for the new residents seem to be springing up over night.
”0f paramount importance in the New Town is the building of public housing as part of the overall housing programme. Some 70 per cent of the final population of half a million people in
/Tuen Hun .
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House. Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
2
Tuen Lun will live in public housing. The first estate, San Fat, is occupied and there are nine others to come, eight to be built by the Housing Authority and one by the Housing Society.
"The first phase of Tai Hing will provide accommodation for 24,000 more people this summer and a further 22,000 by 1979-
"On the land now being formed by reclamation of Castle Peak Bay, Yau Oi and On Ting estates will accommodate some 95,000 more people. Work on the first phase will start in October and should house 50,000 people by February 1980.
"And so the steady flow of new housing will continue until the town is completed in the mid-80s.
"But those who live in Tuen Lun must have work. So provision of industrial land and the attraction of industry is as important as the provision of housing.
"There are already 12 factories and a further 21 are being built and will be working later this year or early next. Industrial land will be produced steadily so as to keep step with the growing population’s need for employment.
"In aJJL a total of 95 hectares has already been formed and is being developed, a further 72 hectares are being reclaimed and will become available over the next 18 months. The reclamation of some 70 hectares of land on the Western side of Castle Peak Bay will start in June.
"It will be vital to the prosperity of the New Town to have good communications with the old urban area and the harbour. The • >
first three lanes of the Tuen Mun motorway will open early next year and should provide a 15 minute link to Tsuen Wan where a clearway is being constructed to provide rapid passage to Kowloon. The
/second three
3
second three lanes will be completed in 1980. I understand a hovur-ferry service is being considered which v/ould take passengers to central Hong Kong in half an hour.
*’A community cannot be built on housing and work alone* The planners have therefore so arranged the development of Tuen Mun that community facilities of all sorts will be built, stage by stage, as the estates and factories develop.
"I realise that a project of these dimensions imposed on what was once a quiet fishing village, has involved disruption of the lives of the original residents, although they and their children will gain enormously from the facilities of the Mew Town. The fact that it has been possible to launch this project successfully is a great testimonial to the spirit of co-operation which prevails in this community and the wise leadership shown by the Rural Committee and its chairman and by the Heung Yee Kuk. It must be our endeavour to ensure that this harmony is maintained in the New Town to come and that the Government spares no effort to fulfil the promise of a better life which is its object.
"What this means is shown in this exhibition which I commend to the people of Tuen Mun and to the rest of Hong Kong, end also to the industrialists and developers without whose support the growth of this and other New Towns would not be possible.
"I now ask the Chairman of the Heung Yee Kuk, Mr. Chan Yat-san, the Chairman of the Tuen Mun Rural Committee, Mr. Lau Wong-fat, and the other leading citizens and representatives of the people of Tuen Lun to join me in cutting the ribbon to officially open the Tuen Mun New Town Exhibition.”
0------
PRH
Gis| |f
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY TO BE SET UP ....... 1
PROPOSAL TO INCREASE RATE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT ...... 3
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL PUBLISHED IN GAZETTE TODAY ....................................... 4
SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES TO PRESENT PRIZES . 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
1
HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY TO BE SET UP ******
THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL HAS DECIDED THAT AN EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY, CHARGED WITH THE RESPONSIBILITY OF CONDUCTING EXAMINATIONS IN HONG KONG, SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE NECESSARY LEGISLATION.
IT WILL BE KNOWN AS THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY. THE ORGANISATION WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE THREE EXISTING MAJOR SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS - THE HONG KONG CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION, THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, AND THE ’A’ LEVEL EXAMINATION OF THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG - TOGETHER WITH ANY OTHER SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS THAT MAY BE INTRODUCED SUBSEQUENTLY, AS WELL AS THE EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS. (THE AUTHORITY MAY FIND IT APPROPRIATE TO CHANGE THE NAMES OF THE LOCAL EXAMINATIONS).
THE GOVERNOR IS TO APPOINT THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AS THE FIRST CHAIRMAN OF THE AUTHORITY, TO PRESIDE OVER THE TRANSITIONAL STAGE OF THREE YEARS. SINCE THE AUTHORITY WILL BE DEPENDENT ON THE CO-OPERATION OF VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS, IT IS CONSIDERED NECESSARY FOR THE FIRST CHAIRMAN TO BE AN OFFICIAL. THEREAFTER ANY MEMBER OF THE AUTHORITY, OFFICIAL OR UNOFFICIAL, COULD BE APPOINTED CHAIRMAN.
THERE WILL BE FIVE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AND BETWEEN 17 AND 20 OTHER MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR. THE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS WILL BE THE VICE-CHANCELLORS OF THE TWO UNIVERSITIES (OR THEIR REPRESENTATIVES), THE DIRECTOR OF POLYTECHNIC (OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE), THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (OR HIS REPRESENTATIVE) AND THE SECRETARY TO THE AUTHORITY.
AMONG THE APPOINTED MEMBERS THERE WILL BE THREE OTHER OFFICERS FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, ONE OF WHOM WILL BE THE PRINCIPAL OF TECHNICAL INSTITUTE AND A REPRESENTATIVE FROM EACH UNIVERSITY SENATE AND FROM THE POLYTECHNIC BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
THE REMAINING APPOINTED MEMBERS WILL BE DRAWN FROM SCHOOLS, COLLEGES OF EDUCATION, AND POST-SECONDARY COLLEGES, AND FROM COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY.
MEMBERS OF THE AUTHORITY WILL'BE APPOINTED FOR RENEWABLE TERMS NOT EXCEEDING THREE YEARS. THE INITIAL APPOINTEES WILL THEREFORE HOLD OFFICE FOR THE TRANSITIONAL PERIOD OF THREE YEARS DURING WHICH THE AUTHORITY WILL ASSUME ITS FULL RANGE OF RESPONSIBILITIES.
/appointment .....
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
2
APPOINTMENT OF SECRETARY
THE AUTHORITY’S FIRST SECRETARY WILL BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR WHILE SUBSEQUENT APPOINTMENTS OF THE SECRETARY WILL BE MADE BY THE AUTHORITY. IT MAY BE DESIRABLE FOR THE FIRST SECRETARY TO BE AN OFFICER FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WITH EXPERIENCE OF THE DEPARTMENT’S PRESENT EXAMINATION RESPONSIBILITIES, THOUGH CONSIDERATION WOULD BE GIVEN ALSO TO OTHER SUITABLE CANDIDATES. IF AN OFFICER FROM THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WERE APPOINTED, HE WOULD SERVE ON SECONDMENT FOR A TWO-YEAR OR THREE-YEAR PERIOD.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE GOVERNMENT SHOULD MAKE A SETTINGUP GRANT TO THE AUTHORITY TO COVER THE PROVISION OF THE ACCOMMODATION NEEDED FOR EXAMINATIONS OFFICES, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE HARBOUR, AND A CASH GRANT TO MEET THE COST OF FITTING OUT AND EQUIPPING THEM. APPROVAL OF THE GRANT WILL BE SOUGHT FROM THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
UNTIL THESE OFFICES ARE HANDED OVER TO THE AUTHORITY, ONE AND A HALF FLOORS OF OFFICE SPACE IN THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES NOW OCCUPIED BY THE EXAMINATIONS DIVISION WILL BE USED BY THE AUTHORITY. SUBSEQUENTLY, THIS OFFICE SPACE WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR OTHER PURPOSES.
H.K. EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY BILL
A BILL TO SET UP THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY WAS PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE. THE BILL WILL BE INTRODUCED IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL ON APRIL 20 AND IT IS INTENDED THAT THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, IF PASSED, SHOULD COME INTO OPERATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE THEREAFTER.
THE DECISION TO ESTABLISH THE AUTHORITY FOLLOWS CONSULTATIONS WITH THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND THE POLYTECHNIC. THE TERMS OF THE BILL AND OTHER ARRANGEMENTS PROPOSED FOR THE AUTHORITY HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED BY THESE INSTITUTIONS.
IT IS PLANNED THAT THE AUTHORITY SHOULD BE ESTABLISHED FORMALLY BY SEPTEMBER 1, 1977 IN ORDER TO PROVIDE IT WITH SUFFICIENT TIME TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMINISTERING THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION IN 1978.
IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE AUTHORITY SHOULD TAKE OVER THE MATRICULATION EXAMINATION OF THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG FROM 1979 AND THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY ’A’ LEVEL EXAMINATION FROM 1980. SHOULD IT BE DECIDED TO INTRODUCE ANY FURTHER SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS, THE ORGANISATION WOULD BE ABLE TO EXPAND ACCORD INGLY.
THE AUTHORITY WILL ALSO HAVE THE POWER TO CONDUCT ANY OTHER EXAMINATIONS APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR. THESE EXAMINATIONS, GENERALLY KNOWN AS ^EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS,* ARE AT PRESENT ADMINISTERED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT ON AN AGENCY BASIS. THEY INCLUDE THE GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION ’0’ AND ’A’ LEVEL EXAMINATIONS, “HE TEST OF ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE, LONDON UNIVERSITY EXTERNAL DEGREES, LONDON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE EXAMINATIONS AND A NUMBER OF EXAMINATIONS PROVIDING SECRETARIAL, ACCOUNTANCY AND PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS.
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
3
PROPOSAL TO INCREASE RATE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT
******
A BILL WHICH SEEKS TO INCREASE THE RATE OF SEVERANCE PAYMENT TO WORKERS WHOSE SERVICES ARE TERMINATED THROUGH NO FAULT OF THEIR OWN WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GOVERNMENT GAZETTE TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977, IF APPROVED, WILL INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE PAY PER YEAR OF SERVICE FROM ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S PAY TO HALF A MONTH’S PAY FOR MONTHLY RATED EMPLOYEES, AND FROM 10 DAYS’ WAGES TO 13 DAYS’ WAGES FOR TIME OR PIECE-RATED EMPLOYEES.
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF SERVICE WHICH WOULD BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN CALCULATING SEVERANCE PAY FROM FIVE TO EIGHT YEARS, PRIOR TO AUGUST 23, 1974.
THE MAIN EFFECT OF THESE CHANGES IS TO GIVE MORE SEVERANCE PAY PARTICULARLY TO LONGER SERVING EMPLOYEES WITH EIGHT TO 11 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE WITH THE SAME EMPLOYER.
A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT OF 168 TRADE DISPUTES INVOLVING SEVERANCE PAY HANDLED BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE, ABOUT 25 PER CENT WERE SETTLED AFTER THE EMPLOYERS HAD AGREED TO PAY 12 TO 30 DAYS WAGES FOR EVERY YEAR OF SERVICE.
+IN OTHER CASES,+ HE SAID, +EMPLOYERS MADE EX-GRATIA PAYMENTS TO ACHIEVE SPEEDY SETTLEMENT.+
+A NUMBER OF WELL ESTABLISHED COMPANIES OPERATE SCHEMES WHICH PROVIDE FOR REDUNDANCY PAYMENTS RANGING FROM 15 TO 30 DAYS’ WAGES PER YEAR OF SERVICE,+ HE ADDED.
THE LAW AT PRESENT PROVIDES FOR EMPLOYEES TO BE GIVEN SEVERANCE PAYMENTS AT A FLAT RATE OF ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S PAY FOR MONTHLY-RATED WORKERS, OR 10 DAYS’ WAGES FOR TIME AND PIECE-RATED WORKERS FOR EVERY YEAR OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A QUALIFYING PERIOD OF TWO YEARS’ SERVICE AND TO A MAXIMUM PAYMENT NOT EXCEEDING 12 MONTHS' PAY. ANY SERVICE IN EXCESS OF FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION, I.E. AUGUST 23, 1974, DOES NOT COUNT FOR THE CALCULATION OF PAYMENTS.
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/4
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
4
PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL
******
THE PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977, WHICH WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY, SEEKS TO ALTER CERTAIN REQUIREMENTS CONCERNING THE ISSUE OF PRACTISING CERTIFICATES.
IF ENACTED, A.N ACCOUNTANT WISHING TO APPLY FOR A PRACTISING CERTIFICATE FROM THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS WILL HAVc TO BE ORDINARILY RESIDENT IN HONG KONG AND TO HAVE SOME KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL LAW AND PRACTICE.
IN ADDITION, MEMBERS OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY AND THE INSTITUTE OF COST AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS, BOTH BASED IN BRITAIN, WILL NOT BE ISSUED WITH PRACTISING CERTIFICATES SOLELY BY VIRTUE OF THE MEMBERSHIP OF EITHER OF THE TWO INSTITUTES. WHILE THEY WOULD CONTINUE TO BE REGISTERED AS PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTANTS WITH THE HONG KONG SOCIETY OF ACCOUNTANTS THEY WILL NOT BE ISSUED WITH PRACTISING CERTIFICATES UNTIL THEY HAVE PASSED CERTAIN EXAMINATIONS.
COMMENTING ON THIS PROVISION, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF THESE TWO INSTITUTES IS NOT DIRECTED TOWARDS CONDUCTING STATUTORY AUDITS. AUDITING IS NOT EXAMINED AS A SEPARATE SUBJECT BY THE INSTITUTE OF COST AND MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS, WHILE THE TRAINING OF MEMBERS OF THE CHARTERED INSTITUTE OF PUBLIC FINANCE AND ACCOUNTANCY IS AIMED AT THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM.
BOTH INSTITUTES WERE CONSULTED AND HAVE RAISED NO OBJECTION TO THE AMENDMENTS.
+ THIS PROPOSED AMENDMENT WOULD BRING THE SITUATION INTO LINE WITH THAT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OTHER COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES WHERE THE TWO INSTITUTES IN QUESTION ARE NOT RECOGNISED FOR THE PURPOSE OF COMPANY AUDIT AND SHOULD RESULT IN THE SOCIETY OBTAINING WIDER OVERSEAS RECOGNITION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
THE BILL CONTAINS A NUMBER OF MISCELLANEOUS AMENDMENTS INCLUDING PROVISION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF FIRMS OF ACCOUNTANTS.
AT PRESENT, THERE IS ALREADY PROVISION FOR THE REGISTRATION OF INDIVIDUALS.
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/5
THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 1977
- 5 -
SECRETARY FOR THE NEu TERRITORIES TO PRESENT PRIZES *****
NOTE TO EDITORS:
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERR ITOR IES,MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A PRIZE-PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SECOND NEW TERRITORIES ATHLETIC MEET AT 3.30 P.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 11) AT THE MONGKOK STADIUM, BOUNDARY STREET, KOWLOON.
THE ATHLETIC MEET, WHICH WILL START FROM 9 A.M. THAT DAY, IS SPONSORED BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOL’S SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT.
0
PRH 7
PKlfliil Gisl IlM
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1977
30 PER CENT INCREASE IN PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCES ******
THERE WERE 522,469 LICENSED DRIVERS IN HONG KONG AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, ACCORDING TO STATISTICS RELEASED TODAY BY THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF FIVE PER CENT ON THE 1975 LEVEL.
DURING THE YEAR, 75,492 PROVISIONAL DRIVING LICENCES WERE ISSUED, COMPARED WITH 57,654 IN 1975 — SHOWING A SIGNIFICANT INCREASE OF 30 PER CENT.
A TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID TODAY DESPITE THE MODEST INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW VEHICLES ON THE ROAD LAST YEAR, THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS FOR DRIVING LICENCES AND TESTS REMAINED AT A VERY HIGH RATE.
WITH MORE DRIVING EXAMINERS PUT INTO SERVICE, THE SPOKESMAN INDICATED, THE DEPARTMENT WAS POSSIBLE TO TEST 175,000 CANDIDATES LAST YEAR. THIS AMOUNTED TO AN INCREASE OF 3.6 PER CENT OVER THE PRECEDING YEAR.
+HOWEVER.+ HE ADDED, +AS HAS BEEN FOUND IN THE PAST, AS SOON AS THE WAITING TIME FOR TESTS IS SHORTENED, THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF NEW APPLICATIONS AND THE WAITING TIME THEN INCREASES.*
AT THE END OF LAST YEAR, 92,000 CANDIDATES WERE STILL WAITING FOR TESTS AND THE WAITING TIME VARIED FROM 3-1/2 MONTHS TO 10 MONTHS, DEPENDING ON THE CATEGORY OF VEHICLE.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT FOLLOWING THE RESUMPTION OF DRIVING TESTS FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUS LAST MAY, THE DEPARTMENT RECEIVED OVER 15,000 APL(CATIONS.
REFERRING TO THE INDOOR DRIVING INSTRUCTION CENTRE, HE NOTED THAT THE TRAINING PROVIDED CONTINUED TO PROVE SO POPULAR WITH LEARNER DRIVERS THAT ALL COURSES REMAINED FULLY BOOKED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
THE CENTRE WAS SET UP IN JUNE 1974 AND SINCE ITS INCEPTION HAS TRAINED 8,310 PEOPLE.
/IT PROVIDES
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1977
- 2 -
IT PROVIDES 15—LESSON COURSES IN BASIC TRAINING TECHNIQUES TO CANDIDATES WHO HAVE PASSED THE WRITTEN TEST ON THE HIGHWAY CODE.
THE CENTRE TRAINS LEARNER DRIVERS IN THE USE OF VARIOUS CONTROLS, RECOGNITION OF TRAFFIC SIGNS AND CORRECT REACTIONS TO DIFFERENT TRAFFIC SITUATIONS BY USING DRIVING SIMULATORS, FILMS SHOWING ROAD CONDITIONS, AND A COMPUTER-CONTROLLER WITH WHICH THE INSTRUCTOR MONITORS THE DRIVING PERFORMANCE OF INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS.
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PUBLIC-SPIRITED YOUTHS COMBINE CLEAN-UP EXERCISE WITH PICNIC ******
ABOUT 130 MEMBERS OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL AND CLEAN YOUR CITY YOUTH GROUPS TODAY (APRIL 8) HAULED AWAY AND BURNED BASKETS OF RUBBISH FOUND ON NEW TERRITORIES BEACHES AT'THE START OF A DRIVE TO CLEAN UP UNGAZETTED BEACHES.
TWO 40-MEMBER GROUPS OF JPC MADE AN ASSAULT ON TUNG WAN BEACH ON MA WAN ISLAND AND TAI LONG SAI WAN IN SAI KUNG WHILE THE CYC GROUP OF 50 INVADED NAI CHUNG BEACH IN TAI PO.
WEARING COLOURFUL T-SHIRTS AND MATCHING CAPS BEARING THE CAMPAIGN THEME, THE PUBLIC-SPIRITED YOUTHS ENTHUSIASTICALLY GOT DOWN TO WORK WITH BROOMS AND SHOVELS PROVIDED BY THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT, ONE OF THE MANY GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS INVOLVED IN ORGANISING THE CAMPAIGN.
THERE WAS A PICNICKING ATMOSPHERE IN THE EXERCISE AS THE YOUTHS COMBINED THE OPERATION WITH AN ELEMENT OF FUN WHICH WAS HIGHLIGHTED WITH A BARBECUE LUNCH.
FOR THE JPC GROUPS, HOWEVER, THERE ARE MORE GAIETY IN STORE AS THEY HAVE PITCHED CAMPS AT TUNG WAN AND TAI LONG SAI WAN FOR THE NIGHT BEFORE STARTING WORK AGAIN TOMORROW (SATURDAY).
ON EASTER MONDAY (APRIL 11) IT WILL BE THE TURN OF ANOTHER CLEAN YOUR CITY GROUP TO CLEAN UP AN UNGAZETTED BEACH AT TUNG WAN IN CHEUNG CHAU. THIS WILL BE FOLLOWED BY THE CIVIL AID SERVICES OPERATION AT LO SO SHING BEACH ON LAMMA ISLAND ON APRIL 17 AND A CLEAN-UP OF LAI CHI WO BEACH, IN DOUBLE HAVEN, TAI PO BY JPC ON APRIL 30 AND MAY 1.
0 - - - - /3
FRIDAY, APRIL 8, 1977
- 3 -
ONE YEAR FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE ******
YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WITH INDUSTRIAL/PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE ARE INVITED TO ENROL IN THE ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME COURSE COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER AT THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE.
THE COURSE IS INTENDED FOR MATURE STUDENTS WITH SOME YEARS OF INDUSTRIAL/PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE WHO ARE INTERESTED IN THE TEACHING PROFESSION AND IN PASSING ON THE KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS OF THEIR OWN SPECIALISM TO STUDENTS IN TECHNICAL EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS.
INDUCEMENT GRANTS WILL BE GIVEN TO STUDENTS ON THIS COURSE AT THE MINIMUM OF $1,070 PER MONTH UP TO A MAXIMUM OF $1,640 PER MONTH. CALCULATED ACCORDING TO THE NUMBER OF YEARS OF SOUND, RELATED POST-QUALIFICATION INDUSTRIAL/PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE.
APPLICANTS FOR TECHNICAL ENGLISH COURSE AND PRINTING COURSE MUST HAVE SATISFACTORILY COMPLETED A TWO-YEAR FULL-TIME ORDINARY DIPLOMA/TECHNIC IAN DIPLOMA COURSE, OR A ONE-YEAR FULL-TIME SECRETARIAL COURSE, OR EQUIVALENT, IN THE TECHNICAL COLLEGE/ POLYTECHNIC/TECHNICAL INSTITUTES, OR AN EQUIVALENT COLLEGE.
HOLDERS OF ORDINARY NATIONAL DIPLOMA (UK) IN HOTEL AND CATERING OPERATIONS OR EQUIVALENT WITH PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE IN THE RELATED FIELDS MAY APPLY FOR HOTEL-KEEPING AND CATERING COURSE.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG.
ALL COMPLETED FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THIS ADDRESS BY APRIL 20.
_----o------
ORIENTATION COURSE FOR YOUTH LEADERS
*****
ABOUT 100 YOUTH LEADERS WILL ATTEND A THREE-DAY ORIENTATION COURSE STARTING TOMORROW (SATURDAY) AT THE MORRISON HOUSE ON HATTON ROAD.
ORGANISED BY STAFF OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S COMMUNITY, YOUTH AND SOCIAL CENTRES, THE COURSE AIMS TO INTRODUCE TO THE YOUNG PARTICIPANTS THE CONCEPT OF LEADERSHIP AND TO FACILITATE AM EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND EXPERIENCES AMONG MEMBERS OF THE CENTRES.
THE COURSE WILL INCLUDE TALKS, DISCUSSIONS, SOCIAL EVENINGS, A WORKSHOP AND A PANEL DISCUSSION.
MR. LAM KWOK-WAN, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER OF THE GROUP AND COMMUNITY WORK DIVISION, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY ON SATURDAY IN THE MORRISON HOUSE AT 1 P.M.
0
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APR IL 9, 1977
ASSISTANCE FOR CHILD CARE WORKERS
******
SUPERVISORS OF NURSERIES, PLAYGROUPS, CRECHES AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS WHO WISH TC IMPROVE THEIR SERVICE TO THE CHILDREN UNDER THEIR CARE CAN LOOK TO THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE SOCIAL ..ELFARE DEPARTMENT FOR HELP.
THERE THEY CAN HAVE ADVICE ON HOW TO SET UP AND RUN THEIR CENTRES AND, FOR THOSE WORKING FOR NON-PROFIT-MAKING VOLUNTARY AGENCIES, HOW AND WHERE TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID.
COMMERCIAL CHILD CARE CENTRES AS WELL CAN MAKE USE OF TRAINING COURSES SPECIALLY ORGANISED FOR THEM 3Y THE TRAINING SECTION OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT. AS THE PURPOSE IS TO ENCOURAGE MORE CHILD CARE WORKERS TO COME FORWARD TO EQUIP THEMSELVES WITH KNOWLEDGE ESSENTIAL FOR THEIR DAILY WORK, NO FEES ARE CHARGED.
ALTOGETHER EIGHT COURSES ARE HELD EACH YEAR — FOUR FOR WORKERS LOOKING AFTER BABIES UNDER T/.O, AND FOUR FOR WORKERS «ITH CHILDREN AGED TwO AND OVER. EACH COURSE LASTS FIVE MONTHS, .. I TH ONE WEEK OF TUITION EACH MONTH COMPLEMENTED IN BETWEEN BY PRACTICE AND ON-THE-SPOT GUIDANCE BY TUTORS AT THE TRAINEES’ PLACE OF aORK.
+ADDITIONAL SHORT COURSES WILL EE HELD LATER THIS YEAR ON SUEJECTS WHICH ARE OF SPECIAL INTEREST TO PARTICULAR GROUPS OF CHILO CARE WORKERS,+ SAID MISS NANCY CHOW, PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICE. AT THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE.
+ONE SUCH COURSE IS FOR PLAYGROUP LEADERS IN JUNE. THESE PLAYGROUPS DIFFER FROM MOST OTHER CHILD CARE CENTRES IN THAT THEY ARE USUALLY ENGLISH-SPEAKING AND THEIR SESSIONS ARE MOSTLY OCCUPIED a I TH PLAY ACTIVITIES.
+OTHER SHORT COURSES WILL BE HELD ON THOSE ASPECTS OF CHILD CARE WORK WHICH ARE FOUND TO EE DEFICIENT DURING REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF CHILD CARE ESTABLISHMENTS. ANOTHER COURSE WILL BE ORGANISED FOR THOSE WHO WORK WITH HANDICAPPED CHILDREN.+
FINANCIALLY, CENTRES WHICH PROVIDE A VALUABLE VOLU .T^P.Y ..ELFAR SERVICE CAN ALSO LOOK FOR HELP. BESIDES CAPITAL GRANTS AND PLAY EQUIPMENT GRANTS FROM LOTTERIES FUND AND DAVID TRENCH RECREATION FUND, SPECIAL DONATIONS ARE MADE FROM TIME TO TIME BY COMMUNITY ORGANISATIONS SUCH AS THE ROTARIANS AND THE LIONS.
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, ‘'977
2
THE GREATEST SHARE OF FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION, HOWEVER. IS TAKEN UP BY THE GOVERNMENT IN THE FORM OF SUBVENTIONS. IN THE COMING FINANCIAL YEAR, 1,900 MORE YOUNG CHILDREN WILL BE STAYING IN CENTRES WHERE THE RUNNING COSTS ARE SUBSTANTIALLY SUBSIDIZED.
+EVEN WHERE NO DIRECT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE, IN COMMERCIALLY-RUN CENTRES, THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE CAN BE COUNTED ON TO HELP IN SUGGESTING WAYS OF USING TO THE FULL EXISTING RESOURCES,+ SHE ADDED.
+ IT IS HOPED THAT BY ENFORCING MINIMUM STANDARDS OF OPERATION, EXISTING SUB-STANDARD CHILD CARE CENTRES COULD BE GRADUALLY PHASED OUT. AT THE SAME TIME, FOR THOSE WHO ARE GENUINELY INTERESTED IN PROMOTING THE WELL-BEING OF OUR YOUNGER GENERATION, PARTICULARLY CHILDREN FROM LOW-INCOME FAMILIES WHERE THE MOTHER HAS TO WORK, ALL POSSIBLE ENCOURAGEMENT AND ASSISTANCE WOULD BE READILY GIVEN,* MISS CHOW SAID.
--------0 - - - _
YOUNG PEOPLE FLOCK TO SEE THE TUEN MUN OF TOMORROW
******
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR ON WEDNESDAY IS PROVING TO BE A MAJOR HOLIDAY ATTRACTION TO THOUSANDS OF NEW TERRITORIES TRIPPERS.
DURING THE FIRST THREE DAYS OF THE EXHIBITION, MORE THAN 10,909 PEOPLE HAVE POURED THROUGH TO SEE THE EXHIBITS ON DISPLAY.
+MOST OF THE VISITORS ARE YOUNG PEOPLE,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT WHICH IS STAGING THE EXHIBITION AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN.
+THIS IS VERY APPROPRIATE WHEN YOU CONSIDER THAT ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF THE POPULATION OF THE TUEN MUN OF TOMORROW IS LIKELY TO BE UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE,* HE SAID.
+AND WE ARE GETTING MANY YOUNG COUPLES, OBVIOUSLY INTERESTED IN MAKING A FUTURE IN THE NEW TOWN.
+THEY SEEM TO BE SPENDING MOST OF THEIR TIME LOOKING AT THE STANDS ON HOUSING, COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RECREATION, AND *E’RE GETTING A LOT OF QUESTIONS FROM THEM ON THOSE SUBJECTS,* HE SAID.
THE EXHIBITION, WHICH IS ON UNTIL APRIL 16, TRACES THE EVOLUTION OF THE NEW TOWN AND DETAILS THROUGH A SERIES OF MODELS, MAPS, AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHS, FILMS AND LAYOUT PLANS HOW THE FORMER FISHING VILLAGE WILL BE TRANSFORMED INTO A THRIVING, MODERN METROPOLIS FOR SOME 509,999 PEOPLE BY THE MID-1980S.
IT IS OPEN EVERYDAY BETWEEN 10 A.N. AND 7 P.M.
SATURDAY, APR IL 9, 1977
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ~ A YOUNG CITY FOR YOUTH
*******
YOUTH RECREATION AND WELFARE WILL BE A KET FACTOR IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TUEN MUN NEW TOWN, ONE OF THREE MASSIVE TOWNSHIPS BEING BUILT IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TO HOUSE SOME 1.8 MILLION PEOPLE BY THE MID-’EIGHTIES.
THE TUEN MUN OF THE FUTURE WILL BE A YOUNG CITY — ABOUT ONE-THIRD OF ITS ULTIMATE 500,000 POPULATION IS LIKELY TO BE UNDER 15 YEARS OF AGE, REFLECTING HONG KONG’S OVERALL POPULATION STATISTICS WHICH LAST YEAR SHOWED 42 PER CENT UNDER THE AGE OF 20 AND 30.2 PER CENT UNDER 15.
+ THE NEEDS OF YOUNG PEOPLE HAS THEREFORE BEEN A PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION IN THE PLANNED DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN,* SAID A SPOKESMAN FOR THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT, WHICH IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PLANNING AND IMPLEMENTING THE NEW TOWNS SCHEME.
+GREAT EMPHASIS HAS BEEN PLACED ON EDUCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES IN THE NEW TOWN, AND YOUNG STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CITY’S PROJECTED TOTAL OF 40 PRIMARY SCHOOLS AND 32 SECONDARY SCHOOLS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF A WIDE RANGE OF CULTURAL FACIL(TIES,* HE SAID.
DETAILS OF THE FACILITIES FOR YOUTH ARE NOW BEING SHOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME AT A PUBLIC EXHIBITION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN AT THE HOH FUK TONG COLLEGE IN TUEN MUN. THE EXHIBITION IS BEING STAGED BY THE P.A.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEPARTMENT AND IS OPEN BETWEEN 10 A.M. AND 7 P.M. DAILY.
THE LOCATIONS OF EACH OF THE MEW PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, HAD BEEN CAREFULLY PLANNED SO THAT STUDENTS WOULD NOT HAVE TO WALK* MORE THAN 400 METRES TO REACH THEIR SCHOOLS. “ ' ’*•
SITES FOR A LOCAL POLYTECHNIC AND TWO TECHNICAL INSTITUTES HAD ALSO BEEN PLANNED TO PROVIDE TRAINING FOR THE SKILLED TRADESMEN AND TECHNICIANS NEEDED TC SUPPORT THE NEW INDUSTRIES OF TUEN MUN.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID A TOTAL OF 124 HECTARES OF LAND -- ABOUT 10 PER CENT OF THE ENTIRE NEW TOWN AREA — HAD BEEN SET ASIDE FOR OPEN SPACES.
+THESE WILL OFFER A VARIETY OF RECREATIONAL FACILITIES INCLUDING HILL WALKING, CAMPING AND ORGANISED SPORTS,* HE SAID. +IN ADDITION, LANDSCAPED GARDENS ..ILL BE FORMED AND OF COURSE THE BEACHES OF CASTLE PEAK BAY WILL REMAIN OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.*
A LARGE TOWN PARK WOULD BE BUILT IN THE CENTRAL AREA OF THE NEW TOWN WITH A SWIMMING POOL COMPLEX, AND A SECOND SWIMMING CENTRE WAS PLANNED TO SERVE RESIDENTS OF THE CITY’S NORTH-WESTERN AREAS.
/THE SPOKESMAN .
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 1977
4
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE CITY’S CULTURAL ACTIVITIES WOULD 3E HIGHLIGHTED BY TUEN MUN’S TOWN CENTRE AND CIVIC SQUARE, A COMPLEX OF BUILDINGS HOUSING AN AUDITORIUM, ART GALLERY, EXTENSIVE LIBRARY, EXHIBITION HALLS AND MEETING HALLS.
THE SQUARE WOULD BE LINKED DIRECTLY BY A PEDESTRIAN MALL TO RESTAURANTS, PEDESTRIAN PRECINCTS, SITTING-OUT AREAS AND SHOPS IN THE COMMERCIAL DISTRICT.
IN ADDITION, EACH OF THE CITY’S PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES WOULD FEATURE ITS OWN COMMUNITY CENTRES AND LOCAL RECREATIONAL AREAS.
THE SPOKESMAN SAID THE P.W.D. PLANNERS HAD ALSO BEEN CAREFUL IN PRESERVING INTERESTING AND TRADITIONAL FEATURES OF OLD TUEN MUN SO THAT THE FUTURE GENERATIONS WHO INHERIT THE NEW TOWN COULD MAINTAIN GOOD LINKS WITH THEIR CULTURAL PAST.
AMONG THE PROMINENT TRADITIONAL SITES TO BE RETAINED IS TSING SHAN MONASTERY, DATING BACK TO THE 5TH CENTURY A.D., AND ITS WOODED SURROUNDINGS, AS WELL AS THE WELL-DEFINED OLD VILLAGE CF YEUNG SUI HANG.
A WOODED HILL BEACH WILL ALSO BE THE TIN HAU TEMPLE
ON THE COASTAL PROMONTORY NORTH OF BUTTERFLY PRESERVED, PROVIDING A PERFECT BACKGROUND TO IN THE AREA DEDICATED TO THE GODDESS CF THE SEA.
GOVERNOR TO OPEN CAMP SITE FOR C.A.S. CADET CORPS
*******
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 50-ACRE CAMP SITE FOR THE CIVIL AID SERVICES CADET CORPS ON MONDAY (APRIL 11) MORNING.
THE CAMP SITE IS LOCATED ON A PLATEAU NEAR A DESERTED VILLAGE IN YUEN TUN SOME 750 FEET ABOVE TSING LUNG TAU IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH BEGINS AT 11.45 A.M.
TRANSPORT HAS BEEN ARRANGED TO TAKE MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES TO AND FROM THE CAMP SITE. SPECIAL PRESS VANS WILL LEAVE THE CIVIL AID SERVICES KOWLOON TRAINING CENTRE IN ARGYLE STREET (NEXT TO KOWLOON CITY POLICE STATION) AT 10 A.M. SHARP.
CIVIL AID SERVICES REPRESENTATIVES WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST THE PRESS.
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/5.....
SATURDAY, APRIL 9. 1977
54 BUILDING PLANS APPROVED IN FEBRUARY
******
A TOTAL OF 54 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE APPROVED BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE IN FEBRUARY, COMPARED WITH 46 FOR THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR.
OF THE PLANS APPROVED, 16 WERE FOR BUILDINGS ON HONG KONG ISLAND, 13 FOR KOWLOON AND 23 FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THEY INCLUDED PLANS FOR TWO 24-STOREY FACTORY BUILDINGS AT TSUEN WAN AND CASTLE PEAK. MOST OF THE OTHER PLANS WERE FOR APARTMENT/COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS.
IN THE SAME MONTH, 34 COMPLETED BUILDINGS WERE CERTIFIED FOR OCCUPATION. THE TOTAL DECLARED COST OF THESE BUILDINGS WAS MORE THAN 378 MILLION.
THE TOTAL USABLE FLOOR AREA OF THESE BUILDINGS AMOUNTED TO 75,956.2 SQUARE METRES, COMPRISING 29,018.9 SQUARE METRES OF DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA AND 46,937.3 SQUARE METRES OF NON-DOMESTIC FLOOR AREA.
APPROVAL WAS ALSO GIVEN FOR 58 NEW BUILDING PROJECTS TO COMMENCE WORK, INCLUDING A CINEMA BUILDING IN YAU MA TEI AND A GAS FOAMING PLANT IN TO KwA WAN.
THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ALSO GAVE CONSENT FOR THE DEMOLITION OF 28 BUILDINGS DURING THE MONTH.
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HOLIDAY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS DURING SUMMER MONTHS * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT TODAY ADVISED GOODS VEHICLE DRIVERS THAT THE ANNUAL SPECIAL HOLIDAY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SCHEME ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD WOULD BE RE-INTRODUCED FROM MAY 1 (SUNDAY).
A DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT UNDER THE SCHEME, ALL GOODS VEHICLES WOULD NOT EE PERMITTED TO TRAVEL ALONG CERTAIN SECTIONS OF THE ROADS DURING SPECIFIED HOURS ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS, UNLESS AUTHORISED IN WRITING BY THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT.
THE SCHEME, HE ADDED, WAS INTENDED TO RELIEVE TRAFFIC CONGESTION CAUSED BY THE COMBINATION OF BEACH-GOING TRAFFIC IN SUMMER AND SLOW-MOVING HEAVY VEHICLES.
ON CLEAR WATER BAY ROAD, ALL GOODS VEHICLES TRAVELLING IN AN EASTERLY DIRECTION WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM USING THE SECTION BETWtE KWUN TONG ROAD AND FEI NGO SHAN ROAD FROM 9 A.M. TO 2 F.M., AND GC^-> VEHICLES TRAVELLING IN A WESTERLY DIRECTION WILL NOT EE ALLOWED TO USE THE SECTION BETWEEN HIRAM’S HIGHWAY AND ANDERSON ROAD FROM 2 P.M. TO 7 P.M.
ON CASTLE PEAK ROAD, THE SECTION BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD AND TO ROAD WILL BE CLOSED FROM 11 A.M. TO 6 P.M.
THE SPOKESMAN POINTED OUT THAT THE SCHEME ,-OULD BE ENFORCED UNTIL OCTOBER 29.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1977
LOCAL FISH PRODUCTION
******
HONG KONG’S FISHERMEN, WHO MAKE UP LESS THAN TWO PER CENT OF THE TOTAL ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE POPULATION, SUPPLY NINE OUT OF EVERY TEN FRESH MARINE FISH WE EAT.
WHILE THERE HAS BEEN A DECLINE IN THE NUMBER OF ACTIVE FISHERMEN, AT AN AVERAGE RATE OF ABOUT TWO PER CENT PER ANNUM, CATCHES HAVE BEEN ON THE INCREASE OVER THE YEARS.
THIS IS ATTRIBUTABLE TO THE HIGH PRODUCTIVITY OF HONG KONG’S 5,500 FISHING VESSELS, THE MAJORITY OF WHICH (SOME 93 PER CENT) ARE NOW MECHANISED AND MANY EQUIPPED WITH SOPHISTICATED FISHING GEAR AND NAVIGATIONAL EQUIPMENT.
WITHIN SIX YEARS THE TOTAL QUANTITY OF FISH AND MARINE PRODUCTS HARVESTED HAS RISEN FROM 121,500 METRIC TONS, VALUED AT $316 MILLION, IN 1970 TO 156,900 METRIC TONS AT A VALUE OF $643 MILLION LAST YEAR — AN INCREASE OF 29 PER CENT BY QUANTITY AND 103 PER CENT BY VALUE.
HONG KONG PEOPLE ON THE OTHER HAND HAVE A GREAT APPETITE FOR FRESH FISH AND ON AVERAGE A PERSON EATS SOME 70 POUNDS OF THEM A YEAR. ABOUT 50 POUNDS ARE MARINE FISH AND 20 POUNDS FRESH /-ATER FISH. OTHER MARINE PRODUCTS, MAINLY SHRIMPS, CRABS AND OYSTERS, ARE NOT INCLUDED IN THIS GASTRONOMIC FIGURE.
THE AMOUNT OF FRESH MARINE FISH LANDED LAST YEAR WAS SOME 96,300 METRIC TONS. LOCAL FISH FARMERS SUPPLIED ANOTHER 5,182 METRIC TONS OF FRESH WATER FISH TO THE CONSUMER MARKET.
WHILE WE ARE ALMOST SELF-SUFFICIENT IN OUR SUPPLY OF MARINE FISH, FOR FRESH WATER VARIETIES, WE EAT SUBSTANTIALLY LARGER AMOUNTS OF IMPORTED FISH. EVERY EIGHT AND A HALF FRESH WATER FISH OUT OF TEN ON OUR DINING TABLE COME FROM CHINA AND MACAU.
A LARGE PROPORTION OF THE FISH LANDED OR REARED ARE DIRECTLY SENT TO THE KITCHEN, BUT SOME ARE SALTED, OTHERS DRIED AND SOME ARE TURNED INTO FISH SAUCE, FISH MAW, FISH MEAL, OR EVEN FISH OIL AND FERTILIZER.
/OTHER
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1977
- 2 -
OTHER MARINE PRODUCTS ALSO COME IN VARIETIES. BESIDES FISH, WE CAN HAVE ON OUR MENU PRAWNS, SHRIMPS, CRABS, LOBSTERS, SQUIDS CUTTLEFISHES, OYSTERS, ABALONES, CLAMS, SEA SNAILS, MUSSELS, SEA WEEDS AND EXOTIC SEA SNAKES AND SEA URCHINS - ALL FROM THE NETS OF THE LOCAL FISHERMEN.
NOT ALL THE FISH WE EAT, HOWEVER, ARE CAUGHT IN THE OPEN SEA ABOUT 980 FAMILIES ARE KNOWN TO BE ENGAGED IN REARING MARINE FISH IN CAGES SUSPENDED IN SHELTERED BAYS. ANOTHER 360 FISH FARMERS REAR FRESH WATER FISH IN SOME 1,777 HECTARES OF FISH POND IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, MOSTLY IN THE YUEN LONG AREA.
WHETHER IT BE A FRESH STEAMED GROUPER WE SAMPLE IN A SEAFOOD RESTAURANT OR PLAIN FISH AND CHIPS WE PICKED UP FROM A ’FAST’ FOOD SHOP, FOR THE FISH WE ARE ABLE TO ENJOY DAILY, WE ARE INDEBTED TO THESE HARD-WORKING FISH FARMERS AND THE FISHERMEN WHO WORK SOMETIMES AS FAR AWAY AS THE GULF OF TONKIN OR NEAR THE PARACELS SOME 500 MILES FROM HONG KONG.
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAM SHU I PO WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 P.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 12) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT WATER PIPES IN THE AREA.
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN CASTLE PEAK ROAD FROM TUNG CHAU WEST STREET TO YU CHAU WEST STREET, NOS. 742-888 CHEUNG SHA WAN ROAD, NOS. 483-493 AND 580-690 CASTLE PEAK ROAD, NO. 777 YU CHAU WEST STREET, NO. 77 WING HONG STREET, AND NOS. 603-613 AND 1,002-1,018 TAI NAM WEST STREET.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 1C, 1977
♦HAPPY WAGON* DRIVES HOME MESSAGES
******
MOST VEHICLES OF ITS AGE HAVE ALREADY BEEN SCRAPPED, BUT THIS +LORRY+, WITH A NEW ENGINE AND A COLOURFUL BODY, IS STILL ON ACTIVE DUTY — CONVEYING MESSAGES TO THE PUBLIC.
FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF A MOBILE THEATRE UNIT IN THE INFORMATION SERVICES DEPARTMENT IN OCTOBER 1974, A LORRY WAS CONVERTED INTO A MOBILE THEATRE. SINCE THEN, IT HAS TRAVELLED THOUSANDS OF MILES TC GET CAMPAIGN MESSAGES ACROSS TO PEOPLE ALL OVER HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THE MOBILE THEATRE, BETTER KNOWN AS THE +HAPPY WAGON* AMONG ITS AUDIENCE, IS A RELATIVELY NEW FORM OF PROMOTION VEHICLE TO SUPPLEMENT CONVENTIONAL MEDIA OF COMMUNICATION, SUCH AS THE PRESS, RADIO AND TELEVISION.
IT AIMS TO GET THE MESSAGE ACROSS TO PEOPLE THROUGH LIVE ENTERTAINMENT.
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PUBLICITY THROUGH SUCH A MEDIUM HAS BEEN PROVEN IN A SURVEY CONDUCTED LAST SUMMER. THE RESULT OF THE SURVEY SHOWED THAT 86.5 PER CENT OF THE 400 PEOPLE INTERVIEWED THOUGHT IT HAD SUCCESSFULLY CONVEYED THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES WHILE 91.5 PER CENT OF THEM SAID THEY COULD STILL REMEMBER THE THEME OF THE SHOW.
THREE OR FOUR TIMES A WEEK, MOSTLY IN THE EVENINGS, THE MOBILE THEATRE, BEDECKED WITH EYE-CATCHING DECORATIONS, BANNERS AND POSTERS, ARRIVES AT VARIOUS PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS, HOUSING ESTATES, OPEN AREAS OR BEACHES WITH MESSAGES OF CIVIC RESPONSIBILITY.
AT PRESENT, THE UNIT HAS ABOUT 60 LOCATIONS ON ITS VISITING LIST, AND ON AVERAGE THESE PLACES ARE VISITED ONCE EVERY TWO MONTHS.
AMATEUR AND PROFESSIONAL TALENTS ARE REGULARLY INVITED TO PROVIDE ENTERTAINMENT, USUALLY POP SONGS, FOLK MUSIC, DANCES, ACROBATICS, MAGIC OR PUPPET SHOWS, AND DRAMA GEARED TO THE CAMPAIGN.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MOBILE THEATRE UNIT SAID: +SOMETIMES MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC ARE INVITED TO GO ON STAGE TO HAVE A LITTLE CHAT WITH THE COMPERE OR JUST SIMPLY TO AIR THEIR OPINION. WHATEVER THEIR STANDARDS MAY BE, THEY COULD CHOOSE TO SHOW OFF THEIR TALENTS RIGHT THERE.*
BUT BEFORE THE SHOW STARTS OR DURING INTERVALS, THE CAMPAIGN MESSAGES ARE DELIVERED BY THE COMPERE. AT THE SAME TIME, PUBLICITY LEAFLETS, PAMPHLETS, STICKERS OR OTHER FORMS OF GIVE-AWAY ITEMS ARE DISTRIBUTED.
DEPENDING ON TIME OF THE DAY, WEATHER, LOCATION AND TYPE OF ENTERTAINMENT PROVIDED, AN AVERAGE OF ABOUT 600 PEOPLE ARE ATTRACTED TO EVERY SHOW. THE BEST RESPONSE, HOWEVER, COMES FROM RESIDENTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WHO FIND +HAPPY WAGON* PROGRAMMES FRESH AND INTERESTING.
/SINCZ ITS .....
SUNDAY, APRIL 10, 1977
SINCE ITS FIRST PARTICIPATION IN THE PROMOTION OF THE KEEP KWUN TONG DRUG FREE CAMPAIGN IN OCTOBER TWO YEARS AGO THE UNIT HAS TAKEN PART IN THE CLEAN HONG KONG, ROAD SAFETY, FIRE PREVENTION, POL ICE.RECRUITMENT AND THE FIGHT VIOLENT CRIME CAMPAIGNS.
COMMENTING ON THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT OF THE UNIT, THE SPOKESMAN SAID: +OUR MAJOR A’lM IS TO INVITE MORE VOLUNTARY PARTICIPATION AND TO SERVE MORE PEOPLE WITHIN OUR LIMITED RESOURCES.+
+WE HOPE, IN FUTURE, WHERE CIRCUMSTANCE PERMITS TO LEND THE LORRY TO VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SO THAT THEY CAN ALSO ORGANISE THEIR OWN CAMPAIGNS WITH OUR ASSISTANCE AND GUIDANCE,* HE ADDED.
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S.W.D. COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE MOVES ******
THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OFFICE (WONG TAI SIN) OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL MOVE ITS PRESENT ADDRESS IN CHING TAK STREET TO ROOM 510 AND 511, 5TH FLOOR, GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NORTH WING, KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG, ON THURSDAY (APRIL 14).
THE TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE OFFICE WILL BE 3-273327.
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PRM 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1977
f
NEW AIRCRAFT FOR R.H.K.A.A.F.
*****
THE ROYAL HONG KONG AUXILIARY AIR FORCE WILL HAVE A REPLACEMENT IN ITS FLEET OF AIRCRAFT LATER THIS YEAR.
THE FIRST OF THE BRAND NEW TRAINING AIRCRAFT, THE + BULL DOG+, TO BE PURCHASED FROM THE SCOTTISH AVIATION COMPANY AT A PRICE OF ABOUT HK$38O,OOO (LESS AVIONICS EQUIPMENT), SHOULD ARRIVE HERE BY SHIP IN OCTOBER.
THE SINGLE-ENGINED, THREE-SEATER PLANE WILL REPLACE THE BEECHCRAFT +MUSKETEER+ WHICH HAS BEEN IN SERVICE FOR ABOUT SIX YEARS.
THE COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE R.H.K.A.A.F., WING COMMANDER ROSS PENLINGTON, SAID TODAY THAT THE +BULL DOG+ WOULD MAINLY BE USED FOR TRAINING VOLUNTEER PILOTS.
HE SAID THAT THE FORCE’S PILOT TRAINING PROGRAMME HAD BEEN PUT BACK IN THE LAST TWO YEARS BECAUSE OF LACK OF SUFFICIENT TRAINING FACILITIES AND FUNDS. SUBJECT TO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL’S APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT 1977/78 ESTIMATES, IT IS HOPED TO PURCHASE A SECOND AIRCRAFT LATER THIS YEAR.
HE EXPRESSED THE HOPE THAT THE SITUATION WOULD IMPROVE FOLLOWING THE ARRIVAL OF THE NEW AIRCRAFT.
THE +BULL DOG+, THE WING COMMANDER SAID, WAS TO REPLACE THE EXISTING +MUSKETEER+ WHICH IS LOW-POWERED AND IS UNSAFE TO USE FROM SEK KONG AIRSTRIP WHERE, DUE TO CONGESTION AT KAI TAK, A LOT OF TRAINING IS DONE.
+THE R.H.K.A.A.F. HAS DECIDED TO BUY THIS MODEL BECAUSE IT CAN CARRY OUT THE KIND OF TRAINING WHICH BEST SUITS HONG KONG’S REQUIREMENT+, HE SAID. +MOREOVER, IT IS CHEAPER THAN OTHER AIRCRAFT OF ITS TYPE+.
BESIDES, +BULL DOG+ IS A MODEL USED BY THE BRITISH AND MALAYSIAN AIR FORCES FOR THE TRAINING OF PILOTS.
ON THE CAPACITY OF THE AIRCRAFT, MR. PENLINGTON SAID, WITH A RANGE OF 500 MILES, IT COULD ACHIEVE A SPEED OF 120 MILES PER HOUR.
APART FROM BEING USED TO TRAIN VOLUNTEER PILOTS FOR THE R.H.K.A.A.F., THE AIRCRAFT WILL ALSO BE USED IN SEARCHING AND RESCUE OPERATIONS.
Issued by Government information Services, Beaconsfield House, Ho/g+lPong.?e): 6-1S3191
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1977
- 2 -
+DUE TO HONG KONG’S MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN,+ HE SAID, +FLYING HERE DEMANDED MUCH HIGHER STANDARD FROM HELICOPTER PILOTS THAN IN MANY OTHER PLACES AND THIS IS WHY OUR PILOTS MUST HAVE PROPER TRAINING ON PROPER MILITARY TRAINING AIRCRAFT-*.
TO ENSURE THEIR PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS, ALL PILOTS AND CREWMEN OF THE R.H.K.A.A.F. ARE TESTED BY THE ROYAL AIR FORCE EXAMINING UNIT ONCE A YEAR AND ALL MEMBERS ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND REGULAR TRAINING.
FORMED IN 1949, THE R.H.K.A.A.F. AT PRESENT OPERATES A FLEET OF FIVE AIRCRAFT — THREE HELICOPTERS, A TWIN-ENGINED ISLANDER AND A MUSKETEER LIGHT AIRCRAFT. {
IT HAS A STRENGTH OF SOME 130, OF WHOM 110 ARE VOLUNTEERS, BOTH EUROPEANS AND CHINESE, WHO GIVE UP A LOT OF THEIR FREE TIME FOR THIS SERVICE WHICH IS OF MUCH BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY AND THE GOVERNMENT.
- - - - 0 ----------
N.T. SPORTS PROJECTS IN ADVANCED STAGES *******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, SAID TODAY A NUMBER OF GOVERNMENT PROJETCS WERE NOW WELL ADVANCED AND WOULD, ON COMPLETION, PROVIDE ADEQUATE FACILITIES FOR COMPETITIVE SPORTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE SAID THESE PROJECTS IN THE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES MARKED A CONSISTENT EFFORT TO MAKE GOOD THE PRESENT DEF ICIENCIES.
FOR EXAMPLE, HE SAID, THE NEXT TWO YEARS WOULD SEE THE SCHEDULED COMPLETION OF AN INDOOR GAMES HALL IN SOUTH KWAI CHUNG, THE FLOODLIGHTING AND CONVERSION OF THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND INTO A 10,000-SEAT STADIUM, AND A 10-ACRE SPORTS GROUND IN KWAI CHUNG.
♦THESE AND PLANS FOR MANY FACILITIES ARE WELL ADVANCED, AND WE CAN LOOK FORWARD CONFIDENTLY TO THE DAY WHEN THERE WILL BE ADEQUATE FACILITIES FOR COMPETITIVE SPORTS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES TOWNS,+ HE SAID.
MR. AKERS-JONES WAS SPEAKING AT A PRIZE PRESENTATION CEREMONY OF THE SECOND NEW TERRITORIES ATHLETIC MEET JOINTLY SPONSORED BY THE HEUNG YEE KUK, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOL’S SPORTS ADVANCEMENT ASSOCIATION AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM.
HE SAID ALTHOUGH THE NEW TERRITORIES BENEFITED FROM HAVING THE MAJORITY OF NATURAL RECREATIONAL AREAS SUCH AS COUNTRY PARKS, BEACHES, WALKING AREAS AND RESERVOIRS WHICH UNDOUBTEDLY PROVIDED CONSIDERABLE SCOPE FOR HEALTHY RECREATION, THEY WERE NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR THE PROVISION OF PURPOSE-BUILT GAMES AND SPORTS FAC ILITIES.
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/3....
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1977
- 3 -
SEMINAR ON LABORATORY SAFETY
*****
ABOUT 450 SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS WILL ATTEND A SEMINAR ON LABORATORY SAFETY TOMORROW (TUESDAY) AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION.
THE AIM OF THE SEMINAR IS TO AROUSE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFETY MEASURES IN LABORATORY WORK AMONG SCIENCE TEACHERS AND TECHNICIANS.
TALKS ON LABORATORY SAFETY AND OTHER TOPICS SUCH AS FIRE AND CHEMICAL HAZARDS IN LABORATORIES, SAFE USE OF ELECTRICITY AND RADIOACTIVE SOURCES, AND FIRST AID IN SCIENCE LABORATORIES WILL BE GIVEN BY EXPERIENCED TEACHERS AND SPECIALISTS IN THESE FIELDS. THERE WILL ALSO BE AN EXHIBITION ON LABORATORY SAFETY. PARTICIPANTS WILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO EXCHANGE IDEAS AND DISCUSS MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST.
THE SEMINAR IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MR. ALEX REEVE WILL GIVE THE OPENING ADDRESS.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
THE SEMINAR’S OPENING CEREMONY WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 A.M. AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, GASCOIGNE ROAD, KOWLOON.
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE EVENT COVERED.
--------o - - - -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC RE-ROUTING IN KWUN TONG *****
A NUMBER OF TEMPORARY TRAFFIC AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE INTRODUCED IN KWUN TONG FROM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 13) TO FACILITATE DRAINAGE WORKS IN THE AREA.
STARTING FROM 10 A.M. ON THAT DAY, THE SECTION OF NGAU TAU KOK ROAD BETWEEN KWUN TONG ROAD AND SHING SHUN ROAD,WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY SOUTHBOUND. SHING SHUN ROAD BETWEEN NGAU TAU KOK ROAD AND KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE RE-ROUTED FROM TWO-WAY TO ONE-WAY WESTBOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, KME ROUTE NOS. 2A, 6D, 13A, 89, 209 AND 211 TRAVELLING SOUTHBOUND ALONG KWUN TONG ROAD WILL BE DIVERTED TO NGAU TAU KOK ROAD DIRECT INSTEAD OF OPERATING VIA SHING SHUN ROAD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 1977
- 4 -
PASSING-OUT PARADE OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS
* * * * *
FORTY-SIX RECRUITS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT WILL TAKE PART IN A PASSING-OUT PARADE TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY (APRIL 14) AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND IN HAPPY VALLEY.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. ALAN SCOTT, WILL INSPECT THE PARADE. HE WILL ALSO MAKE AN ADDRESS.
THE RECRUITS CONSIST OF 21 ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 25 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S PASSING-OUT PARADE. THE PARADE WILL BEGIN AT 9.30 A.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 14) AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND IN SPORTS ROAD, HAPPY VALLEY.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, AP=?IL 12, 1977
contents
“AGE NO.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES STRESSED ........ 1
68 LOCAL RESIDENTS TO RECEIVE INSIGNIA .................... 2
WORK ON SAI KUNG (TUI MIN HOI) RURAL TOWNSHIP TO START SOON ................................................ ?
WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DAY ............................... 5
WATER CUT IN CHAI WAN AREA ................................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1977
1 -
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN SCHOOL LABORATORIES STRESSED
******
GENERALLY SPEAKING, SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORIES ARE RELATIVELY SAFE PLACES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING, THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MR. ALEC REEVE SAID THIS MORNING.
ADDRESSING ABOUT 450 SCIENCE TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ATTENDING A SEMINAR ON LABORATORY SAFETY AT GRANTHAM COLLEGE OF EDUCATION, MR. REEVE POINTED OUT THAT VERY FEW ACCIDENTS OCCURRED IN THE COURSE OF ONE ACADEMIC YEAR.
+HOWEVER, PUPILS NOWADAYS ARE ENCOURAGED TO MAKE MORE PRACTICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR THEMSELVES- SOMETIMES THEY ARE ASKED TO WORK WITH HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS, HIGH VOLTAGES, RADIOACTIVE SOURCES AND BACTERIOLOGICAL MATERIAL.
+IT CAN BE ARGUED THAT AS A RESULT OF ENCOURAGING PUPILS TO MAKE MORE PRACTICAL INVESTIGATIONS FOR THEMSELVES MORE ACCIDENTS IN THE LABORATORY ARE LIKELY TO HAPPEN.
+AT THE SAME TIME IT IS THOUGHT THAT EVEN THE FEW ACCIDENTS THAT DO OCCUR CAN BE PREVENTED BY BEING ON ONE’S GUARD, BY MAKING ONESELF MORE INFORMED AND BY PLANNING EXPERIMENTS MORE CAREFULLY,* HE SAID.
THIS WAS THE MAIN PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR -- +T0 MAKE US ALL BETTER INFORMED ON ALL ASPECTS OF SAFETY PRECAUTIONS IN LABORATORY WORK.*
THE SEMINAR, THE FIRST OF ITS KIND IN HONG KONG, WAS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE SCIENCE SUBJECTS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION AND THE HONG KONG LABORATORY TECHNICIANS ASSOCIATION.
MR. REEVE HOPED THAT THIS JOINT VENTURE WOULD BE THE BEGINNING OF CLOSER COOPERATION BETWEEN LABORATORY TECHNICIANS, THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG ASSOCIATION FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION WHICH HAD PLAYED AN EXTREMELY ACTIVE PART IN PROMOTING SCIENCE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG.
THE DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS SAID THAT NOT ONLY HAD SCHOOL TEACHERS AND LABORATORY TECHNICIANS SHOWN A VERY KEEN RESPONSE, BUT ALSO HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF EDUCATION AND NON-EDUCATIONAL BODIES LIKE THE HONG KONG INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE HONG KONG STANDARDS AND TESTING CENTRE HAD EXPRESSED KEEN INTEREST AND HAD SENT REPRESENTATIVES TO ATTEND THE SEMINAR.
HE THANKED GUEST SPEAKERS FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT, THE RADIATION BOARD, ST. JOHN’S AMBULANCE BRIGADE, HONG KONG ELECTRIC COMPANY, DIOCESAN BOYS’ SCHOOL AND THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
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TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1977
2 -
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ******
SIXTY-EIGHT LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO HAVE BEEN DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY WILL RECEIVE THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THE INSIGNIA TO BE PRESENTED INCLUDE ONE CMG, THREE CBE’S, FOUR OBE’S, THREE ISO’S, FIVE MBE’S AND THREE MBE’S (H).
MOST OF THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS
SPECIAL PARKING ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE MADE FOR GUESTS ATTENDING THE PRESENTATION CEREMONY.
ALL CARS CARRYING GUESTS MAY ENTER GOVERNMENT HOUSE BY THE MAIN GATE.
HOWEVER, ONLY VEHICLES BEARING GH LABELS MAY PARK IN THE FORECOURT OR TENNIS COURTS AS DIRECTED, OR, IF CHAUFFEUR DRIVEN, RETURN AT 6.50 P.M.
VEHICLES BEARING BLUE LABELS MUST LEAVE BY THE EAST GATE AND MAY THEN PARK AT UPPER ALBERT ROAD, LOWER ALBERT ROAD, THE SLIP ROAD TO THE SOUTH OF THE UNITED STATES CONSULATE BUILDING, THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD, AND THE CAR PARK AT CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, LOWER ALBERT ROAD.
PARKING FACILITIES IN METERED SPACES IN UPPER AND LOWER ALBERT ROADS AND THE METERED CAR PARK BETWEEN KENNEDY ROAD AND GARDEN ROAD WILL BE SUSPENDED FROM 3 P.M. TO 7.33 P.M. TOMORROW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF A LIST OF THE RECIPIENTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM THE PRESS ROOM, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE, 6TH FLOOR, AT 6 P.M. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
ONLY PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WITH SPECIAL PASSES WILL BE ADMITTED TO GOVERNMENT HOUSE. THEY SHOULD MEET GIS OFFICERS IN THE GUARD ROOM OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE NOT LATER THAN 5.33 P.M.
NEWSPAPERS NOT RECEIVING PASSES WILL BE ABLE TO OBTAIN PHOTOGRAPHS BY MAKING ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE SUPPLY OF PRINTS IN THE ORDINARY WAY WITH CAMBRIDGE WONG’S STUDIO AT ROOM 536, MANNING HOUSE, 38-48 QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL, TELE°HONE NO. 5-237833.
o - - - -
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1977
3
SAI KUNG (TUI MIN HOI) RURAL TOWNSHIP ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL BEGIN WORK IN A FEW DAYS ON A MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SCHEME FOR THE TUI MIN HOI AREA OF SAI KUNG AS PART OF A MASSIVE RURAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME AIMED AT PROVIDING BETTER LIVING CONDITIONS FOR SOME 350,000 PEOPLE.
THE PROJECT WILL BE THE FIRST STEP IN BRINGING SAI KUNG AND TUI MIN HOI TOGETHER AS ONE INTEGRATED COMMUNITY WITH NEW HOUSING, LIGHT INDUSTRIAL SITES, IMPROVED ROAD ACCESS, RECREATIONAL FACILITIES AND A VILLAGE HALL TO SERVE THE AREA’S EVENTUAL POPULATION OF 25,000.
THE SAI KUNG-TUI MIN HOI TOWNSHIP IS ONE OF EIGHT PLANNED BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (N.T.D.D.) IN RURAL AREAS OUTSIDE THE THREE NEW TOWNS OF SHA TIN, TSUEN WAN AND TUEN MUN.
OTHERS ARE PLANNED AT MUI WO AND TAI 0 ON LANTAU ISLAND, CHEUNG CHAU, PENG CHAU, LAU FAU SHAN, TAN KWAI TSUEN AND SHAM TSENG.
THE FIRST CONTRACT, WORTH ABOUT $6.5 MILLION, FOR THE STAGE ONE DEVELOPMENT OF TUI MIN HOI WAS SIGNED THIS (TUESDAY) MORNING IN THE P.W.D.’S SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT OFFICE WITH THE SUCCESSFUL CONTRACTOR, LINGKING BROTHERS AND CO. LTD.
MR. KENNETH KWOK, GOVERNMENT ENGINEER (NEW TERRITORIES) OF THE N.T.D.D. WHO SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNMENT, SAID THE WORKS WOULD BEGIN IN THE NEXT FEW DAYS AND SHOULD TAKE ABOUT 12 MONTHS TO COMPLETE.
WORK UNDER THE FIRST STAGE WOULD INVOLVE SITE FORMATION, RECLAMATION, ROADS AND DRAINAGE. ALMOST 13 HECTARES OF LAND WOULD BE FORMED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING AS WELL AS HOMES FOR FISHERMEN, HE SAID.
LAND WOULD ALSO BE PROVIDED FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL AND GOVERNMENT USE AND 1.6 KM OF A NEW TWO-LANE ROAD CONNECTING HIRAM’S HIGHWAY TO THE EXISTING FISHERMEN’S HOUSING AND CARITAS HOUSING DEVELOPMENT SCHEME IN THE EASTERN HALF OF TUI MIN HOI.
IN ADDITION, SOME SEVEN KILOMETRES OF STORMWATER AND FOUL WATER DRAINS AND 260 METRES OF SEAWALL WOULD EE CONSTRUCTED.
WHEN THE FULL PROGRAMME WAS COMPLETED MUCH OF SAI KUNG TUK, THE INLET NOW SERVING AS A SHELTERED ANCHORAGE POR SAI KUNG TOWN, WOULD HAVE BEEN RECLAIMED TO FORM SITES FOR LIGHT INDUSTRIAL, RESIDENTIAL AND GOVERNMENT USE AND OPEN SPACE.
/♦BOATYARDS .....
TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 1977
+BOATYARDS AND OTHER FACILITIES DISPLACED BY THE RECLAMATION WILL BE RELOCATED ALONG THE SHORE TO THE EAST OF TUI MIN HOI AND PLANS ARE BEING CONSIDERED FOR A NEW TYPHOON SHELTER OFF THIS EASTERN SHORELINE TO REPLACE THE EXISTING ANCHORAGE,* SAID MR. KWOK.
MR. KWOK EMPHASIZED SAI KUNG’S SIGNIFICANCE AS A RURAL SERVICE CENTRE HAD INCREASED IN RECENT YEARS, AND THIS TREND WAS EXPECTED TO CONTINUE.
+THE INTEGRATED GROWTH OF SAI KUNG TOWN AND TUI MIN HOI IS CONSIDERED TO BE PARTICULARLY IMPORTANT FOR THIS ASPECT OF THE PROPOSALS,* HE SAID.
APART FROM THE CARITAS HOUSING PROJECT, ONE COMPLEX OF FISHERMEN’S HOMES WAS COMPLETED AS FAR BACK AS 1975 AND NOW HOUSES ABOUT 250 PEOPLE. THE NEXT STAGE OF THIS WORK WILL SEE ANOTHER 230 HOMES BUILT FOR 1,700 PEOPLE, AS WELL AS 120 PUBLIC HOUSING UNITS FOR 1,100 PEOPLE. THE ENTIRE SITE WILL ADJOIN A SMALL VILLAGE HALL, SERVICE AREA AND CARPARK.
IN ADDITION, NEW PRIVATE VILLAGE HOUSING FOR ANOTHER 1,550 PEOPLE WOULD BE ESTABLISHED IN VARIOUS PARTS OF TUI MIN HOI.
IN THE OVERALL DEVELOPMENT PLANS FOR TUI MIN HOI, SITES HAVE ALSO BEEN SET ASIDE FOR A PROPOSED MARKET, A MARINE DEPARTMENT LICENSING STATION OVERLOOKING THE PROPOSED TYPHOON SHELTER, A MARINE FUELLING STATION, A SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS SOUTH OF THE NEW BOATYARD AREA ON TUI MIN HOI’S EASTERN SHORES, A SAND DEPOT NEAR THE SEWAGE PLANT AND NEXT TO IT A PROPOSED SLAUGHTERHOUSE.
ON THE EDUCATION SIDE, TUI MIN HOI PRIMARY SCHOOL IS TO BE RETAINED AND ADDITIONAL FACILITIES WILL BE PROVIDED OUTSIDE THE PLANNING AREA WITHIN EASY WALKING DISTANCE OF TUI MIN HOI.
A RESERVE AREA WEST OF THE SECOND STAGE OF THE FISHERMEN’S HOUSING PROJECT HAS ALSO BEEN EARMARKED AS A POSSIBLE KINDERGARTEN SITE.
FOR RECREATION, FIVE AREAS OF LOCAL OPEN SPACE HAVE BEEN ALLOTTED, INCLUDING ONE OFF THE FUTURE COASTAL ROAD, WHICH IS INTENDED FOR A MINI-SOCCER PITCH.
IN ADDITION, THE EXISTING WOODED AREA BETWEEN SAI KUNG TUK AND SAI KUNG CAMP WILL BE RETAINED AS A NATURAL OPEN SPACE FOR RECREATION.
TUESDAY, APR IL 12
1977
WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DAY
*****
LOCAL AMATEUR RADIO ENTHUSIASTS WILL AGAIN HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO TAKE PART IN A WORLD-;. IDE COMPETITION FOR THE ’INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU) TROPHY’ NEXT MONTH.
THE COM°ETITION COMMEMORATES WORLD TELECOMMUNICATION DAY ON MAY 17, WHICH IS THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDATION OF THE ITU IN 1865.
IT IS SPONSORED EY THE BRAZILIAN MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE BRAZILIAN RADIC AMATEUR ORGANISATION, LIGA DE AMADORES BRASILEIROS DE RADIOEMISSAO (LABRE).
FOR TELEPHONY THE COMPETITION WILL EE HELD ON MAY 14 (SATURDAY) FROM 3003H GMT TO 2433H GMT. THE TELEGRAPHY PERIOD WILL BE ON MAY 21 (SATURDAY) FROM 3000H GMT TO 243OH GMT.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, IN ADDITION TO THE ’ITU TROPHY’, THERE WILL BE GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE MEDALS FOR THE FIRST THREE IN ECTH THE TELEGRAPHY AND TELEPHONY CLASSES.
THE THREE HIGHEST SCORING AMATEURS FOR EACH MODE OF EMISSION IN EACH COUNTRY WILL BE AWARDED DIPLOMAS.
COPIES OF THE RULES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE SECRETARY CF THE HONG KONG AMATEUR RADIO TRANSMITTING SOCIETY AT G.P.C. LOX 541.
ALSO TAKING PART IN THE WORLD COMPETITION WILL BE THE INTERNATIONAL AMATEUR RADIO CLUB’S STATION AT ITU HEADQUARTERS .-.HICH WILL BE ON THE AIR FROM AY 14 TO 22 USING THE SPECIAL INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION DAY CALL SIGN 4U9 ITU.
THE ITU, WHICH HAS 152 MEMBER COUNTRIES, IS THE UNITED NATIONS SPECIALIZED AGENCY FOR TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND IS THE OLDEST INTER-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATION BELONGING TO THE U.N. SYSTEM. ITS HEADQUARTERS ARE IN GENEVA.
..ATER CUT
* * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI ..AN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A..’-. TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY) TO ENABLE THE WATER. SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGr.” LEAKAGE TEST.
PREMISES TC BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE Ik LIN SHING PCAD AND WAN TSUI RCAD, INCLUDING BLOCKS 16-27 CHAI wAN ESTATE.
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA ................................... 1
LEGAL DEPARTMENT TRAINING RECRUITS FOR PROSECUTION DUTIES IN MAGISTRACIES ..................................... 4
WINNERS OF ANNUAL SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL TO GIVE PERFORMANCES ............................................... 5
WATER CUT IN KWAI CHUNG AND SHA TIN AREAS .................. 5
FUN FAIR FOR DISABLED CHILDREN ............................. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5>-23319j
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
PRESENTATION OF INSIGNIA
*****
SIXTY-EIGHT LOCAL RESIDENTS DECORATED BY THE QUEEN FOR SERVICES TO THE COMMUNITY RECEIVED THEIR INSIGNIA FROM THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AT A PRESENTATION CEREMONY IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE TODAY (WEDNESDAY).
MOST OF THE RECIPIENTS WERE DECORATED IN THE NEW YEAR HONOURS.
AMONG THEM WAS THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS BRAY WHO RECEIVED THE CMG (COMPANION OF THE ORDER OF ST. MICHAEL AND ST. GEORGE).
OTHER AWARDS PRESENTED WERE : -
C.B.E. (COMMANDER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR. ROY EVANS DOWNING, J.P.
THE HON. LEE QUO-WEI, O.B.E., J.P.
MR. SHUM WAI-YAU, O.E.E., J.P.
O.B.E. (OFFICER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
DR. SOLOMON MATTHEW BARD, M.E.E., E.D., J.P.
MR. WILLIAM DORWARD, J.P.
MR. GORDON EVERSHED LYTH, J.P.
MR. WONG PO-YAN
I.S.O. (IMPERIAL SERVICE ORDER)
MR. TOM ECOB, J.P.
MR. JOHN LINTHWAITE
MR. BALWANT SINGH
M.B.E. (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE)
MR. AU MING-KWAN
MRS. WINNIE CHAN
MR. ROBERT KOHAN CHENG
MR. ROBERT FREDERICK KENNETH JONES, E.D.
MR. SHAM FAI
M.B.E. (H) (MEMBER ORDER OF THE BRITISH EMPIRE) (HONORARY)
MR. LEUNG SING-POR MR. TONG BIK-CHUEN MR. TSANG TAT-SING
/BADGB.DZ.BCDlL’B
WEDNESDAY, A?~J- '5, '9?7
2 -
BADGE OF HONOUR
MR. CHAN TAI
MR. CHEUNG WAI-LAM
MR. LAM HON-KEUNG
MR. LEE SHAU-W’AI
MR. TO LUNG
MR. TO MAN-CHI
MR. YP CHUEN
MR. WONG PING-HON
B.E.M. (M) (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL) (MILITARY)
STAFF SERGEANT ROBIN FORTUNE
STAFF SERGEANT CHANDRA BAHADUR GURUNG
PETTY OFFICER IP SHU-SANG
STAFF SERGEANT GUPTA BAHADUR THAPA
B.E.M. (BRITISH EMPIRE MEDAL)
MR. KWOK WAI-SHING
MR. LIU NAM
MR. MA YUK-LING
MR. MAK CHUN-KEUNG
MR. SHEK KAN
MR. WAI YIU-TONG
Q.P.M. (QUEEN’S POLICE MEDAL)
MR. RAMON YOUNG CHUN-SHEUNG, M.B.E., C.P.M., J.P.
C.P.M. (COLONIAL POLICE MEDAL)
MR. CHIK KI-CHIU
MR. DAVID TOBY EMMET
MR. FONG SIK-FUN
MR. ROBERT FRANCISCO GARCIA
MR. DAVID MICHAEL HOLDROYD
MISS ESTHER HUNG MAN-YAN
SERGEANT LEE MAN-KEE
MR. LI KAM—MING
DETECTIVE SERGEANT LING HEI-MING
SERGEANT NG TING-CHO
SERGEANT PANG Ol-LING
MR. ALBERT PHILIP
MR. CHRISTOPHER DAVID PROWSE
MR. WONG KA-WAH
MR. YOUNG BIU
QUEEN’S COMMENDATION
SGT. YIP KAI
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
- 5 -
I.S.M. (IMPERIAL SERVICE MEDAL)
MR. CHEUNG SANG
ORDER OF ST. JOHN
OFF ICER
MR. CHENG TIM
MISS KWOK ON-PONG MR. TAN KHEK SENG MR. WONG CHAN YIN
SERVING SISTER
MISS LAM SAU-KING MISS LEE WAI-FONG
SERVING BROTHER
MR. M. CHAN
MR. CHIU CHI-KAN MR. CHUNG WAl-KIN MR. KWOK CHUN-LAM MR. NG HEUNG-YONG MR. NG WAI-LAM
DR. PAUL K.T. YAN
0
A
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
4
LEGAL DEPARTMENT TRAINING RECRUITS FOR PROSECUTION DUTIES IN MAGISTRACIES ******
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT IS CURRENTLY TRAINING SIX RECRUITED PERSONNEL TO RELIEVE POLICE OFFICERS OF THE TASK OF CONDUCTING PROSECUTIONS IN MAGISTRATES COURTS.
FOUR MEN AND TWO WOMEN, AGED BETWEEN 25 AND 31, HAVE BEEN ENGAGED SINCE LAST MONTH IN A PILOT SCHEME UNDER WHICH THEY HAVE TO UNDERGO ABOUT SIX MONTHS TRAINING. AFTER THE TRAINING THEY ARE EXPECTED TO REPLACE THE POLICE PROSECUTING OFFICERS IN TWO MAGISTRACIES ON HONG KONG ISLAND.
TWO SENIOR CROWN COUNSELS HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED THE JOB OF TRAINING THE RECRUITS ON A FULL TIME BASIS. THE TRAINING WILL INCLUDE INSTRUCTION IN COURT PROCEDURE, THE LAW OF EVIDENCE, CRIMINAL LAW AND ADVOCACY.
A SPOKESMAN FOR IF THE SCHEME PROVES REASON WHY IT SHOULD THROUGHOUT HONG KONG
THE LEGAL DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT TO BE SUCCESSFUL THERE SEEMS TO BE NO NOT BE EXTENDED TO ALL MAGISTRACIES ISLAND, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
HE EMPHASIZED HOWEVER THAT THE POLICY OF CROWN COUNSEL PROSECUTING IN MAGISTRACIES IN SERIOUS OR COMPLICATED CASES WILL NOT CHANGE.
HE SAID THAT THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SCHEME ARE TWO-FOLD s FIRSTLY, IT WILL RELEASE VITAL POLICE MANPOWER TO ASSIST IN THE FIGHT AGAINST CRIME, AND SECONDLY, IT WILL CREATE A CLASS OF PERMANENT AND FULLY TRAINED PROSECUTORS UNDER THE DIRECT CONTROL OF THE ATTORNEY-GENERAL.
AT THE MOMENT POLICE INSPECTORS ARE ASSIGNED TO COURTS ON PROSECUTION DUTIES FOR A SHORT PERIOD AND AS A RESULT OF THE HIGH TURNOVER, IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO DEVELOP A DEPTH OF EXPERTISE, SAID THE SPOKESMAN.
IT IS BELIEVED THAT HONG KONG IS THE FIRST TERRITORY IN THE COMMONWEALTH TO INTRODUCE A SYSTEM EMPLOYING TRAINED LAY PROSECUTORS IN LIEU OF POLICE OFFICERS TO PROSECUTE CRIMINAL CASES IN MAGISTRATES COURTS.
-----o------
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
5
PERFORMANCES BY WINNERS OF 13TH SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL
* * K * M *
WINNERS OF THE 13TH SCHOOLS’ DANCE FESTIVAL WILL STAGE A SERIES OF FIVE PERFORMANCES AT THE CITY HALL CONCERT HALL TOWARDS THE END OF THE MONTH.
AT THE END OF EACH PERFORMANCE PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS.
THE EVENTS ARE JOINTLY PRESENTED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, THE HONG KONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES SCHOOLS SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS AND THE URBAN COUNCIL.
FROM APRIL 26, THE WINNERS WILL FOR FIVE NIGHTS IN A ROW PERFORM VARIOUS KINDS OF DANCES. THE PERFORMANCE, WHICH BEGINS AT 7 P.M. WILL LAST ABOUT TWO-AND-A-HALF HOURS.
THERE WILL ALSO BE A MATINEE PERFORMANCE ON APRIL 30 (SATURDAY) FROM 2.30 P.M. TO 5 P.M.
TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE AT THE CITY HALL BOX OFFICE ON SUNDAY (APRIL 17) FROM 10.15 A.M. TO 6 P.M. AND FROM 6.45 P.M. TO 10 P.M. AND DAILY FROM MONDAY (APRIL 18) ONWARDS FROM 12.15 P.M. TO 6 P.M. AND FROM 6.45 P.M. TO 10 P.M.
PRICES OF TICKETS ARE $5, $3 AND S2 (STUDENT TICKET).
0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO BLOCK 1 TO 25 KWAI CHUNG ESTATE WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 15).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST IN THE AREA.
STARTING AT 10 P.M. ON FRIDAY, SHA TIN WILL BE WITHOUT WATER SUPPLY FOR NINE HOURS.
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGE WILL ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT WATER PIPES IN THE AREA.
AFFECTED WILL BE ALL PREMISES ALONG TAI PO ROAD BETWEEN LION ROCK TUNNEL ROAD AND MA LIU SHUI K.C.R. UNIVERSITY STATION, INCLUDING SHA TIN NEW TOWN, LEK YUEN ESTATE, FO TAN ROAD, JARDINE DYEING AND FINISHING COMPANY LTD., K.C.R. WORKSHOP AND QUARTERS AND CHUNG CHI COLLEGE.
- 0 -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
FUN FAIR FOR DISABLED TRAINEES
******
THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT WILL HOLD A FUN FAIR ON FRIDAY (APRIL 15).
THE FUNCTION., BEGINNING AT 9.45 A.M., AIMS TO PROVIDE A DAY OF FUN FOR THEIR TRAINEES AND TO OFFER SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PARENTS AND STAFF OF THE TWO CENTRES.
THE FUN FAIR, WHICH HAS 15 GAMES STALLS, WILL BE HELD AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE IN WELFARE ROAD.
APART FROM GAMES, THE CAPE COLLINSON TRAINING CENTRE BAND WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE.
DR. HENRY HU, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL- MR. T.P. KHOO, HEAD OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION- MRS. HELEN MOK, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE AND MISS OPHELIA CHAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE, WILL OFFICIATE AT THE OPENING CEREMONY AT 13.30 A.M.
SITUATED IN WONG CHUK HANG, ABERDEEN, BOTH CENTRES ARE SET UP FOR THE DISABLED. THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE PROVIDES RESIDENTIAL CARE AND VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION FOR 250 DISABLED PERSONS WITH PARTICULAR EMPHASIS ON VOCATIONAL TRAINING WHILE THE KAI CHI CHILDREN’S CENTRE OFFERS RESIDENTIAL AND TRAINING FACILITIES TO 120 MODERATELY RETARDED CHILDREN AGED BETWEEN FIVE AND 16.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE-' MW ITED TO COVER THE FUN FAIR OPENING CEREMONY. IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE ABERDEEN REHABILITATION CENTRE IN WELFARE ROAD, WONG CHUK HANG AT 10.30 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 15).
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RRM 7
IeisI Iml
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMI GRAT I ON OFFICERS ............. 1
9OC PEOPLE TO' ATTEND ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE ............. 2
PAYMENT OF RATES FOR SECOND QUARTER .......................... 3
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SETTLES SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE .............. 4
SECONDARY SCHOOL CANOEING CHAMPIONSHIP ....................... 4
WATER CUT IN SHEUNG wAN, .vAN CHAI AND TSUEN aAN AREAS .... 5
NEw JURY LIST ................................................ 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977
1
POSITIVE CONTRIBUTIONS OF IMMIGRATION OFFICERS
*****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE CIVIL SERVICE, MR. ALAN SCOTT, TODAY (THURSDAY) URGED A GROUP OF GRADUATING IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT RECRUITS TO LOOK FOR THE MANY POSITIVE AND CONSTRUCTIVE ASPECTS IN THEIR WORK.
SPEAKING AT THEIR PASSING-CUT PARADE AT THE ROYAL HONG KONG REGIMENT PARADE GROUND THIS MORNING, MR. SCOTT ASKED THEM TO RESIST STRONGLY THE TEMPTATION OF THINKING OF THEIR JOB AS MAINLY NEGATIVE, RESTRICTIVE AND PUNITIVE.
HE SAID IT WAS NOT DIFFICULT FOR A YOUNG OFFICER TO COME TO THINK IN THIS WAY BECAUSE OF THE NATURE OF POWERS ENTRUSTED TO OFFICERS OF THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE.
THESE INCLUDE THE POWERS TO SEARCH PEOPLE, PREMISES AND SHIPS’ TO QUESTION PEOPLE AND IF NECESSARY TO DETAIN THEM FOR FURTHER QUESTIONING’ TO REFUSE PEOPLE PERMISSION TO LAND OR STAY IN HONG KONG, AND TO SEIZE VESSELS OR VEHICLES USED TO BRING PEOPLE INTO HONG KONG ILLEGALLY.
+ON THE POSITIVE SIDE,* MR. SCOTT SAID, +FOUR-AND-A-HALF MILLION INHABITANTS OF HONG KONG DEPEND UPON THE IMMIGRATION SERVICE TO PREVENT THE ENTRY OF UNDESIRABLE PEOPLE FROM OUTSIDE.
+AN IMMIGRATION OFFICER CAN THEREFORE PLAY A CONSTRUCTIVE PART IN KEEPING HONG KONG A SECURE AND STABLE PLACE IN WHICH TO LIVE.*
HE TOLD THE RECRUITS THAT THEY COULD RENDER POSITIVE SERVICE IN THE PROPER EXERCISE OF CONTROL OVER IMMIGRANTS WISHING TO SETTLE IN HONG KONG.
+UNCONTROLLED IMMIGRATION,* MR. SCOTT POINTED OUT, +COULD QUICKLY UPSET THE PLANS OF GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE THE STANDARD OF LIVING AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF OUR PEOPLE.*
HE ADDED THAT THEY COULD ALSO MAKE A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION IN FACILITATING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE NUMEROUS HONG KONG RESIDENTS, PARTICULARLY BUSINESSMEN, WHO WISH TO TRAVEL OVERSEAS.
THE RECRUITS WERE TOLD THAT IT WAS THEIR JOB TO BE HELPFUL AND COURTEOUS AND TO MIX THE RIGHT PROPORTION OF PATIENCE WITH THEIR DESIRE FOR EFFICIENCY.
+THE FIRST CONTACT WHICH THE TOURIST, THE BUSINESSMAN, OR THE RETURNING RESIDENT HAS IS WITH A MEMBER OF YOUR SERVICE. THUS IN A REAL SENSE YOU REPRESENT HONG KONG AND IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU GIVE THE RIGHT IMPRESSION,* MR. SCOTT SAID.
TWENTY-ONE ASSISTANT IMMIGRATION OFFICERS AND 25 IMMIGRATION ASSISTANTS TOOK PART IN THE PASSING-OUT PARADE. NEARLY ALL OF THEM WILL BE POSTED TO THE CONTROL DIVISION OF THE DEPARTMENT.
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977
2 -
900 PEOPLE TO ATTEND ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE *****
SOME 900 PART-TIME LECTURERS AND FIELD WORKERS OF THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION, EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, WILL ATTEND THE TWO-DAY ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE WHICH BEGINS AT THE KESWICK HALL OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, HUNG HOM, ON SATURDAY (APRIL 16).
THE THEME OF THE CONFERENCE IS +SOCIAL NEEDS AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF ADULT EDUCATION.+
MR. KENNETH TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, WILL TAKE THE CHAIR AND GIVE THE WELCOMING REMARKS. DR. HENRY H.L. HU, UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL OFFICIATE AND DELIVER THE THEME LECTURE. MR. JOHN WINFIELD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (FURTHER EDUCATION), WILL DISTRIBUTE CERTIFICATES OF COMMENDATION AND SOUVENIRS TO TEACHING STAFF OF THE SECTION WITH OVER 10 OR 23 YEARS SERVICE. MRS. VIVIAN FONG, SENIOR EDUCATION OFFICER (ADULT EDUCATION), WHO IS ALSO CHAIRMAN OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE, WILL RECEIVE GUESTS AND PARTICIPANTS.
THE CONFERENCE IS THE 22ND ANNUAL FUNCTION SPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR TEACHING STAFF AND FIELD WORKERS OF VARIOUS COURSES RUN BY THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION. IT WILL PROVIDE AN ARENA FOR PARTICIPANTS TO KEEP UP WITH MODERN TRENDS OF DEVELOPMENT, TO EXCHANGE VIEWS, TO DISCUSS PROBLEMS AND SHARE EXPERIENCES IN THE FIELD OF ADULT EDUCATION.
DURING THE MORNING OF THE FIRST DAY, THERE WILL BE A PANEL DISCUSSION ON THE MAIN THEME OF THE CONFERENCE. THE PANELISTS INCLUDE FR. PATRICK MCGOVERN, AN UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR' MR. HUI YIN-FAT, DIRECTOR OF THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE, AND MRS. HELEN YU, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR COMMUNITY RELATIONS OF THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION.
IN THE AFTERNOON THERE WILL BE COURSE SEMINARS INCLUDING TALKS AND DISCUSSIONS ON +WHAT ADULT EDUCATION COULD DO WITH PROBLEM YOUTH+, +DEVELOPING LANGUAGE SKILLS+, + THE NEED OF PRACTICAL CHINESE IN HONG KONG+, + THE PAST, PRESENT AND THE FUTURE OF CHINESE MIDDLE SCHOOLS*, + THE EVENING INSTITUTE SECONDARY SCHOOL COURSES - THEIR DEVELOPMENT AND PROSPECTS*, AND +PERSONAL EXPERIENCE IN ADULT EDUCATION WORK.*
THE PROGRAMME ON THE SECOND DAY INCLUDES A PLENARY LECTURE IN THE MORNING ON +VOLUNTARY SERVICE AND COMMUNITY BETTERMENT* BY MISS VIRGINIA CHAN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY OF THE ASSOCIATION FOR VOLUNTEER SERVICE, -OLLOWED BY A NUMBER OF LECTURES AND DISCUSSIONS.
IN THE AFTERNOON OF THE SECOND DAY, VARIOUS ACTIVITIES a ILL BE ORGANISED FOR MEMBERS, FIELD WORKERS, TRAINEES AND VOLUNTARY HELPERS OF ADULT EDUCATION AND RECREATION CENTRES.
/AT PRESENT
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977
3 -
AT PRESENT THE ADULT EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT OPERATES NINE DIFFERENT TYPES OF COURSES IN 138 CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND THE NEW TERRITORIES. SOME 50,300 PEOPLE BENEFIT FROM THESE COURSES.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE TWO-DAY ADULT EDUCATION CONFERENCE COVERED. THE OPENING CEREMONY BEGINS AT 9.30 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 16) AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
- 0
PAYMENT OF RATES FOR SECOND QUARTER
K if K
RATEPAYERS WERE TODAY REMINDED THAT RATES FOR THE SECOND 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, 2ND FLOOR, 5, QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL.
+NON-RECEIPT OF THE DEMAND NOTE DOES NOT ALTER THE REQUIREMENT THAT THE RATES MUST BE PAID BY 1 P.M. ON APRIL 33, 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.
0 ----
A....
THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977.
4
LABOUR DEPARTMENT SETTLES SEVERANCE PAY DISPUTE
*****
A DISPUTE BETWEEN MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS OF THE KUNG’S ENTERPRISES COMPANY IN TSUEN WAN WAS AMICABLY SETTLED LAST NIGHT THROUGH CONCILIATION BY THE LABOUR RELATIONS SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
THE DISPUTE AROSE FROM A THE TERMINATION OF SERVICE OF
CHANGE IN MANAGEMENT WHICH LED TO THE COMPANY’S 60 WORKERS.
AFTER TWO CONCILIATION MEETINGS CHAIRED BY LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS, THE TWO PARTIES CAME TO AN AGREEMENT UNDER WHICH THE WORKERS WILL BE PAID A TOTAL OF ABOUT 550,000 IN WAGES IN LIEU OF NOTICE, PAY FOR THE CHING MING STATUTORY HOLIDAY AND OUTSTANDING WAGES.
PAYMENT TO THE WORKERS WILL BE MADE AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICES IN TSUEN WAN TOMORROW (FRIDAY).
-----o------
SECONDARY SCHOOL CANOEING CHAMPIONSHIP * * *
MORE THAN 203 STUDENTS FROM 17 SCHOOLS THE SECONDARY SCHOOLS CANOEING CHAMPIONSHIP AT THE SCHOOLS SAILING AND CANOEING CENTRE, PO.
WILL COMPETE IN TOMORROW (FRIDAY) TAI MEI TUK, TAI
THE ANNUAL COMPETITION IS ORGANISED BY THE PHYSICAL EDUCATION SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND WILL INCLUDE INDIVIDUAL AND RELAY EVENTS.
THE DISTRICT OFFICER (TAI PO), MR. C.W.B. OXLEY, WILL PRESENT TROPHIES AT THE PRIZE-GIVING CEREMONY.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO COVER THE EVENT WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE SCHOOLS SAILING AND CANOEING CENTRE, TAI MEI TUK, TAI ?0.
THE COMPETITION WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 A.M. AND THE PRIZEGIVING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 4 P.M.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 14, 1977
5
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHEUNG WAN, WAN CHAI AND TSUEN WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 16).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN SHEUNG WAN, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY WESTERN MARKET, BONHAM STRAND WEST, WING LOK STREET, DES VOEUX ROAD WEST, SUTHERLAND STREET, CONNAUGHT ROAD WEST AND MORRISON STREET.
IN WAN CHAI, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF QUEEN’S ROAD EAST FROM ST. FRANCIS STREET TO WONG NE I CHUNG ROAD, INCLUDING FUNG WONG TERRACE, YEN WAH STEPS, SHA I PIN LANE, STONE NULLAH LANE, KING SING STREET, HING WAN STREET, KAT ON STREET, LUNG ON STREET, KENNEDY STREET AND RUTTONJEE SANATORIUM.
IN TSUEN WAN, THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE THOSE IN TEXACO ROAD BETWEEN CASTLE PEAK ROAD AND TAI WO HAU ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1, AND 12 TO 20 TAI WO HAU ESTATE, AND ASBURY METHODIST COTTAGE AREA.
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NEW JURY LIST * * *
THE REGISTRAR OF THE SUPREME COURT, MR. SIMON HERBERT .MAYO, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT A FURTHER LIST OF COMMON JURORS WOULD BE POSTED ON THE NOTICE BOARD NEAR THE LIFT INSIDE THE SOUTH-WEST ENTRANCE OF THE SUPREME COURT BUILDING ON APRIL 20.
THIS LIST WILL REMAIN POSTED FOR 14 DAYS.
DURING THIS PERIOD ANY PERSON MAY APPLY BY NOTICE IN WRITING TO THE REGISTRAR REQUIRING THAT HIS NAME OR THE NAME OF SOME OTHER PERSON BE POSTED OR REMOVED UPON CAUSE DULY ASSIGNED IN SUCH NOTICE.
THE REGISTRAR SHALL IN HIS DISCRETION, POST OR REMOVE SUCH NAME ACCORDINGLY AND SHALL IF NECESSARY ALTER THE LIST.
o
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER, MRS. THATCHER TO VISIT HONG KONG ................................................ 1
METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE FOR ABERDEEN ............ 2
KCR TO RUN TWO MORE TRAINS DAILY ON WEEKDAYS ............. 3
AIRPORT SHOPS TO LET .................................... *
NEW TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN TAI PO MARKET ................. 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FR IDAY, APR IL 15, 1977
THATCHER TO PAY A TWO-DAY VISIT TO H.K.
******
THE BRITISH CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER, THE RT. HON. MRS. MARGARET THATCHER, M.P., WILL ARRIVE IN HONG KONG FROM TOKYO TOMORROW (SATURDAY) EVENING FOR A TWO-DAY STAY WHILE ON HER WAY HOME FOLLOWING A VISIT TO CHINA AND JAPAN.
SHE WILL EE ACCOMPANIED EY THE HON. DOUGLAS HURD, M.P., OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN ON EUROPE® MR. J.P. STANLEY, M.P., HER PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY® AND HER DAUGHTER, MISS CAROL THATCHER, A SOLICITOR.
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL WELCOME THE VISITORS ON ARRIVAL AT THE AIRPORT.
DURING HER VISIT HERE, MRS. THATCHER WILL MAKE A TOUR OF A HOUSING ESTATE TO SEE SOME OF THE PROBLEMS HONG KONG FACES IN ITS EFFORTS TO HOUSE A LARGE SEGMENT OF THE POPULATION.
SHE WILL ALSO SEE ANOTHER FAST DEVELOPING SIDE OF HONG KONG WHEN SHE VISITS THE NEW TERRITORIES AND HAS A BRIEFING ON THE SHA TIN NEW TOWN DEVELOPMENT.
MRS. THATCHER WILL VISIT THE 1ST BATTALION 2ND KEO GURKHA RIFLES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES AND THE 1ST BATTALION THE LIGHT INFANTRY AT STANLEY FORT.
THE OPPOSITION LEADER WILL GIVE MONDAY AFTERNOON BEFORE RETURNING TO SAME EVENING.
A PRESS CONFERENCE ON LONDON ON THE
NOTE TO EDITORS:
MRS. THATCHER IS EXPECTED TO ARRIVE BY BRITISH AIRWAYS (FLIGHT BA 965), E.T.A. 1910 HOURS TOMORROW (SATURDAY). PHOTOGRAPHIC FACILITIES WILL BE MA'DE AVAILABLE FOR THE PRESS TO CCVER HER ARRIVAL. THERE ..'ILL BE TWO PRESS POSITIONS AT THE AIRPORT: ONE ON THE TARMAC FOR THE GENERAL PRESS AND THE OTHER ON THE ROOF OF THE EQUIPMENT BUILDING FACING THE TARMAC FOR TELEVISION AND CINE CAMERAMEN. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES WISHING TO MAKE USE OF THESE FACILITIES ARE ASKED TO ASSEMBLE AT THE AIRPORT PRESS ROOM ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE TERMINAL BUILDING NOT LATER THAN 6.30 P.M. TOMORROW (SATURDAY). G.I.S. OFFICERS WILL BE ON HAND TO ASSIST. MRS. THATCHER WILL NOT MAKE ANY STATEMENT ON ARRIVAL.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES
TO COVER MRS. THATCHER’S PRESS CONFERENCE WHICH a ILL EE
HELD IN THE G.I.S. THEATRE ON THE FIFTH FLOOR OF BEACONSFIELD HOUSE AT 5 P.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 18). TELEVISION CREWS ARE ASKED TO ARRIVE EARLY SC THAT THEY HAVE A ’-LE TIME TC SET v = THEIR EQUIPMENT.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR =RESS COVERAGE OF MRS. THATCHER’S VISIT TO A HOUSING ESTATE AND ARMY CAMPS ..ILL BE SEPARATELY ANNOUNCED LATER.
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1977.
- 2 -
METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE FOR ABERDEEN
*****
THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT A NEW METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRE WILL EE OPENED IN ABERDEEN FROM MONDAY (APRIL 18) TO CATER FOR THE NEED OF THE ADDICTS SEEKING TREATMENT IN THE AREA.
THE NEW CENTRE, WHICH IS LOCATED AT ABERDEEN JOCKEY CLUB CLINIC, ABERDEEN RESERVOIR ROAD, WILL REPLACE THE EXISTING CENTRE IN KENNEDY TOWN, WHICH WILL BE CLOSED AS FROM SUNDAY (APRIL 17).
AS WITH THE OTHER EVENING DETOXIFICATION CENTRES THROUGHOUT HONG KONG, THE ABERDEEN CENTRE WILL OPERATE FROM 6 P.M. TO 13 P.M. EACH DAY, INCLUDING SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THERE HAD BEEN A STEADY INCREASE IN THE NUMBER OF DRUG ADDICTS SEEKING TREATMENT AT BOTH THE METHADONE DETOXIFICATION AND METHADONE MAINTENANCE CENTRES.
HE POINTED OUT THAT A TOTAL OF 7,533 ADDICTS HAVE NOW REGISTERED WITH THE DEPARTMENT’S 16 METHADONE DETOXIFICATION CENTRES AND MORE THAN 8,333 WITH THE FOUR MAINTENANCE CENTRES.
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r
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 197
- 3 -
K.C.R. NEW TIMETABLE
******
THE KOWLOON CANTON RAILWAY WILL FURTHER IMPROVE ITS SERVICES FROM MONDAY (APRIL 18) WHEN IT WILL INCREASE ITS PASSENGER TRAINS FROM 20 TO 22 EACH WAY EVERY WEEKDAY.
DURING THE MORNING RUSH HOURS BETWEEN 7 A.M. AND 9 A.M. TRAINS ■•.ILL ARRIVE AT KOWLOON STATION EVERY HALF HOUR. IN THE EVENING, TRAINS WILL LEAVE KOWLOON STATION FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES ALSO AT 30-MINUTE INTERVALS BETWEEN 5 P.M. AND 7 P.M.
WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED TIMETABLE, TWO ADDITION* TRAINS WILL RUN FROM SHEUNG SHU I TO KOWLOON, AT 6.22 A.M. AND 7.53 P.M.
PASSENGERS FROM SHA TIN WILL BE ABLE TO REACH CENTRAL TSIM SHA TSUI RAPIDLY, TAKING ABOUT 11 MINUTES TO REACH MONG KOK AND A FURTHER FIVE TO TEN MINUTES TO REACH HUNG HOM.
FROM THERE A WIDE SELECTION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT IS AVAILABLE TO TAKE PASSENGERS TO THEIR EVENTUAL DESTINATIONS : BUSES TO ALL PARTS OF KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND AND FERRIES TO WAN CHAI, NORTH POINT AND CENTRAL.
THE KCR GENERAL MANAGER, MR. REG GREGORY SAID IT aAS THE AIM TO PROVIDE TRAINS AT KOWLOON EVERY 30 MINUTES SO AS TO HELP THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC TO REMEMBER TRAIN TIMES MORE EASILY.
HOWEVER, DUE TO THE LIMITATION OF THE SINGLE TRACK, THE ARRANGEMENT COULD ONLY BE CONFINED TO PEAK HOURS WHEN THERE IS HEAVIER DEMAND FOR SERVICES.
WITH AT LEAST 13 COACHES TO A TRAIN, THE AUGMENTED TRAIN SCHEDULE WILL MEAN THAT SOME 286 COACH JOURNEYS WILL EE RUN EACH WAY EVERY DAY. THIS IS AN INCREASE OF 68 PER CENT IN CARRYING CAPACITY FROM ONLY THREE YEARS AGO.
THIS WILL HELP TO ENSURE A SEAT FOR ALL INTENDING PASSENGERS ON WEEKDAYS.
DETAILS OF THE NEW TRAIN TIMES ARE DISPLAYED ON POSTERS AND POCKET-SIZE TIMETABLES WHICH ARE OBTAINABLE FREE AT ALL STATIONS.
IN ADDITION TO DETAILS OF THE TRAIN SERVICES AND OTHER PASSENGER INFORMATION, THE POCKET-SIZE TIMETABLE ALSO SUPPLIES USEFUL INFORMATION ON THE MAIN CONNECTING PUBLIC TRANSPORT SERVICES CLOSE TO ALL RAILWAY STATIONS.
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- 4 -
FRIDAY, APRIL 15, 1977.
AIRPORT SHOPS To LET * * * * *
TENDERS ARE INVITED FOR THE TENANCIES OF THREE SHOPS AT THE DEPARTURE LEVEL OF THE AIRPORT PASSENGER TERMINAL 3UILDING.
THE TENANCY WILL BEGIN ON OR ABOUT MAY 15 UP TO DECEMBER 31 THIS YEAR. THE PREMISES WILL, THEREAFTER, BE ON MONTH-TO-MONTH TERMS UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THEY ARE REQUIRED FOR DEMOLITION IN CONNECTION WITH ALTERATIONS AND MODIFICATIONS TO THE TERMINAL.
ONE SHOP OCCUPIES 190 SQ.FT. WHILE THE OTHER TwO ARE 375 SQ.FT. EACH.
ACCORDING TO A GAZETTE NOTICE PUBLISHED TODAY (FRIDAY) ITEMS PERMITTED FOR SALE AT THESE SHOPS WILL BE RESTRICTED TO JEWELLERY, TOYS, OUT-FITTERS AND EMBROIDERED GOODS, AND COMPANY’S OWN BRANDED OR MANUFACTURED GOODS.
TENDERERS WILL HAVE TO BID SEPARATELY FOR EACH OF THE THREE SHOPS, AND THE TENDER APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE TENDER BOARD BEFORE NOON ON APRIL 29.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENT IN N.T. * * * *
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT ALL VErlCLES TRAVELLING ALONG KWONG FUK ROAD, TAI PO MARKET, IN A NORTHERLY DIRECTION WILL BE PROHIBITED FROM TURNING RIGHT ONTO PO HEUNG STREET FROM 10 A.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 19).
THIS ARRANGEMENT IS INTENDED TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC MOVEMENTS AT THE ROAD JUNCTION.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO WARN MOTORISTS.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION HAILED A SUCCESS ............ 1
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND TO BE AUCTIONED................... 2
HONG KONG TO ATTEND PACIFIC BASIN REGIONAL AIRPORT CONFERENCE ............................................... 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1?77 1 -
TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION HAILED A SUCCESS *****
TUEN MUN COMMUNITY LEADERS TODAY GREETED THE SUCCESS OF THE P.W.D.’S TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION — WHICH ENDED THIS -VEN I NG -- AS CLEAR EVIDENCE OF THE GROWING INVOLVEMENT OF THE RESIDENTS IN THEIR NEW TOWN.
MORE THAN 43,033 PEOPLE FILED THROUGH THE EXHIBITION AT THE HOH FUK 70NG COLLEGE DURING THE TEN DAYS SINCE IT WAS OPENED BY THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, AND A GROUP OF LOCAL LEADERS AT A JOINT CEREMONY ON APRIL 6.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE TUEN MUN RURAL COMMITTEE, MR. LAU WONG-FAT, SAID THAT THE EXHIBITION -- STAGED BY THE P.W.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT — HAD GIVEN THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN THEIR FIRST REAL CHANCE TO SEE IN DETAIL WHAT THE GOVERNMENT PLANNED FOR THEIR FUTURE.
+AND I MUST SAY THAT AFTER STUDYING THE EXHIBITION -- THE PLANS FOR NEW HOUSING, ALL THE SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY FACILITIES, THE PROPOSALS FOR SO MANY NEW SCHOOLS AND RECREATIONAL FACILITIES --I AM NOW LOOKING FORWARD TO THE COMPLETION OF THE NEW TOWN WITH A GROWING FEELING OF EXCITEMENT,* HE SAID.
+THE MODELS AND PLANS WE HAVE SEEN MAKE IT CLEAR JUST HOW MUCH CAREFUL PLANNING AND RESEARCH ARE GOING INTO THE WHOLE SCHEME, AND I HOPE THAT THE GOVERNMENT WILL CONTINUE TO KEEP US INFORMED OF ITS PLANS SO AS TO KEEP -OSTER ING THIS FEELING OF UNDERSTANDING AND CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND THE COMMUNITY.*
MR. LAU SAID HE WAS PARTICULARLY PLEASED WITH THE KEEN INTEREST SHOWN BY YOUNG PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THEIR NE;. TOWN, AND HE HOPED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WOULD CONSIDER STAGING SIMILAR DISPLAYS IN FUTURE TO STIMULATE EVEN GREATER COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT IN THE GROW'TH OF TUEN MUN.
+l WAS ALSO VERY GLAD TO SEE THE GREAT CARE BEING TAKEN EY THE PLANNERS TO PRESERVE SUCH IMPORTANT LOCAL FEATURES AS THE TIN HAU TEMPLE, YEUNG SIU HANG VILLAGE, MAJOR FUNG SHU I FEATURES AND THE TSI NG SHAN MONASTRY -- WHICH DATES BACK 1,533 YEARS.
+THESE MEAN A GREAT DEAL TO THE PEOPLE OF TUEN MUN, AND THEIR PRESERVATION WILL ENSURE THAT FUTURE GENERATIONS OF THE TOWN WILL BE ABLE TO MAINTAIN CLOSE LINKS WITH THEIR CULTURAL PAST,* SAID MR. LAU.
THE P.W.D.’S PROJECT MANAGER FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOaN, MR. KICKY CHAN SAID THE EXHIBITION HAD CLEARLY DEMONSTRATED THE VAST INTEREST IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE NEW TOWN.
*WE’VE HAD THOUSANDS OF VISITORS NOT ONLY FROM TUEN MUN ITSELF, BUT FROM THROUGHOUT THE NE.. TERRITORIES AND KOWLOON.
/+h'E* RE • • • • •
SATURDAY, APRIL 16, 1977
2
+WE’RE NATURALLY VERY PLEASED /.ITH THE RESPONSE AND aE 'a ILL BE LOCKING FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO PUT ON SIMILAR DISPLAYS ON A SMALLER SCALE FROM TIME TO TIME TO KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED OF PROGRESS ON SPECIFIC PROJECTS,+ HE SAID.
THE TUEN MUN NEW TOWN EXHIBITION IS THE SECOND MAJOR EXHIBITION OF ITS TYPE STAGED BY THE P.a.D.’S NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
THE FIRST WAS ON SHA TIN NEW TOWN, WHICH WAS HELD IN MARCH LAST YEAR AT LEK YUEN ESTATE IN SHA TIN, AND A FUTURE ONE IS PLANNED ON TSUEN WAN NEW TOWN.
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CROWN LAND SALE * * * *
FOUR LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE PUT UF FOR SALE BY AUCTION BY THE LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT OF P....D. ON APRIL 29 (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE LECTURE HALL, STH FLOOR, CITY HALL.
ONE LOT OF 2,329.1 SQUARE METRES, SITUATED AT CAPE ROAD, CHUNG HOM KOK, IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES.
THE REMAINING THREE LOTS ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
ONE OF THEM, SITUATED BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND LOWER LASCAR ROW, OCCUPIES 1,779.4 SQUARE METRES.
ANOTHER LOT, MEASURING 130.5 SQUARE METRES, IS AT 11 SHA ’ CHUN STREET, YAU MA TEI.
THE LAST LOT IS AT PO FONG LANE, PC KONG VILLAGE ROAD, SAN PO KONG. IT MEASURES 97.7 SQUARE METRES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY EE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT , THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 4D5 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI.
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SATURDAY, APR IL 16, 1977
- 3 -
H.K. TO ATTEND PACIFIC EASIN REGIONAL AIRPORT CONFERENCE ******
A SENIOR OFFICER OF THE CIVIL AVIATION DEPARTMENT, MR. RICHARD SIEGEL, HAS LEFT TODAY FOR SAIPAN TO REPRESENT HONG KONG IN THE SEVENTH ANNUAL PACIFIC EASIN REGIONAL AIRPORT CONFERENCE OF THE AIRPORT OPERATORS COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL.
MR. SIEGEL, ACTING ASSISTANT AIRPORT GENERAL MANAGER, a ILL BE THE CHAIRMAN OF THE AIRPORT PLANNING AND DESIGN SESSION DURING THE FIVE-DAY MEETING WHICH BEGINS ON MONDAY (APRIL 18).
HE WILL PRESENT A PAPER ON THE +NEW SEMI-AUTOMATED BAGGAGE SYSTEM FOR KAI TAK+.
THE PURPOSE OF THE MEETING IS TO AFFORD AIRPORT OPERATORS AN OPPORTUNITY TC GET TOGETHER ONCE A YEAR TO EXCHANGE IDEAS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF AIRPORT FACILITIES.
ABOUT 50 DELEGATES FROM DIFFERENT AIRPORTS IN THE PACIFIC REGION ARE EXPECTED TO ATTEND THE CONFERENCE.
THE LAST DAY OF THE MEETING WILL BE HELD IN GUAM.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MRS. THATCHER VISITS HOUSING ESTATES ......................... 1
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS ......................... 2
LESS THAN TWO mONTHS LEFT FOR NURSERIES TO REGISTER ........... A
WATER CUT ....................................................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1977
1
’VERY, VERY GOOD’ SAYS MRS. THATCHER ON HOUSEWIFELY VISIT TO 01 MAN FLAT
*****
MRS MARGARET THATCHER TODAY SAW FOR HERSELF HOW HIGH-DENSITY LIVING WORKS IN HONG KONG’S HOUSING ESTATES -- AND CONTINUALLY REMARKED ON THE +HAPPINESS, CLEANLINESS AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT* SHE FOUND ON A MORNING VISIT TO ESTATES IN KOWLOON.
IN 01 MAN ESTATE SHE CAST A HOUSEWIFELY EYE AROUND THE CHENG FAMILY’S FLAT ON THE 1STH FLOOR OF TAK MAN HOUSE, INSPECTED THE KITCHEN, THE TOILET, SAW THE FAMILY’S MOD CONS INCLUDING A WASHING MACHINE, COLOUR TELEVISION SET, TWO RICc COOKERS (WHICH AT FIRST SHE MISTOOK FOR PRESSURE COOKERS), HI-FI TAPEDECK, AND TOLD THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, MR. DONALD LIAO, +THIS IS VERY, VERY GOOD.+
MRS. THATCHER, LEADER OF THE OPPOSITION IN BRITAIN, BEGAN HER VISIT AT WHAT MR. LIAO DESCRIBED TO HER AS +THE VERY BOTTOM+ — A SQUATTER AREA AT YAN 01 BENEATH LION ROCK.
THE PARTY INCLUDED CONSERVATIVE MPS MR DOUGLAS HURD, A SPOKESMAN ON FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH AFFAIRS, AND MR. JOHN STANLEY, MRS. THATCHER’S PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY, AND HER SOLICITOR DAUGHTER, MISS CAROL THATCHER. AS THEY LEFT THEIR CAR AT YAN 01, MR. LIAO TOLD MRS. THATCHER: +WE ARE NOT HIDING ANYTHING. THIS IS A SQUATTER AREA WHERE YOU WILL SEE THE WORST ASPECTS OF THE HOUSING PROBLEM.+
LOOKING COOL DESPITE THE MUGGY WEATHER, MRS. THATCHER QUICKLY GOT INTO A CONVERSATION a I TH A FAMILY OF TAILORS MAKING SKI-JACKETS, LATER TALKED WITH ONE OF THE LOCAL SHOPKEEPERS, WALKED DOWN A NARROW ALLEYWAY TO SEE THE LIVING QUARTERS OF ANOTHER FAMILY, AND THEN HELD A CONVERSATION ON THE ROADWAY WITH A YOUNG MOTHER CARRYING A BABY.
THE WOMAN SURPRISED EVERYBODY, INCLUDING MR. LIAO, BY REVEALING THAT SHE AND HER FAMILY WERE FROM THAILAND AND HAD LIVED IN THE SQUATTER AREA FOR TWO YEARS.
AT THE WONG TIN CHEUNG MARTIAL ARTS SQUATTER VILLAGE ROAD, MRS. THATCHER WAS BEAT OF DRUMS AND GONGS AND PAID ANOTHER PAUSING FOR A GLASS OF CHINESE TEA AND A AND BONE-SETTING BY AN INSTRUCTOR.
HALL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE ATTRACTED BY THE RHYTHMIC IMPROMPTU VISIT, THIS TIME RUN-DOW'N ON CHINESE BOXING
THE VISIT RAN 10 MINUTES OVER SCHEDULE AND AS SHE MOVED THROUGH A GROUP CF ADMIRING CHILDREN TO ENTER HER CAR MRS. THATCHER TOLD OFFICIALS: +THEY’RE SO HAPPY, SPECIALLY THE CHILDREN.+
BEFORE BEING DRIVEN OFF SHE PERSONALLY CONFIRMED FROM THE CHILDREN THAT THEY GO TO SCHOOL AND SHOOK HANDS WITH SEVERAL.
AT HER NEXT STOP-OVER, AT TUNG TAU ESTATE, MRS. THATCHER CHATTED TO SEVERAL SHOPKEEPERS, GLANCED AT THE ROOFTOPS CF THE ESTATE BLOCKS TO NOTE THE +FORESTS+ OF TV AERIALS, WALKED AMONG RESIDENTS, AND SA.. TWO GARDE:'. AREAS WHICH MR. LIAC EXPLAINED HAD BEEN +RECLA IMED+ FOR THE PEOPLE FROM THE ILLEGAL STALL-HOLDERS WHO FORMERLY OCCUPIED THEM.
/SCORES .
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1977
2 -
SCORES OF PEOPLE LINED BALCONIES TO WAVE AND SMILE AT Trie VIP VISITORS AND AS SHE WAS LEAVING A CROWD OF BARE-CHESTED LADS -.HO HAD BEEN PLAYING FOOTBALL IN THE CARPARK SURROUNDED HER DAIMLER TO SHOUT IN ENGLISH: +HULLO — HOW DO YOU DO? NICE TO SEE YOU.*
MRS. THATCHER HAD A JOLLY CONVERSATION WITH THE YOUTHS.
+WHAT DO YOU MAKE?* SHE ASKED, WANTING TO KNOW WHAT WORK THEY DO.
HONG KONG-WISE, THEY REPLIED: +FOUR HUNDRED A MONTH — SIX HUNDRED A MONTH -- MAYBE TWO THOUSAND A MONTH.+
AND EVERYBODY, INCLUDING THE VIPS’ STOLID ESCORTS, HAD A GOOD LAUGH.
STILL SMILING, MRS. THATCHER SHOOK HANDS WITH SEVERAL AND AMID THE YOUTHS’ CHEERS THEN DROVE OFF, COMMENTING TO MR. LIAO: + | CAN’T GET OVER THE HAPPY SPIRIT AMONG THE PEOPLE, SPECIALLY T.iE YOUNG PEOPLE. IT’S JUST MARVELLOUS.+
SHE WAS THEN DRIVEN THROUGH SOME OF THE OLDER KOWLOON ESTATES, SEEING mMONG OTHER THINGS THE IN-SITU CONVERSION TAKING PLACE AT LOK FU ESTATE, AND THEN AT Cl MAN PAUSED ON THE FOURTH FLOOR OF TAK MAN HOUSE TO EXPERIENCE THE +CHIMNEY EFFECT* OF THE COOL AIR CIRCULATING IN ALL TWIN-TOWER HOUSING BLOCKS.
+ IT’S LIKE AIR-CONDITIONING,* SHE SAID WITH A SMILE.
AFTER VISITING THE CHENG FAMILY’S 353 SQUARE FOOT FLAT AND TALKING »ITH HUSBAND, .. IFE AND CHILDREN, SHE COMMENTED ON THE FINISH OF THE FLAT, SPECIALLY THE MOSAIC TILES, AND THE CLEANLINESS OF THE BLOCK GENERALLY.
ESCORTED TO THE 01 MAN COMMERCIAL COMPLEX, SHE BRIEFLY EXPERIENCED THE BUSTLE AND NOISE OF A LARGE CHINESE RESTAURANT SERVING DIM SUM TO PACKED TABLES, SAW A DEPARTMENT STORE AND aAS INVITED EY MR. LIAO TO WALK THROUGH THE MARKET STALLS +PROVIDED YOU DON’T MIND A BIT OF BLOOD.*
+WHY NOT?* SHE SAID, AND WALKED WITH INTEREST AMONG STALLS SELLING GUTTED FISH, LIVE POULTY, PORK AND BEEF.
+MAY WE SEE ANOTHER FAMILY?* SHE ASKED MR. LIAO, AND SOON WAS IN A LIFT ON HER ..AY TO VISIT THE WONG FAMILY’S FLAT IN HONG MAN HOUSE, WHERE AGAIN SHE LOCKED AT EVERY ROOM AND ALL FACILITIES, CHATTED I TH MEMBERS OF THE FAMILY AND ASKED MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT INCOME, JOBS AND SCnOOL FOR THE CHILDREN.
THEN, PASSING THE COOKED-FOOD PAVILIONS ...-ERE MORE =EOP_E ..ERE HAVING AN EARLY LUNCH, SHE SMELT THE AROMA OF COOK I'.G FOOD ..0 COMMENTED TO OFFICIALS: +SMElLS VERY TASTY.*
/AT IH.-L.............
SUNDAY, n?HIL 17, 1977
AT THE EXHIBITION HALL AT HOUSING AUTHORITY HEADQUARTERS MR. LIAO; THE ACTING DIRECTOR OF HOUSING, MR. BERNARD WILLIAMS, AND OTHER OFFICIALS COMPLETED MRS. THATCHER’S ON-THE-SPOT BRIEFING ON THE HOUSING SITUATION.
SHE SAID SHE HAD BEEN I''.PRESSED BY THE ATTRACTIVE DESIGN OF THE LATER ESTATES AND THE + IMAGINATIVE WAY* THEY HAD BEEN LAID GUT.
SHE SPOKE TO MR. LIAO ABOUT THE SURPRISINGLY STRONG COMMUNITY SPIRIT WHICH HAD OBVIOUSLY GROWN UP IN HOUSING ESTATES, DESPITE THE COMPARATIVE NEWNESS OF SOME, AND HE POINTED OUT THAT THIS SPIRIT WAS FOSTERED EY HOUSING DEPARTMENT STAFF ON ALL ESTATES, «HO KEPT UP PERSONAL CONTACT AT ALL TIMES AND SAw EACH TENANT AT LEAST ONCE A MONTH, WHEN COLLECTING THE RENT.
SHE WAS KEENLY INTERESTED IN THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, wHICH MR. LIAO EXPLAINED WAS THE NEXT PHASE IN HONG KONG’S MASSIVE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME, AND WOULD GIVE TENANTS AN EVEN GREATER OPPORTUNITY TO FURTHER DEVELOP COMMUNITY SPIRIT EY ALLOWING THEM TO OWN THEIR OWN HOMES IN INDIVIDUAL ESTATES.
WARNING AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR OFFICERS
* * * *
ASSISTANT COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. L IN HUO-FU, TODAY WARNED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO EE ON GUARD AGAINST BOGUS LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICIALS.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT HAD RECENTLY RECEIVED SEVERAL COMPLAINTS FROM FACTORY PROPRIETORS WHO WERE APPROACHED FOR MONEY FOR ADVERTISEMENTS IN PURPORTED DEPARTMENTAL PUBLICATIONS BY PEOPLE WHO CLAIMED TO BE OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
+NO PUBLICATION OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT CARRIES ADVERTISEMENT,* MR. LIN STRESSED.
+ALL SERVICES PROVIDED EY THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT ARE FREE, AND FROM TIME TO TIME, THE DEPARTMENT PUBLISHES PAMPHLETS ON LABOUR LEGISLATION, I \' ENGLISH AND CHINESE, WHICH ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FREE TO THE PUBLIC.*
HE REMINDED FACTORY PROPRIETORS THAT ALL LABOUR DEPARTMENT OFFICERS CARRIED WITH THEM GOVERNMENT IDENTITY CARDS AND .-.ARRANTS BEARING THE PHOTOGRAPH AND NAME OF THE HOLDER.
+MEMEERS OF THE FACTORY AND LABOUR I INSPECTORATES ARE UNDER INSTRUCTION TO IDENTIFY THEMSELVES BY PRODUCING THEIR aARRANTS *HEN VISITING FACTORIES,* HE ADDED.
MR. LIN ADVISED FACTORY PROPRIETORS TO CHECK ON THE IDENTITY OF VISITORS CLAIMING TO BE OFFICERS OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND I- IN ANY DOUS" TO REPORT IMMEDIATELY TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.
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A...
SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 1977
4
LESS THAN TWO MONTHS LEFT FOR NURSERIES TO REGISTER
*******
A TEAM OF TEN SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICERS HAS BEEN WORKING FOR ALMOST A YEAR NOW LAYING THE FOUNDATIONS FOR BETTER STANDARDS OF CHILD CARE IN NURSERIES, CRECHES AND SIMILAR ESTABLISHMENTS FOR CHILDREN.
THEY WERE APPOINTED INSPECTORS UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE LAST YEAR AND THEIR ADVISORY INSPECTORATE HAS BEEN HELPING BOTH PROSPECTIVE AND EXISTING OPERATORS TO MEET THE STANDARDS REQUIRED FOR THE PROPER RUNNING OF CHILD CARE CENTRES UNDER THE ORDINANCE AND ITS SUBSIDIARY REGULATIONS.
THE ORDINANCE, WHICH CAME INTO OPERATION ON JUNE 1 LAST YEAR, REQUIRES NEW CENTRES TO REGISTER BEFORE THEY ARE ALLOWED TC ACCEPT CHILDREN, WHILE THOSE ALREADY IN EXISTENCE ARE GIVEN TIME UNTIL THE END OF MAY THIS YEAR TC REGISTER AND TO BRING THEMSELVES UP TO THE REQUIRED STANDARD EY STAGES TO MEET THE CONDITIONS OF REGISTRATION.
REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPREHENSIVE AMD INCLUDE DIETARY SCALES AND PROGRAMMES OF ACTIVITY FOR THE CHILDREN, STAFF QUALIFICATIONS, BUILDING SAFETY, SANITARY AND HEALTH STANDARDS AND STAFF TO CHILDREN RATIO.
THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE IS HEADED EY A PRINCPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER, MISS NANCY CHOW.
+ADVICE ON RUNNING CHILD CARE CENTRES, FROM REGISTRATION PROCEDURES AND LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS TO DIETARY PRACTICES IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE HERE.+ SHE SAID.
+AN ENQUIRIES TELEPHONE IS MANNED AT ALL TIMES EY THE INSPECTORS WHO ACT AS DUTY OFFICER BY TURN. ANYONE CAN ALSO COME IN PERSON TO OUR OFFICE AT 692 PRINCE EDWARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, NORTH WING, 5TH FLOOR.
+A CHINESE TRANSLATION COPY OF THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE IS AVAILABLE FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO CONSULT IT. THOSE WHO ARE INTERESTED CAN FURTHER ASK FOR COPIES OF A CODE OF PRACTICE IN EITHER ENGLISH OP CHINESE TO FIND OUT MOPE ABOUT THE STANDARDS LAID DOWN EY THE GOVERNMENT.+
THE ADVISORY INSPECTORS ARE NOT AT ALL DESK-BOUND IN THEIR aORK. BESIDES REGULAR INSPECTIONS TC THOSE CHILD CARE CENTRES WHICH ARE ALREADY ESTABLISHED, THEY OFTEN GIVE ADVICE TC NEW OPERATORS ON SITE. IT IS NOT INFREQUENT THAT T-ESE OPE'ATORS aOULD wISr AM INSPECTOR TC ACCOMPANY THEM Ci. THEIR SEARCn CCR SUITABLE PREMISES AND THRASH CUT DETAIL POINTS OF LAY-OU" A3 INSTALLATION TOGETHER.
+?.E WOULD ENCOURAGE MORE PEOPLE TC DO THE SAME AND APPROACH US IN THE FIRST INSTANCE. THE REASON IS CJAT . -EN TH; AC UAL APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION IS PUT FORWARD, I" CAN THE GO THROUGH IN MINIMAL TI E.+ MISS C.-OW SAID.
SUNDAY, kPHIL 17, 1977
5
TIME TAKEN BY EXISTING CHILD CARE CENTRES TO OBTAIN REGISTRATION USUALLY TAKES LONGER THAN NEW ESTABLISHMENTS. THIS IS BECAUSE IT IS EASIER TO PUT EVERYTHING IN ORDER IN THE VERY FIRST PLACE THAN TO HAVE EXISTING FACILITIES REPLACED OR ADAPTED TO FIT NEW STANDARDS.
FOR THOSE WHO NEED HELP IN IMPROVING THEIR FACILITIES AND THUo BETTER SERVICES, ASSISTANCE IS AVAILABLE FROM THE LOTTERIES FUND IN THE FORM OF CAPITAL GRANTS FOR RE-EQUIPMENT.
FURTHERMORE, FOR THOSE WHO HAVE GENUINE DIFFICULTY IN MEETING THE TIME LIMIT FOP REVAMPING THEIR FACILITIES, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE MAY GRANT AN EXTENSION WITH OR WITHOUT CONDITIONS.
♦ENACTMENT OF THE CONTROL LEGISLATION NOT ONLY SHOWS GOVERNMENT’S CONCERN FOR THE WELFARE OF CHILDREN ENTRUSTED TO CHILD CARE CENTRES, IT ALSO RECOGNISES THAT PHYSICAL CARE IS NOT SUFFICIENT FOR THE GROWING CHILD. HE MUST EE ABLE TO DEVELOP INTELLECTUALLY, EMOTIONALLY AND SOCIALLY AS WELL.
♦THE TASK OF THE ADVISORY INSPECTORATE IS TO SEE THAT AT LEAST MINIMUM STANDARDS ARE OBSERVED. IN A MORE POSITIVE WAY, THE INSPECTORATE PUTS FORWARD A GUIDELINE AND ENCOURAGES ALL TO FOLLOW IT AND ACHIEVE A GOOD STANDARD OF SERVICE IN THEIR WORK OF CARING FOR OUR YOUNG,+ MISS CHOW SAID.
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 THE aATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TC
PREMISES IN CAUSEWAY BAY WILL EE A.M. GN TUESDAY (APRIL 1?) TO ENABLE CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGt TiST.
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY LAN FONG ROAD, LEE GARDEN ROAD, FOO YING STREET, AND PERCIVAL STREET FROM HENNESSY ROAD TO LEIGHTON ROAD.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, APRIL 15, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
MRS. THATCHER VISITS FACTORIES .............................. 1
MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY ...................... 2
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION ........................ 3
ANTI-CANCER EXHIBITION MOVES TO KOWLOON ..................... 4
WATER CUT IN NORTH POINT AND TSUEN WAN ...................... 5
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT .................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, APRIL 18, 1977
1
MRS. THATCHER VISITS FACTORIES
*****
THE BRITISH CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER, MRS. MARGARET THATCHER, SPENT THE ENTIRE MORNING TODAY (MONDAY) VISITING FACTORIES --ONE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TWO IN KOWLOON.
SHE STARTED THE TOUR WITH A VISIT TO W. HAKING INDUSTRIES (MECHANICS AND OPTICS) LIMITED.
THE OTHER TWO FACTORIES MRS. THATCHER VISITED WERE THE STELUX MANUFACTURING COMPANY LIMITED, MAKERS OF WATCH PARTS, ELECTRONICS PRODUCTS AND CAMERAS, AND THE MICRO ELECTRONICS LIMITED.
THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY LEADER WAS ACCOMPANIED ON THE THREE-HOUR TOUR EY THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN.
MRS. THATCHER SHOWED KEEN INTEREST IN WHAT SHE SAW AND ASKED BOTH THE PRINCIPALS OF THE FACTORIES AND THE WORKERS NUMEROUS QUESTIONS.
ALSO IN THE VISITING PARTY WERE MRS. THATCHER’S DAUGHTER, CAROL= THE OPPOSITION SPOKESMAN ON EUROPE, MR. DOUGLAS HURD, AND MRS. THATCHER’S PARLIAMENTARY PRIVATE SECRETARY, MR. J. P. STANLEY.
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/2......
MONDAY, nPBIL 18, 1977
- 2 -
MANPOWER SURVEY OF ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY * * * * *
A MANPOWER SURVEY OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY WILL EE CARRIED OUT BETWEEN MAY 2 AND 23 TO COLLECT UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION ON TRAINING REQUIREMENTS.
THE SURVEY, THE FOURTH IN THE SERIES, WILL BE CARRIED OUT EY THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD OF THE HONG KONG TRAINING COUNCIL, WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT AND THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT.
QUESTIONNAIRES AND EXPLANATORY LETTERS WERE SENT OUT TODAY TO ALL ESTABLISHMENTS INCLUDED IN THE SURVEY.
THE INFORMATION WHICH EMPLOYERS ARE REQUESTED TO SUPPLY INCLUDES!
THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY EMPLOYED’
THE NUMBER OF WORKERS PRESENTLY UNDER TRAINING’
THE NUMBER OF EXISTING VACANCIES AND’
A FORECAST OF ADDITIONAL VACANCIES EY MAY 1978.
DURING THE SURVEY, INTERVIEWING OFFICERS wlLL VISIT EACH OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS CONCERNED AND HELP EMPLOYERS TO COMPLETE THE QUESTIONNAIRE.
THE CHAIRMAN OF THE ELECTRICAL INDUSTRY TRAINING BOARD, ME. ..ARNER YEH, ASSURED PROPRIETORS THAT THE INFORMATION COLLECTED .<OULD EE HANDLED IN STRICT CONFIDENCE AND WOULD EE PUBLISHED ONLY IN THE FORM OF STATISTICAL SUMMARIES WITHOUT REFERENCE TO ANY INDIVIDUAL ESTABLISHMENT.
/3.....
Monday, kPril t8, 1977
INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION
*****
A 17-YEAR-OLD STUDENT, YIU YAU-HUNG OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL, TOPPED A LIST OF 280 ENTRIES FOR THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SAFETY SLOGAN COMPETITION AND WON A CASH PRIZE OF 0250.
ANOTHER PRIZE OF $200 WENT TO 14-YEAR-OLD LEUNG NAI-FAI OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
AS AN ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE STUDENTS, THE ORGANISERS HAVE DECIDED TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF CONSOLATION PRIZES OF $130 EACH FROM THREE TO SIX. THE WINNERS WERE CHOW YUK-HAM (16) OF JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL, LEE KAM-KWONG (16) OF VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL, CHAN CHI-HUNG (17) OF SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL, LC YAN-PIN (14) OF KEI HEEP SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL, CHIU CHUI-WAN (17) OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL AND LAI SIU-MING (17) OF SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL.
ON THE SAFETY SLOGAN SIDE THE FIRST PRIZE OF $150 WENT TO CATHERINE NG YUK-KING (15) OF OUR LADY’S COLLEGE, WHILE THE SECOND AND THIRD PRIZES OF $120 AND $80 WENT TO CHAN SHING-FAI (17) OF JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL AND ANGELA WONG ,.A l-WAH OF OUR LADY’S COLLEGE RESPECTIVELY. THERE WERE 130 ENTRIES FOR THE SAFETY SLOGAN COMPETITION.
THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION, MR. LEE CHAK-PUI WILL PRESENT THE PRIZES TO THE WINNERS AT THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE IN KOWLOON ON WEDNESDAY.
COMMENTING ON THE COMPETITION, A LABOUR DEPARTMENT SPOKESMAI SAID : +FOR THE PAST EIGHT YEARS WE HAVE ORGANISED SIMILAR INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITIONS BUT THIS YEAR WE HAVE INCLUDED A NEW ITEM — THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY SLOGAN.
+THE AIM OF THESE COMPETITIONS IS TO AROUSE THE AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF MACHINERY SAFETY AMONG FACTORY WORKERS.
+THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION IS ALSO TIMED TO COINCIDE WITH THE COMING INTO OPERATION OF THE NEWLY ENACTED FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY REGULATIONS) WHICH HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED IN AN EFFORT TO KEEP THE RATE OF INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENTS DOWN AS FAR AS POSS IDLE.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
PRIZES WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE WINNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SLOGAN COMPETITION AT A CEREMONY TC EE HELD AT 3.33 P.M. IN THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT’S INDUSTRIAL SAFETY TRAINING CENTRE ON THE 3RD FLOOR (ROOM 317) OF THE CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES CM WEDNESDAY (APRIL 20).
YOU ARE INVITED TO SENE A REPORTER AND/OR PHOTOGRAPHER TO COVER THE CEREMONY.
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MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
4
ANT I-CANCER EXH IE IT ION MOVES TO KOWLOON
******
CANCER AWARENESS ’77 -- AN EXHIBITION DESIGNED FOR THE PUBLIC TO LEARN ALL ABOUT CANCER -- WILL MOVE ON TO THE DENSELY POPULATED AREAS OF KOWLOON AFTER A SUCCESSFUL RUN OR HONG KONG ISLAND.
THE EXHIBITION HAS PROVED TO BE IMMENSELY POPULAR WITH SOME 33,003 RESIDENTS TURNING UP AT CITY HALL AND QUEEN’S COLLEGE TO SEE THE DISPLAYS EARLIER THIS MONTH.
FOR THE BENEFIT OF RESIDENTS IN KOWLOON AMD THE NEW TERRITORIES, SIMILAR EXHIBITION WILL EE HELD IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS DURING THE NEXT FIVE WEEKS -- AT TSIM SHA TSUI KAIFDNG WELFARE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN APRIL 23 AND 23, YUEN LONG TOWN HALL BETWEEN APRIL 27 AND 30, TSUEN WAN PRINCESS ALEXANDRA COMMUNITY CENTRE BETWEEN MAY 4 AND 7, AND KWUN TONG VOCATIONAL TRAINING CENTRE BETWEEN MAY 18 AND 21.
CANCER AWARENESS ’77 IS JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE HONG KONG ANTI-CANCER SOCIETY AND THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, AND ASSISTED BY THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND A NUMBER OF MEDICAL BODIES.
THE EXHIBITION IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE INFORMATION ON THE PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND WARNING AND SYMPTOMS OF THE VARIOUS FORMS OF CANCER, WHICH IS HONG KONG’S NUMBER ONE KILLER DISEASE.
THERE ARE FILM SHOWS, SLIDES, PICTURES, MODELS, RECORDINGS AND ILLUSTRATIONS TO HELP MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC UNDERSTAND WHAT CANCER IS ALL ABOUT.
CREATORS OF THE DISPLAYS ARE MEMBERS OF THE INTERNATIONAL HEALTH TEAM OF THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, aHICH CONSISTS OF SIX YOUNG WOMEN WHO nAVE TAKEN LEAVE FROM THEIR SCHOOLING AND JOES IN THE UNITED STATES TO OOI E TO HONG KONG FOR OUE - ...L - --i-~_- YEARS OF VOLUNTARY SERVICE.
ADMISSION TO THE EXHIBITION IS FREE, AND THE ORGANISERS ..ILL BE ON HAND TO EXPLAIN AND DEMONSTRATE THE VARIOUS ITEMS OF EXHIBITS.
MONDAY, APRIL 13, 1977
5
.-.ATEF CUT * * *
.VATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND TSUEN JAK Ml THE NEV. TERRITORIES W ILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON WEDNESDAY (APRIL 20) TO ENABLE NIGHT LEAKAGE TES"S TO BE CARRIED OUT IN THESE TWO AREAS.
ON HONG KONG ISLAND, THE AREA AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY THE SOUTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD BETWEEN HEALTHY STREET WEST AND '•'ANS ION STREET, TSAT TSZ MUI ROAD AND PAK FUK ROAD, INCLUDING MODEL LANE, HEALTHY STREET EAST AND HEALTHY STREET CENTRAL.
IK TSUEN ..AN, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY TAI WO HAU ROAD, WO TONG TSUI STREET, KWAI CHUNG ROAD AND CASTLE PEAK ROAD, INCLUDING FU UK TSUEN, BLOCK NOS. 1 TO 5 OF KWAI CHUNG FACTORY AND ALL BLOCKS OF KWAI HING ESTATE.
0 - -
HOLIDAY ARRANGEMENTS FOR MARINE DEPARTMENT * * * * *
THE MARINE DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT ITS WAN CHAI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA, YAUMATI PUBLIC CARGO WORKING AREA AND THE PORT COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE ..ILL REMAIN OPEN O': THURSDAY, A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
ON THAT DAY OFFICES OF THE MACAU FERRY WHARF UNIT .dLL CONTINUE TO OPERATE FROM 7.33 A.M. TO 1.3'3 A..:. THE FOLLOWING DAY.
HOWEVER, ALL OTHER SECTIONS OF THE DEPARTMENT Wl-L EE CLOSED.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
FUN AND GAMES TO MARK QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND SILVER JOB I LEE .................................................. 1
BUDGET DEBATE TO RESUME TOMORROW..........................' 2
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS MERGE 3
POST OFFICES TO CLOSE FOR HOLIDAY .......................... 3
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR SILVER JUBILEE PROCESSION ......... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1977
1
A DAY OF ENJOYMENT IN N.T. *****
A FESTIVE FLAVOUR WILL PREVAIL THROUGHOUT THE NEW TERRITORIES ON THURSDAY (APRIL 21) WHEN A WIDE VARIETY OF CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES WILL TAKE PLACE TO MARK THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND SILVER JUBILEE.
THE DAY WILL SEE AN EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME OF ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES GOING ON IN VARIOUS DISTRICTS TO GIVE THE YOUNG AND THE OLD A DAY OF RELAXATION AND ENJOYMENT.
THE PROGRAMME IS BEING JOINTLY ORGANISED, AFTER MONTHS OF PREPARATION, BY THE DISTRICT OFFICES, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICES, THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT.
THERE WILL BE A SERIES OF POTTED SPORTS CONTESTS SPECIALLY ARRANGED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14.
YOUTHS WILL COMPETE WITH EACH OTHER IN VARIOUS SPORTS EVENTS SUCH AS VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, MINI-SOCCER, TABLE-TENNIS, BADMINTON AND HILL-CLIMBING COMPETITIONS.
FOR PEOPLE OF ALL AGES, THERE WILL BE A LONG-DISTANCE RUN IN TSUEN WAN, A WALK-FOR-ALL AND A CROSS-COUNTRY WALK IN FAN LING.
THROUGHOUT THE DAY, PARTICULARLY IN THE EVENING, ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES WILL BE STAGED ONE AFTER ANOTHER IN VARIOUS SPORTS GROUNDS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
THE PROGRAMME IN TSUEN WAN WILL FEATURE A TWO-AND-HALF-HOUR VARIETY SHOW STARTING AT 3 P.M. AT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, THE SHOW WILL INCLUDE AN ANCIENT AND MODERN FEMALE COSTUME PARADE, DRAGON AND LION DANCE, BRASS BAND PERFORMANCE, MASS DANCE AND GYMNASTIC DISPLAY.
OTHER ENTERTAINMENT ACTIVITIES INCLUDE DEMONSTRATIONS ON TRAMPOLIN ING, ROLLER-SKATING, CYCLING AND MARTIAL ARTS, FOLK SONGS AND PERFORMANCES BY CHINESE ORCHESTRAS.
ON THURSDAY AT 9 A.M., THE SECREATARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, WILL OFFICIATE AT A CEREMONY AT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, TSUEN WAN, TO MARK THE OPENING OF THE N.T. WEST SPORTS EVENTS.
/hT 2 P.H.
TUESDAY, APRIL '9, "977
2
AT 2 P.M. ON THE SAME DAY, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES (GENERAL), MR. MORRIS MORGAN, WILL OFFICIATE AT ANOTHER CEREMONY IN THE FAN LING SPORTS GROUND WHERE THE N.T. EAST SPORTS EVENTS WILL TAKE PLACE.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATION PROGRAMME IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, IN ENGLISH AND CHINESE, ARE AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION IN G.I.S.
BOXES THIS EVENING.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND YOUR REPRESENTATIVE(S) TO COVER THE TWO OPENING CEREMONIES OR ANY OF THE LISTED PROGRAMMES.
ONE OF THE OPENING CEREMONIES WILL TAKE PLACE AT THE
YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND, TSUEN WAN, AT 9 A.M. ON THURSDAY WHILE THE OTHER WILL BE HELD AT THE FAN LING SPORTS GROUND AT 2 P.M. THE SAME DAY.
G -------
BUDGET DEBATE TO RESUME TOMORROW
******
SIX OFFICIAL MEMBERS OF LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL .. I-L REPLY TO POINTS RAISED BY THEIR UNOFFICIAL COLLEAGUES AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TOMORROW (WEDNESDAY).
THEY ARE THE SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY AND <nt FINANCIAL SECRETARY WHO WILL WIND-UP THE DEBATt.
DURING QUESTION TIME, REVEREND THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT WILL ASK TWO QUESTIONS RELATING TO THE QUALIF I OAT IONS I N_JHE RECRUITMENT OF ASSISTANT INSPECTORS AND v-tLFARE SUPtRVHOnS FOR SPECIAL SCHOOLS AND INSTITUTIONS FOR THE HA>\v IChr. tD.
SEVEN BILLS WILL BE INTRODUCED INTO THE COUNCI-. THEY INCLUDE ONE wHICH AIMS TO SET UP THE HONG KONG tXAMINATIO.. AUTHORITY.
0
TUESDAY, APRIL 1?, 1977
- 3 -
REGISTRATION OF PERSONS AND IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENTS MERGE * * * * * *
THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT OFFICIALLY MERGED TODAY (APRIL 20) WITH THE DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION CONCURRENTLY BECOMING THE COMMISSIONER OF REGISTRATION.
THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS DEPARTMENT WILL NOW BE KNOWN AS THE REGISTRATION PERSONS OFFICE.
MR. MARTIN ROWLANDS, DIRECTOR OF IMMIGRATION, SAID TODAY THAT THERE WOULD BE NO CHANGE IN THE PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION OF IDENTITY CARDS.
MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WILL CONTINUE TO APPLY FOR IDENTITY CARDS OR AMEND THEIR REGISTERED PARTICULARS AT THE SAME OFFICES AS BEFORE. ANY CORRESPONDENCE IN CONNECTION WITH IDENTITY CARD MATTERS SHOULD BE DIRECTLY ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE.
WITH EFFECT FROM FRIDAY (APRIL 22), THE WORKING HOURS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT HEADQUARTERS AND THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICE WILL BE FROM 8.45 A.M. TO 5.15 P.M. DURING WEEKDAYS AND FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON ON SATURDAYS.
COMMENTING ON THE ARRANGEMENT, MR. ROWLANDS SAID THIS wAS GEARED TO MEET PEAK BUSINESS DEMAND ON FRIDAY AFTERNOONS IN THOSE OFFICES. IT WOULD NOT AFFECT THE WORKING HOURS OF THE IMMIGRATION DEPARTMENT’S BRANCH OFFICES.
FURTHERMORE, IN AN EFFORT TO IMPROVE SERVICE TO THE PUBLIC, THE REGISTRATION OF PERSONS OFFICES IN CAUSEWAY BAY AND CANTON ROAD, WILL BE OPEN FOR BUSINESS DURING THE LUNCH HOUR.
HOLIDAY POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS M * * * *
THE POSTMASTER GENERAL HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THERE '.'ILL EE MC MAIL DELIVERY ON THURSDAY (APRIL 21), WHICH IS A GENERAL HOLIDAY.
ALL POST OFFICES -ILL ALSO EE CLOSED ON THAT DAY.
TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 1977
4 -
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR SILVER JUBILEE PROCESSION ******
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED FOR THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE PROCESSION ON THURSDAY EVENING.
MANY ROADS ALONG THE PROCESSION ROUTE BETWEEN VICTORIA PARK AND VICTORIA BARRACKS WILL BE CLOSED TO TRAFFIC FROM 6.45 P.M. THAT DAY.
THE ONLY MAJOR ROADS THAT WILL BE LEFT OPEN TO NORMAL EAST-WEST TRAFFIC WILL BE WATERFRONT ROAD, TUNG LO WAN ROAD, LEIGHTON ROAD, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST AND KENNEDY ROAD.
IN VIEW OF THIS AND THE FACT THAT VERY LARGE CROWDS ARE EXPECTED TO GATHER EARLY ALONG THE PROCESSION ROUTE, MOTORISTS ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO EITHER KEEP WELL CLEAR OF THE WAN CHAI AREA AFTER 6 P.M. OR USE PUBLIC TRANSPORT WHICH WILL BE GIVEN PRIORITY OVER PRIVATE MOTORISTS.
THE MAJORITY OF METERED PARKING SPACES IN WAN CHAI AND CAUSEWAY BAY WILL BE CANCELLED BETWEEN 4.30 P.M. AND MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY.
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC DIVERSIONS WILL BE IMPLEMENTED IN A NUMBER OF STREETS ALONG OR NEAR THE PROCESSION ROUTE BUT THESE WILL BE INDICATED BY DIRECTIONAL SIGNS AND TRAFFIC POLICE WILL BE ON HAND TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
DURING THE PROCESSION, THERE WILL BE NO THROUGH TRAM SERVICES BETWEEN NORTH POINT AND CENTRAL BECAUSE OF THE ROAD CLOSURES. BUSES, PLB’S AND MAXICABS WILL BE DIVERTED AWAY FROM THE CLOSED ROADS.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
PROPOSAL TO LOWER CLAWBACK PERCENTAGE IN SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE ........................................... 1
ADVISORY NETWORK -- A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC ........................................ 3
GOVERNMENT PLANNING COMPREHENSIVE FUTURE LAND POLICY ......... 4
GOVERNMENT CONCERNED ABOUT PROPOSALS FOR MORE RESTRICTIVE
M.F.A......................................................
OBJECTIVES BEHIND THE BUDGET ................................. 9
PROPOSAL TO SET UP SELECT COMMITTEE TO COMPLEMENT LEGCO ROLE IN APPROVING MEASURES FOR RAISING REVENUE .............. 11
EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE PLAN DEFENDED ................. 12
ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE MORE REALISTIC .... 15
FINANCIAL SECRETARY TO ATTEND ADB MEETING ................... 17
REVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS OF WELFARE SUPERVISORS ............. 18
ASSISTANT INSPECTORS (GRADUATE) OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS .......... 19
.'.1,300 MILLION WORTH OF HOUSING CONTRACTS TO BE LET IN THIS FINANCIAL YEAR ......................................... 20
POWERS FOR COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT OVER FERRY OPERATIONS PROPOSED ......................................... 22
PROPOSAL FOR INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY ....................... 24
PLANS TO DEVELOP MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OUTLINED .... 25
S.W.D. PLANS TO SET UP REGIONAL OFFICES CONSIDERED .......... 28
ELEMENTS CONTRIBUTING TO UNDERSPENDING BY P.W.D.............. 30
PUBLIC CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATION OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS .. 32
GOVERNOR SENDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO QUEEN .................. 33
SPORTING EVENTS TO MARK QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE .............. 34
PRIZES FOR WINNERS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION 35
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON ................... 36
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
1
PROPOSAL TO LOWER CLAWBACK PERCENTAGE IN SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TODAY PROPOSED THE LOWERING OF THE CLAWBACK PERCENTAGE IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY PERSONAL ALLOWANCE FROM 20 TO 15 PER CENT, TO GIVE FURTHER RELIEF TO TAXPAYERS.
a I ND I NG UP THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +THE EFFECT OF THIS GESTURE WILL BE TO RAISE THE POINT WHERE THE SUPPLEMENTARY BASIC ALLOWANCE FOR A SINGLE MAN IS ELIMINATED FROM $25,000 TO $29,167 AND FOR A MARRIED MAN FROM $50,300 TO $58,334 THEREBY SHIFTING THE RELATIVE BURDEN OF SALARIES TAX EVEN FURTHER UPWARDS*.
UNDER THIS PROPOSAL, THE TAX LIABILITY OF A MARRIED MAN EARNING $36,000 A YEAR WITH TWO DEPENDENT CHILDREN WILL BE $282 COMPARED WITH $310 WITH A 20 PER CENT CLAWBACK AND $550 AT PRESENT.
THIS WOULD ALSO MEAN A FURTHER COST TO THE REVENUE OF $10 MILLION IN 1977-78 AND $7 MILLION IN 1978-79 MAKING THE TOTAL COST OF THE PROPOSED CONCESSIONS, INCLUDING THE IMPROVED CHILD ALLOWANCE, $74 MILLION OR TEN PER CENT OF ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM SALARIES TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT IN 1977-78 AND $45 MILLION IN 1978-79.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, +JUST IN CASE HONOURABLE MEMBERS CONCLUDE THAT IF A REDUCTION OF FIVE PERCENTAGE POINTS IN THE CLAWBACK WILL ONLY COST $10 MILLION, IT IS NOT WORTH BOTHERING WITH A CLAWBACK AT ALL, LET ME POINT OUT THAT A CLAWBACK OF 10 PER CENT WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $37 MILLION AND NO CLAWBACK AT ALL WOULD COST AN ADDITIONAL $117 MILLION.
+ THUS THE COST OF NEW BASIC ALLOWANCES OF $2,500 AND $5,030, WITHOUT A CLAWBACK WOULD BE $158 MILLION IN 1977-78 AND $91 MILLION IN 1978-79. WHEN ACCOUNT IS ALSO TAKEN OF THE IMPROVED CHILD ALLOWANCES THE COST WOULD BECOME $181 MILLION OR 25 PER CENT CF THE ESTIMATED REVENUE FROM SALARIES TAX AND PERSONAL ASSESSMENT IN 1977-78 AND $105 MILLION IN 1978-79.
+ THE REASON FOR THE SHARPLY INCREASING COST OF A LOWER AND LOWER CLAWBACK IS, OF COURSE, THAT THE EFFECTIVE RATE OF TAX IS REDUCED FURTHER AND FURTHER UP THE SCALE- AND THIS IS CLEARLY UNACCEPTABLE ON FISCAL GROUNDS AND UNNECESSARY ON EQUITY GROUNDS,* SAID MR. HADDON-CAVE.
ON THE SUGGESTION BY DR. THE HON. S.Y. CHUNG, THE HON. Q.W. LEE AND THE HON. WONG LAM FOR AN INCREASE IN THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES COUPLED =OSSIBLY WITH A HIGHER CLAWEACK FACTOR, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID, +THEY HAVE OVERLOOKED THE EFFECT OF MY PROPOSALS ON THE NUMBER IN THE TAX NET AND HAVE PROPOSED A MODIFICATION WHICH WOULD INCREASE THE NUMBER DROPPED OUT.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2C, -----
2 -
+-0R EXAMPLE, IF THE SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES WERE INCREASED TO $3,750 AND $7,500 FOR SINGLE AND MARRIED TAXPAYERS RESPECTIVELY, A FURTHER 20,000 TAXPAYERS WOULD EE REMOVED FROM THE TAX NET AND THE ADDITIONAL COST TO THE REVENUE, INCLUDING THE EFFECT ON THE TAX L IAEILITY OF THOSE LEFT IN, WOULD EE S55 MILLION IN 1977-75 AND $33 MILLION IN 1978-79 OVER AND ABOVE THE COST OF THE PROPOSED SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES OF $2,500 AND 35,000, NAMELY, OF UI MILLION AND $24 MILLION IN 1977-78 AND 1978-79 RESPECTIVELY.
+0N THE OTHER HAND,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +MR. Q.W. LEE
AND DR. CHUNG PROPOSED A HIGHER CLAWBACK WHICH WOULD DIMINISH THE BENEFIT TO THOSE WHOSE SALARIES EXCEED THE SUPPLEMENT.+
+IT IS TRUE THAT THE APPLICATION Or A HIGHER CLAWBACK OF, SAY 25 PER CENT WOULD REDUCE THE ADDITIONAL COST OF THESE HIGHER SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES EY ABOUT $9 - 10 MILLION ONLY IN 1977-78 AND 36 - 7 MILLION ONLY IN 1978-79, BUT MY MAIN OBJECTION TO nIGHER SUPPLEMENTARY ALLOWANCES WOULD REMAIN, NAMELY, THAT THE NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS AND POTENTIAL TAXPAYERS DROPPED OUT WOULD EE TOO MANY,+ HE SAID. +S0 I CANNOT AGREE TO A FURTHER REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF TAXPAYERS AND ADMINISTRATIVE CONSIDERATIONS DC NOT NECESSITATE THIS.+
IN REPLY TO DR. CHUNG’S REQUEST FOR A CLARIFICATION OF THE SHARP INCREASE IN RATEABLE VALUES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THE REASON WAS QUITE CLEAR. IT WAS THE VERY SHARP INCREASE IN OPEN MARKET RENTS OVER THE FIRST HALF OF THIS DECADE, AND THIS WAS EXPLAINED BY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION LAST NOVEMBER PRIOR TO THE ISSUE OF NOTICES OF RATEABLE VALUES, WHEN THE COMMISSIONER SPOKE TO THE HONG KONG MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
ANSWERING REV. THE HON. MCGOVERN’S REMARKS THAT HONG KONG’S RENT CONTROL LEGISLATION HAD AN INFLATIONARY EFFECT, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +WHILE IT IS TRUE THAT RENT CONTROLS ON POSTWAR PREMISES PROVIDE FOR A RENT INCREASE OF UP TO 21 PER CENT EVERY TWO YEARS, THIS IS A MAXIMUM. AND NO INCREASE IS PERMITTED ABOVE THE FAIR MARKET RENT AS ESTIMATED EY THE COMMISSIONER OF RATING AND VALUATION.
+THERE IS, THEREFORE, NO QUESTION OF RENTS AUTOMATICALLY INCREASING BY IOC PER CENT IN SEVEN-AND-A-HALF YEARS OR 200 =ER CENT IN LESS THAN 12 YEARS.
+BECAUSE OF THE WAY OUR RENT CONTROLS OPERATE THROUGH THE FACTOR SYSTEM, THE ACTUAL AVERAGE INCREASE CERTIFIED BY THE COMMISSIONER IN 1974 WAS 16.35 PER CENT AND IN 1976 IT .-.AS 15.34 PER CENT" THAT IS TO SAY, A COMPOUND RATE OVER FOUR YEARS C" ONLY 7.75 PER CENT PER ANNUM. IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT RENTS, FOR THOSE EFFECTIVELY CONTROLLED, EVEN AFTER THE INCREASE DUE LAST YEAR, ARE ON AVERAGE STILL ONLY ABOUT 65~73 PER CENT OF OPEN MARKET RENTS.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, '977
- 3 -
ON THE HON. JAMES WU’S PROPOSAL THAT THE 33-1/3 PER CENT MAXIMUM INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE IN 1977-78 OVER 1976-77 SHOULD BE LOWERED TO 25 PER CENT AS THE GOVERNMENT PERMITS ONLY 10 PER CENT PER ANNUM CUMULATIVE INCREASES IN CONTROLLED RENTS OF POST-WAR DOMESTIC PREMISES, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT EVEN WITHOUT APPLYING THE RELIEF SCHEME WITH THE REDUCED RATE PERCENTAGES RECENTLY APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE AVERAGE INCREASE IN RATES PAYABLE WAS ONLY 15 PER CENT AND FOR MANY RATEPAYERS THEIR RATES BILL IN 1977-78 WOULD IN FACT BE LESS THAN IN 1976-77.
+THOSE WHO WILL BENEFIT FROM THE SCHEME OF RELIEF ARE RATEPAYERS WHO OCCUPY PREMISES WHERE IN THE INCREASES IN RATEABLE VALUES FOR 1977-78 ARE CONSIDERABLY ABOVE THE AVERAGE, AND IT SHOULD BE BORNE IN MIND THAT IT IS THESE RATEPAYERS WHO HAVE BENEFITED MOST FROM THE POSTPONEMENT OF THE REVALUATION.
+ THE SCHEME PROPOSED, IN MY VIEW, ADEQUATELY CUSHIONS THE IMPACT OF LARGE INCREASES AND ALLOWS RATEPAYERS SUFFICIENT TIME TO ADJUST TO INCREASED RATE PAYMENTS,+ SAID THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY.
--------o -
ADVISORY NETWORK - A UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN GOVT. AND PUBLIC
******
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, IN A SERIES OF TELLING SPEECHES, HAD RAISED A LARGE NUMBER OF VALID AND SUBSTANTIVE QUESTIONS WHICH THEY BELIEVED - AND RIGHTLY - TO BE OF CONCERN TO THE PUBLIC.
IN HIS SPEECH WINDING-UP THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID, +WE MAY NOT HAVE A PARLIAMENTARY SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT IN HONG KONG, BUT WE HAVE EVOLVED A SYSTEM IN WHICH UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS OF THE COUNCILS, AND ALL THOSE WHO SIT ON OUR NETWORK OF ADVISORY BOARDS AND COMMITTEES, ARE ASSOCIATED WITH THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS.
+IN OPERATING THIS SYSTEM OF OURS, BASED AS IT IS ON A CONTINUING PROCESS OF CONSULTATION AND DEBATE, I BELIEVE A QUITE UNIQUE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN BUREAUCRACY AND THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE HAS BEEN EVOLVED.
+IT MAY NOT ALWAYS BE OPERATED PERFECTLY, BUT IT DOES HAVE A STYLE OF ITS OWN AND I BELIEVE IT ENGENDERS A GENERAL CONFIDENCE THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS SEIZED WITH A REAL SENSE OF RESPONSIBILITY: THAT IS TO SAY, THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT IS CONCERNED TO PURSUE, AND IN A CONSISTENT MANNER, POLICIES WHICH ARE RELEVANT TO OUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND SYMPATHETIC WITH THE PREDILECTIONS OF THE VARIOUS SECTIONS OF THIS COMMUNITY,+ HE SAID.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
GOVT. PLANNING COMPREHENSIVE FUTURE LAND POLICY *****
THE GOVERNMENT IS TAKING POSITIVE, FORWARD LOOKING AND COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH TO LAND PRODUCTION POLICY, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY.
WINDING-UP THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT OUR TRADITIONAL LAND POLICY HAD BEEN PROJECT ORIENTED AND CONSEQUENTLY PIECEMEAL. HE NOTED THAT CIRCUMSTANCES NOW REQUIRED US TO REVERSE THIS POLICY.
+WE SHOULD BEGIN BY ESTABLISHING THE QUANTUM OF OUR LIMITED LAND RESOURCES, AND THEN PLAN HOW AND WHEN THEY SHOULD BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE PRIVATE AS WELL AS THE PUBLIC SECTOR.+
HE REVEALED THAT CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN BRIEFED TO ESTABLISH THE MAXIMUM AMOUNT OF LAND THAT COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE BY EXTENDING THE RECLAMATION ALREADY IN HAND AT SHA TIN- AN URGENT STUDY WILL BE PUT IN HAND TO ESTABLISH THE AMOUNT OF FORMED LAND THAT COULD BE PRODUCED WITHIN CERTAIN COST RESTR ICT IONS.
FROM THIS STUDY WILL BE EXCLUDED -- LANTAU- LAND PRODUCTION INVOLVING EXCESSIVE SOCIAL DISRUPTION THROUGH CLEARANCES- HONG KONG ISLAND, SINCE THE POSSIBILITIES OF PRODUCING LAND ADDITIONAL TO THAT REQUIRED FOR PUBLIC PURPOSES ARE SO LIMITED- AND AREAS LIKELY TO BE DESIGNATED AS COUNTRY PARKS.
+ONCE WE HAVE THE RESULTS OF THIS STUDY WE WILL KNOW HOW MUCH LAND WE CAN PRODUCE WITHOUT TACKLING, AT VERY GREAT EXPENSE, THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANTAU. THIS STUDY SHOULD INDICATE THAT THERE ARE POSSIBILITIES OF FORMING LAND ON A SCALE NOT KNOWN IN HONG KONG IN RECENT YEARS,+ MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID.
BUT, IF AND WHEN THE LAND THUS PRODUCED IS INADEQUATE TO HONG KONG’S NEEDS, THE ONLY REMAINING POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT LIES ON THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU, WHICH COMBINES COMPARATIVE EASE OF RECLAMATION WITH GOOD ACCESS TO THE HARBOUR, AND WHICH WOULD NOT INTERFERE WITH THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION OF PRESERVING SOUTH LANTAU FOR RECREATIONAL PURPOSES.
+WE HAVE IN MIND A STUDY TO ASCERTAIN HOW MUCH LAND COULD BE PRODUCED BY FORMATION AND RECLAMATION ON THE NORTH COAST OF LANTAU. THIS STUDY WOULD HAVE TO COVER THE FEASIBILITY AND COST OF THE CONSTRUCTION OF A BRIDGE AS WELL AS THE COST OF ACCOMPANYING ROADS AND SERVICES, INCLUDING THE COST OF SURMOUNTING THE TRAFFIC PROBLEMS THAT MIGHT BE GENERATED BETWEEN THE POINT AT WHICH THE ROUTE FROM LANTAU REACHES THE MAINLAND AND THE URBAN AREAS OF KOWLOON.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
5
+ «E ALREADY HAVE A PRELIMINARY AND GENERALLY FAVOURABLE STUDY BY CONSULTANTS OF THE FEASIBILITY OF A BRIDGE. BUT BEFORE WE COULD REACH A DECISION ON THE DESIRABILITY OF SUCH MASSIVE INVESTMENT WE NEED A MORE DEFINITIVE AND COMPREHENSIVE STUDY,* THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT.
+IN VIEW OF THE MANY YEARS OF LEADTIME INVOLVED IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF LANTAU, WE THINK IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO APPOINT CONSULTANTS IN THE NEAR FUTURE TO UNDERTAKE THIS STUDY. IF EXECUTIVE COUNCIL AGREES, A PAPER SEEKING FINANCIAL AUTHORITY FOR THE STUDY WILL BE PUT TO THE FINANCE COMMITTEE OF THIS COUNCIL,* HE SAID.
BUT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WARNED THAT IN HONG KONG’S SITUATION, FORMED AND SERVICED LAND IS, AND ALWAYS WILL BE, A SCARCE AND COSTLY FACTOR OF PRODUCTION AND THAT ITS PRICE WAS BOUND TC REFLECT ITS SCARCITY.
REFERRING TO THE MANAGEMENT OF THE HONG KONG DOLLAR AND THE UNOFFICIALS’ CALL FOR INTERVENTION IN MARKET FORCES WHICH IS STRENGTHENING THE HONG KONG CURRENCY AT THE EXPENSE OF THE COMPETITIVE POSITION OF OUR EXPORTS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT THIS WAS A DIFFICULT MATTER.
HE SAID THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT ADHERED TO THE POLICY OF +P03ITIVE NON-INTERVENTION ISM + IN MARKET FORCES, BUT, HE ADDED, THIS PHILOSOPHY WAS COUPLED WITH A VIEW THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD CERTAIN QUITE SPECIFIC OBLIGATIONS TO PURSUE A MONETARY POLICY THAT WAS NOT DAMAGING TO THE ECONOMIC WELL-BEING OF HONG KONG.
+WE HAVE A DELIBERATE, IF LIMITED, POLICY OF IN THE FOREIGN EXCHANGE MARKET,* HE POINTED OUT.
INTERVENTION
BUT, HE EXPLAINED THAT INSTITUTIONAL CHANGES AND EXCHANGE RATE POLICIES AS SUCH CANNOT INSULATE US FROM THE EFFECTS OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS IN THE REST OF THE WORLD.
+IF THERE IS A TENDENCY FOR STRONG CAPITAL INFLOWS INTO HONG KONG TO STRENGTHEN AND SUSTAIN THE EXCHANGE RATE, AGGRESSIVE DEPLOYMENT OF THE EXCHANGE FUND’S RESOURCES WILL NOT REMOVE THE PROBLEM,* HE SAID.
+WE CAN ONLY TRY TO RESPOND, AS BEST WE CAN IN OUR OVERALL INTERESTS,* HE ADDED.
IN THE LONG RUN, THE RESULTS WILL ALWAYS EE THE SAME. BUT IN THE SHORT RUN, WE HAVE A CHOICE TO MAKE.
+IN A WORLD OF FLOATING EXCHANGE RATES IT WOULD BE DANGEROUS FOR US TO PEG OUR CURRENCY TO ONE RESERVE CURRENCY.
+THE DIFFICULTIES INHERENT IN MANAGING A FLOATING RATE HAVE LED US TO OUR POLICY OF LEAVING THE RATE TC BE DETERMINED BY LONG RUN FACTORS IN THE MARKET * I TH INTERVENTION BY THE EXCHANGE FUND ONLY OCCUR I NG WHEN WE JUDGE THE RATE TO BE INFLUENCED BY WAYWARD OR ERRATIC FACTORS.*
6
REPLYING TO THE QUESTION OF MANPOWER PLANNING RAISED BY THE UNCF-ICIALS, THE -I NIA NC I AL SECRETARY SAID THAT WHILE HE AGREED IN SPIRIT ABOUT THE IMPORTANCE OF HAVING AN ACCURATE ASSESSMENT OF THE DEMAND FOR TRAINED MANPOWER AND THE NEED FOR A REALISTIC PLAN FOR DEVELOPING THE SUPPLY, THE TASK LAY WITH THE INDUSTRY.
HE- DREW THE ATTENTION OF THE UNOFFICIALS THAT A WORKING PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRY ALREADY EXISTS WHEREBY THE GOVERNMENT PROVIDED SUITABLE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND THE COURSES WHILE THE EMPLOYERS RELEASE STAFF FOR FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME TRAINING.
THIS PARTNERSHIP SHOULD ENSURE THAT EXPENDITURE ON TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND INDUSTRIAL TRAINING ARE KEPT IN BALANCE.
THE SUCCESS OF OUR EXPORT ORIENTED ECONOMY HAS BEEN, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE, DEPENDENT ON OUR ABILITY TO EXPLOIT QUICKLY AND EFFECTIVELY THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR PROFITABLE GROWTH. SO WE MUST AIM FOR FLEXIBILITY BY STRIKING A BALANCE BETWEEN HIGHLY SPECIALISED TRAINING AND MORE GENERAL TRAINING SO AS TO SECURE THE MOBILITY OF OUR LABOUR FORCE, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STRESSED.
COMMENTING ON THE ECONOMIC OUTLOOK FOR THE CURRENT FISCAL Y'AR, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE TRADE STATISTICS FOR JANUARY AND FEBRUARY DO SUGGEST A VERY SLIGnTLY LOWER GROWTH RATE FOR -XPORTS IN 1977, BUT THIS IS PROBABLY ONLY A REFLECTION OF THE TIMING OF SHIPMENTS AT THIS PARTICULAR TIME OF THE YEAR.
UNUSUALLY HIGH VOLUME OF EXPORTS RECORDED IN DECEMBER REFLECTED TO SOME EXTENT A DESIRE BY EXPORTERS TO UTILISE THEIR TEXTILE QUOTAS BEFORE THE END OF THE YEAR AND IT WOULD NOT BE SURPRISING IF THE PROVISIONAL ESTIMATE FOR THE G.D.P. IN REAL TERMS IN 1976 SHOWS A SOMEWHAT HIGHER GROWTH RATE THAN THE PRELIMINARY ESTIMATE OF 16 PER CENT, HE SAID.
+HOWEVER, BECAUSE THE TIMING OF SHIPMENT WAS BROUGHT FORWARD, THE GROWTH OF EXPORTS IN THE EARLY MONTHS OF 1977 WILL BE LOWER THAN EXPECTED WITH THE POSSIBILITY OF A SLIGHTLY LOWER GROWTH RATE FOR THE G.D.P. IN 1977 THAN THE FORECAST IN THE BUDGET. +
BUT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ASSURED THAT THE ACTUAL LEVEL OF THE G.D.P. IN 1977 WAS UNLIKELY TO BE VERY DIFFERENT.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2D, 1977
GOVERNMENT CONCERNED ABOUT PROPOSALS FOR A MORE RESTRICTIVE M.F.A.
******
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, THE HON. DAVID JORDAN, SAID TODAY THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WAS +NATURALLY VERY CONCERNED+ ABOUT REPORTS THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE EEC WERE PROPOSING TO MAKE THE MULTI-FIBRE ARRANGEMENT EVEN MORE RESTRICTIVE THAN IT WAS AT PRESENT.
MR. JORDAN WAS REPLYING TO A STATEMENT MADE BY THE HON. FRANCIS TIEN DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE AT THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL.
THE MFA PROVIDES THE FRAMEWORK FOR THE NEGOTIATION OF ALL BILATERAL TEXTILE AGREEMENTS. IT EXPIRES AT THE END OF THIS YEAR AND TALKS ON ITS FUTURE HAVE STARTED IN GENEVA.
BUT NO DECISION HAS BEEN REACHED SO FAR. WHILE THE MAJORITY OF PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES AND TERRITORIES, INCLUDING HONG KONG, ARE PREPARED TO EXTEND THE MFA WITHOUT MODIFICATIONS, THE EEC HAS MADE IT CLEAR THAT, WHILE IT IS ALSO PREPARED TO EXTEND THE ARRANGEMENT, IT WISHES TO SEEK MODIFICATIONS TO IT.
ALTHOUGH THE MEMBERS OF THE EEC HAVE NOT YET BEEN ABLE TO AGREE AMONGST THEMSELVES ON PRECISELY wHAT MODIFICATIONS THEY WOULD WISH TO PROPOSE, IT APPEARS FROM REPORTS PUBLISHED IN BRUSSELS AND FROM OTHER SOURCES THAT SOME MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY WANT TO MAKE THE MFA MORE RESTRICTIVE, MR. JORDAN SAID.
+WE - AND MANY OTHERS - WILL RESIST ANY CHANGES THAT WOULD HAVE A MORE RESTRICTIVE EFFECT, AND PERSONALLY I CANNOT SEE AGREEMENT BEING REACHED ON ALL THE MORE RESTRICTIVE PROPOSALS THAT THE EEC HAS INDICATED THAT IT MAY SEEK,+ HE SAID.
+1 BELIEVE THAT THE MOST LIKELY OUTCOME WILL BE SOMETHING THAT THE TEXTILE AND CLOTHING INDUSTRY CAN LIVE <vlTH,+ MR. JORDAN ADDED.
HE WENT ON : +ON THE OTHER HAND, IF I AM WRONG ABOUT THIS, AND IF ALL THE RESTRICTIONS THAT SOME PART ICI PAT I NG COUNTRIES WOULD LIKE TO SEE CAME INTO EFFECT THEY COULD HAVE A SERIOUS EFFECT ON THE GROWTH POTENTIAL OF CUR INDUSTRY, WITH ALL THAT THAT WOULD ENTAIL IN EFFECTS ON OUR TOTAL ECONOMIC GROWTH AND ON THE FURTHER INCREASE IN PROSPERITY THAT THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG HAVE EARNED BY THEIR EFFICIENCY, RESOURCEFULNESS AND PLAIN HARD WORK. AND IF THE MFA aERE TO GO THIS WAY, IT WOULD CREATE A VERY UNHEALTHY PRECEDENT FOR OTHER SECTORS OF TRADE. THIS COULD SET THE WORLD ON A DOWNWARD SLIDE INTO W IDES=READ PROTECTION I S'-. +
/y.p. jo:
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, <077
8 -
YR. JORDAN GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT +THE GOVERNMENT WOULD CONTINUE ITS EFFORTS TO PERSUADE THOSE OF OUR TRADING PARTNERS WHO ARE DOUBTFUL ABOUT IT THAT THE MFA AS IT EXISTS NOU ALREADY PROVIDES 7 OR AS MUCH RESTRICTIONS ON LEGITIMATE TRADE AS WE CAN REASONABLY BE EXPECTED TO ACCEPT AND THAT THIS WOULD BE IN THE INTERESTS NOT ONLY CF HONG KONG AND OF OTHER DEVELOPING COUNTRIES, BUT IN THE INTEREST OF THE GROWTH OF WORLD TRADE, ON WHICH THE DEVELOPED COUNTRIES ALSO DEPEND.*
ON THE QUESTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT, THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY EXPLAINED THAT HIS DEPARTMENT WAS CONCERNED TO ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST THE DIVERSIFICATION OF PRODUCTS, AND THAT THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL HAD BEEN PROMOTING DIVERSIFICATION OF MARKETS.
BUT, HE ADDED, THE DEPARTMENT WAS NOT GOING TO PRODUCE PLANNED GROWTH RATES OF THE REAL PRODUCTS FOR MAJOR INDUSTRIES AS SUGGESTED BY ONE COUNCILLOR. +THERE WOULD BE NO POINT IN DOING SO UNLESS WE WERE PREPARED TO USE GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY AND FINANCE TO SEE THAT THOSE RATES ARE ACHIEVED,* HE SAID.
+WHAT WE ARE GOING TO DO IS TO PUT MORE EFFORT INTO THE 'ACTIVE PROMOTION OF INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT’, WHICH ANOTHER COUNCILLOR, THE HON. JAMES WU, SAID WE MUST 'PURSUE WITH FULL VIGOUR’.+
MR. JORDAN CONTINUED : + IN THE LAST FEW YEARS WE AND THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HAVE EXPANDED OUR ACTIVITIES IN THIS FIELD, IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL. IN 1976 WE SENT MISSIONS TO AUSTRALIA, SWITZERLAND, THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY, THE UNITED STATES AND JAPAN.
+AS A RESULT OF THESE AND THE EARLIER MISSIONS, ELEVEN NEW FACTORIES HAVE BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG, MANUFACTURING PRODUCTS AS DIVERSE AS FORGED STEEL VALVES, ELECTRIC SWITCH BOARDS AND SWITCHGEAR, LIQUID QUARTZ CRYSTALS AND SYNTHETIC LEATHER PRODUCTS.
+1 HOPE SOON TO BE ABLE TO IMPLEMENT A RE-ORGANISATION AND STRENGTHENING OF THE DEPARTMENT, WHICH WILL ENABLE US TO INCREASE OUR EFFORTS. EVEN IN ADVANCE OF THIS, THE CHAMBER, THE TRADE DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL AND THE DEPARTMENT PLAN TO SEND OUT A TOTAL OF SIX INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT PROMOTION MISSIONS TO AUSTRALIA, THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, WEST GERMANY, SWITZERLAND, FRANCE AND JAPAN DURING 1977.
+ IN ORGANISING THESE MISSIONS W'E SHALL CONTINUE TO SELECT AS OUR TARGETS COMPANIES WHICH IF THEY SET UP HERE, WOULD WIDEN OUR INDUSTRIAL BASE AND RAISE THE LEVEL OF TECHNOLOGY. THIS IS THE NEAREST WE GET - AND IT ISN’T VERY CLOSE - TO PLANNING INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENTS. SELECTIVE ENCOURAGEMENT - BUT AT THE SAME TIME WE SHALL ALWAYS BE READY TO ASSIST ANY POTENTIAL INDUSTRIAL INVESTMENT, WHETHER THE SOURCE IS LOCAL OR OVERSEAS.
+ AS I HAVE OFTEN SAID, IT’S OUR JOB TC ENCOURAGE AND ASSIST. IT’S THE POTENTIAL INVESTOR’S JOB TO DECIDE - TO MAKE HIS OWN DECISION AND TO STAND OR FALL BY IT.+
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 23, 1977
OBJECTIVES BEHIND THE BUDGET
*****
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT THE 1977-78 BUDGET WAS CONSTRUCTED WITH FOUR OBJECTIVES.
THEY ARE TO PROVIDE FOR A REAL GROWTH RATE OF THE ORDER OF 15 PER CENT= TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S FISCAL RESERVES AT AROUND S3,703 MILLION AS AT APRIL 1, 1977= TO IMPLEMENT CERTAIN TAX CONCESSIONS AND REFORMS JUSTIFIED IN THEIR OWN RIGHT ON ADMINISTRATIVE OR SOCIAL GROUNDS, AND TO ACHIEVE A BALANC-.'OR NEAR BALANCE, ON MONETARY GROUNDS.
WINDING UP THE BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE OBJECTIVE TO PROVIDE FOR A REAL GROWTH RATE OF THE ORDER OF 15 PER CENT wAS TO MAKE UP FOR THE FACT THAT IN 1976-77 IT WAS ONLY EIGHT PER CENT, AND IN 1975-76 IT WAS ONLY ONE PER CENT AS COMPARED WITH THE GUIDELINE GROWTH RATE OF 13 PER CENT BASED ON HISTORICAL EXPERIENCE.
+1 AM CONFIDENT WE CAN EXCEED THE TEN PER CENT GUIDELINE GROWTH RATE IN 1977-78 WITHOUT SERIOUS IMPLICATIONS FOR THE ECONOMY AND WITHOUT DISREGARDING THE VALUE FOR MONEY CRITERION,* HE SAID.
ON THE SECOND OBJECTIVE TO MAINTAIN HONG KONG’S FISCAL RESERVES AT AROUND E3,733 MILLION AS AT APRIL 1, 1977, MR. -ADDON-CAVE SAID: +THIS OBJECTIVE HAD REGARD TO THE FACT THAT, AT Tn IS ENHANCED LEVEL, OUR FISCAL RESERVES ARE NOW ADEQUATE -OR, AT ANY RATE, ADEQUATE FOR THE TIME BEING - TO SECURE OUR CONTINGENT LIABILITIES, FINANCE SEASONAL DEFICITS AND COVER ANY SHORT TERM DIFFICULTIES THAT MIGHT ARISE.*
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THESE FOUR OBJECTIVES OF THE 1^77-78 BUDGET WERE CONSISTENT WITH THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF THE BUDGETARY POLICY IN HONG KONG AND HE wAS GRATIFIED BY THE HON. Q. LEE’S RECOGNITION OF THE COMPATIBILITY OF SOUND BUDGETARY, FISCAL, ECONOMIC AND MONETARY POLICIES AND THE GOVERNMENT’S PURSUIT OF A BETTER QUALITY OF LIFE, THROUGH PUBLIC EXPENDITURE, FOR THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE.
/EZ SAID
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 197?
- 10
HE SAID: +MR. Q.W. LEE ALSO ENDORSED THE WAY THE BUDGET IS ACTUALLY CONSTRUCTED IN TERMS OF CERTAIN GUIDELINE RATIOS. THESE RATIOS SEEK FIRST, TO DEFINE THE SIZE OF THE PUBLIC SECTOR- SECONDLY, TO ENSURE THAT THE BUDGET ITSELF IS CONSTRUCTED WITHIN CERTAIN CONSTRAINTS AS REGARDS THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE RECURRENT AND CAPITAL ACCOUNTS AND THE FINANCING OF THE CAPITAL ACCOUNT’ THIRDLY, TO DEF I NE THE BALANCE OF FISCAL SYSTEM-AND FINALLY, TO ACHIEVE STEADY PROGRESS BY FIXING UPON AN ANNUAL GROWTH RATE OF EXPENDITURE IN REAL TERMS WHICH IS PRACTICABLE AND BY MAINTAINING A CERTAIN RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN OUR FISCAL RESERVES AND GENERAL REVENUE ACCOUNT EXPENDITURE.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE TOTAL EFFECT OF THESE GUIDELINE RATIOS WITHIN WHICH THE BUDGET WAS CONSTRUCTED WAS THAT, TAKING ONE YEAR WITH ANOTHER, HONG KONG BUDGETS HAD A NEUTRAL EFFECT ON THE GROWTH RATE OF THE MONEY SUPPLY AFTER MAKING DUE ALLOWANCE FOR ANY NECESSARY INCREASE IN OUR FISCAL RESERVES.
♦THIS IS AS IT SHOULD BE. I SAY THIS BECAUSE I BELIEVE THERE SHOULD NOT BE ANY UNPLANNED MONETARY CONSEQUENCES FROM OUR DECISIONS ON REVENUE AND EXPENDITURE- RATHER, DECISIONS TO INCREASE EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE REFLECTED IN DECISIONS TO RAISE THE NECESSARY REVENUE,* SAID MR. HADDON-CAVE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID: +IT IS TRUE THAT THE 1977-78 BUDGET DOES NOT CONFORM VERY CLOSELY TO THE GUIDELINE RATIOS. THUS RECURRENT EXPENDITURE WILL ABSORB NEARLY 85 PER CENT OF RECURRENT REVENUE (COMPARED WITH THE GUIDELINE RATIO OF 80 PER CENT), THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT WILL FINANCE ONLY 55 PER CENT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (COMPARED WITH THE GUIDELINE RATIO OF 60 PER CENT) AND THE RATIO OF RECURRENT EXPENDITURE TO TOTAL EXPENDITURE WILL BE 76 PER CENT (COMPARED WITH THE GUIDELINE RATIO OF 70 PER CENT).
+THESE ARE QUITE SERIOUS BREACHES OF THE GUIDELINE RATIOS, BUT CAPITAL REVENUE WILL BE VERY BUOYANT IN 1977-78, FINANCING 47 ’ER CENT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE (COMPARED WITH THE GUIDELINE RATIO OF 20 PER CENT) AND, THEREFORE, IT WAS POSSIBLE FOR ME TO PRODUCE A BALANCED BUDGET, MAKING THESE BREACHES ACCEPTABLE,* HE SAID.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20,
1977
PROPOSAL TO SET UP SELECT COMMITTEE TO COMPLEMENT LEGCO ROLE IN APPROVING MEASURES FOR RAISING REVENUE ******
THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO SET UP A SMALL SELECT COMMITTEE OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TO COMPLEMENT THE COUNCIL’S ROLE IN APPROVING MEASURES FOR RAISING REVENUE AND IN VOTING FUNDS FOR EXPENDITURE.
DISCLOSING THIS AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE SAID A PROPOSAL TO THIS EFFECT WOULD BE PUT FORWARD TO THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE COUNCILS FOR CONSIDERATION.
THE COMMITTEE, HE SAID, WOULD BE SERVICED BY A DEPUTY CLERK OF COUNCILS, WITH THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT, THE DIRECTOR OF ACCOUNTING SERVICES AND THE DEPUTY FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN ATTENDANCE.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT AS AMENDMENTS TO THE AUDIT ORDINANCE WOULD BE NECESSARY HE DID NOT THINK THE NEW PROCEDURE PROPOSED COULD TAKE EFFECT BEFORE THE DIRECTOR’S REPORT ON THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR WAS SUBMITTED.
THE DUTIES OF THE COMMITTEE WOULD BE TO
* SELECT FROM THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT’S ANNUAL REPORT THOSE MATTERS WHICH IT WISHED TO EXAMINE'
* CALL UPON THE ACCOUNTING OFFICERS CONCERNED TO APPEAR BEFORE IT TO ACCOUNT FOR THE RELEVANT TRANSACT IONS-
* SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNOR, AS PRESIDENT OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, A REPORT CONTAINING SUCH COMMENTS OR RECOMMENDATION AS IT SAW FIT.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THAT IN CONDUCTING ITS EXAMINATION, THE COMMITTEE’S MAIN AIM WOULD BE TO ESTABLISH THE CIRCUMSTANCES SURROUNDING THE MATTERS REPORTED ON BY THE DIRECTOR OF AUDIT AND TO CONSIDER WHAT REMEDIAL MEASURES HAD BEEN OR SHOULD BE TAKEN.
+IN THE GOVERNMENT’S VIEW, THE COMMITTEE SHOULD BE CONCERNED, THEREFORE, WITH PRINCIPLES, SYSTEMS AND PROCEDURES RATHER THAN WITH DETAILS AND PERSONALITIES,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE COMMITTEE’S REPORT, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID IT WOULD REPLACE THE COMMENTS AT PRESENT PREPARED BY THE FINANCE BRANCH ON BEHALF OF THE GOVERNOR.
+THEREAFTER, THE FINANCE BRANCH, AS THE ORGAN OF THE GOVERNMENT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE CONTROL AND MANAGEMENT OF PUBLIC FUNDS, WOULD TAKE, OR ARRANGE TO BE TAKEN, SUCH ACTION AS THE ADMINISTRATION CONSIDERED APPROPRIATE ON THE COMMITTEE’S COMMENTS AND RECOMMENDATIONS.*
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/12....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
12
EXPENDITURE ON SOCIAL WELFARE PLAN DEFENDED
******
EXPENDITURE ON IMPLEMENTING THE 1973 SOCIAL WELFARE FIVE-YEAR PLAN, AT $192.5 MILLION, HAS BEEN 25 PER CENT MORE THAN .vHAT WAS ENVISAGED, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, THE HON. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE TODAY.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID HE WOULD NOT WISH TO OVER-PLAY THE FACT THAT MUCH BETTER WAS DONE THAN INTENDED FOUR YEARS AGO, BUT HE FELT OBLIGED TO POINT OUT THAT CRITICISM OF +STOP-G0+, +UPS-AND-DOWNS+ AND +ABSENCE OF STEADY PROGRESS* WAS NOT CONSISTENT WITH ARITHMETIC FACTS.
ANOTHER ALLEGATION THAT THE PRESENT PRACTICE WAS TO LOOK AT ONLY ONE YEAR AT A TIME, IMPLYING A FORM OF STOP-GO, WAS NOT SUPPORTED BY ACTUAL EXPENDITURE FIGURES WHICH REFLECTED A STEADY EXPANSION IN REAL TERMS, HE ADDED.
MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THAT ALTHOUGH THE ESTIMATES WERE PREPARED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, THEY WERE DONE SO IN THE CONTEXT OF THE GOVERNMENT’S VARIOUS PLANS AND THE FIVE-YEAR FORECAST.
+SUBJECT ALWAYS TO THE STATE OF THE ECONOMY, OUR WHOLE APPROACH IS BASED ON THE PREMISE THAT ONCE WE ENTER INTO COMMITMENTS ON RECURRENT OR CAPITAL ACCOUNT WE HAVE EVERY INTENTION OF SEEING THEM THROUGH,* HE STRESSED.
BLOCK GRANTS WOULD INJECT AN UNNECESSARY ELEMENT OF RIGIDITY INTO THE FORWARD PLANNING OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES WITHOUT GIVING AGENCIES ANY GREATER SENSE OF SECURITY AS REGARDS EXISTING SERVICES, HE EXPLAINED.
HE POINTED OUT THAT SOCIAL WELFARE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE ACCESS TO THE LOTTERIES FUND FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND WERE QUITE INDEPENDENT OF GENERAL REVENUE FOR THIS PURPOSE.
+AND SO, EVEN IF IT WERE NECESSARY TO DELAY SOME CAPITAL EXPENDITURE PROJECTS BECAUSE OF MY GUIDELINE THAT AT LEAST 60 PER CENT OF CAPITAL EXPENDITURE SHOULD BE FINANCED BY THE SURPLUS ON RECURRENT ACCOUNT, THEY WOULD CERTAINLY NOT BE SOCIAL WELFARE PROJECTS*, HE SAID.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY ALSO SAID HE WAS NOT AWARE THAT THE PROVISION IN THE DRAFT ESTIMATES WAS INADEQUATE FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENT OF EXISTING SERVICES BY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND FOR THE NEW SERVICES THEY PROJECTED FOR 1977-78.
HE SAID ADDITIONAL PROVISION WOULD EE MADE AVAILABLE FOR REFUNDS OF RATES IN 1977-78, AND BESIDES, SHOULD THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE THINK THAT THE PROVISION WAS INADEQUATE, HE WOULD BE VERY READY TO LISTEN TO THEM.
/+BUT I AM
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2C, 1977
- 13 -
+ BUT I AM AFRAID I MUST HAVE A PROPERLY DOCUMENTED CASE AND NOT JUST AN ASSERTION THAT THE PROVISION IS INADEQUATE,* HE SAID.
MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IT WAS CORRECTLY POINTED OUT THAT THE TOTAL PROVISION FOR SOCIAL WELFARE IN 1977-78 WAS ONLY SLIGHTLY MORE THAN THE APPROVED ESTIMATE FOR 1976-77, MAINLY DUE TO A DECREASE IN THE ESTIMATE FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
BUT EXCLUDING PROVISION FOR SOCIAL SECURITY, HE EMPHASISED, THE PROVISION SOUGHT FOR ALL OTHER SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES IN 1977-78 OF 5134.7 MILLION WAS 26 PER CENT MORE THAN THE APPROVED ESTIMATE OF $196.8 MILLION IN 1976-77.
+ AND WE MUST NOT FORGET THAT THE PROVISION FOR PAYMENTS UNDER OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES IS NO MORE THAN A REALISTIC GUESS OF WHAT WILL BE REQUIRED ON THE BASIS OF INFORMATION AVAILABLE AT THE TIME THE DRAFT ESTIMATES WERE PREPARED.
+A SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN PAYMENTS ARISING FROM FACTORS OUTSIDE OUR CONTROL WILL INEVITABLY LEAD TO A NEED FOR SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISION,* HE WARNED.
HE ADDED THAT THE EXPANSION OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME TO COVER UNEMPLOYED ADULTS REPRESENTED A VtRY SIGNIFICANT POTENTIAL COMMITMENT ON PUBLIC FUNDS.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID HE DETECTED FROM REMARKS MADE BY SEVERAL UNOFFICIAL MEMBERS A FEELING THAT THE GOVERNMENT DID NOT TAKE THE ROLE WHICH VOLUNTARY AGENCIES COULD PLAY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES SERIOUSLY ENOUGH.
+1 WOULD NOT, AS FINANCIAL SECRETARY, EE AVERSE TO SEEING THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS FOR DETERMINING SOCIAL WELFARE SUBVENTIONS REVIEWED, PARTICULARLY AS THERE IS TO BE A REVIEW THIS YEAR OF OUR SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES,* HE SAID.
+IT MAY BE THAT CERTAIN SERVICES WHICH ARE REGARDED AS COMPLEMENTARY TO THE GOVERNMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES, FOR EXAMPLE, HOMES FOR THE AGED, SHOULD BE SUBVENTED ON A UNIT COST BASIS,* HE SUGGESTED.
+THUS THE ROLE OF AGENCIES PROVIDING SOME PARTICULAR SERVICES WOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED AND THEIR FINANCIAL POSITION SECURED, LEAVING AGENCIES PROVIDING OTHER SERVICES TO RELY ON VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIPTIONS AUGMENTED EY DISCRETIONARY GRANTS,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO CALLS EY SOME UNOFFICIALS FOR PARITY OF SALARIES BETWEEN STAFF EMPLOYED BY SUBVENTED AGENCIES AND COMPARABLE CIVIL SERVANTS, MR. HADDON—CAVE SAID THE GOVERNMENT DID AT PRESENT MEET THE FINANCIAL CONSEQUENCES OF PARITY IN THE CASE OF AGENCIES SUBVENTED ON A DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS.
IF THE PRACTICE OF UNDERPAYING VOLUNTARY AGENCY STAFF EXISTED, IT COULD ONLY EXIST IN AGENCIES SUBVENTED ON A DISCRETIONARY GRANT BASIS, HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2C, 1977
- 14
IN THEIR CASE, MR. HADDON-CAVE POINTED OUT, THEY RETAIN +A DEGREE OF INDEPENDENCE NOT ENJOYED EY AGENCIES SUBVENTED ON A DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS. THEIR BUDGETS ARE NOT SUBJECT TO APPROVAL, AND THEY ARE FREE TO EMPLOY AS MANY PERSONS AS THEY WISH WITH WHATEVER QUALIFICATIONS THEY DEEM NECESSARY.*
HE SAID THE GOVERNMENT CLEARLY COULD NOT ACCEPT FINANCIAL COMMITMENT TO MAINTAIN PARITY WITHOUT AT THE SAME TIME REQUIRING SIMILAR CONTROL OVER AGENCIES SUBVENTED ON A DEFICIENCY GRANT BASIS AND HE WAS NOT SURE THAT SUCH CONTROL WOULD BE DESIRABLE OR'WOULD BE WELCOMED BY THE AGENCIES THEMSELVES.
AS TO PARITY OF FRINGE BENEFITS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID EXPERIENCE HAD PROVED IT WAS DIFFICULT BECAUSE THOSE APPLICABLE TO CIVIL SERVANTS WERE NOT NECESSARILY APPROPRIATE OUTSIDE TH" CIVIL SERVICE AND WHERE CERTAIN FRINGE BENEFITS HAD BEEN RECOGNISED SUCH AS CONTRIBUTORY PROVIDENT FUND SCHEMES, SEPARATE AND DETAILED CONTROL WAS REQUIRED.
ON THE SUGGESTION TO OFFER A HIGHER SALARY TO COMPENSATE FOR THIS, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID IT WOULD BE CONTRARY TO CIVIL SERVICE PRACTICE OF DISTINGUISHING BETWEEN RENLC1ERATI ON IN CASH AND IN KIND, +AND, THE MOMENT THIS KIND OF TRADE-OFF WAS ALLOWED, ESTABLISHED SUBVENTION PRINCIPLES WOULD BE ERODED, FOR EXCEPTIONS TEND TO SET PRECEDENTS WHICH, IN THE FULLNESS OF TIME, BECOME SACROSANCT RULES.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY RECALLED THAT HE HAD SUGGESTED IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH THAT SOME PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT OF ELIGIBILITY FOR INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE.
HE SAID THE EXTRA COST WOULD BE CONSIDERABLE AND IT WAS NOT FOR HIM TO SAY WHAT PRIORITY IT SHOULD BE GIVEN IN RELATION TO OTHER FORMS OF ASSISTANCE.
THE ISSUE WOULD BE CAREFULLY CONSIDERED DURING THE FORTHCOMING REVIEW OF SOCIAL SECURITY SCHEMES.
REFERRING TO A PROPOSAL THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR FUNDS, MR. HADDON-CAVE EXPLAINED THAT THE GOVERNMENT HAD EVERY RIGHT TO EXPECT VALUE FOR MONEY FROM THEM, BUT THEY COULD, AND DID, LEGITIMATELY ENGAGE IN ACTIVITIES WHICH WERE OUTSIDE THE GOVERNMENT’S APPROVED POLICIES AND TARGETS AND WHICH WERE NOT THEREFORE DEEMED TO BE SUBVENTION-WORTHY.
+TO THE EXTENT THAT SUCH ACTIVITIES ARE FINANCED FROM DONATIONS, I DO NOT SEE HOW THE AGENCIES CAN BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE FUNDS EXPENDED ON THEM.
+l CONSIDER THAT TO REQUIRE SUBVENTED AGENCIES TO ACCOUNT TO THE GOVERNMENT FOR ALL THEIR FUNDS WOULD BE AN UNJUSTIFIED INFRINGEMENT OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF THOSE AGENCIES,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
- 15 -
ESTIMATES FOR PUBLIC WORKS EXPENDITURE MORE REALISTIC
*****
THE PACKAGE CONCEPT THAT SCHOOLS AND ROADS BE BUILT AT THE SAME TIME AND THE PROJECT PRIORITY SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN 1974 FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME ARE THE TWO MAJOR REASONS RESULTING IN THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT UNDERSPENDING IN THE LAST TWO YEARS.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN REPLY TO CRITICISMS RAISED BY THE UNOFFICIALS AGAINST THE UNDERSPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AT THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE THIS AFTERNOON.
IN 1975-76 THE PROVISION IN THE ESTIMATES WAS Si,626 MILLION, BUT ACTUAL EXPENDITURE VAS 31,272 MILLION. IN 1976-77 THE PROVISION WAS 31,602 MILLION BUT £1,174 MILLION WAS SPENT.
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EXPLAINED THAT THE PACKAGE CONCEPT PROVIDES FOR BALANCED DEVELOPMENT, BUT THERE WAS A GREATER RISK OF SLIPPAGE BECAUSE THE CO-ORDINATION OF THE VARIOUS AND DIVERSE PROJECTS WITHIN EACH PACKAGE IS COMPLICATED.
HENCE, HE SAID, ONE DIFFICULT CLEARANCE CAN DELAY THE IMPLEMENTATION NOT JUST OF THE PROJECT CONCERNED, BUT OF ALL PROJECTS WITHIN A PACKAGE.
+ THE LIKELIHOOD OF SUCH INTERRUPTIONS WAS UNDER-ESTIMATED AND SO THE PROVISION SOUGHT IN EACH OF THESE YEARS WAS BASED ON UNWARRANTED OPTIMISM,* HE SAID.
REGARDING THE PRIORITY SYSTEM, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY POINTED OUT THAT HIGH PRIORITY PROJECTS TENDED TO BE MORE COMPLICATED THAN LOW PRIORITY ONES AND THIS HAD HAD AN EFFECT ON EXPENDITURE PERFORMANCE.
+AT THE SAME TIME, IN OUR ANXIETY TO MAXIMISE THE BENEFIT
OF OUR INVESTMENT IN THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME W'E HAVE BEEN SOMEwHAT RELUCTANT TO FEED IN LOW PRIORITY PROJECTS WHICH COULD BE PROCEEDED WITH QUICKLY SIMPLY TO BOOST EXPENDITURE,* HE SAID.
HE ASSURED THE MEMBERS THAT SUCH MISTAKE WOULD NOT BE COMMITTED THIS YEAR AND THAT THE ESTIMATES WERE MORE REALISTIC. BUT, He SAID, BOTH HE AND THE FINANCE BRANCH ARE CAUGHT IN A DILEMMA.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
16
+IF WE TAKE A PARTICULAR VIEW OF WHAT WE BELIEVE TO BE A REALISTIC LEVEL OF PROVISION, WE CAN BE - AND FREQUENTLY ARE -ACCUSED OF EXERCISING UNNECESSARY RESTRAINT. IF WE VEER TOWARDS A LESS REALISTIC VIEW AND UNDERSPENDING RESULTS, WE STILL GET INTO TROUBLE.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY RECALLED THE TWO PROCEDURAL CHANGES INTRODUCED IN MID-1976 AND IN APRIL THIS YEAR, ADDING THAT THESE SHOULD PROVE HELPFUL IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR.
FIRSTLY, BEGINNING FROM MID-1976, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WAS NO LONGER REQUIRED TO IDENTIFY SAVINGS ON OTHER PROJECTS WHEN APPLYING FOR SUPPLEMENTARY FUNDS FOR AN EXISTING OR NEW PROJECT.
WHILE IT WAS ESSENTIAL TO DO SO, ON GENERAL ECONOMIC AND POLICY GROUNDS, HE SAID, IT HAD ALSO THE UNFORESEEN EFFECT OF INDUCING A MARKED DEGREE OF CAUTION ON THE PART OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BECAUSE OF THE DIFFICULTY OF IDENTIFYING SAVINGS.
THE RESULT WAS THAT WORKS DID NOT PROCEED AS FAST AS THE TOTAL PROVISION AVAILABLE FOR THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME WOULD HAVE PERMITTED.
SECONDLY, AS FROM 1977-78, PROJECTS WHICH ARE IN CATEGORY A AND HAVE INDIVIDUALLY BEEN AUTHORISED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE ALREADY NO LONGER HAVE TO AWAIT THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORDINANCE. HENCE NEW COMMITMENTS MIGHT BE ENTERED INTO AS SOON AS PRACTICABLE.
PREVIOUSLY, IN 1975, A BAN WAS IMPOSED ON DEPARTMENTS FROM ENTERING IN NEW COMMITMENTS UNTIL THE ENACTMENT OF THE APPROPRIATION ORD I NANCE.
ON STAFFING AND ORGANISATION, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY RECALLED THAT APPROVAL HAD BEEN GIVEN LAST YEAR TO THE SUBSTANTIAL INCREASE IN POSTS IN BOTH THE NEW TERRITORIES DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION WHICH SHOULD SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVE THE SPEED OF PROGRESS WITH PUBLIC HOUSING AND NEW TOWN PROJECTS.
HE ADDED THAT THE ORGANISATION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF POSTS IN DEPARTMENTS ARE CONSTANTLY BEING REVIEWED BY THE FINANCE BRANCH. THE MANAGEMENT LEVEL IN THE CIVIL SERVICE ARE ALSO CONCERNED TO STRIVE CONTINUOUSLY FOR COST-EFFECTIVENESS AND COST EFFICIENCY, HE SAID. PROPOSALS TO THIS EFFECT WILL SOON BE MADE TO THE ESTABLISHMENT SUB-COMMITTEE.
ON MONITORING PROCEDURES, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY EMPHASISED THAT THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME IN HONG KONG IS +WELL DOCUMENTED* AND THAT THERE IS AMPLE MATERIAL TO FORM A BASIS FOR MONITORING.
/HE SAID .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
17
HE SAID DETAILS OF ALL PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME COULD BE SEEN IN THE ANNUAL REPORT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE- THE HISTORY AND PRESENT POSITION ON EACH PROJECT IS AVAILABLE FOR READY REFERENCE FROM THE PUBLIC WORKS NON-RECURRENT HEADS OF EXPENDITURE- PROGRESS ON EACH PROJECT IS MENTIONED IN.THE QUARTERLY REPORTS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT- THE PRIORITY RATING OF ALL PROJECTS ARE RECORDED IN THE PRIORITY SCHEDULESAND FINALLY DETAILS OF THE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY FOR THE NEW TOWNS ARE MENTIONED IN THE NEW TOWNS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME.
+ IT IS UNREALISTIC, AND INDEED INAPPROPRIATE, TO EXPECT MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC WORKS SUB-COMMITTEE TO PERFORM THIS FUNCTION AS WELL AS THEIR FUNCTION OF ASSESSING THE CONTENT OF THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME AND RECOMMENDING UPGRADINGS ALTHOUGH MEMBERS CAN, AND DO, ASK ABOUT PROGRESS ON INDIVIDUAL PROJECTS,* HE SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE MAIN RESPONSIBILITY MUST LIE WITH SECRETARIES IN CHARGE OF PROGRAMME AREAS AND HEADS OF DEPARTMENTS, AND WHILE THE FINANCE BRANCH SHOULD AND DOES EXERCISE AN OVERALL MONITORING FUNCTION,IT MUST REMAIN THE DIRECT RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT TO ENSURE THAT +INTENTIONS ARE FULFILLED.*
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FINANCIAL SECRETARY ATTENDING ADB MEETING
* * * * *
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, LEFT HONG KONG THIS EVENING FOR MANILA AT THE HEAD OF A DELEGATION TO ATTEND THE 10TH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD-OF-GOVERNORS OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK, OF WHICH HE IS VICE-CRAIRMAN.
INCLUDED IN THE DELEGATION WAS MR. D.W.A. BLYE, SECRETARY FOR MONETARY AFFAIRS.
THE MEETING STARTS TOMORROW AND LASTS THROUGH TO THE WEEKEND.
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/IS......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
18
QUALIFICATIONS OF WELFARE SUPERVISORS TO COME UNDER REVIEW ******
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT IS TO SET UP A WORKING PARTY TO REVIEW THE QUALIFICATIONS AND CONDITIONS OF ALL GRADES IN THE WELFARE CLASS, INCLUDING THE WELFARE SUPERVISORS.
THIS WAS REVEALED BY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, IN REPLY TO QUESTIONS RAISED BY REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL MEETING TODAY.
EARLIER, REV. BENNETT HAD REFERRED TO NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENTS FOR WELFARE SUPERVISOR AND ASKED WHY NO SPECIALIST TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE WERE STIPULATED.
SHE ALSO ASKED WHETHER THERE IS A POLICY TO ENSURE THAT ONLY THOSE WHO ARE SUITABLY QUALIFIED ARE ENGAGED FOR SUCH SPECIALIST TYPE OF WORK.
MR. LEE SAID THAT ALL WELFARE SUPERVISORS, AFTER THEIR APPOINTMENT, WERE REQUIRED TO UNDERGO IN-SERVICE TRAINING ON RESIDENTIAL WORK ORGANISED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
+SOME HAVE RECEIVED TWO YEAR FULL-TIME TRAINING AT THE INSTITUTE FOR SOCIAL WORK TRAINING. A CONSIDERABLE NUMBER OF THEM HAVE OBTAINED QUALIFICATIONS AS TEACHERS THROUGH THE IN-SERVICE COURSES OF TRAINING FOR TEACHERS ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT,+ HE POINTED OUT.
THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENT, MR. LEE SAID, WAS THAT IN EACH INSTITUTION THERE WAS AT LEAST ONE QUALIFIED TEACHER TO SUPERVISE THE PROGRAMME OF CLASSROOM TEACHING.
MR. LEE ALSO EMPHASISED THAT NO MORE THAN 25 PER CENT OF WELFARE SUPERVISOR’S TIME WAS SPENT ON TEACHING.
+THE GREATER PART OF HIS TIME IS SPENT ON SUPERVISION AND OTHER RESIDENTIAL CARE DUTIES WHICH ARE MORE RELATED TO SOCIAL WORK THAN TO EDUCATION,+ HE ADDED.
/19......
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
19
ASSISTANT INSPECTORS (GRADUATE) OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS
*******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY TOLD THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY THAT NO SPECIAL TRAINING WAS STIPULATED IN A RECENT NEWSPAPER ADVERTISEMENT FOR ASSISTANT INSPECTORS
(GRADUATE) OF SPECIAL SCHOOLS BECAUSE THE NUMBER OF CANTONESE SPEAKING PERSONNEL WITH SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION WAS LIMITED.
REPLYING TO REV. THE HON. JOYCE BENNETT, THE DIRECTOR SAID THIS WAS DONE IN ORDER TO OPEN THE FIELD OF RECRUITMENT AS WIDE AS POSSIBLE TO ALL INTERESTED QUALIFIED TEACHERS WITH OR WITHOUT SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS.
HE EMPHASISED THAT IF THE CANDIDATE SELECTED DID NOT HAVE THE SPECIALIST QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED, HE WOULD BE GIVEN SPECIALIST TRAINING PRIOR TO TAKING UP HIS DUTIES.
+AT THE SELECTION BOARD A CANDIDATE’S ORDINARY AND SPECIALIST TEACHING QUALIFICATIONS, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE WILL BE CONSIDERED TOGETHER WITH HIS MOTIVATION, PERSONALITY AND POTENTIAL FOR THE POST. IN THIS HIGHLY SPECIALISED FIELD OF EDUCATION THESE QUALITIES ARE AS IMPORTANT AS QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
IN ANSWER TO ANOTHER POINT RAISED BY MISS BENNETT, THE DIRECTOR SAID: +ALL QUALIFIED CANDIDATES FOR THESE POSTS ARE VERY CAREFULLY INTERVIEWED BY A BOARD OF SPECIALISTS IN SPECIAL EDUCATION.+
GREAT CARE WAS TAKEN TO ENSURE THAT ONLY CANDIDATES WHO WERE SUITABLE IN ALL RESPECTS FOR WORK IN SPECIAL EDUCATION WERE SELECTED.
MR. TOPLEY STRESSED THAT +N0 OFFICER UNDERTAKES SPECIAL EDUCATION DUTIES UNTIL HE IS FULLY QUALIFIED IN HIS PARTICULAR SPECIALIST FIELD.+
/20......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
20
$1,300 MILLION WORTH OF HOUSING CONTRACTS TO BE LET IN 1977/78
* * * * *
MORE THAN $1,300 MILLION WORTH OF NEW CONTRACTS ON 32 DIFFERENT HOUSING PROJECTS WILL BE LET BY THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IN THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR, THE ACTING SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, THE HON. DONALD LIAO, SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID THAT THE CONTRACTS TO BE LET WOULD INCLUDE THE FIVE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEMES AT SHA TIN AND KWAI CHUNG IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, HO MAN TIN IN KOWLOON, AND ABERDEEN AND CHAI WAN ON THE ISLAND.
MR. LIAO ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE AUTHORITY WOULD MAINTAIN THE VIGOROUS PURSUIT OF THE LONG-TERM HOUSING PROGRAMME AND EVERY EFFORT WOULD BE MADE TO MEET THIS YEAR’S EXPENDITURE TARGETS.
ON THE HOME OWNERSHIP SCHEME, HE SAID HE WAS GLAD THERE HAD BEEN SUCH A GOOD RECEPTION TO THE IDEA, WITH MUCH FAVOURABLE COMMENT BY THE PUBLIC AND THE MEDIA.
HE GAVE AN ASSURANCE THAT FLATS SOLD UNDER THE SCHEME WOULD BE AS ATTRACTIVE AS ANY PRODUCED BY GOOD PRIVATE DEVELOPERS.
ON A SUGGESTION THAT MORTGAGE ARRANGEMENTS MIGHT BE EXTENDED OUTSIDE THE SCHEME SO THAT ELIGIBLE PEOPLE COULD BUY SMALL FLATS IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, HE SAID SUCH A STEP WOULD APPEAR LOGICAL BUT IT WOULD BE PRUDENT TO ALLOW THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS TO STAND FOR A YEAR OR TWO.
+WE MUST LEARN TO WALK BEFORE WE CAN RUN,+ HE SAID.
ON THE TIME LIMIT SET FOR RESALE OF FLATS, MR. LIAO AGREED THERE WAS ROOM FOR DISAGREEMENT BUT POINTED OUT THAT ANYTHING LONGER THAN THE FIVE-YEAR PERIOD ADVISED BY THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL COULD WELL MAKE THE SCHEME MUCH LESS ATTRACTIVE TO BUYERS.
SPEAKING ON THE NEW FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS BETWEEN THE AUTHORITY AND GOVERNMENT, MR. LIAO SAID THEY WERE DESIGNED PRIMARILY TO STRAIGHTEN OUT THE PREVIOUSLY COMPLICATED ACCOUNTING ARRANGEMENT, TO SHOW CLEARLY GOVERNMENT’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMME AND TO SIMPLIFY THE AUTHORITY’S CASH FLOW.
/+THESE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
21
+THESE PROPOSALS TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THE AUTHORITY’S OBLIGATIONS AND PROBLEMS AND ARE DESIGNED TO PUT ITS FINANCIAL STRUCTURE ON A MORE RATIONAL BASIS IN FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
THE AUTHORITY WOULD BE ABLE TO DETERMINE RENTS ON MORE LOGICAL GROUNDS AND NOT LARGELY ON THE BASIS OF THE COST OF INDIVIDUAL ESTATES, HE SAID.
IN LINE WITH THIS THE AUTHORITY HAD RECENTLY SET UP A RENT POLICY STEERING COMMITTEE TO UNDERTAKE AN OVERALL VIEW OF RENTS IN ALL ITS ESTATES, AND TO FORMULATE GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOR RENT FIXING IN THE FUTURE.
TURNING TO A SUGGESTION THAT THE REDEVELOPMENT OF OLD ESTATES BE SPEEDED UP, THE ACTING SECRETARY SAID THIS WAS UNDOUBTEDLY DESIRABLE, BUT THE PRIMARY AIM FOR THE NEXT FEW YEARS MUST BE TO INCREASE THE TOTAL STOCK OF PUBLIC HOUSING AND THE EMPHASIS HAD TO REMAIN ON NEW CONSTUCTION.
MR. LIAO POINTED OUT THAT REDEVELOPMENT AND THE ASSOCIATED REHOUSING OPERATIONS DISTURBED THE EXISTING SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIFE OF TENANTS AND MUST THEREFORE BE CAREFULLY PLANNED AND TIMED TO MINIMISE SUCH DISRUPTION.
+HOWEVER, IT MUST NOT BE THOUGHT THAT THE OCCUPANTS OF THESE OLDER ESTATES HAVE NO OPPORTUNITY TO IMPROVE THEIR HOUSING CONDITIONS,* HE SAID.
+THE HOUSING AUTHORITY IS SETTING ASIDE A QUOTA OF NEW FLATS FOR RELIEF OF OVERCROWDING AND ENCOURAGING TENANTS IN OLD ESTATES TO APPLY FOR TRANSFER TO BETTER FLATS IN THE IMPROVED ENVIRONMENT OF NEW ESTATES.*
/22......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977 - 22 -
POWERS FOR COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT OVER FERRY OPERATIONS PROPOSED *****
THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, THE HON. DEREK JONES, TODAY INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THREE AMENDING BILLS WHICH SEEK TO TRANSFER TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT CERTAIN POWERS OVER THE OPERATION OF FERRIES.
THE THREE BILLS ARE THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL, STAR FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL AND THE FERRIES (AMENDMENT) BILL.
IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL, MR. JONES SAID THE OBJECT OF THE BILL, AND OF THE OTHER TWO BILLS, WAS TO GIVE THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT POWERS OVER THE DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS OF THE FERRY COMPANIES MORE IN LINE WITH THOSE HE ALREADY POSSESSED IN RESPECT OF THE BUS COMPANIES.
HE SAID: +THE TWO PRINCIPAL FERRY COMPANIES OPERATING IN HONG KONG, NAMELY THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE STAR FERRY COMPANY, RUN THEIR SERVICES UNDER ORDINANCES EXCLUSIVE TO THEMSELVES.
+THESE ORDINANCES HAVE A LONG HISTORY AND MOST OF THE GOVERNMENTAL POWERS CONTAINED IN THEM ARE VESTED IN THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNCIL.+
THIS MEANS THAT THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT, WHO HAS OVERALL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE DAY TO DAY SUPERVISION OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT, HAS ONLY VERY LIMITED POWERS OVER FERRY OPERATIONS AND THAT MOST CHANGES IN EVEN MINOR OPERATIONAL DETAILS OF FERRY SERVICES REQUIRE THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE GOVERNOR-IN-COUNC IL.
THE RESULT IS THAT + NOT ONLY IS THE DISTRIBUTION OF POWERS NOT IN KEEPING WITH THE PRINCIPLE OF THE CONTROLLED DELEGATION OF AUTHORITY IN APPROPRIATE MATTERS TO THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT MOST CLOSELY CONCERNED, BUT ALSO THE TIME TAKEN FOR DECISIONS ON EVEN MINOR MATTERS IS OFTEN UNNECESSARILY LONG AND COMPLICATED FOR THIS DAY AND AGE+ MR. JONES POINTED OUT.
HE ADDED THAT WHEN THE FERRY COMPANIES’ PRESENT FRANCHISES EXPIRE IN 1979, IT IS PROPOSED TO ENACT NEW FERRY SERVICES LEGISLATION, SIMILAR TO THE PUBLIC OMNIBUS SERVICES ORDINANCE, AND TO ISSUE NEW FRANCHISES TO THE FERRY COMPANIES UNDER POWERS GRANTED BY SUCH LEGISLATION.
+THE TREATMENT OF THE FERRY COMPANIES WOULD THEN BE MORE OR LESS COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THE BUS COMPANIES.*
/THE BILL •.•••
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
- 23 -
THE BILL ALSO SEEKS TO GIVE ADDITIONAL POWERS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORTS OVER THE OPERATIONS OF THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY IN RESPECT OF:
* CHANGING CALLING POINTS AND ROUTES OF FERRY SERVICES ON A TEMPORARY BASIS-
* INTRODUCING TEMPORARY SERVICES AND SETTING CONDITIONS, INCLUDING FARES, FOR THE RUNNING OF SUCH SERVICES- AND
* REQUIRING THE MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS AND THEIR SUBMISSION TO THE COMMISSIONER ON DEMAND.
MR. JONES SAID THAT ALL THESE AMENDMENT WERE ACCEPTABLE TO THE HONG KONG AND YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY.
HOWEVER, IN MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE STAR FERRY COMPANY (SERVICES) (AMENDMENT) BILL, HE SAID THAT THE STAR FERRY COMPANY HAD OBJECTED TO THE PROVISION RELATING TO THE KEEPING OF RECORDS AND OR MAKING COPIES OF SUCH RECORDS AVAILABLE TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT WHEN REQUIRED.
+THE GOVERNMENT, ON THE OTHER HAND, CONSIDERS THAT IT MUST INSIST ON THIS REQUIREMENT,* HE SAID. + IT CANNOT ACCEPT THAT, IN THIS RESPECT, THE STAR FERRY COMPANY SHOULD BE PLACED IN A PRIVILEDGED POSITION IN RELATION TO THESE OTHER COMPANIES (THE YAUMATI FERRY COMPANY AND THE BUS COMPANIES)*.
THE FERRIES (AMENDMENT) BILL, WHICH ALSO RECEIVED ITS SECOND READING TODAY, SEEKS TO AMEND THE PRINCIPAL ORDINANCE TO ENABLE REGULATIONS TO BE MADE TO REQUIRE THE HOLDERS OF LICENCES FOR MINOR FERRY SERVICES TO KEEP RECORDS.
IT ALSO PROVIDES FOR THE GOVERNOR TO ISSUE INSTRUCTIONS TO THE COMMISSIONER FOR TRANSPORT AND FOR APPEALS AGAINST THE COMMISSIONER’S DECISIONS TO BE MADE TO THE GOVERNOR-1N-COUNC IL.
IN ADDITION, IT IS PROPOSED TO AMEND THE FERRY REGULATIONS TO PROVIDE THE COMMISSIONER WITH POWERS OVER THE MINOR SERVICES SIMILAR TO THOSE PROPOSED FOR HIM OVER THE SERVICES OPERATED BY THE TWO PRINCIPAL FERRY COMPANIES.
MR. JONES SAID THAT THE FERRIES ORDINANCE WAS ENACTED BEFORE THE ORDINANCES GOVERNING THE OPERATIONS OF THE TWO MAJOR FERRY COMPANIES.
BUT HE ADDED THAT THE ORDINANCE, TOGETHER WITH THE SUBSIDIARY FERRIES REGULATIONS, WAS STILL USED TO GOVERN MINOR FERRY SERVICES.
_------o----------
/?*♦.....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
2^
INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY PROPOSED * * * * *
EMPLOYEES WILL BE ELIGIBLE FOR INCREASED SEVERANCE PAY IN THE EVENT OF REDUNDANCY IF A BILL INTRODUCED INTO THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY BECOMES LAW.
MOVING THE SECOND READING OF THE EMPLOYMENT (AMENDMENT) (NO. 2) BILL 1977, THE COMMISSIONER FOR LABOUR, MR. IAN PRICE SAID THE BILL SEEKS TO INCREASE THE AMOUNT OF AN EMPLOYEE’S SEVERANCE PAY FOR EACH YEAR OF SERVICE FROM ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S PAY TO HALF A MONTH’S PAY FOR MONTHLY-RATED EMPLOYEES, AND FROM 10 DAYS’ WAGES TO 13 DAYS’ WAGES FOR TIME-RATED OR PIECE-RATED EMPLOYEES.
IT ALSO PROPOSES TO EXTEND THE PERIOD OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT IN CALCULATING SEVERANCE PAY, FROM FIVE TO EIGHT YEARS.
+THESE AMENDMENTS, IF APPROVED BY COUNCIL,* SAID MR. PRICE, +WILL PROVIDE MORE EQUITABLE AND MEANINGFUL SEVERANCE PAYMENTS FOR REDUNDANT EMPLOYEES AND IN PARTICULAR MORE GENEROUS TREATMENT FOR THOSE WITH LONGER SERVICE.
+UNDER THE EXISTING SCHEME* HE WENT ON, +THOSE EMPLOYEES WITH MORE THAN EIGHT YEARS OF CONTINUOUS EMPLOYMENT RECEIVE AN AMOUNT OF SEVERANCE PAY INCOMMENSURATE WITH THEIR LENGTH OF SERVICE.*
CONCLUDING, MR. PRICE SAID THAT ALTHOUGH SOME RESERVATIONS HAD BEEN EXPRESSED REGARDING THE PROPOSAL +N0 ONE HAS ADVOCATED THAT EMPLOYEES SHOULD NOT HAVE THE RIGHT TO EXPECT A REASONABLE SUM OF SEVERANCE PAY AFTER YEARS OF LOYAL SERVICE - AND THIS WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE AMENDMENT.*
THE LAW AT PRESENT PROVIDES FOR EMPLOYEES TO BE GIVEN SEVERANCE PAY AT A FLAT RATE OF ONE-THIRD OF A MONTH’S PAY FOR MONTHLY-RATED WORKERS, OR 10 DAYS’ WAGES FOR TIME AND PIECE RATED WORKERS FOR EVERY YEAR OF CONTINUOUS SERVICE, SUBJECT TO A QUALIFYING PERIOD OF TWO YEARS’ SERVICE. ANY SERVICE IN EXCESS OF FIVE YEARS PRIOR TO THE ENACTMENT OF THE LEGISLATION, I.E. AUGUST 23, 1974, DOES NOT COUNT FOR THE CALCULATION OF PAYMENTS.
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WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
25
PLANS TO DEVELOP MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES OUTLINED M « « K K*
THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. THE HON. K.L. THONG, TODAY OUTLINED PLANS TO DEVELOP MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES AND TO STREAM-LINE THE ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE IN ORDER TO COPE WITH NEW CHALLENGES AND DEMANDS FOR BETTER AND IMPROVED SERVICES.
HE ALSO TOLD OF THE PROBLEMS CONFRONTING THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CONSTRAINTS UPON THE MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
SPEAKING IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE, DR. THONG DESCRIBED THE INTRODUCTION OF THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME ON APRIL 1 AS AN ESSENTIAL STEP IN THE PROVISION OF GOOD AND EFFICIENT MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES.
THE PRIMARY OBJECTIVE OF REGIONALISATION, HE SAID, WAS TO ENSURE THAT +FACILITIES ARE PROVIDED WHERE THEY CAN BE BEST USED, THAT RESOURCES ARE NOT UNNECESSARILY DUPLICATED AND THAT ONE SERVICE COMPLEMENTS ANOTHER.+
+BY JUDICIOUS USE OF ALL RESOURCES AVAILABLE AND UNDER THE CONTROL OF MANAGEMENT ON THE SPOT, IT IS HOPED TO RELIEVE CONGESTION IN THE REGIONAL HOSPITALS AND TO MAKE BETTER USE OF UNDER-UTILISED FACILITIES IN SOME DISTRICT HOSPITALS,+ HE SAID.
♦UNDER THIS SCHEME IT IS ALSO POSSIBLE TO SPREAD MORE EVENLY THE CASE LOADS BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT-ASSISTED HOSPITALS AND IN THIS WAY PROVIDE A MORE BALANCED SERVICE IN EACH REGION BASED UPON THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL,* HE ADDED.
THE DIRECTOR SAID IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS PRINCIPLE A DETERMINED EFFORT WAS BEING MADE TO ELIMINATE THE USE OF TEMPORARY BEDS IN QUEEN MARY AND QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITALS.
+WITH THIS ALL-OUT EFFORT AND THE GOODWILL AND COOPERATION OF ALL CONCERNED, WE SHOULD BE ABLE TO SOLVE THIS CLASSIC PROBLEM IN OUR TWO MAJOR HOSPITALS BY THE END OF THE YEAR,* HE ADDED.-
LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE DEVELOPMENT, DR. THONG SAID SPECIAL DEMANDS WERE LIKELY TO COME FROM THE RAPIDLY GROWING AGGLOMERATIONS IN PARTS OF KOWLOON, SPECIFICALLY EAST KOWLOON AND KWUN TONG AND THE NEW TERRITORIES.
THUS, PLANS WERE IN HAND TO PROVIDE MORE IN-PATIENT AND OUT-PATIENT FACILITIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AREAS OF MOST DEMAND, HE SAID.
THESE PROJECTS INCLUDE THREE HOSPITALS, ONE EACH AT EAST KOWLOON, SHA TIN AND TUEN MUN AND A NUMBER OF SPECIALIST CLINICS AND GENERAL CLINICS.
/WHEN ALL
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
26
WHEN ALL THE PROJECTS ARE COMPLETED, THE BED-POPULATION RATIO WILL INCREASE FROM 4.2 IN 1976 TO 5 BEDS PER THOUSAND BY 1935.
DR. THONG POINTED OUT THAT STATISTICS SUCH AS BED-POPULATION RATIOS WERE IMPORTANT INDICES IN SO FAR AS THEY MEASURED THE INPUT OF THE SERVICE PROGRAMME.
HOWEVER, THE ULTIMATE INDICATORS OF HEALTH OF A COMMUNITY MUST BE THE INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED INDICES SUCH AS STATISTICS ON MORBIDITY, BIRTH RATES AND INFANT MORTALITY RATES.
THE DIRECTOR SAID HONG KONG’S BIRTH RATE HAD FALLEN FROM 25.5 IN 1966 TO 17.2 LAST YEAR AND THE INFANT MORTALITY RATES FROM 24.9 TO 14.3 OVER THE SAME PERIOD, AND THE PATTERN OF DISEASE HAD SHIFTED FROM THE ERA OF COMMUNICABLE DISEASES TO THE AGE OF DEGENERATIVE DISEASES, SUCH AS CANCER AND HEART DISEASES.
BY THESE STANDARDS, HE SAID, HONG KONG WAS SECOND ONLY TO JAPAN IN ALL OF ASIA AND BETTER THAN A NUMBER OF ADVANCED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD.
ON COMMUNITY NURSING, DR. THONG SAID THE SERVICE WAS BEING UNDERTAKEN BY SIX SEPARATE AGENCIES WITH VARYING PROGRAMMES OF WORK AND VARYING LEVELS AND NUMBERS OF STAFF.
+THERE IS, THEREFORE, A NEED FOR AN AGREED PROGRAMME OF WORK AMONG ALL AGENCIES AND TO EVALUATE HOW THESE SERVICES CAN BEST BE FITTED IN TO COMPLEMENT AND IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES AND IN PARTICULAR WHETHER AND TO WHAT EXTENT COMMUNITY NURSING SERVICES CAN REDUCE PRESSURE ON HOSPITAL BEDS,+ HE SAID.
IF THERE WAS SUFFICIENT EVIDENCE TO SHOW THAT THE SERVICE WAS ATTAINING ITS OBJECTIVES THE ORIGINAL THREE-YEAR EVALUATION PERIOD COULD BE MODIFIED TO ALLOW FOR AN EARLIER EXPANSION PROGRAMME, HE SAID.
IN REGARD TO THE PROVISION OF CLINIC SERVICES, THE DEPARTMENT WAS CONSIDERING PROPOSALS FOR EXTRA EVENING CLINIC SESSIONS IN AREAS OF GREATER DEMANDS, HE SAID.
ON THE QUESTION OF DOCTOR SUPPLY, THE DIRECTOR SAID THERE WOULD ALWAYS BE A CERTAIN TURNOVER AMONG MEDICAL OFFICERS AT ALL LEVELS.
HE POINTED OUT THAT GOVERNMENT HOSPITALS AND CLINICS PROVIDED VALUABLE TRAINING AREAS FOR THE YOUNG DOCTORS WHO DESIRE TO OBTAIN FURTHER EXPERIENCE IN THE GENERAL FIELD OR IN SOME SPECIALTIES BEFORE DECIDING TO REMAIN EITHER IN GOVERNMENT SERVICE OR TO GO INTO PR IVATE PRACTICE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID, ASPIRATIONS FOR REASONABLE TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE AND JOB SATISFACTION AMONG MEDICAL OFFICERS MUST BE BORNE IN MIND BECAUSE NO SERVICE +WISHES TO RETAIN MEMBERS WHO ARE DISSATISFIED AND FRUSTRATED.+
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
- 27 -
♦SENSIBLE PROPOSALS ON THESE MATTERS FROM RELEVANT QUARTERS WILL THEREFORE ALWAYS BE CONSIDERED VERY CAREFULLY,+ HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR FURTHER POINTED OUT THAT THE NUMBER OF DOCTORS IN THE SERVICE HAD BEEN INCREASING STEADILY OVER THE YEARS AND THE OVERALL SUPPLY OF DOCTORS FOR HONG KONG WOULD BE MUCH IMPROVED WITH THE ADDITION OF 100. DOCTORS GRADUATING FROM THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY ANNUALLY FROM 1987 ONWARDS.
HE ADDED THAT RECENT STEPS TAKEN OVERSEAS TO STOP RECRUITING MEDICAL STAFF FROM OUTSIDE THEIR OWN COUNTRIES WERE LIKELY TO ENCOURAGE MORE LOCAL DOCTORS TO REMAIN IN HONG KONG.
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/28
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
28 -
S.W.D. PLANS TO SET UP REGIONAL OFFICES UNDER CONSIDERATION * * * *
THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT PLANS TO REVIEW ITS SERVICES WITH THE AIM OF SETTING UP REGIONAL OFFICES EACH DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH A WIDER RANGE OF NEEDS.
THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, THE HON. THOMAS LEE, WHO DISCLOSED THIS DURING THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL TODAY, SAID THAT PRELIMINARY PROPOSALS FOR SUCH REGIONALISATION WERE BEING CONSIDERED IN THE GOVERNMENT SECRETARIAT.
HE EXPLAINED THAT THE PRESENT LARGE NUMBER OF BRANCH OFFICES IN HIS DEPARTMENT WAS TO-A GREAT EXTENT A LEGACY OF THE VERY RAPID EXPANSION WHICH THE DEPARTMENT HAD EXPERIENCED SINCE 1970.
+AS WE HAVE DEVELOPED SO QUICKLY, THE DEMAND FOR OFFICE SPACE TO ADMINISTER OUR NEW SCHEMES HAS OUTSTRIPPED OUR ABILITY TO PLAN FOR AND OBTAIN SUFFICIENTLY LARGE OFFICES TO ACCOMMODATE SEVERAL SERVICES,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE ADDED THAT THE EXPANSION HAD ALSO LED TO STRAINS IN SUPERVISING SO MANY SCATTERED OUTPOSTS AND HE FEFT THE TIME HAD COME TO UNDERTAKE A THOROUGH REVIEW.
HE HOPED THAT BEFORE LONG, THE DEPARTMENT COULD BE REORGANISED TO PROVIDE A SERVICE +DESIGNED TO SERVE OUR CLIENTS RATHER THAN THE EXPEDIENCIES OF THE MOMENT AND TO RELIEVE SOME OF THE BEWILDERMENT WITH WHICH PEOPLE IN TROUBLE APPROACH US.+
ON THE QUESTION OF PROCESSING APPLICATIONS FOR SUBVENTIONS, THE DIRECTOR NOTED THAT THE HONG KONG COUNCIL OF SOCIAL SERVICE HAD RECENTLY HELD A TWO-DAY SEMINAR ON THE SUBJECT TO STUDY HOW BEST TO RELIEVE THE LOAD ON ALL WHO HAD TO EXAMINE REQUESTS FOR SUBVENTION AND TO BRING ABOUT MORE SECURITY FOR VOLUNTARY AGENCIES TO PLAN THEIR DEVELOPMENT.
+1 AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THEIR RECOMMENDATIONS AND I AM SURE THAT THEIR PROPOSALS ON RATIONALIZATION AND SIMPLIFYING PROCEDURES WILL RECEIVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION BY THE GOVERNMENT AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE ADVISORY COMMITTEE,* HE SAID.
-TO BE BORNE IN MIND IN THIS REVIEW, HE SAID, WOULD BE THE SUGGESTION BY THE HON. ROGER LOBO TO IMPROVE THE WAY IN WHICH THE DEPARTMENT DEALT WITH SUBVENTIONS.
MOREOVER, HE SAID THAT DECENTRALISED ADMINISTRATION OF THE DEPARTMENT SHOULD ALLOW HIS OFFICERS TO GET INTO CLOSER AND MORE EFFECTIVE LIAISON WITH THE MANY VOLUNTARY AGENCIES OPERATING IN THE FIELD.
/REFERRING .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977 - 29 -
REFERRING TO THE PROPOSAL FOR LOWERING THE AGE LIMIT FOR OLD PEOPLE TO RECEIVE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE, MR. LEE RECALLED THAT THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY HAD IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH ALREADY SUGGESTED THAT SOME PRIORITY SHOULD BE GIVEN TO THIS.
+l, TOO, FEEL THAT THE TIME HAS COME FOR US TO RECONSIDER THE QUALIFYING AGE WHETHER THEY ARE LIVING WITH THEIR FAMILIES OR RESIDING IN AN OLD PEOPLE’S HOME,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR EXPLAINED THAT THE ORIGINAL INTENTION OF NOT APPLYING THE ALLOWANCE TO THOSE WHO LIVE IN HOMES FOR THE AGED WAS TO PROVIDE SOME INCENTIVE FOR THEM AND THEIR FAMILIES TO REMAIN AS LONG AS POSSIBLE IN A NATURAL FAMILY ENVIRONMENT.
+HOWEVER, IT HAS TRANSPIRED THAT MANY OF THOSE WHO ARE LIVING IN SUCH INSTITUTIONS HAVE NO ONE OUTSIDE TO CARE FOR THEM’,' HE SAID
HE TOLD THE COUNCIL HE HAD RECOMMENDED EXTENDING THE INFIRMITY ALLOWANCE TO THOSE IN THE OLD PEOPLE’S HOMES AS ONE OF THE PROPOSALS TO BE CONSIDERED IN THE +PROGRAMME PLAN FOR THE ELDERLY*.
MR. LEE WAS SURE THERE WAS SCOPE FOR THE ELDERLY AND HIS DEPARTMENT WAS DISCUSSING SUCH PROJECTS WITH INTERESTED VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
HE ALSO ANTICIPATED THAT MORE HOSTELS WOULD BE ESTABLISHED WHERE SUITABLE ACCOMMODATION COULD BE MADE AVAILABLE IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
AS FOR THE ELDERLY WHO COULD STILL LIVE INDEPENDENTLY, THE DIRECTOR SAID HE HAD BEEN ABLE UNDER EXISTING ARRANGEMENTS TO REFER SUITABLE CASES TO THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT FOR COMPASSIONATE REHOUS ING.
ON THE SUBJECT OF HELPING PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS TO OBTAIN PRIVATE DENTAL SERVICES AND GLASSES, MR. LEE SAID PROVIDED THE CHARGE WAS REASONABLE, A DISCRETIONARY GRANT COULD BE MADE TO COVER THE COSTS UPON MEDICAL ADVICE.
IF THE CHARGE APPEARED TOO HIGH, HE EXPLAINED, THE GRANT WAS RESTRICTED IN THE CASE OF DENTURES TO AN AMOUNT THAT WAS NORMALLY CHARGED BY DENTAL CLINICS RUN BY WELFARE AGENCIES AT ABOUT $15 PER TOOTH. FOR A PAIR OF GLASSES A PUBLIC ASSISTANCE CLIENT COULD GET UP TO $40.
+CHARITABLE FUNDS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE TO ASSIST PERSONS IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES TO ACQUIRE SPECTACLES OR DENTURES,* HE ADDED.
0--------
/JO......
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
- 30 -
ELEMENTS CONTRIBUTING TO UNDER-SPENDING BY P.W.D.
******
THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, THE HON. DAVID MCDONALD SAID TODAY HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE TARGET SET FOR SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS THIS FINANCIAL YEAR WOULD BE MET.
SPEAKING IN THE RESUMED BUDGET DEBATE IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, HE SAID HE CONSIDERED THAT THE PROVISION IN THE 1977/78 DRAFT ESTIMATES FOR NON-RECURRENT SPENDING REALISTICALLY REFLECTED THE CAPACITY OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT.
+1 FEEL CONFIDENT THAT WE CAN ACHIEVE OUR AIMS,+ HE SAID.
MR. MCDONALD ALSO ASSURED THE COUNCIL THAT THE P.W.D. --ASSISTED BY A SPECIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE UNIT STAFFED BY OFFICERS OF THE ORGANISATION AND METHODS DIVISION OF THE FINANCE BRANCH — WAS CONSTANTLY REVIEWING ITS PROCEDURES AND ORGANISATION SO AS TO PROVIDE A MORE EFFICIENT PUBLIC SERVICE.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT DESPITE EFFORTS BY THE P.W.D. TO BOOST SPENDING ON PUBLIC WORKS PROJECTS DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR, AS EXPLAINED BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY IN HIS BUDGET SPEECH IT HAD NOT BEEN POSSIBLE TO SPEND ALL THE MONEY ALLOCATED.
IN RESPONSE TO A REQUEST BY UNOFFICIAL LEGISLATIVE COUNCILLOR MISS LYDIA DUNN, IN HER SPEECH IN THE BUDGET DEBATE ON MARCH 31, MR. MCDONALD PROVIDED A FURTHER BREAKDOWN HIGHLIGHTING THE MAIN REASONS FOR THE UNDER-EXPENDITURE.
HE SAID THE LARGEST SINGLE CAUSE OF UNDERSPENDING WAS DIFFICULTIES AND DELAYS IN LAND CLEARANCES, ACQUISITIONS, RESUMPTIONS AND COMPENSATION PAYMENTS — ALL OF WHICH RESULTED IN ABOUT $130 MILLION BEING UNSPENT.
MUCH OF THE DELAY, HE ADDED, STEMMED FROM OWNERS’ UNWILLINGNESS TO ACCEPT GOVERNMENT OFFERS DURING A PERIOD WHEN MARKET VALUES WERE RISING.
ABOUT $20 MILLION COULD NOT BE SPENT BECAUSE OF DELAYS IN WORKS PROGRAMMES AND COMPENSATION PAYMENTS BROUGHT ABOUT BY OBJECTIONS RAISED UNDER THE STREETS (ALTERATION) ORDINANCE.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THERE HAD ALSO BEEN AN UNEXPECTED SAVING OF $114 MILLION DURING THE YEAR AS A RESULT OF LOW TENDER PRICES, WHICH ACCOUNTED FOR THE SECOND HIGHEST AMOUNT UNSPENT.
BUT HE SAID IT SHOULD BE REMEMBERED THAT THE ESTIMATES FOR 1976/77 WERE PREPARED IN OCTOBER 1975 WHEN LABOUR, MATERIALS AND TENDER PRICES HAD ALREADY HIT A LOW LEVEL AND WERE BEGINNING TO SHOW AN UPTURN, SO THE ESTIMATES HAD ALLOWED FOR RISING COSTS.
+HOWEVER, AS THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY STATED IN HIS SPEECH, THE EXPECTED SHARP RISE IN PRICES DID NOT MATERIALISE -- EVEN WITH THE DEMANDS BEING MADE ON THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY,* HE SAID.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
- 31 -
FAILURE OF CONTRACTORS TO MEET THEIR PROGRAMMES AS A RESULT OF ORGANISATIONAL AND LABOUR PROBLEMS, EXCEPTIONALLY WET WEATHER, DIFFICULTY IN OBTAINING MATERIALS OR PLANT, OR DIFFICULT SITE CONDITIONS HAD MEANT THAT ANOTHER $109 MILLION WAS NOT SPENT.
HE SAID THE REST OF THE UNDER-SPENDING WAS MAINLY DUE TO CHANGES IN THE DESIGN OR SCOPE OF PROJECTS — WHICH EITHER CUT COSTS OR DELAYED THE START OF WORK — AND TO OVER-ESTIMATION BY OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT DURING THE YEAR ATTEMPTS HAD BEEN MADE BY THE P.W.D. TO MAKE UP FOR THE UNDER-SPENDING BY INJECTING NEW ITEMS INTO THE PUBLIC WORKS PROGRAMME, AND ACCELERATING WORK ON OTHERS.
+THE RESULTS OF OUR EFFORTS PRODUCED ADDITIONAL EXPENDITURE OF $113 MILLION,* HE SAID, +BUT THIS WAS ERODED BY FURTHER MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS OF UNDER-EXPENDITURE, AND FINALLY ONLY ABOUT 18 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL DEFICIENCY WAS RETRIEVED.*
REFERRING TO ANOTHER POINT RAISED BY MISS DUNN, REGARDING THE STAFFING AND ORGANISATION OF THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT, 'MR. MCDONALD SAID THAT LIKE MOST OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS THE P.W.D. HAD BEEN GREATLY AFFECTED BY THE LIMITATIONS PLACED ON STAFF RECRUITMENT AND EXPANSION IN EARLY 1975.
+THESE LIMITATIONS, COUPLED WITH THE COMPETITION FROM AND ATTRACTION TO EMPLOYMENT IN OTHER SECTORS, UNDERMINED THE DEPARTMENT’S ABILITY TO MEET ALL OUR PROGRAMMES,* HE SAID.
AT APRIL 1, 1975 THE ARCHITECTURAL OFFICE, FOR INSTANCE, HAD BEEN 16 PER CENT BELOW ITS ESTABLISHMENT FOR ARCHITECTS-18 PER CENT BELOW FOR BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERS- 19 PER CENT FOR QUANTITY SURVEYORS AND 26 PER CENT FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS.
HE SAID: +DURING 1976 VACANCIES FOR STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS WERE REDUCED BY ABOUT HALF, BUT THE SITUATION DETERIORATED STILL FURTHER IN RESPECT OF ARCHITECTS, WITH THE POSITION AT MARCH 1, 1977 SHOWING VACANCIES OF OVER 33 PER CENT.
+HOWEVER, RESPONSE TO CURRENT RECRUITMENT EXERCISES BEING CARRIED OUT BOTH LOCALLY AND OVERSEAS INDICATES THAT WE SHOULD COME CLOSE TO FILLING MOST IF NOT ALL OF THE VACANCIES OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS,* SAID MR. MCDONALD.
THE DEFICIENCY OF PROFESSIONAL STAFF IN THE CIVIL ENGINEERING FIELD — WHICH WAS RUNNING AT MORE THAN 15 PER CENT IN APRIL 1975 — HAD BEEN FULLY MADE UP BY MARCH THIS YEAR.
+THE FULL EFFECTS OF THIS IMPROVEMENT SHOULD BECOME EVIDENT DURING THE CURRENT FINANCIAL YEAR,* MR. MCDONALD SAID.
+WE ARE CONTINUOUSLY EXAMINING THE ADEQUACY OF STAFF TO MEET WORKS PROGRAMMES AND ARE, FOR EXAMPLE, AT PRESENT PRODUCING DETAILED ASSESSMENTS OF STAFF REQUIREMENTS TO IMPLEMENT THE 10-YEAR MEDICAL DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME,* HE ADDED.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
PUBLIC CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATION OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ******
THE TIME HAS COME TO ESTABLISH A SINGLE BODY, BROADLY REPRESENTATIVE OF THE COMMUNITY, TO ENSURE THAT PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT KINDS OF PUBLIC CONTROL AND CO-ORDINATION, SAID THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, THE HON. KENNETH TOPLEY, WHEN HE MOVED THE SECOND READING OF THE HONG KONG EXAMINATIONS AUTHORITY BILL 1977 IN THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL THIS AFTERNOON.
THE PRESENT ARRANGEMENTS, UNDER WHICH THE TWO UNIVERSITIES AND A DIVISION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SEPARATELY PROVIDE EXAMINATIONS, +ARE FROM THIS POINT OF VIEW NO LONGER SATISFACTORY,+ HE SAID.
THE PROPOSED AUTHORITY MR. TOPLEY SAID, +WILL BE ABLE TO HOLD IN VIEW OF THE NEEDS OF THE VARIOUS INSTITUTIONS, THE GENERAL OBJECTIVES OF SOCIAL AND EDUCATIONAL POLICY, AND THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE INDIVIDUAL STUDENTS.+
THIS IS A TASK CALLING FOR THE ASSEMBLY, UNDER A SINGLE AEGIS, OF A WIDE VARIETY OF PERSONS, NOT ALL OF THEM ENGAGED IN EDUCATION.
THERE WILL BE FIVE EX-OFFICIO MEMBERS AND BETWEEN 17 AND 20 OTHER MEMBERS, INCLUDING THREE EXPERIENCED IN COMMERCE OR INDUSTRY IN HONG KONG.
MR. TOPLEY SAID THE AUTHORITY +WILL PROVIDE THE NECESSARY BREADTH OF VISION AND HOLD A PROPER BALANCE BETWEEN GENERAL AND PARTICULAR INTERESTS. IT WILL ALSO BE ABLE IN DUE COURSE TO BRING ABOUT A CO-ORDINATED AND CONSISTENT APPROACH TO THE WHOLE FIELD OF PUBLIC EXAMINATIONS, AVOIDING ADMINISTRATIVE WASTE AND SPREADING THE BENEFITS OF PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE MORE WIDELY.
+1 SHOULD ADD THAT, SINCE IT IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE TO AVOID DISRUPTIONS AND OPERATIONAL BREAKDOWNS, THIS RATIONALISATION MUST BE ACHIEVED CAREFULLY AND OVER A REASONABLE PERIOD OF TIME.+
THE AUTHORITY WILL BE REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO THE GOVERNMENT ITS BUDGETS, AND IN PARTICULAR ITS FEE-PROPOSALS, FOR APPROVAL.
THE DIRECTOR SAID: +THE ACTIVITIES AND PLANS OF THE AUTHORITY, THEREFORE, WILL BE MONITORED BY THE GOVERNMENT, BOTH FROM THE POINT OF VIEW OF HARMONY WITH GENERAL EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES AND FROM THAT OF THE RESTRAINT OF CANDIDATES’ FEES TO A REASONABLE LEVEL.+
THE OPPORTUNITY WOULD BE TAKEN, SUBJECT TO FINANCE COMMITTEE APPROVAL, TO EXTEND TO THE SIXTH FORM EXAMINATIONS THE FEE-REMISSION NOW AVAILABLE ONLY IN THE CERTIFICATE OF EDUCATION EXAMINATION.
/♦IT IS .....
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
33
+IT IS PROPOSED THAT THE COST OF THIS REMISSION SHALL BE BORNE BY THE PUBLIC PURSE AND NOT BY THE FEE-PAYING CANDIDATES, - AND THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL REASON WHY A CLOSE WATCH WILL BE KEPT OVER EXAMINATION FEES GENERALLY,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID.
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT THAT FOR THE ACTUAL PRODUCTION, ADMINISTRATION AND MARKING OF EXAMINATIONS, RESOURCES - ESPECIALLY HUMAN RESOURCES - WERE NOT UNLIMITED.
+SUCCESS WILL THEREFORE BE DEPENDENT ON THE CONTINUED ASSISTANCE OF THE MANY INSTITUTIONS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE GIVEN SPLENDID CO-OPERATION HITHERTO,+ HE SAID.
-----o------
GOVERNOR SENDS BIRTHDAY GREETINGS TO QUEEN * * * * *
ON BEHALF OF THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, HAS SENT A TELEGRAM OF BIRTHDAY GREETINGS AND CONGRATULATIONS TO THE QUEEN ON THE OCCASION OF THE OFFICIAL OBSERVANCE HERE OF HER MAJESTY’S BIRTHDAY, WHICH WILL ALSO BE MARKED BY A PROCESSION IN HONOUR OF THE SILVER JUBILEE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW PART OF QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS
******
YOU WILL NOT HAVE TO LOOK ON BY THE SIDE WHILE OTHERS ARE HAVING FUN AND HEALTHY EXERCISES IN THE SPORT FIELD IF YOU GO ALONG TO SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW MORNING.
THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE HAS ORGANISED A SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY THERE AS PART OF THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE CELEBRATIONS AND FROM THE DESCRIPTION OF THE PROGRAMME, IT PROMISES TO BE A SPORTING FEAST FOR ALL TASTES AND ALL AGES.
BEGINNING AT 8.45 A.M., BEFORE THE ARRIVAL OF THE CHIEF GUESTS-CF-HONOUR, MR. KEN TOPLEY, DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND MR. F.K. HU, A MEMBER OF THE COUNCIL FOR RECREATION AND SPORT, THE NEW METHOD COLLEGE BAND WILL PERFORM AND PARADE BEFORE THE SPECTATORS.
TO ADD COLOUR TO THE OPENING CEREMONY, THERE WILL BE A CYCLING DISPLAY AND A SPIRITED DANCE SIMULTANEOUSLY BY SIX LIONS.
THE EYES OF THE LIONS WILL BE DOTTED BY MR. TOPLEY AND MR. HU AND THE CHAIRMEN OF FOUR REGIONAL RECREATION AND SPORTS PROMOTION ORGANISATIONS.
THE SPORTS-FOR-ALL PROGRAMME WILL FOLLOW IMMEDIATELY AND WILL START WITH POTTED SPORT GAMES WHICH ARE ESPECIALLY DESIGNED FOR CHILDREN.
IN OTHER PARTS OF THE PLAYGROUND, SPECTATORS WILL BE ABLE TO TAKE PART FREELY IN TRAMPbLIN, TAI CHI, TABLE TENNIS AND LATER A DANCE IN THE INDOORjsTADI UM.
THERE WILL BE PERFORMANCES IN MARTIAL ARTS, GYMNASTICS, AND WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL BY THE PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED AND ABLE-BODIED ASSOCIATION.
FINAL MATCHES OF VOLLEYBALL AND BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORT SERVICE WILL ALSO BE PLAYED.
ABOUT 5,000 PEOPLE ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES IN THE SPORT EVENT TOMORROW.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE WELCOME TO COVER THE SPORTS-FOR-ALL DAY AT SOUTHORN PLAYGROUND TOMORROW. THE RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY WILL BE HELD AT 9.10 A.M. WHILE THE RECREATION AND SPORT PROGRAMME WILL BEGIN AT 10.30 A.M. AND END AT ABOUT 12 NOON.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
35
PRIZES FOR WINNERS OF INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER COMPETITION
*****
K
THE CHINESE MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION ENDORSES THE PRINCIPLES BEHIND THE FACTORY AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS (GUARDING AND OPERATION OF MACHINERY) REGULATIONS WHICH CAME INTO FORCE ON APRIL 1.
THIS WAS STATED BY THE SECRETARY-GENERAL OF CMA MR. J.P. LEE TODAY (WEDNESDAY) WHEN HE PRESENTED CASH AWARDS TO II WINNERS OF THE INDUSTRIAL SAFETY POSTER AND SAFETY SLOGAN COMPETITION JOINTLY ORGANISED BY THE LABOUR AND EDUCATION DEPARTMENTS.
MR. LEE SAID THE REGULATIONS LISTED THE DANGEROUS PARTS OF DIFFERENT TYPES OF MACHINES AND SUGGESTED WAYS ON HOW THEY COULD BE EFFECTIVELY GUARDED.
+THROUGH STUDYING THESE, BOTH MANAGEMENT AND WORKERS WILL BE IN A BETTER POSITION TO RE-ORGANIZE THEIR EQUIPMENT AND OPERATION,* HE SAID.
MR. LEE SAID THE OBJECTIVE OF THIS YEAR’S SAFETY COMPETITION WAS TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF BOTH MANUFACTURERS AND WORKERS TO THE IMPORTANCE OF SAFE OPERATION OF MACHINERY.
+IT IS GENERALLY RECOGNIZED THAT ATTRACTIVE, INFORMATIVE AND WELL-DESIGNED SAFETY POSTERS AND SLOGANS CAN EFFECTIVELY HELP PREVENT ACCIDENTS AT WORK FROM OCCURRING,* HE SAID.
+0N ONE HAND THEY CAN REMIND EMPLOYEES NOT TO OVERLOOK HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS INCLUDING THE DANGEROUS PARTS OF MACHINES AND OTHER PRODUCTION EQUIPMENT TO WHICH THEY ARE SO ACCUSTOMED. ON THE OTHER HAND THEY DRAW ATTENTION TO THE NEED TO ADOPT PREVENTIVE MEASURES SUCH AS INSTALLING APPROPRIATE GUARDS ON MACHINES.
+SAFETY OPERATION IS AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT IN IMPROVING CONDITIONS OF WORK GENERALLY. NEGLIGENCE CAN ONLY LEAD TO SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES,* MR. LEE ADDED.
HE THEN COMMENDED THE SCHOOLS FOR THEIR ARDENT SUPPORT FOR THE COMPETITION AND THE ENCOURAGEMENT AND GUIDANCE PROVIDED BY TEACHERS TO STUDENTS WHICH HE SAID HAD BROUGHT ABOUT A VERY HIGH STANDARD OF ENTRIES IN THIS YEAR’S COMPETITION.
THE WINNERS IN THE COMPETITION WERE:
POSTER CONTEST:
MR. YIU YAU-HUNG OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL-
MR. LEUNG NAI-FAI OF KOWLOON TECHNICAL SCHOOL-
MISS CHOW YUK-HAN OF JOCKEY CLUB SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL-
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 20, 1977
MR. LEE KAM-KWONG OF VICTORIA TECHNICAL SCHOOL-
MR. CHAN CHI-HUNG OF SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT TECHNICAL SCHOOL-
MR. LO YAN-PIN OF KEI HEEP SECONDARY MODERN SCHOOL-
MISS CHIU CHUI-WAN OF TSUEN WAN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL
AND
MR. LAI SIU-MING OF SHEUNG KWAI CHUNG GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL.
SAFETY SLOGAN CONTEST:
MISS CATHERINE NG YUK-KING OF OUR LADY’S COLLEGE-
MR. CHAN SHING-FAI OF JOCKEY CLUB GOVERNMENT SECONDARY TECHNICAL SCHOOL- AND
MISS ANGELA WONG WAI-WAH OF OUR LADY’S COLLEGE.
-----0------
TEMPORARY TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT FROM 10 A.M. ON SATURDAY (APRIL 23) THE SECTION OF KOWLOON CITY ROAD BETWEEN MOK CHEONG STREET AND MA TAU KOK ROAD WOULD BE TEMPORARILY RE-ROUTED ONE-WAY FROM MOK CHEONG STREET TO MA TAU KOK ROAD.
THIS ARRANGEMENT, AIMED AT FACILITATING ROAD WORKS FOR THE SAN SHAN INTERCHANGE, WILL LAST FOR ABOUT TWO MONTHS.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE POSTED TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
- 0 -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 21 1977
CONTENTS ?AGE NO.
OVER 130 UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED PERSONS APPLIED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE .................................................... 1
N.T. SPORTS AND RECREATION GALA HELD TO CELEBRATE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE ................................................ 2
EXHIBITION ON TAI HANG TUNG HOUSING DEVELOPMENT .............
U.K. EXPERT APPOINTED TO ADVISE ON SOCIAL .vELFARE PROGRAMMES 4
ORE CHILD CARE CENTRES REGISTER .vlTH S.*.D. AS DEADLINE
APPROACHES ..................................................
TEMPORARY aATER CUT IN SAU KAU PING AND K'wAI CHUNG .........
P.L.B. PROHIBITION IN OCEAN PARK ROAD .......................
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
t
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 197"
1 -
APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE
******
MORE THAN 130 APPLICATIONS HAVE BEEN RECEIVED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT SINCE IT BEGAN ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE FROM UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED PEOPLE BETWEEN 15 AND 55 YEARS OF AGE ON APRIL 1.
ALL THE APPLICANTS HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT.
OF THE 86 APPLICANTS WHO TURNED UP AT THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE, FOUR HAVE ALREADY TAKEN UP NEW EMPLOYMENT.
THOSE WHO DID NOT TURN UP FOR REGISTRATION AT THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE WITHOUT GOOD REASONS WOULD BE DISQUALIFIED FOR PUBLIC ASSISTANCE.
MR. LU YU-HUA, SENIOR PRINCIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE OFFICER IN CHARGE OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S SOCIAL SECURITY DIVISION, SAID THAT THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS RECEIVED SO FAR WAS NOT AS MANY AS EXPECTED.
+THIS MAY EE DUE TO THE NUMBER OF PUBLIC HOLIDAYS EARLIER THIS MONTH,+ HE EXPLAINED.
THERE ARE 26 SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG -- SIX ON THE ISLAND, 14 IN KOWLOON AND SIX IN THE NEW TERRITOR IES.
MR. LU URGED UNEMPLOYED ABLE-BODIED DEOPLE BETWEEN 15 AND 55 YEARS OF AGE TO CONTACT THEIR NEAREST SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNIT.
TO QUALIFY, HE SAID, THEY MUST HAVE RESIDED IN HONG KONG FOR AT LEAST TWO YEARS.
+IF THE APPLICANTS FAIL TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT FOR ONE MONTH AFTER THE DATE OF APPLICATION, THEIR MONTHLY ENTITLEMENT WILL START FROM THE FIRST DAY OF THE FOLLOWING MONTH,+ HE SAID.
ON THE SCALE OF PUBLIC ASSISTANCE., MR, LU SAID: +THE PRESENT RATE OF ASSISTANCE IS $180 A MONTH FOR A SINGLE PERSON WHEREAS FOR A FAMILY, 3130 FOR EACH OF THE FIRST THREE MEMBERS, 0105 FOR EACH OF THE NEXT THREE AND S8C FOR THE SEVENTH MEMBER AND SC ON. ON TCP OF THIS, A RENT ALLOWANCE IS ALSO PAID AND, aHERE APPROPRIATE, A SPECIAL ALLOWANCE TO MEET ESSENTIAL EXPENDITURE.*
COPIES OF A LEAFLET EXPLAINING THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE SCHEME ARE OBTAINABLE FROM ALL CITY DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE URBAN AREA, DISTRICT OFFICES IN THE NEW TERRITORIES, FAMILY SERVICES CENTRES AND SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF ALL THE SOCIAL SECURITY FIELD UNITS APE ALSO - ISTED IN THE LEAFLET.
/2......
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1977
- 2
THOUSANDS ENJOY IN N.T. CELEBRATION ACTIVITIES
******
FUN AND RELAXATION REIGNED SUPREME THROUGH THE NEW TERRITORIES TODAY WHEN THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE OF ALL AGES SHARED ENJOYMEM’ IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN CELEBRATION OF THE QUEEN’S BIRTHDAY AND SILVER JUBILEE.
THEY TREKKED IK CROSS-COUNTRY WALKS, aATCHED PERFORMANCES C- TRAMPOLIN ING, ROLLER-SKATING, CYCLING, MARTIAL ARTS, DRAGCN AND .ION DANCES, MODELLING, DANCES AND CHINESE ORCHESTRA, AND LISTENED to FOLK SONGS AND BRASS BAND CONCERT.
ENTHUSIASTIC YOUNG PEOPLE FROM VARIOUS DISTRICTS COMPETED IN VOLLEYBALL, BASKETBALL, MINI-SOCCER, TABLE-TENNIS AND BADMINTON GAMES, WHILE CHILDREN HAD FUN IN A SERIES OF POTTED SPORTS.
THE EXTENSIVE PROGRAMME TOOK PLACE THROUGHOUT THE DAY IN VARIOUS SPORTS GROUNDS AND PLAYGROUNDS IN TSUEN WAN, TAI PO, YUEN LONG, TUEN MUN, SHA TIN, SAI KUNG AND OUTLYING ISLANDS.
IT WAS ORGANISED BY DISTRICT OFFICES, THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE, THE HEUNG YEE KUK, RURAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS AND THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT TO GIVE THE YOUNG AND OLD A DAY OF FUN.
THIS MORNING AT THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND IN TSUEN WAN, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, DECLARED OPEN A SERIES OF SPORTS EVENTS ORGANISED BY THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE FOR PEOPLE FROM THE WESTERN SIDE OF THE NEW TERR ITOR I ES.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, MR. AKERS-JONES SAID THE GOVERNMENT WAS PLACING FAR GREATER EMPHASIS ON THE PROVISION OF RECREATION AND SPORTS FACILITIES, ESPECIALLY IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS, IN VIEw OF =EOPLE’S INCREASING LEISURE TIME.
HE SAID THAT THE NEXT TWO YEARS WOULD SEE IN TSUEN WAN ALONE .THE COMPLETION OF A NEW ATHLETIC FIELD, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL WITH ACCOMPANYING OPEN-AIR SPORTS GROUNDS, AND A MULTI-PURPOSE AUDITORIUM.
THE YEUNG UK ROAD SPORTS GROUND WILL ALSO EE UP-GRADED TO A STADIUM I TH SPECTATOR CAPACITY FOR 10,000, HE SAID.
+WITH THESE AND OTHER SIMILAR PROVISIONS IN VARIOUS PARTS OF THE NEW TERRITORIES, *E HOPE TO BE ABLE TO LOOK FORWARD TO A BETTER AND MCRE BALANCED COMMUNITY LlcE IN THE NEW TERRITORIES IN THE VERY NEAR FUTURE,+ HE SAID.
THIS AFTERNOON AT THE FAN -ING SPORTS GROUND, THE DEPUTY SECRETARY FOR THE NEa TERRITORIES (GENERAL), HR. MORRIS MORGAN, DECLARED OPEN ANOTHER SERIES OF SPORTS ACTIVITIES ORGANISED FOR PEOPLE PROM THE EASTER'. SIDE OF THE NEW TERR ITO- IES.
/MR. M033AN
TilUHSDAY, APRIL 21, 1977
3
MR. MORGAN TOLD THE GATHERING THAT IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS BECAUSE OF AN INCREASE IN PEOPLE’S LEISURE TIME, THE GOVERNMENT HAD SHOWN FAR GREATER CONCERN ON THE PROMOTION OF SPORTS AND RECREATION ACTIVITIES FOR THE COMMUNITY AT LARGE.
ONE OF THE RESULTS HAS BEEN THE FORMATION OF THE RECREATION AND SPORTS SERVICE *HICH NOW HAS A RECREATION AND SPORTS OFFICER AND SU°PORTING STAFF IN EACH OF HONG KONG’S 17 DISTRICTS, HE SAID.
- 0 ----------
HOUSING EXHIBITION ON DEVELOPMENT OF TAI HANG TUNG H M
A SIX-DAY EXHIBITION SHOWING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE TAI HANG TUNG DISTRICT WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW BY MR. R.H. LOBO, CHAIRMAN OF THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY.
THE EXHIBITION, A’ THE TAI HANG TUNG COMMUNITY CENTRE, IS BEING STAGED JOINTLY BY THE HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY, THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (SHAM SHU I PO) AND THE COMMUNITY AND YOUTr. OFFICE (SHAM SHU I PO).
UNDER THE THEME +KOWLOON TSAI TOMORROW* THE EXHIBITION AIMS TO SHOW RESIDENTS, SCHOOL-CHILDREN AND OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES, THE DEVELOPMENT IN THE AREA. EMPHASIS WILL BE ON THE TAI HANG TUNG REDEVELOPMENT SCHEME AND OTHER SUCH PROJECTS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
ON DISPLAY WILL BE A LARGE NUMBER OF PHOTOGRAPHS, MAPS, DRAWINGS, MODELS AND GENERAL INFORMATION CHARTS.
THE MAIN -EATURE OF THE EXHIBITION a ILL EE A LIFE-SIZE MOCK—U? HOME — A REPLICA OF A SEVEN—PERSON FLAT OF THE NAM SHAN ESTATE, WHICH IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION NEARBY.
DURING THE SIX-DAY EXHIBITION A NUMBER OF ENTERTAINMENT PROGRAMMES HAVE BEEN ARRANGED. THERE a ILL ALSO EE DAILY FILM ‘AND COLOUR SLIDE PRESENTATIONS.
THE OPENING CEREMONY WILL TAKE PLACE AT 4 P.M., FRIDAY, APRIL 22. AND WILL EE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC AT 5 P.M., UNTIL 9 P.r<. FROM APRIL 23 TO APRIL 28 THE EXHIBITION WILL BE OPEN DAILY FROM 9 A..M. TO 9 P.M.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES ARE WELCOMED TO COVER THE OPENING CEREMONY WHICH ALL TAKE °LACE AT 4 ?. . "C'-'ORRO.-. (-RIDAY).
FROM THE PUBLIC PEUATIO;.- SECTION " THE H'OUS'"G DEPART ’ENT IL_ BE PRESENT TO ASSIST ;'REGENTAT I'< zS.
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1977
ADVISER ON SOCIAL WELFARE ARRIVES FROM UK * * * * *
MR. T.S. HEPPELL, AN EXPERT IN SOCIAL SECURITY, ARRIVED IN HONG KONG YESTERDAY TO TAKE UP THE POST OF CONSULTANT TO DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE.
HE IS ON TEMPORARY SECONDMENT TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND SOCIAL SECURITY IN BRITAIN FOR A PERIOD OF SIX MONTHS TO SERVE AS AN ADVISER ON SOCIAL WELFARE.
DURING HIS TIME HERE, MR. HEPPELL WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERTAKING A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE PROGRAMMES AS WELL AS A DETAILED EXAMINATION OF THE SOCIAL SECURITY PROVISIONS INCLUDING THE LEVEL OF PAYMENT, ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA AND METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION.
MR. HEPPELL, WHO IS 41 AND MARRIED, HAD BEEN SECONDED TO THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT FOR TWO-AND-A-HALF YEARS BETWEEN DECEMBER 1970 AND JULY 1973. HE WAS THEN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PUBLIC ASSISTANCE AND DISABILITY AND INFIRMITY ALLOWANCES SCHEMES AND FOR PLANNING OF SOCIAL WELFARE DEVELOPMENT IN HONG KONG IN CONJUNCTION I TH THE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES.
4n CHILD CARE CENTRES EXPECTED TO BE
******
REGISTERED THIS MO'TH
ABOUT 30 TO 40 CHILD CARE CENTRES ARE EXPECTED TO BE REGISTERcD aITH TH- SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT BY THE END OF THIS MONTH, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY.
APPLICATIONS FROM 164 OTHERS ARE BEING PROCESSED.
MEANWHILE, THE SPOKESMAN REMINDED CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATORS THAT IT WOULD BE ILLEGAL TO RUN THEIR CENTRES AFTER JUNE 1 WITHOUT BEING REGISTERED WITH THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ADVISORY INSPECTORATE OF THE DEPARTMENT HAS OPENED FOR BUSINESS ITS aEW ADDRESS IN THE SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES TO HELP ANY PROSPECTIVE CHILD CARE CENTRE OPERATOR.
THOSE OPERATORS WHO WANT TO KNOW ORE ABOUT THE STANDARDS REQUIRED UNDER THE CHILD CARE CENTRES ORDINANCE AND THE PROCEDURE FOR REGISTRATION CAN CALL 3-274477, 3-270303 OR ,-271212 DURING OFFICE HOURS FOR INFORMATION.
ASSISTANCE CAN ALSO BE OBTAINED IN PERSON AT 692, PRINCE EDwARD ROAD, SAN PO KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICES BH-DING, NORTH ..ING, 5TH FLOOR. VOLUNTARY aELFARE AGENCIES 0- • ALSO OBTAIN ADVICE IN SEEKING FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE TC PROVIDE CHILD CARE SERVICE ~C THE COMMUNITY.
0
THURSDAY, APRIL 21, 1977
- 5 -
'WATER CUT * *
WATER SUPPLY TC A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING AND
KWAI CHUNG WILL ..........
SATURDAY (APR IL CARRY OUT NIGHT
EE TURNED OrH l-UK I- IVE nuu«a rrtun i M.n.
23) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN SAU MAU 3 ING, THE PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PATH, SAU MING ROAD, HIU KWONG STREET, AND SAU MAU =ING ROAD, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 19 TO 31 AND 42 TC 45, SAU MAU
PING ESTATE.
IN KWAI CHUNG, BLOCK NOS. 1-26 OF THE KWAI CHUNG ESTATE wILL BE AFFECTED.
-----0------
PLS PROHIBITION IN OCEAN PARK ROAD * * * *
tu" tram^PORT DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT AlL PUBLIC
« 5SS WSw
(AffilL 23) "tHORIZED IN WRITING BY THE AUTHORITY.
appropriate signs will be set up to indicate the prohibitions.
-----o-------
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM STARTS OPERATING IN WEST KOWLOON ................................................ 1
’VIEWING COMPASSES’ SET UP FOR PICNICKERS.......’............ 3
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL TO BEGIN 24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE NEXT WEEK ........................................... 4
THOUSANDS WILL TAKE PART IN SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME .. 5
HONG KONG STUDENTS WIN HONOURS IN COMMONWEALTH ART EXHIBITION IN LONDON ........................................ 6
CHINA ENGINEERS BUILDING ORDERED TO BE DEMOLISHED ........... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5'233191
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
1
COMPUTERS TAKE OVER TRAFFIC CONTROL IN WEST KOWLOON
* * * *
TRAFFIC CONTROL IN HONG KONG ENTERED THE ELECTRONIC AGE TODAY WHEN THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MR. DEREK JONES, PUSHED A BUTTON SWITCHING ON A FULLY COMPUTERISED TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEM WHICH AIMS TO BEAT CONGESTION IN THE BUSY WEST KOWLOON AREA.
THE NEW SYSTEM, DESIGNED BY A TEAM OF PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT ENGINEERS WITH THE ASSISTANCE OF THE U.K. DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT, IS EXPECTED TO CUT TRAVELLING TIME IN THE AREA BY UP TO 15 PER CENT.
IT BRINGS 83 TRAFFIC SIGNALS ALONG THE MAIN THOROUGHFARES OF SHAM SHU I PO, MONG KOK, YAU MA TEI AND PART OF TSIM SHA TSUI UNDER THE CONTROL OF TWO COMPUTERS HOUSED IN THE P.W.D.’S AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL CENTRE IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES.
FROM DATA ON TRAFFIC FLOW AND CONGESTION FED THROUGH A SERIES OF VEHICLE DETECTORS TO THE CONTROL ROOM, IMMEDIATE ACTION CAN BE TAKEN TO CHANGE TRAFFIC PLANS TO SUIT PREVAILING CONDITIONS.
SWITCHING ON THE SYSTEM TODAY, MR. JONES SAID THE NEW COMPUTER CONTROL WAS THE FIRST OF A NUMBER OF NEW AND FAR REACHING DEVELOPMENTS IN TRAFFIC CONTROL IN HONG KONG WHICH WAS NOW MOVING TOWARDS THE FOREFRONT OF MODERN TRAFFIC CONTROL TECHNOLOGY.
UP TO NOW, TRAFFIC CONTROL HAD BEEN OPERATED AT THE INDIVIDUAL JUNCTION LEVEL. +WE ARE NOW BEGINNING TO MOVE AWAY FROM THAT, TOWARDS SYSTEMS WHERE WE CAN, AT THE FLICK OF A SWITCH, INFLUENCE TRAFFIC PATTERNS AND MOVEMENTS OVER A WIDE AREA.+ HE SAID.
HE SAID THE NEW SYSTEM AND OTHERS TO FOLLOW ALSO OPENED UP A NEW OPPORTUNITY FOR CONSTRUCTIVE CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE, THE TRAFFIC POLICE, THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT, FIRE SERVICES AND THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT COMPANIES.
+THIS CAN ONLY BE TO THEIR MUTUAL BENEFIT AS WELL AS THAT OF THE TRAVELLING PUBLIC AS A WHOLE,+ HE SAID.
THIS FEELING WAS SHARED BY THE P.W.D.’S DIRECTOR OF ENGINEERING DEVELOPMENT, MR. DAVID STEAD WHO SAID THAT DETAILED DISCUSSIONS WERE BEING HELD WITH THE POLICE AND FIRE SERVICES TO DETERMINE THE BEST WAYS IN WHICH THE SYSTEM COULD BE DEVELOPED FOR MAXIMUM EFFICIENCY.
THE NEW SYSTEM -- SUPPLIED BY GEC-ELLIOTT TRAFFIC AUTOMATION — HELD TREMENDOUS POSSIBILITIES, HE SAID, AND COULD CONTROL ABOUT DOUBLE THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC SIGNALS NOW CONNECTED TO IT.
/♦HOWEVER
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
2
+HOWEVER,* SAID MR. STEAD, +BECAUSE THIS IS A TECHNIQUE NEW TC HONG KONG, BEFORE INITIATING ANY MAJOR EXPANSION OF THE PRESENT CONTROL AREA WE’VE DECIDED TO UNDERTAKE AN EVALUATION EXERCISE TO DETERMINE THE BENEFITS OF THIS SYSTEM IN WEST KOWLOON.
+THIS WILL PROBABLY TAKE A YEAR OR SO TO COMPLETE AND WE HOPE THEN TO BE IN A POSITION TO DECIDE WHETHER THE SYSTEM SHOULD BE EXTENDED AND INDEED WHETHER OTHER SIMILAR SYSTEMS SHOULD BE INSTALLED ELSEWHERE IN THE TERRITORY,* HE SAID.
ONE ADDITION THAT HAD ALREADY BEEN AGREED, WAS THE INSTALLATION OF 10 CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION CAMERAS THROUGHOUT WEST KOWLOON WHICH WOULD ENABLE THE SYSTEM OPERATOR TO SEE EXACTLY WHAT WAS HAPPENING AT CRITICAL POINTS, HE SAID.
THESE CAMERAS SHOULD BE IN OPERATION IN ABOUT TWO YEARS.
MR. STEAD SAID THAT WHILE NO SIGNIFICANT RESULTS COULD BE EXPECTED OVERNIGHT, HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT THE SYSTEM WOULD IN THE LONG RUN BRING ABOUT VAST IMPROVEMENTS IN WEST KOWLOON.
EASED ON EVALUATIONS CARRIED OUT ELSEWHERE, HE EXPECTED THE SYSTEM TO CUT TRAVELLING TIME IN THE AREA BY BETWEEN 10 AND 15 PER CENT- REDUCE QUEUES AT TRAFFIC SIGNALS, REDUCE THE NUMBER OF ACCIDENTS- IMPROVE BUS JOURNEY TIMES- CUT JOURNEY TIMES FOR FIRE ENGINES- ENABLE QUICKER REPAIR OF FAULTY EQUIPMENT- AND REDUCE CONGESTION CAUSED BY ROADWORKS.
IN HIS ADDRESS MARKING THE OPENING OF THE COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM, MR. JONES SAID ONE OF ITS IMPORTANT FEATURES WAS THE GREAT FLEXIBILITY IT PROVIDED TO INTRODUCE VARIOUS TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN THE FURTHERANCE OF AN OVERALL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT POLICY.
+THIS FLEXIBILITY IN RESPONDING TO VARIOUS POLICY REQUIREMENTS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS WHY THESE SYSTEMS ARE BEING INTRODUCED MORE AND MORE IN CONGESTED URBAN AREAS,* HE SAID.
IN AREAS LIKE WEST KOWLOON, WHERE TRAFFIC LEVELS WERE ALREADY HEAVY, THERE *AS LITTLE CHANCE OF MAJOR ROAD IMPROVEMENTS FULLY ALLEVIATING THE BUILD UP OF TRAFFIC, EVEN WITH EXPENSIVE DEVELOPMENTS LIKE THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR, HE SAID.
+S0, IN THE FUTURE, SOME ADDITIONAL DEGREE OF RESTRAINT MAY BE NECESSARY IF THE ROAD SYSTEM IS NOT TO BECOME UNDULY CLOGGED, EVEN WHEN THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY IS IN OPERATION.
+AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL IS ONE MEANS BY WHICH THIS CAN BE EFFECTED BY, FOR INSTANCE, USING THE TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT THE EDGE OF THE CONGESTED AREA TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC INTO IT AT A LEVEL WHICH THE ROADS IN THE AREA CAN STAND,* HE SAID.
ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE SYSTEM’S FLEXIBILITY WAS THAT IT COULD BE USED TO DIVERT TRAFFIC FROM THE MORE CONGESTED ROADS.
/REFhftRING •..•.
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
3
REFERRING TO THE NETWORK OF RESTRICTED ACCESS ROADS BEING PLANNED AND IMPLEMENTED, MR. JONES SAID EMERGENCY TELEPHONES WOULD EE PROVIDED ON FLYOVERS AND RESTRICTED ACCESS ROADS TO PROVIDE A MEANS WHEREBY MOTORISTS IN DIFFICULTY COULD SPEEDILY OBTAIN ASSISTANCE.
+THE FIRST SUCH FACILITY WILL BE PROVIDED ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE WEST KOWLOON CORRIDOR AT GASCOIGNE ROAD AND THE NEXT ALONG THE TUEN MUN MOTORWAY WHEN IT OPENS NEXT YEAR,* HE SAID.
MR. JONES SAID A COMPREHENSIVE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE STUDY WAS ALSO BEING PLANNED AND SHOULD START VERY SOON.
+ THIS WILL CONSIDER THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC ON THE ’RESTRICTED ACCESS’ OR ’EXPRESSWAY’ ROAD NETWORK WHICH IS NOW BEING PLANNED.
+AND IT WILL MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS ON THE TRAFFIC CONTROL AND SURVEILLANCE MEASURES WHICH WILL BE NECESSARY TO ENSURE SPEEDY ATTENTION TO INCIDENTS ON THESE ROADS SO AS TO SMOOTH OUT TRAFFIC FLOW,+ HE SAID.
SUCH A SYSTEM OF SURVEILLANCE WOULD OF COURSE NEED TO BE LINKED UP WITH THE AREA TRAFFIC CONTROL SYSTEMS WHEREVER THEY MIGHT BE INSTALLED, HE ADDED.
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+VIEWING COMPASSES* PROVE POPULAR AMONG PICNICKERS * * *
THREE +VIEWING COMPASSES* RECENTLY SET UP BY THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT AT SELECTED SPOTS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE HAVE PROVED VERY POPULAR AMONG PICNICKERS AND STUDENTS.
THE +VIEWING COMPASSES* BUILT ON STONE PLATFORMS WITH DIRECTIONS AND DETAIL INFORMATION OF NEARBY LANDMARKS CARVED ON ROUND METAL PLATES ARE LOCATED AT THE BRIDE’S POOL IN TAI PO, LEAD MINE PASS IN SHING MUN AND NAM SHAN ON LANTAU ISLAND.
THEY ARE PART OF A PROGRAMME TO PROVIDE BETTER FACILITIES TO VISITORS TO THE COUNTRYSIDE THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
MR. IU KOW-CHOY, FORESTRY OFFICER OF THE COUNTRY PARKS DIVISION OF THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT SAID TODAY THAT MORE +VIEWING COMPASSES* WOULD BE SET UP *HEN SUITABLE LOCATIONS WERE FOUND.
HOWEVER, HE ADDED THAT ONLY HIGH RISE POINTS WITH GOOD VISIBILITY AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS NEARBY WOULD BE CHOSEN.
MR. IU POINTED OUT THAT THE +VIEWING COMPASSES* WOULD PROVIDE LOCAL AND OVERSEAS VISITORS WITH INFORMATION SUCH AS NAMES OF VARIOUS MOUNTAINS, THE DISTANCE BETWEEN THE PLACES WHERE THEY ARE STANDING AND THE POINT WHERE THEY ARE LOOKING AT.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
4
PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL TO START 24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE * * * *
THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL AT LAI CHI KOK WILL PROVIDE A 24-HOUR CASUALTY SERVICE FROM MONDAY (APRIL 25) AS THE 1,300-BED MAJOR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL BECOMES FULLY OPERATIONAL.
THE EXPANSION OF CASUALTY SERVICE COINCIDES WITH THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME, WHICH WAS INTRODUCTED ON APRIL 1 AS PART OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH DEPARTMENTS EFFORTS TO IMPROVE HOSPITAL AND CLINIC SERVICES.
UNDER THE SCHEME, PRINCESS MARGARET HOSITAL SERVES AS THE REGIONAL HOSPITAL FOR WEST NEW TERRITORIES, PROVIDING FULL-TIME CASUALTY AND SPECIALIST SERVICES FOR RESIDENTS IN THIS REGION.
WITH THE OPERATION OF THE ROUND-THE-CLOCK CASUALTY SERVICE AT THE PRINCESS MARGARET HOSPITAL, THE HEAVY PRESSURE WHICH HAS BEEN PLACED ON QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL IS EXPECTED TO BE FURTHER ALLEVIATED.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT ADVISED THE PUBLIC TO MAKE USE OF THE FACILITIES IN THE AREA IN WHICH THEY RESIDE.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THERE ARE REGIONAL AND DISTRICT HOSPITALS IN EACH OF THE FOUR REGIONS UNDER THE REGIONALISATION SCHEME AND RESIDENTS SHOULD GO TO THE NEAREST HOSPITAL IF THEY NEED EMERGENCY TREATMENT.
THE SPOKESMAN URGED RESIDENTS NOT TO CONFUSE CASUALTY SERVICE, WHICH IS FOR TREATING EMERGENCY CASES, WITH GENERAL OUTPATIENT SERVICE PROVIDED BY GOVERNMENT CLINICS.
HE SAID QUITE A LARGE PROPORTION OF CASES SEEN AT CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS SHOULD HAVE BEEN SEEN AT THE OUT-PATIENT CLINICS, WHICH ARE SET UP IN ALMOST EVERY DISTRICT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG.
+NON-EMERGENCY CASES TURNING UP AT THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS WOULD DELAY TREATMENT FOR THOSE WHO NEED IMMEDIATE ATTENTION,+HE STRESSED.
LAST YEAR, A TOTAL OF 606,000 CASES WERE DEALT WITH AT THE CASUALTY DEPARTMENTS OF GOVERNMENT AND GOVERNMENT ASSISTED HOSPITALS. OF THESE, 40 PER CENT WENT THROUGH THE QUEEN ELIZABETH HOSPITAL ALONE.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
5
THOUSANDS OF STUDENTS TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME ******
THOUSANDS OF BOYS AND GIRLS, FROM PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS, ARE EXPECTED TO TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR’S SUMMER RECREATION PROGRAMME ORGANISED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT.
THE PROGRAMME WHICH IS TO START ON JULY 15 AND END ON SEPTEMBER 1 IS SUPPORTED BY DONATIONS FROM THE ROYAL HONG KONG JOCKEY CLUB.
AMONG THE VARIOUS ACTIVITIES ANNOUNCED, CAMPING IS THE MOST POPULAR. THIS YEAR, TEN SCHOOLS IN THE NEW TERRITORIES WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SETTING UP SCHOOL CAMPS DURING JULY AND AUGUST. THERE WILL BE THREE-DAY CAMPS AND FOUR-DAY CAMPS.
THESE SCHOOLS ARE LOCATED AT LANTAO, SAI KUNG, TOLO HARBOUR, CHEUNG CHAU, SHA TAU KOK AND YUEN LONG.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT SAID : +THE PURPOSE OF THE CAMP IS TO ENABLE SCHOOLS TO EXTEND CLASSROOM THEORY INTO FIELDWORK IN SUCH SUBJECTS AS GEOGRAPHY, BIOLOGY, NATURE STUDY, BOTANY AND SURVEYING WITH THE ADDED FLAVOUR OF HIKING, CANOEING, SWIMMING AND SIMILAR PURPOSEFUL FORMS OF RECREATION.+
+ LAST YEAR, MORE THAN 30,300 PUPILS TOOK PART IN CAMPS ORGANISED JOINTLY BY SCHOOLS AND THE DEPARTMENT,* THE SPOKESMAN ADDED.
AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS, PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED SCHOOL CHILDREN ARE NOT BEING NEGLECTED. THERE WILL BE ONE-DAY CAMPS AND SWIMMING LESSONS FOR THEM AT THE LIFE GUARD CLUB TRAINING HEADQUARTERS IN REPULSE BAY.
TWO NEW PROJECTS TO BE INTRODUCED BY THE DEPARTMENT THIS YEAR ARE A GARDENING PROGRAMME AND A PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION FOR ALL SECONDARY AND PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS.
SOME OTHER GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS ALSO HELP BY ORGANISING SCHOOL VISITS. THESE VISITS ARE EDUCATIONAL IN THAT THEY GIVE A GOOD ASPECT OF CAREERS OPPORTUNITIES IN VARIOUS GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS.
DURING THESE VISITS, THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT WILL SHOW THE STUDENTS ROUND VARIOUS GOVERNMENT FARMS, COUNTRY PARKS, FORESTRY AND CONSERVATION AREAS WHILE THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT WILL SHOW THEM MAJOR WORK SITES, GOVERNMENT PROJECTS, PLANTS AND BUILDINGS. VISITS TO POLICE TRAINING SCHOOL .VHICH HAVE BEEN VERY POPULAR AMONG STUDENTS ARE ALSO MAINTAINED.
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/6 .
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977
6
HK STUDENTS WIN CERTIFICATES OF MERIT
IN +YOUNG ARTISTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH* EXHIBITION IN LONDON *****
SIXTEEN HONG KONG SCHOOL CHILDREN HAVE WON CERTIFICATES OF MERIT IN THE +YOUNG ARTISTS OF THE COMMONWEALTH* EXHIBITION NOW BEING HELD IN LONDON.
TaENTY COMMONWEALTH CCNTRIES TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION ORGANISED BY THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE. ENTRIES FROM EACH ARE RESTRICTED TO 33. THE YOUNG ARTISTS CAN CHOOSE ANY SUBJECT AND HAVE A CHOICE OF DIFFERENT MEDIA TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES.
THE ENTRIES FROM HONG KONG, MOSTLY PAINTINGS, WERE SELECTED FROM AMONG 852 SUBMITTED BY STUDENTS IN 73 SCHOOLS.
ARRANGEMENTS TO TAKE PART IN THE EXHIBITION WERE MADE BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT OFFICE IN LONDON.
DETAILS OF THE 16 AWARD-WINNERS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
NAME SCHOOL
CHAN SEE-KUEN ) ) JOINT WORK ) NG MAU-CHUNG ) LUNG SEE-WAN TAM WAI-LAN CHENG W'AI-SAU CHENG OI-LUN WU CHUNG-MING ) ) ) JOINT WORK ) LAU CHI-CHOI ) WANG NGAI-HING MANNA LEUNG CHEUNG PAK-SHING VERONICA BUT MICHELLE KWOK ) JOINT ) LINDA IP ) ) CHRISTINA IP ) WORK ) ANGELINE PONG ) (CRAFTWORK) BUT SAN SCHOOL BUT SAN SCHOOL KEI TSUN (A.M.) SCHOOL YAUMATI CATHOLIC (?.M.) SCHOOL YAUMATI CATHOLIC (A.M.) SCHOOL LAM TIN METHODIST PRIMARY (A.M.) SCHOOL ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL ISLAND ROAD GOVERNMENT PRIMARY SCHOOL SHA TIN GOVERNMENT SECONDARY SCHOOL HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL SAI KUNG FISHERMEN’S CHILDREN SCHOOL MARYKNOLL SISTERS SCHOOL HC TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL HO TUNG TECHNICAL SCHOOL /MEANWHILE) •••••
FRIDAY, APRIL 22, 1977.
7
MEANWHILE, TWO HONG KONG CHILDREN HAVE WON PRIZES IN A PAINTING COMPETITION FOR CHILDREN IN SCHOOLS FOR THE DEAF IN COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES.
NGA I CHUNG YIN OF HONG KONG SCHOOL FOR THE DEAF, DIAMOND HILL, WON THE SECOND PRIZE FOR THE UNDER SEVEN AGE GROUP AND NG TAT CHEONG OF VICTORIA PARK SCHOOL WAS THIRD IN THE EIGHT TO ELEVEN AGE GROUP.
THEIR PAINTINGS ARE ON DISPLAY IN A JUBILEE EXHIBTION AT THE ART GALLERY OF THE COMMONWEALTH INSTITUTE, LONDON WHICH OPENED ON APRIL 15 AND CONTINUES UNTIL MAY 11.
ENTRIES FOR THE COMPETITION NUMBERED OVER 400 AND WERE JUDGED BY THE DUKE OF GRAFTON.
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CHINA ENGINEERS BUILDING TO BE DEMOLISHED
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY ISSUED AN ORDER FOR THE DEMOLITION OF THE CHINA ENGINEERS BUILDING AT 166 wAI YIP STREET, KWUN TONG.
THE ORDER REQUIRES THE OWNERS, THE CHINA ENGINEERS LTD., TO BEGIN DEMOLITION WORK WITHIN THREE WEEKS AND COMPLETE IT WITHIN TWO MONTHS.
IN A STATEMENT ISSUED THIS AFTERNOON, THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT CRUSHING TESTS HAD BEEN CARRIED OUT BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT LABORATORY ON A COMPREHENSIVE SERIES OF CONCRETE SAMPLES OBTAINED FROM THE BUILDING.
THE TESTS INDICATED THAT THE CONCRETE THROUGHOUT THE BUILDING WAS GENERALLY OF SUCH POOR QUALITY THAT THERE WAS DANGER OF FAILURE OF THE STRUCTURE.
-URTHER TESTS ARE NOW BEING CARRIED OUT ON THE SAMPLES TO GET DETAILED INFORMATION OF THE ACTUAL COMPOSITION OF THE STRUCTURAL CONCRETE USED IN THE BUILDING.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE N0’
HONG KONG TO CONTRIBUTE TO ADB TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIAL FUND .............................................. 1
THREE NEW STAMPS ON DISPLAY NEXT WEEK AT GPO .............. 2
FACILITIES FOR SCOUTS WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE ........................................ 3
ROAD CLOSURES IN KOWLOON .................................. 4
ziATER CUT IN CHAI WAN AREA ............................... 4
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1977
1
H.K. TO CONTRIBUTE TO ADB TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIAL FUND
******
THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL, SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, SUBSCRIBE TO A CAPITAL INCREASE OF THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK AND CONTRIBUTE US$ 100,300 TO ITS TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIAL FUND.
THIS WAS ANNOUNCED TODAY (SATURDAY) BY THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY, MR. PHILIP HADDON-CAVE, AT THE TENTH ANNUAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS OF THE ADB IN MANILA.
HE RECALLED THAT HE HAD CAST HIS VOTE IN-FAVOUR OF A RESOLUTION WHICH WAS ADOPTED BY THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS IN OCTOBER 1976 AUTHORISING A SECOND GENERAL INCREASE IN THE SUBSCRIBED CAPITAL STOCK OF THE BANK.
+SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WHICH I THINK WILL BE FORTHCOMING, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL PARTICIPATE IN THIS CAPITAL INCREASE AND SO REMAIN A FULLY PAID UP MEMBER.
+AND AS HONG KONG’S FINANCIAL SECRETARY, I CAN ALSO SAY THAT WE SHALL CONTINUE TO SUBSCRIBE, WHENEVER WE CAN, TO THE BANK’S SHORT TERM BOND ISSUES,* HE SAID.
REFERRING TO THE BANK’S PROGRAMME OF TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE TO DEVELOPING MEMBER COUNTRIES, PARTICULARLY FOR PROJECT PREPARATION, MR. HADDON-CAVE SAID THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROGRAMME WAS UNDENIABLE AND ADDED, +1 AM PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE, AGAIN SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL OF THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, THAT THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WILL, THIS FISCAL YEAR, MAKE A CONTRIBUTION OF US3 130,000 TO THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE SPECIAL FUND.*
+THIS CONTRIBUTION WILL NOT BE TIED, BUT I WOULD HOPE THAT THE EXPERTS EMPLOYED ARE DRAWN, WHENEVER POSSIBLE, FROM DEVELOPING MEMBERS COUNTRIES OF THE REGION.*
THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY WAS GRATIFIED TO LEARN THAT ONE OUTCOME OF THE GENERAL REVIEW OF THE BANK’S FINANCIAL POLICIES SOME WEEKS AGO WAS THE ABOLITION OF THE DIFFERENTIAL INTEREST RATE CHARGED ON LOANS TO HONG KONG AND SINGAPORE.
HOWEVER, HE SAID THAT THE MODIFIED APPROACH OF SHORTER MATURITY PERIODS, AT A GIVEN RATE OF INTEREST, +LACKS LOGIC ALSO, BUT IT IS A LESS OFFENSIVE APPROACH AND, THEREFORE, MORE ACCEPTABLE*.
+NOW THAT THIS ISSUE OF OUR BORROWING RIGHTS HAS BEEN SETTLED, ONCE AND FOR ALL, AND MORE OR LESS SATISFACTORILY, I LOOK FORWARD TO HONG KONG BEING ABLE TO CALL UPON THE BANK, NOT FREQUENTLY, BUT FROM TIME TO IIME TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR INFRASTRUCTURE.*
/REFERRING TO.....
SATURDAY, APRIL 2J, 1977
2 -
REFERRING TO THE LENDING POLICIES OF THE BANK, THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY SAID THAT IT SHOULD CONTINUE TO BE FLEXIBLE, PARTICULARLY AS ITS PROJECTED TOTAL LENDING OVER THE PERIOD 1977-81 AMOUNTED TO ABOUT USS 5.7 BILLION.
HE ALSO BELIEVED THAT THE BANK WHICH WAS CONCEIVED AS A REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT BANK BASED ON THE TWIN PRINCIPLES OF REGIONAL SELF-HELP AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION, SHOULD CONTINUE TO EMPHASIZE ITS REGIONAL ROLE DURING THE NEXT TEN YEARS.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
COPIES OF THE FULL TEXT OF THE FINANCIAL SECRETARY’S SPEECH WILL BE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G.I.S. PRESS BOXES LATER THIS AFTERNOON.
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THREE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS ON DISPLAY NEXT WEEK *****
THREE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS WHICH WILL BE ON SALE AT ALL POST OFFICES ON MAY 4, WILL BE PUT ON DISPLAY AT THE PUBLIC COUNTER ON THE FIRST FLOOR OF THE GENERAL POST OFFICE IN CONNAUGHT PLACE ON MONDAY (APRIL 25) FROM 9.30 A.M. TO 4.30 P.M.
THEY ARE IN THE 60 CENTS (PALE VIOLET), 70 CENTS (GOLDEN YELLOW), AND 80 CENTS (MAGENTA) DENOMINATIONS.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE POST OFFICE SAID THAT THREE OTHER DEFINITIVE STAMPS OF 15 CENTS, 25 CENTS AND 65 CENTS DENOMINATIONS WOULD BE WITHDRAWN FROM GENERAL SALE AT THE CLOSE OF BUSINESS ON MAY 3.
THERE WILL BE NO FIRST DAY COVER ISSUE ON THE NEW DEFINITIVE STAMPS.
HOWEVER, FOR THE BENEFIT OF PHILATELISTS WHO MAY WANT THEIR COVERS CANCELLED WITH A HAND DATE-STAMP ON THE FIRST DAY OF SALE, SPECIAL POSTING BOXES WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE AT THE GENERAL POST OFFICE, KOWLOON CENTRAL POST OFFICE AND TSIM SHA TSUI POST OFFICE.
ITEMS POSTED IN THESE SPECIAL POSTING WILL BE CAREFULLY HAND-STAMPED. HAND BACK SERVICE WILL NOT BE PROVIDED ON THIS OCCASION.
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SATURDAY, APRIL 23,
1977
FACILITIES FOR BOTH SCOUTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE
******
THE SCOUT ASSOCIATION OF HONG KONG HAS EMBARKED ON A PROJECT TO PROVIDE IN THE CITY AND COUNTRYSIDE SUITABLE BUILDINGS, CENTRES AND CAMPSITES FOR SCOUTS WHICH WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE, THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, SAID TODAY.
ADDRESSING THE ANNUAL ST. GEORGE’S DAY SCOUT RALLY AT THE MONG KOK STADIUM, SIR MURRAY SAID THAT THE PROJECT, KNOWN AS THE SILVER JUBILEE PROJECT, WOULD BE LED BY HON. P.G. WILLIAMS, ONE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENTS OF THE ASSOCIATION.
THE PROJECT, THE GOVERNOR ADDED, INCLUDED THE EXPANSION OF SOME PRESENT SITES AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ONES.
THE FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TEXT OF THE GOVERNOR’S SPEECH :-
+DURING THE PAST TWELVE MONTHS YOUR OFFICIALS SPENT MUCH TIME ON FINAL PREPARATIONS TO ENABLE THE SCOUTS OF HONG KONG TO CARRY THE ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES WHICH ARE EXPECTED CF MEMBERS OF THE WORLD SCOUT CONFERENCE.
+THE COMPLETION OF THAT TASK WAS TIMELY, FOR YOU HAVE NOW BEEN CHOSEN TO BE THE HOST ASSOCIATION FOR THE NEXT ASIA-PACIFIC SCOUT CONFERENCE, WHICH IS TO BE HELD IN AUGUST NEXT YEAR.
♦COMMENCING FROM THIS MONTH, YOUR ASSOCIATION HAS EMBARKED ON THE SILVER JUBILEE PROJECT. IT WILL BE LED BY HON. P.G. WILLIAMS, ONE OF YOUR VICE-PRESIDENTS.
♦ THE AIM OF THIS PROJECT IS TO PROVIDE IN THE CITY AND COUNTRYSIDE SUITABLE BUILDINGS, CENTRES AND CAMPSITES FOR SCOUTS WHICH WILL ALSO BE AVAILABLE FOR USE BY OTHER YOUNG PEOPLE. THE PROJECT INCLUDES THE EXPANSION OF SOME PRESENT SITES AS WELL AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF NEW ONES.
♦ THE EXPENSE OF THIS PROGRAMME WILL BE CONSIDERABLE. BECAUSE YOUR MEMBERS HAVE ALWAYS ACTIVELY PARTICIPATED IN SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY, YOU HAVE ALWAYS BEEN HIGHLY REGARDED IN HONG KONG.
+IT IS THEREFORE NOT SURPRISING THAT ALREADY A NUMBER OF BENEFACTORS HAVE GENEROUSLY SUPPORTED THE SILVER JUBILEE PROJECT. I AM SURE THAT THE COMMUNITY AS A WHOLE WILL DO SO AND I SHALL TAKE THE GREATEST INTEREST IN THE PROGRESS OF THIS PROJECT.
+IN THE MONTHS AHEAD YOUR OFFICIALS WILL BE CONSIDERING WHETHER AND HOW YOUR TRAINING PROGRAMMES SHOULD BE MODERNISED TO MEET THE NEEDS OF THE 30,330 YOUNG PEOPLE AND ADULT LEADERS. IT IS AN IMPORTANT TASK IF SCOUTING IN HONG KONG CAN CONTINUE TC PRODUCE YOUNG CITIZENS PROUD TO ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITIES CF ADULT LIFE. I JOIN WITH ALL OF YOU IN WISHING YOUR OFFICIALS EVERY SUCCESS IN THIS VITALLY IMPORTANT TASK.+
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SATURDAY, APRIL 23, 1977
4 -
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS IN KOWLOON
******
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT PING CHI ROAD IN HUNG HOM WOULD BE CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 25).
THE CLOSURE, WHICH AIMS TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE WUHU INTERCHANGE, WILL LAST FOR ABOUT FOUR MONTHS.
ALSO STARTING FROM 13 A.M. ON MONDAY, THE SECTION OF ARRAN STREET BETWEEN LAI CHI KOK ROAD AND SHANGHAI STREET .■.ILL BE RE-ROUTED ONE WAY WEST-BOUND.
AT THE SAME TIME, THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF LAI CHI KOK ROAD BETWEEN ARRAN STREET AND SHANGHAI STREET WILL BE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC.
APPROPRIATE SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN CHAI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR EIGHT HOURS FROM 10 A.M. ON MONDAY (APRIL 25).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CONNECT WATER PIPES IN THE AREA.
PREMISES TO BE AFFECTED ARE THOSE AT HONG MAN STREET, LEE CHUNG STREET, KUT SHING STREET, NING FOO STREET , CHEUNG LEE STREET, WAN TSUI ROAD, LIN SHING ROAD, SUN YIP STREET, BLOCK NOS. 1-15 AND 16-27, CHAI WAN HOUSING ESTATE, ALL BLOCKS AT HING WAH ESTATE, ALL LICENSED AREAS AT CHAI WAN, AND ALL PREMISES AT THE DEFENCE MINISTRY (AIR) LOT NO. 5 AND CAPE COLLINSON CAMP.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SUNDAY , APRIL 24, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND SET UP ............... 1
NEW SAND DEPOT IN KWUN TONG OPENED ........................ 2
ACHIEVEMENTS OF JOB PLACEMENT UNIT IN THE PAST TEN YEARS . 3
QUARTERLY INDEX OF TEXTILE PRODUCTION ..........■.......... 5
WATER CUT IN SHAU KEI WAN ................................. 5
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1977
1 -
QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND ******
AN APPEAL FUND IN CONNECTION WITH THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE THIS YEAR HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HONG KONG TO RAISE MONEY FOR PROJECTS THAT WILL BENEFIT YOUNG PEOPLE HERE.
THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL FUND AS IT IS KNOWN, HAS BEEN SET UP WITH THE APPROVAL OF THE QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL IN BRITAIN, OF WHICH HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE CHARLES IS CHAIRMAN.
A COMMITTEE WILL MANAGE THE APPEAL FUND IN HONG KONG AND THE GOVERNOR HAS APPOINTED MR. Q.W. LEE AS ITS CHAIRMAN. ITS TREASURER IS MR. M.G.R. SANDBERG AND OTHER MEMBERS COMPRISE LEADING PERSONALITIES FROM THE COMMUNITY.
ANY PERSON OR ORGANISATION WISHING TO DONATE TOWARDS THE FUND SHOULD SEND THEIR DONATIONS TO MR. M.G.R. SANDBERG, QUEEN’S SILVER JUBILEE FUND, C/O THE HONG KONG AND SHANGHAI BANKING CORPORATION AT 1, QUEEN’S ROAD, CENTRAL, HONG KONG. APPROPRIATE RECOGNITION WILL BE MADE OF DONATIONS IF DONORS SO WISH.
THE MONEY RAISED IN THE APPEAL WILL BE SPENT ENTIRELY IN HONG KONG AND WILL GO TOWARDS PROJECTS THAT WILL BE OF MOST BENEFIT TO THE YOUTH IN HONG KONG AS A WHOLE. IT IS ENVISAGED THAT INITIALLY THE FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED TO PROVIDE SOME OF THE FACILITIES AND PROGRAMMES AT THE PLANNED SHA TIN SPORTS CENTRE.
THE SILVER JUBILEE APPEAL COMMITTEE FEELS THAT THIS CENTRE WOULD BE AN EMINENTLY SUITABLE PROJECT FOR THE PEOPLE OF HONG KONG TO ASSOCIATE WITH IN EXPRESSING THEIR GOOD WISHES TO HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN ON THE OCCASION OF HER SILVER JUBILEE.
THE SPORTS CENTRE, DETAILS OF WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN ANNOUNCED, WILL BE BUILT ON 41 ACRES OF RECLAIMED LAND AT THE WESTERN END OF THE NEW RACE COURSE AT SHA TIN. WHEN COMPLETED BY ABOUT 1981, THE SPORTS CENTRE, WHICH WILL BE DIFFERENT FROM ANY SPORTS FACILITIES EVER BUILT IN HONG KONG, WILL PROVIDE TRAINING AND COACHING BY NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXPERTS TO RAISE THE LEVEL OF SPORT THROUGHOUT HONG KONG AND STIMULATE INCREASING PARTICIPATION IN SPORT.
THE LAND ON WHICH THE SPORTS CENTRE IS TO BE BUILT IS BEING MADE AVAILABLE BY THE JOCKEY CLUB AND THE GOVERNMENT IS PUTTING UP $25 MILLION TO MEET INITIAL CONSTRUCTION COSTS.
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SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1977
2 -
NEW SAND DEPOT IN KWUN TONG OPENED *****
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS OPENED A NEW DEPOT IN KOWLOON FOR THE SALE OF MANUFACTURED SAND — A CHEAPER YET SUPERIOR ALTERNATIVE TO MARINE SAND FOR USE IN PLASTERS, MORTARS AND CONCRETE.
THE NEW DEPOT IS LOCATED IN THE HEART OF KWUN TONG ON THE KOWLOON BAY RECLAMATION OFF SHUN YIP STREET AND -SHOULD PROVE A BOON TO BUSY KOWLOON CONTRACTORS, PARTICULARLY MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CONTRACTORS WHO HAVE EXTENSIVE WORKS IN THE KOWLOON BAY AREA. t
UP TO NOW, CONTRACTORS WORKING IN KOWLOON HAD TO TRANSPORT MANUFACTURED SAND ACROSS THE HARBOUR FROM THE NORTH POINT SAND .MONOPOLY DEPOT WHERE IT WAS FIRST INTRODUCED IN OCTOBER LAST YEAR.
MR. DICK PILLING, SENIOR ENGINEER OF THE P.W.D.’S QUARRIES SECTION, SAID TODAY A PLENTIFUL SUPPLY OF MANUFACTURED SAND WAS NOW AVAILABLE AT THE KOWLOON BAY DEPOT AND HE WAS CONFIDENT THAT IT COULD MEET THE EXPECTED HEAVY DEMAND.
THE NEW PRODUCT IS SELLING FOR $36.80 PER CUBIC METRE, INCLUDING THE COST OF MECHANICAL LOADING -- COMPARED WITH ABOUT $40.50 PER CUBIC METRE, INCLUDING LOADING, FOR MARINE SAND.
MR. PILLING SAID MANUFACTURED SAND WAS BASICALLY MADE BY CRUSHING GOOD QUALITY GRANITE AND EMPLOYING SPECIAL SCREENS TO GIVE THE REQUIRED GRADING CHARACTERISTICS.
+BESIDES BEING CHEAPER, THE NEW PRODUCT OFFERS CERTAIN DISTINCT ADVANTAGES OVER MARINE SAND.+ HE SAID.
+IN THE FIRST PLACE IT HAS THE ADVANTAGE OF CONSISTENT GRADING, IT CONTAINS NO SALT, SHELLS OR OTHER DELETERIOUS MATTER AND ITS COLOUR TOO IS CONSISTANT — MAKING IT AN IDEAL SUBSTITUTE FOR MARINE SAND,+ HE SAID.
+TESTS CARRIED OUT BY THE P.W.D. MATERIALS TESTING LABORATORIES AND THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY CORPORATION HAVE SHOWN THAT MANUFACTURED SAND IS SUITABLE FOR ITS INTENDED USES AND, IN GENERAL, IS SUPERIOR TO MARINE SAND WHICH HAS THE DISADVANTAGES OF INCONSISTENCY OF GRADING, AND SALT AND SHELL CONTENT,* HE ADDED.
MANUFACTURED SAND IS SOLD THROUGH THE GOVERNMENT SAND MONOPOLY SALES OFFICES IN KOWLOON AND HONG KONG ISLAND IN THE SAME WAY AS MARINE SAND.
.■i'k.O----
/3.....
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1977
ACHIEVEMENTS OF JOB PLACEMENT UNIT IN ITS 1O-YEAR HISTORY *****
THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION DIVISION FOUND EMPLOYMENT FOR 526 DISABLED PERSONS DURING THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR ENDING ON MARCH 31 — A RECORD IN ITS 10-YEAR HISTORY.
THIS REPRESENTS AN INCREASE OF 220 JOB PLACEMENTS OR 71.9 PER CENT OVER THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS YEAR. .
OF THE 526 SUCCESSFUL PLACEMENTS, 65 (12.36 PER CENT) WERE BLIND, 207 (39.35 PER CENT) CRIPPLED, 150 (28.52 PER CENT) DEAF, 49 (9?31 PER CENT) EX-MENTAL PATIENTS, 43 (8.17 PER CENT) MENTALLY RETARDED AND 12 (2.28 PER CENT) EX-TB PATIENTS.
OF THE TOTAL, 140 (26.62 PER CENT) HAVE BEEN TRAINED IN THE VOCATIONAL TRAINING CLASSES OR SHELTERED WORKSHOPS OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S REHABILITATION CENTRES AND INSTITUTIONS.
THE FIGURE FOR THE LAST FINANCIAL YEAR BRINGS TO 2,633 THE TOTAL NUMBER OF JOB PLACEMENTS SINCE THE UNIT WAS SET UP IN APRIL 1967.
OF THE 2,633, 295 (11.20 PER CENT) WERE BLIND, 1,039 (39.46 PER CENT) CRIPPLED OR PHYSICALLY DISABLED, 619 (23.51 PER CENT) DEAF, 35 (1.33 PER CENT) EX-LEPROSY PATIENTS, 359 (13.63 PER CENT) EX-MENTAL PATIENTS, 168 (6.38 PER CENT) MENTALLY RETARDED AND 118 (4.48 PER CENT) EX-TB PATIENTS.
DISCLOSING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE JOB PLACEMENT UNIT OF ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY THIS MONTH, MR. KHOO TAI-PIN, ACTING ASSISTANT DIRECTOR (SOCIAL WORK), RECALLED THAT IN ITS FIRST YEAR OF EXISTENCE, THE UNIT WAS ABLE TO FIND JOBS FOR ONLY 46 DISABLED PERSONS.
+THE LATEST FIGURES REFLECT THE INCREASING RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYERS OF THE CONTRIBUTION DISABLED WORKERS ARE ABLE TO MAKE,* HE SAID.
+AT THE SAME TIME,* HE ADDED, +THE EMPLOYERS ARE MORE AWARE NOWADAYS OF THE BIG, LARGELY UNTAPPED RESERVOIR OF MANPOWER WHICH MAY BECOME AVAILABLE TO THE LABOUR-HUNGRY INDUSTRY THROUGH SELECTIVE PLACEMENT ASSISTANCE PROVIDED BY THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.*
TURNING TO THE WORK OF PLACEMENT OFFICERS, MR. KHOO SAID, +THEY CONTINUE TO ADD TO A GROWING LIST OF EMPLOYERS FOR MORE JOB OPPORTUNITIES, CULTIVATED BY CONVINCING THE EMPLOYERS AND THEIR PERSONNEL MANAGERS OF THE CAPABILITIES OF THE DISABLED, APPRAISING JOB REQUIREMENTS AND SUGGESTING SUITABLE OPENINGS.
/-►THEY ALSO
»
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1977
- 4 -
+THEY ALSO HAVE TO ASK THE APPLICANT TO CONSIDER A JOB WHICH IS COMMENSURATE WITH HIS AGE, RESIDUAL CAPACITY, APTITUDE AND INTEREST.
+ALSO TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT ARE SUCH FACTORS AS PERSONALITY, PAST EXPERIENCE AND LOCALITY OF RESIDENCE,* MR. KHOO SAID.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ALTHOUGH THE DISABLED WAS GIVEN AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE IN THE INITIAL STAGE TO EASE INTO THE JOB, ADJUSTMENT DIFFICULTIES WERE BY NO MEANS UNKNOWN.
+SOMETIMES IT IS A QUESTION OF WRONGFUL EXPECTATIONS BETWEEN THE EMPLOYER AND THE EMPLOYEE. AT OTHER TIMES, IT MAY BE DUE, ON THE PART OF THE DISABLED, TO THE LACK OF CONFIDENCE, INADEQUATE PREPARATION FOR A SPECIFIC JOB OR INABILITY TO ADJUST TO THE ENVIRONMENT AS WELL AS THE ATTITUDE OF THE WORKMATES.*
IN VIEW OF THESE PROBLEMS, HE SAID, PLACEMENT OFFICERS HAD TO MAKE FOLLOW-UP VISITS AS FREQUENTLY AS CIRCUMSTANCES DICTATED. THESE VISITS WOULD CONTINUE FOR A PERIOD OF THREE MONTHS BEFORE A PLACEMENT WAS DECLARED SUCCESSFUL.
MR. KHOO CONGRATULATED THOSE DISABLED WHO HAVE ACHIEVED +VOCATIONAL EQUALITY WITH THEIR NON-DISABLED PEERS* FOR THEIR STAMINA, PERSERVERENCE AND ADJUSTMENT AND THANKED THEM FOR THEIR CO-OPERATION WITH THEIR PLACEMENT OFFICERS, THEIR WORKMATES AND MANAGEMENT AS A WHOLE.
+THEY MAY NOT REALISE IT, BUT THE EYES OF THE COMMUNITY ARE UPON THEM BECAUSE THEY ARE THE VANGUARD OF A NEW GENERATION OF WORKERS WHO, DESPITE THEIR VARIOUS DISABILITIES, ARE ACCEPTED AS ORDINARY WORKERS, AS IF SUCH HANDICAPPING CONDITIONS ARE NON-EXISTENT.*
DESPITE THE ACHIEVEMENTS DURING THE PAST TEN YEARS, MR. KHOO EMPHASISED THAT WHAT HAD BEEN DONE FOR THE DISABLED STILL SEEMED INSIGNIFICANT, CONSIDERING THE SIZE OF THE LABOUR FORCE IN HONG KONG.
HE URGED EMPLOYERS TO BE SYMPATHETIC TO THE CAUSE AND TO TAKE A LITTLE MORE TOUBLE TO HIRE THE DISABLED IN ORDER TO MAKE THE SCHEME A SUCCESS.
....
SUNDAY, APRIL 24, 1977
- 5 -
QUARTERLY INDEX OF TEXTILE PRODUCTION
******
IN ORDER TO SHOW MORE EXPLICITLY THE RECENT TREND OF PHYSICAL PRODUCTION IN HONG KONG’S TEXTILES INDUSTRIES, THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT HAS COMPILED A QUARTERLY INDEX OF TEXTILE PRODUCTION WITH 1973 AS THE BASE PERIOD.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE INDEX WAS COMPILED FROM RESULTS OF A QUARTERLY TEXTILE PRODUCTION SURVEY WHICH COVERED MAINLY THE SPINNING AND WEAVING INDUSTRIES.
WITHIN EACH INDUSTRY, HE SAID, A NUMBER OF REPRESENTATIVE COMMODITY ITEMS WERE SELECTED AND THEIR VOLUME OF PRODUCTION COMPARED WITH SUCCESSIVE QUARTERS. CHANGES IN THE QUANTITIES OF INDIVIDUAL COMMODITY ITEMS PRODUCED WERE THEN PROPERLY WEIGHTED TO GIVE INDEXES AT THE INDUSTRY AND OVERALL LEVELS.
THE INDEX SHOWS THAT PHYSICAL PRODUCTION OF THE TEXTILES INDUSTRIES REACHED A PEAK IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1976. THE OVERALL INDEX STOOD AT 133 IN THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1976 BUT IN THE FOURTH QUARTER, IT WAS 121.
VIEWED ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, THE VOLUME OF TEXTILE PRODUCTION FOR THE TWO INDUSTRIES COVERED HAS INCREASED BY 26% SINCE 1973, THE INDEX FOR 1976 BEING 126. THE CORRESPONDING SPINNING INDUSTRY AND WEAVING INDUSTRY INDEXES WERE RESPECTIVELY 115 AND 143.
COPIES OF A REPORT ON THIS INDEX ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE DEPARTMENT UPON REQUEST AND THE LATEST INDEX FIGURES ARE BEING PUBLISHED IN THE HONG KONG MONTHLY DIGEST OF STATISTICS.
0 - -
WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SHAU KEI WAN WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON TUESDAY (APRIL 26).
THE PREMISES AFFECTED ARE BOUNDED BY SHAU KEI WAN ROAD, CHURCH STREET AND THE SEAFRONT, INCLUDING FACTORY STREET, TAI TAK STREET, MONG LUNG STREET, KAM WA STREET, PO MAN STREET, SHAU KEI WAN MAIN STREET EAST AND WANG WA STREET.
ON THE SAME DAY, WATER SUPPLY TO ALL PREMISES IN AP LEI CHAU, INCLUDING THE AP LEI CHAU POWEfi STATION, WILL ALSO BE TURNED OFF FOR FOUR HOURS FROM 1 A.M.
THE TEMPORARY STOPPAGES ARE TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
0 - -
PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE NO.
PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK BEING PLANNED FOR HONG KONG’S YOUTHS
PART VIII OF COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE EFFECTIVE FROM
WEDNESDAY .................................................... 2
RAE IES CONTROL MEASURES TO BE REINFORCED .................... 3
DONATIONS TO THE TANG SHIU KIN AND HO TIN CHARITABLE FUND REACH ,>5 MILLION MARK ....................................... 4
CONSUMER PRICE INDEXES DROPPED DY ONE POINT LAST MONTH ....
LATEST TEXTILE QUOTA UTILISATION' POSITION ................... 6
DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY ..ILL MEET THE MEDIA ........... 0
TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AT TREGU-.'TER PATH ..................... S
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
MONDAY, APR IL 25, 1977
PLAN FOR PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK ******
A PROGRAMME PLAN IS EEING DEVISED FOR PREVENTIVE SOCIAL WORK FOR THE YOUTH OF HONG KONG, THE SECRETARY FOR HOME AFFAIRS, MR. DENIS 2RAY REVEALED TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE THIRD REGIONAL YOUTH WORK CONFERENCE FOR ASIA AND WESTERN PACIFIC, '■R. ERAY INDICATED THAT THIS FOLLOWED THE EXPERIENCE GAINED FROM FOUR PILOT PROJECTS AIMED AT TACKLING YOUTH PROBLEM EY TESTING VARIOUS APPROACHES.
+HAPPILY NOT MANY CHILDREN ARE INVOLVED BUT THEY DC NEED HELP.+ HE TOLD THE GATHERING DISCUSSING ’YOUTH: DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INVOLVEMENT’.
REFERRING TO THE PLAN, MR. BRAY SAID THAT IT WOULD EE COSTLY AND THERE WAS NO SURE GUIDE TO SUCCESS.
HE HOPED, HOWEVER, THAT THE CONFERENCE WOULD GIVE SOME ATTENTION TO THIS ASPECT OF YOUTH SOCIAL WORK.
MR. BRAY RECALLED THAT A POPULAR THEORY IN HONG KONG AT ONE TIME aAS THAT YOUNG CRIMINALS ..ERE MADE FROM THOSE aHO LEFT SCHOOL AT 12 BUT COULD NOT, BY LA.., START WORK v\TIL THEY ..ERE 14.
+THERE WAS SUCH STRENGTH IN THIS BELIEF THAT SEVERAL PROJECTS WERE STARTED AIMED AT RESCUING THESE CHILDREN.
+IN ONE CASE WE TRACED EVERY CHILD OF THIS AGE LIVING H A LARGE HOUSING ESTATE, a HEN WE GOT DOWN TO IT WE FOUND MOST OF THE CHILDREN WHO -.ERE NOT AT SCHOOL «ERE HELPING AT HOME OR IN SOME FORM OF LIGHT EMPLOYMENT -- A FEW WERE FOUND IN FACTORIES WHERE THEY SHOULD NOT HAVE BEEN EUT VERY FEw.
♦ THEY wERE FOR THE MOST PART ORDINARY CHILDREN wlr. MC CRIMINAL TENDENCIES.
♦ IT BECAME CLEAR THAT SECONDARY SCHOOLING FOR ALL a ILL NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF THESE CHI-DRE\,+ MR. BRAY SAID. ♦THEY NEED SOMETHING MORE.+
HE SAID THAT FOP THE GREAT BULK Z- YOUNG PEOPLE IT .,A3 POSSIBLE TO OFFER SOMETHING ••ORE POSITIVE. ~ VARIETY GF SERV AND ACTIVITIES /.ERE AVAILABLE.
THEIR VALUE, MR. BRAY BELIEVED, SHOULD BE MEASURED BY THE SUCCESS THEY HAD I’. TURNING OUT YOUNG PEOPLE aHC CAN CONTRIBUTE *0 A SATISFYING AND tfOFTHLHI_E COMMUNITY LIFE.’
/♦THIS 1$
MONDAY, APRIL 25, "977 - 2 -
♦ THIS IS AL' IMPORTANT OBJECTIVE IL' ANY SOCIETY BUT
-ONG KONG, WHERE CROWDED LIVING AMD ..ORKING CONDITIONS ARE THE NORM, LIFE WOULD BE INTOLERABLE IF PEOPLE /.ERE LOT BROUGHT UP TO EXERCISE FORBEARANCE AND CONSIDERATION, IF "HEY DID NOT THINK OF COMMUNITY AS WELL AS SELF.
+ALL THE VARIOUS SERVICES «I.-.ED AT THIS END COMPRISE ...-iAT .E HAVE COME TO CALL COMMUNITY BUILDING,* HE SAID.
RECENTLY THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE SECRETARY FOR -’O'-’E AFFAIRS HAD BEEN REARRANGED SO THAT HE WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SERVICES j.HICH ACHIEVED COMMUNITY BUILDING, MR. BRAY ADDED.
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PART VIII OF COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE 1976 EFFECTIVE FROM WEDNESDAY ******
PART /III OF THE COMMODITIES TRADING ORDINANCE 1°76, ..HICH DEALS WITH THE SETTING UP OF A COMPENSATION FUND BY THE EXCHANGE COMPANY, jILL BECOME OPERATIVE ON WEDNESDAY (APBIL 27).
UNDER THIS PART, THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL BE REQUIRED TO ESTABLISH A COMPENSATION FUND TO MEET CLAIMS OF CLIENTS I'. THE EVENT OF A DEFAULT COMMITTED BY THE SHAREHOLDERS.
THE EXCHANGE COMPANY WILL ALSO BE REQUIRED TO DEPOSIT DEPOSITED ..]TH THE COMMODITIES TRADING COMMISSION' IN -.lStzw i OF EACH SHAREHOLDER AN AMOUNT OF 053,330 IN CASH OF ...25,003 IN CASH AND A BANK GUARANTEE OF 325,303 IK A -ORM ACCEPTABLE TO THE COMMISSION.
THIS PART ALSO PRESCRIBES i HAT THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION THAT '-'AY BE =>AID TO 'MY PERSON SHALL NOT EXCEED •1,333,333 IK RESPECT OF EACH SHAREHOLDER.
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/3
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
REINFORCED RABIES PREVENTION MEASURES
*****
NORMAL PREVENTIVE MEASURES AGAINST THE OCCURRENCE OF RABIES IN HONG KONG ARE TO BE REINFORCED FROM NEXT WEEK WITH THE INTRODUCTION OF COMBINED OPERATIONS BETWEEN DOG LICENSING, INOCULATION AND CONTROL TEAMS.
THESE COMBINED OPERATIONS WILL BE CARRIED OUT DISTRICT BY CISTRICT, STARTING IN SHAU KEI WAN ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 4.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES DEPARTMENT EXPLAINED TODAY THAT THE COMBINED OPERATIONS HAD BEEN PLANNED SINCE THE START OF THIS YEAR.
THE PROGRAMME HAD BEEN DRAWN UP AND FINALISED LONG BEFORE TnE RECENT DEATH, AT THE BRITISH MILITARY HOSPITAL OF A GURKHA SOLDIER WHO HAD CONTRACTED RABIES IN NEPAL.
♦ALTHOUGH WE ARE SATISFIED THAT THE CASE CONCERNED WAS A RARE AND ISOLATED EXAMPLE, WHICH POSES NO THREAT OF INFECTION FOR THE POPULATION AT LARGE, IT HAS HELPED TO REMIND THE POPULACE OF THE EVER-PRESENT DANGER THAT RABIES MAY BE RE-IMPORTED INTO HONG KONG,+ COMMENTED THE SPOKESMAN.
♦OUR OBJECT, IN REINFORCING PREVENTIVE MEASURES THROUGH COMBINED OPERATIONS ON A DISTRICT BY DISTRICT EASIS, IS TO EDUCATE THE PUBLIC TO UNDERSTAND THIS DANGER AND TO CO-OPERATE I TH us IN TAKING EVERY POSSIBLE PRECAUTION TO AVOID IT.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
A PRESS CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD AT 10.30 A.M. NEXT TUESDAY, •(•-AY ;) I THE G.I.S. THEATRE TO EXPLAIN THE RABIES PREVENTIVE EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN DETAIL. YOU ARE INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE PRESS CONFERENCE.
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MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
4
CHARITABLE FUND REACHES S5M. i’ARK a I TH IN WEEKS OF ITS ESTABLISHMENT ******
’iE TANG 3HIU KIN AND HC TIM CHARITABLE FUND, .-.HIGH ,;hS SET up ONLY A FEW WEEKS AGO, HAS RECEIVED DONATIONS AMOuTING TO L5 MIuLION.
THIS flAS DISCLOSED •'F . TnOMAS LEE TODAY AT OF THE = AST CHAIRMEN OF
EY THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, A LUNCHEON MEETING OF THE ASSOCIATION THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS.
-ALLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUND, HE SAID, „ COMMITTEE WAS FORMED TO MAKE RULES GOVERNING CONDITIONS " =AYM=NT, RANGE OF ASSISTANCE, INVESTMENTS AND DISPOSAL _F TRuST °ROPERTIES.
UNDER THE RULES, HE ADDED, FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WOULD ■: -RO'. IDED TO PERSONS OR FAMILIES TO COPE WITH HARDSHIPS ARISING FROM UNEXPECTED CIRCUMSTANCES, SUCH AS THE DEATH SF A BREADWINNER.
THE SAME ASSISTANCE WOULD ALSO BE GIVEN TO PATIENTS DUE TO BE DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITALS WHO MAY HAVE DIFFICULTY r. '-’PET I NG SPECIAL EXPENSES DURING CONVALESCENCE.
AMONG OTHERS COVERED BY THE RULES ARE THOSE SUFFERING FkO.' A PHYSICAL OR MENTAL DISABILITY OR CHRONIC I.LNESSES AND T-.OSE NEEDY FAMILIES DUE TO MOVE TO NEW ACCOMMODATION IN LICENSED AREAS OP. IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES.
"c. LEE SAID THAT I TH EFFECT FROM MAY 1, APPLICATIONS FOR ASSISTANCE COlLD BE ADE TO THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS, ?O LEUNG KUK OR DISTRICT OFFICES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
HE POINTED CUT THAT SOCIAL WORKERS OF ANY VOLUNTARY AGENCY, ON DO"ING ACROSS CASES THAT REQUIRED IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE, •IGHT REFER THE'Z TO THE COMMITTEE OR THE DEPARTMENT.
THE DIRECTOP -ELT SURE THAT THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE FUND wOLLD NOT ONLY ENRICH THE RESOURCES FOR SOCIAL WELFARE SERVICES, BUT WOULD ALSO PROVIDE PRACTICAL HELP TO ALL SOCIAL WORKERS IN DEALING WITH THEIR CASES.
,VR. LEE PRAISED MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION OF PAST CHAIRMEN OF THE TUNG WAH GROUP OF HOSPITALS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE WELFARE OF HONG KONG.
+YOUR ENTHUSIASM HAS REFLECTED THE TRADITIONAL SPIRIT OF THE LOCAL RESIDENTS WHO ARE ALWAYS READY TO HELP EACH OTHER AS WELL AS THOSE IN NEED,+ HE SAID. +IT IS ALSO IN SUCH SPIRIT THAT VOLUNTARY AGENCIES HAVE DEVELOPED IN HONG KOMG.+
THE GOVERNMENT, HE SAID, PAID CLOSE ATTENTION TO
THE VALUABLE SERVICES PROVIDED BY THESE VOLUNTARY AGENCIES AND HAD BEEN GIVING THEM VERY SUBSTANTIAL SUPPORT.
MR. LEE HOPED THAT FURTHER DEVELOPMENT WOULD EE ACHIEVED THROUGH CONSULTATION AND CO-OPERATION WHICH ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SOCIAL WELFARE IN HONG KONG.
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
5
CONSUMER PRICE INDEX FOR MARCH * * * *
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (A) FOR MARCH WAS 117, ONE POINT LOWER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS FELL BY THREE POINTS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED WHILE THOSE FOR PORK AND MEALS BOUGHT AwAY FROM HOME ADVANCED.
THE INDEX FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES DECREASED BY THREE POINTS AS PUBLIC LIGHT BUS FARES RETURNED TO NORMAL AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR. THE REDUCTIONS OF TWO POINTS EACH IN THE INDEXES FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR AND FOR SERVICES WERE MAINLY ATTRIBUTABLE TO LOWER PRICES FOR SOME OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS AND REDUCED CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ROSE BY TWO POINTS AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENT OF SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS THE TWO-POINT RISE IN THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT WAS DUE TO INCREASED PRICES FOR KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND HIGHER ELECTRICITY CHARGES.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES FOR THE OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
THE CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (B) FOR MARCH WAS 117, ONE POINT LOWER THAN THAT FOR THE PREVIOUS MONTH.
THE INDEX FOR FOODSTUFFS FELL BY TWO POINTS. THE AVERAGE RETAIL PRICES OF SALT WATER FISH, LIVE POULTRY AND FRESH VEGETABLES DECLINED WHILE THOSE FOR PORK AND MEALS BOUGHT AWAY FROM HOME ADVANCED.
THE INDEX FOR CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR DECREASED BY TWO POINTS AS A RESULT OF LOWER PRICES FOR SOME OUTERCLOTHING ITEMS. THE REDUCTIONS OF ONE POINT EACH IN THE INDEXES FOR TRANSPORT AND VEHICLES AND FOR SERVICES WERE ATTRIBUTABLE TO REDUCED FARES FOR PUBLIC LIGHT BUSES AND TO REDUCED CHARGES FOR HAIRDRESSING AFTER THE CHINESE NEW YEAR.
ON THE OTHER HAND, THE INDEX FOR HOUSING ROSE BY TWO POINTS AS A RESULT OF AN INCREASE IN THE RENT OF SOME PRIVATE DWELLINGS THE TWO-PCI NT RISE IN THE INDEX FOR FUEL AND LIGHT WAS DUE TO INCREASED PRICES FOR KEROSENE AND LIQUEFIED PETROLEUM GAS AND HIGHER ELECTRICITY CHARGES.
MOVEMENTS IN THE INDEXES WERE INSIGNIFICANT.
FOR THE OTHER COMMODITY SECTIONS
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MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1^77
TEXTILE QUCTA UTILISATION * * * * *
POSITION
THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE END-OF-MARCH 1977 FIGURES ON THE UTILISATION OF QUCTA IN RESPECT 0" ‘ARKETS TO WHICH HONG KONG’S TEXTILES EXPORTS ARE RESTRAINED.
COMMENTING ON THE FIGURES, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT SAID THAT FREE QUOTAS FOR CERTAIN CATEGORIES AND MARKETS WERE STILL AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION AND INTERESTED ARTIES SHOULD GET IN TOUCH WITH THE DEPARTMENT FOR FURTHER DETAILS.
FOLLOWING IS
UNITED STATES AND
A BRIEF CUTLINE OF THE QUOTA POSITION OF THE EEC, HONG KONG’S TWO MAJOR TEXTILE MARKETS.
IN THE FIRST SIX MONTHS OF THE TEXTILE RESTRAINT PERIOD wHICH BEGAN ON OCTOBER 1, 1976, QUOTAS USED AMOUNTED TO 343 MILLION EQUIVALENT SQ. YDS. OR SLIGHTLY OVER 36 PER CENT OF THE OVERALL RESTRAINT LIMIT. FIGURES SHOWING THE QUANTITIES LICENSED FOR EXPORT AND PERCENTAGE UTILISATION ON A GROUP BASIS ARE SET OUT BELOW :
3PCl’° DESCRIPTION QUANTITY LICENSED (IN MILLION EQUIVALENT SQ. YDS.) PERCENTAGE UTILISATION AGAINST GROUP L I’’ 1T3
1 YARNS AND FABRICS OF COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRES 74.76 29.32
1 1 APPACEL OF COTTON AND .MAN-MADE FIBRES 239.31 43.93
1 1 1 MADE-UPS AND MISCELLANEOUS .ARTICLES OF COTTON AND MAN-MADE FIBRES 19.25 33.39
IV WOOL TEXTILES AND APPAREL 9.38 22.30
OF THE CATEGORIES SUBJECT TC SPECIFIC LIMITS IN THE HONG KONG/ TEXTILE AGREEMENT, THE "ATE OF UTILISATION IN SEVEN OUT OF 21 CATEGORIES COULD BE DESCRIBED AS RELATIVELY HIGH. THESE SEVEN CATEGORIES ARE CATEGORY 22/23 (TWILL AND SATEEN (INCLUDING J'-AN'S, DRkL AMD DENIM), CARDED AMD COMBED), CATEGORY 41/42/43/62(2)
‘ TO'. -NJ" t“3H_I_RTS, OTHER KNIT SHIRTS AMD BLOUSES, EXCEPT J “i“IRTS), C«TlGOEY 4c (COTTON RAINCOATS, 3/4 LENGTH OR LONGER, •Di -’.IT), CATEGORY 50/51 (COTTON TROUSERS, SLACKS AND SHORTS, '.CT .-Mil.), CATEGORY 54/63(1) (COTTON PLAYSUITS, SUNSUITS, -ASHSUITS, CREEPERS, ROMPERS, ETC. AND ENTIRETIES, NOT KNIT), CATcGORY 22® (m,%’F COATS, '.CT KNIT) AND CATEGORY 237 (MMF SUITS, CT K* IT).
/ EEC
MONDAY, APPJL 25, '977
th- CURRENT 12-MONTH RESTRAINT PERIOD BEGAN ON JANUARY 1, 1977 QUOTA UTILISATION POSITIONS ON A MEMBER STATE BASIS FOR THt -I-ST THREE MONTHS ENDING MARCH 31, 1977 ARE GIVEN BELO. :
MEMBER STATE
QUANTITY LICENSED ( IN MILLION EQUIVALENT KGS.)
PERCENTAG
UTILISATI
I O in
FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY
UNITED KINGDOM
BENELUX
DENMARK
ITALY
FRANCE
IRISH REPUEL IC
6.67 10.16
1.42 0.46 3.39 3.26 3.06
16.30
14.64
14.13
13. 64
7.33
7.93
7.66
OUT OF A TOTAL OF 109 CATEGORIES ON MEMBER STATE/CATcGORY BASIS, THE RATE OF UTILISATION IN 10 OF THEM WAS RELATIVELY HIGH. THESE POPULAR CATEGORIES ARE CATEGO-Y 3 (KNIT SHIRTS AND ELOUozS) FOR ALL MEMBER STATES, CATEGORY 3 ('..OVEN TROUSERS) FOR BENELUX AND DENMARK AND CATEGORY 11 ('..'OVEN BLOUSES, WOMEN’S, GIRLS’ ANO I’;-ANTS’) FOR BENELUX AND FRANCE.
NOTE TO EDITORS :
COPIES OF THE RELEVANT NOTICES TO EXPORTERS WHICH GIVE DETAILED FIGURES OF UTILISATION OF QUOTAS FOR EACH RESTRAINED MARKET ON A CATEGORY BY CATEGORY BASIS ARE DISTRIBUTED SEPARATELY IN G.I.S. PRESS BOXES.
MONDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
8
+MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION * * * *
NOTE TO EDITORS
THE DIRECTOR OF ROYAL OBSERVATORY, MR. GORDON BELL. WILL ATTEND A +MEET THE MEDIA* SESSION ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28), STARTING AT 3 P.M.
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.
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TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
*****
THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT HAS ANNOUNCED THAT THE SECTION OF TREGUNTER PATH BETWEEN BRANKSOME TOWERS AND TAVISTOCK WILL r: RE-ROUTED FROM ONE-WAY TO TWO-WAY FROM 10 A.M. TOMORROW (TUcojA.,.
THE ARRANGEMENT AIMS TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC CIRCULATION IN THE PEAK AREA.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE SET UP TO GUIDi MOTORISTS.
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[HKlIiiiSl |gis| |m|
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
NErt BUILDING PLAN PROCESSING TIME REDUCED ....... 1
GOVERNOR TO HELP CLEAN UP N.T. BEACH ............. 3
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED .......................... 4
TOPLEY TO OPEN NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL .............. 4
REDUCTION OF TRAFFIC LANES IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD . 5
QUARTER GUARD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE ................ 5
OVER 800 PEOPLE PROSECUTED FOR BREAKING FIRE LAW . 6
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF KAT ON STREET ............... 7
WATER CUT IN LAM TIN ESTATE ...................... 7
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
NEW BUILDING PLAN PROCESSING TIME REDUCED ******
THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT HAS SUCCEEDED IN SLASHING THE TIME REQUIRED FOR PROCESSING NEW BUILDING PLANS TO SIXTY DAYS OR LESS, UNDER A NEW STREAMLINED SYSTEM INTRODUCED LAST OCTOBER.
AND THE HEAD OF THE P.W.D.’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, MR. E.T. KENNARD SAID THIS EVENING THAT FEW, IF ANY, COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD COULD BETTER THIS.
ADDRESSING A DINNER MEETING OF THE SOUTH KOWLOON LIONS CLUB, HE SAID THE CHANGE HAD BEEN QUITE A RADICAL ONE AND HAD NOT BEEN WITHOUT ITS PROBLEMS.
+BUT I CAN SAY THAT AFTER SIX MONTHS EXPERIENCE AND A NUMBER OF REFINEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM THE PROCESSING OF PLANS IS NOW QUICKER AND MORE EFFICIENT,* HE SAID.
UNDER THE NEW CENTRALISED SYSTEM, ALL GOVERNMENT INVOLVEMENT IN THE PROCESSING OF BUILDING PLANS IS CO-ORDINATED BY THE P.W.D.’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE WHICH OBTAINS ALL COMMENTS AND APPROVALS FROM OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES WITHIN A SET TIME AND THEN PROVIDES THE DEVELOPER WITH A COMPREHENSIVE AND COMPLETE REPLY ON ALL ASPECTS OF HIS PROPOSAL WITHIN SIXTY DAYS OR LESS.
IN CASES WHERE THE ORGINAL PLAN DID NOT MEET LEGAL OR LEASE REQUIREMENTS, THE REVISED PROPOSAL COULD BE APPROVED WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RESUBMISSION PROVIDED THE DEVELOPER COULD MAKE THE NECESSARY AMENDMENT WITHOUT DRASTICALLY CHANGING THE BASIC OUTLINE, HE SAID.
GIVING AN IDEA OF THE SCOPE AND COMPLEXITY OF THE JOB, MR. KENNARD SAID THAT WITHIN THE SIXTY-DAY PERIOD B.O.O. SURVEYORS NOT ONLY HAD TO INSPECT THE SITE AND ADJOINING BUILDINGS, BUT ALSO HAD TO CHECK THE PLANS AGAINST OVER ONE HUNDRED DIFFERENT ASPECT — APART FROM THE SCRUTINY THAT TOOK PLACE WITHIN THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT AND THE P.W.D.’S HIGHWAYS OFFICE.
+IN ADDITION, WE MAY ALSO HAVE TO CONSULT A SERIES OF OTHER GOVERNMENT AGENCIES SUCH AS THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY, EDUCATION, URBAN SERVICES, LABOUR, TOWN PLANNING AND THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENTS TO SORT OUT ANY CONFLICT OF INTEREST.
+ONE MUST ALSO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT THAT DUE TO HOLIDAYS AND WEEKENDS, WE MAY HAVE AS FEW AS FORTY-TWO WORKING DAYS TO COMPLETE THE ASSESSMENT,* HE ADDED.
FURTHER IMPROVEMENTS TO THE SYSTEM WERE BEING EXAMINED TO CUT THE TIME BETWEEN THE APPROVAL OF PLANS AND THE GRANTING OF CONSENT TO COMMENCE WORK, HE SAID.
/Mri. KEKNARD.....
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
2
MR. KENNARD SAID THE P.W.D. WAS ALSO REVIEWING THE SPECIAL PRIORITY SYSTEM INTRODUCED IN NOVEMBER 1974 FOR PRIVATE BUILDING PROJECTS.
IN FUTUTRE, PRIORITY WOULD BE GRANTED AT TWO STAGES IN ANY DEVELOPMENT — DURING NEGOTIATIONS FOR LAND TRANSACTIONS, AND ON SUBMISSION OF DEVELOPMENT PLANS TO THE B.O.O., HE SAID.
PRIORITY TREATMENT FOR LAND TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN THE DEVELOPER AND THE GOVERNMENT WOULD FROM NOW ON BE GRANTED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT WHO IS ADVISED BY A HIGH-LEVEL COMMITTEE.
PRIORITY TREATMENT WOULD BE LIMITED TO URGENTLY REQUIRED PUBLIC UTILITY AND INSTITUTIONAL PROJECTS SUCH AS SCHOOLS, HOSPITALS AND ELECTRICITY SUB-STATIONS- SPECIAL INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS WHICH COULD MAKE A SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTION TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF INDUSTRY- AND TO CERTAIN CATEGORIES OF HOUSING, HE SAID.
IN THE B.O.O., HE ADDED, PRIORITY TREATMENT WOULD IN FUTURE BE LIMITED TO URGENTLY REQUIRED PUBLIC UTILITY AND INSTITUTIONAL BUILDINGS OR TO PROJECTS PARTICULARLY RECOMMENDED BY A SPECIAL COMMITTEE DEALING WITH INDUSTRIAL LAND IN THE ENVIRONMENT BRANCH.
OTHER PROJECTS WHICH MAY ALSO MERIT PRIORITY IN B.O.O. FOR SPECIAL REASONS WOULD ONLY BE ENDORSED BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT IN EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES.
AT PRESENT, THERE WERE 92 PROJECTS IN B.O.O. WHICH HAD BEEN GRANTED SPECIAL PRIORITY UNDER THE OLD CRITERIA AND THESE WERE NOW ALL BEING REVIEWED.
+IT IS EXPECTED THAT THERE WILL BE A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION IN THE NUMBER OF CASES WARRANTING PRIORITY AND THIS SHOULD RESULT IN AN IMPROVEMENT IN THE OVERALL PERFORMANCE OF THE B.O.O. AND THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU AS IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT THE PROCESSING TIME OF THOSE PROPOSALS WHICH DO NOT ENJOY PRIORITY WOULD BE REDUCED,+ HE SAID.
MR. KENNARD SAID THE PROCEDURES SURROUNDING THE APPLICATION FOR OCCUPATION PERMITS WAS ALSO BEING REVIEWED FOR POSSIBLE IMPROVEMENTS.
HE MADE IT CLEAR, HOWEVER, THAT IT WAS NOT THE GOVERNMENT’S INTENTION AT THIS STAGE TO TAKE OVER THE TASK OF REGISTERED AUTHORISED PERSONS AND STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS IN SEEING THAT BUILDINGS WERE BUILT SAFELY AND PROPERLY.
+THIS WOULD INEVITABLY LEAD TO A SLOWING DOWN OF CONSTRUCTION TIME AND WOULD NOT NECESSARILY ACHIEVE A BETTER OVERALL STANDARD OF CONSTRUCTION THAN AT PRESENT PREVAILS IN HONG KONG AND WHICH IN MY OPINION COMPARES FAVOURABLY WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD,+ HE SAID.
UNDER EXISTING LEGISLATION, HE SAID, THE GRANTING OF
OCCUPATION PERMITS WAS HEAVILY DEPENDENT UPON THE BUILDING AUTHORITY RECEIVING JOINT CERTIFICATES OF SAFETY AND COMPLIANCE FROM THE AUTHORISED PERSON AND THE BUILDING CONTRACTOR RESPONSIBLE FOR THE DESIGN SUPERVISION AND CONSTRUCTION OF A BUILDING.
/-THE INTEGRITY
APRIL 26, 1977
5
+ THE INTEGRITY OF THESE TWO PARTIES AND THEIR CERTIFICATES IS THEREFORE OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE AND THE LAW PROVIDES PENALTIES FOR THOSE WHO MAKE FALSE STATEMENTS AND ALLOW DEFECTIVE BUILDINGS TO BE CONSTRUCTED.
+AS THERE ARE CURRENTLY NEARLY 1,000 BUILDINGS UNDER CONSTRUCTION IN HONG KONG IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR, IT WILL BE APPARENT THAT IT WOULD NEED AN ARMY OF INSPECTORS IF THE GOVERNMENT WERE TO USURP THE ROLE OF THE AUTHORISED PERSON AND THE CONTRACTOR AND SUPERVISE CONSTRUCTION IN DETAIL,* HE SAID.
THE MAIN FUNCTION OF THE P.W.D.’S BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE, HE SAID, WAS TO CONTROL CONSTRUCTION OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND TO ENSURE THAT EACH ONE COMPLIED WITH THE BUILDING LAWS WHICH SPECIFIED MINIMUM STANDARDS OF SAFETY AND PUBLIC HEALTH.
THIS WAS ACHIEVED IN TWO STEPS -- FIRSTLY BY B.0.0. CHECKING BUILDING PLANS TO SEE THAT THE PROPOSALS GENERALLY COMPLIED WITH REGULATIONS, AND SECONDLY BY REQUIRING THE AUTHORISED PERSON AND, IN MOST CASES,REG ISTERED STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS, TO SUPERVISE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE BUILDING.
+THE BUILDINGS ORDINANCE OFFICE ACTS AS A WATCHDOG DURING THIS SECOND STEP AND, WITH ITS LIMITED MANPOWER RESOURCES, CARRIES OUT SPOT CHECKS ON EVERY BUILDING DURING ITS CONSTRUCTION,* MR. KENNARD SAID.
- 0 - -
bUVERNOR TO HELP CLEAN UP N.T. BEACH
*****
NOTE TO EDITORS!
THE GOVERNOR, SIR MURRAY MACLEHOSE, WILL JOIN A PARTY OF JUNIOR POLICE CALL MEMBERS TO CLEAN UP AN UNGAZETTED BEACH IN THE NEW TERRITORIES ON SUNDAY (MAY 1).
THIS CLEANING UP OPERATION WILL BE CARRIED OUT AT LAI CHI WO IN DOUBLE HAVEN, TAI PO. IT WILL START AT 10.30 A.M. AND FINISH AT 12.45 P.M.
YOU ARE CORDIALLY INVITED TO SEND REPRESENTATIVES TO COVER THE EVENT. TRANSPORT WILL BE PROVIDED. PRESS REPRESENTATIVES COVERING THE EVENT SHOULD MEET G.I.S. OFFICERS IN FRONT OF THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT, CENTRAL, NOT LATER THAN 6.15 A.M. ON SUNDAY. THOSE WHO INTEND TO USE THEIR OWN TRANSPORT ARE ASKED TO ASSEMBLE AT TAI PO KAU PIER NOT LATER THAN 7.15 A.M.
THE PRESS PARTY IS EXPECTED TO BE BACK IN KOWLOON AT ABOUT 5 P.M.
IN ORDER THAT PROPER TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE, YOU ARE REQUESTED TO INFORM G.I.S. DUTY OFFICER (TEL: 5-233191 EXTENSION 250) BY 5 P.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28) THE NAMES OF YOUR REPRESENTATIVES NOMINATED TO COVER THE EVENT.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
DEATH SENTENCE COMMUTED
******
THE GOVERNOR, AFTER TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION THE ADVICE OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL, HAS DECIDED THAT THE DEATH SENTENCE PASSED ON AUGUST 23, 1976 ON HO WAI-LEUNG SHOULD BE COMMUTED TO LIFE IMPRISONMENT.
HO WAS FOUND GUILTY OF THE MURDER OF HO KA-YEE.
TOPLEY TO OPEN NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL * * * *
A NEW SECONDARY SCHOOL AT LAM TEI, CASTLE PEAK, WILL BE OFFICIALLY OPENED TOMORROW BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY.
IT IS THE MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL OF MIU FAT BUDDHIST MONASTERY.
THE 24-CLASSR00M SCHOOL IS FULLY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
THE SCHOOL HAS AN ASSEMBLY HALL, FOUR LABORATORIES, A LIBRARY, AND ONE ROOM EACH FOR ART, MUSIC, GEOGRAPHY, DOMESTIC SCIENCE AND NEEDLEWORK.
IN ADDITION TO THE NORMAL SUBJECTS, THE SCHOOL OFFERS HOME ECONOMICS AND COMMERCIAL SUBJECTS — ACCOUNTING, TYPING AND SHORTHAND.
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL COVERED. IT WILL TAKE PLACE AT 3.30 P.M. AT THE SCHOOL AT LAM TEI, 22 MILESTONE, CASTLE PEAK ROAD, TUEN MUN, NEW TERRITORIES.
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1
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
REDUCTION OF TRAFFIC LANES IN PRINCE EDWARD ROAD TO FACILITATE M.T.R. CONSTRUCTION ******
THE NUMBER OF TRAFFIC LANES ON A SECTION OF PRINCE EDWARD ROAD IN MONG KOK HAS BEEN REDUCED FROM FOUR TO THREE TO FACILITATE THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY PRINCE EDWARD STATION WALLS.
THIS ARRANGEMENT WILL LAST UNTIL THE END OF MARCH NEXT YEAR.
THE TRAFFIC LANES, ALL FOR WESTBOUND TRAFFIC, ARE BETWEEN TUNG CHOI STREET AND NATHAN ROAD.
EXISTING FOOTPATHS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ROAD WILL NOT BE AFFECTED AND PEDESTRIAN FACILITIES WILL BE MAINTAINED.
TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP IN THE AREA TO GUIDE MOTORISTS.
QUARTER GUARD AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE
******
THE CEREMONIAL QUARTER GUARD WILL NO LONGER BE MOUNTED AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 28).
THE WITHDRAWAL OF THIS GUARD RESULTS FROM REDUCTIONS IN THE SIZE OF THE GARRISON IN 1976 AND A SUBSEQUENT REVIEW OF THE ARMY’S COMMITMENTS AND PRIORITIES.
IN FUTURE, A GUARD MAY BE MOUNTED ON SPECIAL, CEREMONIAL OCCASIONS. THE SECURITY OF GOVERNMENT HOUSE WILL CONTINUE TO EE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ROYAL HONG KONG POLICE FORCE.
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
- 6 -
OVER 833 PEOPLE PROSECUTED COR BREAKING FIRE LAW
******
THE FIRE SERVICES DEPARTMENT TOOK OUT 812 PROSECUTIONS AGAINST DOMESTIC DWELLERS, COMMERCIAL AND FACTORY PROPRIETORS FOR BREAKING FIRE LAWS DURING THE FIRST THREE MONTHS OF THIS YEAR.
THIS RESULTED IN THE IMPOSITION OF FINES AMOUNTING TO OVER $316,500.
THE CASES MAINLY CONCERNED OBSTRUCTION OF STAIRCASES AND MEANS OF ESCAPE, FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT REQUIREMENTS AND STORAGE OF DANGEROUS GOODS WITHOUT A LICENCE.
A SPOKESMAN FOR THE DEPARTMENT POINTED OUT THAT THESE WERE THE MOST COMMON OFFENCES FOUND BY FIRE OFFICERS DURING INSPECTIONS.
HE URGED THE PUBLIC TO REPORT ANY FIRE HAZARD WHICH THEY OBSERVED TO THE FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU WHICH MAINTAINS A ROUND-THE-CLOCK ANSWERING SERVICE.
DURING THE QUARTER UNDER REVIEW, FIRE OFFICERS CONDUCTED 63,145 INSPECTIONS, RE-INSPECTIONS AND FOLLOW-UP VISITS TO RESIDENTIAL AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS THROUGHOUT HONG KONG WITH A VIEW TO ABATING POTENTIAL FIRE HAZARDS.
MORE THAN 36,793 OF THE INSPECTIONS WERE PROMPTED BY COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC, OF WHICH 31,252 RELATED TO BLOCKAGE OF MEANS OF ESCAPE. THERE WERE 3,423 ROUTINE INSPECTIONS OF MEANS OF ESCAPE AND 11,244 VISITS TO FACTORIES AND INDUSTRIAL UNDERTAKINGS.
NEARLY 6,300 VISITS WERE MADE TO SCHOOLS, RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTCLUBS, PLACES OF PUBLIC ASSEMBLY, VENTILATION SYSTEMS AND FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS IN BUILDINGS AND INDUSTRY.
DURING THE SAME PERIOD, 334 INSPECTIONS WERE CARRIED OUT ON VEHICLES USED FOR CONVEYING COMPRESSED GASES AND INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS, 672 ON CHILD CARE CENTRES. A TOTAL OF 1,958 NEW BUILDING PLANS WERE RECEIVED AND PROCESSED, AND 798 DANGEROUS GOODS AND TIMBER YARDS STORAGE LICENCES WERE ISSUED OR RENEWED.
IN ADDITION, FIRE OFFICERS CONDUCTED 46 FIRE PREVENTION LECTURES AND INVESTIGATED 42 FIRES IN DEPTH.
THE NUMBER OF FIRE HAZARD ABATEMENT NOTICES ISSUED BETWEEN JANUARY AND MARCH WAS 2,903.
/7
TUESDAY, APRIL 26, 1977
7
TEMPORARY CLOSURE OF KAT ON STREET
******
THE SECTION OF KAT ON STREET BETWEEN KENNEDY STREET AND STONE NULLAH LANE WILL EE CLOSED TO VEHICULAR TRAFFIC FOR ABOUT A MONTH FROM THURSDAY (APRIL 23) IN ORDER TO FACILITATE THE CLEARANCE OF UNDERGROUND STORMWATER DRAINS.
THE PARKING SPACES I’N THE STREET WILL ALSO BE SUSPENDED.
BARRIERS AND APPROPRIATE SIGNS '..'ILL BE SET UP TO GUIDE MOTOR I STS.
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WATER CUT * * *
WATER SUPPLY TO THE WHOLE OF LAM TIN ESTATE WILL EE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON THURSDAY (APRIL 28).
THIS IS TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT LEAKAGE TEST IN THE AREA.
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1977
CONTENTS
PAGE 40.
GREEN PAPER ON POSSIBLE CHANGES IN THE BRITISH NATIONALITY
LA* TABLED IN PARLIAMENT ..................................... 1
DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY PRESENTED WITH A KEY TO THE CITY OF LONG BEACH BY MISS WORLD TRADE ................ 2
NEa SERIES OF CHINESE LANGUAGE PRIMARY SCHOOL TEXTBOOKS NON AVAILABLE ................................................ 3
housing authority aims to rehouse over 200,00c a year ........ 4
DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION OPENS NEW SCHOOL IN TUEN MUN ........... 5
SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP ................................. €
WATER INTERRUPTION IN NORTH POINT AND KWUN TONG .............. 6
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 5977
H.M.S.’S GREEN PAPER ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW *******
A GREEN PAPER ON POSSIBLE CHANGES IN BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW WAS TABLED BY THE HOME SECRETARY IN PARLIAMENT TODAY (WEDNESDAY) TO PROVIDE A FRAMEWORK FOR PUBLIC DISCUSSION ON A NUMBER OF COMPLEX ISSUES RELATING TO NATIONALITY AND CITIZENSHIP. THE OBJECT IS STATED TO BE +TO EXAMINE HOW OUR NATIONALITY LAW CAN BE SIMPLIFIED AND BROUGHT UP-TO-DATE. BRITISH CITIZENSHIP IS NOW IN MANY RESPECTS DIFFERENT FROM THE CITIZENSHIP OF MANY OTHER COUNTRIES, INCLUDING BRITAIN’S PARTNERS IN THE E.E.C.+
THE GREEN PAPER IS A CONSULTATIVE DOCUMENT WHICH WILL ALLOW AMPLE TIME FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION. ANY RESULTING BRITISH LEGISLATION WILL NOT BE INTRODUCED FOR TWO OR THREE YEARS. AS STATED IN THE PREFACE +THE GOVERNMENT RECOGNISES THAT THERE IS ROOM FOR DIFFERING VIEWS BOTH ON THE PRINCIPLES AND DETAILS OF A NEW SCHEME, AND THEY THINK IT RIGHT TO GIVE AMPLE TIME FOR STUDY AND DISCUSSION OF THE IDEAS IN THE DOCUMENT, WHICH WOULD AFFECT EVERYONE IN THIS COUNTRY AND MANY PEOPLE OVERSEAS. THE GOVERNMENT HAVE THEMSELVES REACHED NO FIRM CONCLUSIONS ON MANY OF THESE IDEAS. BUT WHERE THEY ARE AT PRESENT INCLINED TOWARDS A PARTICULAR COURSE THE DOCUMENT SAYS SO.+
UNDER THE PROPOSED SCHEME, CITIZENS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM AND COLONIES WOULD BECOME EITHER BRITISH CITIZENS OR BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS.
BRITISH CITIZENSHIP WOULD BE HELD BY PEOPLE WITH SPECIFIED TIES (BY THEIR OWN OR A PARENT’S BIRTH, REGISTRATION OR NATURALISATION) WITH THE UNITED KINGDOM ITSELF. BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENSHIP WOULD BE HELD BY THOSE WHO HAVE SIMILAR TIES WITH A DEPENDENT TERRITORY. BOTH BRITISH CITIZENS AND BRITISH OVERSEAS CITIZENS WOULD CONTINUE TO CARRY BRITISH PASSPORTS AND TO ENJOY BRITISH CONSULAR PROTECTION.
COMMENTING ON THE PUBLICATION OF THE GREEN PAPER, A HONG KONG GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THAT THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT HAD GIVEN AN ASSURANCE THAT THE PROPOSALS DID NOT HAVE ANY IMPLICATIONS FOR THE CONSTITUTIONAL RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND HONG KONG.
+THE GREEN PAPER APPEARS TO ENVISAGE THAT THE RULES GOVERNING ENTRY INTO THE UNITED KINGDOM APPLICABLE TO HONG KONG RESIDENTS WOULD REMAIN SUBSTANTIALLY THE SAME AS THEY HAVE BEEN SINCE THE IMMIGRATION ACT OF 1971,+ HE SAID.
HE ADDED THAT THE COURSE OF THE DISCUSSIONS OF THE POINTS AND PROPOSALS MADE IN THE GREEN PAPER, BOTH IN THE UNITED KINGDOM AND OVERSEAS IN THE COMMONWEALTH, WOULD BE WATCHED WITH GREAT CARE. IF THERE APPEARED TO BE A DANGER OF THE INTERESTS OF HONG KONG RESIDENTS BEING AFFECTED ADVERSELY, THE HONG KONG GOVERNMENT WOULD MAKE ITS VIEWS KNOWN TO THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT.
NOTE TO EDITORS s
REPRODUCED COPIES OF THE H.M.G.’S GREEN PAPER ON THE BRITISH NATIONALITY LAW ARE NOW AVAILABLE FOR COLLECTION FROM G.I.S. PRESS ROOM, 6TH FLOOR, BEACONSFIELD HOUSE.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27,1977
- 2 -
DIRECTOR OF C AND I PRESENTED WITH KEY TO THE CITY OF LONG BEACH *****
THE DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. DAVID JORDAN, AND THE CHAIRMAN OF THE HONG KONG GENERAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE, MR. LESLIE GORDON, TODAY EACH RECEIVED A KEY TO THE CITY OF LONG BEACH AND LETTERS OF GREETINGS FROM THE MAYORS OF LOS ANGELES AND LONG BEACH IN CONNECTION WITH WORLD TRADE WEEK WHICH WILL BE CELEBRATED THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES NEXT MONTH.
MISS JOAN ZIMMERMAN, AN EXECUTIVE OF THE FLYING TIGER LINE, WHO WAS APPOINTED THIS YEAR’S MISS WORLD TRADE, MADE THE PRESENTATION IN MR. JORDAN’S OFFICE.
EARLIER, SHE HAD VISITED TAIWAN, THE PHILIPPINES, JAPAN AND SINGAPORE WHERE SHE MADE SIMILAR PRESENTATIONS TO THE TRADE MINISTERS AND CIVIC OFFICIALS OF THOSE COUNTRIES.
MR. JIMMY CARTER, PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, IN PROCLAIMING THE WORLD TRADE WEEK, TO BE OPENED ON MAY 22, SAID: +1 URGE BUSINESS, LABOUR, AGRICULTURAL, EDUCATIONAL, PROFESSIONAL AND CIVIC GROUPS, THE COMMUNICATIONS MEDIA, AND ALL CONCERNED AMERICANS, TO OBSERVE WORLD TRADE WEEK WITH MEETINGS, DISCUSSIONS, EXHIBITIONS, AND OTHER APPROPRIATE ACTIVITIES THAT PROMOTE CONTINUING AWARENESS OF THE IMPORTANCE OF WORLD TRADE TO AMERICA AND TO OUR RELATIONS WITH OTHER NATIONS.*
IN MAKING THE PRESENTATION, MISS ZIMMERMAN EXPLAINED THAT WORLD TRADE WEEK WAS SPONSORED BY THE LOS ANGELES AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE PORTS OF LOS ANGELES AND LONG BEACH, THE LOS ANGELES DEPARTMENT OF AIRPORTS AND THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS.
SHE ADDED THAT THIS YEAR’S SLOGAN WAS +WORLD PROSPERITY THROUGH WORLD TRADE.*
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1977
- 3 -
NEW SERIES OF CHINESE LANGUAGE PRIMARY TEXTBOOKS
******
THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT HAS ADVISED THE HEADS OF ALL PRIMARY SCHOOLS THAT A NUMBER OF SERIES OF NEW PRIMARY CHINESE LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS HAVE BEEN PRODUCED BY VARIOUS PUBLISHERS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1975 SYLLABUS FOR CHINESE LANGUAGE (PRIMARY) WHICH IS TO START FROM SEPTEMBER 1977.
THIS IS THE RESULT OF CLOSE LIAISON BETWEEN THE DEPARTMENT AND EDUCATIONAL PUBLISHERS, SAID MR. ARTHUR BROWN, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION (CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS), IN A GENERAL SCHOOLS CIRCULAR.
HE SAID: +THOSE SERIES WHICH ARE RECOMMENDED BY THE TEXTBOOKS COMMITTEE WILL BE INCLUDED IN THE +RECOMMENDED LIST-*- TO BE ISSUED TO SCHOOLS IN MAY, 1977.
+SCHOOLS WHICH INTEND TO CHANGE CHINESE LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS FOR THE COMING ACADEMIC YEAR ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO SELECT THEIR SERIES FROM THE MAY, 1977 +RECOMMENDED LIST*, EVEN THOUGH THEY MAY HAVE ALREADY RECEIVED FROM VARIOUS PUBLISHERS COMPLIMENTARY SAMPLES OF NEW CHINESE LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS.
+SCHOOLS MAY CHANGE THE WHOLE OR PART OF THE SERIES, THAT IS PRIMARY 1 TO PRIMARY 6 IN SEPTEMBER, 1977, BUT ARE OF COURSE NOT OBLIGED TO DO SO.+
MR. BROWN SAID THAT PUBLISHERS HAD ALSO AGREED NOT TO PRODUCE ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 1976 SYLLABUS FOR ENGLISH (PRIMARY) UNTIL SEPTEMBER, 1978. THEREFORE NO PRIMARY ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS WOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE 1977 +RECOMMENDED LIST+.
+SCHOOLS ARE THEREFORE ADVISED NOT TO CHANGE THEIR ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEXTBOOKS UNTIL THE 1978 +RECOMMENDED LIST* IS CIRCULARIZED,* MR. BROWN SAID.
HE REQUESTED THE HEADS OF SCHOOLS TO DRAW THE ATTENTION OF ALL TEACHERS OF CHINESE LANGUAGE AND ENGLISH LANGUAGE TO THE CONTENTS OF HIS CIRCULAR.
0 - -
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1977*
- 4 -
PUBLIC HOUSING BUILDING PROGRAMME TO BE SPED UP * * * * *
THE HOUSING AUTHORITY AIMS TO INCREASE AS RAPIDLY AS POSSIBLE ITS ANNUAL PRODUCTION TO A POINT WHERE IT CAN REHOUSE OVER 200,000 PEOPLE A YEAR FOLLOWING THE SETBACKS DURING THE ECONOMIC RECESSION.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE SECRETARY FOR ADMINISTRATION MR. IAN LIGHTBODY, IN A SPEECH TO THE ZONTA CLUB OF HONG KONG.
MR. LIGHTBODY, WHO WAS UNTIL RECENTLY SECRETARY FOR HOUSING, SAID THIS WAS AN ENORMOUS UNDERTAKING WHICH REQUIRED A GREAT DEAL OF INTER-DEPARTMENTAL PLANNING AND COOPERATION, INVOLVING IN PARTICULAR THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT, THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AND THE NEW TERRITORIES ADMINISTRATION.
HE STRESSED THAT LAND WAS A CRITICAL COMPONENT BECAUSE MOST DEVELOPABLE LAND WAS HEAVILY SQUATTED ON IN HONG KONG, AND PRESENT MAJOR CLEARANCE COMMITMENTS, INCLUDING PRIOR REHOUSING OF THE OCCUPANTS.
+HOWEVER, ALL CONCERNED ARE DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO OVERCOME THESE PROBLEMS AND TO KEEP THE PROGRAMME RUNNING ON SCHEDULE,+ HE SAID.
MR. LIGHTBODY ALSO SPOKE ABOUT STEADY IMPROVEMENTS IN SPACE AND OTHER STANDARDS IN PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATES, AND THE VERY HEAVY RELIANCE ON LAND AND LONG-TERM LOANS FROM THE GOVERNMENT.
THIS REFLECTED THE GOVERNMENT’S DETERMINATION TO SEE HOUSING CONDITIONS IN HONG KONG GREATLY IMPROVED BY THE MID-1980S, HE SAID, ADDING THAT +THE PROGRAMME WILL CONTINUE FOR AS LONG AS MAY BE NECESSARY.+
ON THE DEVELOPMENTS IN THE FIELD OF PUBLIC HOUSING IN RECENT YEARS FOLLOWING THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, MR. LIGHTBODY TOLD THE GATHERING HOW THE 1973 REORGANISATION CENTRALISED RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL PUBLIC HOUSING IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY, WITH THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT SET UP AS ITS EXECUTIVE ARM.
THE INTENTION, HE SAID, HAD BEEN TO BRING ALL THE AVAILABLE RESOURCES TOGETHER SO AS TO GIVE MAXIMUM DRIVE TO THE MAJOR PUBLIC HOUSING PROGRAMMES WHICH GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCED IN LATE 1972.
ONE OF THE GREAT ADVANTAGES OF THIS CENTRALISATION IN A SINGLE AUTHORITY WAS THAT FOR THE FIRST TIME IT OPENED THE WAY TO FAR GREATER MOBILITY ON THE PART OF PUBLIC HOUSING TENANTS.
IT ALSO OFFERED THEM A MUCH WIDER CHOICE OF LOCATION THAN WAS POSSIBLE PREVIOUSLY WHEN SEVERAL AGENCIES CONTROLLED DIFFERENT TYPES OF PUBLIC HOUSING, AND A WIDER RANGE OF TYPES OF ACCOMMODATION AND RENTALS.
/♦NO?.' IT.........
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1977
- 5 -
+ NOW IT IS MUCH EASIER TO FIT APPLICANTS MORE SENSIBLY INTO THE VARIOUS TYPES OF PUBLIC HOUSING, WITHIN THEIR PERSONAL MEANS,+ HE SAID.
MR. LIGHTBODY PAID TRIBUTE TO THE WORK DONE BY MEMBERS OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY.
HE POINTED OUT THAT THE POLICIES APPLIED BY THE HOUSING DEPARTMENT WERE POLICIES DEBATED AND SETTLED IN THE HOUSING AUTHORITY WHICH HAS 13 UNOFFICIAL AND EIGHT OFF IC I AL MEMBERS.
-------o----------
TOPLEY OPENS $5.7 MILLION SECONDARY SCHOOL
******
THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION, MR. KENNETH TOPLEY THIS AFTERNOON OPENED THE $5.7 MILLION MADAM LAU KAM LUNG SECONDARY SCHOOL AT LAM TE I, -TUE’I MUN.
THE SCHOOL, WHICH IS FULLY SUBSIDISED BY THE GOVERNMENT, IS OPERATED BY THE MIU FAT MONASTERY. AT PRESENT THE 24-CLASSR00M SCHOOL HAS 794 PUPILS.
+ITS COMPLETION,+ MR. TOPLEY SAID, +IS GEARED TO THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OF EXPANDING SECONDARY EDUCATION AND IT WILL PLAY AN IMPORTANT PART IN THE LOCAL EDUCATIONAL SCENE.+
THE DIRECTOR PRAISED THE SPONSORS FOR THEIR KEEN INTEREST IN EDUCATION.
MR. TOPLEY THEN MADE SOME COMMENTS ON TWO ELEMENTS WHICH WERE ESSENTIAL TO A GOOD EDUCATION.
+THEY ARE FORMATION OF CHARACTER AND TRAINING IN HABITS OF CLEAR THOUGHT AND CLEAR EXPRESSION OF THOUGHT IN THE PUPIL’S OWN LANGUAGE. I CALL THEM ELEMENTS BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT SUBJECTS IN THE USUAL SENSE OF THAT WORD. THEY ARE NOT LIMITED TO SET HOURS OR SET PLACES AND THEY PERVADE THE LIFE OF THE SCHOOL,+ HE SAID.
IT WAS PART OF THE FUNCTION OF A SCHOOL TO SET BEFORE ITS PUPILS IDEALS OF CHARACTER AND CONDUCT AND TO PROVIDE THROUGH ITS OWN MANIFOLD ACTIVITIES MEANS OF REALISING THEIR ASPIRATIONS.
MR. TOPLEY SAID EVERY TEACHER HAD A CONTRIBUTION TO MAKE IN TRAINING PUPILS IN HABITS OF CLEAR THOUGHT AND CLEAR EXPRESSION OF THOUGHT IN THE PUPILS’ OWN LANGUAGE, BOTH SPOKEN AND WRITTEN, BASED ON THE LOGICAL ARRANGEMENT OF IDEAS.
HE STRESSED THAT +THE PUPIL’S USE OF THEIR FIRST LANGUAGE SHOULD, AS FAR AS POSSIBLE, BE THE CONCERN OF EVERY TEACHER, NO MATTER WHAT HIS SPECIALIST SUBJECT.+
-..-o-------
/6 ...
- 6
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 27, 1977 .
4
SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP * # * #
MORE THAN 3,000 APPLICATION FORMS HAVE BEEN DISTRIBUTED TO YOUNGSTERS INTERESTED IN JOINING THE SUMMER YOUTH LEADERSHIP CAMP ORGANISED JOINTLY BY THE BRITISH FORCES AND THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT.
THE CAMP AIMS TO DEVELOP THE CHARACTER, SELF-RELIANCE AND LEADERSHIP QUALITIES OF SELECTED PARTICIPANTS SO THAT THEY MAY BE BETTER EQUIPPED TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY.
TWO RESIDENTIAL CAMPS ARE ORGANISED THIS YEAR FOR YOUNGSTERS, BOTH BOYS AND GIRLS, BETWEEN 18 AND 25 YEARS OF AGE. THERE WILL BE 120 PARTICIPANTS FOR EACH CAMP.
THE CAMPS, LASTING FOR THREE WEEKS EACH, WILL BE HELD AT THE ERSKINE CAMP IN SAI KUNG FROM JULY 4 TO 24 AND FROM AUGUST 1 TO 21.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT’S YOUTH WORK UNIT, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, TOP FLOOR, 405 NATHAN ROAD. THE CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATION IS MAY 2.
PARTICIPANTS WILL BE CHOSEN BY AN INTERVIEW PANEL COMPRISING REPRESENTATIVES OF THE SOCIAL WELFARE DEPARTMENT, THE BRITISH FORCES AND VOLUNTARY ORGANISATIONS. SELECTIONS WILL BE MADE ON THE BASIS OF COMMAND OF ENGLISH, EXPERIENCE IN YOUTH WORK, KNOWLEDGE OF LOCAL AFFAIRS AND PHYSIQUE.
SUBJECTS TO BE COVERED IN THE CAMP WILL INCLUDE EXPEDITION, CANOEING, MAP READING, PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES, ROCK CLIMBING AND LEADERSHIP TRAINING. A CERTICATE WILL BE AWARDED TO THOSE WHO PARTICIPATE IN ALL THE ACTIVITIES IN THE COURSE.
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WATER CUT 4*4
WATER SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN NORTH POINT ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KWUN TONG IN KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON FRIDAY (APRIL 29) TO ENABLE THE WATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT NIGHT LEAKAGE TESTS.
IN NORTH POINT, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY NORTH SIDE OF KING’S ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO MANSION STREET, JAVA ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO KING’S ROAD, MARBLE ROAD FROM TIN CHIU STREET TO HEALTHY STREET WEST AND TIN CHIU STREET.
IN KWUN TONG, THE AFFECTED AREA IS BOUNDED BY HIP WO STREET TSUI PING ROAD AND HIU MING STREET, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 7 TO 10, KWUN TONG (TSUI PING ROAD) ESTATE AND BLOCK NOS. 9 AND 10 WO LOK ESTATE. '
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PRH 7
CIS
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 1977
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
145 UNREG ISTRABLE DOCTORS PASS PART II OF LICENTIATE EXAMINATION ................................................ 1
PARK FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN ................................. 2
MAJOR SITE ON WAN CHAI RECLAMATION TO BE AUCTIONED ......... 3
US/HK TEXTILES AGREEMENT TALKS TO OPEN NEXT WEEK ........... 4
SIX YOUNG MUSICIANS TO REPRESENT HONG KONG AT THE REGIONAL ASIAN YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ............................ 4
WORKING PARTY ON SELECTION AND ALLOCATION FOR POST-FORM III EDUCATION HAS MET SIX TIMES............................. 5
ROUTE TWISK TO BE CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS ................ 6
WATER INTERRUPTION IN SAL MAU PING ......................... c
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1977
145 PASS PART II OF LICENTIATE EXAM. FOR UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS ******
LICENTIATE COMMITTEE OF THE HONG KONG MEDICAL count ii TODAY ANNOUNCED THAT 145 CANDIDATES HAVE PASSED PART I I nr Twb licentiate examination for unregistrabl! doctors E
A TOTAL OF 170 CANDIDATES SAT FOR THE 3-HOUR EXAMINATION ON APRIL 15, WHICH WAS DESIGNED TO TEST THE CANDIDATES’ ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES.
THE 25 CANDIDATES WHO FAILED WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO RESIT THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION NEXT YEAR.
THE SECRETARY TO THE COMMITTEE, MR. IAN YOUNG, EXPLAINED THAT THE PAPER COMPRISED A MEDICAL TEXT FOR COMPREHENSION ON WHICH THERE WERE TWELVE QUESTIONS OF THE +TRUE+ OR +FALSE+ TYPE. CANDIDATES WERE ALSO ASKED SEVEN QUESTIONS ON THREE MEDICAL CASE HISTORIES, INCLUDING WRITING A REFERRAL LETTER TO A SPECIALIST, WHAT ADVICE THEY WOULD GIVE A PATIENT SUFFERING FROM A PARTICULAR COMPLAINT AND TO SELECT AND COMPLETE THE APPROPRIATE NOTIFICATION FORM FOR A CERTAIN DISEASE.
HE REITERATED THAT AS RECOMMENDED BY THE WORKING PARTY ON UNREGISTRABLE DOCTORS, IT WAS NOT THE AIM TO TEST GENERAL COMPETENCE IN THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE IN THIS PART OF THE EXAMINATION.
♦THE PAPER HAD BEEN DESIGNED TO ENSURE THAT THE CANDIDATES’ COMMAND OF WRITTEN ENGLISH IS ADEQUATE FOR PROFESSIONAL PURPOSES SO THAT THEY CAN COPE WITH SUCH MATTERS AS PRESCRIPTIONS, STATUTORY FORMS, CLINICAL CASE NOTES, TECHNICAL INVESTIGATION REPORTS AND REFERRALS AND KEEP THEMSELVES REASONABLY UP-TO-DATE WITH THE DEVELOPMENTS AND PROGRESS OF WESTERN MEDICINE THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALS,+ HE SAID.
TH>s PAPERr°^Ms^?
HE WENT ON TO SAY THAT THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATES WOULD BE ABLE TO SIT FOR THE THIRD PART OF THE LICENTIATE EXAMINATION IN JULY, WHICH IS A 45-MINUTE ORAL EXAMINATION ON PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE. THIS WILL TEST THE CANDIDATES’ ABILITY TO APPLY THEIR PROFESSIONAL KNOWLEDGE TO CLINICAL PROBLEMS WITH EMPHASIS UPON ASPECTS OF MEDICINE ENCOUNTERED IN HONG KONG. CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN 15-MINUTE ORAL EXAMINATION IN THE THREE DISCIPLINES OF MEDICINE, SURGERY, OBSTETRICS AND GYNAECOLOGY AND THEY MUST PASS ALL SUBJECTS AT OKE SITTING. CANDIDATES WILL BE GIVEN THE OPTION OF TAKING THE EXAMINATION IN CHINESE OR ENGLISH.
CANDIDATES WHO PASS PART III WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO UNDERGO OF PRACTICAL ASSESSMENT AND TRAINING Or +EXTERNSHIP+ WHICH WILL NORMALLY Be GF 18-VCNTHS DURATION. THE EX’ERNSHIP IS DUE TO COMMENCE IN SEPTEMBER.
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1977
- 2 -
NEW PARK FOR TUEN MUN NEW TOWN
******
A $390,000 PARK - THE FIRST RECREATIONAL PROJECT IN TUEN MUN NEW TOWN TO BE FINANCED BY A PRIVATE DONATION - WAS OFFICIALLY OPENED TODAY BY SIR YUET-KEUNG KAN, SENIOR UNOFFICIAL MEMBER OF THE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
THE PARK, FEATURING NINE CHINESE PAVILIONS AND A REFRESHMENT KIOSK WITH FLOWERS AND GREENERY, WAS LATER HANDED OVER TO THE URBAN SERVICES DEPARTMENT FOR MANAGEMENT.
THE PROJECT, WITH ITS FOUNDATION STONE LAID 16 MONTHS AGO BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, IS NAMED AFTER ITS DONOR, MR. DEACON CHIU, A COMMUNITY LEADER IN THE NEW TERRITORIES.
LOCATED AT THE CENTRE OF TUEN MUN, IT SERVES AS AN ADDITIONAL REST GARDEN FOR THE PEOPLE OF THE NEW TOWN.
THE ORGINAL COST WAS LESS THAN HALF OF THE $390,000 BUT WAS LATER REVISED TO UPGRADE THE QUALITY AND DESIGN TO EMBODY THE USE OF HIGH-QUALITY CH INESE-STYLE ROOFING AND GLASS MOSAICS.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY, SIR YUET-KEUNG SAID THE PARK WOULD HELP FILL THE GROWING NEED FOR RECREATIONAL AMENITIES OF THE RAPIDLY DEVELOPING TUEN MUN NEW TOWN.
HE NOTED THAT IN RECENT YEARS, THE GOVERNMENT HAD BEEN SPENDING IN TUEM MUN LARGE SUMS OF MONEY IN THE PROVISION OF HOUSING, EDUCATION, MEDICAL AND COMMUNICATION FACILITIES TO IMPROVE PEOPLE’S LIVING STANDARD.
HE PRAISED MR. CHIU FOR HIS DONATION OF THE PARK AND FELT IT SHOULD BE AN ENCOURAGING LEAD FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW.
EARLIER, THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES DESCRIBED THE PROJECT AS A +MATERIAL SIGN+ OF THE PUBLIC’S PARTICIPATION IN THE BUILDING OF THE NEW TOWN AND COMMUNITY.
+1 HOPE, AS THE YEARS GO BY, MANY OTHERS WILL FOLLOW THIS EXAMPLE,* MR. AKERS-JONES ADDED.
FOLLOWING THE HANDING OVER OF THE PARK, THE DIRECTOR OF URBAN SERVICES, MR. BRIAN WILSON, SAID THE DEACON CHIU PARK WAS A MOST WELCOME ADDITION TO RECREATIONAL AMENITIES IN THE NEW TOWN WHICH NOW HAD A POPULATION OF ABOUT 50,000.
HE SAID THAT TUEN MUN, IN COMMON WITH THE OTHER NEW TOWNS AND DEVELOPMENT AREAS, WAS PLANNED TO PROVIDE A FULL RANGE OF RECREATONAL FACILITIES NECESSARY FOR A POPULATION OF 503,030 PEOPLE, FROM SMALL SITTING-OUT AREAS TO LARGE SPORTING COMPLEX SUCH AS SWIMMING POOLS AND FOOTBALL STADIA.
+ THE TASK IS A MAMMOTH ONE, BUT IT MUST NEVERTHELESS BE ACHIEVED IF THE AIM OF MAKING THE NEW TOWNS SELF SUFFICIENT IS TO MEAN ANYTHING,* HE SAID.
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THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1977
ANOTHER PRESTIGE SITE FOR AUCTION
******
ANOTHER MAJOR DEVELOPMENT SITE ON THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION WILL BE OFFERED FOR SALE BY PUBLIC AUCTION IN THE CITY HALL ON MAY 11 (WEDNESDAY) BY THE PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT’S CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE.
THE SITE - OF SOME 4,940 SQUARE METRES - IS LOCATED BETWEEN GLOUCESTER ROAD AND HARBOUR ROAD, AND IS THE SECOND OF SEVERAL PRESTIGE SITES IN THE AREA TO BE SOLD FOR PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT.
THE SITE MAY BE DEVELOPED TOR EITHER COMMERCIAL OR RESIDENTIAL USE, OR A COMBINATION OF BOTH. HOTEL DEVELOPMENT IS ALSO PERMITTED.
IT IS NEAR THE MAIN BUSINESS CENTRES OF HONG KONG ISLAND, AND AT THE HUB OF THE MAIN ROAD AND FERRY NETWORK LINKING THE ISLAND AND KOWLOON.
APART FROM THE WAN CHAI RECLAMATION SITE, THERE WILL BE TWO OTHER SITES, OFFERED FOR AUCTION ON THE SAME DAY - MAY 11.
ONE IS LOCATED AT LOWER LASCAR ROW, HAVING AN AREA OF ABOUT 100 SQUARE METRES AND IS FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL USE.
THE OTHER LOT OF ABOUT 2,800 SQUARE METRES AT BELLEVIEW DRIVE, REPULSE BAY, IS FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL USE.
ALTOGETHER, ABOUT 24 LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE PUT UP FOR SALE IN THE NEXT SIX MONTHS, AND COMPRISE 15 NON-1NDUSTRI AL LOTS, 8 PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL LOTS AND ONE INDUSTRIAL LOT. THE TOTAL AREA INVOLVED IS ABOUT 36,000 SQUARE METRES.
MEANWHILE, 4 LOTS OF CROWN LAND WILL BE AUCTIONED TOMORROW (FRIDAY) AT 2.30 P.M. IN THE LECTURE HALL, CITY HALL.
ONE LOT OF 2,029.1 SQUARE METRES, SITUATED AT CAPE ROAD, CHUNG HOM KOK, IS EARMARKED FOR PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PURPOSES AND THE REMAINING THREE LOTS ARE FOR NON-1NDUSTRI AL PURPOSES.
ONE OF THEM, SITUATED BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND LOWER LASCAR ROW, HAS AN AREA OF 1,779.4 SQUARE METRES, ANOTHER OF 100.5 SQUARE METRES, IS AT 11 SHAM CHUN STREET, YAU MA TEI, AND THE LAST LOT IS AT PO FONG LANE, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, SAN PO KONG, AND HAS AN AREA OF 97.7 SQUARE METRES.
FULL PARTICULARS AND CONDITIONS OF SALE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM, AND SALE PLANS INSPECTED AT, THE PUBLIC ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE, CENTRAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES (WEST WING), GROUND FLOOR, HONG KONG, AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE, KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES, 405 NATHAN ROAD, 10TH FLOOR, YAU MA TEI, KOWLOON.
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/4
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1977
4
TALKS ON NEW US/HK TEXTILES AGREEMENT TO TAKE PLACE IN WASHINGTON NEXT WEEK * * * *
NEGOTIATIONS ON A UNITED STATES/HONG KONG TEXTILES AGREEMENT, TO REPLACE THE PRESENT ONE, ARE TO TAKE PLACE IN WASHINGTON NEXT WEEK, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCED TODAY (THURSDAY).
THE EXISTING THREE-YEAR AGREEMENT EXPIRES ON
SEPTEMBER 30 THIS YEAR. IT COVERS VIRTUALLY ALL OF HONG KONG’S COTTON, MAN-MADE FIBRE AND WOOL TEXTILES AND GARMENT EXPORTS TO THE UNITED STATES.
THE DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, MR. PETER TSAO, WILL LEAD THE HONG KONG TEAM AT THE NEGOTIATIONS.
THE TEAM COMPRISES FIVE COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY DEPARTMENT OFFICERS. IT WILL BE ACCOMPANIED BY FOUR INDUSTRIAL ADVISERS, MR. FRANCIS TIEN, MR. JACK TANG, MR. FRANK LIN AND MR. STEPHEN LAU, WHO ARE ALSO MEMBERS OF THE TEXTILES ADVISORY BOARD.
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REGIONAL ASIAN YOUTH MUSIC CAMP ******
SIX REPRESENTATIVES FROM HONG KONG WILL PARTICIPATE IN THE FIRST REGIONAL ASIAN YOUTH MUSIC CAMP TO BE HELD IN THE NATIONAL ARTS CENTRE OF THE PHILIPPINES FROM MAY 1 TO 16.
THE GROUP IS FINANCED BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT AND LED BY MR. JOHN CHENG, INSPECTOR OF MUSIC OF THE DEPARTMENT. THE OTHER MEMBERS ARE MR. LEE CHUNG-SING OF CHUNG CHI COLLEGE, THE CHINESE UNIVERSITY OF HONG KONG, MR. FRANCIS POON OF THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC, MR. LEE BO-LUEN AND MISS LEI VAI-MENG OF THE BAPTIST COLLEGE, AND MR. SHUM NGAI-HUNG OF LA SALLE COLLEGE.
THE GROUP WILL LEAVE FOR THE PHILIPPINES ON SATURDAY.
OTHER PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES INCLUDE AUSTRALIA, INDONESIA, JAPAN, KOREA, MALAYSIA, NEW ZEALAND, THE PHILIPPINES, SINGAPORE AND THAILAND. THE CAMP WILL BE HOSTED FOR THE FIRST TIME BY THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.
THE AIM OF THE CAMP IS TO RAISE THE STANDARDS OF MUSIC AND PROMOTE CULTURAL EXCHANGES AMONG ASIAN COUNTRIES.
AN 84-MEMBER ASIAN YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND ANOTHER 40-MEMBER SECOND ORCHESTRA WILL BE FORMED FROM THE YOUNG MUSICIANS OF THE PARTICIPATING COUNTRIES.
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/5.....
A
1
THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 1977
5 -
SELECTION AND ALLOCATION FOR POST-FORM III EDUCATION
******
THE WORKING PARTY ON SELECTION AND ALLOCATION FOR POST-FORM I II EDUCATION, WHICH WAS SET UP BY THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION IN DECEMBER 1976, HAS MET SIX TIMES.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY A SPOKESMAN FOR THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT WHEN HE COMMENTED ON A REPORT IN AN ENGLISH-LANGUAGE MORNING NEWSPAPER.
THE SPOKESMAN ADDED THAT THE WORKING PARTY HAD NOT YET STARTED DRAFTING ITS REPORT.
+SO FAR THE WORK OF THE WORKING PARTY HAS IN FACT CONSISTED MAINLY IN STUDYING SOME BASIC INFORMATION PAPERS BY THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT PLUS ABOUT 30 SUBMISSIONS FROM VARIOUS BODIES AND INDIVIDUALS,* HE SAID.
+THE WORKING PARTY HAS NOT YET IN ANY WAY COMMITTED ITSELF AS TO THE VIEW IT WILL TAKE.*
IT IS ANTICIPATED THAT A FURTHER TWO OR THREE MONTHS WILL BE REQUIRED FOR THE COMPLETION OF THE WORKING PARTY’S REPORT.
THE SUBMISSIONS RECEIVED INCLUDE SOME WHICH ARE LIMITED TO WARNING THE WORKING PARTY OF THE DISADVANTAGES OF CERTAIN FORMS OF SELECTION WHILE SOME OTHERS CONTAIN POSITIVE PROPOSALS. THESE INCLUDE, AMONG OTHERS, SYSTEMS INVOLVING THE USE OF INTERNAL SCHOOL EXAMINATIONS WITH EXTERNAL MONITORING, AND ATTENTION HAS ALSO BEEN DRAWN BY SOME WRITERS TO THE POSSIBILITIES OF VOUCHER SYSTEMS.
BUT IT IS EMPHASISED THAT NO FIRM POSITIONS HAVE BEEN TAKEN BY THE WORKING PARTY. IT MUST ALSO BE POINTED OUT THAT THE WORKING PARTY IS MERELY CHARGED WITH PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION TO CONSIDER.
+THE PUBLIC WILL BE GIVEN AN OPPORTUNITY TO STUDY THE REPORT AND THE DIRECTOR WILL NOT MAKE ANY DECISION ON THE RECOMMENDATIONS UNTIL HE HAS CONSULTED APPROPRIATE EDUCATIONAL BODIES AND CONSIDERED ALL PUBLIC COMMENTS,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
+ONLY AFTER THAT PROCESS, THAT IS TO SAY SOMETIME IN THE FIRST HALF OF 1978, WILL A DECISION BE REACHED BY THE GOVERNMENT.
/6
THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 1977
6
ROUTE TWISK TO BE CLOSED TO LEARNER DRIVERS * * * * *
LEARNER DRIVERS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO USE ROUTE TWISK ON SUNDAYS AND PUBLIC HOLIDAYS DURING THE PERIOD FROM MAY 1 TO OCTOBER 29.
ANNOUNCING THIS TODAY, A SPOKESMAN FOR THE TRANSPORT DEPARTMENT SAID THAT THE MEASURE WAS AIMED AT IMPROVING TRAFFIC FLOW ON ROUTE TWISK.
HE POINTED OUT THAT ROUTE TaISK WOULD BE USED BY GOODS VEHICLES AS AN ALTERNATIVE ROUTE BETWEEN YUEN LONG AND TSUEK „A\ ..HEN THE SECTION OF CASTLE PEAK ROAD BETWEEN SHA TSUI ROAD AND Pul TO ROAD WAS CLOSED to HEAVY VEHICLES BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 11 A.M.. AND 6 P.M. DURING THE SAME PERIOD.
APPROPRIATE TRAFFIC SIGNS WILL BE PUT UP TO GUIDE LEARNER DR IVERS.
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WATER CUT * * * *
,vATtR SUPPLY TO A NUMBER OF PREMISES IN SAU MAU PING KOWLOON WILL BE TURNED OFF FOR FIVE HOURS FROM 1 A.M. ON SATURDAY ’
LEAKAGE3? "tO ENABLE "ATER SUPPLIES DEPARTMENT TO CARRY OUT A NIGHT
THE AREA TO BE AFFECTED IS BOUNDED BY SAU MAU PING ROAD, SAU MAU PING PATH, SAU MING ROAD AND HIU KWONG STREET, INCLUDING BLOCK NOS. 1-30, SAU MAU PING ESTATE.
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DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
FRI DAY, APRIL 29, 1^77
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
———————— o —————
NEW FOOD SAFETY RULES .................................. 1
BILL SEEKS TO EMPOWER POLICE AND PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO DETAIN TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF SUSPECTED DRUG OFFENDERS .... 2
• /
PROPOSAL TO CONVERT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL INTO A CARDIO THORACIC CENTRE ......................................
GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR FEBRUARY SHOW SURPLUS .......... *
IMPORTANT ROLE OF COMMUNITY HALLS OUTLINED BY CHIEF SECRETARY 5
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH .................... 6
VERANDAHS CF PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS .....
PRIME SITE IN CENTRAL SOLD FOR $53 MILLION ............. R
TWO FOOTBRIDGES FOR KWUN TONG PROPOSED ................
FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE .................. 10
MATHEMATICS SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS ..... 11
BOYS COMPLETE TRAINING AT SEA SCHOOL .................. 1?
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong. Tel: 5-233191
FR I DAY, APR IL 29, 1977
1
NEW FOOD SAFETY RULES * * * *
IN ORDER TO FOLLOW ACCEPTED PRACTICE IN OVERSEAS COUNTRIES — NOTABLY IN BRITAIN, THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA — NEW LIMITS HAVE BEEN SET IN HONG KONG FOR THE MAXIMUM PERMITTED LEVELS OF ARSENIC CONTENT IN FISH AND SHELL FISH AND THE MERCURY CONTENT IN FOOD GENERALLY.
THE NEW LIMITS CONSTITUTE, IN EFFECT, A SLIGHT RELAXATION ON THE ONES IN FORCE UP TO NOW — BUT ARE WELL WITHIN INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF SAFETY. AT THE SAME TIME THE PENALTY FOR EXCEEDING THE LIMITS HAS BEEN STIFFENED.
THE CHANGES ARE LAID DOWN IN AMENDMENTS TO THE FOOD ADULTERATION (METALLIC CONTAMINATION) REGULATIONS UNDER THE PUBLIC HEALTH AND URBAN SERVICES ORDINANCE. THE AMENDMENTS ARE PUBLISHED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN TODAY STRESSED THAT THE CHANGES IMPLY NO LESSENING AT ALL IN SAFETY STANDARDS, BUT REPRESENT A FAIRER AND MORE REALISTIC REQUIREMENT FOR THE HONG KONG FOOD TRADE. HE WENT ON TO OUTLINE THE CHANGES AS FOLLOWS:
ARSENIC CONTENT IN FISH AND SHELLFISH
FOR FISH THE NEW MAXIMUM LEVEL IS 6 PARTS PER MILLION AND FOR SHELLFISH IT IS 13 PARTS PER MILLION. UNDER THE OLD REGULATIONS A LIMIT OF 1.4 PARTS PER MILLION WAS SET FOR ALL SOLID FOOD.
THE SPOKESMAN EXPLAINED THAT ARSENIC OCCURS NATURALLY IN MARINE LIFE AND THAT THERE IS NO SAFETY OBJECTION TO A LEVEL WHICH SHOWS THAT THE ARSENIC IS PRESENT AS A NATURAL CONSTITUENT. THIS CRITERION FOR FISH IS FOLLOWED IN THE UNITED KINGDOM, AND TESTS IN HONG KONG HAVE SHOWN THAT THE NEW LEVELS SATISFY THIS CRITERION FOR FISH AND SHELLFISH RESPECTIVELY.
MERCURY CONTENT IN FOOD
THE NEW LIMIT SET FOR MERCURY IN FOOD IS 0.5 PARTS PER MILLION, IN PLACE OF THE FORMER PROHIBITION ON ANY MERCURY CONTENT. THE NEW LIMIT IS THE SAME AS THAT IMPOSED IN THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA' IN THE UNITED KINGDOM THERE IS NO STATUTORY LIMIT.
AGAIN, THE SPOKESMAN STRESSED THAT THE NEW LIMIT IS FULLY CONSISTENT WITH THE SAFEGUARDING OF PUBLIC HEALTH.
PENALTIES
OFFENCES AGAINST THE REGULATIONS WILL FROM NOW ON CARRY LIABILITY TO A SENTENCE OF SIX MONTHS’ IMPRISONMENT INSTEAD OF THREE MONTHS, IN ADDITION TO THE MAXIMUM FINE OF 32,030.
/2 ....
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
2
DANGEROUS DRUGS (AMENDMENT) BILL 1977
*****
AN AMENDMENT BILL, WHICH SEEKS TO EMPOWER THE POLICE AND THE PREVENTIVE SERVICE TO DETAIN THE TRAVEL DOCUMENTS OF SUSPECTS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR SERIOUS DRUG OFFENCES WAS PUBLISHED IN THE GAZETTE TODAY.
THE BILL, IF APPROVED BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, WILL AMEND THE DANGEROUS DRUGS ORDINANCE AND INCREASE ITS EFFECTIVENESS IN DEALING WITH DRUG TRAFFICKERS.
THE ORDINANCE AT PRESENT PROVIDES NO EFFECTIVE CONTROL OVER THE MOVEMENT OF A SUSPECTED DRUG OFFENDER. THIS MEANS THAT A SUSPECT CAN EASILY FLEE HONG KONG BEFORE THE AUTHORITIES CAN GATHER ENOUGH EVIDENCE TO BRING HIM TO THE COURT.
UNDER THE PROPOSED LEGISLATION, A MAGISTRATE MAY AUTHORIZE 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 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS MAY BE DETAINED INITIALLY FOR SIX MONTHS AND, IF NECESSARY, A FURTHER THREE MONTHS TO ALLOW MORE TIME FOR INVESTIGATION.
THE BILL ALSO PROVIDES THAT IF THE PERSON FAILS TO COMPLY WITH THE MAGISTRATE’S ORDER, HE MAY BE ARRESTED AND SENT TO PRISON CUSTODY.
COMMENTING ON THE BILL, A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID IT WAS DESIGNED TO DEAL WITH CRIMINALS INVOLVED IN SERIOUS DRUG OFFENCES, SUCH AS MAJOR TRAFFICKING IN, AND MANUFACTURING OF DANGEROUS DRUGS.
HE SAID THE PROPOSED MEASURE WAS SIMILAR TO THE SECTION OF THE PREVENTION OF BRIBERY ORDINANCE WHICH EMPOWERS A MAGISTRATE TO ORDER A PERSON BEING INVESTIGATED BY THE INDEPENDENT COMMISSION AGAINST CORRUPTION TO SURRENDER HIS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. HE SAID THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THIS PARTICULAR SECTION HAD BEEN WELL DEMONSTRATED.
SIMILAR POWERS FOR ANTI-DRUG LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS, THE SPOKESMAN SAID, WOULD BE USEFUL IN MAKING IT DIFFICULT FOR MAJOR DRUG OFFENDERS TO FLEE HONG KONG BEFORE INVESTIGATIONS COULD BE COMPLETED.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
- 3 -
CONVERSION OF GRANTHAM HOSPITAL INTO A CARDIO THORACIC CENTRE MOST OPPORTUNE ******
THE GOVERNMENT IS ACTIVELY CONSIDERING A PROPOSAL TO CONVERT GRANTHAM HOSPITAL, WHICH IS ONE OF TWO MAIN HOSPITALS IN HONG KONG FOR TREATING TUBERCULOSIS, INTO A MAJOR CARDIO THORACIC CENTRE.
THIS WAS STATED TODAY BY THE DIRECTOR OF MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES, DR. K.L. THONG, AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HONG KONG ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION, OF WHICH HE IS THE PRESIDENT.
HE SAID THE PROPOSAL WAS ONE OF THE MAIN RECOMMENDATIONS BY TWO CHEST DISEASE EXPERTS FROM THE UNITED KINGDOM, PROFESSOR J. SCADDING AND DR. WALLACE FOX, WHO HAD EARLIER VISITED HONG KONG TO ADVISE ON THE PLANNING AND METHODS OF CONTROL AND TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS.
DR. THONG SAID WITH THE DECREASING INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS AND THE AVAILABILITY OF EFFECTIVE OUT-PATIENT THERAPY THE NUMBER OF BEDS REQUIRED FOR THE TREATMENT OF TUBERCULOSIS HAD GREATLY DIMINISHED.
ON THE OTHER HAND, HE SAID, BOTH THE NEED AND THE DEMAND FOR TREATMENT FACILITIES FOR CHEST AND CARDIAC CONDITIONS WOULD BE INCREASING PROGRESSIVELY.
+THUS, THE EVOLUTION OF THE GRANTHAM HOSPITAL INTO A CARDIO THORACIC CENTRE AT THIS TIME IS MOST APPROPRIATE,* HE SAID.
THE PRELIMINARY COSTING OF THE PROJECT IS IN THE ORDER OF $22 MILLION FOR CAPITAL EXPENDITURE AND $16.9 MILLION FOR ADDITIONAL RECURRENT EXPENDITURE.
THE PROPOSED PROJECT ENVISAGES THE BUILDING OF A FIVE-STOREY EXTENSION TO THE HOSPITAL TO PROVIDE ADDITIONAL OPERATING THEATRES, A CARDIAC LABORATORY AND OTHER SERVICE UNITS AS WELL AS MODIFICATION OF SOME EXISTING ROOMS TO TURN THEM INTO INTENSIVE CARE UNITS.
THE FACILITIES TO BE PROVIDED WILL ENABLE THE HOSPITAL TO INCREASE ITS OPEN HEART OPERATIONS, CLOSED HEART OPERATIONS, AND TO PROVIDE CARDIAC INVESTIGATORY FACILITIES AS WELL AS OUT-PATIENT SERVICES.
DR. THONG SAID A DEVELOPMENT OF SUCH MAGNITUDE WOULD NATURALLY REQUIRE CONSIDERABLE FINANCIAL RESOURCES.
IT IS ENVISAGED THAT A JOINT EFFORT WILL BE MADE BY THE HONG KONG HEART FOUNDATION AND THE HONG KONG ANTI-TUBERCULOSIS AND THORACIC DISEASES ASSOCIATION TO GATHER ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL SUPPORT BY FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
DI?2C7C?
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
4 -
THE DIRECTOR POINTED OUT, HOWEVER, THAT ALTHOUGH THE INCIDENCE OF TUBERCULOSIS HAD FALLEN FROM 254.5 PER 100,000 POPULATION IN 1970 TO 178.4 IN 1976, THE DISEASE COULD BY NO MEANS BE REGARDED AS SUBDUED NOR MUST THERE BE ANY SLACKENING IN THE DRIVE AGAINST THE DISEASE.
HE SAID THE DEPARTMENT WOULD CONTINUE TO ADOPT A VIGOROUS AND ACTIVE APPROACH IN THE BATTLE AGAINST TUBERCULOSIS WITH THE OBJECTIVE OF REDUCING FURTHER THE SIZE OF THE PROBLEM AND HOPEFULLY TO ELIMINATE IT IN THE ULTIMATE.
DR. THONG SAID A LARGE SCALE CASE FINDING PUBLICITY CAMPAIGN WAS BEING PLANNED FOR EARLY NEXT YEAR TO MOTIVATE PATIENTS WITH SYMPTOMS ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH A COUGH LASTING MORE THAN FOUR WEEKS TO APPEAR FOR A CHEST X-RAY.
AT THE SAME TIME, HE SAID, THE TREATMENT METHOD FOR TUBERCULOSIS WOULD BE IMPROVED TO REDUCE THE DURATION OF TREATMENT TO THREE OR FOUR MONTHS WITH A SMALLER NUMBER OF DOSES OF CHEMOTHERAPY.
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GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR FEBRUARY
*****
THE GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTS FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY SHOW A SURPLUS OF $288 MILLION AS COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $248 MILLION IN FEBRUARY LAST YEAR.
THIS HAS RESULTED IN AN ACCUMULATED SURPLUS OF $874 MILLION FOR THE FIRST ELEVEN MONTHS OF THE FINANCIAL YEAR 1976-77, COMPARED WITH A SURPLUS OF $407 MILLION FOR THE SAME PERIOD IN THE LAST F INANCIAL YEAR.
GROSS EXPENDITURE AT $542 MILLION WAS $76 MILLION MORE THAN IN FEBRUARY 1976.
TOTAL REVENUE AND RECEIPTS AT $830 MILLION WAS $117 MILLION MORE THAN THE SAME MONTH LAST YEAR DUE MAINLY TO INCREASED RECEIPT^ FROM DUTIES, INTERNAL REVENUE AND LAND SALES.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
- 5 -
IMPORTANT ROLE OF COMMUNITY HALLS
* M * * * *
COMMUNITY HALLS HAVE AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE SOCIAL LIFE OF THOSE WHO LIVE IN DENSELY POPULATED AREAS, THE CHIEF SECRETARY, SIR DENYS ROBERTS SAID TODAY.
SPEAKING AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE LEK YUEN COMMUNITY HALL, SIR DENYS SAID IT WAS THE GOVERNMENT’S POLICY TO PROVIDE A COMMUNITY HALL IN ANY PUBLIC HOUSING ESTATE WITH A POPULATION OF 20,000 OR MORE.
+THIS IS THE FIRST OF ABOUT 10 HALLS WHICH ARE TO BE OPENED IN THE NEXT YEAR,* HE SAID.
THE CHIEF SECRETARY NOTED THAT THE POPULATION OF SHA TIN NEW TOWN WOULD GROW FROM A FEW THOUSAND TO ALMOST HALF A MILLION DURING THE NEXT FEW YEARS.
HE SAID ALL BUT A FEW THOUSAND OF THE INHABITANTS OF THE NEW TOWN WOULD COME FROM OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG WHO WOULD BE TRYING TO ESTABLISH THEMSELVES IN A NEW ENVIRONMENT.
THE PRESENT INHABITANTS OF SHA TIN WOULD HAVE SEEN AN UNCROWDED RURAL EXISTENCE REPLACED BY THE DIFFERENT PACE AND SOUND OF A BIG CITY, HE ADDED.
SIR DENYS SAID: +EVERYONE IN THE NEW TOWN, WHETHER OLD INHABITANT OR NEWCOMER, WILL HAVE TO ENDURE A PERIOD OF NOISE, DUST, MUD, DISORDER AND DISCOMFORT, WHILE THE CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME CONTINUES.
+THESE FACTORS MAKE IT OF EVEN GREATER IMPORTANCE THAN IT IS IN MORE SETTLED POPULATIONS THAT FACILITIES SHOULD BE PROVIDED FOR RECREATIONAL AND FOR VARIOUS KINDS OF SOCIAL ACTIVITY.*
THE CHIEF SECRETARY SAID IF PEOPLE WERE TO LIVE A REASONABLY FULL LIFE, IT WAS NOT ENOUGH MERELY TO PROVIDE THEM WITH DECENT PLACES TO LIVE. +PREMISES MUST BE AVAILABLE IN WHICH THEY CAN PURSUE THEIR LIESURE INTERESTS AND TAKE PART IN COMMUNITY AFFAR IS.+
HE SAID COMMUNITY HALLS WERE INTENDED TO SERVE AS A FOCAL POINT FOR GROUP AND NEIGHBOURHOOD ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGE GROUPS.
+THEY WILL, WE BELIEVE, HELP TO CREATE ACOHESIVE AND STABLE SOCIETY AND A SENSE OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY FOR OTHERS,* HE ADDED.
SPEAKING AT THE SAME CEREMONY, THE DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL WELFARE, MR. THOMAS LEE, SAID THE PRIMARY PURPOSE OF A COMMUNITY HALL WAS TO PROVIDE A SUITABLE CENTRE FOR THE MULTIFARIOUS FORMS OF COMMUNITY SERVICES AS WELL AS FOR VARIOUS CULTURAL, RECREATIONAL AND SOCIAL ACTIVITIES.
+THE COMMUNITY HALL IS ALSO INTENDED AS A MEANS OF ENRICHING THE LIFE OF LOCAL RESIDENTS,* HE SAID.
THE DIRECTOR SAID THAT MORE COMMUNITY HALLS WOULD BE BUILT IN PUBLUC HOUSING ESTATES WITH A POPULATION OF 20,000 OR MORE- IN FACT, FIVE HAD ALREADY BEEN COMPLETED.
/6.....
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
6
PROVISIONAL TRADE FIGURES FOR MARCH
******
THE CENSUS AND STATISTICS DEPARTMENT TODAY PUBLISHED THE PROVISIONAL FIGURES FOR HONG KONG’S EXTERNAL MERCHANDISE TRADE DURING MARCH 1977. THE VALUE OF DOMESTIC EXPORTS FOR MARCH WAS $2,327 MILLION, IMPORTS WERE WORTH $3,933 MILLION AND RE-EXPORTS $763 MILLION.
THE FIGURES FOR THE PERIOD JANUARY TO MARCH 1977 (LATEST THREE MONTHS) SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, COMPARED WITH THE SAME PERIOD IN 1976 OF 6.2 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 14.7 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 7.2 PER CENT-FOR RE-EXPORTS.
COMPARED WITH THE SAME MONTH IN 1976, INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF $435 MILLION OR 12.4 PER CENT IN IMPORTS AND $17 MILLION OR 2.3 PER CENT IN RE-EXPORTS AND A DECREASE OF $185 MILLION OR 7.4 PER CENT IN EXPORTS WERE RECORDED.
THE SHORT TERM CHANGES, MARCH 1977 COMPARED WITH FEBRUARY 1977, SHOWED INCREASES OF $72 MILLION OR 3.2 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, $555 MILLION OR 16.4 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND $104 MILLION OR 15.7 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS. ALTHOUGH THE SMALL RISE IN EXPORTS IS CONSISTENT WITH A PARTIAL RECOVERY FROM THE SEASONALLY LOW FEBRUARY FIGURE, THE UNDERLYING TREND IN EXPORTS IS STILL UNCERTAIN.
THE FIGURES FOR THE 12-MONTH PERIOD FROM APRIL 1976 TO MARCH 1977 COMPARED WITH THOSE OF THE PREVIOUS 12-MONTH PERIOD SHOWED INCREASES, BY VALUE, OF 31.3 PER CENT FOR DOMESTIC EXPORTS, 23.5 PER CENT FOR IMPORTS AND 20.6 PER CENT FOR RE-EXPORTS.
THE FOLLOWING TRADE TABLE GIVES THE COMPARATIVE FIGURES :
LATEST 3 MONTHS JAN.-MAR. 1977 JAN.-MAR. 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
SMN. SMN. SMN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 7,271 6,843 + 427 + 6.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (76.3%) (76.4%)
IMPORTS 11,143 9,717 +1,425 +14.7
RE-EXPORTS 2,263 2,112 + 151 + 7.2
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (23.7%) (23.6%)
MARCH MARCH INCREASE OR
SAME MONTH LAST YEAR 1977 1976 DECREASE
$MN. SMN. $MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 2,327 2,512 - 185 - 7.4
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (75.3%) (77.1%)
IMPORTS 3,933 3,498 + 435 +12.4
RE-EXPORTS 763 746 * 17 + 2.3
(% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) (24.7%) (22.9%)
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, •’977
LAST MONTH - 7 - INCREASE OR DECREASE
MARCH 1977 FEBRUARY 1977
$MN. $MN. 3MN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 2,327 (75.3%) 2,254 (77.4%) + 72 + 3.2
IMPORTS 3,933 3,378 + 555 + 16.4
RE-EXPORTS (% OF TOTAL EXPORTS) 763 (24.7%) 659 (22.6%) + 104 + 15.7
LAST 12 MONTHS APRIL 1976 TO MARCH 1977 APRIL 1975 TO MARCH 1976 INCREASE OR DECREASE
$MN. $MN. SMN. %
DOMESTIC EXPORTS 33,056 25,174 +7,883 +31.3
IMPORTS 44.718 36,194 +8,524 +23.5
RE-EXPORTS 9,079 7,527 +1,552 +20.6
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VERANDAHS OF PRE-WAR BUILDINGS DECLARED DANGEROUS
******
THE BUILDING AUTHORITY TODAY DECLARED THE VERANDAHS AT NOS. 131, 133, 135 AND 137, DES VOUEX ROAD WEST, HONG KONG TO BE IN A DANGEROUS CONDITION.
THE PRINCIPAL GOVERNMENT BUILDING SURVEYOR SAID THAT THESE 3-STOREY PRE-WAR BUILDINGS HAD BEEN UNDER OBSERVATION FOR SOME TIME.
THE FRONT VERANDAHS NOW SHOW SIGNS OF EXTENSIVE MOVEMENT. IT IS THEREFORE NECESSARY TO DEMOLISH THE VERANDAHS.
NOTICES OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR CLOSURE ORDERS IN THE VICTORIA DISTRICT COURT AT 9.30 A.M. ON MAY 27, 1977 WERE POSTED TODAY.
. ... C-------
/3 ...
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
PRIME SITE IN CENTRAL SOLD FOR $53 M. *****
A PRIME NON-INDUSTRIAL SITE IN CENTRAL WAS SOLD TODAY FOR $53 MILLION AT A PUBLIC AUCTION CONDUCTED BY THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT IN THE CITY HALL.
THE SITE, WHICH MEASURES ABOUT 1,780 SQ. M., IS LOCATED BETWEEN QUEEN’S ROAD CENTRAL AND LOWER LASCAR ROW, AND WAS BOUGHT BY WING TUNG HING REALTY LTD. AND KAI TAI LOY REALTY LTD. AT A REALISED PRICE OF $29,785.32 PER SQUARE METRE.
THE SITE CARRIES A BUILDING COVENANT OF $7,170,000 AND SHOULD BE DEVELOPED BEFORE JUNE 30, 1980.
TWO OTHER NON-INDUSTRIAL SITES FETCHED A TOTAL OF $2.6 MILLION.
THE FIRST, LOCATED AT NO. 11 SHAMCHUN STREET IN YAU MA TEI WAS BOUGHT BY BONO DEVELOPMENT CO. LTD FOR $1.85 MILLION — A REALISED PRICE OF $18,407.96 PER SQ. METRE. THE LOT MEASURES JUST OVER 100 SQ. METRES AND HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $150,000 BEFORE JUNE 30, I960.
THE OTHER NON-1NDUSTRI AL SITE WENT TO LIP SENG INVESTMENT CO. LTD. FOR $750,009. THE 98 SQ. METRE SITE IS LOCATED AT PO FONG LANE, PO KONG VILLAGE ROAD, KOWLOON.
A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL SITE AT NO. 989 CAPE ROAD IN CHUNG HOM KOK WAS SOLD TO PERIDOT INVESTMENT CO. LTD. FOR $2.3 MILLION, REPRESENTING A REALISED PRICE OF $1,133.51 PER SQUARE METRE. THE LOT MEASURES 2,029 SQ. M. AND HAS A BUILDING COVENANT OF $440,033 BEFORE SEPTEMBER 30, 1980.
THE AUCTION WAS CONDUCTED BY THE ACTING GOVERNMENT LAND AGENT, MR. D.M. SCOTT-WILL, OF THE P.W.D.’S LANDS AND SURVEY DEPARTMENT.
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FR IDAY, APR IL 29, 1977
- 9 -
TWO FOOTBRIDGES FOR KWUN TONG PROPOSED ******
THE GOVERNMENT PROPOSES TO BUILD TWO FOOTBRIDGES ACROSS KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTH OF ITS JUNCTION WITH SHING SHUN ROAD AND A NEW BUS BAY IN THE NORTHBOUND CARRIAGEWAY OF KWUN TONG ROAD SOUTH OF THE MTR KOWLOON BAY STATION.
THE STREET ALTERATIONS TO KWUN TONG WERE NOTIFIED IN TODAY’S GOVERNMENT GAZETTE.
A GOVERNMENT SPOKESMAN SAID THE ALTERATIONS WERE REQUIRED TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PEDESTRIAN ACCESS ACROSS KWUN TONG ROAD INTO KOWLOON BAY STATION AND TO TELFORD GARDENS, A RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL COMPLEX BEING DEVELOPED ABOVE THE KOWLOON BAY DEPOT.
+IT IS EXPECTED THAT WITH THE COMPLETION OF THE TELFORD GARDENS DEVELOPMENT, 25,000 PEOPLE WILL LIVE IN A MODERN TOWN ALONGSIDE KOWLOON BAY STATION,* THE SPOKESMAN SAID.
PLANS SHOWING THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE PROPOSED ALTERATIONS MAY BE INSPECTED DURING NORMAL OFFICE HOURS AT THE CITY DISTRICT OFFICE (CENTRAL AND WESTERN) ENQUIRY SUB-OFFICE IN CENTRAL AND AT THE CROWN LANDS AND SURVEY OFFICE IN THE KOWLOON GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING.
THE PLANS MAY AlSO BE INSPECTED AT THE NGAU TAU KOK CDO SUB-OFFICE IN THE LOWER NGAU TAU KOK ESTATE AND AT THE CDO (KWUN TONG) IN TUNG YAN STREET.
THE GAZETTE NOTICE STIPULATES THAT ANYONE MAKING A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATION MUST SEND IT IN WRITING TO THE DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS.
IN THE CASE OF THE PERMANENT CLOSURE OR PERMANENT SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION OF THE STREET OR PART OF IT, THE CLAIM MUST REACH THE DIRECTOR’S OFFICE BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF ONE YEAR FROM THE CLOSURE OR THE COMPLETION OF THE ALTERATION.
IN THE CASE OF THE TEMPORARY CLOSURE OR TEMPORARY SUBSTANTIAL ALTERATION OF THE STREET OR PART OF IT, THE CLAIM MUST ARRIVE IN THE OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR BEFORE THE EXPIRATION OF ONE YEAR FROM THE RE-OPENING OR RE-INSTATEMENT OF THE STREET OR PART OF IT.
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
10 -
FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE
******
THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE IS OFFERING A TWO YEAR FULL-TIME TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COURSE FOR YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN WHO INTEND TO TAKE UP THE TEACHING PROFESSION AS THEIR CAREER.
THE COURSE, COMMENCING IN SEPTEMBER, IS DESIGNED TO TRAIN FORM V SCHOOL-LEAVERS WITH APPROPRIATE TECHNICAL EDUCATION BACKGROUND TO BECOME QUALIFIED TEACHERS IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS.
DURING THE TWO YEARS OF TRAINING, STUDENTS WILL STUDY EDUCATION THEORIES, INCLUDING EDUCATION PHILOSOPHIES AND EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY THE DESIGN, PREPARATION AND APPLICATION OF AUDIO-VISUAL AIDS, TEACHING METHODOLOGY, MATHS AND GENERAL SCIENCES.
A PROPORTION OF TIME WILL BE ALLOCATED TO THE POLISHING UP OF SPECIALIST SUBJECT-MATTER IN MECHANICAL ENGINEERING, ELECTRICAL
----- AND SECRETARYSHIP. INDUSTRIAL
ENGINEERING, CONSTRUCTION, ACCOUNTANCY ATTACHMENT AND VISITS WILL BE ARRANGED WITH INDUSTRIES.
TO PROMOTE STUDENTS’ CONTACT
STUDENTS WILL BE REQUIRED TO PASS BOTH COURSE WORK AND EXAMINATIONS AS WELL AS TEACHING PRACTICES BEFORE THEY GRADUATE.
FINANCIAL AIDS ARE AVAILABLE ON APPLICATION TO ASSIST STUDENTS IN TAKING UP THE TEACHER TRAINING.
APPLICATION FORMS ARE OBTAINABLE FROM THE HONG KONG TECHNICAL TEACHERS’ COLLEGE, 373, QUEEN’S ROAD EAST, WAN CHAI, HONG KONG. COMPLETED FORMS SHOULD BE RETURNED TO THE COLLEGE ON OR BEFORE JUNE 4, 1977.
0
/11 .....
FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
11 -
MATHEMATICS SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS
******
+A SYLLABUS FOR THE 198Q’S+ IS THE TITLE OF A MATHEMATICS SEMINAR FOR SECONDARY SCHOOL TEACHERS TO BE HELD AT THE HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC TOMORROW MORNING.
THE SEMINAR, ORGANISED BY THE MATHEMATICS SECTION OF THE EDUCATION DEPARTMENT, IS EXPECTED TO BE ATTENDED BY ABOUT 300 TEACHERS. IT WILL BE OPENED BY THE ACTING DEPUTY CHIEF INSPECTOR OF SCHOOLS, MRS. LOUISE MOK.
THE PURPOSE OF THE SEMINAR IS TO CONSIDER A NEW MATHEMATICS SYLLABUS FOR FORMS IV AND V AS DRAFTED BY THE CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT MATHEMATICS SUBJECT COMMITTEE.
+ALREADY THERE HAS BEEN A GOOD RESPONSE FROM TEACHERS EAGER TO DISCUSS THE VITAL NEW IDEAS CONTAINED IN THIS SYLLABUS,+ SAID MR. FRANK PARKIN, PRINCIPAL INSPECTOR (MATHEMATICS) AND CONVENOR OF THE SEMINAR.
MR. PARKIN ADDED: +THE PHILOSOPHY BEHIND THIS NEW SYLLABUS IS QUITE DIFFERENT TO THAT OF PREVIOUS ONES. WITH THE ADVENT OF THE ELECTRONIC CALCULATOR IT IS POSSIBLE TO BRING STUDENTS INTO DIRECT CONTACT WITH THE REALITIES OF OUR MODERN CULTURE.
+SCHOOL MATHEMATICS NO LONGER APPEARS AS AN INTELLECTUAL GAME FOR THE INITIATED USING CONTRIVED QUESTIONS, BUT AS A POWERFUL TOOL TO BE USED. INDEED THE MATHEMATICAL FUNCTIONS ON CALCULATORS ARE NATURALLY DIRECTED TO MATHEMATICS THAT OCCURS IN INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, ENGINEERING, COMMERCE AND THE SOCIAL SCIENCES. EVEN THOUGH THE NEW FORM IV AND V SYLLABUS THEN IS ESSENTIALLY A USEFUL SYLLABUS , EDUCATORS WILL STILL BE ABLE TO DEMONSTRATE ITS PEDAGOGICAL VIRTUES.+
NOTE TO EDITORS:
YOU ARE INVITED TO HAVE THE SEMINAR COVERED. IT WILL BE HELD FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. TOMORROW IN ROOM L-401, LIBRARY BUILDING, HONG KONG POLYTECHNIC.
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FRIDAY, APRIL 29, 1977
12
BOYS COMPLETE TRAINING AT SEA SCHOOL
******
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES, TODAY INSPECTED A PASSING-OUT PARADE OF 10 BOYS WHO HAVE JUST COMPLETED TRAINING AT THE HONG KONG SEA SCHOOL IN STANLEY.
HE ALSO PRESENTED CERTIFICATES TO THE GRADUATES WHO WILL BE JOINING THE LOCAL SHIPPING COMPANIES AS TRAINEES CLASS I ON BOARD SHIPS.
MR. AKERS-JONES AND HIS WIFE LATER TOURED THE SCHOOL AND SAW OTHER BOYS UNDERGOING VARIOUS FORMS OF TRAINING. THEY WERE ACCOMPANIED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF THE SCHOOL, BRIGADIER N.G.A. NOBLE.
ADDRESSING THE GRADUATES, MR. AKERS-JONES RECALLED THAT HE HIMSELF WENT TO SEA AT THE AGE OF 17 AS AN APPRENTICE AND SERVED FOR FOUR YEARS ABOARD A NUMBER OF SHIPS IN THE FAR EAST.
+1 HAVE NEVER REGRETTED THE TIME SPENT AT SEA AND ALL THAT I LEARNT FROM IT,+ HE SAID.
HE TOLD THE BOYS THAT THEY WERE ON THE THRESHOLD OF GREAT ADVENTURE, GOING TO STRANGE PLACES, MEETING STRANGE PEOPLE AND ENCOUNTERING DIFFICULT SITUATIONS AND POSSIBLE DANGER.
+YOU WILL FACE THESE ENCOUNTERS WELL EQUIPPED BY YOUR TRAINING HERE BECAUSE YOU HAVE LEARNED THE NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND MAKE ALLOWANCES FOR YOUR FELLOW MEN.
+IF YOU DO THIS, YOU WILL FULFIL THE HIGH TRADITIONS OF SERVICE AT SEA.+ HE SAID.
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PRH 7
DAILY INFORMATION BULLETIN
SATURPAY, APRIL 30, 1977 i f al
CONTENTS PAGE NO.
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND PARK FOR TSUEN WAN ............ 1
HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR TO BEGIN IMPOUNDING WATER IN JUNE .. 2
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPENS SAN PO KONG BRANCH OFFICE . 3
Issued by Government Information Services, Beaconsfield House, Hong Kong.Tel: 5-233191
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1977
1
OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND * * * *
PARK FOR TSUEN WAN
CONSULTANTS HAVE BEEN APPOINTED TO DRAW UP A MASTER PLAN FOR TSO KUNG TAM PARK IN TSUEN WAN FOLLOWING GOVERNMENT’S ANNOUNCEMENT LAST MONTH OF ITS INTENTION TO DEVELOP THE AREA AS AN OUTDOOR RECREATION CENTRE AND PARK SUBJECT TO FUNDS BEING PROVIDED.
THE SECRETARY FOR THE NEW TERRITORIES, MR. DAVID AKERS-JONES SAID TODAY: +1 AM VERY GLAD THAT THE CONSULTANTS, G. M.W. INTERNATIONAL, WHO WERE ASSOCIATED WITH A PROPOSED SCHEME FOR A CHILDREN’S PARK HAVE ACCEPTED THE APPOINTMENT- THEIR WORK WILL NOT BE WASTED AND THIS MEANS WE SHOULD EE ABLE TO GET OFF TO A QUICK START.+
HE SAID THE FIRST PHASE OF THE PROJECT WILL INCLUDE A RECREATION CENTRE WHERE YOUNG PEOPLE AND FAMILIES CAN STAY AND ENJOY OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES AND WALKING IN SURROUNDING HILLS.
A HOSTEL FOR 300 PEOPLE, AN INDOOR GAMES HALL, A SWIMMING POOL A CHILDREN’S ADVENTURE PLAYGROUND AND OTHER OUTDOOR GAMES FACILITIES ARE PLANNED, HE ADDED.
THE SECOND PHASE WILL GRADUALLY OPEN UP THE 36 HECTARES OF LAND IN THE VALLEY WITH WALKS, GARDENS AND PAVILL IONS TO MAKE IT AS ATTRACTIVE AND PLEASANT AS POSSIBLE.
MR AKERS-JONES SAID: +THERE IS A GREAT AND GROWING DEMAND FOR SUCH FACILITIES- THIS IS SHOWN BY THE SUCCESS OF THE SAI KUNG RECREATION CENTRE WHICH HAS BEEN VISITED BY 5,000 PEOPLE EVERY MONTH SINCE FEBRUARY.
♦THERE IS AN URGENT NEED FOR MORE RECREATIONAL FACILITIES-TSUEN WAN AND KWAI CHUNG ALREADY HAVE A POPULATION OF OVER HALF A MILLION, AND THE GOVERNMENT HAS AN OBLIGATION TO MEET THIS NEED AS QUICKLY AS IT CAN.+
SATWasmr, APRIL 50, 'I??'’..
If IM
- 2 -
HIGH ISLAND RESERVOIR TO BEGIN IMPOUNDING WATER IN JUNE * * * *
THE PWD’S DIRECTOR OF WATER SUPPLIES, MR. TOM TOMLINSON, ANNOUNCED TODAY THAT THE IMPOUNDING OF WATER AT THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME WILL START IN TWO MONTHS’ TIME.
HE SAID WORKERS AT THE HIGH ISLAND WATER SCHEME, THE WATER AUTHORITY’S LARGEST +RESERVOIR FROM THE SEA+, ARE WORKING ROUND-THE-CLOCK TO RAISE THE PROJECT’S EAST DAM SUFFICIENTLY HIGH ENOUGH TO ENABLE THE IMPOUNDING OF WATER TO BEGIN IN JUNE.
WORK ON THE FIRST STAGE OF THE DAM INVOLVING THE LAYING OF FOUNDATIONS AT 42 METRES BELOW THE SEA LEVEL STARTED ONLY A YEAR AGO. NOW THE DAM HAS BEEN BROUGHT UP TO 12 METRES ABOVE THE SEA LEVEL.
+ THE ITALIAN CONTRACTOR, VI ANAN I, IS WORKING DAY AND NIGHT TO ENSURE THAT THE IMPOUNDING OF SUMMER RAIN CAN START WITHOUT ANY FURTHER DELAY,+ MR. TOMLINSON SAID.
THE IMPOUNDING OF WATER WAS TO HAVE BEGUN LAST SUMMER BUT DUE TO A SEEPAGE THROUGH AND BENEATH THE EASTERN COFFER DAM, THE ORIGINAL PLAN HAD TO BE POSTPONED FOR ONE YEAR.
THE SENIOR RESIDENT ENGINEER OF THE WATER SCHEME, MR. A. PRYOR, SAID THE CONSTRUCTION OF THE EAST DAM TO ITS FULL HEIGHT OF 65 METRES ABOVE SEA LEVEL OR 107 METRES ABOVE FOUNDATION LEVEL WOULD TAKE ONE MORE YEAR.
WORK ON THE RESERVOIR’S WEST DAM WAS ALSO NEARING COMPLETION, HE SAID.
+WHEN THE PROJECT IS COMPLETED IN 1979, THE RESERVOIR WILL BE ABLE TO HOLD 273 MILLION CU. METRES OF WATER (60,000 MILLION GALLONS) AND BOOST HONG KONG’S TOTAL STORAGE CAPACITY TO 580 MILLION CU. METRES (128,000 MILLION GALLONS),+ MR. PRYOR SAID.
+WATER TO FILL THE RESERVOIR WILL BE OBTAINED FROM CATCHMENTS ON THE SAI KUNG PENINSULA.
+THESE FEED A 40 KILOMETRES LONG TUNNEL SYSTEM WHICH ALSO DELIVERS WATER FROM THE RESERVOIR TO THE NEWLY EXTENDED SHA TIN TREATMENT WORKS.
+THE TREATED WATER WILL BE PUMPED TO KOWLOON THROUGH PIPELINES UNDER THE ROADWAYS IN THE TWO LION ROCK TUNNELS.+
MR. PRYOR SAID THAT WATER TRAPPED AT LOWLAND CATCHMENTS, BELOW THE RESERVOIR’S TOP WATER LEVEL, WOULD BE RAISED TO THE RESERVOIR BY MEANS OF EIGHT AUTOMATIC PUMPING STATIONS.
THESE WOULD BE BROUGHT INTO SERVICE THIS SUMMER.
THE WATER SCHEME, COSTING AN ESTIMATED SI,350 MILLION, IS THE SECOND RESERVOIR TO BE CARVED OUT FROM THE SEA TO KEEP PACE WITH THE RISING WATER DEMANDS OF EXPANDING POPULATION AND INDUSTRY.
THE NOVEL IDEA OF BUILDING A RESERVOIR -ROM THE SEA rtAS FIRST PIONEERED IN THE SIXTIES EY WATERWORKS ENGINEERS WITH THE PLOVER COVE RESERVOIR - HONG KONG’S BIGGEST EXISTING RESERVOIR WHICH HAS A CAPACITY OF 230 MILLION CU. METRES (50,500 MILLION GALLONS).
SATURDAY, APRIL 30, 1977
LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OPENS SAN PO KONG BRANCH OFFICE „ * * * *
THE LABOUR DEPARTMENT WILL OPEN A NEW LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE BRANCH OFFICE IN KING FUK STREET, SAN PO KONG ON MAY 2 TO SERVE JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN NEARBY AREAS.
LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE PARIS THEATRE BUILDING, THE NEW OFFICE IS THE SEVENTH SUCH BRANCH TO BE OPENED BY THE DEPARTMENT. ITS TELEPHONE NUMBER IS 3-265121/4.
IT WILL MAINLY SERVE JOB-SEEKERS AND EMPLOYERS IN SAN PO KONG, TZE WAN SHAN, WONG TAI SIN, KOWLOON CITY AND TO KWA WAN.
SENIOR LABOUR OFFICER, MRS. EVELYN PUN, SAID: + THE NEW OFFICE MARKS ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN THE EXPANSION OF THE SERVICES OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE.
♦MORE BRANCH OFFICES WILL BE SET UP IN OTHER PARTS OF HONG KONG, KOWLOON AND NEW TERRITORIES IN THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.+
MRS. PUN SAID THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE PROVIDES A FREE EMPLOYMENT SERVICE TO HELP EMPLOYERS GET SUITABLE EMPLOYEES AND JOB-SEEKERS TO OBTAIN EMPLOYMENT.
SHE ADVISED JOB-SEEKERS TO REGISTER PERSONALLY AT ANY OF THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES.
EMPLOYERS WHO WISH TO RECRUIT STAFF NEED ONLY NOTIFY THE LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OF THE DETAILS OF THEIR REQUIREMENTS BY TELEPHONE.
ALL THEIR OFFICES ARE MANNED DURING WEEK-DAYS INCLUDING THE LUNCH HOUR BETWEEN 1 P.M. AND 2 P.M.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS OF THE OTHER SIX LOCAL EMPLOYMENT SERVICE OFFICES:
ADDRESS
NEW RODNEY BLOCK, QUEENSWAY, HONG KONG.
CANTON ROAD GOVERNMENT OFFICES BUILDING, FOURTH FLOOR, KOWLOON.
POST OFF ICE BUILDING, F IRST FLOOR, UN CHAU STREET, KOWLOON.
TEL.
5-270276
3-675514
3-875837
SATURDAY, APRI
50, 1777
4
KWUN TONG DISTRICT BRANCH 3-898967
OFFICE BUILDING, SECOND FLOOR, TUNG YAN STREET, KOWLOON.
CHARTERED BANK BUILDING, 12-426722
THIRD FLOOR,
TSUEN WAN,
NEW TERR ITORIES.
NO. 52, PO HEUNG STREET, GROUND FLOOR, TAI PO, NEW TERRITORIES.
12-662822
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